WDW Daily News

Chase today announced that as part of its multi-year agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S., it continues as the presenting sponsor of the Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival. Guests attending this marquee culinary event can experience cuisine from around the world, taste specialty wines and spirits and enjoy daily live entertainment.

The 19^th Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase, running from September 19 through November 10, 2014, will again offer Chase debit and credit cardholders, including Disney Visa^® cardholders, exclusive access to the Chase Lounge at the Festival.^* The lounge, located on the third floor of the American Adventure Pavilion within the Epcot^® World Showcase, offers an inviting space to relax, enjoy complimentary beverages and charge personal devices at an increased number of charging stations, among other amenities exclusively for Chase customers. The lounge will be open daily during the record-setting 53 day Festival from 11 a.m. to park close.

Celebrated for its inspired food-and-beverage marketplaces, high-energy concerts and premium dining events, the Festival will sizzle with a variety of ethnic and specialized marketplaces. Guests will be able to pair wines, beers, cocktails and “mocktails” from many countries as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival “passport” souvenirs.

Celebrity and Disney chefs will present culinary demonstrations, and beverage experts will host daily wine tastings and mixology seminars for a nominal fee. Eat to the Beat concerts starring pop bands from several decades will rock the festival party each evening.

“We are delighted to again offer an exclusive lounge for our cardholders attending this one-of-a-kind event,” said Steve Pamon, head of Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Chase. “Located in the center of the Festival, the lounge is a great place for customers to rest, recharge and relax while making their way around the world of Epcot.”

The sponsorship of the Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival extends Chase’s long-term relationship with Disney that includes the Disney Premier Visa^® Card, Disney Rewards^® Visa^® Card and Disney Visa^® Debit Card. All Disney Visa Cards offer access to amazing perks 365 days-a-year when visiting Walt Disney World^® Resort and the Disneyland^® Resort, including a Character Meet ‘N’ Greet at a private Cardmember location and special savings at Disney’s U.S. Theme Parks and Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com. Cardholders can also choose from various magical card designs featuring some of the most beloved Disney Characters.

Disney fans who are interested in Chase’s Disney card products can apply online at Chase.com/Disney or by visiting kiosks located at Epcot^®, Downtown Disney^® area and Magic Kingdom^® Park.

*Theme Park admission to Epcot^® is required.

Walt Disney World has scaled back one of its newest events, Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights Live.

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Walt Disney World Resort guests can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and enjoy the vibrant cultures, flavors and fun of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina and Chile during the 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase Sept. 19-Nov. 10.

The popular 53-day culinary extravaganza will welcome guests to a global tasting event that includes a Puerto Rico experience featuring popular island sips and bites, the new Patagonia marketplace with flavors from Argentina and Chile and the popular Mexico marketplace. The festival, which also will present Hispanic and Latin culinary stars hosting dining events and demonstrations, launches soon after National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15.

Celebrating Hispanic and Latino Americans’ contributions to the United States since 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month is steeped in the centuries-old traditions that reflect the ethnic and cultural customs of their communities.

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JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season blends the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and inspirational music with the sounds of jazz, R&B and urban music daily from November 28 – December 29 at the Future World Fountain Stage.

Several live-entertainment acts are being discontinued at Epcot, Walt Disney World has announced.

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Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions Walt Disney World Resort, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Performances are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.*

Jodi Benson 11/28 – 11/29
Neil Patrick Harris 11/30 – 12/2
TBD 12/3 – 12/4
Whoopi Goldberg 12/5 – 12/6
TBD 12/7* – 12/8
TBD 12/9 – 12/11
TBD 12/12 – 12/14
Sharon Stone NEW! 12/15 – 12/17
Ana Gasteyer NEW! 12/18 – 12/20
Marlee Matlin 12/21 – 12/23
TBD 12/24 – 12/25
TBD 12/26 – 12/27
Steven Curtis Chapman 12/28 – 12/30

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice. *Show Times on December 7 are 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. only.

Guests may purchase Candlelight Dining Packages to reserve a seat at the Candlelight Processional. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal, a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances and a pre-arranged location for fireworks viewing. Guests may call 407.WDW DINE for reservations or visit www.disneyworld.com. Availability is limited.

Epcot Food & Wine Nights LIVE!

Located between the United Kingdom Pavilion and World Showcase Plaza, Epcot Food & Wine Nights LIVE! includes six complimentary menu items from several Festival marketplaces, live music, entertainment and a DJ. This after-hours party brings music and food together for a delicious end to the day.

Epcot Food & Wine Nights LIVE! takes places from 9:45 p.m-1 a.m Tuesday and Thursday nights Sept. 19-Nov. 10, 2014. The cost is $79 per person, plus tax.

Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for Guests who have purchased credentials to the event. However, if your Client wants to visit Epcot prior to 9 p.m., valid theme park admission is required. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older.

Event is subject to capacity and advance reservations are recommended. Please call 407-939-3378 to book.

Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package

Exclusive to Disney Resort hotel Guests, the Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package offers an exciting bundle of experiences created just for the epicurean adventurer. This brand-new event takes place from noon-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during a select period of the Festival, Sept. 22-Nov. 6, 2014.

Upon arrival, guests will receive an in-room gift bag featuring a select bottle of wine, a Festival wine glass, delicious truffles and a Premium Package Area credential. They’ll also receive an Epcot Food & Wine Festival-themed MagicBand, as well as a $50 gift card to start their culinary discovery.

Plus, the credential gives guests access to 10 VIP Premium Package Areas located around World Showcase Promenade where they can order items from select Marketplaces and have them delivered right to them. They can also bring back favorite marketplace treats into the Premium Package Areas and just relax. This package also includes access to Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights LIVE!, which guests can attend on Tuesday or Thursday nights.

Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package costs $199 per person, plus tax, plus Epcot admission. Please call 407-939-1889 to book.