With so many great things to choose from at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival, it was really wonderful to be able to attend a brunch held by Walt Disney World to try some of this year’s food items and beverages.
So what are we waiting for?
9 Things to Eat and Drink at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival:
1.
You have to give the Loaded mac n’ cheese with Nueske’s® pepper bacon, cheddar cheese, peppers and green onions from Farm Fresh a try! Do you want to know what is wrong with this mac n’ cheese? Nothing! Get one ASAP!($4.25)
2.
The Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream in Belgium is always on my ‘Must Eat’ list, because it is just the right size and sweetness level to round out the savory dishes I tend to purchase during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This dish is Vegetarian.($3.75)
3.
The Escondidinho de carne, “Little Hidden One”, a layered meat pie with mashed yucca, available in Brazil has a cute name and a familiar, homey taste. This item is gluten free.($5.00)
4.
Now if I had to chose one dessert to eat for the rest of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Caramel flan with rum-roasted pineapple from Dominican Republic would be my choice. The flan is light and airy, and the pineapple adds a great pop of acidity. This dish is vegetarian. ($3.25)
5.
Love some ‘Shrimp on the Barbie’? The Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas from Australia is a lovely mix of flavors that you won’t want to pass up.This dish is gluten free.($4.75)
6.
For those of you who love the liquid nitrogen craze, this year that a ‘smoking’ beverage is available on the promenade. The Smoking Hibiscus featuring Montelobos Mezcal Joven from the chew lab is anAlcoholic Beverage that is incredibly refreshing. And don’t forget to give the hibiscus bud a try!($8.75)
7.
New to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year is the Sustainable Chew, and their Pork Spareribs with red wine, fennel, and cheesy mascarpone grits does not disappoint. The fresh herbs cut through the smoke of the meat and add a great pop to the creamy grits. This dish is gluten free.($5.50)
8.
I have something to say…I love Yuca! The Soufflé de yuca: Yuca soufflé topped with griddled cheese fromDominican Republic is crazy! The firm griddled cheese with the creamy and slightly sharp yucca soufflé was an interesting and tasty combination. This dish is vegetarian. ($4.75)
9.
I saved the best for last… My favorite alcoholic beverage at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the Frozen Chew-tini fromSustainable Chew! It has a great consistency, slightly sweet taste, and crunch from an apple chip garnish. Be warned…these bad boys are dangerous!($7.50)
We will be bringing you more coverage of this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so make sure you follow our adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
The 20th Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off tomorrow and runs until November 16, 2015 and with so many new offerings (and days) added to the festivities I thought it was time for…
10 Things To Know On The Go:
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
1. Admission
Admission to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is included with your daily admission to Epcot. And while the food, beverages, seminars, and other special events aren’t included there is a lot that is!
During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival you can enjoy Eat to the Beat Concerts, the new Back to Basics Series at the Festival Center, Celebrity Chef demonstrations, Celebrity Chef Book Signings, Marketplace Discovery Passport, and Festival Center entertainment & exhibits.
2. Marketplaces
It’s a good thing that the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is 53 days this year, because the Festival will feature 30 unique global marketplaces, located around Epcot’s World Showcase and for the first time in Future World, where you can try small plates of food and beverage pairings from around the world.
And before you explore, visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Center to pick up your Marketplace Discovery Passport to collect stamps and pick up a Festival Gift Card that you can conveniently wear around your wrist to make paying convenient.
3. Festival Center
The core of the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival can be found in the Festival Center located in the former Wonders of Life Pavilion.
You’ll find shopping, celebrities, demonstrations, exhibits, and more inside the Festival Center! I always like to start my visits at the Center to make sure I don’t miss anything!
Check out all the great things you will be able to find in the Festival Center here.
4. Eat to the Beat Concert Series
This year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series is full of great new artists and bands!,
Take a peek at the Eat to the Beat Concert Line-up:
David Cook – September 25-27, 2015
Wilson Phillips – September 28-29, 2015
Christopher Cross – September 30-October 1, 2015
Starship – October 2-4, 2015
Smash Mouth – October 5-7, 2015
The Pointer Sisters – October 8-9, 2015
38 Special – October 10-11, 2015
Rick Springfield – October 12-13, 2015
Sugar Ray – October 14-16, 2015
The S.O.S. Band – October 17-18, 2015
Air Supply – October 19-21, 2015
Fuel – October 22-23, 2015
Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24-25, 2015
Dennis DeYoung – October 26-28, 2015
Jo Dee Messina – October 29-30, 2015
Everclear (NEW!) – October 31-November 1, 2015
Boyz II Men – November 2-4, 2015
Sister Hazel – November 5-6, 2015
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7-9, 2015
Hanson – November 10-12, 2015
Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13-14, 2015
Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15-16, 2015
Daily show times for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series take place at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm in the American Gardens Theater.
