September 24, 2015 - On the Go in MCO

The 20th Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off tomorrow and runs until November 16, 2015 and with so many new offerings (and days) added to the festivities I thought it was time for…

10 Things To Know On The Go:

2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

1. Admission

Admission to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is included with your daily admission to Epcot. And while the food, beverages, seminars, and other special events aren’t included there is a lot that is!

During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival you can enjoy Eat to the Beat Concerts, the new Back to Basics Series at the Festival Center, Celebrity Chef demonstrations, Celebrity Chef Book Signings, Marketplace Discovery Passport, and Festival Center entertainment & exhibits.

2. Marketplaces

It’s a good thing that the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is 53 days this year, because the Festival will feature 30 unique global marketplaces, located around Epcot’s World Showcase and for the first time in Future World, where you can try small plates of food and beverage pairings from around the world.

And before you explore, visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Center to pick up your Marketplace Discovery Passport to collect stamps and pick up a Festival Gift Card that you can conveniently wear around your wrist to make paying convenient.

3. Festival Center

The core of the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival can be found in the Festival Center located in the former Wonders of Life Pavilion.

You’ll find shopping, celebrities, demonstrations, exhibits, and more inside the Festival Center! I always like to start my visits at the Center to make sure I don’t miss anything!

Check out all the great things you will be able to find in the Festival Center here.

4. Eat to the Beat Concert Series

This year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series is full of great new artists and bands!,

Take a peek at the Eat to the Beat Concert Line-up:

David Cook – September 25-27, 2015
Wilson Phillips – September 28-29, 2015
Christopher Cross – September 30-October 1, 2015
Starship – October 2-4, 2015
Smash Mouth – October 5-7, 2015
The Pointer Sisters – October 8-9, 2015
38 Special – October 10-11, 2015
Rick Springfield – October 12-13, 2015
Sugar Ray – October 14-16, 2015
The S.O.S. Band – October 17-18, 2015
Air Supply – October 19-21, 2015
Fuel – October 22-23, 2015
Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24-25, 2015
Dennis DeYoung – October 26-28, 2015
Jo Dee Messina – October 29-30, 2015
Everclear (NEW!) – October 31-November 1, 2015
Boyz II Men – November 2-4, 2015
Sister Hazel – November 5-6, 2015
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7-9, 2015
Hanson – November 10-12, 2015
Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13-14, 2015
Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15-16, 2015

Daily show times for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series take place at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm in the American Gardens Theater.

Also new this year is the opportunity to book FastPass+ for the Eat to the Beat Concerts!

Note: All entertainment and artist appearances are subject to change without notice.

5. NEW: Remy’s Hide & Squeak

Building on the past success of the sticker based scavenger hunts in World Showcase, beginning September 25, while supplies last, take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and help Remy as he ventures around World Showcase at Epcot collecting ingredients for his signature dish, Ratatouille.

Maps and stickers can be purchased for $7.95, plus tax at Epcot – Disney Traders, Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Central, Port of Entry, and World Traveler (International Gateway) in the park.

Note: Maps, stickers and surprise available while supplies last. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits may apply.

Whether you choose to search for each ingredient or not, return your map to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16, 2015 at Port of Entry to pick up your surprise pin!

6. Cranberry Bog

After taking a year off the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog is back!

You can find the mobile Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog in its old place on the way to Future World as you walk to World Showcase from Spaceship Earth.

Make sure you take a moment to talk to the actual Ocean Spray farmers that you can often find in their waders inside who are excited to share their passion for this unique form of farming.

7. NEW: Rockin’ Burger Bash

New to the Festival line-up of premium events this year is the Rockin’ Burger Block Party.

Party the night away and savor specialty sliders and beverages created by Epcot Chefs and inspired by recording artists who have left their mark on the world of potables.

While you enjoy these scrumptious treats, a DJ spins their best tracks. Find “your” burger, “your” drink, “your” music, and then vote on your favorite burger of the night!

For one night only, October 8, 2015, the Emmy-winning talent from the daytime hit The Chew will serve as block party hosts!

You can find out more about how to attend this new party experience here.

8. Learn from Epcot Chefs and Celebrity Chefs

At the Epcot Food and Wine Festival you have the chance to learn from some of the most famous kitchens (including Epcot), restaurants, and cooking shows. These individuals make up an unbeatable collection of leading culinary experts.

Through special dining events and demonstrations, Guests will get the rare opportunity to see their magnificent skills in action and pick up tips from these maestros of mealtime.

You can find the full list of Chefs here, and events for chefs will vary. See the full schedule of events for details. Appearances are subject to change.

9. The Chew

For the first time ABC’s “The Chew” is leaving its Manhattan to broadcast from the 20th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The Emmy-Award Winning lifestyle series will tape five shows with co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz on October 7, 8 & 9 to air during the week of October 12 -16 on “The Chew.”

And while tickets may be sold out, you have a few more days to enter tickets from icFlorida!

10. Chase Lounge

If you are a Chase cardholders, you can visit the Chase Lounge in the American Adventure where you can grab a complimentary soft drink and try some interactive fun.

And these 10 Things To Know: 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival are just the tip of the iceberg! We’ll be bringing you tons of coverage during the Festival, so make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!