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The Magic Continues for DVC Members in 2017 with these special events!

Disney celebrated their silver anniversary in 2016 with many unforgettable experiences—and they’re committed to making even more magic for you in 2017 and beyond. This year, the excitement grows with Membership Magic Ever After as they continue to offer many of the things you loved—as well as some new enhancements.

Some of the events are sold out now so you might want to hurry to book yours.

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Moonlight Magic at Magic Kingdom Park – Sold Out

Disney Vacation Club is throwing exciting after-hours celebrations at Magic Kingdom park in early 2017! These parties are complimentary for Disney Vacation Club Members and their special guests.

All event dates are sold out.

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Moonlight Magic at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Get ready to rock with a park-wide nighttime beach party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park! This complimentary event is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests.

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Moonlight Magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Take a walk on the wild side during an after-hours celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park! These complimentary events are exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests.

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Moonlight Magic at Epcot

Disney Vacation Club is throwing festive after-hours celebrations for Members and special guests! These complimentary events are held select dates in December 2017 at Epcot.

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Moonlight Magic at Disneyland Park

Disney Vacation Club is throwing an exciting after-hours celebration at Disneyland Park in November 2017! This exclusive complimentary event is for Members and special guests.

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2017 Member Cruise – SOLD OUT

On August 26, 2017, experience the very first Member Cruise featuring a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, casting off from Port Canaveral, Florida aboard the Disney Fantasy!

Exclusive to Members and their guests, this high seas adventure boasts an array of special, onboard surprises, a diverse lineup of entertainment geared especially for Members and unforgettable visits to Tortola, British Islands, St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Plus, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled stop to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.

JUST FOR MEMBERS

Enjoy a variety of special offerings for Members—from in-park experiences to customizable keepsakes.

Click here to see more.

Schedule of Weekend Events Offered at the 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

The first annual Epcot International Festival of Arts begins this weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. The event will be held Fridays through Mondays from January 13 to February 20, 2017.

Each weekend offers Festival Guests a unique opportunity to walk away with an enhanced skill set or a new understanding of various artistic and culinary techniques. Below is the full schedule of events taking place during week 1 of the Festival of the Arts at Epcot:

Friday, January 13, 2017

  • “Magical” Mixed Media Art
    Rachelle Eason, BoiLedBooks
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Workshop begins at 11:00 AM
    $39 per person plus tax
    Craft a mixed media masterpiece with paper and paint—then we’ll mat it and add some sparkle so it’s ready to display!
  • Ink & Paint
    Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation Ink and Paint Artist
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 1:30 PM
    Learn the history of 2-D cel animation and how cels are meticulously created.
  • From Animated Films to Theme Parks
    Lon Smart, Creative Concept Artist, Disney Entertainment
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 4:30 PM
    Discover how creative concepts translate from film to theme park magic!

Saturday, January 14, 2017

  • Gesture Drawing Class
    Todd Bright, Former Disney Animator
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Workshop begins at 11:00 AM
    $39 per person plus tax
    Tell stories via the art of quick sketching from life!
  • Artisan Spice Blends Seminar & TastingPam Smith & Nicole Ramsland, P.S. Flavor
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 1:30 PM
    Taste your way through vibrant flavors while learning how artisan spices are created, promote health and enhance flavor.
  • Watermelon CarvingGina Carrilho, Chef Assistant, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Catering
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 4:30 PM
    Take away carving tips and tricks for your next party!
  • Origami ClassGarden Deck at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor session starts at 1:30 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach origami and explain Japan’s cultural arts.
  • Anime Drawing ClassGarden Deck at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor session starts at 2:30 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach anime-style drawing and explain Japan’s cultural arts.
  • Kagami BirakiCourtyard at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor sessions start at 4:30 PM and 4:45 PM
    Enjoy Iwaizake (celebratory sake) and learn about “breaking the barrel.”
  • CalligraphyCourtyard at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor sessions start at 4:45 PM and 5:00 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach Japanese calligraphy.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

