Chefs Whip Up Goodies from South Korea, Belgium, and More for Food & Wine Festival

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September 29, 2010

Like a fine wine that improves with age, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival celebrates 15 years Oct. 1-Nov. 14 with an unrivaled global tasting experience.

Where on the planet can foodies sample the cuisine, culture and entertainment of more than two dozen countries during a 1.3-mile stroll around a picturesque 40-acre lagoon? Only at Walt Disney World Resort, where more than 25 international marketplaces around the World Showcase promenade at Epcot invite guests to taste tapas-sized portions and sip wines, beers and spirits from six continents.

This year, Disney and celebrity chefs are teaming with winemakers and brew masters from around the world to commemorate 15 years of Delicious Discoveries. During the six-week festival, guests will discover:

Three new tasting marketplaces – Belgium, South Korea and Singapore – plus new menu offerings at popular returning marketplaces including Argentina, Chile, Poland, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Australia, U.S.A., Spain and others.
Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Warren Brown, Cat Cora, Todd English, Gale Gand, Robert Irvine, Art Smith, Andrew Zimmern and more.
A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.
Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.
Two Epcot restaurants grand opening just in time for the festival: Via Napoli authentic pizzeria at the Italy pavilion and La Hacienda de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion.

New Sips, Fresh Bites

Whether sampling steamed mussels with roasted garlic cream at the new Belgium marketplace or sipping the trendiest wines from South Africa and Chile, festival guests can make a day of grazing their way around the World Showcase promenade. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-to-$8 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each marketplace. To make grazing simpler and more fun, guests can purchase a festival-themed mini-Disney Gift Card that can be loaded and reloaded at several park locations. The card comes attached to a band that can be worn conveniently on the wrist and used for purchases at park marketplaces, restaurants and shops.
Live regional entertainment includes music, acrobatics and improv performances along the promenade. Evening Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre feature acts from many musical genres. Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are: Sugar Ray, Air Supply, Howard Jones, 38 Special, Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp,) Hanson and Rick Springfield. Kicking off the festival Oct. 1-3 is fan-favorite Taylor Dayne, and wrapping the event Nov. 12-14 is crowd-pleaser Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Each fall, the festival attracts a diverse audience of more than 1 million guests ranging from wine connoisseurs and epicures to novices wishing to boost their culinary IQs. Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
Festival highlights include:

The Festival Welcome Center, with a Wine Bar, Authentic Taste Seminars, Authors Without Borders weekend conversations and more.
More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and guest chefs from across the country conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs on tap include Debbie Gold, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Robin Miller, Jamie Deen and many other culinary stars.
New events that include 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and a festival preview night, First Bites Opening Reception, on Sept. 30.
Popular returning events that include Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, Epcot Wine Schools, Mexico Tequila Tastings and Food and Wine Pairings.
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event with tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers, and live entertainment presented by Cirque du Soleil.

Festival guests can enjoy fresh Epcot experiences including the latest Future World high-tech fun at Innoventions and the celebrated return of “Captain EO,” the classic musical 3-D production starring Michael Jackson in a rare big-screen performance. They also can go “under the sea” at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, “up in the air” at Soarin’ in The Land pavilion or “out of this world” at Mission: SPACE. In World Showcase, new and updated restaurants welcome guests at the Italy, Japan, Mexico and China pavilions.

Included with Epcot Admission

Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

A Disney FastPass Rundown

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2010

Veteran Walt Disney World visitors know what a FASTPASS is and use it to their advantage. It is the saving grace for our trips especially during peak seasons or busier times of year. I am all about being prepared for a trip to Disney World and am still amazed at the number of new visitors that have no clue what a Fastpass is or that it’s free of charge. So here is my rundown on the fastpass!

This fastpass was one we got on our last trip to Disney World. In order you can see from the top down:

The attraction and FASTPASS right underneath.
The first time is the opening of your window to return to the attraction.
The bottom time is the end of the window (more on that below).
The next area explains that you can get a fastpass for another attraction after this time.
The very bottom shows the time at which you received your fastpass.

A few important tips for the new users of fastpass. The most important thing to know is that your fastpass doesn’t automatically expire after the window of time on the pass. My experience and that of many others has been you can use your fastpass later but they won’t let you into the line one minute before the start of your return window. So if you show up with the above fastpass at 10:24 you will be waiting for 10:25 before they let you in line. I have collected fastpasses in the morning and used them in the evening on the same day with no issue. All fastpass expires the end of the day of issue.

