SNAP!

[#1]

Every year between the end of September and mid-November, the International Food & Wine Festival transforms Disney's Epcot into a feast for the senses. If you aren't familiar, it's a full-fledged food-fest that highlights flavors and fixins from countries and regions around the globe. The World Showcase is lined with marketplaces offering sample-sized portions, allowing you to pick and choose tastings from each region. The event is certainly one you should check out...especially if you're a food lover like me!

For a more "involved" experience, the festival offers plenty of additional activities. I visited the festival a week ago and highly recommend attending a Beverage Seminar and indulging in the amazing Party for the Senses.

Here's what you can expect from each... 

Beverage Seminars

Perfect for an adult getaway, beverage seminars are very educational...and tasty! With several seminars scheduled daily, it's easy to find one that strikes your fancy. From organic wineries in South America to breweries from the Boston area, the wide range of seminars offers an interesting peek into the geography, science and philosophy behind the beverages we love. And priced under $15, they're certainly an affordable way to take your tasting to the next level.

Party for the Senses

Ok. Let me just preface this next section with one word: WOW. This event is perfect for those who've attended the festival a few times, for parties who really want to get the most out of their experience, or for anyone who just loves food. This premium event allows you to try signature dishes prepared by amazing chefs and sample a variety of beverages from around the globe. Beginning every Saturday at 7:30 p.m., you'll have 2 1/2 hours to taste (and re-taste), mingle with attendees and party the night away. With entertainment provided by Cirque du Soleil, the fun truly is non-stop. 

 

 The event costs $145 per person, which includes gratuity, some great party favors and all the food/drink you can handle. Trust me—if you leave hungry, you did something wrong. Truthfully, I cannot imagine attending the Food & Wine Festival again without partaking in Party for the Senses. In my humble—and hungry—opinion, the event is well worth the cost of admission and is certainly one to check out. 

This year's festival runs through November 13. Happy globetrotting! 

[#2]

I wish I had been on here sooner, looks like I missed a heck of a party!  I love good food, and this sounds like it would be a wonderful culinary adventure, except for the Sushi, heh.  I think it will have to be on the planner for next year.  Thanks for the article!

[#3]

This does sound amazing! I've seen Cirque de Soleil and they provide an unforgettable spectacle. The idea of coupling that with great food and drink sounds like heaven. Thanks for the tip.