**2010** Epcot Food & Wine Festival ENDED 11/14. 2011 FESTIVAL 9/30-11/13

[redzinner]

Thanks for the information onelilspark & cdtommie ...

 

[DisneyJade]

attending F&W for the first time this year!
i've heard the fest can make Epcot extremely busy on the weekends.
should we aim to eat around the world during one of our weekdays instead?

 

[TDC Nala]

attending F&W for the first time this year!
i've heard the fest can make Epcot extremely busy on the weekends.
should we aim to eat around the world during one of our weekdays instead?

Based on my experience in prior years, especially last year, for your first time at the festival you would be much better off choosing a weekday.

 

[dgbg100106]

attending F&W for the first time this year!
i've heard the fest can make Epcot extremely busy on the weekends.
should we aim to eat around the world during one of our weekdays instead?

Last year was my first year and we stuck to the week days and it was great....

But even with DH and I sharing our small plates, we were not able to make it around the world in one day, we took two full days to taste everything (really only one or two dishes from each place).

That also did not include seeing any of what EPCOT has to offer, that was just food and wine.

Hope this helps in planning.

 

[JenKatt]

attending F&W for the first time this year!
i've heard the fest can make Epcot extremely busy on the weekends.
should we aim to eat around the world during one of our weekdays instead?

We always try to aim for a weekday and to get there at 11am when things open. It allows for a much better experience.

 

[PNO4TE]

Saw this on an AllEars blog this morning:

Also, you will be able to book certain culinary demonstrations and wine seminars online. These 45-minute programs are held several times each day and require a fee of $8 to $13 (tax included). If you've attended these sessions in previous years, you'll be happy to learn that this year's portion sizes will be a bit larger. According to Hunnel, they are still finalizing details on these programs, but they will be available for online booking before the end of August.

 

[TDC Nala]

Are they talking food portions or wine portions?

 

[redzinner]

Are they talking food portions or wine portions?

We were told at the Sneak Peek Dinner about the wine servings being larger. What's larger than a thimble? Larger is a relative term for sure.
Didn't hear any mention of food portions.

 

[conandrob240]

We ares trill deciding our dates. Any reports on PFTS being sold out for any weekend? How about the dessert reception?

 

[TDC Nala]

What's larger than a thimble? Two thimbles. Well, so is a thimble and a half, or a thimble and a quarter.

As for PFTS being sold out, I don't believe any of the parties are sold out but the Wine View Lounge is sold out for at least several dates.

No idea about 3D Dessert Discovery. (I don't think they describe it as a reception, according to the info we have it's going to be just like the Party for the Senses, even held in the same place, but dessert only. If you're thinking it's going to be an outdoor thing at lakeside like they do for private parties, it's likely to be not what you are expecting.)

 

[redzinner]

Here's Marianne Hunnel's verbage on 3D via Debra Martin Koma from allears:

Another addition to the program listing is the "3D Disney's Dessert Discovery," to be offered each week of the festival on either Thursday or Friday evening at the World Showplace.

"This evening is all about desserts," Hunnel stresses. "It's different from the Sweet Sundays program (which is again offered this year) in that you are not served a meal. There will be some action stations (where food is prepared) and there will be some showy elements, but this is really about the desserts themselves."

The evening, which includes cocktails and cordial pairings, is capped off with a VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Says Hunnel, "It's a great way to end your day... or rather, embellish it!"

That's the first I heard about cocktails ... hmmm I may have to rethink this event.

 

[karrit2000]

Here's Marianne Hunnel's verbage on 3D via Debra Martin Koma from allears:

Another addition to the program listing is the "3D Disney's Dessert Discovery," to be offered each week of the festival on either Thursday or Friday evening at the World Showplace.

"This evening is all about desserts," Hunnel stresses. "It's different from the Sweet Sundays program (which is again offered this year) in that you are not served a meal. There will be some action stations (where food is prepared) and there will be some showy elements, but this is really about the desserts themselves."

The evening, which includes cocktails and cordial pairings, is capped off with a VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Says Hunnel, "It's a great way to end your day... or rather, embellish it!"

That's the first I heard about cocktails ... hmmm I may have to rethink this event.

I think it's going to be very interesting to watch the fireworks after the cocktail & cordial pairings. Must find those special effect 3D glasses I got at another event that put Mickey Heads on the Fireworks. I wonder if they will be serving the same desserts each week or if they will vary like Party for the Senses.

