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This July, Anthony and I went bass fishing on one of the charters out of Magic Kingdom. For my birthday, we went out to try the fall bite at Epcot! There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!  As I mentioned in my last blog post about Disney's fishing excursions, I had fished at Epcot before but had minimal luck since our boat got stuck. I can now say with confidence that it's not something that happens regularly and was a weird one-off! Our guide this time was fantastic and showed us all of the best spots to catch fish... including right before you even take off. My first fish was my personal best!
We started at the Yacht and Beach Club, then moved over to the World Showcase with awesome views of Spaceship Earth and all of the pavilions. Once the bite slowed down there, we fished underneath the bridges on the way back to the Boardwalk Resort area, and then got some fishing in closer to Hollywood Studios overlooking the Tower of Terror.
We finished where we started and caught a few last fish before calling it a day. All in all, we caught 20 fish between the two of us! Not bad for just two hours on the water. It helped that our guide let us have two rods with live shiners in the water while we also fished with an artificial senko. We used one by Gary Yamamoto with a chartreuse tail.
This is a fantastic activity to do if you're looking to stay away from crowds and enjoy being outdoors. Masks are required since you'll be with the guide, but that's still significantly less people that you'd encounter compared to being in the parks... so if you're eager for a touch of Disney magic but aren't totally sure if you want to get into the parks yet or weren't able to score a reservation for a desired day, this is the perfect activity for you. While you get great views of the front of Magic Kingdom when you fish at Bay Lake, the Yacht Club charter actually takes you into the World Showcase, so if you really want to feel like you're visiting the parks, I'd recommend this one.  Fishing excursions are available at the following marinas:
Call (407) 939-BASS or (407) 939-2277 to make a reservation at any of the above spots! You can go for two or four hours. We opted for a two hour excursion at 7 a.m. (the other time option is 10) and it’s worth noting that discounts are available for annual passholders - if you’re a Disney Vacation Club owner or a cast member, I’d check if you also can! The charter includes everything: bait, fishing poles, and drinks. You don't have to bring anything, so if you don't have any of your own gear, have no fear! Also, bring cash! It's customary to tip your captain when you do a fishing charter.
To check out all of the fish we caught (except for one that I caught and immediately dropped upon bringing it onto the boat... oops, but still counts!) and what the experience is like firsthand, check out Anthony's YouTube video about our experience!
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There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Did you know that you can take a fishing charter out at Walt Disney World? There’s plenty of bank and dockside fishing available at a lot of the resorts, but if you want to explore the lakes, Take Me Fishing offers charters! Fishing excursions are available at the following marinas:
Call (407) 939-BASS or (407) 939-2277 to make a reservation at any of the above spots! You can go for two or four hours. We opted for a two hour excursion at 7 a.m. (the other time option is 10) and it’s worth noting that discounts are available for annual passholders - if you’re a Disney Vacation Club owner or a cast member, I’d check if you also can! My husband Anthony and I have been dying to go on an excursion - with the parks having been closed for a few months, he explained to me that the fish haven’t been under fishing pressure for a while, so we’d likely have a lot of luck. 
I’ve taken a fishing charter out of Yacht Club a few years back, and we fished in the World Showcase Lagoon and then headed to the waterways between the Swan & Dolphin and Hollywood Studios. We didn’t catch a ton, but still had a blast and got a few catches - but our experience fishing at Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake was vastly different!
This was taken before I started my weight loss journey, if you can't tell from the pics we took from our recent trip!
We launched from the Contemporary Resort, but you can choose to go from the other Magic Kingdom Resorts listed above if you so desire or are staying at one of those locations. The marina at the Contemporary is easy to find — it’s right behind the lobby.
The beauty of these excursions in my opinion is that the guide will do basically everything for you if you want. They also come fully prepared! You don’t need to bring anything with you. The boat has plenty of drinks so you can stay hydrated, the poles (you can bring your own), and bait. Our guide had artificial with him and Anthony cast two poles out, one with a live shiner (which I used and was recommended for the day) and one with a Gary Yamamoto senko.
