The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is all about exploring new dishes, but this popular annual Walt Disney World dining extravaganza also has plenty of offerings for those who stick strictly to “meat and potatoes” types of food. The Rockin’ Burger Block Party, which kicks off on September 30 and runs on select Friday nights throughout the festival, combines the best of both of those worlds. The other two dates are October 14 and November 11, 2016.
Disney event has celebrity chefs and creative burgers
The party, which debuted at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in 2015, is back in full force.
As the name implies, it’s all about that tried-and-true favorite, the hamburger, but with some fascinating twists from the minds of celebrity chefs and Walt Disney World eateries. For example, what about a beer-battered burger to add a little crunch? Raglan Road, the Irish pub and restaurant at Disney Springs, is tossing that option into the fray at the year’s first party on September 30. Meanwhile, D-Luxe Burger, a newer Disney Springs eatery, is showcasing one of its signature items, topped with fried green tomatoes in true Southern style, at that debut party. Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan will also whip up a Malai Chicken Mushroom Burger.
Vote for your favorite burger at Epcot party
Rockin’ Burger Block Party chefs and offerings change every week.
For example, on October 14, James Beard finalist Alex Seidel brings a Colorado blended lamb burger to Epcot, and Chef Jehangir Mehta does up a tasty mushroom burger at the Walt Disney World party on November 11. You’ll be able to try a total of seven different burgers on each of the three nights. If you attend, be sure to try them all, as you’ll vote for your favorite at the end of the evening.
To get an idea of what you’re in for, check out this video slideshow of some of the burgers from 2015:
Epcot offers three Rockin' Burger Party options
The three Rockin’ Burger Block Parties all start at 7 p.m. in World ShowPlace and last until 9, meaning you can easily slip out with enough time to catch the Epcot Illuminations show.
The cost runs between $99 and $199, depending on the experience you choose. $99 gets you general admission and all the burgers you can eat while enjoyed the DJ entertainment. For $119, you get special early check-in at the Nosh Pit podium and a 15 minute head start, along with reserved seating. For $199, you get the ultimate experience, including early check-in, VIP seats, and a premium bar. No matter which option you choose, this experience is a great capper to a day at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Admission isn’t included in the cost, so be sure to have your park tickets as well.
Last year, Andrew Zimmerman of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” traveled to Walt Disney World to attend the Rockin’ Burger Block Party at Epcot. He thought the Nosh Pit was pretty cool, as you’ll hear in the video below:
