2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: August 30 to November 12, 2018

[crazy4wdw]

If any of you are members of D23, the details of the annual D23 sip and stroll were released today. The date is October 22 and the cost is $130. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 1 p.m. ET .

The price seems expensive to me for what you actually get.

OVERVIEW
Our fan-favorite D23 event returns October 22 in celebration of the 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort!

DETAILS
This year, to kick off the event D23 is partnering with Walt Disney Imagineering for a special Food & Wine chat inside the Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge. While in the Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge, guests will have the chance to taste some Cast Member- and fan-favorite items of the festival.

Each guest then will receive a $25 Disney Gift Card to “sip and stroll” some of the delicious offerings at the Food & Wine Festival throughout both the World Showcase and Future World.

Attendees are then invited to head over to the America Gardens Theatre for reserved seating at the 5 p.m. Eat to the Beat concert!

The event will culminate in a delightful dessert reception at the Italy Pavilion. D23 Members will mix and mingle in the moonlight while enjoying a variety of specialty desserts—the perfect setting to enjoy VIP viewing of Epcot’s stunning nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth!

Continuing the tradition, this D23 event wouldn’t be complete without an exclusive gift—created just for you and this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

What’s sad is that Disney did something free for kids at food and wine and it’s full of adults.


Once Again Disney didn’t handle things well. They really should have a limited the number of adults

yeah, or did the spots just for kids (accompanied by and adults) .... or, as I know some adults legitimately wanted to do it maybe have some sessions for just kids and some for adults or something - heck do the kids ones during the day and the adults as like a Sushi Making and Wine class with a small fee or something

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I’m not going to feel bad for taking two adult spots towards the end of the festival. My husband runs on skittles so when I saw how exciting he was when I mentioned it, totally worth it.

I wonder if they are holding back 3:30 for day of reservations or spots for walk ups.

 

[Mrs.Potts521]

If any of you are members of D23, the details of the annual D23 sip and stroll were released today. The date is October 22 and the cost is $130. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 1 p.m. ET .

The price seems expensive to me for what you actually get.

OVERVIEW
Our fan-favorite D23 event returns October 22 in celebration of the 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort!

DETAILS
This year, to kick off the event D23 is partnering with Walt Disney Imagineering for a special Food & Wine chat inside the Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge. While in the Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge, guests will have the chance to taste some Cast Member- and fan-favorite items of the festival.

Each guest then will receive a $25 Disney Gift Card to “sip and stroll” some of the delicious offerings at the Food & Wine Festival throughout both the World Showcase and Future World.

Attendees are then invited to head over to the America Gardens Theatre for reserved seating at the 5 p.m. Eat to the Beat concert!

The event will culminate in a delightful dessert reception at the Italy Pavilion. D23 Members will mix and mingle in the moonlight while enjoying a variety of specialty desserts—the perfect setting to enjoy VIP viewing of Epcot’s stunning nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth!

Continuing the tradition, this D23 event wouldn’t be complete without an exclusive gift—created just for you and this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

I don't know... seems worth it to me. Dessert parties will run you $70+, then the $25 g.c. leaves $35 value for the Spaceship Earth lounge with food and reserved concert seating. I'm not a D23 member, but if I was I would seriously consider this!

 

[Haley R]

I’m not going to feel bad for taking two adult spots towards the end of the festival. My husband runs on skittles so when I saw how exciting he was when I mentioned it, totally worth it.

I wonder if they are holding back 3:30 for day of reservations or spots for walk ups.

I don’t drink any alcohol so having something that actually sounds fun to me is nice. No other events honestly interested me and I love candy. We only took two spots as two adults and it’s at the end of October. We are going to Japan in May so I thought this would be a fun thing for me and Dh to do.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

From the Candy Sushi page: "Calling all candy fans! Sunshine Seasonsinvites kids of all ages to sharpen their itamae skills at Candy Sushi, a family-friendly culinary workshop that teaches attendees how to transform their favorite sweets into masterful maki- or nigiri-style rolls. "

Doesn't sound like it's only meant for just for kids. The wording actually sounds more encouraging for adults to be kids at heart. It even states, "complimentary for all ages."

I am bringing my kids, but don't think any adults should feel bad for wanting to book this for themselves! Heck, next year, Disney will do the same thing and slap on a $50 price tag regardless of your age.

 

[LucyBC80]

As long as the page is saying it's open to kids of all ages and as long as Disney itself is marketed as a vacation spot to families with children, no children and families of all shapes, types and sizes I refuse to feel bad for those who aren't as quick or as interested on this event as me. I called to inquire as to when they would first start to book this event, I actually woke up earlier to book it and called when I couldn't book it online.

