A First Taste of the Food Booth Menus at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts

By

-

January 8, 2017

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

There’s just a few short days before the debut of the Festival of the Arts, Epcot’s newest festival offering celebrating the Visual, Performing and Culinary Arts. Disney foodies, excited at the prospect of once again being able to sink their teeth into exclusive savory and sweet treats available at one of the many Festival Food booths will not be disappointed with the delightful array of dishes on offer. Here’s a first glimpse at some of these mouth-watering menus.

Pop Eats:

Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam – Gluten Free
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder – Gluten Free
Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling – Vegetarian
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate – Vegetarian (pictured above)
Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette
Popping Bubbles Cocktail
Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine

The Artist’s Table:

Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp – Gluten Free (pictured above)
Roasted Pork Roulade with Marble Potatoes, Baby Carrots and Red Wine Sauce
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic)
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate: Dark Chocolate with Chambord
Perla Santa Coffee-flavored Wine

The Painter’s Palate:

Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts including: Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt, Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs and Everything Bagel with Spicy Tuna, Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
Margherita Flatbread with Basil Pesto and Balsamic Drizzle – Vegetarian
Pop’t Art: Abstract Designed Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling – Vegetarian
Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – Gluten Free & Vegetarian
White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette
Pomegranate Mule featuring the Ginger People Ginger Beer and Van Gogh Vodka –pictured
Breckenridge Nitro Vanilla Porter
Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
3 Daughters Queens Court Strawberry Blonde Nitro
Neapolitan Beer Flight

Masterpiece Kitchen:

Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese –pictured
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction – Vegetarian
Smoked Salmon Tartare, Caviar, Crisp Lavash and Traditional Accompaniments
Triple Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Gold Leaf from Disney’s Master Pastry Chef
White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – Vegetarian and Gluten Free
Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel – Vegetarian and Gluten Free
Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist
Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne
The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot

E=AT²

Cobb Salad with Smoked Duck Breast, Avocado Mousse, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon and Blue Cheese – Gluten Free, pictured
Deconstructed Reuben: Classic Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage, and a Rye Curl
Deconstructed BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam, and Soft Poached Egg
Figment White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – Gluten Free and Vegetarian
White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle with Artist Palette – Gluten Free and Vegetarian
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon – Non Alcoholic
Pop-Artsicle: Red, White and Blue Frozen Slushy – Non Alcoholic

Decadent Delights:

Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – pictured
Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Mousse
Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate Fire
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Courvoisier V.S.Cognac
Cherry Heering Liqueur
Ferreira 10 Year Old Port

Cuisine Classique:

Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic –pictured
Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc – Gluten Free
Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs – Gluten Free
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale
Duck Rabbit Milk Stout
Beer Braising Flight
Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series

There are also a range of World Showcase eateries that will be serving up special additions to their menu in celebration of the Festival. These are as follows:

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company:

Located at Future World East: Painted Lady Latte: A shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with rich Baileys Espresso Créme Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
Located near Disney Traders: Cinnamon Sensation: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with RumChata and Cinnamon Whiskey, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
The American Adventure: Dreamy Bourbon: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with Bourbon Whiskey Cream Liqueur, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
Located next to Canada: Night Sky Latte: A delicious shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with Creamy Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream

Refreshment Cool Post

Chilled Shrimp, Quinoa, Layered Vegetables, Spiced Yogurt and Red Pepper Coulis

Refreshment Port

Croissant Doughnut filled with Pastry Cream and topped with Colored Pearls

El Arista Hambriento

Choriqueso Taco served with Chihuahua Cheese, Red and Green Peppers over a Corn Tortilla and garnished with Poblano Peppers and Micro Cilantro
Flank Steak Guarache served with Black Beans, Salsa de Chile de Arbol, Frisee Lettuce, Queso Fresco, Red Cabbage, Shredded Carrots and Chipotle Mayo

Joy of Tea – China Pavilion

Traditional Chinese Golden Fish
Panda Rice Cake

Block & Hans – Near American Adventure

Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, CA
Festival Chardonnay, CA
Anchor Brewing Meyer Lemon Lager, San Francisco, CA
Coppertail Brewing Free Dive IPA, Tampa, FL
Founders Porter, Grand Rapids, MI
M.I.A. Brewing Mega Mix Pale Ale, Miami, FL

Fife & Drum – Near American Adventure

Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Funnel Cakes – Near American Adventure

Gingerbread Funnel Cake

Kabuki Cafe Kiosk – Japan Pavilion

Futomaki Sushi

Tokyo Dining –Japan Pavilion

Chirashi Sushi and Sashimi

Tangierine Café –Morocco Pavilion

Homemade Falafel with Pickled Beets and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – France Pavilion

Opera Cake

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Fridays – Mondays from January 13 – February 20, 2017. For further information on the programs on offer including the Broadway Concert series please check out this article.

