BREAKING NEWS: New Attraction Opens in Epcot
Announced in November as a replacement for the long running Captain EO, the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival opening in the Imagination Pavilion theater today. Disney and Pixar animated shorts have received both critical acclaim and much love from fans. This will be a great opportunity to experience them on the big screen and will be a welcome upgrade to a very tired attraction.
From Disney:
This new experience will feature a look into the visionary minds behind some of the world’s most iconic animated films today. Once inside the theater, guests can put on their 3D glasses and enter the imaginative worlds of three animated shorts – “Get A Horse,” “For The Birds” and “La Luna” – which will burst to life on the big screen (and in the theater) like never before.
“Get a Horse” stars Mickey Mouse and features Walt Disney himself as the voice of the iconic character. This black-and-white, hand-drawn short follows Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical wagon ride — until Peg-Leg Pete shows up and tries to run them off the road.
“For The Birds” opens to show one by one, a flock of small birds perch on a telephone wire. Sitting close together has problems enough, and then along comes a large dopey bird that tries to join them. The birds of a feather can’t help but make fun of him—and their clique mentality proves embarrassing in the end.
And lastly, “La Luna” is the timeless fable of a young boy coming of age in the most peculiar circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family’s most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way amidst their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?
Check out our article Below on 5 Things To Love about World Showcase at Epcot
by Cindy N
We love Epcot! It is one of our favorite parks to visit. Plus, a visit to Epcot is such a great value because it is really two parks in one. In the front of the park, Future World highlights technological innovations and progress. In the back, World Showcase highlights 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. We love Future World, but there is so much to do, see and taste in World Showcase. Here are 5 things we love about World Showcase and you will too.
5 – It’s Totally Different
Culture and cuisine are the stars at World Showcase. It’s decidedly not your normal theme park. And while there is plenty to see and do and even a “water ride” it’s not what you think a theme park will be. World Showcase Lagoon is at the center and the 11 countries ring the lagoon making it a full circle round trip. Don’t worry-this is no boring field trip. Each country pavilion has lots to see and do. Kids can visit each country’s Kid Cot center where they can meet a cast member from that country, get a country stamp and a Duffy Bear to color. You can spend an entire afternoon here and not get to everything!
4 – Around the World in 1.3 miles
Each country pavilion offers a glimpse of their country’s culture through various means. China, France and Canada all have movies that showcase their countries. O! Canada was recently updated in 2007 and is narrated by Martin Short. The 18-minute Circle-Vision 360-degree film is our family’s favorite film in World Showcase. Other countries have small museum type displays where guests can learn of cultures where they may never travel in life. Again, don’t think stuffy and boring. Exhibits are interesting and interactive. Even Jules Verne never would have guessed that you could travel around the world in only 1.3 miles!
3 – Unique Character Meetings
Because of the many countries, Epcot is a character lover’s dream come true. Characters such as Aladdin and Jasmine, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Alice and Wonderland, Snow White, Aurora, Duffy the Bear, Belle, Mulan, and Donald Duck are all out and available to meet along World Showcase. Times and characters vary, so be sure to check your times guide for up to date information.
2 – Amazing Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a nightly 9:00 p.m. fireworks show that takes place around World Showcase Lagoon. The show has three distinct parts: Part 1-The Earth is Born, Part 2-The Triumph of Life, and Part 3-Hope for the Future. You’ll want to grab a spot early for this amazing award winning show. FastPass+ is available for special viewing areas. There is also an Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party where guests can sample international desserts and wines as they watch the show. During the Holiday’s Around the World at Epcot, the show incorporates the spirit of the season.
1 – Best Dining at Disney World
The dining at World Showcase is a destination all it’s own. World Showcase features 17 table service restaurants, offers 23 different dining events throughout the year, and too many to count stands and other quick service food options. The hands down highlight of the year is the annual Food & Wine Festival which takes place from late September through the middle of November. You’ll “taste your way around the world” at over 30 global marketplaces featuring foods and beverages from all over the world. This is all in addition to the regular abundance of food offerings World Showcase has. If you’re a Foodie, then a day (or more) at World Showcase is a must!
Please note that World Showcase officially opens at 11:00 am, although the World Showcase does open at the normal park opening and you are free to walk between Future World and the United Kingdom pavilion.