Fall, Firsts, Food And The Final Frontier TR - UPDATED 11/11 - COMPLETE!! - Page 15 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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The light show on the Tree of Life is really stunning. Glad you enjoyed it! Now I can't wait to hear about your first experience at the F&WF.
It was quite stunning and I could have spent even more time there! I look forward to sharing this first time experience at the F&W Fest. It should be my second upcoming post!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Monday, October 17th (Part I) Today, was going to be a very exciting day as I was going to have my first ever experience at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. You don’t know how much I was looking forward to this. This was a good part of the reason I decided to go to WDW in October rather than March to May, which is the usual plan.
I woke up at around 7 am and got ready for my day. I went downstairs to The Pickup and got my usual breakfast of a small coffee, slice of pound cake and an Oikos strawberry yogurt, which I brought back to my room to enjoy. I got everything I needed for my long day ahead and took the elevator downstairs and walked to the bus depot outside. I only had to wait about five minutes or so as a Disney Springs bus arrived around 8:30 am. This bus also stops at Studios, but Epcot was the first stop, which was good!
It was an uneventful trip to Epcot with only one stop at the Doubletree Suites next to my hotel. We arrived at Epcot at 8:50 am, which I was happy about as I’d make it for rope drop. There was quite a crowd in front of me as the Magic Band stations were not open yet as the brief opening ceremony was going on. It took a while, but the big line finally moved and I scanned my Magic Band within a few minutes.
Epcot crowd at rope drop
Once I got inside Epcot I walked around a bit and took in the big Food & Wine Festival display. I liked these a lot and took some photos.
Love Chef Mickey on top!
I must always take a photo of this on each trip!
My first Fastpass+ was already ripe for 9:05 am and I began to walk towards The Land for the newly revamped Soarin’ Around the World. I was interested in whether I’d like this new version, but the reviews I’ve read have been quite positive.
Another of my favorites in Epcot and especially at night.
Shortly, I arrived at The Land and headed inside for Soarin’ Around The World.
SPOILER ALERT!!!! (For Those Who Don’t Want To Know) I arrived downstairs in the pavilion and scanned my Magic Band. There were already a lot of passengers in the FP+ line and it was about five minutes until we walked to the end and were separated for each bay. I was in bay 2 and row 2. The film outside was enjoyable as it showed the international destinations you’d be seeing. The rest of the film was the same with Captain Patrick. They probably should have changed this a bit.
Once it started, we began our flight around the world and it was quite cool flying over these international landmarks. There were several of these I’ve visited in person, which was quite surreal to see including Sydney Harbor and Bridge with the Opera House, Eiffel Tower and Monument Valley. I love this new version and it is so well done. I was getting a bit tired of the California version as it was a bit worn and the film was in poor shape with many blotches in it. Other highlights included the Arctic with the polar bears, Great Wall of China, Matterhorn and Iquazu Falls in Brazil. The new experience is a winner!
Once, the ride ended, I exited and made the long walk back to the entrance. I checked the standby wait time, which was only twenty minutes and I decided to ride it once again. It was more like 15 minutes, so not too bad. This time I was in bay 1 and row 1, which was nice. Someone said on the board recently (on Cheryl's TR) that if you’re on the left side the Eiffel Tower bends as the camera pans up it. I certainly noticed this. Soarin’ was great the second time and I noticed more details from my prior experience. One thing, I thought would have been great to add to this film are the lava flows on Hawaii’s Big Island. But, I guess they can’t put in everything!
END of SPOILER ALERT!!! We now return to our regularly scheduled Trip Report!
Once I exited The Land I walked towards the Festival Center as I had to pick up my tickets for my culinary demonstration later today.
Too bad most of the experiences inside are now closed as this is one of my favorite things to do in Epcot.
Shortly, I arrived near the Festival Center and took a few photos before going inside.
A lot of people don’t like Ellen’s Adventure inside, but I enjoy it.
I walked inside and looked for the information desk, where I’d pick up my tickets for my seminar at 2 pm. It was easy to find as just down the stairs to the left. There were a couple of people in front of me, so I had to wait just a few minutes. I got my tickets and the CM checked my name off the list. Next, I did some exploring inside the festival center and check out the various wine displays, merchandise, seating areas for the seminars and other things.
This is where my culinary demonstration will be held. They’re setting up for the 12 pm seating.
Mine is at 2 pm with renowned chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road and who also has a couple of PBS programs.
I went inside the small theater and watched this enjoyable 10 minute film on wine. Just a history of the vine from the late Fall to the next harvest and the whole process with growing the grapes, weather, picking the grapes and producing the wine. It runs continuously.