Planning a trip to Disney in 2017? Fill out our form to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Video: Final Train Station Welcome Show in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

-

January 8, 2017

Today was the Final Train Station Welcome Show in the Magic Kingdom. Disney is moving the welcome show to the Cinderella Castle Stage starting tomorrow.

Guests arriving at the park for opening will now be allowed to enter the parks earlier. The Main Street U.S.A section of the parks will be open to welcome guests who want to stop and grab a Starbucks or take photos on an uncrowded Main Street.

Guests will be encouraged to gather at the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage for an opening ceremony. During this time a Royal Herald, along with some much-loved Disney friends, will issue a proclamation officially opening the parks to the public.

Here is a live look at the Final Train Station Welcome Show:

h/t WDW News Today

Say Farewell with these Final Check Out Tower of Terror Tees

By

Danielle

-

January 7, 2017

The final check out day for the California Adventure Hollywood Tower Hotel was last week. If you were there for one of it’s last days, or sad that you missed this popular attraction then you can get one of these limited edition Final Check Out Tower of Terror Tees at the Disney Parks Online Shop.

Hollywood Tower Hotel Final Check Out Tee for Men – Disney California Adventure – Limited Release

Commemorate the last days of The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror attraction at Disney California Adventure with our Hollywood Tower Hotel ”Final Check Out” tee! This is a limited edition unisex cut shirt and only available until January 10th 2017 only!

Hollywood Tower Hotel Final Check Out Tee for Women – Disney California Adventure – Limited Release

This is the same as the shirt above, but available in a more tailed women’s cut tee! Best of all Disney Parks limited release items are buy one, get one 40% off right now!

Will you drop-off to the Twilight Zone with one of these Final Check Out Tower of Terror Tees?

Weather advisory issued for Walt Disney World Marathon

By

Chip

-

January 7, 2017

Disney has issued a Weather Advisory for Sunday’s Walt Disney World Marathon.

We are actively monitoring the weather for Sunday’s Walt Disney World Marathon and are expecting below average temperatures. Based on the forecast for cold temperatures, we recommend all runners dress in layers, particularly prior to the start of the race. Please be sure to take necessary precautions and have a great race!

As always, continue to check the Digital Event Guide for up to date information: http://di.sn/60068OFqu

Disney cancelled the Half Marathon and Kids Races last night around 7pm due to the weather.

Pink Posts Adorable Picture To Celebrate The “Magic Of Storytelling” Campaign

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2017

Just one day into the “Magic of Storytelling” campaign and already there is a great ‘shelfie’ to report. New mom and Grammy-award artist Pink just posted a picture of her newborn son Jameson and daughter Willow reading ‘The Princess and the Frog’.

Celebrate the #MagicofStorytelling! For every #shelfie posted @Disney will donate a book to kids in need through @FirstBook! pic.twitter.com/S5pSRpCs8q

— P!nk (@Pink) January 7, 2017

Fans are encouraged to share their own #shelfie of themselves with their favorite book. For each “shelfie” posted, Disney and ABC will donate up to one million books to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books to educators and organizations serving children from low-income families, until March 31.

Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo And Armie Hammer Buckle Up For Cars 3

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2017

Disney / Pixar’s “Cars 3” filmmakers revealed key cast members and new characters in the upcoming high octane film. Joining Owen Wilson in the all-new story that tests the heart of a champion in a new-tech world are Cristela Alonzo and Armie Hammer as unconventional trainer Cruz Ramirez and next-gen racer Jackson Storm, respectively.

“Cristela is full of optimism and a positive energy that I think really comes through in Cruz’s personality,” said “Cars 3” director Brian Fee. “And of course, she’s a hilarious comedian, so that doesn’t hurt either.”

“Armie brought a great combination of intensity and charm to the role of Jackson Storm,” said Fee. “His charisma helped create a character you really love to hate.”

