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

[CarolA]

Unfortunately for me, no - I do wish there were more beers! Usually there will be a Sam Adams booth with Octoberfest, Boston Lager, Light, and sometimes Utopias. In the past there's been an InBev station with Stella, Hoegaarden, etc, but not last year and probably not this.

As webray said, sometimes there are different types of alcohol - last year we went to one that had a dish that came with a frozen mojito shot.

But the vast majority of beverages are wine, worry not.

And DH just booked us the 10/18 PftS. Now to figure out which one with my brother, father, and father's girlfriend.

InBev was there last year. Over by the UK. They had Stella, some Brazilan Beer I can't recall and a few British beers. They did do away with the free beer tasting which was great LOL! I think the beer tasting went away due to the amount of "drunks" it produced!

Now on a funny note I have been wondering for DAYS where the Food& Wine postings were. That's what I get for not reading the stickys!

 

[CarolA]

Its hard to know until you get there what works for you - but in my previous experiences there have always been places at some lower tables - I also like to "park" myself at a place and dh and I go in different directions - coming back to meet up at a place - I've just put a jacket (rain poncho last year) on the back of the seat, I think the last 2 years they have had more tables than party goers so seating has not been an issue (in the early Party's I remember reading reviews that the party was about moving and not parking at one table, so there was "panic" about finding a table - I think this may have changed - esp in the back section lots of empty tables!!)

The wine glasses are very tall - and the plates have a cut out that fits the wine glasses - I just went and measured, the glasses are app 4 in tall they hold a full 16 ounces of liquid, with a bit to spare - so the Party may only give you 1 - 2 ounces, and with a tall wine glass that holds 8 times that amount, you may find you can get around without spillage - but again, you will have to experience it - In this day and age of accomadations, I cant imagine it being a problem were you to bring a glass...

(I wonder if Talking Hands on the disability board has been to the party of the senses, she would have experience...)

I have to disagree that the "last two years" there have been more tables then party goers. I last went two years ago. There were more party goers then tables and the situation was made worse by the large number of RUDE party goers who only wanted "thier" friends to sit with them. Even if that meant that at a HUGE table they only had three people! That's why I quit going!

 

[cdtommie]

Are you sure you have tasted Utopias????

Yes, I have. Actually Utopias do not receive top ratings on some of the esteemed beer review websites such as beeradvocate or ratebeer. It's just simply a poor value to me but I can understand how others feel different.

For Utopias fan's I also recommend Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA - I think this has some Utopias-like characteristics especially if you cellar it for a while at a fraction of the price.

 

[webray]

Yes, I have. Actually Utopias do not receive top ratings on some of the esteemed beer review websites such as beeradvocate or ratebeer. It's just simply a poor value to me but I can understand how others feel different.

For Utopias fan's I also recommend Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA - I think this has some Utopias-like characteristics especially if you cellar it for a while at a fraction of the price.

Oh, we are huge fans of the Dogfishhead 120, lol, but it is nothing like Utopias, not even in the same class. Dogfishhead 120 is an over the top IPA..hoppy.
Utopias is a beer equivalent of a kognac...totally outstanding.

 

[shovan]

I have to disagree that the "last two years" there have been more tables then party goers. I last went two years ago. There were more party goers then tables and the situation was made worse by the large number of RUDE party goers who only wanted "thier" friends to sit with them. Even if that meant that at a HUGE table they only had three people! That's why I quit going!

Maybe people were nicer to the "guy in the wheelchair" but we found an empty table in '06. Last year we asked a very nice couple if we could join them & they were happy to have us. We then found oybolshoi (Brenda) & her nice hubby and I think a great time was had by all! We didn't come across any rude people!

Figaro, Please don't be worry about this! I would recommend arriving early & making your way to the front of the "lounge" room, so it will be easier when they open the doors. After you check in, everyone is given their plate & glass & are put in a "holding" room until the doors open. There is a mad rush into the room. Don't be dismayed even if you don't find a table. Even though people tend to grab & appear to hold spots, after things get going, people abandon their seats! Good Luck & have fun!

 

[agnes01]

Thank you Gismo1554! I know we'd enjoy it but DH has never been to a Food and Wine festival (I have been to one) and wants to be able to walk around and see everything and go to the booths to sample things. So we will probably do that instead.

Personally I think 3 events in 3 days is a lot. I'd tend to stick with the 2.

The Spain thing is new this year so dont have much info on it but I think its going to be like a small Party for the Senses

 

[Me&3]

DH and I like to room the floor during PFTS. We thik its better worring about a table. You get to mingle with more people and you don't have to get up and down. You are already up . Its not like your going to sit for a full course meal. But thats just my opinion

 

[jcvalenti]

Oh, we are huge fans of the Doghead 120, lol, but it is nothing like Utopias, not even in the same class. Doghead 120 is an over the top IPA..hoppy.
Utopias is a beer equivalent of a kognac...totally outstanding.

