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Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Kicks Off a Day Early with First Bites Opening Reception

By Scott Joseph
Published: October 1, 2010 at 2:52 PM
The 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival officially kicks off today. But there was a new event added to the lineup that got things rolling last night: First Bites Opening Reception. Actually, the day before the opening has always been an unofficial preview day; many locals and EIF&WF aficionados know that they can get a head start on sampling from the country kiosks set up around the World Showcase. The day before is like a preview for a Broadway show, it’s a chance to work out the kinks before “opening night.”

But First Bites was different, an experiment of sorts. It was born out of a preview the Disney Culinears held for media last year. Then, a number of us were invited into the kitchen space deep in the bowels of the World Showplace venue to sample some of the new dishes and wines that were featured in 2009. Afterwards, the event planners thought it was the sort of thing that could be offered to the public. The paying public, to be precise. Was it worth the $195 (plus entrance fee)? Here's my answer.

Readers' Opinions

From Russell Meyer on October 2, 2010 at 6:28 AM
We'll be there in a little more than a week. I've already heard that snack credits can be used on ALL kiosk food items, including the $7.25 lobster roll!!! We'll be doing the Party for the Senses on October 16. This is by far one of the best special events that Disney does each year.
From Joshua Counsil on October 4, 2010 at 3:19 PM
Sounds a bit too expensive for my tastes. For that price, I could enjoy a meal at Victoria & Albert's.

Good report, Scott.

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