Introduction

For this unique edition of “Dine or Dash,” I decided to check out Disney’s Epcot’s most popular event of the year: The Food and Wine Festival. This annual event, having gone on every year since 1995, transforms the many countries throughout the theme park into areas selling delicious food and beverages. This year from Aug. 28 to Nov. 22, chefs from across the globe, as well as those looking for internships in the United States, come to represent their own country through serving food. Additionally, tourists go to Orlando to try their dishes and experience what is known as Disney’s most popular festival of the year.

The price to get in is $129, but if you are a Disney Passholder, then you can get in for free.

I have never gone to the event before, and decided to go with my family to see if it was really worth it.

Although I tried many different dishes from across the park, I chose a select few that stood out to me (in both good and bad ways) that I will rate out of 10. Additionally, I will give comments and a rating on the overall atmosphere.

Overview of event

I got to Epcot by 1 p.m., before the evening crowd started to settle in. My family arrived during the transition from bustling, rowdy Disney tourists who were simply there for the experience and rides, to those who were there to taste the unique cuisine and drinks. This allowed us to get pretty decent parking without paying the extra money.

By 3 p.m., though, the place was hopping. People from all over waited in line for the food carts selling Chinese dumplings to Canadian steak. The crowd was no surprise, as the festival was good for all ages.

For the adults, there was no shortage of the finest food and beverages. For the kids, there were scavenger hunts and sweet treats that went beyond the regular ice cream Mickey Ears.

Of course, I never tried any of the alcohol, but Disney did a great job at keeping my attention as well as that of the thousands who joined me.

Food dishes

The Fry Basket’s Fry Flight– 4/10

The Fry Basket has had many names in the past festivals and has always been a hit. From donuts to other fried food items, people have lined up for a long time just to get their hands on whatever food they are serving that year.

Due to its popularity, my family and I waited in line to see what was such a buzz.

I gave this dish a try despite my general distaste towards fries. The first basket had vinegar and salt. Usually, I am all about that flavoring, but before I could even swallow, my eyes started watering. The flavor was too much for me, and I could not find it enjoyable.

The middle one was sweet potato fries and whipped cream. The sweetness of the fries went perfectly with the whipped cream, making it the perfect snack to walk around with.

The last was the truffle with black garlic aioli, and it also had too much flavor.

Milled and Mulled’s Apple-Cinnamon and Caramel Mini Churros Sundae– 9/10

If you are a churro fan, ice cream obsessed and in love with warm caramel, this dish is for you. I am all of the above, so this churro sundae was perfect for my tastebuds. The churros added a satisfying crunch to the smoothness of the ice cream and caramel. The apples, though not all that noticeable to me, were the perfect addition to make it seem like a healthier dish, even when it really was not.

I will say, though: the churros did not have a lot of flavoring. The cinnamon sugar got lost in the rest of the dish, and sometimes, if I went in to get a churro and nothing else, it tasted like a plain piece of baked bread.

I would definitely recommend this dish, as I would get it again and again if I could.

Bramblewood Bites’ Grilled Cast Iron-seared River Trout–7/10

This dish, featuring bright pink trout, is a lot like a classic salmon dish you get in a fancier restaurant. It is soft and practically melts in your mouth, making it a really great fish dish.

On the side of the trout is a vanilla-butternut squash puree that adds an unexpected sweet taste to the maple dressing, which clashes with the overall savory taste of the dish.
However, I would get this dish again, if only to try and expand my taste of savory and sweet together.

Earth Eat’s Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib– 8/10

Though this short rib dish does not look appealing at first, its thick flavor and smooth texture is quite tasty. The beef takes the show most definitely, and is nicely complimented by the shaved cheese on top and fresh herbs.

By the time the dish was at its scraps, I found myself wanting more. Not necessarily more cheese—there was already a lot of that—but more beef. Without any meat, there is not much left to look forward to.

Price and value

This event, being a Disney event, does have very high prices. The average amount per dish was around $8, though I would say everything was worth it. The quality of each dish was off the charts, and I never questioned the high standard.

If you are on a small budget, I would not recommend going, but it is definitely a trip and experience of a lifetime.

Overall impression

Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival is truly the event of the year for Orlando’s Disney World. Between the amazing food made and presented by chefs brought in from around the world to the friendliness of the cast members, going to this event will be a memory I will never forget.

I am not alone in thinking this. The crowds were off the charts. It was nearly impossible to find any seating or even a trash can to put your food on while you eat.

Still, if you are in the mood to try something new, want to experience the best parts of Disney World all together and do not mind the absurd crowds, I urge you to go to the Food and Wine Festival next year and all of the years to come.

Amazing experience—10/10.