LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It’s time to grab your buds and head to EPCOT for one of Walt Disney World’s most popular festivals. EPCOT’S International Flower and Garden Festival officially blooms on Wednesday, bringing back its iconic and innovative topiaries, fresh flavors and concerts for the whole family. See photos in the gallery below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival blooms this week Beginning March 1, guests can enjoy a springtime event filled with enchanting topiaries, brilliant gardens, fresh flavors and lively entertainment at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. More than 200,000 bedding plants are added to EPCOT for the festival, Disney said. READ: Woman makes history at 2023 Disney Princess Half MarathonThroughout the festival’s 15 outdoor kitchens throughout the park, there will be more than 50 new food and drink items.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced its concert lineup for this spring’s International Flower and Garden Festival, taking place March 1 through July 5 in EPCOT. Internationally renowned artists will perform Friday through Monday, and local talent will perform Tuesday through Thursday at the America Gardens Theater. READ: Disney World confirms no standby line, virtual queue only for new Tron Lightcycle rollercoasterThere will be 32 headlining performers throughout the festival, including new acts Blue Oyster Cult, Luis Figueroa, Piso 21, Switchfoot, A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce, Casting Crowns, Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago and Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The next time you head to EPCOT, you may notice things looks a little different in the parking lot. As part of the park’s ongoing transformation, crews have updated the parking lots to be character-themed, introducing guests to some of the characters who represent the concepts that live in EPCOT, Disney said. READ: Walt Disney World announces changes to park reservation system, resort parking, photo downloadsEPCOT parking updates Changes have been made to EPCOT's parking lot. READ: This weekend is your last chance to ride Splash MountainEPCOT parking updates Changes have been made to EPCOT's parking lot. (Walt Disney World)READ: These nighttime spectaculars will soon return to Walt Disney WorldVideo: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins at Walt Disney World A popular festival returns to Walt Disney World on Friday.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — On the last day of the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, runners raced to the finish line with a cool and comfortable morning. According to a release, 59 runners who participated in every Walt Disney World Marathon were present Sunday. Read: 9 things to know about the Walt Disney World MarathonOver 100,000 spectators and participants were part of the four-day event. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon 30 years running. Sunday’s race marks the first Walt Disney World Marathon win for male finisher Daniel Dos Santos.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Runners were up before the sun rose Friday morning, hitting the pavement at Epcot for the Walt Disney World 10K race. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. 🐾 Congratulations to all runners of the #runDisney 2023 Walt Disney World 5K presented by @StateFarm! Channel 9 will have special coverage of the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday during Eyewitness News This Morning. READ: 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend finishes strong with record-breaking performancesVideo: Runners from around the world prepare for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Runners from around the world are heading to Walt Disney World.
wftv.comORLANDO, Fla. — The anticipation begins as guests prepare to experience new attractions at Central Florida theme parks in 2023. TRON Lightcycle / RunWatch: GMA gets early ride on upcoming TRON coaster at Magic KingdomMagic Kingdom’s newest coaster will be opening in the Spring. Disney said that this will be one of the world’s fastest coasters at any Disney theme park. (SeaWorld)Villain-Con Minion BlastRead: Villain-Con Minion Blast: Universal Orlando announces new attraction opening next summerThe newest minion attraction will be debuting at Universal in the summer. Villain-Con Minion Blast Theme park officials said Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in the new Minion Land.
wftv.comORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Walt Disney Imagineering, the think tank/creative arm of The Walt Disney Co., revealed a peek at its next addition to Epcot at Walt Disney World. Part of the trail-like attraction’s goal appears to use the iconic “Moana” film to provide education on how the water cycle works. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Lawsuit filed over Disney’s Genie service claiming patent infringement Disney is facing a lawsuit over a system many people use at its theme parks.
