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

[ellie05]

Sorry if it's been asked, are they doing Dole Whip this year?

Thanks

You can find the dole whip with rum year around at AK.

 

[JOE DELL]

You can find the dole whip with rum year around at AK.

I know ty, I was asking about Epcot, I found it today at the refreshment port.

 

[pepperandchips]

Waiting on bell services to check out this morning - we've been at WDW since last Friday (the 2nd) and had an amazing time again at food & wine. We really enjoyed the premium package but went last night during the height of dinner time on a Saturday and found places to sit and eat several times. The lines were the longest I'd seen them all week but they moved really fast - the longest we had to wait was for the chew lab to work on the nitro for the smoking hibiscus and the truffle. Most of the very longest lines were only about a 10 minute wait.

 

[westfield13]

Good to hear crowds were manageable - we leave in 9 days - I can't believe we are finally in a single digit day countdown! Safe travels home!

 

[KiniShakenBake]

I'm still hoping for a report back that includes use of a premium package area payment point to use a QuickService dining credit to pay for items from multiple kiosks that are served by that area. Anyone? Bueller??

I know, it's a repetitive question, but a girl can hope.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks. I know both DH and I would love it. We are both much more beer folks than wine folks. There are not many options for beer drinkers with the meals. The other one, the wine vs. beer in Italy would be great but we aren't there on a day they have that one. And the Beer one in Japan doesn't appeal much.

Check the beverage seminars in the Festival Center. Quite a few beer seminars.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We did the French Family Meal Traditions at Monsieur Paul's. On the menu:

Aperitif - Allumette au fromage (Cheese stick) with Kir Royal (sparkling wine with blackcurrant liquor)
Hors d'Oeuvre - Vichyssoise avec sa gougere (traditional leek and potato soup with a cheese puff) with Cotes du Rhone, Blanc, E.Guigal, 2013
Plat de resistance - Poulet au vinaigre facon Paul Bocuse (braised chicken in a wine vinegar sauce, polenta, tomato confit and mushrooms) with Beaujolais-Villages, Vieilles Vignes, Mommessin, 2013
Fromage - Tomme de Savoie with Bordeaux, Merlot, Chateau Mezain, 2013
Dessert - Tarte aux pommes maison (apple tart with almond cream, apples, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream) with Cremant de Bourgogne Rose, JCB69, N.V.

They change the menu every week based on the chef. We were there for nearly the full 3.5 hours eating and drinking. Fabulous meal, fabulous wine, wonderful company at our table. We had three of us and another table of three were seated with us at our table of six. We had a great time, talking, dining, drinking.

 

[goodeats]

We're doing the FFMT on Oct 23 - can't wait!

Were you too full for dinner that night? We have an ADR for Shulas later (like 7 or 7:30) - wondering if we should cancel?

 

[Deb & Bill]

We're doing the FFMT on Oct 23 - can't wait!

Were you too full for dinner that night? We have an ADR for Shulas later (like 7 or 7:30) - wondering if we should cancel?

If I were you, I'd cancel the other dinner. We were packed. After 3.5 hours of eating and drinking, we were supposed to attend a beverage seminar at the Festival Center, but it got changed to another time and we didn't want to do the one that replaced it (we got a refund), so we headed back to the resort and called it a night.

But ours was totally wonderful. The best I've ever done. It was better than the dinner we had at Monsieur Paul a few years ago. I think the unexpected company was a big plus. But we had plenty of food and it was all full sized, not small plates. The soup was a small tureen, not just a little cup. The main course was in an individual cast iron casserole dish (Le Creuset) and there were three pieces of chicken in the dish. Almost like a half chicken. The dessert was a large slice of apple tarte (maybe four inches by four inches). The cheese plate was a large piece of cheese, a slice of raisin bread, grapes and walnuts. And the wine was free flowing. If you finished your glass (it was a full pour each time), and the servers walked by, they refilled your glass if you wanted more. And we each got a small baggette of bread just before the main course.

It was a real bargain for the price we paid. Totally unusual by Disney standards. If we had paid for it outside the festival meal, I'm sure it would have been close to $200 a person. Five plus glasses of wine would be close to $100 by itself.

 

[AngiTN]

Check the beverage seminars in the Festival Center. Quite a few beer seminars.

Thanks. We are scheduled for one, the only one I saw for sure. There are 2 showing as TBD next week. I plan to check on what they are when we arrive

We did the French Family Meal Traditions at Monsieur Paul's. On the menu:

Aperitif - Allumette au fromage (Cheese stick) with Kir Royal (sparkling wine with blackcurrant liquor)
Hors d'Oeuvre - Vichyssoise avec sa gougere (traditional leek and potato soup with a cheese puff) with Cotes du Rhone, Blanc, E.Guigal, 2013
Plat de resistance - Poulet au vinaigre facon Paul Bocuse (braised chicken in a wine vinegar sauce, polenta, tomato confit and mushrooms) with Beaujolais-Villages, Vieilles Vignes, Mommessin, 2013
Fromage - Tomme de Savoie with Bordeaux, Merlot, Chateau Mezain, 2013
Dessert - Tarte aux pommes maison (apple tart with almond cream, apples, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream) with Cremant de Bourgogne Rose, JCB69, N.V.

