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

[FeralCatRogue]

Want to let people knwo of my experience last year in the deminars. If you do not drink make sure to let them know asap. If that wine glass hits the table they will not give you a different drink. They have soda and water options avaiable.

 

[keishashadow]

Trying to be a bit more organized this year vs just stumbling from booth to booth lol. Hoping the planners here can help me out.

Couple of questions:

1) tasting sampler

can be used over the course of multiple days?

Usable for alcohol/food @ the booths, but not the traditional restaurants?

2) Having issues with scheduling Timing for Eat to Beat dining pkg with already scheduled beverage seminar (which as I understand it cannot be cancelled).

Seminar is @ 3 pm. Booked biergarten on day #1 but 2nd guessing now, DH doesn't eat that sort of food. looking @ Coral Reef as I had such a great late lunch there recently with exceptional service but it was slow. Not that I minded it as it was relaxing but different when you have someplace to be kwim?

Would you all 'chance' a 1:25 pm ADR there to get to the beverage seminar? Don't care where we are seated at the seminar, don't feel need to stand in line for this one.

3) didn't do a beverage seminar last year, but seem to vaguely recall the prior one was under an hour. Is this still the norm? Want to start digging for possible later ADR times but don't want to be running to dinner from the seminar. Was thinking 4:30 at the earliest?

Thanks

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Trying to be a bit more organized this year vs just stumbling from booth to booth lol. Hoping the planners here can help me out.

Couple of questions:

1) tasting sampler

can be used over the course of multiple days?

Usable for alcohol/food @ the booths, but not the traditional restaurants?

2) Having issues with scheduling Timing for Eat to Beat dining pkg with already scheduled beverage seminar (which as I understand it cannot be cancelled).

Seminar is @ 3 pm. Booked biergarten on day #1 but 2nd guessing now, DH doesn't eat that sort of food. looking @ Coral Reef as I had such a great late lunch there recently with exceptional service but it was slow. Not that I minded it as it was relaxing but different when you have someplace to be kwim?

Would you all 'chance' a 1:25 pm ADR there to get to the beverage seminar? Don't care where we are seated at the seminar, don't feel need to stand in line for this one.

3) didn't do a beverage seminar last year, but seem to vaguely recall the prior one was under an hour. Is this still the norm? Want to start digging for possible later ADR times but don't want to be running to dinner from the seminar. Was thinking 4:30 at the earliest?

Thanks

1 Yes
2. Are you sure you need an ADR? By the time I eat around the world at the booths etc... I am not really hungry.. I would chance the 1:25 ADR. Just tell your wait person the time constraint.
3. They do take just under an hour so you should be fine with 4:30

 

[keishashadow]

1 Yes
2. Are you sure you need an ADR? By the time I eat around the world at the booths etc... I am not really hungry.. I would chance the 1:25 ADR. Just tell your wait person the time constraint.
3. They do take just under an hour so you should be fine with 4:30

Thank you for your help

I don't normally schedule ADRs in Epcot, actually eat few meals onsite - period.

Did want to get 'something' in our gullets pre Bev Seminar, rarely do breakfast @ WDW. Lunch is often our main meal of day.

A member of our party has medical issues where standing in line for concert has presented problems for them. Didn't want to subject them to a long wait. Also, Wanted to get a 'good seat' as the band is one of their favorites.

 

[Hikergirl]

I rarely come over to the Restaurant forum, so not sure if this is where this info belongs, from the HUB:
Chef Kenny Gilbert will appear in place of Chef Bryan Voltaggio at the following events during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

• Sept. 18 – “What’s Cookin’ With…”
• Sept. 20 – Culinary Demonstration

Guests with reservations for these events will receive communication this week informing them of the change, and those with questions may call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) for additional assistance.

Do you recall seeing what Chef Gilbert will be preparing at the demonstration? I wasn't interested in Chef Voltaggio because he was doing calamari. Hoping for something else.

 

[yulilin3]

Do you recall seeing what Chef Gilbert will be preparing at the demonstration? I wasn't interested in Chef Voltaggio because he was doing calamari. Hoping for something else.

sorry, don't see any word on what he's making
EDIT TO ADD: Its still says calamari

 

[Hikergirl]

sorry, don't see any word on what he's making
EDIT TO ADD: Its still says calamari

Thanks. I tried to find info but didn't know where to look.

 

[pepperandchips]

Trying to be a bit more organized this year vs just stumbling from booth to booth lol. Hoping the planners here can help me out.

Couple of questions:

1) tasting sampler

can be used over the course of multiple days?

Usable for alcohol/food @ the booths, but not the traditional restaurants?

2) Having issues with scheduling Timing for Eat to Beat dining pkg with already scheduled beverage seminar (which as I understand it cannot be cancelled).

Seminar is @ 3 pm. Booked biergarten on day #1 but 2nd guessing now, DH doesn't eat that sort of food. looking @ Coral Reef as I had such a great late lunch there recently with exceptional service but it was slow. Not that I minded it as it was relaxing but different when you have someplace to be kwim?

Would you all 'chance' a 1:25 pm ADR there to get to the beverage seminar? Don't care where we are seated at the seminar, don't feel need to stand in line for this one.

3) didn't do a beverage seminar last year, but seem to vaguely recall the prior one was under an hour. Is this still the norm? Want to start digging for possible later ADR times but don't want to be running to dinner from the seminar. Was thinking 4:30 at the earliest?

