Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Rockin' Burger Block Party

The 21st Epcot International Food and Wine Festival starts this week - September 14th! The festival brings many fun events to Epcot! From cooking demos and live music to delicious food and wine, there are so many reasons for you to experience this year's Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort! Today, we're taking a closer look at one of those tempting opportunities – the Rockin’ Burger Block Party.  If you love burgers - this event is for you!

When you think of burgers, they usually start with beef and a bun – but the rules are different at this event. You might find the beginnings of a traditional sandwich, and then the chefs take the flavor to a whole new level with patties like an Indian-inspired Malai Chicken Mushroom Burger or a pork slider with aji amarillo chile slaw and avocado on brioche.

These are just two of seven impressive burgers at the first party on September 30th at World ShowPlace.  The other two Rockin' Burger Parties will take place on October 14th and November 11th where all-new creations will be featured, with music and plenty of libations adding to the fun. You can even vote for their favorite burger!

The September 30 event features celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan with that Malai Chicken Mushroom Burger. Here’s some other tasty competitors:

• STK – their famous “lil BRGs” with Wagyu beef, special sauce and a sesame seed bun
• Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant – a beer-battered burger topped with garlic aioli, tomato chutney and greens.
• Disney’s Beaches and Cream – the Sunrise Burger with chorizo, candied Canadian bacon, avocado spread topped with a quail egg and sriracha mayo on an English muffin.
• D-Luxe Burger – the classic Southern style: a beef burger topped with a friend green tomato, pimento cheese and Applewood-smoked bacon on a soft, sweet Parkerhouse roll.
• Chef Alex Seidel, a James Beard finalist (with a Colorado blended lamb burger) plus six other local restaurant competitors will participate on October 14. And November 11 stars celebrity Chef Jehangir Mehta (doing a mushroom-blended “Graffiti” burger) along with six others.

All three parties take place from 7-9 p.m. and the cost is $99-$199 plus tax and gratuity.

You can even reserve VIP Nosh Pit seating ($199) if you want a guaranteed table (plus you’ll receive a 15-minute start, a premium bar and a specialty cocktail).  Epcot admission is not included. Book today at Epcotfoodfestival.com or call 407-939-3378.

If you're interested in visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the Disney Vacation Quote form found below or click here to open it in a new window!  As a Disney vacation specialist, I’ll use my expert knowledge to help you plan a magical vacation! Plus my services are FREE to all of my clients - you won't pay more for my services but you will get more! For example, I'll book this event and others at no extra charge for my clients - you won't pay a planning fee!

Epcot International Food & Wine Gift for AP's

It is days away from the kick off of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - opening date is September 14th!  This year Annual Pass holders will be eligible for a special gift!  This commemorative Passholder Mickey tumbler glass, of course! 



As long as the Annual Passholder makes three visits to Epcot® during the festival (tracked by your Magic Band or Annual Pass), they will be eligible to receive this exclusive tumbler glass gift (while supplies last)!  To redeem the glass you'll need both your annual pass and your ID!

Another cool reason to look forward to the Festival this year! What are you looking forward to?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Premium Events

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner! The 21st festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort in just a few weeks - September 14th to be exact. There are many festival events are included with Epcot admission, there are plenty of don't-miss “premium events” this year.  And you still have plenty of time to book your spot at these events too! 

Here’s just a peek at what’s available:

Rockin’ Burger Block Party 

(3 event dates: September 30, October 14, and November 11)

Amidst this rock-till-you-drop setting, you can bust a move to the ultimate playlist while chowing down on a mouthwatering menu, featuring a selection of specialty sliders and potables – from a new celebrity chef each week. General admission starts at $99 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

Beverage Boot Camp 

(2 dates: September 18 and October 30)

Join a master sommelier or distiller for a crash course on the country’s best-loved libations. These 2-hour seminars discover the delicate nuances to evaluating fine wines and bourbons from top industry experts. Information ranges from appearance, aromas and complexity to production processes, trends and more. The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

What’s Cooking With … 

(Select Fridays and Sundays throughout the Festival)

Celebrity chefs and industry experts share their favorite dish, as well as tips, tricks and insights into what makes it so extraordinary. Dates are still available, including Sept. 16 (Elizabeth Falkner); Oct. 14 (Emily Ellyn); Oct. 23 (Rock Harper); Nov. 6 (David Guas); Nov. 11 (Sarah Fioroni) and Nov. 13 (Jehangir Mehta). The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

The Secrets of Flavor 

(September 22, October 20, and November 3)

Discover how the science of sensory memory affects the way we perceive our favorite foods. Through a 60-minute tasting session, engage your palate and build upon their wine knowledge. This epicurean adventure concludes with a signature 3-course luncheon that will reinforce a newly discovered connection between the 5 senses and food. The price is $129 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

Party for the Senses Yelloween Masquerade 

(October 28 & 29)

In celebration of Halloween, this elegant masquerade soiree features unique entertainment, décor and more. Feast on themed menu items perfectly paired with champagne, wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails. With a yellow-and-black chic dress code, it’s a charming party sure to make spirits soar! General admission starts at $169 per person, plus tax (gratuity included).