  • Floral Arranging
    Disney Floral & Gifts Designer
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Workshop begins at 11:00 AM
    $39 per person plus tax
    Design a Tinker Bell-inspired arrangement with a little faith, trust and pixie dust!
  • Photography 101: Magic with Water
    Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 4:30 PM
    Learn about camera settings, lenses and location scouting for the best results when photographing water.
  • Tea Discovery
    Karon Cannon, Tea Craze
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 1:30 PM
    Taste 3 types of tea while learning about its history, health benefits and more!
  • Origami Class
    Garden Deck at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor session starts at 1:30 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach origami and explain Japan’s cultural arts.
  • Anime Drawing Class
    Garden Deck at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor session starts at 2:30 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach anime-style drawing and explain Japan’s cultural arts.
  • Kagami Biraki
    Courtyard at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor sessions start at 4:30 PM and 4:45 PM
    Enjoy Iwaizake (celebratory sake) and learn about “breaking the barrel.”
  • Calligraphy
    Courtyard at the Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
    Outdoor sessions start at 4:45 PM and 5:00 PM
    Disney Cast Members teach Japanese calligraphy.

Monday, January 16, 2017

  • Modern Macramé
    Sara Stoff, Fiber
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Workshop begins at 11:00 AM
    $39 per person plus tax
    Make a modern wall hanging using basic macramé knots.
  • Napkin Folding
    Nicole Sowers, Catering Manager, Disney Event Operations
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 1:30 PM
    Enhance your tablescapes with creative napkin folding!
  • Photography 101: Lighting and Perspective
    Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
    Odyssey Festival Showplace
    Seminar starts at 4:30 PM
    Explore photographic lighting, perspective. previsualization and plussing.

January 13-16 and 20-23

  • Disney on Broadway Concert Series  – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Mary Poppins, Tarzan and The Little Mermaid.

Below is a breakdown of what to expect week by week during the festival. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Click here for a full schedule of each weekend.

Complimentary Seminar Details

  • Odyssey Festival Showplace
  • Fridays through Mondays
  • 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 TO 5:00 PM
  • Limited availability
  • Advance reservations are recommended as this event fills up quickly
  • Epcot admission required, but not included in cost of workshop

Interactive Workshop Details

  • Odyssey Festival Showplace
  • Fridays through Mondays
  • 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM
  • $39 per person plus tax
  • 15% discount per Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member
  • Limited availability
  • Advance reservations are recommended as this event fills up quickly
  • Epcot admission required, but not included in cost of workshop

Premium Workshop Details: Painting with a Disney Artist

  • Odyssey Events Pavilion
  • Friday, January 27 and Friday, February 17
  • 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
  • Check-in 15 minutes prior to event
  • $259 per person plus tax
  • 15% discount per Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member
  • Limited availability
  • Age 12 and up
  • Advance reservations are recommended as this event fills up quickly
  • Epcot admission required, but not included in cost of workshop

Quick Study Session Details

  • Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM and 5:00 PM
  • Epcot admission required

Disney on Broadway Concert Series 

  • America Gardens Theatre, Epcot
  • Fridays through Mondays, January 13 to February 20
  • Showtimes are 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM
  • Epcot admission required
  • Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older
  • Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Call (407) WDW-TOUR to reserve your spot or visit the Odyssey Festival Showplace. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

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! 

Photo Credit: Disney 

 

Carrie Fisher will not be digitally created for upcoming Star Wars Films!

Carrie Fisher

From the Star Wars website:

We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.

Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.

In case you missed it Carrie Fisher passed away a few weeks ago, her work on Episode 8 was complete and there was talk Disney might digitally create her for the remaining films. I am glad that rumor has been put to rest.

R.I.P Carrie. May the force be with you always.

Cabana Rentals at Magic Kingdom to be Discontinued

Magic Kingdom Cabanas

Magic Kingdom Cabanas

The private cabanas at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland will no longer be available to rent after February 17, 2017. They originally appeared near Space Mountain back in November with a steep rental fee of $649 a day on top of regular park admission. They could accommodate up to eight guests.

The price dropped to $500 but it seems even that is too costly for shaded seating with a few small perks. Drinks, snacks, charging stations, lockable storage, sunscreen, insect repellent, Mickey ears and reserved viewing for the parade and fireworks were included in the price.

To be fair, the private cabanas were scheduled to be in a testing phase through mid February. Are you surprised that the small white tents didn’t prove to be as successful as originally hoped?

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

Photo Credit: Disney 

Disney’s “Moana” Comes To Digital HD February 21 And Blu-ray March 7

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Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the adventurous story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring journey to save her people, starring newcomer Auli’i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has impressed both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes and the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office opening weekend. Now, “Moana” sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Feb. 21, and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7.

