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

[patster734]

That sounds pretty reasonable. I was thinking of getting one for me and one for dh to take care of our drinks at the booths. I'll have to check the menus though to see if its worth it cost wise.

Yes. Once the festival begins, the menus on the various websites get updated to include the prices. Once that happens, I'll compare prices to see if its a good deal or not.

 

[figment_jii]

Do they post the schedule of book signings and meet & greets beforehand or just week by week?

 

[brnrss34]

I bought drinks with it. I am positive on not being able to buy drink flights with it.

 

[Hikergirl]

I bought drinks with it. I am positive on not being able to buy drink flights with it.

I won't be doing any of the flights so that won't be an issue for me. Dh may want to try some but we can just use his credits for more drinks for me

 

[Richard M Nixon]

That sounds pretty reasonable. I was thinking of getting one for me and one for dh to take care of our drinks at the booths. I'll have to check the menus though to see if its worth it cost wise.

I used it exclusively for the drinks, like the $8 mai tai or whatever the fruit punch thing was. Best use of the tickets since it ends up saving a few bucks and you still get a pin out of it.

 

[SMorgan711]

I had the same issue last week trying to book back-to-back seminars. I could only book one each day and had to call to add the others. I mentioned the issue when I called (two different times), but apparently they are not going to address it right now.

When I called, I got all of the rest of our seminars and all appeared in MDE correctly. It wasn't a big deal and all went smoothly. Just be sure they have any discount code entered (like DVC member number, etc.) before you book or else the discount did not show up for me on Mon - Thurs seminars. Likewise, for weekend seminars, make sure the discount code is OUT of there since when my DVC number WAS in her panel, it showed NO availability for any of the weekend seminars. It was apparently trying to book weekend seminars with discounts---and, of course, there are not any of those. Once the discount was removed the weekend seminars were able to be booked.

Other than that, a very smooth phone call with positive outcome.

thank you for sharing your experience! I ended up forgetting to call last night so I tried again online. I actually ended up making one in my name and one is my husband's! A little loop hole I found

My MIL is visiting and we really wanted to take her to the champagne one on 10/1 and it's sold out already ended up getting the wine one at 3PM. same for the culinary - 12PM is sold out so we got 2PM. I should have booked it when I initially saw it! I'm so mad at myself for that.

 

[lgcountry]

Does anyone know if you can still get wristbands for a reserved viewing area at the Chase lounge?

 

[mommyrosa2]

Anyone know when they might release information on this year's F&W inspired merchandise? In particular, I'm looking to see what the new Dooney & Bourke pattern will be for this year's festival.

 

[Hikergirl]

Anyone know when they might release information on this year's F&W inspired merchandise? In particular, I'm looking to see what the new Dooney & Bourke pattern will be for this year's festival.

Me too! I am interested in one of the new patterns that was just released but waiting to see if there is a new F&W one before I make my decision.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Me too! I am interested in one of the new patterns that was just released but waiting to see if there is a new F&W one before I make my decision.

That is me exactly. We leave in 14 days and I have been saving up for a new bag but don't want to purchase one until I see the new F&W pattern for this year...lol. Got one at last year's F&W festival and LOVE the pattern.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Anyone know when they might release information on this year's F&W inspired merchandise? In particular, I'm looking to see what the new Dooney & Bourke pattern will be for this year's festival.

Me too! I am interested in one of the new patterns that was just released but waiting to see if there is a new F&W one before I make my decision.

Disney Parks Blog released information and images for the 2015 F&W merchandise on 7/27/15 so hopefully we're getting close. Of course, last year the Eat to the Beat concert schedule was released in May 2015 and this year's schedule didn't come out until July.

 

[tony67]

I used it exclusively for the drinks, like the $8 mai tai or whatever the fruit punch thing was. Best use of the tickets since it ends up saving a few bucks and you still get a pin out of it.

