EPCOT

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open in 2022 at EPCOT. (Disney Parks Blog/Disney Parks Blog), Fla. — The outside of EPCOT’s upcoming attraction is starting to look out of this world. Walt Disney World Imagineer Zach Riddley shared photos on his Instagram Monday of work on the Nova Corps Starblaster ship that will be positioned right outside the entrance of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022The 51-foot-tall ship, which can be seen in the Marvel films that inspired the upcoming roller coaster, will be assembled over the next few weeks and will tie into the landing pad area that surrounds the ship, Riddley wrote. The construction is visible from the EPCOT monorail, so you can see it for yourself, Riddley said.

The limited-edition popcorn bucket, shaped like the character Figment, was created for Epcot's 2022 International Festival of the Arts.

Yes, EPCOT guests are lined up for hours for a bucket of popcorn.

EPCOT will soon embrace its role as a window to distant lands and their cultures with its annual International Festival of the Arts.

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images) (Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)BAY LAKE, Fla. — The Garden Rocks Concert Series is returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in March. Walt Disney World announced the concert lineup on Wednesday. Artists include The Guess Who, Rick Springfield, TobyMac and more. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 International Flower & Garden Festival returns to EPCOT for 2022 Disney announced this week that its popular spring festival, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, will return in 2022. (Walt Disney World Resort)Click 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.

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts will celebrate the visual, performing and culinary arts starting Jan. 14 and running through Feb. 21. More than 100...

Walt Disney World announced the artists that are set to perform at the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

Walt Disney World is getting ready to kick off its 2022 International Festival of the Arts at EPCOT.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A popular new ride at EPCOT is switching to a conventional standby line beginning next week. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, located within the expanded France pavilion at EPCOT, will switch begin utilizing a traditional standby queue beginning Monday, Disney announced Thursday. Since the ride opened on Oct. 1 to ring in Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, it has utilized a virtual queue for guests. Guests can still purchase access to the Lightning Lane. READ: Squeak peek: Disney World prepares to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EpcotBased on the hit film “Ratatouille,” Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure shrinks guests down to the size of Chef Remy for a 4-D culinary adventure.

When Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure moves to a traditional standby queue, Walt Disney World will have no attractions using a virtual queue system.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights has officially kicked off at Give Kids the World Village. SeaWorld is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Guests can also experience entertainment such as Winter Wonderland on Ice. You can see millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout the park, watch spectacular fireworks, and participate in a brand-new experience with Santa. holiday festival returns on select nights starting this weekend.

When these Disney theme park rides closed permanently, they were some of the toughest for fans to let go.

Central Florida’s theme parks are preparing to ring in the new year with some big celebrations.

Walt Disney World’s personalized itinerary tool, Genie+, is getting some changes ahead of the busy holiday season.

Guardians 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. — Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle shared a review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind after getting an early test ride on the upcoming roller coaster. “Thank you to the teams at Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World who are bringing this amazing attraction to life. Along the way, guests can expect to see some of their favorite characters, humor and of course hear some of the iconic music from “Guardians of the Galaxy.”Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open in EPCOT in 2022. (Adam Poulisse)READ: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will bring family-friendly thrills to EPCOT beginning in 2022Disney recently announced that the new roller coaster will officially open sometime next summer.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is well underway at Walt Disney World.

Horticulture teams at Walt Disney World have their hands full ahead of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

It’s only a matter of time before guests visiting EPCOT will get to experience the intergalactic wonders of the all-new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Start Your New Year with Inspiring Art, Food and Entertainment at Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

Walt Disney World has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Walt Disney statue coming to Dreamers Point.

holiday festival returns on select nights starting this weekend. READ: Central Florida Zoo opens ‘Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild’Tickets for the event must be purchased online. The University of Central Florida Knights will take on the University of South Florida Bulls on Friday. Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village continues this weekend. PHOTOS: Night of a Million Lights kicks off at Give Kids the World VillageExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights has officially kicked off at Give Kids the World Village.

