The Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is an annual event in our household. There are many types of foods to try, wines to taste, and demonstrations to see. I make a point to try something new each time I go, whether it’s just a new food or a new event. This year, I got to try the Party for the Senses. At first, I was hesitant. It’s a pretty steep price. But since it included food and alcohol, I figured I’d get my money’s worth.
The party started with priority seating for the Eat to the Beat concert. Howard Jones was performing this night. After seeing how many people had to wait to get into the theater, I was glad for the priority seats. We showed up a half hour before the show began and got right in the front row.
Howard Jones Performs at Eat to the Beat
When the concert is over you are loosely led to the area in between England and Canada. I say loosely because the park was packed and many people got separated from the party group by the crowds. When we arrived, we were each handed one plate and one wine glass to use. They told us to not lose the wine glass, it was ours to keep.
Next we entered the waiting area. Why we were waiting, I’m not sure. It’s my only complaint about the event. They corral a large group of hungry people into one area and keep them waiting until the room is totally packed. I think we were waiting because those that paid an extra $95 a person for the Wine View Lounge got to go to their reserved tables and hit the stations first.
Finally, the curtain draws back and it’s a mad dash to find a table. A person who went the past three years told us it was standing only. But there were plenty of tables to sit at this year. The tables are first come, first sit, so once you get one, you want to stay there. That meant my husband and I had to take turns getting food. The food and drinks were set up at stations. We were given a guide at the beginning telling us what was at each station. This was a huge help in our plans to divide and conquer. I’d get up, grab two of the small plates and a drink for myself, then head back to the table. I’d eat my half while my husband went out for more. By the end of the night, we quit using the platter they gave us to carry the food. Most of the plates were too big to carry more than one on it at a time. I did find it very useful in carrying all the small desserts during the final part of the night.
The food portions are all small tastes. But there are many, many dishes to try. The lines were never very long so you could always go back for more. I do think this event is for the more adventurous eaters. I tried foods I never thought I’d try, like elk tenderloin and wild boar. If you drink alcohol, you will really get your money out of this event, just make sure to have a designated driver. Also, I think this is definitely an adult event. While it is not inappropriate for kids, there are lots of adults drinking, non-kid friendly food, and it is a late night event. So if you can, avoid bringing children. If you have to take them, just be prepared for an expensive dinner from the international cheese station.
Now what made this total sensory overload was the entertainment. As we ate and drank, we listened to performers from Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba. In between song sets, other La Nouba performers came on stage. It made for a totally amazing night on the town. When I figured out how much we ate and drank compared to what we would have had if we checked out an equal amount of the kiosks outside, I think it we got a bargain. I highly recommend the Party for the Senses and I hope to be able to make this an annual event, but with friends to help hold on to the table.
A few desserts and a margarita
Stuffed Pheasant and Lemoncello
- Waiting for Food
- The Green Station
