The first Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off January 13 for six weekends of culinary, visual, and performing arts.

The Festival will feature art from Disney historical artists Mary Blair and Herb Ryman, plus current Disney artists such as Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos.

Festival guests will have a chance to experience a collaboration with Disney Theatrical as a new showcase of music and Broadway talent comes to the America Gardens Theater.

The lineup of performers is:

• January 13-16 and 20-23: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, and The Little Mermaid.
• January 27-30 and February 3-6: Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey performing songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin.
• February 10-13 and 17-20: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White performing songs from Disney’s The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid

In addition to artwork and performing arts, the Festival will also feature Food Studios where guests can enjoy culinary creations including savory and sweet items plus beverages. Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have more photos of the food items.

The event will also feature special experiences and bookings are now open for these events. The experiences include interactive workshops and more. A full list of workshops can be found here. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive 15 percent off select experiences.

Dining packages are also available in conjunction with the Disney on Broadway concerts.

The Epcot Festival of the Arts runs Fridays through Mondays from January 13 to February 20.

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Downtown Disney Area is Walt Disney World’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located outside of the DisneyParks.  Located on the shores of Village Lake across from the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, this expansive area is a popular destination for Disney fans.  Many return travelers make it either the first or last stop of their Walt Disney World vacation.

There’s so much to see and do you can easily spend a day wandering through this complex of fun activities for every age  both day and night!  If you can only stop in one area to do your vacation shopping, be sure to stop here.

 

Dining:

• Bongos Cuban Cafe – Created by music superstar Gloria Estefan, this colorful restaurant—a re-creation of a lively 1950s Havana nightclub.
• Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant – Dine on chef’s specialties of seafood and American cuisine in a casual waterfront setting with a panoramic view of Buena Vista Lagoon.
• Cookes of Dublin – Stop in for classic fish ‘n’ chips, tasty pies and more when you’re on the go.
• Earl of Sandwich – We offer 13 hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast.
• Fourty Thirst Street – Perk up with freshly-brewed coffee and coffee products by Joffrey’s Coffee.
• Fresh A-Peel – A back-to-basics approach to serving family favorites.
• Fulton’s Crab House – Set in a riverboat replica docked on the waterfront, this restaurant features more than 50 fresh seafood selections—flown in daily, as well as non-seafood specialties.
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream  & Chocolate Shop – Delight in decadent chocolate and world-famous sundaes topped with fresh, homemade hot fudge.
• House of Blues – The best regional and national musicians perform day and night while delicious Southern cuisine is served at this live music club.
• Paradiso 37 – North, Central and South American cuisine are represented at this waterfront restaurant that features an extensive tequila bar and nightly entertainment.
• Planet Hollywood – Satisfy cravings for favorite American foods at this star-themed restaurant decorated with movie memorabilia and props from Hollywood’s hottest films and TV shows.
• Pollo Campero – This quick-service restaurant is famous for freshly prepared Latin chicken.
• Portobello – At this waterfront restaurant, select from the award-winning wine list to pair with the authentic flavors of Italy found in signature pizzas and pasta dishes.
• Raglan Road Irish Pub – Traditional pub fare is served in a spirited atmosphere where there’s beer on tap and live bands add to the nightly entertainment.
• Rainforest Cafe – This jungle-themed restaurant, with simulated weather patterns and animated animals.
• T-REX A Prehistoric Family Adventure – This dinosaur-themed family eatery serves meals amid life-size animated prehistoric creatures, educational displays and merchandise.
• Wetzels Pretzels – Ice cream, lemonade and 7 varieties of big, hand-rolled and freshly baked pretzels are available.
• Wolfgang Puck – Three restaurants from one legendary chef.  This location offers an express counter, cafe, and formal dining room.

Shopping: 

• Arribas Brothers – Artisan Crystal and Glassware.
• Basin – All-natural bath and skin care products.
• Disney’s Days of Christmas – Christmas collectibles with a Disney flair.
• Disney’s Design-a-Tee – Customized T-shirts.
• Disney’s Pin Traders – The premier location for pin trading at WDW.
• Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories – Scrapbook supplies, stationery and postcards.
• LEGO Imagination Center – A show center and retail store for famous LEGO bricks and toys.
• Mickey’s Pantry – Fun for the chef in your family or really anyone who likes food!
• Once Upon a Toy – 16,000 square feet of fun new toys, games and collectibles.
• Pooh Corner –  Winnie the Pooh and friends themed merchandise.
• Team Mickey’s Athletic Club – Character apparel with Mickey and friends to suit any fan of any sport.
• Rawlings Making The Game – Rawlings Making the Game is a unique shop where you find custom, handmade baseball bats, authentic MLB baseballs and helmets, and gloves!
• The Art of Disney – Disney animation cells, fine art and collectibles.
• TrenD – Hip apparel for women with a fashion sense and a love of subtle Disney touches.
• World of Disney Store – This 51,000-square-foot retail space is the biggest Disney shopping destination on Earth. With 12 rooms of themed merchandise and it’s very own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess make-overs.
• Hoypoloi – An eclectic art gallery
• Planet Hollywood on Location – Planet Hollywood Orlando Gear.
• House of Blues Company Store – Through its spirit of diversity, House of Blues blends live music, great food and great shopping.
• T-Rex Shop – This Dino-Store features a unique selection of apparel, educational toys and other prehistoric merchandise as well as Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the only store where you can make your own dino friend.
• Pop Gallery – Original, artist-signed pieces and upscale gift items.
• Sosa Family Cigars – Premium cigar store features the art of hand-rolling cigars.
• Something Silver – From contemporary trends to timeless classics, Something Silver® features a wide variety of jewelry to suit most every style and budget.
• Sunglass Icon – Designer sunglasses and eyewear.
• Orlando Harley-Davidson Store – Official Harley-Davidson apparel, from T-shirts to leather jackets, plus an array of gifts and collectibles from miniature motorcycles to products for pets
• Curl – by Surf King Sammy Duval, the premier surf shop on the East Coast.
• littlemissmatched – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.
• Apricot Lane Boutique – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.

