2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: September 14 - November 14, 2016

[VrBchJ]

PFTS?????
Sorry, I'm new here and have a hard time following with all the acronyms.

Party for the Senses.

 

[randumb0]

I wish they would bring back the vegan kiosk

 

[BanditsMommy]

Finally back on my computer after our trip!
Thoughts about my first F&W:

1) The Italian Food & Wine vs Beer Pairing was EXCELLENT. The food was fantastic, the beers and wines were so unique, and the presenters were very informative. I ate, drank, and learned a lot. If you are on the fence... get off because it's amazing and totally worth it.

2) The Trader Sam's Behind the Scenes event was kind of a cluster for me - although the menu was interesting and my husband really enjoyed it, they did not inform me that all of the drinks contained nuts and as someone with a nut allergy I was very disappointed with how this was handled. I ended up getting this resolved after the event, but I think it could have and should have been dealt with prior to my arrival. Feel free to message me if you want more info. (Very disappointing as I was MOST excited about this).

3) The booths were great, but we learned the hard way that the coupons were not worth it. Germany, New Zealand, and Poland were my favorites, but I really enjoyed everything I tried overall. I would definitely go back for this event again, albeit probably in November since it was hard to get through Epcot to the booths in the blazing heat.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Finally back on my computer after our trip!
Thoughts about my first F&W:

1) The Italian Food & Wine vs Beer Pairing was EXCELLENT. The food was fantastic, the beers and wines were so unique, and the presenters were very informative. I ate, drank, and learned a lot. If you are on the fence... get off because it's amazing and totally worth it.

I did this one last year and also thought it was one of the best F&W events I had ever attended. However, I couldn't quite drink all of the beer and wine which was provided.

 

[boomgoesthemickey]

Finally back on my computer after our trip!
Thoughts about my first F&W:

1) The Italian Food & Wine vs Beer Pairing was EXCELLENT. The food was fantastic, the beers and wines were so unique, and the presenters were very informative. I ate, drank, and learned a lot. If you are on the fence... get off because it's amazing and totally worth it.

2) The Trader Sam's Behind the Scenes event was kind of a cluster for me - although the menu was interesting and my husband really enjoyed it, they did not inform me that all of the drinks contained nuts and as someone with a nut allergy I was very disappointed with how this was handled. I ended up getting this resolved after the event, but I think it could have and should have been dealt with prior to my arrival. Feel free to message me if you want more info. (Very disappointing as I was MOST excited about this).

3) The booths were great, but we learned the hard way that the coupons were not worth it. Germany, New Zealand, and Poland were my favorites, but I really enjoyed everything I tried overall. I would definitely go back for this event again, albeit probably in November since it was hard to get through Epcot to the booths in the blazing heat.

I did this one last year and also thought it was one of the best F&W events I had ever attended. However, I couldn't quite drink all of the beer and wine which was provided.

What was the menu like, I was thinking about this but my girl friend is gluten free so I figured being italian it would be heavy on the carbs, thank you

 

[BanditsMommy]

What was the menu like, I was thinking about this but my girl friend is gluten free so I figured being italian it would be heavy on the carbs, thank you

It's pretty carb heavy - beer, pasta, zeppoles, pizza - not sure how well that would work for someone gluten free.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Folks wouldn't think that drinks contain nuts, but most of the drinks at Sam's contain orgeat or falernum, which are almond-based syrups.

 

[Tess]

Finally back on my computer after our trip!
Thoughts about my first F&W:

3) The booths were great, but we learned the hard way that the coupons were not worth it.

I am curious why the coupons were not worth it? I thought the general consensus was that if you utilized the coupons for the expensive drinks at the kiosks, that it made sense? We have never used the sampler packs before, but thought we would give it a go this year just for those expensive concoctions.

 

[BarbieGal457]

It's pretty carb heavy - beer, pasta, zeppoles, pizza - not sure how well that would work for someone gluten free.

Thanks for all your input! I am super excited to try the pairing you discussed in Italy.

