*2013* epcot food & wine festival 9/27-11/11

[WeeVee]

When do they typically release the menus?

The booth menus? I don't believe they are 'released' until a couple days before the opening day. The placards show up in front of the booths on the World Showcase walkway. Sometimes information for the new booths is released at the Tables in Wonderland event in late July.

 

[Nakkira]

We haven't been to the festival since our oldest (now 13) was a baby so we're really looking forward to it!! But I'm NOT looking forward to telling DH that Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is not til the day we check out...

Yeah, I wish they were playing when I plan to go. I saw them once at the Bottle & cork in Rehoboth! Fantastic show.

We get The Pointer Sisters (Oct 17th) & Night Ranger (Oct 18th)

 

[Nakkira]

The booth menus? I don't believe they are 'released' until a couple days before the opening day. The placards show up in front of the booths on the World Showcase walkway. Sometimes information for the new booths is released at the Tables in Wonderland event in late July.

Yeah the booth menus! Hopefully someone will post it all as soon as they are out then. (Pics would rock!)

 

[Nakkira]

I also keep seeing things from past years about "Free demonstrations" etc.
This being a budget trip free is my favorite word.

The thing is I have yet to see any details on what these are. Not just for this year but for year's past.
There are detailed lists, review, and blog post about all the one's people Pay for. LOL.

Are "free" demo's a Disney fiction or do they exist and what are they?

 

[WeeVee]

I also keep seeing things from past years about "Free demonstrations" etc.
This being a budget trip free is my favorite word.

The thing is I have yet to see any details on what these are. Not just for this year but for year's past.
There are detailed lists, review, and blog post about all the one's people Pay for. LOL.

Are "free" demo's a Disney fiction or do they exist and what are they?

There are 'free' demos. But be prepared to wait in line a good 30-45 minutes prior to the free ones in order to get a seat.

The best place to read about events, IMHO, will be The Disney Food Blog. Here is a link to last years 2012 but AJ has already started 2013 segment.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Yeah the booth menus! Hopefully someone will post it all as soon as they are out then. (Pics would rock!)

They usually release the marketplace menu's at some point before the festival begins, maybe two weeks before? I can't remember from last year, maybe someone else on the thread will remember.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Are "free" demo's a Disney fiction or do they exist and what are they?

Here are the "free" demos from last year (from Allearsnet):

Chocolate Experience
From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company – Immerse yourself in the seductive sights, scents and flavors of chocolate at this new experience! Marvel at sweet sculptures created by Disney pastry chefs and learn about the food's fascinating origins. Sample a few sweet treats and shop for gourmet chocolate gifts. Be sure to try Drinking Chocolate (it's like a liquid candy bar!) or a glass of wine. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.

The Watermelon Patch
Hosted by The National Watermelon Promotion Board – Visit a real watermelon patch! See watermelons growing and discover fun facts and tips from Mr. Food.

Sampling at the Festival Center Wine Shop
Visit the Festival Center Wine Shop for daily wine samples provided by our participating beverages companies. Open daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Book Signings and Meet & Greets
Meet celebrated authors and personalities, and have them autograph your purchased book or merchandise. Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Bottle Signings
Meet the winemaker and have your purchased bottle of wine autographed—great for a souvenir or special occasion! Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Authentic Taste Seminars
Hosted by Driscoll's® Only The Finest Berries™
Learn about the origins, properties and history of pure ingredients in lively, 30-minute presentations by subject experts. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:15 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Seasons of the Vine
View a "behind-the-scenes introduction" to wine growing. This 7-minute film runs continuously each day.

"Discover the Cranberry"
Hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® Brand Dried Cranberries
Before entering World Showcase, visit the Cranberry Bog Display. Learn about the history, harvesting process and health benefits as you sample this unique fruit.

Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV
Each weekend of the Festival, a top designer from HGTV or DYI will present helpful tips on subjects ranging from gardening to kitchen decor and entertaining.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Here are the "free" demos from last year (from Allearsnet):

Quick note about the book signings - at least for the popular ones in the past they gave out wrist bands at the beginning of the day and then you cam back at the appropriate time and you had to have a band to get in line. I know some people got left out as they didn't know they needed to go early in the day to get wrist bands

 

[BeerMe]

An observation. Should be drink to the beat not eat to the beat

 

[Nakkira]

An observation. Should be drink to the beat not eat to the beat

Should be.. but let's face it.. Disney cannot pass up a catchy rhyme..the earth would stop spinning or something!

How about "Consume to the Tunes"?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Should be.. but let's face it.. Disney cannot pass up a catchy rhyme..the earth would stop spinning or something!

How about "Consume to the Tunes"?

"imbibe to that jive"

"Chug then cut a rug"

 

[bellepearle]

Soooo upset that Boys II Men are going to be there the day AFTER we leave!!! Just saw them in concert and they were amazing! They're also really nice!

 

[HiMagicFan]

Waiting to see if the Chef's Tour is going to happen.

We had to opt out of my other wish list items because they happen during our TOT weekend and after. My sister didn't know if she was gonna be up for Sweet Sundays so said don't pay and lose money....so while we are going to miss that, I now have more spending money to use at the booths and shopping!

On that note: is there a special Food & Wine pin?

 

[ryansstitch]

This will be our first time at F&W. I have a question about Canada. If they have the cheese soup, does it include any pretzel bread? If not, is there anywhere to get some without making a reservation for Le Cellier?

Not to my knowledge. But I do have a le cellier ressie 10/19 if you'll be around then. I don't mind getting you a bit of bread!

 

[BeerMe]

I wish Aerosmith was going to perform.

 

[PatriciaH]

is there a special Food & Wine pin?

Yes, they usually have a few.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I have heard that there is a soft opening or preview day which is usually held the day before F+W Festival is officially open to the public. Just wondering if this was just a rumor or is something that happens every year. We loved F+W last year (our first time) and we know the opening weekend (F,Sa, Su) was super packed. Our plans this year have us going to Epcot 1 day before the F+W opens and someone said it would be a preview day. Hoping that it is!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Usually there is a soft opening. More limited hours. Seems like it was evening only and I know most booths closed by 8. Some never seemed to open

 

[bellepearle]

I'm not sure if this has been answered yet but will the menus for the booths be posted somewhere before F&W starts so we can decide which booths we want to go to? Thanks!

 

[HiMagicFan]

I'm not sure if this has been answered yet but will the menus for the booths be posted somewhere before F&W starts so we can decide which booths we want to go to? Thanks!

There was a post that said menus are not usually available before hand. Somewhere around page 13 I think.