Festival Center Experiences for 2016 (Free and Paid)

There are several free and paid events that take place in Epcot's "Festival Center" during the International Food and Wine Festival. We'll start with the premium (paid) events and then move on to the no-additional cost experiences. Additionally, a Disney Fine Art Gallery, bookstore, a wine and beverage shop, the Festival Gift Shop, and Intermissions Cafe are located in Festival Center, which is open from 9:00am until park close.

General booking for paid events begins on July 21st, 2016 at 7am EST
For Reservations, Call 407-939-3378

What's Cookin' With (Breakfast)…

Start your day with a delicious plated breakfast joined by a special celebrity guest. Dig into one of your Guest of Honor's favorite dishes as they offer their culinary insights into what makes their selection so special. Toast your gourmet fortunes with sparkling wine before sitting down for a question-and-answer session with the guest chef as they share the secret ingredients of their success. (Visiting chef subject to change without notice.)

Where : Festival Center, Chef's Showcase
When : Select Fridays and Sundays during the Festival, from 9:15am - 10:45pm
Price : $129 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot® admission required.
What's Changed : The price remains the same, but the event is 30 minutes shorter and begins earlier in the day than last year's event.

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

Cheese Seminars

Master the “wheys” of the world by nibbling around a flavor wheel of carefully curated international cheeses.

During each seminar, guest cheesemakers will explain the major aromas, textures and flavor levels of your favorite cheeses—from Asiago to Zamorano. Attendees can sample artisanal selections paired with complementary wines, craft beers and other beverages while learning about the distinct nature of each featured region.

Where : Festival Center, Chef's Showcase
When : Select Saturdays during the Festival, from 9:15am - 10:45am
Price : $89 per person, plus tax, gratuity included, Epcot® admission required.
What's Changed : The price has increased by $10, but the event is 30 minutes longer and begins earlier in the day than last year's event.

Great British Cheeses and Ales
Presented by Max McCalman
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Learn how traditional British cheeses and ales pair in perfect harmony, something loyal fans have known for decades.

Mediterranean Cheeses and Wines
Presented by Tonda Corrente
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Taste amazing wines and cheeses deeply rooted in ancient Mediterranean diets as well as culture.

French Cheeses and Wines
Presented by Erin Hedley
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Savor a classic assiette de fromage accompanied by a variety of elegant French wines famous around the world.

Italian Cheeses and Wines
Presented by Max McCalman
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Enjoy Italian vini and formaggi pairings that provide a delicious glimpse into the country’s noble yet rustic lifestyle.

World Class Cheeses and Wines of the United States
Presented by David Gremmels
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Summon your inner wine and cheese connoisseur with some of the finest selections produced in America.

Fabulous Old World Cheeses and Wines
Presented by Max McCalman
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Experience delightfully unique pairings of Europe’s most acclaimed wines and cheeses from various regions across the continent.

Season's Best Cheeses and Wines
Presented by Max McCalman
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Sample autumn’s top seasonal cheeses, both domestic and imported, for a pièce-de-résistance pairing that closes the Festival on a highly delectable note!

Back to Basics

Turn ho-hum into "Yum Yum" and discover epicurean tips and tricks from the pros. These helpful hints may seems simple, but there's nothing simple about the profound effect they can have on your next meal.

Where : Festival Center, Spotlight Stage
When : Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only at 1:15pm and 3:15pm
Price : Included with your Epcot admission.

The Chocolate Experience : From Bean to the Bar

Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company
Immerse yourself in the sights, smells and flavors of Chocolate - the World's most famous flavor! Marvel at chocolate sculptures created by our own pastry chefs and explore the journey that chocolate must take to get from the bean to the bar. Don't miss your chance to sample chocolates, purchase gourmet drinking chocolate, select a wine and chocolate pairing, and shop for a bag of your favorite Ghirardelli® Gourmet Chocolates.

Where : Festival Center
When : Open Daily from 9:00am until Park Close
Price : Included with your Epcot admission.

Book Signings and Meet & Greets

Don't miss your chance to meet with a celebrated author or personality! Be sure to have your purchase book or merchandise autographed too! Please check the daily schedules for featured authors and personalities or visit the Festival Center Information Desk.

Where : Festival Center
When : Please reference the Epcot Times Guides for appearance schedule.
Price : Included with your Epcot admission.

Bottle Signings

Meet distinguished beverage professionals and have your purchased bottle autographed for a great souvenir! Check the daily schedules for signings or visit the Festival Center Information Desk.

Where : Festival Center
When : Please reference the Epcot Times Guides for appearance schedule.
Price : Included with your Epcot admission.