wftv.comDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s been a little over a month since Hurricane Ian battered Florida and a few weeks since Nicole made landfall. But one theme park on the coast has not reopened – until this weekend. Daytona Lagoon, a family-friendly waterpark in Daytona Beach, will resume park operations on Saturday and Sunday. Read: EPCOT: Month-long holiday Festival returning this weekWhile the park was closed, it experienced some changes, including bringing back the Rockwall and adding new flooring. returns to Gaylord Palms Resort this ChristmasIn honor of the reopening, guests can participate in half-off arcade games over the weekend.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The International Festival of the Holidays will be returning to EPCOT starting Friday. EPCOT will be debuting new shows and activities during the month-long festival, while bringing back some of its classics. Other attractions like Living with the Land and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will also be celebrating the joy of the season with holiday tunes and decorations. Read: ‘Candlelight Processional’ returns to EPCOT this holiday season with new celebrity narratorsThe festival will be held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30. VIDEO: What Iger returning as Disney CEO could mean for Florida What Iger returning as Disney CEO could mean for Florida©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comLake Buena Vista, Fla. — Worlds collided as The Orlando Guardians coaches got to visit Walt Disney World this week. This comes just as the XFL had released the names and logos of the eight teams in the XFL on Monday, including Orlando’s. In July, the XFL announced the eight teams competing in the 2023 season. Along with Orlando, the XFL has teams in Texas, Las Vegas, Seattle, Missouri, and Washington, D.C.Read: The Orlando Guardians are coming; XFL release team names and logosExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Orlando Guardians at Disney (David Roark, photographer) (David Roark/David Roark, photographer)The Orlando Guardians will play their games at Camping World Stadium when the season kicks off on Feb. 18, 2023. UCF ready to make one final splash in AAC The Knights host UNC Asheville Monday©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Art and food will burst with color at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts next year. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts will return Jan. 13 and last until Feb. 20, 2023, Walt Disney World announced Thursday. Read: Passholders file lawsuit against Disney World over park reservation systemThere will be 16 Food Studios with art-inspired menus, including two new areas. Moderne will be near Test Track and Figment’s Inspiration Station will be at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic. Watch this video below:Video: ‘Tron,’ ‘Moana’ and ‘Zootopia’: D23 Expo details new attractions coming to Walt Disney World Disney officials shared details over the weekend about new attractions coming to Walt Disney World.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Disney announced that the “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” ride at EPCOT will include a playlist of festive tunes for the holidays.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A lovable EPCOT mascot is taking his journey from the theme parks to the silver screen, according to multiple entertainment outlets. Figment, the star of the EPCOT attraction Journey Into Imagination with Figment, is getting his own feature film, Deadline first reported last week. READ: ‘Candlelight Processional’ returns to EPCOT this holiday season with new celebrity narratorsThe film is being produced by Seth Rogan’s Point Grey Pictures, according to Deadline. Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, the duo who wrote “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” are set to write the script, according to Deadline. He has since appeared on merchandise such as Figment-shaped popcorn buckets, which were so popular they’ve resulted in hours-long lines at EPCOT popcorn stands.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The return of EPCOT’s “Candlelight Processional” this holiday season will bring plenty of star power. Walt Disney World last week announced its lineup of celebrity narrators for the holiday tradition that returns Nov. 25. READ: Disney+ subscribers can save on select Disney resort stays this holiday season“Candlelight Processional,” which has been part of Walt Disney World since 1971, incorporates a 50-piece live orchestra, choirs, the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, and the celebrity narrator into a heartwarming retelling of the traditional Christmas story. READ: Live Christmas trees likely to be more expensive this holiday season“Candlelight Processional” is presented by AdventHealth. READ: Holidays on a budget: Should ‘buy now, pay later’ loans be part of your strategy?
