Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with botanical beauty during the nightly Flower Power concert series. Enjoy a varied lineup of performers throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20, 2012.

Location: America Gardens Theatre at World Showcase

Show Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

The concerts and dates are as follows:

March 9 to 11 – Jose Feliciano
March 16 to 18 – Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23 to 15 – The Guess Who
March 30 to April 1 – The Spinners
April 6 to 8 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13 to 15 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20 to 22 – The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27 to 29 – NEW! Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4 to 6 – NEW! The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11 to 13 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18 to 20 – Davy Jones

As always dates and artists are subject to change.

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A food and wine lover’s paradise awaits you at Epcot Theme Park with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, held September 28, 2012 to November 11, 2012!

There’s something to satisfy most every taste and interest. In addition to the attractions Guests already enjoy at Epcot theme park, this annual autumn event features a delectable array of offerings, including:

• International kiosks featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages
• Cooking demonstrations and dining events—including experiences with celebrity chefs!
• Mixology classes and wine tastings
• Live musical performances by popular hit-makers

Enjoy all this—and more—when this annual event returns to Epcot theme park in fall 2012. Dine your way around the world. Cultivate your cooking skills. Savor a rare vintage. Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert. Make magical memories to last a lifetime at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Don’t forget the Wine & Dine Marathon has been moved to November 9th & 10th this year to make way for the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler Weekend

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

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Mountain Range

Only eleven countries have the privilege of being represented in EPCOT at Walt Disney World. And as you probably already know, they are:

• American Adventure
• Canada
• China
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Norway
• United Kingdom

Of course, it’s the Canada Pavilion that this article will focus on.

To begin with, I was surprised to find a Canada Pavilion at EPCOT. It’s all-too common for most of the world to see my country as nothing more than an additional State of the U.S.A. and not as the truly unique and beautiful place that it is. So I was doubly pleased to see that Canada was one of the first countries encountered as you walk around The World Showcase, Mexico being the other, if you go in a clockwise direction.

Canada isn’t one of the biggest Pavilions, but it does have a lot of content packed into its compact footprint. For example, you will find:

• A Mountain
• A river ending in a waterfall
• A reproduction of the Butchart Gardens from Victoria, BC
• A model of the Victorian-style Chateau Laurier hotel found in Ottawa

Gardens

And these are just the physical features of the Canada Pavilion. In these things, this Canadian proclaims that the Imagineers have done a nice job of representing his country. Anyone who visits Canada leaves declaring the beauty and scope of our land, and this is well displayed in EPCOT.

But what of the other features of the Canada Pavilion? They are:

• A totem pole and Indian canoe
• An old Trading Post
• A large French influence
• Mounties
• And Off-Kilter

Here we have the same problem that the other ten Pavilions exhibit: Outdated representation.

The totem pole, Indian canoe, and the Trading Post have long vanished from the common landscape of Canada. Any French influences are mostly restricted, at least overtly, to Ottawa and Quebec. Mounties are rarely, if ever seen, in the red uniforms associated with them. And I have never seen a man in a kilt in my entire life in Canada!

Trading Post

Off-Kilter

I remember sitting in the Norway Pavilion one day just across from the old Viking Ship, before it was removed. A mother walked by with her two children, and upon seeing the stereotypical ship, said to them: “Oh look, kids: A Viking Ship! We all have one of those in our back yards, don’t we?” The sarcasm told me she was Norwegian and didn’t care for such a representation of her country.

That being so, I can say in Disney’s defense, that without such stereotypical representations of a country’s heritage, how would one stand out from another? Today, we all have skyscrapers, cars, and modernization. EPCOT could thusly consist of just one Pavilion called Everycountry! How boring would that be?

The Canada Pavilion has a wonderful shopping area filled with traditionally Canadian wares. But for the most part, only expensive items are stocked, which the average Canadian wouldn’t buy everyday. Le Cellier Steakhouse does serve an authentic Canadian cuisine. I recommend the beer. And that brings us to the 360 degree Circle-Vision film ‘O Canada’. Recently redone, with Martin Short as emcee, this too gives a nice overview of both old and new, or modern, Canada.

