Calling all FOODIES..and people who like to eat! Does that cover everyone? Disney News this week is heavy on the food front, and I couldn’t be more excited!
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival dates are out! In addition, a favorite character dining breakfast experience has been scheduled to return to Disney World. We’ve also learned new details on “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”. If you want all the information and more, keep reading!
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2023
Epcot hosts 4 annual festivals each year. As one of the most highly anticipated events at Walt Disney World Resort, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of international cuisine, wine, and entertainment. Each year, guests from all over the world come to the festival to enjoy delicious food, fine wine, and live music, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Epcot.
In 2023, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with an impressive lineup of returning favorite experiences like Remi’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak-a scavenger hunt for the whole family to enjoy. In the Fall, there will also be Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit between September 29 and October 31.
One of the highlights of the festival is the global marketplace, which features over 25 international marketplaces serving up a range of delicious dishes and drinks from around the world. From classic French dishes to modern Asian fusion cuisine, there’s something for every palate at the festival.
In addition to the global marketplace, the festival usually features a variety of culinary experiences, including seminars, workshops, and demonstrations led by some of the world’s most renowned chefs. Guests can learn about wine pairings, cooking techniques, and more from industry experts, and get insider tips and tricks for creating their own gourmet meals at home. Disney has not yet listed these experiences for the 2023 festival.
One of the most popular events at the festival is the Eat to the Beat concert series, which features live performances by popular musical acts from a variety of genres. Past performers have included Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray, and Hanson, and the 2023 lineup is sure to feature some equally impressive talent.
For guests looking to take their festival experience to the next level, there are also a number of VIP packages available. These packages offer exclusive access to private events, reserved seating at concerts and seminars, and other special perks and privileges.
Overall, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a must-visit event for any foodie or wine lover, and the 2023 festival promises to be one of the best yet. With its diverse array of international flavors, exciting culinary experiences, and lively entertainment, it’s sure to be a highlight of any trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Chip & Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill
Disney announced this week breakfast character dining will return to Garden Grill inside the land pavilion at Epcot on June 14. Eat your farm fresh first meal of the day with Chip, Dale, Mickey, and their friends once again. This is a very popular character experience, reservations highly recommended.
photo credit: @bizzyrunninganddizn
The reason it’s popular? The food is hard to beat! Garden Grill uses ingredients harvested directly from the horticultural experience that is “Living with the Land” just below the restaurant. If you would like all the details about the return, click HERE.
Disneyland After Dark Pride Night
Disneyland Park will host an additional “After Dark Nite” themed in honor of Pride Month (June). Pride Nite- a special ticketed event- is scheduled on June 13 and 15 for the LGBTQ+ community as well as family/friends and supporters.
The event includes a 3-hour pre-mix portion from 6pm-9pm prior to park close, then a private event portion from 9pm- 1am PT. Guests attending can expect:
- Themed entertainment: Pride Nite Cavalcade, a Dance Club area & country line dancing at Golden Horseshoe
- Some popular attractions to remain open.
- Unlimited Disney Photopass Downloads
- Character Meet and Greets
- A specialty menu with exclusive eats and treats
The special menu items include:
- Chocolate Almond churro at New Orleans Square
- Spiced Beef Potato Loaded Bites at Red Rose Tavern
- Berry Cheesecake Funnel Cake from Stage Door Cafe
- Grapefruit Lemonade Soda at Galactic Grill
And MORE!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Lastly, the Disney team gave more details on the plans for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the attraction replacing Splash Mountain. This will be the first attraction themed to “The princess and the Frog” fairytale and will include the voices of the original cast of characters.
Most exciting, the magical Mama Ode, voiced by Jennifer Lewis, will impart her wisdom on riders of the attraction along with many other familiar faces. There will also be new characters and new music accompanying parts of the original soundtrack.
The design for the attraction is highly influenced by local New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi. Her style of artistry is making a big impact on the design of the attraction. The news also stated that the scent of beignets will be present during the ride! Wow- yes please!
The construction for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is underway at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Splash Mountain in Disneyland will close May 31 for the revamping to begin in that park. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in both parks in 2024. No official date has been announced yet.
Restaurant Reopening
Narcoossee’s at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa reopened on April 1 after a refurbishment. There is new menu and new decor but the same favorite views through those panoramic windows onto 7 Seas Lagoon. To get a closer look at the new food options, click HERE.
This week Disney news was all about the FOOD! The Epcot Food & Wine Festival, breakfast character dining, Narcoossee’s reopened and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure- not food, but to be fair, the story was about a strong young woman doing it all to open her own restaurant! We get to celebrate that on the new attraction taking shape.
If you would like to experience Walt Disney World or any Disney destinations, please reach out for help with booking and planning your next trip. You can email me at Jessica@Diznvacation.com or by using the email link below!
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