wftv.comThe next two years will be very busy for Central Florida as attractions will be added, updated and completed across Walt Disney World. The family-friendly thrill ride will allow guests to climb aboard a Lightcycle and race through a dark, computerized world, Disney said. (Disney Parks/Disney Parks)New nighttime showsAn updated version of the nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom in 2023, Disney said during D23. Guests can also expect projects surrounding Coco, Encanto and iconic Disney villains to find their way to Magic Kingdom, Disney said at D23. READ: Disney+ subscribers can save on select Disney resort stays this holiday seasonD23 Expo details new attractions coming to Walt Disney WorldNew Disney cruise shipDuring D23, Disney shared its first look at its next Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Treasure.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — An upcoming attraction at Walt Disney World is taking shape. On Thursday, Disney shared a look at the progress being made at Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, which is coming to EPCOT. READ: On your mark: runDisney Springtime Surprise registration opens TuesdayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Disney shared a look at the progress being made at Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, which is coming to EPCOT. Journey of Water will be an attraction designed for all ages and allow guests to “explore and engage with water as it travels from our skies to our oceans and back again,” Disney said. READ: By land, by sea: Enchanting Extra tours returning to EPCOT this fallAn opening day for Journey of Water has not yet been announced.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A fan-favorite at EPCOT is returning this fall. The personalized experiences offer guests an exciting look at the magic of possibilities at Disney World, and experience EPCOT by land and by sea. In the EPCOT Seas Adventures, guests can join the fish at The Sea with Nemo and Friends Pavilion in DiveQuest. Guests will dive into the pavilion’s 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium and swim with more than 2,000 sea creatures. For those who aren’t, The Seas Pavilion is also hosting Dolphins in Depth, an opportunity to meet bottlenose dolphins and the experts who care for them.
wftv.comLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — We’re getting more details on the Journey of Water, the upcoming Moana-themed attraction coming to EPCOT. It will be located in World Nature, EPCOT’s newest neighborhood that will be dedicated to learned and supporting humanity’s relationship with the planet. READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindAn opening date for Journey of Water has not yet been announced. Photos: Get an early look at the future of EPCOT’s transformationDwayne Johnson sings ‘Moana’ song for 3-year-old with cancer Dwayne Johnson sings ‘Moana’ song for 3-year-old with cancerClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comVideo: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens at EPCOTBAY LAKE, Fla. — A brand new attraction opened at Walt Disney World on Friday. Guests can now ride “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” at EPCOT. The roller coaster is fully immersive, blasting guests from one side of the galaxy to the other. READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindDisney Imagineers used techniques and technology from previous experiences in a brand new story with your favorite “Guardians of the Galaxy” characters, including Star-Lord, Groot and more. There are a lot of flavors from the movies that make their way into the attraction.”SEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindRead nine facts about the ride here.
wftv.com9 things to do this weekend (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Florida’s disaster-preparedness tax holiday will begin Saturday and last through June 10. READ: Florida’s hurricane tax free holiday starts May 28See a list of items here. The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride will open at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT on Friday. SEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindVIDEO: Take a look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s newest thrill ride Take a look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s newest thrill rideYou can catch Paul McCartney live at Camping World Stadium this weekend.
wftv.comEPCOT 'Eat to the Beat' concert series (Walt Disney World)ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney has released its lineup for EPCOT’s Eat to the Beat concert series. You can catch the performances nightly during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival from July 14 to Nov. 14. Big-name bands and singers will perform Friday to Monday nights. Local artists will perform from Tuesday to Thursday. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comDisney’s first Marvel themed attraction for Orlando Fl, arrives as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens to the public on May 27, at EPCOT. Luckily for Disney, Guardians of the Galaxy are the exception. In short, yes, this is the best Marvel Coaster ride in Florida(Sorry Hulk). The best way to describe this experience is the combination of the guardians of the galaxy, space mountain and a classic EPCOT/spaceship earth pavilion. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a truly unforgettable experience that the whole family will enjoy.
knightnews.comMagicband+ Guests at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will be able to use MagicBand+ to experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as their bands light up and complement the magic in the skies, including the new “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park. (Disney) (Disney)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — MagicBands at Walt Disney World are getting an upgrade. In addition, “Hey Disney!” will allow Disney Resort hotel guests to use “Hey Disney!” to learn about their vacation, order room amenities and more, Disney said. “Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase on supported Echo devices via the Alexa Skills store. For guests experiencing the parks’ nighttime spectaculars, their MagicBand+ will light up and complement the event, Disney said.
