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

[kmmccart75]

I think the new Teppan Edo place (old Tepanyaki) might not be ready yet. We weren't going to try for the food and wine pairing there but instead try for just lunch reservations. She said that the renovations were pushed back to the end of October. We then tried the food and wine pairing there and she said for the same reason they weren't booking those, yet anyways. She explained as soon as they know when the space will actually be ready, then they'll book the food and wine pairings for any time that is left on the schedule after it is open. She sounded really knowledgable about everything.

Just to second this information, here's the info I got in an email from the BW Concierge:
"We have not yet been able to book the Wine Pairings at Japan, because it is not yet available to book, due to construction at the restaurant. We do anticipate that the event will still take place, but we do not know when it will book."
So far the IPO has been awesome, so I trust this info is correct.

10/27 PFTS DISers:
Rpsemont (3) - wants to share standing table
Wigit12 (4) + kmmccart75 (2) - sharing seated table

I have heard 6 fills a small table, but if there are more wanting to share, maybe we can get a couple of tables close together?

I do not mind maintaining this list, and wil post it from time to time - please let me know if you want to be added (or removed).

 

[bnormant]

The way I interpret it is no sandals, t-shirts, tank tops, etc. I think shorts would be ok as long as they are nicer shorts like slacks instead of cargo or jean shorts.

Last year I wore dress pants and a button-up shirt. I'll probably do the same this year except maybe more comfortable slacks and loafers instead of dress shoes. My DGF is definitely wearing better shoes this year. Last year her feet were killing her from all the standing in heels.

The food and wine pairings are pretty casual. I wore dress shorts and a short sleeve sweater shirt. The other dinners are fancier. I wore a tie to the regional feast and a suit to the equisite evening.

 

[DISNEYDUET]

We have seen people come right in from touring the park in tank tops and flip flops and shorts for the food and wine pairings. The few that we have been to have been very casual.

 

[kennancat]

Any ideas about how I can report this, other than answering the short survey after she hung up on me, which I did?

I wouldn't spend time writing - call back and ask for a supervisor. That's great that you've got the name and time of your call. While it may be too late help you, hopefully you will save others from having the same experience you did!

 

[girli565]

Hmm, well, I just worry about my mom with her back problems, she needs to wear either sneakers or crocs which are very comfy for her. Oh well, I'm sure it won't be a problem.

 

[shovan]

I wear my Polo shorts to the PFTS every year including twice last year. And while we were certainly not in the majority, there were plenty of people wearing shorts. Hey, it was still almost 90 degrees out last year at 6PM. And the AC isn't that great...I talked to some of the CM's last year and they agreed it was too warm in the venue and told me where some of the colder spots where.

Yes it was a bit warm in there wasn't it. I would think that "dress" shorts & a polo shirt would be fine for guys. Last year I wore a cotton skirt & with a rhinestone tee & my "dress" birkie sandals (foot problems). I felt that I had dressed appropriately. DH wore dockers pants & a casual button down shirt he was fine (but doesn't get hot like I do!).

Here's a not so flattering pic from last year. Y'all can also see the size of the large tables.

That's me & DH on the right. The woman & baby is the wife & child of one of the Guest Chefs, Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel ( Jean-Robert at Pigali's, Cincinnati, OH). We really lucked out last year with our table mates! All of the tables were full except our's, in fact we sort of felt like lepers or something, everyone would just pass us by. Well this group comes in late and asked if we'd mind them sitting with us, they said they didn't want to impose having the baby with them. They are all seated & then we find out that her DH is one of the chefs, the other dark haired woman was the manager of Norman's at the Ritz Orlando!! It was so cool! Chef Jean-Robert sent over larger servings of his delicious duck dishes all evening &came sit with us near the end of the evening. Then Pierre Sparr came over with several bottles of wine & chatted a while. We ended up feeling like royalty!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I wear my Polo shorts to the PFTS every year including twice last year. And while we were certainly not in the majority, there were plenty of people wearing shorts. Hey, it was still almost 90 degrees out last year at 6PM. And the AC isn't that great...I talked to some of the CM's last year and they agreed it was too warm in the venue and told me where some of the colder spots where.

