The 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature 30 different marketplace kiosks with tapas-sized portion of delectible cuisine paired with beer, wines, and creative cocktails.

16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces
There are 30 international marketplaces that will surround Epcot's World Showcase with a wide array of wonderful food, wine, and beers.  Download the Festival GuideMap. 

Here is a complete list of this year's International Marketplaces along with the menus:

1. Australia

Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus
Glaze; Grilled Lamb Chop with Potato-Goat
Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction; Lamington
(Chocolate and Coconut covered Yellow Cake);
Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Chardonnay; Greg
Norman Estates Shiraz, Limestone Coast;
Lindeman’s “Bin 90” Moscato; Penfolds “Thomas
Hyland” Cabernet Sauvignon,

2. BRAZIL
Brazil’s National Dish - Feijoada (a Black Bean and
Pork Stew); Seared Mahi Mahi with steamed Rice,
Hearts of Palm and Coconut-Lime Sauce; LeBlon
frozen cocktail Frozen Caipirinha

3. ARGENTINA
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and
Boniato Purée; Beef Empanada; Terrazas Reserva
Chardonnay; Terrazas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon;
Terrazas Reserva Torrontes; Terrazas Reserva Malbec

4. Caribbean
Ropa Vieja (slowly braised beef ) with White Rice;
Jerk spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Salsa; Frozen
Rock Coconut Mojito; Frozen Dragon Berry Colada

5. MEXICO
Rib Eye Tacos; Shrimp Tacos; Flan; Dos Equis Beer;
Lime Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks; L.A. Cetto
Chardonnay; L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah; Dasani Bottled
Water

6. SCANDINAVIA
Taste of Scandinavia - Shrimp Salad, Cured Salmon
and Herring; Swedish Meatballs with Lingon
Berries; Rice Pudding with Driscoll’s® Only The
Finest Berries™; Xante; Xante Sunshine

7. CHINA
Black Pepper Shrimp (4) with Sichuan Noodles;
Pork Pot Stickers; Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken
Stick (1); Caramel-Ginger Ice Cream; Tsing Tao
Beer; Dragon’s Hollow Chardonnay; Green Tea Plum
Wine Cooler; Happy Lychee

8. SOUTH KOREA
Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw;
Boolgogi BBQ Beef with steamed Rice and
Kimchi; Myung Jak Bokbunjajoo (New Raspberry
Wine); Charm Soon Soju (New); BEK SE JU
(Herbal Rice Wine)

9. South AFRICASeared Filet of Beef with smashed Sweet Potatoes and

Braai Sauce; Bunny Chow (Vegetable Curry served
in a Bread Loaf ); La Capra Chardonnay; La Capra
Sauvignon Blanc; La Capra Pinotage; La Capra Shiraz

10. CHEESE
Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread; Artisan Cheese
Selection with Sweet Gras Dairy Thomasville Tomé,
Delice de Bourgogne, PC Wyngaard Chevre Affineurs
Goat Gouda

11. Brewer ’s Collection
Radeberger Pilsner (German Pilsner); Altenmünster
Oktoberfest; Altenmünster Dunkel; Hovel’s; Schöfferhofer
Weizen; BraufactuM Indra; Rauchweizen Roog Smoked
Wheat Bier; Sion Kölsch

12. Germany
Goulash Suppe; Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll;
Apple Strudel Featuring Werther’s Original Karamel
Sauce and Vanilla Sauce; Selbach-Oster Estate Spatlese;
Selbach JH Riesling Kabinett; Selbach JH Riesling QbA;
Selbach JH Riesling Classic; Radeberger Pilsner (German
Pilsner); Altenmünster Dunkel

13. POLAND
Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions
and Sour Cream; Golabki (Pork Stuffed Cabbage);
Belvedere Strawberry Chiller

14. Italy
Ravioli Di Formaggio all’Emiliana(Baked Cheese
Ravioli with Creamy Beef Bolognese Sauce, Parmesan
Cheese, and Melted Mozzarella; Cappellini con Gamberi
Piccanti (Cappellini Pasta with Spicy Shrimp);
Cannoli al Cioccolato(Chocolate Covered Cannoli
Shell Filled with Sweet Ricotta Cheese, Chocolate, and
Candied Fruit); Dasani; Primavera Smoothie; Fantinel
Prosecco; Placido Chianti; Placido Pinot Grigio; Moretti

