*2013* epcot food & wine festival 9/27-11/11

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

This is minor compared to booking events, and I'm sorry if its already been covered, but that chase email had the lounge opening at 11? This was our first stop last year to pick up wristbands. I'm hoping this doesn't mean no more wristbands!

Just read it again...it's moved to the American adventure pavilion. That explains the opening time!

But there is no notice of wristbands... I am hoping they aren't gone, but....

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As for the Chase thing, as far as I am concerned it had better not be all events. I just was approved for 2 hours off work Tuesday. Not Monday. I won't be calling from the subway so that will let out any sort of calling at 7 AM Monday. Some of those signature meals have very small capacities, 10-30 people. How much of a mess would it be if they fill all of those up with Chase Visa holders and there is nothing left Tuesday.

I tend not to believe that the WDW DINE cast members really know anything about anything, so the fact that a WDW DINE cast member said it was all events doesn't really phase me.

Your bigger problem is that based on today my belief that Disney's IT shop knows nothing was reinforced. So if they "open" an event the CMs will book it.....regardless of what was "suppose" to happen!

 

[HelenParr]

I had no luck this morning -- on hold too long at work and gave up.

But just called 10 minutes ago and had zero phone wait. Booked the 2 beverage seminars I wanted.

CM had to be convinced there were noon, 2p, 4p events -- she was on Culinary list (depsite that I was aksin baout beverage seminars) and just kept saying "there's only 1, 3 and 5" But she went and checked, and came back on informed.

 

[herb102211]

I went and looked. Sweet Sunday.... which also was not suppose to open until Tuesday but.... It's Disney, we should have expected this!

I wonder how many other people were able to book these events before they were supposed to open up on Tuesday?

 

[TDC Nala]

Between the combination of failing IT, confusing offers and clueless phone agents, it'll be a wonder if anybody gets anything booked that they wanted.

 

[donnishobson]

The Disney IT is wonderful. The website says my annual pass expires in 2030! It expired at end of 2012.

 

[swandiverpatt]

There's no event called Sweet Sensations. Does it refer to Sweet Sunday or to the 3D Dessert Party? People have been booking the 3D Dessert Party today even though it was not supposed to open up until Tuesday.

I'm happy I'm getting to pour wine at these events again this year! It's such a fun venue!

 

[horselover]

I just read on the food blog that Buddy Valastro will be there again this year.

My DS would love to see him, but it says it was $99 for the seminar. Is that the only way to see him? I was hoping he would be at a booth. I think a couple of years ago they had a cannoli booth.

Does anybody know?? Thanks for any info.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

If you just want to see him assuming the cooking stage is set up the same way it's been the last 2 years you can just sit or stand near the ledge directly across from the stage. I did this event 2 years ago & many people just stood outside to watch. After the Sweet Sundays event Buddy also did a book signing. Again assuming they still do it the same way. Arrive at the festival center right after park opens. They were handing out wrist bands for the book signing. If you had a wrist band you were guaranteed a signing. They lined up people with wrist bands first then general public. From what I understand Buddy did stay until everyone got through the line. He was so nice. I got a great picture with him. His desserts were delicious too! There was no cannoli booth that I saw anywhere. AFAIK the only way to taste his food is at a ticketed event.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The Disney IT is wonderful. The website says my annual pass expires in 2030! It expired at end of 2012.

Print it off and see if they will let you in.

I always think my IT guys are bad... and then I remember Disney and we look good. Of course we have 5 people total....

 

[smile4stamps]

I saw posted that someone was not able to use Disney Gift Cards to purchase. Can anyone say they WERE able to use Gift Cards? I need to call but want to be able to use gift cards!

 

[TDC Nala]

You can usually use gift cards to purchase ANYTHING that is operated by Disney.

 

[herb102211]

If you just want to see him assuming the cooking stage is set up the same way it's been the last 2 years you can just sit or stand near the ledge directly across from the stage. I did this event 2 years ago & many people just stood outside to watch. After the Sweet Sundays event Buddy also did a book signing. Again assuming they still do it the same way. Arrive at the festival center right after park opens. They were handing out wrist bands for the book signing. If you had a wrist band you were guaranteed a signing. They lined up people with wrist bands first then general public. From what I understand Buddy did stay until everyone got through the line. He was so nice. I got a great picture with him. His desserts were delicious too! There was no cannoli booth that I saw anywhere. AFAIK the only way to taste his food is at a ticketed event.

Buddy did the Kitchen Memories event last year and then he did a book signing after that as well. As the PP said, he was super nice and stayed until everyone in line had their books signed.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a wristband. They only gave out 15 or so last year for the Friday book signing (they cut off the line for the wristbands right before us). I figured they would have given out more but he was able to get through the wristband and standby line in the hour he was signing.

 

[gwynne]

I saw posted that someone was not able to use Disney Gift Cards to purchase. Can anyone say they WERE able to use Gift Cards? I need to call but want to be able to use gift cards!

You should be able to. When it comes time to pay, I would probably just tell the CM, I will be paying for this purchase with my gift card, let me know when you're ready for the #.

It avoids the whole, will you allow me to or not discussion.

 

[smile4stamps]

Is there a list somewhere of events that are supposedly sold out?

 

[TDC Nala]

Nope. No list yet. Disney Food Blog will often note sold out events, but they haven't noted any yet.

Just on this thread, the Buddy Valastro demo is reported sold out as is the 10/29 Cat Cora.

 

[DLR29]

For the early bookings on Monday does it have to be a Disney VISA or just a Chase VISA?

 

[TDC Nala]

Ad says "Cardmembers." But it is an ad from Disney Visa specifically. As to what the answer is about other Chase VISA cards? Don't know, can't tell from the ad.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

For the early bookings on Monday does it have to be a Disney VISA or just a Chase VISA?

It says Disney Visa and I don't see this offer on my SW Chase Visa listing.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

For the early bookings on Monday does it have to be a Disney VISA or just a Chase VISA?

Per the e-mail it says "with your Disney Visa Card"

 

[cdtommie]

I think we're just going to go on the assumption that it's now all events on Monday so I'm going to get to work before 7AM (ugh) to use the office phone while Mrs Cdtommie will take the home phone assignment...probably asking for clarification from Disney over the weekend would be fruitless.