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

[msaseifert]

So the general consensus is that we have to all call in the morning? Disney's IT once again seems to be doing their normal "stellar" job LOL!

Does anyone know if the Wine View lounge option sells out quickly. I know that I don't have to be first on the phone for PFTS but I am still toying with the lounge. (Yes, I know it's a lot of money, but look at al the money I didn't spend on "deminars" because of the combination of my personal boycott and the amazingly bad offerings while I am there... Korean Wines!!! LOL!)

I would like to know this as well....would also like to hear anything from anyone out there who did WVL last year.....was it really worth it? Thanks!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

So the general consensus is that we have to all call in the morning? Disney's IT once again seems to be doing their normal "stellar" job LOL!

The call-in information, including the date and time when bookings begin, is right on the official website on the Premium Events & Experiences page where it should be:

Reservations open August 16, 2011 at 7:00 a.m. Call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378 or visit the Festival Welcome Center at Epcot Theme Park (open only during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival) for additional information and reservations.​

However, the call-in information should also be on the pages for Sweet Events & Experiences, Premium Mexican Events, Premium Italian Events, and Premium French Events -- but it's not.

When it comes to website content, I wouldn't blame the IT Department. If you don't you don't like the complexity of the page, the use of Flash, or other things that the IT Department is responsible for, then blame the IT Department. But when it comes to the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content, blame the people who "own" the content and provide it to the website.

Does anyone know if the Wine View lounge option sells out quickly. I know that I don't have to be first on the phone for PFTS but I am still toying with the lounge. (Yes, I know it's a lot of money, but look at al the money I didn't spend on "deminars" because of the combination of my personal boycott and the amazingly bad offerings while I am there... Korean Wines!!! LOL!)

My guess is that the first events to go will be the $250 Signature Dinners at the California Grill and any events involving chefs who are on TV.

My guess is that the Wine View lounge option won't sell out as fast. But it's still better not to wait too long for anything that you want.

Regarding Korean wines, I wish I could go to that wine seminar. The F&W Festival is a place to try new wines from new wine regions or made from less common grape varieties. I wish there were more seminars this year where I could try something new and actually learn something. I'd be much more interested in a Korean wine seminar than in yet another well-made but completely predictable Chardonnay from the Napa Valley. And the Korean wine presentation will probably be much more interesting than yet another description of beautiful vineyards in the hills near Healdsburg, California.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think they may be asking if there is going to be online booking. We don't know. The Disney page doesn't say anything about online booking for the special events. All we have is that the TIW sneak peek was told there might be online booking for everything. I'm going to assume it will be done the usual way, by calling, starting at 7 AM tomorrow morning. If they are doing online booking, it will be almost completely unannounced and without any guidance.

Some of the signature dinners will go quickly. So will some of the pairings and the tequila tastings. The persons I know who frequent the California Grill signatures say they aren't going to pay $250, and neither am I. There's some decent buzz on the Jiko dinner as far as the South African winery and the new chef (he's been there over a year now). Also good buzz on Flying Fish.

I'm not interested in WVL and haven't ever done it. and there will be a Korea kiosk...are they selling Korean wine there? Then you could try it.

 

[JenKatt]

I've done the WVL and gone without it. For us, it's a nice bonus to have. We did it last year with a large group of us and it was great. My DH's stepmom uses and ECV and it was great that she knew exactly where we were at all times so she could park it and not have to use it. My mom's boyfriend isn't a wine drinker and had a constant stream of drinks coming from the bar instead. Having said that, DH and I went to another PFTS a few weeks later sans WVL and didn't miss it much. If I wasn't preggo this year we'd be going to PFTS (that and the two weeks we wanted to go they aren't having one). Being preggo I really couldn't see doing the WVL since the open bar is awesome (no seriously. I love wine, but to be able to go up and get something else on a whim was great). And missing the stampede at the beginning of the night is also great to miss. It really is an individual thing. I did however like the treat bags you get when you leave. Nothing huge, but a very nice touch.
We've never had a problem booking the WVL (we've done it every year they've had it). But we book the first day or so. But I seem to remember that there was one PFTS that the WVL booked out quick last year. With two less PFTS I think the demand will be up. But the price is kinda silly....

