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If you're at Walt Disney World's EPCOT here's a chance to give your tongues (and wallets) a workout, as you taste and sample your way around the countries represented there. As you may know, every fall EPCOT erects temporary structures around the world lagoon, and gives visitors a chance to sample food from all regions of the globe. For a relatively small cost... and plate size... you can sample pre- selected food and wine offerings from a wide variety of regions and countries. During a stop there this fall (during the last week of October) our family had some time to spend sampling the food as we have on past visits, and we can offer suggestions via this article to those of you planning a trip at this time. For some folks casually visiting the park, the Wine and Food festival (WFF for short) simply appears to be a lot of stands offering Tapas size food offerings, and Shotglass- sized sips of wine. But for those willing to do a little research and planning in advance, Disney offers a variety of other events. The following attractions are offered as part of the Wine and Food Festival: Food and Wine Marketplaces, Culinary Demonstrations, For Beer Lovers, Wine Tastings and Seminars, Food and Wine Pairings, Special Entertainment. Also for the most devoted food aficionado, full dinners are offered by Disney during this period. There is a schedule on the Disney web site for "reserve dinners", "winemaker dinners", and "grand tasting" diner. These are complete meals, most multi-course and featuring entertainment. Each event requires reservations in advance (you should call (407) 939-7832) and are held at the Odyssey center, usually at a cost of $125, $75 and $60 per person. We'll detail what's involved with all these events below, won't you join us?
While walking around the lagoon we saw the following countries (regions) participating in additional the our very own USA : Brazil & Argentina, Canada, China, Africa, Mediterranean, Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Chile, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia (Eastern Europe), Scotland, Southeast Asia, Spain (and Portugal), Switzerland (and Austria). What is it exactly? Disney erects around two dozen booths. In each is typically a Chef and a Server and / or Cashier. Customers walk up and purchase "Tapas" sized plates of food that give a taste of a dish from the region represented. How does it work? It's not too hard... just walk up, buy your food, and enjoy! Generally the lines during the off season are relatively small. During a Friday afternoon, we were generally able to walk up to most of the booths and purchase a sample without a wait. [Important note: Generally there are only two (2) employees (cast members as Disney calls them) in the booth at once. The Chef (behind the magic... er... well lets just call it what it is, a bug curtain) and the server. The server hands over the food, and takes your money, answers questions, etc. How's the quality? On a Scale of 1 to 10, overall I'd say the average was a solid 8. It's generally very good. Most of the dishes are actually combined fresh, by a chef behind the bug- netting. Using this method, rather than serving in a pre-made "Catered" style, definitely ups the quality. Unlike airline food for example - where everything is ready to go - here you see the chefs taking out the meat, side dishes, gravies, etc and then preparing them for you. Serving sizes on the food tend to be consistent, while the wine sampling appeared to be more subjective. There may have been a "Mark" on the glass, but on at least two occasions, we received more than expected! The one exception was at the Cognac booth (France). At this booth, the cast member had an actual metal shot measure that was used prior to the plastic glass. What's the cost? Prices of food dishes range from $1 - $4 according to the Disney folks, but I’d say the average was more in the solid $3 range. Wine prices did vary from the $1 - $4 per shot glass. My recommendation here is to experiment! For myself, I’d much rather throw away a dish at $3, then have to send back a full meal, or go hungry, while trying out all sorts of new things. Of note, you should pay special attention to the "Better" wines and congnacs. How many people spend over $400 on a bottle of coqnac? I won't - but here was a chance to spend only $15 on a shot of cognac from a $400 bottle, something to keep in mind. What do I really have to know? Some tips here from my own experience and common sense: It appears that most of the booths cash registers were indeed hooked up to the Disney room charge back computers! Get out your room key, and go to town! Napkins and plastic utensils are generally in a basket next to the register. Sometimes separate (exposed) and sometimes contained in a complete set (fork, knife, and one napkin in a plastic bag). When eating seriously... from booth to booth... save/reuse the plastic utensils to help conserve a bit. Lets face it, there really is no where to eat. While walking around EPCOT's World Showcase there are areas with benches to sit and enjoy the scenery, but in this case my family would have paid the going rate for a Disney TV Tray. If traveling with children, you will have to hone your juggling skills to balance the plate and use the "sharp" plastic knife to cut off a piece for them to try. When walking into a new country, it would be a good idea to find a place where you and yours can set-up to eat, then send someone off to the booths to gather the goods. YES THERE ARE RECIPE CARDS. Most if not all the booths have little recipe cards that gives you’re the ingredients and cooking instructions. SPECIAL NOTE: if you suffer from any food allergies, the recipe cards should be of great assistance to you. If you see a line, come back later. To my dismay, the booths do sell the featured bottles of wine. While this is convenient for the one customer who wants them, it means that wait times go up by at least a factor of ten when you are in line behind them. The reason for this is that the CMs fully box and prepare the wine to travel. With one Chef, and "server" in a booth, this brought the entire operation to a halt until the transaction was complete. At one booth (Germany) I waited between 10- 15 minutes to get a dish (needless to say, the rest of my party walked on).
