Info, please on Epcot Food & Wine!

[Westwingkath]

We (me, DH, DD8 and DS5) chose the first week of November for our trip this year for other reasons (the infamous Jersey Week) and at first weren't going to be going to Epcot at all. Now we've extended our stay and will definitely be over to Epcot at least once, so tell me about F&W!

I am more interested in the F than the W (I am a B drinker), and I'm hearing about special food booths or some such around World Showcase? Are our dining credits good here -- CS and/or snack? We won't be able to do any of the special activities or tours.

I'd guess this is more adult-taste oriented, not so much for kids -- will there be things of interest to moderately adventuresome young eaters?

Anyone have any special memories or favorite food items to mention?

thanks!

 

[mousermerf]

If by B, you mean Beer, then the fesitval will cater to you as well

There is often presentations by breweries and beer tastings too. Typically somewhere around the American Adventure.

Information about the festival itself should be coming out soon, but be forewarned that is it very popular, particularly on the weekends.

Reservations for events involved in the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be taken beginning July 31st by calling 407-WDW-FEST. If you want to do any of the dining events (which are very popular) you need to call that first day. More information should be available prior to that date. Be sure to check here and Disney's website for special event information.

 

[halfway there]

You might have more success on the Restaurants board. I did a fairly extensive review in 2003. You can read it here: My F&WF Review.

We try to go every year. It is a can't miss event for us! Keep in mind that the menus and prices change every year but some things have been there the past few years at least. You can read menus from other years on Deb's site here: All Ears Net.

Enjoy!

 

[KimWDW]

We went last year. I would stay away during the weekend. We went mid-week and crowds were fine. I'm not an adventurous eater, but my husband is and really enjoyed going from booth to booth and getting food. The portions are very small (appetizer like) and cheap ($2-$4) so you can sample several countries! It's all outside along the World Showcase. We did it while my son was napping in the stroller, it was a nice leisurely walk with a few snack stops.

 

[magiccouple2004]

you can also use your snack credits at the booths as well
they do have beer sampling one is by the american booth and the other was after mexico around the norway area.

we went last year and had fun but the crowds were huge!! couldnt get to alot of the exhibits that they were offering to do cut offs

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We also were there during the F&WF last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would agree that the portions are small for the price, but then what isn't overpriced at Disney?

 

[pperfectmom]

We will be able to attend only on the first Saturday of the festival , but, I guess it's better than not at all. Will it be jam packed? We are going to try to save some snack credits for that day, but do the CS restaurants do anything special? Also, I saw where last year some of the TS places had special food and wine pairings. Do all the TS restaurants do this and is it only on certain days? This may be one of my "million" dreams, but I thought I saw where some of the tastings and programs are free! Somebody set me straight before I get giddy with excitement . Thanks!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

This time I'm going to try the Cheddar Cheese soup at the Canada, and you have to try the shrimp on the barbie at the Australia kiosk, so good!

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

This time I'm going to try the Cheddar Cheese soup at the Canada, and you have to try the shrimp on the barbie at the Australia kiosk, so good!

I plan on trying the Cheddar Cheese soup in Canada to see if I want to order it later on that night at Le Cellier!

 

[ella6599]

Anyone know if you can use the Disney Dream Dollars that you get as a reward from the Disney Visa?

 

[btuftee]

Anyone know if you can use the Disney Dream Dollars that you get as a reward from the Disney Visa?

I asked this in another thread, and the answer was yes. I'm planning to use my Reward Dollars too!

 

[lpizzuro123]

Don't forget about the concerts. We did this a few years agoand saw Sister Sledge and The Spinners (we just missed Three Dog Night but one day). They are in the American Garden Theater and there are three shows daily (5:45, 7:00 and 8:15).

Linda

 

[Westwingkath]

I saw on allears that last year they had Tiger Beer, from Singapore -- did I mention I'm the actually Beer Lady, and that Westwingkath is just my PTA name?

Tiger is a big favorite of ours, which we had only when we traveled to Vietnam to adopt our children. Have never had it in the States.

Will there we an official advance list of which booth/countries will be represented? So I can know better whether we can expect to see it there?

You guys are an awe-inspiring resource, thanks!

 

[halfway there]

Yes, keep checking Allears.net, she usually posts a menu about a month beforehand. Since the Festival starts September 29th, I would start looking for it around August.

 

[mousermerf]

The majority of the information on the festival is expected to be in place prior to the July 31st booking date.

Food and Wine pairings at the Epcot TS are part of those reservations that fill up quickly. Different restaurants offer different days.

 

[Disneyfriend]

What time do the booths open? 11 am or 12?

I just realized that we could attend the first day. We depart on Sept. 30th, but that gives us enough time to hit that first day. Will it be crazy?

Disneyfriend

 

[Hopefully]

The first day will be very busy, but it is worth it.
We have gone 3 years. My DH and DS are beer drinkers and they always have plenty of choices as we walk around WS. We love the festival.
There are always many food choices from the different nations to try. Some we like, some we choose not to get. Last year we were able to use our snack credits for the food choices. We spend one day where we "Nosh Around the World", we do not make an ADR for that day. There was nothing special at the CS spots, to my knowledge.
We won't be able to go this year and I am very sad about that

 

[halfway there]

Booths open at 11am when World Showcase opens. I didn't even look at what day the 29th was but Allears says the festival runs from Sept 29-Nov 12. Does it indeed start on a Friday this year?

We went the first day for the first time a few years ago and it was pretty crowded but not right at opening. That was a Saturday in October of course which is always busy these days. September is usually not as crowded but a lot of locals will be there opening weekend.

Just bypass the longer lines and catch them on the second time around. It lightens up a little in the afternoon before the dinner crowd comes in and all the FL residents with after 4pm passes.

 

[The Mick]

Epcot F&W...my favorite event at my favorite Disney park.

I second the cheddar cheese soup and the austrailian shrimp on the barbie. SO GOOD.

Also, there's SO MUCH to try, you won't need to make reservations anywhere (at least I don't). Try 7-8 or dishes at $2-4 a dish and you've got a full day of incredible, diverse food.