This past Sunday was a gorgeous day to visit the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. I took my son for an all-day excursion around my favorite Disney park, Epcot. We had a blast trying various new treats. My son was a big fan of the salmon in Scotland, while I truly enjoyed the Orange Dole Whip at the Refreshment Port toward the Canada Pavilion. I put some money on a Disney Gift Card for my son so he could pretend to be a grown up and pay for everything (I had him figure out how much money was left after each transaction).
The best place to start for first time guests is the Festival Center, which is located in Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE. This location houses a merchandise shop that includes items created especially for the event, a fine art and book section and a massive area with bottles of wine for purchase. This area is also the place for numerous culinary demonstrations and seminars (see the official website for additional details).
In the coming weeks, you will also be able to meet Disney Design Group Artist Randy Noble in the Festival Center. He created the main artwork for this year’s merchandise featuring a French chef named Chauncy (as discussed in this previous article). Randy will be meeting with guests on Friday, October 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, November 8, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
After visiting the Festival Center, I invite you to stop by the Port of Entry located at the entrance to World Showcase toward the Canada Pavilion. This year, the Epcot team created a one-stop destination for culinary-themed goods from around World Showcase. One of the best things I saw in the shop was a wine cork globe. While this item wasn’t for sale, it inspired me to possibly create one at home one day.
If you can’t attend this year’s festival, we will be offering select event merchandise online from October 4-10, 2013, at http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents.
Here are a few more images from my recent visits (it’s plural because I can’t stay away from Epcot!).
For more about the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, click on the links below:
Comments
I hate I am going to miss this event this year. I decided to come for the Christmas experience instead. I think its wonderful how you spent the time with your son and allowed him to manage his own dollars spent. The gift gard was a excellent idea.
There’s some awesome stuff this year! I love Randy’s artwork. The comical aspect is a great contrast to Noah’s realistic artwork last year I think!!
(did your partners know anything about the purchase-with-purchase fleece blankets this year?? I’ll want to make sure I order items at the same time they’re available!!!)
30 more days! We’ll hit the last weekend. Can’t wait 🙂
@Wilma Kathleen – Awesome! I’ll probably be there as well since Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is playing again. I’ve seen their show every year for the past few years. Have a good trip!
I’m with you on the globe! That caught my eye as well. I’ll be there for the last week of the festival. Thank you for helping me pass the time until then!
@Amy – Right on! I recently talked with the person who created it. Sounds pretty easy to do. I just need a few more wine corks 🙂 Have a great trip!
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