2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

source: disneyworld.com

Starting March 5, fun is in bloom at the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, where you can enjoy the glow of enchanting topiaries and savor seasonal foods at Outdoor Kitchens around World Showcase.

source: disneyworld.com

Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV includes:

▪ New Hummingbirds at Home exhibit presented by the National Audubon Society will feature walkthrough hummingbird gardens and tips on how to attract the magical creatures that migrate to

Florida from Central America each year.

source: disneyworld.com

▪ For the second year, illuminated gardens will cast a festive glow across the park when the sun sets each evening.

source: disneyworld.com

 ▪ Back by popular demand: Outdoor Kitchens serving springtime flavors for every taste! Last year was the first year that food starred alongside the flowers, and this year 11 Outdoor Kitchens debut around World Showcase Lagoon, each with an artful produce and herb-raised garden bed that showcases something that you can taste in the dish they’re offering.

▪ HGTV & DIY Designer Presentations: The popular HGTV celebrities will meet festival guests and showcase expert tips and clever tricks at noon and 3 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday on The Designers’ Stage presented by HGTV at the Festival Center.

• March 7-9 - Vern Yip, ”Design Star” 

  

  source: disneyworld.com

• March 14-16 - Chris Lambton, “Going Yard”
• March 21-23 - Matt Blashaw, “Yard Crashers”
• March 28-30 - Matt Muenster, ”Bath Crashers”
• April 4-6 - Taniya Nayak, ”House Hunters on Vacation”
• April 11-13 - Amy Matthews, “Renovation Raiders”
• April 18-20 - John Gidding, ”Curb Appeal”
• April 25-27 - David Bromstad, “Color Splash”

  

  source: disneyworld.com

• May 2-4 - Chip Wade, ”Elbow Room”
• May 9-11 - Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Star
• May 16-18 - Alison Victoria, "Kitchen Crashers"

▪ Flower Power Concert Series, which showcases the music of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, with concerts taking place Friday – Sunday at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre.

source: disneyworld.com

• March 7-9 - The Guess Who
• March 14-16 - Gary Lewis and the Playboys *new*
• March 21-23 - The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
• March 28-30 - The Lovin' Spoonful
• April 4-6 -  Paul Revere & The Raiders
• April 11-13 - Village People
• April 18-20 - The Grass Roots
• April 25-27 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• May 2-4 - STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
• May 9-11 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcate
• May 16-18 - Alan Parsons Live Project *new*

 

source: Destinations in Florida (original source unknown)

▪ New Festival Merchandise will be available as well including shirts, hats, garden accessories, new pins (including a limited edition option!), Vinylmation and even a 12-inch pre-dressed Duffy the Disney Bear that resembles a garden gnome!

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Walt Disney World News You Can Use 2.5.14

source: disneyworld.com

There is SO much going on at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!  Keep checking back for the latest and greatest WDW updates!

Seattle Seahawks Linebacker & MVP Malcolm Smith 'Going to Disney World' to Celebrate Super Bowl XLVIII Victory

source: Destinations in Florida

Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks continued a magical tradition Sunday night following his team's 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. During the post game, on-field celebrations, Smith beamed into the cameras and shouted those five words that for decades have become synonymous with Super Bowl victory celebrations: "I'm Going to Disney World!" He appeared the following day, Feb 3, 2014 in the Disney Super Bowl Parade at Magic Kingdom.

New! Special "Valentine's Day" Items on Walt Disney World Resort Menus

source: Destinations in Florida

Though completely unadvertised, you may find there to be special Valentine's items on some Walt Disney World Resort menus. When you call 407-WDW-DINE, they will have no information on these items. They appear to be at the complete discretion of the restaurant. One that we have come to know and love in recent years is found at Kona Cafe. It's Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Topping, Choice of Bacon or Sausage! The price in the past was $9.99. Destinations in Florida will be checking them out on Thursday, Feb 6th! Items such as this may appear or disappear from the menu at any time.

New! Update Coming to My Disney Experience App 

source: disneyworld.com

A new, significant update of My Disney Experience will be available soon for Apple devices. (The corresponding update for Android devices will be released this spring.) With this update, the app’s performance will be improved significantly, and the ease of navigation will be enhanced. Additional enhancements in this update to the Apple app include the following.

• A new home screen immediately displays the Guest’s plans and includes a quick-access menu that features streamlined navigation to information about attractions, characters, dining, restrooms, entertainment, shopping and more.
• The Attractions tab on the quick-access menu tells users what the closest attractions are (as well as their current wait times) and pinpoints them on the map. There’s even a button that takes Guests right to the FastPass+ selection screen for that attraction, if applicable.
• The Characters tab lists Disney characters alphabetically and tells Guests where they can meet them.
• The Dining tab lists restaurants nearby and includes links to view menus and make reservations.
• The Restrooms tab helps Guests quickly find the nearest facilities.
• Using the Entertainment tab, Guests can find offerings throughout the day and add it to their itinerary to generate a reminder prior to show time. (This is not a reservation.)

