Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World this fall. This annual event runs from August 31, 2017 though November 13, 2017 in the Epcot World Showcase at the Walt Disney World, Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, FL. Besides featuring food and wine from around the world, as well as a showcase of different beers, there’s also nightly entertainment from a variety of musical groups.

Meet you favorite Chefs

Celebrity Chef Cooking Demo

Calling all foodies and mealtime connoisseurs, this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival culinary lineup is one for the books. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival seminars and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chefs from television, entertainment and restaurants around the world are scheduled daily during this annual event. Returning to the Epcot International Food and Wine festival this year at the Festival Center is the Chef’s Showcase. This special event includes a Celebrity Chef cooking demo, question-and-answer session and sparkling toast with some of your favorites personalities. This special event is $129 per Guest—plus tax, gratuity included and seating for the event must be reserved in advance.

Dates and Chefs in 2017

  • September 3 – Shaun O’Neale
  • September 10 – Alex Guarnaschelli
  • September 15 – Stuart O’Keeffe
  • September 17 – Jet Tila
  • September 24 – Art Smith
  • September 29 – Graham Elliot
  • October 6 – Jamie Deen
  • October 8 – Geoffrey Zakarian
  • October 15 – Bryan Voltaggio
  • October 20 – Robert Irvine
  • October 22 – Robert Irvine
  • October 27 – Cat Cora
  • October 29 – Cat Cora
  • November 3 – Carla Hall
  • November 10 – Sarah Fioroni
  • November 12 – Buddy Valastro

Please note: each event has one seating option. Epcot admission is not included with the event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 years of age and older. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Take a Culinary Adventure around the World

Epcot Food and Wine 2017

Stop by the Festival Information Center for a park map, a Times Guide and, of course, your Festival Passport! The Festival Passport is your guide to over 35 Global Marketplaces—located throughout Epcot’s World Showcase during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This food lover’s paradise is packed with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages from 35 different countries around the world. Each marketplace offers unique cuisine and a variety of divine options. And at every marketplace, you can receive a marketplace sticker in your Festival Passport. Let the adventures begin!

Eat to the Beat

Eat to the Beat 2017

Returning during the Epcot Internal Food & Wine Festival this year is the hugely popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series in the American Gardens Theater near the rear of the park. While it’s a bit of a walk to get to the theater, the performances are top notch and well worth the trip, and you can eat your fill along the way. Disney has kicked this concert series up a notch this year by introducing great new artists to the series lineup and inviting back fan favorites from previous years. Even though the shows are included in admission to the park, seating is limited and first come. We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the show’s start time so you can grab a great seat. Don’t sweat it if you don’t get a seat to the first show, The Eat to the Beat Concert series features three performances each night at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m.

Don’t want to stand in line for the show? Dining packages are available and will guarantee you reserved seating for the concerts. Choose from lunch or dinner at one of 13 different Epcot restaurants. Lunch reservations will have reserved seating at the 5:30 p.m. show and dinner reservations will have reserved seating for the 6:45 or 8:00 p.m. show.

Here’s a look at this year’s full concert lineup:

  • Aug. 31- Sept. 1 – Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
  • Sept. 2 – 3 – The Hooters NEW! “And We Danced”
  • Sept. 4 – 5 – Baha Men NEW! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
  • Sept. 6 – 7 – Fuel “Shimmer”
  • Sept. 8 – 10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • Sept. 11 – 12 – Lauren Alaina NEW! “Road Less Traveled”
  • Sept. 13 – 15 – Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
  • Sept. 16 – 17 – Sister Hazel “All for You”
  • Sept. 18 – 20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • Sept. 21 – 22 – David Cook “Light On”
  • Sept. 23 – 24 – Everclear “Santa Monica”
  • Sept. 25 – 27 – Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
  • Sept. 28 – 29 – 38 Special “Hold on Loosely”
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 – Mark Wills NEW! “19 Somethin’”
  • Oct. 2 – 3 – American Authors NEW! “Best Day of My Life”
  • Oct. 4 – 5 – Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • Oct. 6 – 8 – The Devon Allman Band NEW! “Ragged & Dirty”
  • Oct. 9 – 11 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
  • Oct. 12 – 13 – Taylor Dayne – “Tell It to My Heart”
  • Oct. 14 – 15 – Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
  • Oct. 16 – 17 – Postmodern Jukebox NEW!
  • Oct. 18 – 20 – 10,000 Maniacs NEW! “Because the Night”
  • Oct. 21 – 22 – Toad the Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
  • Oct. 23 – 24 – Kenny G NEW! “Songbird”
  • Oct. 25 – 26 – Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
  • Oct. 27 – 29 – Tiffany “I Think We’re Along Now”
  • Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 – Hanson “MMMBop”
  • Nov. 2 – 3 – Blue October NEW! “Into the Ocean”
  • Nov. 4 – 5 – Living Color “Cult of Personality”
  • Nov. 6 – 8 – Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
  • Nov. 9 – 11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
  • Nov. 12 – 13 – Squeeze NEW! “Black Coffee in Bed”

Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.

Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay is the newest theme park to open in Orlando and it’s sure to be a hit with the locals, as well as the tourists! Here a few tips to help guide you through a day at adventurous water park.

Tip #1: Buy your admission tickets and set-up your Universal account (with your credit card) if you are going to use the tap-to-pay functionality of the TapuTapu bracelet – BEFORE you get to the park!

Tapu Tapu

Tip #2: Arrive before the parks open! Parking will eat into your time at the park, so its best to get to the gates as early as possible. Guests not staying on-sire must pay to use the regular Universal Orlando Resort parking garage. From here guests will take free shuttles to Volcano Bay. On-site hotel guests can use their room key to take free buses and use a dedicated entrance.

Tip #3: All on-site hotel guests can enter Volcano Bay on hour before it is open to the general public.

Tip #4: Purchase a multi-day Universal park-to-park ticket that includes Volcano Bay. It’s best to spread your time at the parks over a couple of days, if possible.

Tip #5: From now until late fall, you can expect large crowds at this new water park. Hit the thrill rides first, starting with Krakatau Aqua Coaster, then head to Ko’kiri Body Plunge and Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. Note: Due to the large crowds, do not be surprised if you can’t ride everything in one day.

WaturiBeach

Tip #6: Another reason to arrive early is so you can pick your ideal spot to set-up camp. Families with younger children should consider calling the Puka Uli area home base, while families with older children may want to consider Waturi Beach.

Tip #7: Be prepared to climb some steps. Three of the most popular rides are at the top of the 200-foor Krakatau Volcano. Also, if you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia, you may want to skip these adventure rides.

Tip #8: Know what you are getting into before you wait in line. Some rides, like the Phno and Ohyah drop slides are better suited for strong swimmers and other rides or areas have height or weight restrictions, or life vest requirements (for children).

Tip #9: There are two different lazy river attractions to enjoy, but their entrances can be difficult to find, so use the directional signs/maps. Kopiko Wai Winding River is the calmer of the two rivers and it is located at the base of the volcano. The TeAwa the Fearless River requires a tube and is much faster, choppier and deeper.

TaniwhaTubes

Tip #10: Use the free, interactive and waterproof bracelet, TapuTapu, they hand out when you enter the park to reserve your place in line for the rides. The bracelet also unlocks interactive features throughout the park, like water canons, and can be connected to credit card to pay for things like lockers, food and drinks.

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Maybe you have had enough of the 100-degree heat or the 2-hour lines.  Maybe your trying to avoid the rain.  Orlando has more than theme parks to offer.  There’s so much to do that won’t break your bank and provide you with a full day of excitement.

World Class Shopping

OrlandoOutletMall

Orlando has some of the best shopping anywhere.  You don’t have to break the bank.  Orlando boasts 2 main factory outlet malls.  Everything from Polo, Coach, Michael Kors and Nike.  The malls are huge and can take an entire day to walk.  Great deals can be found at all stores.  An insider’s tip is stop by the guest services desk, they usually have some great discount books.  Sometimes there’s a small fee and sometimes free.  You can walk and shop all day.  When you get hungry there are food courts and restaurants nearby.  Conveniently there is one outlet mall on each end (north and south) of International drive.