I agree-we saw many in shorts and the majority all seemed to be wearing very casual clothing in general. We did see a few that were dressed to the hilt, but they stood out big time in the crowd. Sorry, I wear heels and a dress for very few things and DH is not about to put on dress shoes and a suit unless we are doing V&A's or EE. I wear nice jeans, nice top and sneakers and DH wears khakis, a polo shirt and sneakers. The kids wear shorts and top (although always clean and appropriate) and sandals or sneakers. I think golf shorts are certainly tasteful and appropriate...I'd go in whatever I was comfortable in. Our CM just said resort wear...so to me, that leaves a lot open.

 

[kmmccart75]

So... does anyone know what exactly resort causl or smart casual means? I know business casual like for Cali Grill but I'm stumped as to what I'm going to wear for the PFTS.

Well, IMHO, anywhere but Disney, Smart Casual would definitely mean no shorts, and a polo or jeans would be pushing it, unless the jeans were dark/pressed and dressed up with a jacket. It basically means "Country Club Attire." In fact, if you google the terms smart casual or resort casual, you will come up with something like this:

"If male, you are wearing dress trousers (or even crisp jeans*), a long-sleeve shirt, maybe a tie, leather loafers or dressy slip-on's, patterned socks or solid-colored dress socks, a tipped belt, and you may or may not wear a sport coat. You are dressed in the Smart Casual category.
*If you are wearing crisp jeans, you must wear a sport coat for Smart Casual.

If female, you are wearing slacks, crisp jeans, or a skirt (long or short), a blouse or turtleneck, a fashionable belt, a jacket, a vest, or a sweater coordinated to your outfit, hosiery or socks with boots, flats (leather, suede, or fabric) or mid-heel shoes. You are also wearing jewelry, such as earrings that complement your overall outfit, at least. You are dressed in the Smart Casual category. Again, if you are wearing jeans, wearing a jacket upgrades you to Smart Casual.

This category demands a pulled-together, harmonious, complete look with colors, fabrics, shoes, and accessories, for both men and women."

However, Disney is different. I doubt very seriously if anyone would object to dressy shorts, capris, or polos, expecially in the Florida heat & humidity. In Disney, I would say resort/smart casual means don't wear anything you would wear to the gym.

 

[B'rer Karen]

I just now got a chance to post, but I got everything I wanted and am so happy. I called right at 7, was on hold for maybe 6 minutes and got the most friendly CM. I told her I wanted to book a few F&W festival events and she said no problem. Le Cellier was the first one I wanted and she said it was going fast but she was able to get it for me (I'm travelling solo which probably makes it easier). She gave me the spiel about resort casual, bringing ID, having admission to Epcot, getting there a few minutes early, and the non-refundabal policy, which she pointed out was different this year. I thought that was good of her to say because a lot of people probably don't realize there was a change. After that one was booked she didn't go through the spiel again. She said "If you've heard it once, you've heard it a hundred times, right?" Bless her! If I hadn't been so anxious about getting everything booked I would have paid attention to her name. I feel so bad for those of you that were put through to CMs who were ignorant to what was going on. Disney has to do a better job of training. Even if you don't know how to do it you should know what the F&W festival is and when reservations start.

Here are the events I signed up for:

9/30 F&W Pairing at Tutto Italia
10/4 Kitchen Conversations
10/5 F&W Pairing at Le Cellier
10/6 Cheese Tastings

 

[girli565]

Well, IMHO, anywhere but Disney, Smart Casual would definitely mean no shorts, and a polo or jeans would be pushing it, unless the jeans were dark/pressed and dressed up with a jacket. It basically means "Country Club Attire." In fact, if you google the terms smart casual or resort casual, you will come up with something like this:

"If male, you are wearing dress trousers (or even crisp jeans*), a long-sleeve shirt, maybe a tie, leather loafers or dressy slip-on's, patterned socks or solid-colored dress socks, a tipped belt, and you may or may not wear a sport coat. You are dressed in the Smart Casual category.
*If you are wearing crisp jeans, you must wear a sport coat for Smart Casual.