Disney on Broadway Walt Disney World has announced its “jaw-dropping” lineup of performers as part of its Disney on Broadway concert series at EPCOT. (Walt Disney World)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced its “jaw-dropping” lineup of performers as part of its Disney on Broadway concert series at EPCOT. The concert series will take part during the International Festival of the Arts, which runs from Jan. 14-Feb. 21. READ: 2 new shows including Broadway-style ‘Little Mermaid’ to debut on Disney Wish cruise next summerThe Broadway stars will perform favorite songs from more than 25 years of award-winning Disney on Broadway stage productions, Disney said. The shows will take place at America Gardens Theatre and are included with theme park admission.

During a D23 Fan event at Disney‘s Contemporary Resort Saturday, the company shared new details about an anticipated new attraction coming to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

From a bachelorette party at Magic Kingdom to the ceremony at Epcot's Italy Pavilion, here's what my wedding week at Disney World was really like.

One of the most beloved traditions of all at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional in Epcot's World Showcase. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Several more celebrity narrators including award-winning actors, singers, television hosts and even a few Disney princesses have been announced for this holiday season’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays kicks off Nov. 30 and goes until Dec. 30. The full list of celebrity narrators scheduled including those previously announced is:Nov. 26-28: Auli’i CravalhoNov. 29-Dec. 1: Chita RiveraDec. 2-4: Jodi BensonDec. 5-7: Alton Fitzgerald WhiteDec. 8-10: Bart MillardDec. 11-13: Lisa LingDec. 14-16: Andy GarciaDec. 17-19: Ana GasteyerDec. 20-22: Courtney B. VanceDec. 23-25: Steven Curtis ChapmanDec. 26-28: Blair UnderwoodDec. 29-30: Pat SajakREAD: Celebrity narrators returning to Epcot’s Candlelight Processional: See the list so farReturning this year for the holidays at EPCOT is “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” on the Showplace Plaza Stage, which features music celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Walt Disney World on Tuesday announced the full list of celebrity narrators who will participate in this year’s EPCOT Candlelight Processional.

The new Epcot eatery is a totally immersive space-themed experience, and my family was able to snag a coveted reservation during our Disney trip.

Disney World releases music from two of its new nighttime shows.

Walt Disney World this week shared the first details about some of the delicious food and drinks coming this holiday season.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Begins Jan. 14, 2021

One of the most beloved traditions of all at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional in Epcot's World Showcase. ORLANDO, Fla. — Celebrity narrators are returning to Epcot’s Candlelight Processional this holiday season. The production at the America Gardens Theatre features the Voices of Liberty, along with a choir of Disney cast members, a live orchestra, and celebrity narrators retelling the traditional Christmas story. READ: Disney World at 50, and the city that rose around itTheme park officials said more names will be added over the next few weeks. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are also returning, and can be booked online beginning Oct. 26.

Walt Disney World on Friday announced some of the first celebrity narrators who will participate in this year’s EPCOT Candlelight Processional.

From the tallest castle to the tunnels under Magic Kingdom and Epcot, here are some fun tidbits about the popular theme parks around the world.

Disney to begin Disney Genie service across Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort on Oct. 19

Indiana Jones, character experiences and more returning to Walt Disney World

After days of festivities, Walt Disney World officially launched its 50th-anniversary celebration this morning with a ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. The half-century anniversary will...

Here's what you need to know about Disney's statues.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A half-century ago, it started as a way for Walt Disney World to attract visitors east of the Mississippi River. Now, Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world. Cinderella Castle, for example, was here 50 years ago when Disney World opened to the public. SEE: EPCOT’s newest night-time show ‘Harmonious’ will take Disney’s vision ‘to the next chapter’When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, you also needed paper tickets, not just to get in but to ride the rides. The history of Walt Disney World isn’t just rides being replaced; it’s also classic, familiar rides being renovated and updated.

