2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional Dates
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional dates have been announced: The first show begins on Thanksgiving (November 22) and will run through Dec 30, 2018. Previously I shared with you dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, be sure to check that out as well!
I love the cultural exhibits scattered around World Showcase at Epcot. These hidden, gems are great places to escape the crowds and to just find a little peace and quiet. Among my favorites are the Morocco Pavilion and Japan Pavilion. And recently, The Stave Church Gallery in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot has been reimagined to showcase a brand-new exhibit called “Gods of the Vikings.”
Celebrating the legendary Norse gods and goddesses that inspired the ancient Vikings of Scandinavia in their daily lives, you can stop in to learn more about the popular Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja, and Loki through displays of authentic Viking artifacts. This exhibit can be found inside the Stave Church located right at the entrance to Norway - yes you can really go inside! Be sure to check it out on your next visit.
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from August 30 to November 12, 2018.
November is one of the busiest months of the year at Walt Disney World. I highly recommend booking your resort reservations as soon as possible. Click here to view all Walt Disney World Offers.
Guardians of the Galaxy coaster coming to Epcot in 2021.
New details have been released about the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster coming to Epcot in 2021. This one-of-a-kind family coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters inside of the former Universe of Energy show building. The Guardians of the Galaxy coaster will feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system.
The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During D23 Expo Japan, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, shared details on a new attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.
On the attraction, the fun begins when Guests see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you're the star and anything can happen.
The American Adventure inside Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort
Disney announced some major enhancements for The American Adventure show, one of my personal favorites at Walt Disney World. The Golden Dream montage gets me every time. And speaking of the song Golden Dream, Disney has rerecorded it with new voices and a new orchestration.
Other significant enhancements include:
The American Adventure will re-open late February or early March.
Epcot Festival of the Arts Events
1. Art of Topiaries The Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries.
2. Watermelon Carving – A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.
3. Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.
4. Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.
5. Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.
6. Inspiring Floral – This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.
7. Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.
8. Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
9. Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
10. Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return January 12 through February 19, 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. Book these experiences by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687)
El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia
From now until Jan. 6, 2018, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia, a new musical group inspired by the film, will entertain you at the Mexico Pavilion. Named for the town of Santa Cecilia seen in the film, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia perform songs from the movie including the beautiful “Remember Me” and the heartwarming “The World Es Mi Familia.”
Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.
In addition to this new musical experience, you can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Epcot 2018 Flower and Garden Festival
Held each day from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018, the Festival’s 25th anniversary event will feature fan favorites like exhibits, events and tastings including:
>> Check out available Spring Offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels and tickets.
by Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
I'm excited to share that Innoventions will welcome The SpectacuLAB, an engaging new interactive show coming November 2018.
As you enter The SpectacuLAB, you'll be invited to join a group of real scientists – and their tech-savvy intern – for a series of thrilling experiments that put scientific principles like ultrasonic pressure, barometric pressure, acceleration and force to the test.
Through this funny and fascinating show, Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in the demonstrations and discover how each scientific principle has inspired amazing technologies we enjoy today.
New Experiences Coming to Mission Space at Epcot
Starting Aug. 13, 2017, Epcot will relaunch Mission: SPACE with a brand new experience and an enhanced version with 2 very different experiences.
Orange Mission: a truly intense experience that lets you feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars. On this mission, you’ll dodge meteoroids, slingshot around the moon and attempt a precision landing on the Red Planet’s alien surface. This “mission” has been enhanced with new, HD video to make it even clearer.
Green Mission: a new, family friendly mission that takes you on an exciting orbit around Earth. On this new adventure, you’ll take in sites like the Hawaiian Islands, Italy’s “boot” and the Northern Lights—as seen from space. Before finally landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The height restriction has been changed for the Green Mission side with the addition of new X-2 booster seats allowing children 40-44” to ride.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations.
Disney unveiled plans to create a new restaurant at Epcot that’ll offer amazing meals with spectacular views high above Earth – from space!
The restaurant, which will be located adjacent to the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction, will invite guests to travel into space for amazing dining experiences in the stars.
Epcot to get a new Ratatouille ride.
Disney announced this week that a Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will also be added to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. The attraction will expand the pavilion. Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant. The ride is expected to open in 2021.
It's expected that the Epcot version will be similar to Ratatouille at Disneyland Paris.