The Orlando Eye

OrlandoEye

Relatively new to the International Drive Area is I-Drive 360.  Take a moment to escape and see the magic and wonder Orlando offers. The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye offers a new and unique way to experience the beauty of Orlando, also known as the ‘City Beautiful’, and see it in a way you’ve never seen it before. Be effortlessly lifted to 400 feet and experience breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding Central Florida.

Located at I-Drive 360, the heart of International Drive, the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is the tallest observation wheel on the east coast of the USA. The gradual rotation in one of the 30 high-tech capsules gives you an ever-changing perspective. Each capsule contains Apple iPad Air tablets which allow you to explore and learn more about the landmarks and surroundings in several languages and effectively see beyond what the eye can see.

A flight on the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye will lift you high enough to see the sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, nearby theme parks, beautiful lakes and lush landscapes, with views all the way to Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast.

In addition to the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, guests can also experience the Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the immersive underwater experience, rounding out three of the top global brands in Merlin Entertainments’ portfolio of exciting attractions.

I-Drive 360 also boast many restaurants and night clubs.  They also offer free covered parking and is very close to all I-drive Trolley stops.

Wonder Works

WonderWorks

An indoor amusement park for the mind combining education and entertainment with more than 100 hands – on exhibits for all ages.

Wonder Works began as a Top-Secret research laboratory, led by Professor Wonder, on a remote island in the Bermuda Triangle. During an experiment gone awry, a manmade tornado unleashed through the laboratory and created a swirling vortex that carried the building thousands of miles away, landing it upside-down on top of a brick warehouse on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Remarkably, all the experiments remained intact and functional.

As you enter the upside-down attraction, the ceiling will be under your feet and the ground will be above your head, making it impossible to explore what’s inside. To begin your adventure, pass through the inversion tunnel and defy gravity as you are properly aligned!

Once inside, you will be able to explore six Wonder Zones: Natural Disasters, Physical Challenges, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab, Space Discovery and the Far-Out Art Gallery.

Journey through each zone, testing your knowledge, physical capacities and creativity! Become a human lightning rod by touching 10,000 volts of electricity or experience hurricane force winds! Gather up your strength to lift your weight using a pulley system or build up courage to lie down on a bed of 3,500 rising nails. Navigate through space on a mission to Mars and design and ride your own roller coaster!

Make your way up to the basement where you’ll find more thrilling adventures, including an XD Theater 4D motion simulated thrill ride, 3-story indoor ropes challenge course and laser tag.

While visiting, upgrade to a combo package and stay for the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Expect to be impressed with the combination of magic, impersonations and high-energy, improvisational comedy. Unlimited pizza, salad, popcorn, beer, wine, soda and dessert will be served.

Main Event Orlando

MainEventOrlando

Main Event Entertainment, the fastest growing entertainment destination is an ideal place for groups to get together and let their fun out.  Main Event combines dining, virtual and interactive game play, high ropes adventure courses, billiards, 61 big screen TVs and state-of-the-art bowling in nearly 50,000 square feet.

Their Eat.Bowl.Play experience features a chef-inspired menu featuring innovative American fare and handcrafted cocktails in a high-energy bar and grill atmosphere and signature-style artisan pizza at LaBella’s, the center’s fast casual café.  Main Event also offers full-service catering with private rooms, free Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual technology for private events such as holiday parties, company meetings, birthday parties, and social gatherings.

In addition to its unique Eat.Bowl.Play experience, Main Event offers full-service catering with private rooms, free Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual technology for company meetings, team-building exercises, holiday parties, social gatherings and large group events.  Additionally, Main Event consistently is ranked the “best place for parties,” offering a variety of party packages to entertain guests of all ages.
Main Event centers serve more than 500,000 guests annually and bring nearly 150 full- and part-time positions to their local communities.

Americas Escape Game

AmericasEscapeGame

America’s Escape Game offers a new and exciting amusement! Real-life room escape games are a type of physical adventure game in which people are locked in a room with other participants and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit.
At America’s Escape Game people are teamed up in groups of 2-10 and locked in a room. They have 60 minutes to work together, solve the riddles, solve the puzzles and escape. We currently have 4 experiences to choose from, each with their very different challenges.

