Archive for Walt Disney World

Find New Musical Acts and Returning Favorites During the Epcot Festival of the Arts

It’s exciting to think about all the ways guests can enjoy the tastes, sights and toe-tapping sounds at the upcoming Epcot®International Festival of the Arts. In addition to all the artful offerings scheduled for the festival, make sure guests plan time to enjoy some vibrant live entertainment! Just in time to join the fun during the festival, three authentic acts will take the stage throughout World Showcase, bringing new offerings and returning fan favorites.

Matboukha Groove – With a name that means “cooked,” this returning act spices up the promenade with a unique and entertaining fusion of World Music styles. Guests can catch Matboukha Groove’s Epcot encore at the Morocco stage Jan. 1-July 1, 2018.

Groovin’ Alps – Guests can grab their lederhosen and get ready to dance along with this high-energy German percussion band. This brand-new group brings the sounds of the mountains to Epcot with Bavarian folk tunes played on items found on a dairy farm. Your Clients can find Groovin’ Alps in Germany from Jan. 10-March 27, 2018.

Bodh’aktan – Returning to once again rock Canada’s Mill Stage with the fun of kilts, jeans, sweat and beards, Bodh’aktan mixes Quebecois, folk, and polka to make fantastic rock and dance music. Guests can join the party Jan. 12-28, 2018!

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Photo – Katy Perry at Walt Disney World Resort

Superstar Katy Perry dons her finest Disney couture for a ride aboard The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., December 18, 2017. The “Chained to the Rhythm” artist enjoyed Walt Disney World Resort with her “Witness” tour cast the day after performing in Orlando. In March, Perry will join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie at the judges’ table for ABC’s first season of the iconic music competition series, “American Idol.” (David Roark, photographer)

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Photo – Matthew McConaughey at Walt Disney World Resort

Actor Matthew McConaughey shares a special moment with Mickey Mouse and his Toy Soldier pals on December 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. McConaughey is spending time at Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays while on break from filming. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

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The 2018 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will rock with 17 favorite artists

The 2018 Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival will rock with 17 favorite artists whose hits span more than five decades.

This year, our 25th event year, the Garden Rocks series features singers and groups from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with hit-makers in a variety of genres including rock, pop, country, R&B and dance.

We have brand new acts such as country favorites Lonestar, British rock legends Foghat; and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles – along with returning treasures disco pioneers Village People and ‘80s supergroups like Night Ranger.

We also have a couple of artists that have played other Epcot festivals like Survivor, Smash Mouth and Rick Springfield, who are joining us for Garden Rocks this year.

Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • March 2-5: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
  • March 9-12: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • March 16-19: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
  • March 23-26: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
  • March 30-April 2: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • April 6-7: Foghat (NEW!) “Slow Ride”
  • April 8-9: Survivor (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Eye of the Tiger”
  • April 13-14: Smash Mouth (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “All Star”
  • April 15-16: Rick Springfield (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Jessie’s Girl”
  • April 20-21: Jo Dee Messina (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Stand by Me”
  • April 22-23: Lonestar (NEW!) “Amazed”
  • April 27-30: Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
  • May 4-7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
  • May 11-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
  • May 13-14: Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (NEW!) “Hotel California”
  • May 18-21: The Guess Who “American Woman”
  • May 25-28: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”

Garden Rocks performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

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New Cirque Du Soleil Show in Development for Disney Springs

As we’ve previously shared, La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® is taking its final bow at Disney Springs® on New Year’s Eve 2018. As the curtain closes on this fan favorite, it’s fitting that we share some exciting news about the future of the long-lasting relationship between Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Nearly twenty years after teaming up to bring La Nouba to the stage, the two entertainment companies are working together on a new collaboration.

This original show will be created by Cirque du Soleil and will pay homage to Disney’s rich history of animation, with a vivid story told in a way that only Cirque du Soleil can deliver. Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, elaborated, sharing “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”

An opening date for the new show has not been announced. We’ll share details here as they are finalized.

