By Tricia Hoadley

Correspondent

I know what you are thinking right now. If I am going on a vacation without children – possibly to escape from my own children – why would I ever choose to go to a place that is known for being full of children?

Let me ask you, have you ever heard of Epcot's Food & Wine Festival? This event is what foodies' dreams are made of. The delicious eats and drinks extend as far as the eye can see. Literally. Epcot World Showcase stretches over a mile long and it is full of dozens of kiosks offering delicacies from countries around the world. And guess what time of year the Food and Wine Festival begins? That’s correct! Right around the same time that you are sending those kiddos back to school. Coincidence? I think not.

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival is, in my opinion, the absolute biggest draw to make my next trip to Orlando. I love food. I really love food. All kinds of food. And I would love to travel around the globe sampling international cuisine. It's just not in my budget this year, or next. If I'm being realistic, it may never be. But I can sample delicious food from around the world during one trip to Walt Disney World. I don't have to worry about purchasing a passport, trying to find my way from one country to the next, staying in some rundown hostel, or trying to convert currency without being ripped off. Add to it the fact that I love amusement rides, and Disney has some of the best rides in the world, and the deal gets even better.

Last year my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Disney World. Not only did we have an amazing time relaxing in the hot tub, which might I add sits conveniently next to the bar at our hotel, we were able to stay out late without having to worry about the little guys, and I'm not sure I've ever tried so many different foods. What better way to stop by Hawaii and grab some Spicy Tuna Poke, Canada for a Filet Mignon with Truffle-butter sauce, France for a Croissant aux Escargots, Ireland for some Fisherman's Pie and Irish Cheese Selection Plate, Japan for a Spicy Sushi Roll, Africa to try the Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips, and Mexico for the Barbacoa Enchilada? You can see where I'm going with this. And what better way to wash it all down than to pair each meal with a drink that complements it?

If the thought of filling your belly and Instagram feed with amazing international delicacies isn't enough for you, there are other exciting draws going on during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. The Eat to the Beat live concert series, cheese and wine seminars, culinary demonstrations, and signature guest speakers and celebrity chefs are all highlights. You can do as little or as much as appeals to you.

You have plenty of time to stop by this year as the date range for this event continues to grow each year. The 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival begins August 31 and continues until November 13. The kiddos will be back in school before you know it, so plan your trip now and maybe I'll see you there! Have a magical time.