It's a Food World After All

This year I will be participating in my first ever Epcot International Food and Wine Festival event. I have been in the Fall season before, but always before Food and Wine officially started. I've watched the progress as booths were built and decorations were hung, but I've never actually gotten to experience the main event of this celebration...the food.

Now, I know Disney does a stellar job with these types of events. I have seen the Flower and Garden Festival before. And, I know that Disney does an outstanding job during the Springtime, so I can't imagine that the Food and Wine Festival would be any different.

So, never having been before, I take with me very limited knowledge of the event as a whole. I know that the main purpose is to allow guests to try foods from different countries' booths that are situated around World Showcase. Many foods are things that are uncommon here in the states.

This is something that I am most excited to do. There are multiple things that I have seen that are either new this year or have been favorites from year's past that I simply know I must try. (And if it's got chocolate in it...more than likely, it will be in my mouth!) I have watched as others have discussed this part of the event and thought, gosh, all that sounds so yummy!!!

I also am aware that there are seminars that take place during the event. Many taking place in the Festival Welcome Center, which was previous The Wonders of Live Pavilion. Now, seeing as how I'm not really a foodie, these seminars don't necessarily interest me much. So, I know for sure I wouldn't be attending the events you have to pay a whole lot of money for (though I doubt I could get into many of them at this point. Many of these events are so popular, they sell out and quick!) I am excited to see the old Wonders of Life Pavilion though. I haven't seen it in YEARS...and am anxious to see it in person. (I still remember that I would play Body Wars at my grandma's house...don't as me how...or why that ride left an impression on me as a kid.)

And of course, there's the Eat to the Beat concert series where artists (mostly those who are from the 70s and 80s, though it appears that some 90s bands are slowly seeping in.) When I'm there I could see Taylor Dane who wasn't exactly my time period, so I'm not going to be one of those people who stands in line to wait to get at seat at the American Gardens Theater. If I hear a song I recognize, I may stop to hear a song or two, but I'm not going to sit around and hear her whole set list. (Though I am upset I'll be missing the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands as a teeny bopper...Hanson! I'll just bring MMMBop with me and listen to it on my mp3 player as I'm walking through! :) *Puts on Hanson shirt* )

So, while I seem to know quite a bit about this event, I am seeking your advice. What tips do you have for me on how to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival? Also, what booths should I make SURE to stop and and what dishes do I HAVE to try? I really want help on this issue, because while I'm not going in there clueless, it would be nice to have in my contact lenses about the issue rather than wearing my glasses. (Meaning, I want to be able to see it a little more clearly.)

But there's one thing for sure...In October, I for sure will be ready to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!