Ratatouille, Guardians of the Galaxy attractions coming to Epcot; changes coming to Mission Space

Image copyright Disney.  All Rights Reserved.

Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, announced exciting plans across Epcot to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase.

Images copyright Disney.  All Rights Reserved.

Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort.

In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

Photo Friday: Viva Donald!

For this week's Photo Friday, I thought I'd share a random shot from my most recent trip to Walt Disney World (January, 2015).  This is from the Grand Fiesta Tour attraction at the Mexico pavilion.  Every time I ride this attraction, I make sure to check on a well-known hidden Mickey, that is shown in this shot.  Can you see it?

Enjoy and Viva Donald!!

Tip Tuesday - dealing with changes at WDW

You are not the first to pass this way... but soon, you could be the last...

On this week's Tip Tuesday, I'm opening Pandora's Box.  Yep, I'm going to talk about the changes coming to Epcot.  There have been a lot of strong opinions about the recently announced Frozen attraction that will replace Malestrom in Epcot along with the new slate of live entertainment coming to World Showcase (replacing very popular attractions like Off Kilter).

So here's the deal:  Walt Disney World is always changing.  That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, just look at all the changes that came to the Magic Kingdom with the expansion of Fantasyland (with great fanfare, I might add).  So why is there so much backlash about changes to Epcot and is that ire justified? 

Before you get your hackles up, hear me out.  Let me start by asking myself a few questions.

Me:  Are you in favor of the changes to the live entertainment acts in World Showcase?
Me:  I'm not sure yet.  I want to see what Disney brings in before I decide.
Me:  Are you in favor of the changes to Malestrom?
Me:  I'm not sure yet.  I want to see what Disney does before I decide.
Me:  Well do you think Magic Bands are a good idea?
Me:  I'm not sure yet.  I want to have more time to try them out before I decide.


Do you sense a theme here?  The point is that before we go and bash some of the new ideas proposed by Disney, I think we need to give things a chance.  To put it simply, I trust Disney to do what is best to make the parks as successful as they can be.  Remember, Disney is in the business to make money along with making guests happy.  Sometimes those two goals work hand in hand and sometimes they work against each other.

So while I may have some reservations about some of the proposed changes coming to Epcot, and I'll share them in a second, I also trust Disney to make sure that changes have the same level of quality and guest appeal as that which is being replaced.

So what are my reservations about these changes? 

Well, I'm fine with changing Malestrom to a Frozen attraction.  The Snow Queen story (Frozen is based on the Hans Christian Anderson story of the Snow Queen) has it's origins in Scandinavian culture, so it makes sense that the Norway pavilion would be home to a Frozen attraction.  I'm not as fine with the entire Norway pavilion being changed to become the city of Arendelle.  The Norway pavilion should, in my opinion, still tell the story of Norway.  I trust that Disney will keep the "spirit of Norway" alive in the pavilion.  As I said above, I want to see what Disney does before I decide if this is a good change or not.

As for the entertainment changes coming to World Showcase, I am cautiously optimistic that the new acts will be at least as good as the ones departing, especially Off Kilter.  I think the reason so many hardcore fans are upset about this change is that these acts have been in World Showcase for so long that people have developed a deep loyalty for these acts.  I can understand that there are plenty of reasons for acts to leave and new ones to come in.  To be honest, there is a time where it's time for fresh content.  How many of you are starting to say it's time for Wishes to end and a new fireworks show to come to the Magic Kingdom?  Same thing applies here.  New isn't always bad.  Yes, I had the same reaction many of you did when I read that Off Kilter is being replaced by some sort of "lumberjack" show.  Many of you immediately thought of the "I'm a Lumberjack and that's OK" song from Monty Python.  It's ok to admit it - I did.  I trust that Disney will ensure that the new shows will be just as high quality. 

So when the next announcement comes from Disney, and I expect some whoppers at the D23 Expo in August, let's all take a deep breath and give these new ideas a chance before we rush to judgement.

