2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: August 31, 2017 - November 13, 2017

[tink1957]

I just tried again and was told to call back in an hour as they were doing "magical enhancements" to the food and wine bookings...here we go again

 

[Jays2013]

And no luck at 9 a.m. *headdesk* The poor CM says, wearily, "I just keep hoping one of these times they'll pop up."

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

This really does not make sense. Wouldn't all of the F&W events have been downloaded for the early bookings on Tuesday?

Yes and no.

The events were loaded, but with limited seating, The rest of the seating has to be "released" today. That's how they keep early booking from selling out the event.

 

[ultimatefans]

Did anyone here do the Secrets of Flavor last year? What did you think?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I think this is a bit much. Is this the same "current management" that is investing in the parks in a HUGE way right now, or JUST the "current management" of this event that appears to turn over annually?

I share my annoyance as well -- and I've said many times that it's ridiculous that they don't have F&W running like a well-oiled machine. But these sweeping statements just don't seem accurate.

Here's an idea of you might do if you actually cared about customer satisfacation

1. Send a blast to every one of your CMs trying to deal with these calls with the following information
A. The Food and Wine events failed to load, while they appear sold out that is not factual
B. We apologize for the problem and will post on our website and social media as soon as we have an estimated time the problem will be addressed.

2. Update your website and social media outlets with the same information.

I get messages like that from other companies!

But NO, they don't tell the CMs anything so they can just say "it's sold out" LOL!

Sweeping statements??? Maybe, but I don't see a basic customer satisfaction response here!

 

[tink1957]

Who has done the Mediterranean pairing and was it good? I'm still thinking about keeping it and going back to sleep.

 

[The Expert]

A CM earlier in the week told me online booking was to open at 6am, so I got up to check (4am here). No dice, set my alarm for 5am (7 in Florida) to try again. No dice. Decided to go back to bed and just try at my normal waking time. Still not up, so I got on here. Now it makes sense! And I'm SO glad I didn't dial in and wait on hold! I'm just going to keep checking online.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

A CM earlier in the week told me online booking was to open at 6am, so I got up to check (4am here). No dice, set my alarm for 5am (7 in Florida) to try again. No dice. Decided to go back to bed and just try at my normal waking time. Still not up, so I got on here. Now it makes sense! And I'm SO glad I didn't dial in and wait on hold! I'm just going to keep checking online.

Just in case this is of use to you... posted on the last page...

culinary demos loaded online from Aug 31 to Oct 2... https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-culinary-demonstrations/

 

[tink1957]

The beverage demos are also up.

 

[Jays2013]

The beverage demos are also up.

They're showing, but nothing seems to be available. I just tried multiple dates/times out of curiosity.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The beverage demos are also up.

Huh... not ay any of the times I've checked...

 

[PatriciaH]

They're showing, but nothing seems to be available. I just tried multiple dates/times out of curiosity.

Yes-same here.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

This really does not make sense. Wouldn't all of the F&W events have been downloaded for the early bookings on Tuesday?

Only for booking with the input of further information (AP number unless the system registered it already, DVC member number, TIW card number, whatever Golden Oak uses for ID)

 

[tink1957]

Huh... not ay any of the times I've checked...

I got a time match when I tried 9/21 so who knows?

 

[PNO4TE]

I got a time match when I tried 9/21 so who knows?

The dates and times are there but you can't book yet.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I got a time match when I tried 9/21 so who knows?

I just tried both times for that date and nothing.

 

[YodasMom]

Did anyone here do the Secrets of Flavor last year? What did you think?

I did attend this event last year. The event last October was at Yachtsman Steakhouse at lunch time, and I believe it is at a different location (and a different week) this year - Contemporary Resort?

I thought the event was interesting. Just looked it up and I paid the same price last year at being charged this year $129. I'm not sure it was really worth that price, but it was interesting. The first hour or so was comprised of being seated further back in the dining room for the flavor tasting / wine pairing experience and discussion. They had placemats marked with circles and multiple little plastic cups containing samples of various foods such as chocolate, tiny cheese samples, etc and you sampled items to experience how they paired and how the flavors affected each other. This was followed by a good lunch closer to the front of the restaurant. The lunch, that I recall, did not contain any discussion and was mainly a meal and socializing with table-mates. We were not assigned seats at either part of the event and did sit with other people.

Would love to hear how your experience is if you decide to book it! If so, good luck today!

 

[The Expert]

Just in case this is of use to you... posted on the last page...

culinary demos loaded online from Aug 31 to Oct 2... https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-culinary-demonstrations/

I saw that - thanks! I actually booked all my demos over the phone the other day, but had this same exact issue they're seeing today with the Flying Fish dinner on 10/26. It either never got loaded or filled up crazy fast (suspect the former). It's also showing online but with no times yet. I tried a few demos just to test, and times are showing for those but when I tried to select one, they all say they aren't available. Tried multiple dates and times and they all did that, so the kinks aren't totally worked out yet.

 

[cdtommie]

Who has done the Mediterranean pairing and was it good? I'm still thinking about keeping it and going back to sleep.

Did the pairing at Spice Road last year and thought it was great. We are doing it again this year. Courses were shrimp, tuna and lamb and all were really good.

 

[VictoriaT]

I tried three times today for Trader Sam's 9/27, was told to call back in about an hour after the call at 9:00am.