My two favorite things about this festival are the Disney on Broadway performances and the amazing Disney artwork that is for sale. I usually visit the festival multiple times so that I can see different Broadway performers. I also plan a spending budget to pick up some new, small artwork to add to my collection.

Unfortunately, this year there are no Disney on Broadway performances. Instead, in the American Gardens Theater you can take an animation class, hear Mariachi Cobre, or the Voices of Liberty singing the Disney Songbook. While these are all fine, at a time when Broadway has been closed for 9 months, I really would have rather heard Broadway performers performing hits for their shows.

Ron and I visited the festival on Friday, January 15, 2021. We arrived within minutes of park open and crowds were very light. The longest wait we had all day was 16 minutes for Soarin’. Frozen Ever After was posted at 15 minutes but the actual wait was 10 minutes!

After our visit to The Land Pavilion we went to get in line for the Expression Section: A Paint By Number Mural on that day we were finishing a piece by Disney Imagineer Jessica Hillis. We each received our paint and sponge brush and then were assigned an area to paint in. We were told to paint 7 squares, which we did.

Later we wandered around World Showcase enjoying all the artist’s booths as we went. I purchased some of the postcard reproductions of art from Sam Carter, Joey Chou, and Jerrod Maruyama, I have several pieces of his. I also purchased a few pieces for gifts for some of my best Disney friends who aren’t able to make the festival this year.

When we were in World Showplace, I spent a lot of time admiring the work of Dave Avanzino. There are a few of his pieces I want, I just need to save up the money!

We didn’t stick around for the Voices of Liberty concert because it would have been a 2 hour wait. Instead, at 3pm, we park hopped (yay!) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where we enjoyed our afternoon and evening.

If you are a lover of Disney Art, the Taste of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is still worth the trip. If you come for the Broadway concerts, I’d say wait til next year. Of course, I am always available to help you book your next Walt Disney World vacation just Email me and we will get started!

The post Our Visit to the Taste of The Epcot International Festival of the Arts appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Magic Kingdom Holiday Decorations

Main Street USA is decked out in its holiday best. The tree in Town Square looks as beautiful as ever. I was so happy to see the soldiers back as well.

While there are no Castle Dream Lights this year, there are beautiful holiday projections on Cinderella Castle. I believe there are 4 different projections and each lasts about 15 minutes allowing for beautiful backgrounds for your Christmas pictures.

Holiday Cavalcades

There are 4 different holiday cavalcades (mini parades) taking place at random times along the Magic Kingdom parade route. Add to that the Dapper Dans aboard the Main Street Trolley as well as the Toy Soldiers marching with the Main Street Philharmonic and that is a lot of holiday fun.

• “Mickey’s Holiday Cavalcade” is a holiday celebration with Mickey Mouse and his friends.
• “Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade” features Goofy cooking up some holiday fun from his gingerbread house and bake shop floats, joined by dancing gingerbread men.
• “A Royal Christmas Processional” heralds the arrival of Disney princesses on a crystal castle float.
• Santa glides down Main Street, U.S.A., in his sleigh, led by prancing reindeer.

On my first holiday visit, I was traveling with out of state friends and we weren’t able to catch a single cavalcade. We hope to see them all on Friday! Make sure you follow along on my Blog Facebook, Travel Agency Facebook, Instagram to see all my posts this weekend.

Magic Kingdom Holiday Food

Guests love all the seasonal food at the Disney parks. Last week I shared about the holiday food options at EPCOT. Today we will see what’s available in the Magic Kingdom.

Churros

If you are a churro fan, like my son Jordan, you can eat your fill of various churro flavors while visiting the Magic Kingdom.

• Christmas Churros – Mini churros topped with red and green sugar  at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.
• Chip and Dale Christmas Churros – Gingerbread churros topped with apple pie filling and chocolate chips at Westward Ho.
• Sugar and Spice Churros – Christmas cookie churros with icing and holiday sprinkles served with a side of eggnog at a cart on Main Street.
• Churro Worth Melting For – Cinnamon churros topped with marshmallow fluff and blue sugar at Citrus Cart near the Castle Hub.

