In honor of Epcot's 35th anniversary this weekend, we asked guests to tell us what they love to do and see most at this beloved Walt Disney World theme park. Their answers ranged from specific attractions, to festivals, to favorite foodie stops and more.
Any idea what their number one pick was? Check out the video below!
What's your favorite guest experience at Epcot? Tell us in the comments section below.
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot on Oct. 1, 1982, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival honors the park's special day with 35 Global Marketplaces this year. And the chefs had a little more fun as they re-created some guest favorites from "back in the day," plus some Instagram-worthy cupcakes.
Two tastes return for the 2017 festival, all on the menu at Epcot Legacy Showplace:
Three adorable cupcakes have been created for the anniversary celebration, all beginning Oct. 1, 2017.
You'll find the Flower Pot Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons, a vanilla cupcake with peanut butter and jelly filling, topped with edible flowers from The Land Pavilion.
And the gorgeous Spaceship Earth Cupcake is at Fountain View, a yellow cupcake with strawberry pastry cream filling and topped with a dome of cake covered in silver fondant. It's an edible wow!
Finally, the Viking Cupcake can be found in the Norway pavilion. This vanilla cupcake with vanilla cream filling, blue and white buttercream icing and red sprinkles pays homage to the Norwegian flag and is topped with 2 cones to represent the iconic Viking horns!
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through Nov. 13. For more information, visit epcotfoodfestival.com.
This week the Disney Parks Blog celebrated its 8th anniversary – and to celebrate with all of you, we have a brand-new downloadable wallpaper.
This design, created by Simone Miranda's team, showcases one of our favorite characters the Florida Orange Bird.
Be sure to check the terms of use before you download.
Have you ever heard the Na'vi phrase "Sivako?" It's a term you'll hear a lot in Pandora – The World of Avatar because it's a rally cry that means "rise to the challenge."
Today that phrase had a special meaning, as we honored 100 Central Florida organizations that rise to the challenge each and every day because of the way they go about improving the lives of families and children in our community. These groups feed people who are hungry, clothe children, provide school supplies, inspire creativity, teach students and provide the magical kind of support that aligns with Disney's philanthropic approach.
During a fun and inspirational ceremony at the Orlando Museum of Art, we donated more than $4 million in Disney Grants to help them continue their awe-inspiring work. These contributions are in addition to the more than $3.5 million that The Walt Disney Company has contributed to relief efforts related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
Disney Grants represent 46 years of charitable giving in Central Florida. Just this past year alone, Disney donated more than $34 million in cash and in-kind support to local organizations, as well as more than 200,000 volunteer hours through the efforts of our Disney VoluntEARS.
Here's quick look at today's event!
Sivako! to all the organizations that work to make their communities better!
"it's a small world" is one of the most beloved Disneyland park attractions. Here guests can embark on "The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed" and take part in a celebration of cultures around the world. With so many countries represented, we wanted to give you a closer look at the cultures featured in this classic attraction. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the first stop on our journey is Latin America.
Greeting you as you arrive in South America is a gaucho with a traditional wide-brimmed hat, along with his trusty horse, from Argentina. Towering behind them are the Andes Mountains. This famous mountain range runs through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile.
Next, your boat takes you to one of the most well-known beaches in the world − Rio's Copacabana Beach in Brazil. Here girls, in the traditional dress of Baianas de acarajé, and boys sing and dance to the rhythms of the samba-infused tune of "it's a small world" on a three-tiered centerpiece.
Then we find ourselves in the marketplaces of Mexico. Baskets of fruits and vegetables displayed on colorful, hand-woven Saltillo sarapes and bouquets of paper flowers fill the marketplace while a girl balances a basket of fruit on her head.
Bringing sunshine to the region is a Mayan-inspired sun, featuring geometric shapes and patterns, bright colors and a friendly smile.
Keep an eye out for the next stop on our trip around the world on "it's a small world" at Disneyland park!
