Food & Wine At Epcot Features Offerings From...

But what kind of food/drinks d can you expect to find at Epcot during Food & Wine? Hopefully something that you like - they don't really have a huge selection (are you catching the sarcasm?). I mean, you'll only be able to find the most delicious offerings from Africa, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, the Caribbean, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Patagonia, Poland, Scotland, and South Korea...

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Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup 2016

One of my favorite things to do at the Food & Wine Festival is to check out the Eat to the Beat Concerts, where performers play (for free, mind you) at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8pm every single night!! And here's who you can expect to see performing:

9/14-9/15: Wang Chung
9/16-9/18: STARSHIP
9/19-9/20: Air Supply
9/21-9/23: BoDeans
9/24-9/25: Fuel
9/26-9/28: Sugar Ray
9/29-9/30: Los Lobos
10/1-10/2: David Cook
10/3-10/4: Wilson Phillips
10/5-10/6: Blues Traveler
10/7-10/9: Plain White T's
10/10-10/11: 38 Special
10/12-10/13: Jeffrey Osborne
10/14-10/16: Tiffany
10/17-10/19: Dennis DeYoung (of STYX)
10/20-10/21: Christopher Cross
10/22-10/23: Toad the Wet Sprocket
10/24-10/25: Chaka Khan
10/26-10/27: Billy Ocean
10/28-10/29: Living Colour
10/30-11/1: Hanson
11/2-11/3: Soul Asylum
11/4-11/6: Deta Rae
11/7-11/9: Boyz II Men
11/10-11/11: Sister Hazel
11/12-11/14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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ABCs The Chew returning to the International Food & Wine Festival

What else is going on for free at the Food & Wine Festival this year? How about watching the taping of ABC's hit daytime talk show, The CHEW? Yep! That's going to be going on at the Worldview Plaza from October 5-7, from 9am-12pm, and it's going to be a blast to watch!!

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The Chocolate Experience Returns to Epcot

We spent some time, the other day, talking about the Premium Events that can be added to your experience at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival. But, did you know that most of your adventures (aside from all of the food & wine sampling) are totally free? Take The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to Bar, for example. You'll get to sample drinking chocolate and learn all about cocoa bean processing while checking out incredible chocolate sculptures created by Disney's Master Chefs!

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Win a Free Trip to Walt Disney World!!

I told you it was coming!!! Want a chance to visit the incredible International Food & Wine Festival, hosted at Epcot, TOTALLY FREE!? Well, The Chew is holding a sweepstakes to do just that!! Check out the details below and make sure to enter by Sept. 2!!

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Incredible Premium Events at the International Food & Wine Festival

Epcot's Food & Wine Festival is getting ready to begin. And, while there is a ton of fun to be had completely included with your Epcot admission, there are also Premium Events available for those who would like even more!

Rockin’ Burger Block Party (9/30, 10/14, 11/11):

Amidst this rock-till-you-drop setting, you can bust a groove to the ultimate playlist while chowing down on a mouthwatering menu, featuring a selection of specialty sliders and potables – from a new celebrity chef each week. General admission starts at $99 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

Beverage Boot Camp (9/18, 10/30):

You can join a master sommelier or distiller for a crash course on the country’s best-loved libations. These 2-hour seminars discover the delicate nuances to evaluating fine wines and bourbons from top industry experts. Information ranges from appearance, aromas and complexity to production processes, trends and more. The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

What’s Cooking With… (Select Fridays and Sundays):

Celebrity chefs and industry experts share their favorite dish, as well as tips, tricks and insights into what makes it so extraordinary. Dates are still available, including 9/16 (Elizabeth Falkner), 10/14 (Emily Ellyn), 10/23 (Rock Harper), 11/6 (David Guas), 11/11 (Sarah Fioroni) and 11/13 (Jehangir Mehta). The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

The Secrets of Flavor (9/22, 10/20, 11/3):

You can discover how the science of sensory memory affects the way we perceive our favorite foods. Through a 60-minute tasting session, you'll engage your palate and build upon your wine knowledge. This epicurean adventure concludes with a signature 3-course luncheon that will reinforce a newly discovered connection between the 5 senses and food. The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

Party for the Senses Yelloween Masquerade (10/28, 10/29):

In celebration of Halloween, this elegant masquerade soiree features unique entertainment, décor and more. You can feast on themed menu items perfectly paired with champagne, wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails. With a yellow-and-black chic dress code, it’s a charming party sure to make spirits soar! General admission starts at $169 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

Stick around the site... later tonight, I'm going to mention an opportunity for you to visit the Festival... FOR FREE!!

