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What’s Your Favorite Dish? Trying All 29 Marketplaces in One Day at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

posted on October 26th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

The fun is on the griddle at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and there’s still time to enjoy the culinary adventures throughout the park before the event comes to a close November 12.

Half the fun of the festival is discovering new dishes in the 29 marketplaces. But what’s your favorite?

That’s the assignment I had on my recent trip around the Epcot culinary world. Whether it’s the subtle seasoning of the Kefta Pocket at the Morocco Marketplace; the volcano sauce on the Spicy Hand Roll at Japan; a smooth, fine Merlot from France; Griddled Greek Cheese at Greece or the wonderful selection of ales and beers at the Hops and Barley Marketplace, there’s a lot to please every palate. Rob, our Concerned Bystander, also makes a cameo in this video, but it seems his tune has changed just a tiny bit.

So, after experiencing all 29 marketplaces in one day, what was my favorite dish?

The Kalua Pork Slider (the chutney and spicy mayo are an unbeatable blend) from the Hawai’i Marketplace takes the top spot in my (very) unscientific sampling. Although the White Corn Arepa (AREPA!) from the Florida Local Marketplace was a close second. With the famous sweet corn from nearby Zellwood, Fla., it’s a tasty treat. (And if you order it, please shout “Arepa!” and you might get a reaction just like I did in the video.)

The best thing is that I received a special stamp at the Festival Center for visiting all 29 countries. (Although I might suggest visiting Epcot a few times before the event ends to collect all of the marketplace stamps!)

Let us know in the comments if you have visited all 29 marketplaces, or if you have discovered your favorite from this year’s festival. Arepa!

See what’s happening at the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the posts below:

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Dance Party, Disney Style: The Jabbawockeez and Mickey Mouse Join for Some Amazing Dance Moves at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

It’s not odd to see guests often dancing through our Disney Parks. The parks just have that effect on many people (including me). That’s one reason I was excited to hear the Jabbawockeez dance crew was on vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. Since I’ve tried to dance in previous videos at Raglan Road and also with Barbara, the dancing cast member at Magic Kingdom Park, I jumped at the chance to learn from these world-famous pros.

The Jabbawockeez, a name inspired from the pages of Lewis Carroll’s classic literature, exploded onto the scene by winning the first season of MTV’s dance competition series, “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Known for their signature, expressionless mime masks and high-energy moves, the Jabbawockeez star in stage shows in Australia and Las Vegas (an original show called “MÜS.I.C”), and have guest-starred on shows like the dance-driven comedy series “Shake It Up” on Disney Channel and “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC-TV.

During their visit, I asked the guys to stop by the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot for a quick (and unmasked) interview. I also asked Mickey Mouse to drop by and showcase a few of his newest hip-hop moves. And as you’d probably expect, Mickey does some pretty magical dancing. Take a look and let us know in the comments what you think of this all-star dance party. (Plus, give yourself some bonus points if you remember — like I do — the famous “Mickey Mouse Disco” record. To my delight, Mickey was kind enough to show me off-camera some of his famous disco steps. It’s good to know he still appreciates the classics.)

And keep an eye out for Rob, our always-concerned bystander. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him. I guess he’s been practicing his dance moves as well.

Read more about dancing at Disney Parks in the posts below:

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Final Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour Makes Special Flyover at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on September 19th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

In a place where fairies fly, Space Shuttle Endeavour made a “ferry flight” today, mounted atop a NASA-modified 747 airliner. The historic flight took place in the early morning hours and was a space-explorer surprise for early-rising guests across Walt Disney World Resort. As part of its flight path, Endeavour soared over Magic Kingdom Park and could be seen from various points across property.

When a space shuttle is mounted above a 747, the NASA term for it is a “ferry flight,” which is quite appropriate since Magic Kingdom Park is a place where fairies fly.

Conducted in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration Endeavour’s cross-country journey is the final ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program. Endeavour’s final destination is the California Science Center in Los Angeles, where it will be on display to inspire future generations with the storied history of the space shuttle era.