They change the menu every week based on the chef. We were there for nearly the full 3.5 hours eating and drinking. Fabulous meal, fabulous wine, wonderful company at our table. We had three of us and another table of three were seated with us at our table of six. We had a great time, talking, dining, drinking.

Sounds great. I went back and forth on booking it. We went with the Italian meal instead. Maybe I'll see if this one is still open too

 

[FeralCatRogue]

We're doing the FFMT on Oct 23 - can't wait!

Were you too full for dinner that night? We have an ADR for Shulas later (like 7 or 7:30) - wondering if we should cancel?

I was quite full after mine as well, the portions are quite large and they were very nice on refills and extra bread if wanted.

 

[LifeWithLouie]

Ok.. can we summarize this? (I have read a number of threads and it's like a tennis match with a bad attitude)

(1) We are coming down to WDW from Oct 28th to Nov 1st. We nabbed Free Dining (Quick Serve) because they (folks discussing free dining that day) were also talking about the snack substitutions at the same time - and we immediately thought "FOOD AND WINE using SNACK CREDITS!!!" - now? not going to work out that way?? Ugg - that will be a BIG disappointment to fellow travelers who are short on cash (they have twins on the way and are pinching pennies).
So What CAN be bought at Food and Wine using the Quick Service dining plan?

(2) We are also coming down specifically for the (the F&W, of course..but!...) Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Any word on how a Quick Serve Package (substitutions if possible) would work at the Magic Kingdom - but ESPECIALLY for the MNSSHP nights?

(3) any guidance as to how YOU would spend your dining credits would be appreciated as well. - USUALLY, I'm a big Disney Planner...but life has been too busy this time and I am at a loss.

THANKS TONS!!

 

[FeralCatRogue]

1. You can use QS for 3 Snacks at food and wine for food and non-alcoholic drinks.
2. There are not many restaurants open after 7pm and I have never tried to eat in one after 7, but between 4 and 7 plan works just as it always does.
3. I am never able to use all mine sadly. This year even with F&W and a bunch of TS places I still was like with 3 QS and 3 snacks. What I tend to do is use my snack credit for a bottle of water regardless of having mug that way I can get them down.

 

[sunnygal041]

Was wondering if anyone attending the Burger Party with the Chew this past Friday?

 

[SOAT]

For the premium package amenity bag pickup, I have a couple questions. Can you have someone escort you with the bag to the international gateway? We have to make dinner reservations, so we will not be in the park for 3 hours. And will we have to wait long for an escort?

 

[mbtohill]

This was posted on the "other" board with regards to crowds this past Saturday

"Saturday, however, was absolutely ludicrous. Epcot was completely packed to the gills with people (some being rather unpleasant as the alcohol was obviously starting to set in). We ended up not even getting in line for anything because the amount of people in line at each kiosk was ridiculous. I mean, in Mexico, the line was probably just shy of 100 people! It was a complete waist of our time as it was hot in the sun, and the queues are not covered. Cars were actually parking on the grass areas around the parking lots. Aside from capping the number of people allowed in Epcot on any given day during this event, I don't know how else to avoid that from happening. For me though, it was completely not enjoyable on Saturday. We were not there at night however."

Is it possible that Saturday during the day was worse than at night??

 

[gottalovepluto]

Is there an iPhone app where you can keep track of what you want to try at the festival?

 

[Dis_Yoda]

This was posted on the "other" board with regards to crowds this past Saturday

"Saturday, however, was absolutely ludicrous. Epcot was completely packed to the gills with people (some being rather unpleasant as the alcohol was obviously starting to set in). We ended up not even getting in line for anything because the amount of people in line at each kiosk was ridiculous. I mean, in Mexico, the line was probably just shy of 100 people! It was a complete waist of our time as it was hot in the sun, and the queues are not covered. Cars were actually parking on the grass areas around the parking lots. Aside from capping the number of people allowed in Epcot on any given day during this event, I don't know how else to avoid that from happening. For me though, it was completely not enjoyable on Saturday. We were not there at night however."

Is it possible that Saturday during the day was worse than at night??

As this past Saturday was originally forecasted to have heavy rain around 6/7PM, I could see that some of the locals would come out early. Yes, Saturdays are really busy at the festival. My husband & I actually were there to finish out the booths + go to our Parisian Afternoon event. We started the booths at 11AM & were able to get through the lines quickly when starting then. At 1PM - they were long but if you plan well, you can make it work or just accept some line waiting.

