Cranberries are in season at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, an entire cranberry bog has been installed at the Orlando theme park.

The bog, created in partnership with Ocean Spray, is part of a Bogs Across America program that was initiated in 2005. Visitors to the Food & Wine Festival can see the bog in the area that connects Epcot’s Future World and the World Showcase.

While cranberries don’t actually grow in water, cranberry fields are flooded at harvest time. Special machinery is used to knock the berries off the plant. The berries have natural air pockets which then allow the berries to float to the top of the bog where they can be corralled for processing.

The man-made bog at Epcot will be filled with colorful berries throughout the duration of the Festival which ends Nov. 13. Cranberries are grown in just five states including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Any visit to a Disney theme park can work up a healthy appetite. But Epcot® has just the answer with its International Food & Wine Festival!

The annual event which runs from Sept. 30 to Nov. 13, 2011, is your very own passport to a world of delicious taste treats.

From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and live musical performances, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s favorite tastes and interests.

Stop at Epcot’s Festival Welcome Center to pick up a Marketplace Discovery Passport highlighting the day’s activities and various menus. Then start your own world tour. You can dine on specialty items from around the globe, attend a cooking demonstration, taste extraordinary wines or kick back and enjoy an outdoor concert.

Special culinary events at the Festival include Party of the Senses, 3D Disney’s Dessert Discovery, Culinary demonstrations, Mixology seminars and wine & beverage seminars.

The International Food & Wine Festival is included with regular Epcot theme park admission; however, some events require additional fees. Food, wine and merchandise can be purchased quickly and easily with the use of a special mini Disney Gift Card.

For additional information and discount theme park tickets as well as details on discount Orlando resort accommodations, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Arrive early and come hungry! The 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival truly offers a feast of international flavors. The popular event kicks off on September 30 and runs through November 13, 2011.

This year’s theme is “Passport to a World of Flavors” and the event is slated to offer up more than two dozen international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions of regional foods paired up with beer, wine and cocktails.

While many of the standard favorites return for this year’s festival, Epcot is also welcoming a variety of new treats, including new marketplaces for Hawaii, Portugal and the Caribbean islands.

Guests can explore all Epcot has to offer while also enjoying special programs and demonstrations from renowned chefs and winemakers. You can sample food specialties from around the globe. And you can enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series featuring an exceptional lineup of musical guests. It’s all included with regular Epcot admission.

You can visit www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.com for complete Festival details. Or go to www.Westgatereservations.com for the latest on discount theme park tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages.

2011 Marketplaces and Menus

AUSTRALIA
Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze
Grilled Lamb Chop with Potato-Goat Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction
Lamington (Chocolate and Coconut covered Yellow Cake)
Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Chardonnay
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz, Limestone coast
Lindeman’s “Bin 90″ Moscato
Penfolds “Thomas Hyland” Cabernet Sauvignon

BRAZIL
Brazil’s National Dish - Feijoada (a Black Bean and Pork Stew)
Seared Mahi Mahi with steamed Rice, Hearts of Palm and Coconut-Lime Sauce
LeBlon Frozen Cocktail
Frozen Caipirinha

ARGENTINA
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
Beef Empanada
Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay
Terrazas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
Terrazas Reserva Malbec

CARIBBEAN  NEW!
Ropa Vieja (slowly braised beef) with White Rice
Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Salsa
Frozen Rock Coconut Mojito
Frozen Dragon Berry Colada 

MEXICO
Rib Eye Tacos
Shrimp Tacos
Flan
Dos Equis Beer
Lime Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks
L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah

SCANDINAVIA
Taste of Scandinavia - Shrimp Salad, Cured Salmon and Herring; Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries
Rice Pudding with Driscoll’s® Only The Finest Berries^TM
Xante
Xante Sunshine

CHINA
Black Pepper Shrimp (4) with Sichuan Noodles
Pork Pot Stickers
Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick (1)
Caramel-Ginger Ice Cream
Tsing Tao Beer
Dragon’s Hollow Chardonnay
Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
Happy Lychee 

