Courtney Harris, Author at MouseDining

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Courtney Harris

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Home with These Amazing Recipes!

Special Events By Courtney Harris October 11, 2020 No Comments

Hispanic Heritage Month celebration continues with a glimpse of how three Hispanic Disney chefs bring their cultura and sabor to their work at Walt Disney World Resort.

Learn in this video the stories of Chef John Prieto, Chef Daniel Contreras and Chef Yoly Lazo Colón. See Spanish version here.

Enjoy three mouth-watering recipes that you can follow at home to continue the celebration, inspired by different dishes that have been showcased during past event of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

To start our culinary fiesta at home, consider a simple, fresh and colorful shrimp ceviche with lime mint foam. It was first introduced at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

This dish can be found across several countries in Latin America, but it originated in Perú and can be made with fish and different types of seafood. There are many variations to ceviche; Chef John Prieto, originally from Perú, who works at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, shares how he also makes this spectacular and easy-to-prepare dish at home with his family.

Charred skirt steak with arepa (corn cake) and jicama slaw from EPCOT

For the main course, a charred skirt steak with arepa (corn cake) and jicama slaw, discovered at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The arepa is a staple in Colombia and Venezuela; they can be sweet or savory, and on this occasion, we are featuring a savory/salty arepa.

This recipe was created by Colombian Chef Daniel Contreras, who has created dishes for many EPCOT festivals. His love for his hometown food, his heritage and culture inspires every recipe he showcases.

To finish our dinner party, a favorite traditional dessert: flan! This delicious flan with caramelized pineapple recipe was first served at the Dominican Republic Marketplace at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in 2015.

Puerto Rican Chef Yoly Lazo Colón, Pastry Chef at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, developed the recipe. She shares her favorite memories of making flan every Friday at home, in our video.

Click the links below for downloadable versions of all of these recipes. Happy cooking!

New Offerings and Restaurant Updates at Disney Hollywood Studios

News By Courtney Harris October 9, 2020 No Comments

Disney Hollywood Studios has delicious new offerings at ABC Commissary and Hollywood & Vine! Read on to find out what our chefs have been cooking up!

Starting now, ABC Commissary is offering a terrific new menu. From sandwiches and rice bowls to tasty tacos and returning favorites, this menu has it all!

Sandwiches/Salads

California Burger (Plant-based) – Seared farm-fresh plant-based burger with Sriracha mustard, balsamic-glazed grilled peppers and onions, a “mayonnaise”-ketchup blend, lettuce, and tomato and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

NEW Chicken Club Sandwich – Marinated chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with bacon, provolone cheese, guacamole, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

NEW Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled sourdough toasted with buffalo chicken, Monterey, provolone, cheddar, cream cheese, side of buffalo sauce, and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

Mediterranean Salad with Chicken – Chicken breast served over mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed in Mediterranean vinaigrette served with hummus and flatbread

Tacos

NEW Pork Carnitas Tacos – Pork carnitas on flour tortillas with salsa verde, pickled onion, and radish served with Mexican rice and black beans

NEW Shrimp Tacos – Sautéed shrimp on flour tortillas with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and mango salsa served with Mexican rice and black beans

Rice Bowls

NEW Curry Rice Bowl with Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp and vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice

NEW Plant-based Curry Rice Bowl with Tofu – Pineapple-marinated tofu and sautéed vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice

Kid’s Options

NEW Kid’s Pork Taco – Pork carnitas on a flour tortilla served with Mexican rice and black beans

NEW Kid’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled American cheese on sourdough served with choice of two sides.

NEW Kid’s Turkey Sandwich – Turkey sandwich served with choice of two sides.

Kid’s Uncrustable – Uncrustable served with choice of two sides.

There is Halloween fun for everyone at Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine. While it may look a little different than the last time your clients visited, what hasn’t changed is our chefs’ scary good food! Minnie’s Halloween Dine offers a three-course meal served at your table where guests will be able to wave and snap photos of their favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and their friends. Check out this monster of a feast!

Appetizers

Served with Warm Pull-apart Rolls and Butter

Farmhouse Tossed Salad Bowl – Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Cornbread Croutons, and Homemade Smokehouse Ranch Dressing.

Plant-based Chopped Salad – Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Focaccia Croutons, and Plant-based Ranch Dressing.

