We’re gearing up for the Disney food fan’s favorite time of the year… and since the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival information started trickling out, we’ve been getting a lot of questions from our readers.
I know that a lot of you may have the same questions, so I wanted to take a moment to answer a few of the most frequently asked ones here on the blog.
Why aren’t all of the special events showing on the Disney World website? Are they still happening?
No worries! Yep — they’re happening.
Many of the events that were announced at the recent Tables in Wonderland Food and Wine Festival Preview event are still not showing up on Disney’s site. For example, the super popular Parisian Breakfast is nowhere to be found on DisneyWorld.com.
But we’re hearing that they’ve experienced a few technical difficulties, and we can assure you that these events ARE happening. So stay tuned to Disney Food Blog, and we’ll have any lingering details about the events as soon as they’re available.
In the meantime, check out our Food and Wine Festival Special Events page for details on all of the events that are scheduled for the festival.
Yep — the Parisian Breakfast is still on!
What can we book on the website, and what do we have to book by phone?
While we don’t have 100% confirmation on this, we’re fairly certain that the following will be available to book online: Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars (NOT discounted tickets), Party for the Senses General Admission, Rockin’ Burger Block Party General Admission, What’s Cookin’ With… Events, IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party.
All other events and ticket levels will need to be booked by phone at 407-WDW-FEST.
Cooking with Carla Hall at the festival
What about Singapore, Terra, Puerto Rico, the Griddled Greek Cheese, and other favorites that are missing this year? Will they be back?
Disney has confirmed that the Singapore, Terra, and Puerto Rico Booths will not be returning for 2015, in order to make room for new booths, like the Wine and Cheese Studios, Sustainable Chew, and Chew Lab. The Dominican Republic Booth is also returning in 2015 after a hiatus of 7 years — it will be located where Puerto Rico was situated last year.
The same goes for dishes. While there may be some popular dishes that don’t return this year, others are back after a break, like the Chicken Sausage at the Canada Booth. For the full list of booths and menus, check out our Food and Wine Festival Booths page.
Griddled Greek Cheese May Not Be Back in 2015, But the Chicken Sausage with Polenta and “Minus 8″ Onion Jam Returns to the Canada Booth
What’s the difference between the French Regional Lunches from past years and this new French Meal Traditions event? Will there still be wine?
While the French Regional Lunches focused on a different region of the country each week, the French Meal Traditions will focus on dishes from a specific chef each week. Chefs are anticipated to treat guests to some of their favorite home cooking, so expect some really great comfort food! I’ve heard a teensy bit about some of the dishes that will be presented, and they sound amazing.
While there may not be a vintner at each event to discuss the wine, there will still be plenty of wine.
Will there be any discounts available?
Disney published in our Tables in Wonderland Preview booklets that they will once again offer $2 off of Seminars and Demonstrations for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Golden Oak residents for events Monday through Thursday. This is subject to change, of course, but it was officially published by Disney.
Some Discounts Will Most Likely Be Available for Low Cost Seminars and Demonstrations Monday Through Thursday
Will there be early booking available?
We anticipate that early booking will be back for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Golden Oak residents. Booking will open for these guests July 24 at 9AM. They will have to book their events by phone.
What about Chase and Disney Visa card members?
As of this date, Disney has not announced any early booking date or discounts for Chase Disney Visa Cardmembers, but the Chase Lounge will return this year at the American Adventure pavilion.
What events sell out the fastest?
Typically, events that feature well-known chefs and celebrities sell out the fastest. These include culinary demonstrations, and What’s Cooking With… events with celebrity chefs like Cat Cora, Buddy Valastro, and Robert Irvine. Party for the Senses, especially the VIP packages, tend to sell out quickly.
Chef Cat Cora at an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demonstration
Special events in the World Showcase Pavilions, like the Parisian Breakfast and Regional Lunches, also tend to fill up quickly.
Where’s the Disney’s 3D Dessert event this year?
With all of the new events and special offerings celebrating the Festival’s 20th anniversary, Disney opted not to bring the 3D Dessert Party back for 2015. As an alternative, you may want to check out the Sparkling Illuminations Dessert Party. This event is available year around (see a review here), but they’re adding extra dates during the Festival this year.
Will the VIP package or the Premium package be back?
We are still waiting to hear if the popular Premium Package, which entitled guests to private seating areas where Cast Members went to get booth items for them, will return in 2015. Last year, the package was announced after the rest of the special events and demonstrations/seminars were announced.
Premium Package Area at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
What has been announced is a more budget-friendly experience, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler. Read more about this package on our Special Events page.
It seems like there aren’t a lot of vegetarian items this year, is that true?
It’s hard to tell at first glance, because some dishes, especially desserts, may be vegetarian, but that’s hard to tell from the menu listings. Also keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for Disney to continue to add and tweak menus right up until the beginning of the Festival.
Vegetarian Moussaka at the Greece Booth is One of the Vegetarian Options at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Disney usually notes which items are vegetarian and gluten-free in their marketplace passports each year, and sometimes even on the menus posted on the booths, so it will be easy to tell what items suit your eating plan.
