The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is back in full swing. TasteBuds had the pleasure of checking out the 'festivities' this week. Here are some highlights.

Of course, you need to pay the standard entry price to get into Epcot. Once inside prices for food and drinks vary from $3 to $7.

We felt it was a little different this year in that we noticed much more beer selections. Many of the kiosks offerd a beer from that country to purchase in addition to the wines they offered. It was a nice option on such a hot day. For $12 at the Beer Hop Kiosk near France you can try 4 beers out of 8 to taste from all over the world, and the pour size was quite decent. There was also a Hops and Barley Market Kiosk sponsored by Sam Adams in the Americas offering 10 beer selections. We had the Cherry Wheat 12 oz. for $5.25 and it was very good! This was a very popular spot with very long lines. Sam Adams was also holding classes with tastings at various times for no additional cost.

Over all the food throughout did not disapoint - and it was a nice long leisurely day (thought Hot!). At the Mouse Catch (Near Mexico) we had the Trio of Cheese for $4.75 which consisted of Piave from Italy (our favorite), Mahon from Spain and Dorothea from Holland.

Mexico City, Mexico we had Taco de Conchinita Pibil for $5.75

Krakow, Poland, the Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie for $5.00 - which was one of the largest portions in the park - and well worth the money.

Capetown, South Africa (which was our favorite food item in the park)

Seared Beef Tenderloin for $4.75 served with a mango sauce

We had a Fairview Winery Pinotage with our beef for $2.75

Bangkok, Thailand - This was a new edition this year.

Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp for $4.25

Munich, Germany, Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll - $4.25

Wine: Schloss Reinhartschausen Old Vines Riesling for $5.25

Bologna, Italy - Cannelloni for $4.50 and Individual Italian Pizza with Italian Ham for $4.50 (also a decent size)

Wellington, New Zealand - Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney $4.50

And to round off the trip around the world, we made our annual stop in England for some fish and chips for $7, which is there all year round - but we couldn't resist.

In addition to the food and wine kiosks throughout the park, we got to check out the new permanent addition to the Mexico Pavilion - a Tequila Bar called La Cava del Tequila where you can purchase flights of Tequila for sampling. They also do Tequila classes on Fri-Sun at various times during the Food and Wine Fest for $35. The place isn't that big so make sure to book early. We were unable to reserve a spot, as it was sold out for 2 weeks.

In Japan we found a Sake tasting bar in the back which has also been there for years. They had many Sakes to purchase and tastings to try.

We caught the 5:15 show of Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy performance at the Eat to the Beat American Gardens Theater. Lots of fans in attendance sporting T-shirts from past shows.

We took out time, spent the entire day there, going from shop to shop, and really taking in the day. (which we highly recommend).

Be sure to check it out before its gone by Nov 8.

For more info, including a festival Map and guide check out:

disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/