Party For The Senses – Epcot Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an event that the people of Central Florida and visitors from many other places in the world look forward to every year. Besides the chance to walk around and try out some different foods and wines, there are many other events and activities that make the event such a “must do” each year. One of the most popular events is the Party for The Senses and we were fortunate to be able to attend the first one of the season a couple of weeks ago.
The party starts at around 5 p.m. when you are asked to check in and once you’ve done that you will get a wristband that also entitles you to reserved seating at the Eat To The Beat concert in the American Gardens Theater. After the concert you will be led to the party and once inside, you’ll enjoy a dramatic opening of the curtains as the spectacle opens up before your very eyes. The first thing you’ll sense is the enormous space the event is held in. It really is huge and it’s quite a shock to the system if you’ve never been before! The room is artfully decorated and has different sections to explore, while a stage in the center of the room features live music.
The chefs at the multiple food and wine stations come from all over Disney and there’s a huge variety of foods, which are a feast for your eyes and taste buds. You’ll have no problem finding something to enjoy even if you don’t care for red meat or seafood etc and there are various beers and wines are from all over the world to sample. It’s fun to roam from one area to another and try find a new favorite!
One thing to note is the fact you aren’t guaranteed a table unless you pay another $100 + and even though they apparently added many more tables this year, there is still quite a line and quite a rush when the doors to the event open. Tip: Don’t worry about everyone else trying to grab the first tables they see… simply go as far as your eye can see and you’ll find plenty of tables further into the venue. The other thing to note about this is the ability to meet new friends and we certainly did that as others joined us at our table and then departed again! If worst comes to worst, there are several standing tables but a lot of people never sit down as they mingle, carrying their plates as they go. Tip: Don’t worry about carrying your wine glass as the party plates have a slot in them to hold your glass.
Another thing you might like to try is the Wine View Lounge, which does offer reserved seats, access to a full bar, a cheese table and a goodie bag but that does cost extra in addition to the regular party price… and note, the Lounge usually sells out quickly for most Party For The Senses dates.
And, with that said, there’s only two more parties left in 2011, tonight, 5th November and next Saturday 12th November. You’ll need to act quickly if you want to enjoy this feast as well as the entertainment from Cirque Du Soleil!
More photos are at Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure and here’s some video:
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