Holiday Treats with Collectible Containers

Want to bring home a souvenir of your holiday treat? Here are two options! The White Christmas Tree popcorn Bucket and the Sven Sipper Cup. I really want the Sven Sipper!!

Holiday Beverages

• Pistachio Chai Tea Float – Pistachio soft–serve, spiced chai tea, and a red velvet cake pop ornament at Aloha Isle.
• Just a Dream Away – Salted caramel milkshake with silver sugar churro at Auntie Gravity’s.

Other Holiday Treats

• Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with red and green icing  at Main Street Bakery.
• Twice Upon a Cupcake – A confetti Christmas tree tops a vanilla cupcake with a red velvet hidden Mickey at Main Street Bakery. I’ve heard this is very good.
• An Orange Bird Christmas – Orange-scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd  at Sunshine Tree Terrace.
• Let It Snow Taco – Sugar cookie “taco shell” filled with salted caramel and spiced chocolate mousse at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.
• Fa La La La Funnel Cake – Powdered sugar funnel cake, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and holiday sprinkles at Sleepy Hollow.
• Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree – Almond macarons with cranberry orange filling stacked to create a Christmas tree at Gaston’s Tavern.
• Yule Tide Wishes – Chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse, covered with chocolate ganache at Pinnochio Village Haus.
• Minnie’s Merry Cherry Sundae – Cherry soft–serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a Minnie bow at Storybook Treats.

As you can see, there is plenty of holiday fun to be had at the Magic Kingdom this year. It’s not too late to book your December Disney vacation! Just Email me and we will start planning!

The post Magic Kingdom Holiday Food and Fun appeared first on The Mom Maven.

One way Disney is moving forward is by not opening every resort on site right away. Current onsite resort openings are limited and other resorts will reopen in phases.

This phased reopening has been frustrating for some travel clients I have spoken with. Disney regulars all have their favorite resorts and it may not be available at this time. I suggest using this unique time to try a resort you haven’t stayed at before, you may just find a new favorite!

On June 9th Disney reopened 2020 ticket and package sales to the general public, with some great deals for Florida residents and passholders traveling between now and September 30th. These deals are up to 35% off your resort hotel.

I feel Disney is first rolling out offers to Floridians and Passholders because Floridians don’t have to worry about the quarantine in place orders since we live here. If you plan to travel into Florida from some states, there is a mandatory 14 day quarantine order in effect before you can enjoy all our state has to offer. Some states have a similar order in place once you return home after visiting the Sunshine state. Make sure you know what is required of you before you book your travel. A reputable travel agent will be able to make sure you are aware of all the rules in place at the time of your travel.

As Disney reopens other changes are happening as well. Some things are changing daily and will continue to change now that the theme parks are opening. Just this week a few things that have been changed or updated:

• Neck gaiters are not allowed to be worn as a face mask Your mask must be at least 2 ply, cover your nose, mouth, and chin, fir snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face, and have ear loops or ties.
• Disney’s Magical Express will not currently retrieve your bags from the baggage claim. You must claim your bags and take them with you to the bus. You must also bring your bags with you to the bus when you depart from your resort vacation.
• Much to the delight of Star Wars fans, you no longer have to arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before the park opens to join the virtual queue to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The virtual queue will open, as availability allows, at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm daily to allow guests a chance to experience one of the park’s newest attractions.

I’m sure more tweaks and changes will come as Disney reopens Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this week. As guests, our job is to follow the rules, have fun, and be nice! All of the videos I watched of the cast member and passholder preview days have me excited and counting down the seconds until I am at the Magic Kingdom this Thursday, July 16th! Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Blog Facebook, and Travel Facebook for all my in park updates. next Monday’s blog post will have a full post about my first visit back.

