Mike Bachand

2010 Flower and Garden Festival – Sneak Peek

Posted on by Mike Bachand
As you know, the 2010 Flower and Garden Festival starts on March 3rd. However, the planting of the flower gardens, bringing in and setting up the topiaries and the merchandise kiosks starts long before that opening day. This is a massive undertaking that takes hundreds of Cast Members working throughout many nights to complete. Today … Continue reading "2010 Flower and Garden Festival – Sneak Peek"
30 Comments

A Walking Tour of Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

Posted on by Mike Bachand
Are you ready to join me as we tour Italy? I hope so because I think you’re really going to enjoy this little walk. I don’t know about you, but for the longest time I didn’t find the Italy pavilion to be that interesting and must admit that it was near the bottom of my … Continue reading "A Walking Tour of Epcot’s Italy Pavilion"
17 Comments

Walking through the Outpost on our way to Italy

Posted on by Mike Bachand
You’ve heard the drums, you’ve seen the colorful African items for sale and maybe even stopped and got some refreshments at the “Coolpost“ but where are you? Well you are in the Outpost which is located between the China and Germany pavilions in Epcot. It’s believed that this was to be the location of an … Continue reading "Walking through the Outpost on our way to Italy"
8 Comments

SmarterPlanet presented by IBM opens at Innoventions West in Epcot

Posted on by Mike Bachand
Today, the SmarterPlanet exhibit, which is sponsored by IBM, opened at Innoventions West in Epcot. The Grand Opening event was attended by both IBM executives as well as senior Walt Disney World Cast Members. The Grand Opening ceremony got underway with Vanessa Rosas, Walt Disney World Ambassador, welcoming everyone to the exhibit and then introducing … Continue reading "SmarterPlanet presented by IBM opens at Innoventions West in Epcot"
6 Comments

Cantina de San Angel Refurbishment Underway

Posted on by Mike Bachand
As reported in the AllEars January 12th “News Around The World” section the Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion is closed and undergoing refurbishment. In case you missed that bit of news I’m repeating it for you here: “Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot, has closed for a significant … Continue reading "Cantina de San Angel Refurbishment Underway"
4 Comments

Napoli Pizzeria Coming to Italy in Epcot

Posted on by Mike Bachand
On my visit to Epcot today I saw a rather large structure going up in back of the Italy pavilion. I asked a number of people and was told that the building would house a new pizzeria called Napoli. Not sure if the restaurant will be called Pizzeria Napoli or Napoli Pizzeria. Also, I was … Continue reading "Napoli Pizzeria Coming to Italy in Epcot"
24 Comments

A Walking Tour of Epcot’s China Pavilion

Posted on by Mike Bachand
I don’t know about you, but I ate far too much over the holidays and I really need a little exercise; OK maybe I need more than a “little” exercise. -:) So, come join me as we take a walk through the beautiful China pavilion and hopefully burn a few calories along the way. Growing … Continue reading "A Walking Tour of Epcot’s China Pavilion"
47 Comments

Holiday Storytelling Around The World Showcase in Epcot

Posted on by Mike Bachand
Anyone who has visited Walt Disney World during Christmas time is well aware of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Many may also have visited some or all of the Disney hotels to take in the beautiful Christmas decorations and those incredible chocolate and gingerbread … Continue reading "Holiday Storytelling Around The World Showcase in Epcot"
26 Comments

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Taping

Posted on by Mike Bachand
Ever wonder what it’s like to be part of a TV production? Well today (December 3rd) my wife and I got to be part of the audience for the taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade that will be shown on ABC Christmas morning. A couple points of interest. First, the parade is no … Continue reading "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Taping"
25 Comments

Holiday DLights Tour at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mike Bachand
This evening (Monday, November 30th) I had the privilege of taking the very first Holiday DLights Tour at Walt Disney World. Let me start by showing you the description of the tour as provided by Disney: “Discover how the twinkle of holiday magic is created for celebrations like the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. … Continue reading "Holiday DLights Tour at Walt Disney World"
19 Comments