A Day at Disney- Epcot
Epcot is my favorite Disney Park. And not for the reason you think.
Even as a young girl, I got giddy when we stayed on the Boardwalk at the Swan & Dolphin hotel and could walk over to Epcot. Visiting the countries was my favorite part! I thought it was amazing how you could be transported to a whole different part of the world just by stepping into the next Pavilion. I remember pretending I was Belle twirling around in France, then searching for our family’s Hummell figurines & dancing the Polka in Germany, followed by practicing my Spanish in Mexico. It’s the exposure to different cultures that I fell in love with & was the first glimmering glimpse into my love of travel as an adult.
This past week marked the start of the Food & Wine Festival at Disney’s Epcot! It is an honored tradition for my teammates and I to go as a line. We rent a house and enjoy the weekend together bonding. It’s one of my favorite traditions we have as the “tall line” and we will be back at the end of this month for our 2019 trip!
2018 Tallie Retreat
While I was in Disney during Labor Day weekend, I hopped over to Epcot for an hour or so to check out the newest foodie options and to make my bucket list. So today’s “Day at Disney” post is a little off the course since it will highlight the Festival, the countries, and the specialty items from the food carts I highly suggest! Just know some of the food items are special to this festival and will only be around till the end of November!
2017 Tallie Retreat
Grab those Fast Passes
Just because you are there to see the countries doesn’t mean there aren’t great rides to do in-between all that eating and drinking!
Test Track
A classic. This ride was always a staple in my family, however I’m not as partial to it after it was revamped with their Chevy partnership. Still fun otherwise do the single rider line!
SOARIN’
My absolute favorite ride in Epcot, and second favorite in all of Disney. As a avid traveler, you can’t go on this ride and not want to book your next trip! I love the part where you can literally smell the grass in Africa.
Frozen Ever After
This is the recommended #1 fast pass to grab since it is the most used option. Since there aren’t many kids entertainment rides in Epcot I totally get it.
Spaceship Earth
Do you NEED fast passes for this. Definitely not. But if it’s an open option why the heck not use one.
Also, if you enjoyed seeing the lists of recommended fast passes, this great visual breaks down all the parks fast passes by preference for you:
Thanks Dad’s Guide!
Now, onto the good stuff. The FOOD!
This year’s Food & Wine Festival is a montage of Cheese. Swoon. Because of this, they have added some new pavilions like The Alps where they have Raclette cheese on bread. Seriously my mouth is watering typing this out. Below is how I would plan my day around Epcot for the Food & Wine festival in a few weeks.
(Anything with a * is specific for the food & wine festival, those in bold are my favorites)ITINERARY
Show up to the park between 10 & 11am. You can get there earlier for the rides but the World Showcase doesn’t open until 11am.
MEXICO
Avocado Margarita- the only way to start off your festival adventures around the world. It is subtle yet amazing and will get you that jolt you need.
Taco de Puerco*
Mexican Sangria*
THE ALPS- New!
Warm Raclette Swiss cheese*
Frozen Rose* (Where my basic white girls at??)
CHINA
Chicken Potstickers*
Mala Chicken & Shrimp Bao Bun*
Year of the Piggy*
INDIA
Warm Indian Bread*
AFRICA
Nothing here jumps out to me, but maybe try one of their S African wine choices!
GERMANY
Schinkennudeln* - Pasta Gratin with ham, onion and cheese YUM
Apple Strudel
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir*
SPAIN
Charcuterie in a Cone*- how cute does that sound??
Wine flight*
ITALY
Ravioli Carbonara*
Pollo*
Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake*
Prosecco*- DUH
Okay one last one is the wine cellar in the front left of the Pavilion. They serve a sparkling rose that is sweet, crisp and amazing for that palette cleanser before your next snack! They have this option year round!
BLOCK & HANS
McKenzie's Black Cherry Hard Cider*
Beer Flight*
HOPS & BARLEY
New England Lobster Roll*
3 Daughters Brewing A Wake Coffee Blonde Ale*
JAPAN
Teriyaki Chicken Bun*- I have had this and it's amazing
Spicy Roll*
Nami Sake Cocktail*
If you want a REAL actual Hibachi meal, the best deal is the lunch special in the restaurant and split it with a buddy for only $7, what a steal!
MOROCCO
Spicy Hummus Fries*
Chocolate Baklava*- because ya know, Aladdin
BELGIUM
Beer-braised Beef*- Also tried this already, would recommend
Golden Malted Belgian Waffle*
Chilled Coffee w/ Chocolate Liqueur*
BRAZIL
Monqueca* - I'm allergic to scallops, but my friend had this and liked it!
FRANCE
Fondue Savoyarde*
Boeuf Braise a la Bordelaise*
Creme Brulee*
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux*
IRELAND
Roasted Irish Sausage*
Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese & Stout Dip*
Warm Chocolate Pudding*
Guinness Baileys Shake*
CANADA
“Le Cellier” Beef Filet Mignon*
Chateau Des Charmes Merlot*
Some other Food & Wine Festival Favorites
Charcuterie and Cheese plate- Appleseed Orchard
Acai Surprise- Future World East Joffery’s
Impossible Cottage Pie- Earth Eats
Black Pepper Souffle- The Cheese Studio
Black and White Coffee Cocktail- The Donut Box
Chimichurri Skirt Steak- Flavors from Fire
Impossible burger slider- Earth Eats
Loaded Macaroni & Cheese- Active Eats
Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle- The Chocolate Studio
Pumpking Spice Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail- The Chocolate Studio
Maple Bourbon Cheesecake- The Cheese Studio
Butternut Squash Ravioli- The Wine & Dine Studio
Key Lime Mimosa- Shimmering Sips
Thai Curry Beef- Thailand
