World Showcase – Page 2

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.

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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PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 2/28/17 (Goodbye Art Fest, Hello Topiaries, Bonjour Belle, Figment is Back, Etc.)

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot between events, as the Festival of the Arts moves out for the topiaries and food booths of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2017…

Welcome to Epcot

The rumored gondola station site sits and waits at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot.

The security procedures here were improved, adding a second metal detector, so now there is one for each line.

A monorail ride in shows the departure of the Festival of the Arts and the arrival of the Flower and Garden Festival.

A moral stand just above the flower beds, marking the quick transition between the two seasonal events.

It also isn’t often that you see one hour lines for the attraction…

MouseGear

A lot of merchandise in MouseGear has moved around again. Candy and snacks have mostly moved to the Innoventions side of the store.

Some new summer housewares.

Some new mugs for sale inside MouseGear.

These gian Winnie the Pooh character mugs retail at $19.99 each.

Candy Peal Pinwheels can now be found for sale at most locations. Several different versions are available including Toy Story, Dumbo, Cars, and Mickey Mouse.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 1/30/17 (Festival of the Arts, New Merchandise, New Bands, Etc.)

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot for the Festival of the Arts, new merchandise, and more!

It’s a Zoo Out There

A slew of new open edition pins were released recently, including Zootopia and compact mirror designs.

There is no actual mirror in these pins, but the silver works sort of like one. I don’t know, these seem kind of dumb to me…

This one actually has a mirror, which makes sense.

The last piece of history pin for 2016 was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, so I had to have it.

It has been out for a few weeks now, but the new Mickey Mouse Bubble Glow Wand is proving popular with guests.

And now, some ducks.

Security at the Speed of a Sloth

Since December, the security screening at Epcot has been a disaster, with everyone going through the metal detectors. Guests with bags now have their bag inspected while they go through the detector, which is some cases takes 1-2 minutes per guest. I hate to say this, but the Universal Orlando process where bags go through a screening machine (I believe Disneyland Paris has this as well) works a million times better than this. Safety is obviously important, but it shouldn’t take anyone 30 minutes to get into a park.

Epcot turnstiles are often mess as well, as never quite enough seem to be open at peak times. The annual pass holder entry lines are a mixed bag, more often than not being longer that the regular lines, especially in January.

Here is the line for guests with bags to go through security from another day.

And here is an annual pass holder entry line on a Festival of the Arts weekend…

Around Our World

Work continues on Choza Tequila outside of the Mexico pavilion, which will open sometime this year.

A new group called Wies N Buam is now performing in the Germany pavilion at Epcot.

The new Dixie napkin holders are suddenly appearing everywhere around the resort.

I finally decided to try to the flavored popcorn at the cart by Imagination! on a recent visit to the park.

I ordered the Buffalo Bleu Cheese…

It was really great, I will be back for more!

Someone I was meeting up with said they would be there in 45 minutes, so I wanted to waste 45 minutes…

WHAT ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, BOB?

It was about 30 degrees outside and these were on…

FIRST LOOK: New Totem Poles Unveiled for Epcot’s Canada Pavilion

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Just one day before their dedication, the new totem poles for Epcot’s Canada pavilion were revealed today.

The hidden Mickey stayed on the one older pole.

The totem pole located near the Trading Post appears to have just been refinished and repainted.

The two brand new totem poles are just across the path from the Trading Post.

REVIEW: “POP Eats!” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover “POP Eats!” kiosk, which is located at the front of World Showcase, just off to the right side towards the Canada pavilion.

POP Eats!

Food:

Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF) – $6.00
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF) – $7.50
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (V) – $4.25
Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V) – $4.00
Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – $6.50

Beverages:

Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine – $9.00, In a Souvenir Glass – $16.50
Popping Bubbles Cocktail – $9.50
Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00

This is the only booth that has the festival’s souvenir cup, available only with the sparkling wine.

Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF) – $7.50

The vision was cooked well and tasted great, but some in our group felt there was too much salt on this dish. I thought that the butternut squash puree went nicely with it. If you like venison, this is a solid option, but it is nothing out of this world.

Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF) – $6.00

While a little on the strange side, the shrimp ceviche with lime mint foam was pretty good. The foam flavor doesn’t overpower anything in the dish and the shrimp tasted fresh. Not the best shrimp dish I’ve ever had, but not the worst either.

Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (V) – $4.25

This dessert is brilliant in its simplicity. The chocolate icing, exquisitely moist cake, and raspberry jam mix for one of the best festival treats I have ever had. I know it probably sounds dumb to enjoy a fairly regular cake item at an event with rarer dining delicacies, but it was just made so perfectly. I will be ordering this over and over for the next few weeks.

Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V) – $4.00

This item is the same as the one we reviewed from the one offered at The Painter’s Palate, which we already reviewed, but with a different decorative icing on it.

