Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2014

Busch Garden’s in Williamsburg for the 15 past years has taken its peaceful and beautiful park and turned it into something a bit more sinister and scary for most of September and October, though it is just as beautiful.

In fact, it may even be a tad bit more so with the elaborate lighting and decorations throughout the park. Everywhere you look there are pumpkins and twinkle lights..and rats, spiders and creatures too. But none that can actually hurt you, they are made from plastic and rubber after all. So for those who don’t really do rides, the park is still a wonderful place to explore and savor in the fall. Food helps too, all of it here is delicious. You can find more pumpkin this and that, as well as other Halloween themed desserts.

Howl-O-Scream events begin every evening at 6 p.m. and are designed for the type of audience who wants the crap scared out of them, so most of the time that is not little kids. Actors fill the park dressed as ghoulish characters to jump out and scare guests. There are often people with chainsaws (minus the blades of course) and the noise will startle most adults. None of them hang out in the Forest of Fun, (the Sesame Street area for little kids)but you still have to exiting through England and Ripper Row. So keep this in mind when visiting with children. Not that I should have to warn you (BG posts signs up to make you aware ) It's not called Hallow-Fun, or Not-too scary...Its HOWL or SCREAM, with those words in the title, you should know what you are in for.

There are several things to enjoy while you are here.  All of the rides are open with the exception of Europe in the Air (one of the Haunted houses takes over the space).  Water rides are open weather permitting.  The train and boats are still running as usual with spooky music and theming. There are still the same animal shows, the Wildlife Reserve is still open as well as Highland Stables and all of the other normal shows are replaced with Halloween shows. 

The food menus are relatively the same with some additional fall themed desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Monster Cake, and spooky pudding with gummy worms. In addition the park has opened a few new places to grab some grub. There is a chicken shack in Oktoberfest,  roasted pork shank in Ireland and outside of Trappers Smoke house; 2 different buffets,Vampire Bites (Wraps)in Germany, Pizza and Taco “cones” at Vesuvius outside Pompeii/Deadline and Gourmet hot dogs in “Port of Skulls” in Italy at the Crow’s Nest Grill. One thing I say all the time, is the food here is well above average, it isn't your typical fast-food or carnival type fare (or like many other theme parks I have been to with the exception of Disney). The prices are very reasonable, desserts are usually $2-$3 and meals are about $8-$9. The few that are more are so big you can share them.

                                                   Eating some "Monster Cake"

One of the most exciting elements this year is the return of Monster Stomp. The popular show that was missing from the park for a few years is back at the request of numerous guests and will be shown in the Globe Theater (which previously held London Rocks). Since the Globe theater received an update with new projection equipment, more lighting and new speakers expect an even more dramatic and darker version of Monster Stomp. There will be elements from the original that debuted back in 2002 with the “dance of the skeletons” and a few of the favorite songs which launched Monster Stomp’s popularity. Monster Stomp is loud, but it leaves you wanting more. I could have sat through it a second time and I generally do not like concerts or live theater. The opening scene is a bit scary for kids,(Jack the Ripper claims a victim behind a scrim so you see him holding a head in silhouette) but you can just have yourself or your kids close their eyes for those few seconds. I wouldn't miss out on it because of that. Here is a clip from fellow Busch Gardens Ambassador Naoma Doriguzzi

Terror-torys are placed through all of the villages. These areas have a unified theme and are additional decorations to the village. 

In England there is Ripper Row, where you will have to keep an eye out for Jack the Ripper. This is also where Monster Stomp is showing.

Demon Street in France has a haunted DJ spinning some tunes and the place appears to be on fire from a distance. Feel free to do some dancing, if embarrassed by dancing maybe grab a Demon Drink.

Wendigo Woods is the newest Terror Tory to come to the park and is in New France (French-Canadian). Here a mutated creature is on the loose after some experiments go wrong.  Sirens will go off to warn you.  

Vampire Point in Germany is loaded with vampires and this is where you will find the Blood Banquet all-you-can-eat-buffet and entertainment. The food served here is a bit better than the lower priced buffet in Ireland. Characters interact with guests in the outdoor dining area.

Ports of Skulls is at the entrance to Italy from the bridge of Pompeii and it is full of pirates. You may wind up walking the plank.

There are 6 Haunted Houses, all are included with your admission.

