Food and Wine

[Guinness]

I'm heading off at the end of October and will be there during the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. Has anyone been to this before? I was wondering what I should expect, and if I should plan to spend extra time in that park.

-- 117 and the countdown rolls

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[Gusgus]

I was there last year at this time and will be again this year. All around the world show case (the countries) they have large vending booths set up. Each of these "booths" sell authentic foods from various countries. I must say some of the items on the menus are "interesting" and almost everything I tried was quite tasty. I wouldn't say the portions are a "meal" (others may disagree) but purchasing a few items will make one.

I like to just walk around through out the day and "graze" sampling items all day long.

They have the same sort of thing set up for wine. They have wine, champagne etc. from different countries and are purchased by the glass. There are also wine tasting classes available, I am sure some are free but I do not know about all of them (They have beginner, intermediate, etc.). I wanted to go to some of the wine tasting classes but the wee-ones wouldn't have enjoyed it. I am looking forward to attending some classes this year. Enjoy!


Gusgus

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[beth]

Yes, plan to spend extra time in the WS at Epcot. There are so many little booths to try out food and wine. For only a couple of bucks you can try all sorts of stuff.

Even for someone who can't eat a lot of stuff, it was fun to check out.

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beth
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Intercot Staff Member

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[Guinness]

For some reason I don't think not being able to eat a lot is going to be a problem. Thanks for the advice!

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[wdwfan]

My husband and I went last year and thought it was great! We went to one of the reserve wine tasting dinners. There are only about 30 people at the dinner along with 2 featured wineries. The cost was approx. 265.00 for both. This included wonderful 5 course meal along with all the wine you could drink, plus special viewing area of illuminations. I know it's expensive but I highly recommend this. Wonderful evening!!! °o°

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[Guinness]

Do you recall if you needed a PS for this dinner? I haven't seen anything about it one way or the other. How would you comparethis dinner to something like Victoria and Alberts, or maybe California Grill? I don't know if I want to go for another really involved dinner like this though, and I have reservations at V&A already.

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[wdwfan]

You actually have a reservation for this dinner. They may not be on sale yet, you would have to check. We met at guest services, outside Epcot and they took us by limo to one of the buildings. It was neat because you were in upper level and could watch all the people milling around the attraction. They could not see you. They have a table set up like a horseshoe.There was a placecard with your name, the menu & wines for the evening. They also gave you unlimited champaign and appetizers as you arrived. In the center of the table were the reps from the wineries. After the dinner they talked about the wines, and you could ask any questions. Then they escorted anyone that wanted to go to special viewing area for illuminations. Great spot, it was roped off and only wine dinner guests were allowed. It really was a special evening. I chose that over V&A. It was our anniversary, and we really enjoy wine. We are planning to go back again 2002 and will do the dinner again.

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[Guinness]

Wow. That sounds really nice. I'll have to seriously consider finding a little extra in my budget for it. Thanks for the tip.

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[nuts4wdw84]

Guiness--sounds like you're sold on the Wine and Food Festival...In my opinion, you can't beat it! We just happened to be there the first year they had it ('94 or'95, I think?) and have made it a point to return every year since! We always just go for a long weekend and it is probably the most relaxing trip we make! I can't wait til this year! While we're on the subject, we always seem to end up there the same weekend they have the big golf tournament...any ideas what weekend that'll take place this year? I'd like to avoid it if possible....

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[Guinness]

The National Car Rental Tournament is the weekend of the 20th-21st. This is right when I happen to arrive. Is is much more crowded?

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[Pongo]

We did Food and Wine last year. I would definitely plan more than one day for this if you want to try a lot of the foods. We grazed and made a meal out of 2-3 samples. We were too full to try everything we wanted to. We especially enjoyed the lefses in Norway and something from Morocco. There are a lot more countries represented in the festival than just the regular Epcot countries.

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Lori (aka Pongo)
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Intercot Staffisneyland

[FatherForce]

My wife and I did Food and Wine in 97 and it was GREAT! We didnt go to one of the special dinners, but we just spent an entire day in the WS, going from booth to booth, sitting and watching people, having all this great, cheap food and drinks( probably a few too many drinks) then saw Illuminations....
then back to the GF....sigh

One of the best nights of our marriage.

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FatherForce