2008 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews

[Sandy321]

Thanks for sharing about PFTS - it makes me feel better we're not going this year, I just couldnt justify the $130 per person - $260 can buy a bottle or more of our favorite wines (Rosa Regale in Italy for one!) but I do agree the chefs last year put out outstanding nibbles - my fav is still the Boma Chef did an ostrich concoction that was delightful - I wanted to pair a wine with it to enjoy - the wines next to it did nothing - I finally found one! Again, I was disappointed with the short pours on most wines - but, we so enjoyed the entertainment - dh was commenting on how the musicians enjoyed a back and forth....

I really believe it is one thing to consider, vent, whine online, but our words will not reach the powers at Disney -

I'm sure there are many CM's that feel the same way!

 

[betterbutter]

Yesterday we took part in the vertical tasting of Magnificat, which is Franciscan's top of the line meritage blend.

The presenters were incredibly knowledgeable, and we really liked that they had sheets printed with the varietal content and barrel information on each year. It was very well organized. As we arrived we were given a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to "warm up" our pallete, and then escorted into the tasting room. It was an intimate group of about 20 guests, a few Disney restaurant managers and such, and various people associated with the wine industry and Franciscan in particular, totalling maybe 30 people in all.

It was definitely a highlight for us. Our only (very constructive) criticism is that they needed to serve some small samples of cheese or dark chocolate or beef--something with a high fat content along with the wines, water, and crackers. By the time we got halfway through the tasting we were starting to feel "chewy" as the tannins had played havoc with our salivary glands. We would gladly have paid an extra $20 per person to have something served along with the wines, simply to get our mouths functioning properly again. If we do this type of tasting in the future we'll sneak in our own dark chocolate.

The Magnificat was a terrific wine for it's price point. Not quite Quintessa, Opus, Dominus, Phelps Insignia, etc. but it can certainly hold it's own against the majority of the Napa Meritage blends. There were a few newer vintages that will be amazing after they age for 4-10 years. My notes are in the bedroom of our villa and my husband is still asleep, so if anyone is interested I'll add that information later.

For anyone keeping track, the wines were all shipped out about a month ago, via overnight courier with cold packs, so there was no heat damage and the wines had settled out any shock brought on by the shipping. A small but important detail that shows how well thought out this presentation was.

We'd give it overall a 95%, the only things that could have been better--we would have preferred a sparkling wine instead of the Sauvignon Blanc (although we understand the purpose of the SB was to open our palette, and I don't think Franciscan produces a sparkling wine) and again we needed something with a bit of fat content served to keep our mouths working.

 

[betterbutter]

Two negatives to post about yesterday...

We witnessed a family being very abusive to their children, to the point that Disney Security and the local police became involved.

By the evening everytime my husband or I went into a restroom there was someone getting sick. Now granted in some cases it could have been a true illness or something that just didn't sit well with them, but both of us saw people who had been vomiting stagger out of bathroom stalls obviously very intoxicated.

We're going to spend the day by the pool today if the weather stays nice, otherwise maybe go to the movies.

 

[SamSam]

You might try going to Guest Service and expressing your concern and requesting a refund.

I went to them a few years ago over a very poor Wine and Cheese event. I really didn't expect a refund, but wanted to make my views known that I was RIPPED OFF. (The women running the event's knowledge of wine was limited to picking up the bottle and reading us the name! LOL!) The CM looked at the event description, listened to my complaint and gave me a refund! He agreed it was not what was described!

I have never been able to read the menu in that dim lighting anyway so... I guess I won't miss that I am still going to go with good expectations Saturday. I wonder if the fact that the first week was "overloaded" by the big event impacted the "presenters" at the first PFTS. I noticed in reading my guide that the wine presenteres for the free tastings looked better as the weeks went on then in week one (with the exception of the Qunitessa wine lady who had great wine) The first week seemed to have a lot of "generic" distributors doing the presentations. They were good, but..... I have noticed in the past that if you want to see what winerys are at your PFTSge look at who is presenting on your weekend!

Carol, thanks for your suggestions. Do go with good expectations; we will return Sat. with good expectations and hope that we aren't disappointed. Like I said the food was excellent, as in the past, just fewer wineries with less quality and the overall feel of the event seemed less of a 'quality event' than in past years. I know there will be a couple of wineries there there that I'm looking forward to.

 

[SamSam]

DH and I are going to be at WDW Oct 17-20 and were pretty excited to find out that the F&W fest is going on while we're there. We haven't been to one yet and looking at all your pictures, yum!

Here's my question for all who have been there. We were thinking of doing the PFTS (is that the right abbreviation?) while there, since there is so much great sounding food and it seems like a very handy way of trying a bit of everything in one place. However, it sounds like many of you aren't very happy with the PFTS this year. So, should we do the PFTS while iwe're there, or just enjoy ourselves wandering around the World? Do they hav e the same foods at the PFTS or different items?

What would you experts recommend? Ok, I've got to get off this thread. My stomach is rumbling. I need to go find something to eat! Darn those pictures....

