Tag Archives: Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Feb 18 2016

2016 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Dates Announced

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©Disney

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 September 14 through November 14 – that is 62 days of fun!

No other details have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 270 chefs and included more than 25 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, chef demonstrations, and music concerts. The 2015 marketplaces included: Africa, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brewer’s Collection, Canada, China, Craft Beers, Desserts & Champagnes, Dominican Republic, Farm Fresh, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Hops & Barley, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Patagonia, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, and many more. Click here to see last year’s menus!

Remember to check back often; 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!

Dec 30 2015

16 Reasons To Visit Disney World In 2016

New Years 3

With the holiday season wrapping up and the new year quickly approaching, if you’re like me, you’re beginning to plan for 2016. And of course, one of my favorite things to plan is a Walt Disney World vacation. I’m already excited for my next visit with so many fun new attractions and experiences coming soon. Here’s the scoop on what we can expect in 2016 courtesy of Disney:

2016 is shaping up to be truly unforgettable for guests at Walt Disney World Resort with the debut of new attractions and stunning shows, delectable new dining options, signature shopping locations and returning guest-favorite annual events.

Here are the top reasons to start packing your bags for a Walt Disney World vacation:

Star Wars Launch Bay1. The Galaxy Is Sweeter Than Ever Before: New Star Wars Experiences Debut

Starting January 5, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will launch its latest Star Wars-inspired experience with the addition of the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.” As the enthralling fireworks show lights up the sky, guests can enjoy out-of-this-world desserts and specialty drinks in this separate ticket offering until March 19. This experience complements all of the other new ways to experience Star Wars in the park, including Star Wars Launch Bay, which takes guests into the Star Wars saga, including the newest movie adventure, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Rivers of Light2. Light Up The Night With “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will come alive at night with new nighttime entertainment and experiences, the most spectacular being the “Rivers of Light” show debuting this spring. With a waterway as its stage, the innovative new show will feature entertainers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery in a performance that truly brings the animal kingdom to life at night.

Safari at Night3. Explore Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

Starting in spring, guests will get to experience the African savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a whole new light: amid the orange glow of the setting sun. During the nighttime adventure, guests can extend their travels on the safaris into the evening.

Frozen Ever After4. Experience Frozen Ever After at Epcot

The new “Frozen”-inspired attraction will open its doors in the Norway pavilion at Epcot in spring. In it, guests will be transported to the Winter in Summer Celebration where Queen Elsa creates a special day for the kingdom. Guests also will travel to Elsa’s Ice Palace, the ice-blue world of the North Mountain, and the Bay of Arendelle.

Royal Sommerhus5. Stop By The New Frozen Character Greeting Location at Epcot

Guests can meet the royal sisters Anna and Elsa at Epcot at a new character greeting location in the Royal Sommerhus at the Norway pavilion starting in spring.

Skipper Canteen6. Experience New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park

This new, themed restaurant opens in December 2015 and gives guests the chance to experience “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” in one of several unique dining rooms, including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The restaurant is staffed by friendly Jungle Cruise Skippers, known for their clever jokes.

Edison 27. Try New Dining Offerings at Disney Springs

Disney Springs will continue to grow in 2016, with plans to add new eateries including STK Steakhouse, The Edison, Sprinkles, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, as well as two new restaurant concepts by chefs Art Smith and Rick Bayless.

Pandora8. A Shopper’s Paradise at Disney Springs

As Disney Springs nears completion with the opening of Town Center, 2016 will bring some new, must-do retail shops to Disney Springs, including Edward Beiner, Lilly Pulitzer, L’Occitane en Provence, PANDORA, Tommy Bahama, UGG, UNIQLO and Zara.

Star Wars Marathon9. Staying Fit While Having Fun With runDisney Events

The 2016 runDisney racing season kicks off January 6 – 10 with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This will be the first of four racing weekends held at Walt Disney World Resort in 2016, which include:

  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend February 18 – 21
  • Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side April 14 – 17
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend November 4 – 5.

Book Your Disney Vacation10. Save On A Magical Stay at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Guests visiting early in 2016 can take advantage of a special Disney resort hotels offer for stays most nights January 2 – April 13 and save up to 25 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels. Click here to view all of the latest deals and for information on booking.

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival11. Enjoy Walt Disney World’s Springtime Events

Epcot will be in full bloom this spring when the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, with its colorful topiaries and dozens of Outdoor Kitchens, returns for 90 days starting March 2 through May 15, the longest the festival has ever run. And, more fun grows at Disney Springs with Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 17.

Soarin 212. Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot

Guests onboard the popular Soarin’ attraction will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its debut at Epcot in 2016.

Tiffins 113. Dine at Tiffin’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The parks’ newest eatery will open its doors this spring to offer a menu inspired by the places the Imagineers traveled to when developing Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffin’s will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

Wide World of Sports 114. Celebrate The Invictus Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The Invictus Games will come to the United States for the first time ever in 2016. The games celebrate our wounded servicemen and women from around the world competing in a variety of sports events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex May 8 – 12.

Club Villain 115. Experience Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Grown-up guests can party with the Disney Villains in a soiree led by Dr. Facilier from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” at the new Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fun starts January 16 and is a separate ticket event. Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations can be made online by clicking here or by calling 407-939-3463.

Hallowishes 216. Share An Unforgettable Fall & Holiday Season

A new year means the return of festive fall events, including The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and more.

Be sure to follow Disney World Enthusiast throughout 2016 for all of the latest Disney World news, tips, deals, and more!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World in 2016?

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 in 2016? What are you most looking forward to?
Please leave a comment!