Alright, I've had my say -- I'm sure some of you are dying to throw in your comments so now's the time -- go for it!  Post your comments below!

Photo Friday: Off Kilter about changes to Epcot

Time for another Photo Friday!

With the recent announcement that several live attractions in Epcot will be leaving in September, I wanted to share a shot of what I think is, and soon will be "was." the best live attraction in World Showcase - Off Kilter.  Back in November, 2011 (show# 249), I joined Lou Mongello on the WDW Radio Show to talk about the best live music in World Showcase.

So if you have a chance to get out to Epcot in the next few weeks, I'd recommend catching one more show of Off Kilter and several other World Showcase live acts, because they will be gone soon.

What's coming next?  Well, Disney isn't saying much right now, other than to say that Off Kilter will be replaced by a "lumberjack show."  Not sure what that really means, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Those little Disney details...

Those who are long-time readers of this blog have heard me make this suggestion many times - stop and take in all those little Disney details.  As if you may need proof, here's just one more example.

Walking across the bridge connecting the UK and France pavilions at Epcot, you will see along the lagoon a small ledge where someone was painting along the shoreline.  Take a closer look at the painting and you'll see that it's not just some random scene, it's actually a painting of the International Gateway.  It's also somewhat of a look back in time.  Back when the International Gateway was first opened, it had burgundy awnings, as is depicted in the painting.  Yet now the gateway's awnings are green.  Also, there are more trees now than there were in Epcot's early days.

Also if you'll look carefully, you'll also see something that you never would have seen anywhere along the Crescent Lake area - a small sailboat. 

It's these little details that make Disney such a rich and immersive experience, if you take the time to take them in.

Photo Friday: Streets of the UK

It's Photo Friday time again!

This week, in honor of the Olympics in London, I thought I'd post a night photo from the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot. This shot, with a full moon rising, was in December 2008.  Just like in London, the streets were quite alive with guests all around.

Enjoy and Go Team USA and Team GB!!!

Agent P's World Showcase Adventure now in guest testing

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to test out the new Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot.  I personally tested the Norway and China adventures (I could also have tested Mexico and Germany).  Each adventure was reminiscent of the original Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, even using some of the same props, though these props were re-themed.  Disney has added some new elements as well, so don't think this is just a re-hash of Kim Possible WSA. 

What I did like was how much more "fun" these new adventures are.  Kim Possible WSA focused much more on the "super spy" aspect of the adventure while Agent P WSA has many more gags and jokes, especially involving Candace, Fineas and Ferb.  Interestingly, Agent P didn't play much of a role in either adventure. 

Whilke I won't go into specifics about each adventure, I will say this is a great improvement to the entire concept of an interactive scavenger-hunt style game in World Showcase.  One thing I did notice is that the new FONE's are much louder than the original Kimmunicators.  There were times where we had to partially cover the speaker in the back to cut down the volume, especially when we were in interior spaces.

All in all, Agent P World Showcase Adventure does a great job of fully involving the world of Fineas and Ferb.  Each mission really is like living an episode of the Fineas and Ferb TV show.

On your next trip to Epcot, be sure to help Agent P keep the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz in check.  He's always up to something nefarious.

Uh, oh -- better run, here comes Candace...

"Mom!  Fineas and Ferb are being featured in a blog post!!!"

Photo Friday: Hark the Herald Angel

Welcome to another Photo Friday!

Well, it's the final week before Christmas, so it's time to present what may be my best Christmas-related photo (thus far).  I took this shot in December 2008.  There was a full moon so I managed to position my photography position to get the full moon into the frame. 

I hope you enjoy this shot and I hope you and your family have a very happy and safe Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Tip Tuesday: Holidays Around the World

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

With Christmas just days away, I wanted to share a special holiday event at Epcot that my family and I enjoy whenever we're at the parks during the holidays.  In most of the World Showcase pavilions, Disney presents a holiday story complete with the traditions of that host country.  For example, at the Mexico pavilion, the Los Tres Reyos Magos (pictured above) present the story of the three wise men who go to visit the baby Jesus in the manger.

