I had a few hours to roam around Epcot Wednesday night after spending a great day at Animal Kingdom Lodge, sampling some of their special activities (the “Untamed” Lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa, and the Jiko South African Wine Tasting – I’ll be writing about them in more detail soon). Just thought I’d share some of the things that were of interest or new to me since my last visit.
As I passed through Future World, I took a detour over to Pixie Hollow, the current home of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. It’s in the same location it occupied during the Flower and Garden Festival earlier this year – to the right of the main entrance of MouseGear, tucked into a little corner of garden greenery. The fairies were out working on “blooming spring” as the sign said – done with their meet and greet duties for the day. It was around 7 p.m. so I wasn’t surprised. I’ve always imagined that fairies are more “morning people”.
There were several new things in World Showcase that were on my must-see list, starting with the band that’s taken up residence in the UK pavilion, replacing mainstay Beatles look- and sound-alikes the British Invasion. The new four-man group, called The British Revolution, presents a “history of British rock” in less than an a half-hour that is most entertaining. Their set started with the Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin'”, followed in rapid succession by an abbreviated rendition of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, and selections by Manfred Mann, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. After a rollicking version of the Beatles “I Saw Her Standing There” that got the audience yodeling along, the foursome brought us out of the 1960s with a bit of The Clash (“Should I Stay or Should I Go”), Queen (“We Will Rock You”) and the Police (“Message in a Bottle”). As much as I loved listening to the old Beatles tunes that had been playing in this pavilion for years, British Revolution were definitely on the right track with this 25-ish minute set list – as the woman next to me said, “I loved British Invasion, but these guys are really good!” After closing out with a few more snippets of Beatles (Sgt. Pepper and Hey Jude), these guys even stuck around for autographs and photos with their newfound fans.
As I meandered around, I discovered some walls up in the Japan pavilion, and peeking from behind the walls what appears to be a semi-permanent structure. I asked around but no one seemed to know what the new building would be, or when it will open. I don’t know”¦ thinking maybe an outdoor sake bar? Guess we’ll find out soon!
Over in the China pavilion, they’ve renovated their department store into the recently reopened “House of Good Fortune.” The former Yong Deng Shangdian shop is not as harshly lit, and the various departments seem less cluttered and more well -defined. At the center of the store when you walk in you’re greeted by a huge statue of Buddha, who presides over all the shops’ many offerings, including a new Kidcot Fun Station.
I had read recently about some changes at the Outpost. The not-quite-a-country pavilion has added a kiosk dubbed “The Bead Outpost” due to the wares it’s selling there – beads. These beads are all made of recycled paper – and not just any paper, but old Disney theme park guide maps!
I was intrigued. If I hadn’t been told these beautiful, multi-colored, multi-shaped beads were made of paper, I would never have known. As the cast member there explained, though, the jewelry is part of the “Bead for Life“ program, a nonprofit organization that is designed to “eradicate poverty, one bead at a time.” The Disney guide maps are sent to Uganda, where Ugandan women craft the water-resistant beads, earning them funds for medicine, housing and more. All net proceeds from the sales of the beads are reinvested, as well.
In looking at this unique jewelry, it’s interesting to note that every so often you can make out a character or two, a P here, an S there. The beads come in every conceivable color, and are available as bracelets ($10), anklets ($12), chokers ($15), longer necklaces ($20) and earrings ($7). You can also string your own choice of beads to come up with your own unique creation. I admit it – with my birthday coming up, I decided to treat myself and bought a few items. As a perfect ending touch, my purchase was given me its own unique wrapping – an old park guide map, folded and taped into the shape of a little gift bag.
All in all it was a fun evening, even though it was just a few hours. As my bonus for the day, I was treated to a gorgeous Spaceship Earth, beautifully illuminated by the setting sun.
Thanks for the updates Deb! I’m going to be sure to pick up some of those beads in October. I looked at them this month, but must have missed the explanation about them. There is a similar project at AK with bags made from recycled plastic bags.
I completely agree that the new band in the UK is a nice change and I’m glad to be able to hear more than Beatles tunes!
