Anyone who even skips by a country music station these days has probably heard at least one tune from the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown band. The Zac Brown Band won “Best Country Album” for their latest release, “Uncaged,” at the 55th Grammy Awards held Feb.… Read More »Zac Brown gets Goofy at the Magic Kingdom
One of the things Disney does really well to support the community is to organize the MEAC/SCWAC Challenge – a college football game that pits two historically black colleges against each other along with additional events around the game. The ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney will feature the Florida A&M University Rattlers of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) against the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 1. The yearly event, which features teams from two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), brings approximately 20,000 fans to Central Florida over Labor Day Weekend for the start of college football season. ESPN will televise the game; exact times will be announced at a later date.
“As a proud supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences, Disney values our longstanding relationship with the African-American community and we continue to build on this with our sponsorship of the MEAC/SWAC Presented by Disney,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Domestic Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is more than just a football game – it’s a celebration for our whole community that underscores the importance of diversity and higher education.”
The annual game will be only the second meeting between the two storied programs – first meeting in 1990 (FAMU won 28-13). Florida A&M played in the 2007 MEAC/SWAC Challenge and was edged by Southern 33-27.Read More »Teams Selected for 2013 MEAC/SWAC Football Challenge
We now know why Walt Disney Imagineering rushed Imagineer Kathy Magnum out east as soon as she returned from her much deserved vacation following opening Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. She has been placed in charge of the Disney Springs transformation coming to Downtown… Read More »Tour of Digital Projection Model for Disney Springs Transformation of Downtown Disney
Pleasure Island goes away.
Early this morning, we were invited to a last minute news conference at a special conference room in Downtown Disney. There, Tom Staggs, Chair Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, announced a transformation of Downtown Disney that will double the number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Disney Springs will involved four neighborhoods – Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side. It will open in phases with construction set to begin next in Spring 2013 and scheduled to finish in 2016.
More, including the concept art released today, below the jump:Read More »Disney Springs Announced for Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation
It’s time to take a look at the progress made on the next major expansion of Fantasyland – The Tangled Toilets. Since we last checked in, they’ve added many more details from the films, some trees, benches, and mist fans for that cooling effect while you wait. In fact it’s beginning to look like the Fantasyland equivalent of a highway rest area.
Come below the jump as we look over the wall at a much needed improvement to the guest flow and restroom availability in this corner of the Magic Kingdom.
For most of us, vacations are a luxury. You save, plan and make priorities. Unfortunately, when it comes to Disney, it’s sometimes hard to say no to all the little extras. If your budget allows, by all means add a fancy meal or upgrade your ticket, but if you’re on a budget, here are some suggestions for things you can skip—and never miss:
1. You can’t do it all in one trip—or even ten trips. Your basic ticket is expensive and the price can initially be intimidating, but the entertainment value you get for that ticket will fill your time from sunrise to sunset. Don’t fall into the parental guilt trap and add extras like Bibbity Bobbity Boutique or fancy tea parties unless your budget allows. Your kids will be too busy to notice, I promise.Read More »Five Extras You Should Consider Skipping
Yes, it’s finally here. The one week of Limited Time Magic we’ve all been waiting for; Disneyland and Disney World have finally unleashed the mighty vocal stylings of the Dapper Dans to re-invent the most mighty of harmonious sounds – the boy band. From Feb.… Read More »Boy Band Barbershop Mania Invades Disney Parks For Limited Time Magic
EPCOT Food and Wine festival fans, you might want to pack your bags early this year and come down during the Flower and Garden festival. Some of the fall magic is being added to the spring festival and beautiful things are happening.
This year, new Garden Marketplaces are making their food and beverage debut at the 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which runs from March 6-May 19, 2013. The annual festival will highlight the natural progression from garden to table at the 12 Garden Marketplaces around World Showcase.
Frankly, this move is long overdue. It makes no sense for Disney to restrict the goodness we all love about the Food and Wine festival to just those six weeks of the year. Yes, the festivals are meant to draw guests to the parks in what is usually a down time in terms of tourism visits. But to be honest, there really isn’t an off-season at Walt Disney World anymore. EPCOT could take advantage of this shift by becoming known world wide as a mecca for amazing food and drink and the chefs and artists who bring them to the public. There are a few obstacles in the way (Disney Dining Plan for one), but many of the facilities required to make this happen already exist.
“That progression is showcased with raised garden beds around the marketplaces that will be growing some of the produce and herbs in the dishes,” says Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann. “We want to show our guests how food grows to help make that connection from the kitchen to the garden.”
“Each marketplace has three to four dishes, and they are unique to the festival,” says Dahlmann. Culinary creations from Epcot chefs range from smokehouse barbecue to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice, and are paired perfectly with refreshing brews and beverages at each location.
Of course, some have started calling this Booze and Blooms. But it’s in good spirit, I think. I mean how can it not be after looking at this amazing menu of food and drinks Disney is preparing:
Read More »EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Unveils Expanded Food and Drink Options