I hate touching live fish (I know, I know, call me a girly wimp all you want), and the guide will default to baiting your hooks for you. But you can do everything yourself if you want! They also help you bring your catches in with a net (this is because some of the larger fish will break your line, so the likelihood of losing one drops). We launched off from the Contemporary and went to a spot in Bay Lake that the guide said had a hole where fish liked to hang out. We caught the bulk of our catches here, especially since it was earlier in the morning. Our guide clearly knew the best spot to go!
Once it got a little warmer, we fished under the docks (where fish like to hang out in the morning once the sun comes up) at the Polynesian first, and then the Contemporary before we left. Anthony caught 11 fish total, and I caught 6!
The views were beautiful, and on your way to the Polynesian, you had views of the Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian!
All in all, it was a fantastic experience. Anthony is an ex-tournament fisher and I’m just along for the ride to enjoy nature, and we both felt like it was really fun and like we both learned some cool tips for the guide.
To see more of the fish we caught (and a big one that I lost), plus some of the tips from the guide, check out Anthony’s video of our trip!
*Disclaimer: We did this on July 12, 2020 right after the parks reopened after being closed due to COVID-19. We were on a pontoon so we had plenty of room to spread out with our guide, and all three of us wore masks. I currently don’t recommend traveling to Florida, but hope this can serve as a helpful guide to either
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy right now! 
My favorite EPCOT festival is upon us! The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is here March 4 - June 1, 2020, and I'm looking forward to all the topiaries and Garden Rocks series. But if you're no stranger to my blog, you know I come out with a Weight Watchers version of the Foodie Guides that Disney Parks Blog comes out with every year - that is, I take a look at the full menu of all the festival food offerings and break down what I think the best options are for people following plans like WW, My Fitness Pal calorie counting, South Beach, etc. That's not changing any time soon, so let's grab our flowers and take a look at the menu!
GF = Gluten Free; PB = Plant Based There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog! 
Let's talk first though about two things: dessert options and beverages.
When it comes to desserts, I know that you're probably expecting me to say "avoid them entirely" since this is just as much a WW blog as it is a Disney one. But here's the thing: living your life avoiding a type of food is not realistic, and it's important to have a healthy relationship with food! Getting rid of language like "cheat," "bad," "naughty," etc. is important, and depriving yourself isn't healthy either! What I like to do when it comes to desserts, since I have a sweet tooth, is try something different that I can't just go home and easily make myself or pick up at the grocery store. This way, I'm not deprived but I also know I'm not going to set off a food craving. If you decide to try this, let me know how it works for you! For beverages... I don't drink, so I can't speak to which alcohols are going to be lower in SmartPoints. And honestly, it could depend on exactly how much they pour in that day - every ounce counts! However, if you are aiming for whatever the lowest SmartPoints options or lowest calories are, then I am always going to recommend non-alcoholic in the event that the options are different mixed drinks (which a lot of these are). However, I'm still going to include the full list here, including beverages, just so you can make the most informed decision you possibly can leading up to your trip to EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival! Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth
Magically Fit's recommendations: I think the grilled vegetables or seared salmon are good choices here - you've got some good protein options with lighter sides, and besides, they're sample-sized rather than a full meal! The Honey Beestro Hosted by National Honey Board
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendations: I'd go for the cauliflower option - I see a lot of zero to low SmartPoints options, and is a little lighter on the fats than the chicken flatbread. Pineapple Promenade
Food:
The Citrus Blossom
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendations: For those of you unfamiliar with some of these flavors: tuna tataki is a Japanese style seared, raw tuna, and yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit. Pappadam is a thin, crisp, Indian style wafer and are kind of nutty flavored. If you want something filled with healthy fats and unique flavor, the tuna tataki bowl sounds delicious - so long as you're comfortable with raw fish (insert disclaimer here about risks of consuming raw seafood and increasing your risk of illness). If not, the lobster tail wins out over the crispy chicken - anything crispy gets a no from me if you're keeping WW or any diet plan in mind. Refreshment Port
