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

[Steve-O]

The seating difficulty is one reason we no longer do PFTS. We tire very quickly of trying to hold a spot at a table and run around getting samples of things. We don't like trying to stand, and balance food and wine. Although we love to meet people and chat, we don't like asking if we can join a table only to be told, "No, we're saving those seats." One is as likely to encounter rude people as nice ones, unfortunately. So, not worth the trouble.

Another is we hate the jumbled order of food -- a bit of meat, followed by a gazpacho shot, followed by a taste of dessert, followed by a fish sampling. We'll do that going around the booths, but we're not interested in doing it at the PFTS price.

Further, the wines in our experience are run-of-the-mill. And, the number of people and size of the space are daunting. And, although dh likes Cirque de Soleil, it does nothing whatsoever for me. Obviously, it's just me, but I think it's really weird and off-putting.

So, for us, definitely not worth $270. We much prefer a quiet dinner somewhere with one truly outstanding bottle of wine.

Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled to see the Exquisite Evenings replaced with more World Showcase walkabouts, though I can see why Disney is doing them. Many more people can participate -- and it no doubt costs Disney less per person.

But, all of the foregoing creates a positive in one respect -- none of you will have to share a table with me (the DIS F&W Festival chief complainer)!

Since the sad fact about the Exquisite Evenings was only revealed at a date that was really too late to change our plans, Dh and I will be doing two events (down from the 10 or so we've done other years), which events shall remain nameless as I'd probably be tarred and feathered if my true identity became known. Trust me, however, neither event is a walkabout of any kind -- PFTS, City Tastes or otherwise. And, neither involves a celebrity chef with a book to hawk. Hmmm. What's left? I may be giving too many clues, so I'll stop.

But, never fear -- all you walkabout lovers are safe!

I feel pretty much the same way and booked only 4 events (similar characteristics). Whether walkabout or buffet, I prefer many small portions and would be constantly walking back and forth from table to food. DW and I went last two years and decided last year, enough. We planned to focus on Exquisite Evenings but alas...
The newly designed plates that hold the wine glass were a big help at PFTS, though.

 

[jiminyfan]

CD - I haven't tried Troegs. I'll look for it.

As for which store to try, I haven't ever looked for it down there, so I don't know ... but if you go to bellsbeer dot com, they have a link to where to find their beer. If you type in an address near where you will be in Orlando-area, it will tell you the closest location to find the beer at. Hope that helps, and good hunting.

Troegs is very good, one of my fav local brews.

 

[cdtommie]

No.!! I'm disappointed too. The lines were much shorter during the performances.

EizabethB, I totally agree with everything you said, but I still go because its my exercise for the year. I have scheduled a City Taste and PFTS back to back. (Probably too much exercise)

You actually do more walking if you claim a table and go back and forth. It is much easier to find a tall table to eat at (which is getting tougher and thougher each year because people claim thme too.)

Actually, I will never complain about how crowded it is at the "sold out" PFTS, after attending "TASTE" this year at the DLR F&WF. It was literally wall to wall people.

Ed

It was really hard to find a high top even for a minute at the two PFTS we attended last year...it really seemed like they had more people attending than in past years - maybe Disney raised capacity for this event last year.

 

[webray]

Do you recall if it was mostly the major California players, or might I get lucky enough to find some La Vieux Donjon Chataeuneuf de Pape, or a fine Petrolo Galatrona ?

The wines on the list I have from a couple weeks ago come from CA, Italy, Australia, France,

The Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the wine list is a 1/2 bottle, '03
Ch. De La Gardine. ($53)

There are some other Merlot's, both on the reserve list and the by the glass list, the Petrolo isn't listed.

There is a nice Chateauneuf du pape for sale in the locked case in EPCOT as well.

 

[betterlatethannever]

...The newly designed plates that hold the wine glass were a big help at PFTS, though.

When were the plates redesigned? Was it when they starting using the bigger glasses?

I think the poblem with capacity is not how many tickets are sold, it is how many guests the chefs and winery reps bring with them. I'm guessing that these guests could number over 200. I have been to some "sold out" parties that have been packed and some that were not too bad.