Lightning McQueen is world champion—a modern-day racing legend who’s riding high with five Piston-Cup wins under his hood. Suddenly, he finds himself faced with a new generation of racers who threaten not only his dominance in the sport—but the confidence that got him there. Determined to get back to the pole position, the #95 must decide if his love for racing is enough to fuel the comeback of his life.

Owen Wilson (“The Royal Tenenbaums,” upcoming “Wonder”) returns to the racetrack as the voice of the champion. Wilson stars in the upcoming Woody Harrelson-directed live film “Lost in London.”

Cruz Ramirez is a sunny-but-fierce unconventional trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She expertly arms the team’s talented rookies with cutting-edge tools to tear up the track—but she nearly stalls when her longtime idol Lightning McQueen shows up. While she’d love to help him find his way back to the top, she knows the competition is faster than ever, and victory is all about speed—or is it?

Cristela Alonzo (“The Angry Birds Movie”) was called on to help bring the character to life. Alonzo’s debut stand-up special for Netflix, “Lower Classy,” which debuts on Jan. 24, 2017, showcases the comedian’s life as a the daughter of an immigrant, touching on important issues like social class, breaking the glass ceiling and how she can’t get the hang of Zumba.

Jackson Storm is fast, sleek and ready to race. A frontrunner in the next generation of racers, Storm’s quiet confidence and cocky demeanor are off-putting—but his unmatched speed threatens to redefine the sport. Trained on high-tech simulators that are programmed to perfect technique and maximize velocity, Jackson Storm is literally built to be unbeatable—and he knows it.

Armie Hammer (“Birth of a Nation”) was tapped as the voice of Jackson Storm. Hammer recently appeared in Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals.” He will next be seen starring in “Free Fire,” directed by Ben Wheatley; “Final Portrait,” directed by Stanley Tucci; and “Call Me by Your Name,” directed by Luca Guadagnino.

Directed by Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Beloved characters Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and Christopher Robin Visit McStuffinsville

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2017

Doc McStuffins and her team have helped toys of all shapes and sizes, and on a particularly blustery day in McStuffinsville, they must help none other than Winnie the Pooh. In this very special episode of Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning hit series “Doc McStuffins,” Doc ventures “Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” with her toys and welcomes Winnie the Pooh and friends to McStuffinsville. The episode is set to debut on Disney Junior on National Winnie the Pooh Day, Wednesday January 18 (7:30-8:00 p.m. EST).

“Winnie the Pooh books and animation have always been hugely important to me, so it’s a personal dream come true to be able to bring together the worlds of the Hundred Acre Wood and McStuffinsville, especially since Christopher Robin is the original human famous for talking to his stuffed animals and toys,” creator and executive producer Chris Nee says. “This episode is an homage to the original Disney animation and storytelling styles, from the original songs, including a hat tip to the Sherman Brothers, to the visuals which evoke old school Winnie the Pooh.”

The episode begins when Doc and the toys spot Winnie the Pooh floating through the air, unable to get down. As she and the toys set out to rescue him, the wind magically transports them to the Hundred Acre Wood where they meet the rest of Pooh’s friends. Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore join Doc and the toys in the search for Pooh, in hopes of finding him in time for his favorite event of the year, The Honey Festival. When they finally spot Pooh and try to bring him down, a tree branch rips his tummy and Doc must transport him to McStuffins Toy Hospital for emergency surgery. A worried Christopher Robin arrives and bonds with Doc over their shared ability to talk to toys, and is soon reunited with a healthy Pooh. Meanwhile, Piglet and Lambie enlist the help of McStuffinsville to throw Pooh his very own Honey Festival to make up for the one he missed.

“Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” features two original songs, “Follow That Bear!” and “Think Heavy Thoughts,” both written and produced by Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley and Dan Petty. Winnie the Pooh also sings the series’ iconic song “I Feel Better.”

Guest starring are Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Travis Oates as Piglet, Peter Cullen as Eeyore and Oliver Bell as Christopher Robin. “Doc McStuffins” stars Laya DeLeon Hayes as Doc, Loretta Devine as Hallie, Lara Jill Miller as Lambie, Robbie Rist as Stuffy, Jess Harnell as Chilly, Andre Robinson as Donny McStuffins, Kimberly Brooks as Mom McStuffins, and Gary Anthony Williams as Dad McStuffins. “Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” was written by Chris Nee and directed by Brónagh O’Hanlon.

