Tag: World Showcase

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Returns for 39 Days Of Creativity January 12 to February 19

Returning to Epcot for a second year, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary, from January 12 – February 19, with festivities running seven days a week and Disney On Broadway performances happening each weekend (Fridays through Mondays) in 2018.

After a successful year one in 2017, the festival is coming back better than ever.

Guests can kick off 2018 with world-class cuisine, remarkable visual art and an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment. Introduce your inner aficionado to an exciting extravaganza brimming with phenomenal artists, gourmet fare, musical performances, stage productions and other amazing acts. We’ve rolled everything you love about the arts into one spectacular festival.

The festival features:

  • Seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists including classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries – just to name a few
  • More than a half a dozen specially-created food studios offering a wealth of “artistic” culinary delights
  • A host of performing artists that build on Epcot’s already stellar lineup of authentic performers
  • And, my favorite, the Disney on Broadway series featuring performers from some of the best Disney Theatrical productions

Dinner and a Show
Another returning favorite is our Disney on Broadway Dining Packages, where you can maximize your experience at the Festival with a meal at one of the participating Epcot restaurants and priority seating for our Disney on Broadway concert series.

Starting today, guests can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, and later be followed by a phenomenal Disney on Broadway inspired concert – select dates from January 12 – February 19, 2018. The concert series will feature pairings of Disney on Broadway stars, singing favorite songs from award-winning Broadway shows. When you reserve a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, you’ll be able to relax at your meal with friends and family and rest assured that your priority seats are waiting for you for the 5:30, 6:45 or 8 p.m. concert. *

You need to book these soon; as these events are sure to fill up quickly!

For more information on the Festival, click over to www.disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463.

Walt Disney World Completes Candlelight Processional Narrator Line-Up

Walt Disney World has completed its line-up for the celebrity narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has starred in Disney films from the 1960s to 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” will read the Christmas story this year – as well as gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Two veterans of the event – actress/comedienne Ana Gasteyer and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” – complete this year’s list.

As previously announced, new narrators for this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”); Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi;” Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

Below is the full list of narrators:

  • Nov. 24 – 26 – Laurie Hernandez
  • Nov. 27 – 28 – Matt Bomer
  • Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
  • Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
  • Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell
  • Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional is performed three times every night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 PM) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Dinner packages are available which include meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances.

In addition to the lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are again available at some restaurants in and near Epcot such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays which includes the Candlelight Processional, takes place in 2017 from November 24 – December 30 at Epcot.

‘Holidays Around the World’ Changing to ‘Epcot International Festival of the Holidays’

In another step toward Epcot making itself the park home to almost year-long festivals, this year will see Epcot’s “Holidays Around the World” becoming “Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.”

Beginning November 19th, fifteen Holiday Kitchens will be serving seasonal food from marketplace kiosks around World Showcase.

New this year will be a “Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree” scavenger hunt, priced at $6.99 for maps.

Starting on November 24th, the Candlelight Processional begins along with the Peace on Earth holiday edition of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Epcot Makes Changes to Music Line-Up

Walt Disney World has announced some new and returning musical acts that will be coming to Epcot’s World Showcase in the near future.

Suroît – New to Epcot, this renowned band hails from Canada’s Magdalen Islands in eastern Quebec. For four decades, their infectious sound has embraced influences from Cajun, Celtic, bluegrass and rock music. Performing on the Mill Stage at the Canada pavilion, August 31 – October 1 2017.

Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band – World-famous yodeler Margret Almer makes an encore appearance at Epcot this fall. She’ll be performing with The Bavarian Band at the Germany pavilion, beginning August 31 and continuing through the holiday season.

Musique Aramenco – Another returning favorite takes the stage at the Morocco pavilion September 1 – December 30 2017. Musique Aramenco presents a fusion of traditional and modern Moroccan music.

Bodh’aktan – Back by popular demand, Bodh’aktan mixes Quebecois, folk and polka to make fantastic rock and dance music. The popular kilted band is returning for an Epcot encore at the Canada pavilion October 2 – 22.

Raffy – This musical quartet makes their Epcot debut October 23 – November 26 2017 on the Mill Stage. Raffy’s infectious energy has been embraced across Canada through a live tour, appearances on television and radio airplay of their first hit single.

More Narrators Added to Candlelight Processional List

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Warsfan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
  • Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
  • Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Fornoat Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

China Pavilion in Epcot to Get Film that will Feature New Technology

Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald announced at D23 Expo 2017 that they are creating a new film for the China pavilion at Epcot that’ll feature the splendor and majesty of that amazing country – and they will be doing it with some new technology.