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Neither of these options thrill me as far as being healthy-ish goes, but the popsicle trio sounds like an adorable way to share a dessert and sample different flavors. This is a perfect example of my dessert note from about about trying something different and unique that you can't just go pick up at the grocery store! now, let's make our way around the world showcase!Northern Bloom (canada)
Food
Magically Fit: Everything on this menu is likely loaded with sugar, even the protein options. But, my guess would be that the scallops and beef are on equal footing here: the beef is likely going to be a bit fattier than the scallops, but the scallops have the bacon on the side and that brown butter vinaigrette. Since they're both sample sized, I think it's a wash either way you go. Fleur De Lys (France)
Food:
Florida Fresh (FRANCE)
Food:
Magically Fit's Recommendations: I'd go for the shrimp - sounds like a lot of great flavors are in there, so you aren't sacrificing that while still keeping things lower in SmartPoints. Taste Of Marrakesh (Morocco)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Because it's not fried or sugary, and because it sounds delicious, I'd pick the harissa (a spice!) chicken kebab. Morocco Pavilion makes amazing couscous salad, and the cilantro oil is probably minimal due to it being more of a sample sized dish. Hanami (Japan)
Food:
Magically Fit recommendations: The Salmon Flower Ikura sounds like a great, refreshing option with a nice balance of protein, healthy fats, some carbs and vegetables. Also, if you're looking for another good example of something to curb a sweet tooth without disrespecting food triggers, I love the frushi! Funnel Cake (america)
Magically Fit recommendations: If you absolutely have to have a funnel cake while you are here, the mini one is the way to go unless you're sharing one with family! But this will help with portion control. Remember - to say you're never gonna have a dessert again is not realistic, so don't beat yourself up if you do have something while you are at Disney. Magnolia Terrace (NEW - AMerica)
Food:
Magically Fit: For those unfamiliar, boudin is a bloodless sausage. However, my recommendation would be the seafood boil for something more hearty, or the grilled oysters if you want something less heavy. Block & Hans (america)
Beverage:
Magically Fit's recommendations: No food to note on; see above beverages comment! Primavera Kitchen (Italy)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Thanks to both using cheesy sauces (or just straight up cheese, haha), I think either the flatbread or ravioli will be equivalent to one another as far as tracking it goes. Depends on if you want more protein or more fats! Bauernmarkt Farmer's Market (Germany)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd recommend the potato pancakes paired with apple sauce - while it does usually have sugar added, the caramelized ham likely also does and then that's not also fighting with the sour cream for room in your food diary. Refreshment Outpost (African Outpost)
Refreshment Outpost
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: There's only one option here, but that sounds like a really refreshing choice if you want some fruit with a twist!
Lotus House (CHina)
Food:
Jardin De Fiestas (Mexico)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendations: The chicken is likely less points than the pork; both feature cheese, but the chicken has a cream based sauce, so it's likely comparable. I'd go for either of those options. Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods (Mexico)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I love the amount of vegetables that the meatball comes with, and it's likely a lower in SmartPoints amount of Impossible "meat" since it's going to be more of a sample option than a full blown dish. If you go for the grilled street corn, just be cautious of how much garlic spread is on there! Also, this is the one time I'll make an additional comment on a beverage option: I'd definitely go for the blueberry lemon and ginger tea (non alcoholic) as ginger tea is great for you and your digestive system. La Isla Fresca (Showcase Entrance)
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Don't be fooled - while the sugar is more obviously there in the sugar cane shrimp skewer, it's also probably present in the sweet plantains. Either option is probably a wash no matter which way you go! And if you really want to avoid eating around the world...
Then there are options! You can pack your own food, so long as you're not bringing a massive cooler in there with you. You can get some ideas from what I like to bring with me when I go to Disney World and know I'll be there for lunch at this article right here.
One of the things I love to bring with me if I'm just trying to avoid Disney sweets? Built Bars! They range from 3-5 SmartPoints (only 1 limited flavor has been 5 points; the bulk are 3 SmartPoints, with nutty flavors being 4 SmartPoints) and hold up pretty well all day in the parks if you pop them in the fridge or freezer the night before (they're made with real chocolate). Get 10% off your order of Built Bars when you use the coupon MAGICALLYFIT at checkout (if you order through this link, your discount will be automatically applied)! 
