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

[mommyrosa2]

Losing it is probably my biggest worry, though I really don't tend to lose many things. I think I'm leaning toward the GC though just because as I said above we can both use it for a single transaction instead of making two purchases due to two different MBs.

ETA: Is that your pup in your photo? They are just adorable!!

Yup, that's my Kobe. We adopted him a few years ago from a Shih Tzu rescue group out in TN! We love him to pieces!!!!

 

[loves to dive]

Unfortunately it looks like the same things they have every year. I'm shocked that it doesn't change drastically every year. I can see bringing back 5 or 6 big sellers, but it looks like at least 80% the same.

I actually like that they repeat things. I'm usually so full when I find something I like I don't get to go back and get seconds and I always know if there are things that look like I'm not going to like them (pork belly I'm looking at you, it's fat back, it goes in your green beans), there are always old stand bys to rely on.

 

[DisDeac]

I noticed this from an article I think from the Disney Food Blog perhaps came from Disney directly, take it for what it's worth, a description of some of the new items was included

• Nearly 50 percent of the global marketplace food items are new or reimagined dishes

 

[mommyrosa2]

@loves to dive...That's the thing though, I don't like to carry another thing on my wrist nor does DH. And having to keep track of the little receipts when we both go off and get something separately.... it's just easier for us to charge to the MB .

 

[YodasMom]

I always buy the wrist gift card. I don't like to charge to my MB and even if you do there have been times when the machines have not been working. I wear my gift card on the opposite wrist than my MB, I also have small wrists, silly small 5 1/2 inches. If it really bothered you, you could probably rig something up to put it on a chain around your neck. I find it really convenient to just hold up my wrist, no digging in a pocket, wallet or purse. Alas, I reload it often but I do set myself a limit as to how much I can put on it. You can use it at any store or restaurant in any of the parks as well. I also wear a watch (I know a dinosaur) and wear my gift card on the same wrist as the watch.

I do the same and everything you posted applies to me. I also have a 5 1/2 inch wrist. Wear a real watch and the gift card on left wrist and MB on right. No problems. It helps me to budget easier using the gift card and I don't feel comfortable with blanket charging on my MB, but each person is different. Basically, each person has to decide for themselves what works for them.

 

[tony67]

Unfortunately it looks like the same things they have every year. I'm shocked that it doesn't change drastically every year. I can see bringing back 5 or 6 big sellers, but it looks like at least 80% the same.

It always seems that way to me at first glance as well.

I noticed this from an article I think from the Disney Food Blog perhaps came from Disney directly, take it for what it's worth, a description of some of the new items was included

• Nearly 50 percent of the global marketplace food items are new or reimagined dishes

Interesting - it does not seem that way at first glance, but I guess a small change and it can be called re-imagined and/or new and it is easy to miss that.
For example in 2015 Germany had Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll - for 2016 it is Roast Bratwurst in a Hard Roll - back in 2011 it was Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Tragic Band goes in my bag. Gift card goes on my wrist.
I don't trust Disney's IT and the Tragic Band seems to have enough problems just opening my hotel room door LOL!

As for changes, several years ago I did the D23 thing where the head chef came and talked with us (the only decent part of the entire day LOL!) He pointed out that people are upset if they change things and upset if they don't... it's a no win situation so they try to hit a nice balance.

 

[kristie73]

Maybe this has already been asked, so sorry. Any tips for kids during the F&W and eating. My boys will be 9 and 13. I know they'll be entertained with Agent P's World Showcase Adventure and Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, but what about the food choices in the World Showcase? They are not that adventurous eaters. I've looked over the F&W menu and not a lot I see them wanting to eat as our "lunch of snacks". Anything kid meal related like plain mac n cheese or burgers. Hopefully we can get them to try some new stuff, so what are your kid friendly picks? I'm sure they'll find some desserts to eat but any lunch like items? I realize some kids are not picky but mine are.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I hate to say "nothing" but honestly the booths at this event don't do things like plain mac n cheese or burgers. Maybe the steak at Canada (without the sauce) The Italy booth always seems popular with kids (I admit I have never been impressed with what they put out, but...)

They don't do specific kid meals at the festival booths.

 

[pepperandchips]

Maybe this has already been asked, so sorry. Any tips for kids during the F&W and eating. My boys will be 9 and 13. I know they'll be entertained with Agent P's World Showcase Adventure and Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, but what about the food choices in the World Showcase? They are not that adventurous eaters. I've looked over the F&W menu and not a lot I see them wanting to eat as our "lunch of snacks". Anything kid meal related like plain mac n cheese or burgers. Hopefully we can get them to try some new stuff, so what are your kid friendly picks? I'm sure they'll find some desserts to eat but any lunch like items? I realize some kids are not picky but mine are.

I hate to say "nothing" but honestly the booths at this event don't do things like plain mac n cheese or burgers. Maybe the steak at Canada (without the sauce) The Italy booth always seems popular with kids (I admit I have never been impressed with what they put out, but...)

They don't do specific kid meals at the festival booths.

I mostly agree, but the beauty of Food and Wine is that there are so many of the kiosks that you can grab something for the boys at a quick service (like the one in the American pavilion) and mom can hit up the nearby festival kiosks for something more adventurous. There are usually around 4 kiosks within a short walk from the major World Showcase quick serves... It's hard to make recommendations not knowing what your kids will eat, but here are some choices that stuck out to me as possibilities for a picky eater.


