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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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Walt Disney coined the word Epcot, which means Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. To us it means Every person comes out tired! Epcot has two parts: Future World, where exhibits present the latest developments in science and technology; and World Showcase, where pavilions represent 11 countries. Epcot is like a World's Fair, but much better!
Rebecca writes: "I signed up to receive The Disney News a few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed the newsletter. I then started visiting the attached links and found out how to become a member. My family used to go to Disney World multiple times a year for 15 years, but then my father lost his job and my mother developed M.S. so we could no longer afford to go every year. After 7 very long years of no Disney I managed to save up enough money to take my family on a trip last October. As soon as we were back on property the bug had bit again! We planned a new trip for this september (the weather is better for my mom's M.S. then, and my father fell in love with the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot). We still need to save as much as we can and your wonderful program makes it possible for people like us to continue to live out our dreams." Thank you, Rebecca, for your kind words. Be sure to see the latest version of our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," for hundreds of tips and insider secrets to make your Disney dream vacation fun and affordable!
USA Teams to Compete for ‘Culinary Olympics’ Spots at Walt Disney World Resort Culinary greats will put their spatulas to the test in an elaborate cook-off Sept. 26-27 - during the opening weekend of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - in a quest to represent the United States at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest. Eight two-person teams will turn up the heat in the kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort in the hope their culinary creations land them a top spot representing Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest - commonly called the "Culinary Olympics" - in Lyon, France, in January 2009. Walt Disney World guests can attend the competition and observe the chefs performing their culinary wizardry and savor the flavors. Each of the eight teams will serve up elaborate fish and beef dishes before a live audience and prominent panel including the country’s top chefs: Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Trotter, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Georges Perrier, Michel Richard, Laurent Tourondel and former Bocuse d’Or USA competitors.
The eight finalists competing for a spot on the U.S. Team include:
The competition at Disney culminates Sept. 27 with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony recognizing the first, second and third place teams. The evening will feature a silent auction, live musical entertainment, dancing and a chance to meet and mingle with some the world’s top chefs, including the Gala Dinner Chefs, as well as Paul Bocuse, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the Deans of The French Culinary Institute, Alain Sailhac and Andre Soltner. The star-studded dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, a four-course tasting menu, and a dessert reception prepared by Chefs Daniel Boulud (Daniel, New York City), Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago), Patrick O’Connell (Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.), Michel Richard (Citronelle, Washington, D.C.), Georges Perrier (Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia), Laurent Tourondel (BLT, New York City), Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park, New York City), David Myers (Sona, Los Angeles) and Traci des Jardins (Jardiniere, San Francisco), and will be paired with Diageo Reserve Signature Cocktails and Moët Hennessy Champagnes. The highlight of the evening will be a Dom Pérignon toast and the announcement of the Bocuse d’Or USA winning team. The newly selected Bocuse d’Or USA team will go on to compete among 24 teams from around the world at the Bocuse d’Or World Competition in Lyon, in the gold standard event held every two years. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $450 per person, plus tax including gratuity, and can be purchased beginning Aug. 25 by calling 407/WDW-FEST, with proceeds benefiting Bocuse d’Or USA (a not-for-profit organization sponsoring the competitors’ training, travel and culinary education). Throughout the six-week-long Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 26-Nov. 9, guests can sample food and wine from around the world at international marketplaces and specialty dinners, attend seminars and wines schools and meet guest chefs. For more information, contact www.disneyworld.com/food. (Source: Press Release, 08/15/08) |
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"Devoted theme-park goers visit attractions hundreds or thousands
of times." Imagine watching Beatlemania at Epcot 10,000 times!
"Opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
will feature the U.S. competition for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or World Cuisine
Contest."
"Figment, that beloved purple dragon [at] Epcot... has been retired
from meeting and greeting kids (and the young at heart), according to several
cast members in the park."
"A series of Walt Disney World choral and orchestral concerts July
23-25 will raise money for United Arts of Central Florida." The show will
take place 8 PM nightly at Epcot's World Showplace. Tickets ($15; $10 in
advance) can be purchased at redchairproject.com. For more info, visit
encorecentral.org or call 407-628-0333, Ext. 28.
Eight Grammy Winners Join Entertainment Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 18 'Eat to the Beat!' Musical Acts Perform Sept. 26-Nov. 9 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26-Nov. 9. From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage during concerts at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change) includes: Sept. 26-27 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW) "You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)"
Sept. 28-30 Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" There’s additional entertainment throughout World Showcase, where performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of the entertainment slated for the event includes:
* High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada) The laser and musical fireworks spectacle, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," wraps each festival evening in style. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)
"The Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau board voted Wednesday
to spend up to $50,000 to participate in a Louisiana Office of Tourism promotion
at the 2008 Epcot International Wine and Food Festival at Walt Disney
World Resort in Orlando, Fla."
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: "Melbourne will be put
on show as one of the world's top food destinations if a bid to recreate
the city's laneways and markets at Disney World in Florida is successful."
"Lighting designer Joe Schweickert of Orlando, Florida’s JS Lighting
& Design, Inc. tapped Coemar Striplite LEDs for lighting effects for
the post show of the Figments Imagination Journey ride at the "Honey,
I Shrunk the Audience" attraction at Epcot Center in Orlando."
"The Biergarten restaurant at Germany is always a surefire hit with
guests. Not only is the variety of food good (it's a buffet), but the Octoberfest
Musikanten group that performs there is invariably entertaining."
"Scheduled to debut at Epcot's Innoventions pavilion in late August,
StormStruck: The Tale of Two Homes is designed to be fun -- yes, fun
-- and educational." The attraction focuses on how to make your home better
able to survive a hurricane. With the help of 3-D glasses, visitors can watch
how two homes experienced Hurricane Charley in 2004 - one survived, the other
was destroyed - and decide how to make a home safer before an approaching
hurricane blows it apart!
"Painter Rachel Tribble is the woman behind the brush for this year's poster
for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival." You can meet
her and get her autograph every weekend until the event ends June 1.
David writes:
Happy Anniversary! You received very poor treatment after having spent so much. If I were you, I'd contact Disney about this and see how they respond. Here's the form: http://disney.go.com/Mail/DisneyWorld/index.html Let me know what they say. Thanks for writing and for your encouragement.
A review of eateries at Epcot's Japan Pavilion: "Teppan Edo includes
a floor show from entertaining chefs while Tokyo Dining offers a more serene
atmosphere with good sushi. Both restaurants give an insight into Japanese
customs even as they break down gender stereotypes."
"A circuit breaker tripped at Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park
Friday morning, causing parts of the park to lose power and some of the rides
to close down temporarily."