So, as a Canadian, do I approve of how my country is represented by Disney at EPCOT?

I’d have to say ‘Yes!’

But I wonder if this is the case with you, the readers from the other countries represented in The World Showcase? Does Germany, United Kingdom, or even The American Adventure live up to how you would like to be represented?

Why not join the discussion in our comments section and let us, and Disney, know!

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19^th annual runDisney event to include new marathon relay option and commemorative 15^th anniversary half marathon medal; weekend field to top 56,000

Reality TV stars and wounded military soldiers are expected to be part of the more than 56,000 runners participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna this weekend.

Ethan Zohn (Survivor / Amazing Race), Jenna Morasca (Survivor / Amazing Race)  and Trista and Ryan Sutter (The Bachelor) are among the celebrities entered in the weekend of events at Walt Disney World Resort.   All are running in the half marathon on Saturday along with four wounded veterans who are part of the Achilles Freedom Team, which supports disabled runners.  Workout guru Tony Horton, founder of the P90X workout, will be on hand to prepare runners for their race.

The marathon weekend also features a new relay option that gives runners the opportunity to pair up and split the 26.2 mile journey through all four Disney theme parks – Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios – and receive a special Chip and Dale medal. And to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of the half marathon, all finishers will be awarded a one-of-a-kind Donald Duck half marathon medal.

The 56,000 total runners – a new Disney marathon record – includes more than 26,500 registered runners for the half marathon, 16,500 for the marathon and 8,000 for the Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros – 3,000 more runners than last year.  Approximately 6,500 runners will compete in Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which involves running the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday – 39.3 miles.  And about 3,000 young runners will join in the fun and participate in the Mickey Mile and Marathon Kids Fest events on Friday and Saturday.

There’s also a Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Thursday – Saturday.  Vendors will showcase  the latest running merchandise and equipment, plus there will be seminars by leading healthy and fitness authorities, including marathon training expert Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney.

For more information on the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or future runDisney events, visit www.rundisney.com.  For coverage throughout the event follow us on Twitter @DisneySports, on the runDisney Facebook page and at www.disneysportsnews.com.

For coverage information and credentials, please contact Bob Hitchcock at 407-922-3422 or at Robert.g.hitchcock@disney.com , by Friday, January 6.

Source Article from http://disneysportsnews.com/2012/01/03/celebrities-and-wounded-veterans-join-record-disney-marathon-weekend/

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The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Presented by SYLVANIA at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features five million lights, a glittering canopy, fluttering angels and a swirling carousel. But did you know that there are several other figures hidden within this illuminated display?

In the video, Show Director John Phelan shows off some of the hidden features you can look for in this year’s lights, including 50 Hidden Mickeys! John also reveals the story behind the mysterious purple cat that has become a tradition to hide in a different spot each year.

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In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells.

Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land.

From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure will be included with park admission.

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Mickey Mouse and Goofy just rolled out the red carpet in the wild for a special group of adventurers exploring Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s part of the celebration of an important milestone at the experience – our 15,000th guest.

An entire group of Wild Africa Trek adventurers were recognized during the celebration at the park, including guests Cassie and Lucas Dillinger from Beaver Falls, Pa., who were first to walk the red carpet.

Are you ready for your own Wild Africa Trek adventure? It’s open to guests age 8 and older. Price varies seasonally. Call 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687 for more.

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There’s no place like Walt Disney World Resort for sugar fans during the winter holidays, with six spots for ogling amazing gingerbread creations: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and the Liberty Inn at American Adventure at Epcot.

Joining this year’s line-up is a fantabulous new creation in the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. The gingerbread and chocolate gazebo is back but now you can also see Stitch’s Bakery Store Front, a miniature replica of the BoardWalk Bakery that Stitch has taken over (Lilo’s there too) – 14 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Disney cast members will be inside the creation decorating gingerbread houses.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can purchase mini gingerbread houses, stolen bread and gingerbread “shingles” (cookies).