I like the new layout of the Good Fortune Store. It seemed to be much easier to navigate on my most recent trip!
Deb! Thank you for telling us about those beads made from old park maps. What a clever way to make a souvenir meaningful. I’ve tried to make beads out of magazine pages and it’s not easy!
I think the British Revolution are talented but the entire experience lacks a little of the Disney Magic we have come to love and enjoy….if you look around at the other groups performing, you see them dressed for the occasion, I think that might help. I have visited twice since they started and think the music is good….but one set did have some song selections I might reconsider if I were choosing.
We are 83 days out from our Disney vacation and I am getting me some of those beads. What a NEAT souvenir!!
I picked up the long necklace when i was there in June. Came across it by surprise and knew i had to have one. Lots of colors to choose from , will get another one when i return next year. Felt good to have picked up a souvenier that had so much meaning.
Love those beads!
It is nice to know that Disney has such a far reaching effect on other countries!
I know this has nothing to do with EPCOT but I was wondering what you thought about your Wild African Trek journey? Did not remember seeing a blog on that yet. Did you get to go?
Hope so, I thought it was great fun.
Deb Koma replies: Hi Penny! Yes, love the beads very much.
As for the Wild Africa Trek, I finally had the chance to write about it this week — it appears as the feature in this week’s AllEars newsletter. Loved the whole experience!
I was so excited to see your comments about the beads! My niece was adopted from Uganda two years ago at 9yrs old. My sister brought us all these amazing necklaces that my niece and the ladies at the village had made.
Seeing these now at Epcot just makes me love Disney that much more. My husband and I are going down in October and I can’t wait to get some more of these beads.
Thanks for your great report and the pictures!
I also spoke with the Cast Members in Innoventions East about the “House of Tomorrow.” They said it will be re-opening shortly after a long refurbishment. Cast Members have already started their training inside the new house. One Cast Member told me that the new house has taken some steps to become more “green.”
I was in Epcot two weeks ago and I spoke to a manager of the Chinese Shop, House of Good Fortune. He told me that they just renewed their ten-year lease with Epcot and with that came the changes we see to the shop.
I asked him about the notable absence of the jade figures, especially the jade ships I have always liked. He said that they moved them back to the warehouse to create floor space for the changes, but that he thinks he will be able to squeeze more of them into the store in the near future. I asked him if they were moved because no one was buying them. He said that was not the case and that they actually sell quite a few of them. He said that more affluent visitors buy them for their offices or for their homes.
I so have to get some of those beads. Can’t wait to get to Disney in October 2011. Thank you allears for great info on everything Disney
Thanks for the update about new happenings at epcot. My husband and I will be visiting disney world in September of 2011 and we will be sure to check out the new act by the British Revolution. I’m also looking forward to doing some shopping at House of Good Fortune.
I have to echo the sentiments regarding the British Revolution. We were in Epcot in June and really enjoyed their set. They opened with Pinball Wizard by the Who, and finished with Hey Jude by the Beatles. In between they performed Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die and Queen’s We Will Rock. They showed a great musical range and they kept UK pavillion rocking. They stayed after the set to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans. One of the highlights of our trip. Rock on British Revolution. I hope they are still performing next time we visit Epcot.
I love the beads. I hope they are permanent. What a great idea!
I love the paper beads! I know what I will be purchasing on my next trip! I’ve seen those beads in other stores, like Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV, and they are amazing. What a great souvenier!
Hi Deb- Just wondering if the Bead Outpost kiosk is a permanent fixture in the Outpost. I would love to purchase some of these beads however I won’t be returning to WDW until Sept 2012.
Love, Love, Love All Ears, it is the only thing that makes the waiting for my next trip bearable. I am forever recommending your site to friends and family as the best resource for all things Disney.
Deb Koma replies: Hi Peg. The kiosk looks to be as permanent as anything else in the pavilion, and there was nothing to indicate it was temporary… but as we all know, Disney is always changing, so who knows how long the beads will be there?! You just can never be sure, but if we find out anything, we’ll certainly write about it on the site and in the newsletter. And thanks for the nice words about the site — we really appreciate the feedback!