Don't Miss New Events at Epcot Food & Wine

In addition to my favorite activity - "eating around the world" - during the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival, I love all the special dinners and culinary classes that go on during the festival. The average person can see cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, or taste food they never would have tried.

This year, the Festival added many fun new events. Here are my favorites:

* Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner: Enjoy a luxurious, five-course meal featuring truffles, set in an Italian summer villa atmosphere.

* Party for the Senses: The biggest Food and Wine Festival event every year, this upscale dinner features Disney chefs from all over the world, preparing dishes from their country. Get tickets now for the October 25 dinner.

* Dining Through the Decades - A Tribute to Walt Disney: Honoring Walt Disney's creative genius, this dinner is served with a side of fantasy and magic. I can't wait to see the unique dishes - and wine pairings - the chefs come up with.

* Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing: The menu is inspired by the spice trades of Africa and Europe and is held in the restaurant at Morocco. I love the atmosphere at this restaurant!

* Late Nights Live: this year, you can stay after the regular park hours and take part in a street party with dancing, food and drinks! I love this addition for Orlando residents who want to enjoy the festival in the evening.

* Food for Thought: Join celebrity chefs for cooking tips, their personal stories, and tastes of their delicious food. Featured chefs this year: Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Rick Bayless, Cat Cora, and others!

To obtain reservations for these special events, call 407-939-3378.

What's New at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Shrimp Ceviche at Florida Marketplace Booth

If you are like me and you look forward to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival every year, then you will definitely want to check out the new pavilions and food this year. Plus, the festival is a few days longer this year, kicking off September 28 and running through November 12.

New food marketplaces include a TERRA Vegan Marketplace booth, which offers Chili Colorado with House Made Chips and Cashew Cheese and Trik'n Chick'n Curry with Basmati Rice. The Florida Marketplace will also make its debut, offering dishes such as Florida Shrimp Ceviche and White Corn Arepa with Mangalitsa Pork Rillette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad. The foods, beers, and wine offered at each country's marketplace can be found here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/marketplace/.

The Festival has also added VIP Marketplace Chef Tours. Every Wednesday, Food and Wine Festival chefs will host walking tours of the World Showcase booths. So, those on the tour can taste five dishes and five beverages from various marketplaces and hear about culinary secrets from the chefs. 

Party For The Senses

Party For The Senses - a culinary extravaganza where renowned chefs such as Robert Irvine cook for guests - is back this year. While you are tasting amazing, gourmet food, Cirque de Soleil performs! Note that this is a separate event from the regular festival, and costs around $130 per person, depending on the date. There is much more going on at this wonderful event, and I will update you on other things to do and see throughout the Food and Wine Festival.