Disney Food Blog Guidebook
Click here to plan your Disney Dining with ease.Tour the Parks
Buy from Garden Grocer
Get the scoop on Disney Food
Our web guys
Category Archives: Exhibits
GoGo squeeZ Brings Simple, Active Fun to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
GoGo squeeZ, the first squeezable, re-sealable, all-natural applesauce snack in the U.S., announced today that the brand is participating in the Epcot(R) International Flower & Garden Festival, being held at the Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla, for the second year in a row. This year GoGo squeeZ is proud to present the Backyard Play Garden. As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to help families thrive through healthier lifestyles, GoGo squeeZ and Walt Disney Imagineering created this garden full of playful outdoor activities that visiting families can replicate at home. The Festival is expected to welcome guests from all around the world this spring starting March 7 through May 20.
The Backyard Play Garden is located in the World Showcase at Epcot(R) between the France and Morocco Pavilions and features an inviting backyard setting with plants curated by the Florida Local Growers Association. To help encourage playtime back at home, there is a playground and clubhouse within the children’s area where kids of all ages can take the pledge to become a member of the “Backyard Fun Bunch” which is a dedication to year-round play. In addition, visiting families can play together in the Salsa and Salad garden, where they can get tools for growing their own food at home.
To celebrate the simple fun that GoGo squeeZ has become known for, we are excited to present the Backyard Play Garden at the Epcot(R) International Flower & Garden Festival,” says Meena Mansharamani, Managing Director for Materne North America. “We’re proud that through this collaboration, GoGo squeeZ is providing an experience where parents and kids can interact in a playful atmosphere at a world renowned theme park recognized for bringing fun and playtime to families from across the globe.”
Each Friday and Saturday of the Festival the GoGo squeeZ Squad will share yummy, no-mess, portable snacks at the Backyard Play Garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to try this healthy treat while supplies last and enjoy gardening activities and demonstrations at the Festival.
Available in six flavors, GoGo squeeZ products come in a re-sealable pouch that features a built-in straw, making it a no-spoon, no-mess way to enjoy fruit on-the-go. It is also all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Each pouch contains only 60 calories helping parents to feel confident about the food choices they make for their children and themselves.
Related articles
- Fun Facts:19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
Animal Kingdom Frog Activities Mark Leap Day
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests will be celebrating Leap Day in a different kind of way this year by leaping into action to learn more about frogs, salamanders and toads.
At Rafiki’s Planet Watch on Feb. 29, animal experts have planned a series of activities to promote conservation and raise awareness of the dangers facing amphibian populations. Activities include a frog-leap (not a leap frog) that challenges children to see if they can jump as far as frogs, a special frog-calling game where Guests match the frog to the corresponding “ribbit” and opportunities to observe some interesting frogs and talk with their keepers.
Frogs and amphibians play an essential role in the ecosystems of the world and are keenly attuned to changes in the environment. Because of that, scientists and researchers consider them an “indicator” species, meaning they can provide early warning for endangered ecosystems.
One example is the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad, which is being studied by animal care team members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Nutrition experts are hoping to find alternate habitat where food is abundant for them.
“By doing these activities, we hope to engage guests in conservation efforts to help them protect more frogs and amphibians in their hometowns,” according to Kathy Lehnhardt, curator of education at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Other things that families can do at home include:
- Building a pond with native shrubs, or provide an overturned pot, small areas of leaf litter, logs and dirt piles to benefit amphibians.
- Getting an amphibian field guide to learn which amphibians live in an area.
- Finding books on frogs to discover why they sing loudly, hear well and stay up late.
- Visiting a local pond or nature park listening for the calls of different frog species.
- Using fewer chemical pesticides to keep amphibians healthy.
- Observing the variety and behaviors of frogs by just looking.
- Remembering that the chemicals from soaps and lotions can harm their skin if they’re touched.
Related articles
- Please Refurbish this ride – “It’s Tough To Be a Bug” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! (chipandco.com)
- One More Disney Day T-Shirt Giveaway (chipandco.com)
Epcot 2012 Flower and Garden Festival Events
The weather is warming up and soon spring will be sprung! That means it’s time for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!
The 2012 show will run from March 7th to May 20th this year and will offer all the floral grandeur of years past and then some.
When you think of the Flower and Garden festival the photos of the Disney topiaries probably come to mind, wondering why you should go to Disney to look at some flowers? Well, there’s more to the Flower and Garden festival than just the topiaries; quite a bit more actually!
The festival is presented by HGTV and they are proud to bring educational presentations, themed weekends, special displays and other fun activities!
Educational Presentations-Put your learning caps on and get your green thumb ready!
- HGTV Designers Stage-Informative and entertaining presentations from nationally recognized garden personalities. These take place at noon and 3:00pm Monday through Thursday at the Festival Center.
- Greenhouse Stage-Tips and tricks from gardening experts on various topics. These take place at 11am and 2pm daily at the Festival Center
- Planting Pointers-Learn from the gardening experts at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. Topics vary daily and are offered at 1:00pm and 4:00pm daily.
- Ask an Expert: Master gardeners from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida answer your gardening questions. This is available 10:00am to 5:00pm daily at the Festival Center
Themed Weekends
- Art in the Garden-(March 23rd to 25th) “Plein air” artists bring one-of-a-kind works of art to the World Showcase.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Specialists-(April 13th to 15th)-Animal Kingdom experts talk about the indigenous insects that are part of our world.
- Florida Federation of Garden Clubs: (April 27th to 29th)-View amazing arrangements brought to you by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs!
- Fresh from Florida Weekend-(May 4th to 6th)-The bounty of Florida from Apalachiocla to Zellwood
Special Displays
- Bambi’s Butterfly House-Hundreds of native butterflies accompany your favorite Bambi characters in the topiary at Imagination Walkway
- Sustainable Beauty-A showcase of sustainable gardens you can try at home!
- English Tea Garden-(presented by Twinings of London Tea)-20-minute tour of the art of tea blending feature classic tea blends and new herbal teas. Tours are Monday through Thursday at 4:00pm and 6:00pm and Friday through Sunday 2:00pm, 4:00pm and 6:30pm. Register for your guided tour at the Tea Caddy (United Kingdom Pavilion)
Unique Gardens on display in the Park
- Bonsai Collection-Japan Pavilion
- Festival Blooms-Future World East and West Lake
- Kid Garden-to be announced
- Orchids-Mexico Pavilion
- Spice and Herb Garden-Morocco Pavilion
- Water Wise Herbs and Vegetables
Fun Activities
- Epcot Gardens of the World Tour: 3-hour tour by a Disney horticulturist available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. Register at Guest Relations or call (407) WDW-TOUR. Cost is $60.00 including tax and theme park admission is required. Guest 16 and older only please. Price of tour is subject to change.
- Let’s Get Moving: (located at Imagination Walkway)-Play structures from Evos play systems for ages 6+ and Weevos play systems for ages 2-5.
- Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden: (Located at Imagination Walkway) Look for your favorite Disney characters in topiary form as you explore the garden world of Pixie Hollow. Play structures available for ages 2-5. *Gardens with play structures close daily at dusk
- Sounds of Nature: Listen to the soothing sounds of nature next to the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden
Flower Power Concert Series
- Where?-America Gardens Theater at World Showcase
- When?-Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm
- Who?-
- Jose Feliciano (“Light My Fire”)-March 9th to March 11th
- Starship Starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)-March 16th to March 18th
- The Guess Who (“American Woman”)-March 23rd to 25th
- The Spinners (“Cupid”)-March 30th to April 1st
- Chubby Checker and the Wildcats (“The Twist”)-April 6th to April 8th
- Paul Revere and the Raiders (“Good Thing”)-April 13th to April 15th
- The Turtles Featuring Flo and Eddie (“Happy Together”)-April 20th to 22nd
- Chuck Negron (Formerly of Three Dog Night)(“Joy to the World”)-April 27th to April 29th
- The Orchestra (Featuring former members of ELO and ELO Part II)(“Don’t Bring Me Down”)-May 4th to May 6th
- Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone (“I’m Henry VIII, I AM”)-May 11th to May 13th
- Davy Jones (“I’m a believer”)-May 18th to 20th
- Note: Epcot theme park admission is required for all events at the Flower and Garden Festival. Entertainment is subject to change without notice. All songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the playlist
***Pixie Exclusive Offer for Flower and Garden Festival!***
Save up to $834 on your trip for Flower and Garden Festival!
- Book by March 21st for travel April 21st to April 26th
- Packages Include:
- Accommodations at a Disney Resort
- Magic Your Way Base Tickets (Hopper Option Available)
- Disney’s Plus Dining Plan
- A FREE DisneyQuest or Disney Water Park Ticket
- Sample Pricing: $111 per person per day for a family of 4 at a Moderate Resort with the package as listed above!
- Resorts Available:
- Coronado Springs (Moderate)
- Contemporary (Deluxe)
- Polynesian (Deluxe)
- Beach Club (Deluxe)
- Saratoga Springs (Deluxe Villa)
- Bay Lake Tower (Deluxe Villa)
Contact me for availability and for your free quote! Mention code EFG12 and ask me about other dates and rates! Michele@PixieVacations.com
Related articles
- Coming Soon! Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival March 7-May 20 (chipandco.com)
- 2012 Flower Power Concert Series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
Epcot’s 2012 Flower Power Concert Series Schedule
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.
Related articles
- HGTV Stars to Highlight This Year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
- 19th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Coming March 7 – May 20, 2012 (chipandco.com)
Dates have been announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
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.
Related articles
- 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Will Feature a New runDisney Race! (disneyfoodblog.com)
- HGTV Celebrity Designer Tips at The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (chipandco.com)