According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of “Moana” was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. “Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity,” says Clements. Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming. This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers’ imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story. “The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing,” explains Musker. Moana’s quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity – a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders.

Continuing the fun-filled adventure, families can continue their journey filled with hours of extensive and entertaining bonus offerings including: a new, hilarious mini-movie featuring Moana and Maui; an in-depth look at how the people, cultures and heritage of the Pacific Islands shaped the story of “Moana;” revealing Q&A with co-stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, and famed animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker; insider access to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi, the trio behind the film’s moving music; four mini-documentaries highlighting the movie’s groundbreaking effects; deleted scenes; a deleted song; hidden Easter Eggs; music video; “Inner Workings,” the theatrical short film directed by Leo Matsuda that spotlights the internal struggle between a man’s Brain and Heart; and much, much more.

Bonus features include*:

Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital 3D/HD/SD:
Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings” – With introduction by the filmmakers, is the story of the internal struggle between a man’s pragmatic, logical side and his free-spirited, adventurous half. Created by a small team at Walt Disney Animation Studios in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, the short explores the importance of finding balance in daily life.

Maui Mini-Movie: “Gone Fishing” – When Maui decides it’s time to take charge of the ocean and catch his next meal, Moana must show him the error of his ways … with a little help from her friends!

Voice of the Islands – An in-depth look at how Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the filmmakers to create the story of “Moana.”

Things You Didn’t Know About
Meet the stars of “Moana” in this dynamic Q&A featuring Dwayne Johnson, newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, and famed animation directors Ron and John.
Meet the musical team behind “Moana” in this fascinating Q&A featuring Opetaia Foa‘i, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Island Fashion – Find out how costume designer Neysa Bové took on the unique challenge of creating costumes using materials and techniques native to the islands of Oceania.

They Know the Way: Making the Music of “Moana” – Musicians Opetaia Foa‘I, Marc Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda take us on a personal journey through their involvement in the movie and how it changed their lives.

Fishing for Easter Eggs – Dive deep into the ocean and fish for the Easter Eggs hidden by the animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The Elements of … – This series of four mini-docs explores the technical achievements behind some of the ground-breaking effects used in the film.

Mini Maui – Meet “Mini Maui,” Maui’s tattoo sidekick. Animated by legendary hand-drawn animator Eric Goldberg, we explore how the 2D world collides with CG animation to bring the demigod’s tattoos to life.

Water – In the movie, the ocean is a character. This piece explores how the water is given a personality, along with the technical feats of creating a believable ocean landscape farther than the eye can see.

Lava – Te Kā is a creature made of lava, smoke and fire. This piece dives into the challenges of making an animated creature of massive scale brought to fiery life by character, technical and effects animators.

Hair – One of the greatest technical achievements of the film was the animation of the beautiful, curly hair on Moana and Maui. Take a look at the hair-raising detail that goes into animating each strand, adding performance to the movie that has never been seen before.

Deleted Song: “Warrior Face” – With introduction by songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Deleted Scenes – Ron and John introduce the following deleted scenes: Race the Wind/Ties that Bind; Discussing Moana’s Future; Under the Sea; Grandmother’s Warning/Legend of Maui; Education of Moana; Father, Daughter, Boat; and Canoe Race.

Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” – Performed by Alessia Cara.

“How Far I’ll Go Around the World” – Multi-language reel of the song “How Far I’ll Go.”

Audio Commentary – With directors Ron and John.

DVD:
Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings,” Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” and Audio Commentary

The Epcot ‘International Festival of The Arts’ Opens Today

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If you’ll be heading to Epcot this weekend, you’ll be in for a treat as this weekend marks the opening of the very first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a showcase of visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world.

 

Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. The event will feature new art each week, showcasing celebrated work by Disney historical artists like Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. The event will also feature art being created live by artists like Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos.

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Guests can also enjoy the performing arts thanks to Disney Theatrical Productions, which will bring an exciting showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend. Guests can expect to hear some phenomenal Broadway talent live, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, like The Lion King, Newsies, and Aladdin.

New Food Studios will also showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. I mean seriously, those easel pastries!

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There will also be hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, seminars and more. There is no separate ticket needed for admission, but guests must have a valid ticket for entrance into Epcot to enjoy the festival.

