Whew! The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is half over, and it feels like it just began!

There’s been a ton to do and see, but we couldn’t let another day slip by without showing you around one of the must-visit spots — Festival Center.

Located in the old Wonders of Life Pavilion in Future World East, the venue comes alive each year for the Food and Wine Festival. This is your spot to attend low-cost seminars and demonstrations and other special events. You’ll find Festival information, Intermissions Cafe, and some great shopping here as well.

We recently toured the spot to bring you pictures of every corner. There’s a LOT to cover, so let’s get started!

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — Festival Center

Festival Center is THE place to begin your Food and Wine Festival Adventure. Helpful Cast Members provide you with information regarding all aspects of the Festival — from Marketplaces to Special Events.

Check out this map to get the lay of the land.

Festival Shop presented by Cutco

At the base of the ramp to the right, you’ll come to your first merchandise stop — the Festival Shop presented by Cutco.

You’ll find a large display of Cutco Products.

This area also features books by various chefs — both cookbooks and biographies.

You’ll also find guest chefs signing books throughout the Festival here.

Looking for the perfect piece of Disney art? Check out a full array of options here.

Intermissions Cafe

If you’re in need of sustenance and can’t wait to get to the Marketplace Booths, you can also grab a bite or drink at Intermissions Cafe.

The menu offers an array of snack items and a few grab and go-type preparations.

You can also get drinks here that aren’t available elsewhere, like the Caposaldo Sweet Sparkling Peach Moscato.

Vegetarians will find a few offerings as well.

The Stockpot Shop

Looking for everything and anything food and wine? Visit the Stockpot Shop!

This is the main merchandise area within Festival Center — and there’s a ton of stuff to check out. You’ll find Festival logo merch here as well as many other favorite souvenirs.

If you’re looking to take a piece of the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival home with you, this year’s Logo Poster is a great way to do it. The poster features 2014’s central slogan, plus a cool skyline representing the countries of World Showcase.

Smaller Logo Magnets also feature the slogan.

There are several pieces with the bold font, including Mugs, Glasses, T-Shirts, and Hats.

But there are also other “families” of logo merchandise, including a whole line of items featuring Figment! These include T-Shirts, Aprons, Prints, and other items.

Of course, you’re going to need some cash to buy it all! Whether you’re looking for a fun gift for someone Food and Wine-bound, or you just like their ease of use around World Showcase, small giftcards can be very handy. Purchase them here or throughout the Park.

There’s also an extensive collection of merch for the beer lovers among us. The popular Brews Around the World line offers you a lot of options!

This Magnet does double duty as a Bottle Opener!

Enjoy a beer long after the Festival closes from a Brews Pint Glass.

Or commemorate your Drinking Around the World Day with this Plaque.

T-Shirts are always a good choice as well.

And if you prefer a different kinda brew — say, Coffee, you’ll find all kinds of stuff to interest you.

Duffy makes an appearance this year of course — decked out as a chef again, with the date on his jacket.

One item that’s always popular is the Festival Cookbook. In 2014, Disney has expanded the book to loop in dishes from other Epcot Festivals taking place throughout the year.

A Taste of Epcot: Festival Food from Around the Globe offers readers recipes from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and Holidays Around the World in addition to Food and Wine Festival recipes.

Of course, you can also “visit” a few of Epcot’s countries right at Festival Center with some cool merch, like these Italy and France Items. Note the trays. 😉

The UK Pavilion is represented as well.

Passholder Exclusive Festival Items are on display, too.

Looking for an upscale way to drink your wine from a plastic glass? Check out this handsome tumbler!

Many of you know Disney presenter Pam Smith from the myriad of Special Events she emcees during the Festival. This year, you can purchase some of Pam’s spice mixes at the Stockpot Shop.

Presentation Stages

There are four different areas within Festival Center where guests can take in presentations and seminars. If you’re interested in taking in one of the complementary events, or you’re attending a Special Event or a Demonstration or Seminar, be sure to consult the map or the Information Desk to find out where your event is taking place.

Complimentary talks about various ingredients take place throughout the day at Spotlight Stage.

The Chef’s Showcase, in the back of Festival Center, is home to Culinary Demonstrations and lots of Special Events throughout the Festival.

The culinary staff was busily preparing for the first demo of the day was I toured the space.

Finally, you’ll head to the Vineyard Stage to attend Beverage and Mixology Seminars.

From Bean to Bar by Ghirardelli and Seasons of the Vine

In the very back of the Festival Center, be sure to carve out a little time to walk through The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli.

As you enter, Cast Members are passing out free chocolate!

The center of the space offers a look at the History of Chocolate.

And don’t miss the Chocolate Sculptures! Talented pastry teams from around Walt Disney World have assembled some real works of art. We’ll have a full photo tour of these soon!

If sampling turns to buying, you have a nice array of Ghirardelli chocolate to choose from.

And don’t miss the selection of Drinking Chocolate and Wines for purchase.

The drinking chocolate is one of our favorites!

Seasons of the Vine is a short film that runs continuously during Festival Center hours. You’ll find it playing at the theater located within the middle of Festival Center with the entrance toward the back of the room.

The Festival Center Wine Shop

Finally, before you head out the door, be sure to browse through the Festival Center Wine Shop.

Find bottles of many of the wines you’re enjoying throughout the Festival.

In addition to bottles, you’ll find a ton of wine-themed merchandise, like Festival Wine Glasses.

Need to brush up on your vino knowledge? Pick up a Book all about the subject.

There’s a wide variety of wine-themed merch available, from T-Shirts to Magnets, and everything in between.

Not wanting to talk? Let your T-Shirt do it for you!

I can think of several people I could cross off my Christmas Shopping list with a trip to the Wine Shop. 🙂

Festival Center is a great place to meet, formulate your game plan, and take in a few moments of serenity before heading out to stroll World Showcase!

Will you be visiting Festival Center to shop or attend an event during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Tell us about it below in comments!