Disney Outside the World: World Showcase at Home?

A few months ago, Nancy wrote about comparing a weekend trip to a trip to Walt Disney World, but what about comparing those little events that you attend during the year?  For my husband, my friends, and I, we have annual traditions of going to the local Oktoberfest and Irish Fest. 

These international festivals help spread the feeling of Epcot’s World Showcase to our corner of Indiana.  Oktoberfest has that sound of polkas and lively music that make you think you could be sitting in Germany having a cold beer and eating a pretzel- or at least sitting in the German Pavilion in Epcot.  The food at Oktoberfest always makes me wish I was at Biergarten restaurant with their wide variety to choose from as opposed to the ordinary brats and sausages. 

To my surprise, look what I found at Oktoberfest- tea cups!

Irish Fest is a celebration of food and drink with Celtic music providing the background entertainment.  It reminds us of a cross between Raglan Road in Downtown Disney and the UK pavilion in Epcot.  My husband enjoys the food and drink selections at this festival, as do I, because it’s provided by a variety of restaurants in the area.  In fact, the food selections might be more diverse than at the UK in Epcot.  However, the vendors at the festival are inconsistent which ends up with the selections leaving much to be desired when there are items that I want!  And of course, there is the shopping for items that are unique to UK- Irish made sweaters, Celtic inspired jewelry, etc. that add to the cultural exchange.

But the absolutely best thing about doing these festivals is spending time with my husband and our friends.  Now that our appetites have been warmed up at home, its time to hit the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot with the rest of the Affordable Mouse girls!

Have a Magical Day!

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Adrienne is originally from the Chicago area but lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. She went to Disneyland when she was 7, which started her love of Disney. She even named one of her dogs after her favorite princess, Aurora. She and her husband celebrated their honeymoon at Walt Disney World in 2007 and have returned for every anniversary. They have stayed at variety of resorts on property and traveled with friends and family. Adrienne and her husband bought into DVC in May 2011 and rewarded themselves with their first fall trip for some of the special events. Adrienne and her husband consider WDW their “second home” and have become the go-to people for any Disney related questions and advice from friends, families, and acquaintances.