2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Information on this year's Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium Package from the Disney Food Blog...

 

 

2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium Package Details

 

July 30, 2015By AJ

 

Last year, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium Packages debuted at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival — and they were a big hit! For those interested in the 2015 Food and Wine Festival Premium Packages, they are indeed returning; however, it’s proving a little difficult to figure out what EXACTLY is included this year!

 

Please note: Details on this package are still emerging, and we expect to have more information very soon. In the meantime, be sure to call (407) WDW-FEST for further details and inquiries. 

 

So, through info from our readers as well as our own phone calls to 407-WDW-FEST we’re piecing together a few details for ya on this Premium Package for 2015. Note that all of this is subject to change, but we wanted to be sure you knew that the package is back so you can get on the horn and book it yourself before it sells out.

 

Here’s what we’ve got so far that’s pretty much confirmed:

• The price for the 2015 Premium Package is $199 per guest ($211.62 with tax included). Interested guests may call (407) WDW-FEST for details and to book.
• Packages are available Monday through Thursday of each full week of the Festival, so interested guests will want to make sure their vacation dates correspond accordingly to receive the most value.
• Each Premium Package includes access to eleven designated Premium Package Areas throughout Epcot, offering concierge service (i.e. Cast Members will go purchase your booth items for you and bring them back to you in the Premium area) from 12:00 noon to 8 pm.
• Each Premium Package will also include one Amenity Bag (to be picked up at the Festival Center) including a bottle of 20th Anniversary Celebratory Wine, a wine glass, and one Festival-themed MagicBand.
• The Premium Package will include 4 Entitlement Tags for use at the Premium Package Areas running concierge service for the Festival Booths. This means you’ll get 4 booth menu items for free as part of your package. (Usually the free options don’t include super expensive stuff like Dom Perignon.)
• Premium Packages will include a ticket to your choice of either a Culinary Demonstration (during the 5 PM slot) OR a Beverage Seminar (during the 2 PM slot) during the week of participation.
• Admission to Epcot is NOT included with the Premium Package.

Premium Package credential, gift card, and themed MagicBand

 

Now, there are a couple of things we’ve heard that we weren’t able to confirm with the Cast Members at Disney:

• Guests may or may not be required to stay at a Disney resort to book the package
• Guests may or may not also be entitled to one ticket to the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party in Epcot with their purchase of the Premium Package

 

So, there’s still lots to discover about this one (which isn’t yet listed anywhere on Disney’s website). We’ll keep digging for info. Feel free to comment here with your experiences and what you can find out!

 

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/07/30/2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-premium-package-details/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food Blog...

 

 

But let’s say your Disney World travel dates fall outside of the Festival dates of September 25 – November 16th. What’s a Disney food fan to do?

I’ll tell you what… You can try a few Food and Wine Festival offerings in spots around Epcot and Downtown Disney right now.

 

Full article...

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/08/06/sample-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-menu-items-before-the-festival/

 

Excerpts...

 

Yet this unassuming spot is where you can enjoy not one, but TWO Food and Wine Festival items even as we speak (or, umm… type). The Frozen Elephant and Mango Starr are already on the menu!

 

Refreshment Cool Post Menu

 

Refreshment Port

Well, HERE’S why you should stop there: this is where you can grab yourself a Croissant Doughnut, with or without ice cream! I know, I know — the croissant doughnut trend has been around for a while, but, man, these are still pretty killer.

 

Cronut a la Mode and Regular Cronut

 

And, yes, it’s another one featured on the Food and Wine list this year. In fact, we even got to try it again at this year’s Food and Wine Festival Preview, so clearly its profile is still up! Just a note, though, when served as a Food and Wine Festival item (one that’s good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan), the Croissant Doughnut comes without the ice cream, so be sure to take a peek at the menu board first depending on your craving.

 

World Showcase of Flavors Food Trucks

Typically found at Exposition Park in Downtown Disney’s West Side (though it can move around from time to time) is the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck, boasting “The Best of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival” no matter what time of year you visit!