Walt Disney World announced Thursday during a virtual press event that “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” will be opening at EPCOT next year.

Y’all ... October begins <i>tomorrow.</i>

Walt Disney World debuted EPCOT’s newest nighttime show “Harmonious” to big crowds Wednesday night.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The World Showcase Lagoon surrounding EPCOT will soon come alive every night with a dazzling array of lights and music that celebrates the world’s diversity in a big way. “Harmonious” officially kicks Oct. 1 in tandem with Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. The show is a years-long labor of love for Disney’s creative teams. “It’s Walt’s vision; here at Walt Disney World, this is where dreams come true,” said Clint Clarke, an audio designer with Disney for a decade who has worked on “Harmonious” for more than four years. “This is one of those places where it’s all about sparking that dream and inspiring the future.

Two new expensive and elaborate nighttime spectaculars will be taking place, and you won’t even have to be at Walt Disney World to see their debut performances.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A new restaurant at EPCOT that promises to take diners to new heights is now open. Walt Disney World officially opened Space 220 on Monday. The immersive dining experience “transports” guests 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station. READ: Space 220: Out-of-this-world dining option coming to EPCOTSee photos of the restaurant below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Space 220 opens at EPCOT Space 220 has officially opened at EPCOT, "transporting" guests 220 miles above Earth for a truly outta-this-world dining experience. READ: Disney announces full menu for new Space 220 restaurantThe menu includes a two-course lunch and three-course dinner, as well as several alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Disney’s Space 220 had its galactic grand opening Monday morning at EPCOT.

From riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Living With the Land to exploring Epcot and Galaxy's Edge, here's what I like to do at Disney every month.

EPCOT: Disney's new Creations Shop gets opening date

Walt Disney World unveiled the menu Tuesday for its new space-themed restaurant, set to open later this month in EPCOT.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a beloved holiday tradition at EPCOT will return this year. The Candlelight Processional will return Nov. 26 through Dec. 30 as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, Disney announced Tuesday afternoon. “We’re optimistic that the guest choirs will be able to rejoin us next year for this special holiday opportunity.”READ: You can now buy a Disney World annual pass againDisney is still confirming the schedule of celebrity narrators as well as details about Candlelight Processional dining packages, which will be announced at a later date. The Candlelight Processional began at Magic Kingdom in 1971 then moved to EPCOT in 1994. The production will take place in the American Gardens Theatre and include a live orchestra, cast choir and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story in spectacular and heartwarming fashion, Disney said.

The sounds and songs of the beloved EPCOT Candlelight Processional will return to Walt Disney World this holiday season.

Walt Disney World released an all-new commercial Tuesday showcasing all the excitement to come for the World’s Most Magical Celebration, which begins Oct. 1.

EPCOT: Disney's new Creations Shop gets opening date

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced an official opening date for Space 220. READ: Space 220: Out-of-this-world dining option coming to EPCOTThe new restaurant is located next to Mission: SPACE. Disney officials said the immersive experience begins as you check in to the Space 220 Departure Lounge in Future World. Though an opening date has been announced, dining reservations for Space 220 are not yet available. READ: Disney World license plate now available statewide©2021 Cox Media Group

BAY LAKE, Fla. — Channel 9 got a “squeak” peek at Disney World’s newest ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, at Epcot on Friday. Photos: Squeak peek: Disney World prepares to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EpcotExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (Walt Disney World)The ride is of course based on the Pixar movie “Ratatouille” and follows much of the plot of the film. READ: Disney World license plate now available statewideThe ride’s queue recreates a French restaurant, with guests eventually boarding a six-person ride car that is shaped like a little rat head. READ: Here’s when Walt Disney World will resume annual pass salesThis technology, coupled with 3-D elements, gives an immersive experience while also allowing the park to change the experience with minimal effort. READ: “I’m going to Disney World”: How the iconic phrase came to beThe ride, as well as the Parisian Crêpe restaurant, will open on Oct. 1.

