Check Out Tink on Kingdom Konsultant Travel’s Blog!!!

Hey there, Tinkers!

As I mentioned, I am now writing blog posts for Kingdom Konsultant Travel’s blog and I would love for you to check out my posts over there, and give ’em a “like”!

So far I have written 5 Reasons To Visit Disney in the Fall, and What’s So Great About Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?. Check ’em out, and let me know what you think!

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Info and Full MENUS!!!

Hello there, Tinkers!

Well, it’s time to write one of my very favorite posts of the year… the announcing of the details, (and MENUS!), of Epcot’s 2016 International Food and Wine Festival! Along with the Holidays Around the World and Flower and Garden, Food and Wine is one of the top highlights on the Walt Disney World calendar and one event that I personally am SO excited to attend! It’s a delicious and exciting culinary adventure around the world that anyone that likes food, (and who doesn’t????), or alcohol, (again… even though I don’t personally drink, I appreciate the fact that most people enjoy themselves some alcohol), is sure to love. Let’s check out what’s new and exciting this year, as well as what old favorites will be returning! 

Did you know that at Food and Wine, you can catch some of the most fun concerts from famous artists of days gone by, try amazing bites and sips, AND learn culinary tricks of the trade from some of the top chefs in the industry? Well, you can! And this year is set to be better than EVER! Here’s why…

First of all, this year’s Food and Wine Festival will be the longest running yet, with two full months to enjoy the festivities. The festival officially opens on September 14th and will run through November 14th.

Eat to the Beat Concerts

This year’s festival is truly going to ROCK because the concert lineup for the Eat the the Beat concerts looks awesome, including a few brand new acts! Check it out:

• September 14th-15th – Wang Chung (“Everybody Have Fun Tonight”) NEW!!!!
• September 16th-18th – Starship with Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
• September 19th-20th – Air Supply (“I’m All Out of Love”)
• September 21st-23rd – BoDeans (“Good Things”) NEW!!!!
• September 24th-25th – Fuel (“Hemorrhage”)
• September 26th-28th – Sugar Ray (“Fly”)
• September 29th-30th – Los Lobos (“La Bamba”)
• October 1st-2nd – David Cook from American Idol (“Light On”)
• October 3rd-4th – Wilson Phillips (“Hold On”)
• October 5th-6th – Blues Traveler (“Run Around”)
• October 7th-9th – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”) NEW!!!
• October 10th-11th – 38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
• October 12th-13th – Jeffrey Osborne (“On the Wings of Love”) NEW!!!
• October 14th-16th – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
• October 17th-19th – Dennis DeYoung: Music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
• October 2oth-21st – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
• October 22nd-23rd – Toad the Wet Sprocket (“All I Want”) NEW!!!
• October 24th-25th – Chaka Khan (“I’m Every Woman”)
• October 26th-27th – Billy Ocean (“Caribbean Queen”)
• October 28th-29th – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)  NEW!!!
• October 30th-November 1st – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
• November 2nd-3rd – Soul Asylum (“Runaway Train”) NEW!!!
• November 4th-6th – Delta Rae (“Run”) NEW!!!
• November 7th-9th – Boyz II Men (“Motown Philly”)
• November 10th-11th – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
• November 12th-14th – Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)

Awesome, right??? Keep in mind, of course, that all entertainment is subject to change, but typically the shows stay pretty much as is. Each concert night, three shows are performed, one at 5:30pm, one at 6:45pm and one at 8pm. And the best part about these concerts? They are included with park admission! (Though, as they have in previous years, dining packages will be available, which include a meal at your selected restaurant, and priority seating at one of the concerts. For more information, call 407 WDW-DINE.)

Global Markets (aka: Food and Wine Booths)

Probably the most popular reason to be at the Festival though, are the Global Marketplaces, 29 kiosk booths, located all around the park, selling snack sized food items and sample sized drinks, alcoholic and non. Each booth has either a cultural theme, (like Patagonia or Australia), or a culinary theme, (like Brewer’s Collect or Chocolate Studio). This year’s menus look AMAZING!!!! Get ready to salivate while we check ’em out! (BLUE marks a Food Item, while RED marks beverages.)

AFRICA

• Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread
• Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapenos, Tomatoes and Pap
• Simonsig Pinotage
• Indaba Chenin Blanc
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

AUSTRALIA

• Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Lamington: Yellow Cake dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut
• Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Sanp Peas
• Yangarra Estate Vineyard Shiraz
• Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay
• Coopers Brewery Extra Strong Vintage Ale
• Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling 

BELGIUM

• Beer-Braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashes Potatoes
• Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
• Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
• Hoegaarden Witbier
• Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale
• Stella Artois Hard Cider

BRAZIL

• Pao de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans and Tomatoes
• Escondidinho de Carne: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca
• Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine, Serra Gaucha
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaca

BREWER’S COLLECTION

• Schofferhofer Zitrone Weizen-Mix
• Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse
• Radeberger Zwickle Pilsner (Unfiltered)

CANADA

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, served with Pretzel Roll
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
• Moosehead Lager
• Neige Premier Apple Ice Wine, Quebec
• Fielding Estate Red Conception

THE CHEW COLLECTIVE

• Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese
• Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle
• Festival Chardonnay, CA
• Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, CA

CHINA

• Chicken Pot Stickers
• Sichuan Spicy Chicken
• Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
• Beijing Roasted Duck in a Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce
• Tsingtao Lager
• Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine
• Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS Smirnoff Vodka
• Kung Fu Punch with Smirnoff Vodka and Bols Triple Sec
• Happy Peach with Dekuyper Peach Liquor and Myers’s Dark Rum
• Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk

CHOCOLATE STUDIO (NEW!!!)

• Red Wine Chocolate Truffle
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Raspberry Torte
• Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel
• Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port
• Justin Cabernet Sauvignon
• Rosa Regale Sweet Sparkling Wine
• Blandy’s Alvada 5yr-Old Madeira

CRAFT BEERS

• Pimento Cheese Dip with Pretzel Crisps
• Charcuterie Plate with Country Pâté, Cured Meats and Crostini
• Piggy Wings – Fried Pork Wings with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds
• Orlando Brewing OTown Weiss, Orlando, FL
• Florida Beer Company Passport 20 Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
• Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, FL
• Concrete Beach Stiltsville Pilsner, Miami, FL
• 3 Daughters Bimini Twist IPA, St. Petersburg, FL
• Shipyard Midnight Snack Milk Stout, Clearwater, FL
• Beer Flights 

DESSERTS AND CHAMPAGNE

• Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin “Yellow Label” Brut
• Dom Pérignon Brut
• Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé
• Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial
• Hard Soda Floats with Vanilla Soft-Serve (alcoholic): Best Damn Hard Root Beer Float, Sprecher Hard Cherry Cola Float or Sprecher Hard Orange Cream Soda Float
• Soda Floats with Vanilla Soft-Serve (non-alcoholic): Coca-Cola Float, Grape Fanta Float or Strawberry Fanta Float

FARM FRESH

• Chicken and Dumplings: Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach
• Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts
• Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions
  
• Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider
• Wyder’s Dry Pear Hard Cider
• Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider
• Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama Wine

FRANCE

• Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
• Soupe à l’oignon au Gruyère et Cognac: Gruyère and Cognac Onion Soup
• Boeuf Bourguignon: Cabernet Sauvignon-braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes
• Crème Brûlée Caramel Chocolat: Caramel and Chocolate Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar
• Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager
• Chardonnay, Bourgogne Blanc, Mommessin, La Clé Saint-Pierre
• Merlot & Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux, Château les Graves de Barrau
• St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop: Strawberry Puree with French Caribbean Rhum Clément
• La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice

GERMANY

• Roast Bratwurst in a Hard Roll
• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese
• Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
  

  
• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel
• Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling, Mosel

GREECE

• Spanakopita
• Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles and Vegan Tzatziki
• Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce featuring Oikos Greek Yogurt
• Oikos Greek Yogurt Vanilla Cake Soaked in Ouzo with Yogurt Whipped Cream and Pistachios
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah Xinomavro

HAWAII

• Spicy Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Nori Rice
• Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine
• Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale
• Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

HOPS AND BARLEY

• New England Lobster Roll
• Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing
  
• Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA, Boston, MA
• Anchor Brewing Liberty Ale, San Francisco, CA
• Dogfish Head Chicory Stout, Milton, DE
• La Crema Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
• Cambria Estate Winery Benchbreak Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
• Frozen Orange-spiked Tea featuring Florida Cane “Orlando Orange” Vodka

IRELAND

• Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
• Irish Cheese Selection Plate: Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Irish Porter
• Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
• Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka
• Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (Non-alcoholic)

ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN (NEW!!!)

• Jamaican Beef Patty
• Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice and Pickled Red Onions
• Pescado con Coco: Seared Grouper, Pigeon Peas and Rice with Coconut Sauce
• Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce
• Presidente Pilsner
• Frozen Mojito
• Caribbean Sangria

ITALY

• Pennete alla Parmigiana: Baked Ziti and Chicken Parmigiana, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
• Spezzatino alla Toscana con Polenta: Tuscan-style Stew with Carrots, Mushrooms and Crispy Polenta
• Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit
• Moretti Lager
• Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer
• Pinot Grigio, Placido
• Chianti, Placido
• Prosecco, Fantinel Borgo
• Corbinello Spumante Dolce Rose, Montegrande
• Fior d’Arancio Moscato Spumante, Montegrande
• Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

JAPAN

• Spicy Sushi Roll: Tuna and Salmon with Kazan Volcano Sauce
• Grilled Spicy Edamame tossed with Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce and Chili Powder
• Garlic Shrimp: Marinated Shrimp sautéed with Garlic and Butter and served over Rice
• Kirin Pale Lager
• Sapporo Black Lager
• Pineapple Breeze Sake Cocktail
• Echigo “Northern Bloom” Junmai Sake

MEXICO

• Taco de Camarón: Battered Shrimp served over a Flour Tortilla with Crispy Purple Cabbage and Chipotle Mayonnaise
• Barbacoa Enchilada: Corn Tortilla filled with Beef Barbacoa and covered with Oaxaca Mole
• Flan de Chocolate Abuelita: Mexican Chocolate Custard
• Bohemia Pilsner with Floater
• Mexican-style Red Sangria
• Mezcal Pineapple Margarita on the Rocks
• Jalapeño Margarita on the Rocks

MOROCCO

• Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket
• Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce
• Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce
• Casa Pale Lager
• Les Trois Domaines Guerrouane White Wine
• Moroccan Sangria
• Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur

NEW ZEALAND

• Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
• Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs
• Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Kumara Dumpling
• Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir
• Kim Crawford Pinot Gris
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc

PATAGONIA

• Beef Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri

• Verum Pinot Noir
• Bodega Noemía A Lisa Malbec

POLAND 

• Golabki: Pork-stuffed Cabbage in Tomato Sauce
• Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
  
• Okocim O.K. Beer Euro Pale Lager
• Donausonne Blaufränkisch Hungarian Wine
• Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

SCOTLAND

• Traditional Scottish Lamb Stew with Neeps and Tatties
• Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herbed Sour Cream
• The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats
• Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin
• Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Aged Stout

SOUTH KOREAN

• Roasted Pork Lettuce Wrap and Kimchi
• Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
• Vegan Korean BBQ with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi featuring Gardein Beefless Tips
• iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
• Bohae Bokbunjajoo Raspberry Wine
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

WINE AND DINE STUDIO (NEW!!!)

• Pork Tenderloin with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction
• Seared Scallop, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce
• Trio of Artisan Cheese
  • La Bonne Vie Goat Cheese served with toasted Craisin Bread
  • Karst Cave-aged Cheddar Cheese served with Fig Compote
  • Statesboro Blue Cheese served with Spiced Candied Walnuts
• Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese
  • Trio of Artisan Cheese paired with Conundrum White Blend 25th Anniversary, Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay and Robert Mondavi Maestro Red Blend

Beverages:

• Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford
• Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
• Conundrum White Blend 25th Anniversary, California
• Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey
• Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Tiger” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
• Michael David Winery Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel, Lodi
• Robert Mondavi Winery Maestro Red Blend, Napa Valley

—–

I’ve just told you about the highlights of Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, but there’s even more to enjoy, like….

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak

Kids and adults alike will enjoy roaming from country to country, seeking out Remy! Little statues of the rat hide around World Showcase and you can play for fun, or you can buy a map and sticker set at a nearby gift shop, and once you locate all of the Remys, turn it in to collect a prize!

