It’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival Time. And that means we’re heading back into World ShowPlace for the grandest of the Food and Wine Festival Special Events — Party for the Senses!

In previous years, Party for the Senses one of the festival’s biggest (and priciest) Special Events, brought together over-the-top food and drink, paired with up close and personal entertainment provided by Cirque de Soleil. But in 2016, that all changed, as the events became much more specifically themed and the slate of entertainment changed with each party.

Join us as we look back at one of the events from last year, which celebrated Disney Springs.

Party for the Senses: A Sense of Disney Springs

Have you ever been inside the cavernous World ShowPlace? What? You don’t even know what that is?

Well, that’s because it’s a special events pavilion that’s only opened up for big doings, such as holiday dinner buffets… and grand tasting events during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, like Party for the Senses. During the rest of the year, the venue, located between the Canada and UK Pavilions, is hidden behind a large set of wooden doors.

As you enter, the first room is normally sort of like a giant receiving hall. Go past this area, and that’s where the party really starts.

And I have to say — it really is a celebration for all of your senses. Colorful decorations and light-up table bases capture your attention right away.

As this was a celebration of Disney Springs, we were delighted to see dancers and musicians from Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. They were performing their Rhythms of Raglan show, a gorgeous expression of the Ireland through music, dance, and images. If you haven’t had the chance to catch it, be sure to visit soon.

But, as awesome as the decor and entertainment were…let’s get on with our first love: the fooooood.

There was plenty more where this came from, but today, we’ll give you just a taste. 🙂

Let’s begin with a few savory options. It wasn’t just the big table service restaurants that were represented at Party for the Senses. There were some unexpected dishes from kiosks and even food trucks as well.

Our first stop was the B.B. Wolf Sausage Co. station.

Here, we noshed on Regensburg Sausage, a mild German sausage served in the famed southern Bavarian medieval town of Regensburg where three rivers meet. As the story goes, the Old Historic Sausage Kitchen has been in continuous operation for nearly 900 years — making it the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world. So there’s your history lesson for the day.

Anyhoo — in this case, the sausage is wrapped in Nueske’s Bacon and served with Black Bean Salsa, Lime Crème, and Jalapeño.

But we also had the opportunity to sample a world of flavors from the two of Disney’s Food Trucks.

In fact, Namaste Cafe was parked nearby for the occasion. Sweet! (By the way, it’s worth noting that Namaste has morphed into Springs Street Tacos these days.)

While Namaste served up a Spice-dusted Grilled Lamb Kefta, we also enjoyed a selection from the World Showcase of Flavors Truck. The Pork Belly Cuban brought together Melaza-rubbed Pork Belly, Smoked Ham, Queso Suizo Garlic Chili Pickles, Citrus Mayo, and Yellow Mustard.

We also spied Disney Celeb Chef Art Smith, who was there to represent his restaurant, Homecomin’. It’s one of our favorites! For a rundown of our most recent visit, check out this review.

Morimoto Asia was also in the house, serving up there delectable Peking Duck (it’s SO good!) in the form of…Tacos. 😀

I *may* have made more than one trip to this stop on the food trail.

In addition to some outstanding savory dishes, there were plenty of sweets to tempt us too. We sampled the Bananas Foster Crepe from AristoCrepes, another interesting kiosk you’ll find in Disney Springs.

This is not your momma’s crepe. Served with a Pink Peppercorn Chantilly, a Bruleed Banana, Hazelnut Brittle, and Frangelico Nutella, this treat left us wanting more.

But there was no way we were passing up an incredible chocolate dessert at the hands of The Ganachery. This tiny shop is huge in terms of flavor. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to stop in on your next trip through Disney Springs.

The Dark Chocolate Ganache, paired with Pistachio Sponge Cake and Amarena Cherries was elegant to be sure — but it was also seriously rich and delicious.

In fact, looking at this picture right now makes me wish that I could stop by for one of these to go tomorrow. (Except it totes wouldn’t stand up to this Florida heat.)

As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed the feast for the eyes, ears, and tastebuds that epitomizes Party for the Senses. If you’re looking to splurge on a Special Event, we say go for it!

Want to see more DFB at PFTS? Check out our other Party for the Senses experiences here and here!

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So, what do you think? Is Party for the Senses on your Epcot Food and Wine Bucket List? Leave a comment and let us know if you plan to attend this year!