2007 International Food & Wine Festival (Marketplace Booth Details Now Available!)

[woolfcross]

I know people that work over there, and they say it is like pulling teeth to get higher ups to sign off on info that NEEDS to go out.

Would these people be willing to share the name/email address of one of these "higher-ups"? For that's really what we need. I just received the following email from guest services, which indicates they did not read my original email/do not understand the problem:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

Please go to the following webpage: (and here they directed me to the usual WDW URL). On the next page, click on the links of interest. Most of the performers are already listed under the Eat to the Beat Concert series.

We hope that this information will help you plan.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Lainie Weidner

The website link is the same one we've all been complaining about! This is yet another example of (surprising) incompetence on the part of Food and Wine management and those associated with it. I can't help feeling that if we could get word about this to people who count and could do something about it, this would change.

Using your contacts, can you post the name of such a person--or PM me with one? I'll be happy to "lead the charge"--but there's no point battling foot soldiers, who know no more than we do. Where's the General's tent?

 

[bnormant]

First post on the Dis. Feels good to have found it, but mostly registered to post out of shared frustration.

My girlfriend and I a saw information regarding new Jiko signature wine dinners. They had one in september, two during the food and wine festival, and one in december and were supposedly already taking reservations. We called Disney Dining to inquire and nobody knew anything about them. They said they must just be for the food and wine festival and to call back on August 6th.

A couple of days ago, we saw another post regarding these dinners and that they were accepting reservations. She called again and this time she was told that they were already full, at least the one in October. She explained that we called several weeks ago about these and nobody knew anything about them. The only response she received was "sorry".

Add this to our frustration over the lack of details for this year and the seemingly total disregard for people who try to plan their whole trip around these events, and you get two very disappointed disney-philes. I hope this lack of organization and regard does not carry over to the events themselves. We went last year for two weeks and had a wonderful time with no issues. The only problem was we couldn't get the Jiko dinner last year either so we were determined to get it this year, especially since we'll be staying at AKL this year.

On a side note, in response to Cinderella Fan and Kabuki, we went to Sweet Sundays with Keegan Gerhard, an Equisite Evening with several chefs, and a food and wine pairing with Beringer wines. Loved the first two, worth every penny. The food and wine pairing was neither here nor there. Some good tips on how specific food tastes such as sweet, sour, and spicy can affect wine flavor, but we will not repeat this year. Probably good for wine beginners.

 

[kabuki]

On a side note, in response to Cinderella Fan and Kabuki, we went to Sweet Sundays with Keegan Gerhard, an Equisite Evening with several chefs, and a food and wine pairing with Beringer wines. Loved the first two, worth every penny. The food and wine pairing was neither here nor there. Some good tips on how specific food tastes such as sweet, sour, and spicy can affect wine flavor, but we will not repeat this year. Probably good for wine beginners.

Thank you for responding to me on these events. We are trying to figure out what would be the best things to attend beside the PFTS.

I am also sorry to hear you have been blocked out of the Jiko dinner because of miss-information provided by Disney. My husband and I share your hope that this behavior does not extend into the events and festival itself. We have attends 6 of teh last 7 years and love going but have never felt this frustrated by the whole thing.

 

[fwm]

The Jiko dinners are not part of the Food & Wine festival. I believe they are part of the Disney Dining Experience. You may have had to call a separate number on the invitation.
I am not sure why having a schedule out almost 2 months before the festival starts is incompetence. Since all events are paid for at the time of reservation it makes sense to have the schedule as complete and final as possible before releasing it. Why give them your money an sooner than you have to.

 

[shovan]

First post on the Dis. Feels good to have found it, but mostly registered to post out of shared frustration.

My girlfriend and I a saw information regarding new Jiko signature wine dinners. They had one in september, two during the food and wine festival, and one in december and were supposedly already taking reservations. We called Disney Dining to inquire and nobody knew anything about them. They said they must just be for the food and wine festival and to call back on August 6th.

A couple of days ago, we saw another post regarding these dinners and that they were accepting reservations. She called again and this time she was told that they were already full, at least the one in October. She explained that we called several weeks ago about these and nobody knew anything about them. The only response she received was "sorry".

Add this to our frustration over the lack of details for this year and the seemingly total disregard for people who try to plan their whole trip around these events, and you get two very disappointed disney-philes. I hope this lack of organization and regard does not carry over to the events themselves. We went last year for two weeks and had a wonderful time with no issues. The only problem was we couldn't get the Jiko dinner last year either so we were determined to get it this year, especially since we'll be staying at AKL this year.

