2021 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival - Concluded on November 20, 2021

[merry_nbright]

Following along. Will be there once in September and again in November.

 

[Chisoxcollector]

Checking in for the first time in this year's thread. We're booked at the Swan for July 15th, so we'll be there the first two days, as well as various other days throughout the festival.

The thing I'm most excited for is the return of the Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey!

 

[SuJo]

Are they not bringing back all the Food and Wine/Beer pairings? I loved those events as well as the tasting and I am not hearing anything about those coming back.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Are they not bringing back all the Food and Wine/Beer pairings? I loved those events as well as the tasting and I am not hearing anything about those coming back.

No word. Some hopeful/wishful thinking speculation that with some of the booths not opening until 10/1 that there might be a second phase of the festival for which they could hold some events and/or concerts. But no one knows for sure (other than Disney). I enjoy those events as well and would love to see them return.

A couple of options to "scratch the itch" are Sangria University at Coronado Springs resort or the Agave Experience in La Cava de Tequila (Mexico pavilion in EPCOT). For both you have to email the operating companies to arrange; they aren't bookable through the Disney system. If you happen to be there on 10/29-30, the Food & Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin might be worth looking into. Also, historically some of the independently-owned restaurants in Disney Springs (e.g. Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George, Paddlefish, Homecomin') have hosted their own events on select dates so keep an eye out for the potential of that happening again. I'll also say that in my experience Wine Bar George is really great at crafting an informal "tasting" for you "off the cuff" and providing some education - just talk to your server about what you like - they're all super knowledgeable about wine. The food is great there too. I am not at all affiliated with the restaurant ... just love it.

 

[SuJo]

No word. Some hopeful/wishful thinking speculation that with some of the booths not opening until 10/1 that there might be a second phase of the festival for which they could hold some events and/or concerts. But no one knows for sure (other than Disney). I enjoy those events as well and would love to see them return.

A couple of options to "scratch the itch" are Sangria University at Coronado Springs resort or the Agave Experience in La Cava de Tequila (Mexico pavilion in EPCOT). For both you have to email the operating companies to arrange; they aren't bookable through the Disney system. If you happen to be there on 10/29-30, the Food & Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin might be worth looking into. Also, historically some of the independently-owned restaurants in Disney Springs (e.g. Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George, Paddlefish, Homecomin') have hosted their own events on select dates so keep an eye out for the potential of that happening again. I'll also say that in my experience Wine Bar George is really great at crafting an informal "tasting" for you "off the cuff" and providing some education - just talk to your server about what you like - they're all super knowledgeable about wine. The food is great there too. I am not at all affiliated with the restaurant ... just love it.

Thanks, we are staying at Coronado Springs next week, will have to see if we can do that Sangria University.

 

[1kings1queen]

We are experienced Epcot ninjas. We enjoy some of the rides and all of the food and beers that are native to the countries in the World Showcase. Must do rides are: Test Track, Three Caballeros, Frozen, well that's about it for my family, we go mainly for the food and drink and cultural experience throughout the showcase, the rest is liberal indoctrination. We enjoy the World Showcase the most, but this year, June 2021 we were treated with "The Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival" there were tons of additional food and drink kiosks spread throughout the countries. It was tremendous. Some of the food was off the charts good, some of the drinks as well, especially the alcoholic ones. We had dinner in Mexico, I'm hoping to review it individually but if I can't, it was fantastic. worth the money, and it's high end for sure. We love all the countries but in addition to Mexico we love Germany, Italy, and France the most. Chocolate mousse in France is the real deal too, I never not order it. The food and wine in Italy is worth some extra time spending there. Of course there's no shortage to shopping throughout Disney, but make sure you save some souvenir money for Epcot, you can find unique gifts in every country. I gave my wife French perfume for our anniversary.

 

[summerlvr]

Checking in for the first time in this year's thread. We're booked at the Swan for July 15th, so we'll be there the first two days, as well as various other days throughout the festival.