Also new this year is the opportunity to book FastPass+ for the Eat to the Beat Concerts!
Note: All entertainment and artist appearances are subject to change without notice.
5. NEW: Remy’s Hide & Squeak
Building on the past success of the sticker based scavenger hunts in World Showcase, beginning September 25, while supplies last, take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and help Remy as he ventures around World Showcase at Epcot collecting ingredients for his signature dish, Ratatouille.
Maps and stickers can be purchased for $7.95, plus tax at Epcot – Disney Traders, Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Central, Port of Entry, and World Traveler (International Gateway) in the park.
Note: Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits may apply.
Whether you choose to search for each ingredient or not, return your map to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16, 2015 at Port of Entry to pick up your surprise pin!
6. Cranberry Bog
After taking a year off the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog is back!
You can find the mobile Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog in its old place on the way to Future World as you walk to World Showcase from Spaceship Earth.
Make sure you take a moment to talk to the actual Ocean Spray farmers that you can often find in their waders inside who are excited to share their passion for this unique form of farming.
Party the night away and savor specialty sliders and beverages created by Epcot Chefs and inspired by recording artists who have left their mark on the world of potables.
While you enjoy these scrumptious treats, a DJ spins their best tracks. Find “your” burger, “your” drink, “your” music, and then vote on your favorite burger of the night!
For one night only, October 8, 2015, the Emmy-winning talent from the daytime hit The Chew will serve as block party hosts!
You can find out more about how to attend this new party experience here.
8. Learn from Epcot Chefs and Celebrity Chefs
At the Epcot Food and Wine Festival you have the chance to learn from some of the most famous kitchens (including Epcot), restaurants, and cooking shows. These individuals make up an unbeatable collection of leading culinary experts.
Through special dining events and demonstrations, Guests will get the rare opportunity to see their magnificent skills in action and pick up tips from these maestros of mealtime.
You can find the full list of Chefs here, and events for chefs will vary. See the full schedule of events for details. Appearances are subject to change.
9. The Chew
For the first time ABC’s “The Chew” is leaving its Manhattan to broadcast from the 20th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
The Emmy-Award Winning lifestyle series will tape five shows with co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz on October 7, 8 & 9 to air during the week of October 12 -16 on “The Chew.”
And while tickets may be sold out, you have a few more days to enter tickets from icFlorida!
10. Chase Lounge
If you are a Chase cardholders, you can visit the Chase Lounge in the American Adventure where you can grab a complimentary soft drink and try some interactive fun.
And these 10 Things To Know: 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival are just the tip of the iceberg! We’ll be bringing you tons of coverage during the Festival, so make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
I have to say that the latest addition to the Disney Dooney & Bourke line of purses, may be my favorite event based pattern yet!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The Disney Dooney & Bourke release will have four purses and will feature a special dated ‘2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival’ tag.
The Disney Dooney & Bourke purses (prices coming soon) will be:
Wristlet – $98
Crossbody – $268
Tote – $278
Satchel- $268
The black background with the gem toned Chef Mickeys, are perfect for fall! I especially love how the green pops!
The new Epcot International Food and Wine Festival print will be released at the Festival Center in Epcot starting September 29.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The Festival Center is located between the Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE pavilions in Future World. We will have these items on display in that location when the event kicks off on September 19. This Dooney & Bourke collection will not be available on our Disney Parks online store at this time.
What do you think of the newest Disney Dooney & Bourke pattern? Will you be picking one up at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs September 19 – November 10, 2014, and I can’t wait!
We were able to attend a sneak peek at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the VIP area of the Living Seas, and this year looks like it stacking up to be absolutely amazing!
Chef Jens Dahlmann spoke on the changes that are coming to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and here are some of the highlights of what you can expect at this year’s marketplaces.
This year there will be 25 ‘Marketplaces’ at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
There are several returning favorite marketplaces, however some of the marketplaces have broadened, for example last year’s Florida Fresh is now Farm Fresh, allowing Chef Dahlmann to be more playful with the menu and ingredients.
The Hops & Barley menu has received a lot of attention, and as a result the items featured at the marketplace will be more sophisticated while still having a twist of fun.
With more cooking going on inside of each Marketplace, this year several booths will feature fried items for the first time.