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

When it comes to website content, I wouldn't blame the IT Department. If you don't you don't like the complexity of the page, the use of Flash, or other things that the IT Department is responsible for, then blame the IT Department. But when it comes to the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content, blame the people who "own" the content and provide it to the website.


Regarding Korean wines, I wish I could go to that wine seminar. The F&W Festival is a place to try new wines from new wine regions or made from less common grape varieties. I wish there were more seminars this year where I could try something new and actually learn something. I'd be much more interested in a Korean wine seminar than in yet another well-made but completely predictable Chardonnay from the Napa Valley. And the Korean wine presentation will probably be much more interesting than yet another description of beautiful vineyards in the hills near Healdsburg, California.

Good point on the wines... I think I am biased. I went to a local seminar on wines from China. The pictures were beautiful... the wine (And the California wine seminars this year seemed to be repeats of the same producers that have been there for several years. Another reason I saw no reason to violate my 'boycott')

And if Disney's IT shop did not have such a great reputation they would get less "blame" but... having tried to book hotels on that website they really think "cute" is more important then "content" (NO watching Tink fly or Mickey swim is NOT really a substitute for content IMHO!) So as I said earlier in this thread there are two parties here. One who seems not to know what they are doing (Food and Wine festival) and one who tends to have "technical difficulties" (Disney IT) the overall result is they set expectations (AKA as telling folks at the 'preview event' you will be able to book online) and fail to meet them.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I've done the WVL and gone without it. For us, it's a nice bonus to have. We did it last year with a large group of us and it was great. My DH's stepmom uses and ECV and it was great that she knew exactly where we were at all times so she could park it and not have to use it. My mom's boyfriend isn't a wine drinker and had a constant stream of drinks coming from the bar instead. Having said that, DH and I went to another PFTS a few weeks later sans WVL and didn't miss it much. If I wasn't preggo this year we'd be going to PFTS (that and the two weeks we wanted to go they aren't having one). Being preggo I really couldn't see doing the WVL since the open bar is awesome (no seriously. I love wine, but to be able to go up and get something else on a whim was great). And missing the stampede at the beginning of the night is also great to miss. It really is an individual thing. I did however like the treat bags you get when you leave. Nothing huge, but a very nice touch.
We've never had a problem booking the WVL (we've done it every year they've had it). But we book the first day or so. But I seem to remember that there was one PFTS that the WVL booked out quick last year. With two less PFTS I think the demand will be up. But the price is kinda silly....

Thanks for your thoughts! I am going to try to call in the morning, but I have a flight to Chicago that is 'interfering" (I hate it when the real job gets in the way of planning the vacations! ) So if I don't get through fairly quick it may be mid afternoon before I can call back.

I am thinking about the lounge more because I am solo and I think it would be nice to have "reserved' spot vs the semi-awkard approach of a big table. Generally the reception when you ask if you can join is good, but there was the "rude" year when people told me "NO THIS IS OUR TALBLE" (Actually they told anyone who didn't get there at door opening, race for a table and camp out that... it was very stange and there were lots of us just 'tableless' all night)

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Good point on the wines... I think I am biased. I went to a local seminar on wines from China. The pictures were beautiful... the wine (And the California wine seminars this year seemed to be repeats of the same producers that have been there for several years. Another reason I saw no reason to violate my 'boycott')

We're in agreement here. F&W Festival management is looking for wineries that are willing to pay what Disney wants, not wineries that will provide the best experience for Epcot guests. And then Disney expects guests to pay $8, $10, or $12 for three 1-ounce samples of wines provided by the winery (regardless of what some Cast Members have said about Disney having to buy the wine).

