Disney Parks Appetizing Occasions: January 2020

It’s a new year and we have a few exciting dining events coming that you won’t want to miss! This month’s edition of Appetizing Occasions is here and full of special dining events at both Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and in the Central Florida community. Read on to get all of the yummy details!

Field to Feast Dinner with Disney Chefs benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and presented by Edible Orlando Magazine – Feb. 22, 2020, in Zellwood, FL

Come and spend an afternoon celebrating locally-sourced cuisine for a good cause with our Disney chefs as they cook al fresco at this casual dine around event at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood, Florida. In partnership with Edible Orlando magazine, our chefs step out of their Walt Disney World Resort kitchens to take part in an afternoon full of incredible dishes, wines and cocktails, live music, farm tours, and a raffle! Best of all, 100% of proceeds from this unique event benefit the Kids Café Program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. This after-school meal service program provides food to needy children in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.

This year marks the 7^th anniversary of the Field to Feast Dinner, which has raised more than $100,000 for the Kids Café Program since its inception. Join us for an opportunity to mix and mingle with Disney chefs and sommeliers from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on February 22, 2020. Our Disney chefs create a variety of small dishes inspired by their home parks and resorts, and each dish is paired with a special wine, beer, or cocktail selected by Master Sommelier George Miliotes of Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. Featured at the event are Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Tiffins Restaurant, Walt Disney World Food & Beverage Concept Development Team, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Golden Oak, the Epcot Festival chefs, Disney Park Events Operations and Premium Events, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bakery Team, Disney’s Grand Floridian Weddings Team, Amorette’s Patisserie, and The Ganachery.

Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased at EdibleOrlando.com. This event has sold out for the last six years, so be sure to get your tickets today!

Chef’s Night for Second Harvest Food Bank – Feb. 6, 2020 in Orlando, FL

Chef’s Night is an evening at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida where Central Florida’s best chefs and cuisine – including those from Walt Disney World Resort – come together to benefit the Darden Foundation Community Kitchen’s Culinary Training Program. This 16-week culinary training program is focused on providing service-based technical, life, and employability skills to adults.

Chef’s Night will feature the chefs our very own Walt Disney World Resort Food & Beverage Concept Development Team. Inspired by “Love” in celebration of Valentine’s Day, the night will feature a cocktail reception with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course meal. For the first course, our chefs will be serving lobster bisque with crispy parsnip, pink-tipped parsley, lemon crème fraiche, and lobster oil. This is followed by “Inner Beauty”, a dish featuring beet heart, lingonberry, rose hip, and oxalis. For the main dish, you’ll enjoy Beef Wellington with sweet potato purée, baby squash blossom, mushrooms, and red wine demi. And to finish off the night, a sweet dessert course featuring Strawberries and Cream with Plant City strawberries, Chantilly cream, and chocolate-caramel cake. The dinner also features wine pairings selected by Master Sommelier Brian Koziol. To purchase your tickets, you can visit the Second Harvest Food Bank website.

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures. In addition to celebrating the beloved story of Disney’s “The Lion King,” this experience honors some of the most majestic and endangered African animals through delicious flavors, fun activities, live music, and appreciation for animal conservation. Start your night with a welcome reception at the Train Station near Harambe Market before traveling to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for an incredible virtual reality experience, character greetings, and more, all while enjoying specialty beverages, appetizers, and snacks. Finally, head back to Harambe Market to partake in a delicious dinner while enjoying upbeat music from African musicians, a dance party, and captivating storytelling. For full details on the entire night as well as the full menu, check out my recent blog post or check out the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Buffet at Disney’s PCH Grill at Disneyland Resort

Celebrate this heartfelt holiday at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with a mouthwatering meal and warm character greetings. It will be love at first bite when you indulge in this traditional All-You-Care-To-Enjoy buffet featuring special dishes like heart-shaped pasta and a sweet selection of seasonal Valentine’s Day desserts. For more information and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website.