Great ‘Foodie’ Cities of the World Shine Sept. 26-Nov. 9 at 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Fine cuisine and wines from some of the best "foodie" cities in the world will take a bow at the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26 through Nov. 9 at Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot guests can explore these "Cities in Wonderland" -- from trendy Cork, Ireland, to the melting pot of Cape Town, South Africa -- around the World Showcase promenade while also discovering blissful bites at international and regional marketplaces brimming with exotic flavors and comfort foods. The six-week festival will showcase tastes from countries on six continents. More than 25 international marketplaces will serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties at $2-to-$5 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. New festival flavors explore the culinary wonders of Lyon, France; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; Bologna, Italy; Tokyo and Mexico City. Exhibits along the promenade also will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries. Daily complimentary wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. "We wanted to take our guests on a grand gustatory expedition," says Nora Carey, festival manager. "The cities that we'll feature are known for great dining experiences, and the 'Cities in Wonderland' theme will inspire our guests to enjoy great food and wine in a fresh new way." The Epcot festival continues to grow dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than one million guests each fall -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to neophytes wishing to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations, including Germany's Biergarten, which specialize in brews from light to dark. Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon. New acts to appear include Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, En Vogue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. David Sanborn, Jon Secada and Otis Day and the Knights are among returning crowd-pleasing acts. Other festival highlights include: # The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and an official festival cookbook. # Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs are now being signed for the event; last year's lineup included Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Jeff Henderson, Roy Yamaguchi, Todd English, G. Garvin, Suvir Saran, Warren Brown and many others. # The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment. Festival guests also can enjoy new Epcot experiences including the re-launched Spaceship Earth attraction in Future World, with narration by Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench, new scenes, sets and costumes, updated Audio-Animatronics figures, plus a touch-screen interactive ride sequence. In the World Showcase, there's a new restaurant at the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia, with cuisine from different regions of Italy. And the Japan pavilion just introduced its new Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo restaurants. Mexico's new tequila bar is perfect for cool sips on a warm autumn evening. Included with Epcot Admission: Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural exhibits, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Special Programming by Reservation: The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays, and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at the Web site: disneyworld.com/food. (Press Release, 03/21/08)
"Changes continue at Epcot's INNOVENTIONS pavilions with Walt Disney
World opening a new corporate-sponsored interactive technology display that
strips away the myth of the 'garbage fairy' and announcing another that will
help people to prepare for severe weather."
February Relaunch of Spaceship Earth Follows Lengthy Project of Changes and Refinements Spaceship Earth, the iconic centerpiece of Epcot, relaunches in February with changes and refinements installed during more than seven months of construction and detailing. Presented by Siemens, the relaunched Spaceship Earth looks on the outside like it did when Epcot opened a quarter century ago. But on the inside, Spaceship Earth has undergone changes since summer 2007 that will treat guests to an innovative "interactive" attraction with many new scenes, new costumes and set decorations, new lighting and special effects, a new musical score and narration, and a totally re-themed interactive post-show. On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from caves to the cosmos. During the journey, new scenes depict: a family in the late 1960s viewing the moon landing on television; a massive, two-story computer room of the late 1960s with reel-to-reel-computers; a garage of the early 1970s where the "personal computer" is born; and a "tech tunnel" in which guests become part of a digital data stream. Even scenes that guests have experienced since 1982 have been touched by the project. "Practically every Audio-Animatronics figure in Spaceship Earth has been updated in one way or another," said Show Producer Bob Zalk of Walt Disney Imagineering. "To make the figures more realistic, they've received a makeover of everything from their hair to their costumes to their movements." Meanwhile, the makeover of the narration and music benefited from some "star power": # The new narration is delivered by English actress Dame Judi Dench, who earned an Oscar as best supporting actress in 1999 for her role in the motion picture "Shakespeare in Love." While Dench delivers the ride vehicle narration in English, guests can also choose five other languages for their vehicle, a Disney "first" -- French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. # The new musical score was composed by Bruce Broughton, who has won a record 10 Emmy Awards and has been nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy during a career writing in every medium -- from theatrical releases and TV feature films to the concert stage and computer games. A 62-piece orchestra and 24-voice choir brings his latest composition to life. As the ride-through adventure nears its finish, interactive touch-screens in the ride vehicles light up with a series of questions, soliciting guests' preferences concerning things such as where they'd like to live and work in the future. Then guests are treated to a personalized view of themselves in their idyllic future. When guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow" presented by Siemens, where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future. The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here, guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe. Project Tomorrow includes: # Body Builder, a 3-D interactive game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries. # Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident avoidance systems developed by Siemens. # Innervision, a view into the future of medical diagnostics in the home. # Power City, a game that demonstrates how to manage power in a growing city. Epcot is the Walt Disney World discovery park, where guests are immersed in a celebration of both technological accomplishments and international cultural achievements. The 305-acre theme park encompasses two unique worlds -- Future World and World Showcase -- with attractions, shows, entertainment, dining, shopping and architectural wonders. Epcot is part of the 25,000-acre Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando, Fla. For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $107.4 billion in fiscal 2006. Founded 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $21.4 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 480,000 people in 190 countries. (Press Release, 02/20/08)
15th Flower & Garden Festival Puts Extra Special Bloom on Epcot for Record 75 Days Beginning March 19 Goofy catches a topiary wave while Mickey Mouse and gal pal Minnie chill at the "beach" for the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19-June 1 at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring the theme "Fun in the Sun," the popular event has sprouted runners and expanded to a record 75 days, with a first-ever March launch offering oceans of floral fantasy and gardening fun for spring break visitors to the Vacation Kingdom. As guests enter the park near Spaceship Earth, they'll spot a 14-foot Goofy topiary riding a 6-foot wave of flowers and plants. Sandcastles and palm trees surround Mickey and Minnie topiaries posed on a floral beach towel spread upon a sandy "beach." At World Showcase Plaza, Disney topiary specialists have crafted a volleyball beach scene starring Donald Duck and Daisy. Nearby, a topiary Pluto frolics while colorful Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch" keeps watch from a lifeguard stand. New festival fun includes: # Peter Pan's Neverland Garden, a children's area along the Imagination Walkway from Future World to World Showcase featuring a pirate ship-themed garden with whimsical topiaries of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and Tic Toc Croc plus a shaded play structure. # Sweeping Future World flower beds, planted on the shores of East and West Lakes, in the shape of nautical flags representing letters (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) that spell a message to be decoded by guests.> # The zany Three Caballeros -- Donald Duck, parrot Jose Carioca and Panchito, the Mexican charro rooster --as topiaries celebrating their new Epcot show, "Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros" in the Mexico pavilion. In all, up to 70 topiaries plus 30 million blooms, artfully designed floral beds, expertly crafted bonsai trees and lush rose gardens grace the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase. According to Disney horticultural manager Eric Darden, Disney's horticultural team plants two crop rotations during the fest to allow for a more brilliant floral display for the festival's duration. Beyond the dazzling displays of blooms, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits such as a new Florida-style Key to Outdoor Living garden display. Roger Swain of PBS's "The Victory Garden" and "green" gardening expert Joe Lamp'l (a.k.a. joe gardener) lead the lineup of nationally known gardening gurus slated to meet and share tips with guests. Each evening, Flower Power concerts rock the park with live entertainment from top acts of the 1960s and '70s. Acts include The Guess Who, Davy Jones, Jose Feliciano, Petula Clark, Paul Revere and the Raiders and 17 other crowd-pleasers. More information about the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. (Source: Press Release, 02/08/08)
