WDW Daily News

Save these dates – March 4-June 1, 2020 – because you will want to see and experience every beautiful bloom, whimsical topiary and tasty treat being planned for the 27^th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival!

The beloved 90-day spring extravaganza at Epcot will sprout in a big way for its 27^th year with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors designed to delight everyone in the family. From the creative dishes and libations offered at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens to the fan-favorite artists who’ll perform during the Garden Rocks Concert Series, bouquets of spring fun will welcome Guests around every corner of the park.

This longest-running Epcot festival is known for its themed topiaries, and the Epcot horticulture team already has begun plans to introduce a brand-new Remy topiary – the centerpiece of a new Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion! This delicious new garden will be planted with veggies used in a ratatouille recipe. We love Remy, and we can’t wait! Guests also will find favorite returning character topiaries including Snow White, Elsa and Anna, Belle and Beast, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Miss Piggy and Kermit.

As festival-goers explore the Outdoor Kitchens, they’ll discover raised-bed or in-ground gardens of herbs and produce and discover how to grow their own healthful foods. Thousands of bedding plants in every color of the rainbow will decorate the landscape around Future World and World Showcase, and dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” will offer colorful backdrops for spring selfies. Festive mini-gardens will be set afloat like floral pontoons on the Future World east and west lakes. 

Children will love burning off energy with siblings and friends at the festival’s Play Garden and Family Play Zone. Guests of all ages will flock to The Goodness Garden Butterfly House presented by GoGoSqueeZ. And the popular “How To” garden will return with clever tips for home gardeners. 

All this floral fun began in 1994 as a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival now flourishes as a 90-day celebration of spring with something for every generation. Stay tuned  for updates and more details. The festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.  

“Epcot® Forever,” an all-new nighttime spectacular that takes Guests on a journey through the years and into the future, opens Oct. 1, 2019, as part of the transformation of Epcot. The show will bring World Showcase Lagoon to life with a spark of imagination that quickly grows into an epic spectacle of fireworks, lighting, lasers, special effects kites, and an incredible musical score.

In the words of Disney Parks Live Entertainment show director Alan Bruun, “Music is the soul of the show, because music has been the soul of Epcot ever since it began.”

From “Magic Journeys” and “Tomorrow’s Child” to “Listen to the Land” and “One Little Spark,” “Epcot Forever” features classic Epcot themes produced in fresh new arrangements. The music was recorded by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, with vocals performed by a talented choir of singers from across Central Florida.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at how the music for “Epcot Forever” came together.

The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is putting the finishing touches on the show to get ready for opening night, with everyone from audio engineers to special effects designers working around the clock to get everything just right.

Stay tuned for more on the making of “Epcot Forever,” as the show prepares to make its grand debut on October 1.

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It’s officially autumn, which means that pumpkin spice season is finally here! From fall decorations to the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there are so many ways to celebrate fall across Walt Disney World® Resort. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park is no exception, offering three limited-time desserts that Disney food lovers can enjoy through Nov. 23, 2019. And with warm weather and less wait times at  favorite Typhoon Lagoon attractions – now is the perfect time for you to visit.

1. Pumpkin Milkshake

Pumpkin spice fans will love the all-new Pumpkin Milkshake at Leaning Palms. Topped with whipped cream and colorful fall sprinkles, this milkshake makes for the perfect seasonal dessert. 

2. Pumpkin Cream Churros

A delicious twist on a classic Disney snack, the new Pumpkin Cream Churro is rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with pumpkin cream. Coming soon to Typhoon Lagoon, you can try the Pumpkin Cream Churro at Lowtide Lou’s.

3. Pumpkin Sundae

Ice cream is not just for summer, especially when you’re in Florida! The Pumpkin Sundae at Happy Landings Ice Cream features vanilla soft-serve ice cream and is topped with your choice of caramel or hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, fall sprinkles and a pumpkin spice cake.

By: Disney DestinationsSeptember 23, 2019

In an event of galactic proportions, the Disney family of television networks (ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and ESPN) will offer easter eggs, vacation giveaways and sneak peeks into the newest land to come to both Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort –Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

From morning to night, we will be feeling the Force this week on ABC’s daytime and syndication lineup to ABC News’ “Nightline” with appearances by BB-8, First Order Storm Troopers, and a Sith Trooper. On “Good Morning America” (Thursday, Sept. 26) don’t miss an exclusive sneak peek into the highly-anticipated attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – opening December 5 at Walt Disney World Resort and January 17, 2020 at Disneyland Resort. The following shows will be participating (all times are Eastern):

• TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
  • “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (check your local listings)
• THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
  • “Good Morning America” (7 a.m.)
  • “The View” (11 a.m.)
  • “Tamron Hall” (check your local listings)
  • “Strahan, Sara & Keke” (1 p.m.)
  • “Nightline” (check your local listings)

ABC’s primetime series will pay tribute to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during fall premiere week and beyond.  Viewers will be treated to easter eggs, on-air mentions and surprises from the Star Wars universe, beginning tomorrow night (Tuesday, Sept. 24) with the award-winning comedy “black-ish,” and ending next Monday (Sept. 30) with “Dancing with the Stars.” The following shows will be participating (all times are Eastern):

• TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
  • “black-ish” (9:30 p.m.)
• WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25
  • “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m.)
  • “Modern Family” (9 p.m.)
• FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
  • “American Housewife” (8 p.m.)
• SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
  • “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7 p.m.)
  • “The Rookie,” (10 p.m.)
• MONDAY, SEPT. 30
  • “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m.)

