Ears the News: May 24, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

The Tomorrowland Speedway at the Magic Kingdom has reopened following a closure for the re-routing of track to make way for the addition of the Tron coaster.

Changes to the ride are minor, with new paint and refreshed landscaping, along with a slight re-routing of the track.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Disney has given us a few more details on how your smart phone will become your Star Wars Datapad when you are in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

From Scott Trowbridge:

Use the “hacking” feature to interact with certain door panels or droids to see their memories, or open your “scanning” tool to peek inside of cargo crates you may spot while walking around. The handy “translation” tool will help you understand Aurebesh (the written language of the Star Wars galaxy) signs throughout Black Spire Outpost, and you can even tap into and decrypt signals from antennas or communications devices and listen to secret messages with the “tuning” feature.

Throughout Black Spire Outpost, the First Order is trying to install surveillance devices in door panels to spy on the Resistance. Use your Datapad to join in “Outpost Control,” a landwide game, and choose to support either side as they vie for a hold on the land. Winners may even find themselves rewarded with galactic credits for their efforts. 

Photo courtesy of Disney

Your Star Wars adventure continues when you make your way to get in line at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. While getting ready to board the most famous ship in the galaxy, you can even take on a job for Hondo Ohnaka, the pirate turned “legitimate” businessman operating Ohnaka Transport Solutions out of Black Spire Outpost. Reroute misplaced cargo, learn how to keep your cover under pressure and prep the Falcon for your flight in this in-queue game!

The new Disney resort hotel guest MagicBand upgrade options are now live.

Disney Resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders now have the option to upgrade from the regular free-of-charge solid MagicBand to a special design MagicBand at a reduced price. 

Photo courtesy of Disney

More than 30 new MagicBand options are available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website. Most of the bands will cost around $10 after the discount.

The regular solid bands are still be available at no cost, and these new design options can also be shipped to homes (U.S. addresses only) if ordered 11 or more days ahead of arrival and can be personalized if done so at least 6 or more days ahead of arrival.

The holiday season at Disney's Animal Kingdom looks set to be a whole lot bigger this year as holiday decor and entertainment expands to every land in the park.

Here is the full news release from Disney about what you can expect to see.

It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area. And during the day, Discovery Island springs to life with a holiday gathering of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.

As day becomes night, the rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns all around Discovery Island bring a warm and festive glow to the entire village. At the center of everything, the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life continues to shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays. 

Photo courtesy of Disney

Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.

In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have decorated the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, home to authentic cultural performances.

The village of Harambe in Africa welcomes visitors with a unique holiday presentation, blending the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations. The various groups appearing throughout Harambe introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, including costume additions and new music, to their performances. The holiday fun continues inside Tusker House for dining with Disney friends, where Mickey and his pals spread holiday cheer throughout the meal.

The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

It’s going to be an extra magical holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across Walt Disney World Resort, filled with wonder and delight in all four parks! Make plans to join us, starting November 8, 2019.

The app-based restaurant ordering system, Mobile Order, is expanding to include Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants.

Mobile Order will be available soon at Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

These new locations will be in addition to more than 20 other quick service restaurants located in the theme parks and Disney Springs.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Mobile Order allows you to pay for meals on-the-go within the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order at the restaurant. Using the app, you can select menu items, customize an order and pre-pay for a meal.

Arriving at the restaurant, you tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which will notify the kitchen to prepare the meal. When ready, you'll be alerted through the app to pick up the meal at a designated window. Credit card payments are accepted via Mobile Order along with the Disney Dining Plan.

Walt Disney World will soon being selling a new Summer One World Ticket, with six admissions for $74 per admission (plus tax) – a total price of $444 (plus tax).

Starting June 4, you will be able to purchase the Summer One World Ticket at Disneyworld.com, through the Disney Reservation Center or travel agents, and ticket sellers. For a total price of $444 (plus tax), this ticket includes one admission to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. Ticket details:

• Summer One World Tickets must be purchased between Jun 4, 2019, and Aug. 23, 2019. 
• Each Summer One World Ticket includes six admissions – one admission to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and each of the two water parks. 
• Guests have flexibility in how they use these tickets, including visiting more than one park per day. 
• Tickets must be used June 4, 2019 – Aug. 28, 2019. 

