Disney4me Posted October 9, 2015 Report Share Posted October 9, 2015 The 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is officially underway!We spent the better part of last week taking a look at all there is going on this year, and shared with you our Best of the Fest so far. And we aren’t finished yet!In the coming days, look for reviews of many of the Marketplace Booths, and we’ll also be sharing with you impressions of some of the Special Events taking place throughout the Festival.And speaking of special events, many of them take place in Festival Center, which serves as the headquarters for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. But there’s more to the space than just stages for Culinary Demos and Mixology Seminars.Let’s head into Festival Center as we show you some returning features from previous years — and introduce you to a couple of enhancements that are making their first appearances in 2015.The 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival CenterYou’ll find Festival Center located to the left as you enter Epcot and pass beneath Spaceship Earth. Head toward the old Wonders of Life Pavilion in Future World East, and you’ll be going in the right direction.Festival Center — Outside ViewGet your bearings as you walk in the door — you’ll find a handy diagram of the circular space just to the left of the Information Desk.Festival Center MapSpeaking of the Information Desk, here it is. You’ll head here to ask questions, but it’s also the spot where you’ll pick up tickets for events taking place in Festival Center. These include Culinary Demos, Beverage and Mixology Seminars, and several other special events.Information DeskThe Festival Shop is back again this year, and features Disney artwork as well as cookbooks by several of the chefs appearing at this year’s Festival.Festival ShopIt’s also the location for book signings. Check in with the Information Desk to receive a wristband if you’d like to participate in these free meet and greets.Book Signing AreaJust beyond the Festival Shop, you’ll find Intermissions Cafe, which offers light bites and a variety of beverages.Intermissions CafeYou’ll find returning favorites, like the Caposaldo Peach Moscato, but you’ll also find Festival Firsts, including the Festival Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and Ace Hard Pumpkin Cider.Intermissions Cafe MenuAcross from the Cafe is Spotlight Stage, home to free Back to Basics Seminars.Spotlight StageDaily schedules are posted outside of each stage area, so you’ll always know on the spot what events are taking place.Spotlight Stage EventsThe Stockpot Shop, a fixture of the Festival Center, offers lots of merch. You’ll find all kinds of stuff here, including Festival collections. But you’ll also find items themed to the various countries of World Showcase and the Marketplace Booths.Stockpot ShopOne of the most popular souvenirs each year is the Festival Cookbook. In 2015, it’s a hardback edition that not only includes new recipes, but also offers a look back at the history of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.Food and Wine Festival Cookbook — Front CoverFood and Wine Festival Cookbook — Back CoverPassholder exclusive merchandise is also on display. During opening weekend, the lines were pretty long for these items.Passholder MerchandiseDetails on Passholder Exclusive MerchandiseIn addition, you can catch a glimpse of the Dooney & Bourke Food and Wine Festival Collection.Dooney & Bourke Food & Wine Festival CollectionDooney & Bourke Food & Wine Festival Collection InformationHere’s a look at the 20th Anniversary Food and Wine Festival poster, another popular collector’s item.20th Anniversary Food and Wine Festival PosterContinue past the Stockpot Shop, and you’ll happen upon the Chef’s Showcase. Here you’ll find daily culinary demonstrations in addition to special events. There was a Cheese Seminar taking place as I was making the rounds. (Check out AJ’s review of a previous Cheese Seminar.)Chef’s Showcase — Cheese Seminar in ProgressI soooo wanted to jump the wall. Look at this gorgeous table.Cheese Seminar Place SettingsThe schedule will let you know what’s taking place during the day in case you’d like to try and snag walk-up tickets — or just listen in and watch from behind the seating area.Festival Center Stage EventsThe “From Bean to Bar” exhibit, hosted by Ghirardelli, returns this year. It’s a great way to learn everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate production. In addition, there are elaborate scenes made from chocolate at the back of the exhibit, showcasing the enormous talent of Disney’s pastry teams.From Bean to Bar ExhibitRunning low on chocolate? You can get a fix here, since there is a small retail outlet as well. And you know what that means: free samples!Ghirardelli SamplesYou’ll also find The Chocolate Bar, home to delicious Drinking Chocolate.The Chocolate BarOr, if you prefer, enjoy a couple of different wines that pair especially well with the dark stuff.The Chocolate Bar Menu — Click to EnlargeBut I promised you some new finds, right? Well, here’s the first one! In the past, the Festival Center has featured the film Seasons of the Vine, which played in a continuous loop at the theater located in the center of the space. But this year, we welcome a brand new option — The Making of the Festival!New Film! — The Making of The FestivalHave you ever wondered how this enormous event is brought to life each year? Check out the movie to see how it all comes together!The New FilmExit the movie, and you’ll spy the Vineyard Stage, home to Beverage and Mixology Seminars throughout the Festival.Vineyard StageBeverage and Mixology SeminarsIf you have small fry in tow, they can take advantage of some fun coloring sheets while Mom and Dad enjoy their interactive learning experience.Coloring Table at the Vineyard StageChase, the Festival’s sponsor, also has an information table set up in Festival Center, should you like to apply for a credit card or learn more about their offerings.Chase Card InformationThe Wine Shop is back as well, and offers guests the opportunity to purchase bottles that they’ve sampled throughout events.Wine ShopBut here’s another returning-after-a-hiatus offering: Wine Samples!Well…don’t get too excited. Because they will cost you this time around.New at the Festival — Wine Sampling MachinesPay at the Wine Shop register for either a $5 sample or an $8 sample, and you’re given a glass. Take it to the Cast Member and he or she will assist you with the self-serve machines.Cast Member Assisting a Guest with the Wine Tasting MachinesBut…I’m not really feelin’ this for the price, Guys. What do you think?Guest with the Wine Tasting MachinesFinally, the last venue is the Festival Stage. While I was touring, there were clips of the ABC show The Chew playing on a loop.Festival StageFestival Stage Showing Clips from “The Chew”So — if you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the show, it’s a great way to learn about it before stopping by the Chew Marketplace Booths or attending the Rockin’ Burger Block Party this weekend, where the cast will be the special guests for the evening!And there you have it. Festival Center is a must-stop spot for me at least once during every Festival, even if I don’t plan to attend any of the events that are held there. It’s a great place to cool off a bit and shop in comfort. And with plenty of seating and a few quick food options, it offers a nice place to rest for a bit in the middle of a busy Festival day.Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available!Want even more great tips? This 240+-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. Order your 2015 edition today!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 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 Index2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — Full Menus and Food Photos Now Available!2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations2015 Eat to the Beat Concert ScheduleEpcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon2015 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine ClassicFood and Wine Festival 1012014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free ItemsHow to Book Epcot Food and Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) (join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about more details!). Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events are bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. 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.But now I’d love to hear from all of you. Is the Festival Center a must-do experience for you during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Leave a comment and tell us what you think below!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 Tour 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Festival Center Tour News: Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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