The Official 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Thread - July 15 to Nov. 20

[bffer]

Disney parks missed out on billions of dollars of revenue in the past 15 months or so. I think that would make Walt cringe.

Nope...Walt didn't care much about how much things cost. Now, Roy, on the other hand.....

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Why pay a nationally know artist or band when you can get local acts to play free. Disney is really losing it's luster for me. The penny pinching and total focus on profit would make Walt cringe.

I actually think this might be a really great opportunity for some local bands. Also who knows what could possibly be changed in the coming weeks. And the best part is we get to see some of our EPCOT favorites!

 

[bookgirl2632]

I actually think this might be a really great opportunity for some local bands. Also who knows what could possibly be changed in the coming weeks. And the best part is we get to see some of our EPCOT favorites!

Right? I’m sure the local bands are pleased to have the opportunity. And who says they aren’t getting paid? Personally, the concerts don’t really interest me, so for me, it’s not a huge deal. I’m sorry for those that are disappointed, but Disney isn’t doing this to stick it to the fans. They lost a lot of money in the last year and have to watch their spending until they are on more secure footing. At the end of the day, this is a business.

 

[gharter]

With all of the rapid changes, I think trying to book National bands for Eat to the Beat would be difficult. Normally that booking would be done 6 months to a year in advance. That couldn't be done this year as nobody knew when things would open or how much. And I'm sure the bands are scrambling to book what they can.
Hopefully, the local bands will be good.

 

[WEDWDW]

I have posted this before but if Disney wasn't going to try to secure any National Bands,why not let some of the "Epcot Legacy Bands" such as Off Kilter and British Invasion play a few shows in America Gardens?

Would be AMAZING PR for Disney and create INCREDIBLE excitement at Epcot.

 

[gharter]

I have posted this before but if Disney wasn't going to try to secure any National Bands,why not let the some of the "Epcot Legacy Bands" such as Off Kilter and British Invasion play a few shows in America Gardens?

Would be AMAZING PR for Disney and create INCREDIBLE excitement at Epcot.

That would be so much fun to see Off Kilter play again.

 

[ST1TCH]

With all of the rapid changes, I think trying to book National bands for Eat to the Beat would be difficult. Normally that booking would be done 6 months to a year in advance. That couldn't be done this year as nobody knew when things would open or how much. And I'm sure the bands are scrambling to book what they can.
Hopefully, the local bands will be good.

This. Big name bands aren't sitting around waiting on Disney to call and book a possible date. They've lost out on $$$ this past year+ and have already booked long tours for the rest of this year.

 

[afan]

This. Big name bands aren't sitting around waiting on Disney to call and book a possible date. They've lost out on $$$ this past year+ and have already booked long tours for the rest of this year.

Except for the bands that Disney normally gets, that's not going to be true for them all. Examples I looked at sugar ray and they have 3 dates total between now and October. Hanson has several but almost all of Sept and all but 1 day in oct are open.

They book bands that were big names back in the day, but generally aren't big now. I highly doubt they would have trouble getting most of the bands they normally book. And I'm also sure some hold spots for Disney as they love playing there.

 

[Sarahslay]

Except for the bands that Disney normally gets, that's not going to be true for them all. Examples I looked at sugar ray and they have 3 dates total between now and October. Hanson has several but almost all of Sept and all but 1 day in oct are open.

They book bands that were big names back in the day, but generally aren't big now. I highly doubt they would have trouble getting most of the bands they normally book. And I'm also sure some hold spots for Disney as they love playing there.

I'll just say this for Hanson: two of them have new babies, I doubt they are looking to tour with newborns, and they are releasing a new song and music video every month until the end of the year PLUS planning their yearly Back to the Island they are doing in January like they always do. They're not all sitting around on their butts waiting for Disney just because their public performance schedule is open.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

This. Big name bands aren't sitting around waiting on Disney to call and book a possible date. They've lost out on $$$ this past year+ and have already booked long tours for the rest of this year.

Also it's virtually impossible for Disney to go ahead and book bands right now when no one knows what the rules will be - or what science will say is a good idea - months from now. If they book a band and then have to cancel because a new variant is rampant and it's back to being dangerous to be within 3 feet of one another for longer than 10 minutes, then depending on the terms of the contract Disney may be on the hook for some or all of the band's payment. And if I were a band and wouldn't be getting paid if Disney cancelled last-minute, I wouldn't be too happy to sign on. There are just so many things no one knows right now that booking a full slate of concerts seems like tempting fate. Maybe conditions will be such that concerts would have been fine, but having a second year without them is less risky than scheduling and canceling them. You think people are mad and canceling because there's no ETTB now? Just imagine if they announce and schedule the shows, people book, and then they have to cancel it for medical reasons! Talk about angry!