Disney Pin collectors can head to Dundy’s Sundries on the BoardWalk for the limited edition pin that features Stitch and the gingerbread display.

What’s your favorite gingerbread creation?

Source Disney Parks Blog

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Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, is expanding its framework by signing on as the presenting sponsor of the 36th Festival of the Masters at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL., November 11 – 13, 2011.  In addition to acting as presenting sponsor for the 2011 Festival, Michaels will continue as the Festival’s presenting sponsor through 2013.

Founded in 1975, the Festival of the Masters is a vibrant open-air art festival that takes over the Downtown Disney® area for three days each year.  Featuring more than 150 award-winning artists, this world renowned show is a highly anticipated event for Disney guests, artists, collectors and art lovers. It is the longest running signature event at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

As presenting sponsor, Michaels will have activity stations in each of the festival’s distinct areas: West Side, Pleasure Island and Marketplace. Stations include Michaels Art Creation Station, dedicated to introducing children to various art forms; Michaels “How To” Decor Corner, featuring product demonstrations and Make-it Take-its; and Michaels Framing Fun, where guests can learn how to frame and have their works of art professionally framed on-site.

Creative Expert Jo Pearson and a host of individuals from the Michaels creative team will take center stage at the festival to host presentations on the Waterside Stage showcasing their knowledge and design creativity with festival guests.

“Michaels is where creativity happens and Walt Disney World is where dreams come true, and the Festival of the Masters is the perfect place to bring creativity and dreams together for a total family fun experience,” said Michaels Chief Marketing Officer Paula Puleo. “We look forward to supporting our shared commitment to inspiring creativity and families by continuing our relationship with the Festival of the Masters for years to come.”

“Our relationship with Michaels compliments our company’s commitment to providing high quality entertainment experiences for every member of the family,” said George Aguel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Alliances, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re thrilled to have Michaels join us, as together we inspire creativity through memorable and interactive experiences during the Festival of the Masters.”

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The works of Irish artist Graham Knuttel have found homes among Hollywood royalty like Sylvester Stallone, Whoopie Goldberg and Robert DeNiro. On Nov. 11, 2011, one of the renowned artist’s works will find a home at Walt Disney World Resort.

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As Halloween approaches, several creatures of the night are getting a series of treats from a team of medical experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Around this time each year, veterinary care specialists conduct annual wellness checks on a roost of endangered bats as part of Disney’s commitment to excellent animal care.

The bats, known as Malayan flying foxes, receive complete physical examinations, including blood analysis, vaccination and dental cleaning in front of thousands of Guests who view the procedures from a large, on-stage window into a state-of-the art veterinary hospital. With a wingspan close to six feet, the Malayan flying fox is one of the largest bats in the world and can be seen on exhibit along the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section of the theme park.

“Guests are always fascinated with the amount of care provided to our animals,” said veterinarian Dr. Mark Stetter, director of animal health for Disney’s Animal Programs. “During this time of year, when there’s an increased interest in bats, we have a perfect opportunity to dispel some of the myths about bats and explain the important role bats play in the eco-system.”

Malayan flying foxes are mammals that eat and rest in trees and roost at dawn. As fruit-eating animals, bats assist in pollination and seed dispersal for a great variety of plants that are useful for lumber, food, medicine and other products. Bats are also helpful around the neighborhood where they eat mosquitoes and other bugs.

In addition to receiving annual exams, the male bats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom voluntarily cooperate in their own medical care, making veterinary treatment much easier and safer. Through training, bats willingly allow themselves to be weighed, spread their wings for inspection, or open their mouths for dental evaluations. The intent is to help the animals become comfortable with husbandry practices that help monitor their well-being.

About Malayan Flying Fox

Flying foxes have long, sharp, curved claws on their toes, which allow them to hang effortlessly upside-down in trees. The skin between the fingers is smooth and strong while the rest of the bat’s body is covered with soft fur. As the name suggests, the head resembles that of a small fox because of the small ears, long snout and large eyes.

