Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Now Open!

Walt Disney World® Resort global dine-around – the 24th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – has started and runs through November 23, 2019 with irresistible bites, sips and non-stop family fun. There’s 87 delicious days of Festival-exclusive edibles and entertainment, such as a Candy Sushi-making experience, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt, the rockin’ Eat to the Beat Concert Series and Disney du Jour Dance Party.

The festival is set to thrill foodies with more than 30 global marketplaces, filled with eats like the warm raclette Swiss cheese debuting at The Alps Global Marketplace, a brand-new location for this year’s event. Guests can follow their nose to the jerk-spiced chicken grilled on site for all to savor at the Islands of the Caribbean Global Marketplace. And get ready for a taste of autumn at the Appleseed Orchard Global Marketplace near Le Cellier Steakhouse, where a chill vibe plus charcuterie and cheese nibbles pair well with fresh apple-enhanced libations plus fanciful flights with spice and kick. 

Toast to the Festival at Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar, where mimosas will be served individually or as a flight for those who can’t choose between vibrant fruity flavors like key lime and blood orange.  

Bust some moves this opening weekend when Radio Disney ‘Next Big Thing’ artist alum Meg Donnelly (“With U,” Disney Channel’s “Zombies”) ratchets up the fun factor at the Disney du Jour Dance Party, Aug. 30 and 31 in Future World. The Dance Party runs daily, with Disney Characters and Radio Disney artists appearing each Friday and Saturday. More new artists will be announced this week, adding to the concert series’ smorgasbord of family fun!  

Make a date to groove with the Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”) at the debut of this year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Aug. 29-31. Or, they can celebrate with new Festival act Sawyer Brown (“Thank God for You”) who’ll take the stage and round out Labor Day weekend of top tunes Sept. 1 and 2. The outdoor concerts are included with theme park admission and located at America Gardens Theatre, running Sundays to Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. from Aug. 29 – Nov. 19.  There’s still time to book an Eat to the Beat Dining Package at select Epcot table-service restaurants to secure guaranteed concert seating!

For Disney Vacation pricing contact Simply Perfect Vacations. As your Disney Vacation Planner, SPV will help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things we'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

New Global Marketplaces, Radio Disney Artists and Eat to the Beat Acts for 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The 24th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, which runs a record 87 days from August 29 to November 23. With less than two weeks from opening, here’s more details!

Two additional new marketplaces – The Donut Box and Cool Wash – will debut October 1, 2019, with sweet eats and refreshing sips. Disney chefs have harnessed their creative energies for a festival spin on the donut craze, producing irresistible marketplace goodies that include a Black and White Coffee Cocktail garnished with a fresh yeast donut sprinkled with chocolate espresso bean crumbles. And, there’s more – The Donut Box also will feature a Sweet Corn Fritter with Fresno and red pepper jelly, plus Strawberry-dusted Yeast Donut Holes. Also on the menu is a Strawberry Smoothie made with Blue Diamond Breeze Almondmilk® and an exclusive festival beer called Boston Cream Donut Ale (yes, we said “donut ale”!) from Central 28 Beer Company, located in DeBary, Fla.

Cool Wash will be a chill stop where you can create your own frozen beverages with slushy flavors ranging from Blue Raspberry to Orange Cream. Go crazy with mix-ins: Swedish Fish, Jelly Drops, Boba Pearls and Pop Rocks! Talk about a taste-bud party!

There’s also big news on the Eat to the Beat Concert front! Central Florida boyband great Joey Fatone hits the America Gardens Theatre stage November 12-14 as Joey Fatone and Friends, featuring Chris Kirkpatrick and Ryan Cabrera. Expect plenty of dance moves and enough personality to delight Guests of all ages. Another Eat to the Beat update: alternative rock band Smash Mouth – soon to release a brand-new album — will rock the stage September 16-17. Don’t forget, you can get your gourmet groove on August 29 - November 19 with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. Dining packages are available at select table-service locations and include guaranteed concert seating.

For the nightly Disney du Jour Dance Party, some new Radio Disney artist appearances to add to those already announced:

• Sept. 27-28 – Isabella Nicole (“Headphones”) 
• Oct. 4-5 – Avenue Beat (“Delight”) 
• Nov. 1-2 – AJ Mitchell (“All My Friends”)
• Nov. 8-9 – Kylie Cantrall (“That’s What I’m Talkin’ Bout”) 
• Nov. 15-16 – Erin Bowman (“Keep Me Warm”) 
• Nov. 22-23 –Tegan Marie (“Horses”)

Reservations for special programming and premium festival events including Eat to the Beat Dining Packages can be made in advance!