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Awesome Halloween Party Merch. Coming to WDW This Fall!

Everyone loves a good Unboxing Video, and this one takes place after dark, at the Magic Kingdom!

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FastPass+ Now Available For "Eat To The Beat" Concerts!

The "Eat To The Beat" concert series will take place during Epcot's annual Food & Wine Festival. The Festival itself will last from September 25-November 16, 2015, with concerts at the American Gardens Theater at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm, nightly. The best part of it all is that the concerts are available at no additional charge above park entry. Well, that was the best part. Now, you can actually go ahead and book FastPass+ reservations for those shows! Just head into your My Disney Experience account to set it up, like any other FastPass+ reservation. And, let me tell you, these performances are going to be amazing! Check out what Disney has planned:

• Sept. 25-27: David Cook
• Sept. 28-29: Wilson Phillips
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Christopher Cross
• Oct. 2-4: Starship
• Oct. 5-7: Smash Mouth
• Oct. 8-9: Pointer Sisters
• Oct. 10-11: 38 Special
• Oct. 12-13: Rick Springfield
• Oct. 14-16: Sugar Ray
• Oct. 17-18: The S.O.S. Band
• Oct. 19-21: Air Supply
• Oct. 22-23: Fuel
• Oct. 24-25: Tiffany (new this year!)
• Oct. 26-28: Dennis DeYoung•
• Oct. 29-30: Jo Dee Messina
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Everclear (new this year!)
• Nov. 2-4: Boyz II Men
• Nov. 5-6: Sister Hazel
• Nov. 7-9: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• Nov. 10-12: Hanson
• Nov. 13-14: Maxi Priest (new this year!)
• Nov. 15-16: Chaka Khan (new this year!)

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Star Wars Half Marathon Coming To Disney World!

Disney has just announced a brand new run coming to the Walt Disney World Resort!

The force has awakened at Walt Disney World Resort as runDisney announces a new addition to it's portfolio - "Star Wars Half Marathon - the Dark Side."

This intergalactic quest through the Walt Disney World Resort blasts off April 14-17, 2016 and channels the Dark Side of the Force. Events include a 5K, 10K, kids’ races and half marathon. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge — running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days – that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal.

Runners who join the Galactic Empire will enjoy a true Star Wars experience, including Dark Side-inspired medals and merchandise throughout the weekend.

The new race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland  Resort, which will return in January as the "Star Wars Half Marathon – the Light Side."

Guests who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge — completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative "Coast to Coast'' medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship.

Registration for "Star Wars Half Marathon – the Dark Side" opens Sept. 22, 2015 at noon ET.

I would be happy to help you get registered for this event and, if you like, even help you to build the perfect vacation around the run! Just shoot me an Email and we'll chat!

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"Inside Out" Sneak Peek Coming To Epcot!

Inside Out, Disney•Pixar's newest film coming to theaters is the story of a girl named Riley... or, rather, what is going on inside of Riley's head. And, let me tell you, from the looks of the cast of characters like Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger, it's going to be a good one! But don't take my word for it - check it out for yourself... and you don't even have to wait until its theatrical release on June 19, 2015.  Coming to Epcot on May 30, 2015 is a special advance look at a sequence from the film, complete with an exclusive introduction from the filmmakers and the special in-theater effects that guests have come to know and love from the Imagination Pavilion Theater in Epcot's Future World. Currently, this theater is hosting an exclusive preview of the film, Tomorrowland. Prior to that it had been showing Michael Jackson's Captain Eo. This venue has also been host to Disney's Honey, I Shrunk The Audience.

Want to enjoy more from the world of Inside Out? Check out the Inside Out Emotion Garden at Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival, going on now until May 17, 2015.

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Sounds Like Summer Returns To Epcot

Sounds Like Summer is a fantastic, annual concert series that takes place at Epcot, featuring tributes to classic bands. That's where the "sounds like" comes in. They "sound like" the original bands - get it!? This year's concerts will be taking place, free of charge (with park admission, of course) from June 7-July 25, 2015 at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8pm, daily. Here's who you can expect to enjoy:

• June 7-13: DSB - A Tribute to Journey
• June 14-20: 2U - A Tribute to U2
• June 21-26: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shop - A Tribute to Billy Joel Show
• June 27-July 4: Don't Look Back - A Tribute to Boston
• July 5-11: Fire & Ice - A Tribute to Pat Benatar
• July 12-18: Stayin' Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• July 19-25: Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles

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Frozen Summer Fun Premium Packages Now Available!