 

Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream from the Food and Wine Festival

 

Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce from the Food and Wine Festival

 

Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider from the 2013 Food and Wine Festival

 

 

 

 

 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

 

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Debuts for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

posted on August 17th, 2015 by Michelle Harker, Manager, Merchandise Marketing & Communications, Disneyland Resort

 

We’ve been cooking up something special for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2015! Beginning September 25, while supplies last, take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and help Remy as he ventures around World Showcase at Epcot collecting ingredients for his signature dish, Ratatouille.

 

 

Recipe For Success!

 

Record your discoveries as you help Remy find each ingredient by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed map to represent that location.

 

Maps and stickers can be purchased for $9.95, plus tax at the following locations in the park. Note: Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits may apply.

 

Epcot – Disney Traders, Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Entry and World Traveler (International Gateway).

 

Whether you choose to search for each ingredient or not, return your map to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16, 2015 at Port of Entry to pick up your surprise.

 

What’s the surprise? Take a look! You will have the opportunity to receive one of the pins featured here.

 

 

Theme park admission is not included, however is required to participate. Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. Information subject to restrictions and change without notice.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/08/remys-ratatouille-hide-squeak-debuts-for-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I don't recall if this has already been mentioned, but just in case - a little something FREE for Passholders, although you do have to "work" for it.

 

 

And for the 20th anniversary of the festival, Disney World has a special offer for Walt Disney World Passholders.

 

Attend the festival three times and you’ll receive a 20th celebration commemorative port wine glass free (while supplies last).

 

WDW Passholder Commemorative Wine Glass

 

How to Get Your Commemorative Port Wine Glass

On your first visit to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, pick up your Festival Passport from any of the locations listed in your Guide Map. Be sure to have your valid Pass and valid photo ID with you.

 

Stop by Innoventions East in Future World at Epcot each day that you visit the Food & Wine Festival from 11:00AM to 7:00PM to receive a special stamp in your Festival Passport.* Be sure to have your valid Pass and photo ID with you.

 

On your third day at the festival, return to Innoventions East with your completed, twice-stamped Festival Passport.

Valid Passholder identification will be required for stamp and commemorative port wine glass redemption.

 

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/08/24/commemorative-wine-glass-for-wdw-passholders-at-the-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From OTPN.  I'm going to go look now and see if I can snag any of these.

 

 

FastPass+ to Be Available for all Eat to the Beat Concerts

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Posted by OTPN Administrator

For the first time ever, the popular service that lets Disney Parks Guests reserve their favorite attractions and shows before they arrive is coming to the Eat to the Beat concert series, taking place at Epcot during the Food & Wine Festival.
 

Starting from today (Wednesday, August 26, 2015), Guests can secure a spot for concert performances with a FastPass+ selection. While there will not be a separate seating area, FastPass+ Guests will be the first to enter the theater.

 

The Eat to the Beat FastPass+ entitlement will be part of the Tier 1 group, which includes the Living With the Land boat ride, Soarin’, Test Track presented by Chevrolet and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. 

 

Guests can redeem their FastPass+ entitlement at the America Gardens Theatre 20 minutes prior to the show. There will be a separate queue for Guests with FastPass+ selections.

 

 

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/08/fastpass-to-be-available-for-all-eat-to.html

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

I don't recall if this has already been mentioned, but just in case - a little something FREE for Passholders, although you do have to "work" for it.

 

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/08/24/commemorative-wine-glass-for-wdw-passholders-at-the-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

 

Hope we don't forget to do this!  Thanks for the info.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I just booked 3 FP for Eat to the Beat concerts.  We always like these, but there's no way we're standing in line for ages just to get a seat.  I'm hoping the FP+ works out.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food Blog...

 

 

News: Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

 

August 27, 2015 By AJ

 

More news on the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival front today!

 

 

If you enjoyed the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival last year, we have great news: the package is returning again in 2015! And even better — Walt Disney World passholders can book the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for a 15% discount!

 

Not to be confused with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler, or the Epcot Food and Wine Premium Package, the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival offers you a combination of VIP experiences, special events, and opportunities to learn from Disney Chefs and other Festival notables in a whole new way.

