Epcot's Food & Wine Festival by the Numbers

Epcot's Food & Wine Festival.  By far one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World (well, other than the holidays!)  Being a self professed foodie and wine enthusiast, the festival is a wonderful time to just take in the sights and sounds of Epcot, and enjoy amazing food and wine from around the world.  The festival is believed to be the largest Food & Wine Festival of its kind in the world.  

There are so many wonderful events that you can attend, with great seminars and culinary gastronomy.  One of my favorite Festival offerings is the Premium Package.  This will be the second year that this is offered, and it provides "VIP" treatment from Noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday of the Festival.  This includes cast members to get your food and beverage selections for you, as well as shaded areas to relax, eat and drink the festival offerings. The Premium package also includes admission to one Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party, a culinary demo or beverage seminar, a wine glass, special Festival theme MagicBand, and a bottle of 20th celebration Festival Wine and more.   Later this month we will blog more pictures as we "show you the world" of Food & Wine and the Premium Package advantage.  Also, be sure to keep a watch for a live periscope video from us of the festival as well.

Today I'm going to just leave you with some "Food & Wine Festival by the numbers" to chew on!  

Contact your DreamFinder Travel agent today to make reservations to attend the Festival.

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20^th festival celebration.

• ·         Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
• ·         At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces
• ·         Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show
• ·         The 20^th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
• ·         In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered
• ·         More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
• ·         The 20^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.
• ·         3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions
• ·         Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
• ·         Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
• ·         Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival
• ·         During the new Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille.  Along the way they will find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location.  Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they collect for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry.
• ·         159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year's festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to fun and blues.
• ·         The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure.
• ·         More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
• ·         Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4^th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge
• ·         The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders
• ·         100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served
• ·         In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers
• ·         At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20^th-year festival story

Bon Appetit!

Disney Math

Disney Math
(by DreamFinder Agent, Kim Merrill)

Disney Math:  Loosely defined as budget manipulation to do what you need to do to get back to whatever forms of Disney therapy you desire. Case in point:

One of my Facebook groups had someone post their rationale on how they were going to purchase their annual pass.  This involved brown bags, Starbucks Via’s, and various other ways to carve out the funds needed for that much-desired AP!

Target gift cards.  Tips and tricks of the trade:  Using Target’s red card gets you 5% off the gift card price.  Over time, this can save a good chunk of change on a Disney vacation.

Dollar stores are great places to pre-purchase glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets that kids love to wear at night in the parks.  And if you plan to hit those stores the day after Halloween you can get them at half-price.

Booking your next cruise onboard.  True no-brainer!  10% off and an onboard credit by Disney (and thru your Dreamfinder Travel agent as well if you designate us as your agency) as long as you comply with their terms and conditions and blackout dates.

And………my ultimate Disney rationalization.  Time for a confession here people. Last week I sort of accidentally registered for another race.  But it was for a really, REALLY good reason.  I WANT to do the inaugural Disneyland Paris half-marathon next fall.  Not sure I can make that happen, but if I do, wouldn’t it make sense to earn the special chateau-to-chateau medal they are creating for this race?  Like the coast-to-coast medal they have here in the US for running a half-marathon on both coasts in the same calendar year, there is now going to be a medal for running a half marathon on two continents.  No brainer, right?  So that would require me running something here.  One quick visit to the runDisney website showed me that the Tinkerbell  half marathon still had spaces available, and it’s conveniently timed over Mother’s Day weekend.  Honey……..I already got my Mother’s Day gift!!!

Want to use some creative Disney Math and book your next vacation?  Contact DreamFinder Travel today, and ask for Kim.

What is rotational dining?

by DreamFinder Travel agent Kim Merrill

Today I wanted to take the time to highlight one of the details that places Disney Cruise Line head a shoulders above the competition:  Rotational Dining!

Disney outfits its ships with not just one or two, but THREE main dining rooms, and with all things Disney, they are beautifully themed with menus to match.  But you know what?  You don’t have to make reservations or fight to get into these restaurants during your sailing.  With rotational dining, you get to visit all 3 on a three-night cruise, and begin to repeat them on four-night and longer cruises! 

The other beautiful detail is that you are assigned to a dining team (or they are assigned to you?).  You are given a table number, the same for all three dining rooms, and your servers follow you from dining room to dining room.  How is that a benefit, you ask?  How lovely would it be to have your favorite non-alcoholic drink delivered to your table shortly after you sit down without having to ask?  Your servers get a feel for your likes and dislikes, and in true Disney fashion, take care of the details seamlessly. 