The neat thing about fastpass is although you feel like you are going to the front of the line what’s actually happening is your fastpass is saving your spot in line so that you can tour the parks or eat lunch and then come back and get into your spot in line. There is no cost for fastpass and any guest weather staying on property or not can utilize this system. Not every attraction offers fastpass and you can find out which do by checking your park map.

Sometimes you might receive a ‘Surprise Fastpass’. There is no rhyme or reason to when you’ll get one or from what attraction. You’ll notice that all the information on this type of fastpass is the same as a regular fastpass. We got this suprise fastpass while getting our Peter Pan’s Flight fastpasses. I have never had to use or even thought of using a fastpass for Mickey’s PhilharMagic even during Thanksgiving. The suprise passes seem to more often than not point guests to other attractions in the same area that aren’t as popular. This kind of gets it on your radar by spitting out the extra pass. These suprise fastpasses do not count against you getting another fastpass they are just an extra and you can choose to use them or not.

You may even get a pass for a ride like Carousel of Progress in Tommorowland that doesn’t even have a fastpass system and is always a walk on. This is again showcasing under utilized attractions.

Spreading pixiedust at the parks is something I try and do each trip. One of my favorite ways to do it is giving fastpasses to others when we know we aren’t going to use ours. I have received some funny looks and a lot of smiles. Our last trip we gave 4 passes to some teenagers for Expedition Everest. Sometimes I’ve had to explain they can use them until the end of the day even if the end return time has come and gone. If you use the fastpass system to your advantage you will never have to wait in massive lines again and be able to tour and enjoy your park days more!

Angela is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Pixie Vacations
Contact: [email protected] or 865-247-5462
Follow: Facebook “Angela’s Pixie Vacations”

Disney and Alfred Angelo To Debut Their First Disney Princess-Inspired Bridal Gown Collection

By

Chip

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September 29, 2010

Dreams do come true, especially for women who grew up dreaming of a fairy tale wedding modeled after their favorite Disney Princess character. Alfred Angelo and Disney will debut their first collection of bridal gowns, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, at the National Bridal Market in Chicago on October 2, 2010.

Marking their first collaboration, the bridal gown collection is inspired by the essence, style and personality of seven iconic Disney Princess characters: Ariel, Aurora/Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White and Tiana.

The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo collection will be available in sizes 0 to 30W, at all Alfred Angelo Signature stores and select Alfred Angelo wholesale Partner Bridal Boutiques in 2011. All gowns will be priced $599 to $1,199.All gowns will be priced $599 to $1,199. Sneak peek footage of the gowns can be seen in this new behind the scenes YouTube video.

“This collaboration is a wonderful testament of two long-standing, established and respected industry leaders…the magic and storytelling heritage of Disney and the internationally renowned bridal fashion of Alfred Angelo,” says Michele Piccione, co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Alfred Angelo. “For 75 years, our product has been known for great style, quality and affordability. We are excited to use our expertise to fulfill the dreams of brides everywhere who long to feel like a Disney Princess.”

“Every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day, and through this collaboration with bridal fashion experts Alfred Angelo, we can now extend the reach of the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings brand and make beautiful Disney Princess-inspired gowns accessible to all brides at a broad retail distribution and affordable prices,” says Pam Lifford, executive vice president, global fashion and home, Disney Consumer Products.

Acclaimed Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel designed the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo gowns. Michael has a keen eye for trends and the ability to translate that vision into beautiful gowns. As a result, Michael sought to capture every girl’s fantasy of feeling like a princess on her wedding day, while being inspired by the magic and identity of each Disney Princess. With each gown, brides can showcase their personal style. The collection includes classic, grand ball gowns in layers of tulle and sparkle net, updated fit and flare styles to highlight curves and movement, and pleated and wrapped bodices to flatter the bride’s figure.

The treasures of the sea inspired Ariel’s gown. The mermaid silhouette features re-embroidered lace, pearl beading, and sequin sparkles.
Aurora/Sleeping Beauty’s gown is romantic with a dreamy, willowy skirt for this slumbering princess.
Belle’s wedding dress, with a draped waistline is inspired by the iconic ballroom dance scene from the film and focuses on making a grand entrance.
Cinderella’s gown radiates with sparkle as its inspiration is the fairy tale’s enchanted glass slipper.
Jasmine’s wedding dress conveys freedom and individuality and as a result her shimmering soft satin gown is exotic with a bejeweled neckline and low cut back.
Snow White’s dress is inspired by nature, beauty and grace like the Disney Princess character herself.
The regal, one-shoulder taffeta gown for our newest princess, Tiana, reflects her independent spirit with an asymmetric bodice and ruched skirt.

