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Magic at the Epcot After-Hours Wind Down

September 22, 2014 By //  by Lauren 17 Comments

illumiNations
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Copyright: Disney Photos

When others ask me why I want to take yet another Walt Disney World vacation, or why we’re going back when we were just there, I always reply by telling them that I will quit going the day I have seen and done everything–the day it loses its magic and no longer fills me with sheer excitement and joy. For me, a Disney vacation is a week (or however many days) long high, equivalent to the few minutes of pleasure you get from eating your favorite dessert, or the few seconds of joy you get from putting on brand new socks. (Tell me I’m not the only one who loves new socks!) It isn’t news that I love Disney, but it is hard to explain to the less enchanted folks that each trip is different and each trip holds so many new experiences. It is like I am visiting an exciting new place, but also one that holds special memories and is familiar and soothing all at the same time. I know with confidence the magic will never fade.2014-09-19 11.22.45 I took my husband on his first trip to Walt Disney World shortly before we became engaged. It was priceless to watch his face light-up and see his reaction to the Pixie Dust floating through the popcorn-scented air. SplashMtnPhotoAfter that trip, it was a no brainer where we would spend our honeymoon and yet, we were still met with doubt from those insisting we look for something more romantic or more “adult.” I happily explained there was nothing more magical. We have since celebrated several anniversaries at Disney World, including our fifth anniversary just last week. For each trip, we have planned a unique way to celebrate our special day. Dinner reservations at signature restaurants, specialty cruises, tours, special events – there are countless ways to honor any occasion and they never disappoint. Disney practically handed me the idea for this year when they announced the Epcot After-Hours Wind Down event, on the Disney Parks Blog, last April. We love Epcot; in fact it’s a family favorite! We love Disney dining and drinks and when you add the opportunity to stay in the park after close for a romantic and relaxing evening – this seems storybook perfect. There are four locations which offer the event: Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion, La Cava del Tequila at the Mexico Pavilion or the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Although each option sounded marvelous, my husband and I had eaten at the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room on our honeymoon and I thought it would be the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. After watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (Love!) we headed to the United Kingdom Pavilion and checked in for our reservation with a Cast Member standing at the front door. We were then escorted inside and were given a quaint and quiet corner booth. After being greeted by our Host, we were given a short description of the beverage and food selections we were about to experience. The offerings consisted of a beer flight and a selection of three appetizers.sampler Food Sampling Everything was delicious! My favorite treat was the Scotch Egg: a decadent compilation of a hardboiled egg, wrapped in sausage and then deep fried. I’ve seen these on pub menus here and there and, although they have always sounded good, I’ve never ordered one. Big mistake! It was scrumptious and the sauce they paired it with had just the right amount of zest to combat the richness. Breakfast may never be the same in my house. After finishing our snack and flight we were asked if there was anything else they could get us and given a beverage menu. We were pleased to find out the full bar was still open and we were allowed to order what we would like at an additional cost from the event fee. Being our special night, we indulged with two of the specialty drinks: a Welsh Dragon and an English Rose. welsh DragonEnglish Rose After finishing our drinks and paying our tab, we began our journey out of the park and back to our resort, shortly after eleven. Even though we knew the park was closed (except to the other patrons experiencing the After-Hours Wind Down) we weren’t expecting how incredible the finale to our evening would be. The park was empty! Fountains still spraying, lights still twinkling, music still playing, it was the same Epcot we had walked through countless times, but there Empty Parkwasn’t another person in sight! A little eerie at first, but completely and utterly magical! Talk about feeling important on our special day, we definitely felt like Disney VIPs. We stopped for pictures, made a wish for the years to come at the Innoventions Fountain, took countless photos of Spaceship Earth and with one last good-bye, headed out of the park.Spaceship Earth I still can’t believe how unbelievable this experience was. The price was very reasonable for the beverage and food selections offered and if you add in the one-of-a -kind occurrence of strolling through a nearly vacant park, it was well worth the $35/person price. If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest attending. We definitely felt like a prince and princess setting off to continue our Happily Ever After as we left Epcot that evening. Epcot Selfi     You can make reservations for this event online or by calling (407) 939-5277.  It is only offered on select nights and fills up quickly, so book early.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica Hapeman

    September 22, 2014 at 11:02 am

    Thanks for sharing…did the kids go to the event with you? I’ve been eyeing this!!

