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

[karrit2000]

N

Does anyone have any ideas about when the premium pass info may be announced? I assumed it would have been announced with everything else, and able to be booked when everything else is. Is that not how it has worked in the past?

No it has never been announced along with everything else. Two years ago it was added unannounced the night before bookings went live. Dining CM's had no info other than what TIW posted on their info the day before booking opened. I called to ask about it when I found the TIW info & the CM was being handed the exact same info while I was speaking with her. Last year when bookings started there was no definite information & some CM's were booking for guest with mixed info & no confirmed details and most of those bookings were totally messed up and it took weeks for everyone who booked to get everything straightened out.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

Definitely want to book the Wine Pairing Luncheon again at Tutto Gusto but it's maddening that with the booking window just around the corner they've yet to release the actual dates - still says "select" Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays! Also, am I understanding correctly that as an AP & TIW holder, I may be able to book the luncheon on the 19th?

I believe the 19th is demonstrations & seminars only (for AP & TiW). The 20th is likely Chase early booking for events & the 21st is when everyone else may book events (including AP & TiW).

I also initially thought we'd get in on the 19th, but after reading again, I don't think so.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

N

No it has never been announced along with everything else. Two years ago it was added unannounced the night before bookings went live. Dining CM's had no info other than what TIW posted on their info the day before booking opened. I called to ask about it when I found the TIW info & the CM was being handed the exact same info while I was speaking with her. Last year when bookings started there was no definite information & some CM's were booking for guest with mixed info & no confirmed details and most of those bookings were totally messed up and it took weeks for everyone who booked to get everything straightened out.

The amazing thing to me was the outcry of hysteria on here because "I can't book the premium package" People were desperate to give Disney money without a clue as to what they were getting....

 

[kristenrice]

I'm trying to find out when (or if) they are going to do the special "brunch" offerings. I remember something called "Sweet Sundays" or something like that and I would really like to try it this year. My birthday falls on a Sunday and my daughters are big fans of Buddy Velastro. Two years ago, he hosted one of these events, but unfortunately, it was on the morning that we arrived and our flight didn't land until noon so we couldn't attend. This year, we are arriving on a Saturday so we have a chance.

Where would I find "schedules" and descriptions (including prices) for the culinary demos? DD10 is eagerly looking forward to actively participating in F&W this year and she wants to attend some demos with me.

 

[ellie05]

I'm trying to find out when (or if) they are going to do the special "brunch" offerings. I remember something called "Sweet Sundays" or something like that and I would really like to try it this year. My birthday falls on a Sunday and my daughters are big fans of Buddy Velastro. Two years ago, he hosted one of these events, but unfortunately, it was on the morning that we arrived and our flight didn't land until noon so we couldn't attend. This year, we are arriving on a Saturday so we have a chance.

Where would I find "schedules" and descriptions (including prices) for the culinary demos? DD10 is eagerly looking forward to actively participating in F&W this year and she wants to attend some demos with me.

Go back a few pages there is links that will provide you with that informations I didn't see the sweet Sunday this year.

 

[ImprovGal]

I'm trying to find out when (or if) they are going to do the special "brunch" offerings. I remember something called "Sweet Sundays" or something like that and I would really like to try it this year. My birthday falls on a Sunday and my daughters are big fans of Buddy Velastro. Two years ago, he hosted one of these events, but unfortunately, it was on the morning that we arrived and our flight didn't land until noon so we couldn't attend. This year, we are arriving on a Saturday so we have a chance.

Where would I find "schedules" and descriptions (including prices) for the culinary demos? DD10 is eagerly looking forward to actively participating in F&W this year and she wants to attend some demos with me.

"What's Cookin' With..." is the replacement event for the former Sweet Sundays and the Friday morning event that kept changing names. Currently, Buddy Valastro is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 2.

 

[kristenrice]

Go back a few pages there is links that will provide you with that informations I didn't see the sweet Sunday this year.

Thanks! I found the information I was looking for on the allears.net page.

