Epcot Food and Wine Festival Shows Me the Fun at Scotland: Land of Food and Drink Event

By Mark Baratelli

Former Brigadoon Dancer

When I think of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, I think of traipsing from booth to booth outside, sampling this and that, with friends and friendly hordes of strangers. It's a full day of foodie fun and an added bonus if you're an Annual Passholder like me.

I was unaware that there was a slew of large, special events accompanying this annual festival. They're all tucked away, ticketed events you have to do a little research on to find out about. I had the chance to attend one this weekend called Scotland: Land of Food and Drink. Full Disclosure: the admission for this event was comped by Disney.

This Scotland event took place in the World Showplace, a gigantic hidden food paradise off the beaten path between Canada and England. The building appeared to be 100 football fields wide by ten long. There was a stage, several serving stations, hundreds of tables and a calm, cool atmosphere totally different from the fun craziness that was taking place outside all day in the park.

Another large event you can attend is Party for the Senses.

Below are photos from my experience.

It's not shown in this photo, but along with the bagpipe players, three girls did traditional dancing. I did Brigadoon in college and let me tell you: Scottish dancing is HARD. That is *the hardest* I've ever been on my body and brain. If someone asks you to do Scottish dancing, run. If they ask you to watch it, enjoy... and know those dancers are working HARD.

The bagpipe band was huge and fantastic.

We used this cheese soup for dipping.

The gin drink made with Hendrick's gin was strong. This was not a "Drink Around the World" moment I was having at this event, so I drank only half.

The event was super-classy, but everyone felt at ease in their tourist tees and shorts, including me. The mood was relaxed. We were all there for the food, not to trip over ball gowns and splash our cuff links in gravy.