Ed

 

[extremesoccermom]

For the people that are going to PFTS 10/18 Hello!
I started a thread where I have posted my picture so that anyone that sees me that weekend can say HI!
I love meeting all the people on here that I talk to all the time.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1933654

 

[clhcpaca]

I am going solo to two of the Food and Wine Pairings:

Toyko Dining on 9/29

Marrekesh on 9/30

Anyone else going to those events???

Cindy

 

[shovan]

Well, now I know why the price for PFTS didn't increase this year... no Cirque performances. I just got an email back from Cirque's special event department manager and she confirmed that they were not participating this year. I know some of you could care less, but I'm disappointed. We are big Cirque fans and have seen almost every show. I wonder what will replace them and if there will even be any live music? I hope they come to an agreement in the next month and I'm pleasantly surprised that there will be PFTS Cirque performances by the time we go...

Oh no! I hadn't notice before that the brochure states "imaginative decor and live entertainment". I'm glad I came check here before I booked. I learned last night that my DD & SIL are going to join us for a couple of days during our trip. I had decided I was going to book it, we all like Cirque but my DD is huge fan!

I like the way your husband has decided to handle this. I think a tray on my wheelchair and plastic glasses with tight lids should solve most of my problems. My spouse will just sit on the floor next to me if he can't find a chair.

So, if anyone else who is going to be at the Party for the Senses on October 18th sees a blonde woman in a black wheelchair with a shaved headed spouse "pushing," come on over and say Hi.

Enjoy!

 

[CarolA]

Well, now I know why the price for PFTS didn't increase this year... no Cirque performances. I just got an email back from Cirque's special event department manager and she confirmed that they were not participating this year. I know some of you could care less, but I'm disappointed. We are big Cirque fans and have seen almost every show. I wonder what will replace them and if there will even be any live music? I hope they come to an agreement in the next month and I'm pleasantly surprised that there will be PFTS Cirque performances by the time we go...

There is live music. Mechanical Soul that played about three years ago is back.

 

[BriarRosie]

But, all of the foregoing creates a positive in one respect -- none of you will have to share a table with me (the DIS F&W Festival chief complainer)!

Since the sad fact about the Exquisite Evenings was only revealed at a date that was really too late to change our plans, Dh and I will be doing two events (down from the 10 or so we've done other years), which events shall remain nameless as I'd probably be tarred and feathered if my true identity became known. Trust me, however, neither event is a walkabout of any kind -- PFTS, City Tastes or otherwise. And, neither involves a celebrity chef with a book to hawk. Hmmm. What's left? I may be giving too many clues, so I'll stop.

But, never fear -- all you walkabout lovers are safe!

Tarred and feathered? Pshaw. I'm sure we'd all be fine in person. I wouldn't have any problems talking to you, unless you started complaining during the event. Actually, I would want to hear your perspective of the events you did attend. My friends are doing the two signature dinners, so if those are your events, I'd get many perspectives. I can't see a problem with V&A and Todd English's bluezoo™. I would hope those two events are blunder-proof.

I feel pretty much the same way and booked only 4 events (similar characteristics). Whether walkabout or buffet, I prefer many small portions and would be constantly walking back and forth from table to food. DW and I went last two years and decided last year, enough. We planned to focus on Exquisite Evenings but alas...
The newly designed plates that hold the wine glass were a big help at PFTS, though.

But hmm, I know we're at the same French Regional Lunch. If ElizabethB happens to be there, and she sits in the front row asking questions she knows the answers to already, go easy on her, ok? I'll be next to the servers asking for more wine.

Ok, in all seriousness, I had some ups and downs at the PFTS, but I think I've gotten my groove on after last year. In prior years, I did find it tedious to return to the table each time. Last year, my friends had a 4-top way in the back, in the blue section. I started there and worked my way to the front. I only returned to the table if I had gotten food or wine from the areas closest to the table.

After that, I systematically worked my way through all the areas, stopping at the high top tables to take photos. Most of those were not 'reserved', and most people were pretty accommodating when I asked if it was ok to set the plate down for a photo. I guess I didn't set off their territorial instincts, as I was walking around solo. I was not bothered by eating standing up if I had to.