Entrées

Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Prime Rib of Beef – Sour Cream-Chive Whipped Potatoes, Fried Brussels Sprouts, and Pearl Onions with Red Wine Jus.

Carved Herb-roasted Turkey Breast – Garlic-Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Sautéed Green Beans, Turkey Gravy, and Cranberry-Orange Relish.

Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp – Cavatappi Pasta, Four-Cheese Sauce, Shrimp, Crispy Bacon, and Buttered Panko Crust with Fennel and Arugula.

Seared Fresh Salmon – with Grain Mustard Beurre Blanc Olive Oil-crushed Fingerling Potatoes and Garlic-Lemon Broccolini.

Plant-based Pan-seared King Trumpet Mushrooms – Braised Lentils, Blistered Grape Tomatoes, Mushroom Ragù, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Marsala Mushroom Sauce.

Pork Osso Bucco – with Boursin Cheese Hominy Grits, Caramelized Apples, Lemon Gremolata, and Pork Reduction Gravy.

Desserts (Choose One)

Apple-Blueberry Pie – Baked Apples, Blueberries, Caramel, and Streuse.

Banana Cream Pie – Bananas, Cream, and Caramel Sauce.

Plant-based Cherry-Lemon Pie – Cherries with Lemon Drizzle.

Vanilla Crème Brûlée – Rich Custard with Caramelized Sugar.

Chocolate S’mores Pie – Dark Chocolate Mousse with Toasted Marshmallow Fluff and Graham Cracker Streusel.

Kid’s Menu Create-Your-Own Meal For Guests Ages 9 and Under

Appetizers (Choose One)

Farmhouse Tossed Salad Bowl

Plant-based Chopped Salad

Entrées (Choose One)

Seared Salmon

Roasted Turkey

Roast Beef

Macaroni & Cheese

Dessert (Choose One)

Fresh Fruit

Lemon Sorbet

Sundae

Apple Pie

Mickey and Friends Bring New Food Items to Chef Mickey’s on December 16

News By Courtney Harris October 5, 2020 No Comments

Mickey Mouse and his best pals are returning to breakfast at Chef Mickey’s restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on December 16, bringing some new items to the menu inspired by their favorite dishes.

Along with traditional breakfast favorites, your Clients will be able to try the new Mickey’s “Celebration” Pancake, featuring whipped cream, celebration sprinkles, shimmering pixie dust and more.

For something a bit more savory, we’re adding a new “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole topped with smoked bacon crumbles and chives.

Last but not least, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast will combine unique flavors of banana bread baked in zesty orange-scented French toast batter, topped with Espresso-mascarpone cream, toasted bananas and chocolate crumbles.

Can’t decide on which new item to try? Taste all three as part of an all-you-care-to-eat family style feast with other traditional breakfast favorites.

When Mickey and friends return, the experience may look a little different than the last time your Clients visited, but they can still expect to smile, wave and make unforgettable memories with some of their favorite characters as they parade through the restaurant in their chef’s best.

Reservations for Chef Mickey’s character breakfast will open on October 17, based on availability. In addition, Disney Resort hotel Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).

Explore a Whole New World of Dining Options Now Available in the My Disney Experience App

General By Courtney Harris September 21, 2020 No Comments

Whether grabbing a quick meal on the go or sitting down to celebrate with family and friends, there’s nothing like dining at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re excited to share that even more magic, including expanded mobile order service options and the ability to check-in for reservations on your personal device, are now available in the My Disney Experience app. This is all to help guests make the most of their day while keeping health and safety top of mind.

Here’s some more information on what to expect:

Mobile Order Service is expanding to select table-service restaurants.

There are now even more ways to use the mobile order service, recently expanding it to include to go orders from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. Allowing Disney Resort hotel guests to place a to go order from a selection of items on the table-service menu inside the restaurant and pick up their food to enjoy at their resort hotel, the service will soon grow to include other select Disney Resort hotel table-service restaurants. Be sure to stay tuned and check the app for the most up-to-date list of participating locations.

Mobile Order Service is now available in even more quick-service locations.

They’ve also brought the mobile order service to additional quick-service restaurants – The Market at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, P & J’s Southern Takeout at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and the BoardWalk Bakery and Pizza Window at Disney’s BoardWalk – and plan to expand to even more locations soon, making it even easier for the whole family to grab a quick bite on the go.

