2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: August 30 to November 12, 2018

[chpmnkfan]

Just an FYI - they don’t give a gift this year for Parisian breakfast.

What kind of food did they serve? I hope that they have those croque monsieurs (sorry if it is spelled wrong) I love those. Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have friends going later this year. They are debating PFTS. I told them I’d try to get reviews. So if you go tonight i would appreciate any review notes.

Thanks

 

[53Jay]

This thousands on gift card just scares me to death. When you lose the card and the finder uses it before you realize it Disney says “too bad”. I know someone that happened to and she was out about $700.

Why not just put most of that on another gift card in a safe place and just have a $50 - $100 on the card your using in the park. Can always go to the web site to transfer onto the card your using. That's what I've done for years. This year I'm using last years festival card that I'm transferring onto.

 

[zipuzee]

I’m here now in the Festival Center and I was so disappointed that Ghiardelli’s didn’t offer any free samples! It was always such a tradition, so sad!

We were there Tuesday and no samples. I was a bit disappointed too. They weren’t handing them out at Disney Springs either on Tuesday.

 

[zipuzee]

We were at Epcot Tuesday thru Thursday of this week and hit a number of booths. It wasn’t overly crowded but it was pretty hot, so I’m not sure if that made any difference in the crowds. It seemed that they had more tables then I remember them having a few years back. Flavors from fire - smoked corn beef and chimichurri skirt streak, Hawaii - spam hash and pork slider, Ireland - Irish sausage and chocolate pudding, and Germany - bratwurst, were our favorites.

 

[FastPasser.]

So if you go tonight i would appreciate any review notes.

Not a review, but I was there tonight and it's likely my very last PFTS, but as usual, I was not there as a guest.

It was the first PFTS this year. The food looked and smelled good, hopefully it tasted good as well. Some big name Chefs from Disney Springs were present and there were 250 Guests representing the Social Media, so you should see many reviews by Monday.

The entertainment, Femmes of Rock, sounded and looked good. It was a smooth and uneventful night, but that's from a CM's perspective. I'll be interested to read the reviews.

 

[Chisoxcollector]

Not a review, but I was there tonight and it's likely my very last PFTS, but as usual, I was not there as a guest.

It was the first PFTS this year. The food looked and smelled good, hopefully it tasted good as well. Some big name Chefs from Disney Springs were present and there were 250 Guests representing the Social Media, so you should see many reviews by Monday.

The entertainment, Femmes of Rock, sounded and looked good. It was a smooth and uneventful night, but that's from a CM's perspective. I'll be interested to read the reviews.

Do you know if reserved seating guests had their own tables, or if they were sharing community tables with other parties?

 

[FastPasser.]

Do you know if reserved seating guests had their own tables, or if they were sharing community tables with other parties?

It appeared that many of the smaller tables were not shared but the larger tables were.

 

[Chisoxcollector]

It appeared that many of the smaller tables were not shared but the larger tables were.

Thanks for the quick reply! So there were some tables for two on the main floor? I ask because I won’t pay well over $200pp to sit at a community table.

 

[dachsie]

What kind of food did they serve? I hope that they have those croque monsieurs (sorry if it is spelled wrong) I love those. Thanks!

They did have a ham and cheese toasted thing - not covered with batter but cheese which was pretty good. They had a tomato cheese tart that was good and the almond pastry was excellent. They had croissants and chocolate croissants, a pretty strawberry pastry that was good, assorted meats and cheese and fruit. Baguettes with butter and jamand of course free flowing mimosas, coffee and hot chocolate

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Not a review, but I was there tonight and it's likely my very last PFTS, but as usual, I was not there as a guest.

It was the first PFTS this year. The food looked and smelled good, hopefully it tasted good as well. Some big name Chefs from Disney Springs were present and there were 250 Guests representing the Social Media, so you should see many reviews by Monday.

