The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, The Odyssey Cooking School, half-day Wine Schools, Lunch and Learn series, and other specialty events require reservations and separate admission.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information or reservations for special events and programs. By summer, festival details will be posted on the Web site: disneyworld.com.
As indicated above I believe park admission is required. We have annual passes so it was not an issue for us. We did it last year for the first time and thought it was outstanding!!!!!!