Some wholesome news is always welcome in this day and age, and this time it is courtesy of an author’s young son and Disney’s Princess Belle. If there is one leading characteristic of Beauty and the Beast’s (1991) lead Disney Princess, it is that she loves books! In a gesture of kindness toward his author mother and towards Belle’s love of books, Noah Harmel created his own magical Disney moment.
At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Belle meets Guests in her blue and white village dress at the France pavilion of EPCOT. During the day, Noah’s father, Jason, brought him to meet the princess for one sweet reason – to deliver Belle a book he was sure she hadn’t read yet. The book is called The Paris Daughter and is a new work from his New York Times Best Selling Author mother, Kristin Harmel.
Kristin Harmel’s book, The Paris Daughter, follows a young woman who travels to Paris after inheriting a mysterious painting from her mother, whom she never knew. While in Paris, she discovers secrets about her mother’s past. It includes her romantic relationships and the confrontation of her fears and insecurities. The novel explores themes of family, identity, love, and the power of art to connect us across time and distance.
This book sounds like Belle’s kind of book! It’s got adventure, and romance, and France! Noah really focused in on his mom’s target audience, and Belle looked thrilled by his gift! Here’s how Kristin Harmel captioned her Facebook post about the interaction:
So today, while I was getting my hair cut, Jason took Noah to deliver a copy of The Paris Daughter to Belle (as a cute little surprise to me!) in France in Epcot! Apparently Noah told her it was a gift because he figured she has already read all the books in her library!
Maybe it was just a promotion for her new book, but sweet and unique character interactions are always the best! Hopefully, Belle enjoys reading the book and will give us her review soon.
Fourth of July is a time for patriotic celebrations across the United States, and Walt Disney World will commemorate the holiday with exciting fanfare. Star-spangled spectaculars are a time-honored tradition across the resort, reflecting Walt Disney’s deep love of America and faith in the nation’s future.
Here are some of the ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this July 4 holiday.
1 – Nighttime Spectaculars Light Up the Skies
Magic Kingdom Park
Park Hours: July 3, 8 a.m.-12 midnight.; July 4, 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” – a nighttime spectacular with booming fireworks lighting up the sky and orchestrated to patriotic melodies. Shows will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
Guests can also dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes throughout the park.
EPCOT
Park Hours: July 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
“EPCOT Forever,” the limited-time spectacle of fireworks, lasers, lighting and special effects, will include a patriotic Fourth of July grand finale – “Heartbeat of Freedom.” The show will take place at 9 p.m.
A cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty will perform numbers from the American song book beneath the rotunda in The American Adventure.
Some of your favorite Disney pals will don their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day, also at The American Adventure.
2 – Celebrating at Disney Resort Hotels
Disney Resort hotels get into the red, white and blue spirit with an array of patriotic events and activities. From campfire cookouts at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to Movies Under the Stars or a leisurely afternoon poolside, summer delights abound. Guests staying in resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.
3 – Food That Is Worth a Salute
For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with patriotic bites and sips in honor of the nation’s birthday. Indulgences returning this year include a Fourth of July Fruit Tart, a blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle, available June 27-July 4 at Contempo Café in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. At EPCOT, look for a Fourth of July Liege Waffle, available on July 4 only at Connections Café. There will be many more tantalizing treats at all four parks, Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and resort hotels. More details will be released soon.
4 – Celebrate the 4th of July Every Day
America is celebrated every day of the year at Walt Disney World, with fan-favorite attractions that pay tribute to the country’s history.
Main Street, U.S.A., inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages, and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic band.
Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans, who often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.
Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to an authentic replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 Presidents of the United States in a stirring show tracing the nation’s history inside the Hall of Presidents. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square to neighboring Frontierland is a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.
The American Adventure, located in World Showcase at EPCOT, features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronics figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.
In Walt Disney World, the air is always buzzing with the exciting sounds of progress in the air. Over at EPCOT, that progress is especially exciting.
It may seem like EPCOT has been under construction for years, and that’s because it totally has. The Disney Park’s historic transformation has been simultaneously delayed and cut short. And yet, the theme park is still under construction.
Currently, the most anticipated attraction set to open soon is Journey of Water – Inspired By Moana.
This unique attraction is going to be a self-guided outdoor tour in which Guests learn all about the never-ending life cycle of water.