More Flower Power Concerts than Ever Rock Epcot in 2008 During Flower & Garden Festival Beginning March 19 With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival growing to 75 days, there will be more Flower Power music than ever before -- beginning March 19 when The Guess Who takes the America Gardens Theatre stage. Known for pop singles like "American Woman" and "These Eyes," The Guess Who kicks off a concert series that will showcase 22 acts before the curtain falls June 1. The March-April lineup of 13 acts includes a trio of Flower Power newcomers -- Jay Black ("Cara Mia," "This Magic Moment"), The Happenings ("See You in September") and The Ventures ("Walk, Don't Run"). There'll also be a "British Invasion" in March-April with the return of Petula Clark ("Downtown"), Peter & Gordon ("A World without Love") and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ("Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter"). Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord daily at America Gardens Theatre at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. and are included with regular Epcot admission. Here's the March-April lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 19-22 -- The Guess Who Guest information is available at disneyworld.com. Or call 407/824-4321. (Source: Press Release, 02/08/08) |
Great American Gardeners Plant New Ideas for Guests at 15th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Roger Swain, long-time host of PBS's "The Victory Garden," kicks off the Great American Gardener series March 19 and 20 during the 15th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Swain, known for his trademark red suspenders, appears twice daily at the new Garden Town festival center in Future World East next to Universe of Energy. The Great American Gardener series, which continues each Friday-Sunday through June 1, is presented in partnership with the American Horticultural Society. Some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the country reveal tips and share entertaining stories during the presentations open to all Epcot guests at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Scheduled to appear: # Roger Swain (March 19-20): Gardening Bright from the Start -- "The Victory Garden" veteran celebrates gardening with an eye-catching, mouth-watering, planet-saving discussion of America's favorite hobby. # Joe Lamp'l a.k.a. joe gardener (March 21-23): Green Gardening -- Joe helps gardening aficionados find new ways to "go green" and connect with the earth using practical information and environmentally friendly tips. # Ellen Zachos (March 28-30): Prehistoric Planting -- Zachos shows you how to plant a dinosaur garden -- the perfect playground for kids of all ages and dinosaurs, too! # Shirley Bovshow (April 4-6): 'Out of the Box' Garden Design -- TV host and garden designer Bovshow gives "out of the box" ideas on artistic design, elevating common landscape elements like fences and garden beds to art status. # Jeffrey Rustuccio (April 11-13): Get Fit Through Gardening -- Based on his "Get Fit through Gardening" book, Rustuccio shares how to reduce back strain and muscle soreness and transform gardening into a lifelong fitness and wellness program. # Tovah Martin (April 18-20): Garden Secrets and Stewardship -- Well-known author and TV guest on PBS's "Cultivating Life," Martin shares secrets from the country's top "green" experts and shows how to bring gardens with a past into the future. # Felder Rushing (April 25-27): Slow Gardening -- Renowned horticulturist, NPR host and author of award-winning "Passalong Plants," Rushing shares practical tips for all-year beauty using tough shrubs, flowers, herbs and even "designer" vegetables grown in containers and flower beds. # Tom MacCubbin (May 2-4): Whole Garden Foods -- Florida garden writer, media personality and extension agent Tom MacCubbin shares how to make your landscape pay its way by growing foods you can put on the table. # Raymond Western (May 9-11): Plants and Perfume -- Guerlain perfume expert Raymond Western offers insights into the history of fragrances and explores the relationship between plants and perfume. # Robert Bowden (May 16-18): Maximizing Weekend Gardening -- Gardening expert, author and director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Bowden discusses plants with unusual textures, habits and colors for weekend fun with the home landscape. # Melinda Myers (May 23-25): Saving Space -- TV host and nationally known gardening expert Myers shares simple, creative ideas for packing a lot of garden into a small space or creating an intimate garden within a large lot. Discover tips and techniques for designing and maintaining year-round gardens from ground to roofline. # Jon Carloftis (May 31-June 1): Integrating Nature Inside and Out -- Author of "First A Garden" and "Beyond the Windowsill," Carloftis offers insightful tips to integrate plants and nature in every aspect of life -- from interior spaces to urbanscapes. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is included with regular Epcot admission. For more information, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/flower. (Source: Press Release, 02/01/08)
22 Hit Makers of 1960s and ‘70s Bring Groovy Vibes to Epcot March 19-June 1 during 2008 Flower Power Concerts The Searchers, The Ventures and The Cowsills join other new and returning hit makers to strike nostalgic notes during the Flower Power concert series March 19-June 1 at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World Resort. The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins with opening-weekend performances by The Guess Who, known for pop singles like "American Woman" and "These Eyes." Other beloved chart-toppers featured by some of the festival's 22 musical acts include "Downtown," "Daydream Believer," "Light My Fire" and "Henry the 8th." B.J. Thomas, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark and Jose Feliciano are among returning acts to appear during the 75-day Flower Power concert series. Davy Jones will perform again this year during the Coming Up Roses themed weekend featuring the popular Mother's Day Brunch. Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord daily at America Gardens Theatre at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. and are included with regular Epcot admission. Here's the lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 19-22 -- The Guess Who "American Woman"
May 1-3 -- Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" Guest information is available at disneyworld.com/flower. Or call 407/824-4321. (Source: Press Release. 02/01/08)
"In the new final scene of Epcot's Spaceship Earth attraction, a figure working in a garage on a personal computer represents all those who developed PCs in California in the 1970s." (http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2008/01/epcot)
Waste Management on display at Epcot's Innoventions: "Visitors will
have the opportunity to virtually experience the operations on a single-stream
recycling line, feed the boiler at a waste-to-energy facility and run the
bulldozer at a landfill in a hands-on, interactive exhibit called 'Don’t
Waste It.'"
Disney's thinking about building a Russia Pavilion at Epcot. To learn
more, see: After much refurbishing, Disney has unofficially opened Spaceship Earth - what they call a "soft opening" - that gives Disney an opportunity to gage the audience's reaction and allows lucky visitors to experience the changes ahead of schedule. The official reopening is set for February.
"Construction walls near Spaceship Earth, iconic sphere of the theme
park, will fall sometime next week, after five months of refurbishment, Walt
Disney World officials said... Elements to come later include language options
selected by passengers -- a Disney first -- and more post-show goodies."
Includes video of refurbishing.
"Epcot's Spaceship Earth ride is expected to reopen in mid-December
for sneak previews with a new story overlay, new technology and a whole new
soundtrack -- created by 10-time Emmy Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton,
a 63-piece orchestra and a 24-voice choir."
