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Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events UPDATE! What’s Back and What’s NOT RETURNING!

Today’s the big day: early booking for Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival opened at 9AM this morning for Disney Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, Tables in Wonderland Members, and residents of Golden Oak. And for the rest of us, it’s the first look we are getting at what’s on — and what’s OFF — for the 2018 Festival.

Click here to visit our Festival Main Page, where we’ve gathered everything under the sun to help you plan your 2018 visit to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival!

2017 Epcot Food and Wine

Most of this information still isn’t available on DisneyWorld.com, and it’s taken lots of time on hold and some virtual digging to gather it. But we’re saving you the trouble!

[Read more…]

What You Need to Know BEFORE You Book Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events!

By AJ and the DFB Team 15 Comments

REAL TIME UPDATES: TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018, 2:38PM ET:

Booking is currently open for annual passholders, DVC members, Golden Oak residents, and Tables in Wonderland members.

Annual Passholder hotline: 407-560-7277

DVC Member Services: 800-800-9800

Regular Booking Number: 407-WDW-FEST

This morning, guests have been able to book Party for the Senses; French events (Parisian Breakfast, Parisian Afternoon, Family Traditions); Italian Regional Lunch; Food and Wine Pairings in Japan and Morocco; Hibachi experience in Japan; and low-cost seminars and demos.

Discounts are available for low-cost events Mon-Thurs for affinity groups.

Confirmed that all events outside of Epcot are not returning, including Trader Sam’s Behind the Scenes and Grand Floridian Brunch with a Twist, all culinary adventures in signature dining — events at places like Flying Fish, Victoria and Albert’s, etc.

Other events NOT returning: Japanese craft beer tasting, Morocco Food and Wine Pairing (Mediterranean food and wine pairing IS returning).

DVC and Passholder wait times are now down to under 5 minutes.

SEE ALL SPECIAL EVENTS HERE being updated in real time

SEE ALL LOW-COST EVENTS HERE being updated in real time

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Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival kicks off on August 30, 2018, and will tantalize taste buds until November 12! That’s 75 days of food, drink, and special events and experiences that, frankly, we don’t want to miss.

2017 Epcot Food and Wine

Booking for Epcot Food and Wine Festival events opens on June 14th at 7AM for the general public, and on June 12th at 9AM for select affinity groups like DVC members, Annual Passholders, and Tables in Wonderland members; and that means it’s TIME TO PLAN TODAY!

If you want to make the most of your visit to this uber-popular festival, you can’t wait until you step foot into the park to sort it all out. Last year’s festival had 35 food booths and more demonstrations, seminars, and special events than ever before, and 2018 is shaping up to be even bigger!

[Read more…]

Review and Preview: 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Causeway and Seminars

By AJ and the DFB Team 2 Comments

The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic has become a must-do food event in Orlando over the past few years.

In its eighth year in 2017, the Epcot-area resorts’ festivities include innovative dishes from renowned chefs, lots of spectacular wine offerings, and a variety of informative seminars.

Ticket holders for the event will enjoy the activities on Friday, October 27, and/or Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 5:30PM to 9PM. As in the past, there are several ticket options, which you can find on the event website. The Causeway Ticket provides unlimited access to food and drinks along the Causeway between the two resorts. The Causeway Ticket and Beer Garden ticket allows access to the unlimited Causeway offerings as well as the Beer Garden. There are also a la carte tickets, tickets for seminars, and a Sunday Bubbles Brunch.

Click here for Full Causeway Menus

Click here for Full Seminar Details

The Causeway

Intro and Check In

[Read more…]

Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Brooke 25 Comments

It’s nearly here: the Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off shortly and we are counting down the days!

Before long, we’ll all be traipsing about Epcot, noshing on old favorites and new finds.

And with more marketplace booths joining the ranks every year, there is always something to be excited about.

But planning is key, especially as the festival continues to grow. And we’re here to help!

We’ve been around the festival block a time or two, 😉 so I’m happy to share with you some of Disney Food Blog’s Top Tips for making this the best Epcot Food and Wine Festival yet! Let’s dig in!

1. Know Before You Go

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival has become massive, both in terms of timeframe and offerings. Every year, it gets longer, and more booths are introduced. This pretty much guarantees that if you show up expecting to wing it, you’re gonna miss some stuff. So planning has gotta be your starting point.

Spend some time looking at the menus, and determine your must eat and must drink lists. Give special attention to this exercise if you have particular preferences or sensitivities as Disney labels items that are gluten free and vegetarian. (For all of this year’s gluten free offerings, check out our list of GF menu items here.)

Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée at Patagonia, a Gluten Free Option

Also, give some thought to where you might escape the heat for a bit. Craft Beers, located in The Odyssey, offers a nice respite from the sun. Besides, it’s a great place to grab a cold one. In World Showcase, duck into Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan for a breather, or take in the Voices of Liberty for a break. [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Party for the Senses

By AJ and the DFB Team 1 Comment

It’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival Time. And that means we’re heading back into World ShowPlace for the grandest of the Food and Wine Festival Special Events — Party for the Senses!

In previous years, Party for the Senses one of the festival’s biggest (and priciest) Special Events, brought together over-the-top food and drink, paired with up close and personal entertainment provided by Cirque de Soleil. But in 2016, that all changed, as the events became much more specifically themed and the slate of entertainment changed with each party.

Disney Springs Featured at Party for the Senses

Join us as we look back at one of the events from last year, which celebrated Disney Springs.

Party for the Senses: A Sense of Disney Springs

Have you ever been inside the cavernous World ShowPlace? What? You don’t even know what that is?

Well, that’s because it’s a special events pavilion that’s only opened up for big doings, such as holiday dinner buffets… and grand tasting events during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, like Party for the Senses. During the rest of the year, the venue, located between the Canada and UK Pavilions, is hidden behind a large set of wooden doors.

