Special events at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival require a significant extra cost and advance tickets.

You can expect an assortment of premium events, like Party for the Senses. There will also be plenty of special lunches and dinners with an emphasis on food and beverage pairing. In the past, we’ve enjoyed Wine Pairing in Morocco, Beer and Food Pairing in Italy, and Tequila Pairing in Mexico!

Details about these events are usually some of the last pieces of information we receive.

Please note: all special events do require separate Epcot admission, in addition to the purchase of a ticket.

Here is some information about NEW events coming to the Food and Wine Festival in 2016 as well as highlights of Special Events that we’ve enjoyed in previous years!

Special events page with new grand floridian brunch, new cooking school, burger block party, note that PFTS will be different theme each week and have new live entertainment

New Special Events for 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

• Grand Floridian Brunch with a Twist
• Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef
• Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
• The Secret of Flavor
• Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops

Grand Floridian Brunch with a Twist — NEW!

Enjoy a 5-course, 5-star meal prepared by the Chefs of the Grand Floridian!

Where: Citricos at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
When: October 6, 12:00-2:00PM
Price: $169 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Complimentary valet parking provided.

Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef — NEW!

Join Chef Frank Brough for an interactive chef’s table experience in a professional working kitchen.

Where: Convention Center and Chef’s Table at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
When: October 7, 21 and November 3, 9 5:30-8:30PM
Price: $259 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — NEW!

Learn how to mix drinks Trader Sam’s way! Enter into the Grog Grotto to enjoy a tour of this creative and interactive tiki bar followed by lunch and a mixology session.

Where: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
When: September 21, 28 and October 5, 12 12:00 – 2:00PM
Price: $99 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

The Secret of Flavor — NEW!

This 3-course lunch offers guests the chance to explore the “sensory-food connection.”

Where: Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
When: September 22, October 20, and November 2, 12:00 – 2:00PM
Price: $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

2016 Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops — NEW!

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty! In this hands-on experience,  you’ll learn directly from the pros. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about a myriad of culinary subjects — from decorating cakes, garnishing like a boss, and even mixing up an amazing cocktail!

Where:  Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Daily, 4:00PM
Price: $49 per person, tax included

Rockin’ Burger Block Party

Come get your burger on! This event (returning for its second year) combines food, drink, and music to highlight the best of all three. You’ll dance the evening away as you dine on specialty burgers and take in some the best music of the century. All of the burgers are inspired by recording artists who have left their mark on the beverage world. Enjoy drinks affiliated by these artists and a DJ spins their best tracks. Find your favorite burger, drink, and music, and vote on the best burger of the night! Check out our review of last year’s event here!

Last year, culinary celebrities were present at each event. The same will be true in 2016.

Each of the parties will have different themes. Here are a few details we’ve learned:

September 30th will feature Celebrity Chef Maneet Chuahan, who will showcase her Malai Chicken Mushroom Burger. In addition, several Disney Restaurants will join the ranks with some spectacular burger options, including:

• STK offers their famous “lil BRGs”, a combo of Wagyu beef and special sauce on a sesame seed bun.
• Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant will bring a beer-battered burger topped with garlic aioli, tomato chutney, and greens.
• Beaches and Cream may steal the spotlight with the Sunrise Burger, which includes chorizo, candied Canadian bacon, and avocado spread, before it’s topped with a quail egg and sriracha mayo on an English muffin. We smell a Brinner Winner 😀
• D-Luxe Burger will share classic Southern style with their beef burger topped with fried green tomato, pimento cheese, and Applewood-smoked bacon on a Parkerhouse roll. Yum!

October 14th will feature Chef Alex Seidel and his Colorado blended lamb burger. The James Beard-nommed chef will appear alongside six other local restaurant competitors.

November 11th will feature Chef Jehangir Mehta and his doing a mushroom-blended “Graffiti” burger. Additional chefs are to be announced.

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: September 30, October 14, November 11, 7:00-9:00PM
Price: $99, $119, $199

Enhance your Rockin’ Burger Block Party with one of the available premium experiences:

Nosh Pit Seating: $199 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. VIP Experience includes private reserved table, early entrance into the event, specialty cocktail toast, premium bar, and more. Space is limited.

Reserved Seating:  $119 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Includes reserved table on main floor, entrance into event at 6:45PM, and specialty cocktail toast. Space is limited.

Rockin’ Burger Block Party: $99 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at WorldShow Place Events pavilion. Limited seating.

Cheese Seminars

A great way to learn about cheese from the experts! We’ve enjoyed tasting cheese and beverage pairings, as experts guide us through the process.

Where: Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Select Saturdays, 9:15AM-10:45AM
Price: $89 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required.

