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.

We were at EPCOT Saturday, December 5, 2020, Walt Disney’s birthday by the way. The park was busy, we later learned all 4 parks reached their 35% capacity Saturday. We had a great day hearing 3 of our favorite musical acts Joyful! in the World Showplace, the Jammitors as the Jammin’ Chefs at the Mill Stage in Canada, and The Voices of Liberty-The Voices of the Season in the American Gardens Theater.

We thought we’d try something new and try and complete Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. I told you about this new fun add-on last month when I shared the overview of the Taste of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and we decided to check it out. EPCOT has had a few of these scavenger hunts available during the different festivals, but we had never done one before.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

The storyline for this scavenger hunt around World Showcase comes from the 22 minute film Olaf’s Frozen Adventure which was released in 2017. This holiday film finds Olaf, Anna, and Elsa searching for their own holiday traditions. Olaf goes door-to-door across Arendelle asking families how they celebrate “That Time of Year”.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

To get started on Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition, you purchase your map and stickers for $7.99 at either Mouse Gear,  Port of Entry, World Traveler at International Gateway, and at the merchandise cart in Canada.

On the map there is a clue for each country in World Showcase, plus World Showplace, and the L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen. Once you locate Olaf in each location match the sticker with whatever Olaf has on his sled from that location. When you complete the hunt, bring your map to Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, or World Traveler at International Gateway where you will receive a completion sticker and a prize. I’m not going to share what the prize is because I want you to enjoy the surprise.

I hate spoilers but I will give you a few hints.

• Look high
• Look low
• He is not in attractions
• He is not in stores

Ron and I succeeded in completing the hunt! We enjoyed searching throughout each country as well as giving and receiving clues from cast members and other guests as we went about our quest.

Even as a couple with no kids this activity was enjoyable. Many families and others traveling without kids were on the hunt as well. I recommend giving it a try if you are visiting EPCOT between now and December 30, 2020.

The post Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Festival of the Holidays Food

Holiday Kitchens located throughout World Showcase will offer tasty treats of the season, such as Duck Confit and Dumplings at Festival Favorites, the Gingerbread Milkshake from the Holiday Hearth, slow-roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen or the beef bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen. YUM!

I’ve got my eyes set on some of the sweet treats that are to be found during the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. My list includes the Maple Bûche de Noël at Yukon Holiday Kitchen, the  Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie at Holiday Hearth, a Peppermint Sundae at Holiday Sweets & Treats and a Minnie Peppermint Cookie at Holiday Sweets & Treats.

Festival of the Holidays Activities

The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this year, with a complimentary cookie as reward for completing the confectionary collection. The delicious array of sweet treats to choose from will include cookies from five different locations throughout the park.

The whole family will have fun with everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, as he invites kids of all ages on the new “Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition,” a festive adventure around World Showcase to round up holiday traditions Olaf misplaces. You can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway, then look for hidden Olafs throughout the World Showcase pavilions. Once you find them all, you’ll receive a gift worth melting for (while supplies last). 

Music of the Season

• Inside World Showplace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a magical journey of holiday music.
• Also inside World Showplace, an EPCOT pianist will perform holiday music from around the world.
• Voices of Liberty will use their harmonies to share songs of the season at America Gardens Theatre.
• Also at America Gardens Theatre, Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance.
• At the Canada pavilion, the JAMMitors will grace the Mill Stage with playful percussion full of merriment.

Characters

Characters dressed in their holiday best will travel around World Showcase, including Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade” and Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy making merry on the “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour.” Santa will be taking a grand horse-drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out happy holiday wishes to all.

Plan Your Trip

It’s not too late to plan your trip! I’ll be spending Saturday, December 5th at EPCOT. I can’t wait to hear JOYFUL! and the Voices of Liberty perform, they are holiday must-sees for us.

The post Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Before I get to that information though I wanted to update you on my plans to visit Walt Disney World. I tried to get in on the Passholder Preview for later this week, before the official reopening, but after 20 minutes in the virtual waiting room, we were told all the Park Passes for the event had been distributed

I was able to snag a Park Pass for me to make a solo day trip to the Magic Kingdom next week on Thursday, July 16th. Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Facebook, and my Travel Facebook to follow along.