ABC’s The Chew: Live from the Festival

October 5th-7th, from 9am-12pm, join the cast of The Chew, as they film their cooking/talk show. Believe it or not, our whole family are huge fans, including The Littles, so we will likely be there!

Celebrity Chefs

A massive array of culinary geniuses will make appearances at this year’s festival, including Andrew Zimmern, Duff Goldman, Masaharu Morimoto and many more. For the full list of appearances, click HERE.

Festival Center

The Festival Center, located inside the old Wonders of Life Pavilion, hosts all sorts of classes, displays and experiences, including:

• Back to Basics Sessions: (Fridays-Sundays at 1:15 and 3:15pm) Learn tricks and tips from the pros.
• Book and Bottle Signings and Meet and Greets: (Consult Times Guide) Meet some of your favorite chefs and vintners.
• Seasons of the Vine: (Continuous) A 7 minute film on the wine-making process.
• Festival Stage- Hosted by ABC’s The Chew: (Continuous) Watch clips of The Chew talk show, as well as pick up a list of ‘Chew Approved’ Food and Wine eats!
• StockPot Shop: Pick up some of the best kitchen gadgets and cookware out there.
• Wine Shop: Grab a bottle of your favorite red or white, or try something brand new.
• The Chocolate Experience- From Bean to Bar: Join the folks from Ghirardelli for tastes, pairings and to stock up on your chocolaty favorites.

Beverage Seminars

Offered daily, at 1pm, 3pm and 5:30pm, this event allows Guests to taste various spirits, and learn more about them from local experts. Price is $15 per person and a full schedule can be found HERE, and reservations can be booked HERE.

Cheese Seminars

Offered selected Saturdays at 9:15 am, this seminar teaches Guests about the various flavors and textures of cheeses and how best to pair them with your favorite alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is included, and the price is $89 per person. For a full schedule and to make reservations, click HERE.

Culinary Demonstrations

Offered daily at 12pm and 2pm, these 45 minute demonstrations will show Guests how the pros do it, and give you the chance to enjoy the fruits of the chef’s labor, plus a small sampling of a paired wine or beer. Price is $15 per person, and a full schedule can be found HERE, and reservations can be booked HERE.

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!

Cake decorating and mixology are just a couple of the skills that will be explored in these workshops. (More details to come.)

What’s Cookin’ With…

Do you dream of having a celebrity chef make you breakfast, while sharing with you all of his or her best tips? Well, you’ll love this experience! On selected Fridays and Sundays, chefs like Buddy Valastro from “Cake Boss”, and Cat Cora from “Iron Chef” will roll out the red carpet and welcome Guests to join them for breakfast. Pricing is $129 per person. and for the full schedule and to make reservations, click HERE.

Grand Tasting Events

• Rockin’ Burger Block Party: On selected Friday nights, join master chefs and sample their take on sliders and burgers, while enjoying a rockin’ soundtrack. Prices range from $99-$199 per person, depending on whether you include reserved seating and/or the premium bar option. For more info and to book, click HERE.
• Party for the Senses: Enjoy live musical and magic acts, while feasting on samplings from over 50 tasting stations. Alcohol is included, (for Guests over 21), as well as reserved seating at a Eat to the Beat concert. Prices range from $169- $329 per person, depending on whether you select general admission, reserved seating, or the upgraded Wine View Lounge option. There are even themed nights, like Chefs of Disney Springs, Chefs of the Disney Parks, and the Halloween themed “Yelloween”. For more details, and to book, click HERE.

Festival Packages and Activities

• Tasting Sampler: A sampling package that includes a voucher for 8 Food and Wine booth items of your choosing, as well as an exclusive pin and lanyard, for $59, plus tax. This option can be purchased at multiple spots around the park.
• Illuminations Dessert Party: Enjoy desserts, sparkling wines, coffee and more, as you watch Illuminations from an exclusive viewing location. Pricing is $49 per adult and $29 per child, (ages 3-9). For more information, or to book, click HERE.

Specialty Dining and Pairings

• French Family Meal Traditions: Savor an authentic French meal,and wine pairings, and even take home a copy of Paul Bocuse’s recipe book! Located in Monsieur Paul’s, pricing is $95 per person and click HERE for details and to make reservations.
• Hibachi Experience: Inside Teppan Edo, enjoy an 8 course hibachi cooking experience, including sake pairings. Pricing is $160 per Guests and you can click HERE for more details and to book.
• Italian Food and Wine Pairing Luncheon: Inside the wine cellar of Tutto Gusto, enjoy a 5 course Italian meal, with perfectly paired wines and spirits. Pricing is $99 per Guest and you can learn more, (or book), by clicking HERE.
• Italian Food: Wine Vs. Beer Pairing: This 5 course Italian feast is served inside Via Napoli and includes hand-selected wines and beers of the chef’s choosing. Pricing is $88 per Guest and more information and booking can be obtained HERE.
• Japanese Craft Beer Tasting: Served at the outside garden deck, six different food items will be paired with Japanese craft beers. Pricing is $60 per person and the event can be booked HERE.
• Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing: Over at Spice Road Table, Guests can enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean, including Morocco and beyond, all paired with the perfect wines. Pricing is $65 per Guest and it can be booked HERE.
• Mexican Tequila Lunch: This 4 course Mexican meal is served inside La Hacienda de San Angel, and it’s all paired up with various tequilas. Prices are $85 per Guest. For more info, or to book, click HERE.
• Moroccan Food and Wine Pairing: Inside Restaurant Marrakesh, enjoy 3 tasting-size courses and unique Moroccan wines. This culinary adventure is $62 per Guest and can be booked HERE.
• Parisian Breakfast: An authentic French breakfast, inside Chefs de France, including fresh made baguettes, croissants and more. Pricing is $40 per person and it can be booked by clicking HERE.
• Parisian Afternoon: Indulge in French finger sandwiches, pastries and desserts, while sipping unlimited mimosas. Located inside Monsieur Paul’s, this event is $55 per Guest and can be booked HERE.
• Tokyo Pairing: 3 enticing Japanese courses, including sushi and sake, are served inside Tokyo Dining and will be $150 per Guest. To learn more, or book, click HERE.

Dining Events at Disney Resorts (NEW!!!)

• Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: An incredible 5 course brunch! More details coming soon!
• The Secrets of Flavor: A 4 course lunch in which Guests learn about how sensory memory helps us determine our favorite foods. More details coming soon!
• Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: Learn the history of this unique tiki lounge, and learn how to make their famous cocktails. More details coming soon!

Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining

Disney’s top chefs will be designing multi-course meals, complete with wine/beer/cocktail pairings, to tickle Guests’ taste buds. Reservations can be booked by calling 407 939-3378, and more information can be found HERE. Here are the planned events:

• Sep. 15th: The Boathouse – Champagne welcome reception with signature cocktails and raw bar, followed by 4 course meal. $150 per person
• Sep. 20th: ESPN Club – Beer tasting lunch. $119 per person
• Sep. 24th: Narcoossee’s – 5 course meal with wine pairings. $199 per person
• Sep. 27th: ESPN Club – Beer tasting lunch. $119 per person
• Sep. 28th: Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Reception-style Italian meal with wine pairings. $110 per person
• Oct. 4th: ESPN Club – Beer tasting lunch. $119 per person
• Oct. 5th: Trattoria al Forno – Fine Italian dinner and wine pairing. $139 per person
• Oct. 6th: Yachtsman Steakhouse – 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings. $229 per person
• Oct. 8th: Artist’s Point – Farm-to-Table luncheon with wine pairings. $169 per person
• Oct. 14th: Contemporary Catering Chef’s Table – Molecular Gastronomy Reception and Wishes fireworks viewing. $259 per person
• Oct. 20th: Raglan Road – Craft beers and a gastro-pub feast. $177 per person
• Oct. 20th: Hollywood Brown Derby – 5 course meal with wine pairings. $199 per person
• Oct. 21st: Victoria and Albert’s – An incomparable 10 course meal with wine pairings. $600 per person
• Oct. 26th: The Wave – 5 course farm-to-table lunch with wine pairings. $169 per person
• Oct. 27th: Flying Fish Cafe – Surf and turf meal with wine pairings. $199 per person
• Oct. 27th: California Grill – Elegant dinner with wine pairings. $319 per person
• Oct. 28th: Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium – 5 food and beverage pairings. $79 per person
• Nov. 2nd: Trattoria al Forno – Elegant Italian lunch with wine pairings. $139 per person
• Nov. 3rd: Flying Fish Cafe – Surf and turf dinner with wine pairings. $199 per person
• Nov. 10th: Trattoria al Forno – Elegant Italian dinner with wine pairings. $169 per person
• Nov. 10th: Flying Fish Cafe – Surf and turf dinner with wine pairings. $199 per person
• Nov. 12th: Jiko – Upscale African dinner with wine pairings. $199 per person

AND MORE!!!

Oh, and don’t forget all of the Food and Wine Festival themed shopping, pin trading, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and more! There’s so much to do, you’ll need more than just one day to get it all in!

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is by far one of, if not, THE best events that Disney offers in the whole year! Don’t miss out! To plan your trip, contact Disney directly at 407 W-DISNEY, or hook up with an awesome travel agent, who can help you make dining plans and more. (I recommend my friends over at Kingdom Konsultants. They are the best!)

That’s all, folks! Be sure and keep an eye out for updates and reviews as they become available. Oh, and….

BON APPETITE!!!

Tink’s Tips: Making the BEST of the Crowds Being at Their WORST!

Happy Independence Day, Tinkers!

I hope your grill is fired up, you’re drinking a beer, (or at least a Coke), and you’re wearing red, white and blue head to toe as you are reading this! (I’m disappointed in you as an American if you are not…. kidding, of course.)

We are officially in one of the busiest weeks of the calendar year for the Disney parks and I thought it may be helpful to cover what some of my favorite things to do are when the crowds are big. (I posted this same type of list back over the holidays, but have updated it since.) These are just some of the attractions and areas that you may find to be less crowded when the rest of the park is slammed. Check ’em out!

Magic Kingdom

 

• Let the little ones chill out at the Baby Care Center. There is a snack room, which has books and shows a Disney movie on a small tv. There are also changing stations, and a relaxing, darkened room with rocking chairs, where mothers can breastfeed.
• Enjoy the Main Street entertainment that we sometimes might skip, like the Trolley Show, the Citizens of Main Street Streetmosphere performers, the Dapper Dans, and the Flag Retreat Ceremony.
• Get a hair cut at the Harmony Barbershop.
• Sign up to play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, (Main Street), or A Pirate’s Adventure, (Adventureland). They are card-based scavenger hunts and they are super fun!
• Hop aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.
• Enjoy a relaxing ride on one of the Main Street vehicles.
• Get up and dance for the Move It, Shake It, Dance and Play It! parade/rolling dance party.
• Relax in the grassy gardens in the area in front of the Castle.
• Check out the BRAND NEW Castle show, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fare.
• Explore the Swiss Family Treehouse.
• Relax in the Tiki Room.
• Learn how to be a pirate from on of the best, Captain Jack Sparrow, at Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.
• Take a trip out to Tom Sawyer’s Island, so the kids can run around and play in the old fort and on the barrel bridge.
• Catch a hand-clapping, foot-stomping performance by The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob, in Frontierland.
• Visit the Country Bears in Grizzly Hall.
• Test your aim at the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. (Additional fee.)
• Go for a leisurely float down the Rivers of America, on the Liberty Square Riverboat.
• Soak up some history at The Hall of Presidents.
• Hop a ride on Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel.
• Learn how to be a prince or princess from the Royal Majesty Makers in Fantasyland.
• Let the kids play at Casey Jr.’s Splash and Soak area. (You may want to bring a change of clothes and a towel!)
• Let the little ones play around in the waiting area of Dumbo the Flaying Elephant. You don’t have to be waiting for the ride to play.
• Take a spin around Tomorrowland on the People Mover.
• Get that song stuck in your head at the Carousel of Progress.
• Get a snack and have a seat at the Tomorrowland Terrace, and enjoy incredible Castle views.