On a side note, in response to Cinderella Fan and Kabuki, we went to Sweet Sundays with Keegan Gerhard, an Equisite Evening with several chefs, and a food and wine pairing with Beringer wines. Loved the first two, worth every penny. The food and wine pairing was neither here nor there. Some good tips on how specific food tastes such as sweet, sour, and spicy can affect wine flavor, but we will not repeat this year. Probably good for wine beginners.

WHAT!!! I thought the Jiko wine dinners were part of the F&W Fest too!

Thank you for responding to me on these events. We are trying to figure out what would be the best things to attend beside the PFTS.

I am also sorry to hear you have been blocked out of the Jiko dinner because of miss-information provided by Disney. My husband and I share your hope that this behavior does not extend into the events and festival itself. We have attends 6 of teh last 7 years and love going but have never felt this frustrated by the whole thing.

We enjoyed the food & wine pairing we did last year. Thought it was a very good value & the one at Alfredo's was very small about 30 people so there was a lot of interaction with the sommelier & the rest. manager.

The Jiko dinners are not part of the Food & Wine festival. I believe they are part of the Disney Dining Experience. You may have had to call a separate number on the invitation.
I am not sure why having a schedule out almost 2 months before the festival starts is incompetence. Since all events are paid for at the time of reservation it makes sense to have the schedule as complete and final as possible before releasing it. Why give them your money an sooner than you have to.

Again really bummed about the Jiko dinners. I don't know why but I really had it in my head it was an F&W event.

 

[bnormant]

This was the info for Jiko dinners:
"Jiko at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has announced two Signature Wine Dinners to be held at the restaurant during this year's Food and Wine Festival. The dates are October 4 and November 1, 2007. The price for the dinner is $150 (including tax and gratuity) per guest. Reservations for both dates are being taken now. Other Signature Wine dinners are scheduled at Jiko throughout the rest of the year on the following dates: August 2; September 6; and December 6. Call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. "

That was the number we called both times. When we found out about it the first time, the person didn't know what we were talking about. The second time, the person knew exactly what we meant and we were told they were already booked. Seems more like a lack of information on their part and not all staff being informed of all events.

As for the food and wine info, we are trying to plan all our activities around the events. This includes dinners, shows, meeting with other friends who are coming down but not for the festival, activities outside of disney, etc. This is a two week trip, so we have lots to plan for, especially with friends trying to plan their trip and wondering which days we will have free. Of course, we also know that we may not get our first and second choice of events so we always make backup plans. By this time last year, our whole trip was planned. I don't want to make reservations or other arrangements on a date where it is the one signature dinner we want, or vertical wine tasting.

As I said, I'm not considering any of this incompetence, but the overall feeling of increased frustration this year has yet to even be acknowledged by them. That's just poor customer service.

 

[kabuki]

Thanks Shovan!
You have always given us great advise and info!
Much appreciated!

 

[shovan]

This was the info for Jiko dinners:
"Jiko at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has announced two Signature Wine Dinners to be held at the restaurant during this year's Food and Wine Festival. The dates are October 4 and November 1, 2007. The price for the dinner is $150 (including tax and gratuity) per guest. Reservations for both dates are being taken now. Other Signature Wine dinners are scheduled at Jiko throughout the rest of the year on the following dates: August 2; September 6; and December 6. Call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. "

That was the number we called both times. When we found out about it the first time, the person didn't know what we were talking about. The second time, the person knew exactly what we meant and we were told they were already booked. Seems more like a lack of information on their part and not all staff being informed of all events.

As for the food and wine info, we are trying to plan all our activities around the events. This includes dinners, shows, meeting with other friends who are coming down but not for the festival, activities outside of disney, etc. This is a two week trip, so we have lots to plan for, especially with friends trying to plan their trip and wondering which days we will have free. Of course, we also know that we may not get our first and second choice of events so we always make backup plans. By this time last year, our whole trip was planned. I don't want to make reservations or other arrangements on a date where it is the one signature dinner we want, or vertical wine tasting.

As I said, I'm not considering any of this incompetence, but the overall feeling of increased frustration this year has yet to even be acknowledged by them. That's just poor customer service.