 

[samsteele]

Ok.. can we summarize this? (I have read a number of threads and it's like a tennis match with a bad attitude)

(1) We are coming down to WDW from Oct 28th to Nov 1st. We nabbed Free Dining (Quick Serve) because they (folks discussing free dining that day) were also talking about the snack substitutions at the same time - and we immediately thought "FOOD AND WINE using SNACK CREDITS!!!" - now? not going to work out that way?? Ugg - that will be a BIG disappointment to fellow travelers who are short on cash (they have twins on the way and are pinching pennies).
So What CAN be bought at Food and Wine using the Quick Service dining plan?

Setting aside the idea of breaking down 1 QS meal credit into 3 snack credits, definitely use your regular snack credits on your plan. Each guest has 1 snack credit per day of their vacation pkg. No booze can be purchased using a regular snack credit but there are a number of good snack credit food options. eg Canada's filet mignon. Mexico's shrimp tacos. The lobster roll. If over $6, a great use of your snack credit. If over $5, an OK use of your snack credit. You can use all of your snack credits for your entire vacation on 1 or 2 days at the F&W kiosks if you wish. They are not held back or parceled out a day at a time. This may not be the best use of them as some food items may be under $5. However, that is for you to decide. You can buy a gift card with a wrist strap and load $50 on it to pay for the $5 and under kiosk food items. This is what I do.

(2) We are also coming down specifically for the (the F&W, of course..but!...) Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Any word on how a Quick Serve Package (substitutions if possible) would work at the Magic Kingdom - but ESPECIALLY for the MNSSHP nights?

There are a few decent QS restaurants at MK. If going to MNSSHP, then I'd enter enter early at 4pm. If you have already picked up some FP+ reservations for the 4pm-6pm time period, head to your first one and do it. Maybe tuck an early QS dinner in between your FP+ times. A fav on the boards is Columbia Harbor House and it will be open for the first few hrs of the party. But it does close early. Others have recommended Cosmic Rays Combo Platter (chicken & ribs). Its a good value on the plan but the crowds and confusing bay order system may eat up more time than you wish at the party.

(3) any guidance as to how YOU would spend your dining credits would be appreciated as well. - USUALLY, I'm a big Disney Planner...but life has been too busy this time and I am at a loss.

Check out the Disney Restaurants thread on the boards for detailed info. Every month, someone usually posts a msg requesting suggestions for the best QS restaurants in each park. Food is very subjective so be sure to check out the online menus to see what appeals to you on the DIS but also see the allears site and the actual WDW dining site for the most up to date menus. If you want my picks? MK:Columbia Harbor House. Epcot: Sunshine Seasons, Tangierine Cafe, Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles (French QS - I haven't been thrilled with their offerings as I find them $ sandwiches w/o much actual flavour but I may be in the minority) and Cantina de San Angel in Mexico. HS: Starring Rolls, Bill & Mins, Backlot Express (marginal offerings). AK: Flame Tree BBQ, Harambe Market (some enjoy Yak & Yeti quick service. I'm not a fan as it reminds me of down scale bad Mall Chinese food. However, I love the Yak & Yeti table service restaurant). Best bang for your buck with QS credits is Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Wolfgang Puck Express is hands down your best QS restaurant to maximize your credits and for good food. If you aren't excited by the QS restaurants in any given park in the evening, then take the bus to Disney Springs and check out WP Express. Cookes of Dublin is OK but nowhere near as good (food & value) as WP Express. Another QS option when in Epcot and HS is to take the boat to the Boardwalk Area and go to the Boardwalk Bakery. Very good sandwiches & a beloved lobster roll. Its an easy boat ride to and from the International Gateway in Epcot. When in HS, you need to decide if you want to walk to and from the park entrance for the boats. Best wishes!
THANKS TONS!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

This was posted on the "other" board with regards to crowds this past Saturday

"Saturday, however, was absolutely ludicrous. Epcot was completely packed to the gills with people (some being rather unpleasant as the alcohol was obviously starting to set in). We ended up not even getting in line for anything because the amount of people in line at each kiosk was ridiculous. I mean, in Mexico, the line was probably just shy of 100 people! It was a complete waist of our time as it was hot in the sun, and the queues are not covered. Cars were actually parking on the grass areas around the parking lots. Aside from capping the number of people allowed in Epcot on any given day during this event, I don't know how else to avoid that from happening. For me though, it was completely not enjoyable on Saturday. We were not there at night however."

Is it possible that Saturday during the day was worse than at night??

The lines at the ticket booths just outside the turnstiles to enter the park were really, really long for people buying one day tickets (or more, I'm just guessing). They were back to the fencing separating the guests who hadn't gone through security from those who had already been. It was a mad house. The parking lot at Epcot was full. The lines at the booths were wrapped around a few times. And it poured down rain about 2:30, so around 4 it was humid, hot and totally miserable.

Today the lines were much more manageable.