Epcot

 

• Let the little ones chill out at the Baby Care center. There is a play room, which has books, coloring and shows a Disney movie on a small tv. There are also changing stations, and a relaxing, darkened room with rocking chairs, where mothers can breastfeed.
• Play some futuristic games in the exit area of Spaceship Earth. You don’t have to ride to play the games.
• Check out the various attractions and exhibits in Innoventions.
• Have a snack and enjoy a fountain-side seat at either the Starbucks location, or Electric Umbrella.
• Drum up some fun with The Jammitors, performing in Future World.
• Recharge in the D-Zone. This area, inside Innoventions West, has charging stations for your phone, as well as seating and food and beverage carts.
• Go romp with the dinosaurs on Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
• Check out some awesome cars in the exit area of Test Track. You do not have to ride in order to tour the exhibit.
• Tour Sea Base Alpha at the exit of The Seas. You can usually go right through the exit doors, into the large aquarium area.
• Learn about the environment from Simba and his pals at the Circle of Life movie in The Land pavilion.
• Get animated at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, in the Imagination Pavilion.
• Let your imagination run wild at the game area at the exit of Journey into Imagination with Figment. You do not have to ride in order to play.
• Go undercover with Perry the Platypus and play Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure scavenger hunt game.
• Buy the kids one of the “passports” from any of the major gift shops. Let them collect stamps in the various countries. They can also make their own Duffy paper puppet on a stick and add stamps and color to it in the many Kidcot Fun Stop locations throughout World Showcase.
• Enjoy a performance by Mariachi Cobre, in the Mexico pavilion.
• Try the School Bread at Kringala Bakeri in the Norway pavilion. Seating is directly behind the cafe.
• Marvel at the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in the China pavilion.
• Experience the beauty of China in the Reflections of China movie.
• See the latest exhibit, all about Disney’s newest park in Shanghai, in the small museum area, in the waiting area of the movie in China. You do not have to watch the movie in order to enjoy the exhibit.
• Shop your way through the awesome offerings in the gift shops of the China pavilion.
• Let the little ones bang the drums at the African Outpost.
• See the model trains come and go in the adorable display in the Germany pavilion.
• Watch the flag spinners or the juggler in Italy.
• Enjoy the a cappella sounds of American Music Machine or Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure.
• Learn from the historic exhibit on display in the American Adventure.
• Take a trip through history in the American Adventure attraction.
• Watch amazing drumming artistry of Matsuriza in the Japan pavilion.
• Check out the fun pop culture exhibit in the Japan pavilion.
• Shop for crazy Japanese candies, unique beauty products, toys, and kimonos in the Japan pavilion.
• Spend some time meditating, reflecting, or just enjoying the quiet in the beautifully tiled Moroccan courtyard.
• Take in the splendor of France in the Impressions de France film.
• Eat an authentic French pastry, or a creamy ice cream and enjoy the French surroundings in Les Halles and L’Artisan des Glaces.
• Run through the hedge maze in the back of the UK pavilion.
• Rock out to the sounds of British Revolution in the UK pavilion.
• Head north for a fun-filled adventure in Canada, at the O Canada film.
• Grab a seat lagoon-side in World Showcase, to enjoy some people watching, and usually a nice breeze.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Let the little ones chill out at the Baby Care center. There is a small sitting area with a Disney movie on a little tv. There are also a couple of changing stations, and a small area where mothers can breastfeed.
• Catch the acts of the funny and entertaining Streetmosphere performers on Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards.

• See a performance of Beauty and the Beast: Live On Stage. It’s a large theater and usually has room for walk-in Guests.
• See which celebrities you match up to, when you measure your hands and feet against the prints in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater.
• Kick back and relax, with one of the best cupcakes you’ve ever had, at Starring Rolls bakery.
• Meet Disney characters ALL OVER the park! The Studios is one of the BEST places for character meet and greets. You won’t find many princesses here, but lots of rarely seen characters, including the gang from Toy Story, Disney Junior friends, and even Olaf!
• Discover Star Wars Launch Bay, a walk-thru exhibit featuring Star Wars props, displays, and even character meet and greets.
• Learn about the man who started it all: Walt Disney. You can stroll through One Man’s Dream at your own pace, and check out original Disney memorabilia, movie clips about Walt, Disney family artifacts, and Disney Park models and designs. It culminates with an (optional) preview of the latest Disney films. I believe currently their are showing clips from Alice Through the Looking Glass.
• Have a latte and a good read, in Writer’s Stop.
• Watch the newest recruits train to be Jedi at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. 4-12 year olds can even register to participate on stage in the training!
• Check out your favorite Star Wars characters from all 7 films, appearing in the stage show, A Galaxy Far, Far Away. And for an even cooler, more unique experience, watch the show from backstage! Find out why, HERE!

Animal Kingdom

• Of course the main attraction at Animal Kingdom is the ANIMALS! And they are all over. Take time to walk through the Oasis, the Tree of Life walkways and even the paths in Dinoland, to enjoy views of some unique and lovable animals. Don’t miss the two best animal viewing areas, the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
• Become a Wilderness Explorer! Sign up at the front of the park, just before the Tree of Life, and then stop at the stations throughout the park and complete tasks to earn your badges.
• Kids will love running, playing, climbing, and even digging at The Boneyard. It’s a huge playground area but there’s also a buried dinosaur fossil area, where young dino-lovers can use a shovel and pail to uncover the bones of a huge beast.
• There are plenty of carnival games to keep you busy for a while in Dinoland. It can get expensive though, since they are all an additional charge.
• Take the Wildlife Express Train out to Conservation Station and Affection Section. The train ride itself is fun and includes some potential animal viewing. Conservation Station houses the animal clinic and nutrition areas, as well as exhibits on conservation. Out back, the Affection Section is like a petting zoo, filled with goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs and more. It’s the only place in the park where you can touch the animals.
• Lots of unique character meet and greets here, too, like Tarzan, Flik, Pocahontas, and Russell and Dug.
• Animal Kingdom’s live entertainment is awesome! Not only are to two main shows amazing, (Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Musical), but the musical performers rock! Burudika leads a street party in Harambe. Chakranadi is in Anandapur and features the sitar. There are lots of great live options, so check out the times guide in the park!

Everywhere Else!

Of course, outside of the parks, there’s tons to do too! Here are a few examples…

• Check out all of the new shopping, dining and entertainment at Disney Springs.
• Take the plunge at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach and enjoy slides, swimming and more.
• Get interactive at DisneyQuest.
• Stay on par playing a round of mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens or Winter-Summerland.
• Rent a bike or a boat and cruise around one of the Deluxe or Moderate Resorts.
• Stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk, where you can shop, dine and enjoy vaudeville-style entertainment.
• Indulge in a spa treatment at Saratoga Springs or The Grand Floridian.
• Use Disney’s transportation system as entertainment. Travel along the monorail, or cruise around on a boat. Who says the journey can’t be as enjoyable as the destination?
• Speaking of the monorail, do a monorail crawl and visit the monorail resorts, enjoying the sights and sounds of the various lobbies.
• Visit Fort Wilderness, where you can stop by the petting farm, kiddos can ride ponies, you can rent bikes, boats and more, and you can even enjoy a campfire. For more info, click HERE.
• Venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and enjoy the breath-taking views of the savanna, and check out the animals.
• See the sights from up above, by riding the Characters in Flight hot air balloon at Disney Springs.
• Just want to sit and enjoy some a/c? Catch a flick at AMC Theater at Disney Springs.
• Or why not cheer on your favorite team at the ESPN Club on The BoardWalk.
• Or quite possibly the best option…. enjoy the pool at your resort!!! You know… like actually RELAX on vacation???

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There you have it, Tinkers! Some of the best options for when the parks are crowded. What about you? Do you have a favorite park activity, or place to spend time when the parks are slammed??? Tell me about it in the comments!

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: Opening Dates Announced for Summer Offerings!!!

Hi there, Tinkers!

Well, holy cow was there a lot of news out of WDW yesterday!!!!! Lots of opening dates announced for all of this summer’s exciting new Disney thrills, so I rounded them all up for you to check out! Here we go:

#1. Last Weekend: The Opening of The Town Center at Disney Springs

As you may have seen, I visited Disney Springs earlier in the week, to check out the new offerings. I have to go back to try out the new dining options, though, and will be sure and update when I do that. To read all about my visit to the new Town Center, click HERE!

#2. Wednesday, May 25th – STK opens at Disney Springs

An all new steakhouse is moving in and opening up shop at Disney Springs! STK Orlando will be an upscale dining option at Disney Springs, and will not only serve up fantastic steaks and seafood, but a fun and energetic atmosphere, with a live, in-house DJ! Reservations are now available, by visiting Open Table, or by calling 407 917-7440.

#3. Friday, May 27th – Third Track of Toy Story Mania Opens at The Studios

If you are someone who books your Fastpasses in advance, you’ve surely experienced the

Photo Credit: DisneyWorld.com

frustration of being totally unable to get anything for Toy Story Midway Mania at The Studios. Well, it’s about to get a bit easier, with the addition of a third track. This should increase your chances of getting a FastPass and lessen the Stand By wait time onsite too! Yeeeee-haaaaaaw!!!!!

#4. Friday, May 27th – Frozen Games at Blizzard Beach

This Summer, everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and his friend, the Pungent Reindeer King, Kristoff, will host daily fun and games at Blizzard Beach. There will be relay races and silly games that kids of all ages can participate in. It’s Frozen fun…. (wait for it)…. IN SUUUUUUUMMMMMER!!!!!

#5. Friday, May 27th – Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale at Animal Kingdom

Harambe comes to life after dark and Guests are finally able to enjoy the nightlife with the locals! Join musicians like the Burrudika Band, strolling harp player, Kora Tinga Tinga, Muziki, the stilt-walking musician, and the singing storytellers, the Karibu Sisters, as the awaken the spirit of Africa in the Animal Kingdom. You can even enjoy acrobatic fun from the Harambe Village acrobats and the local, trick-play soccer team, the Harambe Meerkats! And over on Discover Island, delight in the vibrant fun of Carnivale at a separate street party.

Friday, May 27th – Kilimanjaro Nighttime Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Things get wild on the savanna at night! Check out Kilimanjaro Safaris after dark and spot the nocturnal animals out and about. A whole new experience from an old favorite attraction! Fastpasses are now available!

Friday, May 27th – Tree of Life Awakening at Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life becomes a magical canvas at night and hosts an incredible new projection show, borrowing from the technology of Celebrate the Magic over at The Magic Kingdom. The artwork looks stunning and I can’t wait to see it!

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog.com

Friday, May 27th: Tiffins and Nomad Lounge Open at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom welcomes it’s first upscale, Signature Dining location, with Tiffins

Photo Credit: DisneyWorld.com

Waterfront Restaurant. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner and will also offer Dining Packages which include priority seating for the new Jungle Book nighttime show. Tiffins offers a palette of new flavors and delights for Guests to enjoy. To check out the menu, and make reservations, click HERE. I mean, just look at that Chocolate Ganache!!!

Saturday, May 18th – Jungle Book- Alive with Magic 

Well, it’s not exactly Rivers of Light, but since the Imagineers ran into some technical difficulties getting that show up and running, they have decided to fill the time with a brand new nighttime Jungle Book show. Based on the popular new live action film, this nighttime show uses water screens, lights and other special effects to immerse Guests into the jungles of Animal Kingdom. Presented nightly, on the banks of the river in Asia, Fastpasses will be offered for the show, (in fact, they just opened up TODAY, so you may want to grab one!), as well as priority seating if you purchase a Dining Package in conjunction with a meal at either Tusker House or Tiffins. For more information on the dining package, or to book, click HERE.

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog.com

Friday, June 17th: Royal Friendship Faire Begins at The Magic Kingdom

Over in front of Cinderella’s Castle, the brand new show, Royal Friendship Faire, will debut and kick off summer in The Magic Kingdom. The new show is replacing Dream Along with
Mickey and will feature sections based on the popular films, “Frozen”, “Tangled” and “Princess and the Frog”. Mickey and the gang will be singing and dancing alongside Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Olaf, Rapunzel, Flynn, Tiana, Naveen and more! Since my household has some BIG fans of all three movies, I am sure this show will become a “must do” for us at The Magic Kingdom!

Friday, June 17th: Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot

Everyone’s favorite Epcot attraction is back, but this time, instead of just flying over the sights of California, we will be taken on an adventure around the globe, soaring over famous landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera House! And what’s even better is that this attraction has been expanded, to accommodate 30% more Guests at a time, which will hopefully cut down the stand by queue, which can easily hit 3 hours in the summer.

Sad to see the old version of Soarin’ go? SURPRISE! From May 27th-June 16th, Guests can check out the original version of Soarin’, before it flies out of the parks for good.

