Tag Archives: Disney World

New Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour Available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney recently announced an exciting new way to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom — the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour!

Prepare for an adventure like no other as this tour gives you the opportunity — as the park transitions from day to night — to experience the magic of nature in a totally unique way. Your tour guides treat you like a VIP as they impart their detailed knowledge while you explore the Disney’s Animal Kingdom lands to observe the critters, creatures and other denizens of the park. Plus, you get to enjoy certain attractions with expedited FastPass+ access. The Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

The tour takes approximately four hours, and there is a discount available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders.

If you haven’t tried the Enchanting Extras Collection, yet, it lets you enjoy extra, unparalleled access to what Walt Disney World has to offer. And that equals unforgettable memories for you and that special someone or you and your family. From behind-the-scenes tours and culinary adventures to special events and encounters with nature and more, you’ll be amazed at the range of enchantment that awaits you beyond the theme park fun.

Other experiences in the collection include limited-time events throughout the year that make each season special, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Night of Joy, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and more. You can view wild animals of nearly every color, shape and size in their natural habitat with Wild Africa Trek. Plus dessert parties that cater to your sweet tooth, each set to the backdrop of a popular special event — including Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle; Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; Tiana’s Riverboat Party; and the new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party.

Create treasured moments with the Enchanting Extras Collection, a unique, specialized way to splurge on yourself and your loved ones.

Separate park admission is required for the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour. For more information about the Enchanting Extras Collection or to make reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Four Things to Do During the 2017 Holiday Season at Disney Springs

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disney Springs, you can create family memories, celebrate the season and find special gifts for all of the special people on your list – plus maybe even a treat or two for you! Make your holidays more magical, too, by enjoying everything Disney Springs will have to offer this holiday season…

The secret is out. Disney Springs has the most complete collection of Disney-inspired products anywhere! Because of that, it may be where you want to start your holiday shopping.

While holiday shopping is certainly more magical at Disney Springs, it’s just one of the many reasons your family will want to visit. Here are four things to do during the 2017 holiday season at Disney Springs:

  • A Bigger, Better Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail: Last year Disney introduced custom decorated holiday trees to the Marketplace, each themed to a popular Disney story or character. This year, the Christmas Tree Trail will expand to twenty-five trees – many of them larger than last year’s evergreens – including ten new trees inspired by Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt: The mischievous experiment 626 is at it again with an expanded scavenger hunt featuring four new stops, including a special stop at the more-magical-than-ever Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail. This is a great activity for families with kids! It’s your chance to work together, decipher clues, and discover all the spots where Stich is hiding. Complete the mission and receive a limited-edition button.
  • Meet & Greet with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear: The eight-foot tall Coca-Cola polar bear is available for meet and greets on the second floor of The Coca-Cola Store. If your family is Coca-Cola fans, you won’t want to miss this unique photo opportunity.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil: After nearly twenty years, “La Nouba” will take its final bow on December 31, 2017. There’s nothing else quite like the gravity-defying, jaw-dropping thrill of this stunning 90-minute show. There are still limited tickets available; visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/la-nouba for additional information and to purchase.

Complimentary and adjacent self-parking keeps things simple and hassle-free. With the retail delivery service available at all Disney Springs stores, you can easily pop in to any of the award-winning restaurants to relax and refuel.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Five Reasons to Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Top Five Reasons to Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017

There’s so much to enjoy at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park – from characters in costume and complimentary treats, special shows, fireworks and more.

