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Travel Insights Fall 2007 Archive
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| Epcots International Food and Wine Festival 2007 |
*The 12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is being held from September 28th to November 11th. More than 25 international marketplaces serve up tapas-sized portions of regional specialties (ranging in price from $1.50-$4.50) with wine and beer pairings. Daily seminars offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. And a series of special culinary programs featuring renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers serves up elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. Also, the weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting features entertainment by Cirque du Soleil. Eat to the Beat! concerts performed each evening at America Gardens Theatre offer a lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers.
* Other festival highlights include:
>The nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers.
>The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and the official festival cookbook.
>Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hostingelegant dinners and tasting events.
>Special exhibits featuring authentic cuisine, entertainment and traditional crafts.
>The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event presented by Vanity Fair, with tempting tasting stations and featuring entertainment by Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.
>Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary
exhibits and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot
admission.
Epcot evenings sizzle with the Eat to the Beat! concerts scheduled daily at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Following is the tentative lineup:
September 28-29 - Al Stewart ("Year of the Cat")
September 30-Oct. 1 - Otis Day and the Knights ("Shout!")
October 2-3 - The Beach Boys ("Good Vibrations")
October 4-6 - The Original Family Stone ("Everyday People")
October 7-9 - Sheena Easton ("Morning Train")
October 10-13 - Starship featuring Mickey Thomas ("We Built This City")
October 14-16 - David Cassidy ("I Think I Love You")
October 17-18 - Little Richard ("Tutti Frutti")
October 19-21 - Juice Newton ("Angel of the Morning")
October 22-25 - The Four Tops ("Baby I Need Your Loving")
October 26-27 - The Village People ("Y.M.C.A.")
October 28-30 - The Outlaws ("There Goes Another Love Song")
October 31-Nov. 3 - Jon Secada ("Just Another Day")
November 4-6 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcats ("The Twist")
November 7-8 - The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts ("Do You Love Me")
November 9-11 - David Sanborn ("Lesley Ann")
There's additional entertainment throughout World Showcase, where performers from
many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics and other acts into the festivities.
Entertainment slated for the event includes:
The 1960s British rock 'n' roll revival sound of The British Invasion (United Kingdom)
The gravity-defying Dragon Legend Acrobats (China)
OrisiRisi interactive drum circle and African folklore (Outpost)
The chair-balancing, comical waiter Serveur Amusant (France)
High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
The Arabic rhythms of Mo'Rockin (Morocco)
Matsuriza traditional Taiko drummers (Japan)
Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
Spirit of America fife and drum corps (American Adventure)
Rhythms and harmonies of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
Norwegian folk music of Spelmanns Gledje (Norway)
Oktoberfest Musikanten dinner show (Germany)
The laser and musical fireworks finale, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," is a
spectacular conclusion to each festival evening.
Showtimes are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. daily and are included with regular Epcot
admission.
The majority of the activities are included with regular Epcot admission however the weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, Epcot Wine Schools, Regional Feasts and other specialty events require reservations and separate admission. Call 407/WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs that require them. Additional festival details will soon be available this summer online at: disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
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A few facts to Chew On:
-More than 300 national and international wines will be served
-More than 76 kinds of international foods, each appetizer-sized portion priced $1.50- $4.50 will be served
-More than 160 of America's most celebrated chefs and Walt Disney World chefs will be at the event
-1,200 wine and beer seminars featuring more than 100 topics will be offered -More than 1,200 fireworks rockets exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" grand finale to the festival
-135 Eat to the Beat! concerts will be performed
-33,000 bottles of wine and champagne will be served
-1.2 million hors d'oeuvre plates will be served
-2.1 million Vanity Fair napkins will be used
-750,000 beer cups will be used
-690,000 samplings including spicy tuna rolls, samosas with tamarind sauce, shrimp escabeche and spaetzle with creamy mushroom ragout will be served
-600,000 forks will be used
-338,000 wine glasses will be used
-100,000 miniature desserts including traditional apple strudel, baklava, Bailey's trifle and kiwi custard roll will be served
-32,000 quesadillas will be served
-28,500 pieces of sushi will be served
-17,000 shrimp on the Barbie will be served
-16,500 escargot will be served
-13,000 Spanikopitta will be served
-10,500 servings of maple glazed salmon will be served
-9,750 servings of lamb chops will be served
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| Magical Dining Month 9/07 |
Throughout the month of September, visitors can tempt their taste buds (without busting their budget) at nearly 50 area restaurants. Designed to showcase Orlando’s culinary creativity, select area dining rooms are offering three-course prix-fixe menus for $19 or $29 (excluding tax, beverage, and gratuity). Included are celebrity chef-studded eateries, ethnic favorites, and include a wide range of award-winning restaurants. French specialties are a standout at Le Coq au Vin, even chef Emeril Lagasse "kicks it up a notch" with his Asian and Polynesian blended cuisine at Emeril's Tchoup Chop. The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café, Le Coq au Vin, Bice Ristorante at Portofino Bay Hotel and Doc's Restaurant are all participants too. Whether you’re in the mood for fine French dining or Floribean favorites you’re bound to find a restaurant to your liking. For a complete list of participating restaurants.