I was just looking for that info., thanks for posting it here! I feel somewhat better at least knowing it wasn't available during our trip. If I would have had more info on that, we may have scheduled differently. I had read such great reviews of those dinners. Oh, well.

I agree that it's very poor customer service. I'm sure it's also causing some issues with ADR's also. We have only booked 2 ADR's for CG & AP, places we really want to go, but I'm sure many are overbooking due to the lack of info available concerning fest events.

 

[PatriciaH]

We did the Jiko Signature dinner last year and it was AMAZING so I will be really bummed for you guys if it is sold out already! It was fantastic wine and food for about 5+ hours! Well worth the $145pp we paid. There were execs from Toyoko there (thinking of doing their own F&W over there) so they put on a really good show!

The Mexican Regional Feast was nice. $145pp with a band, but I think Jiko was our favorite (other than PFTS.) The Spirited Ball 2 years ago was a ton of fun too. The F&W parings are hit or miss. Sake, Sushi, and Sashami has been our favorite one of those so far. PFTS is wonderful but they REALLY need to add more tables/seats. Lots of "reserved" (with a sign) tables last year and people were highly annoyed at that.

We may spring for "Brilliant Bubbles" this year if they have it. I really wanted to do it the past 2 years but did not want to shell out the $195pp. Anyone do that event?

I will try to find out some names for you guys to send emails too. They are really not in a guest contact position though so would probably wonder who told on them

 

[bnormant]

btw - last couple of years the jiko dinner was a signature dinner as part of the food and wine festival. Seems this year they are expanding it to be its own thing since it is so popular and making it available outside the food and wine festival. However, since there is no official food and wine info yet, I do not know if they will also have a food and wine only signature dinner that we can book on August 6. Keeping our fingers crossed for that one.

 

[luvpooh]

Did anyone do a cheese and wine pairing last year or an Exquisite Evening?

we did the cheese and wine pairing last year. It was based on the Tuscan region of Italy. It was extremely disorganized, and the presenters, who were 2 execs from igourmet.com, seemed like they were pitching their website rather than really educating us. It was not worth the $ we paid to get 4 slivers of cheese with some crackers and fruit, and 2 small pours of wine, one white and one red, no refills.

On the upnote we were exposed to a great cheese we enjoyed and a red wine that we can actually enjoy (we can't really drink reds at all)

 

[gokenin]

This was the info for Jiko dinners:
"Jiko at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has announced two Signature Wine Dinners to be held at the restaurant during this year's Food and Wine Festival. The dates are October 4 and November 1, 2007. The price for the dinner is $150 (including tax and gratuity) per guest. Reservations for both dates are being taken now. Other Signature Wine dinners are scheduled at Jiko throughout the rest of the year on the following dates: August 2; September 6; and December 6. Call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. "

That was the number we called both times. When we found out about it the first time, the person didn't know what we were talking about. The second time, the person knew exactly what we meant and we were told they were already booked. Seems more like a lack of information on their part and not all staff being informed of all events.

As for the food and wine info, we are trying to plan all our activities around the events. This includes dinners, shows, meeting with other friends who are coming down but not for the festival, activities outside of disney, etc. This is a two week trip, so we have lots to plan for, especially with friends trying to plan their trip and wondering which days we will have free. Of course, we also know that we may not get our first and second choice of events so we always make backup plans. By this time last year, our whole trip was planned. I don't want to make reservations or other arrangements on a date where it is the one signature dinner we want, or vertical wine tasting.

As I said, I'm not considering any of this incompetence, but the overall feeling of increased frustration this year has yet to even be acknowledged by them. That's just poor customer service.

I could be wrong but I think these are the special meals that Jiko runs on the first thursday evening of the Month that is held in the wine room in the resturant, I do not think that it is exclusive to the Food and Wine festival

 

[disneyfav4ever]

For the poster who attended Sweet Sunday last year, how did that work? What time did you arrive at the park. If it starts at 9:00 and park opening is at 9:00 how did you get in? Is there a special entrance? That's the only thing I'm remotely worried about if I book Sweet Sunday. Except I always book a pre-park opening ADR at CP every trip, so I assume it shouldn't be too difficult to get to Epcot since I can get to MK that early.

 

[bnormant]

For any of the pay events they have people at the gate with a list of the participants. They'll know to let you in when you get there earlier. What is great about the evening events like the equisite evenings is they have cars at the gate to take you around the back way to the space. Nice cadillacs too. That way you don't have to worry about being dressed up for the nice evening events and sweating while you rush through the park to get there on time.