I've had (and enjoyed) them both, but for me the perfect balance of price, taste and hops is Bell's Two Hearted Ale. Outstanding stuff, and Bell's is one of the best all-around microbreweries in the country, IMHO.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Having never been to the Festival, I wanted to bring my 19 year old son who is about to start Culinary Art School in January. I know wine and beer is served, but I am guessing that they just won't give him any as I see no age limit to any of these events that have to be paid separately for? Any info would be great, thanks!

 

[DisneyHumbug]

Last year was my first time and we did find many empty seats, but people were holding them for their friends. I had DM with me, she was 88 at the time, there was no way she could stand for the whole night, nor could she balance eating while standing. Luckily we found a lovely family who squeezed us in (we were 3 and they had room for 2). While DD and I roamed around and got food for DM, she had a blast meeting and talking with our new friends. This year there will be 6 of us, including DM who is now 89!!! Hopefully we'll be able to sit together.

 

[redzinner]

Having never been to the Festival, I wanted to bring my 19 year old son who is about to start Culinary Art School in January. I know wine and beer is served, but I am guessing that they just won't give him any as I see no age limit to any of these events that have to be paid separately for? Any info would be great, thanks!

Usually they are very careful to ask for ID and in FL 21 is the age for alcohol.
If they have a doubt about the age they will definitely ask. That is why when you make a reservation for one of the paid events they instruct you to 'bring your ID'.
What school is your son planning on attending in January?

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

The Culinary Arts School here at NMC in Michigan. I just thought the festival would be a great way for him to see outstanding chefs and culinary creations. Do you think he would enjoy it?

 

[RachelTori]

The Culinary Arts School here at NMC in Michigan. I just thought the festival would be a great way for him to see outstanding chefs and culinary creations. Do you think he would enjoy it?

Absolutely! What a great experience that will be for him.

 

[redzinner]

The Culinary Arts School here at NMC in Michigan. I just thought the festival would be a great way for him to see outstanding chefs and culinary creations. Do you think he would enjoy it?

Yes!, especially if you could get one of the Kitchen Conversations. The chef is on a slightly raised stage with mirrors overhead so that the audience (us ) can see the chef's hands at all times. They also have big video screens on both sides of the room. At least that's the way it has been the past couple of years. Even the food kiosks around the World Showplace would be an education of flavors and combinations from different cultures.

 

[dizneykid]

The Culinary Arts School here at NMC in Michigan. I just thought the festival would be a great way for him to see outstanding chefs and culinary creations. Do you think he would enjoy it?

Yes, I think he would enjoy it very much. The festival is not just wine and beer. It is "food"!! There are all sorts of tastes and culinary exhibits. There are many free food seminars also. He would really enjoy those.

I have no doubt he would enjoy going to the Party for the Senses. Honestly, you don't have to drink, he can roam around enjoying the samples, and most of all talking with the chefs. You never know who you will meet there.

 

[Me&3]

Having never been to the Festival, I wanted to bring my 19 year old son who is about to start Culinary Art School in January. I know wine and beer is served, but I am guessing that they just won't give him any as I see no age limit to any of these events that have to be paid separately for? Any info would be great, thanks!

They won't give wine or beer but any age is welcomed. After all no matter what it still is Disney a family place. Good Luck to your son in Culinary ART School . My DS is only 8 and has always said he wants to be a chef.

 

[CarolA]

Last year was my first time and we did find many empty seats, but people were holding them for their friends. I had DM with me, she was 88 at the time, there was no way she could stand for the whole night, nor could she balance eating while standing. Luckily we found a lovely family who squeezed us in (we were 3 and they had room for 2). While DD and I roamed around and got food for DM, she had a blast meeting and talking with our new friends. This year there will be 6 of us, including DM who is now 89!!! Hopefully we'll be able to sit together.

Sadly I think some of these "friends" were figments of thier imagination! I saw one couple who was "holding seats" for friends sit alone ALL night until someone BUSTED them on it and htey then pouted and actually complained to a Cast Member that it was thier "honeymoon" LOL!

They just want to block the tables!

 

[oybolshoi]

Sadly I think some of these "friends" were figments of thier imagination! I saw one couple who was "holding seats" for friends sit alone ALL night until someone BUSTED them on it and htey then pouted and actually complained to a Cast Member that it was thier "honeymoon" LOL!

They just want to block the tables!

I don't understand why people would be that way. We had a great time sharing a table last year with Shovan and her hubby and Lehto and her hubby ... had someone else approached any one of us during the evening to request a seat for a while I can't imagine that anyone would have said no. Half the fun of these events is meeting new people who love food as much as we do.

You want an intimate table for two go to Vickie & Al's ... you want an upscale cocktail party with fun people go to Party for the Senseless.

 

[oybolshoi]

Soooooo .... no one's going to the Bocuse Grand Gala?

 

[redzinner]

Soooooo .... no one's going to the Bocuse Grand Gala?

Too steep for me but I'd be willing to attend with a little help from a sponsor like Vanity Fair or Viking or ...???