**2010** Epcot Food & Wine Festival ENDED 11/14. 2011 FESTIVAL 9/30-11/13

[redzinner]

So originally I was planning on being in Florida from a Thursday to a Sunday, making Friday the day my family and I were going to do F & W. However, I'm now planning on staying until Tuesday, and I'm wondering if I should switch our day to Monday. I'm thinking the deminars might not feature as many ?well-known names, but it might be overall less crowded. Thoughts? Advice?

Mondays are definitely less crowded than Fridays. Saturday and Sundays are the worst as far as crowds. Deminar (new word added to the OED 2010) hosts are hit and miss anyway, since F&WF planners don't see the need for us to know in advance . If you prefer less crowds to well-known names I would suggest a Monday.

 

[SamSam]

They need to bring the Karl Strauss beer tasting to Epcot from the California Adventure F&WF. That puts the Sam Adams one to shame. No cool keychain, but better beer and a better presentation.

Hmmmmm, I'm thinking we need to go to the Disneyland F&WF!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Hmmmmm, I'm thinking we need to go to the Disneyland F&WF!

Just remember it's a VERY different event in a lot of ways.

I enjoyed it, but it's not at all like Epcot's and I have seen a lot of reviews where people were very disappointed because of that.

 

[BriarRosie]

Hmmmmm, I'm thinking we need to go to the Disneyland F&WF!

World of difference at California. No food kiosks like World Showcase, no room for them. But the food and wine deminars were good, and I liked the special dining events, for the most part.

 

[lurkyloo]

This year they brought the food kiosk (singular) back to DCA's Food and Wine Festival but stuck it in the shuttered Hollywood Pictures Backlot cafeteria.

Basically there's just one counter where you can try 4 or 6 savory small plates and 2 mini desserts. It definitely pales in comparison to the kiosks of World Showcase...

 

[mef78]

This year they brought the food kiosk (singular) back to DCA's Food and Wine Festival but stuck it in the shuttered Hollywood Pictures Backlot cafeteria.

Basically there's just one counter where you can try 4 or 6 savory small plates and 2 mini desserts. It definitely pales in comparison to the kiosks of World Showcase...

I thought this was a great part of the festival, but I have no idea why they stuck it so far back and away from everything. You really had to look for it to find it back there!

 

[kabuki]

I thought this was a great part of the festival, but I have no idea why they stuck it so far back and away from everything. You really had to look for it to find it back there!

We asked - they said it is illegal in California due to the Food and Bev. people to set up this way. I also think that they have no room with the walkways being so tight to put them there and didn't want anything blocking the World of Color areas.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Dilemma....

Party for the Senses...or Victoria and Albert in the GF for a Birthday celebration?

HELP??

A True definition of the word. We have done them both and enjoy them both, but talk about different!!!!!!!!!

Do you want elegance and service?

Or quantity and indulgence?

 

[dgbg100106]

I just have to say that I am 70 days away from AKL CL and F&WF

 

[ppiew]

is anyone doing the Grape Getaway?

 

[mef78]

is anyone doing the Grape Getaway?

Too rich for my blood. And I haven't seen details about it either.

Another thing I'm wondering -- when are the seminars and demonstrations going to be released? Are they out yet?

 

[dgbg100106]

Too rich for my blood. And I haven't seen details about it either.

Another thing I'm wondering -- when are the seminars and demonstrations going to be released? Are they out yet?

I thought that they were coming out the 26th of August.

 

[onelilspark]

I don't know if anyone else saw it, but in tonight's All Ears Newsletter it says for the PFTS on 10/2 ONLY, they're offering a 20% discount to FL Residents.

My parents live in FL, we already have 10/2 booked (at full price)...what are the chances they'll refund at least their tickets?

 

[arbolita]

I thought that they were coming out the 26th of August.

I believe the opening date for booking is the 26th, but they haven't made any announcement about whether or not the schedule will be released before then.

 

[SamSam]

World of difference at California. No food kiosks like World Showcase, no room for them. But the food and wine deminars were good, and I liked the special dining events, for the most part.

Is it worth doing? We have family not too far, so we could incorporate it into a visit with them. Amazingly, we have never been to Disneyland!

 

[redzinner]

I don't know if anyone else saw it, but in tonight's All Ears Newsletter it says for the PFTS on 10/2 ONLY, they're offering a 20% discount to FL Residents.

My parents live in FL, we already have 10/2 booked (at full price)...what are the chances they'll refund at least their tickets?

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question but considering Disney's written and stated policy, I'd bet the chances are slim to none that your parents would get a refund.

I went to All Ears website and couldn't find the info about PftS 10/2. Could you direct me to the specific write-up about the 20% discount to FL Residents?
Thanks!

 

[redzinner]

Another thing I'm wondering -- when are the seminars and demonstrations going to be released? Are they out yet?

I haven't seen any schedule.

I've read that the tickets go on sale Aug 26th for TIW, Passholders and DVC members. Then on Aug 28th for general public.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't know if anyone else saw it, but in tonight's All Ears Newsletter it says for the PFTS on 10/2 ONLY, they're offering a 20% discount to FL Residents.

My parents live in FL, we already have 10/2 booked (at full price)...what are the chances they'll refund at least their tickets?

If your parents have already purchased tickets I would say the odds of their getting a refund so that they can purchase discounted tickets are not good.

I went to All Ears website and couldn't find the info about PftS 10/2. Could you direct me to the specific write-up about the 20% discount to FL Residents?

From what I understand (I am not a subscriber), the All Ears Newsletter has information you can't find on the website and you have to be a subscriber to see it.

 

[onelilspark]

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question but considering Disney's written and stated policy, I'd bet the chances are slim to none that your parents would get a refund.

I went to All Ears website and couldn't find the info about PftS 10/2. Could you direct me to the specific write-up about the 20% discount to FL Residents?
Thanks!

It was from the Newsletter sent out on 8/3. When my Mom called today to inquire, they said they had "sold out" of the discounted tickets. Not surprised. I just hope that it doesn't equal huge crowds that evening...

Here's the News Bites from 8/3: http://allears.net/news/hnews.htm#080310nb

Florida residents who are planning to visit the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival on October 2 are eligible to book Party for the Senses at a special 20 percent discount. NOTE: This discount is for the Party for the Senses on October 2 ONLY and does NOT apply to the Wine View Lounge. Call 407-WDW-FEST to make reservations.

http://allears.net/tp/ep/foodwine.htm

EDITOR'S NOTE: Be sure to check the AllEars® Team Blog later this week for Senior Editor Debra Martin Koma's exclusive conversation with the Food and Wine Festival's Marianne Hunnell!

 

[cdtommie]

I get the All Ears newsletter and yes indeed it does say there is 20% discount on 10/2 only for Florida residents (wine view lounge excluded). Wishful thinking...maybe they will expand the dates and also offer to DVC members if this program is successful.

Edit: just read the above post...looks like it's probably a pretty limited number of tickets.