Just a reminder, I am a travel agent with Destinations 2 Travel, LLC and I am here at no additional cost to you, to help you plan your 2020 or 2021 Walt Disney World vacation. Just Email me and we will get started.

The post Disney Reopens 2020 Ticket Sales appeared first on The Mom Maven.

10. Not Allowing Themselves to Truly Experience the Magic

So many guests are so busy rushing from attraction to attraction they miss the magic around them. Others are nose stuck in their phones and missing the beautiful details on every building and attraction. Vacations are supposed to be enjoyable. Stop, take a deep breath, and look around. Take pictures of the shows and parades but take more pictures of your people, your family and friends, whoever you are traveling with. Make sure you are in the pictures too!

It’s 2020 every Disney show, parade, and most attractions are available on YouTube, put your phone down and enjoy the show in person. Don’t spend your vacation watching everything on the screen of your iPhone, experience it.

9. Lugging Too Much Stuff Around the Parks

As an empty nester, my favorite Disney days are no bag days. All I need is my phone in my Keebos case, my ID, debit card, passholder card, and my Magic Band. I love getting to skip the bag check line and walk right into the park. Some days just aren’t no bag days, for me most of those days are days with a higher than 20% chance of rain. I still just carry a small bag with no more than 2 zippers. My bag will include my rain poncho, small pill holder for Tylenol, and a large zippy bag to hold a wet rain poncho, and our reusable straws.

I have visited the parks with kids ranging from 4mos on up. My best advice is only carry what you need. Food, bottles, formula, wipes, pacifier, change of clothes etc. Don’t lug toys that can get lost, a million snacks, refillable cups etc. You don’t want to be a pack mule your entire vacation.

8. Not Getting to Know the My Disney Experience App Before You Leave Home

The My Disney Experience App is a vital part of any Walt Disney World trip. You can use it for:

• Fastpass+ selections
• Dining Reservations
• Checking Wait Times
• Mobile Ordering at Quick Service Restaurants
• Maps-great way to locate the closest restroom
• Showtimes

This app can be somewhat clunky and overwhelming if you are trying to figure it out in the heat of the day in a crowded theme park. Play with it at home so that you know where to look for the most important features.

7. Not Checking the Weather

In case you didn’t know, Florida isn’t always sunny. We have a lot of sun and heat but it rains a lot and it even gets cold. On my last 2 multi-day trips, December 5-8, 2019 and February 28-March 2, 2020 we had the exact same weather! Day 1 was cold, in the 40s-50s. I wore a coat and boots. Each day it warmed up Day 2 required leggings, a top, and a sweater, adding a coat at night. Day 3 I ditched the sweater except at night. Day 4 we were in the mid 70s and I wore capris and a top.

April-October is the rainy season, June-August you can expect rain just about every day. Wear water resistant shoes, I love my Tevas and my Crocs Reviva for running around the parks.

6. Not Using FastPass+

I’ve written several posts about how to use FastPass+ so I’m not going to go into detail here. In a nutshell 60 days before you arrive at your Walt Disney World Resort, or 30 days before if you are staying off property, You can select 3 attractions to FastPass+, this allows you to enter a shorter line within a set time window. Once you have used all 3 FastPasses on a given day, you can try can get additional FastPasses, one at a time for the rest of the day if they are available.

I can’t tell you how many times I have struck up conversations with people while standing in a stand-by line and they didn’t even know about FastPass+ or they thought you had to pay for it! FastPass+ is free for all Disney guests!

5. Thinking They Can Do it All

I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World my entire life and I still haven’t done it all or seen it all! Many of the things I have done are because they are cost prohibitive, but still…You cannot and will not see and ride everything in all 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and Disney Springs on your Walt Disney World vacation…and that’s OK.