If you book your Food & Wine vacation before 8/31 you'll save with this awesome Fall Discount! Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the Disney Vacation Quote form found below or click here to open it in a new window!  As a Disney vacation specialist, I’ll use my expert knowledge to help you plan a magical vacation! Plus my services are FREE to all of my clients - you won't pay more for my services but you will get more!

Four Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World Resort During the Fall

Fall is my favorite time to visit Walt Disney World Resort.  First of all, the weather is, sometimes, cooler than the summer months.  

Second, Magic Kingdom brings out its fall decor.  From larger than life pumpkins, to cute fall-themed wreaths hanging on the light posts to Mickey and Minnie in their fall garb and Halloween costumes - the decorations just hit it home for me. 

Main Street USA dressed up in fall decorations.

Even the statues around Magic Kingdom get into the fall spirit!

Third, the amazing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party held at the Magic Kingdom®! 

This year there will be 29 select nights of "spooktacular" fun beginning Sept. 2, 2016!  During the party you can enjoy tons of Halloween fun such as trick-or-treat throughout the park, meeting your favorite Disney Characters (some even have their own Halloween costumes on!) and dressing up as your favorite Disney character!  Plus this year the party will welcome back last year’s  hit show “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” 

Oh and another reason I love visiting Walt Disney World during the fall? On the nights Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held there is a special “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade” and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks.  I swear HalloWishes is the best fireworks at the Magic Kingdom!

Good news for you? Tickets are still available! This year's party dates:

• September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30.
• October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31.

The fourth reason I love going to Walt Disney World during the fall is getting to taste my way around the world at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! This year's festival runs September 14 to November 14th.

This is the 21st year of the festival! Not only can you eat at over 30 food booths featuring food from around the world, there are wine and beverage seminars you can partake in; there are free nightly concerts; celebrity chef appearances and so much more!

You can experience all of the Walt Disney World fall fun this fall! Plus if you book now, you'll be able to enjoy it all and stay in the middle of the magic at one of the many Walt Disney World resorts as there is a fall room discount being offered! You can save as much as 25% off of your resort rate!  Email me, lauren@magicaltravel.com, to book your Fall Walt Disney World vacation today! 

Walt Disney World Back-to-School Fall Savings Travel Deal!

Have you been thinking about taking a Walt Disney World vacation? Well there is no better time to go than this fall!  At the Magic Kingdom's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party you can dress your kids up as their favorite Disney characters and watch them trick-or-treat all throughout the park! Perhaps eating and drinking your way around the world at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is something that suites your taste.  Well now you can - and stay at one of the amazing Walt Disney World Resorts at a discount! You can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights starting this August 26 until November 5, 2016!



If a Walt Disney World is what your family has been looking for, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com - or fill out the easy and fast form below - and I'll be more than happy to help you plan a magical vacation! Plus not only will you get my Disney Vacation Planner services for FREE, qualified vacation packages will earn a free gift card to take on vacation with you!

Celebrity Chefs and New Experiences come to 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

A day that contains news about Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a great day so great ready for a great day!  News about the new lineup of celebrity chefs and a series of first-time Disney resort cooking and dining experiences will add culinary appeal to the 21^st Festival when it returns to Walt Disney World® Resort September 14 - November 14, 2016.

First up: the Chefs! Culinary notables Geoffrey Zakarian, Maneet Chauhan, Duff Goldman, Elliott Farmer, Masaharu Morimoto and Graham Elliot will have their first festival appearances doing events such as seminars and culinary demonstrations.  Other chef icons like Robert Irvine, Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen will return to entertain foodies and inspire their palates at premium events that include Party for the Senses grand tastings featuring reimagined entertainment. 
Here is the full list of celebrity chefs:

• Adam Mali - Executive Chef at Bon Appetit 
• Alex Guarnaschelli -  Celebrity chef (is on a lot of Food Network shows) and is the executive chef at New York City's Butter restaurant
• Alex Seidel - Chef at Fruition
• Allen Susser
• Andrea Robinson MS - American sommelier, chef, television personality, and author.
• Andrew Yeo - Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
• Andrew Zimmern - Celebrity Chef, food writer and teacher
• Bill Brown - Executive Chef at Bel-Air Country Club
• Bob Waggoner - Celebrity Chef
• Brian & Shanna O’Hea - Chef/Owners of Academe Restaurant at the Kennebunk Inn 
• Bryan Voltaggio - Celebrity Chef, Top Chef Season 6 Finalist 
• Buddy Valastro - Celebrity Chef, Cake Boss
• Cat Cora - Celebrity Chef, Iron Chef
• Cathal Armstrong - Food & Wine Star Chef
• Chris Prosperi - Chef and co-owner of Metro Bis
• Christopher Lee
• Dana Herbert - Celebrity Pastry Chef
• Daniel Joly
• David Guas - Celebrity Chef
• Dominique Macquet
• Duff Goldman – NEW! - Celebrity Chef, Charm City Cakes
• Duskie Estes & John Stewart - Celebrity Chefs
• Elliott Farmer – NEW! - Celebrity Chef
• Elizabeth Falkner
• Emily Ellyn - Season 8 Food Network Star Finalist
• Erin Hedley
• Erin McKenna - Baker, BabyCakes
• Fabrizio Schendari
• Faithy Harris-Dowdell - Celebrity Chef, Chef behind Yak & Yeti
• Fritz Sonnenschmidt - A Certified Master Chef
• G. Garvin - Celebrity Chef, Cooking Channel
• Gale Gand - Pastry Chef
• Geoffrey Zakarian – NEW! - Celebrity Chef, Iron Chef
• Geraldine Randlesome - Pastry Chef
• Graham Elliot – NEW! - Celebrity Chef, Master Chef
• Heather McPherson - Covers food and restaurants for the Orlando Sentinel
• The Hearty Boys -  Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, Hosts of Party Line on Food Network
• James Boyce
• James O’Donnell - Exceutive Chef at STK Orlando in Disney Springs
• James Petrakis
• Jamie Deen - Celebrity Chef
• Jeff Yarmuth
• Jehangir Mehta - Iron Chef America Contestant
• Jennifer Bushman
• Jennifer Hill Booker
• Jerome Brown - Celebrity Chef
• Joe Murphy - Pastry Chef
• Joe Rodriguez
• John Colletta
• Jonathan Benno
• Jonathon Sawyer - Chef of the Greenhouse Tavern in Cleveland, OH
• Kathleen Blake - Chef at the Rusty Spoon in Orlando, FL
• Keegan Gerhard & Lisa Bailey - Chefs at D Bar Denver in Denver, CO
• Ken Vedrinski - Chef at Trattoria Lucca, Charleston, SC
• Kevin Dundon - Irish Celebrity Chef
• Kevin Fonzo - Chef, K Restaurant, New York City
• Kevin Johnson - Chef, The Grocery, Charleston, SC
• Kevin Sbraga - Chef-Owner, Sbraga in Jacksonville, FL
• Maneet Chauhan – NEW! - Chef, TV Personality
• Mark Boor - Chef, Trio Bistro, Cincinnati, OH
• Masaharu Morimoto – NEW! - Iron Chef Morimoto, Chef Morimoto at Morimoto Asia Restaurant in Disney Springs
• Matthew Gennuso - Chef Matt Gennuso of Chez Pascal and Wurst Kitchen – Providence, RI
• Matt Lewis
• Matt McMillin - Executive Research and Development Chef at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants
• Max McCalman - Cheese Expert
• Mike Rodriguez
• Moises Flores
• Nirmala Narine
• Norman Van Aken - Owner of the award-winning Miami restaurant Norman's. Won the James Beard Award, the Robert Mondavi Award, and the Food Arts Silver Spoon for lifetime achievement
• Odell Torres - Executive Chef at Larios in Miami Beach
• Pam Smith RD - Culinary Nutritionist 
• Pam Brandon - Writer of over a dozen Disney Publishing books including Kitchen Magic with Mickey and A Taste of Epcot, Festival Food From Around the Globe 
• Paul Wahlburg – NEW! - Celebrity Chef of Wahlburgers
• Paula DaSilva - Celebrity Chef, Hells Kitchen
• Pascal Oudin - Chef-Owner of Pascal's on Ponce in Coral Gables, FL
• Peng Looi - Partner/Executive Chef. Asiatique, Augsut Moon Chinese Bistro
• Richard Capizzi - Pastry Chef
• Rock Harper - Chef, TV Personality of Hell's Kitchen
• Sara Fioroni - Executive Chef, Sommelier, and General Manager of Fattoria Poggio Alloro near San Gimignano, Tuscany (Italy
• Scott Norman
• Scott Paul - Artisinal Wine Producer
• Terry Letson - Chef-Owner of Fume Bistro in Napa
• Tonda Corrente
• Tony Mantuano - Chef at Spiaggia Restaurant and Bar Toma in Chicago
• Warren Brown
• Yuhi Fujinago - Executive Chef at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

For those of you who enjoy watching ABC’s Emmy-Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew” will be pleased to know the hosts will produce a full week of programs on the show’s exclusive Epcot festival stage for the second year in a row!

And, for the first time, you can enjoy the following festival experiences at Walt Disney World Resort hotels:

• “Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa” — a sumptuous 5-star, 5-course meal prepared by the resort’s award-winning chefs
• “The Secrets of Flavor at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort” — a three-course lunch that gives you a ‘sensory-food connection’ at Yachtsman Steakhouse
• “Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef” at Disney’s Contemporary Resort — a hands-on chef’s table experience in a professional working kitchen
• “Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto” at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — an entertaining tour of the whimsical Trader Sam’s, followed by lunch and a special mixology session

More details regarding these exciting experiences and other Epcot International Food & Wine Festival details will be shared when I get them.  Stay tuned for a full list of culinary demonstrations, cheese seminars, beverage seminars, and more! 

Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - today to book your Epcot International Food & Wine Festival vacation today!