It looks like a Pop Tart, but it’s a sugar cookie… I’m sure kids will like this, but this dessert just confuses me. It wasn’t bad, I’m just not sure why it exists. It even has a filling like a Pop Tart (chocolate hazelnut flavored) but again, it has the flavor of a sugar cookie filled with icing.

Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – $6.50

This is essentially the same as the Figment version which we reviewed already, but this version has Goofy featured on the white chocolate puzzle.

Perhaps the most fun item of the festival is this white chocolate Figment puzzle. Not only do you get to put the Puzzle together, but you can than create your own edible art with it. This should be something that any child will just have a blast making (and eating). Plus, how adorable is it?

The chocolate was of a good quality too, so you’ll be happy to know that it tastes as good as it looks.

This time, we were given a paint brush to decorate the chocolate, but the sprinkles and candy were simply thrown underneath instead of in little containers like the “paint”.

Popping Bubbles Cocktail – $9.50

The Popping Bubbles cocktail is a dry sparkling wine with flavored “bubbles” dropped into it. That’s it. The wine itself wasn’t sweet, but whenever you get a sip with the “bubbles” in it, it makes the wine taste just way too sweet. This was just OK, but if you like a sweet wine, you will probably enjoy this.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 12/21/16 (Holidays Around the World, New Merchandise, Gingerbread Carousel, Etc.)

WDWNT on December 26, 2016

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot for a look at Holidays Around the World, new merchandise, and more. Let’s hop right in and see what’s new and exciting around the park.

The holiday season marches on at Epcot, along with the ever-popular Holidays Around the World celebrations.

A number of pins celebrating the 25th anniversary of beauty and the Beast were recently released.

A selection of fairly neat pins were also released for Holidays Around the World.

I’m not sure why, but some of the pins have the “WDW” icon you will find on transportations systems around the resort, namely the Railroad at the Magic Kingdom.

A holiday Eaches Vinylmation was released featuring Donald Duck and Snowman Donald Duck.

A new series of kid’s shirts allows little girls to dress as their favorite Princess… kind of…

A strange, futuristic tree adorns the entrance to the Art of Disney at Epcot.

This awesome piece of Hatbox Ghost art is for sale inside.

And suddenly all of the Disneyland locals got offended…

Topiaries adorn the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.

There is now a Le Cellier Tervis for sale in the Canada shops.

Canadian guests can get 150th anniversary buttons at the store upon request, either in English or in French.

Some new, Disney made sports shirts for sale in the Canada pavilion.

The Land pavilion is decorated for the holidays.

They kind of went a little overboard with the decorations inside of the Living with the Land attraction, but it is a nice touch.

Brilliant decorations can be found all around World Showcase.

A former backstage area in the Mitsukoshi store was converted into shopping space for the holiday season.

The space is being used for toys and models.

This Marie is part of a new series of plush with oversized features.

This great Epcot snow globe featuring World Showcase is now available.

A similar artwork style appears on the new World Showcase ornament this year.

It lights up, which is pretty neat.

Several of the Agent P World Showcase Adventure kiosks have closed, leaving just the bridge between World Showcase and Future World for a sign-up location.

The holiday tag has returned to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth for the season. We have a video of the tag for you to enjoy below:

Christmas at theÂ Beach Club

The gingerbread carousel has returned to Disney’s Beach Club Resort and it looks as delicious as ever.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 11/1/16 (New Retro EPCOT Center Merch, Margaritas Are Coming, Innoventions Update, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot where a ton of new park-exclusive merchandise can be found. It is also a time of great change for the park, with Innoventions closing, construction in Mexico, and other projects around the park starting to take shape. Let’s take a look:

Muppet Mobile Labs

Muppet Mobile Labs is now wrapping up its one month stint at Epcot. It is likely to move to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but there has been no official word as of yet.

New Merchandise

Due to theft, limited edition pins are now being enclosed in glass cases at all store locations. This was unnecessary for the first 17 years of the hobby.

A ton of changes happened in MouseGear, with all of the merchandise being reorganized again. There is also a slew of new items for sale.

A variety of Tsum Tsum clothing is now available.

A new line of Epcot merchandise focusing on vintage logos and World Showcase was recently released. There is quite the variety of items available.

My personal favorite is this sweatshirt which features the original World Showcase logo icon with each country’s flag.

There is now a coaster to match the cup and plate featuring Spaceship Earth.

A new plush Figment hat for sale.

New shortbread cookies for sale, not sure why these are a thing but they are in most major stores now.

The Star Wars section has moved down to the other end of the store.

Moana merchandise was recently released at the parks.

The Maps of the Disney Parks book is available in MouseGear.

The LEGO Cinderella Castle is back in stock now.

The Canada pavilion recently started selling merchandise for the Le Cellier restaurant downstairs. You can see photos of the entire line in a separate post from a few weeks ago.

The Margaritas Strike Back

A new Margarita stand and a food stand are supposedly being constructed on the opposite side of the Mexico pavilion.

