First Round of Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators Announced for 2022

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

It’s hard to believe, but the beginning of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is less than two months away! One of our favorite festival activities is enjoying the “Candlelight Processional.” The first round of celebrity narrators have been announced and we’re very excited at the new faces.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Get ready to fill your holiday season with songs at the “Candlelight Processional,” returning to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth starting Nov. 25. This time-honored tradition has been a part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971. Experience the celebrity narrators, the Voices of Liberty acapella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra and glorious massed choirs as they present a heartwarming retelling of the traditional Christmas story.

Because the holidays are best celebrated with others, we could not be more excited to again share this tradition with the community as we invite guest choirs from across Florida to take part in the show. Choirs comprised of Disney cast members will also return, bringing magic to their performances as they do in their roles every day.

The 2022 lineup of celebrity narrators features new and returning favorites, including actors from some of your favorite films, world-renowned singers, and other talented artists. Here’s your first look at this year’s narrators:

  • 11/25 – 11/26: TBD
  • 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
  • 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
  • 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
  • 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
  • 12/7 – 12/9: TBD
  • 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
  • 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
  • 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
  • 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
  • 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
  • 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
  • 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
  • 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

Secure your spot at the show by booking a “Candlelight Processional” Dining Package! Packages go on sale Sept. 29. Find out more by visiting EPCOTholidays.com.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date.

Orlando Airport Celebrates the Return of Figment to EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Uncategorized

Just a couple of weeks ago, The Walt Disney Company hosted its ultimate fan event — the D23 Expo — in Anaheim, California, just steps from the Disneyland Resort. The Expo celebrated all things Disney and there were a ton of fun events and happenings, including the Disney Legends awards, exclusive merchandise and shopping opportunities, and panels that shared more on everything from first looks at new films and television shows to news about what is happening in Disney Parks around the world.

As in years past, the Disney Parks Panel was one of the most in-demand panels at the Expo. Disney fans always want to be the first to hear about what is coming down the pike at places like Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.

At this year’s Parks Panel, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a lot of exciting news — including more on Splash Mountain’s transformation into Tiana’s bayou Adventure, the return of Happily Ever After to the Magic Kingdom, and San Fransokyo coming to Disneyland. One of the more unexpected announcements had to do with Disney World’s popular theme park — EPCOT.

D’Amaro shared that a Figment meet and greet would be returning to EPCOT for a limited time in 2023 — although no specific dates have been announced at this time. Fans were shocked and excited to hear that the icon of EPCOT would once again be back at Disney World and greeting Guests. Even the Orlando International Airport was excited to hear the news, and shared the following tweet:

For years, Guests visiting EPCOT could head to the Imagination Pavilion and ride Journey Into Imagination and then meet the purple dragon himself. The Figment meet and greet ended in the early 2000s, but since then, Figment seems to have only grown in popularity. At last year’s International Festival of the Arts, Disney released a Figment popcorn bucket, which sold out in less than two days and had Guests waiting 5 hours to get their hands on one.

Even though D’Amaro said that the Figment meet and greet will only return for a limited time, it is possible that, if the meet and greet proves to be popular, Disney could choose to keep it around for a while. Only time will tell!

Gov. DeSantis Declares State of Emergency As Florida Braces For Potential Cat. 3 Hurricane

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

We are more than three months into Florida’s hurricane season and, so far, things have been quiet. While there has been some wild weather at the Walt Disney World Parks, the state has had to deal with nothing more than severe storms, and hurricanes have been non-existent. However, things are now changing, and several storms have formed recently, and one of them could be headed right for the Sunshine State.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Nine is making its way through the Caribbean, and it is strengthening. The National Hurricane Center is reporting that Tropical Depression Nine is expected to form into Hurricane Ian — and they expect it to hit Florida as a Category 3 storm. The announcement prompted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to issue a State of Emergency for 24 counties in the state.

The Orlando Sentinel reported more on the State of Emergency declaration:

Tropical Depression Nine formed in the Caribbean on Friday with a path that could bring it to Florida next week as a major Category 3 hurricane prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 24 counties.

