The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is celebrating it’s 20th year, returns to the Disney World Resort Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015 with more than 30 global marketplaces.

For the first time ever, the festival is stretching into the park’s Future World with four new food and beverage marketplaces.

Along the walkway toward Future World West, you can enjoy the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area, which 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, you can discover the new Next Eats area, featuring the 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 offer three dishes, and Chew Lab will show off hot culinary tech trends like a Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

While many festival events are included in regular theme park admission, including the new Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discover Passport, as well as attractions and park entertainment, you can also look forward to over-the-top premium events, including:

Rockin’ Burger Block Party – Catch a glimpse of the cast of ABC TV’s “The Chew” at this new premium event on Oct. 8 in World ShowPlace. They’ll enjoy specialty burgers and sliders inspired by top names in the music industry such as Dave Matthews and his Dreaming Tree Wines and Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila. (Two additional Burger Block Parties are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.) This event includes VIP seating with a specialty cocktail toast, premium bar and more.

Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses – This first-time event on Oct. 31 will be one in a series of popular Party for the Senses premium events. You can experience an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food.

Another Party for the Senses you won’t want to miss takes place Oct. 24, and features Disney chefs from the United States, Europe and Asia cooking their favorite cuisine that represents their cultures as well as the Disney Parks and Resorts they call home.

Additional Party for the Senses dates are Oct. 3, 10 and 17, and each evening starts with a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat concert series at the America Gardens Theatre. Following the show, you will head to World ShowPlace for a sensational evening with more than 50 tasting stations, and performances by Cirque du Soleil.

What’s Cookin’ With …You can begin the morning with a delightful plated brunch and sparkling wine toast. Culinary celebs will demo a favorite dish and then sit down with the emcee to answer questions from the audience and share secrets of their successes. The brunch happens every Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. during the festival.

Guests include:

• Sept. 27: Andrew Zimmerman

• Oct. 2: Amanda Freitag presented by Mylan

• Oct. 4: Bryan Voltaggio

• Oct.9: Jamie Deen

• Oct.11: Carla Hall

• Oct.16: Gale Gand

• Oct. 18: Cat Cora

• Oct.23: Allen Susser

• Oct. 25: John Ash presented by Verlasso

• Oct. 30: Robert Irvine

• Nov. 1: Erika Davis

• Nov. 6: Buddy Valastro

• Nov. 8: David Guas

• Nov. 13: Alex Guarnaschelli

• Nov. 15: Sarah Fioroni

Others premium events include the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Japanese Craft Beer Tasting and the new French Family Meal Traditions.

Event Tickets: Epcot Theme Park admission is required and some events require additional fees.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series 

Four new “Eat to the Beat” concert acts debut and several fan favorites return to America Gardens Theater during the 20th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Daily show times take place at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Scheduled to perform are:

• David Cook – Sept. 25 – Sept. 27
• Wilson Phillips – Sept. 28 – Sept. 29
• Christopher Cross – Sept. 30 – Oct. 1
• Starship – Oct. 2 – Oct. 4
• Smash Mouth – Oct. 5 – Oct. 7
• The Pointer Sisters – Oct. 8 – Oct. 9
• 38 Special – Oct. 10 – Oct. 11
• Rick Springfield – Oct. 12 – Oct. 13
• Sugar Ray – Oct. 14 – Oct. 16
• The S.O.S. Band – Oct. 17 – Oct. 18
• Air Supply – Oct. 19 – Oct. 21
• Fuel – Oct. 22 – Oct. 23
• New! Tiffany – Oct. 24 – Oct. 25
• Dennis DeYoung – Oct. 26 – Oct. 28
• Jo Dee Messina – Oct. 29 – Oct. 30
• New! Everclear – Oct. 31 – Nov. 1
• Boyz II Men – Nov. 2 – Nov. 4
• Sister Hazel – Nov. 5 – Nov. 6
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Nov. 7 – Nov. 9
• Hanson – Nov. 10 – Nov. 12
• New! Maxi Priest – Nov. 13 – Nov. 14
• New! Chaka Khan – Nov. 15 – Nov. 16

Last but not least, the most important part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the menus!

Africa:

Food

• Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips with onions, jalapeños, tomato and pap

• Buttered chicken with micro cilantro and naan bread

Drinks

• Indaba Chenin Blanc
• DeMorgenzon DMZ Cabernet Róse
• Fairview Pinotage
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

Australia:

Food

• Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas

• Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies

• Lamington: Yellow cake dipped in chocolate and shredded coconut

Drink

• Coopers Brewery Extra Strong Vintage Ale

• Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling

• Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay

• Yangarra Estate Vineyard Shiraz

Belgium:

Food

• Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef and smoked gouda cream

• Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream

• Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

Drink

• Hoegaarden

• Leffe® Blonde*

• Palm Spéciale Belge Ale

• Stella Artois® Cidre

• Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

• Beer flight: Hoegaarden®, Palm Amber Ale, Leffe® Blonde and Stella Artois® Cidre

Brazil:

Food

• Escondidinho de carne, “Little Hidden One”: layered meat pie with mashed yucca

• Crispy pork belly with black beans and tomato*

• Pão de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread

• Cocada: Brazilian coconut candy

Drink

• Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer*

• Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine

• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Brewer’s Collection:

• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)

• Norbertus Special Hefeweizen

• BraufactuM Progusta IPA

• Shöfferhofer Zitrone Weizen-Mix

• Bier Flight: Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered), Norbertus Special Hefeweizen, BraufactuM Progusta IPA, Shöfferhofer Zitrone Weizen-Mix

Canada:

Food

• Canadian cheddar cheese soup

• Chicken sausage with creamy polenta and Minus 8 onion jam

• “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce*

Drink

• Moosehead® Lager

• Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine

• Inniskillin Vidal Icewine

• Tawse Vineyard Cabernet Franc*

China

Food

• Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce

• Gaoli beef slider*

• Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles

• Chicken pot stickers

To Drink-

• TSINGTAO Beer

• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling*

• Ritzy Lychee with cognac and vodka

• Happy Peach with peach liqueur and dark rum

• Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec

• Mango jasmine tea with popping bubbles

Craft Beers

Food

• Craft beer snack mix: sweet and savory blend of nuts, fruits, and crackers

• Charcuterie plate: Country pâté, cured meats, and crostini

• Pimento cheese dip with pretzel crisps

• Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail

Drink

• Brew Hub Keybilly Island Ale, Lakeland, FL
• Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, FL
• Orlando Brewing Grateful Pumpkin, Orlando, FL
• Swamp Head Wild Night® Honey Cream Ale, Gainsville, FL
• 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
• Florida Beer Company Passport 20 Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
• Funky Buddha Vanilla Espresso Porter, Oakland Park, FL
• Shipyard Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Clearwater, FL
• Flight #1: Florida Harvest
• Brew Hub Keybilly Island Ale, Lakeland, FL
• Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, FL
• Orlando Brewing Grateful Pumpkin, Orlando, FL
• Swamp Head Wild Night® Honey Cream Ale, Gainsville, FL
• Flight #2: Craft Beer Lovers
• 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
• Florida Beer Company Passport 20 Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
• Funky Buddha Vanilla Espresso Porter, Oakland Park, FL
• Shipyard Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Clearwater, FL

Desserts & Champagnes

Food

• Chocolate cherry explosion

• Strawberry-basil champagne “toast”

• Guylian® Belgian chocolate seashell truffles

Drink

• Nicholas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs

• Möet & Chandon Impérial

• Veuve Clicquot® Ponsardin “Yellow Label”

• Dom Pérignon

• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial

• Orange Blossom Brewery Toasted Coconut Porter float with caramel ice cream

• Cream soda float with caramel ice cream

• Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Dominican Republic

Food

• Lechón asado: Roasted pork with mangú, pickled red onion and avocado*

• Soufflé de yuca: Yuca soufflé topped with griddled cheese

• Pescado con coco: Seared grouper, pigeon peas and rice with coconut sauce

• Caramel flan with rum-roasted pineapple

Drink

• Presidente Pilsner Beer*

• Frozen Dominican piña colada featuring Ron Barceló Blanco Rum

• Frozen sugar cane cocktail featuring Ron Barceló Blanco Rum

Farm Fresh

Food

• Loaded mac n’ cheese with Nueske’s® pepper bacon, cheddar cheese, peppers and green onions

• Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens*

Drink

• Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider

• Wyder’s® Dry Pear Hard Cider

• Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider

• ACE Hard Pumpkin Cider

• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen Wine

• Tom Gore Chardonnay*

• Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon

• Hard cider flight: Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Wyder’s® Dry Pear Hard Cider, Two Henrys Elderberry

• Hard Cider, ACE Hard Pumpkin Cider

France

Food

• Croissant aux escargots with garlic and parsley

• Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes*

• Crème brûlée vanille chocolat: Vanilla & chocolate crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar

Drink

• Beer, Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, Vielles Vignes Mommessin

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet*

• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir

• Ice Pop Pomme: Apple juice, vodka, and St. Germain liqueur

• La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice

Germany

Food

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese*
• Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
• Apple strudel with vanilla sauce

Drink

• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett*

• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese

• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese

• Kallstadter Kobnert Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Spätlese Dry

• German Riesling flight:

• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett

• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese

• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese

Greece

Food

• Vegetarian moussaka with Gardein™ sausage crumbles*

• Greek salad in a cone

• Chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce

• Spanakopita

Drink

• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero*

• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri

• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah Xinomavro

• Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS® Natural Yoghurt Liqueur

Hawaii

Food

• Kālua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise*

• Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips

Drink

• Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave® Golden Ale*

• Kona Brewing Company, Pipeline Porter

• Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine

• Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Hops & Barley

Food

• New England Lobster Roll*

• Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese

• Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing

Drink

• SweetWater Take Two Pils

• Goose Island® Honkers Ale

• Samuel Adams® Rebel IPA

• Dogfish Head Sixty-One IPA

• La Crema® Chardonnay*

• Cambria Estate Winery Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir

• Beer Flight (Includes 4, 4 oz. servings): SweetWater Take Two Pils, Goose Island® Honkers Ale, Samuel, Adams® Rebel IPA, Dogfish Head Sixty-One IPA

Ireland

• Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie

• Kerrygold® cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig

• Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard*

Drink

• Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale

• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine

• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen*

• Kerrygold® Irish Cream Liqueur

Italy

Food

• Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil

• Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread*

• Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit

Drink

• Moretti Lager Beer
• Moretti La Rossa Beer
• Pinot Grigio, Placido
• Corbinello, Montegrande
• Chianti Classico, Placido*
• Moscato Fior d’Arancio, Montegrande
• Prosecco, Bosco del Merlo
• Frozen margarita with limoncello and tequila

Japan

Food

• Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce

• Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce

• Miso Udon: steamed shrimp, vegetables, and noodles in a spicy broth

Drink

• Kirin Draft Beer

• Pineapple Fuzed Sake

• Sake – Komatsu Tateaki Samurai

• Sake – Suigei Drunken Whale

Mexico

Food

• Tacos de camarón: Battered shrimp, pico de gallo, pickled onions, and chipotle mayonnaise

• Chilaquiles de pollo: Corn chips layered with seasoned chicken, queso fresco, sour cream and cilantro