Fastpass is now available for both the old version AND the new, so grab ’em while you can!

Friday, June 17th: Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Begins at The Studios

These are the fireworks you have been looking for! If you think the current Star Wars fireworks are spectacular, (well… they ARE), just WAIT until you check these puppies out! The new fireworks show is said to be one of the most technologically advanced fireworks shows that Disney has created and will include music, lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and projections, all bringing a galaxy far, far away right to The Studios.

Tuesday, June 21st: Frozen Ever After Attraction and Royal Sommerhus Meet and Greet Premier at Epcot

Guys, Winter is Coming. (Kinda) This is it. The moment your 3-9 year olds have all been waiting for…. FROZEN IS HERE!!!! The highly anticipated Frozen ride, “Frozen Ever After”, will make it’s debut in Epcot’s Norway pavilion on June 21st. And don’t freak out, but FastPasses opened up today and are pretty much gone. This is gonna be one hot ticket. Especially since just a few steps away, over in the Royal Sommerhus, Guests can meet their favorite sisters of Arendelle, Anna and Elsa. I’m gonna venture a guess that the average wait time for the ride and the meet and greet over the summer will be somewhere between 4 hours and FOREVER.

Later This Summer: Elena of Avalor, More Disney Springs Shopping and Dining, and Who Knows?????

Photo Credit: DisneyParksBlog.com

Also announced, this August, Disney’s first ever Hispanic princess, Elena of Avalor, will begin meeting Guests at The Magic Kingdom. (Kinda weird, if you ask me, since all Disney Channel and Disney Junior stars are over at The Studios, but I’m sure there’s a reason.) The princess will have her own show on Disney Channel, premiering this summer. It’s about time there was a Spanish-speaking, kick-butt princess out there!

And don’t forget, there’s even more excitement headed to Disney Springs this summer, when more shops and dining locations open, like Frontera Cocina, Blaze Pizza, AristoCrepes, and more. Plus, you never know what Disney is going to announce. After all, as Walt said of Disneyland, (and I’m sure he would apply to Walt Disney World, as well), “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow, as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Let me know if you get to check out any of the new stuff, Tinkers, and I’ll update you as I get to them as well!

Tink in the Parks: The 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Well hello there, Tinkers!

As you probably know, Flower and Garden Festival officially kicked off Wednesday and I was lucky enough to be there to check it all out. Me and about a zillion of my closest friends. It was packed, right from the time the gate opened. Flower and Garden has grown to have a cult following, especially now that Disney has incorporated elements of everyone’s favorite Epcot event, Food and Wine Festival. In fact, Disney may have found the PERFECT recipe to make Flower and Garden a fan favorite. Take a gorgeous park, which already has a bit of a more adult feel to it, add in a rainbow of gorgeous blooms, stir in some fun, old school concerts, pack in the Outdoor Kitchen food and drink booths, and top it all off with a dollop of heavenly Florida spring weather, and you really can’t mess it up.

So, what are we waiting for? Let me take you through my day in the park, including reviews of the food and drink items that I sampled. Buckle up. It’s gonna be a tasty post!

So my 3 year old, K, and I arrived at Epcot with our friend, “A”, around 10:30 am, and found ourselves parked in the back of the parking lot, and then standing in massively long lines at the entrance gate. Now, Food and Wine was like, wildly popular this past year, and crowded to an unprecedented level, so I was not shocked by this. It was opening day, and many people, myself included, had been just itching for the Festival to open. After getting through the gate, there was a huge bottle-neck of Guests waiting to photograph this year’s entry topiary, which features Donald, Daisy and Huey, Dewey and Louie.

After stopping for some pics there, (and of course, stopping to smell the flowers), and catching a glimpse of the Zootopia themed monorail gliding by, we headed up into Future World, where we found a huge line of Guests waiting to buy the Limited Edition Flower and Garden pins, and where the Easter Egg Hunt maps were available for purchase. “A” had never done the hunt before, so she bought a map. (SPOILER ALERT: There are some pictures of the eggs, in their hidden locations, in this post!)

While K and I were waiting for her to check out, we wandered around Future World, and caught glimpses of some of this year’s incredible floral topiaries and displays. Over toward Imagination, there are several Fantasia themed topiaries. (NOTE: This set of pics was taken last week, before the Festival opened, hence the lack of crowd.)

On the other side, on the walkway to Universe of Energy, there’s an area called The Waterwise Garden, showcasing planet friendly gardening techniques.

Over by Test Track, there are Cars topiaries, along with the Cactus Road Rally walking path and the Radiator Springs themed playground area. This play area is designed with the smaller kids in mind, and the covered play structures are surrounded by comfy chairs, so parents can relax. K played for a little while, but got bored pretty quickly and wanted to move on.

Once “A” met back up with us, we hit the area behind Spaceship Earth, where we grabbed some pictures of the cool new topiaries, (one Chip and Dale scene and one with Mickey dressed as a park ranger), checked out the massively long line to buy Limited Edition Flower and garden merchandise, and looked at the beautiful butterfly topiaries.

Next, because we are Annual Passholders, we went into the area behind Club Cool, and by showing our photo IDs and Annual Passes, we were able to each get a limited edition sketch print of Donald Duck, drawn by Don “Ducky” Williams! Pretty cool gift! And we must have hit it just right, because there was almost no one in line when we were in there, so we got through in less than 5 minutes.

We took a stroll through the butterfly tent. Because the Festival is just starting, there aren’t many butterflies yet. We did find some though, and K was super excited to get up close and personal with them,. In fact, he meandered up to this little guy and yelled at it, “Are you Tinkerbell?” I guess he thought Tink might have transformed herself into a butterfly for the event. K was VERY disappointed to hear that though they will be handing out free packets of squeezable applesauce at the tent again this year, they will only be doing it on the weekends, so no applesauce today. (Nearby Guests might have assumed that someone was trying to murder K when he found out there was no applesauce, but clearly he just needed to make everyone aware of the upsetting lack of applesauce, which was ruining his day, and maybe even his year.)

Next we headed toward World Showcase and snapped some more pics along the way, before hitting up our very first Outdoor Kitchen. For those of you that haven’t been to Flower and Garden recently, you may not be familiar with these booths. Epcot has combined the most popular element of the very popular Food and Wine Festival, into the spring festival, opening about a dozen booths around World Showcase. Each location sells smaller, sample sized food items, as well as regional alcoholic beverages. For Food and Wine, the booths are themed to various countries around the world, and Flower and Garden’s booths are similar, but they also incorporate the element of farm or garden fresh items, as well. But what it boils down to is this: YUM!

Our first Outdoor Kitchen stop was at La Isla Fresca. It was not even noon and the booth was already hopping! Here is the booth’s menu: 

And here’s my mini-review of the items that we sampled:

• What did I try?: Tres Leches
• How would I describe it?: A light vanilla cake, soaked in milk and topped with whipped cream and coconut shavings. There was a light coconut flavor and I believe there was some rum in it as well. There was a guava puree on the plate, which you can ask to skip, if you so choose.
• How was the portion?: Good sized piece of cake for the $3.75. We easily shared it between two adults.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B   I enjoyed the cake, and it immediately transported me to an island vacation or, even better, a cruise. But, with that being said, it didn’t “wow” me.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Probably not. Too many other options.

AND

• What did I try?: Frozen Simply Tropical Fruit Drink with and without Cruzan Mango Rum
• How would I describe it?: This was pretty much straight-up frozen mango juice. Since I am allergic, K got this one. He loves anything slushy, so he was a fan. Our friend, “A”, got the alcoholic version and said it was tasty. The shot of rum pooled at the bottom of the cup, making for a potent final sip.
• How was the portion?: To me, for $4.25, ($9.25 for the alcoholic version), I should get a full 8 oz. glass, not a little 4 oz. (I’m just guessing here) one.
• What letter grade would I give it?: N/A   This one was all K and “A”.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: I do not wish to die of mango poisoning, so, no, I will not.
  

  Non-alcoholic Tropical Slush and Tres Leches

  

  Simply Tropical Slush With Rum

   

We enjoyed those treats at one of the many tall tables that are set up around World Showcase just for the Festival. Though, if you ask me, (and Disney never seems to!), they could use more tables. I saw many people trying to cut and dig into their food while sitting on the ground, with a plate in their lap. This is particularly challenging when you’re working with paper plates and plastic knives!

Up next was Jardin de Fiestas, outside of the Mexico Pavilion. This booth fortunately has queues set up on BOTH sides of the building, which many Guests didn’t realize and they instead gathered in one line. Several of the booths this year have two queues, so always check!!!

See, can you spot that Cast Member behind the bushes, waiting for a Guest? But all of the Guests are waiting in line on the other side! (Well, they were. I don’t see any in this picture.) Here’s the booth’s menu:

And my review:

• What did I try?: Tacos de Camaron
• How would I describe it?: A small, warm tortilla, filled with three small battered and fried shrimp, pickled hibiscus flower, and caramelized onions. It’s supposed to be topped with a habanero sauce, but since I don’t like heat, I opted for no sauce.
• How was the portion?: One small taco for $5.75. Seems pretty fair for shrimp.
• What letter grade would I give it?: C   Though it tasted fine, there was nothing really special about this taco. No real flavor. Yes, I realize the habanero sauce probably is where the flavor comes from, but in general, I found all of the rest of the elements of the taco to be very bland.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Nope. On a side note,”A” tried the Elderflower and Watermelon Sangria here too and though she liked the flavor a lot, she said it was a little too strong for her. Sounds like the kind of drink The Hubs would love! 

Moving on… We wandered through the Mexico pavilion, seeking out our first hidden character egg for the Eggstraviganza Egg Hunt. Found it! This one was Chip.

We passed through Norway, to check out the construction on the meet and greet for those chilly sisters, Anna and Elsa, and of course, to spot the next egg, Daisy!

And we said a quick hello to the sisters themselves, in topiary form.

In China, the Lotus House booth was hoppin’, with a large line. Here’s why:

Lots of yummy choices! I wanted to try one of everything, but I settled for the spring rolls, the strawberries and a bubble tea. (So, almost everything.) I wanted to see what K could eat and we always have to be careful with his egg allergy, so I asked the cashier about allergy information. I was disappointed to find out that once again, just like at Food and Wine, every time we want to give K something, we would have to have the cashier call a coordinator, to review allergens. I understand the safety aspect of this, however, WHAT A GIANT PAIN IN THE BUTT! We waited, as other Guests continued to step around us and order their food, for a coordinator to come over. In about ten minutes, he showed up and confirmed that K could have the strawberries and the tea. Here’s what we thought:

• What did I try?: Vegetable Spring Roll
• How would I describe it?: Standard Chinese spring rolls, served with a creamy orange sauce.
• How was the portion?: $4.50 for two spring rolls was ok by me.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B   The rolls were tasty and not overly greasy. I was expecting the orange sauce to be sweet like a duck sauce, but it was more savory, and I was not a fan.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Maybe. Definitely not a bad snack, and a really good sized portion.

AND

• What did I try?: Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries
• How would I describe it?: Just like a candied apple, but with a skewer of strawberries, and topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• How was the portion?: You get 3-4 strawberries per skewer, depending on size. $4.95 may seem like a high price, but I honestly love these so much, that I’d pay it any time.
• What letter grade would I give it?: A   I LOVE these! I have come to get them every year now since they were introduced. The strawberries are always super high quality, so they are juicy and fresh, and the candy coating adds just enough sweetness. The light sesame flavor is a nice touch. The Hubs doesn’t even like strawberries and he’ll usually steal one of these from me.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: I plan to get them several more times before the festival is over. 

AND

• What did I try?: Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
• How would I describe it?: A milky iced tea, with a very light peach flavor, (in fact, I didn’t taste peach at all!), and a whole bunch of blackish-green tapioca “bubbles” in it.
• How was the portion?: This one wa
• s a full 20 oz. cup, but rightfully so, since it was $6.50. I think that price tag is too high.
• What letter grade would I give it?: C   First of all, I wasn’t expecting this tea to be milky, so that was a surprise, and not exactly en enjoyable one on a hot day. As I said, the peach flavor was barely detectable. Now, I know people who go nuts for bubble tea, but for me, these flavorless tapioca balls made me feel like my drink was full of eyeballs. Ew. It manages to pull off a C because overall, the sweetness and creaminess of the tea was enjoyable, just not my cup of tea. (See what I did there?)
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: That’s a “no”. For $6.50, I could get two other things elsewhere.

