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

[dgbg100106]

I can't believe this...I just got disconnected again! That is 1 hour of long distance cost and NOTHING to show for it. Argh! I've sent the IPO an email and I'll try calling at 9 when the office opens. Perhaps they can have better luck than me!

Congrats to everyone who is getting through. Cross your fingers that I'll eventually get the one event I want lol.

That is disturbing... Finger Crossed you get what you want.

 

[mss]

Phew, got through and got PFTS and WVL on Oct 22. Very excited!

 

[Tltorrez]

Was that disclaimer on a particular event? I don't remember hearing it in my spiels, but I may have tuned out. I was told they'll serve anyone with proof of age.

I was only half listening until I heard "lobster". But I think she said they won't serve lobster at any event.

 

[Northwoods]

Just booked our PFTS for Oct 22 online - quick and easy.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Yes, IPO can book. The itinerary planners get in at 8.

Just wondering... what is IPO? Is this concierge or something offered via DVC? Would love to be able to avoid the early morning cattle call next year!

 

[betterlatethannever]

... I was surprised that they charge each event in a separate transaction rather than processing it all at one time. I can't remember if this is how they've done it in previous years. I'm sure that the multiple transaction time is delaying agents quite a bit. Perhaps Disney doesn't want us all to suffer sticker shock by hearing the actual total we are spending as one big number! ...

This has been our experience (charging each event separately) every other year EXCEPT this year. Typically we have to read the credit card number for each event, and then we get the confirmation number for the event.

This year, the CM wanted to know all of our events, then took our phone number, credit card number, address, etc. Then she went back to give us the confirmation number for each event, along with the price for each event. She also gave us the total.

So, I guess it will be one charge on the credit card.

I was so afraid that by the time she got back to the first event to give us the confirmation number, it would have been sold out.

Does the CM "lock in" the reservation while she is getting all the other information?


Ed

 

[HelenParr]

IPO is if you are staying club level.

I was on for 45 minutes - then CM picked up. 10 minutes of struggle, she seemed to be having hard time with the system (I'm sure the computer is on tilt). Then she concluded that the Cart Cora on 25th must be sold out because she could not find it...I was not sure she knew what she was doing so I ended the call and did not book a different night (yet).

Will try IPO at 9am (whch will probably also be busy!)

 

[athenna]

I just want to book the Morocco Tasting on Tuesday 10/18...How fast do you think that will fill? I tried calling twice and the wait was over 30 min..I'm home sick from work today and I really am not up to being on the phone that long.

 

[franandaj]

The 45 minute wait time estimate was just about right on for me. Got through and booked everything we wanted!

Oct 21- Robert Irvine Kitchen Memories
Oct 22- Taste, Shake and Indulge like the French (DH only)
Oct 22- PFTS with Wine view option

The CM knew what she was doing, it just took about 10 minutes to book the 3 events. Unfortunately, I was on the phone almost an hour with my cell using roaming from Canada. I can't imagine what the phone call will cost...


It's only 5 am here- back to bed for me!

Congrats on getting what you want. Hope the roaming charges don't setvyou back too far! Go enjoy your trip on the Wonder!

 

[DVCconvert]

I was just told that the signature dining event at Bongos on 11/10 is sold out!
???

 

[marshwiggle]

There will be separate charges on your card (my credit card was blocked in between 2 of the events because the multiple charges in quick succession threw up a flag at the bank).

I think it's similar to the restaurant ADRs where if it's in your basket it doesn't return to inventory unless you cancel or time out.

I got really lucky with CM roulette this morning - I was only on hold for about 2 minutes and then the CM was super-efficient. I booked 4 things in about 15 minutes, and most of that time was spent chatting while she waited for the system to catch up.

This has been our experience (charging each event separately) every other year EXCEPT this year. Typically we have to read the credit card number for each event, and then we get the confirmation number for the event.

This year, the CM wanted to know all of our events, then took our phone number, credit card number, address, etc. Then she went back to give us the confirmation number for each event, along with the price for each event. She also gave us the total.

So, I guess it will be one charge on the credit card.

I was so afraid that by the time she got back to the first event to give us the confirmation number, it would have been sold out.

Does the CM "lock in" the reservation while she is getting all the other information?


Ed

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Just wondering... what is IPO? Is this concierge or something offered via DVC? Would love to be able to avoid the early morning cattle call next year!

It is the itinerary planning office and it is a service offered to guests staying Club level at Disney Deluxe Resorts.

Now I'm giving the dining line another try...25 min hold time. Bets on me being disconnected again?

 

[Dancind]

Well, that was a frustrating experience. Got through at 7, went through menus, and then got air. Called back, on hold for 50 minutes. Got an agent, got into the Flying Fish signature dinner, and got disconnected before it was paid for.

Another 30 minutes on hold, by then the dinner was gone. Already knew the Citricos dinner was booked too. So booked two different French Lunches, and PFTS on line. At least we got the lunches.

I was so excited we were going to be there for the really nice dinners at Citricos and FF. Sigh.

 

[YodasMom]

I asked the agent specifically when I made my ressies and she said the system locks in the reservation for each item as she inputs it, and before it is all totalled and paid. It's like when you make regular ADR's. I was concerned, too, because my agent either appeared confused or sleepy, or both!

 

[cdtommie]

Mrs Cdtommie was on hold for about 20 minutes and got the three events we wanted: Taste Shake 10/15 (really liked this last year), Tequila lunch 10/16 and 3D Dessert on 10/21 (not much of a dessert fan but liked the booze).

 

[dgbg100106]

I just want to book the Morocco Tasting on Tuesday 10/18...How fast do you think that will fill? I tried calling twice and the wait was over 30 min..I'm home sick from work today and I really am not up to being on the phone that long.

Jen sorry you are not feeling well hope you get the dinner you want..

 

[LMO429]

In the past have they ever added additional times and dates to special events? I really would love to do the beer and pizza tasting at via napoli but we have the wild africa trek booked that same day and i know we will never make it in time..I was hoping/wondering if things full they might add times/days..I am assuming the answer is no but i figured i would ask

 

[B'rer Karen]

Looks like most of you have been able to get what you wanted! I called right at 7, was told a 25 minute wait and it was almost exactly 25 minutes. The CM I spoke to was on the ball. She knew exactly what I was talking about. I didn't have to answer questions about if I was staying on site or not and she didn't give me any of the spiel about "theme park admission required, blah blah blah." It went very smoothly and I was able to book the one event I wanted, the Italy Dessert & Wine Pairing on 10/6.

 

[dgbg100106]

In the past have they ever added additional times and dates to special events? I really would love to do the beer and pizza tasting at via napoli but we have the wild africa trek booked that same day and i know we will never make it in time..I was hoping/wondering if things full they might add times/days..I am assuming the answer is no but i figured i would ask

I don't remember them ever adding another times/days based on them filling up!

 

[TDC Nala]

The phone message said the wait time was under 2 minutes but I waited 18. Got everything though.

La Hacienda lunch 10/2
French Regional Lunch 10/21
Jiko 10/27
Kouzzina 10/28
Gin mixology 11/3

going to book Party for the Senses later, no hurry on that one.