Walt Disney World Press Room

THE ORCHESTRA STARRING FORMER MEMBERS OF ELO: One of three new Eat to the Beat concert acts appearing at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO take the stage Oct. 20-21 with top hits like “Don’t Bring Me Down.”

THE POINTER SISTERS: One of three new Eat to the Beat concert acts appearing at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, The Pointer Sisters take the stage Nov. 2-3 with crowd-pleasers like “He’s So Shy.”

GIN BLOSSOMS Oct. 27-28 – One of three new Eat to the Beat concert acts appearing at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Gin Blossoms are set to rock audiences Oct. 27-28 with top hits like “Hey Jealousy.”

Continuing a grand Disney tradition from past Fourths (file video), Independence Day fireworks are set to paint the skies again above Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom treats guests to a gala sky show above Cinderella Castle. The dazzling nighttime spectacles are set for 9 p.m. on both July 3 and July 4, 2011.

Reigning Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, his wife Susie and sons Sebastian, 2, and Oliver, 3 months, visited Walt Disney World on Wednesday (June 22). Wheldon, who resides in St. Petersburg, FL., served as the ceremonial Grand Marshal in a parade down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom.

Wheldon serving as Grand Marshal in the parade at the Magic Kingdom with his family; Wheldon talking about the Indy 500 victory, his future racing plans, dedicating the race to his mother and his visit to Disney World.

(June 22, 2011): Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon (left), his wife Susie (right) and two-year-old son Sebastian (center), serve as the grand marshals June 22, 2011 in the daily parade at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner from St. Petersburg, Fla., also celebrated his 33rd birthday with family at Walt Disney World Resort today. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

THE BEST REST BY THE BAYOU: Opening in early spring 2012, the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside allow princes and princesses of all ages to stay where Disney royalty have stayed. Guests find regal touches left behind by some of their favorite Disney characters – fiber optics special effects above ornately decorated beds, gold and crystal accents, custom linens and drapes, and in-room art and details including Princely banners and Princess friends.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World Resort will pixie dust the night skies July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n’roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here’s what’s in store:

• Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration”! These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.
• At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out  “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with "The Heartbeat of Freedom," an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to “Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert” and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Additional information about Walt Disney World Resort is available at www.disneyworld.com.

  In this edition: Across the Vacation Kingdom: Fourth of July fireworks & fun fill Disney parks Disney Resorts: Royal Rooms and new suites celebrating animation coming in 2012 ... and guests can book now
Epcot: Foodies will be on the phone Aug. 16, 2011, to gobble up tickets for specialty events at 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; Sounds Like Summer concert series heats up in July; Guests loving 'British Revolution'
Downtown Disney: LEGO Imagination Center adds space, 'pizzazz''
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: High school athletes 'RISE' above during two-week multi-sport festival in July 


Fourth of July to Rock the Skies above Walt Disney World Resort
with Special Fireworks Shows at Three Parks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort will pixie dust the night skies July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock'n'roll spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here's what's in store:
 

• Magic Kingdom will present "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America's forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 -- and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.
   
• At Disney's Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new "Rockin' 4th of July Celebration"! These resident landscapers -- with serious rock and roll ambitions -- take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region's contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects -- backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears -- combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney's Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney's Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.
   
• At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth " bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with "The Heartbeat of Freedom," an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to "Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert" and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney's Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney's Animal Kingdom, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Additional information about Walt Disney World Resort is available at disneyworld.com.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Royal Guest Rooms
Now Can Be Booked for Vacations in 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Two new ways for guests of Walt Disney World Resort to live like their favorite Disney characters can now be booked for 2012 vacations. Building on the success of Pirate Rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, new "Disney Story Rooms" -- Disney's Art of Animation Resort and the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside -- are under construction.

Opening in early spring 2012, the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside allow princes and princesses of all ages to stay where Disney royalty have stayed. Guests find regal touches left behind by some of their favorite Disney characters -- fiber optics special effects above ornately decorated beds, gold and crystal accents, custom linens and drapes, and in-room art and details including Princely banners and Princess friends. The 512 Royal Guest Rooms start at $189 per night.