 

Your special Food and Wine Festival experience, which will last the full day, includes all of the following:

• Seating for What’s Cooking With…, which includes a champagne toast (See our list of who will be appearing each week on our Food and Wine Festival Special Events Page)
• A special beverage demonstration, including Wine, Spirits, and Craft Beer, in the VIP Lounge at Festival Center
• Escort to experience Soarin’ and Test Track attractions
• A Private Tasting and Pairing Event with Disney Chefs at the new Sustainable Chew Marketplace Booth which includes tasting of 3 of the most popular Food and Wine Festival pairings
• Backstage VIP Tour of The Land
• Gold Badge Seating at the Eat to the Beat Concert, plus another champagne toast
• VIP Reserved area for IllumiNations viewing

Please note that terms and inclusions in the package are, of course, subject to change.

 

Chef Carla Hall, Who Appears at One of the “What’s Cooking With…” Events in 2015

 

To begin your day, report to the Festival Center to sign in and receive your itinerary and credentials. Here are a few more details.

 

Where: Epcot
When: Fridays and Sundays throughout the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. First Event begins at 9:45AM.
Pricing: $424.94 (includes tax) without the passholder discount; $361.20 (includes tax) with the 15% passholder discount

For more information on availability and to book your Ultimate VIP Tour Experience of the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687).

 

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/08/27/news-ultimate-vip-tour-experience-for-the-2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

[Travisma 1,317]

And don't forget this...

 

Details on Chase Lounge for Epcot Food and Wine Festival

 

 

 

Chase is the official sponsor of the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which means that once again, the Chase Lounge will be returning to the American Adventure Parlor at the American Adventure Pavilion. This lounge is found on the third floor,with its entrance found between the attraction and the gift shop.

 

The lounge allows guests to have a seat, relax, grab a complimentary soft drink, recharge batteries, learn about exclusive perks and benefits of the Chase Visa Card and – most importantly – soak up some much needed air conditioning! (Trust me. Touring and eating around World Showcase can be extremely HOT, especially during those peak afternoon times! Just because it’s September, October, or November doesn’t mean that you won’t feel like a puddle of goo after touring around in the blazing Florida sun.)

 

During last year’s festival, beer and wine were also available to purchase; however, it is unclear if this will be available at this year’s festival.

 

Also, in previous years guests could obtain preferred viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth as long as wristbands (which were distributed on a first come, first served basis) were available. No word yet on if that will be available for guests, either. I’ll make sure to keep you posted. 

 

Chase cardholders must present a Disney Visa Card to gain access. (Though in the past any Chase card would work for entry; it does depend on the Cast Member staffing the entrance to the lounge.) New for this year, each card member may only bring up to five guests; previously card members could bring in up to 9 guests with them. In addition, Epcot theme park admission is also required for access.

The Chase Lounge will be available from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday during the Festival. Do keep in mind that the lounge often reaches capacity, and when it does, will move to a one person out-one person in system.

The Chase Lounge is a favorite stop of mine each year because it a unique area to visit (that most guests never have access to), the views are unique so make sure to look out the window, and there are some extremely fascinating artifacts for guests to see. Make sure that if you’ll be visiting the Festival and you have a Disney Visa Card, you stop and visit!

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

PHOTOS - Food and Wine Festival kiosk installation underway around the World Showcase promenade 50 minutes ago

 

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/international-food-and-wine-festival/news/31aug2015-photos---food-and-wine-festival-kiosk-installation-underway-on-the-world-showcase-promenade.htm

[Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119]

Exciting!

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Parks Blog...

 

 

 

New Cookbook Celebrates 20 Years of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

posted on September 9th, 2015 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

 

As you make your way around World Showcase Lagoon and over into Future World for new delicious tastes and sips of flavors from around the globe, we can bet there will be a dish or two that you might want to re-create at home to share special memories. The “Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” cookbook for 2015 is a little heftier than the usual collections of recipes we share – it also includes 50 pages of history, photos and memories from the last two decades.