Saturday, September 17: Great British Cheeses and Ales, Max McCalman
Saturday, October 1: Mediterranean Cheeses and Wines, Tonda Corrente
Saturday, October 8: French Cheeses and Wines, Erin Hedley
Saturday, October 15: Italian Cheeses and Wines, Max McCalman
Saturday, October 22: World Class Cheeses and Wines of the United States, David Gremmels
Saturday, October 29: Fabulous Old World Cheeses and Wines, Max McCalman
Saturday, November 5: Season’s Best Cheeses and Wines, Max McCalman

Party for the Senses — UPDATED!

Party for the Senses is consistently one of the most popular events taking place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And new for 2016, the special event will feature a new theme each week as well as new entertainment!

A special host leads the evening’s festivities as guests eat, drink, and celebrate! Enjoy dishes from over 50 tasting stations as premium entertainment will change each night of the event. It’s the best of both worlds and a feast for all of the senses!

This event is pricey and offered only on select weekend nights, so plan accordingly. To see what this event is like, check out our 2015 Party for the Senses review here. We’ll have a new review for you soon!

Guests have the option for several upgrades. Details are listed below.

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: October 1, 8*, 15**, 22, 28***, and 29*** from 7:00-9:30PM
Price: $169, $199, $329

Wine View Lounge: $329 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Includes private reserved table, early entrance into event, specialty cocktail toast, premium bar, artisanal cheese station, and more.

Reserved Seating: $199 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Includes reserved table on main floor, early entrance into the event, and specialty cocktail toast.

Party for the Senses: $169 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at WorldShow Place Events pavilion. Limited seating.

*Features Chefs from Disney Springs

**Features Disney Chefs From Around the World

***Features Yelloween Masquerade in observance of Halloween, guests are encouraged to dress in yellow and black in something “stylish and charming”.

What’s Cooking With…

In 2015, “What’s Cooking With…” replaced “Sunday Mornings With…” The event included a plated brunch with a sparkling wine toast. During the presentation, a celebrity culinary guest demonstrated a favorite dish. Afterwards, he or she chatted with the event host and answered questions from the audience.

To see a few events that give you an idea about this one, check out our reviews of Sweet Sundays with Carla Hall, and Food for Thought with Chef Rick Bayless.

Where: Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Select Fridays and Sundays, 9:15AM-10:45AM
Price: $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

• Friday, September 16 – Elizabeth Falkner
• Sunday, September 18 – Bryan Voltaggio
• Friday, September 23 – Andrea Robinson
• Saturday, September 24 – Robert Irvine
• Friday, September 30 – Graham Elliot
• Sunday, October 2 – Buddy Valastro
• Friday, October 7 – Jamie Deen
• Sunday, October 9 – Cat Cora
• Friday, October 14 – Emily Ellyn
• Friday, October 21 – Andrew Zimmern
• Sunday, October 23 – Rock Harper
• Friday, October 28 – Duff Goldman
• Sunday, October 30 – Geoffrey Zakarian
• Friday, November 4 – Alex Guarnaschelli
• Sunday, November 6 – David Guas
• Friday, November 11 – Sarah Fioroni
• Sunday, November 13 – Jehangir Mehta

Beverage Boot Camp Series

Take a journey and learn more about your favorite libations with these special events, designed to teach deliciously!

Exploring Wines the Mondavi Way — Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Robert Mondavi Windery at this special event. Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson will lead you on an exploration that includes sharing the inspirational story of the late Robert Mondavi. The event will include a tasting of several Mondavi wines, and a light reception after the wine tasting and seminar.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion
When: Sunday, September 18, 1:00-3:00PM
Price: $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required

Demystifying Bourbon the Jim Beam Way — Do you love bourbon, or would you just love to know more about this homegrown spirit? Then this is the event for you! A master distiller will lead you on a journey of discovery that will appeal to both novice and afficionado alike! Learn all about fermentation, distillation, and finishing in this informative seminar. A light reception will take place along with a classic Bourbon cocktail tasting.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion
When: Sunday, October 30, 1:00-3:00PM
Price: $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required

Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining

Savor your way through a phenomenal dinner while a Chef (sometimes a celebrity Chef!) takes you through every bite, explaining technique, menu choice, and wine pairings. Taking place throughout restaurants across Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, these special dinners take place everyday, and they sell out fast!

When: Look for more than 20 dinners throughout the festival!
Where: Around Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts
Pricing: Prices are per person plus tax. Gratuity included. Theme park admission required for restaurants within a theme park.

