Posts Tagged ‘World Showcase’
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.
Tangierine Dream
Grab a seat for some of the most interesting quick-service fare to be found in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Offering a more authentic “taste” of the country than many of the other pavilions, Morocco’s Tangierine Café serves up some traditional dishes at reasonable prices.
Couscous, lentil salad, falafel, hummus, and tabouleh are all found on the menu, along with various meats, wraps, and, of course, bahklava.
There is limited seating indoor seating as well as some lovely covered tables outside, where diners can sit and enjoy their shawarma with a side of atmosphere!
From the Rockies to Rock and Roll
One of Walt Disney World’s most exquisite gardens is but a short walk to your right as you enter the World Showcase at EPCOT from Future World. Inspired by the famous Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, the Victoria Gardens at the Canada Pavilion offer a serene and beautiful landscape enhanced by towering rocks, splashing waterfalls, and peaceful ponds.
The gardens are just one of the treasures to be discovered In “Canada” where a rich cultural heritage and the glories of the great outdoors are celebrated.
Home to the CircleVision 360° movie, O Canada, which offers visitors a spectacular look at the diversity of Canadian terrain, wildlife, city and country, peoples and pastimes, it is also the location of one of the most popular restaurants in EPCOT, Le Cellier. Observant guests will discover numerous details that reflect the many faces of our neighbor to the north.
The architecture is decidedly French; the “Hotel du Canada” based upon Ottawa’s turreted Chateau du Laurier.
Massive totem poles and artifacts represent the quiet yet powerful presence of dozens of Native tribes who have lived across the breadth of this country, from the Northwest Territories to Newfoundland.
And of course, the wonderful Off-Kilter reminds us of the deep Scottish roots of the Maritimes.
When you’re ready to shop, Northwest Mercantile really pulls out all the Canadian stops with lots of maple syrup and maple leaves, plaid, hockey, moccasins, and soapstone carvings!
Character Reference – Pluto
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Pluto
AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup
Favorite Sayings: “Bark! Bark!” “Grrrr” “Sniff, sniff, sniff”
Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”
Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time
Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun
Facebook Friends: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
- EPCOT, American Adventure
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
Character Dining
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
- EPCOT, Garden Grill
- Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
- Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
- Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
- Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show
Shows
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub
You’ve Got a Friend
They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors. Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is! Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding. There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.
Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back. While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.
It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas. A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship. Boats travel between these parks, stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.
Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman. His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!
Character Reference – Goofy
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Goofy
AKA: Goofus D. Dawg; Dippy Dawg
Favorite Sayings: “Gawrsh!” “A-hyuck!” “Well, whaddya know …”
Prized Possession: green hat
Qualifications: optimistic, good-natured, kind
Facebook Friends: Max, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabelle
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, World Showcase, American Adventure
- EPCOT, International Gateway
- EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Barnstormer (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A., Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
Character Dining
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
- Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
- Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
- Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show
Attractions
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown, Goofy’s Barnstormer (subject to change)
Shows
- Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square, photo op with statue sitting on a bench
fav5 Significant Splurges
#2 Illuminations Dessert Party
Lasers and lights, fireworks and flames; Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular nightly event at EPCOT’s World Showcase. You can guarantee a premier view and enjoy it in an uncrowded and festive fashion by arranging an Illuminations Dessert Party.
Although it’s not inexpensive, it is one of the least-pricey private events making it one of the most popular, as well.
The party generally lasts about an hour with guests meeting at, or being escorted to, the chosen location for a half hour of grazing before the show begins. Because this is a custom event, there are endless possibilities for 10 to 2,000 guests.
There are a number of standardized charges including a flat fee for the venue, a minimum per-person food and beverage charge, a viewing fee for anyone not entering with a park ticket, and an additional service charge and sales tax.
The menu can be expanded to include a variety of cold items and a limited number of hot items; cordials and other alcoholic beverages; and custom cakes and desserts. Floral and decorative accents can also be provided.
While this is often a “stand-up” event, smaller parties can opt for tables and chairs at an added cost. Parties may be required to utilize the services of Disney hosts or private Disney transportation, depending upon their arrangements.
Locations include several wonderful waterside terraces around the World Showcase Lagoon where the fireworks seem close enough to reach out and touch. Planning an intimate celebration for two? No problem – smaller parties are welcome but must pay charges for the minimum number of guests required at the venue.
Character Reference – Ariel
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Ariel
AKA: The Little Mermaid
Current Address: Eric’s world
Previous Address: under the sea
Interests: singing; collecting gadgets, woozits, and thingamabobs
Facebook Friends: Eric, Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle, King Triton
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Ariel’s Grotto NOTE: As of April 12, 2010, Ariel’s Grotto will be closing to make way for the Fantasyland expansion. Look for the new Grotto location and attraction scheduled for 2013.
Character Dining
- EPCOT, World Showcase, Norway, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Princess Storybook Dining
Attractions
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid
Shows
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Philharmagic
Whistle Stop
Small cottages nestle in the trees; a policeman stands watchful as busy villagers go about their errands; trains move smoothly over bridges, through tunnels, and chug past rural railway stations; a joyful wedding party makes its way down the hillside while a solitary deer surveys the forest from a mountaintop. It’s a world recreated in exquisite detail – the miniature village and railway at the Germany pavilion in EPCOT.
There’s always something new to see and marvel at as the Disney gardeners landscape, replant, and embellish for the changing seasons, holidays, and special events at Walt Disney World. Hidden Mickeys come and go; buildings are “erected” for special events like the little greenhouse for EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Show, complete with tiny signage.
During the Christmas season, guests are treated to a holiday wonderland. Decorations spring up all over “town.” Christmas trees are decorated, lampposts sport holiday bows, and buildings are outlined in lights. Even the railway cars are reconfigured for important holiday activities.
Originally conceived for the Flower and Garden Festival, this extraordinary installation has become a permanent and much-loved fixture of the World Showcase.
Breathless!
She’s a beautiful sight skimming across the water of Crescent Lake, her spray sparkling in the Florida sun. The wonderful Breathless II, a reproduction of a Chris-Craft mahogany runabout, circa 1930, is docked at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club marina waiting to make memories for some fortunate guests.
While there are a number of specialty boating experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Breathless II offers a uniquely exhilarating ride. Up to seven passengers have an opportunity to fly through the water at speeds of more than sixty miles per hour.
An onboard CD player adds musical ambiance as guests cruise the lake and the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel close to the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying close-up views from a new perspective. Fun details include an easel at the water’s edge with a painting of the International Gateway.
Named for the Dick Tracy character Breathless Mahoney, the Breathless II is available for half-hour and hour-long daytime outings as well as Illuminations cruises at night. Embarkation can be arranged from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk.
Due to its small size, food options for the cruise are limited, but guests looking for a romantic add-on can order champagne and strawberries. Newlyweds searching for an unusual photo opportunity might consider flying a “Just Married” flag during their wedding-day cruise!
