Griswold's Magical Memories Blog

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 19, 2018) – From Super Heroes to an intergalactic concert, from eye-popping shows to a nighttime beach party to get your glow on, from new reasons to love Disney Springs to an all-new land where toys reign supreme, there’s only one way to describe summer 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Incredible!

When Disney kicks off its Incredible Summer over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, guests will kick up their sandals to nonstop fun, immersed in favorite Disney films, entering the worlds of beloved characters and experiencing exciting new attractions and entertainment.

And, with the addition of a nighttime party at Typhoon Lagoon, this summer will be even more incredible.

At Magic Kingdom Park from May 25 through Sept. 3, favorite Disney•Pixar Super Heroes will take over Tomorrowland with the premiere of the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo that celebrates all things super. Guests will interact with Mr. Incredible, Frozone and other characters from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and upcoming “Incredibles 2.” And, for the first time ever, guests will get to see Edna Mode, the world’s greatest costume designer for the Supers. Tomorrowland gets decked out for this Supers celebration with Incredibles décor and the sounds of incredible music. High-energy fun builds to a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters nationwide June 15.

There will be more Super Hero action at Epcot where Star-Lord and Gamora, from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos. The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! concert series will feature hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes – fun and favorite tunes from the two movie soundtracks. There will be five show times daily, running June 9 through Aug. 19.

This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 20^th anniversary with two super new experiences:

• UP! A Great Bird Adventure premieres April 22, Earth Day, coinciding with the start of the park’s 20^th anniversary celebration. The show features Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar animated film “UP,” as they discover bird species from around the world.
• Donald’s Dino-Bash!, which opens Memorial Day Weekend, is a “dino-tastic” celebration where Donald Duck takes over Dinoland U.S.A. The world’s most famous duck is celebrating his recent discovery that ducks are descendants of dinosaurs. He’s brought along feathered friends Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack, plus other Disney characters to meet guests. In addition to bringing his own decorating touch to the land, Donald puts on a nightly dance party where everyone can shake their tail feathers. The dance party is the newest addition to the lineup of after-dark entertainment that keeps the fun going past sundown at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In addition to the fun new entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can still thrill to the park’s newest land, Pandora – The World of Avatar. There they can experience Avatar Flight of Passage, which quickly became the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World.

New Nighttime Fun at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Just announced, Rex and his “Toy Story” pals will be throwing a glow party bigger and better than ever at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Disney H2O Glow Nights will transform the water park like never before. Rex, a.k.a. Partysaurus Rex, serves as host and promises a sudsy good time. All attractions will be open for guest enjoyment and, as part of the fun, a DJ will host dancing on the beach. This special-ticket event will crank out the fun Thursdays and Saturdays only, June 21 through Aug. 11, from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.  Tickets go on sale March 19 and are $55 per person plus tax for adults and $50 per person plus tax for children ages 3-9.  For more information and to purchase tickets, call (407) 939-1872.

Exciting Adventures and Delicious Delights at Disney Springs

Summer 2018 also marks the first summer for incredible new offerings at Disney Springs, including “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire,” a hyper-reality experience from Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID; and new restaurants and bars have popped up to tempt any appetite. These include The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant and bar; Maria & Enzo’s, an open and airy Italian trattoria featuring family-friendly dishes inspired by Sicily; Terralina Crafted Italian, a new concept from James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano; and Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, brought to Disney Springs by former California Grill manager and Master Sommelier George Miliotes (opening this spring).

Toy Story Land Opens

The capstone of the Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World is the June 30 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Part of a multi-year reimagining of the park, this new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will experience two new attractions. Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly 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. “Toy Story” pals also come to life in another fresh-from-the-box themed attraction – Alien Swirling Saucers. This Pizza Planet toy play set is loaded with aliens circling about in their flying saucers pulling along rocket ships full of guests. The new land will also encompass Toy Story Mania!  Already one of the most popular attractions, it will feature a brand-new entrance designed to look like a play set filled with carnival games.  Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service kiosk serving tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats inside Toy Story Land.

Immersive New Pixar Character Experience for Children

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will soon be home to an immersive new Pixar character experience that is exclusively for children ages 4-12 and takes place nightly from 5-10:30 p.m. Pixar Play Zone will offer a playful and exciting evening that will transport kids on an adventure with their favorite characters from “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles.”