Here are our top five reasons to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. Trick-Or-Treating! – Feeling like a kid again and being able to trick-or-treat right alongside our kids is so incredibly entertaining! Guests of all ages are welcome to do so at candy stops throughout Magic Kingdom Park on party nights. Be sure to pick up an event map on your way in to find your way to special treat stops.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. Disney Characters In Costume – Talk about fun photo opportunities! During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, many Disney characters are out and about in their Halloween best, ready to greet guests and pose for photos. You can catch even more in “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” at the event. Seeing the creative costumes our guests come up with is also a lot of fun.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” Stage Show – In this guest-favorite stage show, the Sanderson sisters – Winifred, Mary and Sarah – visit the mortal world for an all-new adventure, with a plan to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard. You don’t want to miss the character appearances and fun musical numbers in this show.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. The “Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade” – This spooktacular procession steps off twice each party night, led by an appearance from the Headless Horseman. Be on the lookout for an entire section of the parade inspired by residents of the Haunted Mansion, including marching butlers, waltzing spirits and the Hitchhiking Ghosts themselves!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. “Happy HalloWishes Fireworks” – Partygoers can’t miss the event’s special Halloween-themed fireworks spectacular. Narrated by the Ghost Host from The Haunted Mansion, the skies explode with color to the tunes of “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Never Smile at a Crocodile,“ “The Skeleton Dance,” from Silly Symphony and more.

What are your favorite reasons to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Three Tips for Making the Most of a Rainy Day at Disney World

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Summer days at Walt Disney World Resort can be beautifully sunny, but they can also be filled with humidity and lots of rain! Here are three tips to help you make the most of a rainy day at Disney World!

  1. Find and enjoy the many indoor attractions and shows. Some of the best choices include “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom Park; Soarin’, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and World Showcase Pavilions at Epcot; Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and the amazing shows “The Festival of the Lion King” and “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  2. Be sure to pack clothing that is appropriate for all types of weather. It is usually hot and humid so you need clothes that are light but also that can dry easily in case you get caught in the afternoon downpour. You also need comfortable shoes and socks! Brings extra pairs of socks because your feet will be the first thing to get soaked during a summer downpour. Wet socks are not fun! Also, you will want to bring rain jackets or ponchos and even umbrellas to stay dry. Trust me, they’re much cheaper to pack and bring with you than to purchase in the parks. However, if you do forget any rain gear, you can always buy what you need at the stores in the resorts and the parks.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. Find indoor character greeting locations where your family can take photos and ask for autographs where they are allowed. You can find Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park; Mickey and Minnie at the Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at the Epcot Character Spot; and BB-8 and Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

What are your favorite things to do during a rainy day at Disney World? Be sure to share your favorites with us in the comments below!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

New Sunset Seasons Greeting and More for 2017 Holidays at Hollywood Studios

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The holiday season returns to the Walt Disney World Resort on November 9 – and this year, it’ll be more magical than ever before at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the addition of a new nighttime experience, new stunning decorations, the return of “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” and more.

Disney’s newest holiday nighttime experience – Sunset Seasons Greetings – will feature spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with holiday decorations. Billboards will come to life and the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform into a pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland throughout the night. A summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance.

This season, you’ll also notice enhanced holiday decor around Echo Lake at the park. Colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even its famous Dinosaur will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-Santa hat.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And the hit holiday show, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” is also returning and sending Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. As many of you know, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.

Santa Claus will return to the Once Upon a Time shop on November 9 through December 24 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well. Santa Goofy will step in after Old Saint Nick he returns to the North Pole December 25 – 31.

Are you excited to experience the new Sunset Seasons Greeting at Hollywood Studios?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Star Wars Galactic Nights 2017 Returns December 16 at Hollywood Studios

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Attention Star Wars fans – the special event, Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017, which sold out last April, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16, 2017.

Held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight, the event will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga.

Among many thrills in store, guests can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, character greetings, a look at the ongoing Star Wars expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and much more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here’s a look at other event offerings:

  • Star Wars Entertainment – Both Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will be enhanced with special saga elements.
  • Sneak Peeks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The Epic Theater will play host to a special one-night-only panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 14-acre Star Wars expansion that’s set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels and more.
  • Character Encounters – Be on the lookout for Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and more.
  • Exclusive F&B and Merchandise – Even more specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
  • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 access and activities will be exclusive to event ticket holders. Last spring’s event sold out, so booking early is strongly suggested. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9. Discount available for Passholders by booking online or calling 407-WDW-PASS and for Disney Vacation Club Members by calling Member Services at 1-800-800-9800 or online, as well. Tickets are now on sale at Disneyworld.com/GalacticNights or by calling 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639).