We've talked a little bit about all of the fun that's in store during this summer's "Coolest Summer Ever," at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including the return of Frozen Summer Fun. For those Guests who are looking for a little something extra, Disney is, once again, offering a Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package, available from June 17-September 7, 2015. Here's everything that you'll experience, should you decide that the package is for you:

• Reserved viewing for Frozen Royal Welcome, featuring Anna and Elsa, complete with regal refreshments - water, a selection of soft drinks and ice cream.
• Reserved seating for a choice of one show time of For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• Frozen Fireworks viewing with dessert party - a dazzling nighttime display of fireworks paired with Frozen-themed desserts, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The cost for the package is $69/adult and $39/children ages 3-9, including tax and gratuity. If you're interested, act sooner rather than later - availability is limited and it definitely did sell on on more than one occasion last summer. Feel free to Get In Touch with me for help booking this or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

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24-Hour Event Kicks Off The Coolest Summer Ever!

Disney is getting ready to kick off the "Coolest Summer Ever" at the Walt Disney World Resort and, to do that, they are going to be hosting a 24-hour event from 6am, May 22 - 6am, May 23, 2015! Specifics about that party will be coming in the new few weeks, I'm sure. But, for right now, let's talk about what you can expect in the summer of 2015!

• Frozen Fun - "Frozen" Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
• Cool Thrill Rides - Find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Test Track and Soarin' at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom; Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Weekends - Find stars from another galaxy at Hollywood Studios from May 15-June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping - Throughout the summer, new waterfront doing and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
• Epcot entertainment - New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot's World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• A Splash at Water Parks - A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney's two iconic water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

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Dates Announced For The Halloween & Christmas Parties

We now know the dates for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as well as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, two specially-ticketed events that take place at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park. So, without further ado...

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2015
     • September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
     • October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
     • November 1

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2015
     • November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
     • December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

The tickets for both of these events, filled with unique decorations, shows and parades, snacks, and more will go on sale in April 2015.

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Disney Egg-stravaganza Is Back!

If you like the idea of hunting for Easter Eggs, themed to Disney Characters, then you're going to love this news: Disney's Egg-stravaganza is returning to the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this year, from March 27-April 5, 2015.

For $4.95, guests to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Epcot can purchase Egg-stravaganza maps and stickers. Here are the specific locations where you'll be able to find them:

• Disney California Adventure Park: Disney Jr. Kiosk, Elias & Co., Oswald's, Radiator Speings Curios, and Treasures in Paradise
• Disneyland Park: Disneyana, Disney Showcase, Fairy Tale Treasures, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile, and Stromboli's
• Epcot: Heritage Manor Gifts (American Adventure Pavilion), Pin Central, Plaza Towers (Port of Entry), and World Traveler (International Gateway)

Then, go hunting for eggs, placing a sticker on each corresponding spot on the map that you find them. When it's all said and done, return your map to the appropriate redemption location - Elia & Co. at Disney California Adventure Park, Disney Showcase in Disneyland Park, or Port of Entry in Epcot - by April 30, 2015 to receive your surprise!

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Fireworks And More At Star Wars Weekends 2015

We have some more information about this year's Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it's going to be incredible. Star Wars Weekends is the annual celebration of everything related to our favorite galaxy far, far away. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015, you can visit a Hollywood Studios that has been transformed for the event, filled with special shows, character meet & greets, and more.

"James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars,' will return to host the Stars of the Saga talk show - including everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow - at a new larger location in the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard [where you can also enjoy the live Beauty and the Beast show].

Darth’s Mall is moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America where you can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

Plus, Star Wars characters assemble and 'Summon the Force' each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at greatest moments throughout the day on social media. 

And, at the end of the day, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as 'Symphony in the Stars' salutes the saga's most dramatic stories and brings you as close to the Force as you can get."

