“Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” at Epcot displays the work of contemporary Native artists alongside artifacts from centuries past, demonstrating how ancestral craftsmanship influences modern generations.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

The 89 pieces on display represent 40 different American Indian tribes from seven geographic regions across the United State.

“At Epcot, guests are invited to celebrate the limitless possibilities of human imagination and innovation.” said Melissa Valiquette, vice president of Epcot. “By showcasing artwork from so many diverse American Indian tribes, ‘Creating Tradition’ is a wonderful way to share a vital part of the United States’ culture with all those who visit The American Adventure.”

Highlights from the collection include:

• Fashion designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo) used the patterns on a jar made in the 1900s by an Acoma Pueblo potter as inspiration for his “Ancient Resonance” dress.
• A Pokagon Potawatomi black ash hamper basket, made in the early 1900s, is paired with modern baskets, exemplifying how this technique is maintained over centuries. For example, on display is “Mother’s Womb,” a basket made by Cherish Nebeshanze Parrish (Potawatomi/Odawa) in 2011.
• A Chilkat blanket from Alaska dating to the 1890s complements “Raven and the Box of Daylight,” a 2017 glass sculpture by Preston Singletary (Tlingit). This piece shows how Singletary experiments with designs from his Tlingit heritage in mediums beyond traditional Native materials.

“Creating Tradition” also offers three interactive video exhibits where contemporary American Indian artists share perspectives on their work and culture. When guests wave their hands in front of a display resembling a campfire, the “flames” transform into a video presentation. Music playing in the gallery, performed by Native musicians, supports the objects and regions represented throughout the exhibition.

The new art exhibition is produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Leaders from both cultural institutions were on hand for the gallery opening.

“I am delighted to recognize this association with Disney as their leadership shares the vision and creativity of contemporary American Indian artists with international visitors,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the National Museum of the American Indian. “We hope Epcot visitors will see the American experience begins with the American Indians who have always been here.”

“We are honored to collaborate with Walt Disney Imagineering and the Smithsonian in developing this exhibition,” said Della Warrior (Otoe-Missouria), director of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. “Hopefully, it will foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the various tribes located in almost every state in this nation, and people seeing these artifacts will be inspired and strive to learn more about American Indians.”

The dedication ceremony for “Creating Tradition” included a blessing from Seminole Tribe of Florida representative Bobby Henry and a stomp dance performance by Seminole tribe members.

During the next five years, the exhibition will feature new artifacts and refreshed displays, incorporating pieces from more of the 573 American Indian tribes recognized by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The first of the three V.I.PASSHOLDER event nights gets underway at the Magic Kingdom this week on August 5.

Similar to Extra Magic Hours, but specifically for registered Gold and Above passholders, the event takes place from 10:00pm to 12:00am.

Wristband distribution will begin at 7pm at the Magic Entrance, Tortuga Tavern and near Stitch's Great Escape.

Here is a look at the attraction line-up. As always, this is subject to change, to check guides on the day of the event for any updates.

Attractions

Adventureland

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin 
• Pirates of the Caribbean 
• Swiss Family Treehouse 
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 
• Country Bear Jamboree 
• Splash Mountain 

Liberty Square

• Haunted Mansion 

Fantasyland

• The Barnstormer 
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant 
• “it’s a small world” 
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic 
• Peter Pan’s Flight 
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel 
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 
• Under the Sea -- Journey of the Little Mermaid 

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter 
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor 
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin 
• Space Mountain 
• Tomorrowland Speedway 

V.I.PASSHOLDER Night Entertainment at the Magic Kingdom

• Princess Fairtytale Hall 
• Town Square Theater Mickey Mouse 

V.I.PASSHOLDER Night Food and Beverage at the Magic Kingdom

• Main Street Bakery 
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café 

V.I.PASSHOLDER Night Merchandise at the Magic Kingdom

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Emporium 
• Curtain Call Collectibles 
• Box Office Gifts 
• Locker, Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals 

Adventureland

• Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar 

Frontierland

• Splashdown Photo 

Fantasyland

• Hundred Acre Goods Sir Mickey’s 

Tomorrowland

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos 
• Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine.