13 your number is up (Ireland) This haunted house is housed in the castle that normally holds Europe in the Air, thought the main entrance is in the back of Ireland just outside of the Nature Reserve. Here you tour 13 "floors" of various fears. (no stairs)This house in particular uses the most optical illusions and sensory scares. It is my personal favorite.

Deadline (Italy) This walk through maze is located in the bottom of Pompeii and the story is there was a deadly gas released in a subway. This maze uses optical allusions, scary people, props and a lot of winding around to scare you.

Catacombs (France) Is probably one of the tamest haunted houses because it is pretty straight forward. It’s a catacomb, there will be creatures banging and trying to spook you.

Bitten (Oktoberfest/Germany) Vampires and vampire scenes are what awaits you in this haunted house maze set in the 1800's.

Cut throat Cove (Fiesta Italy) Is a mostly outdoor haunted house maze full of pirates and scurvy.

Root of All Evil (Oktoberfest/Germany) is a more sinister version of little shop of horrors without the show tunes. Plants have gotten mutated in this green house, most of it is outdoors.

The Shows in Busch Gardens are included with ticket price, with the exception of the all-you-can-eat buffet dinner shows. They generally cost $22 for adults and $15 for kids. Fiends in Ireland (Abby Stone)-is an adult themed that I haven’t seen yet so I can't report much about it. It is based on Frankenstein and is very popular. I hope to get to see it eventually since it looks like fun. 

Night Beats in Germany (Festivus House) is a musical revue with Halloween themed costumes, special effects and music.  Music is from the '20's to today. You can eat your meal at the Festivus house here while you enjoy the show for no additional charge.

Igor’s Fright Feast in Ireland is an all-you-can-eat buffet and show. The show is cute, it isn’t adult themed like Fiends so kids can go, the highlight for kids is Swampy (sort of like the creature from the black lagoon) who gave my son a lot of laughs. Igor is assisted by some of the sexy nurses but  the very few adult jokes will go over their heads.  The food is just ok overall, if you love wings you will love the buffet. There is also a small salad bar and mashed potato bar. The toppings on the mashed potato bar are excellent and include beef, pulled pork, cheese, bacon bits and sour cream so you can decide what you want to add to your potatoes. The mashed potatoes themselves were the only real disappointment as they were instant. But I figure they chose this to keep costs low since they are giving you all these great toppings. The desserts were delicious too, a spiced brownie type cake with a whisky caramel topping. And do it yourself parfaits with cake pieces,  whipped cream and jimmies. Over all it's a good value.

 Noah was resisting going in to Fright Feast at first, but then saw it looked like a "VIP room" so he was then happy.

Howl-O-Scream occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September 12th-October 26th until about 9 or 10 p.m. each evening, the park generally is open by 10 a.m.

Ticket prices are standard prices $75 for adults and $65 for kids 3-9 (the $75 funcard allows you back all fall) and pass holders do not need a separate ticket for this event. If you haven’t purchased a season pass yet, you may want to consider one. Prices start at $10 a month and include free parking and a 10% discount on everything in the park

                                                   Its' the little touches I appreciate most.

Howl-O-Scream is great fun for all, for those who don’t care for the scare you can enjoy yourselves until 6 p.m, after that you may want to get the heck out. Monsters aren't in the Forest of Fun or Land of The Dragons (both close at 7 p.m.) but you still have to exit the park. There isn't trick or treating, but they do supply plenty of free'tricks' and treats, well you just have to pay for those.

You get the most bang for your buck if you are a pass holder or live close enough to use a fun card a few times.  We are season pass holders and have taken the journey to Howl-O-Scream for 4 different years from NJ, (that's 300 miles one way)it has always been worth it. I love Disney but still prefer this to their “Not too Scary” event (which is perfect for little ones). Even if you don’t ride, you can greatly enjoy yourself.

                                  Noah's "mad moves" on Demon Street at Howl-O-Scream. 

For more info on how this affected Noah and his conquering of his fears click here.

Coming out of the Stable at Bronycon 2014

                                     Rainbow Dash playing Xbox with Noah.

I am not sure when it began; but I know it has been more than a year that Noah has had an interest in My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Many of us grew up on a different kind of My Little Pony, this “reboot” of ponies was created by Lauren Faust (Powerpuff Girls, Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends) and is nothing like the ponies you may have grown up on.  And because of its sheer awesomeness and how it doesn't stick to gender stereotypes so began the creation of The Brony. A Brony, if you don’t know is either a male or adult person who is a big fan of the My Little Pony (MLP) Friendship is Magic Series. Noah loves Rainbow Dash, and the rebooted version of her is a more androgynous pony, she is loyal, brave and is in charge of the weather in Ponyville. She also has a tendency to fly around super-fast and sometimes a bit crazy-like, all of these things speak to Noah's "inner pony".  Noah's Cousin Gabby is also the human embodiment of Pinkie Pie, and in the show Pinkie Pie is often chasing after Rainbow Dash, which is much like real life.

