A complete menu overhaul is on the way for the 2025 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, with nearly every dish making its debut this fall. During a recent media preview, the resort's culinary team offered an early sampling and insight into how the event continues to evolve after 16 years.
This fall's two-night outdoor festival will feature 49 dishes (the most in the event's history), hundreds of beverage selections, and a nearly all-new menu created collaboratively by the resort's culinary team. Hosted along the causeway between the Swan and Dolphin hotels, the event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening and will again include themed areas such as Beer Garden, For the Love of Florida, Chinatown, and The Bubble Lounge.
Greg Sherman, Director of Food & Beverage, opened the preview by reflecting on how the event has evolved over the years.
"What started off as a simple idea turned into a brave venture and has become a truly iconic event for our hotel," Sherman said. "We heard feedback, we evolved this event, and we made it different than it had been in years past -- which we continue to do every year."
Sherman announced that the 2025 event will again feature four full hours of tastings each night and a new start time of 5 p.m., allowing guests to transition directly from the event into live music and after-parties across the resort's 23 restaurants and lounges.
"We've completely transformed the causeway," he added. "There will be more than 150 vendors producing spirits on both ends, and The Bubble Lounge has been blown out in a way we're really proud of."
Executive Chef Devin Queen emphasized that this year's expanded menu is the result of a resort-wide creative effort.
"We wanted this to be a complete team and collaborative effort," Queen said. "These are dishes that our chefs created together -- inspired by their own experiences and cuisines."
Among the previewed dishes, standouts included:
- Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib (Bourbon Steak) - Celery root espuma and shallot marmalade. A rich, tender dish that replaces the fan-favorite Shula's Steak House filet of past years.
- Ricotta Cappelletti (Il Mulino) - Hand-crafted pasta filled with house-made citrus ricotta and slow-cooked Angus beef ragu.
- Sabich (Amare) - Fried eggplant with tahini garlic sauce, pickled watermelon radish, and mini pita.
- Blue Crab Stir-Fried Rice (Todd English's bluezoo) - Florida Gulf shrimp, tempura shiitakes, and crab.
- Fried Apalachicola Oyster Sliders (For the Love of Florida) - Topped with black pepper coleslaw and Key lime "mignonette" jam.
- Pan-Fried Shrimp & Pork Dumplings (Chinatown) - Served with ginger-black vinegar dipping sauce and chili oil.
See the 2025 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Full Menu
Chef Queen noted that while a few fan favorites return, most of the 2025 dishes are completely new, giving each night its own lineup of flavors and experiences.
Executive Pastry Chef Arnis Robeznieks highlighted a dessert program inspired by visual artistry as much as taste.
"This year, we were inspired by shape and flavor," he explained. "Our team came up with ideas we developed using new molds and techniques. You'll see cherries, domes, and spheres -- desserts that are fun, creative, and full of flavor."
Among the sweet highlights previewed:
- Sweet Corn Ice Cream Cone with hot honey syrup, cheddar cheese, and caramel corn.
- Green Tea Lime Mango Mousse Dome.
- Chocolate Cassis Mousse (Vegan, GF, DF).
Celebrity Chefs and Signature Tastings
This year introduces two five-course Signature Tasting Experiences hosted by celebrity chefs:
- A Culinary Journey Through Asia with Chef Todd English (Friday, Nov. 14)
- A Global Inspired Tour with Flair with Chef Michael Mina (Saturday, Nov. 15)
Chef English, who has been part of the Swan and Dolphin family for over 20 years, spoke about the resort's spirit of creativity and collaboration.
"Every time I'm here, I'm reminded of how amazing this team is," English said. "They're always experimenting and pushing -- not just for the event, but for the guests. That's what makes this such a special place."
Giving Back: Wounded Warrior Project
The 2025 Food & Wine Classic will once again partner with Wounded Warrior Project as its charity beneficiary in honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Savannah Simmons, Community Fundraising Manager, thanked the resort for its continued support.
"Events like this directly fund programs that help veterans and their families heal," she said. "We provide over 18 programs in mental health, physical wellness, career services, and independence -- all at no cost to warriors."
U.S. Army veteran Kevin Sosa, now an Alumni Manager with Wounded Warrior Project, shared his personal journey from combat service to recovery:
"Wounded Warrior Project gave me my purpose back," he told the audience. "They helped me realize that burying emotions wasn't strength -- healing was. And that healing comes through connection and support."
Event Details
What: 2025 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
When: Friday, Nov. 14 & Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 5-9 p.m. nightly
Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Tickets: FoodAndWineClassic.com
Hotel Packages: Call 1-888-828-8850 with proof of ticket purchase for special rates
Tickets are $224 per person for unlimited food and beverage samples. Bundle tickets offer 10% off when attending both nights.
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