For Disney Vacation pricing contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

New Global Marketplaces, ESPN Tailgate Tasting and Entertainment Surprises Add to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Counting down to August 29 and the launch of the 24th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, there is more exciting news about sips, bites and entertainment on tap for this longer-than-ever, 87-day event!

Starting with sips, check out the new Appleseed Orchard Marketplace which will offer a unique variety of craft brews, ciders, wines and lite bites. This new marketplace will be located next to Le Cellier Steakhouse in World Showcase. The “O Canada!” film will be refreshed with new footage and a projection-system upgrade for a visually-enhanced experience. While this behind-the-scenes work is in progress, the theater will transform to an all-new festival destination offering a cool respite.

At the Appleseed Orchard Marketplace, you will be able to pair apple-inspired beers, ciders and cocktails like the Apple Blossom Sky while nibbling on Charcuterie and Cheese. Brews, ciders and wines will be offered individually or as flights. And the kid-friendly Frozen Apple Pie drink will inspire a chill stroll to the next stop.

More sweet and savory treats will debut at the brand-new The Alps Marketplace, where you can conjure a snow-capped setting while dipping into their dish of Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons and Baguette, or Venison Stew with Crushed Potatoes paired with a refreshing Frozen Rosé. 

Also new this year, families can enjoy Emile’s Fromage Montage where they can sample a variety of delicious cheeses served in inventive ways. Purchase any five cheese dishes from the official Global Marketplaces listed in the Festival Passport and collect a stamp for each cheese dish purchased. Once they've collected all five stamps, they can bring the stamped Festival Passport to Shimmering Sips for a complimentary specialty cheesecake unique to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. 

And you can pair football mania with festival fun, no grills or picnic baskets required. Bookings have started for the new Tailgate Tasting hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football, available select Sundays starting September 8 – November 17. The 45-minute program will pair gridiron grub with a beverage tasting inspired by the cities of pro teams playing each Monday night. Even better, you will learn how to prepare the dishes for your next tailgate party!

The anticipated week-long expansion of the Disney du Jour Dance Party, with weekend Radio Disney artist appearances. Sundays through Thursdays, a DJ will lead the interactive fun. Fridays and Saturdays will feature performances by Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country artists and appearances from a few of your favorite Disney characters. Catch headliners Meg Donnelly (“With U,” Disney Channel’s Zombies) Aug. 30-31, Jenna Raine (“A Letter to Me”) Sept. 13-14, Sky Katz (“Like This,” Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home) Oct. 11-12 and JAGMAC (“Like a Band”) Oct. 18-19 – they’ll want to dance the night away with family and friends! 

And more NEW acts are joining the roster for the festival’s longest-ever Eat to the Beat Concert Series, returning this year from Aug. 29 – Nov. 19, including Tiffany!  

For Disney Vacation pricing contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

Get Ready to Eat, Sip, Repeat! Only 3 Months Until the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Less than three months to go until the 24th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 29, 2019, and there are more details to help you prepare for the record-setting 87-day event!

You won’t want to miss the celebrity chefs! Making their festival debuts this year are restauranteur Fabio Viviani (Sept. 15), Food Network star and cookbook author Aarti Sequeira (Nov. 17), and David Burtka (Oct. 13), celebrity chef, author of “Life is a Party” and husband of actor Neil Patrick Harris.

Returning to the festival is the Sunday Brunch with the Chef experience. Among the chefs appearing this year are Jamie Deen (Sept. 1), Carla Hall (Sept. 8), Richard Blais (Sept. 22), Robert Irvine (Sept. 29) and Graham Elliot (Nov. 10). Advance reservations are highly recommended for this popular experience. 

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series also returns this year from August 29 - November 19, 2019 with 249 concerts in all. Along with previously announced artists, newcomer India (“Mi Mayor Venganza”) will make her Epcot concert series debut October 5 and 6. Taylor Dayne (“Tell it to My Heart”) returns October 3 and 4, and Kenny G (“Songbird”) is back October 14 and 15. Enjoy guaranteed concert seating by booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package, available at participating Epcot restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner reservations.