Even though I posted about being disappointed in this years event (compared to previous ones), I would recommend that you go. The food is way better than around the kiosks and I think you need to try it and see what you think. Go with an open mind and let us know what you thought of it.

 

[lilyv]

Just back, and wanted to post about our experience at the PFTS. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The food was fantastic, we enjoyed sampling some really nice wines and champagne, and we especially appreciated the opportunities to have a quick visit with the chefs. Rock Harper, Tory McPhail, and Nicky Reimer were particularly fun. I also had a quick visit with Cathy Haynes-enjoyed chatting a bit about Vegas with her.

FWIW, please know we're not big table squatters. I was a little concerned that there might not be places for us to have a quick bite and then move on, but it was just fine. Those that were determined to hang onto the low tables (and save empty chairs) were able to, but there were lots of very nice folks who were doing just what we were doing-enjoying some delicious food, sharing a table and a visit, and then moving on.

I wasn't there for a mini Cirque show...so for me it was just fine that the performers were off to the side. Music was good, and it was also quite helpful that there was plenty of hardworking, enthusiastic waitstaff. They were very good about clearing all the dirty dishes away quickly.

It was a great night for us both, and we wouldn't hesitate to book a Party for the Senses in the Future.

 

[redzinner]

Just back, and wanted to post about our experience at the PFTS. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The food was fantastic, we enjoyed sampling some really nice wines and champagne, and we especially appreciated the opportunities to have a quick visit with the chefs. Rock Harper, Tory McPhail, and Nicky Reimer were particularly fun. I also had a quick visit with Cathy Haynes-enjoyed chatting a bit about Vegas with her.

It was a great night for us both, and we wouldn't hesitate to book a Party for the Senses in the Future.

Thanks for your review lilyv. Glad you enjoyed the evening.

Question - was the room set up by colored sections still? Did you find there was a need for the pamphlet or was the room laid out in some other systematic way?

 

[ElizabethB]

DH and I went to one PFTS and never went back. We decided we much prefer a quiet dinner for two with one really great bottle of wine instead of lots of tastes of so-so wine.

Too bad Disney seems to think that style of event is what people want. Actually, I think it's more that walkabout events with hundreds of people are what Disney wants to give us. Interesting to hear others complaining that it's just not worth it anymore. We didn't think it was worth it several years ago when the price was considerably lower.

And, betterbutter -- no cheese at the Vertical Wine Tasting? Horrors! The cheese plate at the Verticals has always been a highlight for me. Dh goes for the wines and I go for the cheese. At the California Grill, the chef who prepared the cheese plate would always come out to describe each cheese and the accompanying relishes, chutneys, honeycomb, etc. And, we always had a cheese plate when the Verticals were held at Ariel's. We passed on a Vertical this year because it was the same day as another event we booked (the Verticals have always been on Saturdays until this year).

Who's in charge of the Festival this year? That's what I'd like to know.

 

[DoOverDreams]

Ok, you all talked me into it! Now, wonder if we'll be able to get tickets? I will post back with a review and pics, promise.

 

[luvpooh]

DH and I went to one PFTS and never went back. We decided we much prefer a quiet dinner for two with one really great bottle of wine instead of lots of tastes of so-so wine.

Too bad Disney seems to think that style of event is what people want. Actually, I think it's more that walkabout events with hundreds of people are what Disney wants to give us. Interesting to hear others complaining that it's just not worth it anymore. We didn't think it was worth it several years ago when the price was considerably lower.

And, betterbutter -- no cheese at the Vertical Wine Tasting? Horrors! The cheese plate at the Verticals has always been a highlight for me. Dh goes for the wines and I go for the cheese. At the California Grill, the chef who prepared the cheese plate would always come out to describe each cheese and the accompanying relishes, chutneys, honeycomb, etc. And, we always had a cheese plate when the Verticals were held at Ariel's. We passed on a Vertical this year because it was the same day as another event we booked (the Verticals have always been on Saturdays until this year).

Who's in charge of the Festival this year? That's what I'd like to know.

I have to agree with a lot of your points. I did like the foods I got to try at the PFTS, but the wines were sadly 'low rent' for the most part! I could not justify paying almost $300 this year for it, and if things keep up the way they were this past weekend, it looks like I made a good choice.

As far as the walkabout style vs the sitdowns, if they can get the $300/couple for the PFTS, vs not significantly more for a sit down, compare the amount of people they can get into the World Showplace vs how many that can attend the Signature Dinners, Exquisite Evenings, etc.

I'd also like to know who is in charge because they just seem to have made this thing a shell of its former self! I mean, they even cut back the hours on the food booths, how much more can you eliminate?

 

[redzinner]

Who's in charge of the Festival this year? That's what I'd like to know.

The same person that has been in charge of it for several years, Norah Carey.

Orlando Sentinel article

 

[webray]

Here's my question for all who have been there. We were thinking of doing the PFTS (is that the right abbreviation?) while there, since there is so much great sounding food and it seems like a very handy way of trying a bit of everything in one place. However, it sounds like many of you aren't very happy with the PFTS this year. So, should we do the PFTS while we're there, or just enjoy ourselves wandering around the World? Do they have the same foods at the PFTS or different items?