New! Rosetta joins Tinker Bell in Tinker Bell's Magical Nook

source: Google Search

Rosetta joins Tinker Bell in Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook on Feb. 4. At this time, Periwinkle will fly back home and will no longer be available for meet and greets.

New! Epcot's Ziti Sisters Final Performance

source: flickr

Effective Sunday, February 23, the Ziti Sisters atmosphere entertainment group that performs in World Showcase/Italy will be closing. The last day of performance will be Saturday, February 22. Epcot continues to have a rich mix of atmosphere entertainment throughout the World Showcase pavilions.

New! Flower Power Concert Series Lineup Announced

source: Google Search

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is just about one month away and today we’re happy to share this year’s Flower Power Concert Series lineup with you. concerts taking place Friday – Monday at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre.

• March 7-9 - The Guess Who
• March 14-16 – Gary Lewis and the Playboys NEW
• March 21-23 – The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
• March 28-30 – The Lovin’ Spoonful
• April 4-6 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
• April 11-13 – Village People
• April 18-20 – The Grass Roots
• April 25-27 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
• May 2-4 - STARSHIP Starring Mickey Thomas
• May 9-11 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
• May 16-18 – Alan Parsons Live Project NEW

New! Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future Art to Debut at Disney Parks

Steampunk and Disney fans alike, this one’s for you! On February 22, The Disney Gallery at Disneyland park will unveil a new exhibit titled Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future. Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction loosely built around retro-futuristic visions of a steam-powered society, has been gaining popularity over the past several years. If you are a fan of Steampunk then mark your calendar now, because as part of the Steampunk launch, we will host artist signings at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Design Group artists, Costa Alavezos, Alex Maher and Mike Sullivan will appear from 2-5 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace on Feb 22.

New! Portable Mobile Phone Chargers Sold at Walt Disney World

If your cell phone or tablet is in need of a charge, you can now purchase portable chargers in various Merchandise stores in the theme parks and resorts. As we become more reliant on our mobile devices for MyMagic+, it's a good idea to pick one of these chargers up.

New! Disney Vacation Club launches Membership Magic

source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club is giving Members even more to love with the launch of Membership Magic on Jan. 29. The new program offers Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special offers just for Members and their Guests.  Initial offerings as part of the program launch include:

• Recreation Magic featuring Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises and weekly largemouth bass tournaments on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon
• Culinary Magic with special dining experiences at some of the top Disney restaurants
• Weekly Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
• "Me Time" Magic that gives Members and their Guests exclusive access to Senses - A Disney Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Limited time Annual Pass offers for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort
• And much more! Contact Member Services for details.

Reminder: Guest Room Refurbishments at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

source: DisneyWorld.com

  

Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished through August. The current building under refurbishment is Boca Chica. Work began Feb. 2.

 

New! Merchandise Events:

• February 7 – 9: Heather Swanepoel from Rinse Bath and Body Co. will be at Port of Entry in Epcot each day throughout the weekend as she showcases the latest skin moisturizers, facial masks and scented soaps, among other items. A guest favorite: The flavored lip balm.
• On Feb. 8, Rosemary Begley will be at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to sign some of her latest pieces from 1-3 p.m. at Disney Outfitters, located on Discovery Island. Rosemary has four deluxe prints that were inspired by Kilimanjaro Safaris including lions, zebras, elephants and a giraffe.
• February 12 – 16: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for a special artist showcase at Art of Disney in Epcot. Greg will also be available February 26 – March 2 at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Be sure to check back for the latest Disney News and Tips; follow me on Pinterest for Disney {and many other} pins; "like" my Facebook Page for news, tip and maybe a contest or two; or email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com with questions or vacation planning advice!

What's Happening at the Walt Disney World Resort

What's New at the

Walt Disney World Resort

New! New Walt Disney World Discount Offer for Spring 2014:

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World(R) Resort hotels. Upgrade to a room and ticket package and get one more ticket day FREE! (Minimum 4 day Magic Your Way ticket required.) Offer Valid for stays most nights March 14 April 12 and April 20 June 15. Other great rates may be available February 24 to March 5, 2014. Contact me for more details.

