Disney Releases New Details on EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Via DisneyLists.com

We’re just a few weeks away from the year 2021! At Walt Disney World the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, is kicking the year off with a bang.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Ready for a fresh start in 2021? Then grab a paintbrush and indulge your artistic side (and your palate … and maybe your palette) with an inspiring visit to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, running January 8 – February 22, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort.

This global celebration mixes visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world into an entertaining blend that’s fun for the entire family. More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will display their work, and you can show off your own talents by participating in interactive experiences such as a larger-than-life paint-by-number mural or learning to draw some of your favorite Disney characters. You can also step into famous works of art, thanks to artful photo ops.

You’ll also discover dishes to feast on with delicious Disney twists and art-inspired menus. And, of course, no visit is complete without finding the perfect piece of artwork or Festival merchandise to bring home.

New in 2021

Voices of Liberty will take centerstage at America Gardens Theatre with a brand-new showcase – The Disney Songbook. From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Let It Go,” the ensemble will perform Disney songs and celebrate the artistry of Disney composers and lyricists.

Over at World Showplace, you can catch live performances by “Art Defying Gravity,” a spectacle of thrilling strength acts, and “Visual Art in Performance,” a high-energy, onstage visual artist who paints favorite Disney characters before your eyes in just a matter of minutes.

Food Studios located around World Showcase are where you can view – and eat – great works of art. Vibrante & Vívido Food Studio, a new location between France and Morocco, will feature a mouthwatering (and photo-ready) chilled seafood cocktail with octopus, scallops, shrimp, black garlic aïoli, tomato coconut sauce and serrano lime oil. Or, indulge on Blue Corn Pupusa stuffed with cheese and topped with shredded pork, guajillo and árbol chile sauce, cabbage slaw and aji amarillo crema.

Other ways to enjoy the Festival: Take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, where you’ll use the Festival Passport as a guide to purchase five vibrant food items and receive a complimentary, tasty technicolor treat. The popular Figment’s Brush with the Masters returns this year, as well, inviting you to help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase; you will be able to purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly hunt at a variety of merchandise locations.  Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run for 46 days and be available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date.

Epcot’s Voices of Liberty Live Performance on Dec. 15

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Disney keep the holiday surprised coming! Save the date as a speciallive performance by the iconic Voices of Liberty from EPCOT will take place on Tuesday, December 15. Check out the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

Beginning at 6:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Voices of Liberty will share their merry melodies on the Disney Parks Blog for everyone to enjoy.  This favorite a capella group, dressed as Dickens Carolers, will deliver their holiday harmonies LIVE from America Gardens Theatre – and you have a front row seat!

In recent months, we’ve hosted several popular Voices of Liberty #VoicesFromHomeperformances to bring a touch of Disney magic to everyone at home.  #DisneyMagicMoments “toe-tappers” included favorites like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and a gorgeous rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

On Tuesday, you can watch this a capella group LIVE on the Disney Parks Blog.  Note this performance will not be available for replay, so be sure to visit the site’s home page before 6:10 p.m. ET on Dec. 15, to enjoy the event.  

Virtual Viewing of ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’ at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Ready to watch some Disney Christmas magic right from home? Disney is sharing a special virtual viewing of the dazzling holiday spectacle – “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.” Check out the details and video as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

For this pre-recorded viewing, you’ll virtually join host Minnie Mouse as the sky above Cinderella Castle sparkles with breathtaking fireworks to favorite holiday tunes like “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  This yuletide celebration, presented by Disney’s “Godmothered,” a magical holiday comedy starring Isla Fisher and Jillian Bell, streaming on Disney+, will get you in the spirit for the season!

Walt Disney World Will No Longer Digitally Add Face Masks on Ride Photos

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisnDining.com

Walt Disney World has confirmed they will no longer be adding face masks digitally on ride photos to guests not wearing their mask properly over their nose and mouth when the photo is taken. Disney was testing this feature but has now confirmed they will no longer be digitally adding masks.

As shared by USAToday: Disney World will no longer be digitally adding face masks onto guests’ faces in ride photos, the company said. Park visitors who chose to not wear a mask while riding on attractions did not receive PhotoPass photos taken on the rides. 

However, Walt Disney World News picked up on a private Dec. 6 Facebook group post noting that the theme park had begun digitally adding masks to riders’ faces after the fact. The digitally-added masks allowed for those in the photo properly wearing their face masks to get the photos.

Disney World says it will not be digitizing face masks over guests’ faces any longer. “In response to guest requests, we tested modifying some ride photos. We are no longer doing this and continue to expect guests to wear face coverings except when actively eating or drinking while stationary,” Disney said in a statement provided by spokesperson Jacquee Wahler.

‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration’ Airs Christmas Morning

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World Resort and ABC invite you to celebrate the magic of the holidays on Christmas morning with the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration” at 10am ET and 9am CT/MT/PT on ABC! Check out the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

Hosted by Tituss Burgess and Julianne Hough, this year’s Christmas special will feature merry musical performances, holly jolly laughs, heartwarming family stories, and special sneak peeks.

Tituss Burgess

You may have already met some of our amazing performers when they introduced themselves on Twitter from right here in Walt Disney World, but there is so much more holiday cheer to unwrap throughout the show! You’ll catch a look at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, coming in 2021 to EPCOT; at WandaVision, a Disney+ original series streaming January 15; and at Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film “Soul,” available on Disney+ December 25. You can also expect plenty of belly laughs from actor Keegan-Michael Key, fun social moments with TikTok creator Alex Ojeda, Disney Cast Member highlights, a dive into Disney Dreamers Academy, and more festive surprises during the two hour special.

Musical performances include:

  • Hosts Tituss Burgess & Julianne Hough – “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
  • Becky G – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Feliz Navidad”
  • Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Joy to the World”
  • Jon Batiste – “It’s All Right” from “SOUL” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
  • Keedron Bryant with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Someday at Christmas”
  • Maddie & Tae – “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
  • Tituss Burgess – “This Christmas”
  • Tori Kelly with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Let It Snow”
  • Trevor Jackson – “The Christmas Song”

You won’t want to miss any of the holiday cheer, so be sure to don your festive pajamas, grab your hot cocoa, and spend your Christmas morning with the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration” on ABC!!