EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival blooms this week
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.comDwayne Johnson holds his two kids while listening to wife Lauren Hashian sing the national anthem at NFL game
Dwayne Johnson's wife Lauren Hashian sang the national anthem at an NFL game on Sunday. Johnson held their two daughters, Jasmine and Tiana as they proudly watched her performance.
foxnews.comWalt Disney World announces final day for Splash Mountain ride before redesign
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World has confirmed the last day for its Splash Mountain ride. Park leaders announced the last day that riders can experience Splash Mountain will be Jan. 23. Watch: Disney CEO discusses hiring freeze, Lake Nona plans at town hallDisney will then start work on a theme redesign called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” based on the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”Walt Disney World announces final day for Splash Mountain ride before redesignSplash Mountain opened at Magic Kingdom in 1990 and is based on the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South.”Read: Walt Disney World picks developer for 1,300-unit affordable housing projectDisney said the redesigned attraction will feature “Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.”Park officials said “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!” should open in 2024. Read: Ring in the holiday season with Christmas festivities at Walt Disney World ResortClick 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.comThe 9 biggest announcements from D23 this year
The 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.com9 things to do this weekend: Soccer, Summerween, and SeaWorld
9 things to do this weekend (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — The EPCOT International Food & Wine FestivalNow through Nov. 19Food and wine enthusiasts can enjoy flavors from across six continents as well as activities for the entire family. Read: Princess Tiana gets the royal treatment with her own line of cookwareEnglish Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea face off at Camping World Stadium as part of the FC SeriesSaturday, July 238 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PTCamping World Stadium — Orlando, FloridaOrlando City Soccer Club takes on Philadelphia Union at Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando. READ: Electric Ocean to light up SeaWorld again this summerCelebrate Summerween at Boxi Park with kids crafts, trick or treats and costume contests. July 231pm – 3pmPetSmart, 4550 W Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary, FLView adoptable pets here.
wftv.com“Kids Name Kids”: Brevard Zoo letting children pick names of baby goats
VIDEO: “Kids Name Kids”: Brevard Zoo letting children pick names of baby goats VIDEO: “Kids Name Kids”: Brevard Zoo letting children pick names of baby goats (WFTV)BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Brevard Zoo is giving kids the chance to name kids. Brevard Zoo is inviting children to help name the four new young goats that call the zoo home. The “Kid Naming Kids” contest takes place at the zoo this weekend, July 22-24. Kids can make their vote at the zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from July 22-24 just outside the Barnyard. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 “Kids Name Kids”: Brevard Zoo letting children pick names of baby goats “Kids Name Kids”: Brevard Zoo letting children pick names of baby goatsBrevard Zoom Animal Ambassador keepers, who care for the goats, came up with four themed names that kids get to choose from.
wftv.comrunDisney reveals medals for 2022 Wine & Dine Half Marathon
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — runDisney has revealed this year’s medals for its Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. Races include a 5K, 10K, half marathon and a two-course challenge. The 5K is a 3.1-mile run through Disney’s Mexico Pavillion and will celebrate Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon WeekendCelebrating Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon,” the 10K will take runners on a 6.2-mile course throughout the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. For runners ready to tackle 13.1 miles, the half marathon race takes inspiration from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” and the “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” exhibit found in the American Adventure Pavilion. And of course, runners can enjoy the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Post-Race Party with access to EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Global Marketplaces and select EPCOT attractions to exclusive entertainment and more.
wftv.comTiana’s Bayou Adventure coming to Magic Kingdom in late 2024
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Strike up the band, because an all-new musical journey with Tiana and friends will soon begin. Walt Disney World announced Friday that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on the animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” will open at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in late 2024. READ: ‘We’re back, witches’: Disney releases trailer for ‘Hocus Pocus 2′The ride will be a reimagining of the classic Splash Mountain attraction. READ: Splash Mountain to be rebranded as ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride at Disney World, DisneylandWhen Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens, it will take guests on a musical adventure picking up where the film left off, according to Disney. READ: Walt Disney World to redesign Magnolia Golf Course over the summerWalt Disney Imagineers have been traveling to Louisiana to ensure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure authentically captures the heart and soul of New Orleans.
wftv.comSplash Mountain to be renamed, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” in 2024 — KnightNews.com
The classic log flume water ride, “Splash Mountain” will be approaching its final days as it receives a “Princess and the Frog” makeover which will be called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” when it opens in late 2024 at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Carmen Smith, Disney senior vice president of Creative Development says “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will not be a retelling of the 2009 animated film “Princess and the Frog” but will act as a sequel of sorts taking place right after the original film ends. Advertisement“Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome,” Smith said. The decision to change the beloved “Splash Mountain” that has been open since 1992, came from Disney CEO Bob Chapek who said he believes the “Zippity Doo Dah” attraction based on the controversial film, “Song of the South” didn’t belong in Disney parks anymore. “The Splash Mountain attraction was originally based on ‘Song of the South,’ and we are eager to create an entirely new experiences that is more inclusive and inspirational for all guests.”“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will replace both Splash Mountain attractions in Disneyland and Disney World and will open in late 2024.
knightnews.com“Princess and the Frog” Retheme of Splash Mountain coming in 2024 to Disney World — KnightNews.com
The popular water ride, Splash Mountain will be completely reimagined to the 2009 hit animated film, “Princess and the Frog”. Anika Noni Rose, the actor who voiced Princess Tiana in the animated film said in a appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan Thursday, that the ride will open in 2024. “Timing has not been determined for an official opening of the new ride. However, more information is set to be released at this month’s Essence Festival of Culture, set to kick off in New Orleans on June 30.”Disney originally announced plans to reimagine Splash Mountain back in 2020. This came off the heals of a growing criticism of having a ride back on alleged racist Disney film, “Song of the South” released in 1964.
knightnews.comIn case you missed it: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be re-themed to ‘Princess and the Frog’
It’s transformation central at Disney Parks in the U.S., as Disney officially announced that it has big plans for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. MORE: Petition calls for Disney Parks to change theme of Splash MountainIf you haven’t heard of the film, you’re not alone. If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, here’s a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” All the while, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of Br’er Rabbit. “Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said.
Are you ready? Disney’s Splash Mountain to be re-themed to ‘Princess and the Frog’
It’s transformation central in Disney Parks in the U.S. as Disney officially announced that it has big plans for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The popular water ride will soon be re-themed to Disney’s 2009 film about a frog prince wanting to be human again. If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, here’s a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” All the while, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit Br’er Rabbit. “Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said.
What to watch on Netflix with your kids: 7 fresh ideas
We asked around for some of the best parent-endorsed picks when it comes to Netflix offerings. So, not only are you providing good entertainment for your kids, but you’re instilling a love of classic rock, as well. Although this one isn’t new or new to Netflix, we were surprised just how many parents hadn’t seen this one yet. "Masha and the Bear""My kids think this is the funniest show ever," one father of three said. I’m not suggesting you plop your kids down in front of a screen all day -- or even every day.
Adorable 8-year-old girl dances into spotlight at Magic Kingdom
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - A cute 8-year-old girl dressed as Princess Tiana from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" added a touch of magic to the usual entertainment line up at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday. While dancing, members of the crowd and band cheered Sydney on as she displayed her dancing prowess. "I love to do theater," Sydney said. Sydney said she chose to dress up as Princess Tiana because the two of them have a lot in common. The Russells were invited back to the Magic Kingdom on Friday for a special meet and greet with Princess Tiana.