Favorites from the France Marketplace have received a HUGE facelift!
The escargot will now be presented on a tart with creamed spinach, bacon, and parmesean cheese. The brioche presentation was a fan favorite, but this new set-up sounds delicious.
Creme brulee caramel fluer de sel: sea salt caramel crème brulee with caramalized sugar has arrived, and it is quite possibly one of the most delicious things I was able to sample. Again with the new marketplaces focusing on preparing items on-site, the sugar will be caramalized inside the kiosk.
So enough yammering, let’s get to the food!
2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Media Preview
Ensalada de Carrucho which is a Caribbean Conch Salad with Onion, Tomato, and Cilantro from Puerto Rico.
This was my first time trying Conch Salad, and it did not disappoint! Prepared in a more traditional way the Ensalada de Carrucho is extremely refeshing with a unique texture.
Grilled ‘Yard Bird’ with Braised Greens and House-Made Habanero Sauce from Farm Fresh.
The grilled ‘Yard Bird’ aka chicken in this dish had a really great flavor and crispy skin, however the star fro me was the braised greens that were cooked to salty yet still firm perfection. My only wish for the dish was that there was more of the house-made habanero sauce, because it added some moisture, sweetness, and kick to a very savory plate.
Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Pimento Cheese from Hops & Barley paired with MmmHops Pale Ale from Fife and Drum.
If I could only eat one thing for the entire Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, this would be my choice! The Florida grass fed beef in the slider had a great flavor that served as a wonderful anchor for the heat in the pimento cheese, crunch from the sweet raw onions, and sweetness from the bun. As a gal with South Carolina roots, the pimento cheese is beyond delicious!
The MmmHops Pale Ale from Fife and Drum, yes this is the Hanson Beer, pairs well with the slider’s heat with a crisp bite that helps cool things down from the spicy pimento cheese.
Baked Lobster Alfredo from Hops & Barley.
While I am an absolute sucker for lobster, the baked lobster alfredo seems like a great choice towards the end of the festival on a night that is a little chillier. The dish is extremely rich with generous chunks of lobster. Talk about comfort food!
Sauerkraut Pierogi with Pork Goulash from Poland.
I grew up eating a lot of potato and cheese pierogies, so when I saw a sauerkraut pierogi on the Poland menu I was really excited because it was two of my favorite things in one dish! I found that the sauerkraut pierogi had a interesting, but tasty texture that was a great contrast to the spicy sauce of the pork goulash.
Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri from Patagonia.
Usually salmon isn’t really my thing, but the roasted Verlasso salmon had an amazing taste that was taken to the next level with the arugula chimichurri!
Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel: Sea Salt Caramel Crème Brulee with Caramalized Sugar from France paired with Nicolas Feuillatte Rosè from Desserts & Champagne.
Every year one of my favorite desserts at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival items is the Crème Brulee from France, and the Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel: Sea Salt Caramel Crème Brulee with Caramalized Sugar has taken my devotion to the next level. The predominant coffee and caramel flavors play so well off the savory hints of sea salt. The caramelization of the sugar topping completed on-site in the marketplace, really makes this dish special and definite must-do for your visit to the festival.
The Nicolas Feuillatte Rosè from Desserts & Champagne paired so well with the Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel, because the berry notes really added a lovely sweetness to the slightly savory crème brulee.
Fresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins and Cream Cheese Icing from Hops & Barley.
When you will eat this fresh baked carrot cake at Hops & Barley at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you are going to feel like you just stole a treat from your Grandmother before dinner! The carrots, walnuts, and craisins are all on the larger scale inside the cake to give it a very homemade feel and familiar taste. What makes this carrot cake so special, is that it is served warm and iced inside the Hops & Barley marketplace for an interesting combination of temperatures and textures. If you like carrot cake, you definitely have to give this a go!
I really had a great time at the Media Preview for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and I left with a new spring in my step about this year’s marketplaces!
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is quickly approaching, September 19 – November 10, 2014, and the chance to register for Premium Events begins on July 31, 2014 at 7 am EST by calling (407) 939-3378!
Since the Premium Events tend to fill up pretty quickly, it is a good time to take a look at what events will be offered to see if there is anything that you might be interested in registering for during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
The new Premium Events for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
Dining Through the Decades, A Tribute to Walt Disney (October 24) $99 per person or $119 per person
Experience Puerto Rico – The All Star Island (September 20) $99 per person
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival — Boot Camp Series interactive epicurean adventure (September 21, October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2) $119 per person
Food for Thought (Fridays, plus Saturday October 11) $169 per person
There are even more special dining opportunities at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, such as the Italian and French pairings and lunches, a Japan “Hibachi Experience”, and a Mexican tequila lunch. You can find more information on the World Showcase Dining Events during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival here.