Thanks

Last year alcoholic beverages and food were included on the sampler from the "countries" booths as well as the new Chew offerings but Block & Hans, the Joffrey's kiosks, Champagne & Desserts, etc. were not included on the entitlements of the sampler.

I would arrive early to the ADR and let them know you have another reservation and ask if you can be seated early (or watch for a 12:45 ressie to open up). I think you would have plenty of time if you were actually seated on time but you never know if that will happen... Our demos last year were all almost exactly 50 minutes on the dot.

 

[keishashadow]

Last year alcoholic beverages and food were included on the sampler from the "countries" booths as well as the new Chew offerings but Block & Hans, the Joffrey's kiosks, Champagne & Desserts, etc. were not included on the entitlements of the sampler.

I would arrive early to the ADR and let them know you have another reservation and ask if you can be seated early (or watch for a 12:45 ressie to open up). I think you would have plenty of time if you were actually seated on time but you never know if that will happen... Our demos last year were all almost exactly 50 minutes on the dot.

Thanks. Called & a CM found a 12:15 pm. Plan on checking to try and move it closer to 1 pm.

Surprised, didn't realize these 'dining pkgs' have a 2 day cancellation period, glad I asked.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Eat to the Beat: I read somewhere you could get fast passes for it, but when I checked My Disney Experience, they were not listed among the things you could get fast passes for. So, was the thing I read mistaken? Is there any way to get fast passes once we get into the parks now, or is it all ahead of time? Thanks

 

[crazy4wdw]

Eat to the Beat: I read somewhere you could get fast passes for it, but when I checked My Disney Experience, they were not listed among the things you could get fast passes for. So, was the thing I read mistaken? Is there any way to get fast passes once we get into the parks now, or is it all ahead of time? Thanks

Fast passes were available last year but so far they have not been available for the 2016 festival. It appears that Disney Parks Blog announced on 8/26/15 that fast passes would be available last year so there's still a possibility for this year.

We still don't know if reserved seating for Eat to the Beat will be made available for Chase card-members as in year's past.

 

[gottagetback]

Does anyone know exactly where the Bridge Kiosk East & West is located? Is it near the International Gateway? TIA

You can purchase Epcot Food and Wine Festival gift cards at the following:

• Pin Central
• Festival Center
• Bridge Kiosk East & West
• Festival Marketplace kiosks
• Festival Emporium (Canada pavilion)
• Festival Boutique (Japan and Morocco pavilions)
• Select merchandise locations throughout World Showcase

There will also be a limited edition gift card design celebrating the 2016 Festival. These gift cards must be activated with at least $200 and come with an Epcot Food & Wine Festival-themed lanyard and carrying sleeve. Hope these are still around for my trip in late October!

You can pick up the passports at any of the international marketplace kiosks in World Showcase and Future World. Typically the Epcot guide map contains the locations of the international marketplace kiosks.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Does anyone know exactly where the Bridge Kiosk East & West is located? Is it near the International Gateway? TIA

After entering the International Gateway, go left past the United Kingdom and continue past Canada. You'll get to the World Showcase Plaza. There's a wide bridge there that crosses into Future World. These kiosks will be on either side of that bridge.

 

[TeresaWen]

I read somewhere on this thread that the gift with purchase of the $200 gift card is a lanyard. Is this correct?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I read somewhere on this thread that the gift with purchase of the $200 gift card is a lanyard. Is this correct?

It was last year

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I read somewhere on this thread that the gift with purchase of the $200 gift card is a lanyard. Is this correct?

Yes. It is described on the site as having limited availability.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...d-wine-festival/#/drawer=drawerDisneyGiftCard

 

[holcomb-mania]

You can purchase Epcot Food and Wine Festival gift cards at the following:

• Pin Central
• Festival Center
• Bridge Kiosk East & West
• Festival Marketplace kiosks
• Festival Emporium (Canada pavilion)
• Festival Boutique (Japan and Morocco pavilions)
• Select merchandise locations throughout World Showcase

There will also be a limited edition gift card design celebrating the 2016 Festival. These gift cards must be activated with at least $200 and come with an Epcot Food & Wine Festival-themed lanyard and carrying sleeve. Hope these are still around for my trip in late October!

You can pick up the passports at any of the international marketplace kiosks in World Showcase and Future World. Typically the Epcot guide map contains the locations of the international marketplace kiosks.

What methods of payment will they accept? I am hoping to use the rewards from my Disney Visa. Thanks.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

What methods of payment will they accept? I am hoping to use the rewards from my Disney Visa. Thanks.

Last year they would not accept room charges (bizarre as the card I used to buy the lanyard was the same one that was on the room ) or gift cards. (Woman in front of me tried that)

In the past I have bought Disney gift cards with Visa gift cards (you have to force them to try it, but if they do it generally works) I haven't tried the rewards card.

 

[crazy4wdw]

The international marketplace kiosks are going up around World Showcase Lagoon!

The artwork and graphics for this year's festival are also visible, they look similar to last year's.

Check out the photos on mousesteps: http://www.mousesteps.com/extra-fea...ound-world-showcase-with-over-two-weeks-to-go

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I believe that the Festival Center either opens with Future World or maybe at 10 (but definitely before the 11am full World Showcase open). Did the booths in Future World open before 11?