Holidays around the World at Epcot kicks off

Holiday festivities are in full swing at Disney World with the Holidays Around the World at Epcot.

Disney publicity photo

The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs perform at 

the Canda pavilion.

If you are heading down to the Disney World this December, you will find what Disney is terming "An International Yuletide Extravaganza" at Epcot. 

Each pavilion hosts special holiday festivities, performances, food and sharing of traditions. Here is the breakdown of what you will find around the World Showcase.

Here is what's going on:

American Adventure:  Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah and discover the spirit of Kwanzaa.

Canada:  The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs go on a musical tour as you explore seasonal customs.

China:  The agile Monkey King weaves his tall tale with twists and turns celebrating Chinese New Year.

France:  Père Noël shares the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child.

Germany:  Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.

Italy: The the kind-hearted witch La Befana  arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

Japan:  The story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year are shared.

Mexico: Los Tres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, is celebrated as they tell of their journey to the Posada and traditions today.

Morocco: Join Taarji, a Moroccan drummer, reflects on family traditions commemorating the holiday of Ramadan.

Norway:  Sigrid teaches about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.

United Kingdom: Meet Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

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New gallery opens in Norway at Epcot inspired by "Frozen"

Disney publicity photo

A gallery featuring Norwegian culture inspired by the new film "Frozen" has opened in Epcot's Norway pavilion at Disney World.

The gallery contains items from the the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum from Decorah, Iowa and includes: an authentic hand-made bunad, the traditional costume of Norway, handmade instruments, furniture and painting. Some artifacts date back as early as the 1200s, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

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New restaurant opening at Morocco Pavilion with view of Illuminations

A new outdoor cafe featuring a number of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks in front of the Morocco pavilion will open soon at Epcot in Disney World.

Disney artist rendition of The Spice Road Table

The Spice Road Table will have a view of the World Showcase lagoon with 120 outdoor terrace seats for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The restaurant will also seat 60 inside and have Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art, according to a Disney news release.

The whitewashed façade of Spice Road Table is accented in icy shades of blue from the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. A collection of shops in the colorful style of a Moroccan “souk,” or marketplace, stretches along the front of the building.

This is the third restaurant in the Morocco pavilion, joining The Tangierine Café and the Restaurant Marrakesh.

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Sum of all Thrills celebrates four years at Disney World

 One of my favorite attractions at Disney World and one of the best kept secrets at the park,  has celebrated its fourth anniversary at Disney World.

Sum of all Thrills, hidden away inside Innoventions, in Epcot is a ride many people overlook. It's a great attraction to create your own thrill ride.

Sponsored by Raytheon, the pre-show video

explains how math and science are used to create thrill rides, illustrating how speed and angles are used to keep roller coasters on the track and not fly off.

Once the video is done you go to a design station where you take what you learned about acceleration and velocity to build a course with a virtual roller coaster ride, jet-fighter plane or bobsled run. You can build in loops, turns, dives and barrel rolls. The design station will tell you if it is possible and how fast you can go.

After you build the course, you head over to 3-D robotic simulator where you sit in a module suspended in the air and go through the course you created.

Here's a look at the ride.

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Eat to the Beat concert lineup for November

Five bands are left to perform in November during the Eat to the Beat Concert series.

The concert series is part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The series, which has featured bands such as The Go-Go's, Air Supply and Smash Mouth, ends Nov. 11.

Here is the final list of bands:

Nov. 1: Spin Doctors

Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross

Nov. 4-5: Hanson

Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX

Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Tour of Epcot gardens is next Disney World Limited Time Magic experience

© Steven Liebman

A special tour of the Epcot gardens during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Disney World is the next Limited Time Magic experience.

From Oct. 21-25, 2013, there will be a special tour of the gardens with a Disney expert, according to Disney's Limited Time Magic site.

The free tour - but you need to register at the Disney Parks Blog, will show off the floral designs and behind the scenes horticulture, including "secrets behind the planning process."

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Fountain View Starbucks to open at Disney World

The Fountain View at Epcot will re-open Sept. 4 featuring Starbucks products.

Disney publicity photo of the new Fountain View.

Starbucks has been opening in Disneyland and Disney World this past year offering coffee, espresso and Frappuccino's as well as pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Fountain View is the second Starbucks location at Walt Disney World. The first was Main Street Bakery on Main Street, U.S.A at the Magic Kingdom.