 

[cdtommie]

All we can say is the Sam Adams seminar/tasting is not on the schedule. As to whether that means it's being offered or it's not being offered...no way to know for sure until the festival opens.

I have confirmation from Sam Adams that they will not be back this year:

Dear Tom,
I tried calling you regarding your question on whether or not Samuel Adams will be participating in the Disney Food & Wine festival this year...unfortunately, we will not be back

Cheers,
Kris Comtois Executive Assistant
The Boston Beer Company

 

[redzinner]

cdtommie, did you see this from the allears interview with Mariann Hunnel:

Hunnel notes that the festival is not only providing opportunities to sample spirits, but also beers, particularly microbrews. In fact, right at the entrance of the World Showcase Plaza will be a special experience, "15 Beers for 15 Years," which Hunnel calls a "fun selection of beers from Oregon to Florida." She notes that you'll also be able to purchase bottled versions of the brews you find especially pleasing to the palate. (The Brewer's Collection marketplace will return this year, offering a variety of German beers, such as Rudeberger Pilsner.)

Hopefully some different and good beers will be available for beer drinkers this year.

 

[pixiesnake]

cdtommie, did you see this from the allears interview with Mariann Hunnel:

Hunnel notes that the festival is not only providing opportunities to sample spirits, but also beers, particularly microbrews. In fact, right at the entrance of the World Showcase Plaza will be a special experience, "15 Beers for 15 Years," which Hunnel calls a "fun selection of beers from Oregon to Florida." She notes that you'll also be able to purchase bottled versions of the brews you find especially pleasing to the palate. (The Brewer's Collection marketplace will return this year, offering a variety of German beers, such as Rudeberger Pilsner.)

Hopefully some different and good beers will be available for beer drinkers this year.

Thanks! Hadn't seen that and was hoping the "15 Beers" marked on the map would be something good. Hubby will be very happy!

 

[cdtommie]

cdtommie, did you see this from the allears interview with Mariann Hunnel:

Hunnel notes that the festival is not only providing opportunities to sample spirits, but also beers, particularly microbrews. In fact, right at the entrance of the World Showcase Plaza will be a special experience, "15 Beers for 15 Years," which Hunnel calls a "fun selection of beers from Oregon to Florida." She notes that you'll also be able to purchase bottled versions of the brews you find especially pleasing to the palate. (The Brewer's Collection marketplace will return this year, offering a variety of German beers, such as Rudeberger Pilsner.)

Hopefully some different and good beers will be available for beer drinkers this year.

Redzinner, thanks...if they steer clear of the INBEV portfolio it might be fun this year.

Received a second email from Sam Adams that said there may be something in the works happening at Epcot but nothing is set in stone...interesting.

 

[TDC Nala]

cdtommie, did you see this from the allears interview with Mariann Hunnel:

Hunnel notes that the festival is not only providing opportunities to sample spirits, but also beers, particularly microbrews. In fact, right at the entrance of the World Showcase Plaza will be a special experience, "15 Beers for 15 Years," which Hunnel calls a "fun selection of beers from Oregon to Florida." She notes that you'll also be able to purchase bottled versions of the brews you find especially pleasing to the palate. (The Brewer's Collection marketplace will return this year, offering a variety of German beers, such as Rudeberger Pilsner.)

Hopefully some different and good beers will be available for beer drinkers this year.

I think the e-mail Tommie got refers to the FREE beer, which won't be back. Sam Adams beers will be sold at the festival (I remember reading that the festival beer this year is a LIGHT beer...aaagh) but no more free beer tasting seminars. Unless they're planning something top secret as the second email hints at.

 

[gismo1554]

I have confirmation from Sam Adams that they will not be back this year:

Dear Tom,
I tried calling you regarding your question on whether or not Samuel Adams will be participating in the Disney Food & Wine festival this year...unfortunately, we will not be back

Cheers,
Kris Comtois Executive Assistant
The Boston Beer Company

Well at least you got an answer. I on the other hand got a response that said check their local tastings!

 

[redzinner]

Well at least you got an answer. I on the other hand got a response that said check their local tastings!

gee Sarah, just how many Sam Adams local tastings are there South Wales?

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Thanks for the updates on the Beers and the Food and Wine tasting seminars.