Across the festival there’s plenty planned for families with kids of all ages, starting with Candy Sushi fun hosted by Adventures by Disney® with candy provided by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. Located at Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion and offered two times daily, this experience, for a small fee, pairs families with a Disney chef for a chance to roll sweet sushi treats. You'll need to book reservations for this in advance.

And for the tantalizing scoop on chocolate, you won’t want to miss The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Located for the first time at the entrance of the Harvest Theater in The Land pavilion, Ghirardelli will whip up chocolate sundae treats that will be available for purchase at Sunshine Seasons.

Rock the festival look this year by donning stylish new gear for your global dine-around experience. Chef Minnie has joined Chef Mickey to bring sparkle and a “sprinkle” of fun to this line of accessories and apparel – the cupcake headband is sure to become a Guest favorite! Chef Figment accessories and home goods will be all the purple rage. Chef Remy from Disney●Pixar’s “Ratatouille” has cooked up apparel and kitchenware designs featuring the best global ingredients. And toast your way around the world with the Brews Around the World collection or the classic Taste Your Way Around the World Collection!

Now, more than ever, it’s time to plan your visit to the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! 

For Disney Vacation pricing and tips to make the most of your Festival visit, contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Launches Global Culinary Fun Aug. 29

Enjoy the ultimate global dine-around when the 24th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival takes place August 29 - November 23, 2019!

At 87 days, this is the longest foodie fest ever at Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, with fresh flavors available across 30 Global Marketplaces dotting Future World and World Showcase. There are flavors for everyone in the family to discover, like the new Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin in the Africa Marketplace or the plant-based Cottage Pie at Earth Eats. Between bites and sips, you will find a world of entertainment.

And, back by popular demand, “Disney du Jour Dance Party” in Future World will expand to seven days a week! Sundays through Thursdays, a DJ will spin plenty of interactive fun, while on Fridays and Saturdays stars from Radio Disney pump up the mix with live performances; on opening weekend, actress/singer Meg Donnelly from the Disney Channel original movie “Zombies” will appear. Watch for more weekend celebrity headliners to join the lineup. Other family activities on tap are Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt and the popular Candy Sushi interactive experience.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series also returns (through Nov. 19 – 249 concerts in all), so you can get your groove on three times nightly. Rock, pop, Latin, swing, country and other genres – it’s a buffet of great music. You can even guarantee concert seats by booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package for breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of many Epcot restaurants. 

New concert acts include Sawyer Brown (“Thank God for You”); Lauren Daigle (“You Say”); Boyce Avenue (“Anchor”); and Kris Allen (“Live Like We’re Dying”). Festival favorites are back, too! Your Clients won’t want to miss the Plain White T’s, Sugar Ray, Hanson, Sheila E. and Boyz II Men, among many others.

Plus, you can plan a new culinary adventure when bookings open on May 15, 2019 for:

• Party for the Senses at World Showplace Events Pavilion, the sensational event featuring chefs and vintners from around the world. (Select Saturdays through Nov. 9)
• Sunday Brunch with the Chef, hosted by celebrity chefs such as Cat Cora, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro and others. (Select Sundays through Nov. 17)
• “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops that let you rub shoulders with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. (Select Mondays and Thursdays through Nov. 14)

Now, more than ever, is the time to plan your visit to the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Stay tuned for festival news and booking details for dining experiences, seminars and premium festival events.  

For Disney Vacation pricing, contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Details were revealed for two Guest-favorite festivals at Epcot®: the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run August 29 - November 23, 2019 making it the longest Food & Wine Festival in the park’s history at 87 days! The festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run August 29 - November 19 and will feature a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists. (NOTE: The concert series will conclude a few days earlier than the festival in order to set the stage for the return of the park’s beloved Candlelight Processional).

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of offering tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s celebrity chef appearances, Eat to the Beat artists, dining packages, special events and more.

The 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays also returns November 29 - December 30, 2019. The park’s seasonal celebration invites you to discover holiday cheer across all 11 World Showcase pavilions and throughout the park. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests, will feature nightly retellings of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.  

Stay tuned for more information as it’s released!

For Disney Vacation pricing, contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

Sneak Peek at This Year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and More

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is just a few days away from serving up 75 days of entertainment, events, and, of course, amazing food and beverages. On the newest episode of the “Inside Disney Parks” show, the Disney Parks Blog take you backstage at Epcot for an early look at what to expect at the Festival – along with a special report from Pixar Pier and more.

