October 2015 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
Feature Article
This article appeared in the September 29, 2015 Issue #836 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)
Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.
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STEP BACK IN TIME
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by Debra Martin Koma
AllEars® Editor
Ever wonder what Walt Disney World and The Walt Disney Company were like way back when? We rummage around in our archives for this monthly feature, which takes you back in history for a glimpse of Walt Disney World through the ages.
This month we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and take a look back at the festival over the years.
Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in October 1996 with a first run of 30 days. Deprived Disney fan that I am, I didn't make it to this event until 2002, but here's what Deb Wills wrote on its 5th anniversary back in 2000:
"Epcot's 5th Annual International Food and Wine Festival begins October 21 and runs through November 19 2000. The Food and Wine festival fits all budgets, from bare bones to extravagant! All you really need is admission to Epcot. You can sit in (for free) at the small wine seminars near Germany (usually about 20 minutes in length). Hear one of the winemakers talk about their products and sample a wine or two. Also, at no additional charge, you can enjoy the 15-minute cooking demonstrations held four times daily at China, Japan, France, and the Walt Disney World Marketplace. For $1-$4 a sample, you can snack your way around World Showcase… You can enjoy basic food and wine parings to large wine tastings to wine dinners to reserve dinners. From my previous experience, I found the samples of food almost all above average in quality. The Wine Seminars near Morocco were fun and informative. I would highly recommend anyone interested in experiencing new tastes in both food and beverage to check out Epcot's Food and Wine Festival!"
Wow. I do remember the samples of food at what we now call International Marketplaces to be less than they are now, but $1 to $4? Now, I'd say the average price of a small plate is about $5, with the fancier beverages, like caipirinha and champagne, reaching upwards of $10. But I will also say that, in my opinion, the overall quality of the food has improved while portion sizes have stayed pretty consistent. (Although I know the beer and wine drinkers out there are going to disagree with that latter statement.)
Over the years, the festival has not only grown in number of days, but in number and types of offerings. For example, in 1997, during the festival's second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza, held in the Odyssey. In 2002, the first year I attended Food and Wine, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses. This year, there will be FIVE such parties, which now feature up to 50 food and beverage stations and entertainment by Cirque du Soleil's amazing "La Nouba" performers.
In addition to the food-related expansions, the festival now encompasses more than wines. In 1998, there were 200 domestic and international wines. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be poured. But there are also stands exclusively selling Craft Beers as well as more exotic ales and lagers. There are Tequila Lunches offered in the Mexico pavilion, nightly mixology seminars featuring a variety of spirits, and specialty cocktails highlighted at many of the International Marketplaces. In fact, along with its 32 new marketplace dishes, the 20th festival will feature 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders. Clearly, the Festival is no longer just about food and wine, but a whole range of culinary and cultural experiences.
Here are some other fun facts about this year's festival, illustrating how much it has evolved over the years:
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More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces.
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The hard-bound, 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival. My 2003 Festival cookbook is a 40-page, magazine-style affair.
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In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events (like Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings) and nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars, with celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from six countries and 26 U.S. states.
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159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed.
RELATED LINKS:
Take a look at the Festival over the years in our Food and Wine Festival Archives.
Some early Festival Reviews:
— Epcot's 2001 International Food & Wine Festival
— Epcot's 2002 International Food & Wine Festival
2015 Food and Wine Festival Info
Watch for more Epcot Food and Wine Festival coverage in the coming weeks, with reports from AllEars.Net's Deb Koma, Kristin Ford and others!
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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Do YOU have a wonderful photograph that captures the Magic of the Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line? Send it to us and it could be chosen as our Photo of the Week! Each week we'll select one photograph that we think best conveys that extra sprinkling of pixie dust, and display it for all our readers to see. Send us your favorite memories and let's see what "develops!"
Be sure to check our guidelines before sending in your entry!
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HERE'S THIS WEEK'S PHOTO:
"Practically Perfect in Every Way"
Taken June 2015, in the UK pavilion at Epcot
Photo by Nancy Serulneck of New Tripoli, PA
Camera: iPhone
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HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
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Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys books and webmaster of HiddenMickeyGuy.com, encourages you to enjoy the following Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World. Don't forget to check them out the next chance you get!
1. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Asia: Expedition Everest gift shop. Find a yellow flower at the top center of a merchandise cabinet at the right side of the gift shop's right exit door (as you exit the ride). A petal at the 7:00 position on the flower forms a classic Mickey. (Thanks to Gabriella and Thierry and Matthieu Bruxelle, Samantha Ciampa, and Jordan.)
2. BoardWalk Resort. Three circles make a classic Hidden Mickey in each of the small round headlights on the BoardWalk surrey bikes. (Thanks to Carrie Henderson, and Halley Crum.)
3. Disney Springs West Side, Starbucks. On a wall inside the seating area, an interactive electronic screen allows you at times to draw inside white picture frames. Classic Mickeys are in the corners of a frame at the top middle of the screen. You may need to wait a few minutes for it to appear. (Thanks to Benjamin K.)
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You can find a selection of past Hidden Mickey Alerts HERE.
And check out our latest Searching Disney with Steve blog.
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MONTHLY REMIND-EARS
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EVENTS
20th Epcot International Food and Wine Festival started September 25 and runs through November 16, 2015. See details on this event in our NEWS BITES section below.
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run every night during the Food and Wine Festival, too!
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party started on September 15. October dates are 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31. See details on this event in our NEWS BITES section below.
NOTE: Halloween Night (October 31) is already sold out! In addition, many evenings of the Happy Hallowishes Dessert Party are also sold out.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
2015 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic – October 30-31.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Blogger Kristin Ford will be attending the Food and Wine Classic, so watch for her report in her "A Mom and the Magic" blog shortly afterward.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Disney's 20th annual Cross Country Classic, presented by New Balance, attracts colleges, high schools and middle schools from around the country each year. The fast 5K and 8K courses provide athletes a variety of terrain. The event will take place Oct. 9-10.
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Check our Events page for a full schedule of upcoming events.
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Animal Kingdom
Disney Outfitters on Discovery Island is being expanded to include the addition of a clock tower. The construction is expected to be completed sometime in November.
Primeval Whirl in Dinoland USA closed August 17 for refurbishment. It is set to reopen November 12.
Pizzafari closed for refurbishment on August 24. It will reopen October 19.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Midway Mania – More midway track is being added; attraction is open during construction. Work is expected to be completed in 2016.
Epcot
Innoventions in Future World West is closed except for the Visa Character Photo Location.
The Vision House exhibit in Innoventions East has closed permanently.
The Maelstrom attraction and Spirit of Norway movie have closed to make way for "Frozen Ever After," based on the animated film, "Frozen." The new attraction will take guests to the film's land of Arendelle and is expected to open in early 2016. The Norway pavilion will also again host a royal greeting location where the characters Anna and Elsa can meet guests.
Soarin' – Another theater is being added, as well as new screens and a projection system, bringing a visually enhanced experience. In addition, a new film called "Soarin' Around the World", which will feature new locations, will be added by the end of 2016. The attraction is open during construction.
Magic Kingdom
The Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland is closed through November 19.
Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square will be closed for renovations through November 19, 2015.
Walt Disney World Railroad will be closed from October 12 to November 20, 2015. The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour will be suspended for those same dates.
Blizzard Beach Water Park begins its annual refurbishment October 25, 2015. It will remain closed until January 2, 2016.
All-Star Resorts
Grand Slam Pool at All-Star Sports will be closed for routine maintenance beginning October 26. It is expected to reopen December 18, 2015. During this time, guest can use the Surfboard Bay Pool, located near Stadium Hall.
BoardWalk
BoardWalk Inn rooms are currently undergoing renovations, now through May 5, 2016.
BoardWalk Inn is also undergoing exterior repairs and painting now through May 5, 2016.
Caribbean Beach
The bridges connecting the resort's Aruba and Jamaica Islands to Old Port Royale are closed to pedestrian traffic through November 27, 2015. Shuttle transportation between Aruba/Jamaica and Old Port Royale is available daily from 6:30 a.m until 12:30 a.m. Boat transportation is available daily from Aruba Beach to Old Port Royale from 9 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting.
Coronado Springs Fitness Center, Salon and Casitas Leisure Pool are closed for maintenance now through October 12, 2015. A temporary fitness center is set up for guests.
Polynesian Resort
Polynesian East Pool is closed for enhancement through early 2016. Expect noise and construction; some pathways may be blocked.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently undergoing the largest renovation in its 25-year history. The Swan rooms will be completed in 2015. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel room renovations will not begin until 2016, with the entire room project currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
Wilderness Lodge and Villas at Wilderness Lodge
General resort refurbishments and construction work in multiple areas is scheduled to begin October 2 and will continue until 2017. Some pathways and the nature trail will be unavailable at certain times.