So how do you know what rotation you are assigned to?  Well, there are two ways. The first is the most obvious if you have never been on a Disney Cruise.  In your stateroom, you will find a “ticket” that lays out which dining room you will eat at each evening, as well as the time to arrive.  The other, far more convenient method, actually involves your “key to the ship” card:

Take a look at the card above.  I was on the Disney Magic on the dates shown above.  It was a 3-night cruise, and if you look at the bottom line that starts with “dinner”, you’ll see that my dining time was at 8:15pm.  You also see that I was assigned to table 20, but you may also see “CLA”.  That right there is my dining room rotation!  “C” stands for “Carioca’s”, “L” stands for “Lumiere’s”, and “A” stands for “Animator’s Palate”. For a longer cruise, these letters begin to repeat, but not necessarily in order, so that’s why I said this is a great way to keep track of where you’re going to be.   You need this card to get in your stateroom, so most people adopt a lanyard to wear around their neck to hold it!

Rotational dining is included in your cruise fare.  Disney's ships also have two adult-only restaurants to choose from if the adults need an adult outing, but if you choose not to do this, your cruise experience will not be diminished in the least!  More on the adult-only options at another time.

As I mentioned, the menus change from restaurant to restaurant, and also from night-to-night.  They do not repeat, so you will not be culinarily bored (I’m not sure that’s a word, but hopefully you get the point).  Your servers take your order, and typically, it’s a four-service meal: Appetizer, soup/salad, main dish, and dessert, however, you can order whatever you want (and as much as you would like.)  No appetizer pique your interest but want soup AND salad?  No problem.  Two entrees?  Ok!  And most importantly, if Mickey Bars are your thing, they carry them on domestic cruises!!

Hopefully this gives you a bit of info so that you can hop on board and just relax!

But wait! ”What is that giant K on the lower left of the card” you ask?  That has nothing to do with dining: That is your lifeboat drill station!  (I'll cover that at another time!)

Can't wait to cruise and find out more?  Visit the DreamFinder Travel website today and request your complimentary no-obligation pricing quote to find out just how affordable it can be for your family.

Disney Cruise Line: It's all in the Details

Disney Cruise Line:  It's all in the details

The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to hiding unique details in their products.  Animated films often hide characters from other movies while the theme parks are known for the “hidden mickey,” an intentional or unintentional likeness to everyone’s favorite mouse.  With the announcement of the 2016 summer itineraries for the Disney Cruise Line, now is a great time to take a look into some of the details that help make the Disney Cruise Line extra magical.

The cruise industry is known for the customary bright orange lifeboats which are perched on each ship offering safety and peace of mind to their travelers.  Disney Cruise Line has taken the safety of their guests seriously, but with a fun twist, by painting their lifeboats yellow.  The company had to seek permission from the U.S. Coast Guard to stray from the regulation orange and is the first cruise line to do so.  The color helps to keep with overall special color theming of the ship by complimenting the Black hull, white superstructure, yellow trim, and red funnels featuring the Disney Cruise Line Mickey Mouse logo.

Another first among the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line is the first of its kind to offer fireworks while at sea.  On most sailings, the unique Pirates in the Caribbean Night features themed food, themed party, and plenty of guests in costume.  While not available on all cruise itineraries, the highlight of the night is when a fireworks show takes place above the open sea, providing a one of a kind experience only provided by the Disney Cruise Line.

The cruise line also has another first in the amount of captains on their ship at any one time.  While other cruise lines feature one captain, the Disney Cruise Line features four captains on each ship!  The ship’s captain, Captain Mickey, Captain Hook, and Captain Jack Sparrow!  Both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder each employ an additional 950 crew members aside from the four captains.  The crew members come from over 86 different nationalities.   An additional 60 crew members live and work full-time of Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island.

While these are just a few of the amazing details you can find on Disney Cruise Line ships, there are plenty more surprises around each corner of the four ships with amazing itineraries coming in the summer of 2016.  From the first time sailings to the British Isles to the tropical paradise of the Southern Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line can help your family to experience the most magical summer vacation.

Want to experience all of the magic that Disney has to offer onboard their ships?  Request your complimentary pricing quote today so that your family can enjoy the special attention to details that only Disney can offer.

Article written by DreamFinder Travel Agent Tanya 

Star Wars Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line

Just when you think that cruising with Disney couldn't get any better, they up the ante!  Calling all Star Wars fanatics--how would you like to participate in a day long Star Wars celebration aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship and be transported to a galaxy far, far away?  Well you are in luck, because for 8 special sailings in 2016 Disney Cruise Line will be offering "Star Wars Day at Sea". My Star Wars Fanatic Son has just proclaimed that we MUST sail on one of these!  Be sure to act quickly--these sailings are filling fast!!  Contact your DreamFinder Travel agent today to get your complimentary no-obligation quote on one of these sailings and fulfill your Star Wars Fan's dream!

In 2016, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea.
Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

Darth Vader and Storm Troopers on deck.

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.
Also featured will be exclusive at-sea screenings of the Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike will enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:

Force-filled Fun for Everyone

• Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. Guests also are encouraged to dress up in their own stellar costumes.
• A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as “Padawans” – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.
• Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.
• For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
• In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.

Film Screenings and Celebrities

• Guests can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.
• Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
• On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.

Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks

• There’s intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
• Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and guest participation.
• The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars

Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Click here to contact us today for your no obligation pricing quote.