The 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Classic is HERE… and so are we!!

The Classic is running October 27th and 28th, and, as always, features innovative dishes from renowned chefs, lots of terrific wine and beer offerings, and a variety of informative seminars.

Ticket holders for the event are enjoying the activities on Friday, October 27, and/or Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 5:30PM to 9PM. As in the past, there are several ticket options, which you can find on the event website. The Causeway Ticket provides unlimited access to food and drinks along the Causeway between the two resorts. The Causeway Ticket and Beer Garden ticket allows access to the unlimited Causeway offerings as well as the Beer Garden. There are also a la carte tickets, tickets for seminars, and a Sunday Bubbles Brunch.

So, we thought we’d pop in TONIGHT to show you what’s going down on the Causeway for 2017, especially if you’re getting ready to go to the already sold out event on Saturday evening. Even though several dishes will change, you can still see some of what you’ll be enjoying just hours from now… or you can start considering this event for next year!

But first, before you join us, don’t forget to pick up your Souvenir Wine Glass!

And grab your Wine Yoke at the Wine Store 🙂 !

Okay. Now we’re REALLY ready to check things out! We can’t show you everything (you can see the full menus here), but we’d love to share our thoughts — and some of the food — from our time on Friday night.

Again, many items will vary from Friday to Saturday, but we’re starting our tour at two of the four themed areas — which include Carnival Corner, Chinatown, the Beer Garden, and the new Bubble Lounge — starting with…

Carnival Corner

We couldn’t pick just one bite at Carnival Corner!

The Funnel Cakes (with Nutella!!) are Carnival perfection. Simple and delicious.

Plus, the smaller portion size means that there were none of those gummy parts, you know?

The white cheddar Carnival Mac & Cheese with roasted wild mushrooms was also very good, with nice consistency and good flavor.

And what’s a Carnival without a Corn Dog? The batter on the Texas-style Corn Dogs was light and flavorful.

I’m still not 100% sure, though, what makes it “Texas-style”. In my mind, Texas-style involves Fritos and chili, but these Dogs were served plain with sauce on the side. The Chef shared with me, though, that it has something to do with the batter and type of corn they used.

Now we’re off to…

Chinatown

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again.

You CAN’T MISS the Crispy Duck on a Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce in Chinatown!

And the Shanghai Dumplings continue to gain accolades from Classic attendees.

We’ll be back at the themed areas a bit later, but now we’re moving on to…

Cabana

Okay, this little piece of Double Fried Chicken from Cabana packs a TON of flavor!

The chicken is doused in crushed ranch-flavored Cheez-its (which should be the law), then double fried. It’s served with spicy chipotle sauce and honey.

The carrot “tartare” on top was a little weird, though. It didn’t add much and the cold, mushy texture made the chicken get colder faster.

Still. Did I tell you it’s crusted with ranch Cheez-its?!

Cib’s Smokehouse

I’m all about the Hand-Crafted Pork Belly with Confit-Fennel, Compressed Green Apple, and Spicy Pear BBQ at Cib’s Smokehouse.

‘Cuz Pork Belly is ALWAYS GOOD.

Todd English

The Mesquite Rubbed Wagyu Short Ribs at the Todd English Food Station were super yummy.

In regards to the meat, that is. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Smoked Canellini Bean Puree, which was, indeed, really smoky and not to my liking. That said, my friend liked it more than I did, so it could be personal preference. Either way, the dish was worth stopping for.

Picabu

The Taqueria at Picabu featured Pork Carnitas with organic vegetables and pico de gallo.

Not only did the tacos have terrific pork flavor, but the serving size was good, too.

And you gotta love the assorted hot sauces to go along with ’em!

Fountain

The Kobe Beef Mini Burgers at the Fountain Food Station had a really good presentation, topped with truffle aioli, applewood smoked bacon, and Roma tomato chutney.

I did find the burger was slightly overdone, but otherwise, the dish was fine.

Il Mulino

Unfortunately, I think the Ricotta Gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach, and fennel sausage at Il Mulino could use some work.

The texture of the sausage was quite crumbly, and the super crunchy texture of the gnocchi was a bit off, too.

Finally, we’re heading back to the new themed area for 2017…

Bubble Lounge

Okay, so, it’s super cute in the new Bubble Lounge!

A few things, though, might improve this space if it returns in 2018.

It’s a good concept overall, but I think the whole lounge vibe could be improved with moodier lighting and also some seating, as the room got pretty crowded.

But the themed areas are always a fun addition to the Classic, and it makes me wonder what they’ll come up with next year!

Overall

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic does it again! I have really come to look forward to this event, now in its 8th year. The Causeway offers great food, terrific ticket options, and a fun, outdoor setting — especially at this time of year when quite often you can’t ask for better weather. Couple that with opportunities for foodies to attend educational seminars, and you’ve got yourself quite a weekend. The Food and Wine Classic is highly recommended.

If you want to learn more about the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, be sure to check out the links below!

Click here for Full Causeway Menus

Click here for Full Seminar Details

And tell us… are you a fan of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic? Please let us know with a comment!