There are big changes coming to the live entertainment lineup for the Epcot World Showcase.  Two longtime favorites: Off Kilter, and Mo 'Rockin will be departing along with the World Showcase Players and Spirit Of America Fife and Drum Corp to make way for new entertainment acts.

Off Kilter at Epcot

Off Kilter

A Canada pavilion Favorite and Epcot Live Music Favorite since they arrived in 1997, Off Kilter never had a regular member of Canadian origins, but that didn't stop them from proudly representing Canada with regular performances for the past 17 years!  Founder Jamie Holton has lead the band for its entire run at Epcot.

We loved the band for its enthusiastic renditions of Celtic Favorites and the way that they added bagpipes to a number of classic rock songs to make them their own.  Off Kilter was fun entertainment that was enjoyed during each visit to Epcot.

Off Kilter's last performance at Epcot is scheduled to be on September 27th.

Mo 'Rockin at Epcot

Mo 'Rockin

The staple of the Morocco Pavilion since 1998 and founded by Amir Ali, Mo 'Rockin provided a unique World Music sound with the added feature of its own Belly Dancer.

This band provided great entertainment and convinced thousands of Epcot visitors to spend more time exploring the exotic offerings of the Morocco Pavilion.

The final Epcot performance for Mo 'Rockin is currently scheduled for Saturday September 27th.

Other Epcot World Showcase Changes

Epcot guests will also see changes to the entertainment line-up in the United Kingdom as the World Showcase Players will be departing after September 25th, taking with them their tales of King Arthur and their improvisational humor that engaged the nearby visitors to become part of their show.

Also leaving will be the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp that played in front of the America Pavilion.  They will make their last Epcot performance on September 27th.

Coming To Epcot 

New acts that will be making their way to Epcot's World Showcase in the upcoming months with dates to be announced:

• Sbandieratori Flags,a corps of dynamic flag-waving performers, in Italy
• a to-be-named lumberjack-based thrill show in Canada
• B’net Houariyat, a musical/dance act in Morocco
• Scottish Musical Trio, a Celtic musical group in United Kingdom. 

Epcot is certainly the best Disney World theme park for dining and La Hacienda de San Angel is a great option whether you are a couple on a special night out or a family looking for a enjoyable meal.

La Hacienda de San Angel

The Mexico Pavilion is blessed with two great Table Service Restaurants: San Angel Inn, which resides within the giant Aztec Pyramid that dominates the Skyline for the Pavilion and the newer La Hacienda de San Angel which has a wonderful waterfront perch.  Both restaurants are run by the same company, but provide a different menu and experience for Disney World Guests.




The decor that can be found within La Hacienda de San Angel is amazing! It is quite different from its near neighbor and creates a much different mood.  The seating is packed closely, so don't be surprised if your table is very close to another party.  The restaurant is friendly and welcoming, so this closeness does not detract from the ambiance of the dining experience.


With its waterfront location, there are amazing views of the World Showcase Lagoon, and the waterfront window tables are much sought after for late night seatings.  It is hard to name a better way to view Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

Disney Dining Review

The ambiance is wonderful, but a restaurant is nothing without great food.  Fortunately La Hacienda de San Angel certainly has great food!

La Hacienda de San Angel Menu (Click to ENLARGE)

The menu contains several choices of Platos Principales (entrees):

• Costillas en salsa de Chile
  Braised short ribs, served with potato puree and chile de arbol sauce
• Tacos de Camarones
  Fried shrimp, chipotle-lime aioli, cabbage, lime and salsa verde, all served over flour tortillas
• Pollo al Pastor
  Achiote marinated chicken served with roasted vegetables, beans and pineapple relish
• Puerco en salsa de Ciruela
  Grilled pork rib eye, served with carrot puree, caramelized onions and plum sauce
• Pescado a la Talla
  Grilled Tilapia served with esquites (roasted corn) , nopales(cactus leaves) and mango chutney

La Hacienda de San Angel Wine and Beverage Menu (Click to ENLARGE)

Every meal starts out with the complementary Chips and Salsa.  This has two kinds of salsa to sample and enjoy.

They also have two different meals that are designed to feed two people each.  One is seafood centric and the other featured beef and chicken.  Since we had four people in our party during this review we decided to try both of the two person meals called Parrillada.


The "La Hacienda" features mixed grill offering New York Strip, chicken al pastor, chorizo and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas.

The food is certainly as good as it looks the portion for two is plentiful and the variety of tastes and flavors from the various portions of the meal are wonderful.


The Del Mar features mixed grill offering fish, shrimp, scallops and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas.