“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” he said. “We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”

DeSantis also requested a federal emergency declaration ahead of landfall that would free up funding sources for emergency protective measures. The counties in the order are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and St. Lucie.

Not in the order are Orange, Lake, Seminole or Volusia.

It should be noted that Walt Disney World Resort lies in both Orange and Osceola counties. So, based on what counties are a part of the State of Emergency, it appears that Disney World could be on the outskirts of the worst parts of the storm.

If you are at Disney World when a hurricane hits, Disney has plenty of procedures in place to keep you safe. Outdoor rides — like Test Track, Slinky Dog Dash, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — will shut down until the weather clears up. If things get bad, Disney will shut the Parks down and keep Guests inside their hotels until things are safe, and they can open back up.

James Earl Jones Officially Retires as Darth Vader

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+, Uncategorized

Thanks to the success of shows like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi,  the future of the Star Wars franchise is largely on the small screen, which means that Darth Vader will live again, so to speak. However, he will do so without the legendary James Earl Jones voicing his character. 

James Earl Jones has officially retired as Star Wars Darth Vader. The Oscar winner has been the voice of one of the most iconic villains (that we love to hate) since the first Star Wars film (A New Hope) debuted in 1977. Though David Prowse physically portrayed the Sith Lord, it’s James Earl Jones’s booming voice that we associate with the character. He lent his voice to Darth Vader on both big and small screens (and even in video games). 

It is unclear at this time who will replace Jones as the voice of the character. His unique and iconic voice is truly beyond compare. It is speculated, however, that no one will replace the aging actor and that fans will continue to his voice behind Vader’s mask for many years to come. At his retirement, Jones signed over the rights to his voice to both Lucasfilm and Ukrainian-based Respeecher. 

Respeecher is a voice cloning AI program that, according to their website the program, “Replicate[s] voices for any media project — from a Hollywood movie to an engaging video game. Our machine learning technology masters every aspect of your target voice to create a spot-on match.” Given the fact that Vader’s voice had no appreciable difference (which there should have been given that the actor is 91 years old), many speculate that Respeecher is responsible for Darth Vader’s voice in Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

Despite his retirement from the role, Lucasfilm still reportedly discusses their plans for Lord Vader with Jones. Jones also voiced another beloved Disney character, Mufassa from The Lion King.  

Foodie Guide to Tasty EPCOT 40th Anniversary Festivities

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

This year, October 1 marks the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT. That’s right, 40 years! Since opening in 1982, the park has allowed guests who have passed through its gates to get a glimpse into the future, travel the world while experiencing different cultures, and take their tastebuds on a journey through delicious food festivals. The possibilities have been endless and will continue to be with the exciting plans that lie ahead in the future of this iconic theme park.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, it’s only fitting to have some tasty treats. For select days surrounding the anniversary, various locations will be serving up eats and sips honoring 40 years of fun and flavors. From the EPCOT 40thLiege Waffle at the recently opened Connections Café to the Figment Sponge Cake at Sunshine Seasons, and the Dan Dan Noodles at Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is something for everyone to get a taste of the celebrations.

Let’s take a look at all the goodies coming in this Foodie Guide to the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT!

Connections Café (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • EPCOT 40th Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar

Chozo de Margarita (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)

  • 40th Fiesta: Celebrate the colors for the anniversary of EPCOT with this frozen margarita in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup

Funnel Cake (Available Oct. 1 and 2)

  • Celebration Funnel Cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and 40th candies

Garden House (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • Sake Cocktail Flight featuring Samurai, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sunset, and Violet Sake

La Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)

  • Flan: Vanilla custard topped with blueberries, whipped cream, and a “MEXICO 40” white chocolate garnish
  • Clarified Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, lemon, and simple syrup in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup with glow cube

Nine Dragons Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy pork with Sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, shredded cucumber, and green onion 

Space 220 Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • Crema Catalana: Vanilla cream custard, lemon snow, citrus segments, and spicy ginger crumble 

Sunshine Seasons (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3; Mobile order available)

  • Figment Sponge Cake with honey-lime mousse

Teppan Edo (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • EPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT

Tokyo Dining (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

  • EPCOT 40th Kaisen Chirashi Don: Celebration sushi bowl
  • EPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)