Epcot’s newest E-ticket attraction will be based on the world of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney says this attraction adheres to the original vision of Epcot’s Future World as the place to experience the excitement and adventure offered by space travel. What do you think?
This new attraction will replace the current Universe of Energy attraction, which will close August 13, 2017). The new ride is expected to be ready in time for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 20121.
Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot
Starting July 17, 2017 there will be a new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot. Reservations open today, June 15, 2017, for the new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, plus a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!
The party, overlooks World Showcase Lagoon and feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Guests will have reserved seating. Specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages will be offered to Guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.
After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction.
The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is $79 for Guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
In collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions, Epcot's new festival brings a showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Throughout the six weekends of the festival, different pairings of Broadway artists will perform songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award winning shows.
I'm excited to share the lineup of performers for this brand new series:
Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Today I'm pleased to share with you that Epcot will be getting new outdoor tequileria just outside the Mexico pavilion. Starting soon, you'll be able visit Choza Tequila that will specialize in hand-crafted margaritas and classic Mexican cuisine like tacos, empanadas, chips and fresh guacamole.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Over the six weekends of the festival, beginning Jan. 13, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort, you can sign up for interactive workshops like the Gesture Drawing Class, led by former Disney animator Todd Bright. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors. A single drawing tells a story. Todd’s Story Telling Drawings class will teach you the art of quick sketching from life.
Other select workshops include watercolor painting, mixed media art, calligraphy and floral arrangements. The Interactive Workshops are $39+tax each Friday-Monday of the Festival.
Also available are meal and performance combos: a breakfast, lunch or dinner, followed by a Disney on Broadway inspired concert – nightly during the Festival from Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017.
The concert series will pair Broadway talent with favorite songs from award-winning Disney shows such as “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin”. The Dining package includes a three-course meal or full buffet and priority seating at the 8:00 p.m. concert at participating Epcot restaurants. Prices range from $39-$69+ tax for adults, $23-$41+tax for children.
The festival runs Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13–Feb. 20, 2017.
Book one of these select experiences by calling 407-WDW-PLAY
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
A brand new event is coming to Walt Disney World Resort! The Epcot International Festival of the Arts debuts Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. It’ll be a trifecta of global masterpieces: combining visual, culinary and performing arts for six colorful weekends.
Over the six weeks of the festival, you can enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert singing the award-winning music of Disney on Broadway. Plus, you'll feast on delicious creations that look almost too good to eat.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Fridays through Mondays, and unveil brand new art each week.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Candlelight Epcot 2016 Narrators
A few months ago, I shared a preview of the narrators scheduled for the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. And now, I'm excited to announce more narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional.
Celebrity Narrators scheduled to make appearances this year include (subject to change without notice):
Nov. 25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
Nov. 28-Dec. 1 – Neil Patrick Harris (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 2-3 – Whoopi Goldberg (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 4*-6 – Edward James Olmos
Dec. 7-9 – TBA
Dec. 10-12 – Robby Benson
Dec. 13-15 – Meredith Vieira
Dec. 16-18 – Jim Caviezel
Dec. 19-21 – Joe Morton
Dec. 22-24 – Ming-Na Wen – NEW!
Dec. 25-27 – Jodi Benson
Dec. 28-30 – Cal Ripken, Jr. – NEW!
The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre. Dining packages are available on select nights and include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.
Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $27 plus tax per person for adults and $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $47 plus tax per person for adults and $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
>> View Magical Deals at select Walt Disney World hotels
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
A new lineup of popular celebrity chefs and a series of first-time Disney resort cooking and dining experiences will add culinary appeal to the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival when it returns to Walt Disney World Resort Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. View Special Resort Hotel offers currently available
For a second consecutive year, ABC’s Emmy-Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew” will arrive to produce a full week of programs on the show’s exclusive Epcot festival stage.
And, for the first time, you can enjoy the following festival experiences at Walt Disney World Resort hotels:
“Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa” — a sumptuous 5-star, 5-course meal prepared by the resort’s award-winning chefs
“The Secrets of Flavor at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort” — a three-course lunch that gives you a ‘sensory-food connection’ at Yachtsman Steakhouse
“Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef” at Disney’s Contemporary Resort — a hands-on chef’s table experience in a professional working kitchen
“Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto” at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — an entertaini ng tour of the whimsical Trader Sam’s, followed by lunch and a special mixology session
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Follow me in the parks!
