Posts Tagged ‘EPCOT’
It’s Festival Time!
Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2011 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from September 30 to November 13, 2011, can now begin planning their culinary adventures!
Some of the changes this year include the addition of booths in the World Showcase that represent the Caribbean and Portugal. A complete listing of the participants and menus, along with a schedule of the popular Eat to the Beat concerts, is included in the Festival Guidemap. Fans of Party for the Senses will be happy to learn that cast members from Cirque du Soleil will once again add their special brand of fun and excitement to this popular event.
Also new for 2011 is the addition of Sweet Seats to the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, The Discovery of Chocolate series, the Cranberry Bog Display, Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV, Mixology Seminars, Scent Demonstrations, Italy Food & Beer Pairings, Italy Dessert & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle Lunch, Mexico Tequila Lunch, The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner, and the Kitchen Memories seminars.
For your convenience, we’ve put together a series of printable guides which highlight the program offerings for this year. Those wishing to attend any of the special events and seminars can begin making reservations on August 16, 2011.
Premium Events and Experiences
Special Festival Seminars and Experiences
You can also get further details about past Festivals by reviewing earlier posts. It’s a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World ~ the weather is beautiful, the Magic Kingdom is festively dressed for Halloween, and there is so much to see and do and taste!
Candlelight Processional 2011
Beginning July 26, 2011, tickets will be available for the 2011 season of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional Dinner package. Performances will begin on November 25th and run through December 30th, with three shows daily at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.
This annual favorite features a beautiful performance of seasonal music by a large chorus comprised of the wonderful Voices of Liberty, a cast member choir, and numerous guest choirs from around the country, accompanied by a full orchestra. The highlight of each show is the reading of the Christmas story by a special celebrity narrator.
Prices are tiered to reflect both the dining venue and choice of lunch or dinner. Guests with either the Magic Your Way Plus Dining or the Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining plans can use two table-service credits. Those on the Premium and Platinum plans can substitute the dinner package for one of their meals.
We’ve provided a downloadable document with complete details including a current list of guest narrators and a pricing chart for the various restaurants participating in this year’s package.
We invite you to review past posts for more information about the Candlelight Processional programs.
Standing Tall
It’s a rite of passage for many smaller Disney guests – discovering that they are finally tall enough for the attraction of their dreams. For every adult who’s terrified of Disney’s mountains, there are three fearless young children begging to be allowed boarding privileges. They’ve stood and watched sadly as older brothers and sisters happily stepped into ride queues while they were left behind; victims of the dreaded “baby swap.” Or worse still, they might be forced to walk off with one parent to do allegedly “fun things” while the others went in a different direction to enjoy all the really cool stuff. Finally, their day has come; they are able to “hit the mark” and board that highly-anticipated ride!
Many of the most exciting rides have specific height requirements. These guidelines help ensure that all passengers are safe; tall enough to be protected by the headrests, belts and other safety features built into the ride vehicles.
Typically, there will be two checkpoints at an attraction and children must not be able to walk under the bar. Although shoes are allowed, this regulation is very strictly enforced and cast members do not make exceptions for “almost.”
We’ve included a link to Walt Disney World’s most recent official listing of height requirements for specific attractions:
Joining the ranks of the Big Kids – one of the many reasons families return to Disney Destinations year after year!
“He follows his dream, with mind and heart”
Classic \ˈkla-sik\ serving as a standard of excellence; of recognized value; traditional, enduring
There are the thrill rides. There are attractions that showcase the latest and greatest technologies. There are those that exploit modern themes and the newest stories and characters.
And then, there are the classics. They may not utilize the most up-to-date equipment, advanced programming, or state-of-the-art special effects. It doesn’t matter. They are the classics; the quintessence of the Disney experience. Using old-time tricks and familiar illusions, the Haunted Mansion continues to amaze and delight us. It’s a Small World still compels us to board little boats and float past hundreds of dolls while listening to a repetitive tune. Children will always clamor for Dumbo the Flying Elephant, adults will forever get teary in the Hall of Presidents, and they all line up to sit in twirling teacups and laugh together.
Yet none is more clearly touched by Walt’s hand than the Carousel of Progress. It’s a simple concept – guests are seated in a theater that revolves around a central stage as they follow nearly 100 years of innovation. Through a series of cozy kitchen scenes and folksy chats, the audience can see the evolution of both technology and, more subtly, American culture, from the late 1900’s until the end of the 20th century.
