2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival *HAS ENDED*

[lulubelle]

Glad to see you around Lulubelle! it's been a while! We're going earlier in the month, I hope you have a great time! We'll be there from the 12-17th and if our waitlist comes through the 18th.

Hello Alison! I really hope the third time is the charm for you too. I remember your trays well and they were a big hit, envied by many. Do you think we will be getting the F&W back in DCA for 2013? If so, it's time to start thinking about reserving a villa at DCA. I actually may reserve April 26-28 just in case it comes though. Long enough after Spring Break to thin the crowds a bit. In the meantime, Florida's offerings will have to tide us over. HA! And very intrigued by the 5 sample kiosks for a set price. That would be uber fun and save time in lines if the price is right. I look forward to getting more detials on that one. And the regional french lunch will be a must if it's on the right day.

 

[Brocktoon]

Hope the Unibroue cart at Canada returns as an oasis in a Disney beer wasteland (hey this is pretty poetic for me...must be second Heady Topper I'm on right now...only the beer guy would have made the 550 mile round trip drive to Vermont last Friday to buy a couple of cases).

I was disappointed to find out the cart wasn't a year-round addition. I was a regular at the cart last year during my F&W visit. It didn't seem too popular when I was there but others must have been hitting it, as the Ephemere keg was kicked by my Dad and I during our 2nd day (we didn't drink that much on our own!)

I too hope the cart was popular enough to make a return

 

[TDC Nala]

Hope the Unibroue cart at Canada returns as an oasis in a Disney beer wasteland (hey this is pretty poetic for me...must be second Heady Topper I'm on right now...only the beer guy would have made the 550 mile round trip drive to Vermont last Friday to buy a couple of cases).

I want it back too...it's too difficult to get a reservation at Le Cellier just to get a beer.

 

[rrali33tt]

So excited for F&W!! My boyfriend and I will be going to WDW 10/3-10/9. I have F&W planned for Friday and Sunday.

I highly recommend the PFTS ...its amazing! Unfortunately, we can't afford it this year. We have 6 weddings to attend before our Disney trip so all our extra spending cash is going towards wedding gifts, plus we wanted to check out MNSSHP & HHN @ Universal.

In regards to seating for PFTS, I had done my research and arrived at the gates to the event about 30 minutes before the party started. It is a mad dash to find seating. We met another couple and sat with them the entire evening. It was a ton of fun, the Cirque de Soleil show was really cool and the food was delish!

We only did one culinary demo, and hopefully we can do more this year if I can fit them into our schedule. I had no idea you could reserve them in advance. I thought it was first come first serve once you were in the festival tent. Maybe I will be lucky to attend a demo by one of my fav Food Network personalities. Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Found this on Facebook (Epcot Food & Wine Fans page) Not sure what to think

"Party for the Senses will have THREE separate ticket levels this year: expensive, more expensive, and MOST expensive! MUCH more to come..."

I was planning to go IF I could get the WineVue lounge. (See the report above about "RUNNING" for the table. Last time I went it was the "attack of the rude" They staked out ALL the tables and REFUSED to allow "strangers" at thier "tables" Even the Disney CMs said "this is the rudest crowd ever") But... there is a price limit.

 

[Brocktoon]

Found this on Facebook (Epcot Food & Wine Fans page) Not sure what to think

"Party for the Senses will have THREE separate ticket levels this year: expensive, more expensive, and MOST expensive! MUCH more to come..."

I was planning to go IF I could get the WineVue lounge. (See the report above about "RUNNING" for the table. Last time I went it was the "attack of the rude" They staked out ALL the tables and REFUSED to allow "strangers" at thier "tables" Even the Disney CMs said "this is the rudest crowd ever") But... there is a price limit.

This is one of the reasons I can't wait to check out the Swan/Dolphin Classic. I've heard from others that it's a great alternative to PFTS. I'm sure as the Swolphin event gets more popular over the years that it will also morph into a mess though

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't know what to make of the three levels. I will have to see if all the food is available to all the levels. If it just has to do with seating or beverages I will stay at the lowest price level. I have done it before without worrying about a table at all, or just using the tall standing tables, and I don't mind that.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I don't know what to make of the three levels. I will have to see if all the food is available to all the levels. If it just has to do with seating or beverages I will stay at the lowest price level. I have done it before without worrying about a table at all, or just using the tall standing tables, and I don't mind that.

The rude year you weren't allowed to use the 'standing tables' either.. Seriously, if you didn't get there at opening, scope a table and make sure it was NEVER unattended you were not allowed to use tables. I was solo and went up to two standing tables only to be told "WE ARE USING THIS TABLE" (and there were one or two people standing at them.. but NO it was thier private table LOL! They were also apparently stockpiling food that they liked that they were afraid might run out One table had about 10 plates of ONE dish on it because "my husband really likes this" HUH??) A Disney CM actually started walking around to the standing tables and telling the table hogs the rules LOL! And some of them gave him a really hard time.


As a solo person I was out of luck for the most part and decided to take a few years off. I have never heard of another party quite like that one (other reviews on boards said it was a strange party too.. appeared to be lots of large local groups there that night)

 

[TDC Nala]

A few years ago WDW gave out a lot of comps to PFTS, to convention groups or as "dreams" during that Year of a Million Dreams thing. That was the year they had whole families sitting on the floor. Lots and lots of very young children.

