EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Sept. 25 - Nov 16 2015

[POOHsie]

I purchased a F&W sampler package with a concert pass for 6:45PM. Does anyone know how long the concert will be? Wasn't sure what time I could schedule dinner for at La Hacienda de San Angel.

The Eat to the Beat Concerts are held at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm. So probably from 45-60 mins. It'll be a long walk around World Showcase Lagoon (in the crowds) to Mexico/La Hacienda from the American Gardens Theater. I'd say you should try to book an 8:30pm ADR (or later). IllumiNations show begins at 9pm. I'd say with 100% certainty that you would be unable to secure a dining table affording a view of the show. You might not even get an ADR in that time frame.

Just based on my experience with Epcot Food & Wine, our days there have meant that we weren't hungry for a sit-down dinner later. Your F&W Sampler Package comes with 8 tickets for food and drink. I think you should skip a table service meal, and see how well you go thru 8 meal/drink tickets. After the concert, it's important to establish your place along the lake for the fireworks. You could send a member of your group to fetch some small food items while you hold your places. The kiosks at the American Adventure Pavilion have good choices, and the Liberty Inn CS (inside American Pavilion) has hots, hamburgers, chicken, etc. Japan, next door, has a cart with kaki gori ices, or CS items and sushi at Katsura Grill.

 

[Spliter]

The Eat to the Beat Concerts are held at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm. So probably from 45-60 mins. It'll be a long walk around World Showcase Lagoon (in the crowds) to Mexico/La Hacienda from the American Gardens Theater. I'd say you should try to book an 8:30pm ADR (or later). IllumiNations show begins at 9pm. I'd say with 100% certainty that you would be unable to secure a dining table affording a view of the show. You might not even get an ADR in that time frame.

Just based on my experience with Epcot Food & Wine, our days there have meant that we weren't hungry for a sit-down dinner later. Your F&W Sampler Package comes with 8 tickets for food and drink. I think you should skip a table service meal, and see how well you go thru 8 meal/drink tickets. After the concert, it's important to establish your place along the lake for the fireworks. You could send a member of your group to fetch some small food items while you hold your places. The kiosks at the American Adventure Pavilion have good choices, and the Liberty Inn CS (inside American Pavilion) has hots, hamburgers, chicken, etc. Japan, next door, has a cart with kaki gori ices, or CS items and sushi at Katsura Grill.

Thanks so much for all the advice. Much appreciated! My husband will probably eat 12 of the 16 samplers and still eat a full meal with no problem. He's an athlete and eats a ton of food. I'll nibble as we go...more my speed. I'll pass this along and see if he wants QS or TS that night. Thanks again!

 

[Grace W]

Welcome to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival thread. The Festival is scheduled to take place September 25 - November 16. For the first time, the Festival has been extended to end a week later than usual.

This thread is for discussion of and information about the 2015 Food and Wine Festival only. Please, no discussion of regular restaurant reservations, possible meets, comparing dates you're going, or off-topic chat.

The first post is where the links to festival information will be placed!

SOME OF THE INFORMATION ALREADY POSTED HERE IS BASED ON PROCEDURE IN PAST YEARS. ANYTHING MAY CHANGE FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT. IF ANYTHING CHANGES IT WILL BE UPDATED WHEN WE FIND OUT ABOUT IT.

Here is Disney's festival page: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

This page has info on the Marketplace menus (no prices yet) and special events for 2015.

If you like the special events in list form, you can find it here: http://allears.net/tp/ep/fw15/2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-special-ticketed-events.htm

Culinary demonstrations: https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...wine-festival/culinary-demos-updated-2015.pdf

Beverage seminars: https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...e-festival/beverage-seminars-updated-2015.pdf

Mixology seminars:https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...e-festival/seminars-mixology-updated-2015.pdf

The "deminars" will continue to be $15 and there will be a $2 discount for TIW/AP/DVC on Monday-Thursday as in previous years.


For detailed information use this link:http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival
This page has 2015 updates as they become available as well as info on last year's and past festivals.

BOOKING FOR 2015 WILL OPEN ON JULY 30, 2015. Call 407-WDW-FEST. Phone lines open at 7 AM eastern.