wftv.comWorld Celebration will be divided into several different gardens “with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo,” Disney said in a blog post. “Filled with ample seating and shade, you’ll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area,” Disney said. Photos: Get an early look at the future of EPCOT’s transformationSee photos of the transformation below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 EPCOT transformation Disney provides new details on future EPCOT transformation, including Moana attraction (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)The hall will be “a flexible exhibition and gallery space,” Disney said, which offers chances to experience art, live music and food, complete with a demonstration kitchen, and more. That’s not all that Disney has in store for EPCOT. READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindImagineer Zach Riddley posted an artist’s rendering of the upcoming attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
wftv.comVIDEO: Take a look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s newest thrill ride Take a look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s newest thrill rideLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — EPCOT’s transformation continues at Walt Disney World. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind officially opens to the public on May 27, but Channel 9′s Jeff Levkulich got a sneak peek of the family-friendly roller coaster on Thursday. SEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindGuests will enter the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, entering the world of Guardians of the Galaxy. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World)READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindAnd what’s a new attraction without some new merchandise? Coffee mugs, shirts, hats and bags are among the new merchandise to extend the Cosmic Rewind experience beyond the park.
wftv.comGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a family-friendly roller coaster, is set to debut at EPCOT to the public on May 27. READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022Tune into Eyewitness News This Morning for LIVE coverage from Disney starting at 5 a.m. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open in EPCOT in 2022. The Guardians of the Galaxy films are known for their eclectic, catchy tunes – and Cosmic Rewind will be no different. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue Disney has shared a first look inside the queue guests will make their way through as part of the newest roller coaster coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
wftv.comBAY LAKE, Fla. — Fans of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and Disney World are no doubt counting down the days to May 27. They know it’s the magical date when EPCOT’s new “Cosmic Rewind” roller coaster will officially launch. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)Peter Quill, a.k.a. The movies feature fun, classic pop songs — so it’s no surprise that Disney Imagineers decided “Cosmic Rewind” riders should coast along to some epic tunes. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)READ: Walt Disney World announces opening date for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindDisney said its team rode the attraction over and over until they landed on the right playlist.
wftv.comBAY LAKE, Fla. — Walt Disney World announced that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open on May 27 at EPCOT. The family-friendly roller coaster is one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world, and will feature the first-ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster. READ: Take a look inside the queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindGuests will join Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on an urgent mission where they’ll rewind, rotate and head toward the action through an exciting space pursuit. “This is another big, magical moment in the transformation of EPCOT and the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration currently underway,” a Disney spokesperson said. READ: Disney unveils upcoming store next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOTREAD: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue Disney has shared a first look inside the queue guests will make their way through as part of the newest roller coaster coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Disney has shared a first look inside the queue guests will make their way through as part of the newest roller coaster coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue Disney has shared a first look inside the queue guests will make their way through as part of the newest roller coaster coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. READ: Disney unveils upcoming store next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOTFIRST LOOK: See inside the queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue Disney has shared a first look inside the queue guests will make their way through as part of the newest roller coaster coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
wftv.comGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open in 2022 at EPCOT. (Disney Parks Blog/Disney Parks Blog)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Disney officials have announced the gift shop that will be opening adjacent to the upcoming roller coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, set to debut soon at EPCOT. READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022The store will be operated by “The Broker,” a proud Xandarian who has brought part of his famous store to EPCOT, Riddley said. READ: ‘A stunning space’: Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to debut sometime this summer at EPCOT. The roller coaster rotates 360 degrees as it goes along the track, allowing riders to focus on different aspects of the action.
wftv.comGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As the opening date draws near, Walt Disney World is sharing more and more tidbits of its upcoming family-friendly thrill ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley took to Instagram Monday to share a first look at the roller coaster’s load station. “Our ride team has been hard at work testing this innovative ride system which we call an Omnicoaster.”Riddley said he has already experienced Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and it is “truly unlike anything” Disney has done. READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022The ride is set to open at EPCOT sometime this summer. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open in EPCOT in 2022.
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