What are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments which of these options is your favorite!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Coming off the heels of the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot is the International Festival of the Arts! From January 17 through February 24, Epcot will turn into a giant artist showcase - and, because it's Disney, they'll have some seasonal food options around the world.
Festival of the Arts is my second favorite festival (only behind Flower and Garden!) for two reasons: it's colorful and highlights some amazing talents, but also because they don't go as heavy on the food offerings as some of the other festivals (while still having samplings all around the world), which is a relief for Weight Watchers wanting to sample without dipping into too many Weekly SmartPoints. Let's dive right in to the menu for this year's festival! Worth noting that I'll be sharing my Magically Fit recommendations of Disney's menu for just the food: I don't drink alcohol so it's not my expertise, and if you are looking to cut back on SmartPoints then I always recommend going for a non-alcoholic option as that will down on it quite a bit, 
The Deconstructed Dish
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: The Deconstructed BLT sounds like it packs a good amount of protein thanks to the pork and egg without sacrificing on flavor thanks to the tomato jam. The Deconstructed Reuben has a few extra things like the Jarlsberg Cake and dressing that are probably sneaky when it comes to calories, so the BLT is the champ here. ​
Cuisine Classique
Prepare to be amazed with these hearty braised bites and traditional Old World delights! Food:
The Artist’s Table
Satisfy hunger with these savory plates—all prepared using oven and stove-top techniques! Food:
Pop Eats!
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats! Food:
Decadent Delights
Indulge in a gallery of divine delectables that transform dessert into a fine art! Food:
​The Masterpiece Kitchen
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine—cheers! Food:
And now, let's head to the World Showcase!
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is one of my favorite booths, both because the sushi donut is a great, colorful, and protein-packed choice, but the taiyaki is a fantastic option if you really want a sweet treat since it's small and, per My Fitness Pal, only roughly 210 calories or so. Plus it's something out of the norm from what you get at a grocery store, so you'll be treating yourself to something that is special if you're like me and try to avoid sweets.
El Arista Hambriento – Mexico Pavilion
Food:
Refreshment OutPost – Outpost
Food:
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Food:
The Painted Panda – China
Food:
L’Art du Cuisine Francaise – France
Food:
Mosaic Canteen – Morocco
Food:
L’Arte di Mangiare – Italy
Food:
And, of course, if you're worried about temptation sneaking up on you, then I always recommend brining a snack! I love having a Built Bar handy since I have such a sweet tooth, and most flavors are only 3 SmartPoints on Weight Watchers (but they max out at 4 SmartPoints, and that's really just for the peanut butter bar!). I like to keep them in the fridge, so if I pack it with me to the parks, it doesn't get super melted unless its a really hot day (as any product with real chocolate would). If you're worried about melting, you could even freeze it prior to leaving for the park! Get 10% off your order of Built Bar and their other products (like Built Boost, a flavor packet loaded with vitamins for your water) when you shop with the coupon code MAGICALLYFIT.
Another reason I love this festival is there are a ton of fun photo opportunities, so its another great way to distract yourself if you are worried about raking in the SmartPoints. Focus on enjoying the experiences and you'll find yourself pretty occupied between the art and the interactive ways you can become art (photos below from 2019's Festival of the Arts)!
Which Epcot festival is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
It's the most wonderful time of the year... unless you're dreading having to go to countless holiday parties between work and families and you know that holiday deserts threaten your healthy lifestyle and weight loss goals. Just when you think Epcot is safe territory because the Food and Wine Festival is over, in rolls the International Festival of the Holidays, which used to showcase just different cultures' wintertime traditions... but now is just as loaded with food and drink as Food and Wine is.
Have no fear - the menu is out so we can peruse in advance! As I always say with the Epcot festivals, what's great about these seasonal events is that most of the options are in a smaller, sample-sized portion - that means you shouldn't worry too much about food guilt if you do indulge. I've snagged the menu right from Disney so that way you can see what's what and I'm also highlighting some of my recommendations if you're still trying to count your calories or Weight Watchers SmartPoints. GF = Gluten/wheat friendly | KA = kid-approved 
Photos in this graphic are from DisneyParksBlog!