"What's Cookin' With..." is the replacement event for the former Sweet Sundays and the Friday morning event that kept changing names. Currently, Buddy Valastro is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 2.

Yup, that's the one I was thinking of...unfortunately, we don't arrive until the 15th.

I have a question about this one...."The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! - Relax and recharge with an assortment of finger sandwiches and savory mignardises, followed by an assortment of petits fours and macarons, all with unlimited mimosas." My DD11 would like me to take her to this event. She considers herself a "foodie" and macarons are one of her favorite things to make and eat. I'm just not sure if this is a "kid-friendly" event...not that it isn't geared towards kids (I assume it's not), but I just want to make sure that it wouldn't be "frowned upon" to bring an 11-year old.

 

[randumb0]

Thanks! I found the information I was looking for on the allears.net page.



Yup, that's the one I was thinking of...unfortunately, we don't arrive until the 15th.

I have a question about this one...."The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! - Relax and recharge with an assortment of finger sandwiches and savory mignardises, followed by an assortment of petits fours and macarons, all with unlimited mimosas." My DD11 would like me to take her to this event. She considers herself a "foodie" and macarons are one of her favorite things to make and eat. I'm just not sure if this is a "kid-friendly" event...not that it isn't geared towards kids (I assume it's not), but I just want to make sure that it wouldn't be "frowned upon" to bring an 11-year old.

Absolutely bring your kid. No one will have a problem with it

 

[johnbob7]

Subscribing.

Does anyone know if, assuming they do bring back the Premium package, it would be offered that first week starting Sept 14?

Thanks,

BobJ

 

[snausman]

Sorry if this has been asked but need a quick answer. When does the early booking start for the Disney Chase visa card. Thank you so much for the info.

Laura

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

Sorry if this has been asked but need a quick answer. When does the early booking start for the Disney Chase visa card. Thank you so much for the info.

Laura

We don't know yet. Probably 7/20.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Absolutely bring your kid. No one will have a problem with it

Don't take this as the gospel. Some people really think there should be NO kids at Food and Wine events. I don't see a problem with an event like this, but... trust me you may hear some remarks or experience some strange looks

(NOTE: There is no "reduced rate" for kids so even thought your kid can't drink the bubbly you will still pay for it )

Subscribing.

Does anyone know if, assuming they do bring back the Premium package, it would be offered that first week starting Sept 14?

Thanks,

BobJ

It has always started the first Monday of the festival in the past. I expect it would not be offered until 9/20 so you could get a full week. Otherwise you would just be able to use it for 2 days the week of 9/14

Sorry if this has been asked but need a quick answer. When does the early booking start for the Disney Chase visa card. Thank you so much for the info.

Laura

We assume 7/20 Watch this thread

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I'm just not sure if this is a "kid-friendly" event...not that it isn't geared towards kids (I assume it's not), but I just want to make sure that it wouldn't be "frowned upon" to bring an 11-year old.

Absolutely bring your kid. No one will have a problem with it

Don't take this as the gospel. Some people really think there should be NO kids at Food and Wine events. I don't see a problem with an event like this, but... trust me you may hear some remarks or experience some strange looks

Just wanted to share my experience with this. We've taken our kids to MANY F&W events, beginning as young as 6 or 7 years old, including some of the highest-priced ones... to the extent that that matters. We have NEVER gotten strange looks or felt that it was frowned upon in any way! I personally couldn't care less if some people think there should be NO kids there... as long as Disney allows it, there is NO actual problem with it!

Our kids are very adventurous eaters, love trying new things, and are well-behaved in these settings. If they were bouncing off the walls I'm sure we'd get looks... but that would be true ANYWHERE, no?

I say go and ENJOY!!!!

 

[snausman]

Don't take this as the gospel. Some people really think there should be NO kids at Food and Wine events. I don't see a problem with an event like this, but... trust me you may hear some remarks or experience some strange looks

(NOTE: There is no "reduced rate" for kids so even thought your kid can't drink the bubbly you will still pay for it )



It has always started the first Monday of the festival in the past. I expect it would not be offered until 9/20 so you could get a full week. Otherwise you would just be able to use it for 2 days the week of 9/14



We assume 7/20 Watch this thread

Thank you so much for helping me out. I will watch with you all.

