Beginning a week from today and running through November 12 Epcot will be hosting the 17th annual Food and Wine Festival.
We have been lucky enough to attend the Festival in the past and is truly a fantastic way to enjoy World Showcase in Epcot. This year there are nearly 30 international food and beverage Marketplaces circling the lagoon plus the very popular Party for the Senses—a spectacular tribute to the sensory arts is available to reserve as well. There are even culinary demonstrations and wine seminars ongoing throughout the festival! Our favorite was the Eat to the Beat concert series, with nightly musical performances from popular hit-makers who this year include Night Ranger, Sugar Ray, Boys II Men, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossom, and the Pointer Sisters. The Eat to the Beat shows are included in your park passes and are daily at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
This year the Festival is hosting a number of new events for guests included in their park admission:
Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company – Immerse yourself in the seductive sights, scents and flavors of chocolate at this new experience! Marvel at sweet sculptures created by Disney pastry chefs and learn about the food’s fascinating origins. Sample a few sweet treats and shop for gourmet chocolate gifts. Be sure to try Drinking Chocolate (it’s like a liquid candy bar!) or a glass of wine. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.
Discussions with Bethenny Frankel, Skinnygirl®, Hosted by Beam Inc. – Bethenny Frankel—popular television personality and founder of Skinnygirl® beverages—hosts a 30-minute talk show-style seminar where she explains how she developed her unique, low-calorie adult beverage products, and her years spent creating healthy dishes in the kitchen. Saturday, November 3 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Watermelon Patch Hosted by The National Watermelon Promotion Board – Visit a real watermelon patch! See watermelons growing and discover fun facts and tips.
Sampling at the Festival Center Wine Shop – Visit the Festival Center Wine Shop for daily wine samples provided by our participating beverages companies. Open daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
HGTV will also be hosting several seminars again this year that are also included with your park admission. These seminars are every listed Friday through Sunday at 12:00 noon, with meet-&-greets at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. :
•September 28 – 30, 2012, Danielle Colding, HGTV Design Star Winner, Season 7, Shop This Room, “Entertainment Passport: Your Ticket to Creating a Travel-Inspired Dining Experience”
•October 5 – 7, 2012, Casey Noble, Design on a Dime, “Gifts that Keep Giving: Holiday Favors that Double as Décor” •October 12 – 14, 2012, Alison Victoria, DIY Network’s Kitchen Crashers, “Crash Course for Holiday Décor”
•October 19 – 21, 2012, Brian Patrick Flynn, HGTV.com, Design Happens contributor, “Express Lane Elegance: Stylish Table Settings from Supermarket Finds”
•October 26 – 28, 2012, Meg Caswell, Meg’s Great Rooms, “Entertaining in Style: Make It and Make It Fun”
•November 2 – 4, 2012, Marianne Canada, HGTV.com Special Projects Editor, “Handmade Goodies They Won’t Regift”
•November 9 – 12, 2012, Emily Henderson, Secrets from a Stylist, “Create Holiday Memories: Style, Share and Preserve Those Family Photos & Cards”
For more information on booking your vacation to enjoy Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, please contact Castle Dreams Travel.