New! MagicBand Updates:

photo: Disney Parks Blog

 

As part of our the test process for MyMagic+, the MagicBand only test is expanding to all Walt Disney World Resort hotels by late January. As a result, all resort Guests

will be using Disney FastPass+ service exclusively. Testing will begin on the following dates (dates for resorts listed include any Disney Vacation Club accommodations located at those properties):

▪ Monday, Jan. 6 -Disney's Art of Animation Resort

▪ Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

▪ Wednesday, Jan. 8 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

▪ Thursday, Jan. 9 – Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Spring Resort & Spa

▪ Friday, Jan. 10 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

▪ Monday, Jan. 13 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

▪ Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

▪ Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

▪ Thursday, Jan. 16 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

▪ Friday, Jan. 17 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort

▪ Monday, Jan. 20 – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

New! Camp MinnieMickey and Festival of the Lion King Close at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

 

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Camp MinnieMickey has forever closed it's doors at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This area is being refurbished as a new land themed to James Cameron's Avatar. Avatarland, as it's being called, will not be ready for several years. The only date given by Disney is early 2017! Festival of the Lion King on the other hand will reopen this summer in a new theater location at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The last show of Festival of the Lion King was held on January 5th, 2014.

New! New Character Greeting Locations at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Since Camp MinnieMickey closed permanently on January 6, 2014 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can now find your favorite characters in other locations: Chip and Dale will “meet and play” at Rafiki’s Planet Watch as Guests make their way from the Wildlife Express Train station to Conservation Station. In this playful setting, children of all ages can pose for photos with the chipmunks and hear music by GiTar Dan.  Say“Wingapo” to Pocahontas as she joins porcupines, colorful exotic birds and other animal friends along the Discovery Island Trail.  Donald Duck will welcome friends to join him for a photo with Cory the dinosaur along Cretaceous Trail in DinoLand U.S.A.  King Louie and Baloo have found a home in Upcountry Landing along Bradley Falls.  Remember, Mickey and Minnie moved to a new home at the Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island early last year, so they will continue to meet Guests there.

New! Completion Badge Added for Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Beginning Jan. 5, Guests who complete all 31 Wilderness Explorers badge activities can receive a Senior Wilderness Explorer badge. This badge can be given out at any of the six Troop Leader locations throughout the park.  These locations are indicated on the guidemap.

New! The “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade” Concludes:

photo: wdwlive.com via google search

This parade made its final run on Saturday, January 4.  Now, there will be a period of time when a traditional 3:00pm parade is not presented at Magic Kingdom until the new daytime parade “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” debuts in Spring 2014.

New! Lemon Blueberry Cupcake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

photo: disneyfoodblog.com via google search

 

Beginning Monday, Jan. 6 a brand new cupcake arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios! It is a Lemon Blueberry cupcake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting for $5.19 at select quick service locations, including Rosie's All-American Cafe, Starring Rolls Cafe, Backlot Express, Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Fairfax Fare and Studio Catering Co. . This sweet treat is part of the Disney Dining Plan and will be available Jan. 6 - March 6.

New! "Frozen" Characters at Epcot through Jan. 31:

source: Disney Parks Blog

Anna and Elsa, from Disney’s hit comedy adventure, “Frozen,” are delighting audiences in theaters and drawing legions of fans to Prinsesse Plas in the Norway pavilion. With the growing popularity of these royal visitors from Arendelle, their stay at Epcot has been extended. Guests will continue to be able to greet Elsa and Anna in Norway, through Jan. 31.  Nearby, Guests can also continue to discover a new gallery exhibit exploring how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the creators of "Frozen."

New! Dates Announced for Epcot Flower and Garden Festival:

source: Disney Parks Blog

 

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to the park March 5 – May 18.  This annual festival, with its floral displays, topiaries, and food fun, will showcase Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as this year’s lead topiary.

New! Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Refurbishment:

Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of inventory and will not occupied by Guests while work is being performed. Room enhancements include all new drapery, carpeting, headboards and more!

New! Winter Promotions Available at Locations Serving Starbucks Specialty Beverages:

Beginning Jan. 7, 2014, Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom and Fountain View at Epcot will offer a variety of new winter items as part of the Starbucks Winter Promotions.

New! Holiday Decor Removal Begins:

The Holiday Services team will be removing holiday decor at parks this week. In some cases, it's already begun. Removal of holiday decor at Magic Kingdom began after park close on Monday, Jan. 6. Removal at Disney's Hollywood Studios begins at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Removal at Disney's Animal Kingdom, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. on Jan. 8.

New! Wyland Gallery Closed at Disney's Polynesian Resort:

The last day of operation for Wyland Galleries at Disney's Polynesian Resort was Tuesday, Dec. 31. Guests interested in Wyland Galleries may continue to visit the location at Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

New! 2014 Promotion Begins Disney Family Time Resolutions:

Disney launched Resolutions, where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January. They are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

New! Merchandise Events:

On January 17: Be among the first to pick up Cutesters Series 6 at D-Street in Downtown Disney West Side. Artists Maria Clapsis and Caley Hicks will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 5 – 6 p.m., so don’t miss out!