15. FIFE & DRUM
Featuring Frozen Red Stag Lemonade by Jim Beam®

16. Hops and Barley
Linda Bean’s Lobster Claw Cuddler® with drawn Butter;
Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®; Pumpkin
Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins and Orange Sauce;
Samuel Adams Boston Lager®; Samuel Adams® Octoberfest;
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®; 16th Anniversary
Festival Beer - Boston Ale; Samuel Adams Light®; Samuel
Adams® Cream Stout; Latitude 48 IPA; Samuel
Adams® Blackberry Witbier

17. SINGAPORE
Shrimp Cake on a Sugarcane Skewer with Singapore
Noodles; Beef Rendang (a coconut braised beef )
with Jasmine Rice; Singapore Sling; Tiger Beer

18. Japan
Spicy Tuna Roll; California Sushi Roll; Tuna and
Salmon Sensation; Pork Kakuni; Kirin Draft Beer;
Sake: Itami Onigoroshi; Sake: Junmai Ginjo Masumi;
Tokyo Sunset; Dasani Water

19. NEW ZEALAND
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree
and Apple Radish Salad; Lamb Slider with Tomato
Chutney; Mohua Sauvignon Blanc; Mohua Central
Otago Riesling; Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc; Whitehaven
Pinot Noir

20. Morocco
Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita
Pocket); Harissa Chicken Roll; Baklava; Casa Beer;
Ksar White; Sangria; Royale Mimosa

21. PORTUGAL
Calamari Salad with Fennel, smoked Paprika and
Olive Oil; Linguica Sausage with Onions, Peppers
and Olives; Pastel de Nata; Confraria Leve Moscatel
Portugal; Bridao Classico Tinto; Caves Vale do Rodo
Douro; Xairel Cartaxo Tinto; Caves Bonifacio Red

22. PORTUGAL WINE BAR
Confraria Leve Moscatel Portugal
Caves Vale do Rodo Douro
Caves Bonifacio Red Wine
Plexus Frisante Branco
Bridao Classico Tinto
Xairel Cartaxo Tinto
Porto Reccua 10 year

23. BELGIUM

Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream and
a Baguette; Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote
and Whipped Cream; Guylian Belgian Chocolate
Seashell Truffles; Stella; Hoegaarten; Leffe; Godiva
Chocolate Iced Coffee

24. FRANCE
Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley
Snails in Brioche); “Coq au Vin sur gratin de
macaroni” Red Wine braised Chicken, Mushrooms,
Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin; Crème Brûlée
au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée
topped with Caramelized Sugar); Chardonnay,
Bouchard Aîné & Fils; Merlot, Chateau
de Beauregard-Ducourt, Bordeaux;
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir;
Parisian Cosmo Slush(Ciroc Vodka, Grand
Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

25. IRELAND

Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie; Kerrygold®
Cheese Selection: (Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner
and Ivernia Cheese) with Apple Chutney and Brown
Bread; Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baileys
Ganache; Guinness Draught; Bunratty Meade

26. CANADA

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup; Maple and
Moosehead Beer glazed Salmon with Barley
Salad; Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet
Corn Polenta; Moosehead Beer; Neige Sparkling;
Neige - FB

27. GREECE
Greek Salad with Pita Bread; Griddled Greek
Cheese with Pistachios and Honey; Chicken
Souvlaki with Tzatziki; Dannon Greek Yogurt
Parfait with Strawberries; Skouras St
George; Boutari Greek (White)
“Moschofilero”; Boutari Kretikos White

28. DESSERT AND CHAMPAGNE

Lemon Chiffon; White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse
with Dark Chocolate Pearls; Tres Leches Verrine; Moet
& Chandon Ice Imperial; Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial;
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial; Moet & Chandon
Imperial

29. HAWAI’I
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple
Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise; Tuna Poke with Seaweed
Salad and Lotus Root Chips; Seven Tiki Mai Tai;
Kona Longboard; Kona Pipeline

30. CRAFT BEER COLLECTION
Full Sail IPA; Sierra Nevada; Abita - Purple Haze; Red
Hook Pilsner; Blue Moon; Leinenkugal; Key West Sunset
Ale; Widmer Hefeweizen

The 16th Epcot Internation Food & Wine Festival returns to Disney World on September 30 and stays for 45 fun & food filled days through November 13, 2011.  As always each year brings several new tastes to enjoy along with many of your old favorites.  Again you will see over 25 international marketplaces set up around Epcot's World Showcase featuring tapas-sized portions of dishes that represent each area paired with beer, wine, and even cocktail selections.

Hawaii Makes 1st Appearance
Since Disney World is building its first resort in Hawaii (Aulani) it only makes sense that Hawaii is represented at the Food & Wine Festival.  The special culinary treats you will find include: Kalua Pork Sliders, Tuna Poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips.  Also you can pick up a Seven Tiki Mai Tai or a Kona Longboard or Pipeline Beer to really feel like you've escaped to the Hawaiian Islands.