The clothing changes, as do the “latest” appliances, and even the vocabulary, but the core message remains the same: mankind’s infinite capacity for inventiveness and resourcefulness, and the timeless values of family and country; philosophies that were dear to Walt’s heart. In fact, he was deeply involved in the project right from the start when it was developed for the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965. Progressland’s Carousel Theater, sponsored by General Electric, was actually an offshoot of a concept known as Edison Square, which Walt had conceived, but never built, for Disneyland in the 1950’s.
It was a huge hit at the Fair, and although the original structure was demolished, the audioanimatronic figures and the systems were packed up and moved to Disneyland when the Fair closed. While Walt did not live long enough to see it open, it ran for six years at its new home in Tomorrowland. On the upper level of the theater, guests could view a beautifully-detailed model of Progress City, a preview of the real city he had planned to build in Florida – EPCOT. Today, visitors can see a section of that model displayed along the route of the TTA PeopleMover in Walt Disney World.
After its Disneyland closure in 1973, once again, the theater was left behind, although this time repurposed for America Sings and later, Innoventions, and the figures and systems made the trek to their new home in the Magic Kingdom. Renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in 1994, the attraction underwent renovations which included an updated final scene.
Still featuring the original control systems and audioanimatronic figures, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a somewhat fragile treasure, and only open seasonally during busier periods. Nonetheless, it holds the record for the most performances of any show in the history of American theater.
Although the fourth, “modern day” scene is sorely in need of some serious reimagining, the attraction remains a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Indeed, sitting in that theater, it’s easy to imagine that a great, big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Magic Kingdom
21 minutes
Open seasonally
Wheelchair and ECV accessible
Park admission required
Out of the Blue
It’s difficult to decide if the most amazing “Reflections of China” are found in the movie of that name shown inside this pavilion, or are best seen in the glowing colors of nature and the exuberant exteriors of the buildings.
Face the Fun
Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature. Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.
One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.
Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background. Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts. Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .
Magic by the Month – December
It is a month of contrasts. The beginning of December is a favorite of Disney veterans who take advantage of the great weather and lower crowds during the first couple of weeks. The week between Christmas and New Year is the single busiest one of the year. During this holiday period, it’s not unusual for the Magic Kingdom to reach full capacity and close the gates to new arrivals as early as 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
It is festive and beautiful – perhaps the single most beautiful time of year to visit Walt Disney World – with parks and resorts dressed to impress and the daily schedules a whirlwind of special events, activities, and holiday performances. There are so many different things going on it’s impossible to list them all! As the calendar counts off the days until Christmas, each resort begins to add its own roster of special holiday happenings.
Fast Facts
Special Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues, typically until about December 19th, at which time the Christmas Parade replaces the daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom for the remainder of the season. The Castle Dream Lights sparkle and Wishes becomes Holiday Wishes for a few special days. There are regular performances of the Candlelight Processional and the storytelling of Holidays Around the World in EPCOT. Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights draws the crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Festival of Seasons offers seasonal entertainment and Santa meet-and-greets. In fact, Santa really gets around the Walt Disney World Resort!
The Voices of Liberty don their holiday finery for concerts of seasonal music at the American Adventure and many of the resort lobbies ring with good cheer as various choruses, choirs, bell ringers, soloists, and musical groups serenade guests.
Attendance levels: From the sublime to the ridiculous – expect lower attendance for the first couple of weeks escalating to the highest numbers of the year during Christmas week. Guests visiting for the first time after the middle of the month should understand that crowds will be fierce. The parks are crowded, the parking lots are jammed, the roadways are busy, the buses and monorails are full; it’s difficult to overstate just how massive the crowds are. Expect long waits for attractions and transportation; be prepared to wait at every turn. Be certain to make dining reservations well in advance and plan to visit with a relaxed attitude, knowing that this will be a time to slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes.
Weather: It can be breezy and balmy or crisp and cold. In the past few years, the temperatures have climbed well up into the 80’s and crashed into the 20’s. December of 2010 was the coldest ever recorded for this area.
Packing: If there was ever a time to pack for all possibilities, this is it. As the departure dates nears, we suggest checking the ten-day forecast at weather.com!
