Chef José Andrés and chefs from Jaleo at Disney Springs kicked off a new culinary series at Jaleo on June 20 by revealing his famous recipe for paella. The culinary series is part of Disney Springs Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE taking place Jul. 1-Aug. 13 at Walt Disney World. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
(Kent Phillips, Photographer)
New Disney Springs Culinary Series Adds Tasty Twist to Flavors of Florida
Disney Springs Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort this summer with more delectable dishes and a hefty dash of Florida flair including a scrumptious new culinary series featuring renowned chefs known for their gastronomic genius.
This year’s annual Disney Springs Flavors of Florida runs July 1 through August 13, and once again brings to life the tastes, techniques, ingredients and culture of the Sunshine State through deliciously curated menu items at many of the most popular restaurants at Disney Springs.
The newest twist to the popular summer event is a weekly culinary series headlined by internationally recognized chefs such as José Andrés and Art Smith. Each event held at Waterview Park at Disney Springs features a noted chef or prominent restaurant owner who will stage a culinary experience that spotlights some of their most popular dishes and drinks, including many that will be on the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida menu.
Andrés, the culinary innovator who operates over 35 restaurants, including Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs, kicked off the series at Jaleo on June 20 by revealing his famous recipe for paella. The next featured restaurants in the series are Wine Bar George (July 7), The Polite Pig (July 14), Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (July 21), Gideon’s Bakehouse (July 28), and the final event hosted by acclaimed Disney chefs on August 4. All remaining events will take place at Waterview Park.
There is no admission charge to the culinary events (guests just need to register to attend at www.disneysprings.com/culinaryseries). Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the dishes as well as interact with the chefs.
Between the culinary series events, guests can experience menu items with a Florida twist at various Disney Springs establishments starting July 1st. For instance, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will offer Florida shrimp tacos featuring Florida jerk marinated Gulf shrimp, watermelon-avocado pico de gallo, jalapeño, corn tortilla and lime.
The Edison is concocting a cocktail called the Sunny Disposition, which combines Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine with Florida-grown tangelos, strawberries and grapefruit. And at Enzo’s Hideaway, they are whipping up a Creamsicle Coppa, a delicious dessert that pays homage to warm Florida summers with its orange sorbet, vanilla gelato, white chocolate crunchy pearls and whipped cream.
Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort. With beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront views reminiscent of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century, the area features more than 150 shops and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs.
Top 5 Orlando Communities to Live Near Walt Disney World
We’ve all thought, “I wish I could live here” when our trip to Disney World comes to a close.
Living near the enchantment of Disney World is a dream of many Disney Addicts. Being able to visit Disney World on a whim it’s just one of the great things you can do when you live here. But there is also the opportunity to take in a concert at the American Garden Theatre in Epcot, evening strolls through World Showcase, enjoy a meal at one of your favorite Disney resort restaurants, have Disney Springs as your local mall, or simply watch the fireworks from your own home and still being part of the magic.
But when people think about living near Disney, they don’t actually know the communities that surround the most magical place on earth. Most people think of tourist locations when they’re thinking of a community near Disney World which may not be appropriate for relocation and many of the people who live here long-term shy away from Tourist locations. But there are plenty of communities that are residential and still hold some of the magic of Disney World at their doorstep.
While there are a diverse variety of communities that surround Disney World these 5 are my and my Buyers’ favorites Top 5 Orlando Communities to Live Near Walt Disney World!
West of Disney World is the town of Winter Garden. Founded back in 1908, Winter Garden is a mix of the historic and the new. Specifically new in Horizon West which is immediately west of Disney World. The area has been experiencing incredible growth with the development of Hamlin town center for shopping and Flamingo Crossing which are both minutes from Disney World. What I like about Horizon West and Winter Garden is that you’ve got this great mix of historic areas like Plant Street where you can enjoy the Garden Theatre, eclectic shopping, eateries, and farmers market, and then new construction homes where many can see the fireworks of Disney World from their property, yet few Disney fans have ventured out to see the area when visiting.
Windermere
An equally historic area is just north of Disney World, you can actually see Cinderella’s castle from Reams Road in Windermere. Windermere, I feel, is truly a bedroom community with the excitement of Disney World right there for you. Nestled within Windermere is the Butler Chain of Lakes if you’re someone who enjoys boating and fishing while other communities do offer this, Windermere’s opportunities to enjoy life on the water are limitless. More established than other areas, Windermere has a strong sense of community and a close-knit feel. The town hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for residents to connect with their neighbors.
