Wine Bar George Opening!

Today, May 19, 2018, the doors to Wine Bar George will open at 5 p.m. and the first glass of wine will be poured at the grand opening. Wine Bar George is the latest addition to the dynamic food and beverage scene at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort. On May 20, Wine Bar George will open at its normal daily service hours of 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The restaurant’s namesake, George Miliotes, is a Master Sommelier – one of only 249 in the world. Wine Bar George is the only wine bar in Florida owned by a Master Sommelier and will offer more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass, and bottle in a range of varietals, vintages, and prices.

This 200-seat wine bar is centrally located at The Landing. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with ambience reminiscent of a winemaker’s home or enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney Springs on the terrace with its sweeping views of The Landing and the waterfront stage.

Looking to dine al fresco at Disney Springs? The Basket at Wine Bar George will offer European-style sandwiches, cheese, olives, hummus, charcuterie, cookies, and wines on tap—served to-go by the glass or carafe.

Walk-ins are always welcome, and reservations for Wine Bar George will be available starting May 25, 2018 for bookings starting on June 25, 2018.

To book your Walt Disney World vacation, use a Disney Vacation Planner to help you with every planning step - at no extra charge to you! Plus get a Free Disney Gift Card to spend on your vacation! Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com, or use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation Disney Vacation quote! 

As a Disney Vacation Planner, here are just a few more things I'll do to make your vacation more magical, all 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!

Disney Springs' Wine Bar George Details!

Wine Bar George is one of the most highly anticipated additions to the vibrant food and beverage scene at Disney Springs. This 200-seat wine bar, scheduled to open soon, is centrally located at The Landing. The space is reminiscent of a winemaker’s home, complete with terrace seating that has sweeping views of Disney Springs and the waterfront stage. 

Wine Bar George will offer more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass, and bottle in a range of varietals, vintages, and prices. Acclaimed wineries as well as up-and-coming growing regions and wineries will be featured along with small plates, artisan cheese and charcuterie boards, and sharable entrées designed to complement the wine list.

The biggest reason for all the excitement is George Miliotes himself – renowned wine expert, native Floridian, and Disney alum. A celebrity in the wine world, George is a Master Sommelier – one of only 249 in the world. In fact, Wine Bar George is the only wine bar in Florida owned by a Master Sommelier.

Here you can choose from a variety of wines, including those listed as “Outstanding by the Ounce.” These exceptional wines are selected by George in partnership with the respective winery, and they  can be ordered by 1 oz, 3 oz, or 6 oz pours or by the bottle.

Plus, you enjoy a tasty menu developed by Executive Chef Ron Rupert. Menu items include:

• The Big Board – An impressive selection of six artisan cheeses and five crafted meats that serves two or more.
• Grilled Octopus with Lemon Vinaigrette – This light and refreshing salad has tender pieces of Spanish octopus (a result of grilling then chilling the octopus) with a touch of acidity from the lemon vinaigrette.
• Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites – These crispy cheesy bites are surprisingly light. Served with tomato nage and Pecorino, they are Ron’s imaginative take on a grilled cheese with tomato soup.
• Porchetta Spiced Pork Cheeks – Served with a creamy three-cheese polenta, these small bites of meaty goodness are cooked long and slow to perfection. The orange gremolata takes it over the top.
• Grilled Whole Greek Sea Bass – One of the “family-style plates” that serves two or more, this light and tender whole fish is served with cannelloni bean ragoût and seasonal vegetables.
• Olive Oil Cake – This moist cake with a rich olive oil flavor is served with candied olives and lemon mascarpone.

Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com to book your Walt Disney World vacation with me, Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner. Or, use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation Disney Vacation quote! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! 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!

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2018 Dates!!

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort this fall with 75 days of entertainment, events, wonderful food and tasty beverages.

This will be the festivals will run from August 30 to November 12, 2018.

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

Right now is the BEST time to book your fall trip to experience this Festival as dining reservations have not opened nor have any of the special event bookings! To request your quote, 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!

