Gilded Mayhem at the Hancock Pavilion
For Your Leisure
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
This event will take place throughout the entirety of EPCOT during our stay at Walt Disney World. ✓ Enjoy a live concert by the stars of Disney on Broadway in the America Pavilion. ✓ Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters with real Disney Studios animators. ✓ Watch live artists paint a canvas right in front of you or draw a masterpiece in chalk on the ground. ✓ Savor special sips and treats exclusive to the festival (which have been known to even include live cooking demonstrations some years!) using a Festival Passport to travel throughout the park sampling them all ✓ Chalk drawing stations for the kids ✓ Test out your creative skills by joining the communal paint-by-number mural and taking a copy of the final piece home to remember for years to come! PRO TIP- There is so much to do and tons to see and interact with. We strongly encourage scheduling at least 2 days of your trip to be able to experience all that EPCOT has to offer. It is our favorite park, after all!
Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
There's nothing in this world that our grandfather, Paul, loves more than his grandchildren. However, golf is a very close second. For those of you who would like to join him for a round before the wedding, please feel free to let us know! We would be happy to add you to his tee time appointment. Date: Time: Price:
Gideon's Bakehouse
BEST. COOKIES. EVER. MADE. This gothic-themed bakeshop sells 1/2 lb cookies made in small batches and baked fresh twice a day, every day. Each month, they come out with a limited edition cookie of the month that is truly a work of art. They are, without a doubt, the best cookies you will ever have in your entire life. Don't worry if you're not a cookie person! They also make INCREDIBLE cakes sold by the slice that change out daily, so you never know what you'll be able to get until you walk inside, and artisanal coffee that is ground locally. Don't let the long lines scare you (no pun intended)! The line moves VERY quickly. You will be in and out in no longer than 20 minutes max, and the cookies will haunt your memories for years to come. We promise it will be worth every second, cent, and torturous inhale while you're in line (if you know, you know). You won't regret this. PRO TIP- The theming here might be a little scary for some young children. Similar vibes to Haunted Mansion.
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'
This is one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at in our lives. The chef who created it was the private chef to Oprah Winfrey BEFORE she went on Weight Watchers. Get ready to experience the best fried chicken, moonshine, shrimp and grits, hummingbird cake, and southern comfort food you have ever had in your entire life. You're welcome in advance. PRO TIP- Reservations for this place book out completely 60 days in advance. Make sure you book your dining reservations at 6 AM exactly on that day before your trip, or you will not be able to get in. They don't usually even have room for walk-ups.
World of Disney®
This is Davey’s favorite store in all of Disney World. The size of two city blocks, you can find just about anything here from rooms filled with stuffed animals to full collections of home goods, clothes for the whole family, and any pair of ears you can ever imagine! PRO TIP- schedule at least 30 minutes to an hour to check out this store. You’re gonna get lost in here! Also, your kids will love playing under the giant Stitch statue outside on a hot day to help cool off. You’ll find out why when you get there!
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
An enchanted speakeasy in Disney's Polynesian Resort where the drinks you order make the bar come to life! While the drinks here may seem pricey, it's actually because you get to keep the glass for all of the signature cocktails! This bar is famous for the interactive callbacks that the bar patrons are encouraged to join in on, so be prepared for a pretty lively atmosphere where everyone is a part of the magic. No reservations are accepted. The walk-up virtual queue begins at 2 pm. Must be 21+ to enter after 8 pm. PRO TIP- The most coveted drink to receive at Trader Sam's is a Black Pearl. When someone orders a Polynesian Pearl cocktail, the glass will, on extremely rare occasions, be a black pearl rather than the traditional white one. If you happen to get one, the tradition is to turn your pearl into a planter and keep it as a trophy in a place of honor. Good luck!
Behind The Seeds Greenhouse Tour
Our favorite attraction in all of Walt Disney World is Living with the Land. This private walking tour of EPCOT's world-famous conservation gardens allows you to go both inside and behind the attraction itself and learn all about the inner workings of Disney's efforts to help restore planet Earth through scientific discovery and modern technological marvels. Sample fresh cucumbers grown directly in the gardens you can see from inside the ride, tour the hydroponic fish farms up close and personal, and so much more! Those of you with a green thumb can even take home a seedling from The Living with the Land gardens at the end of the tour for a small additional fee. PRO TIP- Reservations are encouraged. These can be booked on the MyDisneyExperience app or Disney World website with a valid hotel and theme park reservation starting at 60 days in advance.
Ronto Roasters
Calling all Star Wars fans! Ronto Roasters is our favorite thing to eat in all of Hollywood Studios. Every version on the menu is incredible, so no matter if you are vegan, gluten-free, in the mood for breakfast, or a carnivore ready to sink your teeth into meaty goodness, you're in the right place! No need to worry about reservations or booking this meal in advance. Just walk right up to the stand and order it on the spot! This is a very inexpensive and satisfying option that will make the whole family happy! PRO TIP- Feel free to utilize the mobile order option on the MyDisneyExperience app so you have more time to find a table in the shade and keep your eyes peeled! The Resistance hides out on Black Spire Outpost, so a ton of familiar faces tend to walk through the restaurant pretty frequently. You might just run into a Jedi master, a stormtrooper or two, or even a wookie if you're lucky enough to spot one!
Walt Disney Presents
For all of you that love museums just as much as we do- this might be your favorite place in Hollywood Studios! This beautifully curated collection displays a timeline of Walt Disney’s life work- from the creation of Mickey Mouse to passing the torch to his brother Roy to continue his legacy of innovation and success. There is something for everyone to learn from and enjoy in here (especially a nice break from the heat!) PRO TIP- Ask a cast member for the scavenger hunt so you can sign the book!
Aloha Isle
This is the place to go for one of the most famous snacks Disney has ever created (and Jennie’s favorite)- Dole Whip! This is a dairy-free frozen treat made of fresh pineapple or coconut that is shipped directly from Dole’s farms in Hawaii exclusively for Disney! PRO TIP- We recommend ordering the Tropical Serenade. It features Disney’s signature juice blend, POG (pineapple, orange, guava), coconut dole whip, and a pineapple upside down cake cake pop. Order this with pineapple dole whip for the best experience possible.