Ticket valid 6/4/19 – 8/28/19 for one admission to Magic Kingdom Park, one admission to Epcot, one admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, one admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and one admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Each park may be visited only once. Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and other restrictions. Water parks are subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures. After expiration date, the price paid for a wholly unused ticket can be applied to the purchase of a new ticket with an equal or higher price.

Walt Disney presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios is now showing a sneak peek of Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4”.

When Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” arrives in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

More dates have just been added to the Disney After Hours events at all three participating theme parks, extending the event through to September 2019.

The new dates are listed below for each park, and all go on sale May 30 2019.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

The event gives you access to the park for three hours after regular park hours, which means nearly no wait for attractions, and you can enter the park early – at 7pm on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Thursday, May 2, 2019

  

  Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

• Thursday, May 9, 2019
• Thursday, May 16, 2019
• Thursday, May 23, 2019
• Thursday, May 30, 2019

On sale from May 30:

• Thursday, August 22, 2019
• Thursday, August 29, 2019
• Thursday, September 5, 2019
• Thursday, September 12, 2019
• Thursday, September 19, 2019
• Thursday, September 26, 2019

Tickets are currently available for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park at DisneyWorld.com/DisneyAfterHours.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Attractions available include Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror . Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

• Friday, May 24, 2019
• Friday, May 31, 2019
• Friday, June 14, 2019
• Friday, June 21, 2019
• Friday, June 28, 2019

On sale May 30:

• Friday, July 5, 2019
• Friday, July 12, 2019
• Friday, July 19, 2019
• Friday, July 26, 2019

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Includes the Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases.

9pm to midnight

• Tuesday, June 4, 2019
• Tuesday, June 11, 2019
• Tuesday, June 18, 2019

On sale May 30:

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

• Tuesday, July 2, 2019
• Monday, July 8, 2019
• Monday, July 15, 2019
• Monday, July 22, 2019
• Monday, July 29, 2019
• Monday, August 5, 2019
• Monday, August 12, 2019
• Monday, August 19, 2019
• Monday, August 26, 2019
• Tuesday, September 3, 2019
• Monday, September 9, 2019
• Monday, September 16, 2019
• Monday, September 23, 2019

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

FIRST DETAILS: 2019 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival!

Hellooooo, Disney Foodies!

Time to write one of my favorite posts of the year! I get to announce the first details of the 2019 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! (Queue the fanfare!) Food and Wine is one of the very top events of the year here in Walt Disney World and one that I look forward to attending annually. It's a delicious and exciting culinary adventure around the world that anyone who likes food, (and who doesn't??), or alcohol, (again...), is sure to love.

Did you know that at Food and Wine you can catch some of the most fun concerts from artists of yesterday and today, try amazing bites and sips, AND learn culinary tricks of the trade from some of the top chefs in the industry? Well, you can! And this year is set to be better than ever, and here's why...