Luxury Disney – Into the Garden
While the majority of the more than 25,000 Walt Disney World hotel rooms feature the standard floor plan, there remains an astonishing variety of unique accommodations. Guests can enjoy their own little cabin in the woods; sleep in a tree house, or a turret. There are extravagant multi-room suites and villas with kitchens. Some rooms boast large covered porches, generous seating areas, or quirky and interesting floor plans. There are double beds, queen beds, king beds, Murphy beds, Sico beds, trundle beds, day beds, sofa beds, and even sleeper chairs. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, alone, has more than twenty different room categories!
But perhaps none is more intriguing that the lovely Cottage Suites at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. The vast majority of visitors never venture down the stairs to the secluded and peaceful courtyard which features flowers and fountains and the pleasant quiet pool. White picket fences line a dappled walkway and gates invite guests into small, charming gardens that grace the entrances to most of the individual suites.
Although several of the units don’t include a private garden, these actually have a superior floor plan with a broad balcony rather than the small seating area outside the front doors of the “garden” accommodations.
Guests who stay during the more temperate months will enjoy sitting outside surveying their own private little world. Otherwise, as cute as the gardens are, we recommend requesting one of the balcony units. These have a downstairs living area which is really a room; spacious and inviting. While not closed off with a door, the bedroom upstairs is quite private and leads out through French doors to a very large balcony.
The lower floor of the units with private gardens is much more shallow and feels like an entrance area tucked under the open loft bedroom above, rather than the living room it is meant to be. All living areas includes a sofa bed, desk and chair, tables, and armoire with flat-screen television.
It’s important to note that the Cottage Suites may not be fully family-friendly. There is a half-bath downstairs as well as a kitchenette that includes a small sink, refrigerator, and microwave. While the toilet and shower room in the master bath upstairs is enclosed, the vanity and whirlpool bath are open, making these suites more of an adult retreat for anyone planning to use the tub! Some of the rooms have a small interior window over the whirlpool tub; others feature tall shutters that open into the bedroom area. Also, children will be sleeping on a sofa bed rather than a standard bed. Maximum occupancy is four guests.
The master bedroom has a king bed with flat-screen television in an armoire. Again, for those who enjoy watching tv, the balcony rooms have beds which face the screen; the armoires in the garden units are off to the side.
Cottage Suites are Concierge-level accommodations with access to the Innkeeper’s Club located on the 4th floor of the resort. Although not as convenient to the lounge as some of the other Concierge rooms, their peaceful location is part of the appeal. A walkway leads directly to the elevators for those not wishing to take the stairs. All the suites are just steps from the quiet pool, one of the nicest at any Walt Disney World resort. Because the courtyard is only accessible from the interior of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and has no “through” traffic, it remains a hidden gem!
Read more about the Cottage Suites at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn or get the details of our exclusive package, Honeymoon Dreams!
Magic by the Month – November
November is a month of transformation as the World dons its gay apparel for the holiday season. Guests can revisit a park or resort hotel to find it completely changed from the day before. Working through the nights, cast members perform magic as they bring Christmas to life throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Although this wonderful photo was taken onboard the Disney Magic, we think it is a beautiful illustration of the holiday mix found at all Disney Destinations during this special time of the year.
The thermometer is something of a quick-change artist, as well, marking cool morning temperatures that can turn into sunny, warm afternoons in the blink of an eye.
As the entire resort gears up for Christmas, Thanksgiving is celebrated with traditional meals, and appropriately-costumed characters. Before the month is over, the festive decorations are in place, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties have begun, the Osborne Lights are dancing, and EPCOT is celebrating Holidays Around the World.
Fast Facts
Special Events: Enjoy the last two weeks of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival; the start of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays Around the World at EPCOT, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
Attendance levels: November offers a wide range of attendance from some of the lowest annual numbers during the week after Thanksgiving to the heavy crowds of Thanksgiving Day and weekend. Once EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival winds down, the days leading up to Thanksgiving are among the most pleasant of the year.
Weather: Typically a glorious month with temperatures ranging from the high 50’s to the high 70’s and little rainfall.
Packing: For months other than May through September when it is reliably hot, visitors should always pack for the possibilities and November is no exception. It is definitely a time to think “layers.”
