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

[oybolshoi]

I got all excited when I saw that Disney changed the PM EMH from Tues to Wed since we arrive on a Wed and were going to miss EMH as we leave Tues Morning but it is just not as exciting if the food booths shut down

I know ... unfortunately it's been that way for the last couple of years. We usually head over to the Crews Cup Lounge to finish the night out since there's not much of anything at DTD any longer.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am going to chime in with a "negative" review on the seminars.

I have done them for several years and really didn't mind paying. However the way I saw guests and presenters treated last year really turned me off. And Disney's "failure" to even acknowlege my complaint was kind of the final blow. I probably won't waste my money on them again.

I went to two and at both of them we were PACKED into the tables even though the space was half empty. Why? So the "staff" can walk around emptying the extra wine they poured. (Why? can't they count either?) At both of them there were special needs guests on the back row who had a great view of the Cast Members collecting the wine glasses they should NOT have filled, but because of that could not see the presenation.

At one of these I was sitting in the aisle because there was NO table left when they "shoved" me in there. I got up and moved to the empty table behind me prompting "Miss Bossy" who ran the event last year to come stand there and FUSS at me (during the presenation) There was a rep from the wine company there who apologized to me for her behavior and basically told her to leave me alone! (She about had a fit when the wine rep reached back and got the "glasses" the CM was getting ready to trash and gave them to the guests who were enjoying the wine... Miss Bossy said "that's against the rules' Wine rep said "it's our wine we don't think it should be wasted" Miss Bossy went storming off saying something about management, but did not return with reinforcements! ) That was my last seminar. I don't need to pay to be treated rudely.

 

[franandaj]

I'm so glad I found this thread, but it's probably good I didn't find it sooner! I've been obsessing over the kiosks and Signature events since April, seems to me that's when they came out in 2009.

Originally we planned to go to VWL first to avoid the weekends at F&W. Then I read DisYoda's review of the Grand Mariner tasting and switched everything around in hopes that they will offer that this year, but at least we can count on PFTS. I hope they offer the Wine View Lounge. My partner is disabled and we couldn't really do it comfortably for the general price.

After a couple days at UO/IAO we plan to stay 4 nights at BCV Oct. 27 - 31, and the next three nights at VWL. We had planned on all our meals coming from the kiosks and events, except we thought about cooking dinner in the Villa Thursday and Sunday nights. After reading this thread, I think we'll hit the kiosks Thursday night and plan on cooking that dinner in the room Friday when the local crowds come in.

 

[redzinner]

Pam Brandon, Disney Food Writer has posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Scoop on the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

 

[kabuki]

Pam Brandon, Disney Food Writer has posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Scoop on the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

WOOHOO! Thank you!
Hope the mixology seminars are fun!

 

[franandaj]

But when do we get DETAILS!!!!!!!

 

[redzinner]

WOOHOO! Thank you!
Hope the mixology seminars are fun!

Molecular Mixology ???

But when do we get DETAILS!!!!!!!

Oh wow, maybe in another month.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

From what I've heard, full schedule will be released a full 5 days before booking. I do hope I heard wrong though. I think they are going to slowly release info through the blogs like they have been doing but detailed descriptions + pricing + all dates wont be announced until then.

 

[ilovejsparrow]

Just found this thread.. I am SO excited because I found out today that I'll be going to my very first F&W!!

 

[kabuki]

Molecular Mixology ???

NO!!! Real BOOZE with NO OIL BALLS!

NO!!! Real BOOZE with NO OIL BALLS!

From what I've heard, full schedule will be released a full 5 days before booking. I do hope I heard wrong though. I think they are going to slowly release info through the blogs like they have been doing but detailed descriptions + pricing + all dates wont be announced until then.

UGH! Lets hope not!

 

[franandaj]

From what I've heard, full schedule will be released a full 5 days before booking. I do hope I heard wrong though. I think they are going to slowly release info through the blogs like they have been doing but detailed descriptions + pricing + all dates wont be announced until then.

That would be a drag, that's two months away! I have no trips at all, not really any events through that time period, the wait will be excruciating! Do you have any trips planned through which I can live vicariously?

 

[AJW]

Thanks Red!!

5 days before booking? That's tragic.

Also, any news on the deminar booking being at a different time than the special events?

