Food and Wine Festival 2012

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Time to start thinking about the deliciousness that is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

Here's the first event to be announced and while not specifically the Epcot event, this is the 3rd year in a row the Swan Dolphin is putting on this event during F&W and it's gotten some great reviews in the past!

From the Disney Food blog...

2012 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Mar 17th, 2012 by Kim.

Foodie fans will love the culinary delights offered at the Third Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic being held during the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

When: Mark your calendar for October 12-13, 2012!

Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

This year’s beverage seminars include Riesling Rendezvous; Beer, Please!; Spanish Wines; Modern Mixology; Wine Blending, All Things Sake; and Base to Bubbles. These will be offered each day from 4:30-5:30 p.m. These classes will be taught by certified experts in hour-long sessions at a cost of $45, inclusive.

Bruleeing Oranges at the Modern Mixology Seminar

Award-winning restaurants from the Swan and Dolphin resorts will host tasting stations on the causeway between the hotels while live music entertains guests from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. each day! See last year’s Food & Wine Classic menu.

bluezoo Lobster Roll in 2011

Purchase your causeway tickets for this 2012 event for $80 per person, inclusive.

Swan and Dolphin Causeway

Location:

Want to stay near the eats? Click here for packages that include your accommodations as well as a wristband to enjoy full access to all the offerings!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are a short walk or boat ride from Epcot’s World Showcase or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Conveniently situated near the Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn resorts, you’ll absolutely want to stop by this culinary event.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/03/17/2012-swan-and-dolphin-food-wine-classic/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From WDW Magic...

Epcot to remain open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays during the Food and Wine Festival

Mar 27, 2012

The operating hours for October 2012 have just been released, and notable for this year is that during the Food and Wine Festival, Epcot will remain open until 10pm on both Fridays and Saturdays. The park has remained open until 10pm on Fridays in previous years, but this has now been extended to include Saturdays.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Events/International-Food-and-Wine-Festival/News/27Mar2012-Epcot-to-remain-open-until-10pm-on-Fridays-and-Saturdays-during-the-Food-and-Wine-Festival.htm

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food Blog...

Raglan Road Food & Wine Festival Signature Dinner

A Titanic Remembrance, Ode to the Classics

October 4, 2012

Raglan Road's Food & Wine Festival Signature Dinner Menu - click image for larger version

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

October will be our first time visiting during the F&WF. All info is appreciated! I can't wait!

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

OMG it is sooooooo good! It was F&W for our entire 3 weeks last year. We were in a food coma most of the time.

If it helps, here are some 2011 threads...

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/1841-2011-food-wine-festival/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/4019-food-wine-festival-reviews/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/2454-2011-swan-dolphin-food-wine-classic/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3542-menu-announced-for-the-swan-and-dolphin-food-wine-classic/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/4039-food-wine-weekends-at-waldorf-astoria-orlando

/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3989-tcds-2011-food-and-wine-festival-scouting-report/page__hl__%2Bfood+%2Bwine+%2B2011__fromsearch__1

[Lil Lisa 53]

This will be our first f&w too. So excited

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food blog...

New Band Added to 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Roster

Apr 4th, 2012 by AJ.

News is starting to trickle out about who’s going to be at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival on the America Gardens Theatre stage for the Eat to the Beat Concerts!

You can keep an eye on the list with us over on our Eat to the Beat Concerts page! But the newest info we have includes the addition of Smash Mouth to the list — a new band for the Concert Series — as well as the return of Gin Blossoms, The Pointer Sisters, Air Supply, and Starship!

Let us know if you see any new tour dates for us to add to the list!

In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page; it’s being updated daily!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/04/04/new-band-added-to-2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-eat-to-the-beat-roster/

[mr.ken 0]

Cant wait as usual. Booked for november

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

We're going to catch the last weekend this trip... hoping to sneak an extra day in if we can.

We were there for 3 weeks last year - sooooooooooo good!!

[Marilyn 19]

This will be our first f&w too. So excited

Food & Wine Festival and stalking--how much fun can we possibly have!! :wine:

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food Blog...

Eat to the Beat Concerts

Get ready for eating, drinking, rockin’ & rollin’ at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Throughout the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, popular bands from the 80s and 90s take the stage at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot to share some of their greatest hits with the crowds!

These concerts are free with Epcot admission, and take place three times per evening (5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm).

2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up

9/28-9/30: Night Ranger

10/1-10/3: Sugar Ray

10/4- 10/7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas

10/8-10/10: Boyz II Men

10/11-10/12: Smash Mouth (NEW)

10/13-10/14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice” (NEW)

10/15-10/17: Air Supply

10/18-10/19: Gin Blossoms

10/20-10/21: Survivor

10/22-10/23: Hanson

10/24-10/25: The Pointer Sisters

10/26-10/28: Sister Hazel

10/29-10/31: Billy Ocean

11/1-11/2: 38 Special

11/3-11/4: Howard Jones LIVE

11/5-11/6: Blues Traveler (NEW)

11/7-11/8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX (NEW)

11/9-11/11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/eat-to-the-beat-concerts/

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Mmmm......beer... :doublebeer:

[DaveInTN 3,247]

We did F&W a couple years ago. Loved it. Can't wait to do it again someday. But right now we have kids in public school so that ain't gonna happen.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food blog...

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Debuts A Vegan Marketplace

May 22nd, 2012 by AJ.

Great news for those visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival with a special diet!

As part of the World Showcase Marketplaces serving tapas-sized portions of International foods, the Festival is introducing a completely vegan kiosk this year! We’re hoping that means that special diets will be catered to more than ever before at this year’s event.

Vegan Marketplace at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year will introduce the first ever vegan-only “TERRA” marketplace, which will include dishes like this Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice Curry with Basmati Rice.

Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting development. Here’s hoping nothing changes!

As always, Disney Food Blog is YOUR SOURCE for the most detailed information about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Check out our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for all the latest!

Thanks to StitchKingdom.com for calling my attention to the news!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/05/22/2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-debuts-a-vegan-marketplace/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

A cool article from the Disney Food blog. Follow the link at the end for photos...

Tips For Visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

May 25th, 2012 by AJ.

The 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is coming up soon, and we’re already covering the latest news about the event.

Shrimp Tacos, Rib Eye Tacos, Flan and Strawberry Lime Margarita from the Mexico Booth

You can “follow the festival” on our Food and Wine Festival page here, and start making plans to attend September 28-November 12, 2012.

This annual event showcases food, wine, and other beverages from around the globe at marketplaces set up around Epcot’s World Showcase. You can also take advantage of some of the great seminars, demos, and events going on throughout the festival!

So, to kick off our coverage appropriately, let’s take a look at our…

Fun Tips for Visiting the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Here are a few of our favorite dining tips when it comes to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! I hope they’re helpful, and that you’ll share some of your great tips, too!

1. Make It A Meal

The World Showcase Booths around the Lagoon offer some great eats in small, appetizer sizes! Save one or two (or three!) meals for “eating around the World” Showcase.

Some of the perennial favorites include: Canada’s Cheddar Cheese Soup; Australia’s Shrimp on the Barbie; Italy’s Baked Cheese Ravioli; Argentina’s Grilled Beef Skewer; Poland’s Pierogies; and Germany’s sausage. We’re hoping that griddled cheese is back in Greece this year!

Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll, Goulash and Apple Strudel in Germany

2. Take Advantage of Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations

Take advantage of low-cost Epcot Food and Wine Festival seminars and demonstrations to see celebrity chefs!

Culinary demonstrations are held multiple times per day and are usually about 45-minutes in length. Featuring professional chefs and wine presenters, you’ll watch a dish being prepared on the show kitchen stage. Watching is fun, but tasting is even better. Yes, expect to sample the finished product along with its wine pairing! In 2011, these demonstrations were $11-13.

Last year, I enjoyed dessert made by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro at a low-cost seminar!