• Pastel de elote con queso: sweet corn cheesecake

Drink

• Dos Equis Lager Beer with Floater*

• Mexican sangria

• Tequila Flight

• Guava margarita

Morocco

Food

• Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket

• Harissa chicken roll

• Baklava

To Drink-

• Casa Beer*

• Guerouane White*

• Sangria

• Mimosa Royale

New Zealand

Food

• Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs

• Seared venison loin with wild mushroom marsala sauce and kumara dumpling*

• Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney

Drink

• Kim Crawford Pinot Gris

• Brancott Estate® Flight Song™ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

• Kim Crawford Chardonnay

• Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir

Patagonia 

Food

• Beef empanada

• Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée*

• Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri

Drink

• Undurraga Sparkling Wine Brut

• Calle Ocho Chardonnay

• Kaiken Torrontés

• Terrazas Reserva Malbec

Poland

• Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
• Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash

Drink

• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer

• Donausonne® Blaufränkisch Hungarian Wine*

• Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Scotland

Food

• Haggis with neeps and tatties: Traditional Haggis with rutabaga and mashed potatoes
• Fresh potato pancake with Scottish smoked salmon and herb sour cream *
• Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon
• The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked cake with lemon cream and toasted oats

Drink

• Innis & Gunn® CASK OAK Aged Beer*

• Brew Dog Punk Ale

• Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin

• Glenfiddich® Single Malt 12-Year Scotch

• Glenfiddich® Single Malt 15-Year Scotch

• Glenfiddich® Single Malt 18-Year Scotch

• Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch flight (12-, 15- and 18-year)

South Korea

Food

• Korean Barbecue Short Rib with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi*

• Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw

Drink

• iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
• Myungjak Bokbunja Raspberry Wine*
• Soju Banana Milkshake featuring The Ginger People® Ginger Soother®

Sustainable Chew

Food

• Pork Spareribs with red wine, fennel, and cheesy mascarpone grits

• Ricotta & zucchini ravioli with tomato sauce

• Vanilla panna cotta with fresh figs and pistachio brittle

Drink

• Founders Spectra Trifecta (Chamomile Kolsch)

• Frozen Chew-tini

• Beso Del Sol White Sangria

Chew Labs

Food

• Olive oil poached salmon with fresh corn, bacon and pepper jam

• New York strip, parsnip silk, balsamic glaze and arugula foam*

• Liquid nitro chocolate almond truffle with warm whiskey caramel

Drink

• Festival Chardonnay, Napa Valley

• Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles*

• Smoking Hibiscus featuring Montelobos® Mezcal Joven

Cheese Studio

• Trio of artisan cheese: Karst cave-aged cheese served with honey, La Bonne Vie goat cheese served with Craisin® bread, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese with berry port compote

• Sweet goat cheese panna cotta with guava gellé

• Cheese fondue with sourdough bread

Drink

• Robert Mondavi FuméBlanc

• Still River Winery Apfel Eis (apple ice wine)

• Sterling Vintner’s Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Studio

Food

• Trio of artisan cheese: Karst cave-aged cheese served with honey, La Bonne Vie goat cheese served with Craisin® bread, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese with berry port compote

Drink

• Avviato Pinot Grigio, Oregon

• 14 Hands Chardonnay, Washington

• Franciscan Equilibrium White Wine, California

• Acacia Pinot Noir, California

• Dry Creek Zinfandel, California

• Spellbound Petite Sirah, California

• Clayhouse Malbec, California

• Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Epcot admission is required. Some Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events require ticket fees in addition to admission to Epcot. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time. Concert is included in regular Epcot admission. Entertainment and appearances are subject to change without notice.

Check out epcotfoodfestival.com for more info.

It all sounds so good. I don’t know where to start. Which booth would you visit first?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

What a great time to visit Disney World. The weather will be more tolerable and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be in full swing. Imagine spending the day at Epcot taking a stroll around the World Showcase and enjoying all the delectable food and drinks that every country has to offer. Where else in the world can you sample food from different countries all in one day? Only at Disney World! I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I would love to help you plan you Food & Wine getaway. Contact me at [email protected] for your free no obligation quote.