Tag: food and wine festival

Tot Five: Drink Around the World

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

food and wine

This week kicked off the 2016 Food &Wine Festival at Epcot.

While the Mousekatot’s have Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, we parents have the food and wine festival.

Instead of candy lines and costumes, we have food from around the world and exotic libations.

There are a lot of things to try at this year’s festival and one could spend all day eating or drinking around the world.

But to save you from a stomach ache or even worse a day at the amusement park with a pounding headache and dark sunglasses, here are my Tot Five drinks to experience around the world at this year’s festival.

1. Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine (China)

This is a personal favorite of mine. I can remember a few years ago, the hubby and I had this on one of our anniversary trips. I will admit that I got a little tipsy off of just one of these. We sat on the bench and just people watched while we giggled to ourselves as the plum wine kicked in.

$7

2. Stella Artois Hard Cidre (Belgium)

 

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Photo courtesy of Stella Artois.

 

 

There is nothing better than a frosty Stella in my opinion. Now if you throw in the flavor of apples to give it a more seasonable taste, you have a match made in heaven.

$4

3. Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Carmel Vodka (Ireland)

It is fall. So that can mean only one thing: pumpkin spice everything! So it only makes sense that Twinings, a big name when it comes to teas and who already has a strong presence at the UK pavilion, would combine the tea with vodka.

$9.50

4. Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, Florida (Craft Beers)

 

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Photo courtesy of Daily Beer Review

 

One of my favorite beers is Seadog Blueberry Ale. It has a slight fruity taste without being overly sweet. I think that this would taste really good and have a nice flavor that is a little different that what you can usually find.

$4

5. Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Sever Ice Cream with Bacardi Coconut Rum (Refreshment Port)

Dole Whip with alcohol. Take a wonderful, iconic Disney treat and alcohol. Nuff said.

$10

Anything on this list that you would be interested in trying this year? Leave a comment below.

 

 

 

Food and Wine Fest: Taste of the Islands

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. It is even harder to believe that the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be here in a few short weeks.

Each year, the festival is jam packed with tons of new and exotic food booths, demonstrations, cooking classes, special events, concerts and more.

I wanted to take the time to occasionally spotlight something special that the festival has to offer.

For me, I love the new food booths that are not offered typically during the course of the regular year at Epcot.

One of the booths that looks interesting at the festival this year is the Islands of the Caribbean booth.

 

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Photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog

This year’s menu looks like it has four menu items that are three entrees and one dessert plus three beverages.

The dishes protein selection are pork, beef and fish.

The first dish is Mojo Pork with black beans, cilantro rice and pickled red onions. It sounds like this entrée would be enough to feed one person.

Jamaican Beef patty really doesn’t have a whole lot of a description.

The Pescado con Coco sounds interesting. If you like fish this might be something up your alley. It is a seared grouper with pigeon peas and rice with coconut sauce. The coconut sauce sounds like it would be interesting and add sort of a curry/Thai flavor to the dish.

For a sweet treat that the end the booth will a quesito, a puff pastry filled with sweetened creamed cheese, fried and then drizzled with a guava sauce.

Not to be out shone by all of the delicious food, the booth will also feature some tasty adult beverages.

Even though the Food and Wine Festival takes place during autumn, Florida is still pretty darn hot during the day. A sweet and ice cold beverage can help you beat the heat.

The frozen mojito, sounds like an icy and creamy treat that would be a great accompaniment to the Mojo Pork that sounds like it might have a little bit of a kick.

If I were to choose I would select the Caribbean Sangria. I am a big fan of sangrias and I am sure this will have tons of fruit and a tropical twist.

Also, you beer drinkers, you aren’t forgotten about. The booth also offers the Presidente Pilsner.

Which item are you most excited to try? Leave your comments below.

 

 

 

 

 

Attraction Spotlight: Mine Train-All Hype?

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, family fun, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized

When attractions first open at Walt Disney World it takes a while before the wait times seem to die down. (With some of the more popular rides the lines can still be long years later.)

Now in its toddler stage, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train located in the new area of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, still proves to be very popular and has wait times of up to about 100 minutes some days.

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Photo courtesy of dadsguidetowdw.com

The ride is a coaster in the same vein as Big Thunder Mountain just a land away in Frontierland. It has a height requirement of 38 inches.

You board a train car that is situated on a pivot that causes the car to swing back and forth while it goes around sharp turns.