Buddy Valastro Makes Tiramisu at an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demo

Wine and Beverage seminars (and also similar Mixology seminars) follow the same format. The focus is on meeting a beverage expert, discovering some new tips, and sampling the featured beverage. In 2011, these seminars were $10-12. Cheers!

Mixology Seminar at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

With your Epcot admission, you can also enjoy Authors without Borders (30-minute intimate gatherings with a famous food or wine author) or Authentic Taste Seminars (30-minute lively and informative sessions) at no additional cost.

Book Signings, Bottle Signings, and Meet ‘n Greets give festival guests the opportunity to meet celebrated authors, famed chefs, and renowned winemakers. Upon arrival at the festival, it’s always a good idea to check the daily schedule!

In 2011, HGTV Home Entertainment seminars were offered by some of great personalities such as Vern Yip of HGTV Design Star. Offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, these fun sessions were free!

Tip: Ask about discounts for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, and DVC members — usually available on seminars offered Monday through Thursday only.

3. Include the Kids!

Have Kids? Take ‘em With You! This is a great time for kids to expand their palates without you having to pay big bucks. They can try numerous dishes around the World showcase with you.

This is a good time to note what they like, and visit a corresponding restaurant in the World Showcase for a meal later in the trip.

Think the kiddos might be bored? No worries! Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure will keep them eager to visit the different World Showcase countries while you nosh away. In this adventure (which opens in June), kids use interactive, hand-held devices to follow clues as they complete missions around World Showcase. You won’t hear one “I’m Bored” if they’re engaged in these fun quests!

Kid Favorite: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream

4. Impress Your Friends

Impress your friends when you get home! Show off your wine-tasting certificate from the wine seminars, or learn more than you ever wanted to know about cheese at a cheese seminar…and have a wine and cheese party at your house!

Want to spend a little less? Head to a food and beverage tasting seminar like the Pizza and Beer Pairing in Italy, tequila lunches in Mexico, or the wine and food pairings in Morocco. These can offer a great education that you can share with your crowd when you get home.

All beers at the Italy Beer and Pizza Pairing

5. Indulge Yourself

Want to be truly pampered? Try a Signature Dining event with one of your favorite chefs or at one of your favorite restaurants in Walt Disney World! Victoria & Albert’s showcased the culinary talents of Chef Scott Hunnel to a sold-out group at the Grand Floridian last year!

One of many Chef's Table Desserts

If that idea blows your budget, consider attending a seminar like the new Chocolate Discoveries. Lucky participants (this was sold out!) enjoyed tasting a savory dish and desserts made with chocolate. Oh, and there were chocolate-inspired wine and cocktails too.

Think you need a few more desserts to indulge? Head to a “Sweet Sundays” event where a celebrity chef will treat you to several delectable desserts of their own creation.

More Tips From the Experts

DFB readers and Epcot Food and Wine Festival Facebook Fans shared a few more great recommendations!

Avoid Crowds

One proven method to avoid extremely long lines is to visit during a weekday and arrive early. Becca advises, “Go during the week… Weekends are crowded with locals!”

If you are visiting on a weekend, Christine C. suggests, “On a Saturday, get there early (the booths usually open early); you should be able to get more than halfway around before it gets really busy.” We like to start our tour when World Showcase first opens!

When it is crowded and table space is limited, Dee T. shares her touring tip: “Trashcans make great table tops”. I concur.

Plan Ahead

There were great ideas about planning a successful festival day, including reading about the Festival before arriving in Epcot. Cookie W. has some great tips: “Use a Food and Wine Festival passport or print out a list of all the foods at the food booths. Mark each one as you sample it and even rate it if you want. Then you’ll know what you like so you can go back for seconds.”

We’ll have a list of all menu items (many with photos!) long before the festival begins, so stay tuned here at Disney Food Blog!

Food & Wine Festival Passport Belgium

Many festival-goers (such as Mary T.) recommend setting aside more than one day to partake in the delicious food and fun events. And this is one time when you shouldn’t make any Advance Dining Reservations — save your appetite!

Enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concerts by planning your evening meal around the shows. Carol S. shares this tip, “Get a couple items [at the World Showcase booths] for dinner, go watch the concert, then get dessert.”

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat

Consider booking a hotel room at the Beach Club Resort. Carol V. likes the convenience of the nearby hotel; she recommends “stay at the Beach Club so you can walk in and crawl out!”

Use a Wristlet Gift Card

You can find one of these mini-gift-cards at most Festival merchandise stores or the Festival Center. The small card has an expandable wrist wrap so that it’s easy to scan multiple times (as many of us do at the Festival).

This tip received the most shout-outs, suggesting that if you are a guest paying out-of-pocket for your eats and sips that the gift card is a must-have. Jennifer O. stated: “And I agree about using the gift card that goes on your wrist. It helps to keep you within your budget and it makes paying so much quicker.”

Click for Larger Image

First, it’s convenient. Instead of digging out other funds, you’ll have your hands free for carrying a plateful of food and glass of wine or other beverage. It’s also a good idea as a budget-saver: put the amount that you are comfortable spending on the gift card. We suggest doing this before visiting the Craft Beer booth.

Use Your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits

If you have the Disney Dining Plan, save your snack credits for your adventure through the marketplace booths. Many of the tapas-sized menu items are a great value for DDP guests.

Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Eligible Items

Special Diet Planning

Bonnie F. has a helpful idea: “If you have food allergy/intolerance issues, pick up the festival cookbook first and check out the ingredients. Then make a pocket list of do’s/don’ts for the kiosks.”

In both 2010 and 2011, gluten free items were available at the World Showcase booths. But it can be difficult to find out which ones are safe. We love the idea of looking at the cookbook!

2011 Food & Wine Festival Cookbook

Come Follow the Festival With Us!

We will be covering the festival from head to toe again this year, and we’ve already reported on the eat to the beat concert schedule line up. Stay tuned for more reviews from last year’s events as well as previews of this year’s events, coming soon!

Don’t forget to follow along on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/05/25/tips-for-visiting-the-2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/#more-55617

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Parks blog...

What’s New for the 17th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

posted on May 29th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

This just in: the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was named by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top food and wine festivals. Chefs are cooking up fantastic new experiences for this year’s fest, which open September 28 and runs for a record 46 days through November 12.

There’s no better setting for noshing, sipping and wandering than Epcot’s World Showcase, with a one-of-a-kind backdrop of architectural icons from around the globe.

Fresh for 2012:

• Two new festival marketplaces: TERRA Marketplace offers vegan menu items, including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese. The FLORIDA Marketplace introduces fresh twists on regional flavors. There are more than 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces in all.
  
• Feel like a VIP with Marketplace Chef Tours. Each Wednesday, festival chefs host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several international marketplaces. You get to taste five marketplace dishes and five beverage items, like beer, wine and cocktails – and learn a few culinary secrets.
  
• More kid-friendly tastes. Kids of all ages can try inventive new sips during the family’s marketplace dine-around. Pair with yummy bites like beef empanadas and cheese fondue (new this year).
  
• Don’t miss (free) Eat to the Beat! Check out pop acts like Smash Mouth (October 11-12) and Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice” (October 13-14). With 18 different bands, look for Blues Traveler (November 5-6) and Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX (November 7-. Night Ranger kicks off the concert series September 28-30, and other returning fan favorites include Boyz II Men, The Pointer Sisters, Sister Hazel and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
  
• Back for an encore: look for HGTV designers, celeb chefs, culinary demos and wine seminars, and special culinary programs – more than 270 chefs are showing off for the festival. And, yes, the fab Party for the Senses returns October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3.
  

Call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Information and reservations for select events and programs will be updated throughout the summer at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/whats-new-for-the-17th-annual-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

[Lil Lisa 53]

Can't wait!!

[Marilyn 19]

ditto

[SCTigerCock 171]

tritto.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

quadrutto

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

quintrutto?

