EPCOT is in such a weird incomplete state right now. To add to the weirdness there is the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival happening right now. Much in the way Disney fans call a festival-free EPCOT “Diet EPCOT” one might consider this festival to be a “Diet Food and Wine Festival” – except the calories are totally there. The Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival offers a variety booths with food and beverage delights. But, the number of booths and the extensiveness of some of the menus is reduced.
A few members of our team have experienced this mini festival. Check out our review of some of the interesting tastes waiting for you at EPCOT.
World ShowPlace Pavilion
Enjoy air conditioning and tables with chairs at World ShowPlace Pavilion. This venue usually hosts special and private events. It is a nice treat when it is open to regular park guests.
Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops – Three Flavors: Chocolate, M&M’s, and Twix (a hit) – Just watching the cake pop preparation was a show on its own. Seeing the Cast Member dip the cake pops into the liquid nitrogen and the vapor coming off them when they were done was seriously good fun! The shells remain crunchy as long as you stay inside and eat them quickly. Otherwise, they are cool but lack the same magic shell crunch they originally had. The plain chocolate was nice, but I will always get candy if there is no extra charge! This is a great treat for anyone new to the festival or new to Disney; they certainly make quite the impression. A good value at $4
Nitrogen Cake Pops – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and WineNitrogen Cake Pops – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Gourmet Mac and Cheese – with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko (a hit) – There is enough here to share, but it’s so very good that you’ll try not to. A bowl of this and a cake pop would be heaven for a picky eater. A good value at $4.50.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce topped with Carrots, Celery, and Blue Cheese Crumbles (a hit) – The carrots and celery, and just a little bit of blue cheese, take this dish over the top. Our reviewer, Christina, said “I am stealing this idea for my next gathering (probably 2022) for sure.” It was spicy and creamy and crunchy. A very satisfying plate, and a good value at $5.50.
Lobster Mac & Cheese with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce and Lobster Cream topped with Herbed Panko (just okay) – To be fair, we tried this about 10 minutes before the park closed, and while the other two plates from the same booth were fantastic, I think this one suffered. The lobster was too fishy for me and it wasn’t something I would get again or recommend to anyone else (from Christina). A poor value at $6.50.
Mac and Cheese – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Mexico
Ribeye Steak with Ranchera Salsa in a Corn Tortilla topped with Onions, Chives, and a Lime Wedge (a hit) – Any taco purist’s dream, a corn tortilla; a simple, well-cooked protein; and a huge piece of lime. The steak was so tender and the slight dollop of salsa was just outstanding. Our team has been back for this taco repeatedly. The serving is not enough to share. Thank goodness. A decent value at $6.95.
Ribeye Taco – Mexico Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
China
Chicken Dumpling with Chinese Slaw (just okay) – This isn’t a new item for China, but it’s definitely one of the more solid standards. You know what you’re getting – a tasty dumpling and a sweet and pungent slaw with a sticky sauce. The serving is not enough to share, but more than enough to make one person happy. A decent value at $4.95
Mongolian Beef Bao Bun (just okay) – After enjoying the tender flavorful ribeye beef found at the Mexico booth, this beef was disappointing. The delightful bun almost makes up for it. A poor value at $6.75.
Chicken Dumpling – China Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and WineBeef Bao – China Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Earth Eats Hosted by Impossible
Impossible Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (a hit) – We raved over this at Flower and Garden earlier in the year and it’s still a favorite. Because we came later in the day, the lentil bread, while still delicious, was a little tough. A good value at $5.75.
The Impossible Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Asian Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (a hit) – How was the bun on this burger so fresh and wonderful and without any hint of staleness and yet is from the same booth?!? A mystery for sure. The burger is fantastic and a solid favorite of even devout meat eaters. The Wasabi Cream is so good – they should sell bottles at the booth. A good value at $5.25.
Impossible Slider and Meatball – Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Have you been to the Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival yet? Do you have any favorite tastes?
Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando Native who loves sharing her hometown with others. She's worked in nearly all of Orlando's theme parks, on board Disney Cruise Line, and in hotel management. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @thisfloridalife