These ponies are fierce, loyal, independent and full of love and tolerance. They tolerate and love the heck out of you even if you aren’t being so lovable. They have their own issues and battles to wage from time to time, but they have always found that through friendship they can achieve whatever it is they need to. At the end of every episode one of the ponies sends a letter about something they learned to their mentor Princess Celestia, who kind of run things and has her stuff in check. She has this constantly flowing rainbow mane, it may be hypnotizing me a little. Did I mention I too am a Brony? (or a Pega-sister, an alternate term for adult female fans).

We were invited to Bronycon 2014 in Baltimore (or Baltimare as they call it) Maryland to cover the convention and I was most interested in how this Brony culture and special needs community gels together to write about if for my examiner column.

Besides that aspect the show is one of the best children’s cartoons I have seen, between the animation, acting, story lines and backing up their beliefs of love and tolerance. Many Bronies found themselves enchanted by this cartoon by accident. “I was watching one, and then before you know it, I watched another then another.” The show also has a motif about "The Elements of Harmony" which are gems that keep Equestia in peace and harmony. More importantly they are the essence inside each of the Mane Six Ponies.  The elements are honesty (Apple jack), kindness (Fluttershy), laughter (Pinkie Pie), generosity (Rarity) Loyalty (Rainbow Dash) and magic makes them all complete (Twilight Sparkle).  Twilight is Lauren Faust’s creation for the show, the other’s you may recognize in name.

Now, since as a society we can make up silly rules that don’t make any sense, men and boys may feel slightly embarrassed they like a show that has a nearly entire starring cast of female ponies. So they created get-togethers to share their fandom. And what began as a small 100 person convention in New York in 2011, turned into a 9607 person convention August 2014 at the Baltimore Convention Center called Bronycon.

Noah and a fellow Brony who brought this super awesome helicopter with Rainbow Dash attached to the top to fly around the convention center.

The growth of the Brony community and Bronycon is growing at exponential rates.  During 2011 there were several small get-togethers and meet ups that grew to attract 1000 people. In June of 2012 the first official convention was held in Secaucus with over 4000 attendees. Each year has been bigger and more attendance has occurred. This year’s conference marked the second one at the Baltimore Convention Center; the first drew double the attendance of the convention in Secaucus.

Bronycon plans on keeping the Baltimore Convention center as their official annual convention home. And next year the convention is already booked for August 7-9, 2015. 

Like all conventions (and even concerts really) Bronycon serves as a place for fans to meet up with each and enjoy and celebrate their fandom.  The essence of a convention is for this and for people to learn how to do something better or different. So Bronycon had panels for discussion, and workshops on how to learn to draw ponies, digitally create them, write fan fiction and design plushies. They also had workshops on how to make your Minecraft ponified. There were also several lectures and panels about bullying, working with disabilities and embracing your inner Brony. 

                                                 Noah giving the thumbs up at Brony Con

Besides the panel groups there was an arcade set up with some Wii’s and gaming devices projected on small movie screens and people played various games like Smash Brothers Brawl, and Guitar Hero. There was a Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse for the little fillies and colts who wanted to draw, color, play with balloon animals or just have their faces painted. A room called Canterlot Cinema was designated just to air MLP episodes and fan made videos.  The fourth installment of fan made Ponies Anthology aired for the first time at the convention.

                                               Noah's art work at Bronycon.

And fan made is also what the whole convention is about. Besides the Cosplay aspect, fans could showcase their own artistic work, whether it was drawn, digital or created as a plushie.  There were trading rooms where people traded with each other, and a huge marketplace where over 200 vendors sold both licensed merchandise and fan made. Part of the Brony fandom is the creation of fan-fiction, artwork and video games such as Super Smash Ponies. Some of the fan made videos are hilarious (not all are for children) but some of them are fine like Ponies re-enact Star Wars . For total nerdgasm I like Ponies reenact Lord of the Rings.  “A Pony does not simply trot into Maredoor….Many ponies with friendship deserve haters and some that have haters deserve friendship, do not be too eager to hand out hatred or judgment.”