Yes, there is THAT much to see, do, ride, eat, and experience that you can’t do it all, even on a luxury 2 week Disney vacation. Two of my planning tips are:

• Know your limitations and the limitations of your family/touring party. Most people can’t handle being in the parks from pre-rope drop to park close for several consecutive days. Young children surely can’t and please don’t expect them to. Take an afternoon pool/nap break, it’s your vacation-relax a little. Plan a no park day, spend time in the pool, at Disney Springs, and playing mini-golf.
• When you are planning your trip have a family meeting and decide your three must-dos and 3 would really like to-dos for each park. Anything you accomplish above those are the cherry on top of a wonderful busy day.

4. Not Planning Dining in Advance

Advance Dining Reservations for Table Service restaurants open up 180 days before you arrive at Walt Disney World. Yes, six months before your vacation, or as soon as the trip is booked if it is less than 6 months, you should book your table service dining. You do not have to do any table service dining, but if you enjoy great food, Disney is a foodie paradise. we typically do 1 table service meal on each 4-5 day vacation. If you get the Disney Dining Plan you are going to be eating a lot of food and spending lots of time in restaurants, choose your dining carefully.

Unfortunately, long gone are the days of being able to walk up to a Disney restaurant and be seated for a meal. That used to be the norm, unfortunately not any more.

3. Not Choosing the Correct Ticket Type

Disney has several different kinds of tickets base, park hopper, water park and sports, and park hopper plus. Before buying your tickets, learn about them so that you get what you need. There is no use paying for features you don’t want or need.

How many ticketed days do you really need? What time are you arriving? Is it worth it to visit a park on day 1? What time do you leave on your last day? Again, is a park ticket necessary? Are you attending a hard ticket event in the evening? If you are do you want to use a day ticket as well? These are all important questions to ask before you book your Walt Disney World vacation package.

2. Not Setting a Budget

A Walt Disney World vacation is not cheap, a 5 day park hopper ticket for those ages 10+ currently ranges from $554.09-721.38 depending on travel dates. So a family of 4 with 3 adults and one under age 10 will easily spend between $2196.21-2865.37 on tickets alone. Add to this flights, accommodations, food, and souvenirs and you can see why the average Disney trip runs $5000 and up.

Setting a reasonable budget up front will help guide your choice of ticket, resort, dining plan, and yes, even souvenirs. You want to enjoy your vacation and not stress over money so plan ahead and stick to your budget.

1. Not Using a Certified Disney Vacation Planner from an Earmarked Travel Agency

Yes, I am a Certified Disney Vacation Planner with an Earmarked Travel Agency but even if I wasn’t, I would recommend one for so many reasons. A Disney vacation is unlike any other vacation you may take. What other vacation has you make dining plans 6 month in advance, or choose attractions you want to experience 2 months in advance? That is a lot of planning.

Choosing between all of the Disney Resorts and restaurants is enough to drive most people crazy. Add to that creating a flexible touring plan that maximizes fun and minimizes wait times and needless walking back and forth across the park and you see why you need me to take all that stress off of you.

You are already paying for a travel agents services whether you use one or not. Our commission is built into every Disney vacation, if you don’t use a travel agent Disney just pockets the money, don’t you want to get everything you are paying for?

Using a travel agent gives you an expert on speed dial. In case of emergency, hurricane, pandemic etc your travel agent is the one on hold with Disney for hours on end working on your behalf to reschedule your magical vacation. Costco and other “discount” travel sites aren’t there for you in your time of need. You are left to advocate for yourself and that’s not fun.

I hope you have found this post helpful. When you are ready to plan your magical Walt Disney World vacation I am here and ready to help, just Email me and we will start planning your amazing trip.

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1. Watch Disney Movies

I know this one seems obvious, but it helps. Now with Disney+ we aren’t limited to only the movies we have personally purchased over the years either. We can watch new movies like Onward and Frozen II and classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Now is the time to get extra creative, create a family March Madness Disney Movie Brackets, or have a family Disney movie awards ceremony and vote for your favorites.

2. Make Disney Foods

One of my favorite things about visiting a Disney park is the food! Why not try to recreate some of your favorites at home? I regularly make myself a Nutella, Strawberry, Banana Waffle like I get from Sleepy Hollow. I just wish I knew how to make LeFou’s Brew at home!