Unlike most other warm-blooded animals, bats maintain a warm body temperature only when active. While sleeping during the day, their body temperature drops to the temperature of the air around them. In warmer temperatures, bats cool themselves by fanning their wings, licking their chest and wings, and by panting. When flying, legs work in unison with the wings, somewhat like swimming through the air.

Bat Facts:

• Bats are the only mammals that fly. Other mammals may glide through the air, but bats flap their wings and fly.
• The life span of a bat is about 20 years.
• Females of a colony give birth during a specific season, although the peak varies geographically. Most births occur in May and June.
• Gestation takes about 180 days, and usually a single pup of around 133 grams is born. Twins are rare.
• The young nurse for two to three months. The mothers carry their young for the first few days; then, the bats are left in the roost tree while the mothers forage for food.
• Sexual maturity is attained in 18-24 months.
• For the first few days, the mothers carry their young while they forage for food. Soon, though, the young bats are left behind during these hunts for food.

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The Walt Disney Company and Ocean Spray two iconic American brands that have captured families’ imaginations and appetites for more than 80 years each — today announced the debut of the first cranberry bog exhibit at Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., during the 2011 Epcot(R) International Food & Wine Festival from Sept. 30 to Nov. 13.

For cranberry lovers visiting the popular theme park this fall, dreams really do come true as Florida natives and vacationers alike will have the opportunity to be inspired and enlightened by Ocean Spray growers and Disney cast members stationed at the experience, filled with more than 1,500 lbs. of cranberries. In addition, Ocean Spray(R) Craisins(R) Dried Cranberries, the official fruit snack of the Walt Disney World(R) and Disneyland(R) Resorts, will be sampled bogside from on-site kiosks.

From Sept. 30 until Oct. 2, third, fourth and fifth generation Ocean Spray cranberry growers will share the majestic beauty and mystique of the cranberry harvest. With the help of Chef Ming Tsai — host of public television’s Emmy-nominated “Simply Ming” and chef/owner of the award-winning restaurant Blue Ginger — consumers will learn about the unlimited versatility of the cranberry via a cooking demo for park attendees of all ages.

“Three quarters of Americans have never heard of a cranberry bog, never mind witnessed the beauty of the cranberry harvest firsthand,” said Ken Romanzi, Ocean Spray’s chief operating officer, North America. “Through our sponsorship with Disney, we are thrilled to educate a whole new group of people who might not otherwise understand the journey of their favorite Ocean Spray products, like Ocean Spray(R) Craisins(R) Dried Cranberries, from the bog to their favorite recipes.”

Ming Tsai Adds Flavor to Disney

On Oct. 11, Chef Ming Tsai will make a special appearance to whip up an array of worldly cranberry creations celebrating the versatility of the cranberry and the many cuisines and cultures celebrated in the World Showcase at Epcot(R).

“I am very excited to dive into the adventure of the Epcot(R) theme park and inspire families wi

If you like being a trendsetter, make one of your first stops at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival at the Enoteca Castello wine shop in the Italy Pavilion, where they’ll be pouring ($6 a glass) two new exclusive wines for Disney Parks. You also can purchase there by the bottle ($16.95), or at the wine shop in the Festival Welcome Center.

The label is Sogno d’Italia, which translates as “Dream of Italy,” made by Placido in Tuscany and imported by Banfi Vintners.. The light, crisp Pinot Grigio reminds us of pears and flowers. If you prefer a red, sip the drinkable Chianti, with a note of cherries and plums and a hint of spice.

“When we dream of Italy, we dream not only of its noble traditions, but of its appealingly easygoing lifestyle,” said winemaker Paolo Benassi. “These wines embody both of those ideals.” The festival opens Sept. 30 and runs through Nov. 13. If you can’t join us, the wines will still be sold at the Italy shop post-fest. And eventually they’ll be added to wine lists at select Disney restaurants.

