Disney News

The Countdown is on for the 2012 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival taking place Sep. 28 through Nov. 12, 2012.

While the festival offers a variety of premium events and experiences at a charge in addition to your admission to Epcot®, there are also quite a few that are complimentary to all guests. This year, Epcot’s® International Food & Wine Festival planners have announced three new events that won’t cost you a penny!

Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company: Everyone loves Chocolate! This new experience will put your sense of sight, taste and smell into sensory overload! Marvel at the sweet sculptures created by Disney pastry chefs and learn about the fascinating origin of chocolate. Shop for gourmet chocolate gifts and try some of the free samples. The Chocolate experience will be located inside the Festival Center and open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.

Wine Sampling at the Festival Center Wine Shop: Also located at the Festival Center, the Wine Shop will offer wine samples provided by the various beverages companies participating in this years festival. Sampling will be available daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Watermelon Patch Hosted by The National Watermelon Promotion Board: This experience will allow you to visit a real watermelon patch! Guests will see the watermelons growing and discover fun facts and tips from Mr. Food.

There’s still time to plan your vacation to experience this year’s Epcot’s® International Food & Wine Festival! Disney’s FREE Dining promotion is even available for select dates of the Food & Wine Festival. Contact your Magic Maker® today!

It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but is it a mouse’s? Well heads up, Pluto, we think you may have some competition!

Meet Lily, a nearly 3-month old Labrador-Cathahoula mix. While searching for a new dog, Lily caught the attention of Francisco and Mejay Aguerre, and their daughter Nicole. The breeder said she had “unusual markings,” but these markings were hardly unusual to the Aguerres who are all three cast members at the Walt Disney World® Resort. They quickly recognized the marking as a perfect Hidden Mickey!

Lily, named after Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian, recently had an opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse! Enjoy the video – we bet you’ll fall in love!

Anticipation has been rising as construction of the New Fantasyland® continues! The Storybook Circus area has already opened, but the Fantasyland® Forest section is scheduled to open in phases beginning Holidays 2012.

Walt Disney World® Resort’s Imagineering team has been sharing sporadic photo updates of the area to share their excitement for the expansion. Enjoy all the detail and creativity in what will soon become the New Fantasyland®!