Epcot

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Make Plans Now For Ringing in 2012 At Walt Disney World

As the familiar song goes, what are you doing New Year's Eve? How about ringing in 2012 at Walt Disney World? Recently, Disney put out the scoop on what to expect at the parks during the last few hours of 2011.

The Magic Kingdom will celebrate by offering two fireworks shows on December 31, 2011: a holiday-themed "Wishes" show at 8:30 p.m. and a 11:15 p.m. showing of "Fantasy in the Sky." It looks like a countdown to the new year is also planned.

Epcot is holding two "Illuminations" for guests at 7:00 p.m. and 11:42 p.m. (yep, the time is that specific) to help ring in 2012.

Jeweled Dragon Acrobats Perform Daily at Epcot

Disney Parks Blog is reporting that the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats have recently launched a five-shows-daily-five-days-a-week schedule at Epcot.

The troupe has landed in Epcot straight from China and is comprised of two women and six men. All of the acrobats, who range from age 18 to 21, have been training since a young age in their homeland. The group has been performing together professionally for three years.

Catch the amazing acrobatic feats of the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in the China pavilion.

Sample New Wines at Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival

Guests heading out to this year's Intnerational Food and Wine Festival at Epcot can be among the first to try two new wines created specifically for Disney Parks.

The Enoteca Castello wine shop at the Italy Pavilion is the place to stop for a glass or bottle of Pinot Grigio or Chianti. Both feature the label Sogno d'Italia (translated: "dream of Italy") and have been crafted exclusively for Disney by Placido in Tuscany.

The Florida Project Takes Place at Epcot This Weekend

Epcot will be the place for many dedicated pin traders this weekend as it is set to host the Disney Trade Celebration. This year's event, called the Florida Project, starts today and focuses on giving pin and Vinylmation enthusiasts opportunities to swap pins, participate in silent auctions and meet Disney pin artist and developers.

Today and Saturday are focused on pin trading from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can expect a wide variety of pins, some featuring a retro or nostalgic feel as WDW gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Epcot Candelight Processional Packages Now Available for Booking

Not too long ago, we brought you the lineup for this year's Candlelight Processional. We are happy to pass along the news that you can now book your package for this year's Processional.

Food & Wine Fest Highlight: "Best of Bocuse" Dinner

Recently, we reported tickets to this year's International Food and Wine Festival special events would go on sale August 16. Here is a bit more detail on one such offering: a dinner devoted to French chef Paul Bocuse.

Dolphin Offers Discount for Foodie Fest

Recently, we highlighted the happenings of this year's WDW Foodie Fest. The Dolphin Resort is offering up a discount for those who plan to participate in this year's fun, and for those who read the Disney Food Blog.

Foodie Fest attendees and Disney Food Blog readers can nab the special rate of $199 and automatically receive a room upgrade.

Food & Wine Fest Tickets on Sale August 16

Those of you out there who love Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival might want to mark your calendars. August 16 at 7 a.m. is the date and time tickets for this year's special events and programs will go on sale.

Here are a few of the activities planned for this year's fest that will be available for booking on the 16th:

  • First Bites Opening Reception: 6:30- 9 p.m. Sept. 29
  • "3D" Disney's Dessert Discovery: Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, 11

2011 Walt Disney World Foodie Fest Coming in October

What's better than noshing your way through Walt Disney World? Hanging out with others who are of the same mind frame. Scheduled for October, this year's WDW Foodie Fest has some neat activities planned to coincide with Epcot's International Food and Wine Fest.

The Foodie Fest with kick off with its "Main Event" on Sunday, October 2 at Ariel's at Disney's Beach Club Resort. This event is set to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes a scavenger hunt throughout Epcot's World Showcase. Those who don't want to go on the hunt can still enjoy games and food at Ariel's.