First of all, this year's festival will be the longest running yet, with two and a half months to enjoy the festivities. This year, the festival opens on August 29th and runs through November 23rd. Now, let's check out what's new and exciting this year, and what old favorites will be returning!

~~~~~~~~~

Eat To The Beat Concert Line Up

This year's concert series is truly going to ROCK! There are lots of new acts joining in the fun. I bet you'll have a favorite or two on here!

• August 29 to 31: Plain White T's ("Hey There Delilah") 
• September 1 to 2: NEW! Sawyer Brown ("Some Girls Do")
• September 3 to 4: MercyMe ("Grace Got You") 
• September 5 to 6: NEW! Grace Kelly ("Ready, Seat, Stay") 
• September 7 to 8: NEW! Zach Williams ("Chain Breaker") 
• September 9 to 10: NEW! Lauren Daigle ("You Say") 
• September 11 to 12: NEW! Jimmie Allen ("Best Shot") 
• September 13 to 15: TBD 
• September 16 to 17: The Allman Betts Band ("Midnight Rider") 
• September 18 to 19: Everclear ("Father of Mine") 
• September 20 to 22: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas ("We Built This City") 
• September 23 to 24: Postmodern Jukebox (pop covers) 
• September 25 to 26: Blue October ("Hate Me") 
• September 27 to 29: Mark Wills ("Don't Laugh At Me") 
• September 30 to October 2: Sugar Ray ("Fly") 
• October 3 to 9: TBD 
• October 10 to 11: NEW! Boyce Avenue ("Every Breath") 
• October 12 to 13: NEW! Southern Avenue ("Don't Give Up") 
• October 14 to 15: TBD 
• October 16 to 17: 38 Special ("Hold On Loosely") 
• October 18 to 20: Baha Men ("Who Let The Dogs Out") 
• October 17 to 18: 38 Special ("Hold On Loosely") 
• October 21 to 22: Billy Ocean ("Caribbean Queen") 
• October 23 to 25: Sheila E ("The Glamorous Life") 
• October 26 to 27: High Valley ("Make You Mine") 
• October 31 to November 1: Sheena Easton ("We've Got Tonight") 
• November 2 to 3: Kris Allen ("Live Like We're Dyin'") 
• November 4 to 6: Boyz II Men ("Motown Philly") 
• November 7 to 8: The Hooters ("And We Danced") 
• November 9 to 11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ("Go Daddy-O") 
• November 12 to 18: TBD 
• November 19: D-Capella (Disney A Cappella songs)

Awesome, right??? Keep in mind that all entertainment is subject to change, of course, but generally, the schedule is pretty set. Shows are nightly, Sundays-Thursdays, at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8pm, and Fridays and Saturdays, at 6:30pm, 7:45pm and 9pm. And the best part of these concerts? They are included with park admission! (Though, as they have in previous years, dining packages will be available that offer a meal at a selected restaurant and priority seating at one of the concerts. For more info, click HERE or contact an agent at Kingdom Konsultants, and they'll hook you up.)

Global Marketplaces (aka "The Booths")

By far, the most popular reason to visit the festival is for the Global Marketplaces, close to 40 kiosks, located all around the park, selling snack-sized food items and sample-sized drinks, (alcoholic and non). Each booth has either a cultural theme, like France or Australia, or a culinary theme, like Chocolate Studio or Light Lab. This year's menus have not come out yet, but as soon as they are available, I'll be sure and add them to the blog.

In the meantime, we have other things to check out, like classes, tastings, and even kid-friendly activities. So, let's get to the rest of the exciting details...

Fun For Kids

• Remy's Ratatouille Hide and Squeak: Kids and adults alike will enjoy roaming from country to country, seeking out Remy, the rodent chef from "Ratatouille"! Little statues of him hide around World Showcase and you can seek him out, playing for fun, or you can buy a map and sticker set at a nearby gift shop, and once you locate all of the Remys, turn it in to collect a prize!

• Candy Sushi: Offered at 3:30pm and 5:30pm daily in The Land Pavilion, make sweet, candy and crispy rice treat "sushi". Booking info coming soon. 
• Family Play Zone: A fun-filled playground, designed with little chefs in mind. 
• Disney Du Jour Dance Party: Evenings will come alive with a character dance party!

Celebrity Chefs

A massive array of culinary geniuses will make appearances at this year's festival, including Oprah's personal chef, Art Smith, Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, and The Chew's Carla Hall. The full list of appearances should be out soon and I will add them here.

Carla Hall!

Festival Center

The Festival Center, located inside the old Wonders of Life Pavilion, hosts classes, displays, and experiences, including:

• NEW! Festival Center Stage Presented by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® – NEW! 
• NEW! Junior Chef Kitchen: Kids ages 4-10 can sign up for this complimentary pancake art class and create edible masterpieces. 
• Back To Basics: Held Friday-Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm, this free session allows you to learn culinary tips and tricks from some of the best in the biz. 
• Book Signings and Meet and Greets: Meet your favorite celebrity chefs, up close and personal! 
• Bottle Signings: Vinters will be on hand to sign their bottles of spirits. 

The Chocolate Experience: Hosted by Ghiradelli, this display shows how chocolate is created, and also displays some incredible chocolate art. For dates, times, and details of the above events, click HERE!

Beverage Seminars

