Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus Announced!

Walt Disney World has updated its website with a complete list of the marketplace booths and their offerings.  You can find the full list here, but here’s a few our readers might be interested in:

BREWER’S COLLECTION

Beverage Selections: 

• Radeberger Pilsner
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Altenmünster Dunkel
• Hövels
• Schöfferhofer Weizen
• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Berliner Kindl Dark
• Sion Kölsch

CRAFT BEER

Beverage Selections: 

• Widmer Rotator IPA: Spiced IPA, Portland, OR
• Red Hook Pilsner, Portsmouth, NH
• Blue Moon Seasonal, Golden, CO
• Leinenkugel Berry Weiss, Chippewa Falls, WI
• Florida Beer Company’s Devil’s Triangle, Florida
• Abita Purple Haze, Lousianna
• Full Sail IPA, Oregon
• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Nevada

(Haven’t had the Devil’s Triangle before.  Will have to give that one a try.)

HOPS & BARLEY

Culinary Offerings: 

• Linda Bean’s® Lobster Claw Cuddler® Chilled with Herb Mayonnaise
• Linda Bean’s® Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®
• Linda Bean’s® Maine Home Style Clam Chowder
• Pumpkin Mousse with Craisins and Orange Sauce

Beverage Selections: 

• Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
• Samuel Adams® Seasonal
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
• 17th Anniversary Festival Beer– Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock
• Samuel Adams Light®
• Samuel Adams® Cream Stout
• Samuel Adams® Latitude 48 IPA
• Angry Orchard Cider

The 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival kicks off September 28th!

Just In Case You Missed It

(Note:  Been very busy in the non-Disney world lately so posting has been a bit sparse and for that I apologize.  Work is settling down some now so hope to get back to a more regular schedule.)

Another two week’s worth of posts this week.   Lots of good stuff out there to round-up though!

The Disney Food Blog reviewed a new drink with a really fun name at the China Pavilion, “Tipsy Ducks in Love“, stopped by the Tangerine Cafe for some grown-up slushies, and took a look at the newly remodeled UVA Bar at the Disneyland Resort.

Eating WDW headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to try some of the Sundowner Celebration’s specialty drinks and Bedele Gold Label Special Beer,  took a visit to the Gurgling Suitcase at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and did not have to hop the fence at Disney’s Art of Animation to get to The Drop Off pool bar.

Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups headed to the Tune-In Lounge for cocktails, took a look at the wine and champagne kiosk at the France Pavilion in Epcot, and showed us the pool bars at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

We’re always on the lookout for great drinking at Disney related posts, so feel free to email us a link to yours so we can include it in future recap posts!

Drinking Disney at Home – Parks and Resorts

A few items we spotted on a recent visit to Walt Disney World.

First up, these great Poly shot glasses featuring Mickey Mouse relaxing on the beach.  My price picture didn’t turn out but I am sure they were under $10.00.

These were also found at the main gift shop at the Polynesian, but they are probably sold elsewhere on property as well.   Very cute. I like that they had them in both Mickey and Minnie.  They were $9.95 each.

This set was found in one of the larger gift shops at Animal Kingdom, but I can’t recall which one.  I suspect they are probably sold in several places at the park though.   The set retails for $21.95.

We found this shot  glass at World of Disney at Downtown Disney, which retails for $7.95.   I loved all the little details they put on it.   You can’t drink in the Magic Kingdom, but you can drink out of it!

Finally, also at the World of Disney, we spotted this goblet featuring a red design with apples interspersed in it amongst a section featuring several items related to the Once Upon a Time television show.  It retails for $22.95.

If you don’t have plans to visit Walt Disney World anytime soon but would like pick up one of these items, or just about any other park merchandise you’ve seen or heard about, contact Walt Disney World Mail Order at 877-560-6477.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

Walt Disney World recently released the schedule of performers for the popular “Eat to the Beat” concert series, part of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Here is the list of who will be performing this year:

9/28 – 9/30 : Night Ranger

10/1 – 10/3 : Sugar Ray

10/4 –  10/7 : STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas

10/8 – 10/10 : Boyz II Men

10/11 – 10/12 : Smash Mouth

10/13 – 10/14 : Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”

10/15 – 10/17 : Air Supply

10/18 – 10/19 : Gin Blossoms

10/20 – 10/21 : Survivor

10/22 – 10/23 : Hanson

10/24 – 10/25 : The Pointer Sisters

10/26 – 10/28 : Sister Hazel

10/29-10/31 : Billy Ocean

11/1 – 11/2 : 38 Special

11/3 – 11/4 : Howard Jones

11/5 – 11/6 : Blues Traveler

11/7 – 11/8 : Dennis DeYoung (former member of the group STYX)

11/9 – 11/11 : Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The concerts are free with Epcot admission, and there are three shows per evening, scheduled at 5:15pm, 6:30pm, and 7:45pm.

