***Epcot Food And Wine Festival Info 2008***

[karrit2000]

Hi Everyone. Glad to see almost everyone got what they wanted. I was half asleep as I was dialing. Started @6:58 and on about the 10th redial the call went through. And right after that I was making my reservations. If there had been a pairing @ Le Cellier this year it would have been mine. We booked Sweet Sundays on 11/02 and the City Tastes of Italy on 10/31. So no Halloween night MNSSHP for us this year. We are going to try to get into a few of the WS restaurants instead of doing PFTS. If I can't get anything good we may add PFTS on 11/01.

 

[Kteacher]

I'm in for PFTS on 10/11 . We are only in WDW for the weekend, so this is the only F&W event I've booked. I always enjoy eating and drinking my way around WS .

 

[BriarRosie]

Here's some info about Citricos Chef's Domain...

Here's a picture of the table...

The kitchen is through the door. This area is behind the bar as you walk into Citricos.

Wow, that actually looks like a dining room, as opposed to the "back porch" Chef's Table at V&A.

I am waiting to read all about your experience here Michelle so that I can work on convincing Jay that we need to try this next!

I was thinking we need to fly back in December "gate crash" Michelle's dinner. They do seat up to 12 people.

We are there!!! We also booked City Tastes: LA on 11/7. Thats it. I just got off the phone-took less than 10 minutes. I will have to make due with all the great restaurants in Italy, London and Paris the next few weeks. We already have some booked on our free time and I am psyched!

On second thought, we should 'gate crash" with Patricia!! I've got ABD Envy now.

Well after a busy weekend getting my DS18 ready to start college I some how completely forgot about F&WF!

It is now 10:00am Central time and after reading this I ran to the phone to call for reservations We got everything that we wanted
10/16 Kitchen Conversations w/ David Irvine (DH favorite Food Network show)
10/18 PFTS
10/19 Sweet Sundays

Of course I had to cancel LeCellier for 2:40 Thur 10/16 but only Mom and DH were really wanting this ADR for about the 100th time ( I am glad for something new!) )

David Irvine? I'll see you at Robert Irvine's event (unless they do a schedule change and sub someone else in there.) I'll be surrounded by St. Louis people! (Joke at Brenda/oybolshoi's expense, not yours. ) I'm sorry, I really had to tease you about the name. There's still a little controversy since he's been let go from the Food Network (due to padding his resumé), so who knows if they'll change chefs on us? I'd think the event might be a bit awkward, which actually makes me more intrigued.

We've attended PFTS twice. I recall seeing only a couple of ladies in evening gowns. I don't recall any gentlemen wearing tuxes either, a few suits & ties. Seems to be most men were in short & long sleeve collared shirts with docker's style pants. Women wore casual to dressy sundresses, skirts & pantsuits.

I've been to 3 parties, and I also see this kind of attire, very very few ties on men tho - I cant recall seeing a "gown" but I do recall seeing a dressy cocktail dress or two - mostly women do tend to "Dress" it up, from what I recall...

<snip>

Ok, I think there were a few too many left turns at Albaquerque, here. I think Steve was replying to the "evening attire" dress code for the Signature Dinner, not the Party for the Senses "smart casual". Two different animals.

I agree that Party is more laid back, dress-wise. But I'm in total agreement that the Signature dinners should be dressy. The dress I'll be wearing to V&A this year is the same dress I wore to last year's Signature Dinner at California Grill.

 

[swandiverpatt]

I just called to make our PFTS reservation for 11/8 -- we book according to when our favorite vineyard is there. I'd e-mailed one of their contacts a couple of weeks ago and he told me when they were planning to come. I'm so excited ...

I also got the "no bathing suits" spiel and almost laughed.

Now, I have to go work on my "Project Runway" dress design for the night .... a skirt made of ziploc baggies ....

 

[sammax]

The dress I'll be wearing to V&A this year is the same dress I wore to last year's Signature Dinner at California Grill.

And pray tell...what did this dress look like? I'm very excited about going to this signature dinner if you couldn't tell I'm also in the middle of reading your DLR food and wine report, as we just decided to go to that next year!

 

[BriarRosie]

And pray tell...what did this dress look like? I'm very excited about going to this signature dinner if you couldn't tell I'm also in the middle of reading your DLR food and wine report, as we just decided to go to that next year!

Ok, now I'll have to take a photo of my dress.
It's actually a two-piece dress, the skirt being handkerchief style. I also have an all-purpose black sheath dress that I've used for V&A 6 years ago, but still works today. Both are calf length.

Thanks for reading my DLR food and wine report. I have doubts that the good parts will stay as good (or as great a value) next year. I expect the prices to go up.

 

[shovan]

Does anyone have a plan for getting their wine home? We've driven the last couple of years, so I didn't have to worry about it. Is there anyplace in Epcot or at the resorts that will ship it?