BOOKING TUTORIAL FOR SPECIAL EVENTS IN POST #3

By popular demand, here is the list of ways you may pay for items at the Food and Wine Festival Marketplace.
Cash
Credit or debit card
Disney Gift Card
Disney Room Charge (Magic Band or card)
Disney Visa Reward Dollars
Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits*

*Although it is not at this time official for 2015, we are anticipating that Disney Dining Plan snack credits will be accepted for all kiosk items with the exception of alcoholic beverages.
ONLY SNACK CREDITS ARE ACCEPTED AT THE KIOSKS. QUICK SERVICE CREDITS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. DINING CREDITS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR ANY OTHER FESTIVAL OFFERINGS. We do not know for sure yet if this will change in 2015.

Here is a link to Allears' info regarding the Eat to the Beat Concert Dining Packages which are back on for 2015
http://allears.net/tp/ep/fw15/2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-eat-to-the-beat-concerts.htm

Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup: (subject to change! remember last year. so far Rick is going to show up this year)

• • David Cook September 25-27
  • Wilson Phillips September 28-29
  • Christopher Cross September 30-October 1
  • Starship Starring Mickey Thomas October 2-4
  • Smash Mouth October 5-7
  • The Pointer Sisters October 8-9
  • 38 Special October 10-11
  • Rick Springfield October 12-13
  • Sugar Ray October 14-16
  • The S.O.S. Band October 17-18
  • Air Supply October 19-21
  • Fuel October 22-23
  • Tiffany October 24-25
  • Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX October 26-28
  • Jo Dee Messina October 29-30
  • Everclear October 31-November 1
  • Boyz II Men November 2-4
  • Sister Hazel November 5-6
  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy November 7-9
  • Hanson November 10-12
  • Maxi Priest November 13-14
  • Chaka Khan November 15-16

We booked the whats cooking with... on September 27th! Looking forward to hearing how it is! We are sending my boyfriend who is a cook!

 

[Nicmitt]

Our first day at WDW is the last day of FW - DH just informed me that he would like to go! Off to change a whole bunch of reservations & read this 97(!) page thread!! We've never attended FW before - I'm excited but a bit freaked out. Hoping its still 'special' even though its the last day.

 

[Spliter]

Does anyone know if this is true? If you are a Chase card holder you can go to Chase card holder lounge in the America Pavilion and receive a wrist band for priority seating for the concerts.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Does anyone know if this is true? If you are a Chase card holder you can go to Chase card holder lounge in the America Pavilion and receive a wrist band for priority seating for the concerts.

Maybe... Last year they only had them for weekday concerts. The year before it was for most concerts. I seems to vary so you just have to wait and see what this year's plan is.

 

[Spliter]

Maybe... Last year they only had them for weekday concerts. The year before it was for most concerts. I seems to vary so you just have to wait and see what this year's plan is.

Thank you. I saw some people chatting about it on a facebook page. Neither seemed to know if it was going to be or not. I've surfed around and can't find anything in the F&W info which mentions anything about it for this year. Was it announced ahead of time last year by Chase or Disney or was it just word of mouth where you could get them?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thank you. I saw some people chatting about it on a facebook page. Neither seemed to know if it was going to be or not. I've surfed around and can't find anything in the F&W info which mentions anything about it for this year. Was it announced ahead of time last year by Chase or Disney or was it just word of mouth where you could get them?

Seems like it was announced, but without details on WHICH dates/concerts.

I wonder, however, if the addition of the Sampler package combined with the Dining package may cut this benefit out?

 

[ksromack]

Our first day at WDW is the last day of FW - DH just informed me that he would like to go! Off to change a whole bunch of reservations & read this 97(!) page thread!! We've never attended FW before - I'm excited but a bit freaked out. Hoping its still 'special' even though its the last day.

It's our first F&W too......how fun for you to at least get in 1 day of F&W. Baby steps, you know....then maybe next year you will come back for more. I have a feeling we will want to also!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Our first day at WDW is the last day of FW - DH just informed me that he would like to go! Off to change a whole bunch of reservations & read this 97(!) page thread!! We've never attended FW before - I'm excited but a bit freaked out. Hoping its still 'special' even though its the last day.

We will be there the last 4 days, also our first F&W. Totally excited! (Its my main reason for going in the fall, even though I could only manage the end.)

