2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival *HAS ENDED*

[marshwiggle]

Also, maybe it's already implied in non-transferable: you can't edit the booking in any way either. I got my dates confused and ended up booking the wrong/less right tequila lunch, but could not swap it to a different one so inventory will never increase unless they add capacity.

Luckily I can still make the date I booked. (No wait when calling at 8am Pacific either; of course the downside was finding no availability too)

 

[andeesings]

Wow, I guess I'm super lucky!!!! I didn't run into ANY of the problems everyone else seemed to!!! I kind of feel bad now. :-(

Anyway- we're sort of newbies to the whole F&W experience-- last year we just went and toured the booths. This year we looked and saw- "You can book special things???" and figured we ought to at least give it a go since we wanted to experience a bit more that the festival offered!

We're not local and we've only got four days (a day for each park!) so some things were automatically out. We opted for a wine seminar. I plugged in the numbers and hit the dial button the moment the clock hit 7 AM, I got through right away and was speaking to a CM within five minutes.

I told her what wine seminar we wanted (Silver Creek & Twomey 10/7 at 2 PM!) and I was done five minutes later. Is anyone else going to that one?

Here's the question I have, though-- How exactly do I get the ticket??? I have a confirmation number but she didn't say anything about a ticket. Do I need one? Where would I get it? How do I even know where the seminar IS?? We're total newbies!

 

[marshwiggle]

Here's the question I have, though-- How exactly do I get the ticket??? I have a confirmation number but she didn't say anything about a ticket. Do I need one? Where would I get it? How do I even know where the seminar IS?? We're total newbies!

There will be a booth in the Festival center (old Wonder of Life?) where you can buy/pick up tickets for that day's seminars - just bring ID. All of the seminars should be in that building too (it's mostly 1 big open space with partitions) so you can't get too lost.

 

[jaygalterio]

For the record, I called about upgrading a reserveration online.

I was told that this was not possible. There are no modifications permitted at all. Not even if it involves giving Disney more money.

The CM, while helpful, had to check on these conditions too.

I did take the time to offer suggestions (i.e. complain politely) about the way this was handled. From the hour+ wait times, the disconnects, the lack of online purchasing and the "all circuits are busy" messages.

 

[clhcpaca]

After constant calling starting at 6:59 AM, was placed in cue at 7:10 AM. After a 58 minute hold, my call was answered. Got a ressie for Sweet Sundays on 09-30-12 with Jacques Torres. Rep could not find the event at first and said nothing was coming up. I helped her out and she found it. She did not go through any of the spiel, surprising.

This is a short trip and the only time I'm available this fall for Food & Wine. I booked a couple of deminars last Friday. There isn't a lot available on the schedule when I am there unfortunately. Thought about booking the signature dinner at Brown Derby on Oct 1, but probably won't.

Good luck everyone! Last year, I got in right away, but the system wasn't as quick for me this year.

That one is the one that I wanted most of all; I used to watch his cooking shows and have two of his cookbooks. I called at lunchtime (2:15 PST) through DVC and got into the Jacques Torres Sweet Sundays. I also got into the seminar that he is doing the day before.

I couldn't get the Italian regional lunch or food & wine tasting the first week of October, but I am very happy with what I did get.

 

[Candycane83]

Is anyone else getting this message: "We are currently experiencing problems displaying reservations. Apologies for any inconvenience." when trying to pull up a reservation for special events? I booked a Italian Regional Lunch this morning and can't pull it up.

 

[CarolMN]

I am feeling so lucky after reading about so many long waits and disappointments.

I got up at 4 am (Central) so that I could get to work a few minutes before 6 am (when Disney Dining opens). I need to be to work by 6:30 m and didn't want to chance staying home and being late.

I called from work using my cell phone and got right in at 7. I pushed the potion for English and then option 2 (not the Orlando area one). Immediately got a very nice CM who knew what she was doing. I got both events I wanted and was off the phone by 7:18 am:

10/3 Italian Regional lunch at Tutto
9/30 Grand Marnier.

I told CM I was staying off site, then the date and the exact title and time from the list. I only had to give her my credit card once and I only had to listen to all the info once, too. I was very lucky. Hope I didn't use up all my luck - I bought a PB ticket for tomorrow.

I've been getting the reservation error message, too. It will probably take a while for everything to settle down, but since I know my credit card was charged, I'm sure the reservations are all there.

 

[muffy0110]

We're doing PFTS with reserved seat on 10/27 also - was told we will be sharing a table (fine with me) - I don't think the WVL is worth the extra $100 given this new option...kinda surprised some people are still booking it.