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival kicks off September 28th.

Just In Case You Missed It…

Another double week of posts in the JICYMI review this week.  (This will probably be the case in a couple weeks as well because we’ll be out of town next weekend for the holiday.)

On to what you might have missed:

The folks over at Eating WDW have been busy visiting some of our favorite spots at Walt Disney World these past couple of weeks, enjoying a Harambe Cooler at the Dawa Bar, checking out the new appetizer menu at the Territory Lounge, and stopping by the Uzima Springs Pool Bar for a Caribbean Limeade.

Next up, Eating (and Drinking) Around the World spent a day at Epcot filled with food, wine, fireworks, and more.  Looks like it was a fantastic day.

Finally, WDW for Grownups showcased the Canada Beer Cart and also Germany’s  Biergarten Restaurant, where you can enjoy a liter of  German beer!

 

 

American Craft Beers Week – Celebrate at Walt Disney World!

It’s American Craft Beer Week so we thought we’d take a  look at what Walt Disney World has to offer the craft beer lover.  While much of the property is covered in Bud Light and Yuengling, there are still some great American craft beers available to celebrate with.   Let’s take a look a look at a few of the places you can find them.

Located within what’s left of the Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney, you’ll find Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, a great spot craft beer fans.  No reservations are needed need to sit at one of the inside bars and have a beer or two while enjoying entertainment provided by Irish dancers and musicians.  While their menu includes the expected Irish and English beers, it also includes the following American craft beers:  Abita Purple Haze / Terrapin Hopsecutioner / Bell’s Two Hearted IPA /  Stone Levitation / Rogue Dead Guy Ale / Arrogant Bastard Ale / Maduro Brown Ale / Jai Alai India Pale Ale.

Watching sports and drinking beer go together, like, well, they just go together.  Thankfully, the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort does not disappoint in its craft beer selection.  While the entire menu is too voluminous for us to list everything offered here, some of the highlights include:  Magic Hat Circus Boy / Magic Hat No. 9 / Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale / Terrapin Rye Pale Ale / Terrapin Hopsecutioner / Brooklyn Pennant Ale / Orlando Brewing Company Blonde Ale.

The Crew’s Cup Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort isn’t the “craftiest” of beer spots, but it does offer a few favorites scattered within its ample beer menu,  like Abita Turbo Dog, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Anchor Steam.    This is also a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks and enjoy a beer in an environment a little more peaceful than what you’ll most likely find at the ESPN Club.

A great choice for those who are Abita beer fans is the River Roost, which serves up Abita Amber, Abita Purple Haze, and Abita Turbodog.  If you can’t decide on one, get all three in an Abita tasting flight.  Note that this place is pretty peaceful during the day but several nights a week it gets hopping with the music of Yehaa Bob Jackson, so time your visit accordingly based on preference.

Finally, if  you’re looking to have some craft beers poolside, the Cabana Bar and Beach Club over at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is a great choice.  The folks at Beers and Ears recently posted an updated list of their offerings which include some rarer finds  such as Swamp Head Big Nose IPA, Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yellow Pils,  and Left Hand Polstar.  You can find the full list on Beers and Ears here.  (And if you haven’t downloaded their free Walt Disney World Beer List app for iPhone yet, you really should!)

As you can see, fortunately, Walt Disney World is not without its craft beers and those are just a few of the places you’ll find them.  Cheers!

Just In Case You Missed It…

Much of the buzz on the Disney web this week had to do with the re-opening of Tutto Italia and its new Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.  Here are a couple of opening day related posts, and a couple of other articles we enjoyed this week:

The folks at Eating WDW were all over Disney property this week taking a look at the new appetizer menu at the Tambu Lounge, the organic beer tasting at the Contemporary Resort, and of course the newly opened Tutto Gusto wine cellar.

The Disney Food Blog also stopped by Tutto Gusto on opening day.

 

June Tables in Wonderland Event

This is the kind of  Tables in Wonderland event we like to see!    Who wouldn’t love to dine inside the Great Movie Ride?!   They had a dinner like this one a couple of years ago, but it’s good to see it come back.

The cost is $165.00 per person, plus tax, with gratuity included.   See event flyer below, but we’ve added the details for this one at the bottom as it is a little hard to read. (You can also click on the flyer to get a closer look.)

Special Event

The Great Movie Ride Dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, 2012

8:00 – 10:30pm

Arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and walk through the courtyard of the Majestic Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. Then you will be invited to come inside The Great Movie Ride after the attraction is closed with exclusive backstage VIP access!

