While there are plenty of events included with Epcot admission for the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, this year’s “premium events” include some don’t-miss options. Book your reservations when the phone lines open: 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) at 7 a.m. next week on Thursday, July 21. (Disney Visa Cardmembers can book with limited availability beginning 7 a.m. July 19.)
Go to epcotfoodfestival.com to choose your lineup. Here are a few top picks:
- Four all-new interactive culinary adventures in the Disney resorts encourage guests to ask the experts, taste and cook alongside our chefs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney Yacht Club Resort.
- The new “Mix It, Make It Celebrate It” hands-on workshop gives guests the opportunity to learn from the pros – cake decorating, garnishing, cocktail mixing and other fun activities.
- The always-popular Cheese Seminars return. Learn “the wheys of the world” paired with wine, beer and other beverages with Max McCalman along with other experts.
- Rockin’ Burger Block Parties are back for just three Fridays at World ShowPlace – and each party features a celebrity chef and all-you-can-eat specialty sliders paired with beverages. Join Chef Maneet Chauhan on September 30, Chef Alex Seidel on October 14, and Chef Jehangir Mehta on November 11.
- You’ll want to masquerade in chic yellow and black for the Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses October 28 and 29, an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food.
- This year’s Party for the Senses will be every weekend in October (that’s it!). October 8 features all the new chefs from Disney Springs; October 15 is a reprise of last year’s popular evening with Disney chefs from around the world.
- What’s Cookin’ With … some of the country’s top celebrity chefs will begin the morning with a delightful plated brunch and sparkling wine toast. The fun starts with a demo, and the chefs answer questions from the audience and share secrets of their successes. The brunch is on select Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m.
Guests include:
- Friday, September 16 – Elizabeth Falkner
- Sunday, September 18 – Bryan Voltaggio
- Friday, September 23 – Andrea Robinson
- Sunday, September 25 – Robert Irvine
- Friday, September 30 – Graham Elliot
- Sunday, October 2 – Buddy Valastro
- Friday, October 7 – Jamie Deen
- Sunday, October 9 – Cat Cora
- Friday, October 14 – Emily Ellyn
- Friday, October 21 – Andrew Zimmern
- Sunday, October 23 – Rock Harper
- Sunday, October 30 – Geoffrey Zakarian
- Friday, November 4 – Alex Guarnaschelli
- Sunday, November 6 – David Guas
- Friday, November 11 – Sarah Fioroni
- Sunday, November 13 – Jehangir Mehta
Included in regular Epcot admission are the Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and attractions and park entertainment.
Comments
Also overwhelmingly disappointed that the premium package is not available. We scheduled our stay based on the weekday requirement for the package. Being an older couple (we attend with our adult daughter) and with my husband disabled we really enjoyed having places to sit and people to assist us. While we will never miss a food and wine festival this will limit our visits to the booths and the number of samples we will be able to try per booth and hence our spending. I hope that Disney will take this into consideration and expand the number of seats available. It seems they have expanded the number of standing tables available but that doesn’t help for my husband. So sad. We thought the premium package was wonderful.
I’m very disappointed in the removal of the Premium Package this year. It actually caused us to cancel our trip and go to Disneyland instead. We have had it the last few years. We enjoyed talking with the CM’s and they even remembered us each year.
Very disappointed at the removal of the Premium Package offering.
M Garvey – You nailed it with your comments and questions on the Premium Package. It is misleading to suggest the Tasting Sampler as an alternative to the Premium Package. The Tasting Sampler is not at all similar. The convenience of the Premium Package was the shaded VIP seating areas to enjoy your tastings. No need to eat on top of trashcans or try balancing a beverage and food while trying to eat and walk! Another convenience of the Premium Package was not having to wait in the long lines at the kiosks for your food. There is no comparison between the two packages. The are not even in the same league! Disney PLEASE bring it back, there is still time!
I totally agree with M Garvey’s question/comments>>>
Why is the Premium Package not being offered this year? I see the response “enjoy the Tasting Sampler”, but the people interested in the VIP Premium package are not necessarily interested in the package because of the tastes, it was the Premium seating areas; the goodie bag with wine glasses and wine; the event access; and the VIP treatment!