In China, we meet the Monkey King and hear his tale of how he got into trouble and his redemption with a monk.  In Germany, we meet Helga to learn about the different Christmas traditions, including the tradition of the Christmas Tree pickle.  In Italy, we meet Le Befana the Christmas Witch and about the Epiphany celebrations in Italy, while in England we meet Father Christmas, and in France we meet Pierre Noel.  Papa Noel is in Canada.

Perhaps my most favorite holiday story is that of Julenissen, the Norwegian Holiday Elf and his "assistant" Sigrid.  They two tell a wonderful story of the holidays in Norway and Julenissen's love of porridge.

If you're thinking of seeing these different storytellers, you'll want to arrive at each location about 15 minutes early in order to get a good view, perhaps even 30 minutes early during the busy post-Christmas week.  Check the daily times guide for presentation times.  Be sure to have a camera ready because most of the storytellers will stick around for photos after their presentation.

Next week, we're getting ready for the marathon.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Tip Tuesday: Country Quizzes

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, we're back in Epcot to highlight yet another overlooked experience.

Most pavilions have some sort of retail store offering goods from the country the pavilion represents.  However, these stores also often have one little extra bit of fun -- a quiz about that country.

I often encourage Guests to take a few moments to try their hand at these quizzes, not really to show off what they know, but rather as a way to talk with Cast Members who are from those lands.  Invariably, you'll strike up a conversation and learn more about that country, which is what World Showcase is all about.

This particular quiz from the UK pavilion was especially fun for my oldest son, who recently discovered The Beatles and was very interested in the Beatles quiz.

So as you're making your way around the World Showcase, try to take a moment to stop and test your knowledge about the different countries represented in Epcot -- you might know more than you think you did and you certainly will learn something!

Tip Tuesday: Voices of Liberty

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, I wanted to follow up on last week's post about the preshow area of the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot.  And what a preshow it is:  The Voices of Liberty.

If you've never experienced the Voices of Liberty, you're missing one of the true gems of World Showcase and one of the few live performance opportunities at Epcot.

The Voices of Liberty is an acapella group that sings patriotic songs and hymns inside one of the most acoustically perfect locations anywhere.  The group stands in the exact center of the rotunda that makes up the entrance to the American Adventure attraction.  Standing in that center creates incredible acoustic conditions.  Just talking about it doesn't do the experience any real justice.  In fact, listening to a recorded performance of the Voices of Liberty doesn't truly capture the live experience.  You really have to hear it to believe it.

The Voices of Liberty performs several times a day, usually before the start of the next showing of the American Adventure.  If you want to hear the Voices of Liberty, it's a good idea to arrive at the American Adventure about 30 minutes before the start of the next show. 

The Voices of Liberty also can be heard outside the parks as well.  The group is known as the Liberty Voices - and they do have CD's available for purchase.  Visit their Web site at:  http://www.libertyvoices.com/index.htm.

So the next time you see there's 30 minutes before the next American Adventure attraction, go ahead and go on it -- and experience the wonder and beauty of the Voices of Liberty!

Tip Tuesday: American Heritage Gallery

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, we're heading over to the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot to visit a bit of a hidden treasure - the American Heritage Gallery.  This small exhibit opened late September 2007 and reopened about a year ago after being closed for several months for an update. The updated exhibit features displays about some of America's most notable citizens including Thomas Edison, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Beacher Stowe, Daniel Inouye and Frederick Douglass.  There also are special displays about your "hosts" inside The American Adventure attraction, Ben Franklin and Mark Twain.  The displays include original artifacts on loan to Epcot.

Here you see some items used by astronauts Gus Grissom and John Glenn.

It's important to take a few minutes to walk around the gallery to learn more about the real people, some of who you will meet in the attraction. 

The gallery, along with the Voices of Liberty (which I'll discuss in a post very soon), is yet another reason why it's a good idea to head into the American Adventure pavilion even if the next showing of the attraction isn't soon.  You'll be glad you did.  You just might learn something too.

