Since Epcot began the International Food and Wine Festival way back in 1995, Disney has brought in world-class chefs, mixologists, bakers, and other professionals every year.
The show keeps getting longer each year, and this year, the Food and Wine Festival will be a record 62 days running from September 14th to November 14th.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect in 2016:
Marketplace Kiosks
This year also marks the second year that the Marketplace kiosks have made their way into Future World.
There will be 38 Marketplace kiosks including one at each of the eleven country pavilions in World Showcase. You taste buds can be on the look out for Africa, Australia, Belgium, Block & Hans, Brazil, Brewer’s Collection, Cheese Studio, Chew Lab, Craft Beers, Desserts and Champagne, Dominican Republic, Farm Fresh, Fife & Drum, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Hops & Barley, Intermission Café, Ireland, New Zealand, Odyssey Coffee Cart, Patagonia, Poland, Refreshment Port, Refreshment Cool Post, Scotland, Showcase Coffee Cart, South Korea, Sustainable Chew, Test Track Coffee Cart, and Wine Studio.
Each kiosk serves up tapas-style (or small plate) foods and beverages ranging in price from $3 to $8. Guests can try familiar things like grilled lamb chops (Australia), Belgium Waffles, New York Strip (Chew Lab), and Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi (Poland). If you’re feeling adventurous or even indulgent, there are selections for you too! The hard soda floats, new this year at the Desserts and Champagne Marketplace look amazing, as does the Lamington, an Australian dish comprised of yellow cake dipped in chocolate and shredded coconut.
If you’re into the beverages, you’ll want to try the Chilled Coffee Godiva Chocolate Liqueur at the Belgium Booth and the Beer Flights at Brewer’s Collection, Belgium, the Craft Beer Marketplace, Germany, Hops & Barley, and others. I also highly recommend the Mango Green Tea with popping bubbles in China (which is non-alcoholic) and the Smoking Hibiscus at the Chew Lab.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns this year with headlining acts! Here’s the Schedule:
- September 14-15: Wang Chung
- September 16-18: Starship
- September 19-20: Air Supply
- September 24: Fuel
- October 7-9: Plain White T’s
- October 10-11: 38 Special
- October 12-13: Jeffrey Osbourne
- October 20-21: Christopher Cross
There are several concert dates that are yet to be determined, but acts including Delta Rae, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Wilson Phillips, and Boyz II Men will likely fill these dates. All concerts will take place in the American Garden Theatre.
Festival Events
If you’re a foodie, what you’re really looking for are the celebrity chefs Disney brings in for seminars and book and bottle signings. This year, you can expect to see Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Masahuru Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss), and Jamie Deen.
They’ll all be involved in the Mix it, Make it, Celebrate it! and Back to Basics hands-on workshops and seminars at the Festival Center in the Wonders of Life Pavilion between Universe Of Energy and Mission: Space. These workshops will teach you culinary skills from the very best and are included in your admission!
Ghirardelli will also host The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to Bar offering guests samples and an informative, fun seminar.
Chase Lounge
Chase credit and debit card members have access to the Chase Lounge in the American Adventure which will offer complimentary refreshments, charging stations, and comfy seating for a relaxing opportunity to cool off and rejuvenate.
Premium Events
There are a few special events that you might want to check out too. These require an additional ticket, but if you enjoy food, you won’t want to miss them!
The Rockin’ Burger Block Party returns this year with dozens of slider-type burgers with unique flavors including a coffee-crusted beef short rib burger with smoked Gouda, garlic potato strings and sangria ketchup, a spiced lamb burger with feta, pickled watermelon rind, and za’atar aioli, or a mixed grill burger with egg, bacon grease fries, and nacho cheese. There are also non-meat burgers like the shrimp and scallop burger or the grilled grouper burger. Pair your burger with wings, pot-stickers, cheeseburger spring rolls, moonshine BBQ meatballs, chickpea and roasted corn fritters, and Caribbean spiced seafood cakes. If something sweet is what you crave after these delicious sliders and sides, check out the cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding, the snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp, or the Valrhona chocolate ganache brownies. Since it’s all you can eat, come hungry! For an extra special treat, The Chew hosts will join the party on October 8th. You’ll pay just $99 for regular admission and $119 if you want to reserve a table on the main floor. If you want Nosh Pit seating, it’ll be $199 including a private reserved table, early admission, a specialty cocktail and a premium bar.
Party for the Senses is another premium event taking place on October 31 from 7-9:30PM. Celebrate “Yelloween” in your most elegant yellow and black costume during this Masquerade party. The cost is $169 for general admission, $199 for a reserved table with a specialty cocktail toast, and $319 for a reserved table, specialty cocktail and artisanal cheese station. There will also be special entertainment, food, and drinks!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will also host a premium event during the 2016 Food and Wine Festival that will include brunch with a twist and a new cooking school experience. This event doesn’t require admission to Epcot or that you be a guest at the Grand, but make your reservations soon because it will sell out quickly!
Remy’s Hide and Squeak Family Scavenger Hunt
Remy, the famous rat chef from Disney’s animated movie, Ratatouillie, will return this year too! Stop by Disney Traders, the Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Entry, or World Traveler to get your map and stickers.
The game will cost you $7.95, but whether you complete the scavenger hunt or not, you’ll receive one of six limited edition pins! If you have kids in tow, they’ll have fun traipsing around World Showcase helping Remy find his ingredients while you enjoy the food and drinks along the way.
Are you excited for the 2016 Food and Wine Festival?