We have breaking news this morning. At last, Disney has opened up reservations for next fall. Disney fall 2021 vacation packages are now available.
Winter Icicle Castle (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
As you may already be aware, next October will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. There are many refurbishment projects currently underway, intended to spruce up the parks and resorts for Disney’s big 50th Anniversary. We are all hopeful that by next fall, many of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 will be lifted, and we’ll all be able to fully enjoy the complete Disney experience.
Spaceship Earth (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
Many guests have been waiting for Disney fall 2021 vacation packages to book their 2021 Disney vacations because they want to be on Disney property during the celebration. There are also thousands of Disney fans (my family included!) that had to cancel their 2020 vacation plans due to the impact of Covid-19. These fans have been anxiously waiting for Disney to open up fall 2021 vacation packages.
Enjoy Animal Kingdom at Night (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney Fall 2021 Vacation Packages Available NOW
Today is the day. Vacation packages and resort reservations are now available from September 27, 2021 through December 31, 2021. If you are interested in booking your Disney fall 2021 vacation, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Disney Parks)
If you think you might want to visit Disney next fall, I highly encourage you to book sooner rather than later! Disney is going to be applying the full court marketing press, and doing their best to make sure that EVERYONE wants to be at Disney World next fall.
I was at Disney for the 45th Anniversary and it was PACKED! Hotels were at full capacity for most of that fall, and dining reservations were super tough to get. It’s better to lock in your plan early–even if you may need to make changes later.
Work with a Travel Agent
One of the (many!) benefits of working with an authorized Disney vacation planner is that we have direct access into the Disney systems. We often have access to unpublished or limited discounts not available to the general public. If you book your vacation through an authorized Disney vacation planner, and Disney releases a discount later that would save you money, we can go in to their system and apply that discount to your package. (As long as final payment has not been made.)
Linda and Brooke with Mickey and Minnie at Animal Kingdom
Working with a Disney vacation planner does not cost you ANYTHING. We are paid by Disney. But by working with me, you have my expertise, Disney love, and hundreds of amazing vacations on your team. This can be a challenging time to navigate planning a Disney vacation. Let me help make it magical!
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. Did you get this week’s Disney Parks News Update? Check it out here.
Walt Disney World has a new ticket available for a limited time. Called the Mid-Day Magic Ticket, these tickets offer a discount for guests that visit after 12 p.m. Available now through December 15, these tickets are perfect if you prefer a shorter day. Targeting guests not staying on Disney property, guests purchasing these tickets will be able to secure afternoon and evening FastPass+ reservations (based on availability) 30 days before their start date.
Photo: Disney Parks
One Park Per Day
The Mid-Day Magic Ticket are available for one park per day, valid for admission after 12 p.m. They do require a start date when purchasing, and are available in 2, 3 or 4 day increments. As with other Disney tickets, the more days you purchase, the less each day costs.
Here are the prices:
2 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $176 total plus tax ($88 per day). Expires four days after the start date.
3 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $252 total plus tax ($84 per day). Expires five days after the start date.
4 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $316 total plus tax ($79 per day). Expires seven days after the start date.
Advantages of Mid-Day Magic Tickets
If you are someone who likes to sleep in, or go golfing or to the pool in the morning, this new Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be a good fit for you.
If you’re planning a trip for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year, and plan to spend your days mostly at Epcot, this Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be a good value for you, especially if your interest is mostly food and wine and World Showcase, as opposed to Future World attractions.
Photo: Disney Parks
If your family has a hard time getting going in the morning, and you find it challenging to make it to the parks before noon, this might be the perfect ticket for your family.
If you like to do Character breakfasts at the resort hotels (for example, Chef Mickey’s), and/or prefer to explore resorts in the morning, this Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be the right ticket for you.
Chef Mickey’s Photo: Brooke Hudson
If you are a night owl, and prefer to stay in the parks as late as possible, you may like this Mid-Day Magic Ticket.
This is a full access, regular park ticket. So you can visit all attractions, parades, shows, nighttime entertainment and restaurants–as long as you go after 12 p.m.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Photo: Disney Parks
Disadvantages of Mid-Day Magic Tickets
Generally, if you’re staying on Disney property, tickets purchased with your vacation package are the better deal, especially if you want to take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours.
Crowds are usually heaviest at mid day, continuing through early evening.
In-park character breakfasts are out of the question.
Shortens the time you have available to spend in the parks.
Park Hopping is NOT an available option at this time.
Mid-Day Magic Tickets Available Now
These tickets are available for purchase now. Email me, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com, if you’d like to purchase Mid-Day Magic Tickets today!
What do you think of this idea? I think it’s a great idea for people that prefer to visit the parks later in the day, and spend their mornings doing other activities (like sleeping!). If this proves to be a popular option, I suspect Disney will expand it, and continue to offer it after December 15.