September 15: The BOATHOUSE, 11:30AM, $150
September 20: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, $119
September 24: Narcoossee’s, 12:00PM, $199
September 24: Jiko – The Cooking Place, 6:00PM, $199
September 27: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, $119
September 28: Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, 6:30PM, $110
October 4: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, $119
October 5: Trattoria al Forno, 12:30PM, $139
October 6: Yachtsman Steakhouse, 5:00PM, $229
October 8: Artist Point, 11:30AM, $169
October 14: Contemporary Catering Chef’s Table, 7:30PM, $259
October 20: The Brown Derby, 6:00PM, $199
October 20: Raglan Road, 6:30PM, $177
October 21: Victoria and Albert’s, 6:30PM, $600
October 26: The Wave…of American Flavors, 12:30PM, $169
October 27: Flying Fish, 6:00PM, $199
Octobrer 27: California Grill, 6:00PM, $319
October 28: Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium, 1:00PM, $79
November 2: Trattoria al Forno, 12:30PM, $139
November 3: Flying Fish, 6:00PM, $199
November 10: Trattoria al Forno, 6:30PM, $169
November 10: Flying Fish, 6:00PM, $199
November 12: Jiko — A Cooking Place, 6:00PM, $199

Parisian Breakfast

The Parisian Breakfast, one of our favorite events returned in 2015, and we are so excited to see it again this year! The event will once again take place at Les Chefs de France on select Saturday mornings during the Festival.

Guests are served a welcoming Mimosa, and then move on to a spread featuring authentic pastries (baguettes, brioches, croissants), unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and orange juice! Savor the baguettes made from scratch in a 48-hour process at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.

Fresh from the oven, enjoy them with butter and Bonne Maman confiture (fruit preserve) to make a French tartine. Check out our 2013 Parisian Breakfast Review!

Where: Les Chefs de France, France pavilion
When: Select Saturdays 9-10:30AM

• September 24
• October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• November 5, 12

Price: $40 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

French Family Meal Traditions

We always look forward to some authentic and delicious dining options in the France Pavilion during the Food and Wine Festival. In 2015, French Family Meal Traditions replaced the super popular French Regional Lunches.

During the event, guests were invited to take a trip back to France with chefs from the France Pavilion, as they prepare a favorite dish from their childhood. Each meal was paired with French wine as well. Here’s our review of the 2015 event!

Where: Monsieur Paul, France pavilion
When: Select Fridays and Sundays, 12:00-3:30PM

• October 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
• November 4, 6, 11, 13

Pricing: $95 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Parisian Afternoon: Sandwiches, Macarons, and Bubbles!

Another Special Event joining the lineup in 2015 was The Parision Afternoon. After exploring France in the morning and for lunch, the logical next step is to enjoy an afternoon there! We discovered snacking, Parisian style, with finger sandwiches, savory mignardises, petit fours, macarons — as well as unlimited mimosas!

See our review of this beautiful event here!

Where: Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion
When: Select Saturdays, 1:30-3:30PM

• October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• November 5, 12

Price: $55 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Hibachi Experience

This event is back this year! Showcasing cuisine from the Miyazaki Prefecture, the talented Teppan Chefs will dazzle guests with their culinary artistry.

Where: Teppan Edo, Nihonbashi Dining Room, Japan Pavilion
When: Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30PM

• September 20, 27
• October 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 1, 8

Price: $160 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Tokyo Pairing — “Umami” (The Sixth Sense)

Enjoy three style pairings of Wagyu beef, lobster tail, and King Crab legs and sushi prepared using naturally fermented ingredients and sauces. Examples of pairings include Wagyu Sea Urchin, Lobster and King Crab Legs Tempura with salt Koji Cheese Sauce — all paired with Sake and other beverages.

Check out our recent review of the Japan Food and Beverage Pairing for more information.

Where: Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion
When: Thursdays, 4:30-6:00PM

• September 15, 22, 29
• October 6, 13, 20, 27
• November 3, 10

Price: $150 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Japanese Craft Beer Tasting

Enjoy this unique sampling featuring six different Japanese style craft beers, paired with six different Japanese “Japanese Pub” foods in an open air setting.

Where: Katsura Garden Deck, Japan Pavilion
When: Select Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00PM

• September 21, 28
• October 5, 12, 19, 26
• November 2, 9

Price: $60 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing

We enjoyed this Mediterranean Wine and Food Pairing, which took place at the beautiful Spice Road Table, immensely last year. Check out our review of the event here!

Where: Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00PM

• September 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
• October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31
• November 2, 7, 9, 14

Price: $65 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Moroccan Food and Wine Pairing

Discover wines from three different regions and sample them alongside tasting portions of Moroccan cuisine.

