This great annual event at DisneyWorld’s Epcot theme park is a real treat for the senses. Foodies and those who appreciate good wine will want to save the date for the 18th Epcot International Food and Wine Festival from September 27th to November 10th 2013.
What’s on the ‘menu’?
As expected there will be an abundance of culinary delights to sample at the International Marketplaces, tasting events and seminars, as well as concerts and celebrity chefs to schmooze with.
International Marketplaces
The Marketplaces offer up cuisines from countries around the world. Back again for another year are the Brazil and Hawaii Marketplaces which were well received at last year’s festival. Making its debut is the Scotland Marketplace with products synonymous with the country such as Scotch, mead and beer. Will there be haggis too?
Party for the Senses
This is one of the real highlights of the festival with food tastings during October and November. For those who don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, special premium events include Sweet Sundays, 3D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and Cheese Seminars. There will be plenty of sweet morsels and exciting cheeses to sample and enjoy.
Celebrity chefs
Visitors will be able to rub shoulders with culinary royalty too. Celebrity chefs will be sharing their secrets and expertise in cookery demonstrations and special organised events during the festival.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog
Yes that’s right a bog full of cranberries has had a spot at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival for the past two years and is due to be present this year as well. Although it might be tempting to climb in, this is strictly forbidden.
Ocean Spray representatives and cranberry growers are on hand to answer any questions visitors may have, such as why they can’t jump in. Those fascinated by these juicy little berries can learn all about how they are grown, harvested and more.
Eat to the Beat Concerts
Foodies who aren’t too full or need a little help to digest their overindulgence will find the Eat to the Beat Concerts a lovely addition. Popular music acts should get feet tapping and hips swaying, not to mention singing. The line up includes the Go-Go’s, The Pointer Sisters, the Spin Doctors, Boyz II Men, Survivor, Wilson Phillips, Manhattan Transfer and many more favourites.
Visitors will find the concert venue in the America Gardens Theatre and the shows start at 5.30, 6.45 and 8pm.
How much does it cost?
The Premium events featured in the Party of the Senses are at an additional cost to the Epcot Park admission fee. The Eat to the Beat Concerts are included in the Epcot Park admission fee. See Disney’s website for admission prices.
Where is it again?
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is held at DisneyWorld’s Epcot theme park. Transportation around Disney is easy and straightforward with buses; boats and the Monorail covering the entire theme park.
A little sampler
The Disney website also has a whole host of tasty recipes from past festivals. The mouth watering dishes include Pork Pot Stickers, Shrimp Tacos, Grilled Lamb Chops with Shiraz Reduction, Jerk-Spiced Chicken Drumettes with Mango Chutney, California Sushi Roll, Cheddar Cheese Soup, Apple Strudel and a refreshing Singapore Sling. Have a look in the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival section.
Josh Whiten writes on behalf of Top Villas, who specialize in Reunion Resort villa rentals. Find the perfect accommodation for your next Florida vacation.
