Ever want to taste food and beverages from around the world? Lucky for you, the 18th annual Food and Wine Festival, presented by Chase, at EPCOT is taking place as we speak.
Every fall, the World Showcase in EPCOT is transformed to bring you even more cuisine from around the world. On top of the 11 countries that are already present in the showcase, you can find stands from:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Belgium
- Poland
- Ireland
- Greece
- Africa
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Canada
- Hawai’i
- Scottland
The Scottland kiosk is new to the festival this year in celebration of the newest Disney princess, Merida. Here, you are able to order authentic Scottish food and beverages. You may even find yourself bringing out your Scottish accents.
This year there are more than 300 international and national wines being served. From September 27- November 11, you have 46 days to head on over and check it all out. This is the longest the festival has ever taken place. There are more than 100 celebrity chefs present on top of the 160 Disney chefs. And it wouldn’t be a Disney trip without fireworks so be sure feast your eyes on the 1,200 fireworks set off each night in “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” above the World Showcase Lagoon.
Still looking for more? You can make reservations to attend Culinary Demonstrations and Wine Seminars. These Culinary Demos are 45 minute sessions that allow you to learn from some of the most prestige chefs from around the world. You will be taught tips and tricks, along with tastings of each dish and beverage demonstrated.
Wine and Beverage Seminars are given by wine professionals and beverage specialists. Learn these professionals’ techniques and sample , both old and new, wines and beverages. You can also sign up for Mixology Seminars and learn the art of mixing cocktails from highly skilled mixologists, sampling along the way.
Now that you’ve got all the delicious food, how about some music. “Eat to the Beat” concerts go on every night throughout the duration of the festival. This year’s line up is as follows:
- September 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
- September 30-October 1 – Go-Go’s
- October 2-4 – Air Supply
- October 5-6 – Sister Hazel
- October 7-9 – Sugar Ray
- October 10-11 – Edwin McCain
- October 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
- October 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
- October 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
- October 18-20 – Night Ranger
- October 21-23 – Boyz II Men
- October 24-25 – Survivor
- October 26-27 – 38 Special
- October 28-30 – Smash Mouth
- October 31-November 1 – Spin Doctors
- November 2-3 – Christopher Cross
- November 4-5 – Hanson
- November 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
- November 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
If you have never experienced the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, I highly recommend it. It really is a great experience and is a great way to “travel” the world from the comfort of one location. Now go and get your tastebuds ready because you are in for a treat.
-Buzz