Dateline Disney: July/August 2013

Fireworks light up the sky and illuminated image projections create a patriotic exterior on Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Spectacular fireworks displays with brilliant bursts of light coloring the night sky above the theme parks have been a Walt Disney World Resort entertainment specialty for decades. The July 4th fireworks typically are one of the most elaborate nighttime spectacles ever seen at a Disney theme park. (David Roark, photographer) Spectacular fireworks synchronized to a symphonic score burst above Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Lasers, a revolving Earth globe and leaping flames co-star in the spectacle for Walt Disney World Resort guests. (Disney) From July 15-21 SouthBound and Company ~ A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform during the Sounds like Summer concert series at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The event features some of the greatest tribute bands rockin’ to U2, The Bee Gees, Bon Jovi and many more during select nights from June to July. All performances are scheduled to take place at the open-air American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. Grand tasting experiences take place most Saturdays during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Sept. 27 through Nov. 11, 2013. Each event, held at the park’s World Showplace pavilion in Future World, serves up an evening of exotic taste treats by Disney and celebrity chefs; wines, beers and other beverages from around the world, plus live entertainment.  (Matt Stroshane, photographer) The grand tasting experiences take place several Saturdays during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Sept. 27 through Nov. 11, 2013. Each event, held at the park’s World Showplace pavilion in Future World, serves up an evening of exotic taste treats by Disney and celebrity chefs; wines, beers and other beverages from around the world plus live entertainment. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort reopens this summer with a complete redesign. The Disney owned and operated facility will feature 10 treatment rooms offering a menu of water therapy, massage, facial, and manicure and pedicure services. Just as Saratoga Springs in New York flourished around the discovery of the healing mineral waters of the springs, Senses will incorporate the springs, nature and the storyline of health in its design and theming. Rich textures and an earth-inspired color scheme blend with rustic rock work, setting the stage for a relaxing retreat for Walt Disney World Resort guests designed to inspire serenity and tranquility associated with nature. (Disney) From July 14-20 The Police Experience~ A Tribute to the Police will perform during the Sounds like Summer concert series at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The event features some of the greatest tribute bands rockin’ to U2, The Bee Gees, Bon Jovi and many more during select nights from June to July. All performances are scheduled to take place at the open-air American Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. The Great Irish Hooley returns for four non-stop days of incomparable Irish food, live music and fun at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney August 30-Sept. 2. Irish slang for a party or celebration, the Great Irish Hooley debuted in 2012 to such acclaim that it returns in 2013 with U2 Tribute band Elevation, top Irish bands, music and dance workshops and Celtic fun for all in the family. Downtown Disney is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.