Was thinking of trying to do rope drop at MK on Sunday 11/15 which is a MVMCP date. Then off to Epcot & some FPs for rides and the second to last day of F&W. Considering staying for Illiuminations which we've never seen before. For the veterans, is it less likely to be crowded at Epcot since its MVMCP? Or will it be packed with foodies?

 

[pepperandchips]

We will be there the last 4 days, also our first F&W. Totally excited! (Its my main reason for going in the fall, even though I could only manage the end.)

Was thinking of trying to do rope drop at MK on Sunday 11/15 which is a MVMCP date. Then off to Epcot & some FPs for rides and the second to last day of F&W. Considering staying for Illiuminations which we've never seen before. For the veterans, is it less likely to be crowded at Epcot since its MVMCP? Or will it be packed with foodies?

Epcot will probably be a good choice that evening since DHS has EMH. Illuminations is definitely worth seeing and that time of year should be really nice weather-wise. Catch illuminations while you can - rumors abound regarding a new nighttime spectacular for Epcot.

Edited to add: I love your username! My parents called me "Mindy Lou Who" growing up

 

[POOHsie]

Our first day at WDW is the last day of FW - DH just informed me that he would like to go! Off to change a whole bunch of reservations & read this 97(!) page thread!! We've never attended FW before - I'm excited but a bit freaked out. Hoping its still 'special' even though its the last day.

It's our first F&W too......how fun for you to at least get in 1 day of F&W. Baby steps, you know....then maybe next year you will come back for more. I have a feeling we will want to also!

We will be there the last 4 days, also our first F&W. Totally excited! (Its my main reason for going in the fall, even though I could only manage the end.)

Was thinking of trying to do rope drop at MK on Sunday 11/15 which is a MVMCP date. Then off to Epcot & some FPs for rides and the second to last day of F&W. Considering staying for Illuminations which we've never seen before. For the veterans, is it less likely to be crowded at Epcot since its MVMCP? Or will it be packed with foodies?

Welcome, first-timers, to Epcot F&W Festival! Our family fell in love with F&W, and we have been scheduling our annual WDW trips around it (and MNSSHP).

The most helpful advice I can give you is to download the 2015 F&W guide and map when it's released. It shows each food kiosk in clockwise order around the WS Lagoon, and lists each food & drink offered. You can probably bet that the food and non-alcoholic drink items will all be covered by Disney Dining Plan snack credits. At least, that's how it's been for a number of years. There will be a purple DDP logo next to a plan-covered item on the menu boards.

Here's what the 2014 brochure looked like:


Highlight the items you're interested in trying. That'll save you time when you get there. No need to read the menu boards thru the crowds, since you'll already know what you want to try. Might sound strange, but try to share your small plates. Otherwise, you'll be full before you're finished with your list of foods to try. Establish some goals -- choose where and when you'd like to stop for "lunch break." Or what time you want to try a concert, so you'll be in the area to get in line.

Is Epcot F&W less likely to be crowded on the evening of an MVMCP Party at MK? NO. The MK Party is a different crowd entirely, and both parks have room to host differing major events.

 

[Cyrra]

Question - can you use a snack credit from the DDP for a wine or beer sample? Wasn't sure if the snack credits were restricted to food only. While I'm looking forward to F&W Im afraid Im going to be stuffed to the gills for 2 weeks with free dining.

 

[Nicmitt]

Welcome, first-timers, to Epcot F&W Festival! Our family fell in love with F&W, and we have been scheduling our annual WDW trips around it (and MNSSHP).

The most helpful advice I can give you is to download the 2015 F&W guide and map when it's released. It shows each food kiosk in clockwise order around the WS Lagoon, and lists each food & drink offered. You can probably bet that the food and non-alcoholic drink items will all be covered by Disney Dining Plan snack credits. At least, that's how it's been for a number of years. There will be a purple DDP logo next to a plan-covered item on the menu boards.

Here's what the 2014 brochure looked like:
View attachment 116773

Highlight the items you're interested in trying. That'll save you time when you get there. No need to read the menu boards thru the crowds, since you'll already know what you want to try. Might sound strange, but try to share your small plates. Otherwise, you'll be full before you're finished with your list of foods to try. Establish some goals -- choose where and when you'd like to stop for "lunch break." Or what time you want to try a concert, so you'll be in the area to get in line.

