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

[BwoZoo22]

Remember you may not get any of the same dishes. The menu changes each week

Yeah, but I can dream...

My wine glasses from last year are doing great. ( except for the one I dropped and broke). I got the stemless ones and I would estimate they have all been in the dishwasher at least twice a month or so

We have those too, and absolutely love them. The art on them feels more like a painting then a sticker.

 

[conandrob240]

We would never do reserved seating and none of my gripes or complaints were about the crowds or the " stampede" at the beginning as some like to call it. That part is fine and I still think greatly exaggerated to make owe paying $50-100 more feel justified in that.

My gripes were about the party itself. The quality of food was way down. Save for 1 or 2 items, there was nothing I wanted to go back for more of. Almost every winery was from CA. Not much variety in the wines. The performance by Cirque was not what it usually is. One acrobatic segment and the rest was just music. Good music but just music. I enjoy the Cirque piece so this was a disappointment. By adding reserved seating, more space was taken up and they cut the number of standing hi- tops way back. This made it no longer a viable cocktail party but more like a buffet/ banquet. Not what it is supposed to me but all the people clamor ing and griping for years about tables finally got their way and made it into a different type of event.

Now, it is possible we just had a week where the offerings weren't things we personally loved. We head back again on Saturday night so I am hoping my review will be that the food was great and there were lots of things we loved. Let's see.

And, BTW, the grapefruit beer is absolutely out of this world good. And if you get there early enough, the glasses they were giving away were awesome and far, far, nicer that the F&W event wine glasses.

 

[supersuperwendy]

We have a few different cooking, wine and mixology demos in a few days...

Where do I check in for them? Do I receive tickets? Can I get all of the tickets at once for the whole week?

 

[woodleygrrl]

We would never do reserved seating and none of my gripes or complaints were about the crowds or the " stampede" at the beginning as some like to call it. That part is fine and I still think greatly exaggerated to make owe paying $50-100 more feel justified in that.

My gripes were about the party itself. The quality of food was way down. Save for 1 or 2 items, there was nothing I wanted to go back for more of. Almost every winery was from CA. Not much variety in the wines. The performance by Cirque was not what it usually is. One acrobatic segment and the rest was just music. Good music but just music. I enjoy the Cirque piece so this was a disappointment. By adding reserved seating, more space was taken up and they cut the number of standing hi- tops way back. This made it no longer a viable cocktail party but more like a buffet/ banquet. Not what it is supposed to me but all the people clamor ing and griping for years about tables finally got their way and made it into a different type of event.

Now, it is possible we just had a week where the offerings weren't things we personally loved. We head back again on Saturday night so I am hoping my review will be that the food was great and there were lots of things we loved. Let's see.

And, BTW, the grapefruit beer is absolutely out of this world good. And if you get there early enough, the glasses they were giving away were awesome and far, far, nicer that the F&W event wine glasses.

ok, I second all of this. My husband and I went to our very first party for the senses this past saturday. We have been going to F&W for the past five years or so and this is the first time that we made reservations for this event. We had the general admission tickets as the reserved ones were sold out when I wanted to buy them. which by the way? was on the first day that annual passholders and DVC members could make reservations. Anyway, we got to the event about 7:35 and all ready all of the seats and ledges were taken.

it was very very crowded and hot. Double that with having to hold onto your plate your glass and your small plate of food, it was very annoying. The food itself was not all that special. I was having better tastes at the booths the previous day! We noticed that there were some empty seats about an hour into the even with no purses or coats saving space. I had to sit down after standing for an hour, so we did. Well got forbid we sit at a table in the NON-RESERVED section for a few moments because we got told that those seats were taken in no short order by a group of 5 that had gone up to taste more food.

now I will loud talk as loud as the next person, but I wasnt going to get down to their level.

anyway, last time we do this. what a waste of money!

