What’s New and Noteworthy
This year, Scotland joined other countries at Epcot, making its marketplace debut after the popularity of the film, Brave. Featured foods included:
- Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
- Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties (vegetarian)
- Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
Marketplace Terra returns to feature Gardein’s meatless proteins, in support of Disney’s growing vegetarian and vegan park attendees. Brazil returned after a one year hiatus, and Hawaii also returned with their crowd-pleaser Sweet and Sour Kālua Pork Slider.
Crowd Favorites
The most popular marketplace this year was without a doubt Belgium. Given the popularity of everything waffles this year, we’re not surprised. Add to that a selection of Belgian beer, and by some accounts, you’ve entered nirvana. Belgium’s menu items included:
- Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
- Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
- Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s Berries and Whipped Cream
- Beer: Hoegaarden; Stella Artois; Leffe Blonde; Leffe Brune; Belgian Beer Flight
- Other: Chilled Coffee with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur; Honest Kids’ Fruit Punch; Light Lemonade; Dasani Water
Wait was consistently at least 35-40 minutes (even in the rain), and plastic cutlery continuously ran out. If you’re dying to try a waffle, we’d recommend grabbing a beer (and forks) from Japan (next to Florida Local), then getting in line. Everyone we spoke with agreed this was one of the best dishes they had enjoyed all day. Other top picks included:
Canada:
- Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
- “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce (ran out at least 3x while we were there)
Hops & Barley:
- Mini Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
It amazed us how many people (Americans) were standing in line for Sam Adams beer, the mainstay at this marketplace. Not that there’s anything wrong with Sam Adams, but seriously people-you’re at an international food festival. Drink outside the box.
- Steamed Green Lipped Mussels (recommended – 3 in a serving, perfectly steamed with a white wine sauce and panko breadcrumb crust)
- Venison Sausage with Pickled Shitake Mushrooms, fresh Arugula, and sweetly tart Black Currant Reduction (a decent serving size, and quite delicious)
South Korea was a very popular kiosk, with Kimchi Dogs with Spicy Mustard Sauce (appx the size of ½ a hot dog) and Lettuce Wraps on the menu. We tried to stand in line at Singapore for Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut Jasmine Rice and a Singapore Sling made with Hendricks gin, both of which looked absolutely delicious, but the line wound around the bar, at least 40 people deep, so we moved on.
Largest Pours and Dishes
If you’re looking for the least expensive/largest wine pours in the park, this is probably your best bet. Argentina featured Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut (full champagne pour) for $2.50, Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Terrazas Reserva Torrontes, and Terrazas Reserva Malbec were also served, and on the menu for $3-3.50. We’ve reviewed Terrazas wines in the past-they’re one of Argentina’s top selling winemakers, and a good buy outside of the park.
Florida Local’s marketplace served up a Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles. With a palm sized burger patty and a price of $3.75, you could easily grab two and be satisfied. Their Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro was also nearly ½ cup for a serving-much larger than other seafood selections we saw that day. For the wine drinker in your group, Florida Local’s Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria and Key Limen-Key Lime Wine were the same size as other wine pours (2 oz), but a steal for $3.25 and $2.75, respectively.
Meat Free Options
Satisfying Sweets and Hot Weather Treats
- Mini Chocolate Orange Cupcake
- Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
- Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
- Dessert Trio (recommended)
- Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
- Frozen S’mores (recommended)
- Drinks: Pyramid Weiss Cream Beer, Nicolas Feuillatte Rose, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, Moët & Chandon Impérial, Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rose, Dasani Water
Champagne prices were steep ($12/glass), as expected, but they did feature a Nicolas Feuillatte Rose, rated 90 points from Wine Spectator. Imported by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, this blush colored bubbly features tight, tiny bubbles and flavors of tart plums, raspberry, yeast, and candied orange zest. At an average price of $52 a bottle, this is a smart way to try before you buy.
If you’re looking to ‘drink’ your dessert, Scotland did not fail the task with a Loch Lomond cocktail (twist on a Rusty Nail – with Scotch, Drambuie, and dry Vermouth), and the Glenfiddich Scotch Flight on the menu. Hawaii also drew a nice crowd with its Aulani Sunrise cocktail, made from Ocean vodka, pineapple juice, grenadine, and peach liqueur.
September in Orlando is consistently hot and humid, and this year was no different. Needless to say, the Refreshment Port’s Dole Whip was extremely popular, in both kid-friendly and adult versions-a serious must have on a hot Florida afternoon.
Another new item was the American Adventure Coffee Cart, serving a frozen Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee with Kahlua, Vanilla, and Caramel. This drink was definitely a hit with guests, although we would have hoped to see a locally roasted blend, and more focus on American ingredients.
If you find yourself on the East side of the park and an icy, adult beverage is what you’re craving, try Brazil’s Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachacha. Cachacha is a Brazilian rum (although most stores carry it near the brandy), made from sugarcane juice, instead of molasses. It can be used in place of rum or tequila, and works well with lime, as featured in this frozen drink.
Staying in Budget
Although eating and drinking everything in the park would likely put a heavy dent in your wallet, you can control your budget easily by pre-purchasing gift card wristbands. $50 for two adults should get your more than enough food and drink, and leave you feeling full and satisfied. A family of four should budget $100, which should cover a few small souvenirs to remember your visit, as well.