Caribbean Islands and Portugal Make 1st Appearance
If after visiting the new Hawaiian Marketplace still has you longing for more of that tropical feeling you can head to the new Caribbean Islands Marketplace.  Here you will be able to sample: ropa vieja with rice and jerk-spiced chicken with mango salsa.  The beverage menu will entice you with a frozen Dragon Berry Colada and frozen Rock Coconut Mojito.

Portugal will not be outdone with the addition of a new Portugal Wine Bar where you can enjoy the wines with calamari salad with olives and smoked paprika.  Returning back to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year will be the Scandinavia marketplace which will feature a fresh new Xante Sunshine cocktail made from Xante pear and cognac liquer.

Celebrity Chefs
If you enjoy watching the cooking shows on television then you may want to make sure that you catch some of your favorite celebrity chefs when they appear live at this year's Festival.  Some that are appearing this year include: Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.


Cranberry Bog?
Believe it or not you can also see a cranberry bog at this year's Food & Wine Festival.  Presented by Craisins, it tells the story behind the agricultural heritage of the cranberry.
 
Eat To The Beat Concert Series
The Eat To The Beat Concert Series again returns to Epcot with 3 shows performed nightly at the America Gardens Theatre with a great line-up of musical guests including first time appearances by: The Pointer Sisters, The Gin Blossoms, & The Orchestra featuring members of ELO.  The concerts are FREE with your paid admission to Epcot!
 
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Highlights
Festival highlights include:


•The Festival Welcome Center, with a Wine Bar, Authentic Taste Seminars, Authors Without Borders weekend conversations and more.

•More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting dinners and tasting events.

•A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.

•Popular returning events that include First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29; Kitchen Memories (formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen); Mixology Seminar; and “3D” Disney Dessert Discovery.

•The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event beginning Oct. 8 and with a new Saturday evening time of 7:30-10 p.m. featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment presented by Cirque du Soleil.

Festival guests can enjoy fresh Epcot experiences including the latest Future World high-tech fun at Innoventions and the celebrated return of “Captain EO,” the classic musical 3-D production starring Michael Jackson in a rare big-screen performance. In World Showcase, new and recently updated restaurants welcome guests at the Italy, Japan, Mexico and China pavilions.

What’s Included with Epcot Admission:
Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special culinary and beverage programs require reservations and separate event admission. Beginning August 16 at 7 a.m. guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival event updates and details will be posted at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Downtown Disney will continue to see changes as it transforms into a more family friendly dining, shopping, and entertainment center.  This fall, construction will begin on Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot upscale entertainment center that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife. To make way for this experience, RIDEMAKERZ, currently located on the West Side, will move to the Marketplace.

The Walt Disney World Resort has been transforming the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island area from an adult themed nightspot to a location that features entertainment, shopping, and dining that is suitable for teh entire family.

After a successful partnership with Disney World during the 2011 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, HGTV is now bringing some of it's design stars to the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to talk about home entertaining.  Some of the HGTV Designers scheduled to appear are: Vern Vip "HGTV Design Star", Monica Pederson "Designed To Sell", Erin Loechner "Design Happens", Taniya Nayak "Designed To Sell", Kim Stoegbauer "On-line Party Inspiration", Lisa LaPorta "Designed To Sell", and Emily Henderson "Secrets From A Stylist."

Here is the announcement from Pam Brandon, Disney parks Food Writer that was presented on the Official Disney Parks Blog:

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival guests are beginning to line up – and this year, the HGTV family joins the fun with top personalities appearing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with home entertaining seminars.


“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” (pictured above)

The appearances are included with Epcot admission and will be at the festival center.

At the upcoming D23 Expo, "The Ultimate Disney Fan Event," to be held from August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney Interactive Media will invite the Disney fans to have hand-on fun with the latest Disney interactive entertainment products. 

Guests will get a chance  to:

•  Review Upcoming Video Games
• Compete in Interactive Art Contests on Disney.com’s Create
• Meet Legendary Video Game Designer, Warren Spector, Creator of Disney Epic Mickey

Here is the official Press Release:
BURBANK, CA –July 25, 2011 – Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) invites Disney fans and families to step into its pavilion at the D23 Expo, The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, for hands-on fun with the latest interactive entertainment products for video game consoles, mobile devices and online, based on beloved Disney stories and characters. Every day of the D23 Expo, taking place August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, will be packed with hours of game play, special guests, interactive art contests, giveaways and more!