Happy Tuesday, Everyone! Disney has made an exciting announcement today–FREE DINING IS BACK!! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Disney has released another free dining promotion for 2019. It is fairly unusual for Disney to release this many free dining promotions in one calendar year. I suspect Disney is not seeing the reservations for Fall and Winter this year they’d expected.
If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Disney this fall or winter for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, or to enjoy the winter holiday magic at Walt Disney World, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK.
The Details
Guests booking a five night/six day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a Disney resort, along with a Park Hopper park ticket are eligible to add free dining to their package.
Package must be booked BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019.
This offer applies to packages for guests arriving during the following windows:
September 1 through September 18, 2019
November 17 – November 27, 2019
December 8 – December 23, 2019
Surprisingly, if you look at the dates above, you can see that you would be able to book a trip that includes Thanksgiving (as long as you arrive by November 28) or Christmas (as long as you arrive by December 23). That’s CRAZY unusual for a free dining promotion!
Magic Kingdom Train Station (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Guest who book stays in Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts or Disney Deluxe Resorts will be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan. Guests booking visits in Disney Moderate Resorts or Disney Value Resorts will be eligible for the Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Note: Not ALL resorts are included in this promotion and availability for this promotion IS LIMITED.
Resorts Included In Free Dining Promotion
Old Key West Resort (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Eligible Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort (after it opens, December 16, 2019)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Eligible Disney Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Eligible Disney Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites Only)
Disney’s All Star Music Resort (September Dates Excluded)
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (September Dates Excluded)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort (September Dates Excluded)
The Fine Print
The number of rooms available for this promotion is LIMITED.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Minimum 4 night length of stay; minimum four day theme park tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase. Meal reservation availability is not guaranteed with this promotion.
Children ages 3 – 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if there is a children’s menu available at the chosen restaurant.
Gratuities are not included.
Character Meals ARE included in the Disney Dining Plan! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Guests staying in Value or Moderate Resorts will be eligible for the Quick Service Dining Plan. Guests Staying in Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan. Guests wishing to upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan may do so by paying the difference between the two plans for each guest on the reservation.
Don’t Care About Free Dining? Here’s ANOTHER Great Offer from Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort (Artist Rendering:Disney)
Disney also released an up to 20% off promotion for rooms at select Disney Resorts. Reservations must be booked by September 29, 2019. Most nights between September 1 and September 28 are included. Most Sunday through Thursday nights between September 29 and November 7 are included.
The up to 20% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts may also be booked by December 24, 2019 for stays most nights, November 10-December 24.
20% Discount Tier
20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, most nights September 1 – September 28, most nights November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
15% Discount Tier
15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Moderate Resorts. Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
10% Discount Tier
10% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts, select Disney Moderate Resorts and select Value Resorts. Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s All Star Music Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort(November 10 – December 24 only)
The Fine Print for this Room Only Discount
The number of rooms available for this promotion is limited.
Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room.
This offer can’t be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Theme park admission is NOT included.
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Florida Resident?
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Florida residents can save up to 25% at select Disney resorts from September 1 to December 24 when they book by December 24, 2019. Note: the number of rooms available for this offer is limited. Proof of Florida residency will be required at check in.
25% Discount Tier
25% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% Discount Tier
20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Moderate Resorts are participating too. Moderate Resorts listed below are offering a 20% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24. Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (15% Discount)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (15% Discount)
15% Discount Tier
15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Value Resorts listed below are offering a 15% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24. Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All Star Music Resort
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Fine Print for Florida Residents
Proof of Florida residency is required at check in.
This offer can’t be combined with any other promotion or discount.
This offer does not include theme park admission.
Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults are staying in the room.
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Free Dining, Room Only and Florida Residents, Oh MY!!!
So, in a nutshell, there are a lot of discount offers available for you if you are considering taking a trip to Disney World this Fall or Winter. There is a LOT to think about, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which discount (or which meal plan, for that matter) is best for you and your family.
That’s where working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can help. It doesn’t cost YOU anything, and I can take care of all the headaches you don’t have time or desire to take on. I can help determine which package is best for you, and I can help with your trip planning as well! I can even help with meal reservations and Fast Pass bookings. Working with me will save you time, headaches, aggravation AND money.
Reach out today, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com. I’d love to help you plan your next Disney dream vacation.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. – If you’d like to read more on the difference between the dining plans, and what you should consider when deciding if Free Dining is right for you, please check out the following posts:
This year marks the 24th year the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival dominates the fall season at Walt Disney World. The 2019 Epcot Food & Wine Festival will be the longest festival ever, at 87 days!
