world showcase Archives - The Mom Maven

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

cindy — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:00:13 +0000

We are still on our December Disney vacation but we had so much fun at EPCOT doing Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition that I had to tell you about it!

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Map

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 Holiday Tradition Expedition Stickers

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.

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Our First Visit to Spice Road Table

cindy — Mon, 19 May 2014 10:00:33 +0000

Spice Road Table opened in World Showcase at Epcot in January of 2014. My son, Aaron and I finally had a chance to join some friends for lunch in April! The restaurant offers “tapas” style dining on the shore of World Showcase Lagoon.

About Spice Road Table

Inspired by the outdoor cafes along the Mediterranean, the whitewashed façade of Spice Road Table is accented in icy shades of blue from the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. A collection of shops in the colorful style of a Moroccan “souk,” or marketplace, stretches along the front of the building – a henna tattoo artist will create temporary body art from traditional and modern designs.

With 120 outdoor terrace seats, the inside seats 60 with cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tilework, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Berber tribes. Spice Road Table is the third eatery in the Morocco pavilion, joining The Tangierine Café, which features a variety of Moroccan sandwiches and specialty pastries, and Restaurant Marrakesh, where savory dishes, Moroccan music and belly dancers showcase the authentic charm of the North African country.

Our Visit to Spice Road Table

There were 5 of us for lunch at Spice Road Table. The restaurant currently does not accept ADRs nor does it offer any passholder discounts but they hope to in the future. We were seated at a lovely table on the terrace and received great service throughout our meal. I was not familiar with most of the foods on the menu so I knew this meal was going to be an adventure!

Aaron and I each ordered the Tingis Sampler while others ordered the Mogador Sampler, Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Hummus and Imported Olives.

Tingis Sampler

We both LOVED the Harissa Chicken Roll it was delicious and spicy. I enjoyed the Moroccan Lamb Sausage but Aaron wasn’t a fan. Aaron loved his lamb slider and mine was rather blah. Aaron ate the 2nd half of mine and he said it was no where near as good as his, so there is a consistency issue in the kitchen. Everyone else enjoyed their selections. When dessert time came Aaron and I splurged and shared a chocolate pyramid and the others ordered the Saffron and Lemon Custard. Both desserts were delicious.

Overall, we had a great meal at Spice Road Table and we can’t wait to go back.

Have you eaten at Spice Road Table yet? Do you plan to eat there on your next trip to Walt Disney World? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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Mouse House Memories-Tapestry of Dreams

cindy — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:18:42 +0000

It is hard for me to believe that the Tapestry of Dreams parade made its final appearance at Epcot 9+ years ago. Maybe it is so alive in my memory because the music still plays as you are exiting the park after Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Tapestry of Dreams was a re-work of the Tapestry of Nations parade that performed at Epcot during the Millennium Celebration from October 1, 1999-September 9, 2001. Tapestry of Dreams premiered October 1, 2001 as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration and played until March 1, 2003.

The Tapestry of Dreams parade was begins with Dream Seekers dancing alongside the Dream Catcher — an enormous “float” that interacts with guests. The parade is a “visible dream,” in which ideas, images and emotions are evoked through a series of extraordinary puppets and music. The parade puppets were large and amazing! I remember I wanted to be a puppeteer in this parade to be able to maneuver the giant puppets through World Showcase. The memorable soundtrack was composed by Gavin Greenaway and enhanced by the huge drums that were on the parade floats.

This was/is a favorite parade for many Walt Disney World guests. My only negative about the parade was if you didn’t care to see the parade, which traveled from Mexico to Morocco, it was hard to travel around it because there is only one real walkway around World Showcase. Usually the parade was performed twice a day at 6:30pm and 8:10pm but around the holidays that schedule was tweaked so as to not interfere with the Candlelight Processional.

Since a lot of Disney fans aren’t familiar with this long ago parade I thought I’d share a video I found on YouTube.

Have you ever seen Tapestry of Dreams? Love it? Hate it? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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Mouse House Memories-Japan

cindy — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:19:45 +0000

One of the most majestic pavilions in World Showcase is the Japan pavilion. You are greeted by the tori gate and enter the lush gardens, koi ponds and rock gardens of Japan. Throughout the day you will hear the beating of drums as Matsuriza, traditional Japanese Taiko drummers perform at the base of the blue roofed pagoda. Inside the pavilion you can shop at the Mitsukoshi store which features Japanese clothing, swords, and lots of anime and pop culture items.

Make sure you take some time to visit the Bijutsu-kan gallery and take in the beautiful Japanese artwork on display. Hungry? If you want some sushi you should check out Tokyo Dining-they have tempura too. If you want quick service dining visit the Katsura Grill for all of your favorite Japanese dishes. If you want to have an authentic hibachi grill experience then make plans to dine at Teppan Edo it is truly a feast for the senses.