After stopping to enjoy our Chinese treats, we found the Goofy egg and moved on to the African Outpost. K decided to take a break and play some drums for a bit. He also requested lunch, since all he had been able to have so far was the strawberries, so I grabbed him a hot dog. At that point, we got a call from The Hubs that D was out of school and they had just arrived at the park, so we stayed seated for a bit, and let them catch up. We also managed to spot the African Outpost egg, which was Donald, and grabbed some pictures of some of my favorite topiaries, the Lion King ones! 

In Germany, D found the Perry the Platypus egg before we hit up the Bauermarkt booth for some German grub.

Here’s the enticing menu:

We decided to try out the Armer Ritter. Here’s what we thought:

• What did I try?: Armer Ritter
• How would I describe it?: Pretty much a piece of French toast, with cherry pie filling and powdered sugar
• How was the portion?: $3.75 for one triangle of toast. Not too bad.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B-   Nothing too exciting here. French toast with cherries. The flavor was good and D liked it a lot. I added the minus because it was served at room temperature, which made it seem like, well… cold French toast. If it was served warm, it would have been better.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Glad I tried it, but no, I don’t need it again.

While we taste tested, we let the kiddos watch the toy trains for a bit and paused for some of the best Flower and Garden photo ops in the whole park. 

I mean, come on! How cute is that?

And just a couple of steps away was the Primavera Kitchen Italian booth, where again, EVERYTHING looked good!:

Our crew picked the chicken parm and the pistachio cream. We did ask about egg allergies, and were told by the nearby coordinator that poor K couldn’t have anything on the menu here. Bummer. Luckily, he was happy with an orange from his backpack.

• What did I try?: Pollo Alla Parmigiana
• How would I describe it?: One breaded chicken breast, with a light coating of tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
• How was the portion?: It was a decent sized piece of chicken, (I’d guess about 4 oz.), so $6 seemed ok, though it would have been better it was served on a little bed of pasta.
• What letter grade would I give it?: C+   Meh. The chicken was of good quality, but the sauce was barely there and what was there was pretty bland. The “plus” is for the quality, but the “C” is for the meh-ness.    
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Nope. I’ve had much better chicken parm elsewhere.

AND

• What did I try?: Cremoso al Pistacchio
• How would I describe it?: A little parfait cup of pistachio cream, a layer of strawberries and a bottom of sweet mascarpone cream, all topped with a chocolate swirl.
• How was the portion?: This was a pretty itty bitty cup for $5, but sooooo worth it!
• What letter grade would I give it?: A+   One of my very favorite things this year. Oh my goodness! If you like the silky creaminess of creme brulee, that’s what this pistachio cream is like. There just a hint of strawberry, and the mascarpone cream balances the sweetness of the pistachio cream perfectly. Fantastic! It needs to be a regular dessert somewhere.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Though $5 is steep for one little shot glass, I’ll pay it again. Yum-yum-yum! Bellissima!

Yes, we were getting full at this point. But the good news is, there were now 4-5 mouths sharing each item, so that kept us from feeling like we were going to bust. That, and we totally took our time. Two hours had passed since we were at the African Outpost and here we were, still in Italy! We found our egg, and said “Ciao!” to Lady and the Tramp, and made our way to the American Adventure pavilion.

Back in the good ol’ US of A, it was time for some BBQ. The Smokehouse booth was one of the most popular last year, and with this year’s menu, it’s bound to be a winner again!:

Right next to the booth, the huge smoker is there, and the chefs were happily chatting with Guests about the best BBQ methods. Pretty impressive!

The Hubs got in line for our eats, and the Littles and I grabbed some pics with the awesome Woody topiary. 

We went a little hog-wild at The Smokehouse. (Ha-ha-ha! “Hog-wild!” I got jokes!) Even K got in on the action here, as he could eat the meats and even had a sip of my sweet tea. Here’s how it all went down:

• What did I try?: Pulled Pig Slider
• How would I describe it?: Pulled pork on a fresh bun, with light coleslaw veggies and fried onion straws.
• How was the portion?: So it’s priced at $6.25, which I think is completely reasonable, however, the girl sitting behind us got a sandwich heaped with meat and veggies. Ours was more like a $4.50 sandwich. But it was Day One of the festival, so I’m sure portioning wasn’t 100% up to snuff yet.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B   In all fairness, I do believe The Hubs would rank it higher. He was swooning over it. Though I liked the sandwich and knew the meat quality was fantastic, I found this one to be dry. I also happen to greatly dislike coleslaw, so that didn’t help. Personally, I prefer the regular pulled pork sandwich that Disney serves in the Liberty Inn quick service.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: I won’t, but I bet The Hubs will.

AND

• What did I try?: Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash
• How would I describe it?: A hash mix of smoked beef brisket, cubed potatoes, peppers and onions, all held together with a cheese cheddar fondue and topped with pickled jalapenos.
• How was the portion?: Plenty for the $5.75 price.
• What letter grade would I give it?: A   Another one of my festival favorites! This was like heaven in a paper basket! The smokiness of the burnt ends matched so nicely with the creamy, sharp cheese fondue. I want a whole plate of this stuff!
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Yes! It’ll be my lunch next time, minus the jalapenos!

AND

• What did I try?: Warm Chocolate Cake
• How would I describe it?: A plain chocolate cupcake, served warm and topped with caramel sauce and candied pecans that have a little kick to ’em.
• How was the portion?: $3.75 is pretty fair for a small cupcake, so I think this one is priced well.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B+   Ok, so warm… chocolate…cake. Can’t really go wrong there. And the cake was warm, moist and tasty. (Though the cake itself tasted like it was made from a packaged mix.) The caramel sauce was flavorful, but I didn’t get any saltiness from it and I think if it were truly salty, it really would have made this one stand out. The pecans with a kick were a fun surprise. (I gave it the “+” for the warmth. Warm desserts rock! Can’t beat the fresh-out-of-the-oven quality!)
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Nah. Again, not bad, but not something I feel the need to repeat.

AND (Yes, AND! Don’t judge.)

• What did I try?: Sweet Tea
• How would I describe it?: Fresh brewed, iced sweet tea.
• How was the portion?: It was only $2.50, so the cup only being about 8 oz. didn’t bother me, though it was so good, I would have gladly bought a larger size.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B+   I mean, it’s only iced tea, so I can’t very well give it an “A”, but it was pretty perfect when it comes to sweet tea. Not overly sweet, not watered down, and there were even some loose leaves floating in the cup, bearing witness to the freshness of the tea. Super refreshing.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Sure.

We enjoyed all these amazing treats sitting at a wooden picnic table, under the covered area next to the American Adventure pavilion. The weather was so incredibly gorgeous, and out bellies so happy, it would have been easy to sit there all day, but we had more countries to cover and we were running out of time. Onward! (Oh, and we did find the egg, hiding near the queue to The Smokehouse, but I didn’t manage to grab a picture of this one. In fact, I got pretty bad about taking pictures of them for the rest of World Showcase. Sorry! You’ll just have to find them yourself!)

Up next, Japan, and the Hanami booth!:

For years now I have heard about how awesome “Frushi” is, so I had already known what I wanted to get at this booth. Unlike the other booths, the Japanese one had a little pre-printed allergy card, so I was able to quickly glance at that and see that there was no egg in the Frushi, so K could enjoy it. Oh man, was it WAY more convenient to have an allergy menu available, rather than have to wait while a coordinator is radioed. I praised the system and told the Cast Member to please, please recommend that the other booths do it to, if possible!

Since I knew both of the kids would be into the idea of fruit rolled up, with whipped cream and raspberry sauce on top, I got two orders to share.

• What did I try?: Frushi
• How would I describe it?: A sushi-like roll-up, with pineapple, strawberries and cantaloupe int he middle, coconut rice around it, and topped with coconut flakes, canned whipped cream and raspberry puree.
• How was the portion?: Three pieces in the roll, for $5.25. Ok. A little on the high side.
• What letter grade would I give it?: D-   Guys, I am so sorry if you are a Frushi fanatic, but I just don’t get it! The coconut rice was chilled and gummy. The fruit wasn’t particularly sweet, and the toppings tasted artificial. Both of my kids spit this out and they love fruit. I tried one bite and hated it. I ended up throwing out 4 whole pieces of the roll. The only reason I gave it a D- and not an F is because it looks cool.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Um, no. Never. 

We couldn’t find the Easter egg in Japan and decided to give up and just figure out which egg it was by process of elimination. Yes, we were getting lazy. After the Frushi debacle, I needed a minute to recover. Nothing at the Taste of Marrakesh booth in Morocco was standing out to me anyway, so we passed it by. Here’s the menu though:

We did find the egg in Morocco, and checked out the Urban Spice Garden.

The Florida Fresh booth had me at watermelon. I LOVE watermelon juice. Like, LOVE it. Back in the day, (probably about 15 years back), La Cantina de San Angel used to serve it as an everyday drink and it was bomb! So refreshing and delicious! It was really unique and I loved getting it every time I was in Epcot. They broke my heart and stopped selling it, but they do occasionally resurrect it for Food and Wine or Flower and Garden, so I was very excited to see it on the menu at Florida Fresh:

We tried both the watermelon juice and the watermelon cucumber slushy.

• What did I try?: Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice
• How would I describe it?: Pretty straight forward… a liquefied watermelon in a glass.
• How was the portion?: Well, it was $3.25 for a small, 4ish oz. cup. Considering that the large, 32 oz. cup used to be $3.50, it is a little hard to pay the same for a much smaller portion, but since I love it, I do it.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B   As much as I adore this refreshing and naturally sweet juice, the glass I got was room temperature at best, making it not nearly as enjoyable as it usually is, hence the “B”.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Yes, but I hope it’s cold! The colder, the better!

  

  Watermelon Juice on the left, Watermelon Cucumber Slushy on the right

AND

• What did I try?: Watermelon Cucumber Slushy
• How would I describe it?: This was more of an artificial watermelon flavored slush. Very sweet.
• How was the portion?: $4.25 for a small cup of slush is too much.

  

  Key Lime wine

• What letter grade would I give it?: B-   It tasted good, but compared to the
  watermelon juice, it was just too sweet for me. The cucumber flavor was pretty minimal. It was more like a Jolly Rancher watermelon flavored slush.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Probably not. I’ll stick with the juice and hope that it’s cold.

“A” also tried the Key Lime Sparkling Wine, which both she and The Hubs really liked,  but I didn’t try it.

Next up was France and the Fleur de Lys booth, and oh, God bless the French. Seriously. I mean, they can do things with food that no one else can do. Not to mention, their alcohol is pretty incredible too! Here’s this year’s menu:

Duck isn’t my thing, so I tried the onion tart and the macaron. Oh my.

• What did I try?: Tarte a l’Onion Alsacienne
• How would I describe it?: A flaky, buttery crust, covered in oniony goodness.
• How was the portion?: $4.50 for this pastry was totally reasonable, considering it was about the same size as a pastry you’d get at Starbucks for the same price. I’d guess it was about a 3″ x 4″ square.
• What letter grade would I give it?: A+   Oh lordy. Butter. Sauteed onions. Flaky pastry. Fresh French herbs. What about this could possibly be bad? (Well, unless you don;t like onions.) This pasty was as delicious as it sounds, and more. Served warm and fresh, it was heaven-sent. One of my very favorite things from this year’s festival.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Oh yeah. For sure. Can I have one NOW?

AND

• What did I try?: Macaron Chocolat Framboise
• How would I describe it?: A raspberry flavored French macaron cookie, filled with a fudgy ganache and raspberry jam.
• How was the portion?: Everyone who has had a French macaron knows that those little suckers are expensive. You can expect to pay a couple of bucks for one small macaron, so $4.75 for one large one doesn’t seem that bad. I’d say the macaron was about 3″ across.
• What letter grade would I give it?: A-   Loved this one too. The cookie part was perfectly crisp on the outside, and chewy on the inside. The fudge filling was plentiful and so smooth. The raspberry jam was only directly in the middle, (which The Hubs thought was great, because he doesn’t like raspberry jam, and he was able to nibble the macaron, enjoy the chocolate, and avoid the raspberry), and a good balance of tart and sweet. The only reason I added the “-” to the grade is because it was served out of a fridge, making it cold and a little on the hard side. Buuuut, I get that it’s Florida and they HAVE to keep them in the fridge. Had I waited a few minutes more to enjoy it, it probably would have softened up, but it was irresistible. So it’s their fault for making it irresistible. Yeah.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Oui. Oui, very much. 