Walt Disney World Imagineers announced on Thursday that the new Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT will officially open this month.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant remains enduringly popular with younger guests, even in the age of smart phones.

Disney Imagineers show off a preview of the new nighttime looks for the 180-foot icon of Epcot.

Disney Imagineers show off a preview of the new nighttime looks for the 180-foot icon of Epcot.

Many people overlook the Swiss Family Treehouse as just part of the foliage in a lush part of the Magic Kingdom, but it is an attraction with a storied history.

Walt Disney World Resort has set mid-September for the highly-anticipated and long-awaited opening of Space 220.

Leaders gave fans a preview of the 50th anniversary anthem as well as a first listen of the soundtrack coming to the new show "Harmonious."

Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy have been waiting for a new ride to appear at Walt Disney World for quite some time. Since the 2017 closure of the Universe of Energy pavilion to accommodate the new Marvel property Cosmic Rewind, Epcot fans have been staring at walls and unappealing slabs of concrete. The ride is fast approaching becoming the longest construction project in the history of Disney parks and just hit the unfortunate four-year milestone. (It's worth noting that Epcot was the largest construction project in the world at the time.) While Disney deserves some leeway with the ongoing global pandemic, we can't help but look at the fact that the park is back open and yet Cosmic Rewind remains a distant promise.

Walt Disney World Imagineers announced on Friday that the new Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT will be opening in mid-September.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A new out-of-this-world dining experience is coming to EPCOT. Space 220 restaurant is set to launch service in mid-September located adjacent to Mission: SPACE. From there, you’ll board one of two “Space Elevators” that will transport you to what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. READ: Could we ever see a 5th Disney theme park in Florida? The restaurant menu is set to feature “stellar” dishes with a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch, and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner.

A new restaurant is set to feed hungry Epcot attendees and it promises to be out of this world. Space 220 — you can probably guess the...

Central Florida theme parks aren't ready to wrap up summer just yet.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — When Walt Disney World opened half a century ago, the resort boasted just two hotels on its property. Disney didn’t run hotels, they wanted somebody else to run them,” says former cast member Duncan Dickson. READ: Walt Disney World to sell annual passes againThose two hotels, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, both opened in 1971, and for more than a decade, were the only Disney hotels on the property. Since Disney mostly relied on tourists driving to Orlando from outside of Central Florida, in a matter of years hotels began to pop up on the major roads leading to and from Walt Disney World. Two years after EPCOT opened its gates, Michael Eisner took over as the head of the company and was quickly tasked with a mission to expand.

BAY LAKE, Fla. — When Walt Disney unveiled his ambitious plans for Central Florida, one of the main components was EPCOT -- which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. For Disney, EPCOT represented a chance for people to live and work on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. In 1996, the park launched its International Food & Wine Festival, a 30-day event during which the countries represented in the World Showcase feature special dishes and drinks. The special event originated as a way to boost park attendance during the slower season, bridging the gap between summer vacation and the holidays. The special event later expanded to three months long.

First Look: Disney shares new video of new show ‘Harmonious.'

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — More entertainment is heading back to Walt Disney World, the resort announced this week. Four favorites are expected to return soon:READ: Disney World resorts back to pre-pandemic employment, executive saysStarting Aug. 1, The Wonderful World of Animation will again light up the night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney shows returning (wftv.com/Walt Disney World)On Aug. 15, Beauty and the Beast -- Live on Stage returns to the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney shows returning Four popular shows are returning to Walt Disney World this summer (wftv.com/Walt Disney World)READ: Disney World announces Summer Fun Ticket for Florida residentsDisney also announced that this summer would be the last time to catch two nighttime fireworks shows. Disney shows returning (wftv.com/Walt Disney World)READ: Disney confirms plans to build campus in Lake Nona, relocate 2K jobs hereExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Disney’s Polynesian Village resort and Citricos Restaurant re-openings On Tuesday, Walt Disney World celebrated the reopening of some of their resorts that have been closed for more than a year.

