“Lights of Winter” at Epcot Officially Retired

WDWNT on November 11, 2009

The popular “Lights of Winter” holiday display at Epcot will not be returning this year. The Disney Parks twitter had the following to say about the change:

The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But (technology) to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights.

To replace the offering with something new, the Disney Parks Twitter then announced the following:

Debuting at this year’s Holidays Around the World at Epcot is a new gospel choir, “D’Vine Voices” – Nov. 27 through Dec. 26.

The dancing light arches of “Lights of Winter” have been a part of the “Holidays Around the World” program since it debuted in the early 1990’s, but the technology was easily surpassed a few years ago when the Osborne Family Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began to dance to music every 15 minutes. This change comes on the heels of the 2008 departure of the tree lighting ceremony at Epcot. Expect the passage to World Showcase to be rather un-festive this year.

“Around the World in 80 Bites” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on October 1, 2009

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Last week, World Showcase at Epcot® went from representing 11 countries to over 26 countries in the blink of an eye courtesy of the International Food & Wine Festival.  Celebrating its 14th year, the International Food & Wine Festival, which runs through November 8th, celebrates foods from some of the world’s greatest cities.

Although delicious in their own right, the Walt Disney World Resort is more than just burgers, fries, turkey legs and Mickey premium ice cream bars.  Charles Passy recently reported in the Palm Beach Post, “If there’s any proof of how much a culinary mecca Disney has become, it’s the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival… the festival, now in its 14th year, plays host to scores of prominent chefs, winemakers and celebrities: This year’s participants include famed chocolatier Jacques Torres, master sommelier and television personality Andrea Immer Robinson, and singer-turned-cookbook author Patti LaBelle.”

Navigating the food and wine festival, which happens throughout Epcot®, can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.  The festival is broken down into four basic categories: demonstrations, seminars, special experiences, and the International Marketplace.  In addition there is nightly entertainment with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Theme park admission is required, and although some of the events will require an additional fee, others are included with admission.

Read More about “Around the World in 80 Bites” by Chuck Mirarchi

Finally, Time for Tequila!

WDWNT on August 28, 2009

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.

Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.

Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.

Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.

The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.

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Several “tapas-style” tastings are on the menu including freshly made guacamole, home-fried fresh corn chips, salsas, ceviches and various tostadas.

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Flavorful margaritas and specially prepared flights of tequila take center stage.

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Specially trained Tequila Ambassador, Hilda Castillo, straight from Tequila, Mexico, shares her passion for tequila making at the newly opened La Cava del Tequila at Epcot.

Little Chef Looks to Stay at “Les Chefs De France”

WDWNT on August 24, 2009

While many have reported that the special dining program featuring the “living character” of Remy from Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille meeting and greeting guests at the Les Chefs De France restaurant in the France pavilion at Epcot would be coming to an end this fall, a recent listing on the Disney Auditions website says otherwise:

Disney Auditions is seeking male and female comedic improv actors for Bon Appetit with Chef Remy, performed inside Les Chefs de France in Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort, near Orlando, FL. Strong candidates should have subtle timing, be capable of working alone and have puppetry experience. Bilingual actors fluent in French and English, are desired. Some French speaking is required.

The popularity of the program has been undeniable and it looks like they will continue to have the “little chef” cooking up fun in France for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.