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POSTED Fri, 07/15/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Disney Pares Down Monorail Hours

Disney has cut down on its monorail transportation hours this summer in an effort to give more maintenance time to the system.

Guests of Disney need to know that the monorail systems servicing Epcot and the Magic Kingdom will be shut down one hour after the parks' regular closing times. Also, it will remained closed during any of the parks' Extra Magic Hours.

These new hours of operation have already went into effect for Epcot and are set to start August 1 for the Magic Kingdom. Guests can still return to their cars and hotels from the parks via boats and buses.

POSTED Sun, 06/26/2011 - 09:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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4th of July Events at Walt Disney World

It's almost that time of year again for all-things American. As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, here are some Disney celebration offerings from the happiest place on earth (a.k.a. Walt Disney World).

Head to the Magic Kingdom to see their fireworks extravaganza Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. The show is set to run at 9 p.m. both July 3rd and 4th.

POSTED Sat, 06/18/2011 - 09:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Details Emerge Regarding Food & Wine Fest

The International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot is a guest-favorite, and this year it's back with a few new flavors. This year's theme for the ever-popular fest is "Passport to a World of Flavors."

POSTED Sun, 06/05/2011 - 01:53 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Eat to the Beat Concert Series Is Back for 2011

Though summer has just started, it's never too early to talk about Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. The ever popular fest will be back this year, and with it comes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Recently, the lineup was announced, and here are the acts that will take the stage this fall:

  • Taylor Dayne: 9/30-10/2
  • 38 Special: 10/3-10/5
  • Jon Secada: 10/6-10/7
  • Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp: 10/8-10/9
  • Billy Ocean: 10/10-10/12
  • Starship starring Mickey Thomas: 10/13-10/16
  • Sugar Ray: 10/17-10/19
POSTED Wed, 04/27/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Pixar Celebrating 25th Anniversary at Epcot

It's hard to believe Pixar is turning 25! To help them celebrate, Epcot will join in the fun with special Pixar-centered greetings, discussions and activities May 13-15.

For those wanting to meet and greet characters from Pixar films should make the World Showplace (located between the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions) a must-see stop. There, characters from "Toy Story 3," "Up," "The Incredibles," and "Monsters, Inc." will be on hand for autographs and photos.

POSTED Wed, 04/06/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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25 Percent Off Dining at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Who doesn't like saving time and money, especially when it comes to dining at the Disney parks? Back by popular demand is a voucher good for 25% off of select quick-service restaurants at both Disney World and Disneyland during the busy week of April 17-23, 2011.

This week, one of the busiest in the parks, can make for long waits during peak dining times; the voucher encourages diners to eat on "off" or "down" times for lunch and dinner. The fine print? You must purchase an entree and also must eat before 11:30 a.m. for lunch or between 3:00-4:30 p.m. for dinner.

POSTED Thu, 03/31/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Epcot to Host Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

Those of you lucky enough to be headed to Epcot this summer: mark your calendars! Epcot will be kicking off the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series June 12. Running throughout June and July, this year's lineup is full of tributes to some of the best-known artists and music out there. The detailed schedule is:

  • June 12 - 18: Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 19 - 25: Stayin' Alive " A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • June 26 - July 2: Slippery When Wet " The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
  • July 3 - 9: Little Queen " The Music of Heart
POSTED Mon, 03/21/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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New Medal for 2012 Disney Marathon Weekend

Runners, lace up your shoes for the 2012 Disney Marathon weekend, which is set for January 5 through January 8. Registration opened up this past week, and runners have several options to choose from.

The Disney Marathon is a 26.2 mile course that winds its way throughout the four parks. Those wanting to participate in the marathon, but not wanting to run the full distance, can pair up with a partner for the Disney Marathon Relay in which each runner will be responsible for 13.1 miles. Both options will share the same course.

POSTED Sat, 03/19/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Epcot Experimenting With New Entry

Disney always seems to be experimenting with different ideas in their parks, and recently they were spotted testing out a new way to enter Epcot at the main entrance. Their objective? To see if the experimental entryway would make entering the park easier.

It appears that for the experiment the turnstiles have been removed, allowing for a wider opening. This may just be of benefit to those in wheelchairs or with strollers, and may help ease congestion that tends to build around turnstiles.

POSTED Mon, 03/14/2011 - 18:45 | POSTED BY Melinda Gregory
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Over 70 Topiaries On Display at Epcot

The International Flower and Garden Festival remains in full swing at Epcot. Another festival-related update: last week, the final topiaries, featuring beloved characters from the Oscar-nominated film "Toy Story 3," were put into place. The final number of topiaries for this year's festival? Over 70!

