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Wednesday

2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival features new gardens, topiaries, entertainers and tasty foods

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival, which runs 90 days March 1-May 29, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, gardening seminars and the Garden Rocks concert series - all included in regular Epcot admission. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Celebrating 24 years the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will jump-start spring with blooms aplenty and gardens of edibles including toothsome morsels from the new Northern Bloom and The Berry Basket Outdoor Kitchens. A new, next-generation Belle topiary from “Beauty and the Beast” will debut in France, and a redesigned “Cars” play garden will introduce a colorful new character topiary sure to capture children’s imaginations.

Richly-hued flowers and floating gardens adorn the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival, which runs 90 days March 1-May 29, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, gardening seminars and the Garden Rocks concert series - all included in regular Epcot admission. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs return to the festival near the Germany Pavilion. Topiary artists have found new ways to use a wider variety of plant materials to represent character topiary facial features, bringing Snow White's face to life. The festival, which runs 90 days March 1-May 29, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, gardening seminars and the Garden Rocks concert series - all included in regular Epcot admission. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Topiaries of the popular stars of the Disney classic film "Lady and the Tramp" grace a colorful flower bed at the Italy Pavilion during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival, which runs 90 days March 1-May 29, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, gardening seminars and the Garden Rocks concert series - all included in regular Epcot admission. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

The 90-day festival, runs March 1-May 29 2017 and will feature an irresistible array of new gardens and character topiaries, popular entertainers and tasty food and drink offerings.

New Attractions Experiences and Dining Debut At Walt Disney World Resort

It’s an exciting spring season at Walt Disney World Resort, one filled with new fun that spans all four theme parks, Disney’s Water Parks and Disney Springs.

From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park, the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there is more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before. Here’s a closer look at what is in store:

Almost Wordless Wednesday | Nothing But Blue Skies

Goodbye, May and Hello June! A lot has happened since I saw you last!

It was June 1st of last year that I got the shocking news that I had a rare form of cancer. Shocked is putting it mildly, I was devastated. I don't smoke, drink and never even tasted a betel nut or had mononucleosis, which all causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer.

I am feeling pretty lucky and blessed today. Really lucky! I survived the first year. So, today is a celebration, not a pity party. When the 5-year survival rate is 64%, you learn very quickly to appreciate and celebrate each milestone no matter how small. Besides, it fun!

Today we are sharing our June calendar shots on the hop. I thought it would be fun to share not only a link to your blog post but an Instagram link (put it in your blog post) as well. I'm curious to see what you all have been up to on Instagram as well.

Here's my calendar shot to celebrate my first year: nothing but blue skies from now on

Link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts and hop with us.

Blockbuster Experiences Across All Four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

New ‘Star Wars’ Stage Show Premieres April 4; ‘Rivers of Light’ Set for Earth Day Opening and Finding Dory Swims into Epcot this Summer

Disney's Hollywood Studios, New Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular - @Disney Artist rendering

Disney’s Animal Kingdom all-new Rivers Of Light waterside show - @Disney Artist rendering

An unbeatable lineup of blockbuster attractions will debut at Walt Disney World Resort this year starting with

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop: Monorail Memories

Hi Disney photography fans. Welcome to the latest edition of the The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week we gather to blog hop, link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday photo...

Focused on the Magic Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop: Illuminations

Hi there Disney photography fans. Welcome to The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic where each week we get together to share our #DisneySide vacation photos.

Would you like to link up your #DisneySide photos and blog hop with us? They can be from your blog, Instagram, Flickr, Twitter, Tumblr or SmugMug. You get the idea. The Link-up is at the bottom of this post.

This week's theme is "Unforgettable".

Reflections of Earth Illuminations | Focused on the Magic

In case you've forgotten, the opening narrative:

Good evening. On behalf of Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true, we welcome all of you to Epcot and World Showcase. We've gathered here tonight around the fire, as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us, to share the light and to share a story -- an amazing story, as old as time itself, but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you enjoy our story tonight: Reflections of Earth.

Reflections of Earth.Epcot World Showcase | Focused on the Magic

Do you have an unforgettable memory?

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday photo...

#Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop: Norway

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic. Each week we gather we gather together and share our Disney vacation photos. Would you like to link up your #DisneySide pictures or hop around to all the blogs linked up? Look no further than the bottom of this post.

This week's theme is Country.
I decided to feature Norway, a country in Epcot's World Showcase that as many of you know is being reimagined to allow for Frozen themed additions to Maelstrom.

