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

[pepperandchips]

First, I apologize if I overreacted earlier. I just felt surprised and disappointed at the rumors that all of the listed items might not be included for all members of the package. (Since there is no price break for multiples).

I will be very disappointed in Disney if that's the case, but I don't want to be negative and assume the worst without confirmed information otherwise. I guess I am just frustrated that there are so many rumors circulating and Disney doesn't seem to have fully (and uniformly) updated the poor dining CMs before allowing us to pay hundreds of dollars for something without releasing the fine print.

Now that I am more level-headed, I know we have some CMs among us on this forum of the boards. Can anyone assist with details? Gawrsh2008?

 

[SamSam]

ANYWAYS...I'm over it now. I have some questions though....has anyone here done a recent party as general admission? How "bad" is it or really is it that bad...i.e. crowded. etc. Give me the lo-down. Also....does anyone know that if I keep calling over the next few days that maybe they hold back a few seats everyday so they are not completely booked on the first day? Any help/guidance would be appreciated. THANKS!

First, I'm sorry you didn't get what you wanted but I think you can still have a great time. Dh and I have been doing the Party (general admission) for years, almost since its inception and we love it. We've actually found general admission easier to do since WDW started having the reserved sections. Either we just don't notice, or we're lucky because we never have trouble finding a stand up table to place our food and wine. Bonus, we usually end up having great conversations with different people we share tables with through the night. One thing we do, that works well for us, is find a table (usually shared) then one of ventures off and brings back two item, one for each of us. We really do love the mingling and the one on one with other couples that the stand up tables makes easy.

 

[boswellnakia]

For the after hours party in epcot, it mentioned that there would be like six selections complimentary. Is any beverages included? alcohol? Or is it just snacks and the party? I can't find many details at all; it seems like it was so last minute.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Thought I would give my two cents now that I have had a chance to read what the WDW site posted about the new Premium Package. Nothing new, but just my opinion. I have the 'privilege' of getting to read and write contracts and proposals for work. Based on how WDW worded their description, I would ASSUME (very bad word in consulting) they mean the following:

The six continents is referring to the seven continent description of the world (yes, there are several theories). It means everywhere except Antarctica (really, who wants to eat a penguin?!)
One after hours party is pretty clear. You get to attend one (1) during the week (week is defined below).
Based on how it is stated, the implication is one wine bottle, one glass, one chocolate per person. This is less 'strict' than the wording for benefits above, but there is an argument that this is what is implied based on WDW wording.
The 'one week' in question is a consecutive Mon-Thur period. This is stated several times. I would be surprised, based on the language, if you could start Wed and use the benefits Wed, Thur, and the next Mon.
MBs would be received for all paying individuals.
A $50 gift card will be provided to all paying individuals.
The vaguest phrase is the six food and beverage items. This could be defined either way, legally. So that point is still up in the air.

This is all strictly based on the WDW description, no other blogs. So, take from it what you will. I originally was not going to bother since we are visiting Thursday to Tuesday (Wed check out), but now that I have read it myself, I think I will. We will get to use it Monday and Tuesday, at least.

 

[kaylasmom07]

Thought I would give my two cents now that I have had a chance to read what the WDW site posted about the new Premium Package. Nothing new, but just my opinion. I have the 'privilege' of getting to read and write contracts and proposals for work. Based on how WDW worded their description, I would ASSUME (very bad word in consulting) they mean the following:

The six continents is referring to the seven continent description of the world (yes, there are several theories). It means everywhere except Antarctica (really, who wants to eat a penguin?!)
One after hours party is pretty clear. You get to attend one (1) during the week (week is defined below).
Based on how it is stated, the implication is one wine bottle, one glass, one chocolate per person. This is less 'strict' than the wording for benefits above, but there is an argument that this is what is implied based on WDW wording.
The 'one week' in question is a consecutive Mon-Thur period. This is stated several times. I would be surprised, based on the language, if you could start Wed and use the benefits Wed, Thur, and the next Mon.
MBs would be received for all paying individuals.
A $50 gift card will be provided to all paying individuals.
The vaguest phrase is the six food and beverage items. This could be defined either way, legally. So that point is still up in the air.