Guests of the D23 Expo will be able to suit up, power up and team up as they enter Disney Universe, a multiplayer action-adventure video game set in a mix-up of Disney and Disney•Pixar inspired worlds that will be released this fall.

The Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension video game, inspired by the Disney Channel Original Movie, will be available for hands-on gameplay. Fans will be able to play as their favorite Phineas & Ferb characters as they journey through new dimensions to battle the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the recently released and critically acclaimed Cars 2: The Video Game. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar animated film, the game allows players to dive into the Cars 2 universe alongside some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations spanning the globe.

The award-winning video game, Disney Epic Mickey will be featured in the DIMG pavilion and the game’s creator, legendary game designer, Warren Spector will be on hand. Mr. Spector will be making special appearances at the booth on August 19 and 20 to meet Guests and sign autographs.

Online gamers can play Disney’s latest social games, including this summer’s smash hit, Gardens of Time, and the popular online virtual world for kids, Club Penguin. Guests who want Disney games on the go, can try out the latest mobile games, such as Cars 2 and Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, available for iPhone, iPad and Android.

For aspiring young Disney artists and animators, Disney.com’s Create will offer its newest collection of online creativity tools for making digital paintings, comic-books, animated pets, photo mashups, music slideshows and animations. During the D23 Expo, the new Disney Epic Mickey Digital Painter will be featured in the booth and Guests will be invited to participate in daily art contests judged by Warren Spector for the chance to win exclusive D23 DIMG prize packages.

About D23 Expo 2011
The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as never before. Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 will fall into three different pricing tiers, based on purchase date (visit www.D23Expo.com for details), and D23 Members can enjoy additional savings plus members-only benefits. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a new collectibles line, the Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 19-21, 2011.

It was announced that ESPN The Weekend will not continue at the Walt Disney World Resort.  This had been an annual event hosted each spring at Disney's Hollywood Studios that brought current and past Sports Stars from a number of sports and current ESPN Personalities to an event where Disney World Guests could see and interact with them.  They also had a 5K that was run each year through Disney's Hollywood Studios that was part of the Festivities.

Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, at Walt Disney World made the announcement on the official Disney Parks Blog:

One thing that’s always struck me is our commitment to regularly reviewing the experiences we provide to our guests and challenging ourselves to bring new opportunities to life. Occasionally, this results in something coming to an end, as is the case with what I’m sharing today. In order to focus our efforts on ESPN’s growing year-round presence at Walt Disney World Resort, we have decided to no longer host ESPN The Weekend.


As you may know, the event was first created in 2004 in support of ESPN’s 25th anniversary and, along with ESPN Club, served as ESPN’s first significant presence here. While the event has continued for seven more successful years, our relationship with ESPN has evolved significantly and positively. This has resulted in new branding for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, new opportunities for millions of athletes, coaches and fans, and hundreds of hours of ESPN programming, making our guests part of the show. In addition, the sports complex has become home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, which is the official development hub for ESPN’s 3D network.

Moving forward, our focus will be on creating events like the new ESPN RISE Girls Showcase and the ESPN RISE Games, which provide a stage for tens of thousands of athletes from around the country, and providing opportunities for guests to be part of events they’ve only before watched on television, such as the Home Depot College Football Awards and the Old Spice Classic.

We have just scratched the surface of what Walt Disney World and ESPN can do together and look forward to sharing information about new projects as they progress.

 
Read the Only WDWorld Review of ESPN The Weekend 2011 

Below are some pictures from the 2011 and unfortunately last ESPN the Weekend:

For families who are looking for something special to do that the entire family will love during their Walt Disney World Vacation consider visiting the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop to take on The Kitchen Sink!


Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
The Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is located in the Beach Club Resort which is a short walk from the International  Gateway for Epcot and Disney's Boardwalk. 


It is a relatively small, old fashioned, Soda Shop that serves burgers and sandwiches, along with a variety of ice cream creations.  There is one item on their menu that brings families and groups of friends together and makes this a favorite evening location: The Kitchen Sink.



After you order the Kitchen Sink be prepared for the fanfare and excitement to follow.  After it is prepared, the staff turns on the flashing light and asks for the attention of the entire shop.  Then they loudly announced that your table has ordered the Kitchen Sink and start to detail all that goes into this monstrous ice cream creation: 8 scoops of ice cream, all of the toppings in the house (all I do mean all), and an entire can of whipped cream.  Finally they deliver it to your table and it is time to dig in.


