D23 Member Event...Sip & Stroll in Epcot...Is it Just Me?

[WaltD4Me]

So D23 has announced an event in WDW, it's called Sip & Stroll (Sip, referring to wine) to be held in Epcot.

http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/091809_D23_Event_SipandStroll.html

At first I thought it was cool they were having an event at WDW, then I read about it. First of all, it's THIS October 16th, 3 weeks from now, second it's $240! So who can plan to attend with such short notice and you probably aren't going to want to go by yourself, so it's going to cost you almost $500 for you and a guest.

Where in the heck do they come up with this stuff?

 

[yitbos96bb]

So D23 has announced an event in WDW, it's called Sip & Stroll (Sip, referring to wine) to be held in Epcot.

http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/091809_D23_Event_SipandStroll.html

At first I thought it was cool they were having an event at WDW, then I read about it. First of all, it's THIS October 16th, 3 weeks from now, second it's $240! So who can plan to attend with such short notice and you probably aren't going to want to go by yourself, so it's going to cost you almost $500 for you and a guest.

Where in the heck do they come up with this stuff?

I don't think the price is that out of line actually. They are holding a Private Party for the Senses... the normal ones are $135. A hospitality suite, Special Demonstrations and lectures, VIP seating for $105 doesn't seem that bad. Now I grant you, I'm not sure I would pay it, but I don't think the price is unreasonable especially compared to other F and W stuff.

 

[pal-mickey]

I think the price is a bit excessive.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't think the price is that out of line actually. They are holding a Private Party for the Senses... the normal ones are $135. A hospitality suite, Special Demonstrations and lectures, VIP seating for $105 doesn't seem that bad. Now I grant you, I'm not sure I would pay it, but I don't think the price is unreasonable especially compared to other F and W stuff.

I have to admit I don't know much about F&W, especially the parties. I've only been once for 1/2 day. Just walked around and sampled some food. I hope it is a good deal, still seems a little silly to give people such short notice, especially those who have been hoping/waiting for a WDW D23 event.

 

[BriarRosie]

Yeah, someone posted that on the food and wine thread on the Restaurants board.

I will be at WDW on October 18 (it's the Sunday, not the Friday), but I am not joining D23 just for this event. If I'm going to throw $200 around for dinner, I'd rather it be at Victoria and Albert's. Which is what I had planned, anyway.

 

[wdwscout]

You're not alone- I too was excited to read that D23 was holding a WDW event- until I read the details.

Now, I also agree that *given the amount they are charging for other F&W events* this is not out of line. And you do get a lot for your money. (I have to add- I think F&W event prices in general are getting out of hand)

However, when I am 3 weeks away from my vacation I don't have an extra $500 sitting around wondering what to spend it on! I mean- did they really just this moment think of this idea? Were there not any plans for this months in advance?

I'll bet they get enough people with deep pockets to participate- and maybe that's their target audience.

After all of the "free" or low cost activities they have held in California thus far, I hope they can come up with other WDW events that aren't high priced events.

 

[mikelan6]

Also keep in mind that theme park tickets are not included - so it's even more that the price they advertise.

 

[TSWJan78]

I was just gonna say what Mike said.. $240 PLUS park admission... seems kinda steep to me with such little notice. Now if people knew and could plan maybe but we will see.. I am sure it will have a good turnout non the less

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I don't think the cost is that insane, but I'm also paying $220 just for PFTS w/ the WVL. If I didn't have the interest in PFTS I'd agree the cost probably wouldn't be worth it.

 

[txvjc]

I was also looking forward to this event since the last press release saying that they would having something during F&W but I think their out of their minds...is the price fair for what you're getting...eh, maybe, since it does include the party, all day reception area, VIP for Illuminations, etc., but I think they should have a free component to the event for rest of us D23 members similar to the spring event during F&G...what would have been wrong with letting us come to just the reception room that morning for a small event or letting us into the VIP section for the concert and fireworks.

Besides the high price, releasing the details of the event 2 days before the tickets go on sale for an event less than a month away is pretty ridiculous in its own right...it's just like the tickets for the Broadway shows on tour...they wait until a month or so before the show happens when most Disney fans who really want to see the production bought their tickets months ago when they were first released to the public. I'm really re-thinking my D23 membership and have doubts about renewing next year.

 

[BriarRosie]

You're not alone- I too was excited to read that D23 was holding a WDW event- until I read the details.

Now, I also agree that *given the amount they are charging for other F&W events* this is not out of line. And you do get a lot for your money. (I have to add- I think F&W event prices in general are getting out of hand)

However, when I am 3 weeks away from my vacation I don't have an extra $500 sitting around wondering what to spend it on! I mean- did they really just this moment think of this idea? Were there not any plans for this months in advance?

I'll bet they get enough people with deep pockets to participate- and maybe that's their target audience.

After all of the "free" or low cost activities they have held in California thus far, I hope they can come up with other WDW events that aren't high priced events.

The food and wine event prices are actually on par with food and wine events around the country. There's a New York event in October featuring people from the Food Network. You should see the prices they are charging for their events. And in Las Vegas, there's a food event on November 14, and they're charging $1000 per person. I think it's a charity fundraiser, though. But still, I don't have a grand to shell out for that.

 

[figgy999]

I was looking for info on this event and I found this thread. I also just saw they announced some more details.

Park admission is now included. Each guest will receive TWO one-day, one-park tickets, so they may then return and enjoy another day at Walt Disney World. (Tickets are good through December 30, 2009.)

Epcot Vice President Dan Cockrell and Marianne Hunnel (the woman who leads the team behind the Festival) have been added to the list of presenters.

Guests will receive a $50 gift card which they may use to enjoy the fantastic “food and wine” during lunch.

Each dish at the “Festival for the Senses” will be accompanied by a wine and/or beer pairing. And there will be a live three-piece band performing during the event.

A specialty dessert will be served during the VIP viewing of IllumiNations.


I know there is some question of if the event is a value, but here is how I see the break down.

Party for the Senses: $135 (no wine, I don’t think)
+
Gift card: $50
+
Two one-day/one-park tickets: $158
= $343 (for $240).

 

[txvjc]

I just saw the updated info too and now think that it may be worth going to. I still wish their was a free component to this, but you are now getting quite a bit for the money. I wonder if backlash from Disney fan sites, facebook, and poor ticket sales caused them to up the ante on this.