Lotso, the villainous bear from "Toy Story 3," has joined Buzz Lightyear and Woody near the front flower beds. Make sure to get a whiff of Lotso - he's strawberry scented.

Near Epcot's World Showcase entrance, Lightening McQueen and Mater topiaries have been added.

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Early Morning Magic Hours?
Epcot was one of Walt Disney's original visions. Originally standing for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, it was actually intended to be much more of the basis for Walt Disney World than the Magic Kingdom. Eventually however his initial vision proved too grand to be carried out and it became the less expansive park that you see today.

Articles

POSTED Tue, 08/11/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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8 Great Things Going On at the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Center

The 20th Anniversary Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is fast coming upon us (2015 dates run from September 25th until November 16th) and while the Marketplace Booths located around World Showcase Lagoon don't open until 11:00AM there's still plenty of Epicurean fun when Epcot Park opens up at 9:00am.

POSTED Wed, 08/05/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Guest Author
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Disney History: Epcot's Future World Then & Now

The year was 1982. Nearly two decades after Walt Disney first unveiled his ambitious plan to create an Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, a theme park created to honor his dream was finally ready to welcome the world through its turnstiles. From EPCOT Center to just EPCOT to Epcot, changes in the name of the park, itself, have signaled Disney's commitment to constant reinvention. Join me on a brief journey from where we started to where we are now.

POSTED Tue, 08/04/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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The Top 3 Restaurants For A Sit Down Meal At Epcot During Food & Wine Festival

You've been on your feet all day, waiting in line after line to sip and snack your way through World Showcase. While all the food has been fun, you really just want to sit down someplace cool and relax while enjoying a fabulous meal - so where to go? While the crowds mix and mingle through the be sure to make an advance dinning reservations to enjoy some of Epcot's best any time of year. We've got the Top 3 Restaurants For A Sit Down Meal At Epcot During Food & Wine Festival.

POSTED Sat, 08/01/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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Saturday Style: Here To Save The World

Captain Eo fans will look stylish in this outfit inspired by an Epcot original. Disney fans either love him or hate him, but either way you'll be ready to save the world in this movie inspired outfit. Clean white jeans and a faux leather jacket show just a peek of the universe tank top beneath. To keep your style grounded on earth, add a pair of chunky white boots and this rainbow check seatbelt bag.

And because he's so adorable... how could we not add a plush Fuzzball!?!

POSTED Tue, 07/28/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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Snorkeling With Nemo & Friends At The Epcot Seas Aqua Tour

UPDATED August 2018!

Join your favorite underwater friends on a fun snorkeling adventure through the the coral reef habitat at Epcot's The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Presented by the National Association of Underwater Instructors, the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour allows guests age 8 and up to slip in the water and explore the seas up close and personal.

POSTED Mon, 07/13/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Traci C.
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Top 10 "Coolest" Attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort

As the temperatures continue to soar during the Coolest Summer Ever at the Walt Disney World Resort it seemed like a good time to talk about the "coolest attractions" in the theme parks. And we're not talking about 'Oh man, Space Mountain is so cool!' but rather we're talking about the attractions that are "cool" and where you won't melt into a puddle on the sidewalk.

POSTED Wed, 06/24/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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Where To Find Tinker Bell In The Magic Kingdom

Since 1953 Tinker Bell has been delighting Disney fans with her sassy attitude and spritely spirit. Widely regarded as a symbol for Disney magic, Peter Pan's Fairy friend holds a special place in the Disney history. As such, there are plenty of opportunities for fairy fans to get a glimpse of this beloved character.

POSTED Tue, 06/09/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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Where To Find Donald Duck at Walt Disney World

Happy Birthday Donald Duck! Today we celebrate 81 years of the playful spirit, dedicated rivalry friendship, and shockingly short temper that has struck a cord with Disney fans since the earliest years of the company. Donald was created in 1934 with his debut appearance in The Wise Little Hen, and has been a working character ever since. Donald is not just known as Mickey's feisty friend but as one of the Disney Characters with a most diverse resume.

POSTED Tue, 06/02/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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Visiting Walt Disney World In The Hot Summer Weather

Summer is officially here! As kids are set free from school, families and teachers alike pack their bags and head down to Walt Disney World to enjoy a tropical retreat to the Vacation Kingdom of the world. But folks from the North aren't always ready for unique climate of central Florida.

POSTED Mon, 06/01/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Traci C.
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Authentic Chinese Food and a Great Atmosphere at Epcot’s Nine Dragons

Epcot's China pavilion is one of the most gorgeous areas in World Showcase and it's one location where we always like to spend a some extra time. Some days we like to order pot stickers and a peach oolong tea from the Lotus Blossom Cafe and people watch. And sometimes we're looking for a bigger meal and we'll stop at Nine Dragons, the table service spot.