Oct 6 2015

Where To Find The Best Waffles In Disney World

Waffles 3

Who doesn’t love a good waffle? Disney makes a fabulous waffle and we’re not just talking your basic breakfast variety either. There are many delicious takes on this breakfast classic throughout the resort. So the next time you find yourself in Disney World with a waffle craving, make your way to one of these spots!

Waffles 2Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom

This location serves a wide range of waffle sandwiches and waffle desserts. The portions are large and with so many choices, you might want to purchase a couple of varieties to share.

  • Ham and Cheese Omelet Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (breakfast only)
  • Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (lunch only)
  • Ham, Prosciutto, and Swiss Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (lunch only)
  • Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich $6.69
  • Waffle with Cinnamon $5.39
  • Waffle with Powdered Sugar $5.39
  • Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream $6.79

Waffles 1Trilo-Bites in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A couple of great snacking options while touring the jungles of Animal Kingdom!

  • Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider $5.49
  • Waffle Sundae $5.59

Waffles 4Fantasy Fare Food Truck in Disney Springs

Need a quick bite and only a waffle will do? Head to the Fantasy Fare Food Truck to get your fix!

  • Buffalo Chicken and Waffles $10.25
  • Chicken and Waffles $10.25

Waffles 7Belgium Marketplace during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

Only available during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, these scrumptious waffles will hit the spot!

  • Belgium Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream $3.75
  • Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream $3.75

Waffles 9Throughout Disney World

The classic Mickey Waffle; these beauties are served up throughout the Disney World Resort. You will find these adorable and tasty Mickey Waffles at breakfast buffets, food courts, and table service locations in the parks and at select Disney Resort Hotels. Prices vary.

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:

What is your favorite Disney World waffle? Please leave a comment!

Sep 16 2015

20 Fascinating Facts About Epcot’s 20th International Food And Wine Festival

In just a few days, Epcot will kick off its 20th International Food & Wine Festival. In honor of the exciting occasion, here are 20 fascinating facts about this fabulous annual event courtesy of Disney:

Epcot Food and Wine FestivalWalt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from September 25-November 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with 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 first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20th festival celebration.

  1. Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days.
  2. At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces.
  3. The ChewProducers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show.
  4. The 20th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders.
  5. In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered.
  6. More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces.
  7. The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.
  8. 3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions.
  9. Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events.
  10. Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners.
  11. Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival.
  12. RemyDuring the new 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 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry.
  13. 159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues.
  14. The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure .
  15. IllumiNationsMore than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular.
  16. Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge.
  17. The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders.
  18. 100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served.
  19. 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 up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers.
  20. At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story.

Need more information?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyIf you will be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year, be sure to check out these articles for more information:

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 attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Sep 10 2015

Fall In Disney World Is Filled With Festive Fun

Hallowishes 2

Fall is my favorite season of the year – especially at Disney World! With so many fun-filled events and activities, you just can’t beat an autumn visit to the parks. Here’s what you can expect if you’ll be visiting soon courtesy of Disney:

A Spooktacular Celebration at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

This fall, the Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a home for happy haunts at “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.” This special ticket event returns this year for 25 nights of boo-tiful festivities at Magic Kingdom park. Guests are invited to dress up in favorite Halloween costumes for this “not-so-scary” occasion, where there is an assortment of trick-or-treat sweets waiting to be found.

HalloweenEntertainment features the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” a bone-rattling spectacle featuring Disney characters donning Halloween costumes. Also, for the first time ever, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus will throw an evil Halloween party for the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” This new show is a not-to-be-missed Halloween production and features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects. For the fiendish finale, “Happy HalloWishes,” a green and orange fireworks display complete with Disney villains, will creep across the sky.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with Disney characters in their festive Halloween costumes and Halloween treats and eats unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are available throughout the evening. For guests’ ghostly pleasure, a barbershop quartet of dead cowboys also will be serenading Frontierland with their chilling musical arrangements. Listen if you dare!

Party dates are September: 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; November: 1. For more information, please click here.

Savor the flavors at the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from around the world during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, presented by Chase September 25 – November 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort. This year’s festival will include more than 30 global marketplaces, with four new food and beverage locations stretching into Future World. This will be first time the festival has expanded beyond the World Showcase.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyAlong the walkway toward Future World West, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area will feature the Cheese Studio (offering a cheese sampler served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines) and the Wine Studio with premium wines on tap.

Near the Epcot Character Spot, the new Next Eats area will debut with Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. Sustainable Chew will feature three dishes, and Chew Lab will show off hot culinary tech trends like a Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

For more information, please click here.

New Downtown Disney Dining Locations and Roadway Ramps Opening Soon

Downtown Disney gives guests an assortment of options to “eat in style.” World-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto and the Patina Restaurant Group will open Morimoto Asia, Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant, at Disney Springs in fall 2015. Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

Hangar BarGuests with a flair for adventure (even those afraid of snakes) can visit Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in fall 2015. With a storyline centered on the pilot from the “Indiana Jones” films, this aviation- themed lounge will feature unique drinks and small plates. Themed décor like propeller-based ceiling fans, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock and Indy will immerse guests in a world of adventure. With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue is perfect for a sky-high good time.

A new way to get around also will be introduced to Downtown Disney this fall, improving access to the Orange garage. The flyover ramp on Buena Vista Drive will likely open first, with the I-4 slip ramp (with direct access from I-4, connecting near Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park) slated to open in time for the holiday shopping season.

The largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, Disney Springs will provide even more opportunities for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. When completed in 2016, Disney Springs will double the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

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 Disney World this fall? What are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment!