Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are getting a number of perks for the 2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, including special gifts, early access to merchandise and access to reserved seats for concert seating.
The festival runs from August 30 to Nov. 12, 2018. The 75-day festival features more than 30 global dine-around marketplaces circling the World Showcase Lagoon and stretching into Future World.
Here’s what passholders can expect:
Festival gifts
There are two Chef Mickey-inspired gifts available. One for the first visit and one for the fourth visit to the festival. On your first visit, receive a complimentary Passholder magnet to add to your collection. And on the fourth visit, there is a complimentary, Passholder-exclusive cutting board. These will be available at the theatre across from The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, located in the Festival Center. Disney will be able to keep track of your park entry.
Thank you Thursdays
Passholders can attend special, early-access shopping events at Epcot on select Thursdays during the Festival. At these V.I.PASSHOLDER events, you can:
enjoy early access to Epcot from 8 to 9 a.m. and be among the first to purchase the newest releases of Passholder-exclusive merchandise at The Festival Center and at Mouse Gear
Purchase mimosas from the Festival Center to enjoy during the event
The dates for the events are August 30, 2018, September 20, 2018, and October 18, 2018.
Festival merchandise
Exclusive festival merchandise for annual passholders will be released during the special Thank You Thursdays. Here’s what will be released each of those days:
Thursday, August 30: Releases will feature a Figment t-shirt and cinch sack, a beverage pitcher and 2 glasses featuring Figment and Minnie Mouse
Thursday, September 20: Releases will feature a Goofy raglan tee, a ladies fashion tee and 2 glasses featuring Mickey Mouse and a fun Festival tagline
Thursday, October 18: Releases will feature a Remy hoodie and Remy Tervis drinkware.
Concert seating
Passholders can pick up a wristband for dedicated seating at a same-day concert performance for each of the Eat to the Beat concert series.
To pick up a wristband you can visit the America Gardens Theatre.
You must present a valid Passholder ID and government-issued photo ID at time of wristband pick up.
Wristbands are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be distributed up to one hour prior to the performance or until they have all been distributed for the day.
Wristbands will be redeemed in the Passholder designated line at the America Gardens Theatre prior to the showtime.
Please be prepared to arrive to your designated show at least 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled performance.