In the past years, every PFTS has been different.

Remember, take each review you read with a grain of salt and then go try everything you think sounds good/interesting for yourself.

 

[webray]

I'd also like to know who is in charge because they just seem to have made this thing a shell of its former self! I mean, they even cut back the hours on the food booths, how much more can you eliminate?

What have they cut back the hours of the food booths to?

They were open 11am to 9pm when we were there.

 

[ElizabethB]

Thanks for your comments, luvpooh.

Please don't tell me they cut back on the hours of the kiosks! I hadn't heard that. Given there are no Exquisite Evenings on Friday nights, the only silver lining to that cloud was that dh and I could do the food booths late for Extra Magic Hours. Are they closing the food booths early?

I'm beginning to think the Festival is suffering from some kind of overall management strategy of how to manage the Theme Park business during a severe economic decline. Probably some study from a consulting firm that charged millions!

Well, there's no doubt that there is a serious economic decline afoot in the country. But, cutting back on the number and quality of all events at the Festival isn't my idea of how to survive a downturn. It's more a way to alienate long-time loyal customers who are being more careful about their dollars and aren't about to spend them for vacations that are anything less than spectacular.

I guess I'll reserve judgment until I've been there myself, but all indications are that everything is being cut-back and downsized.

I realize Nora Carey is "in charge", but it sure seems like someone else is calling the shots this year -- someone with a calculator, a sharp pencil and no palate.

 

[luvpooh]

The same person that has been in charge of it for several years, Norah Carey.

Orlando Sentinel article

then maybe much of the budget was spent on getting the Bocuse D'or competition there this year

 

[luvpooh]

What have they cut back the hours of the food booths to?

They were open 11am to 9pm when we were there.

on EMH nights they were always open til Midnight. Someone (Minnesota Chill?) reported in the other F&WF thread that they were not open at all during EMH this past Friday and that they were advised that the booths would not be open for the remainder of the festival past normal hours on EMH nights (Friday's). Also, I was told the booths on the first Friday of the festival were open only til 10.

 

[webray]

Please don't tell me they cut back on the hours of the kiosks! I hadn't heard that. Given there are no Exquisite Evenings on Friday nights, the only silver lining to that cloud was that dh and I could do the food booths late for Extra Magic Hours. Are they closing the food booths early?

The first weekend of food wine fest the booths didn't stay open for EMH. It was left up to each individual booth, the manager said ask as you go around, most were closing at 9pm, a couple were staying open until 10pm.
Manager said it wasn't worth it to keep the booths open.

 

[lilyv]

Thanks for your review lilyv. Glad you enjoyed the evening.

Question - was the room set up by colored sections still? Did you find there was a need for the pamphlet or was the room laid out in some other systematic way?

I didn't pay attention to any colored sections, so I can't answer that. There is a little two page pamphlet. One page lists the chefs, the other the wineries. (Just a list, not a map.) We enjoy walking around sampling, and there really was no need for a strategy or map. The desserts were more toward the center, but still spread out. Once in the venue, we didn't find it crowded. It's not a problem to find a booth, by the way. I hadn't found Tory McPhail's booth, so I just asked one of the many Disney executive staff on hand where it was. They showed me in 2 seconds. Otherwise, I found everything easily...and Champagne Pommery...I rather quickly found a second time. .

There was plenty of food and drink. I didn't see anyone who didn't get something they wanted because they weren't quick enough to a particular booth.

 

[betterbutter]

One other thing to mention--I wish that they had given more thought to the timing of the events. So many overlaps. We would have liked to attended both Wine School and the tasting at TuTu Italia, but they overlapped.

 

[luvpooh]

Thanks for your comments, luvpooh.

Please don't tell me they cut back on the hours of the kiosks! I hadn't heard that. Given there are no Exquisite Evenings on Friday nights, the only silver lining to that cloud was that dh and I could do the food booths late for Extra Magic Hours. Are they closing the food booths early?

I'm beginning to think the Festival is suffering from some kind of overall management strategy of how to manage the Theme Park business during a severe economic decline. Probably some study from a consulting firm that charged millions!

Well, there's no doubt that there is a serious economic decline afoot in the country. But, cutting back on the number and quality of all events at the Festival isn't my idea of how to survive a downturn. It's more a way to alienate long-time loyal customers who are being more careful about their dollars and aren't about to spend them for vacations that are anything less than spectacular.

I guess I'll reserve judgment until I've been there myself, but all indications are that everything is being cut-back and downsized.

I realize Nora Carey is "in charge", but it sure seems like someone else is calling the shots this year -- someone with a calculator, a sharp pencil and no palate.

I agree, it really put a wrench in my plans, we always go for EMH to the F&WF booths, it's the best time, after Illuminations that side of the park isn't nearly as crowded. It's always nicer to do the booths at night when it isn't so hot out, but we already cut back our vacation by one night, so we're going to be short on time now...

I agree, if there is an economic downturn and people are still going to spend money on a vacation, they are going to want something good for that money. We have been VERY loyal Disney customers, but I'm not sure that will continue if they keep taking away stuff we enjoy.