I have mixed emotions about the changes. As much as I loved Maelstrom and have many wonderful memories and 25+ years of pictures, I am excited to see what Disney Imagineers have planned for us.
Will you miss Maelstrom? Tell me your thoughts in the comments section below.

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday ...

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ A Different Perspective

My favorite day of the week is here! It's time for The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop. Do you have Disney memories you would like to share with us? You can link up your #DisneySide pictures at the bottom of this post.

this week you may need to put your Thinking Ear Caps on for a look at your pictures from outside the box. But try not to over think this topic. I want you to have fun and enjoy this week's theme:

A Different Perspective

Temple of Heaven in Epcot's World Showcase - Each pillar represents a season. The blue tiles represent the sky and green the earth.

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday post....

Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites: Frushi

Focused on the Magic Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites

We're back with a favorite food find from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. I love that the food kiosks at the festival are focused on fruits and vegetables but it makes deciding what to try that much harder.

Our Favorite Food Find: Frushi

Location: Hanami Kiosk at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Price: $4.50 {1 DDP snack credit }

Frushi is a delightful Japanese treat made with fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe rolled with coconut rice atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream on the side. This is a must have at least once and I bet you won't be able to resist just one!

Focused on the Magic Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites: Frushi

Do you have a favorite quick snack?

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This post is linked up to the Favorite Food Friday Blog Hop hosted by my Disney Foodie Friend Sean at Disney Day By Day. If you didn't get here from there, hop on over and find out about more fabulous Disney foods!

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New "After Hours Wind Down Experience" at Epcot

Walt Disney World Resort Guests can now end their day at Epcot sampling, sipping and strolling awhile longer with the new "After Hours Wind Down" experience.

Walt Disney World Resort guests are invited to sample and savor flavors from around the world after the nightly finale with the Epcot After Hours Wind Down, an intimate experience at one of four authentic and exclusive lounges, Thursdays through Sundays.
Award-winning Epcot Chefs and Sommeliers pair a beverage flight with cultural cuisine.

Epcot After Hours Wind Down, an intimate experience at one of four authentic and exclusive lounges.

Admission to Epcot is required and is not included in the price of the after-hours lounge.
Each nightly celebration begins immediately after the conclusion of evening fireworks.
An event ticket is required for all nights when participating in Epcot After Hours Wind Down.
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

Reservations began April 10, with the first Epcot After Hours Wind Down taking place on April 17. Guests can book the experience at Disneyworld.com/Spring.

DATES: Thursdays through Sundays
TIMES: 9:20 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
LOCATIONS: La Cava del Tequila (Mexico), Spice Road Table (Morocco), Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy), Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom)
MENU: Selection of appetizers and one beverage flight (cash bar option available to purchase additional beverages)
PRICE: Adults $35 per person/per location (tax and gratuity not included)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: call 407-WDW-DINE

What do you think about winding down with a sample, sip and stroll at Epcot?

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Foodie Friday: Dole Whip With Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Welcome to this week’s Foodie Friday where we share our favorite food finds with our friends. This week we are taking a look back at the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. It was the first year food booths were introduced to the festival and we couldn't be happier. Having food booths complimented the already fabulous flower and garden experience beautifully.

Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites

Our Favorite Food Find: Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum

Location: Pineapple Promenade at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Price: $6.25

Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot's Flower and Festival

As you may already know I am a huge fan of Dole Whips. I've written about them ~~frequently~~ a lot! You can peruse my posts about Disney Dole Whips, HERE.

When it was announced that there would be an alcoholic version of the Dole Whip served during the Flower and Garden Festival I couldn't wait to give it a try even though I usually don't drink adult beverages. This was a special occasion so I gave it a try and not before asking the CM to go light on the rum. I wanted to be able to walk around the World Showcase not stumble.The weather wasn't in our favor and I knew we only had a few minutes to enjoy our Dole Whips so we grabbed a table with a view and settled in until the rain came. Rain is Florida can be biblical and it was. Up popped the umbrella and on went the ponchos while we finished our whips and enjoyed the view.

The Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum was delicious with just the right amount of rum added to it. It still had the classic creamy cold sweet pineapple flavor but with a little kick in each bite. The rum they used is very good. It had just the right taste of spices and honey. What's even better is that it's made in Florida. I like that Disney is supporting local businesses.
I'll always prefer my Dole Whips straight without rum but this was a nice change and I look forward to having another one on our next Flower and Garden Festival adventure in May.

