Commemorate 35 Years of Epcot With WDWCelebrations, Including a Spectacular IllumiNations Dessert Party, at “Celebration 35”

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

In just a few weeks, WDWCelebrations will gather like-minded fans at the Walt Disney World® Resort to celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the opening of EPCOT Center®, the theme park that broke the mold upon its debut in 1982. Exactly ten years after the historic Celebration 25 event that gathered over twelve hundred guests to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Epcot® in October 2007, WDWCelebrations aims to celebrate the past, present and future of the world’s most unique theme park once again! The WDWCelebrations organization was born from the response to Celebration 25, and since that time has hosted an additional eleven unique events, each celebrating the magic of the Disney Parks while raising money for charity.

Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event

It has been the privilege of WDWCelebrations to host guests from around the world for the past nine years, and it is a special honor to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary this October with Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event. This new event at the Walt Disney World® Resort will encompass four days of fun, friends, and surprises. As with previous events, this celebration will include WDWCelebrations’ signature offerings to complement the official activities offered by The Walt Disney Company.

The four-day event, set for Thursday – Sunday, September 28 – October 1, 2017, will celebrate the anniversary in a grand way. Planned activities will complement the popular Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival and guests will be able to share in a visit to Pandora, the World of Avatar, the newest offering at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Guests will enjoy their favorite WDWCelebrations signature offerings such as scavenger hunts, group rides, group meals, and, of course, a few very special surprises. Check out the WDWCelebrations web site for more details and a tentative schedule.

Celebration 35’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party on October 1

WDWCelebrations is pleased to announce the return of the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party, a significant piece of WDWCelebrations’ history and a fan favorite for many years. As was experienced during Celebration 25 and Celebration 30 five years later, guests will once again have the chance to enjoy delectable dessert options on the water’s edge of World Showcase Lagoon with a premium view of the classic nighttime spectacular as it lights up the night sky. On previous park anniversaries, Epcot has added a special anniversary tag to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth that rivals, if not surpasses, the popular July 4th and New Years Eve tags.

How to Register for Celebration 35, Including the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party

WDWCelebrations charges a nominal fee to event attendees which covers organizational costs. Additionally, a significant portion of the registration fees are donated to the Give Kids The World Village, the WDWCelebrations Charity Initiative charity of choice for Celebration 35 and many previous events. Registration for Celebration 35 costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-15.  Guests also have the option to donate additional funds to this event’s Charity Initiative when registering. The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party is an additional cost of $69.99 per person, and tickets can be purchased during the event registration process. Registration closes on September 27, 2017.

About WDWCelebrations

As Epcot® prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2007, the online Disney community was in an uproar over the apparent lack of official acknowledgement of this historic park’s milestone. In response to the Internet furor, a group of individuals decided to step up and create a fan-based event – dubbed Celebration 25 – to properly celebrate the silver anniversary. Over 1200 like-minded fans registered to attend the event. The Celebration 25 event was officially embraced by Disney management and was given the rare privilege of working closely with the management and staff of Epcot® to provide in-park event check-in, group history walks, a press conference, and a private dessert party. At the end of the day, the attendees knew they had been a part of something special – and something they didn’t want to end. Out of this demand, an idea was born: to celebrate the many anniversaries, milestones, and bonds between those who share a love for Walt Disney World. WDWCelebrations was born. And since that time, each of their unique events have offered guests the chance to celebrate the magic of the Disney Parks’ past, present and future, together.

WDWCelebrations “Celebration 35” IllumiNations Dessert Party Almost Sold Out

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

This is just a reminder to those contemplating attending the WDWCelebrations Celebration 35 event, taking place Thursday – Sunday, September 28 – October 1, 2017.

Although registration for the event will remain open until September 27, the popular IllumiNations Dessert Party on October 1 has a limited capacity and is currently 75% sold out. Because the event capacity is dictated by Disney Park Operations based on the size of the venue, we cannot sell more tickets after we have reached full capacity.

In case you missed our previous post detailing what WDWCelebrations is all about, we’ve reprinted it below.

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In just a few weeks, WDWCelebrations will gather like-minded fans at the Walt Disney World® Resort to celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the opening of EPCOT Center®, the theme park that broke the mold upon its debut in 1982. Exactly ten years after the historic Celebration 25 event that gathered over twelve hundred guests to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Epcot® in October 2007, WDWCelebrations aims to celebrate the past, present and future of the world’s most unique theme park once again! The WDWCelebrations organization was born from the response to Celebration 25, and since that time has hosted an additional eleven unique events, each celebrating the magic of the Disney Parks while raising money for charity.

Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event

It has been the privilege of WDWCelebrations to host guests from around the world for the past nine years, and it is a special honor to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary this October with Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event. This new event at the Walt Disney World® Resort will encompass four days of fun, friends, and surprises. As with previous events, this celebration will include WDWCelebrations’ signature offerings to complement the official activities offered by The Walt Disney Company.

The four-day event, set for Thursday – Sunday, September 28 – October 1, 2017, will celebrate the anniversary in a grand way. Planned activities will complement the popular Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival and guests will be able to share in a visit to Pandora, the World of Avatar, the newest offering at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Guests will enjoy their favorite WDWCelebrations signature offerings such as scavenger hunts, group rides, group meals, and, of course, a few very special surprises. Check out the WDWCelebrations web site for more details and a tentative schedule.

Celebration 35’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party on October 1

WDWCelebrations is pleased to announce the return of the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party, a significant piece of WDWCelebrations’ history and a fan favorite for many years. As was experienced during Celebration 25 and Celebration 30 five years later, guests will once again have the chance to enjoy delectable dessert options on the water’s edge of World Showcase Lagoon with a premium view of the classic nighttime spectacular as it lights up the night sky. On previous park anniversaries, Epcot has added a special anniversary tag to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth that rivals, if not surpasses, the popular July 4th and New Years Eve tags.

How to Register for Celebration 35, Including the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party

WDWCelebrations charges a nominal fee to event attendees which covers organizational costs. Additionally, a significant portion of the registration fees are donated to the Give Kids The World Village, the WDWCelebrations Charity Initiative charity of choice for Celebration 35 and many previous events. Registration for Celebration 35 costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-15.  Guests also have the option to donate additional funds to this event’s Charity Initiative when registering. The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party is an additional cost of $69.99 per person, and tickets can be purchased during the event registration process. Registration closes on September 27, 2017.

About WDWCelebrations

As Epcot® prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2007, the online Disney community was in an uproar over the apparent lack of official acknowledgement of this historic park’s milestone. In response to the Internet furor, a group of individuals decided to step up and create a fan-based event – dubbed Celebration 25 – to properly celebrate the silver anniversary. Over 1200 like-minded fans registered to attend the event. The Celebration 25 event was officially embraced by Disney management and was given the rare privilege of working closely with the management and staff of Epcot® to provide in-park event check-in, group history walks, a press conference, and a private dessert party. At the end of the day, the attendees knew they had been a part of something special – and something they didn’t want to end. Out of this demand, an idea was born: to celebrate the many anniversaries, milestones, and bonds between those who share a love for Walt Disney World. WDWCelebrations was born. And since that time, each of their unique events have offered guests the chance to celebrate the magic of the Disney Parks’ past, present and future, together.

BREAKING: Siemens Ending Disney Parks Sponsorship, Leaves Spaceship Earth & IllumiNations Future in Doubt

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Siemens AG, who has been a Disney Parks corporate sponsor since 2007, has chosen to not renew their deal.

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Siemens sponsored Spaceship Earth and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, as well as “it’s a small world’ at Disneyland Park. In the past, they also sponsored the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (as Sylvania, a company they own) and their technology was used to create the Radiator Springs Racers attraction at Disney California Adventure and used elsewhere in the parks.

The end of the sponsorship comes amidst rumors that Siemens offered Walt Disney World a new monorail fleet for free so long as they were company branded, but Disney reportedly declined.

In the midst of a rather large overhaul of Epcot, this change does make the future of Spaceship Earth a lot more interesting. It was already assumed that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth would be going away, but this change makes the end of that show all the more likely.

D23 Expo 2017 Rumors – A Brave New Epcot with Way More Disney Character, 5 Year Expansion Plan

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek has already announced that big changes are coming to Epcot, making the statement back in November 2016 at the Destination D event at Walt Disney World. While they weren’t ready to spill the beans just yet, the D23 Expo in Anaheim next month seems like a likely venue for the announcement of the multi-year, multi-billion-dollar overhaul of Orlando’s second gate.

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According to sources, with work commencing this Fall and being executed in phases, the overhaul of Epcot is slated to be completed in 5 years, just in time for the park’s 40th birthday in the fall of 2022. That being said, major components of the expansion will begin to come online starting in 2018, with at least a new E-Ticket up and running in time for Walt Disney World’s grand 50th anniversary celebration in 2021. You may recall that California Adventure went through a similar expansion, starting in 2007 and completed in 2012.

So, what is happening to Epcot? While some things are more solid, others are just low rumblings at this point. Below, we go over everything we have heard thus far. Some will come to fruition, some undoubtedly will not, but here’s what might the announced for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2017…

New Entrance Plaza

Removing the Leave a Legacy “tombstones” and most of the original 1982 structures, Epcot will receive a new entry area to bring it into the 21st century.