Taste wines and spirits, and learn about them from local experts. This class is $17 per person, and participants must be over the age of 21. For more information, click HERE.

Cheese Seminar

Learn about the various flavors and textures of formage, and how to pair your favorite cheeses with wines like a pro. Alcohol is included and the price is $89 per person. For more information, click HERE.

Culinary Demonstrations

Offered Monday-Saturday at 12:30pm, Guests can learn how the pros do it all, and allow you to enjoy the fruits of their labor, plus a sampling of a paired wine or beer. The price is $17 per person and more info can be found HERE.

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!

Cake decorating and mixology are just a couple of the skills that will be explored in these workshops. Held Wednesday and Thursdays at 4:30, the cost is $39 per Guest. You can learn a new kitchen skill from a true expert! For a full list of classes, click HERE.

NEW! Sunday Brunch With The Chef

Do you dream of a celebrity chef making you breakfast, while sharing with you all of his or her best tips? Well, you'll LOVE this experience! Enjoy a brunch buffet, a sparkling wine toast, and then an interactive presentation from a celebrity chef, culminating in your chance to meet them up close and personal. Offered select Sundays at 11:30 am , the event is $129 per person, with all food included. This year's events will be hosted by Richard Blais, Jamie Deen, Tiffani Thiessen, Masaharu Morimoto, Buddy Valastro, Art Smith, Geoffrey Zakarian, Carla Hall and Alex Guarnaschelli. For more details, click HERE.

Food and Beverage Pairings

Thursday thru Sunday at 2:30 pm, Guests can watch master chefs create an innovative food and wine pairing and taste their masterpiece. Pricing is $29 per person and the event is held in the World Showplace Events Pavilion. For a listing of the events, click HERE.

Party For The Senses

Acclaimed chefs, entertainers and personalities will join you for a magical night of wining, dining and partying. Taking place in the World Showplace Events Pavilion, the event includes reserved seating at the 5:30 Eat To The Beat Concert, as a bonus. This year's event will be offered on September 22nd, October 6th, 13th and 20th, and November 10th. There are two seatings a night, and prices range from $229-$349 per person. For more info, click HERE.

Specialty Dining and Pairings

Travel the globe on a feast for the senses! Experience one, or several of these unique, indulgent dining events, each featuring a different country's cuisine. Check out this year's options!

• French Family Meal Traditions: Savor an authentic French meal, and wine pairings, and even take home a copy of Paul Bocuse's recipe book! Located in Monsieur Paul's, pricing is $95 per person and the events are held on select Fridays and Sundays at noon. Click HERE for details. 
• Hibachi Experience: Inside Teppan Edo, enjoy a 5-course hibachi cooking experience, including sake pairings. Pricing is $180 per Guests, and it is offered select Mondays at 4pm. You can click HERE for more details. 
• Italian Food and Wine Pairing Luncheon: Inside the wine cellar of Tutto Gusto, enjoy a 5 course Italian meal, with perfectly paired wines and spirits. Pricing is $99 per Guest and it will be offered select Mondays and Wednesdays at noon. You can learn more by clicking HERE. 
• Italian Food: Wine Vs. Beer Pairing: This 5-course Italian feast is served inside Via Napoli and includes hand-selected wines and beers of the chef's choosing. Pricing is $88 per Guest and it is offered select Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm. More information can be obtained HERE. 
• Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing: Over at Spice Road Table, Guests can enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean, including Morocco and beyond, all paired with the perfect wines. Pricing is $65 per Guest and it is offered select Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 pm. More information is HERE. 
• Mexican Tequila Lunch: This 4-course Mexican meal is served inside La Hacienda de San Angel, and it's all paired up with various tequilas. Prices are $85 per Guest. It will be offered selected Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Friday at noon. For more info, click HERE. 
• Parisian Breakfast: An authentic French breakfast, inside Chefs de France, including fresh made baguettes, croissants and more. Pricing is $40 per person and it is offered selected Saturdays at 9:15 am and details are HERE. 
• Parisian Afternoon: Indulge in French finger sandwiches, pastries, and desserts, while sipping unlimited mimosas. Located inside Monsieur Paul's, this event is $55 per Guest and is offered on selected Saturdays at 1:30 pm. Detailed information can be found HERE. 
• Tokyo Pairing: 3 enticing Japanese courses, including sushi and sake, are served inside Tokyo Dining and will be $160 per Guest, and held on select Thursdays at 4 pm. To learn more, click HERE. 

No word yet on whether or not the Culinary Events in Signature Dining will be offered, and/or the Resort Dining events, but I will be sure and update this page if they are announced.

Oh, and don't forget all of the Food and Wine Festival themed shopping, pin trading, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and more! There's so much to do, you'll need more than just one day to get it all in!