In Disneyland, Starbucks opened at the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in California Adventure park and will soon open at the Market House inside the Disneyland park. In addition, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland will get two Starbucks locations. The first will be in front of the west entrance to the World of Disney and the second will be a kiosk location.

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6 tips for surviving the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is less than a month away. If you plan to attend any of the 46-day event get ready for a lot of food, wine, people and a little more rowdy behavior than you may be used to at Disney World.

There are more than 25 kiosks of food and drink to choose from. Here are six quick tips on how to enjoy the festival:

1. Go during the week. Stay away from the festival on weekends if you can. Local residents come out in force to make the crowds daunting -- maybe not to the level of you would see during major holidays, but it's crowded enough to make the World Showcase hard to navigate. 

2. Go at lunch time. Even when it isn't Food & Wine time, the World Showcase gets more crowded in the evening as people arrive for dinner at Epcot's restaurants. Now imagine all of those people milling around and standing in food lines rather than going into restaurants. When you get crowds eating and drinking, you also get a bit of rowdier bunch than usual. It can also be harder to endure the long lines for food and beverages and to find a place to safely eat. There are fewer people around during the lunch and early afternoon hours, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the food and the company.

3. Buy a wristband gift card. These cards can be used at any of the kiosks and can also be used to purchase non-food items. The gift card is a perfect way to stay on a budget -- put the amount you want to spend on the card and then you can walk around see what looks interesting and swipe the card. The card can be recharged, so it's easy to add another $10 for an extra Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle or a Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket. Prices for the food range from $3 to $7.

4. Graze and share. The festival is the ultimate tapas bar. There are more than 25 kiosks, or what Disney likes to call Marketplaces, each with main courses, drinks and desserts. That's a lot of food to sample. Walk around and see what's interesting. Also think about splitting each of the dishes. Yes, this means you might get only one or two bites of something, but it will also give you the opportunity to taste many things without stuffing yourself. And if you go for a couple of days, you can always go back for seconds another time. It doesn't hurt to go in with a little game plan ahead of time. 

5. Share a table and meet new people. Everyone likes to eat. And everyone will share their opinion. As you walk around the festival you will see tables set up. Don't be afraid to share them with strangers. It's a good opportunity to not only meet new people, but ask what they have tried and find out what they recommend. You might get some good ideas.

6. Splurge for a seminar. You might think it's not worth spending the big bucks to attend a food seminar, but it is. The amount of food and drinks provided is more than you might expect -- from food and wine pairings, to cocktails, to tasting menus. And the experts do know what they are talking about and can provide you with good insight on drink and food preparation as well as some history of what you're sampling.

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Smile of the Day: Spaceship Earth and Itsukushima Shinto Shrine at night

Night time photography is always fun, especially when trying to capture Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Disney World.

Here, the photo is taken at the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase area. In the foreground is the replica of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. The actual shrine, located on the Japanese island of Itsukushima dates from the 12th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine plays on the contrasts in colour and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity," according to the UNESCO site.

© Mary Liebman

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Menu for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival released

If you're getting ready for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Disney World or still thinking about a quick trip, you'll have more than 25 kiosks of food and drink to choose from.

Here is a look at the kiosks and menu planned for the 46-day long event, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Disney publicity photo

Terra

• Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick’n Breast Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese featuring Gardein Beefless Tips 
• Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce
• Fresh Watermelon Juice
• Napa Smith Organic IPA
• The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
• The Vegan Vine Red Blend

Brazil

• Seared Scallop with Ragout of Tomatoes, Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Steamed Rice
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
• Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato White
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Argentina

• Beef Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec
• Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
• Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon

Australia

• Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini
• Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s Berries and Vanilla Custard)
• Rosemont Estate Pinot Grigio
• Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay
• Rosemont Estate Merlot
• Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz

Mexico

• Shrimp Taco with Purple Cabbage
• Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle
• Rice Pudding
• Dos Equis Beer
• Sangria
• Tequila Flight
• Mango-Habanero Margarita

Singapore

• Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice
• Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce
• Tiger Beer
• Marqués de Caceres Satinela
• Singapore Sing featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring (garnished with Cherry Man Farm-to-Market All-Natural maraschino cherry)

China

• Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun
• Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
• Chicken Potstickers
• Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, Chocolate)
• Tsing Tao Beer
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
• Kung Fu Punch with Vodka
• Happy Lychee with Vodka
• Lychee Aerated Water

South Korea

• Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
• Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
• Bohae Black Raspberry Wine – Bokbunjajoo
• Jinro Chamisul Soju
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Africa

• Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap
• Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket
• Man Vintners Chenin Blanc
• The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier)
• Porcupine Ridge Syrah

Cheese

• Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam
• Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard
• Goats Gouda
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Big Bad Red Blend
• Once Upon a Vine’s A Charming Pinot

Brewer’s Collection

• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Warsteiner Premium Verum
• Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Radeberger Pilsner
• BraufactuM Palor
• BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer
• BraufactuM Darkon
• Beer Flight 1: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Beer Flight 2: Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Palor, BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer, BraufactuM Darkon

Germany

• Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese)
• Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
• Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Braufactum Darkon
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
• Weingut Pitthan Dornfelder Dry Barrique Style

Poland

• Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
• Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup)
• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
• Temptation Zinfandel
• Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Italy

• Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana
• Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani
• Cannoli al Cioccolato
• Moretti Beer
• Moretti La Rosa
• Procecco
• Pinot Grigio Placido
• Chianti Placido
• Italian Margherita

American Adventure Coffee Cart

• Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee – Made with Kahlua, Vanilla and Caramel. Served Hot or Frozen

Hops & Barley

• Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
• New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco
• Craisin Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager
• Samuel Adams Octoberfest
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
• Rogue Chocolate Stout
• Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée
• Beer Flight 1: Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, Rogue Chocolate Stout

Florida Local

• Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles
• Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro
• Cigar City Brewing Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale
• Orlando Brewing, Sun Shade Organic Pale Ale
• Florida Orange Groves, Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine

Japan

• California Roll
• Spicy Hand Roll
• Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll
• Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables
• Sapporo Draft Beer
• Sake: Junmai Ginjo
• Green Tea Colada

Morocco

• Kefta Pocket
• Harissa Chicken Roll
• Baklava
• Casa Beer
• Ksar White
• Sangria
• Mimosa Royale

New Zealand

• Gratinated Green Lip Mussels with Garlic and Herbs
• Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
• Venison Sausage with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula and Black Currant Reduction
• Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Belgium

• Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
• Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
• Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream
• Hoegaarden
• Stella Artois
• Leffe Blonde
• Leffe Brune
• Beer Flight 1: Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune
• Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

France

• Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
• Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
• Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
• Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
• Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

Ireland

• Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
• Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
• Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard
• Guinness Draught
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen

Canada

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
• Moosehead Lager
•  La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
• La Face Neige Sparkling
• Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

Greece

• Taste of Greece: Grilled & Marinated Calamari, Hitipiti, Eggplant Dip, Olives and Pita Bread
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
• Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
• Spanakopita
• Dannon Oikos Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah
• Ouzo by Metaxa

Refreshment Port

• Dole Pineapple Fritters
• Fried Shrimp with Dole Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Fried Chicken Chunks with Dole Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Orange Dole Whip
• Orange Dole Whip with Crème de Cacao White
• Dragon Berry Colada featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum

Desserts & Champagne

• Chocolate Orange Cupcake
• Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
• Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
• Dessert Trio
• Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
• Frozen S’mores
• PyramidWeiss Cream Beer
• Möet & Chandon Ice Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé

Hawai’i

• Klua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
• Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale
• Kona Brewing Company’s Pipeline Porter
• Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Réserve
• Aulani Sunrise featuring Ocean Vodka

Scotland

• Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
• Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes
• Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
• Innis & Gunn Original
• Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich 12 year
• Glenfiddich Scotch Flight (12, 15 and 18 year)

Craft Beers

• Dogfish Head Brewery, Namaste
• Abita Brewing Company, Fall Fest
• Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy, (Summer Shandy/Orange Shandy)
• Florida Beer Company, Devil’s Triangle
• New Belgium Brewing Company, Fat Tire
• Widmer Brothers Brewing, Alchemy Ale
• Red Hook, Audible Ale
• Sierra Nevada, Torpedo Extra IPA
• Beer Flight 1: Dogfish Head Brewery Namaste, Abita Brewing Company Fall Fest, Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy, Florida Beer Company Devil’s Triangle
• Beer Flight 2: New Belgium Brewing Company Fat Tire, Widmer Brother s Brewing Alchemy Ale, Red Hook Audible Ale, Sierra Nevada Torpedo

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Disney Facts: 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by the numbers

The 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival taking place next month in Disney World is now at 46 days in length. When it first began in 1996 it was only 30 days long.

Disney publicity photo

The festival will contain cuisine from six continents as well as wine, beer and cocktails. Plus a nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts with entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues, according to a Disney World press release.

