Special events at the 2015 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. General booking will open for these events on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Special Events can be booked by calling 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378).

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

We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! Here’s what we know so far…

New Special Events for 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

• French Family Meal Traditions lunches will debut in France on Fridays and Saturdays
• A Rockin’ Burger Block Party will take place on select dates
• Exploring Wines from 1996 to Now special beverage event
• Spotlight on the Dominican Republic highlighting foods and beverages from this island country
• “What’s Cookin’ With…” — This special event will replace 2014’s “Sunday Mornings With…” event
• I’ll Take Manhattans special beverage event featuring the Manhattan
• The Parisian Afternoon: Sandwiches, Macarons, and Bubbles!
• Japanese Craft Beer Tasting

Rockin’ Burger Block Party — NEW!

Come get your burger on! This new event 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!

In addition, culinary celebrities will be at each event. Look for Andrew Zimmern of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods at the September 25th event. The cast of ABC’s The Chew will appear at the October 8th party, and Cake Boss Buddy Valastro will be in attendance for the November 6th bash.

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: September 25, October 8, November 6, 7:00-9:00PM
Price $99, $119, $199

Nosh Pit Seating: $199 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at Nosh Pit Check in podium. VIP Experience includes private reserved table, entrance into event at 6:45PM, specialty cocktail toast, premium bar, and more. Space is limited.

Reserved Seating: $119 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at Reserved Seating Check in podium. 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! Fromager Max McCalman will conduct all of the Cheese Seminars except the November 7 event, which will be hosted by David Gremmels.

Where: Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
When: Saturdays, 10:00-11:30AM
Price $79 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required

September 26: World Class Artisan Cheeses and Craft Beers of the United States
October 3: Exquisite English Cheeses and Old World Wines
October 17: Italy’s Inimitable Cheeses and Wines
October 24: The Great Cheese and Wines of France
October 31: Classes Cheeses and Wines of the Old World
November 7: Great Cheeses and Wines of the United States
November 14: The World’s Magnificent Cheeses and Their Wine Partners

Beverage Boot Camp Series

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

Exploring Wines from 1996 – NEW!
In honor of the Festival’s 20th anniversary, this special event will allow guests to savor wines created in 1996 alongside the wines of today! Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson will lead your tour as she discusses the evolution of wine throughout the last 20 years. The tasting will be followed by a light reception, featuring dishes influenced by the hot cuisine of 1996.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion
When: Sunday, September 27, 1:00-3:00PM
Price $119 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required

I’ll Take Manhattans – NEW!
Join Mixologist Dale DeGroff as you learn more about bitters and just what goes into crafting this classic cocktail. The session is followed by a reception featuring classic appetizers and meet and greet time with Mr. DeGroff.

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion
When: Sunday, October 18, 1:00-3:00PM
Price $119 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot Admission Required

Party for the Senses

Party for the Senses returns in 2015! Explore over 50 wines and beers and delicious bites at various tasting stations. Your night may begin with reserved seating at the evening’s Eat to the Beat concert. Live entertainment will be presented by Cirque du Soleil for another memorable Festival evening. This event is pricey and offered only on Saturdays in October, so plan accordingly. To see what this event is like, check out our 2011 Party for the Senses review here!

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: October 3, 10, 17, 24*, and 31** from 7:00-9:30PM
Price: $169, $199, $319

Wine View Lounge: $319 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at Wine View Lounge podium. Includes private reserved table, entrance into event at 6:45PM, specialty cocktail toast, premium bar, artisanal cheese station, and more. Space is limited.

Reserved Seating: $199 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required. Check in at Wine View Lounge podium. Includes reserved table on main floor, entrance into event at 6:45PM, and specialty cocktail toast. Space is limited.

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

*Features Disney Chefs From Around the World

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

What’s Cooking With… — NEW!

This event replaces Sunday Mornings With…. Begin your day with a plated brunch and a sparkling wine toast. A celebrity culinary guest demonstrates a favorite dish, and then will sit down with the event’s host to chat and to answer 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: Fridays and Sundays, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Price: $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

September 27: Andrew Zimmern
October 2: Amanda Freitag presented by Mylan
October 4: Bryan Voltaggio
October 9: Jamie Deen
October 11: Carla Hall
October 16: Gale Gand
October 18: Cat Cora
October 23: Allen Susser
October 25: John Ash presented by Verlasso
October 30: Robert Irvine
November 1: Erika Davis
November 6: Buddy Valastro
November 8: David Guas
November 13: Alex Guarnaschelli
November 15: Sarah Fioroni

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. These special dinners everyday, and they sell out fast!

When: Look for more than 30 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 26: Flying Fish Cafe, 12:00PM, Cost: $149; Chef Timothy Keating
September 30: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, Cost: $119; Chef Anthony Gregorek
September 30: Fulton’s Crab House, 6:30PM, Cost: $90, Chef Mark Boor
October 1: The BOATHOUSE, 11:30AM, Cost: $125, Chef Robert Getchell
October 1: Yachtsman Steakhouse, 5:00PM, Cost: $219, Chef Dan Sicilia
October 1: Jiko, 6:00PM, Cost: $199, Chef David Njoroge
October 1: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
October 7: Trattoria al Forno, 12:30PM, Cost: $119, Chef Christian Rumpler
October 8: California Grill, 6:00PM, Cost: $299, Chef Brian Piasecki
October 8: The Hollywood Brown Derby, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Craig Schleider
October 8: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
October 13: Le Cellier Steakhouse, 11:30AM, Cost: $119, Chef Dee Foundoukis
October 14: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, Cost: $119; Chef Anthony Gregorek
October 15: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
October 16: Contemporary Catering Chef’s Table, 7:30PM, Cost: $249, Various Chefs
October 22: Jiko, 6:00PM, Cost: $199, Chef David Njoroge
October 22: The Hollywood Brown Derby, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Craig Schleider
October 22: The Wave…of American Flavors, 6:30PM, Cost: $159, Chef Jay Smith
October 27: Le Cellier Steakhouse, 11:30AM, Cost: $119, Chef Dee Foundoukis
October 28: ESPN Club, 12:00PM, Cost: $119; Chef Anthony Gregorek
October 29: Yachtsman Steakhouse, 5:00PM Cost: $219, Chef Dan Sicilia
October 29: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
November 5: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
November 5: Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, 6:30PM, Cost: $100, Chef Tony Mantuano
November 5: Trattoria al Forno, 8:00PM Cost: $159, Chef Christian Rumpler
November 7: Artist Point, 11:30AM, Cost: $189, Chef Michael Gonsalvez
November 7: Narcoossee’s, 12:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Michael Bersell
November 11: Trattoria al Forno, 12:30PM Cost: $119, Chef Christian Rumpler
November 12: Flying Fish Cafe, 6:00PM, Cost: $189, Chef Timothy Keating
November 12: Dining Room, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, 6:30PM, Cost: $90, Chef Robert Leonardi
November 14: Flying Fish Cafe, 12:00PM, Cost: $149, Chef Timothy Keating

Parisian Breakfast

The Parisian Breakfast returns this year. Les Chefs de France will serve breakfast and a welcoming Mimosa on Saturday mornings, 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: Saturdays 9-10:30AM
Price: $39 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

French Family Meal Traditions — NEW!

Replacing the super popular French Regional Lunches, French Family Meal Traditions will feature a different chef from the Monsieur Paul family each week. Take a trip back to France with the chefs, as they prepare a favorite dish from their childhood. Each meal will be paired with French wine as well. For an idea of what you can expect, here’s our recent review of the French Regional Lunch.

Where: Monsieur Paul, France pavilion
When: Select Fridays and Sundays, 12-3:30PM
Pricing: $95 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Parisian Afternoon: Sandwiches, Macarons, and Bubbles! — NEW!