You can also book the popular Culinary Demonstrations ($15), Mixology Seminars ($15) and Wine Seminars ($15). For more information about Culinary Demonstrations & Seminars during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival here.
Always keep in mind the following things about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
Admission to Epcot is required. While most Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events are included with admission to the Park, several experiences require a separate purchase or a separate admission fee, including food and refreshment samples, entry into Premium Experiences and entry into Cultural Dining Opportunities. Availability is limited for some experiences.
Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner starting in a little over a month and a half from now. Tables In Wonderland members have the opportunity to take advantage of pre-sale tickets to select demonstrations and seminars starting today at 9:00am EST. The pre-sale tickets are available exclusively over the phone by calling 407-939-3378. Tables In Wonderland members are eligible for a $2.00 discount on select bookings Mondays – Thursdays, but only when these events are booked over the phone. Tickets to Food & Wine Festival events go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 31st at 7:00am EST and will also then be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.
More information from the Tables In Wonderland release directly:
To prepare for the sale, please see below for information on the Festival Demonstrations.
All appearances, presentations and events are subject to change without notice. The above links are temporary links and will be disabled once the information is available on www.epcotfoodfestival.com.
Ocean Spray Returns to Epcot For The18th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The Ocean Spray Bog is back with tips on how to incorporate cranberries into everyday living
At the 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival park guests have the opportunity to learn about how cranberries are grown and how every part of this versatile fruit is used at the cranberry bog near the Fountain of Nations.
httpv://youtu.be/FG6Nc_Gxz0E
I had the chance to take a dip in the bog, to talk to a few of the Ocean Spray growers, and to try several dishes from around the world that were created with cranberries and Craisins to kick of the Festival!
This was my second year strapping on waders and heading into the bog, and it is was just as much fun as it was the first time around. The floating berries, chatting with people as they are walking by, and talking to Ocean Spray growers and hearing their family stories is a great way to spend an evening.
Our menu of international dishes featuring Craisins
The international dishes we were able to sample were absolutely amazing! I would have never thought of some of these cranberry flavor combinations, but they were delightful!
My favorites were the Craisin glazed Pork Belly with white cheddar maple grits with cranberry and sea salt cured wild salmon with maple sugar crystals from Canada, the Craisin infused five spice char Kobe beef with Sriracha with Craisin vegetable fried rice from Japan, and the mole shrimp quesadilla with cranberry salsa from Mexico. The artisan cheese stuffed mini Craisin Brioche from France was also delicious!
The pork belly from Canada was beyond tender and flavorful and the salmon had a sweet undertone that cut paired well with the natural taste of wild salmon.While the Kobe Beef was definitely the star of this dish from Japan, the cranberry and Sriracha combo of slightly tart and spicy was amazing!I am always a sucker for mexican dishes, but the sweet mole shrimp quesadilla filling that with a tart and spicy cranberry salsa made for a tasty pair!
Also until November 11th, chefs at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will showcase the delicious versatility of Craisins Dried Cranberries through select chef demonstrations and private events, at certain restaurants, and at the Hops & Barley Marketplace.
“The beauty of the cranberry isn’t just what you see on the outside, it’s how it makes you feel on the inside,” said Ken Romanzi, COO, Ocean Spray Global. “Through our sponsorship at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, we can illustrate the many ways cranberries can be incorporated into snacks and meals every day, and educate guests about the healthy origins of the fruit.”
The cranberry bog at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is filled with more than 1,000 lbs. of floating cranberries, and is manned with Ocean Spray farmers all to happy to share their heritage, passion for growing cranberries, and spread the word about the healt benefits from these tasty fruits!
If you are passing through Epcot during the Festival, make sure you stop by the bog for a bit to talk to one of Ocean Spray Bog farmers and I am sure you will be surprised at how versatile the cranberry really is and also make sure you try one of the many tasty Craisin dishes!
Good night from the Ocean Spray Bog!
Can’t make it to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Visit www.oceanspray.com for delicious everyday ideas and seasonal inspirations from around the world. Cranberry lovers eager to share their stories and recipes are encouraged to tweet @OceanSprayInc or post on Ocean Spray’s Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram pages.