Spaceship Earth Update

Siemens is expected to renew its expiring sponsorship deal for the Spaceship Earth attraction and Epcot’s nighttime show, which will likely lead to another update of the classic Epcot ride. We would hope that the problematic finale portion of the attraction created in 2007 will be addressed, but at the very least, a complete overhaul of Project Tomorrow seems likely.

Innoventions Plaza Area Overhaul

Including a new multi-level table service restaurant, a remodeled Mouse Gear, and the demolition of the existing Inventions East and West buildings, a new plaza behind Spaceship Earth will offer easier access to the rest of Future World. Here’s hoping that the Fountain of Nations (and Club Cool) will remain.

Guardians of the Galaxy/TRON Replacing the Universe of Energy

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We have been talking about this one for a while, but it seems as if the announcement of a Guardians of the Galaxy themed land for Epcot is just about guaranteed for the D23 Expo 2017. Cast members at Epcot are already being told that the Universe of Energy will close just after the park’s 35th anniversary on October 1st for demolition, making way for what should be a small themed land that will take guests off-world to explore the galaxy with Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot and Mantis. While some are speculating that this area will instead be home to the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, we are still hearing that the TRON coaster is set for Magic Kingdom and not here, especially considering Chevrolet is the sponsor of the ride and they already sponsor Test Track in Future World. It is also likely that the former Wonders of Life pavilion will be demolished and the plot incorporated into this themed land, which will reportedly have multiple attractions.

Mission: SPACE Update

A new on-ride film and a lot of cosmetic upgrades are likely for Mission:SPACE, the first signs of which may even be evident when it reopens from its current refurbishment in just a few weeks’ time.

Inside Out replacing Imagination

Figment will be sharing the spotlight in a new attraction themed around the Disney-PIXAR film Inside Out, slated to replace the Journey Into Imagination attraction at Epcot. Sadly, Figment will not be getting his own adventure, but will be sharing one with the 5 emotions from the film should this rumor pan out. Figment appears in the actual Inside Out film in a brief Easter egg – a framed portrait of the purple dragon is present in Riley’s imagination.

The Land Re-Imagining

Upgrades for the Living with the Land boat ride and a new film to replace Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable seem likely for The Land, while Soarin’ Around the World will continue to be the headlining attraction for the pavilion.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends becomes the Marine Life Institute

The Nemo and Friends Searider at Tokyo DisneySea

The Nemo and Friends Searider at Tokyo DisneySea

While perhaps not a part of phase one, we eventually expect to see the Seas with Nemo and Friends converted into the Marine Life Institute, the fictitious location in Finding Dory which was inspired by the real-life Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the new and popular Searider attraction from Tokyo DisneySea would be a nice  addition, nothing solid on this front has come our way as of yet.

New World Showcase Pavilion

New country pavilions in World Showcase have been talked about since Epcot Center opened. Several have even been announced (but never built), and thus only two (Morocco and Norway) have been added since the park debuted. We have certainly heard about Disney sitting down with various countries and such over the last ten years to discuss a new pavilion, with rumors that Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Spain are on the short list. Spain seems the most likely as Disney would like a tie-in to the upcoming animated film Gigantic (now pushed to 2020).

Coco Replacing The Gran Fiesta Tour

As it would be an easy change in this screen-based attraction, the upcoming PIXAR film Coco may inspire some changes at the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros. Why do this after investing in a new end scene for the ride? Well, the addition of the Donald, Jose, and Panchito animatronics was a side project with a very limited budget, and not some major initiative for WDI and the company. Disney wants to invest in this park with more contemporary IPs, and Coco is both contemporary, and (sadly for those of us who love The Three Caballeros) a logical fit.

Mulan-Related Film for China

Apparently, Disney will look to keep the Circlevision 360 theater alive by adding Mushu as a narrator for the history of China. Sadly, there isn’t much space to do something else here, but Reflections of China is desperately in need of some change.

Ratatouille in France

Whether it ends up being the large-scale trackless ride from Walt Disney Studios Paris, or a new film starring Remy, a redo of the France Pavilion seems all but confirmed at this point. The pavilion already sells a ton of Ratatouille merchandise and Disney is likely chomping at the bit to rip out Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul to replace them with the lucrative Bistro Chez Remy restaurant from Disneyland Paris, where guests can dine at the size of a rat.

