Disney's Food and Wine Festival and a Happy Birthday...

We are now officially 5 days away from the Cast member preview of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and that can only mean 2 things-

1. I seriously have to start saving my pennies for my "adventures around the world"... it gets very pricey!

and

2. It's one of my best friend's birthdays!!!!!!

Now- I can understand that many of you can't see why I would feature both these things in a post together. Very simple answer! I was lucky enough to have her visiting this time last year and so I got to take her to Epcot for last year's cast preview. I cannot stress enough what a blast this event is when you go with good company! Sadly, she's busy joining the touring cast of Wizard of Oz right now so I'll be drinking around the world in her honor! So I thought I'd give her a serious birthday shout out, show you all some of the awesome photos from last year's festivities, and then give you all the low down on the kick ass event that is Disney's Food and Wine Festival. 

First things first-

Happy Birthday, Smellzabeth!! :)

I cannot stress enough how lucky I am to have you as one of my best friends. 

You're one of those people I know I can count on and I've missed you terribly since we've been living on opposite sides of the country!

Kick some serious booty out there!!

I love you!!

Now for the photo dump- You should be warned, on top of being one of my best friends, she's also one of the most adorable/gorgeous people I've ever met!

 

 Obviously, she's couture and I'm commercial...

Outside of Italy

Grey Goose Lemonade Slush... Thank you France!

 Enjoying a German delicacy... Get your mind out of the gutter- it was delicious!

Passion Fruit Margaritas courtesy of Mexico

Just when we thought we had enough, the champagne and dessert stand is waiting at the end...

If you have any vacation time saved up- I urge you! Get to Disney for the Food and Wine Festival! this is one of my favorite things Disney does all year. There's SO much food and (come on, you knew from the name) so much in the beverage department and it is all absolutely delicious. I may not be the most adventurous of foodies but Food and Wine allows me to try things I'd never be able to other wise- and it's all cooked and served to Disney standards. 

As you make your way around World Showcase, there are 29 different kiosks, mostly different countries though there are a few extra thrown in- like Cheese, Craft Beers, or Desserts and Champagne. This IS NOT an all you can eat/drink experience though, so know you'll be paying at each stand. They each serve tapas sized portions of regional goodness, most also offer a dessert, and all offer a wine or other local beverage. While it may not seem so bad at first to be paying around $3 here and there, with 29 stands- it adds up quick! 

SOOOOOO..... *My tips* 

• Once you hit world showcase- grab a drink and a snack and make your way around all the countries, just on that one drink and snack. You can always grab the special map that lists all the menus, but trust me as you walk and see and smell things, more will start to become appealing. If you know there's certain must haves at the end of your walk, you won't blow your budget or appetite on other things!

• Try foods you wouldn't have on a regular basis. I have no doubt the sushi in Japan is fantastic and the pasta in Italy is to die for, but these are common staples in most of our every day diets. Theres so much to choose from and you'll miss out on a lot if you fill yourself up on safe foods. Be adventurous!

• Share! Another advantage of going with a friend is you can get different menu items and just try bites of eachother's. Yes, they are small portions and even smaller if you start splitting, but let me reiterate- there are 29 kiosks! I assure you, you'll leave very satisfied!  

So come down to my little corner of the world!! Have any of you ever come down for Food and Wine before? Anyone always wanted to and need a little more convincing? 

If any of you make it to town at some point, let me know if you need any other pointers or suggestions! I'd be more than happy to help!

Yummm..... My tummy's grumbling already!