I can always spend time in the France pavilion. Since visiting the real thing a few years bad, I have been a total Francophile. I love the music, the sights, the smells, and of course, the food! France always looks gorgeous for Flower and Garden, filled with topiaries of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and beautifully landscaped. 

At this point, we were loosing steam. The sun was starting to go down, the kids were getting restless, and I was sunburned and tired. We crossed the bridge into UK pavilion, and while the kiddos and The Hubs looked for the egg, I took some topiary pics.

The Cider House is the new UK booth, and it was super popular with the Guests. Here’s the menu:

Since the Littles love sparkling cider, I got them some of that, and I had to try the lemon scone. I mean, we couldn’t be in the UK pavilion and not have a scone, right?

• What did I try?: Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
• How would I describe it?: Your typical, sugary, sparkling apple cider that you were likely served as a kid, on New Year’s Eve.
• How was the portion?: A small glass for $4.75? I can buy a bottle for $2 at any grocery store. Perhaps one of the most overpriced things a bought all day.
• What letter grade would I give it?: B   Yeah, it tasted good and was served cold, but this is not in any way something special.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Not a chance I’m paying almost $5 for this again.

AND

• What did I try?: Freshly Baked Lemon Scone
• How would I describe it?: A warm lemon scone, lightly iced, and topped with mixed berries and fresh whipped cream.
• How was the portion?: Bigger than a mini-scone from Starbucks, but smaller than a full sized one. Does that help? I thought $3.75 was a fair price.
• What letter grade would I give it?: A+   Also one of my very favorites from the festival! What a delightful surprised to be served an oven-warm scone! The flavor was lemony, but not overwhelmingly so. The berry topping was not sugary, and more like fresh berry compote. The cream gave it a nice contrast. I loved this and it might be my top pick.
• Will I get it again, when I return to the Festival?: Absolutely. 

Ok, I didn’t think that I could top that scone perfection, so I called it quits on our taste testing. Everyone was full and ready to head out, so we got some pictures of the beautiful flowers in the Canada pavilion, found our last egg, and moved on. 

We didn’t get anything from the last two booths. We will save those for the next visit, but here are the menus:

We had promised the Littles some time in the newly themed musical playground, and I was able to grab some gorgeous pictures as the sun was setting.

After playing for a bit, the kiddos were finally worn out too, and we left Epcot, full, tired, but SO impressed with this year’s festival. I can’t wait to come back and do it all again! 

 

 

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: Flower & Garden Festival Menus and Details!!!

Hiya, Tinkers!

Hope you’re all having an awesome weekend! Unfortunately, in my house, we are dealing with a toddler with a 104° fever, so it hasn’t been pretty.  The good news is, he thinks he has a “Frozen fever”, and so he keeps sleepily quoting Elsa and saying, “I haff a cold.” It’s adorable and heartbreaking, all at the same time.

Anyway, I come to you with exciting news!!! The official passport for the 2016 International Flower and Garden Festival has been released, so we have tons of new information about this year’s Flower and Garden Festival, including all of the menus for the Outdoor Kitchens!!! So what will we see, (and taste), this year?

Well, for starters, incredible topiaries will fill the park. The two new displays this year are Fresh Food, Fun and Flowers at the Main Entrance, which features Donald, Daisy and Huey, Dewey and Louie, and Ranger Mickey and Friends will be in Future World East. Favorites from last year and previous years will return, including:

• Buzz Lightyear in Future World East
• Fantastia in Future World West
• Phineas and Ferb in Future World East
• Minnie Mouse and Pluto in Showcase Plaza
• Anna and Elsa in Norway
• Bromeliad Dragon in China
• Simba and Friends in The Outpost
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Germany
• Lady and the Tramp in Italy
• Woody in The American Adventure
• Beauty and the Beast in France
• Cinderella and Prince Charming in France
• Winnie the Pooh and Friends in the United Kingdom
• Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tic-Toc Croc in the United Kingdom
• Bambi and Friends in Canada

—

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will be “Fun, Fresh Weekends” with special presentations and learning areas, including:

• Garden Theater where you can learn what goes into making Flower and Garden Festival happen.
• Garden Information Desk where you can talk to horticulture experts from University of Florida about all of your gardening needs.
• Horticulture Heritage where you can learn how horticulture played a role in Walt’s vision for the parks.
• And four different stages where you can catch presentations by horticulture experts on a variety of topics.

—

There are also specialty themed weekends:

• April 1st-3rd: Art in the Garden Weekend
• April 8th-10th: Outdoor Family Fun Weekend, featuring experts from Animal Kingdom who will share what an important role insects play in our environment
• April 22nd-24th: Earth Day Weekend, featuring experts from The Seas with Nemo and Friends who will share the conservation efforts that go on at The Seas on a daily basis
• April 29th-May 1st: Florida Fresh Weekend
• May 6th-8th: Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Weekend

—

This year, for the little ones, there are several specially designed areas for frolicking:

• Cactus Road Rally Playground near Test Track
• NEW! Music Garden Melodies Playground between Imagination and the Canada Pavilion
• Discover Purple Martins where you can learn about the Brazilian migratory songbirds
• Butterflies on the Go near Club Cool
• Ranger Mickey and Friends Interactive Area in Future World East
• Backyard Habitat
• Nature Works Everywhere

 

—

And of course there’s the Garden Rocks concerts! Here’s this year’s line-up:

• March 4th-6th – The Orchestra with members of ELO (“Evil Woman” and “Comin’ Home Baby”)
• March 11th-13th – Starship with Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”)
• March 18th-20th – Little River Band (“Reminiscing” and “Lady”)
• March 25th-27th – The Village People (“Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man”)
• April 1st-3rd – Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone (“Henry the VIII, I Am” and “There’s a King of Hush”)
• April 8th-10th – The Guess Who (“American Woman” and “These Eyes”)
• April 15th-17th – Blood, Sweat & Tears with Bo Bice from American Idol (“Spinning Wheel” and “You Make Me So Very Happy”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• April 22nd-24th – Bad Company with Brian Howe (“Can’t Get Enough” and “Shooting Star”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• April 29th-May 1st – Georgia Satellites (“Keep Your Hands to Yourself” and “Hippy Hippy Shake”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• May 6th-8th – Gin Blossoms (“Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You”)
• May 13th-15th – Darlene Love (“Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home” and “He’s a Rebel”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• May 20th-22nd – Night Ranger (“Sister Christian” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”)
• May 27th-30th – The Spinners (“Working My Way Back to You” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”)

—

The Outdoor Garden Destinations include lots of beautiful and amazing plants:
Waterwise Garden

• Pre-Historic Plants
• Purple Martins
• Cactus Road Rally
• Festival Blooms
• Pollinator Paradise
• Butterflies on the Go
• Health and Healing Garden
• Backyard Habitat
• Music Garden Melodies
• Nature Works Everywhere
• Fire Garden
• Extraordinary Orchids
• Tuscan Cuchina Garden
• Japanese Mini-Garden
• Bonsai Collection
• Urban Spice
• English Tea Garden
• Shakespeare Garden

—

There are 13 Outdoor Kitchens, with two brand new ones! Let’s all salivate over their menus. Green marks food items and Pink marks drinks:

• Urban Farm Eats (Walkway near Imagination)
  • Watermelon Salad with pickled onions, B&W Gourmet Farms baby arugula, feta and balsamic reduction
  • Vegetable and White Bean “Naanwhich” with arugula pesto and oven-dried tomatoes, featuring Seeds of Change quinoa and brown and red rice
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with mushroom ragout, spring vegetables and marble potatoes
  • Avive Natural Peach Sparkling Wine
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir
  • Sierra Nevada Otra Vez
  • Urban Mary
• Pineapple Promenade (World Showcase Promenade)
  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and Taro chips
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve (aka “Dole Whip”)
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Ocean Tropical Pineapple Hard Cider
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
• NEW! La Isla Fresca (World Showcase Promenade)
  • Jerk-Spiced Grouper or Chicken with mango salsa, chayote and green papaya slaw, with lime-cilantro vinaigrette
  • Jamaican Braised Beef with pigeon pea rice and micro-cilantro
  • Tres Leches with guava puree
  • Red Stripe Jamaican Style Lager
  • Frozen Simply Tropical juice drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
  • Frozen Simply Tropical juice drink (non-alcoholic)
• Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
  • Tacos de Camaron – Tempura shrimp served with hibiscus flower, caramelized onions and habanero sauce
  • Corn Tortilla Quesadilla served with roasted mushroom and zucchini blossom, topped with green tomatillo sauce
  • Flan de Rosas with hibiscus reduction
  • Tecate Light Beer
  • Rose Margarita
  • Elderflower Watermelon Sangria
• Lotus House (China)
  • Gaoli Beef Bun
  • Beijing-style Candied Strawberries
  • Vegetable Spring Roll with orange sauce
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea (non-alcoholic)
  • Kung Fu Punch – Vodka, Triple Sec, mango and orange juice
  • Plum Wine
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
  • Dragon Pearl – Beer, honey, cream and tapioca pearls
  • Tsingtao Beer
• Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany)
  • Chicken Fricassee with green asparagus and peas, served with Uncle Ben’s rice pilaf
  • Currywurst with paprika chips (Roasted bratwurst with curry ketchup and paprika-spiced chips)
  • “Armer Ritter” – Egg-battered toast with cherry compote and powdered sugar
  • Hugo-Charles de Fere Organic Brut with elderflower and mint
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager
  • Schofferhofer Hefeweizen
  • Warsteiner Dunkel
  • Kostritzer Schwartzbier Black Lager
• Primavera Kitchen (Italy)
  • Pollo alla Parigiana – Breaded breast of chicken, tomato, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese
  • Mezze Luna Primavera – Egg pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach, in a creamy sauce, with spring vegetables and Pecorino cheese
  • Cremoso al Pistaccchio – Pistacchio cream, strawberries and mascarpone cream
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • Moscato
  • Bellini – Sparkling wine and peach puree
  • Rossini – Sparkling wine and marinated strawberries
  • Frozen Italian Primavera – Fruit slushy, Limoncello and Vodka
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
  • Italian Seasonal Selection
• THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews (The American Adventure)
  • Pulled Pig Slider with crispy onions and coleslaw
  • Smoked Pork Ribs with corn salad
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with white cheddar fondue and pickled jalapenos
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans
  • The Great American Wine Company Red Blend
  • Funky Buddah Floridian Hefeweizen
  • Orlando Brewing company Uncle Matt’s Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale
  • 3 Daughters Rod Bender Red Ale
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout
  • Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
  • Frozen Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Sweet Tea (non-alcoholic)
• Hanami (Japan)
  • Frushi – Fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon, rolled with raspberry-coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and with whipped cream on the side
  • Chicken Edamame Bun – Steamed bun, filled with chicken and edamame and topped with curry sauce
  • Beef Teriyaki Udon – Thin-sliced beef, onions and noodles, tossed on the grill with soy and ginger
  • Sapporo Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slushy
  • Suigei Sake
• Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco)
  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with sweet couscous salad
  • Falafel Pocket with cucumber-tomato salad and tahini sauce
  • Baklava
  • Desert Rose – Sparkling wine topped with pomegranate liqueur
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red Wine
  • Casa Beer
• Florida Fresh (Between Morocco and France)
  • Kale Salad with dried cranberries, almonds, goat cheese and white balsamic vinaigrette
  • Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes and cilantro
  • Florida Larder Board – Orlando-made ricotta cheese, Cahaba Farms micro-onions, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic, country pate and house-made pickles
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine
  • Sea Dog Acai Berry Hefeweizen
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendrick’s Gin
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slush (non-alcoholic)
  • Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice
• Fleur de Lys (France)
  • Tarte a l’Onion Alsacienne – Alsatian onion tart with sauteed onions, fresh thyme and rosemary, on a flaky puff-pastry crust
  • Cassoulet au Confit de Canard – Pulled duck confit with braised Flageolet beans
  • Macaron Chocolat Framboise – Large raspberry macaron with chocolate fudge and raspberry jam
  • Ice Pop Gran Marnier Peach Cocktail – Gran Marnier Peach Raspberry, Vodke, iced tea
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush – Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain, white and red cranberry juice
  • Merlot Bordeaux
  • Kir Imperial – Sparkling wine with Chambord Black Raspberry liquor
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
• NEW! Cider House (United Kingdom)
  • Land-Harvested Field Greens with apples, dried blueberries, Stilton cheese and apple cider vinaigrette
  • Pear Cider-Brined Shredded Corned Beef with braised cabbage and pears and Branston dressing
  • House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with smoked salmon tartare
  • Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with creme fraiche and mixed berries
  • Sonoma ‘The Pitchfork’ Organic Pear Hard Cider
  • McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider
  • Keel and Curley Mad Man Blueberry Hard Cider
  • Cigar City Brewing Tampa-Style Lager
  • Snakebite – Cigar City Tampa-Style Lager, mixed with McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider
  • Mertinelli’s Sparkling Cider (non-alcoholic)