Photo Friday: A different perspective on the Tori Gate

Welcome to another Photo Friday!

This week, I wanted to take you to Epcot (my favorite park) for a shot I took in June 2009. This photo was taken just before Illuminations began from the balcony over Mitsukoshi. This is one of my favorite places to watch Illuminations because you get a different perspective on the show and you get a wider view of World Showcase as a whole.

I especially like the lighting here with the lighting on the Tori Gate helping it to stand out from the darkened background and the lagoon. I also like Spaceship Earth in the distance, though it would have been nice if that tree was just a bit shorter.

I hope you enjoy this photo and look for another photo next week!

Tip Tuesday: Duffy the Bear

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, we're going to meet a character who recently "returned" to Walt Disney World from Tokyo Disney Sea, where he was just as big as Mickey Mouse, maybe bigger!

Meet Duffy the Bear!

Long-time Walt Disney World veterans may recognize a similar stuffed bear that was available for years called the Disney Bear. A while ago, the Disney Bear left the American parks and was "adopted" by Tokyo Disney Sea and given an entirely new persona and backstory.

Now, according to story, Duffy was made by Minnie Mouse and given to Mickey Mouse as a companion as Mickey was preparing to sail around the globe. Mickey and Duffy went on many voyages and everytime they returned home Mickey and Duffy would tell Minnie all about their adventures. Mickey and Duffy traveled to Japan (Tokyo Disney Sea) and were meeting guests there for quite a while. In fact, while Duffy was at Tokyo Disney Sea, he developed such a huge following that when new bear designs or new outfits for Duffy were introduced, guests would line up for hours to purchase the new items. Don't believe me? See this post from AllEars.net contributor Jack Spence. In October 2010, Mickey decided to bring Duffy home.

Of course, in Disney fashion, Duffy himself had to have a special location to meet and greet all his new friends when he returned to the United States. Duffy, of course, is a world traveler, so he had to be located in Epcot's World Showcase. Now Duffy has a special gazebo located near the Mexico pavilion where he meets new friends every day. Be sure to check a times guide for specific appearance times.

But Duffy is more than just a meet-and-greet character. Duffy can come home with you (parents, be warned that this little stuffed guy is very cute and cuddly and is sure to be a hit with younger guests). In addition, Duffy can be dressed in several different outfits, representing several countries located in World Showcase (he's wearing his Mexican and Chinese outfits above), various holidays and, naturally, his sailor's outfit. More outfits and costumes are planned for Duffy in the future.

Furthermore, Duffy's presence at Epcot is even wider than meet-and-greets and a plush toy. Duffy has replaced the masks at each Kidcot station in World Showcase.

The next time you're at Epcot, be sure to stop by and say hi to Mickey's best bear -- Duffy! It's one more reason Epcot is perfect for kids of all ages -- young and old.

Tip Tuesday: World Showcase shops

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

One of the most frequent bits of advice I give to people visiting Walt Disney World for the first time is this: take your time and slow down.

All too often we fall into the trap of rushing from one attraction to another and don't stop to enjoy some of those little details along the way.

Those Disney details can be found in many places including the various shops located all throughout Walt Disney World.

While browsing in a shop, especially in Epcot's World Showcase, you will discover many aspects of the host country. For instance, in the Venetian masks store in the Italy pavilion, you will discover some of the masks that are a key part of Italian culture. Just step up to the cast member and you'll hear all about the history of Venetian masks and their significance in Italian culture.

Stroll over to the the German pavilion to learn more about German glass ornaments and to discover the legend of the pickle. Do you have a pickle in your Christmas tree?

These are just a few examples of why Walt Disney World is so much more than just attractions.

It's all about exploration and discovery.

So take your time, explore the different shops and exhibits and discover more about our world.

Le Cellier dinner soon to require 2 DDP credits

The Disney Food Blog has confirmed that Le Cellier, the uber-popular-nearly-impossible-to-get-an-ADR restaurant in the Canada pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase will soon be a little more "expensive" for Disney Dining Plan members.

