2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival *HAS ENDED*

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I hope they know what they are doing. I agree with BGK that one of the main reasons they began charging for the deminars was crowd control. If they don't require buying a bottle then it won't matter how much they frown, there will be crowds who just want the free stuff.

I think that charging was such a good idea. It eliminated the group that thought the whole purpose was to "get drunk on Disney for free" If you have been going a while you remember them... sit down, drink wine twice as fast as the presenter was going, jump up and run around to get back in line. One seminar the "host" didn't even bother to introduce the presenter since "all of you have been here all day" Since it was my first seminar and I was clueless about the presenter I was pretty shocked at this total lack of professional behavior!

And that was better then one of the first years I went when the 'locals' just camped. They didn't make them leave so they just stayed from wine seminar to wine seminar.....meaning that after you stood in line (in the sun) for a seminar that was suppose to seat 50 or so you didn't get in because since they didn't make folks leave only 25 people could get in!

 

[smile4stamps]

Do the weekday seminars often sell out? I won't be activating my AP till October 12th and would like to save a few $$. Not sure if I should book right away or wait till we get there.

 

[LillsnJills]

I've just realized that F&W starts the day that we head home from our trip, so we'll of course be missing out on most of the fun - but maybe not all of it. Our flight home doesn't leave until almost 7pm, and we had planned to just hang out at AK since we're staying at AKL. But now I'm thinking it'd be better to just head over to EPCOT and wander around the booths. I know the seminars and special events cost extra on top of the park admission, but what about just going around to the various booths? Obviously there's a charge for whatever you want to eat/drink, but is there and extra price to just BE there?

 

[rentayenta]

DH said he wants to just *play it by ear*. Like the whole festival. I have spent countless hours researching and honestly, have lost a little sleep. I've got 2 days to talk some sense into him.

 

[jedijill]

I've just realized that F&W starts the day that we head home from our trip, so we'll of course be missing out on most of the fun - but maybe not all of it. Our flight home doesn't leave until almost 7pm, and we had planned to just hang out at AK since we're staying at AKL. But now I'm thinking it'd be better to just head over to EPCOT and wander around the booths. I know the seminars and special events cost extra on top of the park admission, but what about just going around to the various booths? Obviously there's a charge for whatever you want to eat/drink, but is there and extra price to just BE there?

They usually have a "soft" opening on the Thursday before the official start. No lines at the booths!

Jill in CO

 

[LillsnJills]

They usually have a "soft" opening on the Thursday before the official start. No lines at the booths!

Thursday we'll be spending the day at DTD, capping it off with La Nouba, so while that sounds awesome, it's not doable with our schedule But thanks for the heads up! Will keep that in mind for next time - though my partner is already making noise about wanting the "next time" to be at the holidays.

 

[raraavis]

$30 is this year's price. $25 is last year's price. I am guessing the first one you quoted is last year's info, not this year's. And no, not even the published brochure sent to TIW members clarifies the "and more."

thank you! i was thinking it might be last year's info, but i thought it was weird that disney didn't update their site.

if someone ever does find out what the "and more" is, please let me know! i'm trying to convince dh to upgrade, but i need to prove it's worth the $30! thanks!

 

[Carmen NC]

Last year they released the schedule like the day before AP and DVC members could make reservations. Is that going to happen this year? Sorry if this has been posted already but there are 45 pages of posts already.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Last year they released the schedule like the day before AP and DVC members could make reservations. Is that going to happen this year? Sorry if this has been posted already but there are 45 pages of posts already.

If we are lucky. If not I guess we have 2 options

1. Just pick a time and give Disney money. (probably would work. Seems to with a lot of Disney offerings)
2. Spend a LONG TIME on the phone while the CM tells ya the options.

 

[bsbrady]

I did this 2 years ago. It was awesome. Well worth it. There are so many deserts and drinks that you can try, plus the vip viewing of illuminations. Also the VIP is $85, the regular price is $55

 

[bsbrady]

I just checked the dates for the 3D Desert Discovery and I only see 3 dates. Is this true. I thought it was every Friday during F&W?

 

[marshwiggle]

I just checked the dates for the 3D Desert Discovery and I only see 3 dates. Is this true. I thought it was every Friday during F&W?

It's not every Friday but there are 4: 10/5, 10/12, 10/26 and 11/2.

 

[TDC Nala]

Do the weekday seminars often sell out? I won't be activating my AP till October 12th and would like to save a few $$. Not sure if I should book right away or wait till we get there.

The only seminars that tend to sell out are the celebrity chef ones, and they're almost always scheduled on weekends.

but i thought it was weird that disney didn't update their site.

Being somewhat familiar with Disney's website I'm not in the least surprised.

Last year they released the schedule like the day before AP and DVC members could make reservations. Is that going to happen this year?

Today is the 8th, booking is the 10th and there is no schedule yet, so it seems on track to happen the same way this year.

 

[pmdeve]

Getting ready to book our seminars and special culinary events. When I make the reservations, do I pay 100% at the time of reservation. If so, what are the cancellation policies?

 

[goodferry]

You do pay in full when you book and all the events are non-refundable.

 

[pmdeve]

You do pay in full when you book and all the events are non-refundable.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I am a DVC Member and on the 1st page of this thread it says DVC members can book on August 10th,starting at 8am with "DVC concierge hosts". Does this mean that I will call Member Services to book the 3d Dessert Party?? Thank You, Joan

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Hi, I am a DVC Member and on the 1st page of this thread it says DVC members can book on August 10th,starting at 8am with "DVC concierge hosts". Does this mean that I will call Member Services to book the 3d Dessert Party?? Thank You, Joan

All Member Services can book on 8/10 is the Wine/beverage seminars and the food demos. THe "special" events can't be booked then so 3D Desert has to wait until the 14th.

On the 10th you have to call Member Services (no idea who this "concierge" host is suppose to be...)

On the 14th you call Disney.

Is there ANY way they could make this more confusing... Oh wait, there is! Some events can be booked on line on the 14th, but not all

 

[agame2323]

I just checked the dates for the 3D Desert Discovery and I only see 3 dates. Is this true. I thought it was every Friday during F&W?

What is the 3D Desert Discovery? It seems like there is always a new event or something I don't know about. This will our first time attending F&W

 

[anhower]

Hi everyone! I'll be there from 10/20-27 for my first F&W festival I tried searching the threads for this but haven't come up with anything, so I thought I'd ask on here. Are there any threads dedicated to pictures of the samplings at the kiosks from previous festivals? I'd love to see some of the yummy stuff I'll be trying in 70ish some days

TIA!