Kids will learn how to battle the enemies of Star Command in Space Ranger Training, and they’ll learn the ropes of the Wild West with Woody and Jessie during Woody’s Roundup. As part of The Piston Cup Challenge, youngsters will build and race cars on the Radiator Springs Racetrack. Kids will also will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible. The evening includes dinner, other activities and arcade games.

The new Pixar experience is $65 per child plus tax.  For more information and to make reservations, call (407) 824-5437

 

 

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!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 5, 2018) – Tickets are now on sale for the May 27 return of Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The one-night event celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with exclusive, out-of-this-world entertainment, encounters with Star Wars characters, a panel discussion with creators of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a new land coming to the theme park in 2019, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise, specialty food & beverage and much more.

“Star Wars: Galactic Nights is an incredibly special event, and this is only the third time it’s been offered,” said Phil Holmes, vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Combine all of the one-night-only experiences with the limited number of tickets available, and it’s easy to see why this night is wildly popular with casual Star Wars fans, super fans and Jedi Masters alike.”

Other treats in store for guests at this exclusive after-hours event include:

• Stunning Projections transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Jaw-dropping projection technology will bathe the theme-park icon with stunning images of locations from across the Star Wars Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting and, of course, the stellar Star Wars cinematic score support each celestial scene all night long. These projections will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
• New enhancements to Star Wars  The popular Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will glow with new show elements that debut at the May 27 event.
• Select theme park attractions will be open for event guests to enjoy. There may even be a special Star Wars surprise on an attraction or two.

Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on May 27 will be 7 p.m.-midnight.

Tickets are available at all Walt Disney World ticket locations and are priced at $129 for adults and $114 for children ages 3-9 (Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and DVC members.) Call 407-WDISNEY (407 934-7639) for event details and to make reservations.

 

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!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (February 26, 2018) –  Disney’s Animal Kingdom has revealed news about a baby Nile hippopotamus born at the park on January 13. As part of a magical moment on the theme park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, roughly a dozen Guests were the first to learn that the hippo calf is a boy, and his name is Augustus. Weighing in at 168 pounds, Augustus is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years. He is often seen staying close to his mom, Tuma, and is already winning over Guests with his playful nature.

The birth of Augustus marks another success for the dedicated and highly trained team of animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. Nile hippos are a vulnerable species with a declining population. Augustus’ parents, Tuma and Henry, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP ensures responsible breeding so there will be healthy and diverse animal populations for years to come.

Guests will see Augustus on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience and be inspired to take action to protect hippos and other at-risk animals in the wild. To learn more about hippos, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –  It is now official; The new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World opens June 30! Let the countdown begin.

Guests in Toy Story Land will feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy as Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Slinky Dog, the Aliens, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard.

And what a backyard! In a rich and colorful landscape straight from his vivid imagination, Andy has set up his toys for the best playtime ever. Guests will be surrounded by giant building blocks, game board pieces and more.

Across eleven fun-filled acres, Toy Story Land will include two all-new attractions and one expanded favorite. Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster behind Slinky Dog, take a spin with flying saucers in toy spaceships and score high on the midway.

Toy Story Land will also celebrate what once defined entertainment for a generation. Crayons, Rubik’s Cubes, Cooties, Green Army Men and other toys and games will pour on the nostalgia for park-goers. Even the lampposts will be shaped like Tinkertoys.

“With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences Toy Story Land represents

the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals – and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

Here’s the rundown:

• Slinky Dog Dash. Andy has assembled his roller coaster kit for maximum family fun. Tracks and supports in bright colors of red, orange, yellow and blue are put together according to Andy’s hand-drawn plans, with Rex and Jessie lending a hand. And to complete his creation, Andy picked up everyone’s favorite floppy-eared dachshund with a strrrrretch-ing slinky coil belly and dropped it on to the coaster track. Get ready to ride inside Slinky Dog’s coils! Slinky Dog Dash is inspired bythe delightful pooch spinoff of Slinky, the 1950s American toy classic. Riders of all ages will delight as Slinky Dog bends and twists his coils around curves, hills, bridges and drops in the Slinky-est coaster ever. Riders will zip around and above Toy Story Land, serving up panoramic views of all that the new land has to offer. Andy’s colorful creation will stretch Slinky Dog and his coils to the max – from his head to his upturned tail – and be fun for the entire family.
• Alien Swirling Saucers. Brace yourself for out-of-this-world thrills because the aliens have powered up their flying saucers! Alien Swirling Saucers will immerse guests in the playful world of Andy’s toys. This galactic space toy is designed as a play set that Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant. Adorable little Toy Story green Aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket-ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in music reimagined for intergalactic fun, dappled with multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout galaxies.
• Toy Story Mania! While Andy’s away, the toys will play. One of the most beloved attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania!, gets an all-new colorful toy carnival game box entrance when the new land opens. In fact, this is the box that the Toy Story Mania! game came in. Recently updated with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the carnival playset action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games. To the high-scorer go bragging rights.

