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Mom and Daughter at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Room
  • On Jun 2, 2013
    Alicia Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How does the Food and Wine Festival work? Are there free samples and tastings or are there charges for everything you do? We will have an 8 and 11 year old with us. Will it interest them at all or is it geared more for adults? Thank you.

    Alicia,

    No, they don't have free samples, per se. The basics of the festival are as follows;

    Food Stands: Temporary stands are placed around the World Showcase featuring 3 or 4 foods from that particular stand's theme. These are the real heart of the festival, offering wonderful views into different cuisines. Usually the theme is a country or region, but sometimes it is a food type, like Cheese. These foods are sold in smaller bites, just big enough to be shared, but not a full entree. Costs are typically between $3 to $5 per serving, though alcoholic beverages are regular size, and full price like you would pay in a bar or lounge.

    Festival Center: There is a festival center (located in the Future World area of Epcot) that sometimes has free samples, but nothing regular or extensive. It is more of an elaborate information booth.

    Special Events: At the festival center and other locales there are extra events like demonstrations and tastings that are typically an extra cost, reservation event. The are fun, but not something you have to do to enjoy the overall Festival.

    As to your children, I would say that they should get into some of the new flavors, though they may not think it is the most exciting thing they do on their vacation. My 5 and 7 year old thought it was cool last year that their Mom and I ate snails, but otherwise thought it was just another day at Epcot. You don't need to avoid it because of them, but don't expect them to be wowed by it either, unless of course they are real foodies!

    BOTTOM LINE: It is a very special event, and worth your visit. Make a meal out of 'surfing' the stands and sharing a lot of little plates with your family so you can try lots of different foods. Just be ready after dining to move on to some attractions for those kids!

    Have a magical (and delicious) vacation!
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Meet the Panelist: Doug, Indiana

I am one of the Dads on the planDisney Panel, and I love to help parents plan their vacation, with a focus on showing them how it can be fun for them too. I am also here to help Dads plan some nice surprises for the Moms in their life (they deserve it!). Learn More About Doug

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