Long celebrated as a great way to try lots of different international cuisine, wines and beers, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival invites guests to explore the “international” aspect of World Showcase at Epcot.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Photo: Disney Parks)
This year’s Festival begins August 29, 2019, and will run through November 23, 2019. The Festival is anchored by 30 Global Marketplaces throughout World Showcase. There are world flavors for everyone of all ages to discover. There are Global Marketplaces featuring food and beverages from all over the world. The choices are not limited to the nine countries already featured in World Showcase. Every year, there are returning favorites and new adventurous flavors to try.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Another highlight from the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Every night, from August 29 – November 19, a band will play at the America Gardens Theatre. Sundays – Thursdays, the shows are at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, showtimes are 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm and 9:00 pm. Epcot admission is required to attend any of the shows; however, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series itself is included with your park admission.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series. (Photo: Disney Parks)
As you might imagine, seating is limited, and guests often line up early to try and get seats. However, the music carries to the area immediately around the America Gardens Theatre, and it’s not unusual to see people standing around the area, enjoying the music. Sometimes, you’ll even see people dancing!
Not all the acts for this year’s Festival and been released yet, but a lot of them have. There are some new acts this year, along with a lot of returning favorites.
Here’s the current list and schedule (subject to change).
Plain White T’s
August 29 through 31
Sawyer Brown – NEW!
September 1 through 2
MercyMe
September 3 through 4
Grace Kelly – NEW!
September 5 through 6
Zach Williams – NEW!
September 7 through 8
Lauren Daigle – NEW!
September 9 through 10
Jimmie Allen – NEW!
September 11 through 12
TBD
September 13 through 15
The Allman Betts Band
September 16 through 17
Everclear
September 18 through 19
STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
September 20 through 22
Post Modern Jukebox
September 23 through 24
Blue October
September 25 through 26
Mark Wills
September 27 through 29
Sugar Ray
September 30 through October 2
TBD
October 3 through 9
Boyce Avenue – NEW!
October 10 through 11
Southern Avenue – NEW!
October 12 through 13
TBD
October 14 through 15
38 Special
October 16 through 17
Baha Men
October 18 through 20
Billy Ocean
October 21 through 22
Sheila E
October 23 through 25
High Valley
October 26 through 27
Hanson
October 28 through 30
Sheena Easton
October 31 through November 1
Kris Allen – NEW!
November 2 through 3
Boyz II Men
November 4 through 6
The Hooters
November 7 through 8
Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy
November 9 through 11
TBD
November 12 through 18
DCapella – NEW!
November 1
Eat to the Beat Dining Package
If there is a particular band you love, and you REALLY want to make sure you get guaranteed seats for one of their shows, there are Eat to the Beat Dining Packages available. You can reserve Eat to the Beat Dining Packages for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a variety of Epcot restaurants. For a small premium, your meal will include guaranteed seating for a particular show on the day of meal. Eat to the Beat Dining Packages are available to book now!
Note: If you choose NOT to book an Eat to the Beat Dining Package, it does NOT mean you won’t get a seat. You just won’t have a guaranteed seat. You’ll have to wait in line with all the other non-dining package guests, and hope that you get to the front of the line before all the seats are full. This is a lot easier for some acts than others. If one show is super crowded, try the next show. It may be less crowded. Generally, the later shows are more popular than the early show.
Future World Gets in on the Action
Not to be left out of the global extravaganza that is the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Future World participates with a “Disney du Jour Dance Party”. This weekend Dance Party has been so popular in years past, Disney has expanded it to seven days a week for this year’s Festival. Sundays through Thursdays, a Disney DJ will manage the Dance Party, and on the weekends, stars from Radio Disney with add a little extra excitement with live performances. So far, only the opening weekend guest has been announced; Meg Donnelly from the Disney Channel original movie Zombies.
Food & Wine Festival Special Events
Throughout the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, there are a variety of culinary demonstrations and educational seminars. Celebrity chefs and well known personalities from the world of international cuisine will host culinary demonstrations throughout the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Many of these demonstrations and talks will be included with your park admission. In addition, there are a variety of extra special events that are offered; however these extra special events require reservations and cost extra.
Beverage Seminars
Reservations are required for this 45 minute seminar. It’s held at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion, located between United Kingdom and Canada. Epcot admission is required, and the additional cost per person for this event is $19 per person, plus tax.
The Beverage Seminars are held some Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the Festival at 4:30 pm. These Seminars are hosted by sommeliers, cicerones and other beverage experts. They will share their knowledge and offer samples for you to taste. Depending on the seminary, you might learn about state-of-the-art winemaking, brewing or distilling techniques.