Also, off-topic but is the dog in your profile photo a shih tzu? He looks just like my beloved Sushi who has passed on <3

 

[Hikergirl]

I am curious why the coupons were not worth it? I thought the general consensus was that if you utilized the coupons for the expensive drinks at the kiosks, that it made sense? We have never used the sampler packs before, but thought we would give it a go this year just for those expensive concoctions.

I can't speak for the pp but if they don't drink or weren't interested in trying alot of the drinks the coupons are pretty worthless. There were only a few few items that were on the higher priced side but most were around $5.

If you are planning on trying the drinks, then it is definitely worth it. I figure we saved around $40 on our drinks by using the coupons. Even more really because I bought the voucher with discounted GCs.
We also got our pin yesterday, and its a very nice pin. I'm judging by the price of the other large ones and I think its value is around $15. If that is something you are interested in anyway, the value of those coupons go up even more.

 

[jerseygal]

Couple quick food questions. How are these mostly new items:
1. Greenhouse Guru(Village Farm): Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Basil
2. Islands of Caribbean: Pescadodon Coco: Grouper with Rice, Coconut Sauce
3: Mexico: Taco De Camraron:Battered Shrimp
4. Chew: Grilled Beef Skewer with Feta Cheese
5. Love fruit and cheese: Fruit and Cheese: Fruit and Cheese Plate at Intermission Café(Also enjoy the Wine and Cheese Board at Wine and Dine Studio)
Any feedback appreciated! CAN'T WAIT!

 

[Hikergirl]

The taco de camaron was very good, but there was nothing amazing about it IMO. It was really no different than the shrimp tacos at my favorite Mexican restaurant here at home.
It did go well with the pineapple margarita

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If you don't count possible value of the pin and lanyard, the 8 coupon sampler shakes out to each coupon should be used on items that cost $7.75 or more to prevent losing money on the deal. There's only a couple of food items that cost that much, while there are a number of mixed drink choices that cost upward of $8. If you use the coupons to get mixed drinks you will make money on the deal without even considering the pin and lanyard.

 

[boomgoesthemickey]

If you don't count possible value of the pin and lanyard, the 8 coupon sampler shakes out to each coupon should be used on items that cost $7.75 or more to prevent losing money on the deal. There's only a couple of food items that cost that much, while there are a number of mixed drink choices that cost upward of $8. If you use the coupons to get mixed drinks you will make money on the deal without even considering the pin and lanyard.

Exactly this, we plan on getting the 16 coupon sampler and strictly use them for the items above $8, another member on here was kind enough to send a complete spreadsheet with what items are worth it, break even, and not a good value which will prove very useful when we're down there.

 

[TeresaWen]

Exactly this, we plan on getting the 16 coupon sampler and strictly use them for the items above $8, another member on here was kind enough to send a complete spreadsheet with what items are worth it, break even, and not a good value which will prove very useful when we're down there.

We got the 16 sampler. Every entry into Epcot we stopped in France and got a passion fruit slushy (10.75) for my husband and a sparkling kid (8.00) for me!

the only food we used it for was the filet in Canada and the lobster roll. Both Meh by the way

 

[tony67]

2) The Trader Sam's Behind the Scenes event was kind of a cluster for me - although the menu was interesting and my husband really enjoyed it, they did not inform me that all of the drinks contained nuts and as someone with a nut allergy I was very disappointed with how this was handled. I ended up getting this resolved after the event, but I think it could have and should have been dealt with prior to my arrival. Feel free to message me if you want more info. (Very disappointing as I was MOST excited about this).

I did find this to be a bit of an issue in general since people had no idea what to expect at the first one - there were several vegans at the one I was at and the menu was not for Vegan...it took a little time but they worked it out. Obviously a nut allergy is a much bigger issue...and unfortunately most Tiki drinks contain nuts...so not doubt they should do a better job on that.
As for the food...I found it a bit disappointing...it looked amazing..but was mostly tasteless. The people (who I did not know) at my table all agreed, but non of us wanted to say anything to the chef.
BTW: The staff did not even know about the event until a week or so before the first one when a bunch of the Disney Suits came to evaluate it. From what the staff was saying did not seem like the suits got it..but Im sure they will charge more for it next year.