The water is said to be interactive and playful, just like in the Moana (2016) film. Not only that, but the attraction will also have fun easter eggs referencing other popular Disney films, such as Finding Nemo (2003).
And Guests aren’t just looking forward to the tropical Moana theme; the educational aspect of the attraction drives home the original, classic themes associated with Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.
And now, we’re even closer to opening than ever!
BREAKING: Music is on at “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana” at #EPCOT — an instrumental version of “We Know The Way” is currently playing. 🌐🌊 pic.twitter.com/bSZK7RzdB9
In this video, one Guest captures the ambient music of the attraction being played on the speakers, proving how close we are to seeing the Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana.
Journey of Water – Inspired By Moana is scheduled to open “Late 2023” in EPCOT’s World Nature area, according to Walt Disney World’s official website.
Although we don’t have an official opening date just yet, this progress proves we’re super close to experiencing this attraction!
One Guest did the unthinkable at Disney World, hopping off an attraction while it was stuck in front of dozens of Guests.
However, one of the things you can’t prepare for is Guest behavior at the Resort. This is true for anywhere, really, as you never can truly know what someone else might do. At Walt Disney World, we’ve seen nearly everything. From stripping on Disney’s Skyliner to engaging in full-on fistfights in Fantasyland, the Walt Disney World Resort isn’t completely immune to this type of behavior.
While this is unfortunate, Disney does its best to make sure Guests are always following the rules, especially while on rides and attractions.
It’s crucial for Guests to remain seated, keeping their hands, arms, feet… well, you’ve heard the spiel. No matter how boring it may seem, it’s incredibly important that Guests follow the rules, ensuring not only their own safety but the safety of others.
This is the exact opposite of what happened at EPCOT recently, with a TikTok video going viral.
Shortly after a ride at EPCOT got stuck, a “drunk” woman decided she wanted off the ride and took matters into her own hands (and legs). Guests were in awe as she hopped off the boat, screaming at other passengers along the way.
It appears that some sort of argument may have started shortly before she hopped off, with her yelling at a Guest or Guests on the boat.
The Guest who uploaded the video clarified the situation further, claiming the screaming woman tried to fight with people on the boat behind her. The Guest also claims the woman swung at two young workers, scared children, and was eventually taken away by security.
While we’re unsure of what happened to his woman shortly after exiting the ride, we know that Disney takes its security and safety seriously, meaning it’s possible the woman was removed from the Park and even banned from the Resort entirely.
The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros can be found in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. While this attraction may not be the most intense, thrilling, or even the most popular, it’s a fantastic little ride that allows Guests to relax and learn a little bit about the country. The ride is very similar to “it’s a small world,” with Guests slowly traveling through the water as they encounter dozens of animatronics.
Foodies know that one of the best places to explore a variety of global cuisines is at EPCOT, which will soon be home to a new location at the Japan pavilion – Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. This table-service restaurant will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style for guests to create memories and good times through flavors.
Here, guests will be able to experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals, where each month brings a new celebration to their table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide guests through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan’s vibrant seasonal festivities.
In addition to a full menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks!
Sushi lovers will marvel at the first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience along with a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize guests eyes’ while the food captivates their taste buds.
Speaking of taste buds, let’s take a look at some of the dishes that will be served up at Shiki-Sai.
If guests fancy themselves a sushi afficionado or they’re looking to expand their palate to a new bite, this menu has no shortage of delicious bites for guests to try. Some highlights from the sushi bar include the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll.
Kobore Sushi translates to “overflowing sushi” and this item is “overflowing” with flavors. It features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion. The Tokyo Negi Roll combines green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno for a delightful roll that guests simply need to try.
The Funamori features sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter. This iteration of Funamori is even served with the festive pomp and the boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri!
guests will also be able to sample dishes from the delicious world of Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant. One of the main highlights of Izakaya culture is the emphasis on sharing plates of food while enjoying drinks and conversation with friends. The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and here is no different. From savory Karaage Chicken to succulent Salmon Misoyaki, even a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, Izakaya cuisine is all about offering a variety of delicious small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere.
Not only can guests get dishes from the sushi bar, but the grill will also be serving up delicious options commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.
Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. We hope everyone is as excited as we are for this new location to open its doors this summer!