Will we be getting a list of gluten-free offerings this year?
Last year, information on gluten-free options came out at the same time as the menus, and so far this year, we haven’t received that information. However, the Festival passports may contain gluten-free distinctions once they’re printed. We’ll keep you posted.
Several items returning this year were marked gluten-free in 2014, like the Le Cellier mushroom filet in Canada, crispy pork belly in Brazil, griddles yard bird at Farm Fresh, and the Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard in Ireland — among many others.
The Mushroom Filet at the Canada Marketplace is gluten free
Also, don’t forget to check out our other 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Coverage; we work hard to make sure we have the most comprehensive coverage of the festival on the internet!
Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order!
Want even more great tips? This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Pre-order your 2015 edition today, and download the 2014 guide for FREE — immediately! We anticipate the 2015 edition to be available within the next week.
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount!
Be sure to check our main Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page frequently for updates, and also check out Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 for even more information about the festival!
Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info?
We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! Here’s what we know so far…
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — Full Menus and Food Photos Now Available!
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
2015 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS
2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items
How to Book Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events
To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 7AM ET (join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about all the details!). Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events will be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.
Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents may be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos on July 24th at 9AM ET. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) or through DVC Member Services. Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.
Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may be able to book select special events, demos, and seminars early. A limited number of seats will be available for this booking date.
What are you most looking forward to at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Comment below and share with us!
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I hope they do bring back the Premium Package this year. We did it last year and really enjoyed it. The day we were there is rained hard for most of the day but it made it more fun as it was very quiet and the CMs were great as we all squeezed under umbrellas and just chatted. I do hope they have a bit more seating though as it was sparse. Yes it was expensive but you did get quite a bit for your money.
You listed chef Alex Guarnaschelli for November 13′ s what’s cooking with…, but on the disney website they have it as tbd. Is that a glitch on their website or is chef Alex no longer going to be there? I’d really like to see her, but I’m nervous about booking a tbd event.
Ah, but when the Parisian Breakfast is announced info will probably be here…
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-parisian-breakfast/
… I do hope we get some PDF’s on the culinary demos, and who’s going to be where and at what time… maybe before the early booking starts on the 24th. I don’t want to book “unknown protein by chef unknown” at 1pm, and then let it be a surprise.
Do you have to use all eight food allotments in the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler on one day, or is it only the priority seating for Eat to the Beat that is date specific?
The early booking for Tables in Wonderland, DVC, passholders on 7/24… is that for all events or only select events? Thanks for all you do!
Christine — Early booking is usually only for culinary demos, beverage seminars, and mixology events. 😀
Joan — That’s a great question. I don’t think the premium package allotments were date specific last year, but I’ll double check.
Mealtrip — Last year Tables in Wonderland sent out the schedule on the 23rd or 24th when booking began the 25th. I hope that’s not what happens, but it might.
Amanda — Alex was listed in our Tables in Wonderland dinner booklet as being on the docket for that night. All schedules are always subject to change, unfortunately. Hopefully Disney will update that web page before booking begins on the 30th.
Sally-Ann — I think people really did enjoy that package; though this year they’re not doing the Food and Wine LIVE events at night, so I’m not sure what they’d give guests in its place.
Question about the Food & Wine “Tasting Sampler.” The info on your page says it allows you to taste your way around the world “before!” and that’s it. Was there a typo? Just want to know more about the specifics of this new offering – I understand you get eight meal or drink entitlements but is there a limit on which meals you can get? Is it basically a pre-paid package that allows you to visit up to 8 different booths (and possibly get the food delivered to you ahead of the regular line? Just trying to fill in what the “before” meant in the description part) and then also comes with the reserved seating for the Eat to the Beat concert? Thanks in advance for the info as even the official Disney website does not have details on this event just yet!
I guess disregard my previous comment. On a different page of your site you refer to the Tasting Sampler as the “Discovery Sampler Package” instead which basically just says it is an all-inclusive package. Yay! I guess you might want to rename it on your main landing page for the Festival which calls it by a different name and has the typo where the sentence ends with the word before. Still love your website though and have been following this for years!!! So keep up the good work and thanks for reporting on both WDW and Disneyland!
Chrissy — It was an error. I’ve corrected it now. Thanks so much for bringing it to our attention!
Chrissy — Thank YOU for reading, and for your helpful feedback! We couldn’t do this without readers like you helping us along the way! 😀
Is all the food at the booths pre-made? Or could I request an item be made vegetarian? Like the pierogies without the kielbasa or just a side of mashed yuccas?
Tricia – in my experience you can ask that certain items be left off. Just depends on the dish and how they are making it for each booth. For the pierogies, in the past I have asked them to hold the caramelized onions (as I am not a big onion person) and you can request it when you order. But even better, is when you go to the booth’s pickup area just remind the cast members assembling the food. You may have to wait a little longer as they get several food items ready in an assembly line exactly as they are described to help move the line, but if the cast member knows you’ve asked them to remove the kielbasa, they will make a special one with just the pierogie part, onions and sour cream. That being said, if you wanted to ask them to hold certain items in say Canada’s cheddar soup or Ireland’s lobster and scallop fisherman’s pie, they probably can’t take out items in the stew part/soup as those are cooked together already and they are simply keeping them warm ready to serve. Make sense?