This is great fun for a date, a family night or a team building experience as working together is required to succeed!

They currently have the five (5) rooms below to choose from.
“Pandemic: Project Hephaestus” Your Team needs to find the cure before the Red Death takes its toll!
“Lost Tomb of Monthu” Find the mysterious red ruby and escape while there is still time!
“Crisis at 1600” Secure the White House and stop a missile attack while you still can!
“The Caretaker” Save the hermit caretaker from the wolves while there is still time!
“Face Off” Face Off is a high energy race against time AND your opponents!

This is an experience like no other. Be warned, only 10% of their guests escape! You and your friends will work together, cheer each other on and compete to escape the rooms fastest.

IFly Orlando

iFlyOrlando

Discover the dream of flight at iFly Oralndo. Experience the true free fall conditions of skydiving without jumping from an airplane. iFly’s vertical wind tunnel technology creates a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely float. There’s no parachute, no jumping and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you and the air. Super fun, super safe, and super cool!

Children as young as three, to adults as old (or young at heart) as 103 can fly. It’s safe for kids, challenging for adults and realistic for skydivers. They provide all the gear and a personal instructor will guide you through your flight

 

From mild to wild there’s so much to see and do in Orlando.  We’ve named just a few things here and there is so much more coming to the International Drive Area and the theme parks.

 

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Disney Springs, previously known as Downtown Disney, is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. It was recently expanded to include many new stores, such as Pandora, Anthropologie, and the Coca-Cola Store. It also has a wide variety of delicious dining experiences. Walt Disney Imagineering took inspiration for the look and feel of Disney Springs from real coastal towns found throughout the state of Florida, such as St. Augustine and Coral Gables.

See La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs before it’s gone!

Earlier this year Cirque du Soleil announced that La Nouba will be ending it’s 19-year run in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida on December 31st, 2017. La Nouba’s classic performance transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and stimulates the imagination from beginning to end with amazing acrobatics and whimsical characters. Disney Springs is the only location where you will be able to see this unbelievably amazing show, and not for much longer. Tickets to the show are still available, and seeing the show before it’s gone is worth the trip.

All New Dining Options

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is host to 52 unique and different dining options to choose from. Whether you want exotic food or something a little more domestic, Disney Springs has got it all. The new Town Center district of Disney Springs has recently opened with a plethora of dining options that are sure to delight. Grab a burger at D-Luxe Burger or a barbeque sandwich at The Polite Pig and try one of the delicious cupcake options at Sprinkles for dessert. The Marketplace district of Disney Springs includes the Rainforest Café and its sister restaurant T-Rex, which are a delight to families visiting Disney Springs with animatronic animals and dinosaurs that move and speak during your meal. T-Rex also features Build-a-Dino, a franchise of Build-a-Bear where kids can build and dress their very own dinosaurs. The West Side District includes Crossroads at House of Blues, where there’s always good music to go with good food, Splitsville Luxury lanes, where you can bowl and eat in luxury, Bongos Cuban Café and the newly redesigned Planet Hollywood location. The Landing District, previously known as Pleasure Island, has opened several new, unique locations. It boasts nautical-themed restaurants and shops, including Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and the Boathouse, which also serves as the port for amphibious, vintage automobiles that offer cruises of lake Buena Vista. Even if you don’t take a cruise you can still watch these amazing cars take a swim while you eat.

Family-friendly Nightly Entertainment

Free Nighty Music

Not ready to head back to your room after a day in the parks? Take a stroll around Disney Springs. Free and family-friendly entertainment is available nightly throughout the Springs until 11pm. Check out the Waterside Stage located in the Marketplace district of Disney Spring most nights of the year— the Waterside Stage is host to all-types of performers from full band concerts to a nightly DJ Kids Dance Party. Pop-up live music is also available throughout the Landing, Westside and Town Center Districts – just take a stroll around and listen to the sweet sounds of fun.

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