Feast of the Three Kings (Near the Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Despite the queso, I'd actually reach for the Arepa with Shrimp - you've got a little protein from the shrimp, and it's a leaner protein than the beef option. Holiday Sweets & Treats (Promenade Refreshments):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is a tricky one because it's all sweets - definitely know your food triggers before hitting up this food stand! If you're worried about calories, the sugar cookie is probably the lesser of two evils here. And while I'm not saying not to have any alcoholic beverages, option for the hot cocoa without any booze will help cut back on some calories too. Want something sweet but don't want to set off any food triggers! I always like to bring a 3 SmartPoint Built Bar! Flavors range from 110-130 calories (except for the 4 SmartPoint, 170 calorie peanut butter flavor) and they're coated in real chocolate. It's a great way to curb your sweet tooth but since it's a protein bar, it'll be much more filling! Plus the coupon magicallyfit gets you 10% off. Pro tip: I like 'em refrigerated! 
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Latkes - especially sample-sized ones - probably won't be too much of a heavy hitter, so I'd reach for one of those to feel more festive. Shoutout to the smoked salmon one for packing some extra protein and a healthier fat than the sour cream! Refreshment Port (Near the Canada Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Not really many options here - just your eggnog, really, and the turkey poutine which I'd personally stay away from. If you really want these things, it would be much more satisfying to just have a Thanksgiving-style meal instead of a copycat version of it on French fries!
Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada Pavilion)
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: I'd go for the Canadian Wild Rice and just be cautious of the size of the pretzel roll due to everything that comes on the salmon! Plus there are other healthier salmon options at different stands. Canada Popcorn Cart (Canada Pavilion):
UK Beer Cart (United Kingdom Pavilion):
UK Tea Caddy (United Kingdom Pavilion):
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Turkey and Mushrooms - even though it's in a cream sauce, you can push some of that out of the puff pastry if you've got a lot of it that you're worried about. L’Artisan des Glaces (France Pavilion):
Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles (France Pavilion):
Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is another good pavilion to visit if you're set on sampling around the world showcase! Your Lamb Kebab is grilled, and the Chicken Drum comes with mostly-healthyish (for a theme park, anyway) options. I'd probably lean towards the lamb, though - less sugar! Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Japan always offers up some of my favorites, and for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, it's no exception! Buckwheat soba noodles are Zero SmartPoints on the MyWW Purple Plan, so even though there's some vegetable tempura going on, it makes for a good option. The sushi Christmas tree is also adorable and a great option! However, don't be fooled by the matcha creme brulee - even though matcha is packed full of health benefits, this is a sugar-loaded dessert! However, if you're looking for something sweet that won't necessarily trigger a chocolate craving and don't want to bring your own dessert or aforementioned Built Bar, then this may be a good choice of indulgence. American Holiday Table (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Either of your options here probably are comparable, so you're looking at two options with decent protein! The cranberry sauce with the turkey and the sweet potato casserole are probably a trade-off as far as a sugary side dish goes. However, if you are worried about having more sides, I'd go for the ham. If you're here for something sweet, the gingerbread cookie will probably pack some similar flavors to the tart without as many calories from the whipped cream and sauce!