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The Hall of Presidents Re-Opens at the Walt Disney World Resort after a Year-Long Transformation

Following a year-long transformation, The Hall of Presidents will officially reopen at Magic Kingdom® Park on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, with enhancements that will bring the story of the American presidency to life as never before. The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States.

This endeavor began with a single animated figure of President Abraham Lincoln that was developed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. In 1971, advances in technology made it possible for Imagineers to make Walt Disney’s vision a reality by including every chief executive who ever served the United States of America.

The history of innovation at The Hall of Presidents continues to this day. In addition to updating the show’s content, Imagineers have incorporated the latest in theatrical design and Audio-Animatronics technology. Landmark moments in history come alive on a panoramic 180-degree screen that transports guests across more than 200 years of the American story. High-impact projection, sound, lighting and other enhancements take guests into rare and indelible moments in history that helped define a nation.

As has been the tradition with every new president since the attraction debuted, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show and features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements. President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.

Rich in innovative storytelling and tradition, The Hall of Presidents carries a legacy and passion for American history that has been part of Disney Parks for more than 50 years.

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2018 Brings More Magic Than Ever to Walt Disney World Resort

From a toy-inspired land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to a milestone year for Disney’s Animal Kingdom to exciting additions at Disney Springs to an encore year for an Epcot festival, there’s plenty in store for guests to Walt Disney World Resort – and beyond – in 2018.

Here’s a look around:

Toy Story Land Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In summer 2018 Disney unwraps a joyful, toy-full surprise for its guests with the opening of the all-new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Stepping into their favorite Pixar blockbuster films, guests will feel like they’ve shrunk to the size of a toy as they play in Andy’s backyard with their favorite Toy Story pals, including Woody and Buzz. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land. This new 11-acre play space will include two new attractions and one expanded favorite:

  • Inspired by the playful dachshund spinoff of Slinky, the American toy classic, Slinky Dog Dash will be a family-style coaster that will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops that Andy has created to stretch Slinky and his coils to the max.
  • Bathed in music, lighting and sound effects, Alien Swirling Saucers is designed as a play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first “Toy Story” film. Famous little green aliens from the movie are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”
  • A third track has recently been added to the hugely popular Toy Story Mania!, which invites guests to take aim at 3D objects in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

When it’s time for refreshment, Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service window serving tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats. Walt Disney World Resort will collaborate with Mini Babybel to bring Woody’s Lunch Box to life.

New Dining and Entertainment at Disney Springs

Eight new dining concepts debut at Disney Springs in 2018, joining the stellar line-up of award-winning restaurants at this one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment complex:

Opening this winter, The Edison is a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination that will feature live entertainment, including cabaret. Adjacent to The Edison guests will enjoy a trio of modern Italian restaurant and bar concepts. Maria & Enzo’s will be an open and airy Italian trattoria featuring family-friendly dishes inspired by Sicily. Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and offer hearty Roman dishes. Pizza Ponte will be the perfect place for a quick bite, with pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches and espresso on the menu.

Chicago-based Levy Restaurants introduces Terralina Crafted Italian with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano. The new restaurant will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

In spring 2018, Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his expertise to Disney Springs with Wine Bar George. With more than 100 wine selections by the bottle and glass, Miliotes will serve up wine education along with shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie.

Other openings slated for 2018 at Disney Springs include Jaleo, a Spanish concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, a modern concept inspired by laid-back California dining.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20 Years

Majestic in its grandeur and showcasing the magic of nature with inhabitants that roam, run, crawl, fly, slither and swim; Disney’s Animal Kingdom will mark its 20th anniversary in 2018.

The vast, 500-acre park is Disney’s largest, providing a grand stage for the celebration of the world of animals and their natural habitats. Live creatures from mite-sized to mammoth call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. Lush landscaping, Broadway-quality live shows, conservation themes and rides, attractions and adventures for all ages complete the scene.

As the park continued to evolve, it added a distant moon in 2017. Pandora–The World of Avatar transports guests to a mystical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Inspired by the blockbuster motion picture, AVATAR, the new land invites guests to explore a glowing landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi shaman and soar on the back of a fearsome banshee.