Walt Disney World has announced a number of new entertainment experiences returning to the resort next month.

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival officially kicked off Thursday at Walt Disney World.

Guests wanting to park hop from Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park to EPCOT will soon have another form of transportation.

One of Epcot's most popular festivals is coming back this year with more flavor, and more fun, and more days to enjoy it. The Epcot...

The odds of the annual Candlelight Processional returning to EPCOT in 2021 are not looking good. The winter holiday celebration is a highlight for many...

Walt Disney World gave new details Monday about its upcoming holiday celebrations.

Disney releases menus for 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

Central Florida theme parks adjust hours ahead of Elsa

Walt Disney World, 50th anniversary, Orlando, theme parks, Disney

Disney 50th Anniversary This undated photo provided by Walt Disney World shows Disney characters at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Walt Disney World is planning an 18-month celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary, starting in October 2021. (Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World via AP) (Matt Stroshane)ORLANDO, Fla. — (AP) — Walt Disney World is planning an 18-month celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary. All four parks at the Lake Buena Vista, Florida, resort will take part in “The World's Most Magical Celebration," beginning Oct. 1, Disney announced Tuesday. Since then, the vacation destination has expanded from Magic Kingdom, to include EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. At Animal Kingdom, “Disney KiteTails" will feature performers flying windcatchers and kites at the Discovery River to the beat of favorite Disney songs.

Walt Disney World is planning an 18-month celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary, starting in October.

Firework spectaculars are returning to Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World announced Tuesday that fireworks will return to July 1 at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, just in time for the Fourth of July. “A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect ‘kiss goodnight’ at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more,” Disney said in a blog post. READ: Walt Disney World no longer requires face masks for fully vaccinated guestsAt Magic Kingdom, the Happily Ever After fireworks show, presented by Pandora Jewelry, will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics “as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true,” Disney said. READ: Central Florida theme parks returning to normal following COVID-19 pandemic woesSee an announcement video below:The nighttime spectaculars have been on pause since the parks reopened last summer due to the pandemic. Fireworks will also return to Disneyland in California beginning July 4.

As area theme parks recover from the ongoing pandemic, things are slowly returning to normal. Walt Disney World, for their part, is hoping to come...

Disney releases details about the upcoming Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Following months of specialized care, Disney Conservation Team Wildlife released four rehabilitated green sea turtles near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort earlier this week. The turtles received specialized care at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. READ: Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes a new family member to its castIn partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, the sea turtles were first taken to the Brevard Zoo before being transported to Epcot for further care, Disney said. A team of Disney animal care professionals worked to nurse the sea turtles back to health by giving them much-needed fluids, antibiotics and nourishment. “We recognize that every sea turtle counts toward reversing the decline.

The Three Caballeros return to EPCOT's Gran Fiesta Tour.

Epcot is undergoing the most extensive renovation in its history, but the rides are far from the only focus. The park's beloved culinary options will...

Epcot’s overhaul is now in its third year, with multiple new projects finally greeting guests, but there’s still plenty in the works. Believed to cost...

Disney has announced the dates for Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival along with details on Ratatouille-themed food events. According to a post on Disney's...

click image Photo via DisneyRiders on the 'Ratatouille' attraction. not feature actual rats, which might be a hard sell even at a theme park built to celebrate a gloves-wearing household pest. click image Photo via DisneyThe planned restaurant at EPCOT's France pavilion. Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared an opening date for Walt Disney World's long-awaitedride during its annual shareholders' meeting on Tuesday. The stateside opening is scheduled to coincide with Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration.The new ride will come with a themed restaurant for parkgoers, offering both sit-down service and grab-and-go options.