• Make Mickey Pretzels
• Whispering Canyon Cafe Cornbread
• Tonga Toast
• The Grey Stuff
• Blue Milk
• ‘Ohana Bread Pudding
• Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake

3. Add Some Disney Decor

A few years ago for Christmas my husband got me not 1, not 2, but 3 of the Cinderella Castle 5 piece prints. I have the castle, the castle with fireworks, and Main St USA and the castle at Christmas. The fireworks and the Christmas one rotate seasonally out of my office and into the living room. The castle one lives on a second wall in my office.

For Christmas this past year, Jordan and Savannah got me the We Do Disney vinyl cutouts can mounted to a board that Jordan painted in the same color as our living room accent wall and framed in black to match our entertainment center. It was a work of love and I read it every day.

4. Add Disney to Your Workout

Need some inspiration while on your treadmill? Check out the Run The Impossible theme park runs on YouTube. You can run through all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, a few resorts, Castaway Cay, Disneyland and more!

Maybe Zumba is more you style. Again we head to YouTube.

• How Far I’ll Go-Moana
• Try Everything-Zootopia
• Into the Unknown-Frozen II
• Friend Like Me-Aladdin
• You’re Welcome-Moana

5. Create Your Own Disney Magic

I have a friend who has reimagined all of EPCOT in great detail and his ideas might even be better than some of what is coming to Epcot in the near future.

That same friend has recently been playing, which ride should be turned into a movie next. Once we, his friends, agree on a ride, we work together to flesh out our storyline. It’s been a lot of fun.

Recreate Disney rides or movie scenes out of LEGO or draw them if that’s more your thing.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep the Disney spirit alive in your life even when you can’s visit the parks. I hope these 5 Disney Tips For When You Can’t Go To the Parks helped you. Do you have your own tips? Please share them in the comments. When you are ready to book your next trip to a Disney destination please remember to Email me so I can help you plan a most magical trip.

The post 5 Disney Tips to Keep the Magic Alive When You Can’t Go To the Parks appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The story behind this distinctly American eatery located in what was the former Liberty Inn restaurant in Epcot’s American Pavilion, is that Sam Eagle is hosting a cook-off. “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off, A Salute to All Cook-Offs, but Mostly Barbecue, A Competition Fit for Patriots and Pit Masters.” Some of the walls are adorned with images of Muppets who are competing in the competition.

The Muppet theming is subtle the Revolutionary Era theming is not suble at all. Outside in the courtyard is a large smoker. Inside you are greeted with red, white, and blue streamers, and decor reminiscent of the beginning of our American Adventure. The seating is picnic table style. Ordering is typical Disney quick service ordering. I am happy to announce that Regal Eagle Smokehouse has self service soda machines, making your drinks refillable! They also use metal utensils and trays which is nicer than plastic.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu

Entrees

• American Platter-Choose 3 Meats and a side served with Garlic Toast $18.99 
• Memphis Dry-rub Pork Ribs-Dry-rubbed and Slow-smoked in our Pit served with Garlic Toast and your choice of side $15.99 
• Kansas City Smoked Half-Chicken-Slow-smoked Half-Chicken smothered with our Sweet BBQ Sauce served with your choice of side $13.99 
• BBQ Burger-1/3 lb Angus Burger on Garlic Toast topped with BBQ Pork and Fried Onion Ring served with your choice of side $13.49 
• Sliced Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich-Rubbed with our secret Brisket Rub then Slow-smoked and smothered in Spicy Mop Sauce, and placed between Garlic Toast and served with your choice of side $12.99 
• North Carolina Chopped Smoked Pork Butt Platter-Chopped Pork Butt topped with our North Carolina Vinegar Sauce served with Garlic Toast and your choice of side $12.49 
• Power Greens Salad-Mixed Greens tossed with Fresh Citrus Fruit, Sunflower Seeds, Dried Cranberries, and Radishes in a Fresh Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing topped with Chilled Pulled Chicken $11.49 
• South Carolina Smoked Sausage Sandwich-Smoked Sausage on Garlic Toast topped with our Tangy Mustard Sauce and Caramelized Onions served with your choice of side $11.49
• BBQ Jackfruit Burger-Plant-based Burger on Garlic Toast topped with BBQ Jackfruit served with your choice of side