~~~~~~~

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is by far one of, if not, THE best event that Disney offers in the whole year! Don't miss out! To plan your trip, hook up with an awesome travel agent on the Kingdom Konsultant Travel page, or by calling into them. The agents can help you make dining plans, book any of the events, give you advice and more.

That's all, folks! Be sure and keep an eye out for updates and reviews as they become available. Oh, and.... BON APPETIT!

Until next time, have a magical week!


- Jenn

Flower and Garden Festival: Treats and Eats Part 2

In our first installment of the series we looked at some of the "garden focused" Epcot Flower and Garden Festival booths.  In this installment, we will look at the booths around World Showcase that feature ingredients and items inspired by the country or region represented.

While the World Showcase in Epcot is filled with great regional cuisine any time of year, the additional food options that come with the Flower and Garden Festival are always a welcome treat! As you approach World Showcase from Future World, you are faced with a decision - left to Mexico, or right to Canada (or do you get crazy and hop on a Friendship Boat and start in the middle!?)  For today's adventure, let's start to the right and head towards Canada.

Canada's Northern Bloom is a great stop for those meat and potatoes lovers in your travel party.  We tried quite a few things here but the pavilion itself is known for the tucked away, Le Cellier Steakhouse, so their beef treats never disappoint!  The other thing Canada is known for is maple syrup, so we also tried some of their maple treats!  The pound cake was an interesting take on the dessert and the milkshake was tasty but a heavier drink for sure.

Menu for Northern Bloom

Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables

Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup

Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky

As you make your way further around the world, the next booth you'll come across is Fleur de Lys outside the France Pavilion.  This is historically a very crowded booth at Epcot festivals but with good reason.  It's absolutely one of my favorites!  The slushy adult beverages are very popular here, they are refreshing and a cool treat on a hot day.  We tried most of the menu here and loved it all!

Tarte au Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a flaky Pastry Crust and La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice

Canard Confit à la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta

Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop

Taste of Marrakesh is technically the next booth you'll encounter but we skipped that one this time with just too much other tasty food to try! Onto Hanami outside the Japan Pavilion! This booth is home to another fan favorite that's fun for all ages, the frushi! However, the Japanese-style fried chicken was actually one of my favorite dishes of the whole festival this year.  It was crisp and delicious with some unique flavors.

Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing

“Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Purée and Lemonade

Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice garnished with Whipped Cream, Berry Sauce Drizzle and Toasted Coconut

As we approach the halfway point at the American Pavilion, it's hard to ignore the delicious smell of the BBQ coming from the Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews.  The menu seemed very similar to years past for me, so I just saved my appetite for our next stop. Primavera Kitchen is the booth outside of Italy and has a lot to offer for the less-adventurous eaters out there, but it is no less delicious for it!  This booth has actually been one of my least favorites in years past, but it really impressed me this year.

Loved the placement of the topiaries this year! 

Tri-Colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter and Chicken Veloute and Villa Sandi Prosecco

Menu for Primavera Kitchen

Germany's Bauernmarkt: Farmer's Market was a big hit with our potato loving family! This is another great stop for kid friendly items and they are very reasonably priced as well which is always a plus.

Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower and Mint and Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese

Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce and Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries 

We are well on our way through the World Showcase at this point and getting quite full, but we still have two stops left!  We stop by Lotus House outside the China Pavilion for drinks as they have fun bubble tea options that are kid friendly before heading to Jardin de Fiestas outside the Mexican Pavilion to wrap up our worldly adventures for the day.

“Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas, Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Piña Colada Mix, and Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup and Orange Juice

Another pavilion where I love the topiaries!

Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Masa topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso Fresco and Mexican Cream

Rosé Sangria: Withers Rosé Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear and Ginger Juices

Now that our bellies are so full from all the tasty treats, we have made it through the World Showcase country inspired food booths of the Flower and Garden Festival.  Have you had a chance to go this year?  Tell us your favorite treats in the comments!

Want to plan a trip for this or other Epcot festivals?  Reach out to your Kingdom Konsultant agent today to learn more!

- Agent Maci