The entertainment, Femmes of Rock, sounded and looked good. It was a smooth and uneventful night, but that's from a CM's perspective. I'll be interested to read the reviews.

Thanks! The one question they were concerned about was the Femmes of Rock. We went on the band's homepage and it sounded LOUD for an event like this. (My friends really don't want to have to scream at each other.

Thanks for the quick reply! So there were some tables for two on the main floor? I ask because I won’t pay well over $200pp to sit at a community table.

I would suggest this might not be the right event. The "reserved" seating does not guarantee you a table for two and you can easily be sat at a table for a large group. Last year we booked the 'mid priced' level which was suppose to give us a private table, when we go there we had been assigned "reserved" and we were at large table (Probably sat 8) I went to complain. (I was fine staying at the table but I wanted a refund! Guest Services was able to move us to what we paid for (Actually we were not really assigned to the wrong table the CM just gave us the wrong number at check in.)

You can possibly get there and get moved, but that's a huge risk IMHO


I just did a check on Facebook and found some photos from last night. I saw 4 tops but no 2 top tables. (I was trying to see if they had given up on that dance floor, but couldn't figure that out either)

 

[FastPasser.]

Thanks! The one question they were concerned about was the Femmes of Rock. We went on the band's homepage and it sounded LOUD for an event like this. (My friends really don't want to have to scream at each other.

I thought they were too loud for that type of event, and so is the DJ.

So there were some tables for two on the main floor? I ask because I won’t pay well over $200pp to sit at a community table.

I saw two people sitting at some tables but that doesn't mean that it was a two person table. Could have been just how things worked out.

I would suggest this might not be the right event.

I agree

I was trying to see if they had given up on that dance floor, but couldn't figure that out either

Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing a dance floor, but then again, I wasn't looking for one.

 

[Tink1017]

Does anyone know if they have the new or even the older AP glasses in stock? I know the new ones were released last week but wondered if they lasted more than 1 day. We are coming down in another week so hoping they will be.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I thought they were too loud for that type of event, and so is the DJ. I saw two people sitting at some tables but that doesn't mean that it was a two person table. Could have been just how things worked out.
I agree
Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing a dance floor, but then again, I wasn't looking for one.

Thanks. Loud is a negative. But if you didn’t see the dance floor it’s at least probably not as obnoxious as last years (you couldn’t miss that).

 

[LilyWDW]

How are stocks of items like the Spirit Jersey, Tervis type mugs, and cook book? I will be there next week!

 

[Gryhndmom]

For those that are F&W now, are there still Dooney Bourke’s Available? TIA

 

[randumb0]

Thanks. Loud is a negative. But if you didn’t see the dance floor it’s at least probably not as obnoxious as last years (you couldn’t miss that).

What was wrong the dance floor? I remember a group of people dancing on it last year.

 

[Chisoxcollector]

Grazed a bit today after the Morimoto brunch. Tried a few new things, as well as a few repeats.

Below I have ranked all items that I've had during this years festival. All items that I've sampled since my last post are noted with an asterisk. If there is more than one score listed for an item, that means we’ve had it more than once during this Festival.

Slightly more in depth reviews, along with pictures, can be found on my website www.destinationdoug.com. I am finally caught up there with all Food & Wine reviews!

Teriyaki-glazed Spam Hash - 9.5, 9.0 (Hawai’i) - First portion was huge, second less so. Both were piping hot, and tasted great!

*Fritto Misto - 9.0, 9.0 (Italy) - Biggest surprise of the Festival... something tasty from Italy! Not only tasty, but a huge serving!

Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae - 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, 9.0 (Almond Orchard) - Refreshing and delicious, every time!

Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing - 9.0 (Hops & Barley) - Delicious, and loaded with icing.

*Xi’an Pancake with Beef - 8.5, 9.0 (China) - This didn’t look like much but tasted really good. Second one was loaded with delicous beef and deceptively filling.

*Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake - 8.5, 9.0, 8.5 (Cheese Studio) - Sweet but not too sweet and really smooth. First and third servings could have been colder, but were still excellent. Second one was colder, and even better.

Ropa Vieja Empanada - 8.5, 8.5, 8.5 (Islands of the Caribbean) - Best empanada they’ve ever done at this festival.

“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon - 8.5 (Canada) - Tender, hot, flavorful.

New England Lobster Roll - 8.5 (Hops & Barley) - Loaded with tender lobster. Roll was grilled nicely.

Short Rib Tostada - 9.0, 8.0 (Mexico) - First one was amazing, second needed more sauce.

Jerk Spiced Chicken Lollipop - 8.5 (Islands of the Carribbean) - Bursting with flavor, and quite spicy!

Seared Scallops- 8.5 (Wine and Dine Studio) - Much better than the scallops at the Coastal Eats booth.

Mango Bubble Tea - 8.5 (China) - Buy this at Joy of Tea next door, it’s a larger portion.

Maple Bacon Funnel Cake - 8.0 (Funnel Cake) - The maple ice cream was really good.

Grilled Lamb Chop - 8.0 (Australia) - Tender and tasty. Much better than last years t-bone.

Passion Fruit Cheesecake - 8.0 (Hawai'i) - Very good, but not quite as good as the one at the Cheese Studio.

Piggy Wings - 8.0 (Flavors from Fire) - Very tasty, but kind of dry. Would be at least an 8.5 if it had been more tender.

Smoked Corned Beef - 8.0 (Flavors from Fire) - Beef, fondue, and chips went together very nicely. My serving was very light on the beef.

Frozen Mimosa - 8.0, 8.0 (Shimmering Sips) - Tasty and refreshing, but it tastes like a non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri.

Schinkennudeln - 8.0 (Germany) - Best Mac and cheese on Disney property. Would have scored even higher, but mine had no ham whatsoever.

*Charcuterie in a Cone - 8.0 (Spain) - Very tasty but a bit olive heavy.

Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip - 8.0 (Coastal Eats) - I wish the bread was toasted.

Warm Chocolate Pudding - 7.5 (Ireland) - Tasty, but very rich. Probably should have saved for a cooler day.

Hummus Fries - 7.5 (Morocco) - Two of the fries were completely mushy due to the toppings. Third was topping-free, and as a result it was crispy and delicious.

Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake - 7.5 (Flavors From Fire) - Steak was great, corn cake was pasty and kind of gross.

Braised Beef Stroganoff - 7.5, 7.5 (Cheese Studio) - Good flavors, small portion.

Steakhouse Blended Burger - 7.5 (Earth Eats) - Good flavor, a bit dry.

Belgian Waffle w/ Berry Compote - 7.5 (Belgium) - Tasted Good as always, but the hot berries weren’t what I needed in a very hot day.

Pão de Queijo - 7.5 (Brazil) - Just your standard, tasty Brazilian cheese bread.

*Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip - 7.5, 6.5 (Almond Orchard) - Dip was pretty good, had 2 giant hunks of chicken. First serving had awesome almond thins. Second had crappy table crackers.

Quesito - 7.5 (Islands of the Caribbean)

Marinated Chicken - 7.5 (Thailand) - My serving was loaded with chicken. It tasted pretty good, but was almost too peanutty, like peanut butter.

Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles - 7.0 (China) - Tasted Good, but wish it had more than 2 Shrimp.

Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle - 7.0 (Chocolate Studio) - Good, but basically tastes like chocolate ice cream.

Moqueca - 7.0 (Brazil) - A bit on the sweet side, but still pretty good.

Bougatsa - 7.0 (Greece) - Quite possibly the hottest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. Was surprisingly bland.

Crispy Pork Belly - 7.0 (Brazil) - Lots of beans, but a small piece of pork belly. Tasted good, but it was a bit tough.

Spicy Roll - 7.0 (Japan) - This was almost warm, which was off putting.

