Disney4me Posted October 18, 2014 Report Share Posted October 18, 2014 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.Festival CenterLocated 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.Festival Center SignWe 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 CenterFestival 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 Center MapFestival Shop presented by CutcoAt the base of the ramp to the right, you’ll come to your first merchandise stop — the Festival Shop presented by Cutco.Festival ShopYou’ll find a large display of Cutco Products.Cutco Merchandise DisplayThis area also features books by various chefs — both cookbooks and biographies.CookbooksYou’ll also find guest chefs signing books throughout the Festival here.Area for Chef Book SigningsLooking for the perfect piece of Disney art? Check out a full array of options here.ArtworkArtwork — Up CloseIntermissions CafeIf 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.Intermissions CafeThe menu offers an array of snack items and a few grab and go-type preparations.Intermissions Cafe MenuVegan Trio (couscous, tabouleh, and hummus with pita)You can also get drinks here that aren’t available elsewhere, like the Caposaldo Sweet Sparkling Peach Moscato.Caposaldo Sweet Sparkling Peach MoscatoVegetarians will find a few offerings as well.The Stockpot ShopLooking for everything and anything food and wine? Visit the Stockpot Shop!Gift ShopThis 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.Festival PosterSmaller Logo Magnets also feature the slogan.Logo MagnetsThere are several pieces with the bold font, including Mugs, Glasses, T-Shirts, and Hats.Logo MugsLogo Shot GlassesLogo T Shirt and HatMore Logo MerchBut 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.Festival Artwork Featuring Figment, Mickey, and DonaldFestival Logo MerchandiseFestival T Shirt with FigmentFestival Logo ApronOf 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.Reloadable Gift CardsThere’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!Brews Logo MerchandiseBrews Around the World CapThis Magnet does double duty as a Bottle Opener!Brews MagnetEnjoy a beer long after the Festival closes from a Brews Pint Glass.Brews Pint GlassOr commemorate your Drinking Around the World Day with this Plaque.Brews PlaqueT-Shirts are always a good choice as well.Brews T ShirtsAnd if you prefer a different kinda brew — say, Coffee, you’ll find all kinds of stuff to interest you.Coffee MerchandiseDuffy makes an appearance this year of course — decked out as a chef again, with the date on his jacket.Chef Duffy BearOne 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.Festival CookbookA 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.Inside the Festival CookbookOf 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. Italy and France MerchandiseThe UK Pavilion is represented as well.Rose & Crown MerchandisePassholder Exclusive Festival Items are on display, too.Passholder Exclusive Items InfoPassholder Exclusive ItemsLooking for an upscale way to drink your wine from a plastic glass? Check out this handsome tumbler!Wine TumblerMany 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.Spice DisplaySpices for SaleMore SpicesPresentation StagesThere 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.Spotlight Stage EntranceBack to Basics ScheduleSpotlight Stage PresentationThe Chef’s Showcase, in the back of Festival Center, is home to Culinary Demonstrations and lots of Special Events throughout the Festival.Chef’s ShowcaseThe culinary staff was busily preparing for the first demo of the day was I toured the space.Set Up for a Culinary DemoFinally, you’ll head to the Vineyard Stage to attend Beverage and Mixology Seminars.The Vineyard StageThe Vineyard Stage ScheduleBeverage SeminarFrom Bean to Bar by Ghirardelli and Seasons of the VineIn 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.Bean to Bar ExhibitAs you enter, Cast Members are passing out free chocolate!Free Chocolate!The center of the space offers a look at the History of Chocolate.The History of ChocolateAnd 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!Chocolate SculptureIf sampling turns to buying, you have a nice array of Ghirardelli chocolate to choose from.Ghirardelli MerchandiseAnd don’t miss the selection of Drinking Chocolate and Wines for purchase.From Bean to Bar MenuThe drinking chocolate is one of our favorites!Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate from Epcot Food and Wine FestivalSeasons 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.Seasons of the VineThe Festival Center Wine ShopFinally, before you head out the door, be sure to browse through the Festival Center Wine Shop.All the BottlesMore Wine!Find bottles of many of the wines you’re enjoying throughout the Festival.Wines featured at Intermissions Cafe and the Brazil MarketplaceApple Ice Wine from Block & HansIn addition to bottles, you’ll find a ton of wine-themed merchandise, like Festival Wine Glasses.Wine GlassesNeed to brush up on your vino knowledge? Pick up a Book all about the subject.Wine BooksThere’s a wide variety of wine-themed merch available, from T-Shirts to Magnets, and everything in between.Wine MerchandiseMore Wine MerchandiseNot wanting to talk? Let your T-Shirt do it for you!Wine T ShirtAnother Wine T ShirtI 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!Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts:Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Festival Center and Chase VIP Lounge Photo Tour2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Updates: Craft Beer Moves Into Odyssey Center, and More2009 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Festival CenterView the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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