Food & Wine Extravaganza! Oct 2010 PTR...including BONUS Dec 2010 PTR!

[jenny105]

Thanks! I'm rather partial to it myself


Though guess what showed up online today? Yep! My wallet! Oh well, I got it IN WDW!!
http://www.disneystore.com/dooney-b...ook-wallet-by-dooney-bourke/p/1265509/313202/

I got the email of all things D&B Disney today. So much that I want!

 

[Simba22]

Has anyone seen the new Verizon ad where the family is in the MK, Mom has the phone and Dad leaves and goes on Dumbo?
Have you noticed that when they shoot at the castle Partners is missing?? It drives me bonkers....it doesn't make sense! Why would they do that!?!

I've seen the commercial but I didn't notice that the statue was missing...I'll have to look for that now....That is irritating though...why take it out?

You may notice I have a weight loss ticker in my signature. My current goal is to lose 34 pounds and I just started Weight Watchers. I'm hoping that by having it there for the world to see will help me stay focused.

OK I can't see your pictures because I'm at work and they filter out images but either way, congrats on joining WW! I started in February and I have lost 15lbs so far. This week, I actually stopped counting points and just went with it...so far I am doing pretty good. I am just trying to maintain the "schedule" that I built up over the last couple of months. I measure out my cereal in the morning, bring 2 small snacks and a Smart Ones or a Lean Cuisine for lunch, and then eat dinner when I get home. My goal was to lose 30lbs by the time I go back to Disney in October. If I can lose MORE that would awesome, but I'm halfway to my goal so as long as I get to that 30, I'll be satisfied! Good luck! And don't get frustrated! It's harder some days than it is on others!

Oh, and btw: I've already decided that I'll cheat on my Disney trip. I can't be going to V&A's and worrying about how many points I'm eating

I've already decided the same thing! I'll probably lose 30lbs between Feb - October and gain it all back in the 10 days I'm in Disney!! Especially considering my ADR list.....

Check this out: http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney...atting-guests-disneylands-toontown-literally/

I heard about that but I hadn't seen the video...At first I thought it would be cool but now I'm not so sure. What if it starts shorting out while Mickey is talking to a kid and all the sudden he starts sounding like a Speak-n-Spell?

And I am DYING to get a D & B Disney bag! I know you can buy them online (and I think I read that they will sell them at the new Disney Store when it opens in NYC this year) but it's not the same as getting it IN Disney World. I'm hoping to convince my DBF to buy me one...maybe and early anniversary present?

I just called and added in my flight information so that DME will pick us up and drop us off! All my ADRs are made...just need to pay this sucker off! Only 158 days to go!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Just wanted to say hello and that I'm subbing! I'll have to come back to get caught up.

This is our first time during F&W Festival, so I'm sure I'll be getting some great tips from you!

 

[BippityBoo]

I am SO on board with the weight loss thing!! Same thing as you..I don't look bad...just have not worked out in forever due to time issues.I am going to loose weight before our trip. Keep me motivated

 

[franandaj]

I am going to go to F&W at Disneyland next year. I will be interested to compare the two.

I wonder if what they'll do this year will be the things they have planned for WDW...hmmm... I'm keeping an eye on it

The two are totally different mainly because of CA heath law restrictions, so no kiosks, but the two Festivals have been "linked" together now. I learned this from the CA Festival Director with whom I am aquainted. At the last Dinner I attended ("Brewmaster") a couple weeks ago, he remarked that "normally he hates having his picture online, but the one I posted, he thought he looked OK!" The Director of the Festival is reading MY F&W Review

But what he mentioned later in the evening is that now both the Festivals are linked so that everything has to be approved through Disney, all marketing materials, brochures, web postings, artist talent, etc. That's why it took so long to release the schedule for CA this year. They will probably share the same theme again like they did last year. This year is totally generic, "The Art of Flavor". Last year both had some sort of World in their title CA was World Celebration (I know because I see it every night when I have my glass of wine out of the glass they gave us at Taste - our Party for the Senes)

I'm getting impatient, I want that F&W schedule released!! There's not much to do until it gets released besides sit here and twiddle my thumbs!

I know just how frustrating this is!

Also congrats on your weight loss. My Doctor just put me on a very strict diet 10 days ago...doesn't she understand that we are smack dab in the middle of F&W? I hope you reach your goal by the time you get there!

Looking foward to hearing all about it!

 

[onelilspark]

I got the email of all things D&B Disney today. So much that I want!

I would buy everything. Then I'd be broke (or have poor credit )

I've seen the commercial but I didn't notice that the statue was missing...I'll have to look for that now....That is irritating though...why take it out?

Exactly. It makes no sense!

OK I can't see your pictures because I'm at work and they filter out images but either way, congrats on joining WW! I started in February and I have lost 15lbs so far. This week, I actually stopped counting points and just went with it...so far I am doing pretty good. I am just trying to maintain the "schedule" that I built up over the last couple of months. I measure out my cereal in the morning, bring 2 small snacks and a Smart Ones or a Lean Cuisine for lunch, and then eat dinner when I get home. My goal was to lose 30lbs by the time I go back to Disney in October. If I can lose MORE that would awesome, but I'm halfway to my goal so as long as I get to that 30, I'll be satisfied! Good luck! And don't get frustrated! It's harder some days than it is on others!

Thanks! It's going really well so far, and it's pretty easy to stick to. I'm encouraged!

I've already decided the same thing! I'll probably lose 30lbs between Feb - October and gain it all back in the 10 days I'm in Disney!! Especially considering my ADR list.....

I think it would be torture.

I heard about that but I hadn't seen the video...At first I thought it would be cool but now I'm not so sure. What if it starts shorting out while Mickey is talking to a kid and all the sudden he starts sounding like a Speak-n-Spell?

It would be pretty hilarious. Not to the kid though

And I am DYING to get a D & B Disney bag! I know you can buy them online (and I think I read that they will sell them at the new Disney Store when it opens in NYC this year) but it's not the same as getting it IN Disney World. I'm hoping to convince my DBF to buy me one...maybe and early anniversary present?

True. I was disappointed that I saw them online right after I got mine, but I would have still wanted to buy it IN Disney!

I just called and added in my flight information so that DME will pick us up and drop us off! All my ADRs are made...just need to pay this sucker off! Only 158 days to go!

I know DME gets a bad rap, but since I've tried it, I love the service. And you can't beat FREE!

Just wanted to say hello and that I'm subbing! I'll have to come back to get caught up.

This is our first time during F&W Festival, so I'm sure I'll be getting some great tips from you!

Thanks for joining! I have a dining report up from last year's F&W Fest. I just love it!

I am SO on board with the weight loss thing!! Same thing as you..I don't look bad...just have not worked out in forever due to time issues.I am going to loose weight before our trip. Keep me motivated

WeightWatchers is going really well. On Sunday, my designated "weigh-in" day (I'm doing it online only-no meetings for me) I lost 6 pounds! It's a great start and it's easy to follow, so here's hoping I'll reach my goal by October!

The two are totally different mainly because of CA heath law restrictions, so no kiosks, but the two Festivals have been "linked" together now. I learned this from the CA Festival Director with whom I am aquainted. At the last Dinner I attended ("Brewmaster") a couple weeks ago, he remarked that "normally he hates having his picture online, but the one I posted, he thought he looked OK!" The Director of the Festival is reading MY F&W Review

But what he mentioned later in the evening is that now both the Festivals are linked so that everything has to be approved through Disney, all marketing materials, brochures, web postings, artist talent, etc. That's why it took so long to release the schedule for CA this year. They will probably share the same theme again like they did last year. This year is totally generic, "The Art of Flavor". Last year both had some sort of World in their title CA was World Celebration (I know because I see it every night when I have my glass of wine out of the glass they gave us at Taste - our Party for the Senes)



I know just how frustrating this is!

Also congrats on your weight loss. My Doctor just put me on a very strict diet 10 days ago...doesn't she understand that we are smack dab in the middle of F&W? I hope you reach your goal by the time you get there!

Looking foward to hearing all about it!

That must be sooo frustrating! Seriously, F&W is important!

On the bright side, if everything is linked, it should stand to reason that the info for WDW should be released sooner. I mean, since it's already in full swing at DCA. Right??

 

[onelilspark]

News!

Apparently they've announced 2 new kiosks for this year at the F&W Fest, Belgium & South Korea! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/05/16/belgium-south-korea-2010-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

Also, the new restaurants in Mexico and Italy should be opened by October! So of course now I need to decide if I want to switch any ADRs! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/...angel-werthers-comes-to-epcot-and-other-news/

...And to complicate things, I just read that Le Cellier might be upgrading to a signature restaurant! Oy. Don't get me wrong, Le Cellier is tasty, but it's not spectacular. If this happens, and if a menu price increase accompanies it, we'll have to seriously consider going. http://wwww.examiner.com/x-38263-Di...aurant-rumored-to-upgrade-to-Signature-Dining


In other news, we put in our application for adopting a puppy on Saturday! The rescue has 4 puppies that are Lhasa Apso/Maltese mixes. There are 3 girls and a boy. I've got my fingers crossed that we'll be accepted! I should know by this weekend (hopefully!) So I'll be on edge until I hear back!!!

 

[franandaj]

On the bright side, if everything is linked, it should stand to reason that the info for WDW should be released sooner. I mean, since it's already in full swing at DCA. Right??