Here's a look at the upcoming festival, by the numbers, according to Disney:

910,000: Cranberries are expected to be used in the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog.

360,000: Beer servings expected, enough to fill the aquariums five times over at Rainforest Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

300,000: Wine servings expected, if laid end-to-end the number of wine glasses used would reach from Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista to the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral, Fla.

100,000: Dessert servings expected, including the dessert trio of Cherry Pistachio Mousse, Orange Cupcake and Hazelnut Cheesecake.

1,200: Fireworks exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

500: Pounds of watermelon is expected to be tasted at the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery parties.

300: National and international wines will be available.

260: Celebrity and Walt Disney World chefs will participate.

220: Food-and-beverage menu items will be available.

138: Eat to the Beat! concerts to be performed.

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Sigourney Weaver added to list of celebrity narrators for Candlelight Processional

Disney has announced that Sigourney Weaver has been added to the list celebrity narrators who will be part of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot in Disney World.

There are still three slots yet to be announced, including who will kick off the entire event. One of the mainstays on the list Jodi Benson, the voice of the Little Mermaid, does not have a slot yet. 

© Steven Liebman

Candlelight Processional

The processional is now being performed three times a night from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2013. The narrator focuses on the retelling of the Christmas story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir.

Here is the list so far of who is scheduled:

Nov. 29 to Dec. 1: To be announced.
Dec. 2 to Dec. 3: To be announced.
Dec. 4 to Dec. 5: Ashley Judd
Dec. 6 to Dec. 7: Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 8 to Dec. 10: Sigourney Weaver
Dec. 11 to Dec. 13: Dennis Haysbert
Dec. 14 to Dec. 16:  James Denton
Dec. 17 to Dec. 19: Edward James Olmos
Dec. 20 to Dec. 22:  Trace Adkins
Dec. 23 to Dec. 25: To be announced.
Dec. 26 to Dec. 28:  Blair Underwood
Dec. 29 to Dec. 30: Amy Grant

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Disney announces celebrity narrators for 2013 Candlelight Processional at Epcot

UPDATED OCT. 30, 2013

Disney has announced the complete list of celebrity narrators who will be part of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot in Disney World this holiday season.  The last slot filled recently went to singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. Other notables are Neil Patrick Harris, Sigourney Weaver and Amy Grant.

© Steven Liebman

Candlelight Processional

The processional is now being performed three times a night from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2013. The narrator focuses on the retelling of the Christmas story, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir.

Here is the list so far of who is scheduled:

Nov. 29 to Dec. 1: Gary Sinise
Dec. 2 to Dec. 3: Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 4 to Dec. 5: Ashley Judd
Dec. 6 to Dec. 7: Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 8 to Dec. 10: Sigourney Weaver
Dec. 11 to Dec. 13: Dennis Haysbert
Dec. 14 to Dec. 16:  James Denton
Dec. 17 to Dec. 19: Edward James Olmos
Dec. 20 to Dec. 22:  Trace Adkins
Dec. 23 to Dec. 25: Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 26 to Dec. 28:  Blair Underwood
Dec. 29 to Dec. 30: Amy Grant

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Inspiring quotes about America from Disney's American Adventure

Inside the American Adventure at Epcot in Disney World is the story of the United State of America.

The 35 Audio-Animatronics figures, rear-projection film footage and patriotic songs, tells all about America's pioneering spirit. From the landing of the Mayflower to the Boston Tea Party, the winter at Valley Forge, the penning of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, industrialization and the Great Depression, the story unfolds on the 72-foot screen.

In the waiting area, before entering the auditorium are a number of memorable quotes etched into the walls from people such as Althea Gibson, Charles Lindbergh and Wendell Wilkie.

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Disney announces Epcot Food and Wine events calendar and when reservations open

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Disney World not only gives you the opportunity to taste food from around the world, but also learn about them as well.

Last year, we attended a few classes that were offered and took away some knowledge with all the calories.

Disney has announced the schedule this year of all the he food events taking place between Sept. 27 and Nov. 11. They start taking reservations at 7 a.m. on Aug. 13 at 407-939-3378 (407-WDW-FEST).

The biggest event taking place is Party for The Senses, on Sundays. This is one that fills up fast and has a hefty price tag. No specific information has been released about that yet. Other event which have not been given specific times are Italian and French pairings and lunches, and a Mexican tequila lunch.