Created and executive produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-winning Chris Nee, “Doc McStuffins” has been honored with a prestigious Peabody Award (2015) recognizing outstanding storytelling in electronic media and NAACP Image Awards (2016, 2015) for Outstanding Children’s Program.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Packages are now Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2017

Atlanta Braves Spring Training packages at Walt Disney World Resort are now available for travel dates February 19 – April 5, 2017. Resort accommodations, a spring training baseball-themed souvenir and game tickets located behind home plate in section 114, are included in the package (subject to availability).

Spring training takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from February 25 to March 29, 2017. Below is the schedule:

Baseball fans can be even closer to the action by adding the Field Experience. This option allows guests to enter the stadium up to three hours before the game with access to the field during batting practice.

Book an Atlanta Braves Spring Training package by calling 407-939-7247 between now and March 29, 2017.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney adventure. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Guide to Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2017

There’s only one week to go before Epcot debuts its newest festival offering, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts and the details released by Disney over the past week are painting us a very vibrant picture of the exciting performances, exhibitions and culinary delights on offer. To help you get the most out of your visit during the Festival’s inaugural year, here’s all the little rundown of what you can expect when visiting Epcot between January 13 – February 20, 2017.

During its five week run, the festival will pay homage to a variety of different art forms, with an impressive line-up of activities that include the following:

Artist appearances
Gallery Exhibitions
Artful photo ops
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Community arts musical showcase
Artful photo ops
Workshops and seminars with visiting artists
Commemorative Merchandise
Destinations Discovered Tour
Illuminations: Reflections of Eart
Interative mural
Living statues
Walking chalk gallery
Kidcot fun stops for the little ones
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
Culinary masterpieces

As you can see from the list above the three main areas of focus are the Culinary, Performing and Visual Arts. So, let’s explore briefly what is being offered in each of these areas.

Culinary Arts – Food Studios

The Festival will play host to a series of food studios or booths where the creative genius of Disney’s leading culinary talents will be on display. Guests will be able to watch chefs plating their amazing creations and will be able to indulge in a wide range of dishes ranging from savory options like a Shrimp Ceviche with Mint Foam to the sweet and sublime like the Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar with Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce. So don’t miss your chance to spend an afternoon at Epcot treating yourself to these edible works of art.

In addition, the following Culinary Workshops are available to attend at the Odyssey Festival Showplace for a cost of $39 per person.

Sunday January 22nd – Become an Artisan Spice Blend Mix-Master (Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!) Learn how to blend spices the P.S. Flavor! way and become a top chef in your own kitchen! You will be mixing P.S. Flavor! spice blend to your own tastes and using it to create a vibrant vinaigrette and sensational salad…flavor from start to finish!

Monday January 23rd – The Artistry of Amorette’s Patisserie (Jade Bower, Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs) Come learn the artistry behind decorating techniques of Amorette’s signature “petite cake.” We will cover how to buttercream and decorate a cake while discovering the unique artistic touches of Amorette’s Patisserie. In the end, you will have a one of a kind cake designed to honor Epcot!

Friday January 27th – Truffle Making (Amy Holmes & Kathleen Dunn, The Ganacher, Disney Springs) Learn to roll and decorate your own truffles using the Signature Ganachery Chocolate and pick up a few tips and tricks from the talented team of Chocolatiers!

Sunday January 29th – The Art of Mixology (Eric Foster, Stacole Fine Wines & Spirits) Learn from a top mixologist as you experience a hands-on cocktail making workshop! Elevate classic cocktails by adding your own artistic touch and transform the simple cocktail to elegant using craft ingredients.

Monday February 6th – Artfully Blending Tea (Karon Cannon, Tea Craze) Just like an artist creates a painting, you will create your own aromatic tea blend. In this fun and interactive workshop, we’ll discuss what tea is, the basics of blending, then set you free to blend your own tea using herbs and botanicals. When you finish your creation, you will take it home with you!

Saturday February 11th – Become an Artisan Spice Blend Mix-Master (Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!) Learn how to blend spices the P.S. Flavor! way and become a top chef in your own kitchen! You will be mixing P.S. Flavor! spice blend to your own tastes and using it to create a vibrant vinaigrette and sensational salad…flavor from start to finish!

