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News! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos, Beverage Seminar, and Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It Workshop FULL SCHEDULES and Details!

Today, we are excited to share details for the Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mix It! Make It! Celebrate It! Workshops that will take place during the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

See links to the individual Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminar, and Mix It! Make It! Celebrate It! Workshop Pages for all the details!

With not a minute to lose as you make all of your plans (WHEW!!!), we now have details on the low-cost demos, seminars, and workshops that are one of the hallmarks of the Festival.

I know you’re just as anxious as we are to see what’s new in 2017! (You can read our recent reviews of culinary demos here and here, a recent beverage seminar here, and a Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! workshop here!)

Booking all of your favorites starts in just a few days — Thursday, July 20 for the general public, and Tuesday, July 18 for Annual Passholders, DVC Members, Golden Oak Residents, and Tables in Wonderland Members!

Culinary demos and beverage seminars represent great value when it comes to Festival events. They’re also a great way to learn in a fun, festive setting.

Click through to our Culinary and Beverage Seminars, Demonstrations, and Workshops page to see links to the Culinary and Beverage events.

The cost for all seminars and demos is $17 this year, and the events feature a wide range of talent from the culinary world. (Annual Passholders, DVC members, Golden Oak Residents, and Tables in Wonderland Members are eligible for $2 discounts on seminars and demonstrations held Monday through Thursday.)

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands On Workshops will be $49. No discount is offered on the workshops at this time.

Look for celebrity chefs as well as star talent from throughout the Walt Disney World company — and beyond. Representatives from wineries and other beverage companies also make learning about wine and spirits a hands-on experience with tastings and demonstrations.

Shipyard Brewing Beer Flight During a Beverage Seminar

There will be many familiar names in 2017, so check the details to find out when notable local chefs like Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon and James Petrakis of The Polite Pig as well as James Beard Award Winner Tony Mantuano take the stage! We’re excited to welcome back Maneet Chauhan and Keegan Gerhard as well!

With demos and seminars taking place daily during the Festival, you’re bound to find options that tempt your palate! [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: CakeLove Healthy Bites by Warren Brown

By AJ and the DFB Team 1 Comment

The 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be here before you know it! We’re counting down the days, and soon, we’ll be Eating and Drinking our way Around the World with you guys!

And recently, we shared a TON of info with you! We now know the full list of Booths, Menus, and Special Events. But best of all, we know booking dates! Mark you calendars for July 20!

We are still awaiting schedules for Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminars, and Hand On Workshops, we’re sharing a closer look at some of the fantastic events that we enjoyed at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

While the Marketplace Booths are great for grazing and tasting food from all over the globe, we love the opportunity to take in Culinary Demonstrations — and possibly learn a little something new. In addition, it’s fun to check out suggested pairing. And you always leave a culinary demo armed with a brand new recipe.

Place Setting with Recipe

This demo actually offered guests something a little different — a sweet treat that’s both delicious and healthy. Join us as we head into Festival Center to check out Chef Warren Brown on the Chef’s Showcase stage! [Read more…]

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival FIRST LOOK!

By AJ 8 Comments

Woo-hoo! We were SO excited to hear that the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival was coming out of hiatus this year. And I’m thrilled to report that it’s AWESOME!

Yep — the festival, which runs in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort on weekends through May 1, opened for business yesterday. And DFB was there to explore!

Food and Wine Festival Signage

Yesterday, we mostly explored the brand new food booths that are debuting at the festival for the first time. Those of you familiar with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World will know the set-up. Small booths featuring several tapas-sized menu items and selected beverages are set up around the festival. This is the first time that the California festival has done this, so we were super excited to check it out.

Here’s what we sampled and tasted yesterday!

[Read more…]

Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Event Booking Now Available!

By AJ Leave a Comment

You KNOW how excited I am about the return of the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, right? Well, if you’re with me on that — and can’t wait ’til it starts NEXT MONTH (!!!!!) — I’m happy to let you know that booking is now available for the Festival events!

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Events

There are currently two types of bookable events at the Festival this year: the Beverage Seminars and the Celebrity Kitchen events. Both can currently be booked at Disneyland.com and require pre-payment.

Beverage Seminars

DCAFWF Beverage Seminars are built to showcase the art and science behind some of the world’s most popular adult beverages. Up to 75 guests will enjoy a 45-minute lesson led by an expert winemaker, sommelier, brewmaster or industry expert. The outdoor seminars take place on the Sonoma Terrace at Golden Vine Winery and include up to 3 sample tastings!

When: Fridays: 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Where: Sonoma Terrace, located at Golden Vine
Winery, Disney California Adventure Park
Price: $15 per person, plus tax

See a full list of Beverage Seminar dates, times, and presenters here!

Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Beverage Seminar

Celebrity Kitchen

On Stage 17, celebrity chefs like Robert Irvine and Guy Fieri will entertain the audience with a 90-minute demonstration from a demonstration kitchen on the main stage.

[Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Pina Coladas in Disney World

By AJ 4 Comments

It’s time to check in with our awesome reader/photographers over at Disney Food Photo Extravaganza! And we’re starting Happy Hour a little bit early here on DFB today…

Pina CoLAVA

First up, this seriously beautiful Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. We agree with the photographer…if you like “Getting Caught in the Rain” this is totally the drink for you!

Photographer: Obelix_22 (Margo Rioux)

Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney's Pop Century Resort

DragonBerry Colada at Epcot

No discussion of Disney adult drinks would be complete without a trip to the (sigh) Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! This DragonBerry Colada may be diminutive in size, but it’s delicious and packs a punch! And with World Showcase as the backdrop, how can you go wrong? (Click here for the recipe so you can make these at home between Food and Wine Festival trips!)

Photographer: Kelly Tressler

Dragon Berry Colada from the Caribbean Marketplace

Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada

If you like your Pina Coladas without the punch of rum, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the spot for you! Along with amazing Tonga Toast and the Big Kahuna, you can score a creamy Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada that’s just right for [Read more…]

My Favorite Food Kiosks at Walt Disney World! What Are Yours?

By AJ 20 Comments

I get lots of emails and questions about the food I personally love in Disney World, and today I’m sharing some of my favorite Disney Food Kiosks!

You know the ones — those cute little structures that are almost restaurants, but not quite? Here are a few of the BIGGEST TASTES you can get at the smallest places in Disney World! 🙂

I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments, too!

Aloha Isle

There is no way I could have a list of favorite kiosks without putting Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle right up front! The welcoming little stand, located in Adventureland, is home to one of Disney’s most beloved treats, after all.

Aloha Isle

That’s right — we’re talking Dole Whips!

And whether you like yours in float form, swirled with vanilla, or are you’re a purist, most Disney fans don’t consider their trip complete until they’ve made at least one stop here.

Dole Whip Float! A Must-Eat snack for every Disney guest.

As for me, I prefer about one visit to Aloha Isle for each day I’m at Disney. 🙂 No kidding, even though I’m usually eating non-stop on every Disney trip, this is one snack I never skip.

Fife and Drum

At the midway point while you’re walking around Epcot’s World Showcase, you’ll encounter another of our favorite stops, Fife and Drum.

This unassuming little stand looks like just another drink stop, but be sure to swing by and check out the menu for some seriously fun eats. Fife and Drum is home to some items you won’t find anyplace else! But there are not-to-be missed classics here as well, like the cult favorite Smoked Turkey Legs.

Fife and Drum Tavern

If you’re a pretzel fan, you have three different varieties to choose from. The stuffed Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel has a great spicy kick! And you’ll also find the sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel (decadent!) and the Mickey Soft Pretzel (cute!) here, too. This is one of the few places in Disney World to find all of these kinds of pretzels sold in one spot.

UPDATE: Please note, you can still find all these pretzels in the American Adventure Pavilion; however, they are now located at the Block and Hans Craft Beer kiosk.

Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel!

There are also some amazingly tasty drinks here as well. We’ve told you about the Jim Beam Red Stag Lemonade, a wonderful little frozen drink with a punch, thanks to black cherry-flavored bourbon.

You can get your root beer float fix here, too, made with vanilla soft serve.

Root Beer Float

But the piece de resistance of slushies can also be found in this humble spot: I give you the American Dream! This incredible frozen drink combines [Read more…]

Free Disney Facebook Timeline Covers — Food-Themed!

By AJ 13 Comments

How many of you are on facebook? And how many of you have switched to the new Facebook “timeline” feature? Well, this post is for YOU! It’s time to add some Disney Food Magic to your Facebook page courtesy of photographer extraordinaire Tom Bricker, from DisneyTouristBlog.com.

Below, you’ll find fabulous food cover photos from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. These photos are all the optimal size to fit the new Facebook timeline. NOTE: See the instructions below for how to upload the photos into your Timeline.

Unlike most free Facebook Cover providers, Tom will not be adding watermarks to these Covers; in lieu of that, be sure to give him credit by adding a comment to the entry on your Timeline indicating that you’ve added or changed your cover stating “New Cover provided free, courtesy of http://DisneyTouristBlog.com. Check it out for great Disney Facebook Covers!”

Dole Whip
It’s the classic snack found in both Disneyland and Disney World — we love the pineapple flavor!

Hollywood Brown Derby
The celebrity caricatures on the walls of the Hollywood Brown Derby are a great conversation piece while you’re enjoying your meal (or grapefruit cake!).

Main Street Bakery
This turn of the century decor in the Main Street Bakery is very welcoming. Also, inviting? The [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 25, 2011

By AJ 1 Comment

OK, all! We’re here in Walt Disney World for the Happiest Time of the Year! Stay tuned to see lots of tweets and facebook updates from us as we wander around the World.

And we’ll, of course, bring you more-than-you-thought-possible kinds of coverage of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival here on the blog! Don’t forget to start planning your trip now by checking out our individual World Showcase Booth pages — they’re already sporting photos of the food you can purchase!

(Don’t care about the Food and Wine Festival? Fear not! We’re prepping Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland Paris reviews for the next couple of weeks, too!)

