Tag Archives: Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Jan 23 2019

Four Signature Epcot Festivals Return To Walt Disney World In 2019

Visiting Walt Disney World in 2019? You’ll be excited to know that all four signature Epcot festivals return to Walt Disney World Resort this year. 2019 kicks off with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts currently underway, followed by the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival during the spring, fan favorite Epcot International Food and Wine festival during the fall, and the year wraps up with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Stay tuned for more details as I visit each of the festivals this year. In the meantime, here is a first look at each event courtesy of Disney!

Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the arts, flowers, food, music, holidays and non-stop family fun throughout the year during four signature theme-park festivals.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Now – February 25, 2019

This annual celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts presents 39 fun-packed days showcasing art in many forms for everyone in the family. Food and drinks are created with artistic flair at more than 15 park destinations. The festival’s creative menus feature everything from red wine-braised short ribs with parsnip puree at Cuisine Classique to vanilla, rose water and pistachio panna cotta at Masterpiece Kitchen. Kids of all ages will want to try the Pop’t Art modern-design sugar cookie and other delectable treats.

In 2019, the festival’s popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will offer performances every day of the festival. The series presents musical performances from Disney on Broadway shows like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and special dining packages guarantee concert seats.

Interactive fun is around every corner. Guests can help paint a mural, pose for a memorable photo in the frame of an iconic piece of art, participate in a workshop, or take a break to watch performance artists in action.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot International Flower & Garden Festival: March 6 – June 3, 2019

Millions of spring blossoms will transform Epcot into a wonderful world of brilliant color during this 90-day celebration of flowers, topiaries, themed food, libations and music. Now in its 26th year, the festival continues to offer fresh experiences. A new Bo Peep and her Sheep topiary from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming “Toy Story 4” will greet guests at the festival’s new Family Play Zone. Featured gardens will focus on butterflies, bamboo and Shakespeare’s metaphoric plants, while more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries – from Snow White to Daisy Duck – dot the landscape.

New Outdoor Kitchens with their own herb and veggie gardens will debut this year with creative bites and beverages. The Garden Rocks Concert Series expands this year to every day of the festival, offering new and returning acts spanning multiple genres. With three performances daily, that’s 270 concerts over the course of the festival – more than ever before! Returning favorites like The Spinners and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will be joined by artists new to the festival like TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman and Colin Hay of Men at Work.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyEpcot International Food & Wine Festival: Late August – November 2019

Disney guests can get their gourmet groove on during this iconic culinary dine-around that will run late summer to November in 2019. More than 30 Festival Marketplaces will offer tempting tastes and sips throughout Epcot. During the festival, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presents a diverse collection of hit makers from pop to country to R&B and more. Concert seating is guaranteed for guests who book Eat to the Beat Dining Packages. Guests can also discover new savory and sweet treats by making reservations for the festival’s beverage seminars and specialty dining and pairing events.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: November – December 2019

The annual yuletide extravaganza at Epcot celebrates holiday traditions of World Showcase cultures with live musical productions, spirited storytellers, seasonal lights and décor, delicious holiday treats and more. The beloved, long-running Candlelight Processional invites guests to experience the story of Christmas narrated by a celebrity host to the cherished Christmas music performed by a professional orchestra and full choir. Dining packages offer guaranteed Candlelight seating.

Disney chefs create treasured seasonal dishes to keep palates merry at Holiday Kitchen kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon. From savories to sweets, from children’s drinks to adult libations, there’s something on the holiday menu for everyone.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Which Epcot Festival is your favorite?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jun 14 2018

2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Signature Dining Events Now On Sale

For all of you “foodies” out there, reservations for the Epcot Signature Dining Events offered as a part of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are now available. Book now – remember space is limited!

Mexican Tequila Lunch – La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion

Savor south-of-the-border cuisine paired with the fiery taste of tequila!

As you indulge in the authentic aromas and gourmet ingredients of a 4-course Mexican meal, you’re invited to celebrate your senses as you sample from a diverse range of tequila and mezcal selections—each carefully chosen to complement the spices found in these unique, regionally themed dishes. It’s an unforgettable epicurean adventure—one that explains the history of agave spirits and the subtle nuances found this series. Get ready to eat, drink… and merrily sing “Olé!”

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico at Epcot®

Dates: August: 30, 31
September: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
October: 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31
November: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Price: $85.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing at Via Napoli – Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion

Discover authentic Italian dishes with an original twist, each expertly prepared and served with regional beverages.

Guests will eat, stay and love an amazing menu filled with robust flavors adored the world over. Sit down to a 5-course gourmet meal paired with the chef’s own impeccable selection of Italian wines and craft beer—all chosen to complement his/her original recipes. One taste is all it takes to see why Italian cuisine warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Mangiare!

Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy at Epcot®

Dates: September: 25, 27
October: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
November: 1, 6, 8

Time: 1:30PM – 4:15PM

Price: $88.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Regional Food & Wine Pairing Luncheon – Tutto Gusto, Italy Pavilion

Gather in a rustic wine cellar as Italy’s finest food and drink are paired in perfect harmony.

Amidst the Tuscan-style stone walls, luncheon Guests are in for the ultimate dining experience. Savor a spectacular 5-course meal of epicurean delights—all served with select wines chosen for their distinct yet complementary flavors. Capturing the true essence of the country’s rich culture, your chef promises to prepare an authentic Italian meal that’s pure perfezione.

Where: Tutto Gusto at Tutto Italia Ristorante, Italyat Epcot®

Dates: September: 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7

Time: 12:00PM – 2:30PM

Price: $99.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Parisian Breakfast – Chefs de France, France Pavilion

Start the day with fabulous fresh-baked goodness, from baguettes and croissants to patisserie-perfect pain au chocolat.

Wake up and smell the petit déjeuner! Guests are invited to sip cappuccino, hot chocolate or amazing French sparkling mimosas all while indulging in an authentic Parisian breakfast buffet that’s deliciously decadent. Be sure to slather a bit of confiture on your baguette for a traditional tartine. With buttery croissants, pastries and more, your first meal of the day will never be the same!

Where: Chefs de France

Dates: September: 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 9:15AM – 10:30AM

Price: $40.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

French Family Meal Traditions – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

From hors d’oeuvres to entrées, experience authentic French fare just like Maman used to make.

There’s no place like home—whether it’s Avignon, Lyon or Vendôme! As the chefs at Monsieur Paul share their treasured family recipes, Guests will experience a culinary adventure that’s deliciously nostalgic. Each dish is created with traditional Le Creuset cast iron pots for a rustic, family-style meal. Masterfully paired with the perfect wines, these magnifique meals promise to take you on a tasty trip through some of the country’s most famous places.

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: October: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
November: 2, 4, 9, 11

Time: 12:00PM – 3:30PM

Price: $95.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

C’est merveilleux… indulge in heavenly morsels from Monsieur Paul, the culinary jewel of the France pavilion.

Love is in the fare! From finger sandwiches and savory mignardises to melt-in-your-mouth macarons and an assortment of delicate petit fours, both foodies and Francophiles alike will feel as if they’ve been whisked away to a dreamy bistro along la Rive Gauche. Take a respite from your Epcot adventures to relax, sip unlimited mimosas and nibble our magnifique medley of treats—it’s a Parisian-style afternoon that’s ooo-la-la-luscious!

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: September: 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM

Price: $55.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef – Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion

Eat, drink and be amazed while these culinary masters show off some seriously delicious skills.

Watch the spirit of Japanese cuisine come to life! Guests are in for an unforgettable dining experience as the restaurant’s “performing” chefs add a modern twist to traditional cooking techniques. This amazing 5-course culinary adventure features Wagyu beef, seafood and poultry. Prepared communal-style at your table, each dish is served with sake that complement the meal’s exotic flavors. Surrounded by authentic Japanese décor, you’ll feel as if you’re in the Land of the Rising Sun—tanoshimimasu!

Where: Teppan Edo, Nihonbashi Dining Room, at the Japan Pavilion

Dates: October: 1, 15, 29
November: 5

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $180.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Tokyo Pairing – Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion

Sample exquisitely prepared meals that showcase the Land of the Rising Sun’s creative presentation.

Itadakimasu! Amidst a modern setting, Guests will dine on 3 traditional courses perfectly paired with sake and other thirst-quenching libations. The authentic menu exemplifies a seamless fusion of harmony, culture and culinary art—including Wagyu beef, lobster tail, and Blue Fin sushi. From the first bite to the last sip, don’t miss this amazing medley of flavors—each delicious dish is sure to please the most sophisticated palate!

Where: Tokyo Dining, Japan at Epcot®

Dates: October: 4, 11, 18, 25
November: 1, 8

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $160.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing – Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion

Discover the magic of Mediterranean dining as our gourmet chefs bring an array of zesty recipes to life.

Guests are treated to expertly prepared gourmet cuisine that showcases the unique flavors of Morocco, the Mediterranean and beyond. Paired with the perfect wine, each delicious meat and seafood dish embodies the cultural diversity and spirit of this region—you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to the shores of an amazing epicurean adventure! This experience will also include a sparkling wine reception prior to the event. This is a four tasting size course.

Where: Spice Road Table, Morocco at Epcot®

Dates: September: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7, 12

Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM

Price: $65.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

For more information or to make reservations, please click here or call 407-939-3378.

Heading to Disney World soon?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World soon, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you attended a signature dining event? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Eat to the Beat
May 24 2018

Epcot 2018 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Bands Announced

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from August 30 – November 12, 2018. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

Spice up your day of delicious dining with live music excitement from top-name acts. Each night during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the America Gardens Theatre serves up performances from major recording artists. This year, our musical menu features 32 irresistible acts—our biggest and best lineup ever.