Kid friendly (possibly):
Belgium - braised beef and mashed potatoes
Brazil - cheese bread, the pork belly with black beans is worth seeing if they'll try, and there's a shepherd's pie type item
Chew Collective - cheese ravioli
China - Chicken potstickers
Craft beers - pork "wings" (I imagine this will be like a teriyaki rib)
Farm fresh - chicken & dumplings
France - beef with mashed potatoes
Germany -ham and cheese macaroni
Greece - chicken gyro
Italy - chicken Parmesan
Patagonia - beef skewer and beef empanadas

 

[ChrisNY2]

Maybe this has already been asked, so sorry. Any tips for kids during the F&W and eating. My boys will be 9 and 13. I know they'll be entertained with Agent P's World Showcase Adventure and Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, but what about the food choices in the World Showcase? They are not that adventurous eaters. I've looked over the F&W menu and not a lot I see them wanting to eat as our "lunch of snacks". Anything kid meal related like plain mac n cheese or burgers. Hopefully we can get them to try some new stuff, so what are your kid friendly picks? I'm sure they'll find some desserts to eat but any lunch like items? I realize some kids are not picky but mine are.

If they're really not interested in trying things, it's probably easiest to just grab kids' meals for them as the quick service places as you wander around.

 

[NoMoneyThanks2Disney]

Just thought I'd put this out there: Steven on Disney Parks Blog replied about merch for f&w:

• Thanks for these fun events, Steven. But I am DYING to know about a Food & Wine Dooney for this year. Will there be one? Thanks for all the great info!
  
  Jessica McKee on August 24, 2016 at 3:46 pm
  • @jessica – Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog. I promise that you’ll get an update soon. Just waiting for my next “Delivery.”
    
    
    
    Steven Miller on August 24, 2016 at 4:19 pm

 

[NoMoneyThanks2Disney]

Nothing specific in it, but it gives me hope it'll be soon!

 

[Hikergirl]

Thanks for posting NoMoney!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

My kids eat anything, but looking at the menu for 2016 if I were to choose for kids that may not be as adventurous maybe:

Africa - Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan
Belgium - Beer Braised Beef served with Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Brazil - Pao de Quijo - Brazilian Cheese Bread
Canada - Cheese soup with pretzel roll
China - Potstickers
Farm Fresh - Chicken & Dumplings
Germany: Schinkennneudeln (pasta gratin with ham and cheese)
Greece: Chicken Gyro (get the Tzatziki on the side)
Greenhouse Guru: Mini bag of San Marzano tomatoes
Italy: Baked Ziti and Chicken Parm.
Japan: Garlic Shrimp over rice
Mexico: Barbacoa Enchilada (ask for the corn tortilla and beef but no mole sauce)
Morocco: Kefta Pocket - Seasoned ground beef in a pita pocket
Poland: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi just have them leave off the onions and sour cream


Another thing you could do is just have everyone share the samples, that way they can take a taste and if they don't like it no biggie just move on but others can finish it. This is how we do it and are able to eat around the world. Even if it's our favorite dish we still share it, so that we have room for more

 

[Alicefan]

It always seems that way to me at first glance as well.


Interesting - it does not seem that way at first glance, but I guess a small change and it can be called re-imagined and/or new and it is easy to miss that.
For example in 2015 Germany had Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll - for 2016 it is Roast Bratwurst in a Hard Roll - back in 2011 it was Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll.

I wondered how many of the beverages might have been changed? I know that all of the stuff that I tried last year is back. You would think they would be eager to showcase new stuff and be ever changing. I mean it's food! The possibilities are endless.

 

[Alicefan]

I actually like that they repeat things. I'm usually so full when I find something I like I don't get to go back and get seconds and I always know if there are things that look like I'm not going to like them (pork belly I'm looking at you, it's fat back, it goes in your green beans), there are always old stand bys to rely on.

LOL! I mean I don't mind the top sellers because I definitely want me some cheese soup, but I don't have to break my neck to get back any time soon knowing I just tried it last year. Just surprising being that it's a food festival. Same thing happens at the one we have here at home.

 

[lovingeire]

Just thought I'd put this out there: Steven on Disney Parks Blog replied about merch for f&w:

• Thanks for these fun events, Steven. But I am DYING to know about a Food & Wine Dooney for this year. Will there be one? Thanks for all the great info!
  
  Jessica McKee on August 24, 2016 at 3:46 pm
  • @jessica – Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog. I promise that you’ll get an update soon. Just waiting for my next “Delivery.”
    
    
    
    Steven Miller on August 24, 2016 at 4:19 pm

I love Steven. He tells it like it is! Hopefully soon will be "soon" in all of our terms, as well as his, and Disney's.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Just thought I'd put this out there: Steven on Disney Parks Blog replied about merch for f&w:

• Thanks for these fun events, Steven. But I am DYING to know about a Food & Wine Dooney for this year. Will there be one? Thanks for all the great info!
  
  Jessica McKee on August 24, 2016 at 3:46 pm
  • @jessica – Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog. I promise that you’ll get an update soon. Just waiting for my next “Delivery.”
    
    
    
    Steven Miller on August 24, 2016 at 4:19 pm

If I had a nickel for every time DPB said "Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog. I promise that you’ll get an update soon."...

Good to hear that SOMETHING is coming SOMETIME, though... thanks for posting!!

 

[Danielly103]

I am very excited! I have never been at this time of year and can't wait to try everything! Is there a must try drink I should know about?