And if Disney's IT shop did not have such a great reputation they would get less "blame" but... having tried to book hotels on that website they really think "cute" is more important then "content" (NO watching Tink fly or Mickey swim is NOT really a substitute for content IMHO!) So as I said earlier in this thread there are two parties here. One who seems not to know what they are doing (Food and Wine festival) and one who tends to have "technical difficulties" (Disney IT) the overall result is they set expectations (AKA as telling folks at the 'preview event' you will be able to book online) and fail to meet them.

Again, we're in complete agreement. Why is it so easy to use OpenTable.com to check non-Disney restaurant availability and make, maintain, and share reservations? And why is it so awkward to use the Disney dining reservation system?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Did anyone see this on the Disney Food Blog

http://dfbminiguides.com/foodandwine

It's an "ebook" on the Festival.

 

[LMO429]

Did anyone get to experience the french regional lunch at bistro de paris. I am considering booking this..it says from noon to 3pm and that seems a little long for lunch..any thoughts? we go to disney enough so I am not worried about doing rides

 

[KPSmithSr]

DW and I did it last year. We thought it was GREAT. Had plenty of really good food, the people were lots and fun and we did not leave thirsty either.

 

[cdtommie]

We also did a french regional last year. My wife liked the food better than I did (I'm not a big Bistro fan as we have a local french restaurant that is simply superb). Given the prices charged by Disney for F&W events I thought it was a fair value.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Did anyone get to experience the french regional lunch at bistro de paris. I am considering booking this..it says from noon to 3pm and that seems a little long for lunch..any thoughts? we go to disney enough so I am not worried about doing rides

It is a ton of food and took about 3.5 hours. It also was a ton of wine to drink. I have a review in my sig from 2010 F&W Festival.

 

[franandaj]

It is a ton of food and took about 3.5 hours. It also was a ton of wine to drink. I have a review in my sig from 2010 F&W Festival.

I'll have to check it out! We've already decided on it. Oh, I didn't realize that it was you DisYoda! I read it last year, but I'll have to revisit it!

Only 12 hours til booking from now!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I'm excited my booking plan changed. I have to pick up some stuff for work in the morning and the stores don't open until 8am so I'll at least be home calling rather than having to call at work hiding from my boss while doing so.

 

[dgbg100106]

We have decide to not purchase anything before we get there. There is first time for everything .

 

[Dancind]

We did a French Regional Luncheon last year too. Good food, nice wines, and ours was over in and hour and a half. Guess it depends on who is doing the presenting, our presenter didn't talk much. I'm sorry, I don't remember who she was, but it was the Bordeaux lunch.

 

[RachelTori]

We have decide to not purchase anything before we get there. There is first time for everything .

You mean you won't be on the phone at 7am desperately trying to get through with all the rest of us?

Lucky lady!

I've decided I'm trying for one event and that's it! (and I'll be there a total of 15 days - 2 trips.)

 

[AJW]

Did anyone see this on the Disney Food Blog

http://dfbminiguides.com/foodandwine

It's an "ebook" on the Festival.

We just finished it this morning. It has a LOT of information -- over 130 pages -- I hope people like it!

 

[Tamar]

We are going to be there Nov 4-14. Right now our biggest dilemma is there are about 5 things we want to do--all on November 6. It's a Sunday and willl be right after PFTS for us, so I guess I am thinking that particular day would be nice to relax and take it slow. Guess we'll end up packing things in on Sunday and rolling through Monday Nov 7.

 

[Capt Stitch]

I don't think I can recommend this type of events for guests with allergies. You can ask about the ingredients, and they can tell you, but if there is nothing your mother can eat they will probably not be able to prepare special desserts for her without the risk of cross-contamination. And unless you get to the Illuminations viewing early I would not count on your mother being allowed up front by anyone who is already there. if she is in a wheelchair, there may be a special viewing area for that, but not in standing room. Yes, it would be nice if they let her go up front, but you just can't count on depending on the kindness of strangers.

Thanks for the advice I think we are just going to snack around the world, there isn't a nut allergy just digestive issues, so cross-contamination isn't an issue.

Mom knows what she can eat and likes and which country has them, we will just stake out a spot for Illuminations early and make dd be the "gofer"