Food & Wine Festival Special Events - Booking Opens August 16th

The Disney Parks Blog has announced that Special Event booking for this years Food & Wine Festival is slated to open on August 16th at 7 a.m. EST.

Confirmed returning events are as follows:

• First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)

A "kick-off" event of sorts. Sample items from the Festival Marketplaces before they open to the public!

• “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)

A sumptious spread of sinful sweets (and spirits!) followed by VIP viewing of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

• Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)

Sample a variety of Grand Mariner varieties and cocktails, paired with a few "orange-inspired" desserts.

• Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)

Seminars conducted by various wine authorities.

• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)

Experience outstanding dining experiences at a variety of Disney Signature Restaurants.

• Kitchen Memories, formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)

Celebrity chefs prepare some of their signature dishes and answer questions in this interactive demonstration/seminar.

• Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)

Learn more about cheeses from around the world.

• Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5 and 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)

The cocktail party to end all cocktail parties. Dozens of delicious bite-sized items paired with more wines than you can think of. Also includes VIP seating to the Eat to the Beat Concert and Cirque du Soleil performances.

• Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)

Enjoy three small courses of ethnic foods paired with wines from the same nation. (Previous venues have included Morocco, Italy, Japan and Canada).

• Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 223, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

A buffet brunch and a selection of sweets prepared by some of the best pastry chefs in the world.