Laura

 

[kristenrice]

Our kids are very adventurous eaters, love trying new things, and are well-behaved in these settings....

I say go and ENJOY!!!!

DD11 is willing to try almost anything so I have no problem treating her to a special dining event. I'm hoping that DD13 will want to go too. That girl would live on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese if I let her. She is SO picky...but she is also competitive. I'm using that to my advantage. I've devised a friendly competition for them. They will each get a passport and as long as they EAT something (at least one bite) from a booth, they will earn their stamp. Whoever gets the most stamps will win a prize of their choosing. I'm hoping that the competition will encourage DD13 to try and keep up with DD11.

 

[cdtommie]

Did anyone do the signature meals last year? We're eyeing the Raglan Road dinner (they weren't on the list last year), but I wanted to see if anyone went to any of those meals and what you thought of it.

I went to the Raglan Dinner last year, a difficult booking as many "regulars" are already on the list before the booking date. We had a terrific time and the wine flowed freely...more wine poured than any F&W event we've attended..

 

[PaintsWindColors]

DD11 is willing to try almost anything so I have no problem treating her to a special dining event. I'm hoping that DD13 will want to go too. That girl would live on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese if I let her. She is SO picky...but she is also competitive. I'm using that to my advantage. I've devised a friendly competition for them. They will each get a passport and as long as they EAT something (at least one bite) from a booth, they will earn their stamp. Whoever gets the most stamps will win a prize of their choosing. I'm hoping that the competition will encourage DD13 to try and keep up with DD11.

I think this is a fabulous idea!! What a creative way to encourage a picky palate!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

DD11 is willing to try almost anything so I have no problem treating her to a special dining event. I'm hoping that DD13 will want to go too. That girl would live on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese if I let her. She is SO picky...but she is also competitive. I'm using that to my advantage. I've devised a friendly competition for them. They will each get a passport and as long as they EAT something (at least one bite) from a booth, they will earn their stamp. Whoever gets the most stamps will win a prize of their choosing. I'm hoping that the competition will encourage DD13 to try and keep up with DD11.

Love it! When the kids were little, we had a system of them getting stars for certain things, that would then convert to spending money for WDW. One of those things was "trying new things".

 

[vettegirl]

Hoping the update the concert schedule soon, there a few spots still open during our dates.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I'm hoping someone would like to help me decide on an event. I am going solo, and DH will watch DS while I attend.


What's Cooking with...Andrew Zimmern. I've heard mixed things about this event in reviews I read from attendees last year, particularly regarding the 'hostess'...

French Family Meal traditions - no real comments about this

I wrote a review of FFMT last year (was written on iphone so its got spelling/grammar issues):
When entering FFMT will ask if you have any allergies or aversions to any foods. The tables are set up for 4 to 6 people so smaller parties will be sat with people you do not know. I also am not a drinker so I got soda and didn't really try the wines, people seemed to enjoy them though.

ffmt is delicious youll be there in nice ac for 3 plus hours. our meal involved generous portions of bread hor'duerves with cheese and a apertif with grand maeiner whovh was delivous and i dont drink we then had A quiche lorraine with wite wine then veal ragouf with red im dtill waiting on cheese course with red and macaron desert with a drink i am unsure of. beyond worth the price and the are accomondating me with any soda i want.

Update on FFMT: the cheese dish was brie and walnut bread with another red wine. The desert was almond macaron with bitter chocolate and hazelnut ice cream with "sparkling" white wine. In the end the meal was DEFINTELY worth what we paid we were full before the end of it and as we were leaving they made an annoucement abouta vip guest that was there. It was the young girl who won rachael rays cooking kids championship.



As for Zimmern I enjoyed him the food was good and he did not let the host talk over him.