Disney's Swan and Dolphin resort prepares for 10th annual Food & Wine Classic

Mickey Mouse and friends aren’t the only ones at Walt Disney World who know a thing or two about food and wine.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is celebrating double digits this year. The 10th annual event is Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9. 

Included is an outdoor party on the scenic causeway between the two resorts, entertainment and unlimited samplings from more than 90 stations that feature food from some of the resort’s 18 restaurants and lounges. There also are wines from more than 60 wineries from around the world.  

Guests can enjoy items such as oven-roasted angus beef tenderloin with Idaho mashed potatoes, caramelized field mushrooms and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse, dynamite rock Shrimp from Todd English’s bluezoo and Funfetti fried Oreo cookie with dark chocolate ganache at Carnival Corner.

The cost for all of this is $145 per person if purchased in advance. Educational seminars may be an additional fee. Room packages also are available. 

There is an option for those who have a lighter appetite, but still want to enjoy the scenery, which includes six musical acts. A la carte booklets containing 25 tickets are available for $65. Most offerings range from two to six tickets per item. 

“We’re continually amazed by the response to this event and are honored to be celebrating 10 years,” said Luciano Sperduto, director of food & beverage. “This year is going to be the biggest and best year yet.”

To commemorate a decade of food and wine, the event is adding a new attraction, Hang 10, a surf-party themed area. A band will entertain guests on the resort’s beach area while party-goers enjoy two new additions to this year’s menu: fried basket featuring clams, shrimp, oysters and fries seasoned with malt vinegar and served with lemon and traditional tartar sauce; and hearts of palm ceviche featuring thinly sliced fresh hearts of palm, lime juice, Bermuda onion, bell pepper and chili peppers.

“The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is all about fun,” Sperduto said. “We wanted to celebrate this milestone by giving our guests yet one more party experience to enjoy.”    

Hang 10 will join the festival’s other returning themed areas: The Pig and The Poke, Chinatown, Carnival Corner, The Bubble Lounge and a beer garden.

Sperduto said careful consideration was given to the layout of the festival. It is designed in such a way that it will flow seamlessly and stations don’t get too crowded.

“You can do a really cool walkthrough where you go to the Bubble Lounge, come out and go to Carnival Corner and then Chinatown, which is one of my favorites, the dumplings are phenominal,” Sperduto said. “When you look at the schematics of it and how we spread it out, we know what areas get busier than others. We really try to spread it out so you’re not waiting for your food or your beverage.”

By the numbers

75,000: Square feet the event will span surrounding the resort’s private lake

97: Food and beverage stations offered

3,000: Handmade pork dumplings 

6,400: Pieces of sushi

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If you go

What: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Where: 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando

Cost: $145 for advanced purchase

Info: SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or 800-227-1500

Spitzer is a Melbourne-based freelance writer.