2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: September 14 - November 14, 2016

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

We are suddenly debating doing a 2nd PFTS. Has anyone been told the 10/22 party reserved seating is sold out?

 

[crazy4wdw]

I'm planning to buy the sampler and use it for items that are priced higher than $7.50.

I couldn't care less about the pin. However, my trip is 7 days long and I'm planning to go to F&W at least 3 days, so I think finding 8 expensive items to purchase will be easy enough.

You could always sell the pin on ebay to reduce the cost of the sampler package.

 

[patster734]

We finally booked our return flight for Sunday, September 25th. We had planned for a morning flight, but was able to book the early evening flight, so we have a unexpected 1/2 day of F&W that Sunday. And because of that I was able to add the "What's cooking with.." event with Robert Irvine. My wife is happy that we can now attend him.

 

[Doug S]

Found this app (iOS only) and it's pretty darn useful! You can download menus for either this year's (preliminary) or last year's festival. There's filters for food, drinks, alcohol, etc. You can wishlist items and get an estimate for how much they will cost (spoiler: it's probably a lot). Once you're at the park you can check off items as you go along. I'm really enjoying it while I count down (just 82 days now!)

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

We finally booked our return flight for Sunday, September 25th. We had planned for a morning flight, but was able to book the early evening flight, so we have a unexpected 1/2 day of F&W that Sunday. And because of that I was able to add the "What's cooking with.." event with Robert Irvine. My wife is happy that we can now attend him.

Hmm......

I am beginning to think that my initial thoughts of "this is not going as well for Disney as in the past" are right. For the last few years if you didn't book him in the first few hours it was not an option! Now you can get this a few weeks after booking opened?

 

[patster734]

Hmm......

I am beginning to think that my initial thoughts of "this is not going as well for Disney as in the past" are right. For the last few years if you didn't book him in the first few hours it was not an option! Now you can get this a few weeks after booking opened?

Yes, I was surprised that his event was still available. Perhaps being on a Sunday, a typical travel day, is why the event isn't sold out. I booked online, but that should be the same as calling.

 

[tony67]

Yes, I was surprised that his event was still available. Perhaps being on a Sunday, a typical travel day, is why the event isn't sold out. I booked online, but that should be the same as calling.

Yeah seems like almost all of these are available - 9:15 on Sunday morning may not be all that popular especially since so many people want to avoid weekends at F&W it seems and as you say it is a travel day as well.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Hmm......

I am beginning to think that my initial thoughts of "this is not going as well for Disney as in the past" are right. For the last few years if you didn't book him in the first few hours it was not an option! Now you can get this a few weeks after booking opened?

I agree. I think Disney has finally reached the point with just ticket and resort price increases that people are no longer willing to pay them. I've noticed that there is still a lot of availability at both POR and POFQ for most of October. Usually by this time of year, there would be lots of posts on the resort board from people attempting to make reservations at either resort for F&W and they are surprised that both resorts are sold out.

It certainly will not hurt my feelings if there are thinner crowds at this year's festival.

 

[Disney102015]

If an event like the Parisian breakfast is sold out, is there any reason to keep calling to see if space opens? I didn't think it would be, since (I think?) it is non refundable, but figured it couldnt hurt to check!

 

[randumb0]

If an event like the Parisian breakfast is sold out, is there any reason to keep calling to see if space opens? I didn't think it would be, since (I think?) it is non refundable, but figured it couldnt hurt to check!

I called last year and they said it was sold out. So I called 5 minutes later and booked. If you've called multiple times then it's probably gone. Are you flexible with your dates? I'd try a different date

 

[FeralCatRogue]

If an event like the Parisian breakfast is sold out, is there any reason to keep calling to see if space opens? I didn't think it would be, since (I think?) it is non refundable, but figured it couldnt hurt to check!

It can work when they did the EXTREMELY limited Villians Soiree, I just walked up that night and asked if there was a free spot and got in. Calling and even going to ask that day can all give you a chance.

 

[patster734]

If an event like the Parisian breakfast is sold out, is there any reason to keep calling to see if space opens? I didn't think it would be, since (I think?) it is non refundable, but figured it couldnt hurt to check!

Yes. There are some life events that Disney will refund event tickets for even when the tickets are non-refundable. Therefore, they could become available for someone else to buy.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Thanks for posting that app link @Doug S.

I installed it and think I'll have fun with it.

 

[JerseyJanice]

You could always sell the pin on ebay to reduce the cost of the sampler package.

I'm kinda disappointed that Eat to the Beat reserved seats aren't included in the sampler pack this year.

I have a Disney Chase CC. Is there reserved seating available for that?

 

[FoxC63]

I have a Disney Chase CC. Is there reserved seating available for that?

Nothing has come out of Disney Chase at this time

 

[JerseyJanice]

Nothing has come out of Disney Chase at this time

I swear I read somewhere that Chase is sponsoring the lounge in the American pavillion again. Nothing on ETB seats though.

 

[LMO429]

Will you be able to get tickets for the ETTB concerts at the chase lounge (I am a disney visa card holder) Would love to either Fastpass or do the dining package but it just does not fit into our schedule this time around so my only option really is the tickets...how bad are the lines anyway??? (wilson philips)

 

[LMO429]

Oh and if they give out wristbands for the ettb what time do they usually start doing so???

 

[crazy4wdw]

I'm kinda disappointed that Eat to the Beat reserved seats aren't included in the sampler pack this year.

I have a Disney Chase CC. Is there reserved seating available for that?

There has been in the past. There would be a limited number of reserved seats available for Chase card members; you picked up the tickets at the Chase member's lounge in the American Adventure. I haven't seen an official announcement if they will offer the reserved tickets this year. We may not know until the Festival begins.

I haven't heard yet if preferred seats will be available as a FP+

 

[crazy4wdw]

Oh and if they give out wristbands for the ettb what time do they usually start doing so???

In the past, the Chase member's lounge opened at 11:00 am with the rest of World Showcase.

Edit: The Chase website indicates the lounge will open at 11:00 am this year.