 

[DisneyHumbug]

Two years ago when we asked at the wine store in Epcot, they would not ship to New York.

 

[oybolshoi]

Does anyone have a plan for getting their wine home? We've driven the last couple of years, so I didn't have to worry about it. Is there anyplace in Epcot or at the resorts that will ship it?

Sheryl, they won't ship alcohol. We ask every year that we're there and it's always a firm "no."

Honestly I think most of what is sold at Epcot is over priced anyway so when we find something we really like we make sure we write down the information and then have one of the two wine stores that we frequent here at home order it for us.

Even the Utopias was cheaper here at home. We didn't buy any because our store was out of it but they quoted us $160 for a bottle as opposed to the $190 being charged at the store at the F&W welcome center.

 

[BearFan]

Does anyone have a plan for getting their wine home? We've driven the last couple of years, so I didn't have to worry about it. Is there anyplace in Epcot or at the resorts that will ship it?

We recently came back from CA with a case of wine. We got a box from a vineyard that ships wine and loaded it full then checked it as our second piece of baggage when flying home. It was a standard brown box with a molded styrofoam holder with a place for 12 bottle in it. I'm sure it was typical stuff for experienced winelovers but it was our first time bringing that much wine home with us at one time. We're thinking of checking it empty and bringing it down with us when we fly in October. I'm fortunate to have a DH that travels frequently so we don't pay for second bags.

I thought I'd share what we saw two years ago at PFTS. There were two couples that were so drunk, the women collected the candle centerpieces from other tables then tried to smuggle them out UNDER their dresses!!! It was a hoot! The Disney people just kept an eye on them until they tried to execute their plan. Even they had a hard time not laughing at them.

Count us in on the 10/16 KC with Robert Irvine and the 10/18 PFTS. I got time zones all mixed up this morning and called at 7 CST but got in with no waiting at all. I'm kinda bummed I missed out on the Disney music. I'll have to listen to a cd over and over again to get my fill
Lisa Marie

 

[webray]

I will also be attending PFTS on 10/18. I was told the dress code is smart casual-no shorts, tank tops, bathing suits. Does anyone think dressy shorts will be OK, like walking shorts. I have seen video of past PFTS's and it didn't seem overly dressy. Any opinions?

We have definately seen people in walking shorts, jeans, etc.
I just dress comfortably, usually capris and a top, flat shoes. Hubby, pants and a polo, comfy for him also.

 

[webray]

Is the signature dining really evening dress? How dressy? Is this a great excuse to buy a new dress??? Does my DH need to wear a suit or will a sport coat and tie be fine?? So many questions now!

Sport coat is fine. My hubby has black suit that he usually wears with those dressy tshirts under it. I will probably wear nice pants and a top.

 

[shovan]

Two years ago when we asked at the wine store in Epcot, they would not ship to New York.

Sheryl, they won't ship alcohol. We ask every year that we're there and it's always a firm "no."

Honestly I think most of what is sold at Epcot is over priced anyway so when we find something we really like we make sure we write down the information and then have one of the two wine stores that we frequent here at home order it for us.

Even the Utopias was cheaper here at home. We didn't buy any because our store was out of it but they quoted us $160 for a bottle as opposed to the $190 being charged at the store at the F&W welcome center.

What does Disney have against shipping alcohol! It would increase their sales.

Brenda, I know you're right, but we tend to get swept up in the moment! We bought a bottle of Meeker's wine after their wine tasting. It was so pretty the owner Charlie Meeker & his wine maker dip their hands in paint & personally decorate every bottle, then we were able to get it signed. It's cool. However 2 weeks ago, we did find the same wine in a local shop, and yes it was 10 bucks cheaper. It wasn't signed though, so that's something right?

We recently came back from CA with a case of wine. We got a box from a vineyard that ships wine and loaded it full then checked it as our second piece of baggage when flying home. It was a standard brown box with a molded styrofoam holder with a place for 12 bottle in it. I'm sure it was typical stuff for experienced winelovers but it was our first time bringing that much wine home with us at one time. We're thinking of checking it empty and bringing it down with us when we fly in October. I'm fortunate to have a DH that travels frequently so we don't pay for second bags.

I thought I'd share what we saw two years ago at PFTS. There were two couples that were so drunk, the women collected the candle centerpieces from other tables then tried to smuggle them out UNDER their dresses!!! It was a hoot! The Disney people just kept an eye on them until they tried to execute their plan. Even they had a hard time not laughing at them.

I have two of those boxes in my garage now. I wasn't planning on buying quite that much, but you never know. Thanks!