Mobile dining check-in and walk-up list service

Launched this summer, guests can now check-in for dining, view current availability and wait times, and add themselves to a waitlist at participating table-service restaurants through the My Disney Experience app.

These latest enhancements are designed to help guests maximize vacation time and minimize contact between cast members and guests.

Let’s Go There: Planning a Trip Can Boost Your Happiness

General By Courtney Harris September 8, 2020 No Comments

Here’s some news we can all use: new research shows that even the simple act of planning a vacation can boost your happiness and even increase your energy levels.

The recent survey, from researcher Michelle Gielan, showed that 97 percent of respondents reported having a trip planned makes them happier. Seventy-one percent of respondents felt greater levels of energy when they had a trip planned in the next six months.

These findings were released as part of a new travel industry-wide initiative called “Let’s Go There.” The effort, coordinated by the U.S. Travel Association, brings together major airlines, hoteliers, local destinations, and other businesses part of the travel ecosystem. Disney is proud to support this initiative, which aims to spark conversation about future getaways and encourage travel planning.

“The memories and experiences that travel enables cannot be replaced,” said Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and a co-chair of the Let’s Go There Coalition. “This campaign is a first step in inspiring Americans to think about planning a vacation, and encouraging them to look forward to experiencing the wonder and joy—and even magic—that only travel can offer.”

Given the benefits of planning travel, it might be the right time to start thinking about your next Disney vacation!

Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Start Nov. 6

Special Events By Courtney Harris September 8, 2020 No Comments

Disney guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, they will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings, and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.

Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.

When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our Guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by Guests and Cast Members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.

Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.

Shifting gears to Disney Springs, Guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, Guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.

Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned.

Everyone is looking forward to creating new holiday traditions with guests and Cast Members this year, with unique ways to enjoy the season together. There’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort!

Additional dining options returning this fall at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Special Events By Courtney Harris September 2, 2020 No Comments

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s some Halloween fun in store at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is set to return Sept. 25. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, you can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine with a monster feast served to your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their friends. It’s a boo-tastic time filled with Halloween décor and music, scary good food, and more!

Beginning Sept. 24, Guests can enjoy dining in the enchanted, fairytale setting of Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a delicious regal banquet with unforgettable main courses ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day. The princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting Guests, but there will be plenty of delicious fare and fun to be enjoyed in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Both of these immersive dining experiences will be available for reservations beginning Sept. 11.

Additionally, some more snack and quick-service options are reopening soon. Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will return Sept. 4 and the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens for walk-in quick service for lunch beginning Oct. 8.

Foodie Guide to 2020 Fall Treats at Walt Disney World Resort

Foodie Guide By Courtney Harris August 27, 2020 No Comments

It’s spooky season again at Walt Disney World Resort, and that means it’s time for the highly-anticipated return of yummy fall eats and treats! From pumpkin spice, apple, and cinnamon delights to sweet sips and fun novelties, each of the four parks is offering a wonderful assortment of autumn-themed items and you won’t want to miss them.

In addition, there will be featuring touches of fall décor at Magic Kingdom Park, a special cavalcade down Main Street U.S.A., and more!

Below is the official Foodie Guide to 2020 Fall Treats at Walt Disney World Resort: Parks Edition. All offerings below will be available starting September 8 unless otherwise specified. Happy snacking!

Magic Kingdom Park

Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing
Cinnamon Donuts (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container
Hades Nachos (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño
Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake (Available at Liberty Square Market) – Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe

Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae (Available at Sleepy Hollow) –Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
Poor Unfortunate Souls Float (Available at Storybook Treats) – Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke
Pumpkin Spice Milkshake (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Served as a sundae topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

Mickey Monster Mash Burger (Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café) – Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli
Headless Horseman Rides Again (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace) – Strawberry DOLE® Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw
Not So Poison Apple Cupcake (Available at Pinocchio Village House) – A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple
Orange and Black Sugar Churros (Available at Various Churro Carts and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café)
Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)

Jack Skellington Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations)
Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)

Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)
Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)
Madame Leota Sipper (Available at Sleepy Hollow)

