**2011** Epcot Food & Wine Festival HAS ENDED. 2012 Festival 9/28 - 11/11

[Billabongi]

Anybody have a list of the chef demos in the festival house yet? I haven't seen anything and just want to make sure I am not missing it. Dont wanna miss out on them

 

[AJW]

Anybody have a list of the chef demos in the festival house yet? I haven't seen anything and just want to make sure I am not missing it. Dont wanna miss out on them

As far as I know, the exact chefs and demos haven't been announced yet. These came out later last year as well, if I remember correctly.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Can't wait to try the griddled cheese in Greece, but people will mourn the spanikopita. And yogurt replaces baklava?! What?!

ITA on all counts! Wasn't too excited about Dannon Greek yogurt being a headliner.

Other things I'll miss from last year - the ceviche from Chile, the almond cake and tasting plate from Spain, the flamed cherry colada from Puerto Rico (although there's the dragon berry colado, which I'll give a try).

 

[cdtommie]

also, something like Blue Moon (which is brewed by Coors) isn't much of a "Craft beer"

Nothing noteworthy at the "Craft" Beer booth this year unfortunately - will definitely be skipping this. At least last year at the 15 beers for 15 years you could grab a La Fin du Monde.

 

[poeticeclipse]

While there are some new items this year that I am excited about, there are some "missing" items that I'm going to miss.

Australia had Barramundi last year that was out of this world and probably my favorite item that I tried. I am sure the shrimp will be delicious but.. I'm going to miss a really unique fish selection.

The beer is a disappointment to me this year as well. We're taking friends this year that have never experience F&WF and I keep telling them about the beer options... I feel like I need to eat my words now. Boo. I miss 15 for 15! how about 16 for 16?!

I'm going to enjoy the New Zealand scallop changing a bit and new seafood options all over as well. I don't eat "land" animals so it's always a bit of a challenge to find something new and exciting. This year I should have no problem with new things though!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Love the new F&W booths! Some newbies, some oldies and some countries have changed it up a bit - finally!

Great seminars too....so much to do and so little time...10 days isnt enough

Looks like DH and I will be in Epcot from sunup to sundown...better bring the stretchy shorts

 

[Brocktoon]

Nothing noteworthy at the "Craft" Beer booth this year unfortunately - will definitely be skipping this. At least last year at the 15 beers for 15 years you could grab a La Fin du Monde.

The only thing that catches my eye is wheat rauchbier. I've seen and had smoked marzens, but I've never heard of a smoked wheat. Honestly it doesn't sound too appetizing for a wheat variety ... but I'm interested enought to try it.

 

[BriarRosie]

AJ's map link is in the first post now.

I think these are interesting changes:

Hops & Barley: Crab cake is indeed gone. Food offerings at the booth are all lobster (and one dessert).
Brewers' Collection: Smoked wheat beer sounds interesting
Japan: Tuna Sensation is now Tuna and Salmon Sensation.
Morocco: Harissa Chicken Roll!
France: Coq au Vin has replaced the short ribs. I like it
Ireland: Selling no "entrees" except the Fisherman's Pie which is the second most popular festival item from last year
(#1 is Canada's cheese soup...go figure)
Craft beers cut waaaaay down this year

Ok, who is Linda Bean, and why is her lobster roll something special? She's got two lobster dishes, so I had to ask. I think the smoked wheat beer sounds cool, but that's in Germany, where they had interesting beers.

I will regret that I won't be grabbing the Judgement at Nurnberger sausage, then getting a beer sampler at the beer garden this year. Do that for me and raise a cup in my absence.

On the other hand, who made up the craft beers list? If I were still going this year, I wouldn't want to get the Leinenkugel. I can get that on tap at the bar/restaurant down the street. And Blue Moon I can get at Costco. If they had brought over that Karl Strauss beer they serve at Disney California Adventure...I'd want that.

The food stuff sounds pretty good. That bunny chow thing just kills me. I know it's a veggie dish, but I'd love it if it said, "made with real bunnies!".

 

[dgbg100106]

While there are some new items this year that I am excited about, there are some "missing" items that I'm going to miss.

Australia had Barramundi last year that was out of this world and probably my favorite item that I tried. I am sure the shrimp will be delicious but.. I'm going to miss a really unique fish selection.

The beer is a disappointment to me this year as well. We're taking friends this year that have never experience F&WF and I keep telling them about the beer options... I feel like I need to eat my words now. Boo. I miss 15 for 15! how about 16 for 16?!

I'm going to enjoy the New Zealand scallop changing a bit and new seafood options all over as well. I don't eat "land" animals so it's always a bit of a challenge to find something new and exciting. This year I should have no problem with new things though!

Totally agree about the Barramundi , it will be missed by us also.

And the beer, what happened to the beer?

 

[dgbg100106]

Ok, who is Linda Bean, and why is her lobster roll something special? She's got two lobster dishes, so I had to ask. I think the smoked wheat beer sounds cool, but that's in Germany, where they had interesting beers.

I will regret that I won't be grabbing the Judgement at Nurnberger sausage, then getting a beer sampler at the beer garden this year. Do that for me and raise a cup in my absence.