"The Hound spent some time at the Epcot International Food & Wine
Festival last week. As in years past, I found the festiveers had made
some improvements." Interesting review. -------------------------------- "While you are chomping, munching and guzzling around the Epcot World Showcase during the Food & Wine Festival, don't forget about the musical acts at the America Gardens Theater. My friends and I saw Sheena Easton -- and she was fantastic." (Source: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2007/10/sheena-easton-r.html)
Hats Off to America! National Treasures Comes to The American Adventure at Epcot One of the most amazing collections of real-life Americana ever assembled -- National Treasures -- arrives Sept. 28. It's located inside the landmark Epcot attraction at the center of World Showcase, a place where Walt Disney World guests can become completely immersed in the astonishing authenticity and culture of eleven great nations. "These are the jewels of museums and foundations all over the country, all gathered in one place," said Jim Clark, Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Representative and one of the team members designing National Treasures. "You'll see one of Abraham Lincoln's actual stovepipe hats, which has never been publicly exhibited outside of the Lincoln family home in Manchester, Vt. "We're also presenting many of Lincoln's personal items, like the book of Lord Byron poetry that inspired his second inaugural address and his dressing room mirror -- where he probably took his last glimpse of himself before he went off to Ford's Theatre." The National Treasures collection will also be continually changed, so guests never know when they'll see something new. They'll see pieces of history that actually changed the world. Some are well-known artifacts; others are the little things that played huge roles in making major breakthroughs. One of the most inspiring examples of this is one of the microscopes George Washington Carver used to help revolutionize American agriculture. In addition to Dr. Carver, Americans from diverse backgrounds will be celebrated, including items from the lives of Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson. An entire section devoted to the space program will feature the flight vest of Native American Commander John Herrington. The actual Purple Heart medal awarded to Japanese-American World War II hero Sen. Daniel Inouye can also be seen. A number of Thomas Edison's original inventions will also be on display -- inventions that affect the way we live today. They include one of the last surviving original Tin Foil Cylinder Players that were created to demonstrate recorded sound to people who had never imagined it before. An innovation that leads all the way to today's MP3 players. The Edison portion is also one of the largest in the National Treasures exhibit because of the sheer size of some of the inventions. According to Clark, "The motion picture projector is so gigantic, it will barely fit it in the case." The exhibition will feature more than 40 spectacular and unique artifacts on loan to Epcot from a variety of prestigious institutions and private lenders: Hildene (the Lincoln family home), The Mark Twain House & Museum, The Henry Ford, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Keeper of the Word Foundation, Gregory J. Reed Esq., Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and Commander John B. Herrington. To avoid risking damage to the originals, some documents are reproductions and labeled as such. (Source: Press Release, 09/18/07)
"Jim Hill directs your attention to Lionsgate International LLC, a corporation that's now trying to insert itself in the negotiations that Disney typically holds with countries that are interested in sponsoring new Epcot pavilions." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 09/25/07)
Epcot Fun Facts October 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. Following are 25 remarkable facts about Epcot: * It took nearly 3,000 designers and 4,000 construction workers to build the first phase of Epcot. * 54 million cubic feet of dirt was excavated to build the park. * Epcot had its soft opening Sept. 28, 1982, at 4 p.m. * Spaceship Earth, the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot, weighs 16 million pounds, measures 165 feet in diameter and encompasses 2.2 million cubic feet of space. The outer "skin" of Spaceship Earth is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic-alloy triangles. * At Spaceship Earth, Mickey Mouse is hidden in his own constellation just beyond the attraction's loading area. * The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza can shoot water 150 feet in the air -- within 30 feet of the top of Spaceship Earth. If all of the shooters were fired at once, there would be 2,000 gallons of water in the air. * The ride technology for the Soarin' attraction was based on an erector set model created by Walt Disney Imagineer Mark Sumner. One million pounds of steel provides the ride structure and 37 tons are lifted during each ride cycle. * It took more than 650 Walt Disney Imagineers more than 350,000 hours (the equivalent of 40 years of time) to develop Mission: SPACE. The Imagineers' efforts took place over a five-year period. * At Mission: SPACE, there are 13 quotes by space explorers and visionaries on the attraction's wall of honor. The most recent was added in September 2007 by teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara Morgan, reading "Reach for your dreams . . . the sky is no limit." * At nearly a mile long and reaching a top speed of 65 mph, Test Track is the longest and fastest ride at a Walt Disney World theme park. * The body of water at The Seas with Nemo & Friends provides a home to 3,000 fish and other sea creatures and contains 5.7 million gallons of water, one of the largest man-made ocean environments in the world. * More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at The Land pavilion each year are served in Walt Disney World restaurants. * The Land has a "tomato tree" that is the only one of its kind in the United States. The massive plant has produced a world-record harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes from a single vine. * World Showcase promenade stretches 1.2 miles and World Showcase Lagoon spans 40 acres. * The gardens of Epcot are among the most extensive at Walt Disney World Resort. The themed landscapes are maintained year-round by a horticulture staff of more than 50. * At United Kingdom's Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in World Showcase, a specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits. * 26.2 miles of bratwurst are served every 60 days at the Biergarten restaurant in the Germany pavilion. That, by the way, is the length of a marathon. * The Eiffel Tower replica in the France pavilion is 103 feet tall. * The castle in Japan is a replica of the Shirasagi-Jo, a 17th century fortress overlooking the city of Himeji, known as one of the most well-preserved castles in Japan. * A Disney crew carried a 300-pound camera up 4,500 steps of the Huangshan Mountain in the Annui Province to film the Circle-Vision 360 film seen in the China pavilion. * From bonsai to roses, there's something for every gardening guru at the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Disney horticulturists rotate the crops twice during the festival to keep the 30 million blossoms colorful and fresh. * Each year at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, more than 33,000 bottles of wine and champagne are uncorked, 1.2 million hors d'oeuvre plates are served and 100,000 miniature desserts are dished up. * More than 26,000 feet of lights outline the World Showcase pavilions for the "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" nightly fireworks show -- a string long enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times. * Earth Globe is a 28-foot-diameter sphere on World Showcase Lagoon and the centerpiece of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The globe weighs 350,000 pounds and is wrapped in more than 180,000 Light Emitting Diodes arranged in the shape of Earth's continents. * Some 2,800 firework shells are used during each "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" show. (Source: Press Release, 09/21/07)
Scheduled to appear this year at Epcot's Candlelight Processional:
Nov. 23-25: David Robinson (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/13/07)
"Pressed by fans, Walt Disney World is expanding its observance of Epcot's 25th anniversary by providing company-sponsored public events to go along with private celebrations already set for Oct.1." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/18/07) "Epcot scientists want to create a new rootstock for pear trees that would stunt the growth of the trees, making them shorter and easier to grow and harvest... And they are doing so by genetically altering the cells of pear-tree rootstock specimens." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/15/07) Epcot's "Team Possible": "Last year's play-test of this proposed World Showcase-based interactive game proved to be so popular with WDW visitors that it's now becoming a permanent fixture at that theme park. Look for 'Team Possible' to go live at Epcot starting in early 2008." (Source: jimhillmedia.com, 09/07/07) Epcot’s National Treasures Exhibit: "The park soon will be displaying historic and rarely seen documents relating to the arrest of civil-rights leader Rosa Parks." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 08/27/07) "All the crowd saw were two robotic Muppet characters -- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his able assistant, Beaker -- riding their two-wheeled rocket-ship/laboratory vehicle along Epcot's sidewalks, teasing or talking with visitors, gesturing and moving, and putting on their best Muppet shtick. The characters interacted with the crowd, turning to people and carrying on conversations." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/22/07) "Abraham Lincoln's hat, George Washington Carver's microscope, Mark Twain's pens and Sen. Daniel Inouye's Purple Heart are coming to Walt Disney World's Epcot as part of a new gallery exhibition called 'National Treasures.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 08/06/07)