 

[sssteele]

Confirmed Entertainment for the 2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

All local entertainment. More cost cutting. Very disappointed!

 

[OhThePain]

I love how so many are just so quick to assume there is no Eat to the Beat this year, almost like they are looking for a reason to get mad or bash. No where has any official word come out that it is cancelled. All that Disney has said is that F&W will "open with" America Gardens Bandstand. Keep in mind that: (a) F&W is going to be almost 6 weeks longer this year than it was any time pre-COVID, which would mean that is at least 12-18 more acts they would have to sign than they typically do, (b) mask/distancing mandates have only recently been lessening and booking acts takes time, (c) we have already seen an EttB regular post dates on her site, which quickly came down.

Sure, EttB may not be happening when the festival opens, but I think it's still to early and premature to say that it isn't happening (until Disney actually releases a statement saying there will be no EttB this year).

 

[WEDWDW]

I love how so many are just so quick to assume there is no Eat to the Beat this year, almost like they are looking for a reason to get mad or bash. No where has any official word come out that it is cancelled. All that Disney has said is that F&W will "open with" America Gardens Bandstand. Keep in mind that: (a) F&W is going to be almost 6 weeks longer this year than it was any time pre-COVID, which would mean that is at least 12-18 more acts they would have to sign than they typically do, (b) mask/distancing mandates have only recently been lessening and booking acts takes time, (c) we have already seen an EttB regular post dates on her site, which quickly came down.

Sure, EttB may not be happening when the festival opens, but I think it's still to early and premature to say that it isn't happening (until Disney actually releases a statement saying there will be no EttB this year).

LOVE your thinking and optimism!

With all the strong RUMORS that Fireworks will return by Independence Day,things really are fluid right now and hopefully the open with part of the announcement IS significant!

 

[bookgirl2632]

All local entertainment. More cost cutting. Very disappointed!

I’m sure the local bands are grateful for the opportunity and money. I think it’s pretty nice for them.

 

[Dug720]

I’m sure the local bands are grateful for the opportunity and money. I think it’s pretty nice for them.

Not to mention most of the "big bands" started out as local bands and eventually got a break that helped them climb the ladder. Who knows - you might get to see the next big thing with one of the local bands...or kick yourself later for not having taken the time to see them then.

 

[mrsap]

Eight NEW Food Booths Coming to 2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Including Indoor Kiosks

 

[The13thLetter]

Personally there were not many bands for the eat to the beat concerts that we were super interested in, and the ones that we did want to see were the popular ones that you would have to line up early for, so we never bothered. i think at least now we will have a better shot of walking up at any time to have a seat, and take a break with a plate and a drink and listen to some live music, something we have not had a chance to do in almost a year and a half. i know it is disappointing and seems like it is one more thing disney is taking away, but with some uncertainty still looming for the rest of 2021, i think the local band thing is a good option to return to somewhat F&W normalcy. just my opinion obviously.

 

[mrsap]

UPDATE – Disney’s Parks Foodie News: Announcing New Openings and Offerings – Sebastian’s Bistro, ‘Ohana, Wine Country Trattoria, Lamplight Lounge Brunch, and More


(not sure if there’s any other update other than ‘Ohana Noodles being back. Can’t check old link.)

 

[preemiemama]

Oops- wrong thread...

 

[dosekies]

Hey all! My SO are visiting in September and have never been for Food and Wine. We also have never really taken the time to fully explore the World Showcase before, so I’m not sure if we should plan 2 days for Epcot? I usually love starting and ending our week with MK as it’s my favorite park and 2 Epcot days would change that. I’ve considered adding the park hopper, but not sure it’s worth the cost as we would only use it that one day if we started at MK and ended at Epcot. Our two options are:

Monday: MK, Tuesday: HS then Boo Bash, Wednesday: HS, Thursday: Epcot, Friday: MK
or
Monday: Epcot, Tuesday: HS then Boo Bash, Wednesday: HS, Thursday: Epcot, Friday: MK

So what do you think the best plan is?