Any word on if the booths in future world are opening earlier or will they be closed till the countries open each day
Can cast members take advantage of early booking or do we have to wait until the 30th? And I didn’t see Argentina on the menu list. Always my first stop. Not there this year?
Have you heard if the 3D Dessert Discovery is coming back this year?
Anxiously awaiting the seminar dates & times.
Stacie, AJ mentions above that that 3D Dessert Discovery is not coming back for 2015 because of all the special offerings for the 20th anniversary. 🙁
I personally disagree with this decision as I loved the 3D Dessert Party and I was looking into Party for the Senses as an alternative but decided against it as while it’s more food instead of dessert and higher in price it looks like it would be too much even though they are tastings. Also there are only a few dates for the new burger thing which doesn’t fit into when I am visiting. I know they have new special offerings focused around the chew but I don’t seemed to be impressed with what they are doing for the 20th anniversary. It’s probably because I don’t really do any of the extra things they offer to begin with other than the 3D Dessert Discovery but I am just not impressed this year for some reason. The 3D Dessert Discovery is my birthday treat each year so it will be missed.
Any confirmation of the booking date for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series dining package? Would it be the same as the other special events?
Susan — I’m not sure about your Cast Member question, but I can confirm that Argentina was changed to Patagonia in 2014 in an effort to include more regional options. Patagonia is returning in 2015.
How do you book the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler ? Is it a day of purchase or can you book it in advance? Has Alex Guarnaschelli cancelled for 11/13? Her name is not on your list, though she appears on the Disney website. Thanks.
Joan-You have to call the festival number to book the Sampler. You will pick up you packet starting at 9 am the DAY OF at the festival center in futureworld(cannot be picked up in advance). Price was 62.85 with tax. The 8 credits must be used for the day purchased-No carryovers. A list of exclusions will be listed when you pick up your package.
Both the Greece and South Korea booths have vegan choices in 2015
Does anyone know which items are excluded from the Tasting Sampler?
Alisha – I’m not sure if the list of food options changes per week, but I attended opening weekend and purchased the Sampler. At the time they presented a list of the 30 participating booths/kiosks, indicating you could use your entitlement on any of the booths. The ONLY item that did not count toward the Sampler was champagne but the other alcoholic drinks, including prosecco, did count as did any of the food from the participating Food & Wine Festival booths. You could not use an entitlement at one of the permanent quick service stands though (it had to be one of the 30 places included in their passport which includes the Refreshment Post and Refreshment Cool Post and any other more permanent structures that are billed as part of the Food & Wine Festival). Hope this helps! Hint: the only downside with the Sampler is you cannot pick it up prior to your trip and have to wait in a line in the Festival Center to pick up your credential. Budget some extra time for that as I waited in line for about 20 minutes just to pick up the badge despite pre-ordering it months earlier.
Thank you, Christina! That is such helpful information!!
I read all comments about the sampler package. Am I to assume then that an entitlement credential can be used on wine that is $12 or $13; or a beer flight for $10.25; or $11.25 Asian Tuna Salad at Intermission Café? These more expensive items will be allowed?
Deanna – to add to my previous comment for Alisha, yes you can use the Sampler credits toward wine or other alcoholic drinks, just not champagne (as I guess some of those like Dom Perignon at Desserts & Champagne are more expensive) but prosecco does count. However, I did forget to mention it DID NOT count toward beer flights either as those are considered combo deals and they want you to only use the entitlements toward single-serve items. Again, the entitlements are pretty much reserved toward the 30 participating countries/booths as part of the festival but not the actual restaurants/more permanent places so no, Intermissions Cafe, while in the Festival Center, does not count nor is it one of the official stops in the Passport. Pretty much most of the places in the Passport (just the booths set up for the event) were included but not any of the quick stop places so no coffee carts. I could have sworn Refreshment Port (the one with the croissant doughnut) was accepting the Sampler too (though I didn’t actually use my entitlements there), but I just found a paper I grabbed from the Festival and neither Refreshment Port or Refreshment Cool Post are listed. So apologies for including it in my previous post.
Below is a copy of the list of the 30 participating Tasting Sampler Marketplaces which I grabbed from the Festival opening weekend – this should serve as reference of where you actually can use it, unless this list changes:
1. Farm Fresh
2. Patagonia
3. New Zealand
4. Australia
5. Craft Beers
6. Mexico
7. China
8. South Korea
9. Africa
10. Brewer’s Collection
11. Germany
12. Poland
13. Italy
14. Hops & Barley
15. Japan
16. Morocco
17. Belgium
18. Brazil
19. France
20. Ireland
21. Canada
22. Greece
23. Desserts & Champagne
24. Hawai’i
25. Scotland
26. Wine Studio
27. Cheese Studio
28. Dominican Republic
29. Chew Lab
30. Sustainable Chew
If I have a fast pass for the eat to the beat concert, and my friends have the reserved seating that comes with the Sampler Package, will we be able to sit together?