CLICK HERE or go to www.orlandomagicaldining.com.
For more information on Orlando’s "Endless Summer" campaign (as well as additional Orlando area information) go online to orlandoinfo.com or call 800-551-0181. The Official Visitor Center, located at 8723 International Drive, is open 8 am to 7 pm every day of the year (with the exception of December 25).
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| Disney Travel On Demand- Fall 07 |
Disney announced that they will be offering Disney Travel On Demand – an all new interactive experience that allows for vacation planning and entertainment all wrapped up in one.
Per Disney’s official press release, programs are scheduled to include:
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| "Making the Magic" -Fall 07 |
Follow Tristan, a hopeful entertainer, as he tries to fulfill his ultimate dream - to become an elite performer at Walt Disney World Resort. Unfortunately the road to this dream is paved with hurdles, competition, and Disney world-class expectations for unparalleled performances. Will Tristan's desire fuel his ability? Or will the competition be too stiff? Find out as this immersive reality show goes behind-the-scenes showcasing hundreds of performers and weeks of rehearsals all leading up to opening night!
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| "Disney Fact or Fiction" -Fall 07 |
Given the magic of Disney's theme parks, it's no surprise that guests often have trouble distinguishing where fantasy ends and reality begins. Over the years imaginations have run wild and stoked a number of curious urban legends about the history and operations of the theme parks. Now, for the first time ever, Walt Disney Imagineers reveal some incredible secrets as they separate Disney fact from fiction.
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| "Dream Makers" -Fall 07 |
Join celebrity hosts like Joey Fatone and Michelle Kwan, as unsuspecting guests are randomly surprised with some of the most extraordinary and unique experiences Disney has to offer. From spending the night in a brand new royal suite built within Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, to taking over the one of- a-kind Mickey Mouse Penthouse Suite in Disneyland, viewers will get a peek at the excitement behind surprises that are uniquely Disney during "The Year of a Million Dreams."
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| "Disney Travel"- Fall 07 |
Premiering in June, join The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck as she takes viewers far and wide, offering an array of unique travel tips and tricks for experiencing a Disney Vacation. From money-saving tips for planning an easily affordable family visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, zip-lining through a rainforest in Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney, to the best ways to take in the magic of Disney Parks with little ones, Hasselbeck delivers what's new, can't miss, must see... and the best ways to experience it all.
Programming will be available on Cablevision and Time Warner Cable network systems.
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| Little One’s Travel Tim 8/07-10/07 |
Little One’s Travel Time, a special time of year that’s dedicated to guests traveling with tinier tots (pre-school age) will take place this year from August 26th to October 28th – and typically the least crowded time of year, making it an ideal time to travel with little ones in tow. It’s all part of Disney’s Magical Beginnings - a relatively new program (kicking off only last year), that was created especially for families traveling with children under the age of 5 in order to help reduce some of the hassle (and increase the fun) associated with traveling with toddlers in tow. In addition, Disney has added a sprinkle or two of pixie dust and magic by creating specially priced travel packages and unique planning tools (including special downloadable Magical Beginnings theme park maps), ensuring that a host of age-appropriate guest services and amenities are available, and a that an all-new lineup of special events and live toddler-friendly entertainment (all geared to the pre-school set) are included. For additional details click over to the “Unique Events” link on the Walt Disney World Resort page.
During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their youngsters to explore attractions including "it's a small world," Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During this special time, little ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with Peter Pan, and play a variety of other games and activities.
…Little One’s Travel Time features plenty of age appropriate entertainment including:
"Playhouse Disney in Concert" is a lively musical extravaganza headlined by The Doodlebops and runs from Aug. 26-Oct. 28. In addition, weekend concerts will be offered throughout the parks - kids can bebop to the tunes of their Disney Channel favorites including the Imagination Movers, Johnny & the Sprites and Dan Zanes and Friends.
This year's lineup includes:
>Aug. 30-Sept. 2 - Imagination Movers
>Sept. 6-9 - The Doodlebops
>Sept. 13-16 -Playhouse Disney Live on Tour
>Sept. 20-23 - Imagination Movers
>Sept. 27-30 - Choo Choo Soul
>Oct. 4-7 - Choo Choo Soul
>Oct. 11-14 - Ralph's World
>Oct. 18-21 - Johnny and the Sprites
>Oct. 25-28 - Dan Zanes and friends
Performances will be held at the Coaster Courtyard Concert Stage (located near the
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘N ‘ Roller Coaster Starring AeroSmith) at
Disney-MGM Studios. Show times are 10 am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:45 pm.
Visit disneyworld.com/PreK for more details
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| Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K- Fall 07 |
Registration is currently underway for the first ever nighttime Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (taking place on October 27th) and the ever popular Race for the Taste 10K (taking place on October 7th). Head to www.disneysports.com or call 407-938- 3398 for all the details (including forms and fees).