12th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 20-November 11, 2007 "Winers and diners looking forward to the extra culinary events that take place at Epcot during the International Food & Wine Festival this fall can sign up starting Monday." For information call 407-939-3378 (WDW-FEST). Also see Disney's website. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/30/07) "The 100-year-story of Oklahoma will be showcased at the Epcot Center's 12th international food and wine festival in Florida... Trailblazers in Oklahoma's history will be depicted in 100 stories displayed on three walls 12 feet high and 21 feet long." (Source: kswo.com, 07/31/07)
Epcot Changes Mexico Pavilion San Angel Inn Restaurante: is larger and has a new menu; a tequila bar will open this fall; the outdoor Cantina de San Angel will add more seating for diners to view Illuminations Italy Pavilion L`Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante reopens in August as Tutto Italia and will eventually offer more interactive dining. China Pavilion Nine Dragons Restaurant will close in January for refurbishing until spring 2008 so that the kitchen can be opened up to allow guests to watch the chefs perform. Japan Pavilion In September the Teppan Edo (teppanyaki cuisine) and Tokyo Dining restaurant (sushi) will replace the Teppanyaki Dining Rooms and Matsu No Ma Lounge which are now closed. No changes will be made to the Yakitori House. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/26/07) Canada Pavilion "Seven years after former Canadian Tourism Commission president Jim Watson launched a campaign to have the Disney-made film updated, it seems a new version of O Canada! will debut August 25th -- with help from some high-profile Canadians: Gatineau's Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila and, Disney buffs say, comedian Martin Short." (Source: canada.com, 07/24/07)
Changes at Epcot: "Now, three new restaurants are on the way, several others are being expanded or renovated, and menus are being rewritten throughout the park to encourage more healthful cooking styles." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/23/07)
Rev It Up 2007 - July 27 - Epcot parking lot: "$25 competitor fee gets you started on the best driving day of the summer! Pro instruction, plenty of practice laps, timed competition for bragging rights and prizes!" (Source: revitup.com, 07/13/07)
"I got a chance late last week to try out one of the Soarin' queue games -- the bird game -- and was impressed by how much fun people were having while waiting in line for the ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/09/07)
"Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said Thursday that the time has come to remove the Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand that have served as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign -- and as a lightning rod for criticism from many longtime Epcot fans... Also coming down are the colored stars splashed across Spaceship Earth's roof." Spaceship Earth closed July 9 for refurbishing and will reopen in five months. "Leave a Legacy" is no longer selling space on its 30 stone monoliths where guests to the park could leave their images. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/06/07)
Viewing Epcot's Illuminations by Boat: "Walt Disney World offers boating excursions that bring folks to the edge of the lagoon for this nightly fireworks-set-to-music show. The trip is a bit rock star crossed with double-secret executive privilege, but it's available to average Joe Tourist and us Floridians." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/29/07) Cost: $200-$250 per boat. To make a reservation, call 407/939-7529.
"Epcot's American Adventure has entered the 21st century, adding Michelle Kwan, Tiger Woods and the firefighters who raised the flag at the World Trade Center's ground zero to Walt Disney World's show of American history and inspiration." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/02/07)
"Dreams can come true in the 'happiest place on earth.' And Tsawwassen’s Matt Kaufmann is going to start living his starting Monday. That’s when the 23-year-old begins his one year contract as an ambassador in the Canadian Pavilion at DisneyWorld in Florida." (Source: southdeltaleader.com, 04/20/07)
"Walt Disney World and Siemens AG are giving Epcot's Spaceship Earth a new spin, updating the ride and its technologies. Work already has begun in the attraction's post-show area, which is now closed as Disney installs new interactive features to transform it into 'Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow.' Broader changes, including updates throughout the ride, will be phased in over the next few months, forcing a closure of the ride later this year." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/12/07)
Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Presented by Siemens is Transformed with a "Re-Imagined" Time-Travel Adventure and a New Finale Inside the Epcot icon, remarkable changes will be taking place over the next several months. A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures. On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos. Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score. This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future. As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future. The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe. Opening to Epcot guests later this month, the first completed phases of Project Tomorrow will include: An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow. Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries. Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens. With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008. (Press Release)
"A ride through the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase now includes an adventure with Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito, the heroes of the 1944 Disney film The Three Caballeros." The new Gran Fiesta Tour replaces the former El Rio Del Tiempo. Guests can also meet the three costumed characters outside the pavilion. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/09/07)
"Both Tinker Bell and Hook are topiaries composed of colorful, leafy plants. They are among 70 such sculptures on display at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which began Thursday." (Source Orlando Sentinel, 04/07/07)
GM Opens Interactive ‘Fuel For Thought’ Exhibit at Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot® Theme Park in Florida ‘Edutainment’ Experience Explores Fuel Cell, E85 and Hybrid Vehicle Technology General Motors will bring the wonder of fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles and ethanol-powered cars and trucks to life with the newly opened “Fuel For Thought” display at Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot® theme park near Orlando, Florida. The exhibit features unique, interactive components to provide edutainment for visitors of all ages about advanced automotive technology and the road to a greener future. “Epcot® is an amazing imaginative theme park,” said Betsy Lazar, executive director of advertising and media operations for General Motors. “With the addition of ‘Fuel For Thought,’ visitors will now have an opportunity to explore innovative aspects and applications of automotive technology through a fun-filled experience.” “Fuel For Thought” is comprised of interactive kiosks and games, a special floor projection, plasma wall elements, bright graphics and messaging, vehicle displays with information conveyed through lighting and video, and live narrated presentations. The walk through “Fuel For Thought” begins down a livegreengoyellow.com pathway designed with brilliant graphics and a plasma wall with an expansive photo of a cornfield. As visitors pass by, they will see the cornstalks parting in a wavelike fashion. The opposite wall is dotted with porthole-like windows that provide an introduction to different GM environmental activities throughout the world. The yellow pathway leads up to the exhibit’s open bi-level space filled with a variety of activities to enjoy. Five touch-screen games are stationed in the backside of the porthole-like windows, including a trivia game about hybrid technology, a Stalk Car racing game, and a memory game where one matches the photos from a fuel cell marathon. Three free-standing kiosks have numerous buttons, dials, video screens, lighting effects, factoids and more for interactive learning about fuel cells, hybrids and E85. The kiosks provide learnings such as how a hydrogen atom is used ultimately in a fuel cell stack to create energy and eventually exhaust made of water. The main exhibit space floor is highlighted by a giant projected circular graphic controlled by motion sensors. At one point the circle appears to hold corn kernels and as someone walks across it, the kernels pop into popcorn while E85 messages traverse the area. The themed graphic also presents an electricity show while emphasizing hybrid technology and a pool of water is at the forefront when fuel cell messages are shared. An actual FlexFuel E85 compatible vehicle is housed on the main floor for visitors to climb in and out of, while one wall houses a Chevy Tahoe chassis that demonstrates through vibrant lighting effects how a two-mode hybrid works. Upon exiting “Fuel For Thought,” the future of the automotive industry is expanded upon with a display featuring the AUTOnomy. The AUTOnomy, first introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2002, marked a bold push from GM to reinvent the automobile. The world’s first vehicle designed from the ground up around a fuel cell propulsion system is viewable in a display surrounded by extensive graphics and looping video to watch, and features a live presentation narrator four times per hour. “Epcot® is a place of endless possibilities for adults and children, and ‘Fuel For Thought’ provides a fun, interactive experience that shows the endless creativity of the General Motors team,” said brad Rex, vice president of Epcot®. “We share GM’s passion for preserving our environment and are thrilled with this wonderful addition to Epcot®.” The “Fuel For Thought” exhibit is easily accessed upon exiting the thrill ride “Test Track presented by General Motors” in the park’s “Future World” section. Theme park admission is required to experience “Fuel For Thought.” (Source: Press Release)