Concerts take place nightly August 20 – November 12, 2018 at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00pm. The current lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission):

  • August 30 – 31: Blue October
  • September 1 – 3: Tiffany
  • September 4 – 5: NEW! MercyMe
  • September 6 – 7: NEW! Glass Tiger
  • September 8 – 9: NEW! Tauren Wells
  • September 10 – 11: Postmodern Jukebox
  • September 12 – 13: TBA
  • September 14 – 16: Baha Men
  • September 17 – 19: TBA
  • September 20 – 21: Living Colour
  • September 22 – 23: NEW! Sheila E
  • September 24 – 26: Sugar Ray
  • September 27 – 28: David Cook
  • September 29 – 30: Jeffrey Osborne
  • October 1 – 2: NEW! Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts
  • October 3 – 4: Everclear
  • October 5 – 7: Mark Wills
  • October 8 – 10: Air Supply
  • October 11 – 12: TBA
  • October 13 – 14: TBA
  • October 15 – 16: NEW! 98 Degrees
  • October 17 – 18: 38 Special
  • October 19 – 21: The Devon Allman Project
  • October 22 – 23: TBA
  • October 24 – 25: Billy Ocean
  • October 26 – 28: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
  • October 29 – 31: Hanson
  • November 1 – 2: TBA
  • November 3 – 4: Taylor Dayne
  • November 5 – 7: Boyz II Men
  • November 8 – 9: The Hooters
  • November 10 – 12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you attended an Eat To The Beat Concert? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

May 23 2018

2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Dates Announced

Did you hear the exciting news? Disney has announced the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This delicious event will run from August 30 through November 12 – that is 75 days of fun!

No other details have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 197 chefs and included 35 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, chef demonstrations, and music concerts. The 2017 marketplaces included old favorites plus a few new marketplaces such as Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, and The Almond Orchard. No word yet on what Disney has in store for us this year, but remember to check back often as I will share more details as soon as they are announced!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Aug 1 2017

Fun Facts About The 2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Can you believe that later this month the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off once again? Feeling a little hungry and extremely excited about my upcoming trip to this year’s event, I thought it might be entertaining to take a look at some “Fun Facts” about the mouth-watering festivities coming up this fall. Here’s some tantalizing trivia about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to get you in the spirit courtesy of Disney:

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyWalt Disney World Resort guests are invited to join the fun when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival turns 22 from August 31 – November 13, 2017.  On October 1, Epcot will celebrate its 35th anniversary, and this year’s festival will feature, for the first time, 35 global dine-around marketplaces. Guests will discover delicious ethnic and specialty cuisine, refreshing new beverages and more concerts and musical acts than ever.

The record 75-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will include five new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages.  ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the third year and will again showcase dishes inspired by “The Chew” show hosts. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are some fun facts about the 22nd festival celebration.

  • Now 75 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
  • At the 2017 festival, 35 global marketplaces will include five new marketplaces to help celebrate 35 years of Epcot –they include Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, all expanding into the park’s Future World area. The Almond Orchard, hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, is the fifth new marketplace located along the World Showcase promenade
  • Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show October 4 – 6 against a backdrop of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth
  • The 22nd festival will feature 39 new marketplace dishes and 65 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
  • This year, more than 50 domestic and international wines will be offered at global marketplaces
  • More than 50 wineries and more than 35 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
  • The new “Disney Food and Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook” by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 50 irresistible recipes, 26 recipes from the Epcot festival global marketplaces and 24 from Disney’s California Adventure
  • 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 177 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to “What’s Cookin’ With” and additional festival events in World Showcase pavilions and Walt Disney World resorts
  • Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 197 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
  • Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 11 countries and 23 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
  • 379 culinary demos, beverage and interactive seminars will take place during the 75-day festival. That’s equal to more than 6,360 hours of scheduled seminars at the Festival Center. These include the fun-filled Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events, plus more
  • During Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 15 Remy statuettes hidden throughout World Showcase and the global marketplaces.  Guests can purchase their map and stickers at select merchandise locations, then take their completed maps to Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase or World Traveler at International Gateway to choose a new surprise, compliments of Chef Remy
  • 225 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 11 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
  • The Festival Passport (previously called the Marketplace Discovery Passport) was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the complimentary passport will feature pages with all 35 festival marketplaces and other outdoor food and beverage locations with special festival offerings such as Refreshment Cool Post, Fife & Drum Tavern and Refreshment Port
  • More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
  • 100,000-plus desserts, including Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (new at Hawaii) and Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd (new at Spain), are expected to be served
  • In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring dozens of food and beverage stations and, in 2017, confirmed seating for all guests plus new and different themed entertainment and surprises for each event

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be going to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year?
What are you most looking forward to? Please leave a comment!