Each year, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated special events for guests of Walt Disney World. Around World Showcase, kiosks are setup for the festival that feature food and beverages from countries and regions around the world. This year includes more than 25 kiosks with returning favorites, and new offerings from Scotland like the seared salmon, vegetarian haggis, and banoffee tart. The Scottish booth will also serve Innis & Gunn Original beer, which I recently discovered at the Grand Floridian, and what I may be most excited about, Scotch tastings from Glenfiddich with 12, 15 and 18 years included in the flight.
The kiosks will presumably, like in years past, take Disney Dining Plan snack credits for payment for most of the food and some non-alcoholic beverages. This is a fantastic use of your snack credits if you are on the dining plan as some of these individual items can often cost upwards of $6 or $7 like the lobster dishes at the Hops & Barley kiosk. The festival will definitely have me going back to some of my favorites including the escargot in France, Fisherman’s pie and cheese plate in Ireland, kahlua pork sliders and tuna poke from Hawaii, Florida shrimp ceviche, and Schinken nudel in Germany.
CevicheLobster Roll
Another great thing about the Food & Wine Festival is that you get the opportunity to try some of the featured menu items from some of Epcot’s restaurants that you may not be able to get into very easily, like Le Cellier in Canada. For those not fortunate enough to get a reservation, don’t despair. You can sample the restaurant’s cheddar cheese soup and filet mignon with truffle sauce at this year’s festival booth.
In addition to the kiosks, the festival plays host to celebrity chefs and representatives from vineyards and other spirit companies. Many special events are offered over the festival’s almost two month span from September 27 through November 11 this year. Seminars and mixology classes along with tastings are among some of the more affordable extras that can start as low as $10 or so for some (occasionally passholder discounts are offered for select events). Other special parties, like the Party for the Senses, can go to upwards of $200 per person. Check out the festival page to see more details or call (407) 939-3463 to book.
One of the most fun parts of the festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This year new acts join some of the favorites that have been coming back for years. Last year I got to see both Sugar Ray and Boyz II Men put on great concerts. This year’s lineup (subject to change and courtesy of Disney) is as follows:
9/27-9/29
STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
“We Built This City”
9/30-10/1
NEW! The Go-Go’s
“We Got The Beat”
10/2-10/4
Air Supply
“All Out of Love”
10/5-10/6
Sister Hazel
“All for You”
10/7-10/9
Sugar Ray
“Fly”
10/10-10/11
NEW! Edwin McCain
“I’ll Be”
10/12-10/13
NEW! The Manhattan Transfer
“Boy From New York City”
10/14-10/15
NEW! Wilson Phillips
“Hold On”
10/16-10/17
The Pointer Sisters
“I’m So Excited”
10/18-10/20
Night Ranger
“Sister Christian”
10/21-10/23
Boyz II Men
“End of the Road”
10/24-10/25
Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger”
10/26-10/27
38 Special
“Caught Up in You”
10/28-10/30
Smash Mouth
“Walkin’ on the Sun”
10/31-11/1
NEW! Spin Doctors
“Two Princes”
11/2-11/3
NEW! Christopher Cross
“Sailing”
11/4-11/5
Hanson
“Get the Girl Back”
11/6-11/8
Dennis DeYoung original member of the group STYX
“Come Sail Away”
11/9-11/11
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
“Go Daddy-O”
Concerts take place in the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00pm each night. Some of these performers can be very popular and guests have been known to line up hours in advance to try to get seats for the show. If there is someone that you really want to see, try to get there an hour or so ahead of time to give yourself the best chance to get into the theatre. If you don’t get in, rest assured, you can still see/hear the music and the band from elsewhere in the American pavilion.
I cannot wait for the Food & Wine Festival to start! This is one of my favorite events of the year, I often try to spread out my visits over three or four days to sample a few items each time. This gives me time to digest between booths and also to give my wallet a rest since you can literally spend hundreds to thousands if you were to purchase each item at each booth of the festival. I won’t be able to go for a few weeks, but I know many who are going this weekend.
Fisherman’s Pie
Have you been to Epcot for the International Food & Wine Festival? If so, what are some of your favorite items? Have you done any of the special events or tastings? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know!
With this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival right around the corner, September 27 – November 11, it’s time to look at the line up for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series!
I am really excited about the new acts that will be joining this year’s lineup! The new bands include the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors and Christopher Cross. And I am even more happy to see that so many of my favorites like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sugar Ray, and Boyz II Men are returning!!!
Here is the full Eat to the Beat Concert schedule:
Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is free with admission to Epcot, and takes place in the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase nightly at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm. The concerts are about 30 minutes long, but you will want to be prepared to line up extra early if it is one of your favorite bands!!!