There aren’t any harnesses or a belt but a narrow lap bar that you pull down. (While many of the attractions at Walt Disney World are built to accommodate the flufflier crowd, these lap bars can be uncomfortable for people who might require some extra space.)

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Photo courtesy of Easywdw.com

 

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Photo courtesy of Visitorlando.com

 

The theming in the queue is amazing. It is interactive and you feel like you are heading to the jewel mines with your fellow dwarfs. There are some really cute interactive games that help you pass the time. (There are also fans scattered through out the line that help move the air around while you wait.)

While the concept is cute and the queue is fun, in my opinion I really don’t think the ride is worth the hype.

To be fair I have only been on the ride once, just the hubby and me, and I would not invest a long time waiting in line again.

The first problem for me is because the ride is incredibly short. The ride is only three minutes long. If you figure you wait in line for 100 minutes the payoff isn’t the great.

The second issue I have is that the animatronics and the “scenes” are only for one brief section. It is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but I was expecting more. Before I knew it, it was over.

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Photo courtesy of thedibb.co.uk

If you can score a Fastpass+ for the attraction and you have never experienced it, then give it a shot and form your own opinion.

When we go to “the world” in October, I currently don’t have this on our Touring Plan to do. I just feel that for us, and the age of our Mousekatot, we would be better served enjoying other attractions instead.

For a complete listing of all the attractions all over Walt Disney World, pick up your copy of Mousekatots.

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Have you been on the mine train at the Magic Kingdom? What are your thoughts? Leave them below.

Tot Five: How to Handle Food Allergies

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Vegan, Walt Disney World
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Photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog
One of the best things about Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney Cruise Line is they cater to the needs of everyone.
For those dealing with food allergies dining out can be come complicated and even dangerous, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Disney has many precautions in place that help people avoid contamination.
Here are the tot five ways to help manage food allergies in your family while at a Disney property.
1. Send an email
If you or a family member have a serious, uncommon food allergy, the number one thing you should do is send an email to special.diets@disneyworld.com. You need to send the email after you have made your dining reservations and at least 14 days prior to your vacation.
People who have an allergy with the following need to send the email:
•Any allergy or intolerance not listed as a common food allergy (i.e. Gluten or wheat, lactose or milk, peanuts or tree nuts, shellfish, soy, fish, eggs and corn)
•Phenylketonuria (PKU)
•Metabolic disorders
•A single guest with multiple allergies/intolerances or multiple guests with allergies/intolerances within the same party
2. Ask for the allergy menu
All restaurants, have a list of the ingredients that are in their menu items, include the counter service restaurants.
Some of the table service restaurants will have a special allergy menu, so don’t forget to talk to your server.
3. Indicate an allergy when making a reservation
It doesn’t matter if you make your reservations online, through the My Disney Experience app or over the phone you can indicate that you have a food allergy.
Because you have this indicated with your reservation you are more likely to have a chief come out and talk to you about your allergies.
4.  Make sure you are prepared
No one wants to think that something will happen on their vacation concerning their food allergies. However, you always have to be prepared with your medication should a need arise.
If there would be an emergency, and you forgot your EpiPen there are several stations throughout Walt Disney World that have EpiPens available.
The stations are located on the guide maps.
5. Don’t be afraid to speak up
If you think there might be an issue with your order or if you don’t trust an ingredient, please speak up. You are never inconveniencing the people that work at Disney. They want you to be safe and not see something happen to you.
Do you have any tips on dealing with food allergies? Leave them in the comments below.

Tot Five: (Mom & Dad Edition) Food and Wine Fest

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

While Walt Disney World caters a lot to children and families, it also doesn’t forget about the adults.

One such example of this is the annual Food and Wine Festival that is offered at EPCOT in the fall each year.

This year the festival will run longer than it has ever before starting Sept. 14 through Nov. 14.

If parents have the opportunity to sneak away for a few moments to check out the festival, or if adults are able to travel without children, here are our tot five (mom & dad edition) tips for the Food and Wine Festival.

1. Food and Wine Festival Gift Card

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

There is no denying the fact that enjoying the Food and Wine Festival could cost a pretty penny. Instead of opening your wallet each time to take out money or a credit card, you can purchase a Disney gift card that comes with a stretchable bracelet. This way you can keep it on your wrist while the cast member scans it and not risk spilling your wine. Also, this will keep you on a budget because once the card runs out you might not be as tempted to keep shelling out cash.

