D23, a Disney Legend, and Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Vickie and I strolled toward the back entrance of Epcot one morning to check out a D23 event at the Food & Wine Festival. I spotted remnants of some Food & Wine (in this case, Beer) revelers outside the Beach Club Resort. I think they’re still asleep!

DSC06800.JPG

I very much enjoy Disney’s music lineups for the seasonal festivals. That evening, I was able to catch the last part of Starship’s (with Mickey Thomas) set (“We Built This City …”) at America Gardens Theatre.

DSC06776.JPG

The D23 event started in the American Adventure Pavilion Rotunda.

DSC06806.JPG

The highlight of the D23 event was meeting Disney Legend Bob Gurr. He was the early Disneyland attraction transportation guru, conjuring up the vehicles for Autopia, the Haunted Mansion, the Disneyland Monorail, the Submarine Voyage, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds, among others. He is incredibly energetic and enjoys the camaraderie with other Disney fans. It was an honor to meet him! (He did seem to know about Hidden Mickeys!)

DSC06799.JPG

The next day, we heard from other luminaries, including Marianne Hunnel and Michael Jenner, the creators of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. Food & Wine gets better every year; thanks for all you do!

DSC06805.JPG

The D23 lunch included some delectable choices:

DSC06823.JPG

DSC06825.JPG

That evening, D23 had special seating for the America Gardens Theatre show: Sugar Ray (“I… just wanna fly, put your arms around me baby …”)! What a show! The audience (me included) was really into the performance! (One cool fact: Sugar Ray has had the same band members for over 20 years; that’s a real working partnership!)

DSC06833.JPG

Sometimes, even though I live near WDW, I just don’t want to leave! Thanks D23!

Trending Now

Steve Barrett is a doctor and Disney nut whose favorite Walt Disney World memory is strolling through the Magic Kingdom with his young son on his shoulders. Not surprisingly, his favorite spot in the World is anywhere there's a Hidden Mickey. He suggests that all visitors take some time to chat with cast members, especially when looking for Hidden Mickeys, as they can enrich your Disney experience and make it even more magical.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Replies to “D23, a Disney Legend, and Epcot Food & Wine Festival”

  1. Hi Steve! Sorry I missed the Sugar Ray show! I have seen them live, and they have an awesome energy! Plus, lead singer, Mark McGrath is pretty easy on the eyes. 🙂 I hope they play again next year at the Food and Wine Fest!

  2. Hi Steve,

    Great post! I love your enthusiasm! I used to live in the area (I believe my husband and I saw you at First Baptist Orlando once) and it’s been over a year since I’ve been to Disney now. Your blogs are giving me that Disney fever, lol.

    Also, awesome picture of the empty beer bottles!

    Keep up the great work!