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Also, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company has enhanced their menus around the park, especially for the festival! Here are the fun new drinkable treats and where to find them!:

• LemonRita (Future World East) – Frozen lemon-lime drink, with 1800 Silver Tequila or Grey Goose Vodka
• Tiki Torch (Disney Traders) – Frozen passion fruit drink, with Grey Goose Vodka
• Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset (American Adventure) – Layered Frozen Strawberry and Lemonade drinks, with Grey Goose Vodka
• Spiked Chai Latte (Canada) – iced, frozen or hot chai tea latte, with Bailey’s Irish Creme or Grey Goose Vodka

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Just for the Festival, Sunshine Seasons food court, inside the Land pavilion, will be adding two new menu items to check out:

• Oak-Grilled Vegetable Flatbread
• Tomato and Cucumber Salad

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And, of course, there’s special merchandise all over the park, including these unique options:

• Rinse bath and body products
• EyeCatchers reflective wind spinners
• Jortra Boutique jewelry made from cantaloupe seeds, orange peel and coffee beans (March 2nd-23rd only)
• Boiled Books stationary, stained with real plants and flowers (March 24th-April 13th and May 5th-15th)
• Growmanji soil-free growing systems (April 14th-May 4th only)
• Petal Pushers giftable plants (May 16th-30th only)
• Just Plumerias plumeria cuttings
• Elemental Nursery ornamental plants
• Swaying in the Breeze garden flags
• HAF2Paint floral artwork
• And Flower and Garden exclusive merchandise!

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This year, there’s even an Annual Passholder Exclusive gift!!! Three, in fact! Bring your annual pass and a photo ID to the area behind Club Cool on the following dates, to receive a special edition print, drawn by legendary Disney artist, Don “Ducky” Williams:

• March 2nd-31st: Donald Duck
• April 1st-30th: Goofy
• May 1st-30th: Mickey Mouse

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And if ALL of this just isn’t enough for you and you want to learn even MORE about the Festival and horticulture, in general, check out these three tours:

• English Tea Garden Tour – The only one of the three tours that is totally complimentary, this guided tour in the United Kingdom pavilion is presented by Twinings and will take tea-lovers inside the history and background of tea, as well as talk about brewing techniques and flavor options. Sign up day-of, at the Tea Caddy shop. (If you can’t get a spot, or would rather not wait, you can also do this as a self-guided tour.) The tour runs 20 minutes.

• Behind the Seeds Tour at The Land – This tour takes you behind the scenes and up close to the amazing plants, (and fish and alligators), in the Living with the Land attraction. You can sign up for it day-of, at the tour desk near Soarin’. The tour is about an hour long and is $20 per adult and $16 per child. It is offered daily, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Epcot Gardens of the World Tour – This is a 3 hour tour, guided by a Disney horticulturist. It is about $64 per person, and no children under the age of 16 are permitted. For this in-depth tour, you will want to book in advance, by calling 407 WDW- TOUR.

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Is your head spinning yet with all of the amazing Flower and Garden food and fun that you’re going to enjoy??? I know I can’t wait to hit the park! Remember, the Flower and Garden Festival starts on March 2nd and runs through May 30th!

 

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: Flower and Garden Festival Details Revealed!

Good morning, Tinkers!

Well, it’s one of my very FAVORITE times of year again! Time for Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival! Along with the Food and Wine Festival and Holidays Around the World, Flower and Garden is one of the top highlights on the Walt Disney World calendar and one event that I personally am SO excited to attend! It’s undeniably a gorgeous event to see, as all of Epcot is filled with rainbows of flowers and plants, fantastic topiary Disney characters, and even a butterfly garden, but that’s not ALL Flower and Garden is about! Did you know that you can catch some of the most fun concerts from famous artists of days gone by, AND taste some incredible bites and sips of market inspired dishes and drinks? Well, you can! And this year is set to be better than EVER! Here’s why…

First of all, this year’s Flower and Garden Festival will be the longest running yet, with three full months to enjoy the festivities. The festival officially opens on March 2nd and will run through May 30th.

Secondly, this year’s festival will help celebrate the centennial anniversary of the National Parks Service, with a Ranger Mickey topiary paying homage in Future World. For the first time ever, Donald and his nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, along with Miss Daisy, will be the featured topiary at the park entrance! And I’m sure we will see all of our other favorite topiaries around the park, like Anna and Elsa, Lightning McQueen and Mater, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Belle and the Beast and so many more!

The third reason this year’s festival is going to ROCK is because the concert lineup for the Garden Rocks concerts was just announced and there are some pretty awesome acts to see, including a few brand new ones! Check it out:

• March 4th-6th – The Orchestra with members of ELO (“Evil Woman” and “Comin’ Home Baby”)
• March 11th-13th – Starship with Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”)
• March 18th-20th – Little River Band (“Reminiscing” and “Lady”)
• March 25th-27th – The Village People (“Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man”)
• April 1st-3rd – Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone (“Henry the VIII, I Am” and “There’s a King of Hush”)
• April 8th-10th – The Guess Who (“American Woman” and “These Eyes”)
• April 15th-17th – Blood, Sweat & Tears with Bo Bice from American Idol “Spinning Wheel” and “You Make Me So Very Happy”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• April 22nd-24th – Bad Company with Brian Howe (“Can’t Get Enough” and “Shooting Star”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• April 29th-May 1st – Georgia Satellites (“Keep Your Hands to Yourself” and “Hippy Hippy Shake”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• May 6th-8th – Gin Blossoms (“Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You”)
• May 13th-15th – Darlene Love (“Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home” and “He’s a Rebel”) NEW THIS YEAR!
• May 20th-22nd – Night Ranger (“Sister Christian” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”)
• May 27th-30th – The Spinners (“Working My Way Back to You” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”)

 

Awesome, right??? Keep in mind, of course, that all entertainment is subject to change, but typically the shows stay pretty much as is. Each concert night, three shows are performed, one at 5:30pm, one at 6:45pm and one at 8pm. And the best part about these concerts? They are included with park admission!

And if you needed another reason to attend the festival, (though I am SURE you’re already convinced that you NEED to be there), don’t forget about the Outdoor Kitchens! (It’s like Food and Wine Festival meets Flower and Garden Festival!) About a dozen booths line the World Showcase Promenade and at each one you can find snack sized food items and sample sized drinks, alcoholic and non, for sale. Each booth has either a cultural theme, (like the Fleur de Lys booth in France), or a Flower and Garden theme, (like the Urban Eats booth in Future World). This year’s menus have not yet been announced, but I’ll be sure and update you as soon as they are!

I’ve just told you about the highlights of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, but there’s even more to enjoy, like three different playgrounds for kids, demonstrations on gardening and home needs, as well as appearances by HGTV celebrities!

SO??? What are you waiting for? Get your flight and resort booked and get your butt down here for some springtime fun!!! I’ll get the sunshine ready for you!

Tink in the Parks: Holidays Around the World

Hi there, Tinkers!

Happy December! (OMG, can you believe it’s DECEMBER???) My pal K and I went on over to Epcot Monday to check out this year’s Holidays Around the World decorations, and we were not disappointed! Here’s a look at some of the awesomeness that is in store for you if you’ll be visiting Epcot this holiday season!…

     Now that Thanksgiving weekend is over, we are back into a bit of a slow time in the parks. Or slowER time, I should say. It seems like “off-season” is really a thing of the past at this point, but for the next week or two, the parks will likely see a lighter amount of traffic than they have been seeing throughout November. We definitely saw shorter wait times and fewer crowds in Epcot than we had seen during Food and Wine!

The entry topiaries were very cute, with Mickey and Minnie taking center stage, and Bambi, Flower, Thumper and Stitch appearing as well. Super cute and very popular. Epcot fans probably recognize most of the topiaries from their Flower and Garden appearances.

We headed through the park and back toward World Showcase, even though it wasn’t open yet. (It was just after 10 am, and World Showcase opens at 11 am.) I wanted to grab some pictures of the pavilions with as few Guests in them as possible, and it paid off, since we pretty much stayed ahead of the crowd for the rest of the day. Behind Spaceship Earth, we checked out the stage where a cappella group, American Sound Machine, would be performing later in the day.

We also stopped to take some Photo Pass pictures with a cute holiday character topiary that is in the main planter, between the two kiosk gift shops. K hammed it up for the photographer and made all of the other Guests that were waiting crack up. Shy he is not. The snowflake topiary is also beautiful…

… but as soon as K caught a glimpse of the enormous Christmas tree, he was off and running. I think the Epcot tree is one of my very favorites.

Once I could tear K away from the “kwissmiss twee”, we headed toward Mexico and got to enjoy an empty pavilion, with very pretty decorations.

Of course, Holidays Around the World is all about exploring how the various countries represented in World Showcase celebrate the holiday season and so each country has a scroll that tells details about customs and ways that the people of that country observe the holiday. Here is Mexico’s:

Each country also has a storyteller and/or live entertainment, to help Guests learn about the holiday celebrations of that country. This year there is an awesome, complimentary passport, available where you find park maps, that tells you about holiday exclusive merchandise, foods and drinks, and entertainment all around World Showcase. Guests can even collect stamps, if they choose to, from each pavilion.

Mexico has Mariachis and Dancers listed as the holiday entertainment. The special food item is Sweet Tamales, served in the Cantina, and the main gift shop, Plaza de los Amigos, offers holiday decor and ornaments.

In Norway, there was a decent crowd of people, since many Guests were checking into and coming out of their dining reservations at Akershus. Of course, tons of construction work is underway, as the pavilion prepares to welcome everyone’s favorite Frozen sisters, Anna and Elsa, back to Norway. In the meantime, the rest of the pavilion is beautifully decorated.

And here’s the scroll from Norway…

The Norway entertainment is listed as “Sigrid”, the storyteller. For special holiday treats, the bakery has Traditional Rice Cream and Frozen Peppermint Trifle, which is a blue peppermint cake with white chocolate mousse. I had thought that this was frozen trifle, as in icy trifle, not as in Frozen, the movie, so I was less excited when I realized that. Since the bakery wasn’t open yet, anyway, I decided to skip it this time around. For special merchandise items, the Laila and Geir fragrances by Geir Ness have holiday packs and gift bags for sale. Check ’em out!

Oh, and K decided that he wanted to try out being a snowman, too. I think he did a pretty good job.

On to China! We got there just as the ropes were being dropped and the rest of World Showcase was opening. There was an immediate huge line for Mulan’s meet and greet, so I ushered K right past that. Since China doesn’t really celebrate Christmas, their scroll was about Chinese New Year, which is also at the end of December.

And though there were no holiday decorations in China, Guests could get into the Chinese New Year celebration by watching the Chinese Lion Dance or by eating the holiday treat of Kaikouxiao, or Happy Face Fried Cake, which is served at the Joy of Tea cart. The House of Good Fortune gift shop has closionne holiday ornaments and Chinese jewelry and handbags.

In Germany, we saw two booths set up. One, Glaskugel, had blown glass ornaments, and the other, Prost!, had German holiday treats. Guests can try a holiday fruit cake called Stollen, hot, spiced wine known as Gluhwein and other specialty drinks. There is also a small stage area, where Helga the storyteller teaches children about the story of the first nutcracker.

And here’s the Germany scroll…

Germany has some of the best holiday decorations! Truly beautiful!

Even the little train set gets into the holiday spirit with a skating rink and town Christmas tree!

There are adorable Mickey-head topiaries between Germany and Italy and I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them! K loved them and said, “Oh, Mamma… lookit da Mickeys! Santa Mickeys! Ho-ho-ho!”

Of course, Italy was decked out in elegant holiday decor.

I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of the scroll, since at this point, K was pretty forcefully demanding food in his belly, but I know that the entertainment in Italy is the storyteller, La Befana, the good witch. As for holiday treats, sparkling wine drinkers can enjoy some Prosecco from the gelato kiosk, and while you’re there, grab some Italian Christmas bread, Panettone. There’s not much in the way of holiday exclusive merchandise, but as the passport points out, the Italian fragrances, leather and jewelry always make for great gifts.

There’s tons going on in the American Adventure pavilion for the holidays! Not only is there Epcot’s main event, the Candlelight Processional on the American Gardens stage, but there are also storytellers sharing the background of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, special “Dickens Caroler” performances of the Voices of Liberty singers, and meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (And trust me… they are the REAL DEAL! No, I’m serious. This is the REAL Santa. Just go see him and tell me he isn’t. I dare ya.) You want treats??? No problem! At the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery there is Peppermint Bark, Gingerbread Cookies, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, Hot Chocolate, Eggnog, and if you want something a little harder, cocoa with peppermint schnapps and Buffalo Nog. As for shopping, there’s a little outdoor market set up, right around the Christmas tree, where you can buy Kringle Candles, Alex and Ani bracelets, holiday Precious Moments dolls and holiday ornaments and decor.

If you have never seen the Candlelight Processional, I highly recommend it! It is presented three times as night during the holiday season, and consists of a live orchestra, a massive choir made up of high school students and Disney Cast Members, and a celebrity narrator, who tells the story of Christmas. Even if you aren’t into the religious aspect of the story, the music is high-raisingly, goosebump-inducingly beautiful. You’ll find yourself singing along to the well-known carols and holiday songs. It seems like every year Candlelight gets more and more popular, and the lines form earlier and earlier. See the picture of the line above? That line has about 5 families already in it, and it was taken at only 11:30 am!!! The first show isn’t until 5! That’s a looooong time to wait! (This particular show was being narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and he does tend to draw a very large crowd, but still… No way I’m standing in line for 6 hours!) If you want to see the show without waiting that long, I recommend doing a dining package, which will grant you a Fastpass-like entrance, OR, if you don’t need to have a seat necessarily, you can just hang out on the walkway when the show starts and still have a decent view and hear it quite well. Here are this year’s celebrity narrators:

• 1st-3rd: Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother actor and TV host)
• 4th-5th: Whoopi Goldberg (The View host and comedian)
• 6th-8th: Joe Morton (Scandal actor)
• 9th-11th: Ana Gasteyer (Saturday Night Live actress)
• 12th-14th: Meredith Vieira (Today host)
• 15th-17th: America Ferrera (Ugly Betty actress)
• 18th-20th: Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy actress and director)
• 21st-23rd: Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii 5-0 actor)
• 24th-26th: Edward James Olmos (Miami Vice & Agents of SHEILD actor)
• 27th-28th: Blair Underwood (LA Law & Agents of SHEILD actor)
• 29th-30th: Amy Grant (singer/songwriter)

K and I were way too early for Candlelight, and Santa wasn’t doing his first meet and greet until after 1 pm, so after K celebrated Kwanzaa by dancing like a nut and making the storyteller laugh,

and we checked out the gorgeous Christmas tree,

we moved on…

Being a Buddhist country, Japan does not celebrate Christmas either, but they do celebrate Japanese New Year in early January. Though there were no holiday decorations that I could find, there is holiday entertainment in the way of a storyteller sharing the story of the Daruma doll. The Kabuki Cafe celebrates the New Year with Grilled Kurobuta Pork Sausage with Pineapple and Onions, and Hitachino Ginger Beer. There isn’t any specialty holiday merchandise, but the Japanese pavilion is a really fun place to shop, particularly for stocking stuffers like Japanese candy, little toys and unique beauty products.

Morocco is an Islamic country, and so rather than celebrating Christmas, they observe Ramadan and Ashura. A storyteller talks about how the holidays are celebrated. In Tangerine Cafe, Guests can celebrate with some Chocolate Honey Baklava. Again, there are no holiday decorations or merchandise items in Morocco, but the shops are a great place to pick up something unique to give as a gift, like leather goods, incense and scarves.

K was very happy to arrive in France, since he looooves the chocolate mousse from les Halles and he had a rumbly in his tumbly.

K knows that this fountain is usually on, so he leaned over to investigate…

… lucky for him, he stood back up quickly enough to not get sprayed in the face. Although, in full disclosure, I would have laughed pretty hard before I checked to see if he was ok.

France is dressed to the nines in red and green. Their “Santa”, Pierre Noel reads a Christmas letter that he received from a child and talks about how the holidays are celebrated in France.

Since we were stopping into Les Halles for K’s mousse anyway, I decided to try once of the holiday treats, the traditional French Christmas dessert, Buche de Noel au Chocolat. The roll was filled with chocolate mousse and topped with ganache. There was a crispy layer and a cakey layer on the bottom. Though it looked delicious, and the texture was nice, I was disappointed to find out that it also had an orangey flavor. I HATE chocolate and orange together, so I ended up not enjoying the dessert and since it had eggs in it and K couldn’t eat it, we threw it out. What a waste! If you don’t mind chocolate and orange, you’ll love this, but it just wasn’t my thing. If ice cream is more your thing, you can pop into L’Artisan des Glaces for Cinnamon Ice Cream with Caramelized Pecans.

As for shopping, both Givenchy and Guerlain have holiday fragrances available in Plume et Palette and La Signature, respectively. France is one of the most festive pavilions for the holidays and I could easily spend hours wandering around, shopping, eating and taking in the entertainment, but alas, K’s belly was fully of chocolatey goodness and he was ready to go.

Over the International Gateway bridge on into the United Kingdom, where the holiday festivities are in full swing. 

Back in the courtyard, Father Christmas rings in the holiday season and shares the traditions of the English and Irish. The UK offers Hot Applejack Cider, which is a mulled cider with seasonal spices and spiked with whiskey, at the UK Beer Cart. The Tea Caddy carries holiday teas and accessories.

Nearby, we could hear music coming from the Canada pavilion, so we went over and listened to the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs perform French and English Canadian holiday tunes. There were lots of Guests standing around listening and K took the opportunity to perform for them, and he danced around, galloping and spinning to the Christmas tunes. So in his element. To K, all the world is a stage, and clearly, everyone wants to watch him.

Hatley sleepware and holiday merchandise is available in Northwest Mercantile, and for a treat, Pecan Maple Bark is being sold from the popcorn cart.

We weren’t quite done with our holiday cheer yet, even though we had visited the last World Showcase country. We decided to stop off at Promenade Refreshments, where multiple holiday treats are being served up. The Warm Turkey Sandwich is served on cranberry bread and has mashed potatoes and gravy in it. There’s also Hot Chocolate, and three alcoholic treats: The Chocolate Grasshopper, (with peppermint schnapps and candy cane crumbles), Godiva Hot Chocolate, (with Godiva Chocolate Liquor), and Red Hook Winter Ale. Since I did not enjoy my last chocolately treat, I thought I’d try the Peppermint Sundae. I wish I could say I wasn’t disappointed in this one, but it was very blah. It tasted good, but all it was was chocolate soft serve with whipped cream, topped with a fairly small sprinkle of crushed candy cane. There wasn’t much “minty” about it and it wasn’t really a “sundae” to me, since it didn’t even have hot fudge. Now throw on a mint fudge sauce and it would be perfection, but served as is, I’d save my money next time.

Before we wrapped things up and headed home to get D from school, we caught some of American Music Machine’s performance. Their a cappaella holiday show was really good and K once again danced around like a wild man.

As we made our way out of the park, K caught a hug from Pluto, who had no wait time. Hugs from characters always rock, but hugs without having to wait? AWESOME!

We had a lot of fun and I can’t wait to come back and try more treats and enjoy more of the holiday performances!

What’s YOUR favorite part of Holidays Around the World????

We Are Disney Fans…

 

We are Disney Fans…

• We buy Disney guidebooks…. in print…. even though we know all of the information inside front to back, just for the pictures, or to see how much we agree/disagree with the author.
• Our cars are filled with Disney CDs, and our mobile devices are filled with Disney music… even if we don’t have kids.
• Our spouse/partner/boyfriend or girlfriend HAS to be as obsessed with Disney as we are… or they aren’t “the one”.
• We travel to European countries and think… this is just like Epcot!

• We will pay $100 per person, or more, for a Disney meal… because we know it will be worth it.
• We respond to friend’s questions with Disney movie quotes… even if it drives them crazy.
• We catch a whiff of green peppers and are instantly transported to Adventureland, or smell a fresh oranges or pine and wish we were on Soarin’.
• We had a Disney themed wedding, got married at Disney, or have a Disney fantasy wedding planned in our heads.
• We offer advice and directions to other Guests in the parks who clearly don’t know what they are doing… even if they didn’t ask.
• We check wait times on our My Disney Experience app… even when we are in Massachusetts.
• Our Christmas trees and stockings, or Hanukkah menorahs, are Disney themed.
• We know that everyone in Africa calls Thompson’s Gazelles “Tommies”, we know that they are paging Mr. Morrow because his party from Saturn has arrived, we know that we are not the first to pass this way, (nor shall we be the last), and we know that the ghost host’s chilling challenge is for you to find a way out.
• Before spending money on anything, we do Disney math… Let’s see… I can buy a new TV, but that’s about a 5 Day Park Hopper and half a Dining Plan…
• We follow tens… or hundreds… of Disney bloggers, Disney websites and Disney fan pages… just to hear other people’s opinions or travel to the parks vicarious through their trip reports.
• We smell the musty, mildewy smell that only a water ride can produce and think… ahhhhhhh!
• We name our pets… and/or kids… after Disney characters.
• We wait in lines… long lines… to meet characters, buy pins, be the first on a new ride, or to try a new snack.

• When naming heroes, Walt Disney is always named immediately after… and sometimes before… our parents.
• We look at Disney restaurant menus and plan in advance what we are going to get on our Dining Plan Points.
• If we were ever on death row and offered a last meal, it would for sure be a Disney meal.
• Our friends and family know that any gift that involves Disney will be a winner in our book.

• We have at least one room in our house entirely decorated in Disney decor… or our whole house is.
• We either once were a Cast Member ourselves, did College Program, or we are so friendly with Cast Members when we are on property, that we now have Cast Member friends.
• We notice every tiny change to a ride or attraction when it comes back from a rehab, and we love to lament about how much better it was before, or sing the praises of how much better it is now.
• We’ve all had a Dole Whip, a turkey leg, a Mickey Ice Cream Bar, a Disney cupcake, a churro and Disney popcorn… sometimes all in the same day.
• Even though it doesn’t taste good, we look forward to the highly chlorinated flavor of the Orlando drinking water, because it means we are home.
• We feel weird when a car pulls away from the curb without playing a safety spiel first.
• We measure time based on when Disney attractions existed… “No, she’s got to be more than 16 years old now. Her last visit was pre- Test Track.”
• We watch ANYTHING on TV that has to do with Disney, from commercials to old reruns of the Full House episode where Uncle Jesse and Joey do their radio show from inside The Living Seas aquarium.
• We all know that the best live performances we have ever seen have come from The Dapper Dans, The Tuba Fours, American Vybe, Mulch Sweat and Shears, Four For a Dollar, Off Kilter, Mo’Rockin’, Mariachi Cobre, The Hollywood Hitmen, and The Voices of Liberty.
• We plan our lives around events like Holidays Around the World, Food and Wine and Flower and Garden Festival.
• 

  

  We speak Spanish… “Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas.”

• We feel that all fellow Disney fans are kindred spirits.
• We sometimes attempt to use our wristwatches and bracelets to open doors.
• Our cars are identified by Disney bumper stickers and antenna toppers.
• We speak in a strange language of acronyms and Disney slag… “I’m going over to DAK after I leave TTC, because they have EMH.”
• Halloween is a competition to see whole can come up with the most unique Disney themed costume.
• Our hearts break a little every time we think about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, The Hunchback of Notre Dame Stage Show, Tarzan Rocks!, The Backlot Tour, (especially the Golden Girl’s house), Tapestry of Nations/Dreams, Alien Encounter, Jammin’ In the Jungle Parade, and Horizons.
• We get super excited and perk up when someone opens a conversation topic that could possibly involve Disney… even if it’s in a very vague way like, “I’m going down to Florida for a conference next week.”
• Our lips move as we recite the words to our favorite Disney rides and attractions. (Hey, at least we stop ourselves from saying them out loud! Well, we try!)
• We call a theme park home… because we know it is SO much more than that.

   … We are Disney fans.