Celebrated for its inspired flavors, high-energy Eat to the Beat concerts, and premium dining events, the festival kicks off a week early and runs 53 days until November 10—seven days longer than last year’s event—and features more than 270 chefs, including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country. A rockin’ after-hours street party and a premium food-and-beverage package for Walt Disney World Resort guests will debut during the 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase September 19 through November 10, 2014.
And that’s just for starters…
Also hot off the 2014 festival event menu, we suggest you check out these additional add-on experiences at the festival—there are a lot of them!
Back to Basics (Free)
Turn ho-hum into yum yum during this complimentary Festival Welcome Center experience at the Welcome Center Spotlight Stage on Fridays through Sundays at 12:15 pm., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. At Back to Basics, you’re invited to collect a diverse assortment of epicurean advice from the pros. These tips and tricks may seem simple… but rest assured, they can make a profound effect on your next dinner party! Check out the official Back to Basics event calendar for the complete list of seminars.
Culinary Demonstrations ($15)
Elevate your talents in the kitchen as you expand your culinary aptitude daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. at a series of exciting demonstrations taught by the best—located this year at the Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase. Cook up a new kind of cuisine as you learn from some of the most celebrated chefs the world abroad! During every 45-minute session, collect a hearty list of useful culinary tips—as instructed by a few of the leading minds the kitchen has to offer. Then, dive into the appealing range of flavors being demonstrated while you sample each dish and beverage. Check out the official Culinary Demonstrations event calendar for the complete list of seminars.
Wine and Beverage Seminars ($15)
Located at The Festival Center on the Vineyard Stage, join drink specialists daily at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. and pick up new techniques while sampling selected beverages at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Absorb all-new abilities at a fascinating seminar featuring beverage specialists and wine professionals alike. Check out the official Wine and Beverage event calendar for the complete list of seminars.
Mixology Seminars ($15)
Imbibe on a mouthwatering mixology lesson from the masters while you rediscover the classic art of the mixed drink, daily at 6 p.m. at the Festival Welcome Center Vineyard Stage. Head over for a happy hour and watch a skilled mixologist demonstrate his or her knack for the cocktail! From celebrated libations you know and love to some all-original ideas you may never have tried—or heard of, for that matter—reserve a spot at a mixology seminar where you can sample the know-how and sip away at the sensational sequence of concoctions being prepared. Cheers! Check out the official Mixology event calendar for the complete list of seminars.
Cheese Seminars ($79)
Study up on the “wheys” of the world as you travel around a robust wheel of international selections at the Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Experience the unique nature of each featured region and try out their cheeses paired with select wines, beers, and other beverages.
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! Street Party ($79)
The new Epcot Food & Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! street party will span the World Showcase promenade from the United Kingdom pavilion to World Showcase Plaza from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. each Thursday. It includes six tastes (food and beverages) from select marketplaces, live music, and entertainment for $79 plus tax. (Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for guests who have purchased credentials to the event.)
Shake and Indulge Like the French featuring Grand Marnier ($55)
Treat your senses to a range of exceptional cognac flavors before learning how to muddle and shake like a pro at the France Pavilion at Epcot Saturdays, September 27 to November 8, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. During this all-new event, the festivities begin with a welcoming glass of mimosa followed closely by a sampling of Grand Marnier’s finest: Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Grand Marnier 100th Anniversary, and Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary. It’s a perfect opportunity to see why this family-owned liqueur has been in business since 1827! Later, step up to the bar and pick up tips on the way to becoming your own mixologist before topping off the experience with a series of decadent delicacies—including the famous Crepes Suzette and desserts au Grand Marnier—from the chefs of Monsieur Paul.
“Sunday Mornings with…” Hosted by Disney Vacation Club ($99)
Bask in brunch splendor and save room for exquisite desserts that tingle the taste buds while delighting the eye at the Epcot Festival Welcome Center, Chef’s Showcase on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Presented by Disney Vacation Club, this plated brunch event is accompanied by an assortment of freshly baked breakfast breads and a sparkling wine toast. In addition—feast your eyes on the stage as a highly acclaimed pastry chef or baker crafts three sweet treats for you to enjoy!