By all means have your server take a family picture before you dig in.  This also gives you a moment to let the daunting task in front of you sink in.  It is all smiles before the real work begins.  The gauntlet has been laid down and the entire place is curious to know if you have what it takes to consume this dessert masterpiece.


This is where the fun begins.  It is time to begin the challenge.  It is also time to discover what "all the toppings in the house" really means.  We discovered: maraschino cherries, hot fudge, angel food cake, brownies, oreo cookies, peanut butter, pound cake, a banana, sprinkles, 3 Musketeers Candy Bar, Strawberry topping, and more.



Don't attempt this right after dinner.  You do not appreciate how much food this is until you get into it.  Make sure you have fun while you are eating it!  This really is a great family activity.  Enjoy the ice cream and the family togetherness time.


You can either eat directly from the "Sink" or transfer a portion to your personal bowl and then refill when you are ready for more.  Technique is entirely up to you.  Remember the fun is in the journey, not the destination.


Hopefully you will finally reach the bottom of the sink.  We were amazed that there were no fewer than 7 families or group that were in some process of conquering their own Kitchen Sink while we were there. 

Other Kitchen Sink Items Of Note
Here are some other items to keep in mind when planning your own Kitchen Sink Experience:

• Beaches & Cream does not take reservations.  Waits can be lengthy in the evenings, so plan accordingly.  They do have a pager system so you can wonder around a bit while you wait.
• The Kitchen Sink costs a whopping $23.99, but that is no more than a family of 4 coming in and each ordering a hot fudge sundae.
• They do accept the Tables & Wonderland Discount which will save you 20% off your entire bill.
• If you do have allergies make the staff aware and they will review the entire topping list with you.

Disney World Family Fun
Tackling the Kitchen Sink is a great family activity to do during your Disney World Vacation.  If you are not staying in one of the Boardwalk Area Resorts, then you may wish to stop by when you are visiting Epcot.  It is a short walk from the International Gateway Entrance to Epcot located between the Great Britain and France Pavilions.  Any Disney Cast Members would be happy to give you directions to Beaches & Cream.

Lastly, don't worry if you don't eat it all.  Enjoy the experience.  Take lots of pictures, and don't forget to share plenty of laughs while you enjoy your Kitchen Sink.  The memories will last long after the ice cream has all melted.

At the Disney Vacation Club's newest resort: Bay Lake Tower At Disney's Contemporary Resort you can get incredible close-up views of the Magic Kingdom and an experience that differentiates itself from all other Disney Vacation Club Resorts.


Bay Lake Tower
Staying true to the design elements of Disney's Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower takes that "contemporary" feel and applies it to the design of the rooms and amenities for the new hotel.


The studio rooms have the same amenities that you will find in the other Disney Vacation Club Resorts, but the layout is different and the feel is a little on the cozy side.


Incredible Views
What sets Bay Lake Tower apart from the other Disney Vacation Club Resorts is Location, Location, Location.  You are right next to the original Disney World Theme Park and have both walking access and monorail access to the Magic Kingdom.  Along with the close proximately comes some incredible views.

The pictures shown above and below are taken from the 12th floor of Bay Lake Tower.  The above picture is from the exit to the elevator, while the ones below are taken from a Magic Kingdom View Studio.


The views get even better as you move on to night time.  There is nothing like seeing the Magic Kingdom at night.  It takes on a whole new persona.



Top Of The World Lounge
At the top of Bay Lake Tower is the exclusive Top Of The World Lounge that is only accessible by Disney Vacation Club members that are staying at Bay Lake Tower.


The inside of the glass walled lounge follows the theming of the Contemporary Resort and offers a full bar and a limited appetizer type food menu.


The most impressive part of the lounge though is the rooftop views.  It is also a great place to catch the Wishes Fireworks.  The music from the show is pumped into the lounge and the outside viewing area.  It is really neat to catch Wishes from a whole new perspective.

Muppet Labs is the home of Muppet favorites Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his faithful assistant Beaker.  At Disney's Hollywood Studios, where the Muppets call home at the Walt Disney World Resort, there are a number of great signs from Muppet Labs that you should definitely check out.

1. Ask the person nearby: "Can you stick out your tongue and touch your ear?"
2. 99.3% of the time they will say: "That is impossible!"
3. Show them they are in error by just:
    - Sticking out your tongue
    - Touching your ear (with your hand.)

Remember that Science can be sneaky sometimes!

1. Holding your index fingers in front of you close, but not touching (see above picture)
2. Looking directly between these fingertips, stare at some distant object.
3. Eureka! A phantom fingertip should float in midair before your very eyes!

• "I saw ELVIS waiting in line a Muppet Vision 3D."