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

[ChrisNY2]

What should one expect from a beverage seminar? I've done tastings on cruise ships, anyone able to compare?

The beverage seminars tend to be three smallish tastes with a 45-minute presentation. Usually it's a (knowledgeable) sales rep giving the presentation, but I went to one with the distiller.

It's not a ton of drinks, but they tend to be fun. That said, as with all of the presenters, some are better than others at presenting/entertaining skills. Overall, they're generally a good time.

 

[pepperandchips]

Is 200 dollars for 2 days a decent budget?

For one person? Do you drink? Are you going to be eating desserts? (They are less expensive). I think $100 per person per day is reasonable if you are wanting to experience a lot of the festival. Once the festival starts the full menus with prices will hit the Disney fan sites. I like to make a list of my "must do" items and add those prices up to help budget.

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

Anyone at Epcot - are there F and W t-shirts already in the stores? Hoping for some pictures!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

They generally don't put out merchandise until the first day.

 

[Shellee999]

I believe I've seen things written about the last day of F+W, but couldn't find it in a search. Because the last day is a Monday, I don't think it will be overly crowded. However, are all the booths still up and fully running on the last day, or do they close up earlier or have less food?

ETA: I guess I didn't search so well the first time bc now i do see other threads regarding this. But I still appreciate the responses!

 

[bcarey2k]

I believe I've seen things written about the last day of F+W, but couldn't find it in a search. Because the last day is a Monday, I don't think it will be overly crowded. However, are all the booths still up and fully running on the last day, or do they close up earlier or have less food?

The kiosks will run out of food and beverages routinely. They seem to get restocked pretty quickly (Disney quick = 1 hour to 1 week). I've also seen them run out of specialty beverages and replace it with something else.

For the most part, what's available on day 10 will be available on the last day.

This just reflects my own experiences. Others may have seen better or worse.

Brian

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I believe I've seen things written about the last day of F+W, but couldn't find it in a search. Because the last day is a Monday, I don't think it will be overly crowded. However, are all the booths still up and fully running on the last day, or do they close up earlier or have less food?

ETA: I guess I didn't search so well the first time bc now i do see other threads regarding this. But I still appreciate the responses!

We were there last 4 days last year. No problems with any booth being out of food. Lines not long on the last day. I was expecting worse on Saturday & Sunday, but was pleasantly surprised. The longest lines were stuff we didn't want (we like to try different things, so skipped stuff we could get at home) The lines moved quickly. We ate lunch and/or dinner at F&W each day we were there.

 

[tony67]

I believe I've seen things written about the last day of F+W, but couldn't find it in a search. Because the last day is a Monday, I don't think it will be overly crowded. However, are all the booths still up and fully running on the last day, or do they close up earlier or have less food?

ETA: I guess I didn't search so well the first time bc now i do see other threads regarding this. But I still appreciate the responses!

There will be beer and wines that are out of stock typically - lots of merchandise will also be out of stock - but one good tip is a lot of the merchandise that is in stock will be 50% off.

Other than that I would not worry too much..most food items should be available - Disney is not one to leave cash on the table.

 

[Ellie_]

In your experience, what have the lines been like in prior years during the weekend?

It'll be our first time at F&W this year and we have no idea what to expect. The plan is to sample booths on Sept 18 for dinner. Not sure if that's a crazy idea because it's one of the first weekends and a Sunday evening.

 

[randumb0]

In your experience, what have the lines been like in prior years during the weekend?

It'll be our first time at F&W this year and we have no idea what to expect. The plan is to sample booths on Sept 18 for dinner. Not sure if that's a crazy idea because it's one of the first weekends and a Sunday evening.

It depends on the booth's popularity. Could be 10 minutes, could be 20 or 25 minutes

 

[Ellie_]

It depends on the booth's popularity. Could be 10 minutes, could be 20 or 25 minutes

20-25 wouldn't be too bad if that's the longest it'll get. As long as we're not waiting in an hour long line, I'm happy haha.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Orlando Theme Park News has posted a portion of the new Epcot guide map which will be available Wednesday. Unfortunately, there is not a image of the actual park map with the location of the booths/kiosks.

Edit: This is the weekly times guide, not the map - hopefully that is coming soon.

Just two more days until the Festival begins!

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/09/new-epcot-guidemap-to-be-available-from.html

 

[Regan117]

I have a Nov. 12th Parisian Breakfast available if anyone wants it!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

So I'm beginning to think that there won't be a soft opening tomorrow. Usually by the day prior there are photos of the menu boards and other hints online

 

[CyndiLouWho]

There will be beer and wines that are out of stock typically - lots of merchandise will also be out of stock - but one good tip is a lot of the merchandise that is in stock will be 50% off.

Other than that I would not worry too much..most food items should be available - Disney is not one to leave cash on the table.

Yes, the Remy scavenger hunt was gone as was some merchandise. Don't recall seeing anything 50% off, but maybe we missed it. Took us a day or two to find a passport since we were told they were out.

 

[berryinDC]

Are passports only available at the Festival Center it can you pick them up other locations?

 

[patster734]

Are passports only available at the Festival Center it can you pick them up other locations?

You might find some near the park entrance. I believe that the food booths could have them too.

 

[tony67]

Yes, the Remy scavenger hunt was gone as was some merchandise. Don't recall seeing anything 50% off, but maybe we missed it. Took us a day or two to find a passport since we were told they were out.

Most of the F&W branded stuff will have a red price tag on it that is half the regular price. Even copies of the F&W annual poster signed by the artist were half price as well as cutting boards and magnets. They don't put up signs for some reason - but they are prices with red tags.

 

[jerseygal]

EXCITED to hear more about the opening tomorrow!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Yes, the Remy scavenger hunt was gone as was some merchandise. Don't recall seeing anything 50% off, but maybe we missed it. Took us a day or two to find a passport since we were told they were out.

This seems TOTALLY unacceptable to me!!!