Walt Disney Family Museum’s 1st Anniversary Contest Video!

By

Chip

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September 29, 2010

Walt Disney said it best: “I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment.” And while it’s true that Walt was pushing the envelope long before YouTube, we think it’s a good way to launch our FIRST ANNIVERSARY VIDEO CONTEST! So pick up your cameras and get the creative juices flowing because it’s time for YOU to explore and experiment!

The instructional video below will fill you in on the details, but here’s the bottom line: Create a promotional video for The Walt Disney Family Museum for your chance to win one of THREE awesome prizes–including a personalized video-editing class in our Digital Media Studio, a personal tour (for four) of the Museum, autographed copies of our book, and so much more! The contest starts today, September 27, and will run for 6 weeks through November 15!

For more info and complete details, visit here.

Disney Cruise Line Group Special For Disney Fans

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 29, 2010

Disney Cruise Line Group Special For Disney Fans

We are putting together some Disney Group Cruises for our Disney Fans. By booking these as a group we can offer you some extras that you would not normally get by booking a single cabin. The best part is the on board ship credit that you will get to spend on the ship. It’s free money, so take a special excursion, get a massage, or have drinks on us.

Our first Disney Group Cruise is set for Feb. 2011. It is a 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Magic.

Disney Cruise Line Special

Sail on the Disney Magic – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Book By October 31, 2010 and Get up to a $250 On-Board Ship Credit.

Get a Quote

Sail Date: February. 19 -26, 2011

Sample Stateroom Rates:

Category: 10C – Deluxe Inside Stateroom (These are Total Prices and not the prices per person.)
2 People $2,425.00
3 People $3,478.00
4 People $4,530.00

Category: 9C – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
2 People $2,745.00
3 People $3,888.00
4 People $5,030.00

Category: 5C – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
2 People $4,085.00
3 People $5,288.00
4 People $6,490.00

Category: 4 B – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
2 People $5,425.00
3 People $6,628.00
4 People $7,830.00
5 People $9,033.00

For a free no-obligation quote please contact Pixie Vacations for this Disney Fan Group Cruise Special.

Get a Quote

Call Pixie Vacations Today to hold a cabin. These are group rates and the rates will go up as it gets closer to the cruise sail date. If you think you might be interested you can hold a cabin at the group rate today while you take a few days to decide.

Phone Pixie Vacations for all the details at: 678-815-1584

Marvel Super Heroes Unite at AllPosters.com

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

AllPosters.com, a division of Art.com Inc., the world’s leading online specialty provider of wall art, today unveiled a new gallery of high quality wall art featuring iconic characters and images from leading comic book publishing company Marvel Publishing, Inc., many of which have never before been available to consumers in this artistic format.

This introduction coincides with a recent national survey that illustrates the nostalgic, enduring nature of the Marvel Comics brand. Of the hundreds of adults surveyed:

66 percent of people surveyed read Marvel Comics as a child
The ability to fly was selected as the most coveted superpower
X-Men was selected as the top comic book of all time
If they could choose to be any Super Hero, 46 percent would be Spider-Man, 25 percent would be Iron Man and 10 percent would be Captain America
99 percent of respondents recognized a photo of Spider-Man versus only 63 percent who recognized a photo of Vice President Joe Biden and 51 percent who recognized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

These survey results point to the broad appeal of Marvel Comics, as does the new wall art collection on AllPosters.com. The collection offers fans more than 200 of these vintage images, available in different wall art formats including museum-quality giclee prints, master prints with glossy heavy card stock paper, wall murals and canvas. Prints can be customized further by adding a hand-made frame. Characters featured include X-Men, Spider-Man, Silver Surfer, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Luke Cage and Mighty Thor.

“With over 850,000 images, AllPosters.com offers one of the world’s largest assortments of quality wall art and we’re pleased to introduce these iconic Marvel Comics images to comics fans of all ages,” said Andrew Wait, chief marketing officer of Art.com Inc. “Our new Marvel Collection brings these Super Heroes to life, allowing them to make that leap from the comic book to any wall, be it in the bedroom, living room, family room, den, office or any other place of honor in your home. Aside from the stunning imagery, what makes this collection particularly unique is the ability to personalize each piece of artwork by choosing from a wide range of formats and custom framing options.”

