Following the success of the uber popular La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion, Epcot has announced that an Italian-themed wine bar will be coming to the park later this year.
As part of the current renovation to the Italy Pavilion’s table service restaurant, Tutto Italia, Gusto Wine Bar will open April 28.  The brand new space will be adjacent to the restaurant, and will feature a look and feel reminiscent of an ancient Italian wine cellar, complete with stone floors and walls, with bricked arches throughout the space.  The …

In plans that were revealed Tuesday, the White House has announced that President Barack Obama will be paying a visit to Walt Disney World later today.  The president is expected to reveal policies that will give U.S. tourism a boost.
Central to the president’s message will be the push for visa reform, especially for countries like Brazil and China.  The process for obtaining visas to visit the U.S. from both countries is arduous, and require in-person interviews and several days’ wait to gain permission to travel here.
Air Force One will be …

Walt Disney World’s Epcot is gearing up for its annual International Flower and Garden Festival this spring, and more details are being announced for those who will be at the park to enjoy the festivities. The festival, which runs this year from March 7-May 20, 2012, includes elaborate character topiaries, activities and demonstrations, unique gardens that highlight different countries in World Showcase, and more.
This year, Disney will once again be partnering with HGTV to bring special demonstrations and presentations to guests. Throughout the festival, stars of HGTV shows will be …

This fall, a new version of the popular Epcot Test Track attraction will be unveiled, giving guests an exclusive look at the world of automotive design.
The refurbished attraction will be called the Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot, and will allow guests to design their own custom vehicles. After designing a vehicle, they’ll be able to take a ride on a six-passenger SimCar to test out their design on the race track.
Once they’ve finished the ride, guests are transported to the all-new showroom, where they can see the future of transportation …

An iPhone app from TimeStream Software allows you to have the Walt Disney World Resort literally in the palm of your hand. Dubbed Disney World Pro, this app has recently been updated for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and allows guests to make the most of their visit to the park.
In addition to over 500 images of the park, Disney World Pro features park hours, parade and event descriptions, wait times, Walt Disney World restaurants, attractions and tips, complete park maps, hotel descriptions and important phone numbers. In addition …

It promises to be a star-studded celebration of Christmas at Walt Disney World, as Epcot begins celebrating the holiday this evening with its annual Candlelight Processional.
The hugely popular Christmas tradition features a celebrity narrator retelling the traditional story of Christmas.  Intermingled with favorite Christmas carols performed by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir, the celebration culminates in a live “Christmas tree” made up of the singers themselves.
If you enjoy classic celebrations of the Christmas season, then you will not want to miss out on this special celebration, which will …

Santa Claus has officially arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort, and you’ll be able to catch him at several locations throughout the area. Santa’s Chalet, which opened November 18 at Downtown Disney, will operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through the Thanksgiving holiday. Starting November 25, his hours will be extended from noon to 10 p.m. all the way until Christmas. Santa Goofy will then take over from December 25 until January 1, greeting guests from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Beginning November 25, you’ll also be able to …

In preparation for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which takes place from September 30 to November 13, several Downtown Disney restaurants are planning special dinners and cooking demonstrations to coincide with the annual event.
Fulton’s Crab House will be running a cooking demonstration on October 1 at 1 p.m., teaching guests how to cook pan-seared wild Alaska king salmon. Their signature dinner will be held November 2 at 7 p.m. and cost $150 per person. Meanwhile, Portobello will hold their own cooking demonstrations on October 7 at 1 p.m. …

Epcot’s MouseGear has recently undergone some improvements to enhance the store’s appeal.
Originally opened in 1999, the huge store, located in Future World, serves as an emporium of sorts, and is loaded with all manner of Disney merchandise.  And although the store has always been popular, recently, Epcot’s leadership began to explore how they could make the great store even better.
In a project that began 18 months ago with planning input from a team representing retail design best practices from around the world, Disney Imagineers brought to life a new vision for …

Are you an HGTV fan heading to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World this fall? You’re in luck! Disney recently announced that this year’s festival, which will take place at Epcot from September 30-November 13, will include some special seminars led by personalities from your favorite HGTV shows.
The seminars will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the Festival in the Festival Center. Each seminar will focus on home entertainment. And the best part about these new seminars? They’re free! With Epcot admission, there will be …