Taking a cue from Walt Disney, who pioneered many different storytelling and motion picture innovations, Disney has developed a next-generation digital camera system, much as they did for Soarin’. Disney will be taking this immersive camera system on the road first to film a brand new seamless Circle-Vision show for the China pavilion.

Ratatouille Attraction Coming to Epcot’s France Pavilion

A new attraction inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille” attraction is coming to the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase.

The new attraction will expand the France pavilion and will be similar to the 4Ratatouille: The Adventure which opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014.

Guests will be to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant.

According to Disney leaders, both attractions will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages Go On Sale, Some Narrators Announced

On the Disney Parks Blog Disney announced today that Dinner Packages for this year’s Candlelight Processional have gone on sale today.  Disney also announced an initial list of narrators

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

Disney Announces 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Line-Up

With a record number of days (75) and a record number of Global Marketplaces (35), we are also amping up the Eat to the Beat concert series with 11 new artists including Jazz Legend Kenny G, and pop superstars like 10,000 Maniacs and Squeeze.

Returning favorites like Taylor Dayne, Christopher Cross, .38 Special and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy welcome the newcomers – with performances every night of the Festival.

Lauren Alaina

Here’s the full line-up:

  • 8/31 – 9/1 – Delta Rae (“Bottom of the River”)
  • 9/2 – 9/3 – The Hooters (“And We Danced”) NEW
  • 9/4 – 9/5 – Baha Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out”) NEW
  • 9/6 – 9/7 – Fuel (“Shimmer”)
  • 9/8 -9/20 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
  • 9/11 – 9/12 – Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”) NEW
  • 9/13 – 9/15 – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”)
  • 9/16 – 9/17 – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
  • 9/18 – 9/20- Air Supply (“All Out Of Love”)
  • 9/21 – 9/22 – David Cook (“Light On”)
  • 9/23 – 9/24 – Everclear (“Santa Monica”)
  • 9/25 – 9/27 – Sugar Ray (“Every Morning)
  • 9/28 – 9/29 – .38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
  • 9/30 – 10/1 – Mark Wills (“19 Somethin’”) NEW
  • 10/2 – 10/3 – American Authors (“Best Day of My Life”) NEW
  • 10/4 – 10/5 – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
  • 10/6 – 10/8 – Devon Allman (“Rugged ad Dirty”) NEW
  • 10/9 – 10/11 – Dennis DeYoung: The music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
  • 10/12 – 10/13 – Taylor Dayne (“Tell It To My Heart”)
  • 10/14 – 10/15 – Jeffrey Osborne (“On The Wings of Love”)
  • 10/16 – 10/17 – Postmodern Jukebox (Various Hits) NEW
  • 10/18 – 10/20 – 10,000 Maniacs (“Because the Night”) NEW
  • 10/21 – 10/22 – Toad The Wet Sprocket (“Walk on the Ocean”)
  • 10/23 – 10/24 – Kenny G (“Songbird”) NEW
  • 10/25 – 10/26 – Billy Ocean (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”)
  • 10/27 – 10/29 – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
  • 10/30 – 11/1 – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
  • 11/2 – 11/3 – Blue October (“Into The Ocean”) NEW
  • 11/4 – 11/5 – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)
  • 11/6 – 11/8 – Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”)
  • 11/9 – 11/11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
  • 11/12 – 11/13 – Squeeze (“Tempted”) NEW

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opens Aug. 31 and runs through Nov. 13.

Performances are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. daily, and included in Epcot admission. (Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)

Reservations Open Today for Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party

Starting July 17, there will be a delicious new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot. Reservations open today for the brand-new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, the coolest dessert party with reserved seating to an amazing fireworks spectacular, delicious desserts and a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!

The party, which takes place in World Showcase Plaza East, overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, will feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” Don’t worry about staking out the perfect spot to view the fireworks, because Frozen Ever After Dessert Party guests will have reserved seating. Sip on specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages, which will delight guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.

Desserts and snacks will be served on three buffet stations, check out the menus below!

Hot & Cold

  • Olaf’s Warm Double Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake
  • Elsa’s Warm Cottage Pudding with Salted Caramel Glaze
  • Hand-dipped Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Small Bites

  • Wandering Oaken’s Eclairons
  • Hans’ Key Lime Tarts with Red Glitter Glaze
  • Living Rock Crispy Bonbons
  • Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes
  • Kristoff’s No Sugar Added Lemon Curd with Blueberry

Not So Sweet

  • Sven’s Fresh Fruits & Berries
  • Grand Pabbie’s Winter-spiced Snack Mix
  • Duke of Weselton’s Cheese Fondue served with Country Bread Cubes, Broccoli, and Grilled Flatbread

After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction.

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows guests to enhance their vacation with one-of-a-kind Disney experiences. Cost is $79 for guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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