M Garvey on August 30, 2016 at 10:14 am
Why is the Premium Package not being offered this year? I see the response “enjoy the Tasting Sampler”, but the people interested in the VIP Premium package are not necessarily interested in the package because of the tastes, it was the Premium seating areas; the goodie bag with wine glasses and wine; the event access; and the VIP treatment!
So sad my favorite event won’t be here this year. I even planned for me and my mom to come out 3 days early with out the kids to enjoy the Premium Package and some adult time. Not changing our hotel reservation for this trip which is for 7 days, but it will effect it next year. As a local and a passholder there’s no real reason to book the extra days at the Yacht & Beach Club without that event.
Why is the “premium package” not available this year? It seems that all the seminars, food entitlements, and dessert party are still available so why offer these things minus the awesome exclusivity of the package, i.e. the seating area’s and awesome gift bag? I’m truly upset about this.
Looking for information on the Premium Package we purchased last year. This package was the highlight of our trip last year and is the only reason we planned to return this fall, so I hope someone will answer this question!
Hi Cheryl, while the Premium Package will not be offered this year, Guests can still enjoy the convenience of the Tasting Sampler, which includes a limited edition Festival pin and lanyard, and proved to be our most popular package.
The official page says Robert Irvine will be there Saturday the 24th, here it says the 25th. Which is correct?
He is here September 25th .Sorry for the confusion.
Seems like no one answers questions here, but I’ll try anyway just in case! How long is the “Mix It…” event? Is it like a quick 20-min demo or an all-afternoon 2 or 3 hour workshop? Hoping to find out before early booking starts, otherwise I’m not going to waste the money on an unknown! 🙁
Tarryn, it lasts an hour and 15 minutes.
Please I hope you will answer this before tomorrow morning. Is Robert Irvine actually on Sunday Sept. 25th the way this DPB says or is he on Saturday the 24th the way the WDW F&W website page says????????? I am trying to make my early booking plans for tomorrow morning and really need to know which is correct.
Robert Irvine is here on September 25th. Sorry for the confusion.
First let me say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Disney!!! I really look forward to the F&W Festival each year.
Will the Food and Wine Premium Package be offered in 2016?
What the details are for the Mix it, Make it, Celebrate it event?
This information would be extremely helpful for planning purposes.
Disney, please bring back the 3D Disney Dessert Discovery. I’ve been to the other pricey events (Party for the Senses and Rockin’ Burger Block Party), but would rather have the 3D back.
We’re looking forward to the event too, Dawn. While the Premium Package will not be offered this year, Guests can still enjoy the convenience of the Tasting Sampler, which includes a limited edition Festival pin and lanyard, and proved to be our most popular package. For the other details you’re seeking, check out epcotfoodfestival.com
Why does no one ever answer questions posted here? That’s really frustrating!!
I am also interested in the Premium Package too, but no info available so does that mean it will not be offered.
Sorry for the delay, LeeAnn. While the Premium Package will not be offered this year, Guests can still enjoy the convenience of the Tasting Sampler, which includes a limited edition Festival pin and lanyard, and proved to be our most popular package.
Does anyone know where I can find menus of what is offered at the dining events at the hotels during the food and wine festivals?
Will there EVAH be something where I can learn how to make good Chinese food? They have special Food & WIne events for everything else. I can’t ever find anything with cooking classes like this. Looking on the internet for recipes is a waste of time. It never tastes right.
Thanks for your question, George. We enjoy authentic Chinese food too. We have added Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef as a Premium offer in the Resorts, however the menu is not specific to Chinese food.
Will there be any kind of souvenir mug included with the Trader Sams tour?
Will we be able to sign up for the “Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto” tour on the 21st?
Hi Joshua, yes. Hope you had a chance to make your reservations!
Will there be a return of the Premium Package this year?
HI Kaitlyn, While the Premium Package will not be offered this year, Guests can still enjoy the convenience of the Tasting Sampler, which includes a limited edition Festival pin and lanyard, and proved to be our most popular package.
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