2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival 9/19-11/10

[TeresaNJ]

Finally got through after being on hold for an hour. Was able to book culinary seminar for 1pm Sat Sept 20th for Norman Van Aken, Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL, & 1pm Thurs Sept 25th for Glenn Obrien of Boma. Really wanted Robert Irvine on Sat Sept 27th, but it's gone already, unless they are saving some seats for when the general public is allowed to make reservations.

Tried to book the Parisian Breakfast for Saturday, Sept 20th, but told they're not booking them yet. All in all, it was a frustrating, annoying experience. Hope the seminars are worth the time & money.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

Got a manager who just told me they are not booking deminars for anyone until july 31st. They really need to get their system together

 

[TDC Nala]

You cannot book ANYTHING today other than the $15 deminars. For any other events you will need to wait until next week.

I'm giving DVC a shot. They are saying a 25 minute hold.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

You cannot book ANYTHING today other than the $15 deminars. For any other events you will need to wait until next week.

I'm giving DVC a shot. They are saying a 25 minute hold.

If they even let ya book that it seems

 

[FeralCatRogue]

To those having issues:
2nd Manager was able to help me, it seems they are having issues with dates beyond 10/31 for some reason. And for some reason they think today is DVC only, and AP/TIW is the 29th. Don't give up though and good luck to getting your dates.

Booked 11/1 1pm with Cat Cora.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Got a manager who just told me they are not booking deminars for anyone until july 31st. They really need to get their system together

I am assuming you have names. I find when I start asking their name and location for my formal complaint they look again. If not I do complain

 

[TDC Nala]

My dates were prior to October 31, and I had a DVC number. She said she would have an easier time with the TIW number but I don't have my TIW card with me. She apologized and said that everyone around her was busy but they were having problems finding these also and I would have to hang up because she could not think of anything else to do.

And this is just the deminars folks.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I am assuming you have names. I find when I start asking their name and location for my formal complaint they look again. If not I do complain

The first lady refused to give me her name at all, I did get names of the others but in the end since I got the booking I'm only gonna complain about the first lady because her attitude was very hostile. I can understand being confused because this is the first day, but yelling at me and stuff just because i tried to give her the out of transfering me since she was getting mad is innappropriate.

 

[Grandmaof2]

You can utilize a regular Disney gift card at the kiosks or in years past they have sold a specially themed F&W gift card that is ~half the size and on an "elastic" for wearing on your wrist. Those are sold all over World Showcase and in the Festival Center.

Thanks, do you know if the F&W gift card comes in different increments? I saw one and I thought with the elastic cords was good idea. Would like to buy one for my DDs

 

[TDC Nala]

There are no increments on the gift cards you get at WDW. You load and reload them with as much as you want. You must load them with at least $5 when you "buy" them. The F&W gift card is festival themed and a different size, but it is just like a regular Disney gift card and can be used anywhere a Disney gift card can be used.

 

[SammiL]

Called at 10am EST and was on hold for a half an hour. 10/11 Andrew Zimmern culinary demonstration was full. Booked Art Smith instead! They said they received a ton of calls at 9am EST as anticipated.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

My dates were prior to October 31, and I had a DVC number. She said she would have an easier time with the TIW number but I don't have my TIW card with me. She apologized and said that everyone around her was busy but they were having problems finding these also and I would have to hang up because she could not think of anything else to do.

And this is just the deminars folks.

Wow! Counting my blessings that the first agent I got was willing to say she might be doing something wrong and transferred me - quickly- to another agent. The training and instructions obviously need some simplification and clarification!!

 

[TDC Nala]

got through to DVC member services and they booked both deminars with no issues.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Robert Irvine was doing a regular Culinary event. Those were available today. The Food for Thoughts events are available for booking next week.

Gotcha' -- thanks! Guess he's not there while we're there, because I DEFINITELY would have noticed that!

 

[FeralCatRogue]

got through to DVC member services and they booked both deminars with no issues.

glad you got yours as well!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

got through to DVC member services and they booked both deminars with no issues.

 

[smile4stamps]

Any idea what the waits are like right now? Friends decided to join us for 2 more events so I need to call and add them!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

40-60 minute hold.

25-30 for DVC Member Services.

 

[herb102211]

Called around 10:30am and was on hold for about 30 minutes but I was able to book all 5 of our deminars

10/18 culinary at 5pm
10/18 beverage at 4pm
10/20 beverage at 12 and 2pm
10/21 beverage at 12pm

Good luck to all those trying to book!

 

[Tink1987]

ooo! We went to the 3D Dessert party and it was so fun!! We got the reserved seating which we LOVED. The extra 20 or so min you get before the general admission comes in + having a set table is so worth it IMO.

Thanks for the tip - I think we are going for the sweet seats! Can these still be booked online next Thursday does anyone know or should I try to call for them?