When it’s time for on-the-go refreshments, Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window in a setting surrounded by Andy’s favorite toys and a giant vintage thermos. Woody’s Lunch Box will also feature Mini Babybel – the Official Snack Cheese of Walt Disney World Resort.

Toy Story Land is part of a multi-year reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the largest expansion in the theme park’s history. Next year will see the premiere of the all-new, 14-acre Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This new land will allow guests to visit a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life – and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action. Also coming in 2019 is Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The first ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction will feature new technology, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that put guests in the whacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Starting Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27, Walt Disney World Resort will launch an incredible summer for 2018 with guests being immersed in their favorite Disney films, entering the worlds of their beloved characters and experiencing exciting new attractions and entertainment.

Here are some of the highlights:

All four Walt Disney World theme parks – plus Disney Springs – will delight guests with new attractions and experiences for Summer 2018, with most of the festivities starting Memorial Day Weekend.

• At Magic Kingdom, favorite Disney•Pixar super heroes will take over Tomorrowland – celebrating all things super. Guests will party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and upcoming “Incredibles 2.” And, for the first time ever, guests will get to see Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer. These Supers will interact with guests throughout the land. And the festivities culminate with a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters nationwide June 15, 2018.
• Super Heroes take over the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot. Star-Lord and Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.
• This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 20^thanniversary with two super new experiences: A “dino-tastic” celebration where Donald Duck takes over Dinoland U.S.A. with prehistoric elements in a new and exciting character celebration; and Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure, where Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar hit film “Up,” discover species of birds from around the world. In addition to all the new fun offerings, guests continue thrills on Pandora – The World of Avatar including Avatar – Flight of Passage, which has quickly become the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World.
• Summer 2018 also marks the first summer for new offerings at Disney Springs including “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire,”a Hyper-Reality Experience from Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID; and a host of new restaurants and bars have popped up to tempt any appetite. These include The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant and bar; Maria & Enzo’s, an open and airy Italian trattoria featuring family-friendly dishes inspired by Sicily; Terralina Crafted Italian, a new concept from James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano; and Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, brought to Disney Springs by former California Grill manager and Master Sommelier George Miliotes (opening this spring).

Toy Story Land Opens

As summer gets into full swing, the capstone of Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The ongoing reimagining of the park takes guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land.

This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will experience two new attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly coaster which will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops that Andy has created to stretch Slinky and his coils to the max. “Toy Story” pals also come to life in another fresh-from-the-box themed attraction — Alien Swirling Saucers. This Pizza Planet toy play set is loaded with aliens circling about in their flying saucers pulling along rocket ships full of guests. The new land also will encompass – Toy Story Mania! – which has been expanded to add a third track to the existing popular attraction. Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service kiosk serving tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats inside Toy Story Land.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “Love is an open door” to all kinds of options for the most romantic week of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, giving a whole new meaning to the popular duet from Frozen. Whether it’s a night out with that special someone, a “galentine’s” evening or special moments shared with friends, the options for romance and fun are practically endless. Here are 14 enchanting and memorable things to do this Valentine’s Day at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

1. Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Guests can celebrate romance with a brush stroke of sense-tempting activities during this Epcot festival that celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts. The festival runs now through Feb. 19 and offers everything from sparkly, bubbly drinks to imaginative works of art and performances by Broadway stars. Some of the enticing festival tastes include Le Coucher de Soleil at L’Art de la Cuisine Food Studio in the France Pavilion. This sunset mango and raspberry cake is a must-have!
2. The Edison: Swing by this lavish, “industrial gothic”-style hotspot for classic American cuisine, craft cocktails, live music and jazz-inspired performances. There’s no better place to evoke the romantic, adult side of Disney Springs than this new restaurant and bar inspired by the decadent lifestyle of the Roaring ‘20s.
3. Delicious Dinner Experiences:The magic of Disney dining brings romance to the table with special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menus that include optional wine pairing, themed desserts and drinks at select restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Couples can share unforgettable meals at some of the swankiest restaurants on property such as Narcoossee’s and Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club, Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. For reservations, call (407) 939-1947 or visit disneyworld.com/dining.
4. Sneak a Smooch at the Parks: Disney theme parks are filled with countless romantic spots to share with a loved one. But some of them might not be on lovers’ radars! The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom provides the perfect place to sneak a romantic kiss while flying high over Agrabah.
5. Dreamy Photo Ops: A stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park can quickly turn into an impromptu photo session, and Mickey-shaped balloons are the perfect prop. After the sun sets, guests can pose under the lanterns of Rapunzel’s tower in Fantasyland for another Insta-worthy shot. There are literally hundreds of unforgettable photo locations.
6. Sweets at Amorette’s Patisserie: Experience romance in all its sugary deliciousness at this artsy and sophisticated pastry shop located at Disney Springs. Chocolate covered strawberries? Check. French champagne? Check. Eleven layers of red velvet cake? Yes, please.
7. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Sunset: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can experience this popular attraction in a whole new light. Travel to the tranquility of the African savanna and see an array of exotic animals under the setting sun. After all, nothing says romance like the glow of twilight’s golden hour.
8. Venezia Champagne Cruises: It’s a whole new world aboard a beautiful, 40-foot Italian water taxi that launches from Disney Springs to sail the waters of Lake Buena Vista. Each sailing comes complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast to christen the occasion in style. No trip to Italy necessary! To book call (407) 939-2628.
9. Get Pampered at Senses Spa: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are both home to the finest, most indulgent experiences at Walt Disney World Resort – Senses Spa. At either location, guests will find a full selection of therapies and treatments. Couples can enjoy a romantic massage for two. The spas are also great for creating an unforgettable girls’ day out.
10. Creative Gift Ideas at Disney Springs: It’s easy to get creative with gift giving at Disney Springs. For the special guy who needs a little pampering, The Art of Shaving is the place. This handsome shop features high-end grooming products for the modern man. Guys can even get a haircut and shave onsite in The Barber Shop.
11. Carriage Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Couples looking for rustic romance can relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the pine and cypress forests of Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground where deer, rabbits, ducks and even wild turkeys like to roam. To learn more, visit disneyworld.com/recreation
12. Unforgettable Engagements: The romantic and magical ambiance of Walt Disney World makes it the perfect place to pop the big question. Those looking for new and creative places for a truly memorable proposal should consider proposing at Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom or during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth near the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. The Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons team can also help guests plan the perfect proposal. To learn more, visit disneyweddings.com/engagements. Adding even more magical romance, Freeform TV will broadcast a special airing of “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” on February 14, featuring an unforgettable engagement at Walt Disney World Resort (check local listings for broadcast times).
13. Romantic Stroll at Disney’s BoardWalk: Guests can experience the timeless charm of Disney’s BoardWalk, a quarter-mile promenade of exquisite dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife. And only on Valentine’s Day, the recently redesigned Flying Fish will offer diners a magical prix fixe menu that includes everything from filet mignon, lobster tail and even a delicious fondue for two. For reservations, call (407) 939-1947 or visit disneyworld.com/dining.
14. Happily Ever After Fireworks: An evening around the Most Magical Place on Earth isn’t complete without experiencing Happily Ever After – the newest and most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. Guests can experience the magic of beloved Disney movies firsthand—and be inspired to find their own happily ever after.

 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

 

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A post today on the Disney Parks Blog announced that the very popular Easter Egg Hunt is returning to Epcot for the last two weeks of March.

As reported in the blog: “…Our popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and we have first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt. 

From March 16 through April 1, guests visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival can participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters.

As you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you record your discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

• Disney Trader
• Pin Central
• World Traveler

When you find all of the “eggs” and complete your scavenger hunt map, you then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

Also, along with our egg-cellent adventure, we’re featuring a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. Just pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

As you explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, you’ll have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once you find him, add the corresponding sticker to your map.

After your journey is complete, return your map for a springtime surprise.

Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Expanding on its 2017 debut, the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort is presenting a daily, multifaceted celebration of art in many forms now through Feb. 19.

Five new Food Studios have debuted at the festival this year, giving park guests an expanded selection of creative and delicious new tastes to savor at a total of 13 Food Studios around the World Showcase promenade.