Walt Disney World guests also can now book rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, a brand new Walt Disney World Value resort opening in phases beginning early summer 2012. Disney's Art of Animation Resort will immerse guests into their favorite Disney stories -- including Disney(Pixar's Finding Nemo and Cars as well as Walt Disney Pictures' The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

The one-of-a-kind resort will feature more than 800 standard guest rooms and more than 1,100 family suites (which sleep up to six people) at its completion. Standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort start at $94 per night and family suites start at $248 per night.

Walt Disney World guests have more than 20 uniquely-themed resort hotels from which to choose -- something for just about every taste, family size and budget. Walt Disney World resort hotels offer convenient transportation and access to Walt Disney World theme parks and other entertainment options.

For more information on Walt Disney World Resort hotels or to book a Walt Disney World vacation, guests can check out disneyworld.com, or call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or their local travel agent.

Familiar Musical Sounds Are in the Air at Epcot in July
During Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Performances

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Epcot guests strolling past America Gardens Theatre on July evenings in 2011 might comment, "That sounds like ..." and finish the sentence with "Bon Jovi" or "Heart" or "Journey" or "Janet Jackson" or "U2."

Welcome to the Sounds Like Summer concert series, which fills the air with the music of summers past performed by tribute bands -- musical artists who strive to sound like the performers who recorded the songs. "Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play," said Associate Creative Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World entertainment.

July dawns with Slippery When Wet -- The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute on July 1-2. Four additional acts will step to the stage through July 30. The schedule (entertainment subject to change without notice):

June 26-July 2: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 3-9: Little Queen ~ The Music of Heart
July 10-16: Frontiers ~ A Tribute to Journey
July 17-23: Karin Lawson ~ A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 24-30: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. -- except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional information is available at disneyworld.com.

New United Kingdom Pavilion Music-Makers 'British Revolution'
Making Epcot Guests 'Glad All Over' with Their Tune-Filled Journey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- "Glad all over" is a way to describe the general reaction of Epcot guests to the new four-piece, high-energy band British Revolution, which debuted in May at the United Kingdom pavilion. And it is appropriate guests feel that way, considering Dave Clark Five of "Glad All Over" fame is part of the group's chronological journey through decades of popular British music.

Performances include random fun facts about popular songs and artists such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who and Dave Clark Five. Shows in July and August are Sunday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday at 3, 4:30, 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

Reservations Open August 16, 2011, for Special Events
at 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Dreaming of a festive autumn evening at the grand-scale Party for the Senses food and wine event at Epcot? Or maybe a more intimate artisanal Cheese Seminar with New York City fromager Max McCalman is on your radar.

Foodies who want to lock in their favorite events at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 should save the date of Aug. 16, 2011, and set their alarms for 7 a.m. That's when reservations open for all special culinary and beverage programs offered during this year's 45-day food, wine, beer and cocktail extravaganza. These special events have proven to be extremely popular and availability is limited.

Guests can book ... 

• First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
• "3D" Disney's Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
• Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
• Kitchen Memories -- formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
• Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5, 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
• Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
• Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

Additional special events slated will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations: 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378). Event updates and details will be posted at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Renovated LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney
Offers Added Space, Iconic Greeters

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When guests walk into the newly renovated LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney Marketplace, they not only find a store with more space but also more options to build and create. The recently completed extensive renovation at the Walt Disney World Resort location has added nearly 3,500 square feet to the overall space.

Along with a separate playroom inside the store and new Master Builder Bar, the 3,000-square-foot outside play area is filled with LEGO blocks.

New iconic LEGO models now surround the exterior of the store, with favorite Disney(Pixar characters such as Buzz Lightyear and Disney classics Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and others near each entrance. Guests also will find the classic LEGO dragon and guest family in the mix. Once inside, there's a LEGO model of Woody tipping his hat.

Store hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

 High School Athletes "Rise" Above at ESPNWWOS Complex
During Two-Week Multi-Sport Festival in July

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For two weeks in July, the ESPN RISE Games bring together some of the top names in high school sports to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The July 13-27, 2011, festival showcases the premier high school talent in the country in basketball, football, lacrosse and softball and also includes competitive youth events in seven sports.