Sides

• Beer-battered Onion Rings $4.99 
• Baked Beans with Burnt Ends $4.99 
• Creamy Coleslaw $4.99 
• Seasoned French Fries $4.99 
• Garlic Toast $4.99 
• House-made Pickles $4.99 
• Macaroni & Cheese $4.99

Kids Meals

• BBQ Chicken Leg-Served with Coleslaw and Watermelon and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water. Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitutions $7.99 
• Chicken Salad-Served with Coleslaw and Watermelon and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water. Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitutions
• BBQ Rib-Served with Coleslaw and Watermelon and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Water $8.99 
• Cheeseburger-Small Grilled Angus Burger topped with American served with Coleslaw and Watermelon and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water $7.79

Desserts

• Banana Pudding-$4.99 
• Fresh Watermelon Cup-$4.99 
• S’mores Brownies-$4.99

Beverages

Non-Alcoholic

• Assorted Coca-Cola® Fountain Beverages-Assorted Coca-Cola® Offerings $3.99 
• Berry Punch-White Grape Juice with Strawberry, Peach, and Blackberry $4.49 
• DASANI® Bottled Water $3.50 
• Assorted Hot Beverages– Freshly Brewed Joffrey’s Coffee (Regular or Decaf) and Twinings of London® Hot Tea
• Lowfat Milk $1.99

Beers

• Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider – Cincinnati, OH-16-oz Can – Sweet and refreshing. A favorite since Colonial times $9.25 
• Bell’s Oberon American Wheat Ale – Comstock, MI-16-oz Draft – Wheat Ale, mixing a Spicy Hop character with Mildly Fruity Aromas $9.25 
• Cigar City Jai Alai IPA – Tampa, FL-16-oz Draft – This bigger brother to the Pale Ale employs a significant amount of Hops with high bitterness and Citrus and Floral aromas $9.25 
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager – Boston, MA-16-oz Draft – Golden-colored with Flavors that are Dry, Clean, Crisp, and Refreshing with Subtle Bitterness $9.25

Wines

• Merf Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington-250 mL Can – Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of Blackberry, Toffee, and subtle Spice notes $12.00 
• Seven Daughters Pinot Noir, Calfornia-250 mL Can – Light, fresh floral and mineral aromas with refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, and a clean, fresh lemon zest finish $12.00 
• Surf Swim Chardonnay, California-250 mL Can – Sun Ripe Aromas of Peaches, Ocean Cooled flavors of Pineapple and finishes with a wave of Banana Peels

Specialty Cocktail

• Tennessee Lemonade-Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with Odwalla® Lemonade and Peach $14.00

If you’d like to see the full menu with allergy-friendly options please click here.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We dined at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse for dinner on Friday night, February 28th. None of us were very hungry. Ron and I decided to share and American Platter and a soda. Mom didn’t see anything she felt like eating. The restaurant was busy and few people were eating outside because it was cold. Still, Ron returned with our food quickly. I had grabbed 2 of the sauces the Blue Ribbon Brisket Sauce and the Sizzlin’ Pit Dry Rub Coalition Classic Smokehouse Sauce. We both liked the second sauce best. For our 3 meats Ron chose the brisket, ribs, and smoked sausage. I LOVED the brisket, it was very tasty. The ribs were ok but they were lacking in meat. Ron enjoyed the sausages. Now my mom decided she wanted a side of the mac & cheese for dinner. She said it was very good but she isn’t a fan of the crunchy breadcrumbs on top.

