Top 5 Events You Won’t Want To Miss at This Year’s Food & Wine Festival

July 17, 2017

Food & Wine Fever has definitely hit with just a little over a month to go before this annual culinary extravaganza kicks off. It runs from August 31st – November 13, 2017 and with 75 five day of culinary offerings I think its safe to say that its back bigger and better than ever. With food booths, workshops, seminars and Signature dining events, its hard to know where to start when it comes to customizing your experience. But don’t worry, we’re here to help with our suggestions of 5 events you won’t want to miss at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

1. Back to Basics Seminars: Super popular with festival guests these FREE sessions are a perfect way for visitors to brush up on their culinary skills. The Back to Basics Seminars are held at the Festival Center Spotlight Stage on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm. The list of sessions are as follows:

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® – September 1, 2 and 3
The Olive Pantry – September 8, 9 and 10
Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!™ – September 15, 16 and 17
Melissa’s Produce – September 22, 23 and 24
National Watermelon Promotion Board – September 29 and 20; October 1
AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate – October 6, 7 and 8
Minus 8 Vinegar – October 13, 14 and 15
Kumquat Growers, Inc. – October 20, 21 and 22
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze – October 27, 28 and 29; November 3, 4 and 5
Twinings™ of London– November 10, 11 and 12

2. What’s Cooking With…. During these special workshops a celebrity culinary guest take visitors through how they make some of their favorite dishes followed by a Q&A with the audience. Its a great way for those interested in the culinary arts to learn some tricks of the trade from the masters. The events take place at the Chef’s Showcase at Festival Center on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the Festival and costs $129 per person (tax and gratuity not included). An Epcot theme park ticket is also required for entry.

The Star-Studded run-down for this years seminars is as follows:

September 3 – Shaun O’Neale
September 10 – Alex Guarnaschelli
September 15 – Stuart O’Keeffe
September 17 – Jet Tila
September 24 – Art Smith
September 29 – Graham Elliot
October 6 – Jamie Deen
October 8 – Geoffrey Zakarian
October 15 – Bryan Voltaggio
October 20 – Robert Irvine
October 22 – Robert Irvine
October 27 – Cat Cora
October 29 – Cat Cora
November 3 – Carla Hall
November 10 – Sarah Fioroni
November 12 – Buddy Valastro

3. Eat to the Beat Concert Series – A fan favorite, this free concert series runs nightly at the World Showcase’s American Pavilion and is the perfect way to relax, unwind and even get your groove on. With this year’s festival running for an impressive 75 days, that means even more opportunities to grove along to some of your favorite artists from this amazing line-up. Here’s a list of this year’s concerts:

8/31 – 9/1 – Delta Rae (“Bottom of the River”)
9/2 – 9/3 – The Hooters (“And We Danced”)
9/4 – 9/5 – Baha Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out”)
9/6 – 9/7 – Fuel (“Shimmer”)
9/8 -9/10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
9/11 – 9/12 – Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”)
9/13 – 9/15 – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”)
9/16 – 9/17 – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
9/18 – 9/20- Air Supply (“All Out Of Love”)
9/21 – 9/22 – David Cook (“Light On”)
9/23 – 9/24 – Everclear (“Santa Monica”)
9/25 – 9/27 – Sugar Ray (“Every Morning)
9/28 – 9/29 – 38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
9/30 – 10/1 – Mark Wills (“19 Somethin’”)
10/2 – 10/3 – American Authors (“Best Day of My Life”)
10/4 – 10/5 – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
10/6 – 10/8 – The Devon Allman Band (“Ragged & Dirty”)
10/9 – 10/11 – Dennis DeYoung: The music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
10/12 – 10/13 – Taylor Dayne (“Tell It To My Heart”)
10/14 – 10/15 – Jeffrey Osborne (“On The Wings of Love”)
10/16 – 10/17 – Postmodern Jukebox (Various Hits)
10/18 – 10/20 – 10,000 Maniacs (“Because the Night”)
10/21 – 10/22 – Toad The Wet Sprocket (“Walk on the Ocean”)
10/23 – 10/24 – Kenny G (“Songbird”)
10/25 – 10/26 – Billy Ocean (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”)
10/27 – 10/29 – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
10/30 – 11/1 – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
11/2 – 11/3 – Blue October (“Into The Ocean”)
11/4 – 11/5 – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)
11/6 – 11/8 – Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”)
11/9 – 11/11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
11/12 – 11/13 – Squeeze (“Tempted”)

Performances are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. daily, and are included in Epcot admission.

4. Party for the Senses – Definitely one of the most popular events at Festival time, the Party for the Senses is wonderful night full of culinary delights, entertainment and fun for all. A nice change on past year’s events is also that this year all ticket holders are guaranteed seats which means no longer having to precariously juggle your wine and dinner plate.

Here’s a list of the parties that will be taking place this year:

Party for the Senses Featuring Chefs from Disney Springs
Prepare to be dazzled as these Master Chefs shine! During this one-time event, dine on an incredible array of dishes from the finest eateries in Disney Springs—the dining, shopping and entertainment mecca designed for Walt Disney World Guests and food connoisseurs alike.

World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
September 23, 2017
7:15 PM to 10:00 PM for Wine View Lounge
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM for Reserved Seating and Guaranteed Seating

Party for the Senses Featuring Chefs from Disney Parks

Embark on a flavorful evening while sampling global cuisine with the pros! For one night only, Disney Chefs will gather together to lead Guests on an unforgettable gastronomical journey. Each tasting station will feature dishes that best represent their country, culture and the Disney theme park they call home. It’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss!

World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
October 21, 2017
7:15 PM to 10:00 PM for Wine View Lounge
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM for Reserved Seating and Guaranteed Seating

The events take place at World Showplace Pavilion on September 23, October 7, October 14, October 21 and November 11. Further details on all of the events should be released shortly. Prices range from $179 to $329 per person depending on the seating tier.

5. The Chew Live from the Food & Wine Festival – If you’re a fan of ABC’s The Chew than you won’t want to miss an opportunity to check out the gang in person as they broadcast directly from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The Chew will be in residence on October 4-6 with the shows airing October 9 – 13th. During that week, the show will feature segments highlighting the amazing food and beverage options found at this year’s festival and the co-hosts will even be adding some of their favorite dishes into the mix.

To attend a live broadcast, you must first obtain a valid audience ticket from The Chew. In addition, valid Epcot admission is also required.

Tickets go on sale for many of the Festival’s seminars, workshops and parties starting on July 18th for DVC members, Annual Passholders, Tables in Wonderland members and guests living at Golden Oak. The events open up to the general public beginning July 20th. For more information visit the Walt Disney World website or call 407.WDW.FEST.

This is just a small taste of the many amazing activities you’ll find at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. In the lead-in to the Festival Disney Addicts will continue to keep you updated with tips and tricks designed to help you get the most out of your visit. In addition, be sure to follow along with Chip and Co for the latest Food & Wine news and updates!

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Need help planning your next Disney getaway? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package, securing the best discounts (even after you’ve booked) and nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

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