There are two types of culinary demonstrations at the WFF. A major one at the Odyssey center, and ones at the small booths (along with the food) around the lagoon. (If you ever wondered what the odd looking building is between Mexico and the Test Track is - that's the Odyssey center.) What is it? The Odyssey demonstrations appeared to be scheduled twice a day (11:30 am and 1:30 pm). The information indicated a 45 minute presentation. The "regular" demonstrations are held out in the food booths. In their case, they had large Mirrors above the work surface so that people watching could see the chefs hands and food while standing anywhere in front. These booths were located at China, Japan, France, and "up front" at the entrance to the world lagoon area. How does it work? I have to admit, dedicating a chunk of time (roughly 1.5 hours if you count getting to the demonstration early and queuing up to leave) for the large demonstration at the Odyssey center did not interest me on this trip (nor any previous ones). We did venture to one of the smaller booth demonstrations near France. There was ample room to see with a very small crowd, and it was definitely a "walk up" type of environment. There was a sign that indicated the next time of the demonstration. There did not appear to be a publicized schedule for the small booth shows. How was the quality? The "regular" demonstration that we observed was very good. The Chef was happy to talk to the people standing near by - but the demonstrator we observed was definitely not there to put on a show. The Chef was there doing... well.. Chef things, i.e. cutting items, preparing food, not entertaining (sorry folks, no Emeril here). I would gather to guess that any interactivity possible during a demonstration would rest upon the interest of the cast member, and vary accordingly. Any cost? Nothing. What do I really have to know? Keeping in mind here we missed the big presentations at the Odyssey center, we'd assume a 45 minute cooking demonstration may be a little too much for most children. But I could guess that seriously interested guests and CMs alike at a 45 minute cooking demonstration would be right at home. If this is of interest to you, you may want to let the rest of your party wait in the stand-by line at Test Track while you watch this. The timing will likely come pretty close! The walk up demonstrations appeared to be interesting, but for us, they were a definite walk-by. Unless you live to cook, don’t plan your day around the demonstrations. On the other hand, if you do live to cook, the Chefs appeared to be friendly and knowledgeable, and very easy to get up close to. Yes there is a beer garden, and you can pick from a fairly good selection of microbrews. There is also a chance to see what the competition is up to at Budworld. What is it? Hmmm, if you don't know the term beer garden, you are either too young or not a beer drinker. We didn't have a chance to walk around the The Ultimate Budwiser Experience. So, let me give you the WDW line on it... "The Ultimate Budweiser Experience: An interactive, state-of-the-art exhibit offers an in-depth look at Budweiser's rich history, commitment to quality and the brewing process." That should tell you right there what to expect. How does it work? Pretty simple - purchase beer and drink. As mentioned above, we did not have time to investigate the "Ultimate Budwiser Experience". I’m guessing if it really is an "interactive, state-of-the-art exhibit" about beer, I would be disappointed if there were no animatronic hops there to discuss the proper yeast to use in your brew. How was the quality? If you like beer, you’ll like the beer garden. What's the cost? It appeared that the costs of the beers ranged from $2 - $4 What do I really have to know? If your looking for a large beer selection while at EPCOT this is about the best it gets.
