Does anyone know the date WDW starts taking reservations-for Epcot Food and Wine

[katesseg]

Hi Everyone,
I am desparate! I've been going to the Epcot F&W festival since '96 (first one) Each year, it just gets harder and harder to make reservations. Last year, I was on hold with Group dining for 90 minutes on the date I was told I could make reservations (July? for non-florida residents?), only to be told to call another number -another 45 minute hold - and most of the events were sold out! Not to mention a $80 phone bill (calling from New Hampshire!)

I've emailed Disney - and they answer every question about the event except - When/what date can I make my reservations for the Epcot Food and Wine events for November??? And what is that mysterious special number (it is not group dining like they told me- last year it was a special F&W event line).

Please Help!! I'm guessing if anyone knows, it will be somebody on this site!
Many thanks!
Kathy

 

[abitjaded]

My experience has been the same. However, it makes little difference how soon you call because you never had a chance for lots of it! The Florida resident dining club members get first crack, maybe 20? days ahead of the rest of us. Much was sold out days before you were even allowed to call. While I realize they need to honor their most regular customers, it does make me crazy. After all, we are not the local customers, but we certainly pay a heck of a lot just to get there to pay a heck of a lot to dine. It seems the Vintner's Reserve dinners, especially, have become an exclusive, closed, club. And you would think the fact that we have dropped a wad on more than a few of their special dinners would at least entitle us to a mailed schedule before the ressies open. They should keep track of those of us who participate regularly and at least drop us a postcard! I would even join the Florida Resident dining program if they would let me, just to get a crack at the F&W schedule, but you have to show proof of Florida residency, soooo...

As I recall, though, they release whatever is left at about 60-90 days ahead of the start. Who knows this year, what with the earlier start! Seems like they often have a heck of a time getting the schedule solid. I'd say check in here every day, hopefully one of the Florida folks will post the day us plebes can reserve. They have been pretty nice to do so in the past. PM me if you find out!!!

And here's Pete's spot, he had the info posted quicker than the official WDW site last few years:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/index.htm


Carla

 

[katesseg]

Hi Carla,
Thanks for the reply and complete understanding. Me (NH), my parents from South Carolina, my brother + wife (Vermont) and my other brother +girlfriend, returning from Iraq after 1 1/2 years, always meet up at Disney, and now it is of special significance. It is frustrating - I've been at every F&W fest. since '96 and spent a lot of money (8 adults/VC members) and get pushed out by the Florida residents -I was pretty upset one year that a couple from Florida sitting next to me at at wine dinner actually complained about Disney, yet loved the wine dinners...so much for my loyalty for the whole package!

I'll let you know if I find out anything - I am in the hospitalitily industry...so maybe I snoop out there...
Kathy

 

[katesseg]

Pete - You got the inside track!? What's the story this year?
Kathy

 

[JamesD]

According to the AllEarsNet.com newsletter:
"Beginning Tuesday, July 20, at 7 a.m., guests can book 2004 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival events by calling 407-WDW-FEST."
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/foodwine.htm