New Nighttime Spectacular ‘Epcot Forever’ Debuts Oct. 1

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 29, 2019) – “Epcot Forever,” a new nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort, will debut Oct. 1, 2019, on World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. The limited-time show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot, built around the magical soundtrack guests have come to know and love at the park.

The new show will feature fireworks, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites, accompanied by a stirring collection of songs that paints a colorful picture of Epcot. Disney Parks Live Entertainment is collaborating on the show with noted conductor and composer Don Harper, who is producing all-new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to weave into the soundtrack of “Epcot Forever.”

“‘Epcot Forever’ is a celebration of what Epcot has been and what Epcot is going to become,” said Alan Bruun, show director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “Music is the star of the show, and we use songs going back to the very beginnings of Epcot to music in the park today – from attractions, spectaculars and other shows – and put them into a fireworks spectacular on the lagoon every night. Guests are going to hear music they know and love but in a whole new way.”

The current Epcot nighttime spectacular, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” will end its dazzling 20-year run on Sept. 30, 2019. Now, more than ever, guests will want to bid the show a fond farewell this spring and summer to once again take in a nighttime extravaganza dedicated to the joyful history of humanity and the remarkable achievements of our time.

After it launches Oct. 1, “Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when it will then make way for the debut of the next epic Epcot nighttime spectacular as part of the park’s multi-year transformation.

Other projects currently in development at Epcot include:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction, which will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and use a brand-new ride system
  • Play pavilion offering first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities
  • Changes to the main entrance plaza, featuring new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris
  • Crêperie in the France pavilion offering both table-service and quick-service options
  • “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, “Impressions de France”
  • “Awesome Planet” film in The Land, Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
  • Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
  • Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE, inviting guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience

Guests will be able to visualize the exciting plans for Epcot when doors open later this year to a new Experience Center. There they will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation driving the park’s future during this unprecedented period of growth.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!

How long will it take to get to the Parks on Disney’s new Skyliner system?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 6, 2019) – Disney’s exciting new Skyliner aerial tram transport system is in the final stages of testing. It will connect guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway Entrance to Epcot.

The trans are reported to travel at approximately 11 mph which allows for the following estimates on the transit times between each station and comparisons for the same trip done via Disney’s traditional resort bus service:

Estimated travel times (including line transfers), for guests who will be boarding the Skyliner at Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Pop Century Resorts, are as follows:

  • Caribbean Beach Resort: 3 minutes 16 seconds (appx 34 minutes by bus including transfer)
  • Hollywood Studios: 12 minutes 5 seconds (appx 12 minutes by bus)
  • Riviera Resort: 10 minutes 27 seconds
  • Epcot: 17 minutes 29 seconds (appx 12 minutes by bus)

The estimated travel times for guests boarding the Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are as follows:

  • Hollywood Studios: 3 minutes 49 seconds (appx 12 minutes by bus)
  • Epcot: 9 minutes 13 seconds (appx 12 minutes by bus)
  • Riviera Resort: 2 minutes 11 seconds
  • Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts: 3 minutes 16 seconds (appx 34 minutes by bus including transfer)

The estimated travel times for guests who will be boarding the Skyliner at Disney’s Riviera Resort are as follows:

  • Epcot: 6 minutes 2 seconds
  • Hollywood Studios: 11 minutes
  • Caribbean Beach Resort: 2 minutes 11 seconds
  • Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts: 10 minutes 27 seconds

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!

Mizner’s Lounge at Grand Floridian closing for new “Beauty & the Beast” themed bar & grille

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 14, 2019) – Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Villas is soon to be no more.  Disney announced Saturday that the popular space is being “re-imagined” and themed to Beauty and the Beast. 

According to a posting on the Disney Parks Blog:  “Tie your napkin around your neck, because we are excited to announce that a new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge is coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this fall. The enchanting lounge will celebrate the magic and romance of the popular Disney live-action movie.  

Formerly Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s, this re-imagined lounge will feature four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast. The signature bar will glow from the light of a magnificent gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. The formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. The garden room will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. And an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

It’s the latest new Disney magic coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In February, we announced a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location will open this summer at the beloved and picturesque resort hotel located on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon. 

With charm and elegance to be found around every turn, this quaint bar and lounge will be the place where you can put our service to the test and share a tale as old as time.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!