Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Those waiting for an East Coast version of the popular Disneyland Resort’s Trader’s Sam will not have to wait much longer.  The rumors are true! Coming soon to the refurbished Polynesian Resort (or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as the resort is going to revert to it’s original name come 2015) will be the new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.  This new lounge will serve tiki cocktails and Polynesia-inspired small plates to guests.

No more details were made available at this time, but the concept art above gives an idea of what we’ll see when the new lounge opens.

Anyone excited for the new Trader Sam’s?

“After Hours Wind Down” Coming to Epcot

A new nighttime adult-oriented offering is coming to Epcot.  The “After Hours Wind Down” starts April 17th and is currently scheduled to run through September 15th (shortly before the Food and Wine Festival starts.)  Official description of the event from the reservations page:

Following a fantastic fireworks spectacular, stick around Epcot as you take your pick from 4 exclusive lounges and satisfy your senses with tempting cuisine, as created by award-winning Epcot chefs and sommeliers.

The four participating locations will each offer a different drinking and dining experience (subject to change), and AJ of the Disney Food Blog shared some details on what might be available at each lounge:

La Cava del Tequila – Mexico Pavilion  Guests can choose from one of the following beverage choices:

• Tequila flight
• Shot of Tequila Ambhar Blanco
• Shot of Tequila Partida Reposado
• Shot of Tequila Casa Noble Añejo
• Shot of Mezcal Sombra Blanco

The food sampler will include Ceviche Acapulqueño (Shrimp cocktail Acapulco Style), Tlacoyo de Puerco (Marinated Pork served over a grilled corn dough), and Tostada de Tinga (Chicken tostada, garnished with mixed greens, creme fresco and avocado)

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room – United Kingdom Pavilion

TBD  (note: we suspect this will include a beer flight offering or two)

Spice Road Table – Morocco Pavilion

The menu for this location may include Lamb Sliders, Chicken Rolls, or Moroccan Sausages paired with a white or red wine flight.

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar – Italy Pavilion

The menu for this location may include traditional cured meats, cheeses, and Italian antipasti paired with Italian wine flights.

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Admission to the Epcot After Hours Wind Down costs $35 per guest, and tax and gratuity are not included. (At present, this event does not appear to be Tables in Wonderland eligible.) To make reservations (up to 180 days in advance) go to www.disneyworld.com/spring, call 407-WDW-DINE, or check in with Epcot Guest Relations during your stay to see if space is available.

 

Big River Grille & Brewing Works – Irish Red Tapping Party February 27

Big River Grille & Brewing Works’ Irish Red is returning just in time for St. Patrick’s Day with a tapping party this Thursday, February 27th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  More details below!

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Dates Announced

 

The dates for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival have been announced and they’ve added a full week to this year’s event! The festival will run an incredible 53 days, starting on September 19th and running until November 10th.

No further information is available at this time, but we’ll pass on any pertinent updates as they are announced.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works: Weizenbock Tapping Party on January 16th

It’s a new year,  time for a new beer!  Big River Grille is hosting a tapping party for their Weizenbock on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Enjoy free appetizers while they last.

Holiday Drinks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Some new holiday cocktails have turned up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the last few days. Gone are the Sleigh Ride and Snowball from Christmases past, and in their place we have the Gumdrop and Berry Merry Margarita.

We unfortunately did not have the chance to try these cocktails, but both look like they’d be on the sweet side.  If you’re spending the holidays at the World and have a chance to try either of  them, we’d love to hear what you think.

Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge Opening Soon

A new “lounge” will be opening at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (rumored opening date is October 30th.)  The lounge, which will occupy space on the existing Brown Derby patio,  will provide service on a first come, first served basis and the menu will include items such as artisanal cheeses, Brown Derby sliders, duck confit tacos, Prince Edward Island mussels, a charcuterie board for two, and Brown Derby shrimp cocktail.   The full Brown Derby restaurant menu will also be available, and of course there will be a selection of beers, wines, and specialty cocktails as well.  (As soon as the full menu is available, we will post it.)

Tables in Wonderland will be accepted at the new lounge, however the Disney Dining Plan will not.

Tables in Wonderland – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Presale Update

Looks like some of you will need to wake up a little earlier tomorrow!  Tables in Wonderland has announced that the pre-sale time for select Epcot International Food & Wine seminars will now start at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9th, not 9:00 a.m. as originally posted.

Update!:  Click the link below for the schedules that were finally published this afternoon!

Culinary Demonstrations

Beverage Seminars

Mixology Seminars

From the folks at Tables in Wonderland:

Presale: Tables in Wonderland Members are invited to make reservations for Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars ONLY beginning on Friday, August 9^th, 2013 at 8:00am. This pre-sale offer will only be available over the phone, so please call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for reservations.

All Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival Events will go on sale on Tuesday, August 13^th at 7:00am.For reservations, please call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378). Additionally, the below events will be available online, via www.epcotfoodfestival.com:

–          Culinary Demonstrations

–          Beverage Seminars

–          Mixology Seminars

–          Scotland: Land of Food & Drink (General Admission Only)

–          “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (General Admission Only)

–          Party for the Senses (General Admission Only)

–          Spirits Confidential (General Admission Only)

Hope you’re all able to get the events your most looking forward to!

Big River Grille & Brewing Works: Summer Honey Tapping Party July 25th

Not a lot of details for this tapping party at Big River Grille, but the beer sure sounds good!  On Thursday, July 25th they’ll be tapping “Summer Honey,”  a light, golden ale with a hint of honey.

Previous tapping parties have included specials on the beer they’re tapping, as well as free appetizers, but since it’s not mentioned on this flyer, no guarantees!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Special Events Booking Starts August 13th

Mark your calendars because the phone lines will open at 7 a.m. Eastern on Aug. 13 to book reservations for the premium events at this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from September 27th – November 11th.  See below for more details.

From the over-the-top Party for the Senses grand tasting experience on select Saturday nights to a new taste of Scottish cuisine, there are lots of opportunities. Price per ticket:

• New Scotland, Land of Food And Drink (Sept. 28), $95 or $115
• New Spirits Confidential (Nov. 1), $80 or $95
• New Parisian Breakfast (Saturdays), $37
• New Hibachi Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5), $120
• “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 4, 11 and 25), $55 or $90
• Epcot Wine Schools (Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 3), $135 per person
• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (more than 25 dinners throughout the festival; prices vary)
• Mixology Series: Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French (Saturdays), $65
• Kitchen Memories (Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8), from $110-$170
• Cheese Seminars (Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9), $80
• Party for the Senses (Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2), $145, $180 or $285
• Food & Wine Pairings (Tuesdays, Thursdays), $55
• Sweet Sundays (Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10), $99
• The Discovery of Chocolate (Oct. 13 and 27), $75

Additional events will  include Italian and French pairings and lunches, and a Mexican tequila lunch, and special festival experiences including daily Culinary Demonstrations ($14), Mixology Seminars ($15) and Wine, Beer or Spirit Seminars ($14).