Freeform is set to air a two-hour primetime special, “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits” (Sunday, Sept. 29). Host Neil Patrick Harris will take viewers on an exploration of the epic new lands and how they brought the planet of Batuu to life. With celebrity guests including Kaley Cuoco, Keegan-Michael Key, Jay Leno, Sarah Hyland, Miles Brown and more, Walt Disney Imagineers, Lucasfilm Executives, and Disney Cast Members share how they helped create the largest single-themed land expansion in Disney Parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

• SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
  • “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits” (8 p.m.)

ESPN’s “SportsCenter” will air a feature showcasing “College GameDay” commentators experiencing the land during a recent visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
  • “SportsCenter” (10 a.m.)

Disney Channel will air a segment featuring Miranda May (“Bunk’d”) and Sean Giambrone (“Kim Possible”) trying Blue Milk, building their very own droids, and taking control of the fastest ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney Junior will air a segment featuring a Star Wars fan family meeting Chewbacca, building custom droids, and flying the Millennium Falcon as they experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for the first time.

Fall is a favorite times of year to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort. There’s simply so much fun to be had right now. Here are just a few recommendations to help them make the most of your visit this fall:

Indulge in spooky thrills at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is already delighting Guests with the “treat” of a new fireworks show this year – “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular.” Other must-sees at the event are the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show and “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features Disney characters in new Halloween costumes – and the spectral bride from the Haunted Mansion.

Indulge the taste buds at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – Where else but at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can you sample mouthwatering international fare at more than 30 Global Marketplaces, watch live culinary demonstrations, and learn tips and tricks from celebrity chefs? Eat to the Beat concerts also keep the fun going in the evening, bringing the sounds of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists to the America Gardens Theatre, three times nightly. 

Catch “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot one last time – While you are at Epcot for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, be sure to to stay for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The show will take its final bow on Sept. 30, in order to make way for the park’s new nighttime show, “Epcot Forever.”

Make out-of-this-world memories at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – You can now become part of their own Star Wars story at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, where they can try galactic food and beverages, craft their own lightsabers, build droids and even help fly the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. (Also, now through September 30, Guests can interact with an exclusive Snapchat filter that’ll put them inside a realistic hologram – available in certain U.S. regions only – start theirr transmission from the planet of Batuu today).

Dive into a Disney water park – Now is the perfect time to cool off in the Cross Country Creek lazy river at Disney’s Blizzard Beach® Water Park  or jump the waves in the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park.

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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland® Resort, an award-winning hotel that defines grandeur at every turn, is introducing its all-new upscale experience – Tenaya Stone Spa – opening in spring 2020.

Inspired by the spirit of nature and Californian heritage, this full-service spa will be a rejuvenating retreat. Here, you can choose from an array of body treatments, facials, massage and salon services, all performed in a serene setting, sure to relax, revitalize and invigorate the senses.

In some indigenous cultures, Tenaya can mean “to dream.” For modern-day travelers seeking a respite to dream and recharge, it is only when we relax that we can regain balance within ourselves.   

The spa is being designed by Walt Disney Imagineers. Pictured below is a peek at the concept for the relaxation room, featuring Craftsman architecture, comfortable, well-appointed furnishings, a water feature and a stained glass window of the rising sun.

Tenaya Stone Spa will be a wonderful addition to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where you can take time to unwind with head-to-toe pampering. The spa will be located near GCH Craftsman Bar and the hotel’s entrance to Disney California Adventure® Park.

Nala, a 2-year-old service dog, has warmed countless hearts thanks to an adorable viral video of her cuddling with Donald Duck at Disney World.

The video shows Nala putting her head on Donald Duck’s lap and closing her eyes in happiness while he gently pets her head. In the background of the video a woman’s voice can be heard saying, “She can stay here for the rest of the day.”

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Disney crashed the Emmys on Sunday, announcing the start to pre-orders for Disney+ and running an ad for the streaming service in the first position of the awards telecast’s first commercial break.

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There’s nothing quite like a stay at Walt Disney World, and though there are more than two dozen Disney-branded hotels for guests to explore across the Lake Buena Vista resort…

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Next week marks the official beginning of the autumn season. And that makes it the perfect time to stop by Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for pumpkin spice beignets! Best of all, there’s even sweeter reasons to stop by the resort coming this fall. 

Soon, things will be jazzed up even more at the resort’s lounge: Scat Cat’s Club. The club will expand to a larger space to serve up signature beverages and flavorful bar options offering a taste of the “Big Easy” in a lounge inspired by the French Quarter in New Orleans.  

And just like the French Quarter always has music playing, Scat Cat’s Club will continue to fill the room with entertainment authentic to the New Orleans story, featuring live jazz music five nights a week.

With the expansion of Scat Cat’s Club, the famous beignets will soon be available throughout the day at an all-new location near the lobby, Scat Cat’s Club – Café, making it easier to pick up a piping hot batch. The beignets are made in-house daily, available in classic as well as my favorite seasonal flavor, and many are even served in a signature Mickey-shape!

Whether you are staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter or craving some sweet beignets and lively music, they’re invited to swing by Scat Cat’s Club to enjoy its timeless charm and new offerings starting this October.