Disney Prepares for 12th-Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Ryan Wiseman

The 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place September 28 to November 11, 2007, with a "Tastefully Inspired" theme and events that include food and wine tastings, celebrity-chef cooking demonstrations, beer and wine seminars, nightly concerts, street performers and children's activities. Admission to the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included with regular Epcot park admission.

"With delicous cuisine, an extensive list of international wines, fascinating seminars and live entertainment through the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, the 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises something for everyone in the whole family," said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. "Make sure to plan your itinerary before arriving to Epcot so you can enjoy all that the 2007 International Food & Wine Festival has to offer."

INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE The International Marketplace at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival allows you to take a one-of-a-kind culinary tour around the world. Stop by each marketplace for eclectic appetizers that are in the $2-$4 range, along with recommended beer and wine pairings.

Africa: Morocco, South Africa Asia: China, India, Japan Caribbean: Dominican Republic Continental Europe: Champagne, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain Eastern Europe: Poland, Turkey Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru North America: Canada, Great Beers of the World, Hops & Barley Market, Oklahoma, United States Pacific Rim: Australia, New Zealand

SPECIAL EXHIBITS The promenade at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature a variety of interesting cultural exhibits and demonstrations:

American Wine Adventure: Take a regional tour of the New York and Napa Valley wine regions at the American Wine Adventure.

Andes Mountain Wine Bar: Enjoy great wines from Argentina and Chile at the Andes Mountain Wine Bar.

Australia: Discover Down Under: Take a tasting tour of Australia's four major wine regions and pick out souvenirs at the Birdsville Provisions shop.

Dominican Republic: Daily culinary demonstrations, live entertainment crafts and more will take place at the Dominican Republic exhibit.

Festival Welcome Center: Conveniently located at the Wonders of Life Pavilion, the Festival Welcome Center will feature a Festival Wine Shop, wine and champagne bar and Festival Merchandise Shop. The Festival Welcome Center also will serve as the official celebrity book signing area.

The History of Beer in America: Learn the history of American beer with complimentary seminars that take place daily at 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM.

International Beers of the World: Enjoy complimentary seminars daily at the International Beers of the World exhibit.

Oklahoma 1907-2007: Cooking demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits and children's activities will all make up this unique exhibit as Oklahoma celebrates 100 years of statehood.

Pearville Fear: A county fair-style exhibit that celebrates the "variety, flavor, diversity and nutritional importance" of this popular fruit.

Peru: Learn all about Inca culture and Peruvian cuisine at the Peru exhibit, which also features arts & crafts displays and Peruvian culinary demonstrations.

10-Day Regional Experiences: Michoacan, Mexico (October 5-14, 2007); Puglia, Italy (October 19-28, 2007); Greek Wine Bar Island (October 26-November 4, 2007).

Turkey Welcomes You: Enjoy Turkish cooking demonstrations, traditional Turkish art and crafts displays, exhibits and a Grand Bazaar.

Twinings Tea Bar: Explore the interesting history of Twinings tea as you stroll through the beautiful Twinings Garden.

EAT TO THE BEAT CONCERT SERIES All Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place at the America Gardens Theatre in front of the U.S.A. Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Show times are 5:45 PM, 7 PM and 8:15 PM.

Al Stewart: September 28-29, 2007 Otis Day and the Knights: September 30 - October 1, 2007 The Beach Boys: October 2-3, 2007 The Original Family Stone: October 4-6, 2007 Sheena Easton: October 7-9, 2007 Starship starring Mickey Thomas: October 10-13, 2007 David Cassidy: October 14-16, 2007 Little Richard: October 17-18, 2007 Juice Newton: October 19-21, 2007 The Four Tops: October 22-25, 2007 Village People: October 26-27, 2007 Expose: October 28-30, 2007 Jon Secada: October 31 - November 3, 2007 Chubby Checker and the Wildcats: November 4-6, 2007 The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts - November 7-8, 2007 David Sanborn - November 9-11, 2007

SPECIAL WINE & CULINARY PROGRAMS A wide range of wine and culinary programs are scheduled for the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):

A South African Wine Adventure: Friday, October 12, 2007, World Showplace Chefs A' Field - Kids on the Farm: Wednesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef's Showplace The Cook, The Book and The Bottle: Fridays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef's Showplace Discovering Wine: A Sensory Adventure: Various dates, Citricos, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Food & Wine Pairings: Various locales and dates Odyssey Kitchen Conversations: Select Thursdays, 3-4:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef's Showplace Sweet Sundays: Sundays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef's Showplace Vertical Wine Tastings: Saturdays, 1:30 PM-3 PM, California Grill, Disney's Contemporary Resort

FESTIVAL DINING OPPORTUNITIES Don't miss the opportunity to experience incredible cuisine and an extensive wine selection during the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):

Exquisite Evenings at Epcot: Enjoy a five-course meal prepared by the Festival's team of celebrity chefs.

Party for the Senses - Eat, Drink and Celebrate: Enjoy a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and then sit down to a delicious meal, along with entertaining acts from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.

Regional Feasts: Celebrate cuisine from the diverse regions of the world during Regional Feasts, which includes a welcome reception, four-course meal and live entertainment.

Signature Dining: Celebrity chefs are invited to prepare a five-course meal at select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.

FAMILY EVENTS The 2007 Epcot Food & Wine Festival offers something for the entire family such as the Junior Chef Program, Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour, Kidcot Fun Stops, Pearville Fair and Oklahoma 1907-2007.
About the Author

Ryan Wiseman is the author of Orlando, Florida Guide, the best guide to Orlando, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount Sea World Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.