                                    Noah with Fluffle Puff

2 nights of the convention from 8pm-2 am was BronyPalooza an indoor concert that involved about dozen internet famous musicians who have created or can play music from MLP or their own. It was a nice dance fest full of glow sticks, and happy conga lines. People would give each other a “bro-hoof” which is like a fist bump. Noah collected over 152 during the two days we were at the convention.

                                                             Bro Hooves

Overall the convention was well organized and full of happy, pleasant people of all ages and genders.  Whenever the word "Fun" was said at the convention numerous people would start chanting "Fun! Fun! Fun!" (as opposed to fight, fight, fight) which is taken from the the Too Many Pinkie Pies episode . At the end I asked Noah, “what was your favorite thing about Bronycon?” to which he replied “Everything!”  he had a smile on his face the whole time.  One of the best aspects about being a Brony for him is it gives him this access to other kids just like him. The core beliefs of love and tolerance make it a very welcoming and non-judgmental environment, something all spectrum kids need-something most everyone needs.  

Friendship is indeed magic.

World Cup Tim Howard Gives Hope to People on the Autism Spectrum

People across the globe have been tuning into The World Cup. The Autism community happens to have one more reason to watch this event that only occurs every 4 years. USA World Cup Goal keeperTim Howard has Tourettes Syndrome a neurological disorder on the “higher functioning” end of the Autism Spectrum. And finding someone who has reached a level of success either despite a disorder or because of it, gives many hope.....

Here is the rest of the article at Examiner.com

London Rocks Busch Gardens

                                          Cast of London Rocks outside the Globe Theater

When you visit Busch Garden’s Williamsburg (a.k.a The Old Country) part of the fun is having a pseudo-European vacation at a much more reasonable price, and the travel time is much shorter (in most cases). The first village you encounter upon entering the park is England. This year England's Globe Theater was revamped for its new show London Rocks. London Rocks was four years in the making and is a 25-minute musical adventure that  is a true feast for the eyes and senses. 

                                      The Beatles Octopus's Garden with puppets and bubbles

London Rocks tells the story of Lucy a young girl growing up through teens, marriage and children and is artfully "told" through British rock-n-roll music and culture.  Visually London Rocks is amazing and should be seen. The combination of lighting and video technology delights the senses. There are 5 projectors that make the stage seem to come alive, sometimes it blends in so well it is hard to tell what is live action and what is video-mapped imagery. This is a family friendly show so you can bring the kids. During one part of the show the creators make a nod to the original 4-D elements showcased previously in the Globe by launching a large amount of bubbles into the audience. This is during a fun sequence with puppets to the Beatles Octopus's Garden that had my son mesmerized.

                                         Lucy rides the "tube", but is just an amazing video image.

The show uses a sometimes confusing medley of too many songs to list. They cover songs from the Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones to same a few. The orchestration is genius even if it seems overdone; to put this much into one short show was no easy task. And lets face it, covering all of the music from the 50's through the 80's is a heck of a lot of music for a 25-minute show.

With the 2000 speakers (2 in each seat and 79 around the perimeter) it is a bit loud for the hearing sensitive. (which Noah and I both are, we sat in the middle, we were ok).  I am not a big theater or movie lover, I don't care for having to sit still for long. I avoid concerts like its my job, but I have to say this was an enjoyable show.  If live theater or music isn't your thing (but it is for the people with you) you should still give it a view. The air conditioning of The Globe is most welcome on a very hot and humid day in the park.

England got a little bit of a makeover too with some new flare and redesigned kiosks. Plus there are new soda machines right outside the theater. (Coca-Cola Freestyle) You can refill your park cup (or get one) with a huge variety of fizzy treats. Here you can find numerous flavors of Dr. Pepper, Mellow Yellow, and Fanta for starters. You can also add syrups like chocolate, vanilla or cherry to most sodas, and an even larger variety of flavored waters or iced teas. So even if you want something like a Vanilla Soda, you can get one, select the Segram's Sparkling Seltzer Water, then select Vanilla. Same process for Coca-Cola and Root beer lovers who may want to add a bit of chocolate or fruit flavoring. Even though soda is rotten for most people's bodies, a little treat now and then is fun, and hey you are on vacation.

London Rocks replaced Pirates 4D this May 2014 and is the first Live entertainment show in the Globe in 20 years. (Previously to Pirates 4D was Lights, Camera Action a Sesame Street themed 4D). It took over 500 craftsman and artists to create this show and lay the 76 miles of electrical, audio and video cables (which is further than Virginia Beach). A true labor of love for this Broadway-style show.