Endeavour Facts

First Flight: May 7, 1992
First Flight Launch Weight: 256,597 pounds
Total Missions: 25
Total Days in Orbit: 299
Total Orbits of Earth: 4,671
Total Miles Travelled: 122,883,151

As Endeavour makes its way across the country, our friends at NASA encourage people who spot it to use the Twitter hashtags #SpotTheShuttle and #OV105 (Endeavour’s official orbiter designation). To keep up with Endeavour’s cross-country journey, log on to NASA.gov for the latest updates.

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Guests Can Now Meet Tinker Bell’s Sister, Periwinkle, at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Parks

posted on September 18th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

Tinker Bell’s newly discovered sister, Periwinkle, is the newest fairy friend to meet guests at Disney Parks. Introduced in the upcoming film “Secret of the Wings,” the “frost fairy” Periwinkle is intrigued by the other seasons once she meets a warm fairy (her sis Tinker Bell), and she becomes eager to make new friends beyond the Winter Woods.

The newest Disney Fairies movie, “Secret of the Wings,” comes to Blu-ray and DVD October 23.
Tinker Bell and Her Sister Periwinkle Are Now Greeting Guests at Disney Parks

Scheduled for appearances during the fall and winter months, Periwinkle joins Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park and inside Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park. (Be sure to check the Times Guide when you visit for the current schedule.)

And while you’re visiting their magical home, be on the lookout — when Tinker Bell and Periwinkle get close to each other, their fairy wings illuminate in magical fashion.
Tinker Bell Will Wear New Cozy Clothing While Greeting Guests This Fall and Winter at Disney Parks

In addition to Periwinkle’s sparkling winter-wear, Tinker Bell dons new cozy clothes to welcome guests for these special meet-and-greet opportunities.

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Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

New ‘American Idol’ Phillip Phillips Surprises Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

posted on August 3rd, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

The newest “American Idol,” Phillip Phillips, surprised a theater full of park guests Thursday when he made an appearance on-stage at “The American Idol Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

New ‘American Idol’ Phillip Phillips Surprises Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Phillips, who hit the top 10 on the charts with his single “Home,” was in central Florida for a performance of the “American Idol Live!” concert tour. The nationwide tour continues through mid-September.

In addition to making a surprise appearance for guests at “The American Idol Experience,” Phillips taped a series of short videos that Walt Disney Entertainment plans to utilize in the future during the attraction experience.

And of course, what visit to Disney Parks would be complete without a meeting with Mickey and Minnie? Disney Parks Blog author and photographer Matt Stroshane shot this picture of the smiling trio posing in front of the attraction.


Check out the latest from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Meet Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on July 27th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

Singer/songwriter Carrie Underwood and her husband, NHL Nashville Predators star Mike Fisher, visited Walt Disney World Resort this week as both took a break from their busy schedules to meet Mickey, Minnie and the gang. In this photo taken by Disney Parks Blog author Gene Duncan, Minnie Mouse was on hand to welcome the couple to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Meet Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World Resort

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Youngest Star of ‘Modern Family’ Visits Star of ‘Phineas & Ferb’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

posted on July 26th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

Last week, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, the youngest star of ABC’s “Modern Family,” had a chance to meet the star of one of the newest Disney Parks interactive experiences.
'Modern Family' Star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons with Agent P at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The pint-sized starlet, who portrays “Lily” on the hit comedy series, caught up Friday with Agent P at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Agent P can be spotted by sharp-eyed guests in the new Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot.

Aubrey and her dad, Kent Emmons, shared a few laughs with the fedora-wearing alter-ego of Perry the Platypus. A fan of the Disney Channel show, Aubrey showed off some of her own secret-agent skills to the cartoon crime fighter.

And she had even more reasons to celebrate while on her Walt Disney World Resort vacation. During the 2012 Emmy Awards nomination announcements on Thursday, “Modern Family” received 14 nominations — the most for any comedy series this year. The 64th Primetime Emmy Award ceremony will air September 23 on ABC.