Tables in Wonderland Food & Wine Festival Special Event
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sneak Preview “Taste Your Way Around The World”
Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot®
Saturday July 27, 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Price: $133.13, tax and gratuity included
Counting down the days to the Festival? Looking forward to international marketplaces featuring tasty tapas-sized dishes and refreshing beverages? Eager to try your hand at mixology? Ready for some Culinary Demonstrations? Excited to enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert?
With the 18th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival just around the corner, we would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members only to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival! Join us as we sample the food and hear speakers talk about the new and exciting things we have in store for you this year! Learn what new marketplaces will be added, as well as new special events. Be one of the first to be “in the know” as we taste our way around the world!
The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00am.
When you go to the website please have the following information ready:
Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number (number beginning with a W and includes a date) First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets) Home address Phone number Credit Card Number Billing Address of the Credit Card Personal Email Address Food Allergies (if any)
Things to note about this event:
The event is limited to 150 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.
The menu for this event is inspired by the International Marketplaces:
Buffet Reception:
Florida Local: Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with White Cheddar and Sweet & Hot Pickles South Korea: Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce and Kimchi
Terra: The Vegan Vine Red Blend Cheese: Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay Brazil: Carnaval Moscato White Sparkling Craft Beers: Sierra Nevada, Torpedo® Extra IPA Poland: Frozen Szarlotka (Frozen Polish Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka
Plated Dinner
Appetizer
Brazil: Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
Brazil: Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery, Xingu Black Beer
Salad
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Rewind
Florida Fresh: Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction
Florida Local: Florida Orange Groves Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria
Entrée
Canada: “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce Scotland: Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette With Baby Root Vegetables
Africa: The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier) New Zealand: Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, which you have not already told us about, please send an email to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com to give us time to accommodate your needs.
This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return to Epcot this September 27 – November 11, and while the food is spectacular I always look forward to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series which features some great new additions!
While I am SUPER stoked to see that Big Bad Voodoo Dady, Sugar Ray, and Boyz II Men are still part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, I am excited for updated series to take to the festival stage this year!
This year the concert series new comers include the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors, and Christopher Cross.
Here is the entire Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule!
Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
I seriously cannot wait!!!
I hope that we see you at one of these concerts!!!
Sip, Savor, Repeat! Fresh Global Tastes Tempt the Palate
at 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11
Guests can sample wine, cheese and ethnic tastes from regions around the world Sept. 27 – Nov. 11, 2013 during the 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Scotland Marketplace Debuts, Brazil Flavors Return for Encore
Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney chefs will debut the authentic tastes of Scotland at the celebrated 46-day festival known for innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment. The sizzling aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces including Africa, Brazil and Florida Local will tempt guests strolling the World Showcase Promenade. Celebrity chefs like Warren Brown and Jamie Deen will bring culinary cachet to special festival events and demonstrations.
Festival planners will present a delectable menu of premium programming, plus daily wine tastings and mixology seminars. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts will keep the party rockin’, and five bands will make their festival debut this year. In Future World, the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
Fresh for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 2013:
New marketplace debuts; favorites return -Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival. The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus. Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.
Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts. Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29. Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Celebrity chefs cook and dish – Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.
Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars. Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.
Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
Other festival highlights include:
More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country
A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
Premium events including“3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.
What’s Included with Epcot Admission:
Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests will be able to call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations after an August date is announced. Information and reservations for select events and programs will be at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2012 – Snack And Sip On This, Skip That
Every year at Food and Wine festival at Epcot there are a few booths that are either the same as previous years or things that are always available in the parks. While these items are yummy, they can be skipped if you are a on a time crunch while sipping and strolling around the park. I figured I would let you in on a few of these items!
Canada:
Cheddar Cheese Soup: I know people go BANANAS for this soup and it is a top seller but this is both something you can get at Food and Wine, to go service AND table service at Le Cellier any time of the year. The line is ALWAYS super long and usually a bit of a wait.
My Advice: Skip This
Ice Wine: I am a HUGE FAN of Ice Wine. I had it for the first time many years ago at Food and Wine Festival. I make this a priority stop every year! The grapes for Ice Wine are only picked once a year, within a few hours from a special harvest of frozen to the vine grapes! It is a sweet dessert wine that is always such a treat no matter when you drink it!!!
My Advice: Sip on This
Greece:
Assorted Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Cups: I feel silly putting this on the list but I have to let you know! Seriously, head to Publix and pick your own flavors and enjoy them for breakfast! I am a huge Greek Yogurt fan but, who needs to wait in line and bay 3.00 for yogurt… lol. I would sing a different song if they had fresh made Greek Yogurt however.