Latest Disney Food News

We’ve interviewed seminar leaders for the Second Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. Learn what to expect from the Beer, Mixology, and Spanish Wines seminars!
Iron Chef Cat Cora’s Kitchen Memories event has been canceled at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
A new menu was recently discovered at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll see our review of the famed Picnic Burger this week!
Shula’s Steak House takes the “Best of Award of Excellence” recognition for their extensive wine list in Wine Spectator Magazine’s annual Wine List Awards.
Foodies will find another delicious event in Orlando this fall! The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will host Orlando Food & Wine Weekends, Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011.
The Disney Food Blog is creating a series of e-books highlighting Disney Dining Adventures. Check out an example and learn how YOU can be a part of our next Disney Dining Adventures e-Book!
Check out the 2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Finish Line Party Brochure and Map! Get set for an evening of fun in Epcot!

The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2011 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book Reviews

We’re honored that our newest Mini-Guide is getting such positive reviews!

Jackie’s Magical Moments has this to say:
The last time I went to the Festival, I didn’t do any of the special events, I didn’t know what to expect at all. I felt like I’d missed everything. It doesn’t have to be that way and you can make the very most of everything if you’re prepared, even if you only have a couple of days. This guide is a MUST-HAVE if you are attending….

Check out the rest of the review to learn several reasons why the mini-guide is a must for your Food & Wine planning.

Thanks, Jackie!

And Now…On to the Round-Up!

Gorillas Don’t Blog

shows us Big Al making popcorn!

DisZine reports that the Cake Boss will appear at this year’s Food and Wine Festival. See a video of Buddy and Pam Brandon here!

Kevin Kidney will be at WDW on September 30 and October 1st! Check out the Haunted Mansion themed item that he created for an auction.

Main Street Gazette features one of our favorite Fall treats in Disney World!

Healthy Disney highlights vegetarian options at Wolfgang Puck Express.

Touringplans.com Blog lets us escape to the Territory Lounge. We love a great place to relax!

DisneyParks Blog shares Club 33’s recipe for pumpkin beignets! Impress your friends with these treats at your Halloween party.

We’ll see you at the Festival!

9 Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths

By AJ 7 Comments

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is now less than a month away! And we asked Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans on facebook to share their personal tips for navigating the festival!

We received some valuable information that has been Festival-tested! For example, Michelle O. shared a personal experience warning of the dangers of sipping around the world before attending a seminar on The World’s Sharpest Knife. Learn from her experience. Bring first-aid or sip AFTER the knife session!

Here are a few more tried and tested tips…

Tip #1: Share

Facebook Fans Michelle J. and Susan S. advise Festival-goers to share their eats with family and friends. Joline S. agrees: “Share what you buy so you have enough room to try more things.”

Heather P. likes to share too! “If you want to try more than one item at each booth have everyone that is with you order something different so that you all can have a taste.”

Sharing is Caring at the Ireland Booth: Lava Cake, Fisherman's Pie, and Meade

Tip #2: Meal Planning and Touring Strategies

Sometimes planning ahead and taking your time while at the festival are the best ways to make sure you’ll be able to sample everything that you want. (Psst… taking a look at our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Food Photos will help with the planning ahead!)

Christopher N. has mastered a dining (and grazing!) technique: “We plan a day where our lunch and dinner dining is at the festival booths. We start at one end of World Showcase with a preplanned idea of what items we want to try. We take our time and [Read more…]

Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Step-by-Step Guide

By Kim LaPaglia 8 Comments

Let us help you gear up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend being held September 30 – October 1, 2011! Whether you are racing in the 5K or the half marathon, or cheering on a participant, this weekend will also offer time to dine on international foods at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Be sure to check out our Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend pages for all the info you need!

Calendar of Events

Friday, September 30

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Expo

Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Expo is a two-day event filled with fun, fitness and food! This is where runners will register for the weekend events, pick up numbers and goody bags, and attend any seminars or events having to do with the races.

Pre-Race: Race waiver forms are ready to be downloaded and printed. Fill out the waiver and bring it with you to the Expo so you can receive your race number. Go ahead and take care of it out now! Pack the waiver with your other race essentials. Download here.

Now is a good time to review your Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, Family 5K, and Disney Kids’ Final Race Instructions. Unable to attend Packet Pick-Up? See Absentee instructions.

Will you wear a costume? Costumes are permitted in the Half Marathon. No face masks and costumes must not “be questionable or offensive” to others.

Transportation: Buses from Host Resorts will leave every 20 minutes. Look for runDisney logo in the front window of bus. Buses will run from one half hour prior to Expo opening until one half hour after Expo closing.

Step 1: Pick up your race packet at the HP Field House, then proceed to the Jostens Center for your t-shirt and goody bag.

Note: Your race packet should contain Half Marathon Bib Number with B-tag attached, Bag Check Sticker, Finish Line Party Guide, Finish Line Party Wristband, $10 Disney Gift Card, Pre-purchased commemorative pin if applicable.

Step 2: Pick up pre-purchased items. You will need to show your ID to pick up your items including commemorative Ears.

Step 3: Purchase any tickets needed for [Read more…]