We’ve cleared the track for you to walk through and dine inside the attraction where you will experience some of the most classic scenes in motion picture history. Sets from Busby Berkeley musicals, crime dramas, old-fashioned Westerns, and more!

Price: $165.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Schedule:

8:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Passed Reception in the Gangster Scene

•  “Squid and Beans” Salad
•  “Gambino” Balsamic Beef with Palermo Roasted Tomato
•  “Terranova” Blistered Artichoke Cheese Quenelle

8:30 – 10 p.m.

Plated Dinner in the Western Scene

• ·         Creamy Free Range Yard Bird Corn Chowder with Piquillo Peppers and Ciabatta Bread
• ·         Wild Greens and Herbs with Cactus Cilantro Vinaigrette with Beet Tumbleweeds with Mandarin Rice Wine Marinade
• ·         Poblano Barbeque Braised Beef Short Rib with Tobacco Onions
• ·         Smoky Cheddar Potatoes Gratin
• ·         Black Skillet Roasted Baby Green Beans with Mushrooms
• ·         House-made Fire Roasted Corn Bread with Butter

10:00 – 10:30 p.m.

Dessert Buffet in the Land of Oz

• ·         Wicked Witch Pistachio Cannoli
• ·         Emerald Cheesecake Pushups
• ·         Ruby Strawberry Panna Cotta
• ·         Dark Forest Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Gel
• ·         Yellow Brick Caramel Milk Cake
• ·         Auntie Em’s Apple Cake

Beer, Wine, Specialty Beverages

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  Please indicate which event date you are requesting, June 15 or June 16.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  This may take up to 2 weeks to hear from us; please send only ONE email.  The event is limited to 80 Guests per event date.  This event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

___

Five Favorites

One question I seem to get a lot is “What is your favorite drink at Walt Disney World?”  I honestly have no one overall favorite because there are so many drinks at the Walt Disney World Resort that I enjoy.  But I do have my favorites from various locations around property so I thought I would share some of those.

Here are five of my favorite drinks from five different locations, in no particular order.

1. Pina Colada – Tambu Lounge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort

I’m not sure what it is about the pina coladas at the Tambu, but they are the best pina coladas I have ever had.   I don’t even order pina coladas anywhere else anymore because they just do not compare.  I suppose it doesn’t hurt that they are served in a cool tiki glass either.

Official description:  It’s a pina colada – rum and pina colada mix (cream of coconut, pineapple juice) – only better.

2. Blood Orange Margarita – La Cava del Tequila, Epcot

La Cava del Tequila.  Mecca of the margarita faithful.  The margarita flavors of  here run from the usual (classic) to the unusual (cucumber, jalapeno), but the Blood Orange is my personal favorite.

Official description: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur, sweet-tart mix of blood orange juice and hibiscus syrup, topped with wild berry foam served on the rocks

3.  Welsh Dragon – Rose and Crown Pub, Epcot

Is this drink beautiful or what?  Before even tasting a drop, I was struck by the gorgeous combination of colors.  But a beautiful drink is useless if it doesn’t taste good. Fortunately, the Welsh Dragon does not suffer from that problem.

Official description: Peach Schnapps, Melon Liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Orange Juice, and Pineapple Juice.

4. Grandma’s Picnic Punch – Tune In Lounge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Grandma’s Picnic Punch has the distinction of being the most non-alcoholic tasting, alcoholic drink I have ever tasted.  (Really, it does make sense.)  For those who want a cocktail that doesn’t taste like liquor but has a good kick to it, this is the one.

Official description: Grandma concocted a wonderful drink for the family picnic—Skyy Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Crème de Cassis, Light Lemonade, and Pineapple Juice.

5. Harambe Cooler – Dawa Bar, Animal Kingdom

Why is the rum gone?  I’m pretty sure it’s because it all ended up in this drink.   This is a rum lover’s dream.

Official description: Starr African Rum and Myer’s Original Dark Rum mixed with our Pangani Punch.

_____

So those are five my favorites, but certainly not all of my favorites.   What about you? What are some of your favorites?

(And maybe next month, I’ll do this with beer.)

Drinking Disney at Home – Disney Store

It’s been a while since we’ve done a Drinking Disney at Home post.  I took a look at the Disney Store online and found a few things I don’t think we’ve mentioned yet.

I’m not really a big fan of the colors in this but here’s Mickey Mouse Bottler Stopper and Opener Set, which retails for $21.95.

For those who like dated merchandise, they have a 2012 Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse Mini Glass, which retails for $6.95.

Finally, there is this Mickey Mouse Bottle Stopper in black which looks pretty snazzy and retails for $8.95.

All three of these items are part of the “Theme Park Products” line so you should be able to find them in the parks as well.