DCA Food & Wine Festival Celebrates California

The popular Disney California Adventure® Food & Wine Festival is now open and will run through April 12, 2018. The DCA Food & Wine Festival has more than a dozen Festival Marketplaces featuring California-inspired tastes and sips plus live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the park. The festival’s signature events are can’t-miss experiences that open Guest's senses to delicious California cuisine in new ways and include new experiences such as Celebrity Chef LIVE! at the Hyperion, as well as returning favorites like Disney Family of Wines Dinner, Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners.

To request a free, no obligation quote for your Disneyland vacation use this fast and easy form  (seriously it takes less than a minute!) or you email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com to book your Disneyland Vacation today! 

As a Disney vacation specialist, I know a Disney vacation is an investment so I’ll put my expert Disney knowledge to your benefit and help you get the most out of your vacation with insider tips and tricks. I’ll help you make sense of Disneyland’s FastPass system; give you tips and tricks on how to make your vacation extra magical; and make reservations at restaurants, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Dessert Parties, and more for you (so you don’t have to)! All of my planning services are FREE plus I’ll send you a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD to spend while you’re one vacation!  Email me today to get your Disney vacation started!

Additional fees required for the signature events and certain seminars. Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and is not included with the cost of such events. Space is limited for all ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended. Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Events and demonstrations are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns!

Disney California Adventure® Food & Wine Festival will return March 2 - April 12, 2018, bringing delicious cuisine, specialty beverages and exciting entertainment to Disneyland Resort Guests for its third season. The culinary festival will expand to six weeks, with more days for Guests to enjoy the flavors of the Golden State.

More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will feature California-inspired tastes and sips. Experience presentations and demonstrations with celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine and Alex Guarnaschelli; food and beverage tastings; winemaker dinners; beer, wine and spirit seminars - all in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the festival.

The festival’s signature events will include new experiences such as the Disney Family of Wines Dinner, as well as returning favorites like Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. Another guest-favorite returning to the festival is the Junior Chef experience, with hands-on fun led by Chef Goofy, for children ages 3 to 11.

Stay tuned for more information about the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, returning March 2 - April 12, 2018!

To request a free, no obligation quote use this fast and easy form 

 (seriously it takes less than a minute!) or you email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com to start booking your Disneyland Vacation today! 

As a Disney vacation specialist, I know a Disney vacation is an investment so I’ll put my expert Disney knowledge to your benefit and help you get the most out of your vacation with insider tips and tricks. I’ll help you make sense of Disneyland’s FastPass system; give you tips and tricks on how to make your vacation extra magical; and make reservations at restaurants, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Dessert Parties, and more for you (so you don’t have to)! All of my planning services are FREE plus I’ll send you a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD to spend while you’re one vacation!  Email me today to get your Disney vacation started!

Additional fees required for the signature events and certain seminars.  Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and is not included with the cost of such events. Space is limited for all ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended.  Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Events and demonstrations are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Starts Today!

Kicking off today - August 31, 2017 - and celebrating 35 years of Epcot® with 35 delectable marketplaces, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is bigger and better than ever, with sips and tastes throughout the park, celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live music and special tasting experiences. And it’s 75 days, so you have until November 13, 2017 to experience it all. 

To get started, make the Festival Center your first stop to pick up a schedule and a complimentary festival passport and check out options for navigating the festival. Here are some don’t-miss experiences of the festival:

• The global marketplaces. There are 35 this year for you to sip and taste your way through Future World and World Showcase, and while some favorites are back, you can check out the five new additions: Active Eats (sweet avocado crema with strawberries, cake and tortilla streusel); The Almond Orchard (cauliflower risotto with pulled chicken, artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese); Coastal Eats (lump crab cake with slaw and avocado lemongrass cream); Flavors From Fire (smoked corned beef with crispy potatoes, pickled onions and Blonde Ale Beer fondue); the Light Lab with all sorts of spirited concoctions. You might consider a Tasting Sampler voucher ($65) for eight food or beverage items (some exclusions may apply). Plus you'll get a limited-release Epcot Food & Wine Festival trading pin. 
• Celebrity sightings. Start yout day Sunday, September 3, with Chef Shaun O’Neale (winner of FOX TV’s “MasterChef”) first up for “What’s Cookin’ With . . .” held on select Friday and Sunday mornings in the Festival Center ($129). A cooking demo, breakfast and time for Q&A is all part of the fun. Also catch returning favorites such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Buddy Valastro, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine and more (schedule at epcotfoodfestival.com; reservations 407-939-3378).
• Live music every single night. There’s impromptu entertainment all around World Showcase Promenade, but each evening rocks out with the fantastic Eat to the Beat Concert Series on the outdoor stage at America Gardens Theatre three times nightly. First up: Delta Rae, a folk rock band from North Carolina, playing August 31-September 1.
• Culinary demos. Every day in the Festival Center (2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday) you can meet a chef and hear stories and tips while they create a dish that everyone gets to taste ($17). On a sunny afternoon, it’s a great respite from the Florida heat! Reservations recommended.
• Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! If you like hands-on experiences, this is for you — chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros show you the ropes ($49). Opening day, it’s Chef Emily Ellyn mixing up fun with Cask & Crew Whiskey, and you get to play bartender and mix your own cocktail. (Mondays through Thursdays).
• Kids part of the equation? Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak returns, a fun way to play together in this culinary scavenger hunt that takes you all over World Showcase. And many of the global marketplaces are featuring dishes geared toward kids’ palates.  

Looking ahead, some of our favorite celeb chefs are coming up: Sept. 15, Stuart O’Keeffe; Sept. 17, Jet Tila; Sept. 29, Graham Elliott. And there are five Party for the Senses grand tasting events this year (Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11), an extravaganza of food, beverages and themed live entertainment. 

The festival runs through November 13 – 75 days in all! Back to Basics series, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. To book your Food and Wine Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or use this fast and easy form to request a free quote!

I'm a Disney Vacation Planner with hundreds of satisfied clients and I want to help you plan a magical vacation for your family at no extra charge! You won't pay one penny more to book with me but you'll get personalized help, tips, advice and much more (which you're not going to get if you booked on your own).  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for you for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and send you tips and tricks!  

22nd Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Details

The 22nd Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is expanding for a longer-than-ever 75-day run (August 31 - November 13, 2017). This year's festival will feature (35) amazing food and wine Marketplaces to celebrate 35 years of Epcot. The event will be part of the park’s 35th anniversary day on Sunday, October 1, 2017 and feature several new experiences. Here are a few favorites:

New Acts for 2017 “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series 

The concert series will amp things up this year. Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21 fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run.  Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October. Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily and are included in Epcot admission .  The lineup is subject to change and included in Epcot admission.

Festival-goers can also enjoy Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at 15 popular Epcot restaurants, guaranteeing a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation and confirmed seating at a same-day Eat to the Beat concert. 

New Marketplaces are coming to the Festival 

India and Spain marketplaces will return for an encore. Our global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer brand-new taste sensations.  

ABC’s “The Chew” 

Will return to tape five festival shows that will air October 9-13. With Spaceship Earth as the backdrop, the Emmy Award-winning show hosts will again delight a live audience with on-stage cooking and stories of their Disney adventures plus segments from across Walt Disney World® Resort.   

Popular TV chefs and Culinary Icons 

Those same stars of the kitchen will create new dishes for premium events such as Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes. 

“Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” Hands-on Workshops 

Popular festival event also returns with fresh opportunities for you to interact with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros.   

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or use this fast and easy form to request a free quote!

I'm a Disney Vacation Planner with hundreds of satisfied clients and I want to help you plan a magical vacation for your family at no extra charge! You won't pay one penny more to book with me but you'll get personalized help, tips, advice and much more (which you're not going to get if you booked on your own).  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for you for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and send you tips and tricks!