 

 

The recipes go all the way back to 1996 and include dishes that represent the festival through the years. And for 2015, Epcot Executive Chef Gregg Hannon is returning some classics to the Marketplace menus, such as pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese puffs), apple strudel in Germany, spicy chicken sausage with polenta in Canada and the lobster roll at Hops & Barley.

 

We’ve got those recipes, along with dishes that have never left the menu, like Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup, Belgian waffles with berry compote and bo ssam in South Korea. A little bit of history, and a lot of good eating in 20 years.

 

You’ll have 53 days, September 25-November 16, to enjoy the food, live entertainment, demos and seminars. Go to Epcotfoodfestival.com to start planning! Meantime, here’s a recipe from the book to whet your appetite.

 

 

Pepper Bacon Mac and Cheese
Farm Fresh Marketplace
Serves 6

 

Pepper Bacon Macaroni

• 1 pound macaroni
• 8 slices pepper bacon
• 1/2 cup diced white onions
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 3 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 pound (4 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 pound (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 pound sliced American cheese
• 2 ounces (1/2 cup) shredded Gruyere cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 slices pepper bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For pepper bacon macaroni:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook pepper bacon until crisp. Chop and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of grease.
3. Heat grease in a medium-skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.
4. Add onion, green pepper, red pepper and jalapeño. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until vegetables are warm, but still crisp. Set aside.

For cheese sauce:

1. Heat cream in large saucepan over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, slowly stir in all of cheese, mixing well to melt cheese.

To assemble and serve:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine cooked pasta, vegetables and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
3. Pour into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake 15 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/09/new-cookbook-celebrates-20-years-of-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Food and Wine Festival Park Maps are out...

 

 

 

http://www.chipandco.com/2015-epcot-food-wine-festival-park-maps-219502/

[djsamuel 322]

The cookbook from last year is still available at Downtown Disney and Epcot on clearance for $9.99.  Saw it today at Epcot and also saw it this weekend at the kitchen store at the Marketplace.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

More details on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt...
 

 

New Ratatouille Scavenger Hunt Game Coming to Epcot
Sunday, September 20, 2015 | Posted by OTPN Administrator
 

Beginning September 25, (while supplies last), Guests can take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak during the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and help Remy as he ventures around World Showcase collecting all the ingredients he needs to create his signature dish, the famous Ratatouille.
Guests will be able to purchase a map at select merchandise locations and record their discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on their own map.
 

After finding all the ingredients, Guests will return their map (which does not have to be completed, by the way) to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16 to pick up a limited release pin! 
 

 

 

 

The locations that will sell the themed map and the stickers ($7.95 + tax) are the following:

• Disney Traders;
• Festival Center;
• Pin Central;
• Port of Entry (Plaza Towers);
• World Traveler (International Gateway).

The only redemption location will be the Port of Entry gift shop (one of the two Plaza Towers). Theme park admission is not included, however is required to participate. Maps/stickers and surprise available while supplies last. Information subject to restrictions and change without notice.

 

 

MAP: © 2015 Walt Disney World Resort. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/new-ratatouille-scavenger-hunt-game.html

[red...Susan 37]

We did a game similar to this at Tokyo Disney.

[Beckers 1,136]

I haven't found anything officially confirming the enhancements, but....

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/international-food-and-wine-festival/news/23sep2015-new-features-added-to-the-chase-lounge-at-this-years-epcot-food-and-wine-festival.htm

The Lounge features complimentary amenities, including non-alcoholic refreshments and a charging station. Enhancements to the Lounge for 2015 include a dedicated Festival Information desk, social media photo booth, and a station where guests can email recipes from the festival. In addition, periodically throughout the festival, the lounge will host animation sketch classes and caricature artists.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Good stuff!!  We definitely need to check this out this year.  :)

 

WDWMagic gets a lot of their info straight off the Hub, so I'd say this is pretty "official."

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

This is the first I'm hearing of this...

 

 

How Using Your Disney Dining Plan at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Just Got Better

 

September 22, 2015 By Brooke

We all know it: having the Disney Dining Plan while visiting the Epcot Food and Wine Festival can be pretty awesome.