I think the "linking" of the Festivals was more in celebrity talent, marketing and theming. They are two completely different styles of Festivals. We don't have kiosks or an international component to our Festival, there is no "stroll and savor" aspect to the CA Festival. All of our small plates are served from one kitchen (food police technicality), they also set up a beer & wine bar next to that kitchen so you can have a drink with your small plates.

Our Festival is much more wine based. Whereas Epcot has the PFTS every week with a different theme, we have Winemaker Dinners every week (some weekends there were two). We have one PFTS at the end of the Festival. It features the Chefs of all the restaurants at DLR and each one makes a dish supposedly representative of their style of cuisine. We have these things in DCA called "Wine Walks" (and a Beer Walk) probably since the kiosk thing won't work here. The wine walks you can taste a few different wines for one price. One is CA wines and the other "other regions".

Of course there are wine & spirit demos, and cooking demos those are very similar between the two Festivals, and perhaps a lot of the National Demos like Dole are linked so that National purveyors participate at both Festivals. But when Sunny Anderson canceled, they brought in a guy from Wahoo's Fish Tacos which started in Costa Mesa, I doubt that they would have him do a demo in FL, I don't think Fish Tacos are very big out there, although I could be very wrong. In CA you find a fish taco place on almost every other corner!

But with Epcot's Festival you can have a great time without attending any signature events or demos. You can stroll through the countries, grazing on the little plates and have a great time. In CA I think if you aren't doing one of the dinners, Sweet Sundays, Wine Tastings or IMHO many of the Signature events you're missing out on the fun. Oh yeah, we have the Cooking School and there isn't anything like that in the Epcot version. Too bad! I would sign up in a heartbeat!

Anyways, that's my take on things.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

All caught up!

Thanks for the F&W updates!

When would the conference at BonnetCreek be? I have a co-worker that may be going down with her DH in August while he has a conference there. I'm going to help her do some last-minute planning soon if she decides to hitch along with him!

 

[onelilspark]

I think the "linking" of the Festivals was more in celebrity talent, marketing and theming. They are two completely different styles of Festivals. We don't have kiosks or an international component to our Festival, there is no "stroll and savor" aspect to the CA Festival. All of our small plates are served from one kitchen (food police technicality), they also set up a beer & wine bar next to that kitchen so you can have a drink with your small plates.

Our Festival is much more wine based. Whereas Epcot has the PFTS every week with a different theme, we have Winemaker Dinners every week (some weekends there were two). We have one PFTS at the end of the Festival. It features the Chefs of all the restaurants at DLR and each one makes a dish supposedly representative of their style of cuisine. We have these things in DCA called "Wine Walks" (and a Beer Walk) probably since the kiosk thing won't work here. The wine walks you can taste a few different wines for one price. One is CA wines and the other "other regions".

Of course there are wine & spirit demos, and cooking demos those are very similar between the two Festivals, and perhaps a lot of the National Demos like Dole are linked so that National purveyors participate at both Festivals. But when Sunny Anderson canceled, they brought in a guy from Wahoo's Fish Tacos which started in Costa Mesa, I doubt that they would have him do a demo in FL, I don't think Fish Tacos are very big out there, although I could be very wrong. In CA you find a fish taco place on almost every other corner!

But with Epcot's Festival you can have a great time without attending any signature events or demos. You can stroll through the countries, grazing on the little plates and have a great time. In CA I think if you aren't doing one of the dinners, Sweet Sundays, Wine Tastings or IMHO many of the Signature events you're missing out on the fun. Oh yeah, we have the Cooking School and there isn't anything like that in the Epcot version. Too bad! I would sign up in a heartbeat!

Anyways, that's my take on things.

All we've done in the past is stroll around Epcot. Last year we did our first seminar and I can't wait to try another! To be honest, I'm not sure I'd like DCA's version....unless of course we did the seminars & wine dinners!

All caught up!

Thanks for the F&W updates!

When would the conference at BonnetCreek be? I have a co-worker that may be going down with her DH in August while he has a conference there. I'm going to help her do some last-minute planning soon if she decides to hitch along with him!

Our national meeting is at the end of September, literally the week before I had my trip planned! I'm hoping that my company will pay for my return airfare too

 

[franandaj]

All we've done in the past is stroll around Epcot. Last year we did our first seminar and I can't wait to try another! To be honest, I'm not sure I'd like DCA's version....unless of course we did the seminars & wine dinners!

I've done a wine and a beer dinner and have one more wine dinner left plus Taste. I've only done one seminar thus far, but I hope to get to two more (at least!)

However, the Cooking School makes the whole thing worth it!

 

[onelilspark]

I've done a wine and a beer dinner and have one more wine dinner left plus Taste. I've only done one seminar thus far, but I hope to get to two more (at least!)

However, the Cooking School makes the whole thing worth it!

I'm looking forward to the announcement of the F&W "Signature" Dinners (like a wine dinner.) I'm hoping the Jiko one will fall over our stay!

 

[onelilspark]

More news! From the All Ears Newsletter... Bolding is mine, it's the stuff I'm excited about! And my comments will be in purple, stuff from the newsletter is in blue.

There was also a lot of news concerning the 2010 Food and Wine Festival:

-- This year's theme will be "Delicious Discoveries."
-- Two big new events were announced: 1) Delicious Discoveries First Bites, to be held on September 30, is a sneak peek before the festival opens with food and beverage samplings from the marketplaces, wine seminars, culinary demos, and entertainment. This will be a "hard ticket" event at the Festival Center, but there is no price info as yet; 2) 3D Delicious Dessert Discovery will be held every Thursday evening. This will be a dessert reception featuring both "action and prepared stations of sweet enticements" paired with wine, cordials, and coffee, followed by exclusive IllumiNations viewing. Cost will be approximately $50 per person.

OMG! A DESSERT PARTY!

-- New in the International Marketplaces this year will be Belgium, featuring steamed mussels, as well as Singapore and South Korea. Also new this year will be a Marketplace Discovery Passport that can be picked up at the Festival Center. It will allow you to jot down tasting notes and keep track of where you visited. Each marketplace booth will have its own unique stamp for the book.

I'm so getting this passport. I'm collecting stamps!

-- Returning celebrity chefs this year include Cat Cora, Jamie Dean, and Robert Irvine, among others.
-- France will have Grand Marnier tastings.

Om nom nom...

-- There will be an entrance display featuring cakes; while World Showcase Plaza's display will have champagne to mark the festival's 15-year celebration.
http://allears.net/tp/ep/fw10/fw10_pre1.jpg
http://allears.net/tp/ep/fw10/fw10_pre2.jpg
-- Wine Pairings return to the France, Italy, Morocco and Japan pavilions.

More good news!

-- The Party for the Senses will continue with the VIP experience, but will eliminate the weekly themes, which were not popular with guests. Cirque du Soleil is in discussions to return as the entertainment for the events, but there is no contract yet.

And again! We might do Party for the Senses now!

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW!!! F&W sounds AWESOME this year I am SO excited to read about your experiences!! Lucky girl---

Thank you SO much for posting about LeCellier. Writing to see what you think about my situation...

I was going to book LeCellier for our Candlelight Processional Package in December, which requires two table services. If it switches to signiture dining, would mine still be two table service points, or will it be three?? I am so confused

 

[onelilspark]

WOW!!! F&W sounds AWESOME this year I am SO excited to read about your experiences!! Lucky girl---

Thank you SO much for posting about LeCellier. Writing to see what you think about my situation...

I was going to book LeCellier for our Candlelight Processional Package in December, which requires two table services. If it switches to signiture dining, would mine still be two table service points, or will it be three?? I am so confused

I'd be shocked if they made it 3 credits. I'd make it and have a back up plan so if they announce it, you'd be able to switch quickly. Hearing more of the rumor, it might not be until January that it switches. Or you know, it could be just a rumor!

 

[onelilspark]

Did anyone see Glee tonight? The last song was Miss Piggy's song in Muppet 4D I couldn't take it seriously! "Bean Bunny! What are you doing here?!"

 

[franandaj]

-- The Party for the Senses will continue with the VIP experience, but will eliminate the weekly themes, which were not popular with guests. Cirque du Soleil is in discussions to return as the entertainment for the events, but there is no contract yet.

And again! We might do Party for the Senses now!

Wow! Everything sounds so cool this year! I wish I was going, but I think we're going to have to make it an every other year thing. Our next trip is tentatively scheduled for Oct 2011. I wonder if the PFTS thing is part of the learning curve and they have figured out that by changing it every week they might lose people. We would have done it last year if we had been there the week after, it was "comfort food" or something like that, but the week we were there was something that didn't appeal to us at all. By making it one menu the entire time, guests who are staying for only one weekend can make a more informed decision.

The CA Festival is mostly populated by locals at least as far as the Wine Dinners and stuff in fact there are a lot of people who just sign up for every one. Those are the people with deep pockets. I had to pick and choose and still we spent too much!

 

[jenny105]

Thanks for posting all of this info! I can't wait for F&W!

 

[jenny105]

Did anyone see Glee tonight? The last song was Miss Piggy's song in Muppet 4D I couldn't take it seriously! "Bean Bunny! What are you doing here?!"

I thought the same exact thing!

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I saw by your post on the CSR thread that you have a PTR going. So here I am...now back to read and catch up on all the news.