Hi, Tom!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. My family are BIG fans of the
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival held annually in the fall at Walt Disney World Resort! I wouldn't necessarily recommend purchasing a Disney Dining Plan (DDP) solely to use at the Festival, though you can make excellent use of your DDP Snack credits for a variety of small plates, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages at the Marketplace kiosks located around World Showcase.
Each year during the Food & Wine Festival special culinary programs are presented (by advance reservation) by well known Disney and celebrity guest chefs, winemakers and speakers. The hottest ticket among these is definitely the
Party for the Senses, a grand tasting event featuring reserved seating at the Eat to the Beat concert series and culinary creations from renowned chefs displayed at tasting stations, as well as over 50 varieties of wines and beers. In 2012, the Party was held on five Saturdays from 7:30 to 10:00 PM. Tickets ranged from $145 to $270 per person (plus tax, gratuity included). This is a highly sought-after event so keep checking back this summer on the Food & Wine Festival page I highlighted above for information on the 2013 Party. Last year booking began on August 14th for all events. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378).
We are Annual Passholders and LOVE the Tables in Wonderland (TiW) card! The TiW card cannot be used at the Food & Wine Festival events; however, the card is accepted at virtually all the table-service restaurants in Epcot's World Showcase and Future World (as well as at many of the resort hotel and theme park restaurants). The TiW card is available for purchase by eligible Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Florida residents.