It's hard to believe, but Morimoto Asia turns two years old today! On opening night, September 29, 2015, Chef Masaharu Morimoto dazzled media and invited guests (including Chef Mickey Mouse) by expertly carving a 100-pound fresh tuna and turning it into an incredible signature sushi roll. I was lucky enough to be in attendance, and to this day, that's still one of the best bites I've ever had.
I was thrilled that Chef Morimoto was in town earlier this week to attend the Disney Springs Party for the Senses at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and even more delighted that I had the chance to sit down with him to talk about Morimoto Asia and what's next. Over the course of our chat, it was clear that he felt great pride to have a restaurant at Walt Disney World, in what he called "the most famous city in the world." "Here," he shared, "I have the opportunity to serve guests from everywhere. They come from all over. Nick Valenti (CEO of Patina Restaurant Group and Morimoto's business partner) challenged me to get guests into Pan Asian cuisine, and not just sushi." If you've visited the location, you'll likely agree that he's succeeded. I like to try new foods, and during my latest visit, I had one of Chef Morimoto's signature dishes: Buri-Bop – a Korean style yellowtail rice bowl prepared tableside in a hot clay pot. Nearby, I saw kids as young as three years old sampling authentic Orange Chicken. Yes, kids are welcome here. In fact, Morimoto confessed that one of his greatest joys is "meeting kids who want to be the 'Iron Chef,' like me – what an honor."
As for what's next, I inquired about changes coming to the menu this fall. "It's a secret," he teased, "to be announced … you'll have to come to the restaurant to check for yourself!" He doesn't need to ask twice; with Morimoto's focus on local ingredients, traditional favorites like Peking Duck, Dim Sum and Ramen always on the menu, and a new fall cocktail menu, I'm happy to oblige.
It's no secret that Chef Morimoto is a huge Disney fan, so with time for one last question, I asked which Disney character is his favorite. "Mickey Mouse is #1. People love the mouse. And my wife and Mickey have the same birthday. But if I could meet anyone, anyone at all, it would be Walt Disney. He was a genius. He knew how to make people happy. He could please kids and adults. He could do anything."
I have a feeling that many people would say the same of Chef Morimoto, a man with incredible culinary talent and an infectious smile. Happy two years to Morimoto Asia, and many more to come!
Have you had a chance to dine at Morimoto Asia? If so, let me know what you loved most in the comments below as I just may have to try it during my next dinner at the restaurant!
What do you get when you combine 300 dedicated volunteers with clinking hammers, buzzing drills, lots of mulch and a little bit of pixie dust? A brand-new playground built in just under 8 hours.
Volunteers from the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Family YMCA, City of Anaheim, Hope Builders and organizers from KaBOOM! joined forces to make this kid-designed dream a reality.
New to the Disney VoluntEARS Leadership Council, Art Montoya led one of the project teams during his first-ever KaBOOM! build. "Being able to give back means a lot. Growing up, my community helped me have a better upbringing, and I want that for the kids who use this playground. Then I hope that they'll grow up and want to give back – to create a giving cycle."
For Disney cast member and Anaheim resident Becky Murphy, this build hits particularly close to home. "Willow Park is within a mile of my house. It will be great to drive by, on my way to work, and see all the kids enjoying what we have built. Playgrounds are a great atmosphere for kids, and especially one they helped design specifically for this community."
This is the ninth Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! build in Anaheim, with three more planned in the next two years. Next up is Pearson Park!
When "Beauty and the Beast" debuts aboard the Disney Dream this November, you'll once again fall in love with the enchanting fairytale. Our new production celebrates the romance, adventure and magic of the live-action film, weaving in the charm and nostalgia of the award-winning animated feature.
In our next behind-the -scenes video, we give you a peek behind the magic of the enchanted objects. Take a look to see how we're using innovative puppetry to bring beloved characters like Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth to life in their true scale.
Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we go behind the curtain of a tale as old as time, and check out my past posts to learn more about this amazing new production-in-the-making:
Back in July, my fellow blogger Pam Brandon told you all about BaseLine Tap House located on the new Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll be excited to learn that as of today, this cheerful corner pub is celebrating its grand opening as it officially opens its doors to guests!