Something for the U.K., Germany, and Japan Pavilions

While it is unclear what might go there, the upcoming sequel to Mary Poppins and the likely closure of the Great Movie Ride may equal Disney’s first attraction based on one of its most popular films of all time for the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, show building that were never utilized for attractions still stand in both Germany and Japan, spaces which may be used for Tangled and Big Hero 6 related attractions, or something else perhaps.

New Nighttime Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations

Without a doubt, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth with be ending soon. The show is the oldest continuously-running fireworks show at any Disney Park around the globe. Despite it being a beloved and still-popular nighttime spectacular, it will likely be replaced with something new, and injected with Disney characters and franchises inspired by tales from around the globe.

Stay Tuned for More in WDWNT’s Coverage of the D23 Expo 2017

While all of this is likely not what any fan of classic Epcot would like to see, there is a new direction coming in an effort to make it as exciting as the other three Walt Disney World theme parks will be to guests by the time 2022 rolls around. While all the individual pieces of the plans will likely not be announced at the D23 Expo next month, we at least expect Disney to give us a clearer explanation of their vision for the park’s future. Stay tuned to WDWNT’s full coverage of the D23 Expo 2017 in just a few weeks!

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Epcot Introducing “Frozen Ever After Dessert Party” with Fireworks Viewing and After-Close Attraction Ride

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

Epcot is getting a new fireworks dessert party focused around the Frozen Ever After attraction in Norway.

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Frozen Ever After takes guests through the kingdom of Arendelle from the Disney animated hit, “Frozen.” Located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Frozen Ever After celebrates a “Summer Snow Day” on a journey through a frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to Queen Elsa’s palace high up on the north mountain. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

The dessert party portion of the event will take place just steps away from the current FastPass+ viewing area for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. After guests enjoy a spread of delectable desserts, drinks, and the nightly fireworks show, they will then be whisked over to Frozen Ever After to enjoy a ride on the attraction with little-to-no-wait after normal park closing time.

The event will be offered on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting in July, replacing the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party which concludes July 14th. The price will be $79 per adult and $47 per child. Bookings should open following a Disney announcement.

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Epcot Adds IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party on Select Evenings

WDWNT on March 31, 2014

Starting March 15th, Epcot guests can now add a night of delicious desserts and sparkling wines to their day at the park with a new ticketed party.

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The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party offers a sampling of treats and drinks from around World Showcase along with premiere viewing of the nightly Epcot fireworks on select evenings, namely Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The party lasts from 7:45PM until 9:20PM. The price is $49 for adults and $29 for children.

Menu (subject to change):

  • Italy: Tiramisu
  • France: Vanilla Pot de Crème
  • United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies
  • Morocco: Traditional Baklava
  • American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream
  • Disney Parks ice cream novelties
  • Lemonade, coffee, teas
  • Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy

Disney Announces Official Epcot 30th Events Taking Place on October 1st!

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

For all of those who thought Disney wasn’t going to mark the 30th anniversary of Epcot on October 1st, well, you’re in for a surprise…

The Disney Parks Blog announced today that there will be informative presentations, a “special moment” at the American Garden Theater, and even a special anniversary tag at the end of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth on October 1st, 2012.

The panels are expected to be the same as some panels being offered at the D23 event the day before, but these will be open to all Epcot guests with limited availability:

  • 1-2 p.m. – Designing the Future – Past and Present: A panel of Disney Imagineers remembers 30 years of building tomorrow!
  • 4:30–6 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar
  • 6:30–8 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar

An anniversary moment will be held at the American Garden Theater at 3PM EST featuring the Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre, and special Disney dignitaries as well.

At this time, we are not sure if the special tag at the end of the 9PM Illuminations: Reflections of earth will be the same as the one presented at Epcot’s 25th anniversary or something completely new.

There will also be special event commemorative merchandise available, but we will preview that in a later post.

If you’re going to be attending Epcot’s 30th anniversary, why not do it with some friends and fellow Disney fans? Registration is still open for WDWCelebrations’ Celebration 30 event. Just a helpful plug…

Stay tuned for more information on Epcot’s 30th anniversary as it becomes available.

VIDEO: Relive Epcot’s 30th Anniversary on October 1st, 2012

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

If you missed Epcot’s 30th anniversary or you just want to relive the awesomeness of that day again, we have some videos you should really enjoy. First up is the 30th Anniversary moment that was held in the America Gardens Theater in it’s entirety:

Finally, we have the Epcot 30th Anniversary tag to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. This is what took the longest as we edited together two angles and added the source music to the audio. We wanted to do it right, so enjoy the show:

Walt Disney World Rings in 2012 with the Usual New Year’s Eve Offerings

WDWNT on November 28, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

  • Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.
  • Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.
  • At Cirque du Soleil, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT.
  • Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
  • Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.