I also got Disney’s Hollywood Studios for August 14th for Ron and I as well as August 15th at the Magic Kingdom. Jordan and Savannah also got Park Passes for the 15th so we will have a fun family day! Hopefully, after my July 16th visit I can get a Park Pass for Epcot so I can check out A Taste of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Passholders can only have 3 Park Pass reservations at a time, so planning is more difficult than ever!

Magic Kingdom Attractions

Most of your favorite Magic Kingdom attractions will be open when the park reopens. We know there will be no parades, fireworks, or character meet and greets but Disney is working on other ways for us to see our favorite characters, in a socially distanced manner.

Adventureland Attractions

• Jungle Cruise
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Frontierland Attractions

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Splash Mountain
• Tom Sawyer Island

Liberty Square Attractions

• Liberty Square Riverboat
• The Hall of Presidents
• The Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland Attractions

• It’s a Small World
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s Philharmagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid

Storybook Circus

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer

Tommorowland Attractions

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot Attractions

Future World Attractions

• Awesome Planet
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Walt Disney Imagineering Presents The EPCOT Experience

World Showcase Attractions

• Canada Far and Wide
• Friendship Lagoon Boats
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Impressions de France
• Kidcot-modified experiences
• Reflections of China
• The American Adventure

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours-The Adventure Continues
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania!
• Walt Disney Presents

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions

Discovery Island

• Discovery Island Trails
• It’s Tough to be a Bug
• Wilderness Explorers

Pandora

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Na’avi River Journey

Africa

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail aka Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Kilimanjaro Safari

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

• Affection Section
• The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
• Wildlife Express

Asia

• Expedition Everest
• Kali River Rapids
• Maharajah Jungle Trek

Dinoland, USA

• DINOSAUR
• TriceraTop Spin

Of course, I am always here to help you plan your most magical Walt Disney World vacation! I’m sure, even with some Disney World attractions closed, we can plan a fun time for your family. just Email me and we will start planning.

The post Which Walt Disney World Attractions Will Be Available Upon Reopening? appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom open to guests on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Epcot and Hollywood Studios open on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. There will be a new reservation system in place on DisneyWorld.com where guests will need a reservation for the specific date and park they want to visit. This reservation system will allow Disney to better control the number of guests in a park at the same time. Disney will be significantly reducing the guest capacity in this first phase of reopening.

What Will Be Different at Least in Phase One

• Face coverings (masks) required for everyone ages 2+
• Temperature and Health Screening before entering park
• Increased cleaning and sanitizing, especially of high touch areas
• Plexiglass to protect Cast Members
• Increased hand washing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park
• Social distancing enforced throughout the parks, in stores, ride queues, on rides, in restaurants etc.
• Increased mobile ordering capabilities via the My Disney Experience app
• Urging guests to go cashless with charging to room via Magic Band, or using Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• No parades
• No Fireworks or Nighttime Spectaculars
• No Character Meet n Greets
• Play Areas and Water Effects Closed
• No Fastpasses
• No Dining Plans
• No Extra Magic Hours

Disney World’s Reopening Plan Means Changes in Dining, Fastpasses, Ticket Sales and More

At 9:44pm EDT on 5-28-2020 Disney informed the world that they were pausing all new reservations and ticket sales so that they can get the new reservation system in place. At that same time they announced that all existing dining and experience reservations have been canceled and all Fastpasses have been canceled.

The reasoning for these cancellations is so that Disney can start fresh with the new reservation system and make sure that park, resort, and restaurant capacity limits will be adhered to. Yes, it stinks if you got up early 180 days before your trip to make your dining reservations and now they are all gone. I’m sorry, I really do feel horrible for you. When dining reservations are available again there will only be a 60 day window instead of the 180 day window we are used to. To get your dining reservation you must have valid park admission AND have your park reservation for that day before you can make your Advanced Dining Reservation.

Walt Disney World’s reopening plan does not include Fastpasses. Disney says they will be using the Fastpass queues for additional social distancing. It may also be that with smaller crowds, wait times will be shorter and Fastpasses won’t be needed.

This is new territory for all of us. We travel agent’s heads have been spinning for days as we help our clients navigate these changes. I promise you all of the Destinations 2 Travel agents are working hard to help our clients make the best vacation choices for their families. If you want to visit in 2020, please Email me. You are going to want to use a travel professional from an Ear Marked agency to help you wade through these new vacation planning waters. My services are FREE to you.