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Daily: Culinary Demonstrations, $14
Daily: Mixology Seminars, $15
Daily: Wine, Beer or Spirit Seminars, $14
Tuesdays: Food and Wine Pairings, $55

Thursdays: Food and Wine Pairings, $55
Saturdays: New Parisian Breakfast, $37

Saturdays: Mixology Series: Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French, $65
Sept. 27: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Sept. 28: New Scotland, Land of Food And Drink, $95 or $115
Sept. 28: Cheese Seminars $80
Sept. 29: Epcot Wine Schools, $135 per person
Sept. 29: Sweet Sundays  $99
Oct.  4: “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery , $55 or $90
Oct. 4: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Oct. 5: Cheese Seminars $80
Oct. 5: Party for the Senses$145, $180 or $285
Oct. 6: Sweet Sundays  $99
Oct. 8: New Hibachi Experience , $120
Oct. 11: “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery , $55 or $90
Oct. 11: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Oct. 12: Cheese Seminars $80
Oct. 12: Party for the Senses$145, $180 or $285
Oct.13: Sweet Sundays  $99
Oct. 13: The Discovery of Chocolate  $75
Oct. 15: New Hibachi Experience , $120
Oct. 18: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Oct. 19: Cheese Seminars $80
Oct. 19: Party for the Senses$145, $180 or $285
Oct.20: Sweet Sundays  $99
Oct.  22: New Hibachi Experience , $120
Oct. 25: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Oct.  25: “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery , $55 or $90,
Oct. 26: Cheese Seminars $80
Oct. 26: Party for the Senses$145, $180 or $285
Oct. 27: Epcot Wine Schools, $135 per person
Oct. 27: The Discovery of Chocolate  $75
Oct.27: Sweet Sundays  $99
Oct.  29: New Hibachi Experience , $120
Nov. 1: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Nov. 1: New Spirits Confidential, $80 or $95
Nov. 2: Cheese Seminars $80
Nov. 2: Party for the Senses$145, $180 or $285
Nov. 3: Epcot Wine Schools, $135 per person
Nov. 3: Sweet Sundays  $99
Nov. 5: New Hibachi Experience , $120
Nov. 8: Kitchen Memories , from $110-$170
Nov.  9: Cheese Seminars $80
Nov 10: Sweet Sundays  $99

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Disney announces schedule of bands for Summer Series in Epcot

The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series kicks off this weekend in Disney World at Epcot with a slew of tribute bands on stage at the America Gardens Theatre in the World Showcase .

Stayin' Alive kicks off the Sounds Like
Summer Concert Series

Bands range from tribute to the Bee Gees to U2.

Here is the upcoming schedule.

June 9 to 15: Stayin’ Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees

June 16 to 22: Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles

June 23 to 29: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot - The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Show

June 30 to July 6: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

July 7 to 13: SouthBound and Company - A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd

July 14 to 20: The Police Experience - A Tribute to The Police

July 21 to 27: 2U - A Tribute to U2

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Smile of The Day: Sergio, The Italian Mime

The daily entertainment in the World Showcase at Epcot is known for acts such as Off Kilter and Voices of Liberty, but there is one entertainer you shouldn't miss: Sergio, The Italian Mime.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney announces entertainment for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Six new acts will appear as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series at this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this fall, according to Disney.

The festival, taking place Sept. 27 to Nov. 11, has 19 different acts this year, including The Manhattan Transfer Wilson Phillips and the  Spin Doctors.

Here's the full schedule as announced by Disney:

Sept. 27-29:  Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Sept. 30-Oct. 1:  Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4: Air Supply
Oct. 5-6: Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9: Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11:  Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13:  Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15:  Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17: The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20: Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23: Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25: Survivor
Oct. 26-27: 38 Special
Oct. 28-30: Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5: Hanson
Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Smile of The Day: Fiesta Hoy

The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot at Disney World  takes you on a fun little tour of Mexico. In honor of Cinco de Mayo - Fiesta Hoy.

© Steven Liebman

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Happy Cinco de Mayo for a week in Disney World

Today is Cinco de Mayo, but the celebration will last at Disney World through May 11 with a special Limited Time Magic at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot.

According to Disney's Limited Time Magic website, there is special entertainment and food.

Here's the rundown:

• You can meet the The Three Caballeros! - Panchito, Jose Carioca andv Donald Duck.
• Listen to the world-renowned band, Mariachi Cobre!
• There's special Cinco de Mayo ear hats available.
• San Angel Inn Restaurante and La Hacienda de San Angel both have special menu, complete with appetizers, entrees and dessert.

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