The Marvel Collection at AllPosters.com currently consists of two galleries, Marvel Vintage Covers and Spider-Man, with additional galleries for Marvel Heroes and Marvel Extreme to launch later this year:

Marvel Vintage Covers: Illustrates iconic comics throughout Marvel’s history in a series of vintage comic covers and select comic pages, dating as far back as the 1940s
Spider-Man: Highlights one of the most revered characters in comic book history through an extensive collection of Spider-Man images
Marvel Heroes: Unites Marvel’s most famous figures in unique prints that pair multiple heroes such as Wolverine, Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Hulk
Marvel Extreme: Presents adult comic fans a unique collection of artist renderings of Marvel Super Heroes

“We’re pleased to partner with AllPosters.com to offer this amazing collection of wall art to both Marvel fans and art lovers alike, helping expand the consumer experience with Marvel brands through new mediums and new formats,” said Paul Gitter, president of consumer products for North America, Marvel Entertainment. “We know that AllPosters.com will honor the artistic integrity of these high-quality Marvel Comics images to offer the best possible product in the marketplace.”

“We’ve all had heroes growing up and this exceptional collection allows us to relive some of those happy memories and introduce that tradition to the next generation,” continues Wait. “This collection is all about ‘fun,’ and whether you’re 7 or 70, parent or kid, comics collector or enthusiast, or just young-at-heart, there’s no better place to indulge your passion for Marvel imagery and wall art than AllPosters.com.”

AllPosters.com’s Marvel Comics collection includes an assortment of products ranging from wall posters, retailing for as little as $14.99, to higher-end specialty wall art, such as stretched canvas and oversized wall murals, up to $279.99. The new line is now available for purchase online at www.AllPosters.com/Marvel-Collection.

Disney Online Debuts Second Season of Jim Henson’s Possibility Shop

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

Disney Online, part of the Disney Interactive Media Group, today debuts a second season of “The Possibility Shop” (www.Family.com/PossibilityShop), an original web series produced by The Jim Henson Company. The site, which can be accessed through Disney Family.com, will be updated every two to three weeks with content designed to inspire the imagination of the entire family through creative projects, activities and games. The Clorox Company returns as the exclusive sponsor for all 20 webisodes in season two of “The Possibility Shop.”

Building on the success of its first season, season two of “The Possibility Shop” features creator and host Courtney Watkins engaging directly with moms as they discover their own “how to, can do” attitude on projects that will surprise, intrigue and delight their families and themselves. The second season will run through August 2011 with webisodes focusing on finding whimsy in the every day, as well as fun, out-of-the-box ideas for celebrating holidays, the change of seasons, and more. New to season two, each webisode will also feature one of Courtney Watkins’ ‘Bright Ideas,’ a quick and easy family activity related to that webisode’s content that will also feature products from The Clorox Company.

“We are excited to debut a second season of ‘The Possibility Shop’ with the goal of reaching and engaging an even broader audience of moms, building on the success of the first season,” said Emily Smith, vice president, Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “Moms specifically, will benefit from the useful and creative advice the show offers for finding fun in their everyday lives.”

“We’re known for fostering imagination at The Jim Henson Company and Courtney Watkins’ irreverence, whimsy and ability to inspire creativity make her a perfect partner in bringing ‘The Possibility Shop’ to DisneyFamily.com,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, the licensor for all merchandising and licensing for the property.

“Whether it’s designing and building a haunted house, offering instructions for a make-your-own board game, jump starting a conversation or finding ways to carry the spirit of the holidays throughout the entire year, season two of ‘The Possibility Shop’ is going to energize parents and kids alike to pursue the infinite possibilities for every day creative adventures,” stated Courtney Watkins.

Season two kicks off with Courtney stepping outside the shop and into the real world as she visits a real family experiencing a creative conundrum. Courtney assists the family with fantastic ideas on how to refuel the imagination and spark creative adventures. Future episodes from both inside The Possibility Shop and out in the world will highlight creative ideas for themes and holidays such as Halloween, Winter Wonderland, Father’s Day and Summer Fun!

Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel in Disney’s Tangled

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

Here is a newly released first image of Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy) from TANGLED.

