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

[Tamar]

I think it would be pushing it, and I'm not sure I'd want a sit-down meal right after a wine and dessert pairing. I'd say skip the dinner and eat something after the mixology deminar.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

So this would be my schedule:

1 pm - Culinary Demo
2 -4 pm - Italy Dessert and Wine Pairing
6 pm - Mixology Seminar

If I squeeze in Le Cellier at 445, will I even make it? Or will I even be hungry?

You're trying to do too much in one afternoon.

The culinary demo will last 45-50 minutes. You've allowed no time to walk from the Festival Center to Tutto Italia (a substantial distance), where you should check in around 10 minutes before the 2 p.m. start time.

Because it's so popular, Le Cellier has a nasty habit of not seating right at the reservation time, but making people wait. You might be able to do a single-course meal at Le Cellier, but, even then, getting back to the Festival Center in time may be a challenge.

I would skip Le Cellier and use the time between Tutto Italia and Mixology to sample a few international culinary booths around World Showcase Lagoon.

 

[Kathymford]

Thanks everyone...I think I knew the answer, but just love hearing from the vets! Thanks!

 

[zima-cheryl]

Hi folks, I need some assistance from the F&W vets. We are going to WDW for the very first time, which obviously means I'm a F&W newbie also.

I have bought tickets for a few of the events, but wasn't really planning on making any dining reservations at all at Epcot since I figured we'd be eating at all the kiosks and such.

But today, I looked and there is a Le Cellier ADR open at 445. I've been looking for ADRs here, since we are both big steak eaters, but we are only spending one day in Epcot and are probably not going to have parkhoppers.

So this would be my schedule:

1 pm - Culinary Demo
2 -4 pm - Italy Dessert and Wine Pairing
6 pm - Mixology Seminar

If I squeeze in Le Cellier at 445, will I even make it? Or will I even be hungry?

I think I may be trying to jam pack my schedule too much. Thoughts? TIA

I would add that additionally, I'm not sure Le Cellier is worth it since they have upped their prices. Don't get me wrong, it is good.... I'm just not sure it is that good. Save your $$ and enjoy the samplings in World Showcase.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Hello all,

We've had a family snafu that will in all likelihood prevent me from attending F&W this year. We've already purchased our premium events (at the crack of dawn on the first day reservations were open). It struck me last night that the reservations are all in my name and, unlike previous years where the CM asked for the names of all members of our party, I was just asked for the number of adults in our party for each event this year. Since I will not be able to attend, and the others in my party will be attending, do you think they will have problems checking in for the events? Should I call Disney and let them know about the situation? If so, where should I call?

Thanks for any advice you can provide! Evey

 

[cloudnut220]

I would suggest emailing guest relations and letting them get back to you. THe folks I dealt with on guest relations were fantastic, and they could actually fix things, unlike the people on disney dining, who were not.

guest.mail@wdw.disneyonline.com

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

I would suggest emailing guest relations and letting them get back to you. THe folks I dealt with on guest relations were fantastic, and they could actually fix things, unlike the people on disney dining, who were not.

guest.mail@wdw.disneyonline.com

Thanks for the quick response. I appreciate it! =)

 

[JohnathanS]

Hi All,

I was wondering how early one should arrive to get a decent (not necessarily front row) seat for the culinary demonstrations?

Thanks!

 

[crazy4wdw]

Anyone planning to go the D23 Sip & Stroll event? I'd like to go but the $195 ticket price seems steep to me.

DATES October 16–17, 2011

LOCATION Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

TIME Check in begins at 6 p.m. on October 16

TICKETS Available Tuesday, September 13, Cost: $195 per person

Join the D23 Team as we once again celebrate the savory sensations of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival with a weekend of unique events and experiences just for D23 Members. The festivities begin Sunday evening as we gather for a reception on the second floor of The American Adventure pavilion, featuring a selection of wine and artisan cheeses. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages will also be served to set the tone for a fabulous event.