BaseLine Tap House sits among the vintage office buildings and warehouses that represent the glory of Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly known as the Figueroa Printing Company, this re-purposed print shop specializes in beer and wines from the Golden State of California, featuring craft ales, lagers and cider as the stars of the drink menu, along with California wines on tap and specialty cocktails that you won't want to miss! If you can't decide on one drink, then try one of BaseLine's customizable beer flights, with up to 126 possible combinations of craft beers! Rounding out the drink menu, the pub also offers gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap.
In addition to offering delicious drinks, the pub will be serving up savory dishes such as a Bavarian Pretzel served with mustard and beer-cheese fondue dipping sauces, spiced almonds and a charcuterie board highlighting delicious California cheeses. This delectable array of small plates is sure to be the perfect way to savor the afternoon or cap off an evening out.
Starting today, you're invited to come in, sit down and enjoy a craft beverage or a snack as you relax and take in all of the amazing history that this pub has to offer.
BaseLine Tap House is located just around the corner from Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant on Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios and will be open daily starting at 11:00 a.m.
Featuring the work of prominent Mexican and Mexican-American artists, this new gallery exhibit explores the traditions of Día de Muertos. This two-day celebration – one day to honor departed children and one day to honor departed adults – takes place on November 1st and 2nd each year with colorful parades, festivals, lively music and Mexican cuisine.
Guests are invited to experience the beautiful artistry of this important cultural celebration with artwork including papel picado, sugar skulls and paper sculptures, as well as pre-hispanic items on loan from various museums showcasing the early history of this celebration.
The gallery also highlights four pieces of artwork and explores the artists' unique processes and inspiration. One such piece, a sculpture group titled Bridal Couple, was created by a father and son in Mexico City whose family has been hand-making this type of celebratory art for more than 300 years. When it debuts next week, Bridal Couple will be the centerpiece of the gallery with four sculptures ranging from 2.5-10 feet tall.
Check out some photos below for a look at this new exhibit.
Each month I will be sketching from the field or Plein Air, as it's called in the art world, from a new, inspiring location in our Disney Parks and then sharing my sketches and experiences here on the blog each time. Today, I continue my "Sketches from the Park" series as I started off this early morning doing a watercolor sketch while sitting in Future World at Epcot.
Since Epcot's 35th is almost here, I wanted to head out to one of my favorite areas of Future World. I sat down across from the Imagination pavilion and the magical reverse waterfall streaming up at its' base. I love the view from this angle — the iconic glass pyramids and the monorail track cutting through, like a futuristic world where anything is possible. As a kid, I also loved riding the original Journey into Imagination, it was filled with so many references to Art that I always wanted to draw after visiting. As I sat and started to sketch, a lot of these great memories of visiting with my family as a kid went through my head. I also thought about how much my boys enjoy visiting today and how they get inspired (and about them singing the Imagination song over and over). Happy 35th Epcot, keep inspiring all those kids' imaginations out there!
I hope you enjoy the art and keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for my next sketch from a new location next time in our "Sketches from the Park" series. And be sure to check out my last sketch I did of Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. See ya in Future World!
Coffee lovers rejoice! The holiday created just for you is finally here, and there are so many ways to celebrate at Walt Disney World Resort. In honor of this delicious day, I wanted to share with you 5 ways to celebrate!
1. Brace yourself – Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co. kiosks throughout Walt Disney World Resort are offering hot (16 oz.) or iced (24 oz.) coffee for $1 all day on Sept. 29! Here's a full list of Joffery's locations. And while you're at it, you might want to pick up one of their famous, larger-than-life donuts. The pink frosted is a personal favorite.
2. For the connoisseurs out there, did you know Walt Disney World Resort signature restaurants offer Joffrey's coffee served by French Press? You won't want to miss this service style for one of the most aromatic and flavorful ways to enjoy your favorite cup.
3. If nitro cold brew coffee is more your speed, head to Tea Traders Café at Disney Springs. It's made with nitrogen which makes the coffee extra creamy and delicious. It is also one of many perfect backdrops for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired coffee art as Tom shared with Disney Parks Blog readers last month.