Dr. Phillips
Named for its prior owner, Dr. Phillips is situated in a prime location within the Orlando metropolitan area. It offers easy access to major highways, such as Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike, making it convenient to travel to other parts of the city and beyond. The neighborhood is also close to popular attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Driving to work in Orlando is much easier from this prime location. Boarding some of the best golf courses and communities in Central Florida Dr. Phillips truly has it all with the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club, Orange Tree Golf Club, and Grand Cypress Golf Club just to name a few. Dr. Phillips is also home to the famed restaurant Row we’re each night you can select a different eclectic restaurant to suit your desires. In addition, it has terrific shopping including the only Trader Joe’s for miles and a Whole Foods Market. All this is nestled between Universal Studios and Disney World.
Clermont
Clermont is one of the more affordable communities near Disney World. But it’s swiftly growing and one of the reasons for its growth is the upcoming connection roads that will bring you closer to Disney World in a matter of minutes. Clermont, like Winter Garden, stretches several miles north. While it’s still close to Disney World these new roads will take several minutes off the journey to Disney World. All your favorite shopping destinations can be found on the 27 and 50 which stretch the width and length of Clermont. Some of the greatest features of the other communities are also in Clermont: it’s home to Lake Louisa State Park there are golf communities and one of the things that people don’t realize until they see it in Clermont is the scenic views from the diverse elevations of Clermont. The new roads coming in will add to accessibility to Disney World with opening dates by the end of 2025.
Celebration
Celebration truly is the town created by Disney. All of the experience and talent of the Imagineers were brought together to create a remarkable and walkable community. Center of town which includes some of the finest restaurants including my favorite: The Town Tavern a New England seafood restaurant. The variety of villages surrounding the main village all include an eclectic mix of housing condos that can be around the corner from Estate homes and single-family homes around the corner from townhomes. The desire was to give a sense of Community. With Disney World at the North end of World Drive, Celebration is at the south. Rather than sell off their land to any developer Disney wanted to hand in the closest neighbor’s development at the south end of World Dr. The 5 cornerstones that residents experience are Health, Education, Technology, a Sense of Community, and a Sense of Place. These principles lead and guide the development of Celebration.
Victor put together this amazing video that will help explain the areas as well:
Yes, in addition to these 5 communities, there are several other communities surrounding Disney World that we could look at, but these are the top five that come to mind when anyone asks and of course, there’s always Golden Oak in the center of Disney World but that’s for another article.
So which Top 5 Orlando Communities would you move to Live Near Walt Disney World?
Our good friend Victor Nawrocki shared this very helpful article with us.
Victor is the official Realtor of the Chip and Company Website & Podcast! So if you are thinking about relocating to Florida, reach out to Victor and let him help you! Just fill out the form here and he will be in touch.
Did we mention he is a HUGE Disney Addict as well? He likes to do lives streams from available homes and communities in the Disney World area on his Youtube Channel so check him out!
Chip and Company News Digest: Beautiful Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler, Closer Look at Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Water Testing, New Figment Ear Headband, Marvel’s Nick Fury Makes Avengers Campus Debut and more.
New Disney Ride Share Loop in EPCOT Construction Update New Disney Ride Share Loop in EPCOT Construction Update. One thing fans of Epcot are used to is construction, so seeing more is not a big deal. This one will be helpful to rideshare users once construction is finished this fall. Just in time for the major construction walls to come down and guests to once again enjoy World Celebration.
Beautiful Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler Available Now! Every sip you take with this Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler will be magical! We found this tumbler at The Emporium for $39.99 and to say we are obsessed with it is not enough, this has to be one of the best designs Starbucks and Disney have come up with in the last few years.
EPCOT CommuniCore Hall Construction Update for Late June EPCOT CommuniCore Hall Construction Update for Late June. Fall will mark the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature seasonal gardens and will be home to both Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, where guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals.
Closer Look at Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Water Testing Closer Look at Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Water Testing. Sometimes it is hard to tell when Disney is close to opening a new attraction. Just take Tron Lightcycle Run, we watched them testing the new coaster for months with no word of an opening date. Some people thought it may open months earlier than thought, just because everything appeared done.
Best Spots to Escape the Heat at Disney World The summer weather is here and that means it’s getting hot and humid in Florida! If you’re at Disney World you’ll want to know where to escape the heat. Take a look at the best spots in each park to get away from the hot and humid weather!
Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will make her debut June 26, 2022, at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. She will be featured in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” which winds its way through the park several times each day. This super-sized cavalcade features nearly 30 Disney and Pixar friends, including Miguel from “Coco,” Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Princess Elena, Merida, Moana, The Incredibles and more. The “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” is part of a growing line-up of new and returning magical entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. (David Roark, Photographer)
For a limited time beginning June 21, 2023, guests may encounter Nick Fury at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., where he will recruit guests to practice the art of espionage in an all-new interactive experience. A veteran S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, Nick Fury continues the legacy as one of the greatest super spies in the world in “Secret Invasion,” now streaming on Disney+. (Mike Baker/Disneyland Resort)
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Food Booths Starting to Show Up. Calling all foodies: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE will begin dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort starting July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023.
Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India, and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall.
A month prior to the opening of the Festival and we are already seeing the food booths arrive in the World Showcase.
Stroll across 6 continents—and beyond—as you sample mouthwatering delicacies at EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Discover a cornucopia of cultures, cuisines, and innovative cooking techniques from chefs worldwide.
This food aficionado’s paradise is replete with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE® – Global Marketplaces located in World Showcase at EPCOT. Take a taste tour around the world at appetizing marketplaces featuring authentic global cuisine and beverages—check back for Festival updates!
Pictured above is one of the characters made out of mulch or leaves that the Cast Member in Epcot had just finished. We have spotted a few different characters like this around the World Showcase recently.
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Food Booths Starting to Show Up
Walls Up Around Lululemon Store in Disney Springs – Opening Fall 2023. Lululemon first opened in Disney Springs in the summer of 2020 near the Lime garage entrance, and it is still open, it has not closed yet. The store was so popular that you needed a virtual queue if you wanted a chance to get in and buy yourself some leggings and activewear.
Lululemon is still hugely popular and is moving store locations to the Town Center section, with more space available for a bigger and better store. Lululemon will now take over 2 storefronts, including the old Ugg store.
Founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, lululemon athletica is a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits. Our manifesto is one way we share our culture with the community. It’s an evolving collection of bold thoughts that allow for some real conversations to take place. Get to know our manifesto and learn more about what lights our fire.
Elevate your workout routine with clothing and accessories designed for yoga, running, cycling, and other active pursuits. Lightweight, breathable, and seam-free, browse Lululemon’s stylish must-have hoodies, joggers, leggings, shirts, shorts, tank tops, underwear, and more—all packed with technical extras that help support fitness aficionados in reaching their full potential.
Plus, it’s the perfect one-stop-shop for functional and stylish items like bags, gloves, hats, scarves, water bottles, yoga blocks, mats, and everything needed to move through your day.
Walls Up Around Lululemon Store in Disney Springs – Opening Fall 2023
Bookings For Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort Begin June 26th For Fall Opening
Another important milestone for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, takes place on June 26 as guests can begin making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023.
On June 26th, guests can visit Dollywood.com/HeartSong and search available dates to plan their visit to the Smokies’ newest premium resort.
Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
“The opening of the booking window really starts to make things feel real,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “To know we’re just a few short months away from welcoming our first guests to this magnificent new property is really exciting. Each time I walk through HeartSong Lodge & Resort, it changes and evolves so much; it causes my anticipation of opening day to increase more and more. I believe everyone is going to be in awe as soon as they walk through the front doors. The hardest decision for our guests probably is going to be trying to decide which of our world-class resorts to stay at next!”
With its location in the rolling foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a place where awe and inspiration await guests thanks to thoughtful details that emerge around every turn. From spacious accommodations to well-planned amenities, guests can enjoy a variety of spaces to recharge and relax within the 302-room lodge. Welcoming the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures, Dollywood’s newest resort offers lodging options for multi-generational families and couples. Spacious family suites and bunk rooms feature lovely touches that are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, inviting guests of all ages to gather for meaningful connections.
For one-of-a-kind getaways, the five-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. Many of the rooms include balconies with sweeping views of the vast resort property. This Smoky Mountain lodge features four-story, lantern-inspired windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium, epic indoor and outdoor pools that provide guests a refreshing escape in all seasons, and a picture-perfect outdoor cove with family gathering spaces. With 26,000 ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests. The resort offers numerous options to provide a unique setting for groups, including the two-story HeartSong Event Center, numerous outdoor meeting spaces and an event lawn.