Funnel Cake (The American Adventure):
Fife & Drum (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Block & Hans (The American Adventure):
Beverage Items:
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Bianca Neve flatbread; beef is protein, but it's white-wine braised and not the leanest of protein options. You're also getting to skip out on "caramelized" and "creamy" aka dressings that are high in SmartPoints even in tiny amounts. Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd split the cheese fondue in the bread bowl with a friend and hog the baby vegetables! Prost! (Germany Pavilion):
Beverages:
Refreshment Outpost (African Outpost):
Food Items:
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd opt for the barbecue pork with steamed rice - easier to control your carb count than a bao bun! Norway- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion):
Magically Fit's notes: In case you aren't sure what this is, typically a Norweigen holiday rice cream is essentially a leftover rice porridge refresher with whipped cream, vanilla, and/or sugar added. It's usually topped with a red berry or fruit sauce. Similar to my Matcha Creme Brulee note on the Japan Pavilion's offerings, this might be a good dessert option for someone who doesn't want to bring their own sweets but would rather indulge in Disney's without triggering a chocolate craving, and would likely be a lighter sweets option than a Christmas Yule log cake or a pumpkin spice funnel cake. Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Because it's a leaner protein, my vote goes to the Tamal de Pollo. However if you're watching your carb intake, the Tostada de Puerco might be easier since you can just opt to not eat the tostada it's served on. Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company:
Future World East: Choco-Latte: Latte with Chocolate Sauce and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Canada: Ginger Chai Madness: Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Gingerbread Syrup Showcase Plaza: Coconut Snowstorm: Latte with RumChata and Coconut Syrup The American Adventure: Toffee Coffee: Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Sea Salt Caramel Toffee Sauce
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 29th and runs through December 30th! What are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments, on Instagram or on Facebook!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
There are so many exciting changes coming to Epcot, and if you missed out on D23 Expo, there’s another, new chance to check out what was showcased at the convention - The Epcot Experience! This exhibit gives us a close up look at what’s coming to Epcot in the near future, including a 360 degree view. Let’s check it out!
Where is it?
The Epcot Experience is where the old Odyssey restaurant used to be (and the structure is still the same) - if that’s not ringing a bell, it’s because it hasn’t been used much over the last few years, most recently housing some Flower and Garden Festival merchandise earlier this year. The building has some new signage and a fresh coat of paint, and is located on your way to the World Showcase from either the main bridge or the area by Test Track -- it’s where the bathrooms and first aid are located on the water near the Mexico Pavilion.
What's inside?
There are a few little pieces on display, including Remy in a jar and Chef Gusteau’s book in one, and some Mary Poppins memorabilia in another. The main focus, though, is the 360 degree experience and the photo ops located throughout the building. There’s also a spot to grab a snack and a drink with some tables and chairs near the posters of all the old and new attractions coming to Epcot (if you saw the posters at D23 Expo, it’s those!). You can also buy some Epcot merchandise featuring the new logo! You can also see a huge mural of the concept of how the park will look once completed, especially the front by Spaceship Earth.
What’s the 360 experience?
There’s a film that’s from floor to ceiling, featuring projection mapping on a model of Epcot’s layout, that showcases what’s coming. Whereas D23 focused more on concept art, we have more actual footage this time. The whole cycle is only 12 minutes long and you can expect to see a teaser for the upcoming Moana attraction, the upcoming Mary Poppins attraction in the UK Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Spaceship Earth, the new fireworks show HarmonioUS (coming 2020), the play pavilion, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride (called Cosmic Rewind), and more!
What photo ops are available?
We found Photopass photographers ready at four different photo ops that put you inside a difference aspect of Epcot; there were two on each side of the experience. One side features you in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and also floating away on some balloons, and the other side puts you in the heart of Food and Wine Festival (featuring Remy and Emile!) and standing on Spaceship Earth looking to the stars.