I have heard great reports about the chicken and pork butt so I can’t wait to try them on future visits to Epcot. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is now our favorite quick service restaurant in Epcot, it’s also my 2nd favorite barbecue in the 4 Florida Disney Parks. I hope you will be eating at Regal Eagle Smokehouse soon. If you are ready to book your next vacation just Email me and we will get started.

The post Our Visit to the Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The Garden Rocks concert series is included in your Epcot park admission and are held nightly at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00pm. If you want a guaranteed seat at a concert, I highly recommend either getting in the stand-by line 90 minutes before the show you want to attend or purchasing a Garden Rocks Series Dining Package. Each package includes breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed concert seating. Your travel agent (me) is happy to help you book your dining package for you. It’s another free service we offer our clients.

2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

• March 4-5 – Peabo Bryson NEW
• March 6-9 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
• March 10-12 – The Guess Who
• March 13-16 – Simple Plan
• March 17-19 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• March 20-23 – Mark Wills NEW
• March 24-26 – The Spinners
• March 27-28 – Sister Hazel
• March 29-30 – The Pointer Sisters
• March 31-April 2 – Former Journey Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
• April 3-4 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
• April 5-6 – Exposé
• April 7-9 – Berlin
• April 10-11 – A Flock of Seagulls
• April 12-13 – Atlantic Starr NEW
• April 14-16 – Tony Orlando
• April 17-18 – High Valley NEW
• April 19-20 – Rick Springfield
• April 21-23 – Christopher Cross
• April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
• April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
• May 1-2 – Don McLean NEW
• May 3-4 – Casting Crowns NEW
• May 5-7 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett NEW
• May 8-9 – Thelma Houston NEW
• May 10-11 – The Allman Betts Band NEW
• May 12-14 – Air Supply
• May 15-18 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• May 19-21 – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot NEW
• May 22-23 – Claudia Leitte
• May 24-25 – Daughtry NEW
• May 26-28 – Marshall Tucker Band
• May 29-30 – Crowder NEW
• May 31-June 1 – Survivor

Personally I’d love to see The Pointer Sisters, Tony Orlando, Rick Springfiled, and Casting Crowns! Unfortunately my Spring is so busy I’m already booked elsewhere on all of their concert dates Oh well, I’ll work hard to get a day or two at the festival at least.

If you’re ready to plan your trip just click the image above, I’m ready to help you plan a magical vacation.

The post 2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The Epcot horticulture team is planning to introduce a brand-new Remy topiary – the centerpiece of a new Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion! This delicious new garden will be planted with veggies used in a ratatouille recipe. I love Remy, and I can’t wait to check it out! Guests also will find favorite returning character topiaries including Snow White, Elsa and Anna, Belle and Beast, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Miss Piggy and Kermit.

As you explore the Outdoor Kitchens, you’ll discover raised-bed or in-ground gardens of herbs and produce and discover how to grow your own healthy foods. Bedding plants in every color of the rainbow will decorate the landscape around Future World and World Showcase, and dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” will offer colorful backdrops for spring selfies. Festive mini-gardens will be set afloat like floral pontoons on the Future World east and west lakes. 

Returning favorite Outdoor Kitchens include Flavor Full Kitchen, sponsored by AdventHealth; Trowel & Trellis, where all of the dishes are plant-based creations; and the favorite Orange Bird Sipper! New for this year, a Spike the Bee Sipper (inspired by the Disney character who first appeared in Disney short films in the 1940s) will also be available at The Honey Bee-stro and will contain the popular Honey-Peach Freeze. Both specialty sippers will be available while supplies last. 

Your children will love burning off energy with at the festival’s Play Garden and Family Play Zone. Guests of all ages will flock to The Goodness Garden Butterfly House presented by GoGoSqueeZ. The popular “How To” garden also returns with clever tips for home gardeners. 

There is still plenty of time to plan your visit! Click the button above or Email me so we can get your visit to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival planned.