Guests can discover delicious new dining options, created by resort chefs, in the full-service restaurant, lounge, private dining room, and Songbird Market Grab & Go eatery. In addition, Honeysuckle & Pine Storied Goods Mercantile offers unique gifts and treasured keepsakes from this very special place.
All Dollywood resort guests also receive priority access to Dollywood parks, as well as Saturday early park entry for exclusive ride time on one of Dollywood’s world-famous attractions. Additionally, resorts stays include complimentary Dollywood TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation and package delivery for items purchased inside Dollywood theme park. All privileges only are available for guests with valid park admission.
For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit dollywood.com/heartsong.
Chip and Company News Digest: New Piña Colada Slushy at Energy Bytes, Sneak Peek at ‘Rogers: The Musical’ Coming Soon, Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Discounted, New Daisy Ear Headband, and more.
NEW Piña Colada Slushy at Energy Bytes in the Magic Kingdom NEW Piña Colada Slushy at Energy Bytes in the Magic Kingdom. Yesterday we spent the day enjoying Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Making sure, as we always do, to ride Tron Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland. Afterward, we stopped by Energy Bytes Quick Service and noticed a few things. First, they are no longer serving the dumplings, and second, they have a new slushy flavor.
Disney Heavily Discounts ALL Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Disney Heavily Discounts ALL Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise. From the stylish Spirit Jersey to the cute Loungefly backpack, the bright orange shades contrast beautifully with the lush gardens around World Showcase. Add a sparkling headband, a limited-edition Disney Munchling, CORKCICLE tumbler and I’m ready to capture photos for my social feeds!
5 Most Anticipated Disney Movies Of 2024! Get ready for the most anticipated Disney Movies of 2024! Next year we will be getting new and familiar movies in theaters that we can’t wait to check out. There’s a new Pixar movie coming out, as well as, a sequel to a very familiar movie we can’t wait to explore more.
Winnie the Pooh is Now Meeting Guests in EPCOT Winnie the Pooh is Now Meeting Guests in EPCOT. Walt Disney World has made huge steps recently with character meet and greets. Especially in Epcot. With Disney Character-Palooza happening more frequently, rare characters like Pinocchio, Geppetto, and Gideon walk around in Italy pavilion.
Pixar’s Pete Docter Confirms Some of the Returning Characters in TOY STORY 5 In a recent interview with Variety, Pixar Boss Pete Docter talk about the studio’s latest release Elemental. In that interview, Docter focused on Pixar’s future slate of animated projects, specifically the unexpected fifth installment in the Toy Story franchise.
Visit Colombia with National Geographic Expeditions
A new National Geographic Expedition is coming to Colombia! Disney’s new Signature Land trip, Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past, will embark in 2024!
This nine-day, eight-night itinerary is bursting with exciting activities and learning opportunities – perfect for curious explorers. Plus, traveling with a National Geographic Expert will take you deeper into Colombian culture.
Let’s Begin in Bogota
There’s no better place to kick off this itinerary than in the country’s capital: Bogota. This bustling and beautiful hub has so much to offer travelers.
Start your day at Paloquemao Market, one of the largest food markets in Bogota. With a private tour, you’ll navigate the aisles as you sample delicious fresh fruits, and not only admire but also learn about the diversity of the vibrant local flowers that fill the market – all before embarking on a walking tour of the city’s historic plazas and landmarks.
In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Museo del Oro (an amazing collection of pre-Columbian gold relics from indigenous Muisca people), then settle back into the comfort of the hotel for an impactful talk from a National Geographic Expert – the first of three fascinating Expert talks along the way.
Get Caffeinated in the Coffee Region
Have you ever thought about where your morning cup of joe originated from? Now you can experience coffee production first-hand at a fourth-generation, family-owned coffee farm in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an incredible chance to understand the process – from growing beans to roasting – in one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world.
Discover Biodiverse and Beautiful Surroundings
Your expedition will also take you to breathtaking natural areas, such as the Cocora Valley. This lush green valley is home to towering, 125-foot wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world – so this is a nature-lover’s dream.
Then, you’ll explore Tayrona National Park with a naturalist, hearing all about the surrounding environment. Be on the lookout for endemic cotton-top tamarins and more than 280 species of birds! Nearby, you’ll also visit Taironaka Village, where you can see the ruins of a historic indigenous community and meet members of the Kogi community, who are descendants of the Tairona culture.