Hidden Springs leisure pool, resort beach, playground and recreation fire pit will be unavailable starting October 26, 2015.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
The multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs will treat guests to more shopping, dining and entertainment amid open-air promenades, springs and waterfront charm.
Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive – Through March 2016. Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.
Parking Lots – Entrance 2 – Lots A-G – closed through August 2016, in preparation for the construction of Town Center and the East Garage.
Paradiso 37 on Pleasure Island is set to nearly double its seating. It will add more terrace dining and a new outdoor performance stage. The menu will continue to offer a culinary tour of North, Central and South America. Paradiso 37 will remain open while undergoing renovations, which are expected to be finished soon.
Read HERE for more on Disney Springs.
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A complete list of known rehabs can be found HERE.
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MAGICAL MOMENTS
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Louise Herrick: My husband Jason and I, along with our 14-year-old son and Jason's parents, found ourselves in Fantasyland just before Wishes was about to start. The others were all trying to plan the best way to get in front of the castle when I told them just to give up. It's often said on AllEars to try somewhere different to view the fireworks. Well, Fantasyland was amazing! We were in the fireworks! Fireworks came from the castle and from behind Pinocchio's Village Haus so we stood in the middle and kept spinning around as we heard the bangs. There was no huge crowd and no one holding a tablet in front of your view. On top of that, there was a group of about seven cast members, all custodians, directing the fireworks with magic wands. Not only did they know exactly where to point for every firework they also knew all the words to the show and you could see them miming along to the narrator, Jiminy Cricket and Maleficent! At the end of the fireworks, Jason rushed over to the cast members to thank them for the extra magic they had provided. By the time I caught up with him they'd already spotted his anniversary button and immediately gave me a magic wand so I could help direct Wishes next time I was there! We chatted for several minutes and were asked what we were going to do for the rest of the evening. I said that our son was hoping to go on Big Thunder Mountain in the dark dependent on queue size. We were then handed five (paper) Fastpasses to get straight on! The magic moments just keep coming and coming at Walt Disney World.
Jessica S.: I drive my parents to our vacation destinations every April and September. April is the big one because we usually go to Walt Disney World. This past April it just so happened that our arrival date was my 47th birthday. (Usually we arrive after my birthday.) My parents always ask me where I would like to go for my birthday dinner. This year I wanted to go to Be Our Guest, so my mother set out on the task that it is very hard to get reservations for BOG. My mother got up at midnight to get the reservation with no luck.She tried again at 6 a.m., still no luck… At 8:30 she called to tell me that she got the reservations! Dinner was superb! The atmosphere was magnificent. The Grey Stuff was delicious (and I did not have to ask the dishes!). So, upon finishing dinner my father asked if I wanted to go meet The Beast. I said sure, why not? You are never too old for Disney. We waited in line and I did kind of feel old as all the other people were parents with younger children. But my apprehensions were laid to rest when I got to Beast and he saw my birthday pin. He then bowed to me and "asked" me to dance. I danced with Beast for a good two or three minutes. He kissed my hand and bowed a second time and then we posed for pictures. It was THE most magical thing that has ever happened to me and I would like to thank The Beast for the best birthday present a girl could ever have: To be made to feel like a real princess!
David Corder: We live in Florida, and my wife and I have been annual passholders for years, so we set a goal for ourselves to stay at every resort on Disney property for at least one night. Excluding the vacation club villas we are down to just five we haven't yet stayed at: The Dolphin and Swan, the Yacht Club, the Boardwalk and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Last year in September I surprised my wife with one night at the Grand Floridian. I wish I had booked it for longer, because when we arrived we were greeted by a special ambassador who informed us we had been picked for a special treat. We were put on what used to be the honeymoon floor, which is a limited access (concierge) floor facing the Magic Kingdom. Included in this was food and drink served daily at a small buffet, an afternoon tea and a before-dinner champagne and cordial. We also received a special gold key card that allowed us access. That night there were chocolates on the bed with robes and turn-down service. It was very magical. Unfortunately, now my wife wants that everywhere we go!
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We just bet you have a story to tell about an unforgettable moment during your Disney vacation! Please send your favorite memory for inclusion in a future AllEars® to: [email protected] Thank you all for sharing!
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Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.