The Festival’s 23rd year runs from August 30 - November 12, 2018. And as you can see in the show, this year’s event continues its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs and concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

Contact me today to book your Disney vacation today -there is still plenty of time to book your Disney vacation this year! When you book your Walt Disney World vacation with me, a Disney vacation professional planner, I'll find your the Disney Resort that fits your family's budget and vacation needs - at no extra cost to you! Just email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com! Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Entertainment for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Summer is waning, and fall is just around the corner. At Walt Disney World® Resort, that means it’s almost time for the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival! This year, the Festival covers 75 days, from August 30 - November 12, 2018, and the Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is hard at work on a menu of great experiences to fill those days.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theater with nine new acts including 98 Degrees, MercyMe, Vertical Horizon, Glass Tiger, Sheila E. and Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts.

In Future World, the all-new Disney Du Jour Dance Party electrifies the Fountain View Stage on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the Festival, with great music and interactive dances and activities for kids of all ages. A different pairing of Disney characters stops by each weekend, so you may find yourself partying with Remy and Emile from Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from “Zootopia,” Lilo and Stitch or classic favorites such as Chip ‘n Dale or Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar! And every Disney Du Jour Dance Party is highlighted by a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming artist from Radio Disney.

For opening weekend, the Disney Du Jour Dance Party will feature Hollywood Records’ recording artist, IRL. The band just wrapped the first leg of the American Idol 2018 tour and will embark on their own headline tour, starting Sept. 9, 2018. You can catch IRL’s performance at Epcot August 31 - September 1, 2018.

The Disney Du Jour Dance Party is one of several new family-friendly offerings at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Kids can explore a new playground in Future World, participate in the Junior Chef Kitchen presented by Krusteaz (Sundays in the Festival Center) and try their hand at rolling sweet sushi treats at Sunshine Seasons with Candy Sushi presented by Skittles and Adventures by Disney®.

A separately ticketed event, Party for the Senses, runs on select Saturdays and pays tribute to the sensory arts with a night filled with incredible food and entertainment. This year, each Party for the Senses is headlined by a performance from the incomparable Femmes of Rock. The Femmes of Rock have wowed audiences worldwide with high-energy shows, featuring classic rock hits played on electric violins.

When you book your Walt Disney World vacation with me, a Disney vacation professional planner, I'll find your the Disney Resort that fits your family's budget and vacation needs - at no extra cost to you! Just email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com! Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Ultimate Fall into Magic Package

Kick off fall at in the most exciting way of all with this incredible vacation package at Walt Disney World Resort. From September 3-8, 2018, enjoy a 5-night stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, 4-day Magic Your Way® tickets with Park Hopper® Option and an itinerary full of magic, including some exclusive experiences just for Guests booked on this package! This package is available to book now until August 19, 2018 (provided there is availability). Here's a peek at what the incredible Fall itinerary includes:

• Sept. 3, 2018 – Disney Resort hotel arrival

• Sept. 4, 2018 – Exclusive “Welcome to Fall” dinner at Epcot®, inspired by Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

• Sept. 5, 2018 – A nighttime journey aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris and an exclusive showing of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park after park closing

• Sept. 6, 2018 – Two hours of exclusive evening access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

• Sept. 7, 2018 – Tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park

• Sept. 8, 2018 – Disney Resort hotel check-out

This package starts at $149 per person, per night, for a family of four – 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9) – with a stay in a standard room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and  enjoy this offer for a total package price of $2,980!

When you book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, you will get my planning services for FREE! There are a few ways you can book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered): You can

1.    Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;2.    Answer a few questions to request a quote;3.    Message me on Facebook; or4.    Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 

• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 

• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;

• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 

• Book any tours or unique experiences; 

• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 

• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Signature Dining Events

Reservations for nine tremendously popular Epcot® Signature Dining Events – a part of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – is now open!  Each festival event offers an exclusive, immersive and tasty dining experience at a World Showcase restaurant.

Mexican Tequila Lunch – La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion - South-of-the-border cuisine paired with the fiery taste of tequila!

• Cost: $85 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m.
• Dates: Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, Oct. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31, Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing at Via Napoli – Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion - Authentic Italian dishes with an original twist, each expertly prepared and served with regional beverages.

