Disney's Flavor Safari - Does DLR Need An Annual Food Event?

[Ride Warrior]

Is an annual food oriented special event overdue at the Disneyland Resort?

WDW has long enjoyed it's International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT - an epicurean unearthing of flavors the world over.

Disneyland Paris holds an anual four-day fistival in recognition of St. David's day, and celebrating everything Welsh that is under the sun - and then some. The festivities include music, folk dancing, and a heavy emphasis on food.

Tokyo DisneySea held a unique food event this year that may well be destined to take place anually. It is called Disney Ala Carte, and took place from September 12th thru October 31st. Restaurants throughout the park boasted special menus and liquor options. To add to the atmosphere were dancers, puppets, musicians, sings, and artists, as well as special merchandise and souvenirs.

Why is it then that the Disneyland Resort doesn't enjoy a special food oriented event? Don't be surprised if HKD holds an event of this nature in the near future as well. Do you feel as I do that the Disneyland Resort would benefit from such an event?

I'm thinking that one possible title/theme for DLR might be Disney's Flavor Safari. Guests would experience a festival that would feature exotic original dishes created by world class chefs. The dishes would be served at select restaurants at Disneyland, DCA, Downtown Disney, and Disneyland Resort Hotels. Adding to the atmosphere would be specially made merchandise and souvenirs to commemorate the event, and exotic cultural performances by entertainers from around the globe.

Anybody else out there have ideas add to mine, or original ideas of your own to share?

[aashee]

Don't they have one in DCA already? I think it's the food & wine festival. I missed it last year, someone else will know for sure.

[BassBone]

Um... How about the California Food and Wine Festival?

[techskip]

Well we have the Bengal BBQ, that's right the Bengal BBQ... "for a real taste of Adventure, where you can enjoy all your favorite jungle animals ON A STICK".

[Ride Warrior]

Well we have the Bengal BBQ, that's right the Bengal BBQ... "for a real taste of Adventure, where you can enjoy all your favorite jungle animals ON A STICK".

Now that sounds delicious. I'm licking my chops and am fully reddy to pounce on one.

[Ride Warrior]

Don't they have one in DCA already? I think it's the food & wine festival. I missed it last year, someone else will know for sure.

Just found an article on the event at DCA. This year marked the second annual Disney’s California Food and Wine Weekends. It features celebrity chefs, california cuisine, winemakers, tastings and seminars.

There's no real synergy associated with the event though - such as merchandise and special entertainment. Furthermore, it only occurs on weekends, and is not a full-fledged celebration that occurs everyday as with Disney resorts elsewhere. Now that I've heard of it, I do plan to attend in the future. This just sounds like more of a thrown together diversion than a special event that is geared toward drawing international tourists. It's more like another failed ploy to drive attendance up at DCA.

Um... How about the California Food and Wine Festival?

Again, the currect title is Disney's California Food and Wine Weekends. Any event with the words "food and wine" in the title sounds rather common place. To name a couple, there's the Summer Food & Wine Festival in Costa Mesa, and the San diego Wine # Food Festival - and many others in southern california alone.

[BassBone]

There is merchandise associated with it, however. There are special wine kits, wine glasses, cooking sets, etc. It's actually rather fun and features wine and food from CA. The reason it occurs mainly on weekends is, I think, because DCA is a locals-heavy park.

[Ride Warrior]

There is merchandise associated with it, however. There are special wine kits, wine glasses, cooking sets, etc. It's actually rather fun and features wine and food from CA. The reason it occurs mainly on weekends is, I think, because DCA is a locals-heavy park.

You put your thumb on it. DCA is a locally attended event, and it's food and wine event represents that. If I go next year, I might meet you there. It does indeed sound like a lot of fun. As the resort becomes an international destination, perhaps Disney will be original and have two such events - one geared for locals and the other full of international oriented fanfare.

[Luke Manning]

When do DCA's Food & Wine Weekends occur?

[SusieP.]

It was in May, and it was a blast. I highly recommend it.

[Ride Warrior]

When do DCA's Food & Wine Weekends occur?

It was in May, and it was a blast. I highly recommend it.

Hi there Luke and Susie! Perhaps we'll all have a meet when the event rolls around next year. I was planning on coming to the resort this coming Spring anyway.

[SusieP.]

Here's Fishbulb's recap of the events. We did a couple of ticketed events as a group, in addition to checking out all the free stuff.

http://www.micechat.com/forums/showt...d+wine+weekend

[dsnylndmom]

The Food and Wine Festival at DCA was wonderful! The highlight for me was attending one of the winemakers dinners at Steakhouse55. Easily one of the best meals I've ever had. I would absolutely love to do it again next year, plus the annual passholder even that SusieP. attended.

[Luke Manning]

I'm a local now, I just moved in the summer. So I'll be sure to check it out next May!

[Ride Warrior]

Here's Fishbulb's recap of the events. We did a couple of ticketed events as a group, in addition to checking out all the free stuff.

http://www.micechat.com/forums/showt...d+wine+weekend

Thanks Susie. This is worth repeat viewing!