SOUTH KOREA
Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Boolgogi BBQ Beef with steamed Rice and Kimchi
Myung Jak Bokbunjajoo (New Raspberry Wine)
Charm Soon Soju (New)
BEK SE JU (Herbal Rice Wine)

SOUTH AFRICA
Seared Filet of Beef with smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce
Bunny Chow (Vegetable Curry served in a Bread Loaf)
La Capra Chardonnay
La Capra Sauvignon Blanc
La Capra Pinotage
La Capra Shiraz

CHEESE
Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread
Artisan Cheese Selection with Sweet Gras Dairy Thomasville Tomé, Delice de Bourgogne, PC Wyngaard Chevre Affineurs Goat Gouda

BREWER’S COLLECTION
Radeberger pilsner (German pilsner)
Altenmünster Oktoberfest
Altenmünster Dunkel
Hovel’s
Schöfferhofer Weizen
BraufactuM Indra
Rauchweizen Roog Smoked Wheat Bier
Sion Kölsch 

GERMANY
Goulash Suppe
Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel Featuring Werther’s Original Karamel Sauce and Vanilla Sauce
Selbach-Oster Estate Spatlese
Selbach JH Riesling Kabinett
Selbach JH Riesling QBA
Selbach JH Riesling Classic
Radeberger pilsner (German pilsner)
Altenmünster Dunkel

POLAND
Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Golabki (Pork Stuffed Cabbage)
Belvedere Strawberry Chiller 

ITALY
Ravioli Di Formaggio all’Emiliana(Baked Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Beef Bolognese Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, and Melted Mozzarella
Cappellini con Gamberi Piccanti (Cappellini Pasta with Spicy Shrimp)
Cannoli al Cioccolato(Chocolate Covered Cannoli Shell Filled with Sweet Ricotta Cheese, Chocolate, and Candied Fruit)
Primavera Smoothie
Fantinel Prosecco
Placido Chianti
Placido Pinot Grigio
Moretti

FIFE & DRUM
Featuring Frozen Red Stag Lemonade by Jim Beam®

HOPS AND BARLEY
Linda Bean’s Lobster Claw Cuddler® with drawn Butter
Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®
Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins and Orange Sauce
Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
Samuel Adams cherry Wheat®
16th Anniversary Festival Beer - Boston Ale
Samuel Adams Light®
Samuel Adams® Cream Stout
Latitude 48 IPA
Samuel Adams® Blackberry Witbier

SINGAPORE
Shrimp Cake on a Sugarcane Skewer with Singapore Noodles
Beef Rendang (a coconut braised beef) with Jasmine Rice
Singapore Sling
Tiger Beer

JAPAN
Spicy Tuna Roll
California Sushi Roll
Tuna and Salmon Sensation
Pork Kakuni
Kirin Draft Beer
Sake: Itami Onigoroshi
Sake: Junmai Ginjo Masumi
Tokyo Sunset

NEW ZEALAND
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad
Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney
Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
Mohua Central Otago Riesling
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Whitehaven Pinot Noir

MOROCCO
Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket)
Harissa Chicken Roll
Baklava
Casa Beer
Ksar White
Sangria
Royale Mimosa

PORTUGAL  (NEW)
Calamari Salad with Fennel, smoked Paprika and Olive Oil
Linguica Sausage with Onions, Peppers and Olives
Pastel de Nata
Confraria Leve Moscatel Portugal
Bridao classico Tinto
Caves Vale do Rodo
Douro
Xairel cartaxo Tinto
Caves Bonifacio Red 

PORTUGAL WINE BAR  (NEW)
Confraria Leve Moscatel Portugal
Caves Vale do Rodo Douro
Caves Bonifacio Red Wine
Plexus Frisante Branco
Bridao Classico Tinto
Xairel Cartaxo Tinto
Porto Reccua 10 year

BELGIUM
Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream and a Baguette
Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
Stella
Hoegaarten
Leffe
Godiva Chocolate Iced coffee

FRANCE
Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
“Coq au Vin sur gratin de macaroni” Red Wine braised Chicken, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin
Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Chardonnay
Chateau de Beauregard-Ducourt Merlot
Bordeaux Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Parisian Cosmo Slush (ciroc Vodka, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice)