14th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Now in its 14th year, the festival bursts into bloom earlier than ever -- April 5 -- and keeps on blooming for a record 60 days -- through June 3. Whimsical character topiaries, brilliant beds of flowers, rose displays, water gardens and many more verdant exhibits set the scene around Epcot Future World and World Showcase for a garden party like no other. Guests can participate in daily seminars focused on gardening, crafts and other topics. For youthful "green thumbs," there's plenty of fun, too, including a special children's garden, Growing Future Gardeners, which will feature family gardening projects. Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden will return with hundreds of butterflies in a screened, walk-through enclosure that will include a live exhibit showing how caterpillars form a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies. Themed festival weekends will celebrate art, bugs, and special events, including Mother's Day. Nightly Flower Power concerts will rock the landscape with live entertainment from top acts of the 1960s and '70s. More information about the 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival is included in regular Epcot admission. (Source: Press Release) The National Retail Federation is going to propose that Disney open at Epcot a futuristic boutique (now called "XO") that showcases "the latest tech advancements -- such as this year's popular demo of an interactive mirror that lets customers try on clothes in front of friends online." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/18/07)
"La Jolla, Calif.-based Burnham Institute for Medical Research is getting some pretty nifty incentives -- like a 10-year exhibit at Epcot Center -- thanks to this year's battle to woo the nonprofit organization to build a satellite research lab in Orlando." (Source: bizjournals.com, 12/08/06)
"El Rio del Tiempo will be closed for refurbishment Tuesday, January 2, 2007, through Sunday, April 1, reopening Monday, April 2. Unofficial: The Three Caballeros, featuring Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito, will be integrated into a new redesign of the attraction." (Source: 271hyperion.blogspot.com, 11/22/06)
The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has been renamed The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion. "Three years after the release of Pixar's animated blockbuster film Finding Nemo, the little cartoon fish and his friends are getting new rides at Epcot and Disneyland, a whole Epcot pavilion renamed for them, plus a new show at Disney's Animal Kingdom." Epcot's The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion will house Turtle Talk With Crush and a new ride, The Seas With Nemo & Friends (yes, that's where Disney got the new name for the pavilion). Opens October. "Finding Nemo -- The Musical" stage show will have a soft opening in November and an official opening in January at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney has remade the submarine ride in Disneyland California into the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride, which opens summer, 2007. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/27/06)
The Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opens Friday and continues through November 12. The park will extend its hours. "More than 100 wineries and 250 Disney and guest chefs will be serving up food and sprits from 25 international marketplaces." Admission includes concerts at the America Gardens Theatre.
Look for teens and adults playing the Kim Possible game at Epcot. Walt Disney Imagineering's research and development department is experimenting with text messages and images on cell phones as a way to get park visitors more involved. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/06/06)
Epcot School: "The American Chemical Society, working with the Disney Institute, is now offering 'Everyday Chemistry' - a three-hour, hands-on course for students in grades 4-9 - at Disney’s Epcot in Orlando, Fla." (Source: webwire.com, 08/01/06)
"Epcot (The Land Pavilion) plant could be queen of cucumbers: Growers hope its 2,563 fruits are good enough for the Guinness record book." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/16/06)
"A 35-year-old woman fell and lost consciousness after getting off Mission: Space at Epcot on Monday night, authorities said. The woman, who was described only as a 'local,' was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center about 8:30 p.m. by the hospital's helicopter in 'serious, improving condition' authorities said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/11/06)
You can make reservations for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival starting July 31. Festival starts September 29. Call 407-WDW-FEST.
"One year after a 4-year-old Pennsylvania boy died after riding Epcot's Mission: Space simulator ride, his family has sued Walt Disney World for wrongful death." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/14/06)
"A 12-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin living in the backwaters of Epcot at Walt Disney World, Calvin is being taught a vocal form of communication that involves the cadence of his sounds, something that's never been done before with animals, his researchers said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/31/06)
"Mission: Space "lite" made its debut Friday at Walt Disney World complete with bold warnings urging visitors to bypass the full-force version if they are concerned about certain health conditions. The new version of the space simulator at Epcot eliminates the centrifuge element of the attraction, lessening the G-forces on the body, but still pitches riders forward and backward, shakes and combines audio and video virtual-reality effects." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/20/06)
"Around the World at Epcot invites visitors to tour World Showcase in a way that's truly fitting for Walt's 'Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow' -- aboard a Segway Human Transporter... For an $80 admission upgrade, participants can join a guided glide around World Showcase before it opens to everyone else." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/12/06) "According to reports that leaked out of Emeryville late last week, the Dreamfinder is coming back to Epcot's 'Journey into Imagination' attraction." (Source: Jim Hill Media, 05/15/06)
David writes about Epcot's fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: "John, Thanks for the site, really useful notes and updates that helped us during our visit over Easter. Just a quick note to pass on. Taking up a good position, in good time to watch the Reflections display we found a table in La Cantina De San Angel - great. Fueling with Margaritas and nachos, ideal. Unfortunately not put off by propriety or just plain politeness did not stop a parade of people wandering in off 'the street' and standing between the tables, right in front of anyone seated! Otherwise great time, great holiday."
Disney to offer two versions of Mission: Space "Beginning this summer, Epcot guests will have two options when it comes to the ride; they can either go on the current attraction or a new version which provides a milder experience, according to the report. In the new version, the spinning centrifuge will be turned off for guests who are prone to motion sickness or have other conditions." (Source: local6.com, 05/02/06)
Death at Mission: Space "A 49-year-old woman from Germany died Wednesday after riding Walt Disney World's Mission: Space, the second person in less than a year to fall ill and die after going on the signature thrill ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/13/06) "An autopsy on Friday determined that a woman who died at Florida's Walt Disney World after riding Mission: SPACE had bleeding in the brain, according to a medical examiner... Bluemel suffered from severe and long-standing high blood pressure, according to a statement from the medical examiner's office." (Source: Reuters, 04/14/06) "An intense thrill ride such as Mission: Space at Disney's Epcot is safe for most people, but it could be very dangerous for those with underlying health problems." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/14/06) "Even before a second tourist died this week, Mission: Space was emerging as Walt Disney World's most hazardous ride, with more than twice as many reported illnesses and injuries as any other Disney attraction." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/14/06)
"The Seas with Nemo & Friends" to open at Epcot's Living Seas Pavilion Fall 2006 "Featuring technology that for all appearances has the stars of "Finding Nemo" swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in The Living Seas pavilion, the attraction is an adventure that picks up where the motion picture left off." (Source: Press Release, 04/07/06)
Disney adds second Segway Experience
"Walt Disney World representatives are still gathering facts today about the death of a 4-year-old boy who rode on the Mission: Space attraction at Epcot Monday... Signs warn visitors about the intensity of the ride. "For safety you should be in good health, and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that can be aggravated by this adventure," one sign on view last year said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/14/05) Plans to gut Spaceship Earth to make way for another ride have been cancelled: the current ride system is critical to the geosphere’s structural integrity. While, from a technical standpoint, it is still possible to go on with the project, the costs involved have likely risen to the point where it is no longer worth the effort and building the same ride in a new building from scratch would likely be a cheaper answer. (Source: screamscape.com)
Holly writes: "I know (or think I know, haha!) that a 'soft opening' means an unannounced type - but is that only for passholders? One of my daughters and I..., are heading to MK this weekend (we are driving up to Orlando to pick up a prom dress, if you can believe that!) and want to try to catch It's A Small World; I've heard they are having soft openings for that and Soaring and a few other things.....Any inside scoops you can throw my way?? I did read... that Soaring was not open right now due to some snafu, but hope it will be Saturday afternoon....Let me know anything you think would help us Saturday?? Thanks! PS - Had the opp to chat with your/'our' (LOL) travel guru, Beth, down here in Naples last month; what an awesome find she is!!! Yours in Ears!" From time to time Disney offers a soft opening for AP holders only, but generally everyone is allowed to sample the ride on a soft opening day. Yes, Disney closed Soarin' temporarily due to technical glitches. Hopefully, it was back up when you got there. People seem to like the changes to Small World. Beth is a hard worker and a pleasure to work with.