According to the folks at the Disney Food Blog, starting next March, dinners at Le Cellier will require two table service credits. Currently both lunch and dinner seatings at Le Cellier only require one table service credit. Under the new plan next March, lunch seatings still will require only one tabe service credit.

While there is no explanation given for this change, it seems pretty obvious. Le Cellier is one of the hardest ADR's to get in all of Walt Disney World -- even harder than Cinderella's Royal Table. It seems natural that in order to lighten the pressure on the ADR, the cost for dinner will go up substantially -- enough so that the folks at the Disney Dining Plan felt it should require two credits instead of one.

So here's the real question -- will the increase in price have an impact on reservations? Will Le Cellier ADR's start becoming easier to get because of the higher DDP cost? What do you think? Will or would you change your ADR booking habits because of this new price? Post a comment.

Tip Tuesday: Miyuki

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, we're heading to the Japan pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase to feature a very special and unique lady -- Miyuki the Candy Artist.

While this might not seem like such a big deal for those who have not seen Miyuki's shows before, I assure she is not one to miss.

Miyuki is trained in the Japanese tradition of candy art. This is a process by which the artist takes near molten candy (with rice dough as the base) and shapes it into whatever figure the guests request. As the sculpture takes form, the artist uses a special type of edible paint to add color to the design. The guest USED to receive the candy sculpture as a souvenir. (UPDATE: I've learned that Disney no longer allows her to hand out the scuptures. There is plenty of speculation as to why, ranging from health concerns to complaints from guests who weren't picked).

What makes her show so incredible is the fact that she's doing this with her BARE HANDS. The candy she is working with is very, very hot -- nearly 200 degrees! What makes Miyuki's show even more incredible is the fact that she is the only female Japanese candy artist in the world! That's right - the only female! From what I understand, there are only a handful of people still performing Japanese candy art at all.

Myuki's kiosk is located just outside the main entrance of the Mitsukoshi store, just off the World Showcase Promenade. She has several shows a day, so be sure to check a daily times guide for specific appearance times. A typical show begins with Myuki introducing herself and briefly talking about what candy art is. She then selects a guest (often children), and then asks what they would like her to make (usually an animal of some sort - either real or imaginary). Miyuki begins with a while ball of pre-prepared rice dough candy. Her cart has some heaters to help keep the dough hot while she works it into the shape she needs. As she progresses, she uses simple hand tools to manipulate the candy into whatever she's trying to make.

For instance, in the photo above, Miyuki is making the wings for a pink flamingo. She uses a small pair of clippers and simply works along the wing area adding "feathers" as she goes.

To watch Miyuki practice her trade is an amazing sight. What I found most impressive was her creativity. She didn't skip a beat whenever a guest named an animal, she got started right away and within a few minutes, she had created an amazing candy sculpture. Here's the finished creation:

Now here's a little tip for you if you (or your children) are interested in being picked to request a candy sculpture: arrive at Miyuki's kiosk about 20 minutes ahead of time (30 minutes if the parks are crowded). Try to stand in the front of the kiosk. If you don't happen to be chosen, you may have to catch the next show. Miyuki's pretty good about remembering if a guest was at the previous show and wasn't chosen.

The best part about Miyuki's show is that it's completely free, it's part of your park admission..

The next time you're at Epcot, be sure to check out Miyuki the Candy Artist. She's another reason why World Showcase is filled with adventure and hidden treasures.

Tip Tuesday: Your Passport to the World (Showcase)

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

My apologies for the delay in this post. Too much to get done in the real world.

Anyway, on to this week's tip!

I previously talked about the KidCot stations in World Showcase and how much fun they can be for kids at Epcot.

These KidCot stations also are a great place for another unique adventure at Epcot -- the World Showcase Passport.

Guests can pickup a passport at just about any retail store in Epcot. They run around $10 each. The package includes the passport booklet (seen above), stickers from each World Showcase pavilion and an Epcot button.

