We’re coming to the end of the year, which means there are a lot of exciting events happening at Disney World.
We have the holiday season, filled with special treats, over-the-top decorations at all the parks and resorts, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On top of that, we’ve also got two big festivals at EPCOT. First, there’s the Food & Wine Festival, which has been going on since July, but once that ends it’ll be time for the International Festival of the Holidays. Those two events are a big draw for Disney food lovers, but if you fall into that category, there’s another big offering you’ll want to check out!
What other big Disney World fall time event is perfect for those who want to eat their weight in delicious food? Why, it’s the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! We know what you’re thinking — “why would I go to a food festival at a Disney hotel when I could just go to EPCOT?” But before you write it off so quickly, allow us to explain!
This year, the Food & Wine Classic will take place on November 11th and 12th from 5:30PM-9PM each night. Unlike the festivals at EPCOT where you purchase a park ticket to enter, then pay individually for the food items, the Food & Wine Classic offers “causeway event tickets” which will be your entry to the event and provide you with unlimited food and beverage samplings from the various booths. These basic tickets can be purchased for either Friday or Saturday and cost $165 per person.
However, if you want to level up your experience, you can also purchase seminar tickets to attend special culinary or beverage sessions. This year, they’re hosting Pasta Making with Chef Dan, Wine Blending, Craft Cocktails, and more. And if you want to attend the Food & Wine Classic but you’re hoping to stay nearby, you can get discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels during the weekend — just make sure to book online in advance.
Okay, so what does that causeway event ticket get you? Well, this year there are more than 50 food and beverage options that you’ll find spread throughout the causeway. Some items are exclusive to one night of the event, so we recommend checking out the menus before you decide when to attend, but many of the food options are samplings from the menus of Swan and Dolphin Hotel restaurants. Some of our favorites in the past have been items from places like Shula’s Steak House or Il Mulino…there’s some seriously high-caliber food.
There will be live entertainment on both nights as well. And once the party’s over for the night, you can take the chance to stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk nearby or walk past EPCOT to catch the nighttime fireworks show. You’re right in the heart of Disney World, so you can make it more than just a 3.5-hour experience!
We know that the $165 ticket isn’t cheap, but it’s probably less than you’d spend buying a ticket to EPCOT and then going to the festivals there for a day. On top of that, you’re getting to taste some of the highest-quality food from top-tier restaurants, and if you drink alcohol, you could justify a significant portion of the cost by trying a few of the craft beer, wine, or sake options.
So if you’re looking for the perfect excuse to dress up (or dress down, it’s totally up to you!), visit Disney World for a night, and try some of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels’ best food, then this is your ticket! And speaking of tickets, you can buy them online currently for the causeway, as well as some special weekend events.
We’ll be there to check out the event and try a bunch of the food offerings, so stay tuned to DFB for all the details and reviews from the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! We can’t wait to share all the excitement from one of Disney World’s hidden gems.
Click Here to See the 13 Things You Should Try at the Food & Wine Classic!
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