I booked 2 WVL-and DH,DB, and I love it. I love that I can leave my purse and I love having waitstaff. I hate fighting for seats. I like the extras but for those who just want a reserved seat and table I think it a nice middle road option.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I booked 2 WVL-and DH,DB, and I love it. I love that I can leave my purse and I love having waitstaff. I hate fighting for seats. I like the extras but for those who just want a reserved seat and table I think it a nice middle road option.

You left your purse? NO WAY!

Just because you have a "wait staff" does not mean that someone won't grab it either another guest or an employee.

There's not that much "pixie dust"

And when it does disappear Disney will do nothing.

 

[west&east]

We used the "divide and conquer" strategy for the stations! With a specific wait staff, we just let our waiter know that we wanted to keep our food and wine on our table until we asked for it to be cleared. We first went to stations that had no wine offered, returned with the food, set it on the table and noted which station we had visited, and then headed out to another station (without eating). We did this until all of the stations without wine had been visited and samples were at our table. We also would grab samples from any station that offered a separate beverage glass (such as the beer stations). Finally, we each selected a different station that offered wine and went for samples with our wine glasses. With a WVL wristband, we found that the pours were a bit larger... and with so much food, we certainly were able to share the tastings without "wanting" for more. Additionally, we asked our waiter to bring us some glasses for water to somewhat clear our taste between bites, which he did. After the table was full with choices, we sat down and shared everything, making notes in our program about what we tasted. After we'd gone through all of those, we went the rest of the stations that offered wine, and the lines had diminished substantially at those locations because those folks were now in line for dessert (which was already sitting safely back at our table). This strategy worked out very well, and we were able to experience everything offered this way.

Thanks for sharing your strategy! This will be our first PFTS and we have WVL reserved. How many people were in your group? Since there are only 2 of us, do you think this approach will work? Did anything get cold while you were gathering all the plates to taste? I am so excited!!

 

[onelilspark]

After I was finally able to get through this morning, I was on hold for about 50 minutes. I got through just before 8am Eastern. I had a great CM on the phone (Cindy) who knew exactly what to do.

I booked the Tequila Lunch on 10/28 and PFTS (general admission) on 10/27!

 

[SamSam]

I am feeling so lucky after reading about so many long waits and disappointments.

10/3 Italian Regional lunch at Tutto
9/30 Grand Marnier.

I think you got my Italian Regional Lunch at Tutto!

Seriously, I'm glad you got it just wish I had too.

 

[muffy0110]

I do leave my purse and have DH hold the cash and my license. I tip my waiter/waitress 20.00 when I sit down and mention I'm leaving my purse ( only carry the mirror and lipstick etc-nothing I would feel extra sad about should it be taken but also I want those things with me). It's usually a lg enough bag no one could nag it so quickly and get away without notice.

 

[CarolMN]

I think you got my Italian Regional Lunch at Tutto!

Seriously, I'm glad you got it just wish I had to.

Thanks. Wish you had, too.

WOuldnt'[ it be nice if the events didn't sell out until at least the second day? This dialing derby method is nuts!

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Got up at 4:50 this morning to call at 5:00 on the dot.....call instantly went through, and put on hold for 30 minutes. Finally got a CM,and I hear "Hello, hello, is any one there?"...I'm yelling "DONT HANG UP, DON'T HANG UP!!"....*sigh* she hung up. Took about 10 minutes to get through the busy circuits, and finally got back in the cue again. Got ready for work, with phone on speaker, got in car, was ALMOST to work, when they finally answered while I was at a traffic light. I asked if she'd hang on, so I could pull my car over...got pulled over and booked my Sweet Seats and reserved PFTS (reserved, but not Wine View). I got to work and tried to look the confirmation numbers up, and saw the 3DDD, but NOT Sweet Seats, no PFTS. I called CM back, on hold AGAIN, and explained everything to her, told her I booked Sweet Seats for 3DDD and PFTS.....she was really, really NICE. She said she'd change the 3DDD for me, but when she tried, they were sold out. She DID find the PFTS with the confirmation #, but couldn't explain why I couldn't pull it up.

I'm sooooooo aggravated that the 2nd CM who didn't book me Sweet Seats!! I had everything written down, and Sweet Seats underlined and highlighted. I KNOW I asked for them!! On the flip side, I can't believe how nice the 3rd CM was though, I was afraid she was going to give me the run-around, but she was really sweet and so apologetic....really took the sting out of them being sold out. Oh-well, guess I'll be there trying to snag a table with the masses!! Me, DH and sister will be sharing a table.....you see my LGMH, stop and say "Hi", we'll be more than happy to share table space with you!!