Jennifer

 

[disneynme]

ok, I second all of this. My husband and I went to our very first party for the senses this past saturday. We have been going to F&W for the past five years or so and this is the first time that we made reservations for this event. We had the general admission tickets as the reserved ones were sold out when I wanted to buy them. which by the way? was on the first day that annual passholders and DVC members could make reservations. Anyway, we got to the event about 7:35 and all ready all of the seats and ledges were taken.

it was very very crowded and hot. Double that with having to hold onto your plate your glass and your small plate of food, it was very annoying. The food itself was not all that special. I was having better tastes at the booths the previous day! We noticed that there were some empty seats about an hour into the even with no purses or coats saving space. I had to sit down after standing for an hour, so we did. Well got forbid we sit at a table in the NON-RESERVED section for a few moments because we got told that those seats were taken in no short order by a group of 5 that had gone up to taste more food.

now I will loud talk as loud as the next person, but I wasnt going to get down to their level.

anyway, last time we do this. what a waste of money!

Jennifer

I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. We may try PFTS again, but I hope the food will be better next time. I really expected to be wowed, but it didn't happen. I did enjoy a few glasses each of the Heitz and Silver Oak wines, though. Those are very good, expensive wines.

 

[BeerMe]

Where do I check in for them? Do I receive tickets? Can I get all of the tickets at once for the whole week?

You get the tickets at the Festival Center on the day of the event - there's a counter right near the entrance. You then get in line for the event. They are all in the Center too. There a couple of places they are held and there are small signs for them.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

ok, I second all of this. My husband and I went to our very first party for the senses this past saturday. We have been going to F&W for the past five years or so and this is the first time that we made reservations for this event. We had the general admission tickets as the reserved ones were sold out when I wanted to buy them. which by the way? was on the first day that annual passholders and DVC members could make reservations. Anyway, we got to the event about 7:35 and all ready all of the seats and ledges were taken.

it was very very crowded and hot. Double that with having to hold onto your plate your glass and your small plate of food, it was very annoying. The food itself was not all that special. I was having better tastes at the booths the previous day! We noticed that there were some empty seats about an hour into the even with no purses or coats saving space. I had to sit down after standing for an hour, so we did. Well got forbid we sit at a table in the NON-RESERVED section for a few moments because we got told that those seats were taken in no short order by a group of 5 that had gone up to taste more food.

now I will loud talk as loud as the next person, but I wasnt going to get down to their level.

anyway, last time we do this. what a waste of money!

Jennifer

Now you know why I pay for a table the "rude" reserve the "free" tables. I didn't want to fight over a table with the "rude"

And I know both posters who are unhappy have complained about the tables but in Disney's defense it's what is selling. Looking at the sold out listing on the Disney Food Blog it's the reserved and Wine View that's selling out, not the general admission. And it's been that way for the last few years. Disney is just reacting to demand. When people like me called and were told "no reserved tables" we didn't move down to a general admission we just said "no thanks" so... Disney increased supply to meet demand (and yes I did not go a few years ago simply because I could not get a reserved table)

 

[ElizabethB]

Dh and I gave up on the PFTS years ago. And, our F&W Festival friends whom we met at one of the first festivals and who go every year to the Festival also gave up on it years ago. They were at the most recent one on Saturday night due to receiving free last minute tickets from a couple that couldn't go. They said it was nothing special, the stampede for general admission seating was awful and they simply would never pay to do it.

 

[MDavis82]

Hello Everyone, I have combed blogs on the WWW, trip reports and the like, I am hoping to find anyone may have gotten some photos of me proposing to my girlfriend at the Oct. 5th Sister Hazel concert (3rd set @8pm). Please let em know if you have any or have possibly seen or know people that were at that show.

If you'd like to email me please do so mdavis82 at gmail

Thank you!

 

[ashleyrm]

Well, still hoping to enjoy our PFTS on 10/26 even after reading the less than stellar reviews. Did it 9 years ago and thought it was fabulous. We have paid for the reserved seating and I see that it says: Check-in: Wine View Lounge podium at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.

My question is this: If (and that's a big IF) we decide to go to see 38 Special with the special seating for PFTS, I am assuming it is the 5:30 show. Do we need to stop somewhere and get passes or something to get the special seating?

Thanks!

 

[BwoZoo22]

Well, still hoping to enjoy our PFTS on 10/26 even after reading the less than stellar reviews. Did it 9 years ago and thought it was fabulous. We have paid for the reserved seating and I see that it says: Check-in: Wine View Lounge podium at World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.

My question is this: If (and that's a big IF) we decide to go to see 38 Special with the special seating for PFTS, I am assuming it is the 5:30 show. Do we need to stop somewhere and get passes or something to get the special seating?