Get First Taste of New Wine Exclusively for Disney Parks at This Year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

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I took a road trip to my nearest Disney Outlet Store (which is an hour away) last Friday to do some much needed shopping. I ran into another Walt Disney lover. We talked for a while about our favorite person and about all the things we love at Walt Disney World and, during that conversation, I found out something very interesting. Walt’s barn has been preserved for the public to visit. Maybe you already knew this, but I was thrilled to find out about it.

As we all know, Walt Disney really loved trains. You might remember my article that talked about the train he built at his home in Holmby Hills. It was 1950 and Walt built the Carolwood Pacific Railroad right in his backyard. He named it Carolwood after the street on which he lived, Carolwood Drive. He also had a barn built on the property of his home railroad where he monitored and remotely-controlled the switches on the track.

Walt’s barn also served as his workshop, as well as a place to entertain his friends with the soda machine of which he was so proud. Many of Walt’s best ideas came to mind while working in his barn, and the barn itself has been referred to by some as “the birthplace of Imagineering.”

When the Disney family’s Holmby Hills home was sold, the new owners discovered asbestos and so they planned to demolish the home and build a new one on the property. Thank goodness Diane Disney Miller realized the importance of her father’s barn and thus wanted to preserve it. She asked the new owner if she could have it and he agreed. So, she began the process of saving it before escrow would close by contacting Michael and Sharon Broggie, the founders of The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. They began planning what they would do with the barn.

The Broggies hired a contractor to dismantle the barn and housed it in Griffith Park, which you might remember as the park Walt used to take his daughters to on “Daddy’s Day” and watch them on the carousel — thus sparking the idea of a place where parents and children could have fun together — Disneyland!

With the help of a large number of volunteers, the barn was reconstructed and about 80% of what stands today was part of the original barn. In addition, Bill Evans (who landscaped most of the original Disneyland as well as the Disney family’s Carolwood backyard) donated his expertise to landscape the area around the barn’s new home “to match its original location in Holmby Hills.”

The barn opened in Griffith Park on July 19, 1999. Diane Disney Miller dedicated the barn as a new place to learn more about her father. At the opening ceremony Diane said, “Our heart and heritage is here, in this place.”  It has been thoughtfully located in a beautifully-landscaped area of the park where one can enjoy the view of it while having lunch at one of the available picnic tables.

Courtesy of The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society

The barn is said to be small but full of many interesting items, nostalgic memories and wonderful stories. Items on display include an extensive collection of Disney and steam-train-related memorabilia including: Walt’s workbenches, hand-built by Walt Disney himself; the track switchboard Walt used to control the electronic track switches throughout the Carolwood railway;one of Walt’s porkpie-style hats; and an extensive display of memorabilia relating to the Disneyland Monorail, including a working 1960s-era monorail toy.

Walt’s Barn is open to visitors on the 3rd Sunday of each month between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. While visiting you can learn some interesting facts about Walt, the railroad and Disneyland. You can also purchase some unique merchandise.

I have added this park to my Disney bucket list and I hope you will too. If you have visited the barn I would love to hear about it, so please post your personal story here and thanks!

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With a birth weight of 311 pounds, the most recent elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been fittingly named Jabali, or “strong as a rock” in Swahili. According to zoological managers, the masculine name is well-suited for a baby elephant that could grow to an adult weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

Jabali was welcomed into the African elephant group last week by his 25-year-old mother Vasha, 10 herd members and a team of animal care professionals assisting with the birth. He’s also received a lot of attention from his older sister Kianga, who has been showering him with affection.

The next critical milestone is for the calf to continue the bonding process with his mother and sister, who are both teaching him important lessons as he gradually acclimates to the rest of the savannah herd over the next several weeks.

Jabali’s birth raises Disney’s elephant herd to twelve, making it one of the largest African elephant herds in North America.