 

Because, after all, in the past, you could save up your snack credits and use them to Eat Your Way Around the World. And the only thing better than the Food and Wine Festival is enjoying it for the price of your already-purchased Disney Dining Plan!

 

...Recent changes in how Disney Dining Plan credits can be spent will make enjoying all that the Food and Wine Marketplace Booths have to offer even more fun than before.

...Turn Your Quick Service Meals Into Food and Wine Booth Eats!

This is probably the most exciting change to the Disney Dining Plan: you can now use your Quick Service Meal Credits to purchase up to three different snacks, and call it a meal!

 

There are rules about the way this works, however. In order to swap your Quick Service Meal Credit for snacks, you have to do it all in one transaction. So unfortunately, that means you can’t go to the Hawai’i Booth and order something, then mosey over to the Belgium Booth for something else.

 

Full article on Disney Food Blog here...

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/09/22/how-using-your-disney-dining-plan-at-the-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-just-got-better/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From WDWMagic...

 

PHOTOS - Full rundown of all the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival menus and pricing 3 hours ago

 

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/international-food-and-wine-festival/news/24sep2015-photos---full-rundown-of-all-the-2015-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-menus-and-pricing.htm

[Beckers 1,136]

Using QS meals awesome. Using them at one booth, not so awesome.

Now that I'm reading the menu there are a few booths that I could eat 3 things from, but that's not really how I would want to do it.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Using QS meals awesome. Using them at one booth, not so awesome.

 

Agreed.  It would be spiffy if there was a way to just exchange X number of credits up front that you could use however you like.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

And the early reviews are already rolling in from the preview day.

 

Mousesteps posted these to their FB page...

https://www.facebook.com/Mousesteps-109846392426483/timeline/

 

The Ice Pop Pomme from the France booth is refreshing and includes apple juice, vodka and Saint Germain liqueur

 

 

The Carrot Cake at Hops & Barley is a must-do, warm and with plenty of icing

 

 

We recommend the Escargot Croissant with garlic and parsley at the #France booth at #Epcot - this was our first booth today

 

 

This delicious & tender Beef Bourguignon was served to us in the shape of Mickey Mouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put $200 on a gift card at ‪#‎Epcot‬ booth and get a snazzy ‪#‎epcotfoodandwine‬ lanyard & themed gift card

 

 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

 

Disney & Facebook Partnering During Food & Wine Festival

Friday, September 25, 2015 | Posted by OTPN Administrator

To help visitors get even more out of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Disney will be partnering with Facebook to offer a new way for Guests to receive helpful and entertaining content including the Festival map, virtual passport stamps for each marketplace located around World Showcase, the menu available at each booth, recipes, chef videos, as well as friend photos and activity (if friends are at the festival or have visited in the past)

 

For Guests who have enabled Location settings in their Facebook app and who have Bluetooth turned on, "Facebook Place Tips" will show them fun, useful and relevant information about each of the Global Marketplaces as they make their way around the World Showcase. They’ll also be able to save content such as recipes or videos to access later using bookmarks.

 

While this technology will help Epcot Guests enjoy the Food & Wine Festival in a whole new way, "Facebook Place Tips" will not generate a post on Facebook or show where the Guest is. Guests may also turn off Place Tip notifications at any time using the "Location" settings in their Facebook app.

 

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/09/disney-facebook-partnering-during-food.html

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Lots of menu news, photos and reviews being posted to Disney Food Blog...

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/09/24/best-of-the-fest-what-to-eat-at-the-2015-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

 

A few excerpts below.  Some yummy looking stuff!!

 

 

Chicken Sausage with Creamy Polenta and Minus 8 Onion Jam

 

Ice Pop Pomme

 

Chilaquiles de Pollo

 

Chew Lab Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel

 

Souffle de Yuca topped with Griddled Cheese

 

Miso Udon

 

Orange Blossom Brewery Toasted Coconut Porter Float with Caramel Ice Cream

 

Vegan Korean Barbecue with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi

 

Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread

 

Loaded mac and cheese with Nueske’s pepper bacon cheddar cheese peppers and green onions