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"Garden Rocks Concert Series" Lineup At Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival is returning to Walt Disney World, this year, form March 4-May 17, 2015! In addition to the breathtaking gardens, absolutely incredible Disney character topiaries, and delicious food, this celebration of springtime features the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Formerly the Flower Power Concert Series, the Garden Rocks Series will feature 11 different pop bands throughout the run of the Festival. Here's who you can expect to see performing, free with Epcot park admission, at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from March 4-May 17.

• March 6-8: Gin Blossoms ("Hey Jealousy")
• March 13-15: Pablo Cruise ("Love Will Find A Way")
• March 20-22: En Vogue ("Free Your Mind")
• March 27-29: Starship ("We Built This City")
• April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO ("Evil Woman")
• April 10-12: Village People ("Y.M.C.A.")
• April 17-19: Jon Secada ("Just Another Day")
• April 24-26: The Guess Who ("These Eyes")
• May 1-3: Taylor Dayne ("Tell It To My Heart")
• May 8-10: Little River Band ("Lady")
• May 15-17: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ("I'm Henry the VIII, I Am")

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Wandering Oaken's and the Frozen Funland Now Closed

Frozen Funland at Hollywood Studios

Here's some news you might want to know if you're planning a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios - Wandering Oaken's Trading Post and Frozen Funland is now closed. This area, which featured a merchandise shop, photo spot, and an area filled with snow and ice for families to play in, debuted in the summer of 2014, as part of Hollywood Studios' Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! The last remaining attraction from last summer's event is the show, For The First Time In Forever: A "Frozen" Sing-Along Celebration.

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Go Behind The Scenes At Disney World & Win A Dream Vacation!

Everyone has a Disney Side and, all this month, Disney Insider, Sam, will be going undercover at Walt Disney World, to sneak some behind-the-scenes looks at how some of our favorite Disney Characters show their Disney Sides, as Disney finally allows the cameras to be flipped around on themselves! Even cooler still - Just by checking in with Sam, you can win a 5-Day/4-Night Dream Vacation for 4 to Walt Disney World that includes:

• 1-Night stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom Park
• 3 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
• 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More Options
• $500 Disney Gift Card
• Personalized “Disney Side” Welcome Basket
• Glass Slipper Gift inspired by the new live-action film “Cinderella,” in theaters March 13
• Round-trip coach airfare (If the winner resides more than 250 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort)

For super easy access to all of the top secret, stealth info. that our Disney Insider reports, I'll be posting all of Sam's updates, every day this month, on my Facebook page: Facebook.com/mikecohentravel, so make sure to follow along. You can also visit DisneyFlipSide.com for more details! Good luck - and I'll see you on the Flip Side!

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Welcome In 2015 With These Amazing Disney World Experiences!

There is so much going on this New Years at the Walt Disney World Resort! Per Disney:

Countdown at Magic Kingdom
The new year kicks off with fireworks galore at Magic Kingdom Park. Along with "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," you can enjoy "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, capped off with a breathtaking musical show. This special fireworks display will be presented on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m.

New Year's Around the Globe at EpcotAll across World Showcase at Epcot, you can explore each countries' traditions at participating pavilions - including Morocco, Italy, China, France, the United Kingdom and the USA - as they soak up the sounds of favorite bands and DJs. Plus, World Showcase promenade is the place to be as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky with a message of peace and goodwill. Two showings of this nighttime spectacular will take place on New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.

Celebrate at Hollywood Studios
Guests of all ages will enjoy the fabulous family-style fun and entertainment that New Year's Eve unreels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come nightfall on Dec. 31, 2014, the "rake and roll" cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears takes the stage for a set of iconic songs. And, as midnight approaches, the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light. You can watch in wonder as majestic fireworks glitter, glisten and inspire awe in one and all.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown DisneyIf you wish to enjoy New Year's Eve at Downtown Disney, please remember that, as in previous years, there are no fireworks displays. However, there are a variety of exciting offerings to enjoy this year at Downtown Disney, including special New Year's Eve food and beverage tents, merchandise stands and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy dining experiences, movies, bowling, Cirque du Soleil, shopping and more. Or, you can explore some of the newest offerings including the Food Trucks at Exposition Park and the flagship Starbucks location at Downtown Disney West Side, as well as the Marketplace Co-Op at the Downtown DisneyMarketplace. 

If you are arriving in your own vehicle, please  follows signs to available parking, which may be located adjacent to the Downtown Disney area. It is recommended that Guests arrive at least 60 minutes in advance of all reservations and planned activities. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, it is recommended that you use complimentary transportation, as parking may be limited. 

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