 

[webray]

David Irvine? I'll see you at Robert Irvine's event (unless they do a schedule change and sub someone else in there.) I'll be surrounded by St. Louis people! (Joke at Brenda/oybolshoi's expense, not yours. ) I'm sorry, I really had to tease you about the name. There's still a little controversy since he's been let go from the Food Network (due to padding his resumé), so who knows if they'll change chefs on us? I'd think the event might be a bit awkward, which actually makes me more intrigued.

They definately are not changing chefs on you. Chef Irvine has called me at home, himself to let me know he is definately taking full part if Food and Wine. His schedule of events was posted in his fan newsletter long before disney put the info out.

Also, Who cares what food network thinks, FOX has already picked him up and he as a new show in the works. Can't wait for it as we have met him in person..and he is a big, bold personality and all around great person.

That kitchen conversation with him is going to be fantastic!

 

[oybolshoi]

What does Disney have against shipping alcohol! It would increase their sales.

Brenda, I know you're right, but we tend to get swept up in the moment! We bought a bottle of Meeker's wine after their wine tasting. It was so pretty the owner Charlie Meeker & his wine maker dip their hands in paint & personally decorate every bottle, then we were able to get it signed. It's cool. However 2 weeks ago, we did find the same wine in a local shop, and yes it was 10 bucks cheaper. It wasn't signed though, so that's something right?

I thought I read something somewhere about Disney having to have a separate license in order to ship alcohol. Since they're not really a retailer of alcohol it doesn't make much sense for them to jump through the hoops and pay the money just to be able to ship for 6 weeks out of each year. That's what I think, for what it's worth (not much).

I totally agree with you on the "moment" thing because we absolutely would have bought a bottle of Utopias last year if it had been available when we went back to the welcome center. And a hand-painted, signed wine bottle ... something you can't find at home ... I'd want to buy that too!

They definately are not changing chefs on you. Chef Irvine has called me at home, himself to let me know he is definately taking full part if Food and Wine. His schedule of events was posted in his fan newsletter long before disney put the info out.

Also, Who cares what food network thinks, FOX has already picked him up and he as a new show in the works. Can't wait for it as we have met him in person..and he is a big, bold personality and all around great person.

That kitchen conversation with him is going to be fantastic!

We are very excited to be attending that kitchen conversation in October - it will be a great experience.

BTW ... guess what showed up in my mailbox today?

 

[BearFan]

Also, Who cares what food network thinks, FOX has already picked him up and he as a new show in the works. Can't wait for it as we have met him in person..and he is a big, bold personality and all around great person.

That kitchen conversation with him is going to be fantastic!

I couldn't agree more. I e-mail his people for information and he replied himself. What a class act. It's my belief that Food Network mishandled the entire incident and needed him to take the fall for their PR people. It's going to be a honor to meet him and my DH and I are looking forward to it. I'm sure it will be the highlight of our trip this year.

 

[Forever42]

Even the Utopias was cheaper here at home. We didn't buy any because our store was out of it but they quoted us $160 for a bottle as opposed to the $190 being charged at the store at the F&W welcome center.

The frustrating part for me was that Utopias can't legally be sold in Florida, according to Sam Adams, so I was just happy to find a bottle and snapped it up. It's now in the back of my closet waiting until my 30th birthday!

Funny thing, we found another bottle a month later at the new Greenwise Publix in Palm Beach Gardens when we were at the inlaws for Thanksgiving. Same price. We picked up that one for my brother (who paid us back, of course!).

I remember reading the statutes a while back on alcohol percentages and sale in Florida, etc, but I can't remember exactly what it was.

 

[oybolshoi]

The frustrating part for me was that Utopias can't legally be sold in Florida, according to Sam Adams, so I was just happy to find a bottle and snapped it up. It's now in the back of my closet waiting until my 30th birthday!

Funny thing, we found another bottle a month later at the new Greenwise Publix in Palm Beach Gardens when we were at the inlaws for Thanksgiving. Same price. We picked up that one for my brother (who paid us back, of course!).

I remember reading the statutes a while back on alcohol percentages and sale in Florida, etc, but I can't remember exactly what it was.

I saw that too, on the Sam Adams website. There are a ton of states where Utopias supposedly can't be sold due to the high alcohol content (Missouri is one of them, too). Imagine our surprise when we were told that it was being sold here in MO. So now we've got our names on a waiting list for the next batch ... unless we end up lucky like you!

 

[chip&dale&fun]

The CM I spoke with said nothing about age, just that you would need an ID to show proof of age if you wanted to drink alcohol.

We must have had 2 different cast members...glad it worked out for everyone....

 

[TDC Nala]

I spent not even one second on hold this morning.

I am in for the French Regional Lunch on 10/5, PFTS on 10/18 and 11/8 and the Bluezoo signature dinner on 11/7.

Someone else has gotten the Cook Book & Bottle on 9/26 for me. So I basically have one F&W event per trip, two in November.