Eat & Drink Yourself Around the World Disney Style

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

As the fall temperatures and humidity begin to drop in sunny Florida, Epcot’s world showcase heats up becoming the centerpiece for an epicurean delight.  Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival launched in September and runs through November 9^th, offering even more selections of food, wine, beer, musical entertainment as well as culinary demonstrations to stimulate the palate than what is normally available. Furthering the cultural aspect of this much anticipated event, many food and beverage kiosk are staffed with natives of the particular country represented.  Located at Disney in Florida, a regular park admission ticket is needed to experience all the delightful taste and smells of this festival with an international flair. 

World showcase is a collection of 11 different countries with representation from Norway to China to Morocco.  These countries host examples of architecture, culture through performances and art as well as food and beverage options.  During the festival many other temporary marketplaces (31) are set up to represent countries such as Greece, South Africa, Spain and New Zealand. 

Truly, one can sample their way through the world with tapas-sized portions in both food and drink ranging from $2 to $5. A few examples of offerings for the hungry and thirsty are potato pierogies from Poland, a spicy beef empanada from Chile and a nice Riesling from Austria.  The sweet tooth is not forgotten as many offer a sugary options such as Puerto Rico’s “Gypsy’s Arm” jelly roll. The United States had an additional New York and Louisiana food and beverage opportunities featuring some true Cajun cuisine and fine upstate wines from New York wineries.  A few other favorites include Canada’s famous cheddar cheese soup and the sausage in a pretzel bread wrap in Germany coupled with one of its six Riesling wines.

Novice Sommeliers and Brew masters will find a copious selection of fine wines and beers from the participating countries of the festival.  France offers a champagne and wine seminar that provides an in depth look at the history of wines, various growing regions and the fermentation process used to produce these libations.  Taste samplings are available from maple syrups and sugars to edible paper creations for the adventurous.  Lovers of hops and barley can experience the “History of Beer in America” or try the international sampling of beers at the Brewers Collection. 

Entertainment abounds with the America Gardens Theatre setting the tone for outdoor concerts with headliners from Sheena Easton to Boyz II Men.  These concerts are put on daily with up to three shows a day and offer both covered and outdoor seating.  Many of the 11 resident countries offer some form of musical or dance troupe that display the energy and beauty of their counties.  Passersby of Canada can experience the Celtic rock band Off Kilter whose members are outfitted in flannel shirts and kilts while Japan features traditional Taiko drummers at the base of the pagoda.  These cultural displays will stimulate visitors both visually as well as thru music.

Epcot’s 2008 International Food & Wine Festival marks the 13^th year of this annual event.  The dates for 2009 have yet to be released; interested visitors should check the Epcot Web site for details of the event.  Long known to be a destination for families for the theme parks, water parks and recreation, Disney continues to make a name for itself among those planning their travel around food and beverage.

Photo Caption: International Indulgence — Savory samplings from around the world will be on the menu during the 13th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Sept. 26 - Nov. 9, 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular six-week-long culinary extravaganza showcases celebrated chefs and vintners, cooking demonstrations, wine pairings and live entertainment.