I think it's better now, but I'm not really concerned with whether I get a seat or not. My usual procedure at this point is to walk in AFTER the running of the bulls, and start with desserts.

 

[Shykat]

Has anyone tried the "3D" Disney Dessert Discovery? I had read a bit about it and thought it would be something different to try. Is it different from the one you are talking about?

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/...d-wine-festival-3d-disneys-dessert-discovery/

 

[NejTheLion]

This is one of the reasons I can't wait to check out the Swan/Dolphin Classic. I've heard from others that it's a great alternative to PFTS. I'm sure as the Swolphin event gets more popular over the years that it will also morph into a mess though

The Swan/Dolphin Classic is excellent. We went down to FL the first year on a whim just based on the early reviews we heard on the podcast, and it indeed turned out to be terrific. Last year we were there it began pouring down rain part of the way through, and we still had a good time. Unfortunately we won't be able to attend this year but hope to make it back next year.

I know you're all feeling very sorry for me that we'll be in London and Paris this October

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Is the Florida booth really new? I thought they've had Florida booths before? I'm really excited for the vegan one though, and think it's great that Disney is adding more special diet options.

This is FANTASTIC news!!!! I'm sure it's not that big of a deal to most people, but it's hard to find even food without meat at F&W and I'm SO excited they are adding a vegan booth!!!

We picked up one of the booklets last year. The Festival Welcome Center and most of the Festival Marketplace Booths have them. They're just a free collectible "passport" that lists all the booths in the Festival Marketplace and the items they sell. The booths you visit will stamp your passport and you can check off the menu items you tasted. It's a cute little keepsake.

Never knew about these! I love this thread!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Has anyone tried the "3D" Disney Dessert Discovery? I had read a bit about it and thought it would be something different to try. Is it different from the one you are talking about?

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/...d-wine-festival-3d-disneys-dessert-discovery/

I've done that twice now. It is a lot of dessert. Last year they did have a cheese station to help balance out the amount of sweetness there. I would also not advise eating a full dinner before hand. It is a nice event but the menus for the past 2 years have been similar for some of the main draws.

 

[miamimama]

Third year in a row for us at F&W! Looking forward to seeing the culinary demonstration schedule.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Has anyone tried the "3D" Disney Dessert Discovery? I had read a bit about it and thought it would be something different to try. Is it different from the one you are talking about?

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/...d-wine-festival-3d-disneys-dessert-discovery/

Yes, I tried it last year and it was enjoyable but I filled up fast! It's a lot of sugar. There were some fresh fruit options and many "spirits" to choose from. I paid extra for the "sweet seats" which got you into the event 15 minutes early and guaranteed a table for you. It's typically held on Friday nights and Epcot is packed (at least on the night I went). I don't know if I'll do it again this year. Another nice addition is there is a reserved area for Illuminations for people who attend the event.

If you do decide to go, don't miss the flambeed doughnuts! They were just out of this world!

 

[Missyrose]

We're heading back for our third F&W in a row. And the best part is, we extended our trip from 7 days to 10 days last month. Lots and lots of F&W time for us!

I'm definitely hoping to spread my wings beyond the kiosks and concerts this year, try the food demos or maybe a tasting lunch!

 

[Krissalee]

I have been trying to figure out what they could be doing at PFTS to have 3 tiers of prices, and I just can't think of what it could be! I usually just wander and stop at a stand up table here and there, so I would probably just go with whatever covers the party as I am used to attending it.

138 days and counting until I am there...

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have been trying to figure out what they could be doing at PFTS to have 3 tiers of prices, and I just can't think of what it could be! I usually just wander and stop at a stand up table here and there, so I would probably just go with whatever covers the party as I am used to attending it.

138 days and counting until I am there...

Maybe it's something outside of the Party. Illuminations viewing spot with desert is something that comes to my mind.

Who knows. The "tease" appears not to have been followed by any real info so ...was it even valid?

 

[franandaj]

Hello Alison! I really hope the third time is the charm for you too. I remember your trays well and they were a big hit, envied by many. Do you think we will be getting the F&W back in DCA for 2013? If so, it's time to start thinking about reserving a villa at DCA. I actually may reserve April 26-28 just in case it comes though. Long enough after Spring Break to thin the crowds a bit. In the meantime, Florida's offerings will have to tide us over. HA! And very intrigued by the 5 sample kiosks for a set price. That would be uber fun and save time in lines if the price is right. I look forward to getting more detials on that one. And the regional french lunch will be a must if it's on the right day.

I sure hope that the DCA F&W Festival comes back in 2013. That is one of the reason we have so many DVC points at the VGC and we only live 20 minutes away! Jim, the festival director for 2010 told us that it ran from the weekend after Easter for six weeks and so I'm thinking of making reservations soon, for the Thursday through Sun for what will be the first weekend and trying to make them for subsequent weekends as well. I have enough VGC points for three 2-night trips and then a lot of 7 month points to reserve there. I think it's a good idea to start making reservations in case they announce the festival. I better get on that!

I'm thinking we will send our trays via Fed Ex for the Florida Festival. The Jamborinis are having a meet during the festival including the Friday S&D Fest and I'm thinking we might want to try PFTS Saturday. With the trays we wouldn't have to pay for the wine view lounge. Those were a cool idea huh? Kudos to Fran for coming up with the plan!

 

[princessmurdough]

What are these trays of which you speak? I'm thinking those palette-type, that hold a glass and food? I'm intrigued!