[stefa70 205]

In my best Genia impression: Me three!! :rofl2:

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I just realized that because F&W is running through Monday, 11/12 this year, we actually get *3* WHOLE DAYS instead of just 2.

:jumpforjoy

Gotta start saving my pennies.... and my appetite.

[Specularius 102]

Is it true that there will not be a first bites ceremony this year? If so that is a disappointment. I was looking forward to celebrating 17 years of wedded bliss at the first bites ceremony.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

An update from the Disney Food Blog. Follow the link at the end for more photos...

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News: Menu Items, Events, and Chefs

Jun 17th, 2012 by AJ.

Once again this year I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Chef Marianne Hunnel, a long-time Disney Chef who has been in charge of development for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival for the past 7 years!

For a bit of background on Chef Hunnel as well as some info about how the Epcot Food & Wine Festival comes together each year, be sure to read our 2011 interview of Chef Hunnel!

She’s truly one of the most joyful and delightful people I’ve ever spoken with — you can tell this woman is passionate about the Festival and about making sure that Disney guests are pleased with their experience, and that she has a blast doing her job.

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Taste Your Way Around the World

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival theme this year is: Taste Your Way Around the World, and it will take place from September 28th through November 12th — a whole 46 days!

As always, you should keep an eye on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for details throughout the summer. We’re updating all the time over there so that you have the latest news and information.

And, luckily, Chef Hunnel was able to tell us some interesting details that we get to share exclusively with you today! Here are a few fun secrets and tips to keep in mind if you’re headed to Epcot this Fall!

New and Returning Items at the World Showcase Booths

While many of the fan favorite menu items will be returning (yep — the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup is back!), some booths will feature past menu items with a “twist,” says Hunnel.

For example, the steamed mussels at the Belgium booth will be slightly different than guests remember.

And it sounds like the Australian lamb chop will return with a mint pesto sauce this year (subject to change, of course).

Germany will introduce a twist on the ham and cheese spaetzel with a new schinken noodle gratin dish.

Also, New Zealand has traded in the lamb slider for a lamb meatball with tomato chutney.

There will be around 12 dishes that will be completely new to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths this year! Here are just a few…:

• Three new Artisinal cheeses at the Cheese Booth
  
• “Nesquick Froth,” a light, airy Nesquick smoothie, at the Desserts and Champagne Booth (guests can choose from chocolate or strawberry)
  
• More “family-friendly” drinks like non-alcoholic smoothies and “Honest Kids” organic juices, which have half the sugar of regular fruit punches
  

But the best news I heard from Chef Hunnel was this: the Canada booth will be introducing a Mushroom Filet to the marketplace menu this year! That’s right! The Canada booth will now include three of my most favorite dishes from Le Cellier: the mushroom filet (no word yet on whether or not that delicious risotto will accompany the filet), the spicy chicken sausage with sweet corn polenta, and the cheddar cheese soup.

A syrah will be on the menu as a pair with the filet.

Canada Booth a la 2012!

I can’t wait to hit this booth! Now I just need to convince them to add poutine…

New Marketplaces: Terra Vegan Marketplace, and the Florida Marketplace

Also, as we reported recently, two brand new 2012 booths will appear at the Festival this year: Terra, a Vegan Marketplace; and the Florida Marketplace.

Terra Vegan Marketplace

Terra will feature Trik’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice, and Chili Colorado with House Made Chips and Cashew Cheese. Yep — all totally vegan! How do they do it? Chef Hunnel said these dishes include specialty vegetable protein products from Gardein.

Chili Colorado with House Made Chips and Cashew Cheese

Terra will also offer wines from organic and sustainable Paul Dolan Winery in Mendocino County. Terra will also serve a dairy-free, lactose-free Berry smoothie!

Florida Marketplace

The Florida Marketplace will invoke an old-fashioned Florida feel. Here, the Festival will be celebrating true local flavor! Here you’ll find a White Corn Arepa with Mangalitsa Pork and Sweet Corn, and Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Veggies and Crispy Plantains.

Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Crispy Plantains

This booth will feature an incredible Key Lime Wine from the Florida Orange Groves Winery as well as Florida Lager and Key West Southernmost Wheat from Florida Beer Company.

Returning Chefs

Many of you will be pleased to know that some of last year’s most popular chefs will be returning again in 2012! Celebrity Chefs returning this year include:

• Jamie Deen
  
• Cake Boss Buddy Valastro
  
• Andrew Zimmern
  
• Robert Irvine
  
• Gale Gand
  
• Rock Harper
  
• And More!
  

And, of course, there will be many of new faces to find, like Erika Davis from Top Chef Just Desserts!

New and Returning Events

Here’s a bit of info on some of your favorite returning events, as well as some new additions! Note that booking for many of these events will open on August 14th, 2012! You can book by calling 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) or booking many of them online at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Party for the Senses

As we reported earlier, Epcot’s glamorous Party for the Senses will be returning again this year, and will take place on October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3, from 7:30-10pm. You can read our review of the Party for the Senses from 2011 here.

New this year, however, the party will have three separate ticketing tiers: regular entry, reserved seating, and Wine View Lounge. That second one is the new option, where guests will pay a slightly higher amount for reserved seats, but no access to the Wine View Lounge.

Chef-Led VIP Access Tours

These brand new events will happen on Wednesdays from 10:30am-1pm during the festival. Small groups of around 10 guests will have the chance to meet with a Festival Chef in the Festival Center, then tour the World Showcase Marketplaces as the Chef describes the dishes.

The event will include information, eats, and even some “storytelling,” says Hunnel! Cost has not yet been finalized on these events.

3D Disney Dessert Discovery Parties

Returning this year on select Fridays is one of the Festival’s most-loved events: the 3D Illuminations Dessert Party. Accented with a fun “3D” view of the fireworks, guests will enjoy a variety of sweet desserts for a (usually) decent price. Check out a great review of this event from last year!

This year, Babycakes NYC Bakery will provide vegan and gluten-free desserts in addition to the regular fare.

What’s Happening in France?

Die-hard festival fans (like me) have been wondering what will happen to the beloved French Regional Lunches (nicknamed “Frunches”) this year, as their standard venue — Bistro de Paris in Epcot’s France — will be undergoing renovations.

Well…here’s the bad news. According to Chef Hunnel, French Regional Lunches will not be returning this year…though she has been assured that they will be back in 2013.

However, the Grand Marnier Tasting events will return this year, taking place in the Festival Center.

Magic of Healthy Living

This event debuted last year and was such a hit that they’re bringing it back for an encore. It’s a one-time thing again, hosted by Andrew Zimmern and a few other (not yet confirmed) chefs. As it was last year, it will feature kid-friendly and healthy foods.

Italian Regional Food and Wine Lunches

Italy will host Food and Wine lunches this year. I’m not sure yet if these will be similar to those gone missing in France, or if they will be the standard food and wine pairings we’ve seen for the past several years. My hope is for the former!

The BOG is BACK!

For those of you who, like me, were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the giant Ocean Spray-funded cranberry bog in the middle of Epcot this year — put your fears to rest! The bog will be BACK!

CRANBERRY BOG!!

I told Chef Hunnel that Disney needs to introduce “The Bog Experience” and let us put on the rubber overalls and rake for a while, but she just laughed. Here’s hoping I planted a seed…

HGTV Returns

Your favorite HGTV hosts will be back this year with more advice and suggestions for home awesomeness.

Wine Shop Tastings

A new (and needed) option this year will be at the Cellar — the wine shop set up in the Festival Center in Epcot’s Future World. If guests are considering purchasing certain wines, there will be small tastings set up at select times to help them decide which bottles to bag.

This might also feature an extra time to get a bottle signed, or meet the winemaker.

Questions? Comments?

There’s lots more happening at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and I may have inadvertently left out of this post some of the news I got on the interview.

SO, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer!

In the meantime, head on over to our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index Pages to see all the latest details!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/17/2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-news-menu-items-events-and-chefs/