Is Epcot F&W less likely to be crowded on the evening of an MVMCP Party at MK? NO. The MK Party is a different crowd entirely, and both parks have room to host differing major events.

Thank you!!! This advice is quite helpful!

 

[POOHsie]

Question - can you use a snack credit from the DDP for a wine or beer sample? Wasn't sure if the snack credits were restricted to food only. While I'm looking forward to F&W Im afraid Im going to be stuffed to the gills for 2 weeks with free dining.

No, DDP snack credits do not cover alcohol. Snack credits cover food items and non-alcoholic drink items. Look for the purple DDP logo next to the menu item on the menu boards. I remember seeing pics of menu boards showing the DDP snack credit logos, before F&W festival started last year. Most everything food & non-alcoholic is covered by DDP snack credits.

 

[ksromack]

Welcome, first-timers, to Epcot F&W Festival! Our family fell in love with F&W, and we have been scheduling our annual WDW trips around it (and MNSSHP).

The most helpful advice I can give you is to download the 2015 F&W guide and map when it's released. It shows each food kiosk in clockwise order around the WS Lagoon, and lists each food & drink offered. You can probably bet that the food and non-alcoholic drink items will all be covered by Disney Dining Plan snack credits. At least, that's how it's been for a number of years. There will be a purple DDP logo next to a plan-covered item on the menu boards.

Here's what the 2014 brochure looked like:
View attachment 116773

Highlight the items you're interested in trying. That'll save you time when you get there. No need to read the menu boards thru the crowds, since you'll already know what you want to try. Might sound strange, but try to share your small plates. Otherwise, you'll be full before you're finished with your list of foods to try. Establish some goals -- choose where and when you'd like to stop for "lunch break." Or what time you want to try a concert, so you'll be in the area to get in line.

Thank you! When do you suppose the 2015 map will be available? Disney Food Blog will have it? I did get their F&W book but haven't made it all the way through yet.

 

[POOHsie]

Thank you! When do you suppose the 2015 map will be available? Disney Food Blog will have it? I did get their F&W book but haven't made it all the way through yet.

Really don't know when the 2015 guide will appear. DFB already has a list of food & drink items for each kiosk, but the countries are listed in alphabetical order, not their order around WS Lagoon. I'm also awaiting info about the F&W gift card with wristlet. I haven't seen the 2015 pins, either. Since it's about 5 weeks until F&W, we'll be seeing info releases soon. DFB will most likely have the 2015 F&W guide brochure to download (pdf).

Here's DFB's 2015 list of kiosks and food/drink items, in alphabetical order: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-booths-menus-and-food-photos/

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Epcot will probably be a good choice that evening since DHS has EMH. Illuminations is definitely worth seeing and that time of year should be really nice weather-wise. Catch illuminations while you can - rumors abound regarding a new nighttime spectacular for Epcot.

Edited to add: I love your username! My parents called me "Mindy Lou Who" growing up

Thanks for the info! Last year we went with family & managed to see only Wishes. Trying to see Iiluminations & Osborne Lights this time as well. I am already stressing to fit everything in 7 nights at WDW & 2 at UO as we likely won't be back for years but DS is only young once.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

We will be there the last 4 days, also our first F&W. Totally excited! (Its my main reason for going in the fall, even though I could only manage the end.)

Was thinking of trying to do rope drop at MK on Sunday 11/15 which is a MVMCP date. Then off to Epcot & some FPs for rides and the second to last day of F&W. Considering staying for Illiuminations which we've never seen before. For the veterans, is it less likely to be crowded at Epcot since its MVMCP? Or will it be packed with foodies?

I actually think it's more likely to be crowded at Epcot in the evening. It seems that the MK park goers who aren't going to the party head to Epcot.

Add in the locals getting one last taste and it's liable to be busy day.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I actually think it's more likely to be crowded at Epcot in the evening. It seems that the MK park goers who aren't going to the party head to Epcot.

Add in the locals getting one last taste and it's liable to be busy day.

I agree. I'm one of those people who go to the MK on a party day for RD then hop over to Epcot for afternoon and evening F&W fun.

But, I'm not sure I would do that on a Sunday due to the weekend crowds.