Thanks!

You will need to check in for the PftS to get your wristband prior to the concert. I believe it is the 6:45 concert.

 

[donnishobson]

The CM who took my reservation said it is the 5:30 concert and to line up ar 4:45

 

[ashleyrm]

The CM who took my reservation said it is the 5:30 concert and to line up ar 4:45

That makes more sense. The 6:45 concert would be a little late for the 7:15 entrance time for the reserved seating.

So there will be CMs at the Millenium building (or whatever they call it) early in the day doing check in for PFTS and giving out wristbands for the concert?

 

[conandrob240]

Again, to be clear, we have loved PFTS every year but this one. We always do general admission and have never had an issue with crowds or finding a hi-top to lean at for a minute to cut a piece of meat. It was more crowded than usual this year. Far fewer hi tops and far more rude people who think they can hunker down and command a table or hi top all night. Offerings weren't, IMO, knock your socks off great like they usually are. And Cirque was reduced ànd disappointing. We had a so-so time. If we feel the same way after this Saturday's party, we will probably skip it ( and maybe F&W all together) next year after attending for 6 or 7 consecutive years.

There is usually an attended table right at the far left entrance to EtTB concert where you can check in for PFTS.

 

[woodleygrrl]

Agreed. I think we are done with F&W for a bit, too. part of the problem this year was that we went on a holiday weekend. the crowds were crazy-train. When I have to wait about 20 minutes at any of the popular booths to get a bite, there is a problem.

I had way better food at some of the signature dining restaurants this time then waiting on line at the booths. Unless the quality returns, then I will just go some other time of year and pass on this event.

Jennifer

 

[ashleyrm]

Again, to be clear, we have loved PFTS every year but this one. We always do general admission and have never had an issue with crowds or finding a hi-top to lean at for a minute to cut a piece of meat. It was more crowded than usual this year. Far fewer hi tops and far more rude people who think they can hunker down and command a table or hi top all night. Offerings weren't, IMO, knock your socks off great like they usually are. And Cirque was reduced ànd disappointing. We had a so-so time. If we feel the same way after this Saturday's party, we will probably skip it ( and maybe F&W all together) next year after attending for 6 or 7 consecutive years.

There is usually an attended table right at the far left entrance to EtTB concert where you can check in for PFTS.

Thanks for the info about the check-in. Hoping that since the last time we went was in 2004, we will enjoy the party for what it is. I can certainly understand getting burned out if doing the whole F&W thing every year for 6 or 7 years...

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Again, to be clear, we have loved PFTS every year but this one. We always do general admission and have never had an issue with crowds or finding a hi-top to lean at for a minute to cut a piece of meat. It was more crowded than usual this year. Far fewer hi tops and far more rude people who think they can hunker down and command a table or hi top all night. Offerings weren't, IMO, knock your socks off great like they usually are. And Cirque was reduced ànd disappointing. We had a so-so time. If we feel the same way after this Saturday's party, we will probably skip it ( and maybe F&W all together) next year after attending for 6 or 7 consecutive years.

There is usually an attended table right at the far left entrance to EtTB concert where you can check in for PFTS.

That's what happened to me a few years ago and that was hwy I said "no mas" to the party until I moved to reserved seating. People were almost coming to blows over tables.

And honestly that year I thought the same thing "food and wine weren't very good"

Looking back I really think that my table issue soured me on the rest of the event. Being around jerks tends to make my food taste bad LOL!

I am concerned with the reviews this year since last year when I walked around it seemed to me there were lots more tables and not near the "crowding" I had seen the last time I gave it try (I probably took 3 years off?)

 

[PK56]

Can anyone tell me if the souvenir steins are sold in the Festival Center? My son plans to buy one with a 22oz beer, but would like another one to have a set.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Can anyone tell me if the souvenir steins are sold in the Festival Center? My son plans to buy one with a 22oz beer, but would like another one to have a set.

There are beer glasses sold in the Center but they do not match the steins sold with the beer

 

[OtherFigment]

Anyone know if you can order wine sampled at the festival after you get home? We figured we could buy the ice wine from the Canadian pavilion at home and not have to worry about shipping. Got home and can't find it anywhere around us!