[preidel24]

Does anyone have news on the dates for the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We are planning a trip in November and I'd love to sqeeze this in - it one of our favorite disney events. Also interested in what the next big celebration will be. I found it odd they didn't celebrate Epot's 20th. Thanks

[mickey]

Welcome to DisneyCentral, I hope this answers your question. I love the fod and wine festival, really something you should do once.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests will sample wines from renowned vintners and boutique wineries, taste creative cuisine of many regions and soak up non-stop entertainment during the eighth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Oct. 18-Nov. 16 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

One of the world’s largest food and wine experiences with more than 100 wineries represented, the festival expands each year with new offerings and events. The park’s 11 World Showcase countries and special festival marketplaces will serve up food and wine samplings from exotic regions around the globe, with appetizer-sized tastings ranging from $1-$4.50.

Guests also can enjoy scheduled culinary demonstrations, complimentary wine seminars, a nightly outdoor concert series with name entertainment and multi-cultural performances. For beer aficionados, there are the “History of Beer in America” tastings and seminars by the Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams beer.

The Party for the Senses food-and-wine-tasting event, Food and Wine Pairings, prestigious Bordeaux Wine School program and nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series will return by popular demand.

Dozens of performers ranging from acrobats to musicians add street-festival energy to this seasonal culinary celebration. Walt Disney World guests can toast the festival with champagne and get information at the park’s Festival Welcome Center across from Future World Fountain and Innoventions Plaza.

Scheduled events in addition to daily experiences include:

Eat to the Beat! concert series with evening performances by popular entertainers on the America Gardens stage.

Party for the Senses, a hip, hot celebration of the senses featuring more than 30 wines with flavorful foods every Saturday in World Showplace.

Bordeaux Wine School, a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates presented upon completion, at Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion.

Food and Wine Pairings, featuring wine experts pairing great food and wines, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Coral Reef Restaurant in The Living Seas pavilion.

Reserve Dinners, for an elite dining experience that marries great wines and food and includes VIP viewing of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Thursdays and Fridays, at the Wonders of Life pavilion VIP Dining Room.

Additional events in celebration of the festival are:

Signature Dinner Series, with five courses and wine pairings from up to three selected wineries, to be held at a different Disney signature resort restaurant each Sunday.

Vertical Tastings, a rare opportunity for wine lovers to sample 10 vintages from stellar producers and hear VIP wine speakers, Saturdays.

Talented chefs will explore culinary customs and food trends during complimentary demonstrations at The Terrace, an alfresco setting between the Morocco and France pavilions. Also at The Terrace, guests can explore the Festival Wine Shop and see Artisans Among the Arbors -- an eclectic array of artists.

A special program for children ages 4-10, Making Nestle Toll House Cookies, is offered at The Land pavilion.

Entrance to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, including wine and beer seminars and cooking demonstrations, is free with regular Epcot admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-DINE for information or reservations for special events and programs during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, or visit the Web site: www.disneyworld.com and link to Epcot for festival details.