Again, another excellent choice.  This is sure to satisfy seafood fans.  The hardest choice if there are only two of you dining is choosing between the two meals.  I would recommend bringing along four people so that you can try both of these combination meals and enjoy all of the wonderful flavors.

Here is a picture highlighting all of the food that our table of 4 received.  They will bring refills of the bowls of rice and beans if you wish, as well as, additional tortillas.

Dining Review Summary

The La Hacienda de San Angel is a beautiful restaurant with great food that is sure to please whether you favor meat or seafood.  There is also a well stocked beverage menu to meet your needs.  The only drawback is that this restaurant does not accept the Tables In Wonderland Discount.  It does take the Disney Dining Plan and it also accepts a DVC Member Discount.

We highly recommend this restaurant and suggest that it would be a great way to end a day at Epcot with a window view of Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth.

Everyone has a favorite place at Disney World, mine is the Epcot World Showcase at night.  The combination of the illuminated Spaceship Earth serving as a backdrop to the international settings make for a magical stroll around the world.

Stunning Epcot World Showcase At Night

Strolling the 1.2 miles around the World Showcase lagoon becomes a completely different experience at night.  Each of the 12 international pavilions take on a different feel at nights versus their daytime persona.


The Germany Pavilion becomes even more realistic looking at night, transporting you to Oktoberfest!



The stunning architectural features that are displayed in the Japan Pavilion take on a different appearance as the lights come on and the sun goes down.


The details that are part of the temple in the China Pavilion are quite striking under the night time lighting.


Italy shows off the towers and sculptures, which gain extra authenticity under the night sky.


The giant torches the surround the World Showcase Lagoon provide the majority of light for those that choose to stroll around enjoying the evening.  This creates a wonderful ambiance that is such a departure from the typical hustle and bustle that is associated with a Disney World Vacation.



There really are no bad places to watch Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth, but each vantage point certainly gives a different perspective on the show.  I always liken it to the different views on life that you get from different countries and cultures.  This is played out in the microcosm of the 12 international pavilions of the Epcot World Showcase.

Magic Of Disney World At Epcot

Although it may be designed for families, adults probably appreciate Epcot World Showcase the most.  With its plethora of fine dining options and plenty of beverage choices to be found, the World Showcase provides the backdrop for a wonderful evening to be enjoyed at Disney World, that is distinctly different from what you will find at the other Disney Theme Parks.

For me, there is no magical place or time than strolling around the Epcot World Showcase at night!

Collectors of the Sorcerers Of The Magic Kingdom cards will be delighted to learn about the new design that will be available exclusively for guests attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Like prior years, this special card has a unique design that collectors and traders covet.

If you are attending one of the MNSSHP parties this year, do not forget to go pick up your FREE cards.

Here are more details as presented at the Disney Parks Blog:

When Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park September 1, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans are in for an additional party “treat” – the chance to pick up another event-exclusive game card.

In case you’re a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom newbie, SOTMK is an in-park interactive experience that allows guests join Merlin in a quest to defeat a team of Disney villains who are scheming to take over the park. Guests use maps to search for villain’s lairs throughout the park. When they find a magic portal, guests use spell cards that each feature a different magical power to foil a villain’s plan. This complimentary experience begins in the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up everything you need to join in the fun.

This year’s special event card features the Helmsman pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

The Pirate Helmsman’s Bombardment card will be distributed in addition to the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs (yes, you can still pick up both while attending the party). Guests must show their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.

PANDORA and Disney Parks have made a long term agreement that fans of both will be able to enjoy starting this Fall!

Here are some of the details as shared on the Disney Parks Blog:

Guests will soon find an original collection of beautifully designed Disney-themed jewelry launching in select retail locations at Disney Parks and around the world.

The new collection of hand finished sterling silver and 14K gold charms was created in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products and Disney Theme Park Merchandise, and will feature inspirations from some of Disney’s most beloved characters. The collection will include 25 different styles, with an additional 16 styles found only at Disney Parks.

Later this fall, select merchandise locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club properties and Disney Cruise Line ships will begin selling the collections. The Disney Parks online store will also carry select items from PANDORA Jewelry.

Additionally two existing Disney merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will unveil unique retail installations, combining PANDORA’s sleek aesthetic and Disney’s creativity.

PANDORA will also be the sponsor of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park and beginning in 2015, PANDORA Jewelry will become a presenting sponsor of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend held annually at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney World is special because of its storytelling.  One of the best examples can be found at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Voyage Of The Little Mermaid.  Here you will find a magical retelling of this classic Disney Animated Film that should be on your Must Do Disney Vacation List!

Voyage Of The Little Mermaid

Since 1992 the Voyage Of The Little Mermaid has been delighting crowds at Disney's Hollywood Studios (known as MGM Studios back then).  In a specially designed theater, this show gives Disney World guests a condensed retelling of the movie using black light puppets, lasers, animated film, audio animatronic creatures, and live action singing and acting.



