Every year I brave the heat and eat and drink my way around the world (showcase, that is). It's truly a time to indulge in cuisines (paired with wines and/or beer) from more than 25 countries and regions including Austria, New Zealand, Ireland, Greece, Chile and Puerto Rico.

With so many options, it would be near impossible to sample everything unless you had a bottomless stomach or were able to return for many repeat visits. While I enjoyed everything I tried, here is what you must try:

    * Lobster and scallop fisherman's pie from Ireland
    * Cheddar cheese soup from Canada
    * Paprika beef stew from Austria
    * Pork pot stickers from China
    * Grand Marnier orange slush at a kiosk across from Chefs de France (you can get this anytime, but it's too good and refreshing not to mention)

Even though food and wine highlight the event, here are some other activities going on:

    * Daily wine and beer tastings.
    * A series of special culinary programs featuring a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
    * New programs like Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining and Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen.
    * Popular returning events such as French Regional Lunches at Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion, Epcot Wine Schools, Food and Wine Pairings and Sweet Sundays.
    * Some 250 chefs including Disney chefs and guest chefs from across the country.  Guest chefs scheduled to appear on various days throughout the festival include Warren Brown, Cat Cora, Jamie and Bobby Deen, Keegan Gerhard, Jeff Henderson, Robert Irvine, Art Smith, Jacques Torres, Alan Wong, Andrew Zimmern and many other culinary stars.
    * Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, educational wine seminars, celebrity chef book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and an official festival cookbook.

And finally, when you need to take a break and escape the heat (and you will), here are my go-to spots:

    * Cantina de San Angel - If you started your trek around the World Showcase at Puerto Rico, then this will be your last stop on the other side. Overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon, the outside patio is a great spot to unwind, enjoy a frozen margarita or pina colada and some cantina nachos.....http://orlando.metromix.com