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Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Party for the Senses


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It’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival Time. And that means we’re heading back into World ShowPlace for the grandest of the Food and Wine Festival Special EventsParty for the Senses!

In previous years, Party for the Senses one of the festival’s biggest (and priciest) Special Events, brought together over-the-top food and drink, paired with up close and personal entertainment provided by Cirque de Soleil. But in 2016, that all changed, as the events became much more specifically themed and the slate of entertainment changed with each party.

Disney Springs Featured at Party for the Senses

Disney Springs Featured at Party for the Senses

Join us as we look back at one of the events from last year, which celebrated Disney Springs.

Party for the Senses: A Sense of Disney Springs

Have you ever been inside the cavernous World ShowPlace? What? You don’t even know what that is?

Well, that’s because it’s a special events pavilion that’s only opened up for big doings, such as holiday dinner buffets… and grand tasting events during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, like Party for the Senses. During the rest of the year, the venue, located between the Canada and UK Pavilions, is hidden behind a large set of wooden doors.

Inside World ShowPlace

Inside World ShowPlace

As you enter, the first room is normally sort of like a giant receiving hall. Go past this area, and that’s where the party really starts.

And I have to say — it really is a celebration for all of your senses. Colorful decorations and light-up table bases capture your attention right away.

Seating an Atmosphere

Seating an Atmosphere

As this was a celebration of Disney Springs, we were delighted to see dancers and musicians from Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. They were performing their Rhythms of Raglan show, a gorgeous expression of the Ireland through music, dance, and images. If you haven’t had the chance to catch it, be sure to visit soon.

Entertainment

Entertainment

But, as awesome as the decor and entertainment were…let’s get on with our first love: the fooooood.

There was plenty more where this came from, but today, we’ll give you just a taste. :-)

Let’s begin with a few savory options. It wasn’t just the big table service restaurants that were represented at Party for the Senses. There were some unexpected dishes from kiosks and even food trucks as well.

Our first stop was the B.B. Wolf Sausage Co. station.

B.B. Wolf's Food Station

B.B. Wolf’s Food Station

Here, we noshed on Regensburg Sausage, a mild German sausage served in the famed southern Bavarian medieval town of Regensburg where three rivers meet. As the story goes, the Old Historic Sausage Kitchen has been in continuous operation for nearly 900 years — making it the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world. So there’s your history lesson for the day.

Menu -- Regensburg Sausage by B.B. Wolf's

Menu — Regensburg Sausage by B.B. Wolf’s

Anyhoo — in this case, the sausage is wrapped in Nueske’s Bacon and served with Black Bean Salsa, Lime Crème, and Jalapeño.

Regenberg Sausage Wrapped in Nueske's Bacon

Regenberg Sausage Wrapped in Nueske’s Bacon

But we also had the opportunity to sample a world of flavors from the two of Disney’s Food Trucks.

In fact, Namaste Cafe was parked nearby for the occasion. Sweet! (By the way, it’s worth noting that Namaste has morphed into Springs Street Tacos these days.)

Namaste Food Truck

Namaste Food Truck

Menu -- Grilled Lamb Kefta by Namaste Food Truck

Menu — Grilled Lamb Kefta by Namaste Food Truck

While Namaste served up a Spice-dusted Grilled Lamb Kefta, we also enjoyed a selection from the World Showcase of Flavors Truck. The Pork Belly Cuban brought together Melaza-rubbed Pork Belly, Smoked Ham, Queso Suizo Garlic Chili Pickles, Citrus Mayo, and Yellow Mustard.

More Food Truck Goodness

More Food Truck Goodness

We also spied Disney Celeb Chef Art Smith, who was there to represent his restaurant, Homecomin’. It’s one of our favorites! For a rundown of our most recent visit, check out this review.

Chef Art Smith from Homecomin'

Chef Art Smith from Homecomin’

Morimoto Asia was also in the house, serving up there delectable Peking Duck (it’s SO good!) in the form of…Tacos. :-D

Morimoto Food Station

Morimoto Food Station

Menu -- Peking Duck from Morimoto Asia

Menu — Peking Duck from Morimoto Asia

I *may* have made more than one trip to this stop on the food trail.

Peking Duck

Peking Duck

In addition to some outstanding savory dishes, there were plenty of sweets to tempt us too. We sampled the Bananas Foster Crepe from AristoCrepes, another interesting kiosk you’ll find in Disney Springs.

AristoCrepe's Food Station

AristoCrepe’s Food Station

Menu -- Bananas Foster Crepe by AristoCrepes

Menu — Bananas Foster Crepe by AristoCrepes

This is not your momma’s crepe. Served with a Pink Peppercorn Chantilly, a Bruleed Banana, Hazelnut Brittle, and Frangelico Nutella, this treat left us wanting more.

Bananas Foster Crepe

Bananas Foster Crepe

But there was no way we were passing up an incredible chocolate dessert at the hands of The Ganachery. This tiny shop is huge in terms of flavor. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to stop in on your next trip through Disney Springs.

Menu -- The Ganachery

Menu — The Ganachery

The Dark Chocolate Ganache, paired with Pistachio Sponge Cake and Amarena Cherries was elegant to be sure — but it was also seriously rich and delicious.

Desserts from The Ganachery

Desserts from The Ganachery

In fact, looking at this picture right now makes me wish that I could stop by for one of these to go tomorrow. (Except it totes wouldn’t stand up to this Florida heat.)

Chocolate Ganache by The Ganachery

Chocolate Ganache by The Ganachery

As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed the feast for the eyes, ears, and tastebuds that epitomizes Party for the Senses. If you’re looking to splurge on a Special Event, we say go for it!

Want to see more DFB at PFTS? Check out our other Party for the Senses experiences here and here!

Start Your Planning NOW!

News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! And if you pre-order the 2017 edition, you get the 2016 edition (with TONS of great info!) for FREE!!!

This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.

food-and-wine-guide-cover-2017

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

Order your 2017 edition today and we’ll immediately send you the 2016 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!

Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount!

Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST!

Want to Know All About the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

We have ALL the information you’re looking for!

2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index

2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index
2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items

How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events

To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone.

Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book low cost culinary demonstrations and seminars early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.

Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may be able to book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 18. This is unconfirmed at this time. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date.

So, what do you think? Is Party for the Senses on your Epcot Food and Wine Bucket List? Leave a comment and let us know if you plan to attend this year!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


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