I found that I felt more efficient doing the zig-zag approach, as I was able to find everything I wanted to try and not feel the need to haul myself back to the table. I would periodically go back to talk to my friends, but for at least half the time, I was doing the party solo. I intend to do this mix and mingle thing again, starting in the back of the room, since I felt it worked fantastic.

And to Ed: I've done the PFTS up to 5 years ago, and they've always had the notched carrying plate to hold the wine glass. How long ago do you remember this being different?

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

There is live music. Mechanical Soul that played about three years ago is back.

Yes, I figured that they would be there again. Here's a link to Randy Holbrook's performance list that confirms the dates for this year's PFTS...

Mechanical Soul at PFTS

I still can't see them being the only act for the entire night... but you never know... I hope I'm wrong about Cirque. If anyone gets any other info, please post here!

 

[Steve-O]

Two years ago PFTS did not have the notched plate. Last year they did and they had a different glass, too. Goblet part was pretty much same, large size but the stems were different length. I've only been 2 times (once each year), so maybe the no-notch-ka was the exception.

 

[CarolA]

Two years ago I had the notched plate! I didn't go last year! Still thinking about this year... Have a couple of potential dates.....

 

[ElizabethB]

Thanks, Steve-O and BriarRose! And, BriarRose, you've developed a good strategy for PFTS! Perhaps, a lack of strategy has been one reason it seems somewhat overwhelming to us.

I actually am a nice person (I think!). Just a bit non-plussed that they took away our favorite event.

But, I guess that's life. We still like doing the WS booths and the sit-down events!

I hope everyone enjoys the Festival. We got our brochure yesterday -- and it does put one in the mood.

So, my rants are over!!! Even Dh says -- enough already! If we're going, let's go and enjoy it. So, that's what we're going to do.

 

[webray]

Two years ago I had the notched plate! I didn't go last year! Still thinking about this year... Have a couple of potential dates.....

Two years ago we had the notched plate also, didn't go last year.

 

[Sandy321]

Briar Rose ITA - and dh and I usually seperate (we like different foods, I think I stalked the ice wine guy last year since he was doing drops instead of pours )

I also have found the strategy to sit in the back blue section to be quieter and less crowded - We get there as early as possible to pick up a book, and I go thru and circle the wines I want to try and the foods that sound interesting - so I sort of make a plan based on that - its the return trips!! Like for cheese, you can scoop up a pretty nice amount of cheese, find someone that will give a generous pour to sit down and compare notes - then do returns, or try the things I missed, vice versa (as in last year dh missed the ostrich and I had that down as a must not miss!! he found something I should try, and we usually sit at a table that others join in and make comments, )

I used to rationalize the high cost because of the Cirque entertainment!

I think we've been 3 years in a row - and I do have the small stemmed large bowled glasses, but I believe all 3 years we had notched plates!! I know at our local wine/liquor store they hold a Wine Festival and they want you to buy those notched plates - but they dont serve near enough food!!

 

[Flitter]

I hope everyone enjoys the Festival. We got our brochure yesterday -- and it does put one in the mood.

Elizabeth,
How did you get a brochure? This is my first year for the DDE and was hoping to get one from them and since I live near Chicago it's not likely I will find one here.

 

[Jitzy]

I received our brochure in the mail last Friday, and we live in FL. We receive it because we purchased the DDE card.
We will be at the PFTS on 10/11 with another couple. How I wish there were Exquisite Evenings again this year! We had the best time last year. The food was wonderful and we had an awesome table. We went back the next day for a Sweet Sunday and the servers remembered us from the night before. Don't worry! Nothing rude or anything just one of those happy instances in which the randomness of place cards put together people whose personalities meshed. I hope next year...

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

FYI - There was a change in the Eat to the Beat concert line up...

10/10 - 10/12 - Peabo Bryson is out and has been replaced with The Smithereens


EDIT - Here's the link to the press release...

Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

It hasn't been updated on the Disneyworld.com F&W Fest page. (big surprise there! )

 

[chip&dale&fun]

We've collecting quite a series of wine glasses...the first time at PFTS - the glasses were smaller, white wine....then larger red with shorter stems, then red with longer stems....all in all, I think we have been fortunate to attend for the past 7 years...before that we had no clue about Food and Wine at WDW - imagine....