This is what appeared to really draw a crowd. There are two types of Wine tasting seminars, large and small. There's also an exhibit in the Canada area highlighting the "Artistry of Winemaking". What is it? The large in-depth Seminar was heavily attended, and appeared to be very serious! There was a queue line to gain entrance to this large event (even 30 minutes prior to the event). Rather than go in to a 45 minute seminar, I came back 10 minutes into the presentation and listened by the doorway. There is a large tent with two separate areas between France and Morocco that holds this event. The times were listed as 1, 3 and 5 pm. The smaller event was in a very small tent next to Germany. It lasts about 20 minutes, and was held in what seemed more like a canopy and was indicated to be "Informal;" however they had these more often, to me it looked like it was continual, at the half hour. How does it work? These seminars appear to be very popular, even though it was off season, with a walk-up queue; and very informal. Most who attended this event were milling about near the tent beforehand. The formal, large seminar had people queued at least half an hour before the event. During my walk-bys, I noticed at least three speakers at the front, and all the attendees were sitting at folding tables. The presenter appeared to have a very intent knowledge of the wine, as the audience did. The smaller informal tastings had one presenter, and only appeared to cover two wines. How's the quality? Well I didn't see any bottles of Thunderbird or Night Train laying around... I have to admit not being an aficionado; however we observed the wines covered were a small group of red and whites. The speakers at the formal presentation appeared to be very "into" wines. I can also say that the informal presenter also appeared as knowledgeable. I got the impression that the "informal" seminar was to cover the people wanting a free drink (or overflow), while the formal wine tasting really did give background, and a true wine education. What's the cost? Free wine tasting here! What do I really have to know? For the "formal" wine tasting, stop by early and get the scoop. There appeared to be CMs near the tent at least an hour before the scheduled testing. Check with them about getting in and timings. They are very helpful. Do not expect to be hawked on this, you have to approach the presentation areas to find out the exact time and where you need be. It was not apparent to the casual visitor from the main walk. You are in tents, more or less sitting at card tables and card chairs. Be prepared to sit on a hard surface for 45 minutes... for me it's kinda like the "Universe of Energy" ride. IF you are just looking for a little drink, try the "informal tastings"; you’ll be happier and save hours of your vacation. A sit down event in the style of the full dinner experiences offered during the WFF, once a night at the Coral Reef restaurant. What is it? Right from the mouse... "A fun way to not only learn about different varieties of wines, but also gain confidence in what selections to choose with your meal whether you're dining in or out. A winery representative will guide you through four different wines paired with four food samplings." How does it work? You can try calling the main reservation number, but for us it did not appear that they could book this event! If unsuccessful calling in advance of your trip, stop at guest services (left hand side of the EPCOT ball) the day you visit. They are held Mondays - Thursdays throughout the Festival at the Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT® from 4 - 5:30 pm How's the quality? Unknown. What's the cost? Cost is $25 per person including gratuity. (Does not include tax.) What do I really have to know? Difficult to get information from Disney in advance of our trip via phone. It does not appear to be booked via telephone (At least as of early October). Once at the park, check with Guest Relations. On the day we arrived, it was booked. Remember, the entrance to the Coral Reef restaurant is not obvious, it hidden on the far side of the building and off the beaten track. At the American Gardens if the presentation "Cookin’." What is it? A show at the theatre outside of the American pavilion. Chefs "Bang on Pots" and give a food- based performance. If the show "Stomp" was conceived by 7 year olds, playing in their parent’s kitchen with pots, pans and knives, you would have the show Cookin’. How does it work? Just show up and sit down. There were no lines (a.k.a. Lord of the Dance earlier this year) for Good reason... read on. How's the quality? This has to be the worst performance I’ve every seen at Disney. This is from a reviewer who sat through the "Space Alien Beauty Pageant" show at The Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland theatre twice in my lifetime; and I had to run from the show "Cookin’ ". What's the Cost? Disney would have to name a very high price to pay me to watch this. What do I really have to know? You simply must see the first 5 minutes of this presentation to truly realize how awful it is. You will beat our time out of there if you leave after one cook mimes (repeatedly) that he got burned by sticking his finger in a pot of soup (and obviously empty) and the other three cooks laugh at him. This presentation could not even be saved by the female cook wearing a "Partial" belly shirt. OSHA would have a field day on this one. I hope this helps those of you visiting EPCOT during the Wine and Food Festival sort out what you want to concentrate on. The WFF does indeed bring a slightly different atmosphere to EPCOT, and offers an added bonus to those visiting during the fall.
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The International Food & Wine Festival dates at EPCOT in Walt Disney World are: October 21st - November 19th, 2000
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