IRELAND
Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie
Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: (Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Ivernia Cheese) with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baileys Ganache
Guinness Draught
Bunratty Meade

CANADA
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Maple and Moosehead Beer Glazed Salmon with Barley Salad
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta
Moosehead Beer
Neige Sparkling
Neige - FB

GREECE
Greek Salad with Pita Bread
Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Dannon Greek Yogurt Parfait with Strawberries
Skouras St George
Boutari Greek (White) ”Moschofilero”
Boutari Kretikos White

DESSERT AND CHAMPAGNE
Lemon Chiffon
White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls
Tres Leches Verrine
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial
Moet & Chandon 
Imperial

HAWAI’I  (NEW)
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple 
Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
Seven Tiki Mai Tai
Kona Longboard
Kona Pipeline

CRAFT BEER COLLECTION (NEW)
Full Sail IPA
Sierra Nevada
Abita - Purple Haze
Red Hook Pilsner
Blue Moon
Leinenkugal
Key West Sunset Ale
Widmer Hefeweizen

It’s never too early to start thinking about the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando. The popular event kicks off on September 30 and runs through November 13, 2011.This year’s theme is “Passport to a World of Flavors” and the event is set to offer up more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions of regional foods paired up with beer, wine and cocktails.

While many of the standard favorites will be back for this year’s festival, Epcot also promises a variety of new treats, including new marketplaces for Hawaii, Portugal and the Caribbean islands set up along the World Showcase Promenade.

The Food & Wine Festival offers a great opportunity to explore all Epcot has to offer while also enjoying special programs and demonstrations from renowned chefs and winemakers and sampling exceptional food specialties from around the globe. You can also enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series featuring an exceptional lineup of musical guests ranging from Taylor Dayne and the Pointer Sisters to the Gin Blossoms and The Orchestra with former members of ELO. It’s all included with regular Epcot admission.

Other new additions for 2011 include the Odyssey Lounge where guests can charge mobile phones and electronic devices, play games, get on the Internet and communicate with friends and family while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

This year’s festival will feature more than 270 chefs including top chefs like Cat Cora, Jeff Henderson, Alan Wong, Suvir Saran, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Gale Gund and many others.

You can visit www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.com for complete Festival details. Or go to www.Westgatereservations.com to get the latest on discount theme park tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages.

Musical guests have been lined up for the annual “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series at the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The concerts, which are included with regular Epcot admission, will be held at the theme park’s America Gardens Theatre stage beginning September 30. The schedule of performers is tentative and subject to change.

2011 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Sept 30-Oct. 2      Taylor Dayne

Oct. 3-5                38 Special

Oct. 6-7                Jon Secada

Oct. 8-9                Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp)

Oct. 10-12            Billy Ocean

Oct. 13-16            Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Oct. 17-19            Sugar Ray

Oct. 20-21            The Orchestra (starring former members of ELO)

Oct. 22-23            Howard Jones

Oct. 24-26            Boyz II Men

Oct. 27-28            Gin Blossoms

Oct. 29-30            Sister Hazel

Oct. 30-Nov. 1      Hanson

Nov. 2-3               The Pointer Sisters

Nov. 4-6               Night Ranger

Nov. 7-8               Air Supply

Nov. 9-10             Richard Marx

Nov. 11-13           Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

For information on discount Disney vacation packages and discount Orlando vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

The 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing and the weather in Orlando has been every bit as delicious as the food and beverages. But there’s still plenty of time to catch some of the fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition to great food, wonderful wine, thrilling rides and perfect weather, the annual Epcot celebration also features an array of exceptional music. The festival has already welcomed the likes of Taylor Dayne, Kool & The Gang, Sugar Ray, Taylor Hicks, Air Supply, Sister Hazel, and Howard Jones. Now Epcot guests can gear up for live performances from  Howard Jones (Oct. 18-19), 38 Special (Oct. 20-21), Night Ranger (Oct. 22-24), Billy Ocean (Oct. 25-27) and Starship starring Mickey Thomas (Oct. 28-31)… plus more in November.

