There are plenty of locations throughout Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to grab a drink (except for the Magic Kingdom, which doesn’t sell any alcohol). Some people even make a game out of “drinking around the World” at Epcot.

But you may not be aware that you can actually buy sample flights, too. These are perfect to share with a friend, or when you want to try a few things without committing to a full glass of something.

The Rose and Crown at Epcot’s United Kingdom pavillion has one of my favorite beer samplers. The “Imperial Sampler” offers up a taste of Bass, Harp, Strongbow Cider, Boddington’s and Guinness.

If you don’t want to pay to get into Epcot, Raglan Road at Downtown Disney has a similar sampler, with tastes of Harp, Guinness, Smithwicks and Kilkenny. Big River Brewery at the Boardwalk resort also has a great sampler of their microbrews, ranging from a pilsner to a dark lager.

Whiskey fans will want to try the Canadian whiskey sampler available at Le Cellier in Epcot’s Canadian pavillion. It features 3/4oz. pours of Pendleton, 40 Creek, and Crown Royal.

On the other side of the entry to Epcot’s world showcase is Mexico, where you can purchase sampler flights of both tequila and margaritas. Both are yummy!

Vino fans can enjoy a sampler of red or white vintages in Epcot’s French pavillion at Les Vins de France, and also at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s restaurants.

Prices vary according to what you order and where.

Do you have a favorite flight or sampler that you order at Walt Disney World? Let us know what and where.

[Image courtesy of Michelle Snow]

The holidays at the end of the year tend to be the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, with the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day bringing the parks near to or at capacity.

So if you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, here’s what you can expect and how to get the most enjoyment out of the evening.

For starters, Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t participate in the festivities since the animals are in bed by then.

Magic Kingdom will feature their “Wishes” night time show with a special holiday overlay on the castle at 8:30pm and “Fantasy In the Sky” fireworks at 11:51pm. They will also have a special showing of the New Year’s Eve fireworks on December 30 at 11:50pm. Park hours are 8am to 2am on December 31st, 2011.

Epcot will have special showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” their nightly laser and fireworks show, at 7pm and 11:42pm. Park hours are 8am to 1am.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios features two showings of “Fantasmic!” at 6:30pm and 8pm, with a showing of the “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight. Park hours are 8am to midnight.

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Neil Patrick Harris During the Epcot Candlelight Processional

One of my favorite things about Orlando during the winter holidays is the special events the theme parks hold during this time of the year. Among the best is the Candlelight Processional held nightly at Walt Disney World, starting the day after Thanksgiving.

Held at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, the event consists of a celebrity narrator telling the story of Christmas. This narrator is backed by a choir of volunteer Disney cast members (aka employees) and an orchestra.

Scheduled celebrities for the 2011 Candlelight Processional are:

• November 25-27: Mira Sorvino (actress)
• November 28–December 1: Michael W. Smith (Christian singer)
• December 2-3: Geena Davis (actress)
• December 4-6: Edward James Olmos (actor)
• December 7-9: Isabella Rossellini (actress)
• December 10-12: Neil Patrick Harris (actor)
• December 13-15: Lorraine Bracco (actress)
• December 16-18: Chita Rivera (singer/dancer)
• December 19-21: Trace Adkins (country singer)
• December 22-24: Susan Lucci (actress)
• December 25–27: Blair Underwood (actor)
• December 28-30: Marlee Matlin (actress) (w/interpreter Jack Jason)

There are three performances nightly, at 5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm (except there is no 5pm show on Dec. 4), and performances last about 40 minutes. Guests may attend more than one showing a night, as long as they are able to get a seat. The performances tend to be crowded, especially on the weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

General admission seating is included with park admission, but there are also dinner packages that include reserved seating. These range in price from $33 to $64 in addition to park admission, depending on the Epcot restaurant chosen.

This is a great way to spend the evening both with the whole family and as a romantic evening for two.

[Image courtesy of Michelle Snow]

One of my ultimate fun things to do at Disney World is to eat my way around the world at Epcot for the International Food and Wine Festival. Each year, Epcot at Walt Disney World hosts the International Food and Wine Festival where a growing number of countries and regions are represented in food and drinks. Food service huts are set up around World Showcase for the festival from the end of September through mid November each year in what can only be described as a Foodie Haven.

Walt Disney World, Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Ireland

For 2011, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be held daily from September 30-November 13 until 9pm each night. As the weather cools and the nights start earlier, it’s the perfect time to leave the kids with a sitter and head out with your foodie partner to try a myriad of tasty treats. From good ole American Baby Back Ribs to Escargots in France, your culinary senses are piqued with the wide variety of foods and drinks to taste.

Find all of the details for Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2011, visit the Disney World website for up-to-the-minute entertainment announcements.

If you’re looking to find vacation travel deals in Orlando for visiting the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, consider a date night to enjoy yourselves after hours.

photo credit: Angie Lynch