All in all, this is a great way to see what’s coming to Epcot in its multi-year expansion that won’t take a ton of time out of your trip. What are you most looking forward to? There are so many things coming over the next few years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
My favorite Epcot festival is upon us: International Flower and Garden Festival! Flower and Garden didn’t always have a ton of food stands but now, it’s similar to Food & Wine Festival but with different theming and the beloved topiaries.  If you want to enjoy sampling different food items but also don’t want to feel the guilt, here are some of the better-for-you options at every stand at Flower and Garden (as of 2018), running February 28-May 28!  While some of these options may be best described as the lesser of evils, it’s worth noting that these food items are more meant for sampling, which is awesome for people who don’t eat a lot of junk food because if you really do want to try something, you’ll get a small portion versus some large, super high calorie meal.  The Berry Basket: Field greens with fresh strawberries, crisp quinoa, strawberry vinaigrette and spiced pecans Northern Bloom: Either the seared scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette and apple-wood smoked bacon or the beef tenderloin tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, whipped potatoes with garden vegetables; depends on how you’d rather spend your calories/points/etc (butter and bacon vs sauce) La Isla Fresca: Caribbean conch salad with mango, papaya, and pickled red onions or Jamaican-braised beef with pigeon pea rice and micro cilantro Cider House: Pear cider-brined shredded corned beef with braised cabbage and Branston dressing with pears The Honey Bee-stro: Roasted cauliflower with buckwheat honey carrot purée, wild rice pilaf, asparagus, honey blistered grapes and sunflower brittle Pineapple Promenade: Dole Whip! Listed as pineapple soft serve on the menu Jardin de Fiestas: Pork taco Lotus House: Vegetable spring rolls Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market: Potato pancakes with house-made apple sauce Primavera Kitchen: Frittata di Asparagi (asparagus frittata, mixed greens and citrus dressing) The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews: Pulled pig slider with coleslaw (everything at this booth seems pretty high fat, if we’re being honest) Hanami: Teriyaki salmon with Furikake seasoned brown rice; the frushi also gets an honorable mention if you want something sweet! Taste of Marrakesh: Harissa chicken kebab with dried fruit couscous salad Florida Fresh: Spicy blackened shrimp and stone-ground cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and local sweet corn relish Fleur de Lys: Provencal tomato tart with sautéed onions, fresh thyme and rosemary on a flaky pastry crust  Some of these are really anybody's guess, but based on your menu options, these seem like the best choices - and at some stands, it'll be more obvious than others. Enjoy the topiaries and have fun!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) doesn't have to be scary for you if you're trying to avoid candy and sweets!  The event offers not only trick-or-treating, but also exclusive treats such as alcoholic beverages and baked goods that are Halloween themed and can be very tempting... but have no fear! There are plenty of things to do where you don't even have to worry about candy and Halloween themed snacks for sale around the Magic Kingdom for the event. Just have fun!Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is my favorite event at the Magic Kingdom and in the past, I've gotten so busy that I forgot they even have trick-or-treating! There are so many great character photo opportunities, amazing shows, and the fireworks are my favorite.  There's also a dance party every year - usually with Monsters, Inc. characters - so you can even burn some calories enjoying that! If you really want a piece of candy...In my experience, WDW doesn't give out full-sized candy bars for trick or treating, but the mini or fun sized ones, which means it's something you can look up in the tracker ahead of time and pre-plan for if you want to! If you really don't want to miss out, just get a single piece and give the rest of your candy to some kid and make their night!
 Have yourselves a merry little Christmas...Similarly to MNSSHP, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a seasonal, additional ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom that can strike fear in the hearts of Weight Watchers members because of all of the holiday goodies it has to offer! Here are my tips for surviving the event. Avoid the free cookies. They aren't worth it!You can get free cookies and hot chocolate at certain stations at the Magic Kingdom if you seek it out. I had the cookie in 2015 when I went before I was on Weight Watchers and honestly, the cookie tasted gross. It tasted really cheap, not like something you'd expect from Disney World, so don't waste your Weight Watchers points or your macros on it just because it's free. The hot cocoa also isn't the greatest because they're churning out so much for no additional cost to guests so the quality isn't going to be super high. Don't waste your time on these! Busy yourself with activities!There are plenty of things to do during MVMCP that unwanted food distractions and temptations are easy to avoid. To focus solely on going for Christmas treats would be a shame because the Magic Kingdom during the winter holiday season is, in my opinion, when it is most beautiful. Between the decorations, fireworks, the parade, the special shows, the rare character meet and greets, and the rides still being open, there is far too much to worry about besides a cupcake with frosting that looks like a Christmas tree or a gingerbread cookie. Don't cheat yourself of a great time and skip the guilt in the process! General tip:I personally would recommend finding spots for parades and shows fairly early, and getting in line for the more in-demand characters (like the Seven Dwarves, Jack Skellington, Santa, or some of the princes with the princesses) even earlier. As far as characters go, if you're interested in meeting Jack and/or the Dwarves, they always have the longest lines so it's recommended you get there before the 7 p.m. party start time so you don't waste party time on them. I'd also recommend trying to catch the later parade/show showings since it's usually got a lighter crowd.
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SearchAuthorJessica is a huge Disney, anime, and Star Wars nerd who channeled that love into motivation to lose 75 lbs. Categories
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