Siesta Key Spiced Rum is hand-crafted in small batches in Sarasota, Florida at our small, artisan distillery. We make our spiced rum by infusing our award winning rums with real spices and then adding honey for a bit of sweetness. We do not use any artificial flavors or sweeteners and you can taste the difference. Siesta Key Spiced rum is unlike any mass market spiced rums.

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Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ April

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week we gather with our Disney Blogger friends to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.
The theme this week is:Your April Calendar Shot.

Happy April! To celebrate the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which happens to be going on right now at Epcot and the beautiful month of April, I'm sharing one of my all time favorite photos and one I just entered into a contest.

Shameless plug, I would love it if you gave it a vote http://woobox.com/sbotso/vote/for/2264957

There's even a Hidden mickey in the clouds making it even more magical for me. Can you see it or is it just my imagination? It's a side shot of Steamboat Willie.
I try to take the same picture every year by standing in the same spot and waiting for the monorail to come around. People walk by and some people have asked me what I'm doing.
I guess they've never seen a Disney photography nerd in action.(▰˘◡˘▰)

Do you have a favorite photo spot?

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...

Epcot's Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Our Foodie Favorite this week finds us at a charming Quick-Service restaurant in Epcot's World Showcase UK Pavilion, Yorkshire County Fish Shop.

This is a must do for my family. We look forward to stopping here for a quick bite even though the menu (see below) is limited to Fish and Chips. The portions are hearty and filling even for the big eaters in my family.
Prepared on the spot the deep fried fish is always hot and has just the right batter, crispy on the outside and soft inside with flaky white fish. Each order consists of two fillets and a large serving of chips lightly seasoned and served on a faux London Times waxed paper. Don't forget to grab a packet of malt vinegar at the condiment stand located to the left of the queue. A little goes a long way and it really adds an authentic taste to the meal. Dessert is a package of English Shortbread Cookies (love these) and drinks are a variety of soft drinks, Bass Ale and Harp Larger. They also offer a souvenir stein which is fun and makes the meal even more memorable.

Seating is limited and lines can be long. We usually send a scout to find a table in the patio area overlooking the lagoon or a bench in the garden behind Twinings Tea Shop or in front of the gazebo where the British Revolution play. The best locations are along the wall in the patio area for Illuminations or the bench in front of the band to rock out to classic British tunes while you dine.
Wherever you go the ducks will follow.

What a Disney life they have!

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Food/Dining Type:	Quick Service, Counter, Quick & Casual
Meals:	American, British Cuisine - Lunch, Dinner,
Location:	Epcot® World Showcase / UK, United Kingdom
Reservations:	Not Accepted
Hours:	Serving from 11:30am
Disney Dining Plan:	YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)

Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice:

Fish and Chips - Two Strips of Fish served with Chips $8.99

English Bay Sugar Cookie Package $2.19

Beverages

Assorted Fountain Beverages $2.69 - Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange Fanta, Light Pomegranate Lemonade, Iced Tea

Dasani® Bottled Water $2.50

Coffee Regular or Decaf $2.29

Hot Tea $2.29

Bass Ale Draft $8.00

Bass Ale Draft - Souvenir Stein $11.75

Harp Lager Draft $8.00

Harp Lager Draft - Souvenir Stein $11.75

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What's your favorite Quick Service Restaurant in the Epcot?

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Bon Appetit!

Disney Recipes: Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse’s Maple Crème Brûlée

Our Featured Disney Recipe: Maple Creme Brulee
Location: Le Cellier Canada- Epcot World Showcase

This week’s featured foodie favorite is my husbands dessert of choice at Le Cellier in the World Showcase at Epcot. Le Cellier is our go-to restaurant for a romantic couples dinner. We can count on it as being a fabulous meal and the Maple Creme Brulee is the perfect sweet ending. My review: Dinner for Two at Le Cellier

This recipe isn't too complicated and would be fun for a special dinner or your next party. I might make it for my #DisneySideDisney Home celebration.

Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates the New Year with Fireworks, Fine Dining and Festive Entertainment

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night event. I've only been once on New Year's Eve. The crowds are like Times Square in NYC but the fireworks are just out-of-this-world. Here's a little look at what guests can expect to see. ---------

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Walt Disney World guests will be counting down to midnight and ringing in the new year with a dazzling display of entertainment, parades, fireworks and extended hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on New Year’s Eve.

Every day is a celebration at Walt Disney World Resort but New Year’s Eve is certainly one of the largest. From lunches and dinners to brunches and dessert buffets, there are over a dozen spots for ringing in the New Year with fine fare. Also, there is no shortage of fireworks and nighttime shows that will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at the parks on Dec. 31st.