Walls are up on both sides leading us to believe it could be two stands.

VISA Character Meet and Greet

The new Disney VISA Cardmember Exclusive meet and greet recently opened at the Imagination pavilion. It is open daily from 1 PM until 7 (yeah, seven) PM.

Innoventions

Colortopia remains the last functioning piece of Innoventions.

Both sides, east and west, are now boarded up.

Goodbye Epcot, see ya’ real soon!

VIDEO: Bodh’aktan Brings Celtic Rock Back to Epcot’s Canada Pavilion

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

After presenting concerts in Quebec and Europe all summer, Celtic rock band Bodh’aktan is performing for two periods of 20 days at Epcot in October and January. Bodh’aktan performs for 20 minutes every hour or so, five days a week, as part of this contract.

Bodh’aktan at Epcot’s Canada pavilion stage

I went to check out the band yesterday, now reaching the end of their October run at the park. As many of you know, I was a HUGE fan of Off Kilter and was fairly devastated when the group was made to leave Epcot back in 2014. I have not been a fan of any of the replacement acts at the Mills Stage since then, and not just because they just weren’t my beloved Off Kilter, but mostly because they just weren’t good. This honestly is the best act that has played the stage since then. See for yourself:

While not a permanent replacement for the revolving Canada stage, it is a more-than-enjoyable temporary offering. If they sang in English more often, I think they would connect to a bigger audience of guests, but they made it this far with what they do, so why change it I guess. I’m not saying I am closed-minded enough to only enjoy English lyrics, but I feel like the intermittent playing of songs that might be recognizable to guests works well in a theme park setting. Regardless, the talent of the group breaks through the language barrier and delivers a really fantastic 20-minute musical act.

Alberta Bound will be returning to the Mills Stage until the holiday season kicks off. The Holiday Voyageurs will perform during Holidays Around the World in-between these two 20-day stands for Bodh’aktan.

Disney wanted the band to sign a 6 month contract, but they declined as they did not want to be that far from their families for that long of a period. This is a real shame because this is a good group of musicians that I think could find a great permanent home at Epcot.

New Celtic Rock Band Coming to Canada at Epcot This Fall

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

According to Le Journal de Montreal, a highly acclaimed new band is coming to the Canada pavilion at Epcot for a limited time.

After presenting concerts in Quebec and Europe this summer, Celtic rock band Bodh’aktan will perform for two periods of 20 days at Epcot in October and January. Bodh’aktan will be performing 20 minutes every hour, five days a week, as part of this contract. Disney wanted the band to sign a 6 month contract, but they declined as they did not want to be that far from their families for that long of a period.

While not a permanent replacement for the revolving Canada stage, it should be an enjoyable temporary offering. Alberta Bound will be working at the Mills Stage until that time. The Holiday Voyageurs will perform during Holidays Around the World in-between these two 20-day stands.

RUMOR: Is A Puerto Rico Pavilion Coming to World Showcase at Epcot?

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Puerto Rico’s presence was expanded this year at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival bringing not only many different flavors from the island to guests at Epcot, but also a bit of heritage and a look at the history of Puerto Rico. In a recent article published by Puerto Rican newspaper, Metro, details were divulged of the partnership that they’ve created with Disney. The island of Puerto Rico has signed a 3 year contract to bring the flavors of the island to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, as well as the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival beginning in 2015 and running through 2016. For the Food and Wine 2015 display, they’ve already begun working on a design based on “El Yunque“, the second tallest mountain on the island and the only Tropical Rain Forest located within the United States National Forest System.

Old San Juan in Puerto Rico (the inspiration of the 2014 booth design)

Various different companies from Puerto Rico including CC1, Yaucono, Club Caribbean, and Pan American Grain have invested over $700,000 to bring Puerto Rico to the Epcot festivals.

Also mentioned in the article is that Disney and Puerto Rico are currently in talks to bring a permanent addition of Puerto Rico to Epcot’s World Showcase. The addition of Puerto Rico to World Showcase would reportedly cost over $100 million that would be split over the course of 10 years (2017 – 2027) through a contract between Disney and the private companies involved.

We’ve seen in the past many attempts to add a new country to World Showcase, and all of them since Norway in 1988 have never made it off of the drawing board. A few years ago, a similar story about Brazil was posted on this very site. Of course, there is always the possibility that a Puerto Rico pavilion would never end up being built at Epcot, but the possibility is still there if the proper corporations actually come through on funding the project.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico

As the resident WDWNT Puerto Rican, I would be very excited to see my home island as a World Showcase pavilion. The heritage and architecture of Puerto Rico would make for a fantastic pavilion. For those familiar with Puerto Rico, El Morro would be an excellent choice to represent the Old San Juan area of the island in the pavilion.

What are your thoughts if Puerto Rico were to join the other countries at Epcot? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Tag: World Showcase