Epcot

Halloween Cupcake (Available on Halloween Day Only at Sunshine Seasons) – Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish
Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction (Available on Halloween Day Only at Coral Reef Restaurant) – Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish
Halloween Sugar Cookie (Available on Halloween Day Only at Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill) – Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles
Liquid Nitro Cake Pop (Available on Halloween Day Only at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace in World Showplace for EPCOT Taste of International Food & Wine Festival) – Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles
Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum)
Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Eats at EPCOT Experience and Mission Space Popcorn Cart)
Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at all EPCOT Popcorn Locations)
Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Scar Cupcake (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus) – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image
Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Isle of Java) – Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim
Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) (Available Flame Tree Barbecue) – Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms
Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Tamu Tamu, Trek Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)
Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)
Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Poison Candied Apple (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli (Available at PizzeRizzo) – Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell
Pumpkin Tiramisu (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café) – Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake
Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair (Available at Backlot Express) – Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones

Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Anahiem Produce, Hollywood Popcorn, and Animation Popcorn)
Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Anaheim Produce)

Cooking Up the Magic – A Cheesy Recipe from the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and More Top Eats Not to Miss!

Cooking Up the Magic at Home By Courtney Harris August 23, 2020 No Comments

With the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in full swing, we thought we would share some of the favorite dishes from this year’s festival marketplaces! This festival celebrates the best of global food and drink across six continents with authentic ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentations so it was a challenge to narrow them down to just a handful of top tastes.

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese from Mac & Cheese Hosted by Boursin® Cheese for the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The Disney chefs have done a fabulous job of creating a diverse menu of offerings at each marketplace with mouthwatering savories, delectable sweets, plant-based options, gluten/wheat-friendly options, and more! This list is just a quick peek at a few favorites. Also included is a special recipe the whole family can enjoy – Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese from the Mac & Cheese Marketplace Hosted by Boursin® Cheese located in World Showplace. This special dish is made with Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese and topped with herb panko, YUM!

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko

From Mac & Cheese Hosted by Boursin® Cheese (World Showplace)

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

Toasted Panko:

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup panko
Coarse salt, to taste

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese:

1 (16 ounce) box cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
8 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 pound white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 pound yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
3 (5.2-ounce) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese wheels, divided
Coarse salt, to taste
White pepper, to taste

Directions

For Toasted Panko:

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add panko and stir until combined. Toast in pan for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat; salt to taste. Set aside.

For Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese:

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain well. Set aside keeping warm.
Melt butter in 5-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a blonde roux, approximately 4 minutes.
Add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until thickened.
Fold in both shredded cheddar cheeses and two Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese wheels. Blend with immersion blender until cheese has melted and smooth.
Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
Add hot, cooked pasta with cheese sauce and mix until combined and divide evenly into 6-8 bowls.
Cut remaining Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese wheel into 6-8 pieces or crumble into a small dish.
Top Gourmet Macaroni and Cheesewith toasted panko and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese pieces or crumbles.
Serve immediately.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

As for the rest of my picks, read on to see which dishes I chose as my top dishes of this year’s Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! To see the whole list of offerings, check out our recent Foodie Guide. Enjoy!

Impossible™ Farmhouse Meatball from Earth Eats Hosted by Impossible™ for the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Impossible™ Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (plant-based)

From Earth Eats Hosted by Impossible™ (Near Mexico)

Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-Scented Couscous

From Africa

Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise

From Hawaii

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops from Desserts & Champagne for the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops with Crumbled Twix® Original or Crushed M&M’S® Milk Chocolate

From Desserts & Champagne (World Showplace)

Crispy Citrus Chicken from The Citrus Blossom for the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (gluten/wheat friendly)

From The Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)

Foodie Guide to the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – Opening Today

Foodie Guide By Courtney Harris July 15, 2020 No Comments

Get ready to sip, savor, and stroll across six continents at the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! YES, it’s time, once again, to celebrate the best in global food and drink at Disney’s longest festival ever starting July 15!

This year’s festival will be understandably different from what it was in the past. What has not changed is the chefs’ focus on authenticity through ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation to honor the diverse global cuisines. And the beverage team has, once again, thoughtfully paired wine and beer with selections at each marketplace for the perfect sip.

New this year, a digital Festival Guidebook available on the My Disney Experience mobile app! Check out the listing of the more than 20 festival-exclusive marketplaces and discover all the family fun activities like the return of Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt; entertainment including the merry Mariachi Cobre and the rhythmic JAMMitors crew; plus, a peek at the limited-edition 25th anniversary merchandise for purchase. Download the app today to learn more.