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 22, 2014 at 1:39 pm

      Hi Jessica,

      Thank you for stopping by to read. No, our kiddos spent the evening with the grandparents so we could have some adult Disney time. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kelly

    September 22, 2014 at 11:41 am

    You hit the nail on the head. The best part was Epcot to ourselves! You get a whole new perspective that is truly magical (that’s not the flight of wine in Italy talking. Lol) Looks like a great time at the UK Pavillion, just want to know, what was the last beer on the right? Can’t make out the name.

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 22, 2014 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Kelly!
      Yes, it was amazing. I can’t wait to go back and try the other locations. Did you love Tutto Gusto? The last one was a Strongbow. It is a hard apple cider and very delicious. Actually, if you drink half of your Guinness and half your Strongbow and then mix the remaining together it is called a Snakebite and one of my favorite drinks.

      Reply
  3. Tami @Colorado Mtn Mom

    September 22, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Wow… I’m totally with you on the giddy-through-the-whole Disney trip thing. There’s nothing else quite like it. You expressed it so well! And this EPCOT after hours gig sounds like a total blast. Looks like the date window has closed for now, but hopefully they’ll bring it back again!

    Great post, thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 22, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks Tami!

      Reply
  4. John @ run. geek. run(disney)

    September 22, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    Great post. That looks awesome. Looks like a surprisingly good price for it all too.

    If you want, I think your post would be great for Mickey Monday. It’s a new linkup I’m been trying to get going to link up Disney content every Monday. Add your link if you want and hopefully it will send some more people your way.

    https://www.rungeekrundisney.com/2014/09/coast-to-coast-challenge-mickey-monday.html

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 22, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      Thanks, John Will do!

      Reply
  5. marywdw

    September 22, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Found your post through the Mickey Monday linkup. I love your last few sentences in the first paragraph! I can definitely relate to the anticipation to go back to Disney each time and having the sense of familiarity about the place. Awesome post!

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 22, 2014 at 7:53 pm

      Thank you Mary! I’m so happy to hear from another who knows the “Disney Magic” feeling!

      Reply
  6. Tricia Kalita

    September 23, 2014 at 6:40 am

    Great review!! You totally have me looking up the options for my November trip this very minute!

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 23, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      Awesome! I think it is scheduled to end November 9, but hopefully they will extend it or bring it back soon!

      Reply
  7. Anna ~ Random Handprints

    September 23, 2014 at 11:32 am

    What an amazing experience. We’re going next month, can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 23, 2014 at 2:29 pm

      I hope you enjoy every moment! Have a wonderful vacation and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Amanda Zabor

    September 24, 2014 at 6:16 am

    Another great post Lauren! I love the feeling of night time in the World. Quiet and warm, but full of magic and potential and pixie dust. We were one of the last out of Magic Kingdom one night. It was so special. Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
    • Lauren

      September 24, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      Thank you Amanda. The serenity is incredible once the sun goes down. Thanks for reading and for leaving me a note. 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Disney Drink Of The Day: Welsh Dragon - Epcot Series says:
    April 17, 2015 at 9:02 am

    […] and has since been our dining choice for many anniversaries and special occasions, including the Epcot After-Hours Wind Down experience we had last year. ( I really hope they bring that back.) I love the quaint coziness of […]

    Reply

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I am a Colorado native, mom of 3 incredible kiddos and wife to an amazing husband. I love family, the outdoors, writing and travel. Please stay awhile and join us on our travels and everyday adventures. Read More…

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