10 Must-Do Experiences at Epcot's Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts Events
1. Art of Topiaries The Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries.
2. Watermelon Carving – A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.
3. Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.
4. Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.
5. Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.
6. Inspiring Floral – This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.
7. Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.
8. Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
9. Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
10. Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return January 12 through February 19, 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. Book these experiences by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687)
EPCOT CELEBRATES THE DISNEY•PIXAR FILM ‘COCO’ WITH NEW ENTERTAINMENT, INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS
El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia
From now until Jan. 6, 2018, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia, a new musical group inspired by the film, will entertain you at the Mexico Pavilion. Named for the town of Santa Cecilia seen in the film, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia perform songs from the movie including the beautiful “Remember Me” and the heartwarming “The World Es Mi Familia.”
Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.
In addition to this new musical experience, you can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Disney's Magical Express Operation Change
Magical Express Operational Changes
Today I learned of an operational change regarding Disney's Magical Express, that might impact some travel plans. Magical Express will now pick up guests headed to Orlando International Airport 4-hours prior to their flight. Previously Magical Express picked up guests 3-hours prior to their flight. Construction delays at Orlando International as well as longer than usual security lines have caused concern about guests making their flights on time.
This change will be in effect until further notice.
MagicBand Deadline Coming for Gift of Magic Vacation Package
Disney World - Gift of Magic Special Edition
As a reminder, to ensure delivery of the special gift box and MagicBands by Dec. 15, 2017, those of you who have booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" must claim your reservation to your personal My Disney Experience account and verify your mailing address by Dec. 1, 2017.
Reservations that do not complete these steps by Dec. 1, 2017 will not be sent the special gift box. If a solid MagicBand color is chosen in lieu of the specially designed MagicBand, the selection cannot be changed after Dec. 1, 2017.
Please note this is only for guests who specifically booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" and does not apply to "Magical Vacations Travel - Agency Exclusive Offers" or any other package type.
Disney Gift of Magic - Special Edition Magic Bands
New Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Restaurant | Walt Disney World
Ale & Compass Restaurant (formerly Captain’s Grille) has been completely transformed into a New England gastropub. The on-stage “hearth” oven area, where a select few diners can grab a seat, is the focal point of this warm and inviting space that is reminiscent of an off-shore lighthouse with rich, salvaged materials that are the decorative finishes.
Check out all the menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the lounge.
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2018
Epcot 2018 Flower and Garden Festival
Held each day from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018, the Festival’s 25th anniversary event will feature fan favorites like exhibits, events and tastings including:
- Disney Character Topiaries
- 15 Outdoor Kitchens serving creative, flavor-rich cuisine that highlights spring garden offerings
- Garden Rocks music series – with its classic rock ‘n’ roll stars from the ‘60s, ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s. Garden Rocks Dining packages will be available for certain Epcot restaurants – pairing a fabulous meal with reserved seating for your favorite concert
- Garden Tours – Including Gardens of the World Tour (spring edition); the English Tea Garden Tour; and Royal Tea Garden Tour (extra fee required)
- New interactive kids play areas
- And – of course – the millions of extra plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and themed gardens that decorate Epcot in spring.
- Also returning will be our Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and hand-crafted and Festival merchandise to extend an already-packed day of adventure at Epcot.
>> Check out available Spring Offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels and tickets.
by Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations