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

[2xcited2sleep]

You know the 10 small locations for the premium event actually make it less appealing. I was thinking they could do a nice set up in some of the places where you normally see Illuminations parties. Now I don't know. I can see lots of small spaces but not much opportunity for theme or nice amenities. Hmmm.

As with many things, it has the potential to go either way.

The cynical side of me wonders where in the heck these ten areas are going to go. I had been thinking the same that they'd utilize the special events areas around the lagoon but I'm not sure they'd be willing to forego the revenue these areas generate M-Th. I also hope this doesn't become more of a frustration than benefit...thinking back to the first year of the (free) Chase lounge when there were waits of 30 min+ just to get in.

BUT I am going to have faith that Disney will throw a great event. Will everything be perfect? Of course not. Nevertheless, looking forward to checking this out!

I do hope that there is a way to offer the enhanced experience without "taking away" from what has been the regular experience.

Can't wait to see!!

 

[DisneyJen]

Just an update on the Premium Package - I have confirmed via Dine management that Each person will receive the goody bag and the gift card. Yay! I hope that helps.

Excellent news

Thanks so much for the update

 

[andeesings]

You know the 10 small locations for the premium event actually make it less appealing. I was thinking they could do a nice set up in some of the places where you normally see Illuminations parties. Now I don't know. I can see lots of small spaces but not much opportunity for theme or nice amenities. Hmmm.

Where are the locations pictured? And I would imagine they can't do that because of dessert parties- I have a dessert party booked on a Thursday night in September and I'd be annoyed if Disney canceled it. I'm already slightly annoyed that the already crowded F&W festival will feel more crowded because the already limited spaces to perch will be even MORE limited by "premium package" zones taking up space.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Where are the locations pictured? And I would imagine they can't do that because of dessert parties- I have a dessert party booked on a Thursday night in September and I'd be annoyed if Disney canceled it. I'm already slightly annoyed that the already crowded F&W festival will feel more crowded because the already limited spaces to perch will be even MORE limited by "premium package" zones taking up space.

I was thinking the same thong ! Some places are already packed and finding a place to balance a small plate and drink can be a challenge.

 

[nannette]

Mixology Seminar question... I just booked one, never been to one... Can anyone tell me about it! How long, are they fun?? The one I booked is on 11/3/14 and just says TBD... hope it's something good!!

TIA
~N

 

[gawrsh2008]

Excellent news

Thanks so much for the update

My leasure. that's why I'm here! Please let me know if you need anything else and I'll be delighted to help you.

 

[ssphillips]

Mixology Seminar question... I just booked one, never been to one... Can anyone tell me about it! How long, are they fun?? The one I booked is on 11/3/14 and just says TBD... hope it's something good!!

TIA
~N

Demos are 45 minutes long. Check out Disney food blog for more info on demo.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As with many things, it has the potential to go either way.

The cynical side of me wonders where in the heck these ten areas are going to go. I had been thinking the same that they'd utilize the special events areas around the lagoon but I'm not sure they'd be willing to forego the revenue these areas generate M-Th. I also hope this doesn't become more of a frustration than benefit...thinking back to the first year of the (free) Chase lounge when there were waits of 30 min+ just to get in.

BUT I am going to have faith that Disney will throw a great event. Will everything be perfect? Of course not. Nevertheless, looking forward to checking this out!

I do hope that there is a way to offer the enhanced experience without "taking away" from what has been the regular experience.

Can't wait to see!!

But what revenue would they be giving up? The "Premium event" ends at 8 each night. That would give them plenty of time "turn" for the Illuminations parties for 9 Illuminations. They generally don't even start those parties until 8 or 8:30 so .....

It will be interesting to see where the 10 spaces are but just off the top of my head looking at a map of World Showcase some of these are probably going to be pretty small. Now some of them could be in the "special event" areas and be large.

I find it most interesting that this isn't offered on the really crowded days when it's probably more useful. For someone like me who "works" while at Food and Wine it just didn't make sense. I generally go about 11 for an hour or two. During the week that's EASY and there's no need for a "private area" Then I come back after 5 but that would only give me a couple of hours before the "premium" area closed So for me even with it being for a "week" it just didn't make sense. (now if they had it on Saturday with the food delivery then.. I might have been there LOL!)

I am worried about how it's going to impact the rest of Epcot and admit I will not be happy if this interferes with the flow etc.. I thought that using the event areas would really have been nice. Lots of space, lots of potential to really do something special. We shall see.

 

[pepperandchips]

Just an update on the Premium Package - I have confirmed via Dine management that Each person will receive the goody bag and the gift card. Yay! I hope that helps.

I knew you would come through for us

You're the best!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We had a private party at Epcot in June. Our event was slotted to begin at 8:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM, so I think they could probably utilize those areas for Premium Package seating if they needed to. Not every area is reserved for a private event every night, so quickly turning the areas that ARE reserved may not be a big deal. Unless the event is something really elaborate.

My event ended up being moved inside due to weather. Into the space where they have the Chase lounge. So I guess if any of the reserved events are rained out they will NOT be going to that space.

 

[stasijane]

Just noticed a posting on the theme park board where a poster mentions that since the res for the premium area don't ask for the name of the 2nd guest how does the 2nd guest get there credentials ? Apparently this poster called back and was told that the 2nd name was supposed to be in there for the credentials . Interesting point. OMG I don't want to have to call again. Are they going to "assume " it is for the other person sharing the room ? What if there are 4 of you and only 2 are going ?

I never even thought of that when I was booking, but the next day I logged into the app on my phone and it had my name and asked for the name of the other person out of the people listed on my friends list. I was able to fix it from there.

 

[GPoppins]

Just an update on the Premium Package - I have confirmed via Dine management that Each person will receive the goody bag and the gift card. Yay! I hope that helps.

Well, now I'm confused. I booked the premium package today. There are three adults in my party and I had to book three individual packages - as in $199 x 3 - so that we will all receive the MBs, credentials, gift cards, etc. So...was that an unnecessary, expensive slip-up on my and the CM's parts?? The poor CM didn't even understand what I was booking at first so perhaps that should have been a clue for me...

Any thoughts? When you say you confirmed "via Dine management..." do you mean that you called the dining line and spoke with a CM?

UGH!!!

 

[pepperandchips]

Well, now I'm confused. I booked the premium package today. There are three adults in my party and I had to book three individual packages - as in $199 x 3 - so that we will all receive the MBs, credentials, gift cards, etc. So...was that an unnecessary, expensive slip-up on my and the CM's parts?? The poor CM didn't even understand what I was booking at first so perhaps that should have been a clue for me... Any thoughts? When you say you confirmed "via Dine management..." do you mean that you called the dining line and spoke with a CM? UGH!!!

It seems like from your description you did the correct thing - yes it is $199 per person.

And our friend Gawrsh IS a dining CM. So I think we have a good and final answer there!

 

[GPoppins]

It seems like from your description you did the correct thing - yes it is $199 per person.

And our friend Gawrsh IS a dining CM. So I think we have a good and final answer there!

Thanks for the response and thanks to Gawrsh for the connection! I love these boards!

 

[nannette]

Demos are 45 minutes long. Check out Disney food blog for more info on demo.

Thanks. I had read the Disney food blog description. I was wondering if anyone here had done the experience last year and could tell me how it was. I googled and read some reviews so I'm all set now.

Thanks
~N

 

[DisneyLover0610]

Did we ever get an answer or determine what would happen with split stays? I still want to sign up for the premium package but with a split stay, I don't know what to do! I emailed IPO and they were really confused and thought I was referencing the Premium Dining Package!

 

[VrBchJ]

I never even thought of that when I was booking, but the next day I logged into the app on my phone and it had my name and asked for the name of the other person out of the people listed on my friends list. I was able to fix it from there.

I called back after reserving the Preimum to give them my friend's name. CM told me that wasn't necessary. So now I tried to add her on MDE but DVC has put her in the lead instead of me so I can't make any changes or additions. I'll have to get DVC to make me lead and then add Judys name to the Premium reservation. It's no wonder the phones are always tied up...you have to call so many times to get a correct answer and them to get everything straigntened out.

 

[hockey mom]

Ok little confused. Do you use the $50 dollar credit to pay for your snacks or are they included?

 

[pepperandchips]

Thanks for the response and thanks to Gawrsh for the connection! I love these boards!

AGREED! It's so nice to have an "official" connection and so many folks who can give advice/opinions! We are 3 adults doing the F&W premium package too. I'll be honest it's probably worth it to us just for having seats... Haha!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

AGREED! It's so nice to have an "official" connection and so many folks who can give advice/opinions! We are 3 adults doing the F&W premium package too. I'll be honest it's probably worth it to us just for having seats... Haha!

Has anyone confirmed that the 10 concierge areas will have seats?

I'm a bit on the fence about booking. I can see the $50 gift card value and the $80 after party value. I understand that the wine, truffles, wine glass and MagicBand have a monetary value as well, but we likely wouldn't bother buying any of those things. If CMs/Managers have confirmed that the premium areas contain seating then that might make it worthwhile to us!