TANGLED hits theaters everywhere in Disney Digital 3D™ on November 24, 2010.

Walt Disney Pictures presents “Tangled,” one of the most hilarious, hair-raising tales ever told. When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) hides out in a mysterious tower, he’s taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair.

Flynn’s curious captor, who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

In theaters this holiday season in Disney Digital 3D™, “Tangled” is a story of adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.

Coming November 16th Disney’s A Christmas Carol on Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Package

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale — Disney’s A Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family, starring Jim Carrey. When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas — but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating and touching Disney classic is destined to be part of your holiday tradition, adding sparkle and heart to all your Christmases yet to come.

4-DISC BLU-RAY COMBO PACK
• Mr. Scrooge’s Wild Ride (In 3D)
• Plus All Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features

1-DISC BLU-RAY
• Behind The Carol: The Full Motion Capture Experience
• Digital Advent Calendar
• Plus All DVD Bonus Features

1-DISC DVD
• Capturing A Christmas Carol
• On Set With Sammi
• Deleted Scenes

This title will be released on November 16, 2010.

For more information or to preorder check out Amazon.

Rochester man pleads guilty to sexual assault on Disney cruise ship

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

This article comes to us from Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester NY.

A Rochester man has pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl on a cruise ship.

Lucas G. Wickes, 25, of Rochester has pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl on a cruise ship nearly four years ago.

Wickes pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact on the high seas, a felony, before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The crime carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Wickes admitted engaging in sexual conduct with the girl on Jan. 1, 2007, on board the Disney Cruise Line ship “Disney Wonder” after it left Port Canaveral, Fla. for a cruise in the Caribbean.

A criminal complaint alleged that Wickes encountered the girl as she left a teen club on ship and ordered her to accompany him. The girl, who said she believed he was a security officer, followed him to the rear of the ship, where she was assaulted.

Wickes admitted to federal agents that he had sexual contact with the girl but said it was consensual and said he believed the girl was 17.

Source

Disney and Muslim worker agree on hijab substitute

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

Disney is allowing a Muslim employee at its Orange County park to wear a specially designed headscarf after initially objecting to her religious head covering, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Monday.

Noor Abdallah, 22, was told she couldn’t wear the hijab while working as a vacation planner at a Disneyland Resort Esplanade ticket booth. She declined to take another job away from the public, the council said.

The park worked with Abdallah to design a covering to match her costume and meet her religious needs, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said. She’s been wearing a blue scarf topped with a beret since early this month.

“Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has a long history of accommodating a variety of religious requests from cast members of all faiths — with more than 200 accommodations made over the last three years and this instance was no different,” Brown said in a statement.

Brown said the case is separate from that of another Muslim Disney worker who refused to accept a costume headpiece and filed a federal discrimination complaint.

A Feast of New Tastes for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip

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September 28, 2010

A FEAST OF NEW TASTES Guests at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can taste new foods and sip wines from more than 25 countries and regions around the globe including Mexico, Peru, Turkey, Ireland, Greece, New Zealand and India.

Walt Disney World guests can sip great wines, savor new tastes and enjoy live entertainment all day long as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival celebrates 15 years of Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010.

The six-week outdoor festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park serves up authentic cuisine; wine, beer and spirits; entertainment; and cultural exhibits of more than 25 international regions. Exotic marketplaces from South Korea to Belgium offer exciting taste treats. The festival is the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world, beginning at the Festival Welcome Center in Future World and fanning around the promenade encircling World Showcase Lagoon.

Here are some facts about the 15th annual event:

· More than 300 national and international wines

· 45 fabulous days long

· More than 75 kinds of international foods, each appetizer-sized portion priced $3-$8

· More than 270 chefs including America’s most celebrated culinarians and Walt Disney World chefs

· 405 wine and beer seminars

· More than 1,200 fireworks rockets exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” grand finale to the festival

· 135 Eat to the Beat! concerts performed

· 33,000 bottles of wine and champagne

· 690,000 sumptuous samplings

· 338,000 wine glasses

· 100,000 desserts including freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream (Belgium marketplace), pear streusel pudding cake (Desserts & Champagne marketplace) and chocolate cannoli (Italy marketplace)

· 3,000 gallons of soup, including best-selling cheddar cheese soup (Canada marketplace), chicken soup with rice (Puerto Rico marketplace) and bison chili with wild mushrooms (United States marketplace)