My Advice: Skip This
Italy
Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli) : This is always a top seller and there is always a long line to sample this. After Food and Wine 2 years ago, Epcot set up an Italy booth just on the outside of the country where you could purchase this dish year round since it was such a popular and huge hit. This portion for Food and Wine is a bit smaller then the regular season portion so it isn’t really worth the bang for your buck!
My Advice: Skip This
Morocco
Kefta Pocket: This is an item that they do sell in Tangerine Cafe but this is a smaller portion at a much smaller price without the sides. The Seasoned beef is always flavorful and it is put in a Pita Pocket! One of my favorite choices for lunch so this is the perfect size if you want to try something new!
My Advice: Snack on This
Poland
Kielbasa & Potato Pirogi with Caramelized Onions: My husband and I are HUGE Pirogi fans.. we eat them at least twice a month. I am convinced that the Pirogi that they serve are the same ones we buy at Walmart. They tend to be over boiled and very floppy, served with a small slice of boiled kielbasa, a mickey head squirt of sour cream and a few floppy onions on top. Save your self the time, make them at home!
My Advice: Skip This
Singapore
Singapore Sling: This is a concoction of Gin, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Cherry Juice and Soda Water. If you are ready for a strong and sweet beverage then grab this! Our recommendation is to ask for a cup of ice and pour your beverage over the ice to cut down on the strength.
My Advice: Sip On This
These are just some of my notes. Please feel free to sip and snack and skip what you want. I am lucky enough to get to go to Food and Wine multiple times each year so I can be a bit picky when ti comes to what I want to spend my money on each year. Please Keep on the look out for some of our Favorites and some of our Not so Favorites in the coming weeks! Make sure you follow us around on Twitter to see what new Favorites we may have!!!
Beth went to the preview of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival yesterday, and here are some of the pictures that she tweeted!
White Corn Arepa, Pork Rillette, FL Lager, Key Limen from Florida
Trick’n Chicken Curry from Terra
Taste of Scandinavia and Cuvee – Scandinavia
Spinach and Cheese Paneer Pocket and Fairview Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
Pork Sliders and Kona Golden Ale from Hawaii
Pork Potstickers from China
Epcot Food and Wine Festival receipts have a new back!
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival shop was open for business!
And now here are some Quick Bites to keep in mind as you are going around the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Now these Quick Bites are extremely honest, and we have also included links to our friends over at The Disney Food Blog since they have AMAZING coverage of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for a different perspective and beautiful pictures!
* Beef Empanada – I tried this last year, but didn’t like it. It was the only thing that I actually threw out.
* Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée – I loved this. It was one of my favorite things at the festival.
* Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze – This is always good, but I’m not sure it is worth the cost. I would love to try to make it at home.
*Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies – Yum! I don’t recall the potato crunchies in previous years, but I can’t wait to try them.
* Steamed Mussels in Hoegaarden Beer Broth and Baguette – This is a festival favorite. I’ve always enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
* Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream – So good! People wait in the long lines for this dish alone!
* Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles – Last year this was only 2 truffles per package. It wasn’t an expensive item and the prices were probably on par with high-end chocolate like Godiva, but I don’t think I’d spend my money on it.
* Hoegaarden – My personal favorite beer in Belgium (though not my favorite of all Belgian beers).
* Leffe Brune – This is a new one beer this year.
* Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee – Always delicious, but a very small serving.
* Altenmünster Oktoberfest – This is also available in the Germany marketplace and in the WS pavillion.
* Altenmünster Dunkel – This beer was so popular last year that it sold out with more than 2 weeks left in the festival.
Canada
* Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup – This is always a top seller, but I personally don’t care for it.
* Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and “Minus 8″ Onion Jam – I loved this last year. Officially, it doesn’t have a pairing, but I would recommend Niege (apple ice wine) with it.
** Neige Bubble – This actually won’t be at the festival because of a tornado at the orchard.**
* Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread – I love cheese, but I didn’t really like this one last year.
* Trio of Artisan Cheeses: Beecher’s Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Goat Brie and Rogue River Creamery Echo Mountain Blue Cheese – These are new cheeses in this selection this year.
*Sterling Vintner’s Collection Meritage – this was only okay. I don’t think I’d spend the money on it.
* Linda Bean’s® Perfect Maine Lobster Roll® – being a native New Englander, I was skeptical about this dish, but it turns about be delicious. Save your snack credits for this!
