Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Premium events and experiences

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is one of the most anticipated special events at Walt Disney World. Many special dining experiences are offered throughout the festival. These are the premium events and experiences you can make reservations for in advance and can be booked starting Aug. 14, 2012 at 7 am Eastern.

Party for the Senses

Mingle among more than 50 tempting tasting stations at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. You’ll be entertained by Cirque du Soleil. Guests will start off the evening with a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat concert series

Choose from 3 different experiences:

Wine View Lounge: Enjoy a private reserved table, entrance into World ShowPlace Events Pavilion 15 minutes before general admission, a specialty cocktail toast to begin your evening, a premium bar, an artisanal cheese station and more. Limited Availability. Check-in at Wine View Lounge check-in podium at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. SOLD OUT!

Cost: $270 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included. Epcot admission required.

Reserved Seating: Enjoy a reserved table on the main floor, entrance into World ShowPlace Events Pavilion 15 minutes before general admission and a specialty cocktail toast to begin your evening. Limited Availability. Check-in at Wine View Lounge check-in podium at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. SOLD OUT!

Cost: $170 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included. Epcot admission required.

General Admission: Enjoy all of the sights, sounds and, of course, tastes that Party for the Senses has to offer as you explore more than 50 tasting stations throughout the event. Limited seating is available as you dine and sip your way through the evening. Check-in at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.

Cost: $145 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included. Epcot admission required.

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: Saturdays – Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Nov. 3. Eat to the Beat concert series reserved seating for either the 5:30 or 6:45 pm show. Party for the Senses from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Wine View Lounge and Reserved Seating starts at 7:15 pm)

 

Marketplace VIP Access Chef Tour – NEW! SOLD OUT!

Learn how the marketplace menus are created from a Disney chef as you sample 5 preselected food items and 5 preselected beverages. Guests will also receive a cookbook!

Where: Festival Welcome Center, Spotlight Stage
When: Wednesdays; Approximate 2-hour tour begins at 10:30 am
Cost: $90 per person, plus tax. No gratuity. Epcot admission required.

 

The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner

Celebrity Chefs Andrew Zimmern and Bryan Voltaggio give tips on how to provide a healthy yet tasty meal. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal including non-alcoholic beverages.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: Saturday, October 19, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $110.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

 

Kitchen Memories

A 3-course lunch with celebrated chef demonstrates. The chef will show you how to prepare an appetizer, main course and dessert, while a winery representative pairs each course.

Where: Festival Welcome Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Fridays; 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Cost: $110 or $160 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Theme park admission required.

Sept. 28: Andrea Robinson; Master Sommelier; $110

Oct. 5: Duskie Estes and John Stewart; ZAZU Restaurant+Farm and Black Pig Meat Co., Santa Rosa, CA; $110

Oct. 12: Emily Ellyn Hummel; Emily Ellyn Productions; $110

Oct. 19: George Hirsch; George Hirsch Living; $110

Oct. 26: Robert Irvine; Robert Irvine’s eat!, Hilton Head, SC; $160 SOLD OUT!

Nov. 2: Art Smith; Art and Soul, Washington, D.C.; $110 SOLD OUT!

Nov. 9: Buddy Valastro; Carlo’s Bake Shop, Hoboken, NJ; $160 SOLD OUT!

 

Epcot Wine Schools

In a comprehensive program led by a prestigious wine expert, learn about distinctive wine cultures, taste a variety of regional wines and receive a certificate of completion at your celebratory reception.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: Select Sundays. Class from 1 – 3 pm, light reception from 3 – 4 pm
Cost: $135 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Sept. 30: Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier at Wonders Retreat SOLD OUT!

Oct. 7: Jim Bernau, Founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards

Nov. 4: Sharron McCarthy, BANFI

 

Mexican Tequila Lunch

Savor samples of tequila that complement a savory spread of Mexican regional cuisine as you learn about tequila history and production.

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 1:30 pm SOLD OUT! – Sep.29, 30, Oct. 12, 19, 26 and 27
Cost: $70 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

 

Food & Wine Pairings

Sample 3 regional wines paired with 3 tasting-size portions of cuisine from Japan and Morocco. Featured wines and menu selections change daily.