This is all strictly based on the WDW description, no other blogs. So, take from it what you will. I originally was not going to bother since we are visiting Thursday to Tuesday (Wed check out), but now that I have read it myself, I think I will. We will get to use it Monday and Tuesday, at least.

Thank you for your insight. I agree with you. Based on what they put on the website here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-new-experiences/
I think you get each of the entitlements per package purchased, including the gift cards. But it does say that you can use the package area each day Mon-Thur during any one week "period", to me Wed-Tue is a one week period, the same as Sun-Sat is a one week period. Both have a potential to use the area for a total of 4 days.

 

[pepperandchips]

Thank you for your insight. I agree with you. Based on what they put on the website here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-new-experiences/
I think you get each of the entitlements per package purchased, including the gift cards. But it does say that you can use the package area each day Mon-Thur during any one week "period", to me Wed-Tue is a one week period, the same as Sun-Sat is a one week period. Both have a potential to use the area for a total of 4 days.

THANK YOU! I did not see this earlier. The way it is worded makes me feel much better.

 

[Drinehart811]

Now the next question will her 16 year old get a bottle of wine

Lmao! My guess is yes unless they asked for age or it's updated in MDE

 

[fancifull]

so glad my mother-land of Scotland is offering vegetable Haggis...don't think I could have the regular Haggis like my relatives ate !

I plan on getting the scallop from Scotland, I didn't try haggis while visiting relatives IN Scotland, I don't need to start now!!!

 

[Drinehart811]

I plan on getting the scallop from Scotland, I didn't try haggis while visiting relatives IN Scotland, I don't need to start now!!!

I did try haggis in Scotland and really liked it, but I will also be getting the scallop

 

[Luckybee]

Thank you for your insight. I agree with you. Based on what they put on the website here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-new-experiences/
I think you get each of the entitlements per package purchased, including the gift cards. But it does say that you can use the package area each day Mon-Thur during any one week "period", to me Wed-Tue is a one week period, the same as Sun-Sat is a one week period. Both have a potential to use the area for a total of 4 days.

Well it better be that since that's what we were told by the CM when booking. We're only on property arriving on a Thurs and departing on the Monday and the Thurs and Mon would be the only days we could use this for . The CM was very clear it was for a week and that the customer chooses when the "week" starts.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I booked the premium package today and was told that the credentials, magic band and gift card are per guest and received at check-in. The bag, wine, truffles are in room - one per. While you select a date for the late night party, you can begin using the credentials (on eligible days) upon check-in. The one thing she wasn't clear on was whether in my case, when I arrive on a Thursday and stay through the following week if I can use the credentials that Thurs too. The updated description clearly says "one week" so not looking to cheat anything but unclear now if I could elect to use that Thurs and then 3 days the following week. Will be interesting to see how the one week limit is enforced - maybe they "punch" or stamp your credentials or something. Anyway, it is a big indulgence but am looking forward to trying it!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am still getting the spinny dot circle for Dining on MDE.

I do hope if we can use the credential for more than one day that we receive it at check-in. That sounds easier than trying to go claim it at Epcot.

 

[JenniBugInPink]

I booked the premium package today and was told that the credentials, magic band and gift card are per guest and received at check-in. The bag, wine, truffles are in room - one per. While you select a date for the late night party, you can begin using the credentials (on eligible days) upon check-in. The one thing she wasn't clear on was whether in my case, when I arrive on a Thursday and stay through the following week if I can use the credentials that Thurs too. The updated description clearly says "one week" so not looking to cheat anything but unclear now if I could elect to use that Thurs and then 3 days the following week. Will be interesting to see how the one week limit is enforced - maybe they "punch" or stamp your credentials or something. Anyway, it is a big indulgence but am looking forward to trying it!