Note: Alcohol will be served to guests 21 and older. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Cheese Seminars
Reservations are required for these 90 minute seminars, held on select Saturdays throughout the Festival. Seminars are held at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion from 9:45 am – 11:15 am. Epcot admission is required; the additional cost per person for each of these events is $95, plus tax (gratuity included).
These seminars are hosted by distinguished cheese experts. The seminars are designed to educate guests about the different textures, aromas, and flavors of popular cheeses from all over the world. Guests will have the opportunity to sample artisanal cheese selections paired with complementary wines or craft beers.
Topics include:
New World Cheeses and Old World Wines (September 14, 2019)
Mediterranean Cheeses and Wines (September 28, 2019)
Great British Cheeses and Ales (October 5, 2019)
Italian Cheeses and Wines (October 12, 2019)
French Cheeses and Wines (October 19, 2019)
The Great Cheeses and Wines of the Western United States (October 26, 2019)
Season’s Best Cheeses and Wines (November 9, 2019)
Note: Alcohol is served exclusively to guests aged 21 or older. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Party for the Senses
For many food and wine connoisseurs, one of the highlights of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the Party for the Senses. The Party for the Senses is a special ticketed evening event featuring tasting stations, live entertainment, elegant decor and acclaimed chefs and personalities. More than 20 renown chefs are featured. International musical artists Femmes of Rock are returning this year, following their popular debut at this event in 2018. Reservations are required for this special evening event, held on select Saturday nights during the Festival. Book your reservations now.
Epcot admission is required, in addition to the event ticket.
The event is held on select Saturdays at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. The World ShowPlace Events Pavilion is located between the United Kingdom and Canada in World Showcase.
There are two seating options, with pricing between $229 and $359 per guest plus tax, gratuity included, based on which seating option you choose.
Category #1: Wine View Lounge
Category #1 is the VIP option, and priced at $359 per guest plus tax, gratuity included. Your Wine View Lounge admission provides early access to the event at 6:30 pm.
Your VIP event ticket includes a private, premium reserved table. When you arrive at your table, you will find an amuse-bouche and a welcome beverage. Your early entrance offers a special briefing from the chefs and a special phot opportunity. The Wine View Lounge has exclusive premium bar service and artisanal cheeses available only for the VIP guests with Category #1 event tickets. Your ticket will also include a special premium wine glass and an additional gift as your souvenirs of the elegant evening.
Also included in this VIP option is complimentary Minnie Van service to transport ticketed guests from their resort hotel to the event and return service at the end of the event. Alternatively, if you are already in Epcot on the day of your event, complimentary transportation will be provided from the Main Entrance to the event.
Category #2: Reserved Seating
Category #2 includes reserved seating on the main floor of the event. These tickets are priced at $229 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Your ticket will include a specialty welcome beverage as well as an event exclusive wine glass. Your ticket will allow you access to the event from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Note: Alcohol is only served to ticketed guests aged 21 or older. Events and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
For runDisney fans, an annual highlight of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This year’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is October 31 through November 3, 2019.
The Half Marathon and 10K races both go through the Walt Disney World Resort, and feature Disney characters and Disney style entertainment throughout each race. A very popular post-race party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival concludes the race weekend.
RunDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. (Photo: runDisney)
The runDisney race fun begins with the Disney Fall Feast 5K on November 1, 2019. The Disney Wine & Dine 10K is on November 2, 2019, followed by the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on November 3, 2019. Not to be outdone by other runDisney race weekends, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend includes a special Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge. The Two Course Challenge combines the 10K on Saturday with the Half Marathon on Sunday. Successful Two Course Challenge finishers earn a special Disney Two Course Challenge medal, plus both Half Marathon and 10K medals. Registration is required for the Disney Two Course Challenge to be eligible for this special medal.
Wine & Dine Half Marathon (Photo: runDisney/Disney Parks)
SOLD OUT!
ALL races for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend are already sold out, including the Disney Two Course Challenge. It is still possible to register however through participating charities, or through the purchase of special Walt Disney World Vacation packages. Contact your travel agent (I’d be happy to help!) to learn more.
To learn more about these or any other runDisney events, visit runDisney.
Epcot’s Most Popular Event
Epcot is wonderful to visit at any time of year, but it has become especially well known for its Festivals. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts dominates the beginning of each year at Epcot, running mid-January through late February.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
My personal favorite, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, premiers each year in early March and runs through the first few days of June.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Photo: Disney Parks)
Then comes the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the topic of this article, followed by the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. I promise to do an article about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays soon.
It is the fall Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that is the most popular Epcot festival, however. The ever popular “drink around the world” informal drinking challenge that many adult guests love to complete takes on a whole other level when attempted during the Food & Wine Festival.
Have you ever visited the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Are you planning to visit this year? Please like this post and comment below. I’d love to hear your plans for this year’s Festival.