Tokyo Tastings: Wednesdays; 3:30 – 5 pm at Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion
Morocco Tastings: Tuesdays; 3:30 – 5 pm at Restaurant Marrakesh, Morocco Pavilion
Cost: $55 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

 

Cheese Seminars

Learn about cheese from experienced fromagers. Featured cheese will be paired with selected wines or beers.

Where: Festival Welcome Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Saturdays; 10:30 – 11:45 am
Cost: $80 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Sept. 29: United States cheese; Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

Oct. 6: Spanish cheese; Erin Hedley, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

Oct. 13: Italian cheese; Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

Oct. 20: French cheese; Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

Oct. 27: Old World Mountain cheese; Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

Nov. 3: United States cheese; David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery, Central Point, OR

Nov. 10: Old World Maritime cheese; Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City

 

Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining

The resident chef from a Signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort prepares a culinary experience while a hosting winery presents the accompanying wines.

Prices listed below are per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

Sept. 27: Kouzzina by Cat Cora; Dee Foundoukis and the Kouzzina Chefs; 8:00 pm; $160

Oct. 1: The Hollywood Brown Derby*; Craig Schleider; 6:30 pm; $160 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 2: Wolfgang Puck’s Dining Room; Tony Fraske; 6:00 pm; $100

Oct. 2: Kouzzina by Cat Cora; Cat Cora and the Kouzzina Chefs; 7:00 pm; $170

Oct. 4: Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant; Kevin Dundon; 6:00 pm; $120 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 9: Fulton’s Crab House; Mark Boor; 6:30 pm; $100

Oct. 11: Portobello; Tony Mantuano; 6:30 pm; $125

Oct. 12: Jiko – The Cooking Place; Jonathon P. O’Brien; 6:00 pm; $195 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 18: California Grill; Brian Piasecki; 6:00 pm; $250 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 19: Citricos; Philip Ponticelli/Lasseter Wine Pairings; 12:30 pm; $130 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 25: The Hollywood Brown Derby*; Craig Schleider; 6:30 pm; $160 SOLD OUT!

Oct. 25: The Wave… of American Flavors; Frank Brough; 6:30 pm; $160

Oct. 27: Yachtsman Steakhouse; Anthony R. De Luca; 12:00 pm; $160

Oct. 28: Victoria & Albert’s; Scott Hunnel and Israel Pérez; 6:30 pm; $495 SOLD OUT!

Nov. 1: Flying Fish Café; Tim Keating; 6:00 pm; $185 SOLD OUT!

Nov. 7: Bongos Cuban Café; TBD; 6:00 pm; $100

Nov. 8: California Grill; Brian Piasecki; 6:00 pm; $250

Nov. 9: Radeberger Beer Dinner*; Jens and the Chefs of Epcot; 6:00 pm; $125

* Indicates venues where theme park admission is required.

 

Festival Events at Italy Pavilion

Savor the flavors of Italy at special dining events.

Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheon – NEW! SOLD OUT!

Lunch where you’ll enjoy Italian wines paired with freshly prepared Italian dishes.

Where: Tutto Gusto wine cellar, Italy Pavilion
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays; 12 pm – 2 pm
Cost: $75 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Italian Food & Beer Pairing

Pairing of authentic Italian dishes and refreshing Italian beers in a beautiful venue at Via Napoli.

Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy Pavilion
When: Tuesdays; 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Cost: $55 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Italian Food & Wine Pairing SOLD OUT!

Via Napoli’s chef will pair southern Italian with Italian wines to compliment the dishes.

Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy Pavilion
When: Thursdays; 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Cost: $65 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Italian White Truffle Lunch SOLD OUT!

5-course meal featuring white truffles imported directly from Alba, Italy. Each course is paired with a Batisiolo wine.

Where: Tutto Italia Ristorante, Italy Pavilion
When: Sunday, Nov. 4, ; 12 pm – 3 pm
Cost: $210 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.