AND, final question, I don't remember any mixology seminars last year - just the Grand Marnier. Am I bonkers?

 

[redzinner]

AND, final question, I don't remember any mixology seminars last year - just the Grand Marnier. Am I bonkers?

You are not bonkers! Does that make you feel better?

The only true mixology seminars I remember were at the Swan & Dolphin Food Classic. I don't know if Disney is referring to the numerous liquor (scotch, rum, etc.) seminars they had last year or not? Ocean Spray could really advertise with a Mixology Seminar! Your DFB info is awesome AJ. Love your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans page on Facebook!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

That would be a drag, that's two months away! I have no trips at all, not really any events through that time period, the wait will be excruciating! Do you have any trips planned through which I can live vicariously?

No trips here. I just got back from a trip with a friend of mine from May 17 to 22 but I didn't take food pictures that trip as it was a more ride based trip than food based.

I'm trying to figure something foodie like to do in July for my birthday as my husband is out of town the week before and after with work so I need to figure out a good 'me' thing during that time.

Thanks Red!!

5 days before booking? That's tragic.

Also, any news on the deminar booking being at a different time than the special events?

AND, final question, I don't remember any mixology seminars last year - just the Grand Marnier. Am I bonkers?

Just the grand marnier taste shake indulge with the epcot festival. You aren't bonkers.

 

[franandaj]

No trips here. I just got back from a trip with a friend of mine from May 17 to 22 but I didn't take food pictures that trip as it was a more ride based trip than food based.

I'm trying to figure something foodie like to do in July for my birthday as my husband is out of town the week before and after with work so I need to figure out a good 'me' thing during that time.



Just the grand marnier taste shake indulge with the epcot festival. You aren't bonkers.

Good luck on finding something fun :

So I'm just going to "assume" when they refer to mixology sessions, they mean the Grand Marnier one will be back. I will make sure I'm up early on the 16th and will try for that first. Then PFTS reserved seating.

 

[Inkmahm]

Love when this sticky shows up on the boards!

Wow, I'm about a month late! Glad to see the thread is up and running.

 

[huey578]

New info from Disney Park Blog
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...arks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)&utm_content=My+Yahoo
The Scoop on the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

posted on June 13th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

Details will continue to unfold between now and the start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, themed “Passport to a World of Flavors,” but here are the early highlights for the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

From Sept. 30-Nov. 13, Epcot World Showcase Promenade features a panoply of delicious tastes, wine and cocktail pairings and other drinks, live entertainment and special culinary fun. More than 25 international marketplaces feature tapas-sized portions ($3 to $8) paired with beer, wine and cocktails.

2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

What’s hot this year? Here are the headlines:

* Hawaii, the Caribbean islands and Portugal all debut Marketplaces – look for Kailua pork sliders in Hawaii, ropa vieja in the Caribbean and calamari salad in Portugal.
* The new Odyssey Lounge opens, where guests can check in with friends and family back home, play games and surf the web while enjoying a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine or beer. There’s even a charging station for mobile phones and other electronic devices.
* Celeb chefs are back – top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio and more. All told, more than 270 chefs participate.
* There’s always fun stuff at the Festival Welcome Center, from a wine bar to tasting seminars and free sessions with cookbook authors.
* Eat to the Beat! Concert Series is back at America Gardens Theatre with first timers the Pointer Sisters, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and Gin Blossoms. Taylor Dayne kicks it off opening weekend.
* Also back are First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29 (one time only); Kitchen Memories (formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen); Mixology Seminar, and “3D” Disney Dessert Discovery. And of course the grand Party for the Senses!
* A new Cranberry Bog display by Craisins tells the story behind the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs (Aug. 16 is the date you can start booking). Festival details are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

 

[famsen]

I was reading somewhere about a Grand Marnier tasting event held at the French restaurant during the fest in years past. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Is there any word on this being held this year? What is it called?

 

[BriarRosie]

I was reading somewhere about a Grand Marnier tasting event held at the French restaurant during the fest in years past. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Is there any word on this being held this year? What is it called?

The Grand Marnier tasting event was new last year, and there's no guarantee it will be back. I've seen events come and go over the past decade. Some events I thought were popular went away after a couple years, sometimes after just one year.

We won't know until Disney releases the special events, probably sometime next month.

 

[oybolshoi]

A cranberry bog?