On the other hand, who made up the craft beers list? If I were still going this year, I wouldn't want to get the Leinenkugel. I can get that on tap at the bar/restaurant down the street. And Blue Moon I can get at Costco. If they had brought over that Karl Strauss beer they serve at Disney California Adventure...I'd want that.

The food stuff sounds pretty good. That bunny chow thing just kills me. I know it's a veggie dish, but I'd love it if it said, "made with real bunnies!".

Linda Bean is part of the L.L. Bean clan....

here is her link to the restaurant.
http://lindabeansmainelobster.com/Index

 

[gometros]

This will be our first time where we will be at WDW a long vacation and want to take part in the F&W Festival. When reservations open up on August 16th, can they only be done over the phone, or will there be web registrations too?

 

[TheRatPack]

what is the thursday like the day before F&W opens??? I know they have the First Bites that day, but we can't take the kids to that. We don't want to go Friday because the crowds would be too much for them. Thursday really is the only day we can do it. I've found only 1 site that mentioned a cast preview day on the thursday before the festival opened, back in 2009. do they do that every year? are we going to miss it if thursday is the only day we can go?

I know i'll have the afterparty after the marathon, but really.......after the fiasco last year, I'm not counting on actually getting anything that night!

I'm also counting on the cast preview, I hope that doesn't change. We only have Thursday and Friday to hit Epcot and hated to go on a busy opening Friday night. If needed we'll go back on Friday, earlier in the day to check out anything we miss on Thursday but I sure hope we don't have to, I hope they have cast preview.

On cast preview day, do they allow you to use snack credits as well? I hadn't even thought of that before...since it's for cast members but they allow the public to partake in it as well?

I'm so excited....the menu looks so yummy as well as the new offerings.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am fine with the changs... that's just what has to happen.

That said I agree that while they didn't have to bring back the 2010 beers they could have done MUCH better then they did. Those aren't "craft" beers, it's just "people who will pay to be here beers" LOL!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I'm so happy the released the booth info

I'm happy to see these still on the menu:
- Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (there would be a riot if they removed it! )
- Escargots Persillade en Brioche (I could eat dozens of these!)
- Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey's Ganache (again...could eat dozens!)
- Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions & Sour Cream (I know they aren't the most authentic pierogies, but I love them!)
- Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread (Cheese) (Happy to see they did away with the potatoes to dip, here's hoping they will have a slightly thicker fondue this year)
- Apple Strudel featuring Werther's Original Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Sauce (Germany) (I think we may have skipped this last year and I'm curious to see what it tastes like with the caramel sauce)
- Moosehead Beer Glazed Salmon with Barley Salad (Canada) (Nice new take on the glazed salmon)

New items I'm excited to try:
- Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze (Australia) (no offense to anyone who liked it, but I'm so happy they got rid of the Barramundi Fish...the smell was quite off-putting to me)
- Grilled Lamp Chop with Potato-Goat Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction (Australia) (I think the tartness of the goat cheese and the rich wine reduction will be great pairings for the lamb)
- Rib Eye Taco (Mexico) (I've been meaning to try this in the Taquiza at La Hacienda and haven't had the chance yet)
- Shrimp Taco (Mexico) (My absolute favorite item from La Hacienda, I'll be getting several of these over the course of the festival)
- Artisan Cheese Collection with Sweet Gras Dairy Thomasville Tomme, Delice de Bourgogne, PC Wyngaard Chevre Affineurs Goat Gouda (Cheese) (I am thrilled that cheese has returned to the festival and I can vouch for Delice de Bourgogne! It is a super yummy triple cream.)
- Cappellini con Gamberi Piccanti (Cappellini Pasta with Spicy Shrimp) (Italy) (Cappellini and shrimp is one of my favorite quick dinners at home. My only concern is that they might overcook the cappellini trying to produce it in mass quantities?)
- Linda Bean's Lobster Claw Cuddler with Drawn Butter (Hops & Barley) (I read about these and instantly started drooling )
- Linda Bean's Perfect Maine Lobster Roll (Hops & Barley) (same as above. Personally, I am thrilled that Linda doesn't add celery or fillers to her lobster roll. I'd rather pay more and have just lobster.)
- Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Crasins and Orange Sauce (Hops & Barley) (This sounds very interesting. It will either be a big hit, or an epic miss)
- Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni" (Red Wine Braised Chicken, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin) (France) (OMG this sounds like heaven on a plate! Though I will miss the Cabernet Braised Short Ribs...I loved them!)
- Grilled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (Greece) (Really excited to try this, as it sounds like one of my favorite dishes from our local greek restaurant.
- Dannon Greek Yogurt Parfait with Strawberries (Greece) (I'm sure this will be good, but it seems a bit simple)
- Lemon Chiffon (Desserts & Champagne) (I'm assuming cake?)
- White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls (Desserts & Champagne) (Two of my favorite things...chocolate and macadamia nuts...I'm sold!)
- Tres Leches Verrine (Desserts & Champagne) (Sounds interesting)
- Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise (Hawaii) (Cannot wait to try this! Sounds like a new take of BBQ pulled pork)
- Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips (Hawaii) (I love poke, hoping that this one is great)

 

[miste76]

I'm also counting on the cast preview, I hope that doesn't change. We only have Thursday and Friday to hit Epcot and hated to go on a busy opening Friday night. If needed we'll go back on Friday, earlier in the day to check out anything we miss on Thursday but I sure hope we don't have to, I hope they have cast preview.