Will you be attending the Festival?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, 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.

photos: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Releases ‘Festival of The Arts’ Themed Gift Cards

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Disney has released 2 new themed gift cards for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The Sorcerer Mickey cards are available online at DisneyGiftCard.com and at select locations throughout each respective park. Plus, if you buy these cards in the parks, they have a special sparkle treatment that enhances Sorcerer Mickey’s magic!

If you’ll be attending the International Festival of The Arts, be sure to pick up one of the special-edition wearable Disney Gift Cards (like those offered for the other Epcot festivals), available at the Festival Center (located in the Odyssey Center) and select locations throughout Epcot. You can load your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and use it to experience all the festival has to offer. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that this special-edition Disney Gift Card can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide!

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What do you think of the new designs?

If you would like to visit a Disney destination, but are unsure of where to begin, 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.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Anna Kendrick in Talks To Play Female Santa Claus For Disney Movie

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Anna Kendrick is in negotiations to star in Disney’s “Nicole” a tale of a female Santa Claus. Marc Lawrence is attached to direct, while Suzanne Todd, who worked with the studio on “Alice in Wonderland”, is producing.

Lawrence also wrote the script, whose details are being kept on ice. The twist, however, is that it is a holiday family adventure that centers on the coming of a female Santa.

Disney has done well in the past with tales of old St. Nick, having a hit franchise with the Tim Allen-starring “Santa Clause” trilogy, which launched in 1994.

Lawrence may be best known for writing and directing “Music and Lyrics”, a 2007 romantic comedy that starred Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. His other directing credits include “The Rewrite” and “Did You Hear About the Morgans”, both of which starred Grant as well. Lawrence got his start as a writer-producer on Family Ties.

Todd is currently in production on “Magic Camp”, a family movie for Disney.

Kendrick already appeared in a Disney movie when she starred as Cinderella in the film adaptation of the hit musical Into the Woods. The actress’s musical stylings were most recently heard in the animated feature Trolls, and she is in production on “Pitch Perfect 3”

Sources say “Nicole” is not a musical, but Kendrick may end up indulging her musical side.

Disney to offer high end special food events called Delicious Disney A Chef Series

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An exquisite series of dining events featuring award-wining culinarians from the Walt Disney World Resort. Join us as they present unique and inspired culinary creations coupled with deliciously creative wine pairings.

January 31st at 7:45pm Fireworks Reception – 9pm Dinner
Celebrate the Magic Kingdom’s 45th Anniversary!
Featuring Magic Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Gilbert and Team
Location Cinderella’s Royal Table, Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom
$499 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

February 22nd at 6:30pm Come Explore a Journey around the World of Flavors
Featuring Animal Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Adams and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

April 26th at 6:30pm Enjoy Legendary Culinary Moments from Disney Animation History
Featuring Victoria & Albert’s Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

May 31st at 6:30pm Celebrating the Silly Symphony Flowers and Trees Anniversary
Featuring Park Event’s Culinary Director Chef John Clark and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

June 28th at 6:30pm A Culinary tribute to Ratatouille’s 10th Anniversary
Featuring Citricos’s Chef Dominque Filoni and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

July 19th at 6:30pm Enjoy the exotic and exquisite tastes of a journey Under the Sea
Featuring Flying Fish’s Timothy Majoras and Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

August 16th at 6:30pm A Walk around the World with Disney
Featuring Culinary Director Edwin Wronski and the Flavor Lab Team
Location Markham’s at Golden Oak*
$249 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

September 5th at 8:30pm Enjoy a sampling of the Beast’s favorite French Cuisine
Featuring Flavor Lab’s Chef de Cuisine Roland Muller with Magic Kingdom’s Culinary Director Robert Gilbert
Location Be Our Guest, West Wing, Magic Kingdom
$349 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

December 6th at 6:30pm Farm to Table Dining Experience
Featuring a collaboration of our Disney Chefs
Location The Tree Farm
$199 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

Tickets are available for purchase while supplies last. Tables in Wonderland discounts do not apply.
All reservations may be booked by calling 407.939.5773 daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Talent and content are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Exclusive Gift for Tables in Wonderland members.
*Markham’s at Golden Oak Events are hosted by Chef de Cuisine Phillip Ponticelli

Sneak Peek at the Paddlefish Beverage Menu at Disney Springs

Paddlefish Disney Springs

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While we anxiously await the opening of the seafood-centric Paddlefish at Disney Springs, General Manager Jimmy Kraus gives a little sneak peek at what guests can expect from the beverage menu. The riverboat will include a new third-floor deck for late night drinks that include innovative cocktails, craft beers and both Old and New World wines with live entertainment featured nightly.

