Our Emma at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Just to wet your appetite:

Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw from the South Korea Booth – OMG!!! This was a runaway hit! Delish! Punch of flavor, super tender meat with a kick! You have to try this! Promise me you’ll try it!

Greek Salad with Pita Bread from Greece – outstanding!

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream from Poland – How I love pierogies!

Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime from Brazil

Fantasyland Expansion and construction photo

As far as the new expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, part of the first phase of Story book circus is now open.  One of the new Dumbo the Flying Elephant is  open and we've been on it!  It is the one which goes clockwise, has a water feature inside and below the elephants, and has the top hub decorated with storks and images of Mrs. Jumbo's face. Oh yes, it now has a sound track with a circus feel to it.  The original Dumbo is being refurbished and is almost ready to join its sister spinner a little later this year.  The Barnstormer, featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini is also open.  As you now, this is a small roller coaster.  Goofy is now the circus daredevil, serving as a human (dog?) cannonball, bear "wrassler, and stunt water skier.  Hi cannon and targets are placed throughout the area.  Do note the entirety of the new expansion is far from open and there is still much, much more to come.  Following in the latter half of the year will be a forested area that will include some of the Fantasyland project's anchor additions — Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, an indoor ride based on the 1989 animated film, and Be Our Guest, a Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant.  Other parts of the Fantasyland expansion — including an indoor, family roller coaster based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves — will follow

Taken from the new Dumbo ride.  Look carefully.  You can see the construction of the Beast's Castle, the second Dumbo ride, the Circus tent and  more!

Magic Kingdom's Dream Come True Parade

Magic Kingdom's Castle Show

Disney Planning Guide: 

>>>Atlanta Braves Spring Training (Early Spring, 2012) 

Baseball fans can catch some major league action when the Atlanta Braves take the field for spring training. First game is March 3 and last game is April 2.  There are, of course, many other teams who have spring training close to our homes in the I-4 corridor: Detroit Tigers (Lakeland), Houston Astros (Kissimmee), Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater), and New York Yankees (Tampa)!  This year, some of Major League Baseball's marquee teams, including the reigning World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees, will take on the Braves during their spring training. In fact, the Cardinals and Yankees, as well as the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, make up the core of the Braves' 18-game home schedule at Champion Stadium. The Cardinals face the Braves on March 19. The Yankees visit twice, Saturday March 10 and Wednesday March 28, and the New York Mets come in three times, March 9 and 23 and the spring home finale April 2.

>>>Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March 7-May 20) 

In 2012, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held from March 7 through May 20 . Each year this event features impressive displays of Disney characters made with flowers and plants. Beyond these characters, there are also many other components of the festival. Designer presentations can help you plan everything from planting your first garden to increasing the curb appeal of your home. Experts from HGTV and Epcot provide a range of innovative gardening ideas throughout this festival. In addition, this festival also includes a concert series; our favorite!  If you want to attend the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, all you need to do is visit the Epcot theme park. Some visitors plan trips exclusively to Epcot, while others work the festival into a larger family Disney trip.

If you're thinking about attending the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival you might be wondering what to expect. This annual festival takes place both indoors and outdoors and is an all day affair. The gardening fun gets started on March 7, but some savvy travelers wait a few weeks to attend in order to let the flowers and plants grow and thrive. In 2012, the festival will last through May 20. A number of Disney-Pixar characters have been featured in the topiaries, including kids' favorites like Buzz and Woody from Toy Story. Another festival highlight that both kids and adults will love is the Flower Power concert series. These concerts take place every weekend at the America Gardens Theater and showcase the music of the 1960s and 1970s.  Some festivals in Disney World are designed just for kids, but Epcot does an exceptional job of appealing to adults too. In both this festival and the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, adults will be just as happy as their kids to be spending vacation time in Disney World. While kids will be enjoying their favorite characters created with flowers, adults can be learning tips about how to improve their gardens from gardening experts at the designer presentations. These events will provide practical information that you can put to use in your garden this season.

We've learned that for 2012, Disney will go "Fantasia" for the festival, featuring topiaries and details from the 1940 animated film "Fantasia."  Insiders tell  us an eight-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey will greet guests at the Epcot front entrance, introducing the “Fantasia” focus at Epcot Flower & Garden.  Sorcerer Mickey will be in full powers – or should that be full bloom – as he rests on a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff above the entrance’s topiary bed. Mickey will be surrounded dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants, all of which recall the classic movie.  Then, for 75 festival days, Epcot guests can explore topiaries and gardens, learn planting, style and design techniques and rock to the tunes of popular Flower Power concerts: Bambi’s Butterfly House, three times the size of the festival’s original, will be a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies. At Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.; Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5. At the Test Track Walkway; The HGTV Designers Stage will present HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday. At the Festival Center; The Flower Power concert series will welcome back 20th century pop favorites this year. Early dates for the Flower Power Concert Series to be performed during the 2012 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival are showing up already: March 30 - April 1: The Spinners , April 6 - 7: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, April 13 - 15: Paul Revere & The Raiders, April 20 - 23: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, April 27 - 29: Chuck Negron, May 11 - 13: Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone.  Remember this is any early listing and stars may change and, most certainly, others will be added for every week in the festival. 

>>>Star Wars Weekends (May 18-June 10, 2012) 

Star Wars Weekends is an annual special event at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park that celebrates the legendary Star Wars Saga and the animated television series, The Clone Wars. Join Jedi Knights, Sith Lords and Star Wars celebrities for special shows, presentations and memorabilia.  On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more!  Have a memento signed by Star Wars celebrities attending the event! Kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills and prepare to do battle with Darth Vader himself at the Jedi Training Academy. And in the Padawan Mind Challenge, they can test their wits before the Jedi Council.  At the end of each day, let loose with music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla! With so many Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers, Jawas and otherworldly creatures, young Jedi and their parents would be wise to have their cameras ready.