                                Swanky new seating inside Union Jax (store closest to entrance/exit)

POV of the new Colossal Curl at Water Country in Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Food & Wine a Feast for the Senses

This is some of the coverage of the food & wine event as it relates to Noah (or most ASD kids/special needs/picky eaters)


busch-gardens-food-wine-festival-feast-for-the-senses

Busch Gardens Food & Wine 2014: Food, Glorious Food!

                           Caribbean Kiosk in between Land of the Dragons and Germany

Oh my, food glorious food. And true to its higher standards (not your typical theme park food) the Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens did not disappoint.  If you can fully immerse yourself into the experience, you can have a lovely-pseudo European vacation, in just a day or two right here in the United States.

                                                  Walkway into Germany from France

Busch Gardens Williamsburg was previously named “The Old Country” because of its theming. The park is sectioned as European countries, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France and “New France” (which is the France of Canada). So you are already enjoying themed architecture, specialty shops and food from those areas. The Food & Wine Festival is Busch Gardens food “kicked up a notch” as Emeril would say. If you have never eaten at Busch Gardens then you may not understand what this means. But it isn't your typical theme park food, sure there are burgers and pizza available in two of the six main dining locations,  but overall the food is specialized to the area--such as Irish stew in an Irish soda bread bowl in Ireland, or the German sausage platter with 3 types of sausages, cabbage and German potato salad in Germany. (Both meals are also under $10.) Offering themed dishes is of course delightful (ask anyone who loves Epcot), but it is the quality and the price that makes it outstanding. According to executive chef Justin Watson all the food in Busch Gardens is made from higher quality products. Much of it is fresh and some is locally sourced. All fish products are sustainable. And the desserts, well they are baked on premises, fresh and delicious.

                                    Strawberry shortcake, with real cream and real strawberries.

The festival was inspired by the current trend of "street food" that is mobile and in smaller portions allowing foodies to taste many items. So you can enjoy the many different foods from all of these countries in a true park setting (with fun rides and live entertainment). Busch Gardens is aptly named because the park is full of trees, flowers and shrubs; it is not like many theme parks full of concrete and no shade. Frankly, I can spend the day here and ride next to nothing and still feel like I had a wonderful time, it’s that beautiful.

                                                       The Gardens in Italy

                                                   View from the bridge into Ireland

                                           Canada kiosk, featuring Pumpkin Mousse

There are 14 kiosks and about 55 tastings available (not including beverages), though we did not eat every single item, we did enjoy about 20 tastings over the weekend.  Some were better values than others, and some were so delicious you will want to make a meal out of them. Like most things, each tasting, still comes down to personal taste.

                                                        Entrance to Ireland 

You can also enhance your European vacation by enjoying Europe in the Air in the Ireland section of the park; here you can take a journey through most of the same lands represented in Busch Gardens, in just 17 minutes. I don’t advise eating first, it’s not the type of ride to make you sick, however it is a little jarring to those with sensitive systems and eyes. I am someone who cannot ride things like the Battering Ram, or any type of ride that spins (yes, even the carousel makes me queasy) I have ridden this at least a half a dozen times, probably more. I know to close my eyes when the clouds show up in the show meaning we are taking off like lightning speed to our next destination.

                                                           Ice Sculpting in Ireland

One of our favorite foods was outside of Germany (between the Land of the Dragons and Germany) at the newly created Caribbean kiosk. The Jamaican Jerk Chicken was good on every level, from the flavor of the meat, the pineapple salsa, the guava barbecue sauce and the value. I am not a fan of BBQ sauce, too much vinegar normally-however the smoothness of the guava made me appreciate it. At the same stand you can also get Gamba Friiters (Gamba means shrimp) which was right up there with my favorites, which really there were too many and it almost dosen't seem fair to number them.

                                      Jamaican Jerk Chicken at Caribbean Kiosk outside Germany.

As far as best bang for your buck, if you are hungry I recommend the Pork Schnitzel sandwich in Oktoberfest section of Germany, it is a more thin than thick slice of breaded pork, topped with a caper sauce and slice of lemon. If you love curry, you must get the Curry Kielbasa…just the right spice without being spicy.  Over in Canada the Venison Sausage & Corn Porridge was one of the best things I have ever tasted. It was a nice size portion. If you have never had venison this is the time to try it. If you love seafood, the mussels in France are also an excellent choice, they were all open, beautiful and a nice portion for $5. 