I was finally able to make reservations for the Premium Package about 8:45 last night. I asked very specific questions about the # of bottles of wine, # of gift cards, etc., and repepeatedly confirmed. The CM said she had just gone over this with supervisor because previous guest had asked as well. She confirmed it is indeed one each for everything.

It is a Monday through Thursday week for the week in which you attend the late night event. I would be concerned if you have a split week that it will only apply to the week in which you attend the late night event. I am not 100% certain of this as I did not keep going on about it with the CM, but I did ask for those of you with the question. I even wonder in their haste if they didn't really think about the split week issue at all & might make some accommodation for it now that it's coming up. Who knows?

 

[TDC Nala]

The link to the expanded info on the premium package that Disney put on its website is on the first post now.

As I'm staying Tuesday - Monday I hope the "week" is Tuesday-Tuesday. But it's OK with me if it's Tuesday-Thursday too. It's great that it's not just Tuesday. Honestly even the way it is written in the expanded info, it is not clear if they mean a calendar week or a chronological week. I'm leaning toward chronological week, because if it's a calendar week if you choose for the package to begin on Thursday then your credential is only good on Thursday.

 

[Luckybee]

The link to the expanded info on the premium package that Disney put on its website is on the first post now.

As I'm staying Tuesday - Monday I hope the "week" is Tuesday-Tuesday. But it's OK with me if it's Tuesday-Thursday too. It's great that it's not just Tuesday. Honestly even the way it is written in the expanded info, it is not clear if they mean a calendar week or a chronological week. I'm leaning toward chronological week, because if it's a calendar week if you choose for the package to begin on Thursday then your credential is only good on Thursday.

This is what Im concerned about too since we do arrive on a Thurs. I wish there was a way of knowing for sure because the CM's are giving out a great deal of contradictory info
It isn't their fault but I would hate to get there and then end up in a squabble with guest services. Not a great way to begin a holiday.

So im on the phone now. I've been on hold for 12 minutes while the cm is trying to get an answer. So far she has come back and told me " Im getting 2 different answers. I'm trying to get another opinion "

This is indicative of what a mess up this is.....still on hold....22 minutes and counting !!

Ok so she just came back. She said ours would definitely be good from the Thursday for 1 week. I don't know if anyone can take this to the bank but she checked with a supervisor, and a manager, who then checked further (whatever that means).

 

[herb102211]

We decided to add a day to our trip and I tried booking 2 more events this morning- the Parisian Breakfast on 10/18 but it was sold out, as was the Sweet Seats for the 3D Dessert Discovery for 10/17. There were still GA seats left for the Dessert Discovery though.

For anyone that’s gone to the 3D Dessert Discovery, is General Admission worth going for or will we be at a disadvantage by not having the Sweet Seats? Thanks!

 

[sunnygal041]

Yeah...glad I found this thread ! DH and I are headed to F&W the week of 19 Oct. With almost ten weeks to go my aim is to lose 10lbs cause I figure that's what I will gain after reading what foods are being offered as I eat and drink around the world so glad my mother-land of Scotland is offering vegetable Haggis...don't think I could have the regular Haggis like my relatives ate !

Well hey stranger! I'll be up there on 10/24 for the Tribute to Walt Dinner. Will y'all still be around???

 

[jennab]

So here's my question about the premium event. It will be me, DH, and DS (2). I'm assuming I would only pay for DH and I but DS can enter the special locations too right? Obviously not the late night party but want to make sure there won't be an issue if we want to hang out in the premium location.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

So here's my question about the premium event. It will be me, DH, and DS (2). I'm assuming I would only pay for DH and I but DS can enter the special locations too right? Obviously not the late night party but want to make sure there won't be an issue if we want to hang out in the premium location.

Probably not. The one constant in Food and Wine has been requiring tickets for EVERYONE in babies for all events.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Probably not. The one constant in Food and Wine has been requiring tickets for EVERYONE in babies for all events.

That should say "including babies"

That is what I get for posting from my phone