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

2017 Party for the Senses at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New entertainment, new seating, two cool themed evenings – there’s lots that’s new for the 2017 Party for the Senses, the sensational evening of food, live entertainment and elegant fun at World ShowPlace in Epcot World Showcase. And it’s the 35th anniversary of Epcot, another reason to celebrate during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

If you’ve never been, Party for the Senses is a culinary extravaganza with dozens of tasting stations with wine pairings and craft cocktails and beers. While food plays a leading role, the incredible talent line-up on the stage provides the backbeat for an unforgettable evening.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are six things you’ll need to know:

1. Start your evening early: when you buy your ticket for Party for the Senses, you also get reserved seating for the 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. performances of the East to the Beat concert series at America Gardens Theatre – so enjoy the live music, then stroll over to World ShowPlace for the party from 7:30-10 p.m. (Note: Epcot admission is required.)

2. There are three levels of seating this year, and every guest has a seat: Wine View Loungeincludes early admission (at 7:15 p.m.); a private reserved table in the lounge, artisanal cheeses and a specialty cocktail, with transportation to and from the Epcot main entrance. Reserved Seating is a private table on the main floor. Guaranteed Seating is with other guests on the main floor. All three have limited availability, so a reservation is a good idea.

3. This year’s dates: Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

4. Two themed evenings worth considering: Sept. 23 will feature the chefs from Disney Springs – look for everything from Mexican (Frontera Cocina) to Asian (Morimoto Asia) to seafood (The BOATHOUSE and Paddlefish) to Southern (Homecomin’ by Art Smith) … the list goes on, and it’s great fun to interact with the chefs at each of their tasting stations. Then on Oct. 21, chefs from Disney parks around the globe will come together to create an evening of international tastes – this has been a super-popular event the last couple of years. Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani and Disney Cruise Line chefs will join our Walt Disney World chefs to showcase the best of their cuisine.

5. Wow entertainment: the music takes this year’s event over the top. For the very special Disney Springs’ night on Sept. 23, popular entertainers from Disney Springs’ venues will take the stage, including the House of Blues Gospel Choir, Raglan Road musicians and Irish dancers, jugglers Nate and Aaron, magician Meraux Dantes, flamenco guitarist Nicholas Marks and more. Oct. 7 is John Pizzarelli, an American jazz guitarist and vocalist; Oct. 14, Femmes of Rock, a “hard rock” violin act with video, lights, choreography and comedy in a high-energy show; Oct. 21, Grace Kelly, American musician, singer, entertainer, songwriter, and Nov. 11, Vintage Vinyl Band (a big hit last year), an Orlando band that takes today’s pop hits and retrofits them into jazz, swing, Motown and doo-wop.

6. Make your reservations early: book online or call 407-939-3378 for Guaranteed Seating; call 407-939-3378 for Wine View Lounge or Reserved Seating.

See you on the promenade at the 2017 Party for the Senses!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 Includes Disney World Restaurants

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 Includes Disney World Restaurants

As part of the one of the most-anticipated dining events in Central Florida, for the first time, select Walt Disney World restaurants are part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 that kicked off August 25 and runs through October 1.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magical Dining Month 2017 celebrates Orlando’s amazing culinary scene and gives us a chance to showcase the talent of Disney chefs with special prix fixe dinners. Participating Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants include:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magical Dining Month 2017 menus feature three courses for $35 per person, including appetizer, entrée and dessert and cannot be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. One dollar from each meal supports Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

To view all participating restaurant’s menus, go to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017, select an area and restaurant, then click on the fork.

To make a reservation for the Disney restaurants, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Delicious Treats Available During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Halloween kicks off early this year in Magic Kingdom Park, with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017 on select evenings beginning August 25, fun-filled evening with trick-or-treating throughout the park, eerie entertainment and Disney characters that go bump in the night.