And debuting just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary is a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s film “UP” This new experience will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures.

An Expanded Festival of the Arts at Epcot

Returning to Epcot for a second year, the expanded Epcot International Festival of the Arts will celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary – from January 12 to February 19 – with festivities running seven days a week and Disney on Broadway performing each weekend (Fridays through Mondays) throughout the festival.

Guests can kick off 2018 with world-class cuisine, remarkable visual art and an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment. Festival highlights:

  • Seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists including classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries
  • More than a half a dozen specially-created food studios offering a wealth of “artistic” culinary delights
  • A host of performing artists that build on the already stellar lineup of authentic Epcot performers
  • An encore performance of the Disney on Broadway series featuring Disney on Broadway stars singing favorite songs from award-winning Broadway shows.

Another returning favorite is Disney on Broadway dining packages, where guests can pair a meal at one of the participating Epcot restaurants with priority seating for the Disney on Broadway concert series.

For more information on the festival visit www.disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE (3463).

New Multi-Use Venue at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

ESPN Wide World of Sports will open a new multi-use sports and entertainment venue in 2018. It will seat more than 8,000 guests and have the ability to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. For cheer and dance events, it will accommodate performance and warm-up space and include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas can be tailored for warm-up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. There will be concessions throughout the building, and additional box office and entry to the complex.

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A Dozen “Must-Do’s” You Must Do This Holiday Season at Walt Disney World Resort

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and it’s even more magical at Walt Disney World Resort! Delicious treats, joyous holiday spectaculars and all-around merriment bring the spirit of the season to life across all four theme parks, Disney resort hotels and Disney Springs.

Here’s a list of 12 “must-do’s” during your Christmas vacation at Walt Disney World Resort.

  1. Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Guests can enjoy all-new spectacular holiday projections displayed on the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel! This new holiday experience runs continuously throughout the night and features animated scenes of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories. Keep an eye out for the billboards that come to life and the falling snow on Sunset Boulevard. Talk about magical!
  2. New Holiday Kitchens at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Experience the flavors of the holidays, as you meander through World Showcase stopping at each of the festival’s many Holiday Kitchens. These kiosks serve up food and drinks that take the words “warm and cozy” to a whole new level. There’s even a Holiday Kitchen that’s all about sweet treats like snowflake sugar cookies and warm apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce.
  3. S’mores, Hot Cocoa and Christmas Carols at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Immerse yourself in the yuletide grandeur of the Pacific Northwest at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where a majestic Christmas tree towers over the resort lobby. Cozy up to the fire and relax with a cup of hot cider or cocoa and holiday treats. For more frontier-style holiday happenings head over to Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground where carolers arrive by hay wagon spreading the sounds of the season.
  4. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf: Join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat for two 18-hole adventuresavailable all year-round! The indecisive elves built two courses, one that showcases the warm Florida weather and another that represents the arctic North Pole. What better way to create a new holiday tradition than with family games, Christmas melodies and festive décor?
  5. Exciting New Holiday Merchandise: Unwrap another holiday tradition – shopping! Disney Springs has almost as many gift options as Santa’s bag. Shoppers will find everything from top-name brands to one-of-a-kind specialty stores. Popular new merchandise items include three new holiday-themed headbands that, much like the highly popular rose gold Minnie Mouse ears, promise to be a holiday hit!
  6. Jolly Décor: Take in the glistening holiday décor that brightens all four Theme Parks, the Disney resort hotels and Disney Springs! Wreaths, garlands and more surround you with holiday cheer. Giant floating ornaments, sky-high Christmas trees and magical snow flurries create a winter wonderland all around the vacation kingdom.
  7. Holiday Entertainment at Disney Springs: Every corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for the season with festive holiday décor and seasonal entertainment. This year an expanded Christmas Tree Trail features ten new trees inspired by Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo.
  8. Tasty Treats: Taste the newest Flurry of Fun confections at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From red velvet whoopee pies decorated with icing garland, ornament pearls, and holiday sprinkles to Olaf Cake Pops and apple cranberry cobblers, these holiday sweets will have you smiling from ear-to-ear!
  9. Candlelight Processional at Epcot: One of the most beloved Epcot traditions returns with new celebrity narrators. Disney legend Kurt Russell is among the newcomers, along with Pat Sajak, Matt Bomer and CCH Pounder who will join returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Jaci Velasquez and others. The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. The show takes place at the America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Nov. 24-Dec. 30.
  10. Gingerbread Houses: Explore stunning edible creations at select Walt Disney World resort hotels, like the life-size holiday gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A giant edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. New this year, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be home to an 18-foot-tall Cinderella Castle, crafted with thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant and modeling chocolate.
  11. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: It’s a Christmas party like no other! Each special ticket, limited-attendance event features an exclusive performance of Holiday Wishes fireworks, and the very first performances of other spectaculars like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Frozen Holiday Wish castle-lighting ceremony and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. The special party, complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries, begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Parties will be held on November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28, and December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22.
  12. Meet Santa Claus: A cozy conversation with Father Christmas, himself, makes the holiday season complete. Santa Clauswill park hop to greet guests at Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He’ll even make an appearance during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom Park.
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Countdown to the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks With Celebratory Events and Toasts