HGTV Personalities Lineup Announced For Food & Wine Fest

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival will get a dose of home and garden expertise this year as HGTV stars get set to share their knowledge. Recently, Disney Parks Blog announced this fall's lineup of celebs that will appear in seminars every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the fest.

Here's the lineup:

  • Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Vern Yip, "HGTV Design Star" and "HGTV Urban Oasis"
  • Oct. 7-9: Monica Pedersen, "Designed to Sell"
  • Oct. 14-16: Erin Loechner, "Design Happens"
  • Oct. 21-23: Taniya Nayak, "Designed to Sell"

Forum Posts

Epcot was one of Walt Disney's original visions. Originally standing for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, it was actually intended to be much more of the basis for Walt Disney World than the Magic Kingdom. Eventually however his initial vision proved too grand to be carried out and it became the less expansive park that you see today.

Articles

Ocean Spray Traveling Cranberry Bog To Appear At Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Folks around these parts are counting down the days (there are 10 in case you were wondering) to the kick off of the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! It's one of our favorite events of the year at Walt Disney World when for 53 days guests of the Epcot Theme Park are invited to snack and sip their way around, enjoying exciting flavors of the World.

Top Five Frozen Drinks At Epcot

Walt Disney World is a playground in the Florida sun, but in the summertime that tropical weather can get down right oppressive. While we've written before about the need to Stay Hydrated while touring the Parks, sometimes the mood calls for something sweet, flavorful, and frosty to wet your whistle and cool you down. If you're headed out to Epcot anytime soon, keep in mind these fabulous Five Frozen Drinks.

Disney History: Epcot World Showcase Then & Now

One of the areas in Walt Disney World that has remained the most constant since its opening is Future World in Epcot. Of course after 33 years, small changes are evident everywhere, but the broad, sweeping changes that we have observed at other parks have not happened in World Showcase.

Where to Get Your Coffee Fix at the Walt Disney World Resort

Coffee at the Walt Disney World Resort used to mean a not-so-great cup of something resembling coffee but it wasn't exactly good. It was unlikely that many folks were overheard exclaiming "Wow! What a great cup of java!" unless of course you were lucky enough to score a French Press pot of coffee at certain restaurants. But lately, a good cup of coffee has become the norm at Disney.

Saturday Style: Food & Wine Festival Ode To Bacon

Last week's Food & Wine Festival Attire post proved to be wildly popular, so I thought that I would pull together a look for men that's been inspired by my husband's favorite food - bacon. A soft cotton tee emblazoned with "bacon is meat candy" creates a comfortable base to this outfit.

New at the 20th Epcot Food & Wine Festival - Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and from September 25-November 16, 2015 Disney foodies will be able to eat their way around the world like no other time of year. Sometimes though, the smaller members of the party get a little bored standing in line for all those food booths.

Saturday Style: Food & Wine Festival Attire

Have you been looking for the perfect sundress to wear to the 20th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Look no further! I have found the dress for you, from the hard-to-find British brand Emily and Fin this simple retro cotton frock features a natural waist and flared skirt. The fun purple and blue print pays homage to cocktail culture with a chic variety of glasses and bottles. The best part?

Viewing Tips for Epcot's Eat To The Beat Concert Series

In addition to the fantastic culinary treats offered up every year at Walt Disney World's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, each night the America Gardens Theater plays host to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This high energy series of concerts brings in well-known names in American music to play on average three sets a day, for two or three days throughout the Festival season.

Dazzling Shopping At Epcot's Kunstarbeit In Kristal

Shopping at Epcot can turn in to a marathon sport for me, and I especially love hitting all of the wonderful small shops within the World Showcase Pavilions. Being a Princess at heart I love to go for the sparkle when it comes to souvenirs and one of my very favorite sparkly shops can be found in Epcot's German Pavilion. Kunstarbeit In Kristal, is the place where crystal jewelry and fine collectibles by Swarovski, Princessa Plata, Arribas, Arnstadt, Nachtmann, and many more shimmer and dance with light to illuminate ever corner of the store.