What’s distinctive about the beverage program?

“We dug deep to find rare and amazing wines and spirits as well as familiar classics. We chose everything with respect for pairing. Some of our wine varietals may be new to some folks. And on our cocktail list you’ll find concoctions that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney Springs. We hope to appeal to both the newbie and the connoisseur.”

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Tell us more about the special cocktails.

“We’re going for diversity through great ingredients. We’ll have a margarita, but it will have a twist. Our sangria is a “man’s sangria” with bourbon, tempranillo [wine] and a French peach liqueur that takes it over the top.”

Is there a signature cocktail?

“The Lily Spritz, an homage to The Empress Lily, the original restaurant located where Paddlefish will be. It’s a simple cocktail with complexity and balance, made with cava, rosé, fresh strawberry and a splash of seltzer. Our guests at Fulton’s loved the connection that the historic riverboat makes.”

How many wines on the list?

“We’ll feature 175 wines, about 24 by the glass. From a wine-list aspect, we are highlighting small, family-owned estates – I love the stories from these winemakers. We have three certified sommeliers on staff, and are trusting our palates and experience to create a substantial, well-rounded wine program. And we would love the chance to let our guests try something unique.”

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And how about craft beers?

“We’ll have six on draft, and we’re really focusing on local, as our guests are looking for that local experience. But we’ve got a small brewery out of Utah, one from North Carolina … we’re searching for cool beers that enhance our menu – everything from a light beer to a heavy porter.”

What’s your favorite space on the boat?
“We have three lounges: the main bar on the first floor; a small bar on the second floor that seats just seven guests and is more of a “hidden secret,” and the third-floor deck that will be open nightly with live entertainment. It’s my favorite, with a view of both the lake and the springs. We’ll serve small plates and beverages, with laid-back music. There will be a separate beverage menu there – I call this space “vacation in a glass.””

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 could help save you both time and money! 

Credit: Disney Parks Blog 

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with Lunar New Year Merchandise

Lunar New Year Merchandise

If you’ll be adventuring to Disney’s California Adventure Park soon, you’ll be able to celebrate with the biggest Lunar New Year celebration yet! Disney California Adventure park will celebrate the year of the Rooster from Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 5. To commemorate this event, enchanting new Lunar New Year Merchandise will be available.

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You can enjoy beautiful décor, delicious food, fun-filled activities, colorful live performances and more all included in the festivities. Disney Parks Blog gave a first look at some of the lucky new merchandise headed to DCA. The Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, and commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. If you will be visiting during this celebration will find a t-shirt in traditional red, a magnet, and a decorative trinket box. One of my favorite parts of this, is they will also have traditional red envelopes for gift-giving. Each of these Lunar New Year Merchandise items will include a specially designed logo featuring Mickey Mouse, and will only be found at the Disneyland Resort.

On January 26,  a limited edition pin for Lunar New Year will be released. The pin will have an edition size of 3,500, and feature a lucky gold coin that is hinged, so it can open and reveal a rooster. It will be carried in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

Will you be celebrating the Lunar New Year at Disney’s California Adventure this year?

Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Library: A Collection of Literary Quotes and Inspirational Musings

Belle's Library

With the new live action version of Beauty and the Beast dancing into theaters soon, amazing merchandise continues to pop up. As one could only expect, one of those new items is this beautiful book “Belle’s Library: A collection of literary quotes and inspirational musingsBeauty and the Beast: Belle's Library: A Collection of Literary Quotes and Inspirational Musings“.

Disney’s Belle is one of the best fictional bookworms around. But what exactly is on her reading list? In this unique literary journal, enjoy inspiring quotes from some of Belle’s favorite books, as well as her insightful notes and colorful drawings. Belle’s Library: A collection of literary quotes and inspirational musings is a hardcover book features a cover in the color of Belle’s iconic gold dress, and doodles of some of the live action characters in the new movie.

Are you curious to peek at the pages of Belle’s journal?