                                        Venison & Corn Porridge with caramelized onions

                                           Gamba (Shrimp) Fritters at Caribbean kiosk

If you want to make your day simpler (it should be a vacation or at least a day off after all). Then consider the cashless wristbands, you can buy them in several areas of the park. There are two different spots before you even get to food (a well signed booth after the entrance but before the turnstiles and guest relations after you enter on the right), plus a few stores throughout the park. You can prepay with cash or link to a credit card. Then you just scan at the locations. If you don’t spend all of your cash, you stop at guest relations in England when exiting and they will refund you any money not spent. You can also purchase a Trio Certificate which will allow guests any 3 items (dessert, beverage or entree) for $12.

                             Cruising down the "Rhine River" in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Va.

For a special treat you may want to spend the $20 and do the "Wine of the Rhine" cruise. During the festival you get to enjoy an extended version of the Rhine River cruise while listening to a jazz band and enjoying some fine cheese, fruit, wine, chocolate and some wine of course (juice for the kids).

                Chefs James Parker and James Butauski  creating art from watermelons. 

Even if you don’t wish to eat all day (maybe just drink) or perhaps you have a restrictive diet, there is more to the festival. There are three Art of Food booths (France, Ireland, Italy) where you can watch these master chefs carve beautiful sculptures out of food.  I can never understand how someone knows to make a rose out of watermelon, I can't even draw a rose. Chef James Parker said he can't draw one either and he doesn't plan what he sculpts,most of his sculptures take their own shape. Food isn't just sustenance, it is art, it's pleasure and it's culture. The festival celebrates all of this. Each kiosk also has information about the country represented, so you learn things like the country of Italy is the same size as the state of Arizona, and the lollipop originated in Spain.

Like many food & wine events, those who are the most adventurous will have the most choices. But there still are things you can try if you are vegetarian, vegan or even gluten free. Vegetarians can find items at every kiosk. When you get to the festival pick up a small guide with descriptions.  The truth is carnivores and vegetarians will have the most choices, but that can be expected for this type of event.

                         Time is ticking, don't miss out on the festival it only goes until June 29th

Facts on the Festival

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Food & Wine Festival (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 23-June 29) included with admission to the park, pay for the tastings you wish to taste. Food becomes available at 11 A.M until the park closes.

Majority of tastings are $4-$5, most desserts are $2-$3. Some that are higher include the cheese plate in Italy, beer flight of 4 beer tastings in Germany and the cured salmon on a potato pancake in Scandinavia are all $12. And on the flip side the Toffee in Scotland is just $2 and enough for 3 people to taste.

There are 71 varieties of wine and beer available for tasting.

As 2 adults tasting around for dinner, the cost was about $40 for about 9 different tastings, which we shared. It was all plenty filling as a meal.

The kiosks/countries represented are : France,  Belgium, Coffee & Crepes (in France), Canada, American South West; Ireland, Scandinavia, Scotland, Italy , Spain, Greece; Germany, German Beer, Caribbean.

Every area has beer and wine tastings, except Spain, which only has Pancho Sangria.  You can also find cocktail tastings in the Caribbean, Scandinavia, France, Italy & Greece.

Festival is inspired by the popularity of street food that is mobile, and eating smaller portions so you can try more items.

The Caribbean Kiosk was added by facebook fans.

The Austria kiosk from last year was omitted but the 2 most popular items (Schnitzelwich and Linzer Torte) were added to Germany's kiosk. And 3 New kiosks were added (American Southwest, Scandinavia and Caribbean)

Vegan Options

Scotland: Neeps & Tatties - Roasted Turnips & potatoes with carrots and chives

France: Ratatouille (hold the parmesan bread crumb topping)

Caribbean:  Palm Salad -Palm hearts, black beans, shrimp and citrus on a bed of spinach-(hold the shrimp)

Spain: Tapas (paprika roasted marcona almonds, marinated olive medley, quince pasta); Gazpacho (chilled cucumber soup)-also comes with a salad that has fish and ham, but you can opt out of that or give it to someone else in your party.

Greece:  Greek Dip Trio (humus, Pasta Elias)-also comes with a feta dip; Salata (traditional Greek Salad with lemon vinaigrette, oregano & pita chips)

Unfortunately due to the fact the food was so delicious, sometimes we ate it up before we could photo it.