Inside World ShowPlace

As you enter, the first room is normally sort of like a giant receiving hall. Go past this area, and that’s where the party really starts. [Read more…]

What NOT to Do at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

By AJ 19 Comments

If you’ve been hanging around here much at all, then you know that we love the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

And what’s not to love?? In 2016, we’ll have two full months to Dine Around the Promenade at Marketplace Booths, take in Special Events and Demos, and generally soak up this culinary immersion.

So we focus a lot on things you Must Try! (Grown up frozen drinks!!) and things that you Can’t Miss! (Parisian Breakfast!!) But what about the “Don’ts”?

With 20 years of Food and Wine Festival experience under our belts, we think we know a thing or two about having a good time at F&W. 😉 So today, allow us to share our list for the Mistakes We’d Like to Help You to Avoid as you plan your visit to this year’s Festival!

Put on your stretchy pants and comfy shoes, and get your DFB Food and Wine Tray ready. Time to head in!

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Book Events

There’s a reason that we tell you to be on the phone first thing bright and early on the day that Special Events, including Seminars and Demonstrations, open. These events sell out quickly — especially the ones featuring celebrity chefs.

All isn’t lost, though, if you didn’t book the second the phone lines opened. You will be able to book some events, especially the Low-Cost daily seminars and demos, right up to the time of the event.

Wine View Lounge Cheese Station at Party for the Senses

Still, it’s best to plan ahead. So if you haven’t already done so, call now and square away those reservations. It’s one less thing you’ll need to worry about when you arrive. [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Party for the Senses

By AJ 14 Comments

Today, we have a big treat for you!

You know that we love to talk about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival here at DFB. It’s like the Super Bowl and Olympics and Christmas all rolled into one!

Party for the Senses Sign

And while there’s tons to do and see and eat throughout the event, some of the most highly anticipated premium events are the Parties for the Senses. (See the review of our last time attending the event here.) In 2016, you can choose from parties held on October 1, 8, 15, 22, 28, and 29, featuring different themes. Read all about it on our Special Events Page! [Read more…]

News: Club Villain Dance and Dine Event Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 9 Comments

Hold on to your evil hats, Disney Villains fans… because it looks like Club Villain is on the way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Club Villain Screenshot on Walt Disney World website (Image ©Disney)

Club Villain has appeared on the Walt Disney World website, offering a brand new “dance-and-dine event,” which will hit the scene on January 16, 2016 and continue on select Saturday nights at Sunset Showcase. [Read more…]

News! Tahitian Terrace Diamond Luau at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland

By Wendy 10 Comments

Aloha! Ahoy! AHA!

Are you ready to raise a glass in honor of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary — and the no-longer-with-us Tahitian Terrace Restaurant — at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

The Tahitian Terrace Diamond Luau will be taking place at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel on August 10th and 11th. This ticketed event will feature the Tahitian Terrace Tribute Show (the restaurant and show closed in 1993), an historical overview presentation by Disney Imagineers, and, of course, food! The menu will [Read more…]

News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Confirmed Booths, New Dishes, and More Details!

By AJ 22 Comments

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015, and today, we’re starting to get an idea of what this year will include.

We have updates on everything from food to new attractions, so let’s get to it!

NEW Booths and Dishes

While we anticipate lots and lots more announcements about new food items, we’re getting our very first glimpse of some eats that will debut in the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths!

The Scotland Booth is back and will debut a brand new drink, the Scottish Citrus Thistle!

A Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Snap Peas will be a highlight at the Australia Booth, and the New Zealand Booth will tempt guests with a Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Kumara Dumpling.

Other new dishes will include Pepper Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese (what WHAT?!??!?) at the Farm Fresh Booth. But I super hope that amazing Hash returns in 2015!

Farm Fresh Marketplace

Of course, we are crossing our fingers and hoping that plenty of dishes that we love return as well. We do know that the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is returning to the Canada Booth!

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Will Once Again Join the Festival Line Up

So we can breathe a collective sigh of relief there. 🙂

New Special Events

We cannot wait to check out a brand new festival Premium Event — the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch, which will take place on Fridays and Sundays.

If the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch is Anything Like the Parisian Breakfast, We Can’t Wait!

A brand new premium party, the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, will also take place on select dates. More details to come about that one!

NEW Artists Debuting and Familiar Favorites Returning to Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Taking in an Eat to the Beat Concert as the sun goes down is a great way to enjoy your evening at the festival. And this year, we have some brand new acts to choose from.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat

New acts Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Khan will take the stage at the America Pavilion in 2015. They’ll be joined by several returning acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

To check out the FULL official line up, click over to our Eat to the Beat Concert Series Page!

Celebrity Chefs to Appear at the 2015 Food and Wine Festival

One of the most fun aspects of the festival is catching a low cost culinary demonstration with celebrity chefs. 2015 will see the return of many favorites. Look for Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Kenny Gilbert, and Buddy Valastro at Culinary Demos and Special Events.

Cake Boss, 2011 Sweet Sundays Event

Chef Cat Cora Book Signing at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The festival will also welcome back chef and cookbook author John Ash, who appeared at the very first festival in 1996!

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Also new for 2015 — everyone’s favorite rat chef Remy will be joining the party with [Read more…]

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Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events UPDATE! What’s Back and What’s NOT RETURNING!

Click here to visit our Festival Main Page, where we’ve gathered everything under the sun to help you plan your 2018 visit to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival!

Most of this information still isn’t available on DisneyWorld.com, and it’s taken lots of time on hold and some virtual digging to gather it. But we’re saving you the trouble!

What You Need to Know BEFORE You Book Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events!

Review and Preview: 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Causeway and Seminars

Click here for Full Causeway Menus