 

[KPSmithSr]

Starting dialing at 5:59 Central time.
Got through and on hold at 6:01, told 30 minute wait,
Talked to a human at 6:17 (yeah, not 30 minutes).
Finished at 6:33.
Event/Day
Cheese Seminars/ Saturday, September 29, 2012
Discovery of Grand Marnier/ Sunday, September 30, 2012
Mexico Tequila Pairing Luncheon/ Sunday, September 30, 2012
Italian Food and Beer Pairings/ Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Italian Regional Food and Wine Lunches/ Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Italian Food and Wine Pairings/ Thursday, October 04, 2012
3D Delicious Dessert Discovery/ Friday, October 05, 2012

 

[SamSam]

Thanks. Wish you had, too.

WOuldnt'[ it be nice if the events didn't sell out until at least the second day? This dialing derby method is nuts!

Yes! It would be so nice if so many events didn't sell out in the first 2 hours. Looks like if I hadn't had a dropped call (while on hold) when I first got through, I would have gotten all my events.

Oh, well...things happen, I just wish this 'booking window' wasn't so frustrating.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

Got up at 4:50 this morning to call at 5:00 on the dot.....call instantly went through, and put on hold for 30 minutes. Finally got a CM,and I hear "Hello, hello, is any one there?"...I'm yelling "DONT HANG UP, DON'T HANG UP!!"....*sigh* she hung up. Took about 10 minutes to get through the busy circuits, and finally got back in the cue again. Got ready for work, with phone on speaker, got in car, was ALMOST to work, when they finally answered while I was at a traffic light. I asked if she'd hang on, so I could pull my car over...got pulled over and booked my Sweet Seats and reserved PFTS (reserved, but not Wine View). I got to work and tried to look the confirmation numbers up, and saw the 3DDD, but NOT Sweet Seats, no PFTS. I called CM back, on hold AGAIN, and explained everything to her, told her I booked Sweet Seats for 3DDD and PFTS.....she was really, really NICE. She said she'd change the 3DDD for me, but when she tried, they were sold out. She DID find the PFTS with the confirmation #, but couldn't explain why I couldn't pull it up.

I'm sooooooo aggravated that the 2nd CM who didn't book me Sweet Seats!! I had everything written down, and Sweet Seats underlined and highlighted. I KNOW I asked for them!! On the flip side, I can't believe how nice the 3rd CM was though, I was afraid she was going to give me the run-around, but she was really sweet and so apologetic....really took the sting out of them being sold out. Oh-well, guess I'll be there trying to snag a table with the masses!! Me, DH and sister will be sharing a table.....you see my LGMH, stop and say "Hi", we'll be more than happy to share table space with you!!

Sounds like we had the same first CM. Only, I waited almost an hour for her to pick up. She took my information and started looking for 3D Sweet Seats for me and that's when I go the "Hello, hello" and hangup.

I did finally get through another 45 minutes later and got what we wanted (3D Sweet Seats & PFTS reserved seats), just had to change weekends.

 

[Redwitch]

I feel compelled to chime in with my frustration. Up early and ready to leave for work prior to 7:00. I was watching the digital computer clock and hit dial at 5 seconds to 7:00. Went through the prompts and was told 20 minute wait and was promptly disconnected. This could have been me, my phone drops frequently (thanks AT&T.) I attempted to call an additional 48 times (the cell keeps count) before I had to leave for work. I got all circuits are busy, a beeping busy signal and a weird rushing sound, but was never connected. I was unable to call again until my lunch break due to morning meetings. Of course everything we wanted was sold out. We settled for regular seats at PFTS on 10/20 and a Japan Wine and Food Pairing on 10/17. No Jiko signature dinner or Italian lunch for us. We really wanted to a signature dinner instead of PFTS this year.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

man, all of these horror stories; i would be so mad! i hope everyone eventually gets the events they want!!!

i called right at 7 and was automatically on hold for 30 minutes. so i hurried and booted up my computer and rushed to the website to try to book 3d desserts that way. i had to come to the forum and find out where to book it since it was a little hidden. i still managed to catch my bus to work too! i wanted sweet seats, but DH vetoed me on it. hoping we can still have a good time with basic admission (would love to be able to sit and eat though and not stand for 90 minutes and try to juggle food and drink).

looks like fri oct. 26 is popular for 3d desserts; see all of you there!!

We'll be there looking for a table too....I find most people at Disney are more than happy to share! We've shared tables scattered around EPCOT during F & W several times, and it's a great way to meet new people! I'm just hoping that since they added reserved seats, that it doesn't mean that the other tables won't have seats at all!