Smaller additions, many holdovers from the 50th Anniversary plans, are also expected on nearly every major attraction throughout the Magic Kingdom. For Disney, this has put a huge wrinkle in plans for the biggest celebration in Walt Disney World’s history. Under his leadership as the Chairman of the Disney Parks and Resorts, he merged the division with Consumer Products, which he had previously led. The 100th Anniversary would likely be announced during the 2022 D23 event, with most projects launching ahead of or during the anniversary a year later. A nighttime parade was rumored for the 50th but now may be pushed back to the 100th anniversary.

click image Image via Disney | YouTubeEpcot's new color scheme as seen on the ticket booths near the main entrance. click image Image via DisneyThis artist concept rendering shows how the floating platforms for “Harmonious” will feature daytime fountains. Space 220, the space station themed restaurant attached to the Mission: Space pavilion is now nearly a year behind its scheduled opening. At this point, there is no indication that Disney plans to move forward with this project.Most of Epcot’s major additions could open in time for or during the 50th anniversary set to begin in late 2021. Epcot will also be likely celebrating the 40th anniversary in 2022, though it is unclear how heavily Disney plans to market this event as it abuts the resort’s golden anniversary and the company’s centurion celebration

And the Mickey-shaped pumpkin popcorn bucket could easily do double duty for trick-or-treaters.Beyond the typical cupcakes and churros, Disney also offers some unique themed food items. Each of the three non-Magic Kingdom parks are also home to their own special color of cauldron popcorn buckets. Both versions of the cider are served with a poison apple glow cube.Pumpkin-flavored cheesecake cannoli, with a dash of hazelnut praline crunch, is available at PizzeRizzo. Larger than expected crowds the past few weeks have also resulted in some food stands selling out of select items throughout the day. Locations and more details on each of the seasonal food items can be found on the Disney Parks Blog

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Some of the biggest theme parks in Orlando could open in just a matter of weeks. On Wednesday, leaders from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando presented plans to Orange Countys Economic Recovery Task Force detailing how they plan to safely start accepting guests again after being closed for more than two months to stop the spread of COVID-19. If that happens, SeaWorld would be the first of the two to open its parks. SeaWorld Orlando president Kyle Miller said the company would like SeaWorld and Aquatica to reopen on June 11. Exactly one month later is when Disney is looking to start accepting guests again its Orlando properties, according to senior vice president of operations at Walt Disney World resort Jim MacPhee.

click to enlarge Photo via Magic 107.7The Tampa Bay Buc's newest star took to the internet to hawk a new vitamin from his TB12 line, claiming it will help you combat the corona virus. Really Tom Brady? - LINK As Disney slowly begins looking into how it will fully re-enter public life, it appears Epcot may be the park that requires the most adjustments. - LINK Enzian and Bungalower offer up a special drive-in movie and it sells out in 30 minutes. In the middle of all this pandemic talk, Cocoa Beach is debuting what is somewhat of a local landmark.

Some estimates put losses for Disney upwards of $350,000 per day due to coronavirus. During that time, Disney halted many projects in the works across its resorts, so with this even more extreme downturn now quickly forming, there's no question some projects at Disney World are likely on the chopping block.Several projects are already under construction across the resort, but that hasn't stopped Disney from canceling construction during past outages. Both the 1970s oil crisis and 9/11 caused projects to end completely, despite being well under construction.Epcot is in a unique position. The hotel is also much smaller than Reflections or other Disney World resorts, meaning that it may remain in high demand even during an economic recession. The yet-to-be-announced rollout of similar hotels at other Disney resorts around the world seems less certain.For many, the delays and canceled projects at Disney World won't ever be noticed thanks to many of the projects that look to be postponed being ones that have yet to be officially announced.