Channel Your Inner Explorer
Other unique cultural experiences include a visit to the Carnaval Museum in Barranquilla, where travelers will hear about the iconic celebration recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Towards the end of the trip, you’ll take a closer look into important history, famed architecture and local fare while exploring Cartagena.
From a walking tour of the historic Walled City to following the footsteps of the influential Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Márquez, there’s so much to do and see in this area.
On the final full day, you’ll take a short coach ride to nearby San Basilio de Palenque, known for being the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas. Here, you’ll learn about its rich African roots and music, taste regional food and even step into the ring at a local boxing studio.
Are You Ready for the Expedition of a Lifetime?
Contact me to plan your next National Geographic Expedition! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed an extension for a permit related to the Reflections – A Lakeside Lodge. The permit was filed in May 2018 and set to expire in May 2023 but Disney filed an extension.
The original announcement said the nature-inspired Disney Vacation Club resort was to be built on the former site of Disney’s long-closed River Country water park. It was going to have more than 900 hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas.
In early 2019 Disney began demolishing River Country and also released concept art for Reflections. Disney then released more details about the resort at D23 Expo 2019.
Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally scheduled to open in 2022 but that obviously didn’t happen. While it seems like the project is dead, there are permits open into 2024.
What do you think of Disney’s Reflections project?
Ready to plan your next Disney vacation? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
New Disney Ride Share Loop in EPCOT Construction Update. One thing fans of Epcot are used to is construction, so seeing more is not a big deal. This one will be helpful to rideshare users once construction is finished this fall. Just in time for the major construction walls to come down and guests to once again enjoy World Celebration.
The new Rideshare loop for drop off and pick ups is almost finished. It sits across from the Hei-Hei parking lot, and just a bit further to the entrance from the bus loops. Uber and Lyft and guest drops off should all take place in this new loop. No word on if this will be home to the Minnie Van transportation option pick up and drop off.
This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens. This fun, interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Fall will also mark the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature seasonal gardens and will be home to both Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, where guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. Guests can also discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”
Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. With a dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers, and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
New Disney Ride Share Loop in EPCOT Construction Update
EPCOT CommuniCore Hall Construction Update for Late June. Fall will mark the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature seasonal gardens and will be home to both Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, where guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals.
From Disney’s Monorail, you can get great views to check in and see how far along construction is. Since we have all been waiting for this to be finished for years, we are only happy to report that a lot of loose ends are being tied up, in the middle of major projects hitting milestones.
The last major beams have been installed, along with roofing and sides going up on CommuniCore Hall in Epcot. While the Plaza festival stage is being worked on now, and the festival light towers are almost finished being installed. Work is moving fast now and an end is in sight.
We should hear about an opening date sometime in the near future as work has hit a crescendo and it should all be downhill from here. One thing is for sure, we are closer to the World Celebration opening.
At night, the gardens will take on a whole new life, as you can see here. They’re designed to be enjoyed in the round, where lighting immerses you in the nighttime experience that will evolve through the seasons.
This all surrounds CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, a multi-use facility and outdoor event space, respectively, that bring the park’s international festivals to the center of EPCOT. CommuniCore Plaza will have the flexibility to host intimate musical performances that extend out into the nearby gardens, as you can see in the rendering above, as well as large-scale concerts.
CommuniCore Hall will be a flexible exhibition and gallery space, offering a wide variety of experiences that highlight art, live music, food – complete with a demonstration kitchen – and more. In addition, adjacent to CommuniCore Hall will be a new Mickey & Friends location where you can meet some of your favorite Disney pals.
EPCOT CommuniCore Hall Construction Update for Late June
Closer Look at Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Water Testing. Sometimes it is hard to tell when Disney is close to opening a new attraction. Just take Tron Lightcycle Run, we watched them testing the new coaster for months with no word of an opening date. Some people thought it may open months earlier than thought, just because everything appeared done.
This may be the case with Journey of Water Inspired by Moana. We are watching it daily, seeing most work already being done. Signage has been installed all around Disney’s newest attraction which is expected to open sometime in 2023. The only major piece missing would be the marquee signage.
We did get a chance to watch some of the water testing. What we saw was pretty cool. With water moving around the attraction that is just like the dancing fountains located next to the exit for Journey Into Imagination Pavilion. We also saw some of the fountains working that will sit behind rocks and only be visible to those on the ground when an interactive piece is operated.
Check out some of the images we were able to take while riding the monorail the other day.
Stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality—just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is scheduled to open within World Nature—the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