"the inferno barge, responsible for many of the spectacular effects for the Illuminations fireworks show in the World Showcase lagoon, exploded today at Epcot. The explosion could be heard throughout the park and nearby Boardwalk resort area." No injuries have been reported. (Source: disneyworldtrivia.com, 09/19/05) "Disney officials rejected a request for tougher thrill-ride height restrictions proposed by the parents of a 4-year-old Pennsylvania boy who died after passing out on Epcot's "Mission: Space" ride, according to the family's attorney." (Source: Associated Press, 09/22/05)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Epcot's Food and Wine Festival Package: "I've had a few questions from people that want to know if the Food & Wine add-on that is available for people who have booked packages in October and November is worth it. First, remember that this package ONLY applies to Saturday nights between October 1 and November 12. If Saturday night isn't good for you then neither is the package. Second, the Party for the Senses is a wonderful event, and a lot of fun - but probably not the best place for your kids. If you don't have someone to leave them then be sure you read up on what you're getting into first. You also get reserved seating for the 5:45 Eat to the Beat Concert on that evening - a nice perk if you enjoy the music of the group playing that night - and you get a wine and glasses commemorative gift set (one per reservation). The price is $119 + tax per person, and there is no discount for children even though they don't get wine. So is it a good deal? Well, if you were going to go to the party anyway, then probably yes. Otherwise, I don't know that I'd rush out to sign up - especially if you already have a room-only discount of some sort that precludes you from doing a package. I personally think I'd skip the party, munch my way around Epcot, and listen to the concert as I wandered past the amphitheater."
Disney is offering three new dining experiences at the 2005 Epcot
International Food & Wine Festival. All dinners take place 6-9 PM.
No separate park admission required.
For reservations, call 407/WDW-FEST. (Source: Walt Disney World Mailer, 07/29/05)
The choice of London as the site for the 2012 Olympics brought a mixed reaction from the French and British at Epcot. "At Walt Disney World's Epcot on Wednesday, a morning meeting of employees who staff the park's United Kingdom attraction erupted into applause at word of London's victory... The jovial mood in the United Kingdom area dissipated as tourists moved over a bridge and in view of Disney's mock Eiffel Tower." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/07/05)
"One Voice Technologies, Inc., developer of 4th Generation voice solutions for the Telecom and Interactive Multimedia markets, announced today that starting this summer its Media Center Communicator(TM) will be featured at the House of Innoventions exhibit located in the INNOVENTIONS attraction at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista." (Source: One Voice Technologies, 06/29/05)
"Authorities were trying to determine Tuesday why a 4-year-old Pennsylvania boy collapsed on Epcot's Mission: Space ride and later died... A preliminary autopsy report Tuesday found no signs of trauma. It may take four to 12 weeks for the final results." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/15/05) "When a 4-year-old boy collapsed and died after riding Mission: Space at Epcot [last] week, two of the first Disney employees his mother encountered as she carried his limp body from the ride were trained in CPR, according to an Orange County Sheriff's Department report." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/15/05) "The death of a 4-year-old boy after a rocket-simulation ride at Walt Disney World Resort has raised questions about safety on theme-park rides...How safe are these rides, and how fast is too fast?" (Source: ocregister.com, 06/15/05)
Fran writes: "Hi John, Thanks for all the wonderful information in your newsletter. I have saved plenty of $$$ using your tips over my 3 last trips to Disney. My question to you is about the Food & Wine Festival in Oct/Nov this year. I've convinced 3 of my friends that this is a great time to go. I experienced it two years ago. How can I find out more about the timetable, or how to make reservations for any of the special dinners or seminars. We want to go when we can do a few of the 'special' things. Thanks for all your help." Call 407/939-3378 for information or to make reservations. Disney will publish more details this summer at Disney's site.
Cynthia writes: "Dear John, We will be at Epcot next week and will view Illuminations for the first time. From your experience, where is the best location from which to the enjoy the show, and how early should we be in that place?
Thanks so much for your valuable input; you and your book have become a staple
to our WDW ventures and we really appreciate what you do. God bless."
Glad to have been of service. We love Illuminations. I'll be with you there in spirit!
See how much you can identify from the air! Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Go to http://www.terraserver.com . On the menu bar across the top, select SEARCH, and then ADDRESS. Enter EPCOT as the street, ORLANDO as the city, and FL as the state. The most recent option is in color and offers a great overall view. Using the Quick Pan navigation tool on the left you can work your way around to the other parks. Try zooming out for an amazing view of the whole property. (resolution at 32 meters should do it) And yes, you can put in your own address and see your house! :-) You can also try this at http://terraserver.microsoft.com . At the top click on FAMOUS PLACES and then find Disney World Epcot or Disney World Magic Kingdom. These are black and white shots and are older, but you can zoom in closer. Use "Advance Find" if you want to put in an address. Have fun!"
The Princess Storybook Breakfast has been replaced with the Princess Storybook Dining at Restaurant Akershus at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served.
Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot is wowing visitors! "Your "Turtle Talk" experience begins as you enter a small theater filled with low carpeted benches which are facing a 8' by 16' screen... At first, most members of the audience seem to think that they're watching yet another movie. Until -- that is -- Crush begins calling on individual members of the audience..." (Source: JimHillMedia.Com)
Turtle Talk with Crush, starring the "surfer-dude turtle" from Finding Nemo, debuted... at Epcot's Living Seas. The show features "the animated sea turtle on large display screens that mimic an aquarium scene. Imagineers promise 'voice-activated, real-time animation' that will allow the turtle to 'talk' to tourists... Bruce, the shark with a down-under accent, will headline a shark-education area." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
"Holosonics, the world leader in directional acoustic technology, is pleased to announce a new installation of its Audio Spotlight systems at Walt Disney's Epcot Center. The Audio Spotlight, invented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the first and only system in the world that creates high-quality sound in narrow beams -- much like the light from a flashlight." Look for Audio Spotlight at Epcot's Innoventions. (Source: Holosonics)
"New Epcot Gallery: Art lovers will have a new reason to visit Epcot beginning in August when the Walt Disney World theme park opens its sixth gallery, American Heritage Gallery, with an inaugural exhibition exploring the connection between historical African art objects and their influence and significance as interpreted by contemporary African-American artists. The new gallery will be located in the American Adventure pavilion in World Showcase." (Source: Walt Disney World Media Relations)
"Many Mexican candies, instead of delivering a sugar rush, tickle the taste buds with a dash of spicy chili powder. But that powder could be contaminated with deadly lead, warns the Food and Drug Administration... The Sentinel recently spotted candy that has tested positive for lead in a few outlets, including Colonial Market in Orlando, some Publix and Albertsons stores and in the Mexico Pavilion at Disney's Epcot." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
American Heritage Gallery opens in Epcot's American Adventure pavilion this August with an African art exhibit
"The complimentary "air-sickness" bags provided the first clue that Epcot's Mission: Space was an unusually intense Disney ride. The second clue came Wednesday, when state theme park safety records revealed that six Mission: Space riders have been hospitalized with chest pains or nausea since the rocket simulator opened last summer." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
"AT&T’s Global Neighborhood area that you pass into as you exit Spaceship Earth was boarded up the other night. The bit in the ride’s soundtrack that mentions it just before you exit has also been removed... [AT&T is no longer the ride's sponsor]... It seems the Imagineers also took the time to update the News broadcast scene on the way "down" to include new footage of the Mars rovers." (Screamscape.com) Test Track is open again after refurbishing. "One noticeable change is apparently some new message while approaching the seat belt check point. Unfortunately, the crashing car effect (just before the barrier test) is still dead and will remain so... the Single Rider queue does not appear to be open every day like it used to." (Screamscape.com)
Johnny writes: "After two days at Universal Studios (we had two days left on our tickets) we made it to EPCOT. We arrived at 9:30am, the temperature was around 77 at that time and only went up to 84 in the afternoon. We went directly to Mission: Space and only had a 20 minute wait. Of all the rides we have been on, this one is at the top of the list. We had to go on it a second time. We did not use the fastpass because the waits were only around 20 minutes and the fastpass times were for an hour later. We then went on our second favorite ride, Test Track. It used to be our favorite until Mission to Space opened. We look forward to your newsletters every week. Thank you for all your information." Nothing beats a nice day at WDW with no waiting to get on your favorite ride! Glad you are enjoying the newsletter!
"A year after Disney met with Spanish officials to discuss the possibilities of the country sponsoring a pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, the project is still on the drawing board, spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/06/03) "The computer giant [Hewlett-Packard Co.] is the sponsor of Mission: Space, the new Epcot thrill ride that cost Disney about $100 million. HP's 10-year agreement will defray some of those costs -- especially since the tech company is paying as much as $50 million, according to one estimate." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
John writes: "Was at Disney World August 3-13 and while visiting EPCOT was surprised to see Mission Space operating. Earlier reports indicated that the attraction would not be opened until the 15th of August. Tell all your readers that the ride is excellent and worth any waiting time. Actually the waiting time wasn't very long because in addition to the fast pass, they also have 'single riders.' I went on this ride three times and the experience was 'out of this world." Hope to see more reports from other readers.
"Food Rocks!" at Future World will close so Disney can convert it into the queue area for Epcot's new "Soarin" attraction, based on the attraction in California. It is being reported that Disney will use the same film from its Californian attraction at Epcot for the first year or two! (Source: Jim Hill Media)
When Epcot ended its nightly parade, we heard the Disney was going to launch a new parade featuring Disney characters. Now it is being reported that there will be no new parade until the park's 25th anniversary in 2007! (Source: screamscape)
It is being reported that the Soarin' attraction at Disneyland's California Adventure will open 2005 at Epcot, between the Imagination and Land Pavilions. For a description of the California ride, click here. (Source: wdwmagic.com)
House of Brussels Chocolates is coming to the Canada Pavilion at Epcot. The company sells "gourmet maple chocolates, maple creams and ice wine truffles ... made with authentic Canadian maple syrup and ice wine." (Source: Orlando Business Journal)
Lynn writes: "Boy, they really messed up by closing Horizons. They should have closed Journey to Imagination instead!!! I know it has been gone for quite some time, but we still miss it. Not enough fun rides any more. We walk right past Universe of Energy and Body Wars. Test Track is the only one worth wasting time on and it could use some script change once in a while. If they want us old timers to keep coming back they need to refresh the Park. Epcot used to be our favorite Park. Now it is a real bore."
Mitsukoshi USA, Inc. recently completed a major renovation at the Epcot Japan pavilion, the first since the pavilion opened more than 20 years ago. The 10,000-square-foot store is divided into four areas: Festivity, Silence, Harmony and Interest. Additions include the Nishiki Food Market where guests can experience a sake tasting bar that features five micro-brewed selections, available for sale by the glass or bottle. The biggest expansion is in the Interest section, encompassing everything from Samurai swords to clocks and famous Mikimoto pearls. A giant selection of Dragonball Z, Totoro, Gundam and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, models and animation paraphernalia is popular with young collectors. (Source: WDW Resort Press Release)
Project Gemini is the Disney Imagineers'
vision of what they would like Epcot's Future World to become:
So what are they waiting for? How to pay the $500 million price tag! (Source: JimHillMedia) Sara writes about Project Gemini at Epcot: "I cannot explain the heartfelt disappointment by many friends and family when I shared the Jim Hill article about EPCOT's Future World (alias: Discoveryland). It seems that Disney is focusing its attention on the pre-teen and teenage group. This is not the group that spends thousands of hard-earned dollars for a Walt Disney World trip. I always think of Walt and the reason he built Disneyland and WDW. He said it was because he would go to an amusement park and watch his children ride the rides. He wanted to have a park where EVERYONE could be together. Grandparents, parents, and young children (under 48") are being left out of these future plans. It is the grandparents and parents that buy these vacations. I have always highly recommended WDW to others because it was a park for EVERY age. Even with a tiny 6 month old, 2 year old, 4 year old and 8 year old in the year 2000, we still thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. Friends couldn't believe that after we had the fourth child, and with him being so young, that we would pack up and go. But, WDW caters to families. It is a family vacation destination. With creating thrill rides with height limits this definitely leaves out the old and the young. I fear that it will bring down the quality of the Disney parks. We have an awesome amusement park only an hour away from us called Cedar Point. We went there last year, and this is NOT what Disney wants to be. These thrill rides are going to be a waste of their money. All they need to do is look at who buys their park tickets and realize that this is not what we want. We want what Walt wanted. A magical place that families want to return to year after year."
Underwriters Labs' "Test the Limits Lab" has opened at Epcot's Innoventions. The exhibit "was designed to be an interactive, kid-powered test lab, though adults are also allowed to let off steam by smashing stuff...
The exhibit gives Epcot visitors a feel for how UL annually tests 18,750
products, resulting in the application of 17 billion UL marks on goods that
make the grade." Guests can interact with the:
The American Farm Bureau Federation is going to sponsor the exhibit at Epcot that is currently sponsored by Monsanto Co. The new exhibit, "Beautiful Science," "will focus on the broader role modern agriculture plays in providing a safe and abundant supply of food, fiber and fuel." (Source: Orlando Business Journal)
There's a new film at China's pavilion in Epcot. Some scenes were reshot and new ones added. The Mexican government and Disney are also working out the details for updating the Mexico pavilion. Like China, Mexico believes the current exhibits do not reflect today's Mexico. (Source: NewMexico)
Disney has dropped American Express as its official card in favor of VISA and American Express will no longer sponsor the American Adventure in Epcot. Disney has met with representatives from Spain to discuss building a Spanish Pavilion at Epcot. (Source: Orlando Sentinel) Disney is making the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Epcot's Akershus restaurant a permanent offering. Call 407 |