If you are looking for reopening information for LEGOLAND and Universal Orlando you can find it here.

The post Walt Disney World’s Reopening Plan 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.

The post It’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Time appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Currently, Future World (soon-to-be World Discovery/World Celebration/World Nature) is a maze of construction walls but have hope, I heard lots of guests complaining they had no idea all the construction was taking place. A few that I chatted with were very frustrated. I asked them, “Didn’t your travel agent inform you of the construction?” Each of them said they booked their travel themselves. I told them, as a Disney travel professional, I inform all my guests of things like construction and ride refurbishments that will be taking place during their vacation so that they can know what to expect when they arrive. Some of them added my info to their phones for future vacations!

On Friday, January 17, 2020 three new movie attractions opened in Epcot, it was also the opening day for the 4th annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Ron and I spent the day in Epcot so that we could share everything that is new with you.

Awesome Planet

“Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion explores the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of Earth. In collaboration with the Disney Conservation Fund, the 10-minute film uses in-theater effects (including wind, scents and water) to tell the story of life on this planet and why it’s vitally important to care for it. “Awesome Planet” features narration by Ty Burrell, star of ABC’s “Modern Family,” and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning® composer Steven Price.

“Awesome Planet” takes place in the Harvest Theater in The Land pavilion, located next to the Garden Grill restaurant. We hadn’t been in this theater in many, many years. If you do not handle stairs well, like me, ask to go in the wheelchair line which is to the right of the waiting area. I had forgotten about the steep stairs in this theater. I survived the stairs going very slowly. The theater is large so seating should not be a problem.

The movie, which plays like a real estate selling a home features stunning visuals and some nice special effects. As we expected, it did include the usual Disney evolution/global warming/conservation rhetoric we are used to. I am happy to say that the evolution and global warming was more subtle than expected and the conservation message was well handled and not as preachy as others in the past have been. For us this is probably a one and done, don’t need to see it again unless we are traveling with people who want to see it.

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360

“Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

“Canada Far and Wide” is another stunningly beautiful travelogue of Canada which breaks this vast country down into regions and has us travel from east to west learning about some of the cities, crops, and lifestyles of each area. The movie still ends with the song “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)” which was nice. We missed the humor that Martin Short brought to the 2007-2019 version of “O Canada!” and circle-vision 360 movies make me queasy so it will be a while before we see this again.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion’s Palais du Cinémais directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. 

I was so excited when this sing-along was announced because I LOVE For the First Time in Forever a Frozen Singalong Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Then I heard that the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” was just going to be a movie with no live characters, and that made me sad.

When we entered the Palais du Cinémais on Friday afternoon, there was a large crowd of mostly adults. It sounded to me like most of the crowd did sing, as did we. Unfortunately, it felt like the story was rushed and the “new twist” just didn’t feel right. It was funny but not believable. They cut most of the “Belle” song out, and left out the “Mob Song” in it’s entirety, which just isn’t acceptable.

I left the theater feeling uncomfortable. The new twist didn’t add to the story in a positive way, it felt more like one of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels on the late 1990s-early 2000s than a proper homage to an absolutely magical and beautiful movie. I’ll see it again, because I love a good sing-along, who knows, maybe it will grow on me.

What’s New at Epcot Recap

• “Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion
• “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion
• “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion

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The post What’s New at Epcot? January 2020 Edition appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Disney on Broadway Concert Series

The popular Disney on BroadwayConcert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:

• 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
• 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
• 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
• 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
• 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
• Additional January and February performances still to be announced.

All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving aDisney on BroadwayDining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. Packages are available to book starting Nov. 14, 2019, at participating Epcot restaurants; guests can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or contact their certified Disney travel agent (me) to handle the planning for them.

Food Studios at Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Twelve festival Food Studios plus additional food and beverage locations will take culinary arts to the next level with scrumptious, imaginative dishes – artistically sculpted and ready for camera closeups.

Yes, this may be my favorite festival because I am all about the arts. I’ve been on stage since I was 5 acting in plays and musicals, dancing in recitals, singing wherever I can, playing in bands and now teaching and directing whenever I have the opportunity as well. The Arts are integral to the lives of every human being and the Epcot International Festival of the Arts celebrates it all.

Still not sure about visiting? Check out my Top 5 Must-Dos at the festival. Now is the time to plan your Disney vacation, Email me, my services are FREE to you!

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