Yeah it seems like a fair deal as long as you use it for items that are over around $7.50 since it looks like the cost is $59+ tax..
Ill be interested in the exclusion list, but Id assume its just the much more expensive wines and champagnes as well as flights - although I'm not sure they really have many flights this year anyway - most locations have fewer beers than in the past it seems.
If they bring back the larger beer I wonder if that will be excluded as well.

 

[patster734]

Yeah it seems like a fair deal as long as you use it for items that are over around $7.50 since it looks like the cost is $59+ tax..
Ill be interested in the exclusion list, but Id assume its just the much more expensive wines and champagnes as well as flights - although I'm not sure they really have many flights this year anyway - most locations have fewer beers than in the past it seems.
If they bring back the larger beer I wonder if that will be excluded as well.

I mentioned it before that I think beer flights will only consist of 3 beers now instead of the previous 4 beers. I will not be happy if that is the case.

 

[willidc]

thank you for sharing your experience! I ended up forgetting to call last night so I tried again online. I actually ended up making one in my name and one is my husband's! A little loop hole I found

My MIL is visiting and we really wanted to take her to the champagne one on 10/1 and it's sold out already ended up getting the wine one at 3PM. same for the culinary - 12PM is sold out so we got 2PM. I should have booked it when I initially saw it! I'm so mad at myself for that.

It never hurts to try right at 9 AM (or as soon thereafter as possible) at the Festival Center desk to purchase that champagne seminar the day of. I have had good luck with that---even with celebrity chefs.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[melk]

Anyone know if the tasting sampler includes alcoholic drinks? It says some exclusions apply and will be listed on the voucher.

I'm not familiar with the tasting sampler. What exactly is it and do you have to get it ahead of time? Thx

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

For my own sense of closure I emailed WDW Guest Services asking about the Premium Package. A CM called me today to let me know it will not happen for 2016. I know others already said this but I just wanted to add mine to the pile.

Bummer - I much prefer to sit down and have someone bring me my food rather than standing in lines and then fighting for someplace to sit since I go solo and don't have anyone to hold spots for me.
I now need to make a plan B just in case since there is no way I'll be going to Epcot 3 days in a row without the premium package.

 

[RachelTori]

I'm not familiar with the tasting sampler. What exactly is it and do you have to get it ahead of time? Thx

Here's the information from the website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-festival-tasting-sampler/

TASTING SAMPLER: Savor the world’s sensational flavors while wandering our feast-worthy wonderland—at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

A Feast for the Senses
Explore an epicurean playground filled with delectable Festival fare and a heaping helping of fun!
Seasoned connoisseurs and food-curious folks alike now have a delicious way to taste cuisine from around the globe—from soup to nuts and every craving in between. This palate-perfect journey gives Guests the chance to choose 8 food or beverage selections from over 200 mouthwatering menu items featured at the Festival’sGlobal Marketplace.

The Tasting Sampler includes:

• A “credential,” or voucher, for 8 food or beverage items at over 30 Global Marketplace locations (certain exclusions may apply and will be listed on voucher)
• Limited-edition 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival trading pin and lanyard

Details

• Epcot Global Marketplace
• Daily, September 14 to November 14, 2016
• 11:00 AM to Closing
• $59 per Guest plus tax

Purchase the Tasting Sampler at these locations:

• The Festival Center
• Bridge Kiosk East
• Bridge Kiosk West
• Japan Festival Boutique
• Morocco Festival Boutique
• Canada Festival Emporium

Required Epcot admission is not included with event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older. Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

 

[willidc]

Gonna be hard since Disney hired her to run the portion of F&W in the festival center. In fact if I remember correctly from last year she was given basically full responsibility for the festival with limited oversight beyond top mgmt.

Agreeing with you WVAspartan!

First, let me preface this with saying that this will be our 17th year as an attendee at the Food & Wine Festival. We have no association with Disney other than being DVC owners and having APs. As memory serves us, the hostess in question has been there each year for special/private events before 9 AM all the way to late at night continuing to sometimes past 10 PM at other events where we have attended.

