Traveling to Epcot and Disney through children’s eyes is always wonderful, but there is an adult experience to treasure as well. Welcome to the annual Epcot food and wine festival. Follow Chef Judi Gallagher as she samples various flavors and sips wines from around the world- a global video tour.

Now appears the most appetizing experience within the Disney Kingdom.

First off- Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Held annually and now extended into mid-November, the festival is a nice way to graze the day away International style. Park admissions will let you wander the countries and purchase tastes from around the world while sipping wines and cold beer, (Plan to attend in later October or the beginning of November when the days cool off a bit).

For more information log on to Epcot food and wine festival web site.

Don’t graze too much though; you will certainly want to feast at the country of Italy in Epcot. Tutto Italia, about as authentic as you can get the minted pasta with a dollop of ricotta was wonderful, a chilled Prossecco elevated the day and a pizza next door at  Via Napoli—(They’re made with flour that’s been imported from Italy). The restaurant holds the authenticity certificate from Naples Italy is worth a second lunch indeed.

For Dining Options that are both child friendly a.k.a Mac n cheese on the menu- try California Grill.

The sushi is fresh and light with a nice California influenced wine list. A little odd that the server kept referring to us as “Lords and Ladies”- we were not in a castle environment, but none the less it was a very good meal and an awesome place to watch the nightly fireworks.

Flying Fish on the Boardwalk at Epcot is my favorite choice along with the Italian Pavilion. Fresh grilled swordfish, Ahi tuna and a blazing open kitchen of fresh seafood and greens makes this a perfect special night.  Lovely cheese selection for an after dinner treat with a glass of port.

Children love the edible Disney paint canvas (see video), Ok–adults do too!!!

Dinner at Citrico’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Relax in the lobby listening to the grand piano or orchestra above before dining upstairs.

A  well thought out seasonal menu that was a homerun of fresh seafood and fresh tomato salad. The big hit at the table was the Chef presenting our granddaughter Sophie with her mac-n-cheese.

A few extra tips:

Make your reservations early- the restaurants book up-sometimes months in advance.

Once you pay for valet if you are staying at a Disney property you can valet complimentary at other hotels. You will want to take your car for example to The California Grill if you are staying at the Boardwalk.

BTW-Disney we appreciate Disney’s new philosophy offering sliced apples and milk instead of the usual fries and soda.

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