12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

[Carol]

Sumptuous Nibbles, Perfect Pairings are 'Tastefully Inspired'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It will be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate during the 12th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 28 through Nov. 11 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot guests can explore the nuances of great wines from around the world and sample blissful bites from dozens of countries against the backdrop paintings inspired by food and wine. The paintings are served up from the palettes of artists in China, Italy, France and beyond as a fitting accompaniment to first-rate food, wine and beer that spotlight regional experiences from Chile to Scandinavia during the six-week-long festival.

More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties (including vegetarian and sweet bites) from $1.50-$4.50. Recommended wines and beers available at each international kiosk make for picture-perfect pairings.

Meanwhile, daily seminars offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. In addition, a series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

"Our festival theme, 'Tastefully Inspired,' is an opportunity to emphasize the relationship between two expressions of art -- the canvas and the table," says Nora Carey, festival manager. "We're showcasing great artwork from around the world that celebrates food and wine in many scenes. And while the theme is an inspirational springboard for our culinary talent, it also lets us tell stories to our guests that will surprise, enlighten and embolden them to think about food in a new way."

The Epcot festival has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than one million each fall -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to neophytes primed to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations, including Germany's Biergarten, that specialize in brews from light to dark.

"There's no other festival environment in the world like ours," Carey says. "From the picturesque World Showcase Lagoon to the authentic architecture that showcases many cultures, it's an ideal backdrop for the exceptional culinary and wine-related talent of Walt Disney World Resort and for the great celebrity chefs and wine connoisseurs who join us each year."

Top musical entertainment pairs well with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre on the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon.

Other festival highlights include:
The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bar and festival keepsakes including commemorative posters and the official festival cookbook.

Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.

Guest chefs slated to appear this year include Cat Cora, Roy Yamaguchi, Suvir Saran, Keegan Gerhard, Colette Peters, Warren Brown, Gerry Garvin, Tracy Griffith, and many others.

Mireille Guiliano, author of bestsellers French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure and French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes and Pleasure, will sign books and participate in special culinary programs during opening weekend.

Up to 1,200 wine and beer seminars providing complimentary samplings by more than 120 wineries.

International exhibits on the promenade, featuring authentic cuisine, entertainment and traditional crafts.

Music, dance, acrobatics and "improv" acts featured at Epcot pavilions.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, featuring entertainment by Cirque du Soleil.

Included with Epcot Admission:
Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, Epcot Wine Schools, Regional Feasts, and other specialty events require reservations and separate admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at the Web site: disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

[Dsnygirl]

Thanks, Carol, for the info!! Can't wait to go in October!!

[Fortgoofy97]

Haven't missed one in quite a long time! Schedule is set already to be there in OCT! Can't wait!!!

[Septbride2002]

CAN'T WAIT!

[GoinGoofyPlanninThisTrip]

Can't remember...did the prices range up to $4.50 last year? Or are they trying to skirt the DDP $4 snack policy?

[sagessa]

Can't remember...did the prices range up to $4.50 last year? Or are they trying to skirt the DDP $4 snack policy?

Prices actually went all the way up to $6.50 last year, but all of the food items from the booths were included in the snack plan.

Rachel R.

[JohnnyJayhawk]

Last year was our first one, and when we got home we immediately began planning the next one. We'll be there in early November. Can't wait.

[JERSEYDISFAN]

Today was the 180 mark for us. Made ADR's for everything but MNSSHP, Party for the Senses and the "still to be announced" special events. Food, wine and art - what an incredible seven days lie ahead!!!!

[Crow]

ill b there the first few days. hope it isnt too busy. ive only been to 1 in 2005 and hope to sample more this time.
cant wait to see a schedule of events.

[wdwfan]

PolyGirl now you've got me even more excited. DH & I are going down 11/3 thru 11/8, celebrating our 19th anniversary on 11/6. We attended the food & wine festival once a few years ago and had a great time. We were fortunate enough to go to one of the signature dinners and it was great!!!
When should we expect to see the schedule for 2007 wine events? Want to start my planning.(as if I haven't already)

[Carol]

The schedule should come out later this summer. Last year they became bookable late July.

[GoofDad]

With both the International Food & Wind Festival and the MNSSHP going on does this make it a pretty busy time to go to Disney? We have gone in November and February, but we are thinking about coming toward the end of October this year.

[MickeyandTink]

We've planned our trip to cover both ends of two great things, the free DDP and the F&W festival. We arrive Sept 22nd and leave the afternoon of the 29th.

We've never been to the F&W festival before and want to make the most out of the day and half we have. What are "must do's" for the event? What souveniers do you think are the best? Lastly, I enjoy a quality beer or two, are the tastings worth taking the time to do?

[JohnnyJayhawk]

With both the International Food & Wind Festival and the MNSSHP going on does this make it a pretty busy time to go to Disney? We have gone in November and February, but we are thinking about coming toward the end of October this year.

We were there in mid October last year when both were going on, and I thought the crowds were fine. The only time the crowds bothered us was during MNNSHP, which was a little busy. I've heard that the closer you get towards Halloween, the more crowded it gets.

[JohnnyJayhawk]

We've never been to the F&W festival before and want to make the most out of the day and half we have. What are "must do's" for the event? What souveniers do you think are the best? Lastly, I enjoy a quality beer or two, are the tastings worth taking the time to do?

We've only been once, so I'm definitely not the most experienced person to give advice here, but we loved just walking around sampling the different food and drinks. There were some neat souveniers, but I think they change from year to year as the festival logo changes. We also bought some art prints from some of the vendors Disney invited to the festival. We plan on doing some of the beer/wine education/tasting events this year. Last year Sam Adams had a special brew that they crafted for the festival that was fantastic.

[pook@wdw]

We ALWAYS go in Oct. and would not miss the F & W festival. Love to stroll thru the countries and eat our way "around the World"