4. If you're like me and have a major sweet tooth, the Mission to S'mores Latte, available hot or iced, at Revive in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park is where you will want to blast off to. Bring on the chocolate and marshmallow goodness!
5. Finally, perhaps the best way to end your day of touring all of the delectable coffee offerings throughout the resort is with a specialty coffee cocktail. The Joffrey's kiosk near the UK Pavilion at Epcot offers a Kahlúa-tini, iced coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, and rich and creamy half & half. Cheers!
And if you want to take that delightful cup of joe home with you and celebrate National Coffee Day all year long, be sure to check out the Disney Parks & Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection brewed to order by Joffrey's. You won't want to miss Artifact Blend, the newest addition to the collection, inspired by Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
How are you celebrating National Coffee Day this year?
New cast members from the upcoming Avatar sequels got a hands-on lesson on what it's like to live in the movie's mythical world of Pandora. The seven recently announced actors got the ultimate VIP tour of Pandora – The World of Avatar hosted by AVATAR film producer Jon Landau.
The diverse new cast ranges in age from 7 to 17 years old – most newcomers to the Hollywood scene. Landau was passionate about immersing the cast into the wondrous world of Pandora to prepare them for their significant roles in the sequels. The on-the-ground learning opportunity allowed them to take in the sights, sounds and scents of the stunning world.
In between a flurry of photo and video shoots, which we have captured for you, the next-generation cast had the chance to marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes, float through a bioluminescent rainforest on Na'vi River Journey, and connect with an avatar and fly on the back of a banshee in Avatar Flight of Passage. They indulged in blueberry cream cheese mousse and other treats at Satu'li Canteen and shopped for cool souvenirs at Windtraders.
The kids were inspired by Pandora's rich theming, over-the-top experiences and powerful conservation story.
The four AVATAR sequels will be filmed concurrently. Twentieth Century Fox will release the first sequel in theaters nationwide on Dec. 18, 2020.
Take a peek at this video to watch the new cast journey through Pandora – The World of Avatar.
If you're heading to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, next month, we have an exciting lineup of special entertainment and activities for guests to celebrate Halloween at our Hawaiian resort. Here are a few not-to-miss experiences in October:
October 24-25
October 29-30
October 31
Throughout the month of October, look out for your favorite Disney pals in their Halloween costumes. And on select evenings during 'Ohana Movie Nights, family-friendly Halloween films will be screened on the Halawai Lawn.
Be sure to check the Daily 'Iwa for more details on our Halloween activities!
Have you ever spent a day a water park at Walt Disney World Resort? Now, thanks to the Park Hopper Plus Option ticket add-on, planning a visit to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is easier than ever.
In case you're new to Disney water parks, they truly do offer something for every member of the family. Both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach feature beautiful white-sand beaches, pools, lazy rivers and a selection of slides that range from family-friendly to unforgettably adventurous. The water parks also offer adorable places for little ones to cool down, PhotoPass locations, merchandise shops, and a wide variety of F&B locations for meals, snacks and desserts.
Adding a visit to a Disney water park onto your Walt Disney World ticket is simple. The Park Hopper Plus Option can be added onto your ticket for just a few dollars more and allows you to add a certain number of days* to your theme park ticket with admission to both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach (one admission per day). Or choose from other experiences too, like the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course OR Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
*Number of days based on the number of days on the Magic Your Way Ticket purchased.
To hear the Disney Moms Panel's tips on making the most out of a visit to a Disney water park, check out the video above. For more information or to book Park Hopper Plus Option now, click here.
Today's Disney Doodle takes a look at what Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and Pascal would do if they had the chance to visit a Walt Disney World theme park.
According to the imagination of artist Ashley Taylor, Rapunzel would likely seek out an attraction full of fun and adventure – that would also allow her to use her creativity a little. Test Track, where you can design and test out your own virtual concept vehicle, may be just the place.
"Test Track is the perfect place for Rapunzel to let her hair down!" Ashley said. "It's easy to imagine this adventurous princess enjoying the high speeds of this attraction!"
As we count down the weeks until Marvel Day at Sea sets sail on select Disney Magic cruises, let's get to know your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, known for his web-slinging, acrobatic talents.
