As the sun rose on October 3 and sparkled across the World Showcase Lagoon, more than 50 D23 Members and their guests gathered at World Showcase for D23’s annual Sip & Stroll event through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
After a light breakfast, a roastmaster and apprentice roastmaster for Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company helped wake everyone up for the day with a behind-the-beans look at how coffee is made. Once adequately caffeinated, it was on to Marianne Hunnel, content development manager for Epcot Food & Wine Festival and Chef Gregg Hannon, executive chef at Epcot for a special look back on 20 years of Epcot Food & Wine Festival. The two shared never-before-seen photos from throughout the years, and even shared secrets about this year’s festival!
Later that day, D23 Members were given ample time to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and, of course, tastes of the festival at their own pace. D23 Members and the D23 team met up at three stations—Dominican Republic, Australia, and Brazil—to taste some of the newest culinary offerings together.
After the sun set and bellies were full, it was time to party! The whole group was treated with reserved seats for Epcot’s beloved EAT TO THE BEAT concert series, featuring STARSHIP!
For an additional dimension of flavor to the event, several D23 Members also attended Party for the Senses, a unique multi-sensory experience at which Walt Disney World chefs took guests on a culinary tour through tastes and techniques from the United States, Europe, Asia, and other corners of the globe, while a colorful acrobatics act provided accompanying entertainment.
For the final “kiss goodnight,” it was off to the Terrace des Fleurs in the France Pavilion to end the day by enjoying IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
D23 Members who attended also took home their own piece of the tasty event with a D23-exclusive Sip & Stroll wine glass and wine charm set, the Delicious Disney Desserts cookbook, Joffrey’s coffee, a magnet, and great memories of a wonderful day spent with fellow Disney fans!