The thing I'm most excited for is the return of the Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey!

Wait, what? Is the Griddled Greek Cheese coming back this year or are you just hoping it will be back? That is my #1 favorite thing ever at Food and Wine and I have been in mourning ever since it went away. I've even been boycotting the Greece booth...

 

[Chisoxcollector]

Wait, what? Is the Griddled Greek Cheese coming back this year or are you just hoping it will be back? That is my #1 favorite thing ever at Food and Wine and I have been in mourning ever since it went away. I've even been boycotting the Greece booth...

According to the Disney site, the following items will be part of "Emile's Fromage Montage" at this year's festival:

• Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese – The Swanky Saucy Swine
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts – Hawaiʻi
• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese – Germany
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey – Greece
• The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue – Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/emiles-fromage-montage/

 

[summerlvr]

According to the Disney site, the following items will be part of "Emile's Fromage Montage" at this year's festival:

• Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese – The Swanky Saucy Swine
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts – Hawaiʻi
• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese – Germany
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey – Greece
• The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue – Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/emiles-fromage-montage/

You just made my day! So looking forward to this!

 

[merry_nbright]

According to the Disney site, the following items will be part of "Emile's Fromage Montage" at this year's festival:

• Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese – The Swanky Saucy Swine
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts – Hawaiʻi
• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese – Germany
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey – Greece
• The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue – Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/emiles-fromage-montage/

Thanks for posting! As someone who loves cheese and hates beef and pork, I’m sadly going to skip this this year.

 

[helenm29]

Hi every one! this is a little off topic but for the Swan and Dolphin food festival, do you know if it's accessible by ECV?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi every one! this is a little off topic but for the Swan and Dolphin food festival, do you know if it's accessible by ECV?

I am 99% positive it is. When held outdoors, the various booths are along the causeway and pathway that connects to the pool. No steps that I recall - flat, paved, wide walkways. Not sure about the tables outside - I think a lot are bar / standing height. If indoors due to inclement weather, it's in their convention area but I'm sure there are elevators to access. There are a few videos on YouTube that can give you an idea of what it's like.

 

[helenm29]

I am 99% positive it is. When held outdoors, the various booths are along the causeway and pathway that connects to the pool. No steps that I recall - flat, paved, wide walkways. Not sure about the tables outside - I think a lot are bar / standing height. If indoors due to inclement weather, it's in their convention area but I'm sure there are elevators to access. There are a few videos on YouTube that can give you an idea of what it's like.

Thank you for the quick answer! I was kind of nervous because of the crowds....maybe I'll bring a horn! lol

 

[crazy4wdw]

Some of the kiosks for the international marketplaces begin to be installed around World Showcase Lagoon.

https://allears.net/2021/06/18/photos-more-food-wine-festival-booths-arrive-in-epcot/

 

[bookgirl2632]

We need the menus! It’s less than a month out now!

 

[ShannyMcB]

Did not realize when we booked it would be in the middle of food and wine, what a pleasant surprise! And considering we are at CBR with park hoppers I think dinner on most nights has been decided!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Is any part of the Flower and Garden Festival similar to the Food and Wine Festival?

 

[smallworldnh]

I just downloaded it!

Me too!! Thanks for posting this, CarolynFH!

 

[Turn the Page]

Are they not bringing back all the Food and Wine/Beer pairings? I loved those events as well as the tasting and I am not hearing anything about those coming back.

Us too. DH and I went to one about 5 years ago and loved it. We're hoping to do another one in October.

 

[CarolynFH]

Is any part of the Flower and Garden Festival similar to the Food and Wine Festival?

The fact that they have food booths is similar, although the names of the booths and the dishes offered at each are different. Also, there will be lots of topiaries and decorations at both, but they’ll be different too. Souvenirs will also differ in terms of theme and designs but will be similar in that you can buy t-shirts and other items at both festivals.