After exploring France in the morning and for lunch, the logical next step is to enjoy an afternoon there! Discover snacking, Parisian style, with this fun new experience featuring finger sandwiches, savory mignardises, petit fours, and macarons — as well as unlimited mimosas!

Where: Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion
When: Select Saturdays, 1:30-3:30PM
Price: $55 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Hibachi Experience

This event is back this year! Showcasing six courses that include salmon, free-range chicken, lobster tail, wagyu beef, and abalone.

Where: Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion
When: Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30PM
Price: $150 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Japanese Craft Beer Tasting — NEW!

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

Where: Katsura Garden Deck, Japan Pavilion
When: Select Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00PM
Price: $40 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Tokyo Pairing

This event will feature three regional wines and tasting-size portions of Japanese cuisines. Check out our recent review of the Japan Food and Beverage Pairing for more information.

Where: Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion
When: Thursdays, 4:30-6:30PM
Price: $100 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing

Enjoy Mediterranean Wines paired with specially prepared foods from the region.

Where: Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00PM
Price: $58 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
Price: $55 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Italian Food, Wine, and Beer Pairing

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

Where: Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion
When: Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30PM
Price: $88.00 plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot admission required

Italian Food and Wine Pairing

An executive chef will be creating southern Italian specialties paired with southern Italian wines.

Where: Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion
When: Thursdays, 1:30-3:30PM
Price: $83.00 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 trio courses, 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: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:00-2:30PM
Price: $94.00 plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot admission required

Mexican Tequila Lunch

The Tequila Lunch debuted in 2011 and returns again 2015. These tastings will 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! See the menu for this 2015 lunch here!

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion
When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 12:00-1:30PM
Price: $85 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Sparkling IllumiNations Dessert Party

This year-round Epcot event is increasing its available dates during the Festival! Guests nosh on desserts from around the world as they have VIP viewing of the IllumiNations fireworks event.

Desserts may include: Traditional baklava from Morocco, Tiramisu from Italy, Chocolate ganache tarts from France, Crisped rice puffs inspired by Asian cuisine, Cinnamon sugar churros with caramel and chocolate sauces from Mexico, Seasonal berry cobbler from the United States, Apple dried fruit crumbles from the United Kingdom, Sparkling blue velvet cupcakes, Chocolate chip cookies and no-sugar-added lemon cookies. Sparkling wines and other beverages will be available.

Check out a guest review of the dessert party here. Desserts and experience subject to change.

Where: Epcot World Showcase
When: September 25, 27, 29, 30; October 2, 4-9, 11-16, 18, 19, 21-23, 25-30; Nov 1-6, 8-13, 15
Price: $49 for Adults; $29 for Children 3-9. Price is per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Exclusive Events for Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers

Three unique events have been added to the Food and Wine Festival, and they are EXCLUSIVELY for Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers!

Brews, Breakfast and More

Enjoy a three-course breakfast utilizing beer as both an ingredient and a pairing, while learning about “beer styles and brewing processes that date back to ancient Babylon and Egypt.”

An element of the dishes will be the use of Passport 20 Belgian Tripel Ale, a “complex beer featuring 20 ingredients to celebrate 20 years” of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This brew offers the distinction of including 11 ingredients to represent each one of the World Showcase countries along with one ingredient representing Florida. Among other courses, the menu will include Liquid-Nitrogen Fried “Smoking” S’mores.

Where: TBD
When: September 28, 8:30-10:30AM
Price: $89 Price is per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Making of Party for the Senses

Learn how “Party for the Senses” comes to life through the culinary team that helps to create it. Lunch is to be paired with beverages in the Wine View Lounge.

The menu will include Malbec Demi-braised Pork Chops with Shaved Truffles, a Micro Green Salad, and a Roasted Corn Button Dessert, among others. A dessert station will also play a part, highlighting dishes from the Party’s pastry chefs.