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K is a celebration of the 13th anniversary of Disney’s most terrifying attraction; the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - the course intertwining throughout the park (Disney-MGM Studios). Festivities include an exclusive party with live musical performances (held from 9pm ‘till 1am) as well as the chance to ride some of the parks most popular attractions (including the Rock’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and The Great Movie Ride).
A second (shorter) 6.5K race will kick off at 9pm.
The Race for the Taste 10K has racers heading straight for the finish line and a samplingof the unique culinary creations from Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival.
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| 6/07 |
Universal Islands of Adventure
Summertime brings added thrills to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The all new Hydro-Action Ski Show will wow onlookers as some rather spectacular stunts (think high-speed boats and jet skis) are performed continuously throughout the day.
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| 5/07-9/07 |
* Disney’s Slicing their Pricing…for golfers:
From May 14 through Sept. 27, Disney's Price Slice will save golfers plenty of green on greens fees after 10 am. The savings are substantial, ranging from $34-$44, when compared to regular rates in effect for May-September.
Here's the deal:
The Magnolia course: $55
The Eagle Pines course: $55
The Palm course: $55
The Osprey Ridge course: $55
The Lake Buena Vista course: $45.
Rates include the use of an electric cart.
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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Fall -2007
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party -2007 |
* Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held on select nights in September and October. As details are released (including specific dates and ticket prices) they will of course, be posted. Keep in mind however that this is a separately ticketed after hours event. The party starts only after th e park has closed to the public and is open only to those holding tickets for the event (not simply theme park admission tickets).
In Brief: Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes (though it is not a requirement by any means) and trick-or-treat their way throughout the park. The family-friendly fun includes special Halloween themed activities and events including the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks display. In addition to all the not-so-spooky fun, guests can ride their favorite rides, shop for souvenirs, and grab a bite to eat as many of the parks most popular attractions, shops, and restaurants are up and running throughout the event.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held on September 14th, 21st, 28th, 30th, October 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th, 30th,31st, and November 2nd. The event takes place from 7pm ‘till 12 midnight (after the park has closed to the general public).
This is a separately ticketed after-hours event which means you have to purchase a special ticket to enter the event. Ticket prices are listed just below:
Advance Purchase Tickets run $38.95 for adults (ages 10 and over), $32.95 for children (ages3-9)…that’s a savings of $7 per ticket. (ticket prices do not include tax) Day of Event Tickets run $45.95 for adults (ages 10 and over), $39.95 for children (ages 3-9). (ticket prices do not include tax)
This is one of the most popular theme park events - in years past many of the nights have sold out…and well in advance (most especially Friday evenings and the evenings
throughout the entire last week of October -which should come as no great surprise given that Halloween falls on October 31st). For the most up to date ticket information or simply to purchase tickets for the event, call 407-W-DISNEY (407- 934-7639) or click over to www.disneyworld.com/halloween for the official line.
* Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on November 12th, 15th,
16th, 25th, 27th, 29th, 30th, December 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, and 21st. The event takes place from 7pm ‘till 12 midnight (after the park has closed to the general public).
This is a separately ticketed after-hours event which means you have to purchase a special ticket to enter the event. Ticket prices are listed just below:
Advance Purchase Tickets run $40.95 for adults (ages 10 and over), $33.95 for children (ages3-9)…that’s a savings of $7 per ticket. (ticket prices do not include tax) Day of Event Tickets run $47.95 for adults (ages 10 and over), $40.95 for children (ages 3-9). (ticket prices do not include tax)
Call 407- WDISNEY or 407-934-7639 to purchase tickets in advance for any and all after-hours events listed above.
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| 2007 |
Universal Orlando’s Royal Pacific Resort is currently undergoing an $8.5 million renovation – improvements include a complete overhaul of the resorts 1,000 guest rooms and corridors (keeping in mind that the public areas are already among the most impressive in all of Orlando). Guests rooms will feature all new bedding, a tasteful tropical color scheme (including mango, lime, pale aqua, and melon), bamboo accents (including a bamboo border, a metal wall screen with bamboo patterns, and furnishings accented with rattan and cane), and vintage travel posters in order to reflect a warmer Pacific Island feel. Also included in the upgrade are iHome clock radios with iPod docking stations, wireless internet access (to be up and running by 2008), and flat panel TV’s (32” on standard guest rooms, 42” in suites). Families will appreciate the addition of the new Jurassic Park-themed kid’s suites (though there will only be 8).
The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has wrapped up the renovations of its 650 guest rooms and suites. They now sport 32-inch flat panel TV’s, MP3 docking stations that can connect to the in-room stereo system, upgraded bedding, linens, sheets, pillows, carpeting, and an all new chic color scheme as well as granite topped mini bars. For additional details or to book a room head to www.universalorlando.com or call 407-503-2000. Information on the Hard Rock Hotel can also be found on this site – just click on the Universal Orlando Resort page.
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