We will then proceed to the foyer of The American Adventure rotunda for a sumptuous dinner served in the rotunda with special guest, Disney Legend Bob Gurr. In keeping with our “American adventure,” each station will be themed to a different region of the United States. Guests will be able to enjoy New Orleans crayfish soup, crisp California greens, Pacific Coast salmon, basil-seared North Carolina chicken breast with Georgia peaches, Midwestern grass-fed beef medallions with a Washington State Cabernet Demi and much more! The cross-country dessert selection includes Key Lime Pie, Louisiana pecan squares and other sweet treats.

Monday morning we will convene inside the World Showplace in Epcot’s World Showcase for a morning of culinary delights. Marianne Hunnel and Michael Jenner, event content development area manager and operations manager, respectively, for the festival will give guests a look at the rich (and delicious!) history and highlight some of the new additions to this year’s event.

Then it’s time for a pairing party! Expert chefs and food and wine aficionados will walk guests through a selection of wine and beer pairings with international delicacies from Hawaii, the Caribbean, Portugal, and Scandinavia—all regions being highlighted in this year’s Festival.

That afternoon, guests can join D23 head Steven Clark and others from the D23 Team as we sip and stroll our way around World Showcase—stopping in two special locations around the lagoon for a special Sip & Stroll treat.

Also during the day, take some time to get out of the sun and relax! The VIP lounge inside The American Adventure parlor will be open just for D23 Members as a place to enjoy some water or lemonade. If you haven’t seen the elegantly designed lounge, you will definitely want to stop in for a look and a libation. You also won’t want to miss the selection of exclusive D23 merchandise on display in the lounge, including our new collection featuring Bacchus, the god of wine, as from Fantasia, and his pal Jacchus, which will be available for order. All purchases will be shipped directly to your home!

That evening we will gather at the America Gardens Theatre for reserved seating to the Eat to the Beat concert, featuring Sugar Ray (“Fly,” “Every Morning,” “Someday”).

We’ll then walk over to Isle de France, in front of the French pavilion for private, reserved viewing of the nighttime spectacular IllumiNations and a dessert party that will include such sweet sensations as fresh strawberries, coffee-dusted compressed chocolate brownies, a doughnut flambé station and more! The perfect way to end a fantastic food-filled weekend!

Included with the cost of your ticket:
•Private wine and cheese reception Sunday evening on the second floor of The American Adventure rotunda
•Dinner Sunday evening inside the foyer of The American Adventure
•Exclusive presentations Monday at the World Showplace from Marianne Hunnel and Michael Jenner
•A pairing party inside the World Showplace with flavorful wines and beers pairs with cuisines from Hawaii, the Caribbean, Portugal, Italy, France and Germany
•A “sip and stroll” Monday afternoon with members of the D23 Team, with meeting times for special goodies
•Access Monday to the VIP lounge inside theThe American Adventure parlor with exclusive D23 Merchandise
•Private VIP seating at Sugar Ray’s Eat to the Beat concert
•Private dessert party and viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Isle de France

 

[babyrich]

My DH and I have been to WDW several times but we have never seen Illuminations. We just never wanted to deal with the rush of the crowd after its over. This year we are staying at the Beach Club so we figure we wont have to rush to a bus, so we will catch Illuminations. Now my question is, I have a 7:40pm reservation at Rose & Crown hoping to get a good view of the show, does it start at 9pm if that is the time the park closes?

 

[tiggrbaby]

My DH and I have been to WDW several times but we have never seen Illuminations. We just never wanted to deal with the rush of the crowd after its over. This year we are staying at the Beach Club so we figure we wont have to rush to a bus, so we will catch Illuminations. Now my question is, I have a 7:40pm reservation at Rose & Crown hoping to get a good view of the show, does it start at 9pm if that is the time the park closes?

We did that two years ago and have ressies to do that again this year. We had a great view, although it was a little chilly on the water! Since we were in the restaurant, it did not matter. I think that it is more the rides that close at 9. We very leisurely strolled out of the park when we were done with our meal, which was after Illuminations.