Carbonade de Boeuf - 7.0 (France) - If this had a bit more (any?) sauce it would have been a lot better.

Croissant aux Escargots - 7.0 (France)

Butternut Squash Ravioli - 7.0 (Wine & Dine Studio) - The ravioli weren't very flavorful, but the pumpkin seeds and parmesan added flavor.

Korma Chicken - 7.0 (India) - Tasted good, but the amount of chicken was sad. The naan was tasty.

Kalua Pork Slider - 7.0 (Hawai’i) - Tasted good, but there was very little meat on our slider.

Crème Brûlée à Confiture de Framboises - 7.0 (France) - Would have been better without the raspberry jam.

Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Indian Cream Liqueur - 7.0 (India) - I’m not a big mango lassi fan, but the liqueur helped a bit. I wish I could it order the liqueur on its own.

Coconut Rice Pudding - 7.0, 7.5 (Mexico) - Tasted Good, but the first time we ordered it the rice needed to be cooked longer. Second one was a bit better.

Pancake Milkshake - 7.0 (Taste Track)

*Fire-Roasted Tomato Hummus - 6.5 (Almond Orchard) - Grocery store quality served with crappy table crackers.

La Passion Martini Slush - 6.5 (France) - I know I'm the outlier here, but I wasn't crazy about this. I think I must not like passion fruit juice, because I also don't like POG juice either.

Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun - 6.5 (China) - Not very much duck, and the duck that was there was dry.

Bunratty Meade Honey Wine - 6.5 (Ireland) - Was hoping it would be more Mead and less like wine.

Seared Scallops - 6.5 (Coastal Eats) - These were ridiculously small, almost the size of bay scallops.

Croissant Donut with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream - 6.5 (Taste Track) - Tasted good, but texture was very chewy.

Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake - 6.5 (Thailand)

Shrimp Quesadilla- 6.5 (Mexico)

Guiness Baileys Shake - 6.0 (Ireland)

Fast Lane - 5.0 (Joffreys Future World East) - The liqueur was tasty, but the frozen cappuccino it was mixed in was a bust. Very bland, and oddly not very cold (but it was frozen?).

New Brunswick Slider - 5.0 (Hops & Barley) - Bland and ridiculously dry.

*Apple Strudel - 4.0 (Germany) - Big disappointment. Dry and bland.

Beef Brisket Poutine - 4.0 (Refreshment Port) - The “meat” was almost all fat, and the Cheese was a gelatinous mess.

*Lump Crab Cake - 3.0 (Coastal Eats) - This is not lump crab. This is not a real crab cake. Danger! Danger!

Phosphorescent Phreeze - 3.0 (Light Lab) - Way too syrupy and sweet for me... and I absolutely love ICEEs!

Phosphorescent Phlight - 3.0 (Light Lab) - Read notes on Phreeze above... we only bought this for the glow cubes lol.

Teriyaki Chicken Bun - 2.0, NA (Japan) - Yuck, the ginger flavor was way too strong. One bite and done! Wife liked it though, and got a second one on a later visit. I did not partake in the second one, thus the "NA" ranking.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

What was wrong the dance floor? I remember a group of people dancing on it last year.

We paid a significant up charge for the lounge. Only to discover that we were surrounded by dance floor that completely change the entire atmosphere of the lounge. I have no problem with the dance floor. Having it in the middle of the wine view lounge was a disaster for those of us who paid extra to sit there in my humble opinion. It went from an secluded private area to Grand Central Station

 

[Chisoxcollector]

The wife and I attended the Sunday Brunch with Morimoto yesterday. He was awesome as always, though he did most of the same stuff he did at his Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! event 2 years ago. Still a lot of fun.

One thing to note. Last week they were very quick with the sparkling wine refills. I had 4-5 myself. This week there were no refills whatsoever. However, the food was much better this week.

One other note. Please leave your screaming baby at home at these types of events.

I have the full review up on my site.