Here is the first peek at all the delicious offerings in this official Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide to the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy!

Mac & Cheese Hosted By Boursin® Cheese (World Showplace)

Food

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce topped with Carrots, Celery, and Blue Cheese Crumbles
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce and Lobster Cream topped with Herbed Panko
Macaroni & Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers (Plant-Based)

Beverage

Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
L’ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Appleseed Orchard (World Showplace)

Food

Charcuterie and Cheese Plate featuring Burton’s Maplewood Farm Applejack Brandy Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
Caramel-Apple Popcorn

Beverage

Frozen Apple Pie (Non-Alcoholic)
Short’s Brewing Co. Mule Beer, Elk Rapids, MI
Heavy Seas Brewery Tropicannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MI
Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA, Broussard, LA
3 Daughters Raspberry Lemonade Dry Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
Short’s Brewing Company Starcut Ciders Mosa Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI
Ciderboys Banana Bliss Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
Apple Blossom Sky: Fanta® Apple, Ginger Beer, Floodwall Apple Brandy, Burton’s Maplewood Farm Applejack Brandy Barrel Aged Syrup and Mini Marshmallows

Desserts & Champagne (World Showplace)

Food

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops
Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops with Crumbled Twix® Original
Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops with Crushed M&M’S® Milk Chocolate

Beverage

Frozen S’mores (Non-Alcoholic)
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, Champagne
Dom Pérignon Brut, Champagne
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, Champagne
Frozen S’mores with Whipped Cream Vodka

Wine & Dine Featuring Festival Favorites (World Showplace)

Food

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream, Poland
Seafood Fisherman’s Pie, Ireland
Spanakopita, Greece

Beverage

Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique, Seneca Lake
Conundrum Red Blend, California
tenshən Rhône Style White Blend, Central Coast
Lang & Reed Wine Company Cabernet Franc, North Coast
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
Guinness Baileys Milkshake

Canada

Food

Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Prop & Peller® Pretzel Roll
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverage

Collective Arts Brewing Blackberry Fruit Beer, Hamilton, Ontario
Inniskillin Icewine
Château des Charmes Merlot

Refreshment Port

Food

DOLE Whip® Pineapple (Plant-Based)

Beverage

DOLE Whip® Pineapple with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
Bud Light Seltzer

Hawai’i (Showcase Plaza)

Food

Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE^® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Teriyaki-glazed Spam® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise

Beverage

Maui Brewing Company Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
AULANI Sunrise: Vodka, DOLE^®Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine

The Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)

Food

Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverage

Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-Alcoholic)
Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy

Shimmering Sips (Showcase Plaza)

Food

Shimmering Strawberry Soft-Serve in a Waffle Cone
Banana Bread with Mixed Berry Compote (Plant-Based)

Beverage

Tropical Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices
Key Lime Mimosa with Key Lime Sparkling Wine and Cranberry Juice
Blood Orange Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Blood Orange Juice
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont

Islands of the Caribbean (Showcase Plaza)

Food

Ropa Vieja Empanada with Tomato Aïoli
Jerk-spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Plantain Salad and Mango Chutney Yogurt (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
Flancocho:Passion Fruit Cake with Coconut Flan

Beverage

Red Stripe Lager
Opici Family White Sangria
Frozen Mojito

Earth Eats Hosted By Impossible™ (Near Mexico)

Food

Impossible™ Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (Plant-Based)
The Impossible™ Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Asian Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (Plant-Based)
Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumble, and Baby Herbs (Plant-Based and Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverage

Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea Featuring Twinings of London® (Non-Alcoholic)
Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea Featuring Twinings of London® with Tito’s Handmade Vodka served in a Mason Jar

Mexico

Food

Ribeye Taco: Ribeye Steak with Ranchera Salsa in a Corn Tortilla topped with Onions, Chives, and a Lime Wedge
Pork Tostada: Fried Corn Tortilla topped with Chipotle Black Beans, Roasted Pork, Fresh Salsa Verde, Onions, and Cilantro