* Pumpkin Mousse with Craisins and Orange Sauce – the spices on this were delicious. Just like pumpkin pudding.
* Angry Orchard Cider – OMG. This is delicious. I must have more of it!
* Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
* Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Cashel Blue with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread
* Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache
* All three foods are delicious. I think the cheese plate is one of the best values of the festival.
* Bunratty Potcheene Chilled Irish Coffee – new this year, and I am excited to try it with the lava cake.
* Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella) – popular, but I don’t really like it.
* Cannoli al Cioccolato (Chocolate-Covered Cannoli filled with Ricotta, Chocolate, Candied Fruit) – drooling just thinking about this!
* Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket) – Good and a great size if you would like to try it without paying full price in Tangerine Cafe.
On Saturday, July 28th, from 6:30 to 9:00pm, Tables in Wonderland will be hosting an event called Taste Your Way Around the World at the Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot. This special event for Tables In Wonderland members costs $110.00 per person, not including tax, but gratuities are included.
The event is being promoted as a teaser for those who can’t wait for the fall when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts. It is a “sneak preview” of what is to come at this year’s festival and features speakers who will be talking about what’s new this year. There is a special website setup just for this event’s registration at www.disneyurl.com/sneakpreview. This is a new process they are trying out for this event as opposed to emailing Tables in Wonderland. It will provide you will instant confirmation if you successfully register. Online registration begins on July 2 at 10:00am.
The menu for the event will feature items from around the world to include:
Buffet Reception:
Florida Local: Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables, Fried Plantains and Cilantro
Florida Local: White Corn Arepa with Mangalista Pork Rilette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad
New Zealand: Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Scandinavia: Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee
Poland: Frozen Belvedere Lemon Apple “Tea”
Singapore: Marques de Caceres Satinela
Plated Dinner:
Appetizer
Terra: Chili Colorado with House made Chips and Cashew Cheese, featuring Gardein Beefless Tips
Singapore: Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce Served with Carrots and Baby Green Beans
Canada: Mission Hill Syrah
New Zealand: :Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
Dessert Trio From Desserts & Champange:
Yogurt Panna Cotta with Orange Cake, Raspberries and Pomegranae
Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chili and Salted Caramel
Lemon Custard Verrine with Blueberry Compote
Neige Premiere Sparkling Ice Cider
Soft Drinks, Water, Coffee, Tea
Italicized menu items indicate alcoholic beverages
This event is limited to the first 150 guests and park admission is NOT required. Each Tables in Wonderland member may register for up to ten guests including themself. You must have first and last names for each guest in your party, your TiW ticket number, mailing address, phone number, email address, credit card billing information, and any food allergy information at the time of registration. It is also suggested that you use a personal email address to register with as many company emails will filter the confirmation email as spam.
The Eat to the Beat concert series is a super cool bonus to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!
The concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s World Showcase, and the cost is included with your admission to the park. There are concerts at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
I went to my first Eat to the Beat Concert, and it was AWESOME! I can’t believe that we have skipped this during our multiple trips to Epcot during the International Food & Wine Festival. I was stoked to see Sugar Ray with Shalon, Emily, and Tom!
It was a great concert! He played all of the hits you’d expect, some you didn’t (They loved the “Play Mean Machine” signs that Shalon made…WOOT WOOT!), and then threw in a few fun extras!
I gotta fever. And only prescription is MORE COWBELL!!!
I absolutely suggest going early to get a great place in line. We got there 45 minutes early, and were given a ticket to turn in that allowed us to go in early to grab some great seats. We were able to hold some seats around us, but you can’t hold up too much space. And finally, be prepared to dance and have fun!
The remaining concert line-up* for Eat to the Beat is…
The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (“Don’t Bring Me Down”): 10/20-21/11
Howard Jones (“No One is to Blame”): 10/22-23/11
Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”): 10/24-26/11
Gin Blossoms (“Hey Jealousy”): 10/27-28/11
Sister Hazel (“All for You”): 10/29-30/11
Hanson (“Give a Little”): 10/31-11/1/11
The Pointer Sisters (“He’s so Shy”): 11/2-3/11
Night Ranger (“Sister Christian”) : 11/4-6/11
Air Supply (“Lost in Love”): 11/7-8/11
Richard Marx (“Right Here Waiting”): 11/9-10/11
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Go Daddy-O”): 11/11-13/11
*= The songs I listed are for recognition and not necessarily what they will play.
I know that Sugar Ray won’t be my last Eat to the Beat concert, and I hope to see you there!!!