If female, you are wearing slacks, crisp jeans, or a skirt (long or short), a blouse or turtleneck, a fashionable belt, a jacket, a vest, or a sweater coordinated to your outfit, hosiery or socks with boots, flats (leather, suede, or fabric) or mid-heel shoes. You are also wearing jewelry, such as earrings that complement your overall outfit, at least. You are dressed in the Smart Casual category. Again, if you are wearing jeans, wearing a jacket upgrades you to Smart Casual.

This category demands a pulled-together, harmonious, complete look with colors, fabrics, shoes, and accessories, for both men and women."

However, Disney is different. I doubt very seriously if anyone would object to dressy shorts, capris, or polos, expecially in the Florida heat & humidity. In Disney, I would say resort/smart casual means don't wear anything you would wear to the gym.

Well I guess I'll be wearing some capris or jeans and a polo. I know sandals are questionable but I'm from Miami where sandals are the norm for any outfit so I will be wearing my nice leather sandals.

Thank you for the answers!

 

[kabuki]

Made it for the 4am wake-up call! Got through at 4:30 and a near dead cell phone!
Got 2 PFTS and The African wine walk about. I'm so happy to see everyone is getting most of what they want.

 

[Califgirl]

I just got off the phone with Disney Dining, and booked a F&W pairing, but the other pairing I wanted was already sold out (and I'm a single, so there was NO room). I didn't call in at opening because that was 4 am my time. I didn't think I would have much trouble a couple of hours later, but I was wrong. Good luck to everyone. I hope you get the ressies that work for your trip!

And my CM was great too! She did the speil about resort casual and then said (without me prompting her) that means no bathing suits, beach attire, and no torn clothing of any kind.

I think jeans and a polo shirt should fit right in!

 

[KKB]

Well I guess I'll be wearing some capris or jeans and a polo. I know sandals are questionable but I'm from Miami where sandals are the norm for any outfit so I will be wearing my nice leather sandals.

Thank you for the answers!

I was going to wait a couple weeks....(cash flow...), but I will do it sooner if there is a risk of selling out!

NOOOOO worries about "smart casual"....I have NEVER seen "smart casual" be as specific as OP (of course, I don't hang with the "country club" crowd! ). You are in Orlando!!!! Short sleeves and sandals are EXPECTED for smart casual! (and I haven't seen hose on ANYONE under the age of 60 IN SOME TIME!)

Ladies...capris/skirt/summer dress/slacks & just about any top will do nicely. (jeans & a cami with heels looks great if it isn't too hot)
Men...slacks or sharp jeans & a polo or shirt; even nice khaki shorts would look fine with a nice shirt.

We have cruised several times & this issue always comes up. Basically, avoid athletic gear, cut-off shorts, jeans w/ holes, tees w/ graphics, anything grungy. Dress for the temperature otherwise.

 

[shovan]

I was going to wait a couple weeks....(cash flow...), but I will do it sooner if there is a risk of selling out!

Well last year (before I was dissing and was aware that these things book up so quickly), I didn't book the Party until a few weeks after ressie's were accepted. So I think with the PFTS you should have a little time to do it.

 

[kmmccart75]

NOOOOO worries about "smart casual"....I have NEVER seen "smart casual" be as specific as OP (of course, I don't hang with the "country club" crowd! ). You are in Orlando!!!! Short sleeves and sandals are EXPECTED for smart casual! (and I haven't seen hose on ANYONE under the age of 60 IN SOME TIME!)

Ladies...capris/skirt/summer dress/slacks & just about any top will do nicely. (jeans & a cami with heels looks great if it isn't too hot)
Men...slacks or sharp jeans & a polo or shirt; even nice khaki shorts would look fine with a nice shirt.

We have cruised several times & this issue always comes up. Basically, avoid athletic gear, cut-off shorts, jeans w/ holes, tees w/ graphics, anything grungy. Dress for the temperature otherwise.

KKB - ITA with what you said, please note that I ended my post with "However, Disney is different. I doubt very seriously if anyone would object to dressy shorts, capris, or polos, expecially in the Florida heat & humidity. In Disney, I would say resort/smart casual means don't wear anything you would wear to the gym." So, I think we're in agreement re the PFTS. For women, a cami and jeans would be perfect, as would a casual skirt or sundress.