The 2018 festival, growing from last year’s long-weekend event schedule, will expand to seven days a week, with the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series returning Fridays through Mondays. Also back by popular demand will be the festival’s artful cuisine, exhibits, seminars, workshops, performance art and interactive fun ranging from innovative photo ops and hands-on mural painting to drawing and food-styling classes.

As Epcot guests explore the world of talent surrounding them, they also can tempt their palates with culinary work-of-art creations at the festival’s Food Studios. Enticing tastes at stops around the World Showcase promenade will include photo-worthy fan favorites like pan-seared scallops with chorizo and roasted red pepper coulis at The Artist’s Table; wild mushroom risotto from Masterpiece Kitchen; a trio of savory doughnuts from The Painter’s Palate; plus decadent dessert delights and beverage standouts like the Pomegranate Mule featuring Van Gogh Vodka.

New Studios this year will be located at the following areas: France (“L’Art de la Cuisine Française” or “The Art of French Cooking”), Morocco (“Mosaic Canteen”), Japan (“Takumi Table”), Italy (“L’Arte di Mangiare” or “The Art of Eating”) and China (“The Painted Panda”).  A complete list of Food Studios and menus are at The Culinary Arts: Food Studios.

Daily events will include complimentary seminars at the Odyssey Festival Showplace such as “Trailblazing Ladies of Disney Animation,” and interactive workshops ($39) like “Sculpting a Mixed Media Action Figure.”

Each Friday through Monday, the hottest show at Epcot – Disney on Broadway Concert Series – will showcase the stellar talents of performers from award-winning Disney on Broadway musicals. Here’s the lineup:

• January 22: Jenn Gambatese Kara Lindsay (NEW!) and Kevin Massey Jan. 22, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “Aladdin,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”
• January 26-29 and February 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.”
• February 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland will perform songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan,” “Mary Poppins,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”

All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and will take place Fridays through Mondays at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Broadway fans can book dining packages that include guaranteed seating for one of the three evening shows.

Throughout the festival, guests can get their art on by:

• Joining in the fun of “Figment’s Brush with the Masters” Scavenger Hunt
• Popping into the frame of a masterpiece for a cleverly artful photo op (think DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware” or new this year, Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”!)
• Watching new gravity-defying feats of strength and acrobatics featured among the festival’s scheduled performing arts
• Discovering authentic cultural artifacts along the World Showcase Art Walk – look for the Art Palette near each highlighted work of art at each country represented
• Marveling at exhibits showcasing works by iconic Disney artists, the new Chalk Gallery, the American Heritage Gallery and more
• Viewing some of 50-plus visiting artists at work and taking a drawing class at the Animation Academy
• Wielding a paintbrush to put their mark on the Hands-on-Wall Mural at World Showcase Plaza

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages, available at five participating Epcot restaurants, can be booked now online at Disneyworld.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-7463.

To book a seminar or workshop, guests can call (407) WDW-TOUR or visit the Odyssey Festival Showplace during the festival.

 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests will be working their way back through five decades of hit tunes slated to rock the 25^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival between March 2 and May 28 during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.  The festival, which runs 90 days from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018, will showcase performers every Friday through Monday.

Fan favorites Night Ranger (“Sister Christian”) will open the series March 2-5, and The Spinners, known for “Working My Way Back To You,” will wrap the concert schedule May 25-28.  Several new bands will perform at Epcot for the first time: Foghat (“Slow Ride”); Smash Mouth (“All Star”); Lonestar (“Amazed”); and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (“Hotel California”). Other bands new to the Garden Rocks series will be Rick Springfield (“Jessie’s Girl”), Survivor (“Eye of the Tiger”) and Jo Dee Messina (“Stand Beside Me”).

Guests can dance in their seats each festival weekend to classic tunes at the park’s outdoor America Gardens Theatre overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon.  An eclectic mix of fan favorites includes 1960s icons Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, ’70s-’80s chart-toppers The Village People and new-millennium hit-makers Simple Plan.

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. 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 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!) “Stand Beside 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 w/Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”

May 11-12                   Village People “Y.M.C.A.”

May 13-14                   Don Felder 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”

 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!

 

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. – Dec 19, 2017 – We learned several months ago that “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil would be taking its final bow at Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve 2017. Now, according to a post from Disney Parks, we can announce an exciting new replacement show for the popular Disney Springs venue. As reported by Disney yesterday:

“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. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog where we’ll continue to share details as they are finalized.

In the meantime, if you’d like to experience the magic of “La Nouba” one more time, limited tickets are still available. Purchase tickets online today.”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers 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 Form today!