High school student Peter Parker gained his superhuman speed, strength and agility after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Adopting the name Spider-Man, his spider-sense provides an early warning detection system. His uncle taught him that with great power comes great responsibility and Spidey has vowed to use his powers to help people.
During the action-packed Marvel Day at Sea, Spider-Man is just one of many Super Heroes you can encounter. Your spider-senses will tingle as you strike a pose with the amazing Spider-Man or see him in action, slinging a web during the nighttime deck show. Young web warriors can see Spider-Man in Marvel's Avengers Academy, where he teaches future Super Heroes to hone their reflexes, speed and intellect.
Stay tuned to meet more Super Heroes assembling for Marvel Day at Sea, which premieres on select 7- and 8-night Disney Cruise Line sailings from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018.
Booking begins Oct. 10 (and continues through Nov. 17 or until all spaces are full, whichever comes first) for this year's Disney Vacation Club Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
This year's celebration, taking place on Nov. 23 from 3-5 p.m. in the resort's Fantasia Ballroom, will include a Colonial-inspired "Liberty Feast," non-alcoholic beverages (with alcoholic beverages available at a cash bar to those ages 21 or older with valid ID), live entertainment (including characters, with photos available at an on-site print studio) and a variety of themed activities (including special activities for kids).
Presented as part of Membership Magic Ever After, these special "Culinary Magic" holiday dinners customize table settings to meet the individual needs of each traveling party (with tables available for as many as 16 guests), eliminating a common dining challenge for families of varying sizes.
The cost is $68.50 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $30.50 plus tax and gratuity for kids ages 3-9 (guests ages 17 or younger must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian).
Here are a few notes to keep in mind before calling Member Services to book your reservation:
Credit card payment is due in full at the time of booking, and any cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of the event to avoid surrendering full payment. Remember to note any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking. This special event isn't part of the Disney Dining Plan and isn't eligible for the 10 percent Disney Vacation Club Member discount. Please allow ample travel time to reach the resort, and remember to bring your Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, which you'll need to present at check-in. When giving thanks, don't forget to be thankful for turkey legs in Disney Parks, the culinary gift that keeps on giving all year long. (Just making sure you were still reading this.)
You should not purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability of Membership Extras. These are incidental benefits, which are subject to change or termination without notice, may require payment of a separate fee, and cannot be combined with other offers. New Members after April 4, 2016 who do not purchase their ownership interest directly from Disney will not have access to Membership Extras.
This year, Walt Disney's animated classic, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" celebrates its 80th anniversary. The film premiered to a record-breaking audience at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles on December 21, 1937. To mark this upcoming milestone, Disney Parks Merchandise is releasing a new "Dream Big, Princess" handbag collection by Dooney & Bourke on September 30 in Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park. I spoke with Paola Gutierrez, Senior Graphic Designer with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, about creating the artwork for this beautiful collection inspired by the fairest one of all.
"I wanted to capture the visual effect of stained glass for this collection," explained Paola, an artist at Disney Parks for more than 20 years. "You will see Snow White's familiar colors of blue, red, and yellow in the artwork. Since rubies are usually associated with 80th anniversaries, we emphasized the color red. This is best seen with the red trim accents on each handbag, and with the iconic red apple incorporated throughout the design."
Three bags are part of this collection including a Tote with an engineered design (meaning the image of Snow White will appear the same on all totes released), a Satchel, and a Crossbody. The latter two handbags will contain an allover, repeating pattern.
Similar to other handbags from the "Dream Big, Princess" collection, each item will have a specially designed hangtag that includes Snow White's autograph.
"Designing the 'Dream Big, Princess' handbag collection has been a fun, collaborative project," continued Paola. "With the help of talented Disney character artists, I have enjoyed creating stunning images based on beloved Disney Princess stories that continue to inspire guests everywhere."
If you are attending the release event on September 30 at Uptown Jewelers, look for a special Dooney & Bourke gift with purchase promotion while supplies last.
Additional locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort, ShopDisney.com, and the Shop Disney Parks app will carry the collection at a future date.