Where: World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: October 27, 12:00-1:30PM
Price: $125 Price is per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

The Creation of Food and Wine Marketplaces

Start the day with breakfast (including a sparkling wine toast) on the World Showcase Promenade while meeting with a Festival Chef, Beverage Professional, and Disney Imagineer who will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of each Festival Marketplace Booth and its menu.

The menu will include Beef Tenderloin and Yukon Gold Hash topped with eggs and Hollandaise paired with maple-cured pork belly and onion jam. The morning will end with a New England Lobster Roll and a taste from the Hops & Barley Festival Booth, among other inclusions.

Where: World Showcase
When: November 9, 8–9:30AM
Price: $99 Price is per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.

Interested guests may use their Disney Visa Card to book these special events NOW by calling 407-939-1870.

Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Your special Food and Wine Festival experience, which will last the full day, includes all of the following:

• Seating for What’s Cooking With…, which includes a champagne toast (See our list of who will be appearing each week on our Food and Wine Festival Special Events Page)
• A special beverage demonstration, including Wine, Spirits, and Craft Beer, in the VIP Lounge at Festival Center
• Escort to experience Soarin’ and Test Track attractions
• A Private Tasting and Pairing Event with Disney Chefs at the new Sustainable Chew Marketplace Booth which includes tasting of 3 of the most popular Food and Wine Festival pairings
• Backstage VIP Tour of The Land
• Gold Badge Seating at the Eat to the Beat Concert, plus another champagne toast
• VIP Reserved area for IllumiNations viewing
• Please note that terms and inclusions in the package are, of course, subject to change.

Where: Epcot
When: Fridays and Sundays throughout the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. First Event begins at 9:45AM.
Price: $424.94 (includes tax) without the passholder discount; $361.20 (includes tax) with the 15% passholder discount

For more information on availability and to book your Ultimate VIP Tour Experience of the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687).

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler — NEW!

To celebrate the Epcot Food and Wine Festival’s 20th anniversary, for the first time ever, you can enjoy this sampler package that allows you to Taste Your Way Around the World easier than ever before! You’ll also enjoy priority seating for the 6:45 Eat to the Beat Show!

You’ve wanted that pass to Eat and Drink Your Way Around the World — well, here it is!

This package includes:

• Eight entitlements for food or beverage of your choice at 30 Food and Wine Festival Booths
• Priority seating at the 6:45 Eat to the Beat Concert on the day the package is purchased
• Limited release 20th Anniversary pin that comes in 3 different colors

When: Limited amount of packages available daily
Where: Epcot
Pricing: $59, per person, plus tax. Epcot admission required.

Epcot Food and Wine Premium Package

Please note: Details on this package are still emerging, and we expect to have more information very soon. In the meantime, be sure to call (407) WDW-FEST for further details and inquiries. 

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium has indeed returned for 2015. There seem to be a couple of changes from last year, however. For 2015, here’s what we’ve confirmed that the package contains so far:

• Packages are available Monday through Thursday of each full week of the Festival.
• Each Premium Package includes access to eleven designated shaded Premium Package Areas throughout Epcot, offering concierge service (i.e. Cast Members will go purchase your booth items for you and bring them back to you in the Premium area) from 12:00 noon to 8 pm.
• Each Premium Package will also include one Amenity Bag (to be picked up at the Festival Center) including a bottle of 20th Anniversary Celebratory Wine, a wine glass, and one Festival-themed MagicBand.
• The Premium Package will include 4 Entitlement Tags for use at the Premium Package Areas running concierge service for the Festival Booths. This means you’ll get 4 booth menu items for free as part of your package. (Usually the free options don’t include super expensive stuff like Dom Perignon.)
• Premium Packages will include a ticket to your choice of either a Culinary Demonstration (during the 5 PM slot) OR a Beverage Seminar (during the 2 PM slot) during the week of participation.
• Premium Packages also provide entry to the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party.

When: Monday through Thursday of each full week of the Festival
Where: Epcot
Pricing: $199, per person, plus tax. Epcot admission required.

Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 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 2015 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!

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