Read about other celebrity visits to Walt Disney World Resort in the posts below:

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A Golden Anniversary, from Abbey Road to Main Street, U.S.A.: Mickey and the Gang Pay Homage to The Beatles at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on June 26th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

Fifty years ago this year, a quartet of moptop lads from Liverpool recorded their first single, “Love Me Do.” When they entered Abbey Road Studios for that historic recording session in 1962, little did the world know that The Beatles were destined to become the most popular musical group in history. Selling more than 600 million albums worldwide — with 71 singles hitting the Billboard “Hot 100” chart — they’ve influenced music like few artists have.

One of the most iconic photos of The Beatles was taken in 1969 for the group’s “Abbey Road” LP. The album cover showed John, Ringo, Paul and George (walking in that order) in mid-stride on an Abbey Road crosswalk in London.

To honor the band’s 50th anniversary, we asked Mickey, Pluto, Donald and Goofy to recreate the photo on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park.
Mickey, Pluto, Donald and Goofy Pay Tribute to The Beatles on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park
Today, we’re pleased to offer it to you, not only as a photo to view (in the same square format as the studio album), but also in additional, high-resolution sizes you can download for digital wallpaper use. After all, since the characters pictured are known unofficially as the “Fab Five” (minus Minnie, who was on hand to help direct this shot), it seems like an appropriate homage to the supergroup known worldwide as the “Fab Four.”

(Click on the photo above in this post to take you to the wallpaper download page, and be sure to check out the terms of use for using the wallpapers before you download.)

As we teased yesterday with our photo of Herbie, we hinted the answer had a lot to do with “love.” And it does — Herbie the Love Bug and “Love Me Do.” (We think Herbie does a terrific job portraying the Volkswagen Beetle partially parked on the Abbey Road curb in the original photo.)

Yellow Shoes Creative Group once again lived up to its name, with Disney Parks Blog Author and Photographer Matt Stroshane taking this picture at Magic Kingdom Park. (A trivia tidbit — Matt actually shot this photo on Paul McCartney’s birthday last week.) The Yellow Shoes production team secured props and other elements to make the scene as detailed as possible. All of the elements in the image are authentic and were on Main Street as they are seen here. The only photo enhancement by the Yellow Shoes production team is a “grainy” hint created in the final image to look more like a photo taken in 1969. Even the crosswalk and street lines are the real deal. Professional-grade thermoplastic, the thick, non-slip and reflective material used on actual streets and sidewalks everywhere, was placed on Main Street, U.S.A., for the temporary crosswalk and street lines that run down the middle of Main Street toward the trolley.

See if you can spot other similarities in this photo, and let us know any other details in the comments section.

Look below for more posts featuring photography at Disney Parks:

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Why Was Herbie Parked in Magic Kingdom Park?

posted on June 25th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

It’s not unusual to see famous Disney characters in Magic Kingdom Park. But why did Herbie park himself on Main Street, U.S.A., one morning last week?
Herbie the Love Bug on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park

Curious? Tune in tomorrow to the Disney Parks Blog for the answer.

Until then, feel free to take a spin of the tires with your own guess in the comments. One hint: the answer has a lot to do with “love.”

Check out these posts for more news from Magic Kingdom Park:

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Be Brave! Discover Your Inner Merida with an Archery Lesson at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on June 25th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor

In 2012, the time-honored sport of archery has been right on target. Several silver-screen blockbusters have featured skilled archers (including the newest Disney•Pixar hit “Brave,” with Princess Merida). Add to that mix the archery competition at this year’s Olympic Games, and it seems the bow and arrow have made a big comeback.

Did you know that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers archery lessons on its lengthy menu of recreational programs?

The resort has always been one of my favorite places to play. I’ve ridden horses, played shuffleboard, fished, jogged, watched a movie under the stars, roasted marshmallows, played some tennis and even taken a horse-drawn holiday sleigh ride through the 750-acre wooded resort. (Check out this page for a complete list of recreational offerings.)

But I’ve never tried my hand at archery, until now. Take a look at this short video, as I get to pretend the lush surroundings near Magic Kingdom Park are my very own Scottish forest.

The resort’s archery instructors introduce you to the sport, teaching you safety and the basic skills you need before letting you try to nail the bullseye yourself. And one of the best things? You won’t have to worry about Harris, Hubert or Hamish pocketing any pastries while you’re enjoying your lesson.

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Filed: Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort

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