Beverage

Mexican Craft Beer: Tulum Artisanal Lager Crafted with Citrus Notes and made with Mexican Caribbean Seawater
Passion Rose Sangria: Red Wine, Rum, Rose Petal Liqueur, Passion Fruit Purée, and Lime
Clásica Margarita: Tequila, Chile Poblano Liqueur, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar with a Salt Rim
Mango Smoky Margarita: Mango Purée, Mezcal, Applejack, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar with a Tajín Chile-Lime Rim

China

Food

Chicken Dumplings with Chinese Slaw
Mongolian Beef Bao Bun

Beverage

Jasmine Draft Beer
Happy Peach: Peach Liqueur and Dark Rum
Byejoe Punch: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice

Africa

Food

Spicy Kenyan Vegan Corn and White Beans with Pigeon Peas, Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and Kachumbari Slaw (Plant-Based)
Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-Scented Couscous

Beverage

Tusker Lager
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape

Refreshment Outpost (Located in the African Outpost)

Food

Frozen Slushy Coca-Cola® or Minute Maid® Lemonadein a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (Non-Alcoholic)

Beverage

Bud Light Seltzer

Germany

Food

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese
Roast Bratwurst in a Prop & Peller® Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

Beverage

Weihenstephaner Festbier Lager
M.I.A. Brewing Company Hugo, Doral, FL
Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
Riesling

Italy

Food

Margherita: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese
La Classica: Cheese Tortellini with Ricotta, Provolone, Fontina, Parmesan, Vodka Sauce, and Crispy Bacon
Cannoli Siciliani:Crisp Pastry Filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate, and Candied Orange

Beverage

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
Pinot Grigio, Terre Di Bacco
Chianti, Gabbiano
Prosecco, Terre Di Bacco
Moscato, Batasiolo
Rosa Regale, Banfi
Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon

Hops & Barley

Food

New England Lobster Roll: Warm Lobster with Fresh Herb Mayonnaise and Griddled Roll
Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, Mussels, Crawfish, Potatoes, Corn, and Andouille Sausage
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing

Beverage

North Coast Brewing Co. Blue Star Wheat, Fort Bragg, CA
3 Daughters Brewing A Wake Coffee Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
Heavy Seas Americannon APA, Baltimore, MD
Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider, Walden, NY
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

Funnel Cakes (Located in the American Adventure)

Food

Street Corn Funnel Cake topped with Roasted Corn, Cotija Cheese, Cilantro and Cumin Crema dusted with Paprika

Japan

Food

Tempura Donburi: Two Pieces of Tempura Shrimp and Kakiage Vegetable Tempura with Tentsuyu Dipping Sauce served over Sushi Rice
Frothy Ramen: Chilled Noodles in a Dashi Broth topped with Egg White Froth
Chirashi Sushi Flowerpot: Fresh-cut Salmon, Salmon Roe, and Spinach served over Sushi Rice with Furikake and topped with Poke Sauce

Beverage

Kirin Draft Beer
Strawberry Nigori Sake
Furano Martini: Vodka, Lavender Syrup, and Yuzu Juice

Morocco

Food

Beef Kefta Pocket with Caramelized Onions, Garlic, and Spicy Tomato Concassée
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onions, Tzatziki, and Chipotle Sauce
Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce

Beverage

Mediterranean Beer
Kasbah Prestige Red
Red Organic Sangria
Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur

Brazil (Between Morocco and France)

Food

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
Pão De Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverage

M.I.A. Beer Company Barbossa Black Beer, Doral, FL
Frozen Caipirinha featuring Leblon Cachaça

France

Food

Tarte aux Oignons Caramelises Et Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust
Canard Confit À L’orange: Braised Duck Confit À L’orange with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Tarte Tropezienne, Coulis Framboise: Brioche Cake Filled with Light Pastry Cream and Raspberry Coulis

Beverage

Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
VeRy Raspberry: Rosé Wine with Natural Raspberry Flavor
Bordeaux, Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Château Tarin
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose L’orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Future World East – Spring Berry Bliss: Frozen Strawberry and Coconut Syrup topped with Raspberry Vodka
Canada – Orange Splash: Frozen Lemon mixed with Orange Vodka
American Adventure – Tropical Breeze: Frozen Lemon, Coconut Syrup, and Pineapple Rum
Showcase Plaza – Passion Flower: Frozen Passion Fruit and Tea infused with Lemon Vodka

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