Where: Restaurant Marrakesh, Morocco Pavilion
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30PM

• September 20, 27
• October 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 1, 8

Price: $62 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing

Head to Italy in Epcot’s World Showcase for a pairing of food with both wine and beer at Via Napoli. See our review of an Italy Beer and Pizza Tasting here!

Where: Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-4:00PM

• September 20, 22, 27, 29
• October 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
• November 1, 3, 8, 10

Price: $88.00 plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot admission required

Italian Regional Food and Wine Pairing Luncheon

Held in Tutto Gusto, the Italy Pavilion’s wine bar, this wine pairing event will showcase five courses — two of which will feature white truffle — paired with a variety of regional Italian wines. See our review of the Italy Beer and Pizza Pairing Lunch here!

Where: Tutto Gusto, Italy Pavilion
When: Select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:00-2:30PM

• September 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
• October 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28 and 31
• November 2, 4, 7, 9, 11

Price: $99.00 plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot admission required

Mexican Tequila Lunch

The Tequila Lunch debuted in 2011 and we’re happy to report that it is returning again 2016. These tastings complement a selected Mexican regional cuisine, and offer the opportunity to learn more about tequila and spirits.

Check out a 2011 Mexico Tequila Lunch guest review here! And our 2012 Mexico Tequila Pairing Lunch review here!

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion
When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 12:00-1:30PM

• September 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30
• October 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
• November 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12

Price: $85.00 plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot admission required

Exclusive Events for Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers

In 2015, three unique events were added to the Food and Wine Festival lineup exclusively for Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers. Stay tuned to DFB to learn if they’ll be offered again this year!

VIP Experiences

Disney continues its trend of offering VIP and premium experiences to guests, and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is no exception. Stay tuned to DFB for more information regarding the 2016 experiences.

The Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival lasts ALL DAY LONG, and includes all of the following:

• Your day begins with the Wonders Retreat at the Festival Center, where you’ll enjoy a celebrity chef hosted brunch from the best seats in the house.
• After a break and a brief time to shop, you’ll return to the VIP Lounge for a hosted beverage demonstration featuring acclaimed wines, spirits and craft beers from around the world.
• Next, you’ll venture to the Norway Pavilion to set sail on the newest attraction in the World Showcase—Frozen Ever After.
• Then, it’s time to explore the Global Marketplaces! Disney Chefs will greet you and introduce you to the endless selection of bites and beverages while you taste 3 of the Festival’s most popular pairings.
• Your next stop will be at the newly reimagined attraction, Soarin’ Around the World.
• Afterwards, a certified Cicerone will lead you through a sampling of the Festival’s signature craft beers. Another delectable chef’s pairing will follow.
• Post pairing, you’ll head to the America Garden Theatre to savor a glass of champagne and then rock out to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series from your priority seats.
• When the concert comes to a close, you’ll have time to explore the Festival on your own.
• If you choose to stay through the end of the day, you can watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from a reserved location.

More details:

• The 7-hour experience begins at 9:00 AM on the following Fridays: September 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28; and November 4, 11, 2016.
• The cost of The Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival experience is $399 per Guest, plus tax.
• A 15% discount is available for Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers.
• See artists performing during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
• View celebrity chefs who will be presenting at the What’s Cookin’ With… brunch during the Wonders Retreat. (See our list of who will be appearing each week on our Food and Wine Festival Special Events Page)
• Theme park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the VIP Tour.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler is offered in 2016 at two different price points. Here are the details and photos:

• Guests can choose from a package that includes either 8 or 16 entitlements for food or beverage of your choice at over 30 Food and Wine Festival Booths, with some exceptions.
• Exceptions include excludes all beer larger than 6 oz, all tasting flights, all Champagnes, the Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese, and Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Tiger” Pinot Noir.
• Limited release Epcot International Food & Wine Festival pin.
• Available for purchase at select merchandise locations throughout Epcot, specifically Festival Center, Bridge Kiosk East and West, Festival Boutique, and Festival Emporium.
• Available daily, September 14-November 14, 11:00AM to closing.
• Cost: $59 per person for 8 entitlements or $109 per person for 16 entitlements.

For 2016, the credential is a card on a lanyard and the entitlements are a separate card containing the coupons.

New for 2016, Guests can also purchase a Commemorative Gift Card. This offer includes:

• Commemorative Festival Medallion and Lanyard with carrying sleeve
• Special Gift Card.
• Guests receive this when they activate the card with a minimum of $200 at any Festival Merchandise location.

Epcot Food and Wine Premium Package UPDATE: Disney has announced that the Premium Package will NOT return in 2016.

We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog!

Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Purchase!

This 250+-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.

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!

Order you 2016 edition today to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!

Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount!

Return to the Main 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menus Page