Here's how it works: Take your passport around to each KidCot station in World Showcase and present it to the cast member. That person will write a special message reflecting that pavilion. For instance, at the China pavilion, a cast member will stamp your passport with your Chinese Zodiac sign (as you can see from my page below, I was born in the year of the Dog (much to my kids' laughter). Additionally the cast member wrote my name and a special message in Mandarin (as you can see below, it's "Dreams Come True").

The stickers included feature different scenes from each pavilion. Once you're done, you have a great one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your trip around World Showcase.

Guests of any age can enjoy the passport, however, I feel it's best for kids who are at least of elementary-school age. Preschoolers might not fully appreciate the experience and I most definitely recommend the passport for adults (or big kids at heart like me).

The next time you're in Epcot, be sure to have your passport as you enjoy your trip around the World (Showcase)!!

New pizzeria coming to the Italy pavilion in Epcot

In what's sure to become a "we wish this was here sooner" moment, Disney today announced on the official Disney Parks Blog, that a new, as-yet unnamed pizzeria will be coming to the Italy pavilion in Epcot later this year.

According to the blog post, construction already is underway on the 300-seat restaurant, which will feature traditional Florentine architecture, vaulted-ceilings and outside dining. I suspect, though there is no official confirmation, that this will likely be a quick-service restaurant, which was badly needed in the Italy pavilion.

Naturally, this new restaurant will feature pizza (apparently using wood-burning ovens, to be specific) and other Italian dishes that will compliment offerings currently at Italy's table-service restaurant, Tutto Italia.

"The pizzeria will be the newest flagship restaurant in the Patina Restaurant Group’s portfolio. And one of the special touches at the Epcot location will be the water. It’ll be imported from a source where the composition most resembles water used in Naples, Italy, to make the authentic Italian dough," said Thomas Smith, Disney Parks Social Media Director in the blog post.

I look forward to this new restaurant to further amplify the already outstanding offerings all over World Showcase.

Tip Tuesday: KidCot

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

I can't tell you how many times I hear from people with younger children saying that "Epcot isn't for kids," or "there's nothing at Epcot for kids to do." I've even heard this from people in my own family.

Sigh. How wrong they are.

Epcot (full disclosure -- it's my favorite park) has so much for kids that I'll bet kids can't get to it all in one day!

From the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure (my own three kids absolutely LOVE this!), to the different character meet-and-greet opportunities to attractions aimed at younger guests (think Nemo and Figment), kids will have a fantastic time at Epcot.

One activity at Epcot that has been very popular with kids (and doesn't cost anything) are the KidCot stations located all around FutureWorld and World Showcase.

What is a KidCot station? Well, I'll just talk about the World Showcase KidCots (the FutureWorld ones have a different theme). A KidCot station is a place where kids can work on crafts related to each host country. Every country in World Showcase has a KidCot station.

Here's how it works:

Pick a country, any country, to begin your KidCot adventure. At the first country (for most it's either Mexico or Canada), younger guests will get a blank, white paper mask on a stick (very similar to those old Italian Venetian masks, which you can get in Italy -- but I digress). Kids then can decorate their mask any way they wish. At the KidCot station in each country, a cast member will stamp the mask with a symbol representing that country and attach a paper die-cut image that represents that country to the top of the mask.

As kids move from country to county, more stamps and paper symbols are added to the mask until the final country. If younger guests manage to visit all 11 KidCot stations, they usually get an additional bit of recognition -- sometimes it's a certificate, sometimes it's a special Epcot mini-poster.

Part of the charm of the KidCot program is that it requires kids to explore the different pavilions in order to find the KidCot station. At each station cast members native to the host country talk with kids about their respective homelands. This makes KidCot a great way for kids to become exposed to people of different lands and learn about different cultures, which is the whole reason for World Showcase to begin with.

Quick tip for parents: The KidCot stations are (at least as of this post) sponsored by Sharpie, which means kids will be using Sharpie permanent markers to decorate their masks. It might be a good idea to put younger kids into a shirt that can withstand a bit of mess or one that can be sacrificed, because there is a good chance clothes might get a bit messed up.