New! Delectable Spa Treatments at Disney Spas:

The flavors of the season – Champagne, strawberries and chocolate mousse — are just a few of decadent ingredients in the new spa offerings at Senses – a Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. From January 1-February 28, these tasty treatments debut just in time for the new year at both Senses spa locations. There’s Chocolate and Strawberry Facial to tone, tighten and detoxify, a Mimosa Champagne Scrub and Body Wrap that hydrates and refines and a Mimosa Champagne and Chocolate Pedicure to give your tootsies some pampering, plus a Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, created to reduce wrinkles and hydrate with rich chocolate. Call or visit the spas for more info: 407WDWSPAS.

So much is happening at the Walt Disney World Resort...today and everyday!  What are you waiting for?  Contact me today for your free, no obligation vacation quote!  I love putting together a big Disney Vacation Puzzle, and can help you every step of the way!

Have a most magical day! 

Disney and Vera Bradley Team Up for Exciting *new* Merchandise

...all right...so Facebook and twitter are all a flutter...over *more* new Disney bags.

Nope...not Disney Dooney & Bourke bags.

Vera Bradley bags.

Hmmm.

Now, I will admit that I have never *owned* a Vera Bradley bag.  I honestly thought they looked a little old-ladyish.  They are sold at Hallmark stores.  They just weren't my style.

Until today.

Now, I am NOT giving up on my Disney Dooney & Bourke collection obsession.

Not at all.

But come on, how CUTE is this pattern?!?!?  {the black pattern on the right is the one that I am in LOVE with!!!}

source: Disney Parks Blog

Now...what I think still *weirds* me out a bit about the Vera Bradley bags is that they are quilted.

Of course, this is coming from a woman who carries a DD&B Sketch the size of a small suitcase.

I realize not everyone likes every style...and that is why I love that Disney is offering so many different options for adults.  We now have Dooney & Bourke, Harvey's Seatbelt Bags, Le SportSac and now, Vera Bradley.  I can't say that I am going to run out and buy the largest bag available.  I think I have to "ease" into these.  Maybe I will try a cosmetic bag first, and go from there.

I must say, Disney must be listening to their fans.  Every Dooney & Bourke Facebook fan page I belong to, has always had women *begging* for Vera Bradley

Good job, Disney for listening to what your fans want.  Thank you for bringing more stylish, fashion-forward options to us women {really, who wants a boxy old tee-shirt?!??!}.  Thank you for bringing us quality products.  Products that we don't mind investing in.

Thank you, Disney.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, these pieces will be available this fall at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.  There will be a "sneak peek" of the collection at the Festival Center at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that runs March 6th through May 19th, 2013.

source: Disney Parks Blog

If you see these bags up close, let me know what you think!!!  I am crossing my fingers that I get to go see the Flower and Garden festival this Spring...who knows!!!  I might get to take a closer look myself!!!  If you are interested in a free, no obligation quote for your own trip to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, or ANY Walt Disney World Resort celebration {Celebrate Everyday!!!}, contact me today!!!

New, Exciting Food Offerings at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

I am so excited for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this year.  I am even more excited than usual, because I actually might have an opportunity to experience this wonderful event again this year.  {I am keeping my fingers crossed that this might happen}

One thing that caught my attention while doing my research was the tie-in of new and exciting foods to sample at the Flower and Garden Festival.

To quote the Disney Parks Blog,“What a natural progression (it is) to go from the garden to the table,” said Michael Jenner, Epcot Park Event Content Development Manager.

That makes sense to me, for sure.  Just looking at the wonderful photos of the offerings makes my mouth water!!!

source: Disney Parks Blog

 

source: Disney Parks Blog

Holy smokes, those drinks look incredible.  The colors even scream "Spring" to me!!!

There seems to be plenty to sample, and something for every palette.  The Disney Parks Blog assures us that there will be NO repeats from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and that each marketplace will have three to four dishes.  Dishes I am excited to try are: the Pig Slider with Cole Slaw from The Smokehouse at American Advenure {YUM} and Heirloom tomatoes with house-made mozzarella, vinegar and basil from The Cottage in the United Kingdom.

Oh my goodness!!!  I will have to top it off with a "grown-up" Dole Whip with Florida-made spiced rum.

Luckily, there is plenty of walking around this incredible festival to burn off those calories!!!


Disney is not forgetting the kids during this event.  Disney chefs have chosen some new and fun dishes to encourage children to try as part of Disney's new TRYit! campaign.  TRYit! is part of Disney's ongoing Magic of Healthy Living campaign.  I know I have been able to get Little Man to eat more better and become more active because of their efforts.

I think I might be inspired to try some of these "kid's" dishes, myself!!!  The Wild Berry Slush, Frushi {fruit sushi}, Lasagna Primavera, Watermelon Salad and Angel Food Cake with Florida berries sound delightful.  I think Little Man would like these, as well.

Are you planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort this Spring???  The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 6th to May 19th.  Need help planning your trip???  Contact me for a free, no obligation quote!!!