Autumn in Orlando is an exciting time for any touring epicurean. Disney’s Food & Wine Festival in EPCOT has grown from a quirky collection of kiosks to a high-powered tour de force of all things edible around the World Showcase. What used to be a secret sought out by locals and annual passholders is now a household name. Due to the popularity of the Food & Wine festival – which kicks off on August 30th and runs through November 12th – the trend has grown, and now many special Food & Wine events take place, both on and off Disney property, at this time of year. Let’s take a moment and highlight a few glorious, gluttonous parties that you really should know about. As these festivals are ticketed events, prior planning is an absolute necessity.

Party for the Senses
Disney’s Food & Wine Festival plays host to many special events. From tequila tastings and sake flights to cheese seminars and iron chef hibachi experiences, there’s a delight for every palate. There is, however, one special event that towers above all others. Party for the Senses is a triumph, an unapologetic celebration of hedonism and indulgence. Let’s set the scene: you enter the event and are corralled into a small waiting room, black curtains draped on every wall. You are given an engraved wine glass and a ceramic plate resembling an artist’s palette. Music begins to play, the curtains fly away, and you are left staring at a kaleidoscopic room full of world-renowned chefs and wine makers. You’ll probably have an assigned table, but you won’t want it. The evening is spent eating and drinking as much as you can possibly contain, all the while meeting and greeting with that chef you’ve seen on TV or dancing along to the live entertainment. There are only five Party for the Senses events this year, so plan accordingly. Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be present on the first night of festivities, Sept. 22nd. Chef Robert Irvine will be making an appearance on Oct. 6th. Every party features a new surprise. Tickets aren’t cheap, at $229 per person, but honestly, it’s worth every penny. Reservations are now open, so book as soon as you can. These parties sell out fast.

Food & Wine Classic
Not all the revelry of Food & Wine occurs inside of EPCOT’s gates. At the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, just a short walk past EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, you’ll find another luxurious riot. The Swan & Dolphin’s Food & Wine Classic occurs on October 26th and 27th this year, and is the perfect outlet for someone searching for a more involved Food & Wine experience at about half the price of a Party for the Senses ticket. The Food & Wine Classic takes place on the causeway that connects the Swan & Dolphin, inevitably transformed into a massive outdoor club. Live music thumps away, wine and beer from around the globe are poured, and food inspired by the various restaurants located inside the Swan & Dolphin is served. Restaurants like Shula’s Steakhouse, Il Mulino, Todd English’s bluezoo, and Kimono’s are just a few of the featured booths. With over 30 small plates and over 70 wines to sample, this event is guaranteed to push your taste buds in a variety of new directions. Tickets to the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are $127 per person.

Lakeridge Winery Festivals
The events we’ve discussed so far have had fairly lofty price points. In case you aren’t interested in liberating your wallet of all spare change, let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum. Lakeridge Winery, located in Clermont, is Florida’s largest winery. It produces wines from world famous grapes like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as native varietals like Carlos and Welder Muscadines. Wine tastings here are always complimentary, allowing you to sample the entire Lakeridge inventory, free of charge. From July through December, Lakeridge also hosts charming tasting events that never see the ticket prices leap above $10. With a Wine & Cheese Festival in September, BBQ & Blues Festival in October, and a Holiday Open House in November, Lakeridge is well worth the short drive from Lake Buena Vista. Early registration for events is recommended, but not mandatory.