Sunday, February 12th – Olive Oil 101 (Marcy Elias, The Olive Pantry) Join us for a demonstration and tasting of recipes using The Olive Pantry’s gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Learn how to incorporate Ultra Premium certified extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars to make your own home cooked meals healthy and delicious.

Each of these workshops takes place at 11am. You can book now by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive 15% off.

Performing Arts – The Disney on Broadway Concert Series

Broadway meets Disney as stars of the Great White Way bring their musical talent to the American Gardens Theater during the Festival. Here’s a rundown of this amazing who’s who of the musical theater world.

January 13th – 16th and January 20th – 23rd: Ashley Brown, renowned for playing the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, and Josh Strikland, who starred as Tarzan on Broadway, perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Best, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid

January 27th – 30th and February 3rd – 6th: Leading Broadway talents Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey (also know for his stint at Tarzan on Broadway) will be treating guests to selections from Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin.

February 10th – 13th and February 17th – 20th. Kissy Simmons best know for her work in The Lion King and Alton Fitzgerald who famously plaid the role of Mufasa on Broadway over 4000 times will take guests through a range of songs from Disney Broadway classics including The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and the Little Mermaid.

The performances will take place Fridays through Mondays at the American Gardens Theatre at 5.30pm, 6.45pm, and 8pm.

Those wanting to ensure that they have a good seat for the performances may want to consider booking The Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. Similar to the Candlelight Processional Dining package, those booking breakfast, lunch or dinner at select restaurants will be treated to VIP seating for the 8pm showing of the Broadway in Concert performances scheduled for that day. The restaurants participating are as follows:

Breakfast:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $54; Child $32
Garden Grill – Adult $39; Child $28

Lunch:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $69, Child $41
Biergarten – Adult $39; Child $22
Coral Reef – Adult $69; Child $24
Garden Grill – Adult $57; Child $34
Rose & Crown – Adult $58; Child $23

Dinner:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $69; Child $41
Biergarten – Adult $53; Child$29
Coral Reef – Adult $69;Child $24
Garden Grill- Adult $57; Child $34
Rose & Crown – Adult $58; Child $24

Guests should note that dining packages are paid for at the individual restaurants. Seating badges for the concert are handed out at the restaurant and guests are advised to check into the performance early. Due to popularity advanced reservation are strongly encouraged.

Visual Arts – Arts Workshops – Odyssey Festival Showplace

Art enthusiasts can sign up for interactive workshops including gesture drawing, watercolor, painting, mixed media art, calligraphy, floral arrangements, and macrame for an additional fee of $39 + tax.

Here’s a look at what’s on offer:

Friday January 13th – “Magical” Mixed Media Art (Rachelle Eason at BoiLedBooKs) Create a magnificent mixed media piece using BoiLed BooK paper and paint. We’ll finish it off with a mat and some sparkles for a magical masterpiece to display.

Saturday January 14th – Gesture Drawing Class (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) “Story Telling Drawings:” Come learn the art of quick sketching from life with a Disney animator. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, story board artists, and directors. A single drawing can tell a story.

Sunday January 15th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) Imagine the Pixie-dusted possibilities as the Disney Floral Designers show you how to make a little floral design magic! In this session we will teach you the basic floral design principles and show you how to create a petite Tinker Bell inspired floral arrangement – all it takes is faith, trust and a little pixie dust!

Monday January 16th – Modern Macramé (Sarah Stoff) Fiber Macramé is the art of knotting rope to make patterns. In this class you will learn basic macramé knots and how to make a modern wall hanging. Fun for the whole family!

Friday January 20th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) Mickey Mouse is in the house! Let the Disney Floral Designers show you some of our favorite ways to add a little touch of Mickey-magic to any floral arrangement. During this session, we will share basic floral design principles along with some Disney inspirations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year!

Saturday January 21st – Watercolor Love (Rachelle Eason at BoiLedBooKs) Paint a wonderful work of art blending watercolors to create a beautiful sentiment. A choice of shapes will be available for your selection. We’ll finish it off with a mat and your watercolor art will be quite a delight!

Saturday January 28th – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!

Monday January 30th -Animation 101 (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) Create your own animated Flip Book while learning the fundamental Principles of Animation with a Disney animator. Watch your drawings come to life!

Friday February 3rd – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!

Saturday February 4th – Valentine Card Making (Tona Bell, The Paper Seahorse) Make a beautiful handmade love note for Valentine’s or anytime. You will learn to make your own origami heart card and envelope. Then you will learn how to hand letter the greeting. Make with your hands and give from your heart.

