Food & Wine Festival- I don't get it.

[TenThousandVolts]

What is the big deal about the food and wine fest? I was there last year during this time and it was like no big deal. I didn't buy tickets to any of the evnts but I saw the little snack/sample kiosks/booths in World Showcase. Am I missing something- should I plan on any of the special events. Is there some planning I should do so I can enjoy this. I am on the dining plan.

 

[CDizney]

Hi,
Well, I have to say that this Festival is comprised of three things: kiosks that sell Tapas food/drink items around the World Showcase, free wine/beer/etc tasting seminars, free cooking/eating demonstrations, and then other special food/wine festival events at an additional cost.

I think that in order to really get siked about this festival you have to be a lover of food or wine or both. If you are only mildly interested in food/wine, then this festival may be boring to some. For me, I love to cook, love to eat different foods, and enjoy wine/spirits so this festival for me is the ultimate treat. I LOVE this festival and can't live without it. I'll be down in 24 days to enjoy it and can't wait. I've learned so much about food and wine over the 9 times I've been to the festival. I also think this festival is good for the beginner interested in food or wine.......there is lots to learn from this festival.

 

[ADP]

Don't forget about the Eat to the Beat Concerts. They are free with EPCOT admission, but still part of the festival.

 

[MartDM]

I didn't buy tickets to any of the evnts but I saw the little snack/sample kiosks/booths in World Showcase. Is there some planning I should do so I can enjoy this. I am on the dining plan.

Sounds like you didn't participate at all so I think that probably explains your befuddlement.

The booths in the World Showcase give you a great opportunity to sample many different foods and drinks from various countries, something most people rarely get a chance to enjoy. From what I understand, you can use your dining plan snack credits to sample some of these if you don't wish to pay out of pocket.

In addition to the food sampling, there are a myriad of free and paid events that focus on various food & drink genres, cooking demos, or musical acts. You could peruse the offerings on the WDW website and arrange to attend one of these events if you are so inclined.

 

[ZoZo]

I can relate to your question! I went with three friends last year, and all of them are wine drinkers (but I don't drink). They planned their days around the tasting seminar schedules, and I went off on my own quite a bit. I spend about half of the time at the parks by myself while they were tied up in "classes!" Apparently if you're into wine, it's really fun -- if you're not, it's just a chance to sample food that you wouldn't otherwise be able to try.

Two of my friends are going back this year, and plan to spend pretty much the entire week at Epcot going to all of the tastings, seminars, and a couple of all-day classes. This is not interesting to me at all, so I decided not to go.

To each his/her own, huh?