The theater itself places the audience in an undersea environment, ready to explore the world of aquatic life and mermaids.






Ariel also deals with a huge Ursula that is 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.  This animatronic character looks amazing as she moves across the stage.




Ariel is reunited with Prince Eric on a beach and is transformed into her human form.

Voyage Of The Little Mermaid Review Summary

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid show is absolutely one of the best at Disney World.  The combination of multiple forms of media: Film Clips, Puppetry, Audio-Animatronic Characters, Live Singing Actors, lasers, and rain/water effects, takes the audience under the sea and into the realm of Ariel and the memorable characters from the film.  This should be a definitely Must Do attraction for all ages when visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios!

One of the highlights for many Disney World guests is enjoying a Disney Character Dining experience.  Today we visit the Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot for a Character Dining meal in a very unique setting.

Garden Grill Restaurant

The Garden Grill Restaurant is located within The Land Pavilion in the Future World section of Epcot.  This is the pavilion that is best known for the Soarin' and Living With The Land attractions.


One of the most unique features of the Garden Grill Restaurant is that it rotates!  That's right.  This restaurant rotates at a blistering speed of one revolution per hour.  Although you can tell that you are moving if you are constantly staring at the walls, most guests hardly notice the slow steady movement throughout their meal.  There are two different seating areas: the outer booths, which have the best views of the Living With The Land attraction and the inner tables.  If you anticipate any concern about the rotation, then you should select the inner tables, where the motion is less noticeable.

Mickey Mouse at Garden Grill Restaurant

Disney Character Dining At Its Best!

Chip 'n Dale's Harvest Feast is definitely one of the better non-princess character dining opportunities at Disney World.  Four different characters make their way, one at a time to your table for personal interaction during the roughly hour long dining experience.  Leading the way is Mickey Mouse himself in overalls.  Farmer Mickey meets and greets all of the diners one table at a time.  You have enough time to get autographs signed and pose with Mickey Mouse for pictures.

Chip at the Garden Grill Restaurant

Chip was next to visit one table and he was quite animated, pardon the pun.  Besides posing for pictures he exhibited a playful interaction with lots of personality.

Pluto at Garden Grill Restaurant

Pluto was next to visit.  Ever the fun loving dog, he "played" with us for a while and posed for great pictures.

Dale at Garden Grill Restaurant

Dale was the last to make his way to our table.  He definitely had a personality that was distinct from Chip's and that made the interaction all the more fun.

Suffice it to say the Disney Character interaction was great and definitely among the best at Disney World.  The spacing of the tables allows for more personal interaction with each of the characters.  If you love Disney World Character meals then this is one you should definitely try!

Chip 'n Dale's Harvest Feast - The Food!

An important part of every restaurant review is a discussion of the food, so we definitely want to share with you our pictures and impression of the food at this Family Style served meal.  The menu is the same for everyone with unlimited portions for an items (including dessert) that you would like more of.  The price is the same regardless.

The meal start with fresh warm rolls and orange blossom honey butter.


This was follow-up up by a "Living With The Land" Harvest-inspired Farmer's Salad.  As you can see from the picture above this was a loaded salad with fresh vegetables, egg, and bacon.


The main courses consist of a large platter with a trio of choices: Char-grilled Filet of Beef with Demi-Glace Steak Butter, Roasted All-Natural Turkey Breast with Stuffing and House-made Gravy, Tilapia with Tomato Jam.  Also included were Garden Fresh Vegetables, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, and Bacon and Leek Dressing.

All of the above items were very tasty, but I would have to say our overwhelming favorite was the Filet of Beef.  It was excellent.  As mentioned earlier, the meal is All You Care To Eat with additional portions of any or all of the items.  The choice is up to you and your family.



The meal is completed with a pair of dessert choices.  There was the Seasonal Berry Skillet with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and the cone cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Disney Dining Review - Summary

Chip n' Dale's Harvest Feat at the Garden Grill Restaurant was a great Disney Characters Dining experience and a great "dining" experience as well.  The unique rotating restaurant setting with views into the Living With The Land attraction was an added bonus.  It certainly was one of the best Character Meals due to the orientation of the tables, letting you truly have personal time with the characters when they came to visit.

The food was above average and there was opportunity to get more of the items that you enjoyed the most.  The service was excellent and it all came together for a very enjoyable dining experience.  We would definitely rate this meal a "Must Do" for families.

The Character Dining Experience does accept the Disney Dining Plan and it counts as 1 Table Service Credit per person.  They also accept the Tables In Wonderland Discount for 20% off.