The ripple effect of these closures and the corresponding slowdown of the U.S. economy are now exposing even more significant long-term concerns within the hospitality industry. 192 worked in the hospitality industry, asking How far can an apartment management company go without getting paid? That means, at least for the foreseeable future, construction projects, including those already well underway, have come to a halt. Epcot, which is the most reliant upon international labor and which currently has the most construction projects, may be delayed longer. One analyst we spoke to believed the tourism industry will take two to three years to recover from this downturn, and that prediction came before the U.S. theme park closures were announced.

click to enlarge Faiyaz Karaclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraWood Roomclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraTakumi-Tei chef Ty Schmittclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraMozaiku roll laclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraPonzu snow crab, toasted tamagogani (dried crab), umeshu reduction, watermelon radish tsukemono, sesame pollen, leek gel, frisee, heirloom tomatoclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraWater Roomclick to enlarge Faiyaz KaraMisoyaki seabass, karikari sushi, shirasu, tsukemono, toasted nori, shimeji mushroom, ocha dashi brothDisney took their sweet time jumping on the kaiseki/omakase train, but when they did, they rode theinto modern-day dining.Takumi-Tei, a dinner-only Japanese restaurant that department store chain Mitsukoshi opened last summer at Epcot's Japan Pavilion, is set to contend with Kabooki Sushi Kadence and others in the competitive pursuit of high-end Japanese dining.And the restaurant is equipped with the sort of truthiness only Disney can buy: Kimono-garbed servers and hosts straight from Japan quietly patrol a transportive and hinoki-scented sanctuary that immediately removes you from the park's spectacle of maddening theatrics.Five rooms, each with their own unique and soul-settling theme wood, paper, stone, earth and water scream "Serenity Now!" (Those of you who tolerate the theme parks solely for your children, a meal here could prove restorative.) Ty Schmitt , who cheffed about at various restaurants in the Naples area (Roy's, Foxboro Sports Tavern, Vergina), oversees Takumi-Tei's roll-free menu of Japanese eats okay there is a mozaiku roll ($22), but it's square and its assemblage of bluefin tuna, yellowtail, red shiso rice, tobiko and asparagus resembles a Mondrian painting more than it does a California roll.Hardly surprising considering Takumi-Tei translates to "House of Artisans. "Thecarte menu is purposefully focused so as to tout the seven-course omakase ($150; $225 with wine/sake pairing) and nine-course kaiseki ($200; $300 with wine/sake pairing) options.We were recently invited to partake in a kaiseki experience inside Takumi-Tei's most intimate setting: the private (and very zen) water room.The sounds inside the 8-seat sanctum are expectedly tranquil: the waterwall's narcotic trickle; the melodies ofmusic; even the hushed voice Schmitt employs when presenting a meal of meticulously crafted and impeccably plated dishes.A shiatsu massage was about the only thing missing.The meal ends with a Japanese tea ceremony that evoked the scene inwhen Rodrigo and Hailey take a trippy voyage through a park of weirdness after sipping on the matcha.Let's just say I can relate.Should you choose to indulge in this special-occasion dining experience yourself, there are few things you should know:1) Dinner prices don't include the cost of admission into Epcot ($109).2) Don't dress like a bloody beach-bound tourist.3) Give yourself 30 minutes to walk from the Epcot parking lot to the restaurant.4) Expect your chef's table experience to take 3-4 hours.5) Exercise the Japanese cultural practice of bowing.To book the kaiseki chefs table experience, call Takumi-Tei directly at 407-827-8504 or email them at takumitei@mitsukoshi-orlando.com For more, visit Takumi-Tei's website

Instead, Disney has opted for a less detailed cardboard-box theme on the outside of the newly constructed building. Disney is expected to release more details on Space 220 in the coming weeks.Not all the new dining will be inside the theme parks. Three of the restaurants within the complex rank among the top 100 independent restaurants in the nation in sales last year with The Boathouse coming in third in the nation. The other two to make the list are Paddlefish, coming in at number 25, and Morimoto Asia, at number 57. Beyond 2021, even more new restaurants are expected across WDW, with at least one sit-down restaurant coming to the new DVC resort Reflections and an upcoming bar in the works for Epcot.