I just thought I would answer the question regarding what the term resort/smart casual means - because anywhere but Disney or maybe the mega-cruise lines (I don't know-never been), I would hate to see someone show up in shorts and a casual top and be surprised when they were turned away. Just trying to be helpful

P.S. I hate hose as much as the next girl...but sometimes/places it IS proper.

 

[girli565]

KKB - ITA with what you said, please note that I ended my post with "However, Disney is different. I doubt very seriously if anyone would object to dressy shorts, capris, or polos, expecially in the Florida heat & humidity. In Disney, I would say resort/smart casual means don't wear anything you would wear to the gym." So, I think we're in agreement re the PFTS. For women, a cami and jeans would be perfect, as would a casual skirt or sundress.

I just thought I would answer the question regarding what the term resort/smart casual means - because anywhere but Disney or maybe the mega-cruise lines (I don't know-never been), I would hate to see someone show up in shorts and a casual top and be surprised when they were turned away. Just trying to be helpful

P.S. I hate hose as much as the next girl...but sometimes/places it IS proper.

Well I went on a cruise in January on carnival and never had a problem with clothes. To dinner every night, except formal nights, I wore a nice pair of guachos and a shirt, or jeans and a polo and never had a problem. I'll think of it as cruise attire, lol.

 

[karrit2000]

I must have gotten the twin to whoever you spoke with. Mine was named Stephanie. My call was picked up @7:14 am. The only thing she was able to book for me was a Sweet Sundays on 10/21. Everything else I asked for she said was unavailable. I called back & got a great CM at about 7:45. Was able to book Food & Wine Pairing @ Tutto Italia on 10/21 and the Spanish Wine School on 10/20. Unfortunately both my choices for the Pairings at Le Cellier were long gone due to Stephanie's total incompetance during my first call. I knew as soon as she came on the line that I was in trouble. Next year I will have two open phone lines when I call and I'll stick with whoever knows what they are doing. I'm glad I took the time to call back or I would have been upset for days about not getting the other events I wanted that were "Sold out" @ 7:20AM but mysteriously available 20 minutes later with a competent cast member.

 

[shovan]

I must have gotten the twin to whoever you spoke with. Mine was named Stephanie. My call was picked up @7:14 am. The only thing she was able to book for me was a Sweet Sundays on 10/21. Everything else I asked for she said was unavailable. I called back & got a great CM at about 7:45. Was able to book Food & Wine Pairing @ Tutto Italia on 10/21 and the Spanish Wine School on 10/20. Unfortunately both my choices for the Pairings at Le Cellier were long gone due to Stephanie's total incompetance during my first call. I knew as soon as she came on the line that I was in trouble. Next year I will have two open phone lines when I call and I'll stick with whoever knows what they are doing. I'm glad I took the time to call back or I would have been upset for days about not getting the other events I wanted that were "Sold out" @ 7:20AM but mysteriously available 20 minutes later with a competent cast member.

The CM I had said Le Cellier was the first thing to go & went really fast! But that is a shame, that a CM could mess up that badly. DH & I were both on the phone & it didn't help much either.

 

[PNO4TE]

Great, we will see you there! I scanned through quickly, but didn't see if oybolshoi got her's or not?

Started dialing at 6:01 my time, all circuits were busy. By 6:30 still getting the all circuits busy, I had stomach pains cause I was freaking out! Finally connected at 6:35 and held on for 20 minutes. I had DH get on with his cell & he was disconneted right before giving them the cc #. Anyway, of LeCellier was booked for both of the Fridays I tried. But I did get everything else I wanted!

PFTS for 10/20
Marrakesh Pairing 10/23
Coral Reef Pairing on 10/24

Glad to have it done, but definitely not a very magical morning!

Your story and mine are almosty identical. But after over an hour in total I got my PFTS on 10/20 booked!

 

[shovan]

Guess what just came in my mail? A very large three page brochure on the Food & Wine Fest Programs!! Kind of late to be of any help. But it sure is pretty! Everything looks as posted, no surprises. Of course the concert for 10/19-21 is still TBD!