Wine shop in the Festival Center
I explored for a while and checked out a lot of the Food & Wine Festival merchandise. I didn’t buy anything yet, but just deciding what I wanted to get later in the week as I didn’t want to carry it around all day. I don’t think they ship to the Disney Springs resorts, so I’d have to make my purchases at the end of one of my Epcot days. These items are only available here and throughout other kiosks in Epcot and not online at the Disney Store. There were a couple of things I was interested in purchasing later.
Once, I finished here I walked outside and to my next Fastpass+ and Mission Space. I rode the orange side. The wait for standby was five minutes for the green side and fifteen minutes for the orange side. I always enjoy this ride and today was no different.
Once, I exited the attraction, I realized I had forgotten to do something at the Festival Center. I needed to purchase a $200 gift card, which I wanted to use at the various food kiosks at the Food & Wine Festival. So, I walked back to the Festival Center to get this. There were a few people ahead of me in line and one couple were taking so long as they couldn’t comprehend how to use a gift card! The CM had to explain it to them several times! Shortly, it was my turn and I got my gift card for $200. This came with a lanyard and commemorative Food & Wine Festival medallion. This would be a lot easier than using cash or a credit card for each purchase at the kiosks. I also don’t have resort charging privileges as I’m not staying at a WDW resort.
I began to walk toward the World Showcase and begin my first experience with the Food and Wine Festival. This is going to be a lot of fun with such a variety of international cuisine and beverages to try!
NEXT: This Is Quite Gross And Not What I Was Expecting!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 01-08-2017 at 11:53 PM..
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Looks like a great start to the Festival! Wow, I couldn't get over how many people were at rope drop for a Monday morning!
It was quite a big crowd for a Monday morning but the line moved pretty fast. I'm all prepared to begin the festival and just a matter of experiencing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
I'm so glad you loved the new Soarin'!! We thought it was terrific! Beautiful photos of Epcot and I can't wait to hear about the F and WF!!!
I loved Soarin' and can't wait to ride it again in October! Will be diving head first into the F & W Fest. in my next post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start to your experience at the F&WF! Love the pictures!
Just becoming familiar with the Festival Center first and next will be the actual eats and drink at the festival! Glad you are enjoying the photos!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Great start to the day! Definitely a busy morning at Epcot, wow!
It was fairly busy but manageable and I'm sure the F & W Fest had a lot to do with it. Had a great time in Future World!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147
How wonderful to be able to tour solo this much. I look forward to your impressions of the FWF.
It's a lot of fun going solo with no one to dispute what you want to do as you're the boss of the situation! The festival will be coming up in next update!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
We too really loved the upgrades to Soarin'. Such beautiful scenery! Smart move to get the F&WF gift card since you didn't having charging privileges. Let the feasting and drinking begin.
Looking forward to hearing about your wine seminar and all your food tastings!
It's actually a culinary demonstration. The food sampling will be coming up in the next update and you shouldn't be disappointed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
We too really loved the upgrades to Soarin'. Such beautiful scenery! Smart move to get the F&WF gift card since you didn't having charging privileges. Let the feasting and drinking begin.
I was quite impressed with Soarin' and love it better than the original! I thought the gift card was a good move and thanks to DFB for some great Festival tips! I can't wait to show my eating and drinking around the WS.....and there will be a lot!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
$200, I think that's plenty to spend on F&W goodies.
You'd be surprised how fast it goes, once you start hitting the food booths. I think it was the appropriate amount to have on the card.
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
About This Page: 
I look forward to sharing this first time experience at the F&W Fest. 
It should be my second upcoming post! 
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There was quite a crowd in front of me as the Magic Band stations were not open yet as the brief opening ceremony was going on. It took a while, but the big line finally moved and I scanned my Magic Band within a few minutes. 
I was getting a bit tired of the California version as it was a bit worn and the film was in poor shape with many blotches in it. 
Other highlights included the Arctic with the polar bears, Great Wall of China, Matterhorn and Iquazu Falls in Brazil. The new experience is a winner! 
Someone said on the board recently (on Cheryl's TR) that if you’re on the left side the Eiffel Tower bends as the camera pans up it. I certainly noticed this. 
Soarin’ was great the second time and I noticed more details from my prior experience. One thing, I thought would have been great to add to this film are the lava flows on Hawaii’s Big Island. 
I needed to purchase a $200 gift card, which I wanted to use at the various food kiosks at the Food & Wine Festival. So, I walked back to the Festival Center to get this. There were a few people ahead of me in line and one couple were taking so long as they couldn’t comprehend how to use a gift card! 
Shortly, it was my turn and I got my gift card for $200. This came with a lanyard and commemorative Food & Wine Festival medallion. 
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