**2011** Epcot Food & Wine Festival HAS ENDED. 2012 Festival 9/28 - 11/11

[TDC Nala]

All the info on the official Festival site appears to be last year's info. Right now all they have updated is the artwork.

 

[TPCShauna]

I really need some advice from experienced attendees. DH and I will be attending the festival for the first time this year. We just moved to Florida about an hour away from WDW, and have APs and TIW. Even though we live so close, we'll be staying onsite at the BC from Oct. 5-9 to get the full F&W Fest and MNSSHP experience.

We know we'll be doing lots of kiosk noshing, but weren't really sure what other events to book. We don't really like any of the chef presentations while we are there, and DH is not a big drinker so none of the Tequila or mixology events appeal to him. We think we want to book at least one "special" festival event for during our stay, but we can't decide which one. Of course, we are planning to go back a couple of more weekends during the festival so I'm wondering if we should wait and book our special event for one of those days.

The only thing that looks slightly interesting during our stay is the Italy Food and Wine pairing, but it's by no means a must do. Honestly, I'd much, much rather see Robert Irvine or Elizabeth Faulkner. We're also planning to attend a later PFTS.

I guess my question is this: Do we book something during our trip that we feel so- so about just because we'll be on-site, or do we not worry about it, do the kiosks while onsite, then just come back for a special event that we really want to attend? Has anybody done the Italy food/wine pairing? How is it? Is it worth the price? What would you do if you were in my shoes?

 

[Bellamouse]

Personally, I would skip the "events" for your first trip. There is SO much to see and do at the Festival, and you'll get an idea of what interests you after you've seen it all. We never attend any events, and honestly, to me, none of them are enticing. But I know I'm in the minority there, so I'm not advising you skip them forever. But I wouldn't spend money on something you were so-so about, particularly if you are coming back. I would say if this were your only trip for a long time, it would be worth going for it. But you have more opportunities to come back (jealous!) and really decide after you've had a chance to see what it's all about. Also, you can read reviews of the events here after the fest starts and ask even more questions that might be helpful in making a decision about which one you would enjoy the most. So I say go and don't worry about it!

 

[gometros]

Speaking of TIW, we'll be there during the event and intend to purchase TIW for this year, since we'll be there for 9 days and then back again in May. I was going to wait to purchase the TIW right before we go. Is there any advantage to having TIW for signing up for things before hand? Also does the TIW discount apply to the food kiosks?

 

[franandaj]

Yeah, I pretty much knew that it was very subjective, but was fishing for everyone's feeling. Thanks for the replies!

Since we are both foodies, we have no problem paying for great food and love going out to high end restaurants. We've never been to Victoria & Albert's actually, the high end restaurants in Montreal are actually much cheaper for us!

I think we should try one special event, to see if it suits our expectations, and just hope for the best! Now which one will it be...

I think we can all say that the high end restaurants near us are much cheaper. Even restaurants at DLR are cheaper than what I see at WDW. They don't have a dining plan artificially inflating the prices. The events that I have chosen are some that I don't think I could get anywhere else, at least not that I know of. Good luck in choosing. Only 10 or so days until I get up at 3:30AM to deal with my food addiction! Is there a support group for that, or is THIS it?

 

[dgbg100106]

Speaking of TIW, we'll be there during the event and intend to purchase TIW for this year, since we'll be there for 9 days and then back again in May. I was going to wait to purchase the TIW right before we go. Is there any advantage to having TIW for signing up for things before hand? Also does the TIW discount apply to the food kiosks?

The TiW card foes give you a discount (I think) to the events you book as long as they are in Monday thru Thursday. But it Does not give you a discount at the kiosks...

 

[gometros]

The TiW card foes give you a discount (I think) to the events you book as long as they are in Monday thru Thursday. But it Does not give you a discount at the kiosks...

Thanks.

 

[BriarRosie]

Speaking of TIW, we'll be there during the event and intend to purchase TIW for this year, since we'll be there for 9 days and then back again in May. I was going to wait to purchase the TIW right before we go. Is there any advantage to having TIW for signing up for things before hand? Also does the TIW discount apply to the food kiosks?

The TiW card foes give you a discount (I think) to the events you book as long as they are in Monday thru Thursday. But it Does not give you a discount at the kiosks...

Just a point of clarification. The Monday through Thursday events mentioned are the deminars in the Festival Welcome Center only, not the special food and wine lunches, dinners, wine school, Party for the Senses, etc. Those higher end events do not have any discounts whatsoever.

 

[dgbg100106]

Just a point of clarification. The Monday through Thursday events mentioned are the deminars in the Festival Welcome Center only, not the special food and wine lunches, dinners, wine school, Party for the Senses, etc. Those higher end events do not have any discounts whatsoever.

Thanks, that is what I was thinking just did not do a good job of writing that out!

 

[BriarRosie]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking just did not do a good job of writing that out!

I've got your back.

 

[TDC Nala]

In short, TIW will get you nothing for the festival with the exception of a discount on pre-booking Festival Center demonstrations/seminars on Mondays through Thursdays.

In the past, the deimnar discount was available only on pre-booked tickets. You could not get it on tickets actually purchased at the Festival Center.

 

[homeschoolmommyof_2]

Hello Everyone,
This may be a really silly question but what is TIW discount and how do I get it? Thanks in advance for any info/help youcan give

 

[dgbg100106]

Hello Everyone,
This may be a really silly question but what is TIW discount and how do I get it? Thanks in advance for any info/help youcan give

TiW is the Tables in Wonderland card, if you are a florida resident or an annual passholder you can buy the card. I think it was $75 when we bought last year.

 

[homeschoolmommyof_2]

TiW is the Tables in Wonderland card, if you are a florida resident or an annual passholder you can buy the card. I think it was $75 when we bought last year.

Oh Ok!! Thank You!
Is there a website I can go to to purchase it? Also, what kinds of discounts do you get?

 

[PNO4TE]

Oh Ok!! Thank You!
Is there a website I can go to to purchase it? Also, what kinds of discounts do you get?

Right here on the DIS it tells you all about it. Enjoy!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

 

[ilovejsparrow]

I just read about the F&W gift cards that you can get at Epcot, do most of you guys do that? It seems like it would make the whole process quicker and less of a hassle. If I don't use it all is it still considered a 'gift card' and can be used at other gift shops at WDW? Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

I just read about the F&W gift cards that you can get at Epcot, do most of you guys do that? It seems like it would make the whole process quicker and less of a hassle. If I don't use it all is it still considered a 'gift card' and can be used at other gift shops at WDW? Thanks!

We've found them to be very convenient and easy to use. I think a lot of people do this judging from our past experience.

Yes, it is a standard gift card and functions as such at any WDW location that accepts them.

 

[vettegirl]

Is Party for the Senses worth wild for my DH and I if he does not drink wine. He will drink beer and liquor. I don't want to have to pay extra for the open bar, and advice on what that have besides wine in the regular section?

 

[TDC Nala]

Is Party for the Senses worth wild for my DH and I if he does not drink wine. He will drink beer and liquor. I don't want to have to pay extra for the open bar, and advice on what that have besides wine in the regular section?

Sam Adams generally has beer, only a couple of selections, nothing major. They used to bring in Utopias but they haven't had that at the party in a few years.

And there's usually a couple of purveyors of spirits. Different ones each week. No way to tell which you might have.

 

[horselover]

Oh Ok!! Thank You!
Is there a website I can go to to purchase it? Also, what kinds of discounts do you get?

I see someone gave you a link to get more info on the TIW card, but just as an FYI it can only be purchased at a guest services location on property.

I just read about the F&W gift cards that you can get at Epcot, do most of you guys do that? It seems like it would make the whole process quicker and less of a hassle. If I don't use it all is it still considered a 'gift card' and can be used at other gift shops at WDW? Thanks!

We did this last year & it worked out great. Love the little wrist thing. No worries about losing it. We plan to get them again for this year.