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The show is a result of years of research and extraordinary collaboration that included extensive visits to Disney theme parks, Walt Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, The Walt Disney Family Museum, as well as hands-on work between Disney animators and Cirque du Soleil. In fact, the Cirque du Soleil teams collaborated extensively with legacy animators to create the show.

”In creating this show, we’ve brought to life an extraordinary new entertainment experience for the whole family,” said Josh, D’Amaro, president, Walt Disney World Resort, “It blends all the heart, humor and joy of Disney storytelling with new acrobatic performances and effects never before seen in a Cirque du Soleil production.”

This new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.

Drawn to Life will transport guests of all ages into the world of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature style. This entirely new experience will wow Walt Disney World guests and Cirque du Soleil fans, while bringing timeless Disney stories to life in an unforgettable new way.

‘’It has been a fantastic collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. We had the chance to work with some of the animators that have worked on iconic Disney movies. You’ll get to meet some of your favourite characters, but maybe in a very different way,’’ says Fabrice Becker, Creation Director.

With an international cast of more than 65 artists, the Cirque du Soleil theater located in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, will welcome up to 1,580 spectators for each show, five days a week.

I am so excited about this show! I’m thinking about asking for tickets for my birthday. I’ve seen 2 other Cirque du Soleil shows, AXEL and VOLTA and my son saw La Nouba at Disney Springs many years ago. Combining Disney animation with Cirque du Soleil seems like a magical combination to me.

We can add show tickets and dinner reservations at one of the amazing Disney Spring Restaurants to your Walt Disney World vacation package to enjoy an amazing night of Disney entertainment outside of the theme parks. Just Email me to start planning!

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I am glad that you enjoy my travel posts. As a Florida resident, I am blessed to have Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Universal Studio Orlando, and 5 major cruise ports within a few hours drive. As a travel agent, I want you to have the best information possible before you book your vacation and while you are planning your vacation activities, so that is what I try and provide.

Top 5 Travel Posts of 2019

#5 Christmas at Animal Kingdom– This Christmas at Animal Kingdom will introduce the biggest holiday season in its history, with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land.

#4 Epcot Forever A Review– Across the canvas of a darkened sky, the new Epcot Forever nighttime spectacular that debuted 10-1-19 at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the past, present and future of Epcot. We have seen Epcot Forever twice so far and we love it!

#3 Carnival Mardi Gras Now Accepting Reservations– Mardi Gras guests can choose from more than 20 different stateroom categories and multiple levels of spacious and luxurious suites, more than on any other Carnival ship.  The Mardi Gras sails in October 2020.

#2 Top 10 Disney Fastpass Tips– The current Disney Fastpass system has been in place for a few years now but first time guests and those who don’t travel to the parks regularly continue to have trouble getting the system to work in their favor.

#1 Celebrating Halloween on Carnival Cruise Line– Every Carnival Cruise that departs in October is filled with Halloween activities for the whole family! Why not plan your fall getaway today?

The Mom Maven’s Top Travel Posts of All Time

#5 Top 10 Must-Do’s for Your First Trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom– There is so much to do at this huge park? What are the must-dos? I’ve got them right here!

#4 Top 10 Must-Do’s for Your First Trip to Epcot–  Epcot is the Disney park that has morphed and changed the most over the years and it is undergoing major changes again.

#3 Top 10 Must-Do’s for Your First Trip to the Magic Kingdom– Since I have been visiting Walt Disney World since 1972, one of the things I love to do is take people who have never been and make sure they see the most important things. 

#2 Top 10 Must-Do’s at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party–

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is my favorite special event at the Magic Kingdom all year long. It is truly fun for the whole family.

#1 Top 10 Must Pack Cruise Essentials– Mom Maven recommends these Top 10 Must Pack Cruise Essentials for every cruise vacation.

Just a reminder, I am a Certified Disney Vacation Planner with a Disney Earmarked Travel Agency. I am also certified with Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. I am available to plan your next vacation. Just Email me, I’m ready to help.

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