>>>Sounds Like Summer Concert Series (June 10-July 28, 2012) 

Sounds Like Summer is an annual live concert series at Epcot theme park that brings together a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons.  To see and hear a few of last year's performances, simply click on the Facebook logo, and scroll (way) down.   Get the family together and get into the groove with the songs you all know and love. Dance to classic hits and have a toe-tappin' good time under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

>>>Night of Joy (September 7 and 8, 2012) 

Night of Joy is a contemporary Christian music festival that takes place each fall at Magic Kingdom Park. It features live performances by contemporary Christian superstars in rock, pop and gospel.  Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to the Magic Kingdom.  During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel. Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including: Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Third Day, and many more.  From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that's sure to lift your spirits.

>>>Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Sept. 28 - Nov. 11, 2012) 

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an autumn special event that transforms Epcot theme park into a food and wine lover's paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, wine seminars and live musical entertainment.  Lee thinks of this festival as "eat your way around the world!"  A food and wine paradise awaits you!  There's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. In addition to the attractions Guests already enjoy at Epcot theme park, this annual autumn event features a delectable array of offerings, including: International kiosks featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages, Cooking demonstrations and dining events—including experiences with celebrity chefs, Mixology classes and wine tastings, Live musical performances by popular hit-makers in the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, and more.  Eat your way around the world!  Cultivate your cooking skills. Savor a rare vintage.  Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert. Make magical memories to last a lifetime!

>>>Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Select Nights Sept. - Oct, 20, 12) 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park and the tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary", and is most appropriate for children of all ages.  Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to treat-or-treat.  During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including: Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman; Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky;  Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.  Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

>>>Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend ( Nov. 9 - 10, 2012)

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend blends the magic of a run Disney race with the flavorful festivities of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Whether you wish to race under the stars or support your favorite runner, this race weekend offers fun for all ages and tastes.

>>>Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic ( Nov. 8 - 11, 2012)

More than 100 world-class golfers will come together at the annual Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic for 4 magical days of heart-pounding competition. Experience the spirit and tradition of the PGA TOUR at the Walt Disney World Resort championship golf courses.  This 41st PGA TOUR event at Walt Disney World Resort returns to the award-winning Disney's Magnolia and Disney's Palm Golf Courses. Be a part of the longest running PGA TOUR event in Central Florida—a historic tournament that began with 3 consecutive wins by Jack Nicklaus in 1971, 1972 and 1973. The Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic also continues to attract the best players in the world. In its history, it has crowned such champions as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart and Davis Love III.

>>>Epcot's Osborne Family Spectacle o Dancing Lights ( Early to mid Nov. through the New Year)

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is a massive Christmas season display featuring millions of holiday lights perfectly synchronized to music.  The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude. Entire buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights dim and then dramatically spring to life — dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. You have to see the effect to believe it!  Some nights, if you truly believe in holiday magic, the show is capped off with an enchanted flurry of snow (Florida snow that is!).  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew... and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.

>>>Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ( Select nights from early Nov. - Dec., 2012) 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.  Celebrate the magic of the season in the holiday wonderland of Magic Kingdom theme park. Gather with loved ones for a festive sight- and sound-filled special event that is sure to make you merry!  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:  The enchanted Castle Dream Lights of Cinderella's Castle, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters, Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A., and more!

>>>Holidays Around the World - Candlelight Processional ( Nov. - Dec., 2012) 

Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, orchestra and choir.  During the holidays, Epcot is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to Candlelight Processional, delight in the sights and sounds of the season.  Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.  Candlelight Processional is a terrific way to get in the Christmas spirit and to share the magic of the season with your family and friends. The event has become an essential family tradition for many Guests — once you experience it, you will be inspired to share it every year with the ones you love.

>>>New Year's Eve Party at Disney Quest (Dec. 31, 2012)

While the adults Ring in the New Year with all the Disney Parks have to offer, the younger sent may wish to do so with a cyber celebration at DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park in the Downtown Disney area.  Celebrate New Year's Eve with an exciting evening of fun, games and dancing at DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park in the Downtown Disney area. Discover 5 floors fueled by electronic Disney innovation and imagination—including virtual reality, 3D encounters and classic video games—and ring in the New Year.  Your evening includes access to all DisneyQuest attractions and video games, food, and a DJ dance party with a New Year's Eve countdown and a confetti drop at midnight!   We hear this is supposed to be great for older teens as adults enjoy the more grown-up activities of the parks. Your fun-filled evening includes: Access to all DisneyQuest attractions and video games, including Virtual Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters and CyberSpace Mountain, A DJ dance party, complete with party favors, A New Year's Eve countdown and a confetti drop at midnight, A coupon for a personal pizza, hot dog, kid's hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, as well as chips and a fountain soda at FoodQuest, and more.  It's a fun-filled celebration that's sure to delight every member of the family—from younger Guests to the young-at-heart.

Scotty McCreery at Disney!

Since folks ask us what is the best thing to eat at Disney, we thought we'd show you (Mickey Waffle in the Magic Kingdom):

Granddaughter #1 and Mickey Waffle

A Great Idea from One of Our Guests:

For many future Mousekateers, especially little ones, it is hard to wait for their trip to visit Mickey.  One of our guests has made the wait easier by making a "Days 'til Disney" calendar.  It is made with Disney paint sample stickers you can get from the local big box store, a couple of hooks, and a nice background board.  It really does make the wait shorter!