In just its third year, the multi-sport event has grown to nearly 14,000 student athletes and is one of the largest ESPN-themed events at Disney.

The ESPN RISE Games are anchored by four elite high school sports events: Champion All-American Showcase, a US Lacrosse boys and girls event; the AAU 11th Grade Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by Champion; the Under Armour High School All-America Softball game; and the Champion Gridiron Kings, an elite 7 on 7 high school football event. All four events will be shown on ESPNU and ESPN3.com live and as pre-recorded shows.

One event to circle on the calendar is the AAU Super Showcase presented by Champion, which features marquee 17-under club teams from across the country. It has proven to be a breeding ground for NBA talent such as Amare Stoudemire (NY Knicks), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat).

In addition to its elite events, the ESPN RISE Games will include youth events in lacrosse, softball, football, baseball, basketball, field hockey and track & field.

More information is available at ESPNWWOS.com.
 

 

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DD-FN-Jul-Aug2011: 6-20-11:dh

AAAAAHHHHHH: As summer heats up in Central Florida, water parks of Walt Disney World Resort offer guests the chance to relax and refresh. Whether it’s Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the cooling, splashy fun is nonstop. Guests can beat the heat in myriad ways, whether inner-tubing down a lazy waterway or blasting down a speed slide. Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

AAAAAHHHHHH: As summer heats up in Central Florida, water parks of Walt Disney World Resort offer guests the chance to relax and refresh. Whether it’s Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the cooling, splashy fun is nonstop. Guests can beat the heat in myriad ways, whether inner-tubing down a lazy waterway or blasting down a speed slide. Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

International soccer sensation Kaká played football and soccer Wednesday with several NFL players and Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, FL.

Kaká, the Brazilian star of the Real Madrid team, played around with NFL players such as Bryant McFadden (Steelers), Travis Johnson (Chargers) and Greg Jones (Jaguars), who train at the sports complex with renowned trainer Tom Shaw.

Kaká was at Disney in advance of next month’s prestigious Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament, which features nearly 200 teams from 16 countries.

International soccer sensation Kaká played football and soccer Wednesday with several NFL players and Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, FL.

Kaká, the Brazilian star of the Real Madrid team, played around with NFL players such as Bryant McFadden (Steelers), Travis Johnson (Chargers) and Greg Jones (Jaguars), who train at the sports complex with renowned trainer Tom Shaw.

Kaká was at Disney in advance of next month’s prestigious Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament, which features nearly 200 teams from 16 countries.

KAKA AND MICKEY MEET AGAIN: Real Madrid soccer star Kaká presents Mickey Mouse with a signed soccer ball on June 15, 2011 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla. The Brazilian midfielder was at Disney in advance of the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament featuring nearly 200 teams from more than 16 countries from July 11-16. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

SPORTS STARS VISIT THE WORLD: Real Madrid soccer star Kaká (right) poses with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden (left) and Mickey Mouse on June 14, 2011 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla. The Brazilian midfielder was at Disney in advance of the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament featuring nearly 200 teams from more than 16 countries from July 11-16. McFadden and other NFL players who are part of the Tom Shaw Performance Training Camp at Disney played football and soccer with Kaká. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

FUTBOL AND FOOTBALL STARS: Madrid soccer star Kaká (far right) runs ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden (center) to catch a pass from Mickey Mouse on June 14, 2011 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla. The Brazilian midfielder was at Disney in advance of the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament featuring nearly 200 teams from more than 16 countries from July 11-16. McFadden and other NFL players who are part of the Tom Shaw Performance Training Camp at Disney played football and soccer with Kaka. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Paradise Found: Tastes of Hawaii and Caribbean now on the Menu

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Exotic cocktails will pair like a tropical daydream with fresh new tastes from more than one island paradise at the 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, at Walt Disney World Resort. The one-of-a-kind 45-day festival serves up international cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents, with more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions paired with beer, wine and inventive new cocktails.