Boot Camp Series ($119)
Get in culinary shape fast with intense basic training to step it up in the kitchen and tackle epicurean challenges you never thought possible—this year at an all-new event on select Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion East Hall. Set out on an interactive adventure to sharpen your abilities in the worlds of cuisine and libation. During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Boot Camp Series, discover the inspiration to create over the course of a two-hour instruction from a prestigious expert. Get ready to grow your culinary confidence! Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in all that tickles your palate—the revelations will leave you hungry for more!
Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner ($225)
Savor your way through a lavish menu of gastronomic joy where white truffles are showcased with skill and creativity at the Italy pavilion at Epcot on select Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During this opulent 5-course Italian dinner, a variety of regional Italian wines have been selected to pair perfectly with each fragrant dish featuring white truffles. Prepare to experience aromas and tastes like never before—while only a select variety of truffles are prized in the world, even fewer are as highly sought after as the whites!
Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing ($55)
Discover the sensuality of dishes created with Mediterranean and Moroccan inspiration as you pair them with fine wines at the Morocco pavilion at Epcot on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Immerse yourself in the surroundings—beautiful Moroccan tile-work and tapestries. During this Mediterranean dining event, delight in views of shimmering waters as you’re treated to tastings from both land and sea—carefully and artistically prepared—all while sipping from wines, perfectly selected to pair with each fragrant bite. Between the exotic flavors and vibrant décor, you’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the Moroccan seashore.
Food for Thought ($169)
Join celebrity chefs for appetizing tips, enchanting trips down memory lane, and scrumptious bites from their cookbooks at this all-new event at the Epcot, Festival Welcome Center Chef’s Showcase on select Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.! Savor tantalizing tales from the life journey each chef takes to reach culinary success. And as the story unfolds, enjoy three tasty bites. Each one is from the chef’s own cookbook! Throughout each session, you’re invited to pick up tips and techniques to enhance your skills in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to join in the conversation—because as everyone knows, the finest pairing is great food and great conversation among friends!
Party for the Senses featuring Disney Chefs Around the World ($149 General Admission, $189 Reserved Seating, $299 Vine View Lounge)
Come along on a grand culinary tour, as led by many of the most revered minds behind the world of fine dining at the World ShowPlace events pavilion on October 25, 2014 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. At Party for the Senses featuring Disney Chefs Around the World, you can set out on a culinary journey like no other—one that guides Guests like you through tastes and techniques from the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Follow along as the pros direct you from station to station, and show you samples of cuisine that best represents their culture—as well as the Disney Parks and Resorts they call home!
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package ($199)
For Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, plus Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel guests, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium package will debut at $199 per guest, plus tax and Epcot admission, and runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday between September 22 and November 6. The package includes an in-room gift with wine for guests 21 and older, a festival wine glass, truffles, and a credential for 10 VIP “premium package areas” around World Showcase promenade where marketplace items can be ordered and delivered to guests. The package also includes a festival MagicBand, a $50 Disney Gift Card and one admission to Late Nights LIVE! on Thursday night.
Eat to the Beat Dining Packages (Prices Vary)
Pair an unforgettable lunch or dinner with a sizzling show, complete with guaranteed seats to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Check participating restaurants, including Biergarten Restaurant, Chefs de France, Coral Reef Restaurant, The Garden Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, for availability and more information. Eat to the Beat concert performances play three times each evening at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. New Eat to the Beat acts include Fuel (October 9–10), Jim Brickman (October 23–24), Los Lonely Boys (October 25–26), and David Cook (November 6–7). The Pointer Sisters (September 22–23), Christopher Cross (September 26–27), and other fan favorites will return to play the festival stage. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (November 8–10) will close the event.
Call (407) 939-3378 to book any of these experiences at the all-new Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