Sunday February 5th – Intro to Modern Calligraphy (Singling Lee, CalligraLee) Learn the basics of pointed pen calligraphy and work on a special project in class together. We will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill!

Friday February 10th – Handwritten Typography (Simone Miranda, Creative Services Manager, Walt Disney World) Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand. It conveys time and thought lovingly invested into the art form of a word. Learn how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Monday February 13th – Crystal Light Cuff Bracelet (Lymarie Suarez-Rivera, Arie Jewelry, Artegon Marketplace) Discover the craft of jewelry making and create your own beaded cuff bracelet using wire and crystal beads. Leave the workshop with your unique piece of jewelry and a new talent!

Friday February 17th – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!

Saturday February 18th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) During this session, the Disney Floral Designers will show you how to create a Valentine inspired arrangement. We will teach you basic floral design principles, tips and techniques so you can recreate the magic at home at any time of the year. Share the love with someone special or keep this one for yourself!

Sunday February 19th – Abstract Painting (Crystal Dombrowsky) Enjoy a fun creative journey through self-expression to reveal your unique Artistic voice. Bring your abstract art to life as you paint a one of a kind Masterpiece!

Monday February 20th – Animation 101 (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) Create your own animated Flip Book while learning the fundamental Principles of Animation with a Disney animator. Watch your drawings come to life!

Each of these workshops takes place at 11am. You can book now by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive 15% off.

In addition to all of the fantastic offerings listed above, guests may also want to include one these magical activities:

Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt – Can you find Figment? Slip into sleuth mode while searching for clues that lead to the illusive little dragon – leave no painting in the World Showcase unturned!

Kidcot Fun Stops – Kid of all ages can get crafty by visiting various pavilions to collect global stamps and decorate their very own souvenir Duffy (AKA Mickey’s Favorite Teddy Bear)

World Showcase: Destinations Discovered Tour- Walk around the world – in only 5 hours. Guests can immerse themselves in the architecture, culture, food and history of the 11 countries that make up the world showcase.

With the dynamic range of activities happening at the first Epcot International Festival of the Arts, it will definitely be a January and February to remember. We’ve merely given you a taste of the highlights on offer at this year’s festival. For a complete guide to what’s happening during your visit, guests are strongly encouraged to pick up a Times Guide upon arrival.

Readers heading to the Festival of the Arts should watch this space for details about the latest Festival news, updates and events.

Thinking about a trip to Disney in 2017? Fill out our form to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect package to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Disney Cancels Half Marathon and Kid Races for tomorrow due to weather

By

Chip

-

January 6, 2017

Due to the weather Disney has just cancelled the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Disney Kid Races for tomorrow.

These signs are being posted at the Disney World Resorts right now.

Here is the official word from Run Disney / Marathon Facebook Page

New Animal Experiences Being Tested at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 6, 2017

It appears that Disney’s Animal Kingdom, along with Natural Encounters, Inc. are in some sort of testing phase with new animal experiences at the park.

The testing is mostly happening before the park opens in DinoLand, Africa and Discovery Island, but guests are also being informed that they may see reptiles, small mammals, or birds flying freely outside their normal locations. Not to worry though, as NEI and the Disney Animals, Science & Environment Tea will be close by monitoring the animals and the situation very closely.

Let us know if you happen to catch any of these new open experiences while you’re visiting!

If you would like to go to Disneyland, or maybe to Walt Disney World to celebrate it’s 45th Anniversary, but are unsure of where to begin planning your Disney vacation, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Tables in Wonderland Flower & Garden Preview Event

By

Chip

-

January 6, 2017

Counting down the days to the Festival? Looking forward to international marketplaces featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages?

See what’s budding at the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival right around the corner, Disney would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival offerings! Join other Tables in Wonderland members for lunch to sample food and hear speakers talk about the new and exciting things they have in store for you!

Be one of the first to ring in spring!

Register today.

Where: Epcot, World ShowPlace Pavilion

When: Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 12:00pm-2:30pm

Price: $145 per person

Registration Information

Registration will open at 10:00a.m. EST on Monday, January 9, 2017.

There is limited availability for this exclusive event, so registration will be on a first-come, first served basis.

Registration link: www.disneyurl.com/TablesInWonderlandFGpreview