Marketplace tasting menus offer variety and adventure for guests on a mission to tantalize their taste buds during a scenic stroll around the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon. The adventure can take them to the festival's first Hawaii marketplace, which will cook up Kalua pork sliders and tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips to team with a refreshing Seven Tiki Mai Tai or a Kona Longboard or Pipeline beer. A new Caribbean Islands marketplace will serve ropa vieja with rice and jerk-spiced chicken with mango salsa. A beverage menu featuring a frozen Dragon Berry Colada and frozen Rock Coconut Mojito is sure to conjure steel-drum fantasies.

With a swing across the Atlantic, guests will be transported to the new Portugal marketplace, where the Portugal Wine Bar will offer best sips to pair with calamari salad with olives and smoked paprika. The Scandinavia marketplace will return after a hiatus with a fresh new Xante Sunshine cocktail made from Xante pear and cognac liquer. And the Canada marketplace will introduce a sweet treat: apple ice wine.

Disney and celebrity chefs will team with winemakers and brew masters from around the world to get the party started Sept. 30. During the six-week festival, guests will discover:

• Three new tasting marketplaces -- Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Portugal -- plus new menu offerings at popular returning marketplaces
• Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.
• First-ever HGTV home entertaining seminars each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• The Cranberry Bog display by Craisins telling the story behind the venerable cranberry's rich agricultural heritage.
• Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.
• Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.
   

New Sips, Fresh Bites

Festival guests can make a day of circumnavigating the World Showcase Promenade, grazing and sipping as they go. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines, cocktails and beers make perfect pairings at each marketplace. For quicker marketplace visits, guests can purchase a festival-themed mini-Disney Gift Card that can be worn on a wristband and loaded and reloaded at several park locations.

Live daily entertainment showcases many cultures with music, acrobatics and improv performances along the promenade. Evening Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre feature acts from many musical genres. Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are The Pointer Sisters, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and Gin Blossoms. Fan favorite Taylor Dayne kicks off the festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2, and crowd pleaser Big Bad Voodoo Daddy wraps the event Nov. 11-13.

The festival attracts a diverse audience -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to novices wishing to boost their culinary IQs. Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Festival highlights include: 

• The Festival Welcome Center, with a Wine Bar, Authentic Taste Seminars, Authors Without Borders weekend conversations and more.
• More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting dinners and tasting events.
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
• Popular returning events that include First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29; Kitchen Memories (formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen); Mixology Seminar; and "3D" Disney Dessert Discovery.
• The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event beginning Oct. 8 and with a new Saturday evening time of 7:30-10 p.m. featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment presented by Cirque du Soleil.
   

Festival guests can enjoy fresh Epcot experiences including the latest Future World high-tech fun at Innoventions and the celebrated return of "Captain EO," the classic musical 3-D production starring Michael Jackson in a rare big-screen performance. In World Showcase, new and recently updated restaurants welcome guests at the Italy, Japan, Mexico and China pavilions.

What's Included with Epcot Admission:

Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Information and reservations for select events and programs are available at disneyworld.com/foodandwine. 

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Food & Wine Festival 2011

"HEISMAN POSE": Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and Adam Hubbs, 16, strike a “Heisman pose” June 13, 2011 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner at the Univ. of Florida, and Hubbs, from Millstadt, Ill., were visiting Walt Disney World Resort as a part of the joint ESPN SportsCenter and Make-A-Wish Foundation series “My Wish,” which grants sports-related wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. The two played games at Disney’s BoardWalk, ate lunch at the ESPN Club and visited the football practice fields at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. (Matt Stroshane, photographer).

A SPECIAL TOUCHDOWN AT DISNEY WORLD (JUNE 13, 2011): Former NFL and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Kurt Warner (right), his wife, Brenda (left), and Mickey Mouse pose June 13, 2011 with Kenny Bender (center), age 6, and Landon Smith (far right), 4, at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Representing the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation, the Warners, in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visited Walt Disney World Resort with a group of families from St. Louis, Arizona and Iowa. This marked the 10th annual visit by the First Things First Foundation to Walt Disney World. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Beginning November 2011 Disney’s Contemporary Resort will give guests yet another option to customize their dream vacations with Walt Disney World’s first health and wellness suites, combining the magic and fun of Disney theme parks with healthy and relaxing amenities at the deluxe resort.