• Cost: $88 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 1:30-4:15 p.m.
• Dates: Sept. 25, 27, Oct. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, Nov. 1, 6 and 8

Italian Regional Food & Wine Pairing Luncheon – Tutto Gusto, Italy Pavilion - Italy’s finest food and drink are paired in perfect harmony and served in a rustic wine cellar.

• Cost: $99 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 12:00-2:30 p.m.
• Dates: Sept 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, Oct. 1,3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31, Nov. 5 and 7

Parisian Breakfast – Chefs de France, France Pavilion - Fabulous fresh-baked goodness, from baguettes and croissants to patisserie-perfect pain au chocolat.

• Cost: $40 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 9:15-10:30 a.m.
• Dates: Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3 and 10

French Family Meal Traditions – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion - From hors d’oeuvres to entrées, you can experience authentic French fare just like Maman used to make.

• Cost: $95 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 12:00-3:30 p.m.
• Dates: Oct. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, Nov. 2, 4, 9 and 11

The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion - Heavenly morsels from Monsieur Paul, the culinary jewel of the France pavilion.

• Cost: $55 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Dates: Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov, 3 and 10

The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef – Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion - An unforgettable dining experience as the restaurant’s “performing” chefs add a modern twist to traditional cooking techniques

• Cost: $180 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 4:00-6:00p.m.
• Dates: Oct. 1, 15, 29 and Nov. 5

Tokyo Pairing – Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion - Exquisitely prepared meals that showcase the Land of the Rising Sun’s creative presentation.

• Cost: $160 per person, plus tax, gratuity included
• Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Dates: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov, 1 and 8

Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing – Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion - Expertly prepared gourmet cuisine that showcases the unique flavors of Morocco, the Mediterranean and beyond.

• Cost: $65 per person, plus tax (gratuity included)
• Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Dates: Sept. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, Oct. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31, Nov, 5, 7 and 12

There is still plenty of time to book your Fall Disney Vacation! Plus, when you book with me, Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, you will get my planning services for FREE! There are a few ways you can book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered): You can

1. Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;
2. Answer a few questions to request a quote;
3. Message me on Facebook; or
4. Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Food and Wine Special Events Booking Details

Next week, June 14th, you can book food demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars or celebrity chef events for the 2018 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort.  Favorite festival events including celebrity chef culinary demonstrations, Eat to the Beat dining packages, Party for the Senses grand tasting experiences, beverage seminars and cheese seminars and other fun events go on sale.

The festival’s 23rd year runs from August 30 - November 12, 2018 (during Free Dining!) so you have plenty of time to experience all the festival has to offer this year!

Celebrity chefs this year include new stars like Cooking Channel host Tiffani Thiessen and Richard Blais, along with returning favorites like Alex Guarnaschelli, Robert Irvine, Masaharu Morimoto, Buddy Valastro, Art Smith and Carla Hall and many others.

Brand new events to this year’s festival include:

• Sunday Brunch with the Chef: This two-hour event includes a brunch buffet and featuring a distinguished culinary television personality.  While enjoying a meal inspired by some of our VIP guest’s favorite dishes, attendees will be part of an in-depth question-and-answer session featuring kitchen tips, tricks and insights. Finally, foodies are in for a fabulous pièce de résistance: a sparkling wine toast and an exclusive meet-and-greet photo opportunity with our celebrated gourmet guest.
• Food & Beverage Pairing: Learn from the pros at these 45-minute sessions, held each Friday to Sunday. Enjoy a collaboration between the featured chef and beverage presenter, pick up a few tips and best of all – taste the demonstrated dish and beverage pairing.

Five additional acts for the 2018 Eat to the Beat concert series have been confirmed. Along with previously announced artists, newcomers Canadian country artist High Valley (“She’s With Me”) and pop artist Vertical Horizon (“Everything You Want”) will perform at the America Gardens Theatre along with returning favorites Smash Mouth, Kenny G and Plain White T’s.

Family fun activities will abound during the festival, including the return of Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt, and new offerings like an interactive playground, a character dance party on Friday and Saturday evenings and a new Junior Chef Kitchen, program offered every Sunday and designed with kids in mind.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s celebrity chef events, special activities and other fun.

Let's get your Walt Disney World vacation booked for this Fall before June 14th so you can book some of these incredible events! When you book with me, Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, and get my planning services for FREE! There are a few ways you can book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered): You can

1. Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;
2. Answer a few questions to request a quote;
3. Message me on Facebook; or
4. Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!