Category: Disney

Walt Disney World

Disney, Entertainment & shows, Family Fun, Florida, Resorts, B&Bs, Inns, Uncategorized

Epcot’s Multi-Year Transformation

Sandra Kay Chambers

(David Roark, photographer)

EPCOT is undergoing one of the largest transformations of any Disney park in history. It was due to be completed by the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World on October 1, 2021, but was delayed because of COVID. Many of the new rides, experiences and restaurants are now open and several more are due at EPCOT to open summer of 2022. One of the most anticipated rides at EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, opens May 27th. This new family-thrill coaster takes guests on an intergalactic chase through time and space. The coaster rotates 360 degrees, features the first reverse launch on any Disney coaster and will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world. 

Check out my full article here.

Arts / Culture / History, Disney, Festivals / events, Florida, Food and Wine

25th International Flower & Garden Festival

Sandra Kay Chambers

Belle & Beast topiary is one of more than 100 festive topiaries featuring favorite Disney characters.

 

Richly hued flowers and floating gardens adorn the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Spring is a great time to visit Walt Disney World and especially Epcot during its annual 90-day International Flower & Garden Festival. Be prepared to be wowed by millions of brilliant blossoms, more than 100 festive topiaries featuring favorite Disney characters, 220 mini-floating gardens and Disney-crafted “flower towers.” During this event from February 28th to May 28th, guests will also enjoy cuisine from 15 outdoor kitchens and top-notch musical acts.

Check my entire article in Allegiant Airline’s in-flight magazine, Sunseeker:  Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2018 copy

 

Disney, Florida

Pandora–The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World

Sandra Kay Chambers

 

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I just returned from a media trip to Walt Disney World for the grand opening of Pandora–The World of Avatar. This 12-acre addition to Walt Disney’s World’s Animal Kingdom is the fulfillment of a multi-year project by both Disney and the film’s creator James Cameron.

 

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Cameron and the main cast from the movie were on hand for the dedication prior to its opening to the public on May 27th. This amazing, colorful bioluminescent land with floating trees and waterfalls also offers two new rides:  Na’vi River Journey and the most realistic 3D ride I’ve ever been on–Avatar Flight of Passage (where you get to fly on the back of a banshee.)

Don’t miss Windtraders, a shop where  you can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more. The Satu’li Canteen is a great casual restaurant with great food, a bioluminescent frozen cocktail and indigenous beers.

When visiting Animal Kingdom after dark (which I highly recommend) be sure to see the Tree of Life with its animated imagery, the Rivers of Light show, sunset safaris and live-entertainment street parties.

 

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If you plan on visiting Walt Disney World this summer, a great place to stay close to all the action is Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can view animals such as giraffes and zebras right from your room’s balcony!

© Sandra Chambers

Photos by Sandra Chambers

 

Disney, Entertainment & shows, Florida

More Disney Fun

Sandra Kay Chambers

Three Parks Offer New Adventures

Rivers of Light show at WDW Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new Rivers of Light nighttime show.

Engage in intergalactic battles at the new Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios, view the spectacular “Rivers of Light”nighttime show in Animal Kingdom, make an icy trek to Arendelle at Epcot’s “Frozen Ever After” attraction and become a globetrotter on “Soarin’ Around the World.”

This article appears in Allegiant’s in-flight magazine, Sunseeker (Dec. ’16-Feb. ’17). Click here to read entire article.  more-disney-fun

Disney, Florida, Food and Wine

Happy Meals: Upscale Dining at Walt Disney World

Sandra Kay Chambers

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Walt Disney World may be a kid’s paradise, but the dining options extend far beyond chicken fingers and fries. Grown-ups looking for a little culinary indulgence can choose from a variety of upscale restaurants. Here are a handful of our favorites.

Article appears in West Jet Air’s in-flight magazine. Read full article here: Disney Eats-up-Oct copy