QUOTE]

Cast Preview??? Can anyone give more information about this - are all of the kiosks open? Is the welcome center open? We have never been down for the first weekend of F&WF before (at least not that I can remember) and it's clear that we should not go to the Opening bites reception with our children... Thanks in advance

Another thought... has anyone ever done the opening bites reception or PFTS solo? I'm not extremely outgoing... (meaning that I would probably stand quietly by myself - not one to start conversations with people that I don't know.) I'm imagining that I would be lonely, bored and want to leave an hour into the evening if I went by myself - what's your thoughts/experiences?

 

[TDC Nala]

This will be our first time where we will be at WDW a long vacation and want to take part in the F&W Festival. When reservations open up on August 16th, can they only be done over the phone, or will there be web registrations too?

We're not exactly sure.

This is how it was done in the past: special events phone only, Festival Center seminars/demonstrations online only.

This year the sneak peek attendees heard they would be opening all the events up to online booking OR phone booking unless you wanted discounted weekday seminars - which had to be booked by phone.

Because they've never done the events online before we will have to wait and see how that works out. Disneyland's always booked their events online but they didn't get the demand that WDW gets. And we all know how great Disney's IT is.

Cast preview = on the day before the official start of the festival (this year it will be September 29) they have some of the kiosks open for testing. It's possible not all of them will be open. They do not ask whether or not you're cast before selling you anything though. Don't know about whether they'll take snack credits a day early.

I had some pierogies in 2009. I thought they were terrible. haven't touched them since.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think I'm kind of confused. What are the things called that in previous years were held in the Event center, lasted about 45 minutes, and used to be free up until last year when they started charging $5-$9, (I think, depending on whether you were eligible for any kind of discount)? Here's a picture from one-

When I go to the festival page and click on "Events", it brings me to different things; so I tried "Seminars" (or was it "Demonstrations") and that doesn't give me them either. Are they not being offered this year? Any rumors that that might be the case? Or am I just being over-anxious? Frankly, the events I see now are so costly, I'd rather spend that amount of money just wandering the booths. But these smaller things were more affordable and less time-consuming.

 

[TDC Nala]

They will be having seminars/demonstrations in the festival center this year. Lists and schedules are not out yet. Cost goes up to about $8-13 per person.

 

[redzinner]

From the Disney website concerning Demonstrations and Seminars (held at the Festival Center):

Demonstrations & Seminars (Additional Fee Required)

Learn to create mouthwatering recipes or learn a little more about food and wine.

The following seminars and demonstrations are available at a fee, in addition to your Epcot Theme Park admission.

Culinary Demonstrations: Celebrated chefs and beverage professionals offer helpful tips and tasty samples at these 45-minute culinary demonstrations. At 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. $11 and $13 per person, tax included.

Mixology Seminars - NEW!: A mixologist demonstrates the art of preparing trendy and classic cocktails, then serves you the final product. Cheers! At 6:00 p.m. daily. $12 per person, tax included.

Scent Demonstration - NEW!: Join scent critic Chandler Burr for a unique double-culinary experience—a meal made entirely of scents! You'll also get to taste one of the courses, prepared by a Disney chef. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. $13 per person, tax included.

Wine/Beverage Seminars: Meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn a handful of tips and sample the selected wines/beverages. At noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. $10 and $12 per person, tax included.

To secure a spot at any of the above events, book online or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378. Reservations open for booking on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.

For the Premium Special Events such as Party for the Senses, Signature Dinners,Food & Wine pairings, Wine Schools, etc the Disney site says:

With this special series of programs and experiences, you can meet winemakers, guest chefs and celebrity speakers. Wine and beer tastings let you sip from the best in the world while delicious experiences—such as Party for the Senses—dish up unforgettable tastes.

Reservations open August 16, 2011 at 7:00 a.m. Call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378 or visit the Festival Welcome Center at Epcot Theme Park for additional information and reservations.

No mention is made of making reservations for the Premium Special Events (new terminology) online, just by phone or stopping by the Festival Center.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

My comments:

* I'm a little disappointed in the amount of tie-ins from grocery store companies this year.

* Oohhh Greek Yogurt w/ Strawberries! Totally what I want on a 95 degree day in the sun. Never mind that I have that in my fridge easily enough.

* Seashell Truffles do sound really good.

* I'm happy Dragon Berry Colada is back from 2009. We loved it!

* Yay no more potatoes w/ the Fondue. They just didn't work well with those cheap plastic forks.

* Coq au Vin sounds great - I hope they pull it off well

* Griddle Greek Cheese w/ Pistachios and Honey sounds really good to me right now.

* Claw Cuddler just doesn't sound right. I imagine a stuffed lobster to cuddle or something.