Attractions:   Sure there’s all the shopping and dining you could dream of here, but there’s also a ton of fun to be had!

• Cirque du Soleil
• DisneyQuest Interactive Theme Park
• AMC Downtown Disney 24
• House of Blues Music Venue
• Characters in Flight Hot Air Balloon
• Boat Rentals
• Coming in late 2012  Splitsville Bowling Alley

Festivals:  Several times a year the Downtown Disney Area plays host to great community festivals.

• Festival of the Masters Art & Jazz Fair
• Walgreens International Dragon Boat Festival
• Festival of the Seasons Winter Holiday Hotspot
• DisneyQuest New Years Eve Party
• Disney’s Magic Music Days

When to Go: Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney Marketplace are 8:00 am – 1:00 am. Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown West Side are 8:00 am – 2:00 am.  These times includes all Downtown Disney promenades, walkways, rest rooms and green spaces.  Store hours vary seasonally, but in general you will find the shops open between 9:30 a.m to 11:00 p.m.

How to Get There:  Guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort can take  the “Downtown Disney” bus from their resort’s bus stop.  Buses leave approximately every 20 minutes.  Guests staying at staying at Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resorts may also get to Downtown Disney by taking the ferryboat.

For Guests who choose to drive, complimentary self-parking is also available. The street address is:
1780 E. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

If you’re interested in any of these great things to see and do at Downtown Disney, be sure to schedule some time in your touring plan to stop by and check them out!  As with all things Disney, times as well as shopping & dining options are subject to change.

A Walt Disney World Vacation will be fun for your family no matter what time of year you chose to go.  However Disney throws a party like no other, and with special events going on throughout the year, this most magical place is sure to have a little extra special treat just up your alley.  Take a quick look at some of the most fabulous, bonus added vacation events in the world!

runDisney Events – Disney has truly earned a name for it’s self within the running community as several times a year athletes and hobbists alike register and converge on the Resort for everything from 5K’s to Marathons.  With Olympian Jeff Galloway as their honorary coach Walt Disney World has become one of the premier running destinations.  It all kicks of every January with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Show – Sponsored by HGTV this Springtime Festival is included in your park ticket and showcases the talents of the highly skilled Walt Disney World Landscapers, Gardeners and Florists.  A special festival center is set up where you can sign up to participate in classes by world famous horticulturists or you can simply enjoy the added scenery around the park.  March, April & May.

Disney Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends – Included with your Hollywood Studios admission, on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in Late Spring you can celebrate everything Star Wars with thousands of fans from across the country and around the world.  Join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations.  Mid-May through Mid-June.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – The Magic Kingdom closes early on nights that this limited, after hours, hard ticket event is held during September and October.  Guests are invited to dress up and trick –or-treat through the park during this fun Halloween adventure.  Dance parties and one of Disney’s best parades are highlights of this event. Special dates in September & October.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – This annual festival creates a playground for Foodies and Wine Lovers from all over with kiosks “featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages”, demonstrations, exclusive dinners, and an amazing music line up.  This festival offers options both included in your park ticket and specially ticketed events.  October through Mid-November.

Downtown Disney Festival of the Masters – Held every November this show is an artist and art lovers dream.  Dazzling displays of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and so much more are just a few of the highlights. One week in early November.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – The Magic Kingdom closes early on nights that this limited, after hours, hard ticket event is held during November and December.  Guests experience special character meet and greets, parades, fireworks, hot chocolate, cookies and even snow on Main Street USA!  Mid-November through December.

This list is by no means exhaustive of all the special activities that Walt Disney World hosts throughout the year, but it does give you an idea of the kinds of activities you may be able to enjoy on your Walt Disney World Vacation.  And you don’t have to choose just one!  Some dates will combine with others, for instance you could attend the Festival of The Masters one day and get tickets for the Merry Very Christmas Party the next!  Whether or not you choose to participate, knowing these dates can help you decide what time of year is right for you to take a spectacular Orlando vacation.

Did any of these catch your eye?  Food & Wine is one of my favorite times to visit.  Which event sounds most exciting to you?  Leave me a comment and let me know!