So people can keep their negativity and their 'won't you think of the kids' attitude and I'll be here, happy that I booked a silly but cute candy sushi demonstration for two adults.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

From the Candy Sushi page: "Calling all candy fans! Sunshine Seasonsinvites kids of all ages to sharpen their itamae skills at Candy Sushi, a family-friendly culinary workshop that teaches attendees how to transform their favorite sweets into masterful maki- or nigiri-style rolls. "

Doesn't sound like it's only meant for just for kids. The wording actually sounds more encouraging for adults to be kids at heart. It even states, "complimentary for all ages."

I am bringing my kids, but don't think any adults should feel bad for wanting to book this for themselves! Heck, next year, Disney will do the same thing and slap on a $50 price tag regardless of your age.

And if it was $50, I probably would have still done it. Disney just take all my money!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I was thinking I should enter via International Gateway on my arrival day -- I'll be Uber-ing over from AoA. I should hopefully be entering around 11:45, and I'm booked to go to a culinary demonstration at the Festival Center at 12:30. Now I'm rethinking entering via IG, as I would need to walk all the way around World Showcase. Would it make more sense to come in via the regular entrance? I'd have to bypass grabbing a snack or two as I walked, but I think that could wait until later.

For some reason I thought they won't allow you to be dropped off at BC/YC if you aren't a guest or you don't have a dining reservation. Would double check on that before trying this. (Fwiw I wouldn't try it anyway. There's a number of booths in FW now and there's stuff in the Festival Center you could munch on for F&W.)

 

[gillep]

For some reason I thought they won't allow you to be dropped off at BC/YC if you aren't a guest or you don't have a dining reservation. Would double check on that before trying this. (Fwiw I wouldn't try it anyway. There's a number of booths in FW now and there's stuff in the Festival Center you could munch on for F&W.)

We Uber to and from BC all the time for access to World Showcase without staying there or having a dining reservation and have never had any issue whatsoever.

 

[WrongLeverrrr]

For some reason I thought they won't allow you to be dropped off at BC/YC if you aren't a guest or you don't have a dining reservation. Would double check on that before trying this. (Fwiw I wouldn't try it anyway. There's a number of booths in FW now and there's stuff in the Festival Center you could munch on for F&W.)

You might be thinking of the fact that you can’t park your own vehicle there (BW too) without a hotel or dining reservation. Uber, Lyft and Minnie Van should all be fine.

 

[Chelley00]

Yesterday I couldn’t get candy sushi for our entire week and this morning a lot of times opened up and there were openings for exactly when we wanted to go plus some.

 

[TeresaWen]

I was thinking I should enter via International Gateway on my arrival day -- I'll be Uber-ing over from AoA. I should hopefully be entering around 11:45, and I'm booked to go to a culinary demonstration at the Festival Center at 12:30. Now I'm rethinking entering via IG, as I would need to walk all the way around World Showcase. Would it make more sense to come in via the regular entrance? I'd have to bypass grabbing a snack or two as I walked, but I think that could wait until later.

If you have the time you could enter through the IG, grab a few snacks near by and take the friendship boat from morocco to Mexico. I do not like the main entrance. IG is so low key.

 

[TeresaWen]

We Uber to and from BC all the time for access to World Showcase without staying there or having a dining reservation and have never had any issue whatsoever.

We had an issue once this past march. I asked for a manage when we were finally let in and dropped off. He apologized and promised he would address the mistake.

There should not be any issue getting dropped off.

 

[kristidiaz1]

I also was able to get candy sushi booked this morning (online)...only 3:30 times were available but there was no availability yesterday so anyone who was disappointed yest. may want to try today!

 

[TeresaWen]

Too bad we don't eat candy. I looked and there is lots of online availability. I was about to book but my husband has zero interest

Guess I wanted to just because I could

 

[crazy4wdw]

I don't know... seems worth it to me. Dessert parties will run you $70+, then the $25 g.c. leaves $35 value for the Spaceship Earth lounge with food and reserved concert seating. I'm not a D23 member, but if I was I would seriously consider this!

I guess I'm thinking about what was offered in previous years for the Sip & Stroll. Several of the chef's would walk around World Showcase with the group, providing details on some of the menu items at the kiosks. There was generally a lunch provided at the American Adventure with members of the F&W team who provided details on that year's festival. Also, the event covered two days, not one. More was included in previous years at a less expnesive cost.

 

[deedeezee]

I also was able to get candy sushi booked this morning (online)...only 3:30 times were available but there was no availability yesterday so anyone who was disappointed yest. may want to try today!

I was just about to post this. I was able to get a 3:30 slot too!! (not on the day I wanted, but we can park hop!)

 

[Haley R]

I also was able to get candy sushi booked this morning (online)...only 3:30 times were available but there was no availability yesterday so anyone who was disappointed yest. may want to try today!

Thanks for saying something! I booked a 3:30 and cancelled my 5:30 that I had.

 

[Greta]

I also was able to get candy sushi booked this morning (online)...only 3:30 times were available but there was no availability yesterday so anyone who was disappointed yest. may want to try today!

How did you do it online? I see it listed but I didn’t see a link to reserve it.