This annual outside-the-classroom mentoring program is scheduled for March 21-24, 2019, at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida. The program helps 100 select high school students; ages 13-19, from across the United States jump-start their life goals and pursue their dreams.

Disney Dreamers Academy turns the entire setting of Walt Disney World into a classroom where students participate in a series of sessions and workshops designed to help them imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their goals into action. Disney Dreamers engage in a wide variety of experiences at Walt Disney World while working side by side with celebrities, community and industry leaders and Disney cast members.

Participants learn how to improve their communication skills, what it means to be a leader and networking strategies, among other skills. They are also inspired by celebrity speakers and other special guests who share their stories and provide insights on how to achieve their life goals.

Disney Dreamers Academy graduates have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more. Some have started their own public relations firms, while others have worked with national political leaders.

Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. A parent or guardian accompanies each student on the trip.

This four day, all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World will continue to help change the lives of young people in 2019. For more information or to apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com now through October 31, 2018.

Disney has released the full menu line-up for the 2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Check out "The ONLY 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Guide You'll Need! (Including MENUS!)- PART ONE" for all of the details and stay tuned for Part Two to be posted shortly.

Dining packages coming to Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Reservations begin August 2, 2018 for a new Festival of the Lion King dinner package, which includes a meal at Tiffins Restaurant followed by special VIP seating at one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

For both dining packages (Tier I and Tier II), the package includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island. The three-course meal includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and your choice of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage.

Along with your meal, you’ll receive special vouchers for priority reserved VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King and a commemorative cast photo.

With the Tier I dining package, you’ll also get to take part in a unique safari tour through the African outback. Escorted by a special guide, you’ll ride through rugged terrain to see some of the world’s most exotic animals in their unique habitats.

The Tier I Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant, priority VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, and a safari tour) is $99 per adult and $49 per children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Tier II Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant and priority reserved seating at Festival of the Lion King) is $74 per adult and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages are available daily starting August 13 through November 21, 2018. Reservations can be made online at the Walt Disney World Resort website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

“American Idol” returns for its second season on ABC for the 2018-2019 season, and Walt Disney World will be the first stop on the nationwide bus audition tour.

This is the second year that Walt Disney World has played host to Idol auditions, with the Idol event last year held at Disney Springs.

The 20-plus city search for the next Idol will see the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort get things started on August 25 2018. ABC’s “American Idol” Season 1 winner Maddie Poppe, runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and finalist Catie Turner will make special appearances.

Parking will be available as early as 4am, but not before. Registration will begin at 7am with auditions starting at 9am. Overnight camping will not be allowed. Celebrity judges will not be on site. All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To Pre-register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions

STK Orlando at Disney Springs has launched a new lunch service this week complete with new menu.

Lunch is served from 11am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Disney has confirmed that Disney Junior star Vampirina will be coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in September 2018.
She will appear first as part of Disney Junior Play 'n' Dine breakfast at Hollywood and Vine from September 30. To make way for Vampirina, Jake will be leaving Hollywood and Vine.

Later in the fall she will hold meet and greets in the Animation Courtyard, and will also be part of the new Disney Junior Dance Party! which replaces the current 'Disney Junior Live on Stage!'

At Animation Courtyard, Jake will be leaving with the arrival of Vampirina, which will leave the line-up as Vampirina, Sofia the first, Doc McStuffins and Pluto.

Vampirina debuted on Disney Junior in October 2017, and has just been renewed for a second season.

Chicken Guy!, the latest fast-casual restaurant at Disney Springs officially opens its doors to guests today.
The menu features all-natural chicken tenders that are hand-pounded and breaded fresh every day. Choose tenders fried or grilled, on a sandwich or now their own, and combine with 22 different dipping sauces for endless combinations.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email [email protected] for a free quote today.