Since early August, animal care teams have provided round-the-clock monitoring, regular ultrasounds and daily hormone monitoring of Vasha to more accurately predict the beginning of labor. In the past few years, Disney’s animal care teams have been able to narrow the birth window to within four days, which enables them to better prepare for the delivery.

Disney has been at the forefront of efforts to better understand and care for endangered elephants. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is part of a breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that is focused on sustaining the elephant population in North America. AZA’s Elephant Species Survival Plan has called for a five-fold increase in African elephant reproduction efforts – using both natural and artificial breeding methods – in order to create a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers.

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Photo courtesy of Ruth Lim

The start of Marathon weekend and all of the other race weekend’s at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort is possibly the biggest and most comprehensive store on property.  No, not the World of Disney at Downtown Disney – Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo.

Located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports (buses available from all WDW Resort hotels), the race expo has more than you could even imagine.  Forget your shoes?  No problems – several companies set up shop, even offering big sales.  Need a new pair of earbuds specially designed for runners?  Need some energy foods for the race?  No problem.  You can find all of these and more at the Race Expo.

If you’re new to the running world, you’ll be amazed at the variety of vendors that come to the expo.  From Thursday through Saturday, the race expo hosts speakers, companies, and all other exercise goods you could imagine.  Make sure to stop by and experience all there is to be seen!

From educational experiences to sumptuous tastings to specialty shopping, Festival Guests enjoy a variety of culinary experiences at little to no extra cost.

Most of these events, seminars and demonstrations can be found at the Festival Welcome Center at Epcot Theme Park, unless otherwise indicated.

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At Walt Disney World Resort in 2011, it begins to look a lot like Christmas as early as Nov. 8. Santa’s elves bedazzle every corner of the Vacation Kingdom for a seasonal spectacle filled with heartwarming stage productions, enchanting parades, garlands and wreaths, millions of sparkling lights and even the first flakes of winter.

And with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as to when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – King Louie and Baloo lead a rousing musical cavalcade – safari style – through the park from Nov. 8 to Jan. 4, 2012, during Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The wild side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays as Chip & Dale, stilt walkers and savannah friends dance alongside decorative floats at 4 p.m. daily. The savory scent of chocolate floats thru the air as Minnie’s candy cane and hot cocoa float roll by.

Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village at Camp Minnie-Mickey has decked the halls big time with festive décor. A perfectly trimmed Christmas tree adorned with animal crafted ornaments welcomes guests at the park’s entrance. Carolers spread holiday cheer and Santa Goofy and friends greet guests for photo opportunities.

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Seven popular HGTV celebrities will offer the inside scoop on home entertaining at weekend seminars during the 45-day Epcot International Food & Wine Festival running Sept. 30-Nov. 13.  Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival a top HGTV personality will appear at The Festival Center in Future World to share his or her own secrets to throwing a perfect party.

“Design stars from the network will talk about home entertaining,” said Michael Jenner, festival manager. “Think about the way interior decorators design a room … and imagine that same creative process brought to the dinner table. It’ll be a great way to get ready for all the holidays coming up.”

Here’s the lineup (subject to change):

• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Vern Yip, “HGTV Design Star” and “HGTV Urban Oasis”
• Oct. 7-9 – Monica Pedersen, “Designed to Sell”
• Oct. 14-16 – Erin Loechner, “Design Happens”
• Oct. 21-23 – Taniya Nayak, “Designed to Sell”
• Oct. 28-30 – Kim Stoegbauer, “On-line Party Inspiration”
• Nov. 4-6 – Lisa LaPorta, “Designed to Sell”
• Nov. 11-13 – Emily Henderson, “Secrets From a Stylist” and “HGTV Design Star,” winner Season 5 “Design Star”

The appearances are included with Epcot admission.

Where is it? – Hawaii tasting marketplace at the 16th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival running Sept. 30-Nov. 13 at Walt Disney World Resort.

What is it? – The Kalua Pork Slider (not the liqueur Kahlua but the Kalua barbecue method of cooking.

Why you want it? – Cause it’s heaven on a bun!

Photo Credit Matt Stroshane