But it’s more than a dozen specially created treats – some available only during the parties, some all day in Magic Kingdom Park – that are most delectable (and Instagrammable). Here’s the sweet rundown:

New treats offered all day, every day, beginning Aug. 25-Nov. 1

  • Stop in the Main Street Bakery for a bright orange Mickey Halloween Cupcake with chocolate cake filled with purple marshmallow fluff topped with orange vanilla buttercream, sprinkles and a white chocolate scarecrow Mickey. The Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll takes on a spooky twist with orange icing and a chocolate spider web.
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will scoop up pumpkin-flavored ice cream.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017 Treats (party nights only):

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Dome with a graham cracker streusel base, orange white chocolate glaze and a white chocolate Mickey can be found at Main Street Bakery and Gaston’s Tavern.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Jack Skellington gets his own dessert at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square – a vanilla panna cotta, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, white chocolate and dark chocolate crisp pearls, dark chocolate curls and a white chocolate Jack Skellington.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • The artistic Haunted Mansion Desserts – each with a different flavor and themed chocolate accent – can be tracked down at:
    • Aloha Isle – chocolate tart filled with chocolate ganache and topped with Oreo panna cotta and a white chocolate Haunted Mansion-inspired portrait.
    • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – chocolate tart filled with raspberry compote and topped with white chocolate mousse and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.
    • Liberty Square Market – chocolate tart filled with chocolate ganache and topped with peanut butter icing and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.
    • Storybook Treats – chocolate tart filled with lemon curd, strawberry compote and topped with strawberry mousse and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • A Pumpkin Mickey Waffle with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and caramel sauce will be offered at Sleepy Hollow.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café will offer Worms and Dirt, a chocolate gravestone with chocolate cake and chocolate mousse with a chocolate glaze topped with Oreo crumbs, and gummy candy.
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland will dish up Candy Corn Ice Cream.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Grab Chocolate Crisped Rice Treats and Vampire Mickey Brownies at various outdoor vending and kiosks throughout the Magic Kingdom Park.

For tickets, party details and official costume rules, click here.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017 dates are August 25 and 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31, and November 1.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

17 Fun Facts About The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

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17 Fun Facts About The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

17 Fun Facts About The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Walt Disney World Resort guests are invited to join the fun when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival turns 22 from Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.  On Oct. 1, Epcot will celebrate its 35th anniversary, and this year’s festival will feature, for the first time, 35 global dine-around marketplaces. Guests will discover delicious ethnic and specialty cuisine, refreshing new beverages and more concerts and musical acts than ever.

The record 75-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will include five new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages.  ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the third year and will again showcase dishes inspired by “The Chew” show hosts. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are some fun facts about the 22nd festival celebration.

  • Now 75 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
  • At the 2017 festival, 35 global marketplaces will include five new marketplaces to help celebrate 35 years of Epcot –they include Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, all expanding into the park’s Future World area. The Almond Orchard, hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, is the fifth new marketplace located along the World Showcase promenade
  • Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show Oct. 4-6 against a backdrop of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth
  • The 22nd festival will feature 39 new marketplace dishes and 65 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
  • This year, more than 50 domestic and international wines will be offered at global marketplaces
  • More than 50 wineries and more than 35 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
  • The new “Disney Food and Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook” by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 50 irresistible recipes, 26 recipes from the Epcot festival global marketplaces and 24 from Disney’s California Adventure
  • 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 177 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to “What’s Cookin’ With” and additional festival events in World Showcase pavilions and Walt Disney World resorts
  • Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 197 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
  • Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 11 countries and 23 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
  • 379 culinary demos, beverage and interactive seminars will take place during the 75-day festival. That’s equal to more than 6,360 hours of scheduled seminars at the Festival Center. These include the fun-filled Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events, plus more
  • During Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 15 Remy statuettes hidden throughout World Showcase and the global marketplaces.  Guests can purchase their map and stickers at select merchandise locations, then take their completed maps to Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase or World Traveler at International Gateway to choose a new surprise, compliments of Chef Remy
  • 225 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed;11 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
  • The Festival Passport (previously called the Marketplace Discovery Passport) was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the complimentary passport will feature pages with all 35 festival marketplaces and other outdoor food and beverage locations with special festival offerings such as Refreshment Cool Post, Fife & Drum Tavern and Refreshment Port
  • More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
  • 100,000-plus desserts, including Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (new at Hawaii) and Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd (new at Spain), are expected to be served
  • In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring dozens of food and beverage stations and, in 2017, confirmed seating for all guests plus new and different themed entertainment and surprises for each event

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.