The concerts, which are included with regular Epcot admission, are held at the America Gardens Theatre stage with performances nightly at 5:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

For more information on the festival, Epcot or any of the Orlando area theme parks, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Fall has arrived in Orlando. The scorching summer heat is gone, but things are definitely heating up at Epcot where the 15^th Annual International Food & Wine Festival is now underway!This special event runs now through Nov. 14, 2010 as the festival turns Epcot theme park into a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties and live musical entertainment.

Enjoy delicious regional foods or sample wines and beers from around the world. Get tips from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations. There is plenty to do at Epcot in addition to the usual array of rides and attractions!

You’ll also find plenty of great music with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Check the dates below for a varied lineup of musical entertainers. It’s all waiting for you at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

For more information on Epcot or any of the other Disney World theme parks and attractions, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series:

Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission and will be held at the American Gardens Theater stage nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm.

10/4-10/5 - Kool & The Gang

10/6-10/8 - Sugar Ray

10/9-10/10 - Taylor Hicks

10/11-10/12 - Air Supply

10/13-10/15 - Sister Hazel

10/16-10/17 - Howard Jones

10/18-10/19 - Exposé

10/20-10/21 - 38 Special

10/22-10/24 - Night Ranger

10/25-10/27 - Billy Ocean

10/28-10/31 - Starship starring Mickey Thomas

11/1 - 11/3 - Boyz II Men

11/4-11/5 - Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp)

11/6-11/7 - Jon Secada

11/8-11/9 - Hanson

11/10-11/11 - Rick Springfield

11/12-11/14 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Epcot’s annual Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner and festival goers can choose from an exciting schedule of seminars and demonstrations as well as great food and wine.The 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival offers up a delicious spread of fresh ingredients, hot tips and secret techniques of culinary masters and a whole lot of fun as guests enjoy great food and tasty beverages.

You’ll find everything from wine tasting to demonstrations packed with cooking tips, plus opportunities to sample regional beers and cheeses. It’s all part of a yummy journey around Epcot.

Enjoy a 30-minute Authentic Taste Seminar where you’ll celebrate the origins, properties and history of some of the world’s most popular ingredients. This lively and informative presentation by subject authorities is included with regular Epcot admission.

Another festival series, Authors without Borders, features renowned authors from the food and wine industries who will speak about popular topics. These enlightening 30-minutes conversations are included with Epcot admission.

Seasons of the Vine is a seven-minute journey offering a “behind-the-scenes introduction” to wine growing. The short film will run continuously throughout the day and is included with Epcot admission. Other cost free events include a variety of daily culinary demonstrations. These 45-minute sessions include a featured chef and wine presenter who will provide cooking tips as you taste the demonstrated dish.

Wine and beverage seminars are also featured for a small additional cost.  These 45-minute sessions allow you to meet the featured winery representative, learn some wine tips and sample specially selected vintages or beverages.

For additional information on Epcot and other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Orlando, FL, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

With summer winding down and fall just around the corner, the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can’t be far behind.

The highly anticipated special event at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is scheduled to run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, 2010. The Food and Wine Fest turns Epcot theme park into a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties and live musical entertainment with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series featuring a lineup of celebrated musical guests.

You can taste delicious regional foods and sample wines and beers from around the world at special marketplaces set up along World Showcase Promenade. You can get tips from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe at spectacular culinary events. Best of all, most activities are included in your regular Epcot Park admission. Some events require additional ticket fees.

To get started, simply visit the Festival Welcome Center when you arrive at Epcot. You can even pick up a Food & Wine themed mini Disney Gift Card that offers a fast, easy and secure way to carry your money on your wrist.

Just load or reload the card with any amount from $5 to $1,500. Then simply swipe the card any time you want to pay for food, merchandise or other Epcot expenses. The gift cards are available throughout Epcot at ticket booths, Guest Relations, the Festival Welcome Center and other locations where food and merchandise is sold.

For more information on Epcot or any of the other Disney World theme parks and attractions, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.