For several years out middle son (in his 30s) attended with us for four or five days as his schedule permitted (he is a certified American Culinary Federation chef at a large midwestern university). His opinion was that the hostess was quite good at keeping to the time scheduled for the presentation and also at bringing out questions during the presentation that the audience could be having as he was preparing the dish. Our son felt that if he was the chef up on the stage cooking that he would probably be leaving out all sorts of important details that the audience could use. And he said to me "You know that she already knows the answers to these questions she is asking...she is asking them to clarify for the audience."

And it appears that Disney Management has it right with this individual. Due to some posters questioning qualifications, I have done some research.

To become a registered dietitian, you need to do at least some things:

1. Take the specific set of courses outlined by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND) full of chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, etc. This can be completed at the undergraduate OR graduate level.
2. Complete the required internships, also outlined by Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
3. Take the state RD exam (and pass it!).
4. Continue more academic and professional work in the future to maintain current credentials

She has also, not only written, but successfully had published 15 books, been the owner of her own company for well over three decades, where her clients included The Orlando Magic, LA Clippers and ...well you get the point: Speaking engagements in various large cities for American Dental Association, American Diabetes Assn. and more. Then there was a stint at CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Greystone: Napa, CA. We have appearances on The Today Show and regular radio spots. And so much more if one looks.

So, yes, I do believe that Disney Management has gotten this one right. And as the critics on the thread admit themselves, she manages to do this and be pleasant about it as far as we, personally, have seen for 16 years.

I now invite those mean spirited posters who have judged without doing the research as I have done, to submit their qualifications for being able to judge so capriciously and make comments that could cause someone to lose their job.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

Agreeing with you WVAspartan!

First, let me preface this with saying that this will be our 17th year as an attendee at the Food & Wine Festival. We have no association with Disney other than being DVC owners and having APs. As memory serves us, the hostess in question has been there each year for special/private events before 9 AM all the way to late at night continuing to sometimes past 10 PM at other events where we have attended.

For several years out middle son (in his 30s) attended with us for four or five days as his schedule permitted (he is a certified American Culinary Federation chef at a large midwestern university). His opinion was that the hostess was quite good at keeping to the time scheduled for the presentation and also at bringing out questions during the presentation that the audience could be having as he was preparing the dish. Our son felt that if he was the chef up on the stage cooking that he would probably be leaving out all sorts of important details that the audience could use. And he said to me "You know that she already knows the answers to these questions she is asking...she is asking them to clarify for the audience."

And it appears that Disney Management has it right with this individual. Due to some posters questioning qualifications, I have done some research.

To become a registered dietitian, you need to do at least some things:

1. Take the specific set of courses outlined by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND) full of chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, etc. This can be completed at the undergraduate OR graduate level.
2. Complete the required internships, also outlined by Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
3. Take the state RD exam (and pass it!).
4. Continue more academic and professional work in the future to maintain current credentials

She has also, not only written, but successfully had published 15 books, been the owner of her own company for well over three decades, where her clients included The Orlando Magic, LA Clippers and ...well you get the point: Speaking engagements in various large cities for American Dental Association, American Diabetes Assn. and more. Then there was a stint at CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Greystone: Napa, CA. We have appearances on The Today Show and regular radio spots. And so much more if one looks.

So, yes, I do believe that Disney Management has gotten this one right. And as the critics on the thread admit themselves, she manages to do this and be pleasant about it as far as we, personally, have seen for 16 years.

I now invite those mean spirited posters who have judged without doing the research as I have done, to submit their qualifications for being able to judge so capriciously and make comments that could cause someone to lose their job.

I mean, that's nice & all, but you don't really need any qualifications to determine whether or not someone is a likable person. She could be the best of the best on paper, but she's working with the public. If the public doesn't like her, she's not the right choice.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

Bummer - I much prefer to sit down and have someone bring me my food rather than standing in lines and then fighting for someplace to sit since I go solo and don't have anyone to hold spots for me.
I now need to make a plan B just in case since there is no way I'll be going to Epcot 3 days in a row without the premium package.

Yes it stinks I had planned our trip around being in Epcot those 4 days. Having to mentally rework everything and try to think of some ADRs I want.