What is your favorite thing to do, see, or eat in the Japan Pavilion? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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Mouse House Memories-Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

cindy — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:08:27 +0000

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is arguably most people’s favorite of all of the night spectaculars at Walt Disney World. For me it ranks third…out of three and I can’t come to a concrete decision of which are one and two…it depends on my mood Illuminations: Reflections of Earth debuted October 1, 1999 premiering as Illuminations 2000: Reflections of Earth as part of the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration and still continues nightly to this day.
The spectacular show is a mix of fireworks, lasers, fire, fountains, movable lights, torches and an Earth barge all set to an exhilarating soundtrack by Gavin Greenaway. My favorite parts of the soundtrack are “We Go On” which is in Act III and “Promise” which is played post-show before the old Tapestry of Nations parade soundtrack.
You can catch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth nightly in World Showcase at Epcot at 9pm with special showing on July 4th and December 31st each year. What are your thoughts on this popular show? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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Disney Debuts La Cantina and La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot

cindy — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:10:17 +0000

Last night my husband and I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of La Cantina and La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot. I’ll be the first to admit that Mexican cuisine is not a favorite of mine but I tried several tasty dishes…and liked most of them. Before I give you all the details check out this video with San Angel LLC president and CEO Rick Debler.

Overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, the lakeside house or “La Hacienda” is a 250-seat table service restaurant, while La Cantina” is a 150-seat quick service restaurant.

The event started at La Cantina where we were greeted by a lively mariachi band and servers with trays full of food and beverages to sample. We don’t drink alcohol to the endless supply of Margaritas didn’t interest but we did enjoy the fruity agua fresco. We spent about an hour mingling and sampling Mexican delicacies like the Empanadas de Queso, Chiles toreados y chorizitos, Tacos de Camarones, Pedcado a la Talla and Tacos de carne.

My favorites were the Tacos de Camarones (shrimp tacos) pictured above and the Empanadas de Queso which were creamy and cheesy…with a kick. My least favorite was the Tacos de Carne, which were tasy but too dry for my palatte.

We were later led into La Hacienda which is beautifully decorated with a perfect balance of relaxing muted walls and festive accents and lighting fixtures. I love the fact that each room in La Hacienda had a different style of lighting fixture and each was beautiful in its own way.

La Cantina de San Angel, the counter service restaurant, opens daily at 11am and will serve both lunch and dinner. The menu features many traditional favorites including chicken and beef tacos on fresh, handmade corn tortillas, nachos, cheese empanadas, guacamole and chips, with warm churros and Mexican popsicles. La Cantina offers a selection of Margaritas, sodas, agua fresco, jarritos, pink lemonade, water and iced trea to cool you off on a hoy Florida day.

La Hacienda, the table service restaurant, opens daily for dinner at 4pm and accepts Advanced Dining Reservations. The menu features a mixed grill for two with flank steak, chicken, chorizo and vegetables or a seafood version with grouper, shrimp and scallops as well as Tacos de Camarones, Arrachera and more.

Perched on World Showcase Lagoon, the patio of La Cantina is the perfect place to watch Illuminations Reflections of Earth we were able to grab a table and watch the evening’s extravaganza in comfort.

We will definitely return to La Cantina and La Hacienda de San Angel on future trips to Epcot. I can’t wait to share these traditional Mexican delicacies with the rest of my family.

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Walt Disney World News 8-4-10

cindy — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:17:12 +0000

Tomorrow is the big day! The Grand Opening of Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, the much anticipated 300-seat restaurant in Italy at the World Showcase in Epcot. I will be there live tweeting from the ceremony at 11am ET so make sure you follow me on Twitter for my reports.

Tomorrow is also the day Disney ticket prices increase

Walt Disney World base tickets will increase $3-$21 on adult tickets, $5-$31 on kids tickets, depending on length of stay.
Park Hopper Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
Water Park Fun & More Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
No Expiration Option has a huge increase on some tickets jumping anywhere from $4-$30 depending on the ticket purchased.

For exact ticket pricing you can check out the Disney Parks Blog post on the subject.

It was announced last week that High School Musical 3 show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will end its run on October 2 to make way for a new show, incorporating a variety of Disney Channel hits, including The High School Musical franchise, Camp Rock and Star Struck. If you are looking for the latest news, start by checking this post about Jimmy John Shark.

The show, described as a “live, rock-concert style show,” hasn’t yet been named but will follow a format that is similar to the current High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!

The new show is scheduled to debut Oct. 22 at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s California Adventure.

That’s your Walt Disney World news for this week. For up-to-date Disney World news listen to DW:60 on Sorcerer Radio every Thursday morning at 8am ET.

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