 

[ImprovGal]

My girlfriend and I a saw information regarding new Jiko signature wine dinners. They had one in september, two during the food and wine festival, and one in december and were supposedly already taking reservations. We called Disney Dining to inquire and nobody knew anything about them. They said they must just be for the food and wine festival and to call back on August 6th.

The Jiko wine dinners have been held regularly (usually the first Thursday of the month) for at least 2 years now. The October and November ones may coordinate with the festival, but they're really independent offerings. It is only recently that WDW-DINE has been able to handle reservations and I'm not surprised that not all reservations CMs are familiar with them.

On a side note, in response to Cinderella Fan and Kabuki, we went to Sweet Sundays with Keegan Gerhard, an Equisite Evening with several chefs, and a food and wine pairing with Beringer wines. Loved the first two, worth every penny. The food and wine pairing was neither here nor there. Some good tips on how specific food tastes such as sweet, sour, and spicy can affect wine flavor, but we will not repeat this year. Probably good for wine beginners.

The Beringer seminar was actually called "Pairing Wine With Food" and was new last year, but does not seem to appear on the event preview list that's currently up on disneyworld.com . That was my one event dud last year, and I really thought it was better suited as a freebie wine seminar in Innoventions than a paid event. (I actually enjoyed the Wine & Cheese seminar, but just thought it was overpriced.)

The Food & Wine Pairings are different events -- hosted by Epcot restaurants and featuring 3 appetizer-sized courses paired with wines. I'm a fan of the Coral Reef ones and the Sushi, Sake, Sashimi one in Japan.

 

[NejTheLion]

We did the Jiko Signature dinner last year and it was AMAZING so I will be really bummed for you guys if it is sold out already! It was fantastic wine and food for about 5+ hours! Well worth the $145pp we paid. There were execs from Toyoko there (thinking of doing their own F&W over there) so they put on a really good show!

We were at that same Jiko dinner, and we were the one family of 3 sitting at the big table with all of the Tokyo Disney people!!! We did enjoy talking with them (primarily just the interpreter and her husband) as my father has been to Japan before. We were a little surprised that the Jiko dinner ended up being Indian, as that's not how it was advertised, but I love Indian, so it worked out well for me

 

[ImprovGal]

Lots of "reserved" (with a sign) tables last year and people were highly annoyed at that.

We may spring for "Brilliant Bubbles" this year if they have it. I really wanted to do it the past 2 years but did not want to shell out the $195pp. Anyone do that event?

"Brilliant Bubbles" has been held regularly, so I would think it's a safe bet for this year. It's the Exquisite Evening for opening weekend and pairs sparkling wines with the courses.

I haven't been to that particular EE, but I've been to Tuscan and Bordeaux themed ones and really enjoyed them. I'm looking to book at least one Exq. Evening again this year!

The "reserved" tables at Party For the Senses can be yours if you book enough people in your group. (I don't know minimum party size offhand.)

 

[TDC Nala]

First post on the Dis. Feels good to have found it, but mostly registered to post out of shared frustration.

My girlfriend and I a saw information regarding new Jiko signature wine dinners. They had one in september, two during the food and wine festival, and one in december and were supposedly already taking reservations. We called Disney Dining to inquire and nobody knew anything about them. They said they must just be for the food and wine festival and to call back on August 6th.

The Jiko signature dinners are not new. They have been going on since February 05.

They are booked directly through Jiko and are not part of the food and wine festival booking. They are not sponsored by DDE either.

Last year I believe they scheduled a regional feast at Jiko. That would be part of the food and wine festival and bookable on August 6, if they do it again.

 

[PatriciaH]

We were at that same Jiko dinner, and we were the one family of 3 sitting at the big table with all of the Tokyo Disney people!!! We did enjoy talking with them (primarily just the interpreter and her husband) as my father has been to Japan before. We were a little surprised that the Jiko dinner ended up being Indian, as that's not how it was advertised, but I love Indian, so it worked out well for me

Yes, the Indian food was sooo good! It was the chef from Devi in NYC. It was a surprise to us too. They served so much wine at that dinner and were very generous with refills, etc.

The "reserved" tables at Party For the Senses can be yours if you book enough people in your group. (I don't know minimum party size offhand.)

Great to know!

 

[byoung]

Not waiting here for details, just for the time to go there.