3) The booths were great, but we learned the hard way that the coupons were not worth it. Germany, New Zealand, and Poland were my favorites, but I really enjoyed everything I tried overall. I would definitely go back for this event again, albeit probably in November since it was hard to get through Epcot to the booths in the blazing heat.

Yeah....Poland was surprisingly good...I had avoided it since it was so bad in the past until i was talkign to somone who raved about it and little else.

The coupons were a total scam IMO...unless you only use them for the expensive drinks. What annoyed me is the staff was pushing them..and one employee even argued to me that it was worth it for the convenience...the convince of giving even more profit to Disney for mostly mediocre overpriced food items...no thanks.

There is no question that this was my final F&W festival..between 4oz very mundane beers, so many things just sitting for far to long and very little consistency in portion size or quality it's just not worth it. And no doubt there were a fair number of folks that agreed with me..between the comments I overheard and the conversion I had there was a fair amount of dissatisfaction that I have not heard in the past.

Yes there were some really good items....but overall blah IMO.

 

[TeresaWen]

Been back for a few days. Some random thoughts.

1) the Italian lunch at Tutto Gusto was amazing. I posted a review the day after. It was a trip highlight. No room to visit booths & snack after. We were done!

2) Tequila lunch was very good. I would do it again. At least we had room to snack a few hours later.

3) Parisian Breakfast. Would not do this again. Everything was huge. Way too many carbs. Hot chocolate was just ok. Not intimate like the lunches. Packed the place. Stayed just over an hour so nothing open when we were done. We left Epcot and went swimming back at our resort.

4) booths have lost their appeal to us. Fun but getting old.

5) enjoyed dining out. Brunch, dinner at bog, dinner & wishes at CG, Tiffins, wine bar in Italy, nomad lounge and other lounge hopping.

6) it was hot! Slowed us down a bit.

All in all a great 12 days.

 

[loves to dive]

Couple quick food questions. How are these mostly new items:
1. Greenhouse Guru(Village Farm): Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Basil
2. Islands of Caribbean: Pescadodon Coco: Grouper with Rice, Coconut Sauce
3: Mexico: Taco De Camraron:Battered Shrimp
4. Chew: Grilled Beef Skewer with Feta Cheese
5. Love fruit and cheese: Fruit and Cheese: Fruit and Cheese Plate at Intermission Café(Also enjoy the Wine and Cheese Board at Wine and Dine Studio)
Any feedback appreciated! CAN'T WAIT!

I didn't have any of the other stuff but I'm a huge cheese fan. Had the cheese board at wine and dine, it is the same one they had last year. Maybe two bites of each cheese and side item. There is a cheese plate at the Ireland booth, bigger offerings of the individual cheeses, nothing great but not bad.

 

[FLkid]

We bought the 16 voucher package (split between 2 of us) simply to say that we did it, I'm very glad that we did because we fell in love with some drinks that averaged 8.75-10.50 a piece. Over the course of 3 visits to F&W we saved around $50.

The pin was cute to have as a souvenir even though we don't really collect pins.

We also did the ratatouille scavenger hunt which was so much fun even as adults lol


My Favorite drink:

Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka in Poland

GF's Favorite Drink:

La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice in France

Our Favorite Food:

Filet Mignon with mushrooms & truffle butter in Canada


Also we attended a culinary demonstration and wine seminar and highly recommend!

 

[tony67]

We bought the 16 voucher package (split between 2 of us) simply to say that we did it, I'm very glad that we did because we fell in love with some drinks that averaged 8.75-10.50 a piece. Over the course of 3 visits to F&W we saved around $50.

The pin was cute to have as a souvenir even though we don't really collect pins.

We also did the ratatouille scavenger hunt which was so much fun even as adults lol


My Favorite drink:

Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka in Poland

GF's Favorite Drink:

La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice in France

Our Favorite Food:

Filet Mignon with mushrooms & truffle butter in Canada


Also we attended a culinary demonstration and wine seminar and highly recommend!

I agree the pin was really nice.
The Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie was really good as well.

It would have been nice to know what other drinks were available with the voucher - I was able to get the Dole Whip with Rum (twice) for example and that was really good - I don't think that was an option last year. I also got the dragonberry cooler there - but it was disappointing to say the least.