2. Watch a Demonstration

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

 

Each year in addition to the various food booths and special merchandise, the festival also offers various cooking demonstrations often featuring celebrity chefs like Graham Elliot and Robert Irvine.

While there are some demonstrations that are free, there are some that require an additional fee. (Usually the ones with the celebrity chefs are an additional fee.)

For a complete schedule of the various demonstrations that will be offered at this year’s festival, click the link below.

culinary-demonstrations-2016_updated.

3. Food and Wine Festival Cookbook

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Each year the Food and Wine Festival complies their favorite recipes into a cookbook that is available throughout EPCOT.

Each year that we have gone to the festival, we have purchased the cookbook. It has become our favorite souviner to pick up.

4. Drink Around the World

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Photo courtesy of CrystalsCreativeShop

If you can hold your liquor you can opt to drink around the world, and wear this shirt while doing so to keep track of your countries.

The most important thing to remember is to not get overly drunk. You could hurt yourself or end up like the idiot that tried the climb the pyramid at Mexico.

Also, please plan to utilize Disney’s transportation system. Don’t drive. You might think you are ok, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

5. RunDisney Wine and Dine

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

For those of you who are runners, RunDisney offers many different races throughout the year. Luckily, the organization has organized a few races during the weekend of Nov. 5 and 6.

Traditionally the race was a half marathon that was held at night. However, for 2016 the race has been moved to take place early in the morning like all of the other RunDisney races.

In addition to the half marathon, there will be  new 10K and 5K race. If runners compete all three events they can sign up for Lumiere’s Challenge to receive an additional medal.

Which of these tips are you most excited about? Leave your comments below.

 

Menus announced for Food and Wine Fest

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

 

 

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From the 2007 Festival which we visited during our honeymoon

 

The news about the upcoming Food and Wine Festival seems to be pouring out lately. Disney has a lot cooking for this year’s festival that will run even longer than it has in the past.

While the festival will feature some predictable menu items, like Belgium waffles from Belgium, there are also some interesting choices from countries like Patagonia!

Some of selections that sound the most interesting are:

Australia: Grilled Sweet and Spicy and Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper Onion and Snap Peas.

Brazil: Pao de Queijo: Brazilion Cheese Bread

Chocolate Studio: Red Wine Chocolate Truffle

Farm Fresh: Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts

Greece: Loaded Greek “Nachos:” Pita chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, Vegan Tzatziki sauce

Ireland: Warm Chocolate Pudding and Irish Cream Liquer Custard

There are so many different items at the festival that sound so delicious. For a complete listing of all the booths and their offerings the Orlando Sentinel has a complete listing.

What is tantalizing your taste buds? Leave your comments below.

Eat to the Beat Lineup Completed

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

 

eat to the beat.jpgWalt Disney World has announced the final performers for this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series that will take place at EPCOT to coincide with the Food and Wine Festival.

Each year the concerts feature some bigger headling people. While you aren’t going to see Justin Timberlake or Madonna, you will see some people who were more popular back in the day.

The concerts are held in the bandstand that is across from the America pavilion. Some of the artists are pretty popular and make it difficult to find a seat. But, some would enable you to find a seat very easily. You just have to get a feel for the crowd.

This year seems to have more performers in the past, which means each performer will only play for about two days and it is on to the next one.

Here is this year’s lineup:

Sept. 14-15: Wang Chung

Sept. 16-18: Starship

Sept. 19-20: Air Supply

Sept. 21-23: The Bo Deans

Sept. 24-25: Fuel

Sept. 26-28: Sugar Ray

Sept. 29-30: Los Lobos

Oct. 1-2: David Cook

Oct 3-4: Wilson Phillips

Oct. 5-6: Blues Traveler

Oct. 7-9: Plain White T’s

Oct. 10-11: 38 Special

Oct. 12-13: Jeffrey Osbourne

Oct. 14-16: Tiffany

Oct. 17-19: Des DeYoung and the Music of Styx

Oct. 20-21: Christopher Cross

Oct. 22-23: Toad the West Sprocket

Oct. 24-25: Chaka Khan

Oct. 26-27: Billy Ocean

Oct. 28-29: Living Color

Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Hanson

Nov. 2-3: Soul Asylum

Nov. 4-6: Delta Rae

Nov. 7-9: Boyz II Men

Nov. 10-11: Sister Hazel

Nov. 12-14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

 

Which concert are you most looking forward to this Food and Wine Festival season? Leave a message below.