 

[redzinner]

My DH and I have been to WDW several times but we have never seen Illuminations. We just never wanted to deal with the rush of the crowd after its over. This year we are staying at the Beach Club so we figure we wont have to rush to a bus, so we will catch Illuminations. Now my question is, I have a 7:40pm reservation at Rose & Crown hoping to get a good view of the show, does it start at 9pm if that is the time the park closes?

Illuminations is at 10 pm on all Saturdays in October and Nov 5 & 12. I don't know if that affects your reservation timing to view Illuminations from Rose & Crown or not, only if your reservation is on a Saturday during the festival.

 

[franandaj]

Anyone planning to go the D23 Sip & Stroll event? I'd like to go but the $195 ticket price seems steep to me.

I think it sounds awesome! I'll be there two weeks later. If it worked for my dates I think it sounds like a great deal. Exclusive experiences like that don't come cheap. Sounds like you get at least one dinner out of it and some grazing Monday too.

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Wondering...do they still have that Sam Adams tasting? I remember a year or two ago hearing about it...does this still happen? I saw the listing of beverages on the pamphlet, but maybe I'm missing something or imagining something

Thanks!

 

[Kathymford]

We did that two years ago and have ressies to do that again this year. We had a great view, although it was a little chilly on the water! Since we were in the restaurant, it did not matter. I think that it is more the rides that close at 9. We very leisurely strolled out of the park when we were done with our meal, which was after Illuminations.

So you can get a good view of Illuminations from Rose and Crown? Is this a special ticket or anything (like Fantasmic!)?

 

[redzinner]

Hi All,

I was wondering how early one should arrive to get a decent (not necessarily front row) seat for the culinary demonstrations?
Thanks!

I would say to be queuing up about 20 minutes prior to the demo start time. Make sure you get your hard ticket first before you get in line. The CMs kind of direct you where they want you to go, in order to get everyone in quickly, but I think you still can choose the table and seat you prefer.

Wondering...do they still have that Sam Adams tasting? I remember a year or two ago hearing about it...does this still happen? I saw the listing of beverages on the pamphlet, but maybe I'm missing something or imagining something

Thanks!

No free Sam Adams tasting any longer. There will be Sam Adams for sale at the Hops & Barley Kiosk back by the America Pavilion. #16 0n the guide map

 

[tiggrbaby]

So you can get a good view of Illuminations from Rose and Crown? Is this a special ticket or anything (like Fantasmic!)?

No ticket. You just have to request sitting on the patio. They will not guarantee it, but if you check in early and are willing to wait, it can happen!

 

[franandaj]

No ticket. You just have to request sitting on the patio. They will not guarantee it, but if you check in early and are willing to wait, it can happen!

We used to do that until a CM told us that we had to take the table they were offering us or forfeit the ADR. We begrudgingly took the table, ate a hasty meal (spending much less than we would have originally), and rushed off to find a viewing spot. We have not been back to R&C since.

 

[cbg1027]

I have the 3D Dessert Discovery booked for Friday Oct 28. It's scheduled for 8pm and that's what the reservation on the Disney website still says.

However, when I booked the event, Illuminations and park closing were scheduled for 9 that evening. Now Illuminations and park closing have been moved to 10.

So does that mean that the Dessert Discovery has been moved to 9? Or will it still be at 8....and just go longer? Or will they kick us out around 9 and tell everyone to re-convene at the reserved viewing area for Illuminations?

Anyone have an idea? I haven't heard anything from Disney or seen any reports around the web.

 

[marshwiggle]

I have the 3D Dessert Discovery booked for Friday Oct 28. It's scheduled for 8pm and that's what the reservation on the Disney website still says.

However, when I booked the event, Illuminations and park closing were scheduled for 9 that evening. Now Illuminations and park closing have been moved to 10.

So does that mean that the Dessert Discovery has been moved to 9? Or will it still be at 8....and just go longer? Or will they kick us out around 9 and tell everyone to re-convene at the reserved viewing area for Illuminations?

Anyone have an idea? I haven't heard anything from Disney or seen any reports around the web.

If it's like last year's, I'd say that maybe they were just slow to update the park calendar. Last year the 3D event we attended started at 7pm with 9pm Illuminations.