Walt Disney World Resort is the place to count down to 2018 with dining extravaganzas, sparkling toasts, luminous fireworks and rocking New Year’s Eve parties throughout the vacation kingdom. These unforgettable events are filling up quickly and include special ticketed dinner galas, dance parties and more. Here’s the lineup of ways to ring in the New Year:

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks ­– Guests will ring in the New Year in front of Cinderella Castle with the cherished fan-favorite fireworks show that will take place Dec. 30 and 31, 2017, beginning at 11:50 p.m. Additional showings will light up the sky both nights at 6:30 p.m.
  • Frontierland and Tomorrowland New Year’s Celebration Dance Parties – Put on your dancing shoes and boot-scoot with a hoppin’ beat ‘til midnight in Frontierland. Or jump start the New Year with an upbeat get-together in Tomorrowland, blasting into 2018 with futuristic tunes.

Park hours on Dec. 30 and 31, 2017 are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Epcot

  • New Year’s Countdown Fireworks – Say “au revoir” to 2017 around World Showcase as dazzling fireworks light up the sky to welcome 2018 in a booming big way! This one-night spectacular starts at 11:40 p.m.
  • New Year’s Eve Parties – A DJ dance party will have guests dancing and grooving “around the world” with special entertainment at the America Garden Stage, Future World Fountain Stage and other areas throughout the park. Just for New Year’s Eve, you can move to your own beat with music playing in your headphones at the “Silent Groove” dance party that will take place at Future World Center.
  • New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner – Sip and dip your way into 2018 by indulging in a lavish buffet of savory foods and decadent desserts at this ticketed event in World Showplace. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).

Park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • New Year’s Eve Dance Party – Revelers will get the party started with a DJ dance party all around Center Stage in front of the Chinese Theatre with special projections on the theatre. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the nighttime holiday show will take place at 8 p.m. wrapping fireworks, state-of-the-art projections, special effects and music into one grand spectacle. The elaborate nightly themed firework show, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, will bring in the New Year with a special twist at midnight!

Park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to midnight.

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EW Details Revealed for Terralina Crafted Italian, Coming to Disney Springs in Early 2018

Earlier this year, the Levy Restaurant group debuted Paddlefish, a seafood-centric signature restaurant located in the heart of Disney Springs®. Soon, they will unveil their newest venue: Terralina Crafted Italian, expected to transport guests to “la dolce vita,” (the sweet life) essence of the spectacular Lake District of Northern Italy.

Featuring an open rotunda that welcomes Guests with a rustic stone fireplace, a new outdoor patio with a veranda bar that spills out into the Disney Springs promenade, and a two-story glass conservatory that showcases stunning views of Lake Buena Vista, every element of the décor feels fresh and new.

The restaurant will open in early 2018 and details on the menu are expected soon. Stay tuned for more details about the dishes and drinks planned for Terralina Crafted Italian.

 

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