EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Sept. 25 - Nov 16 2015

[Disneyglobegirl]

Hi all. Had a great day at the Festival!

Got the Sampler Package. Here are the exclusions printed on the credential: "Excludes beers larger than 6 ounces, all tasting flights, all Champagnes, and the Artist Palette at cheese and wine." Used it for a couple of >$10 cocktails. The entitlements are valid through Nov. 16th, except for the Eat to the Beat FastPass, which is for the day purchased only.

Thank you!! So good to know as I bought two..one for DH and one for me. That way we won't be in a rush to use all the entitlements on the same day Alittle bummed about the champagne though...I definitely did not expect to get Dom but was hoping I would be able to get a glass of Moet or Veuve..oh well will have to use my gift card for those and maybe a Dom since it is our 25th anniversary trip

Definitely going to plan out the best way to use the entitlements for food and drink though

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The Sampler was changed between when you called and they actually started. My source says that was actually due to the design on the "tabs' with the entitlements. Since they didn't put the date on the tabs they just decided to not worry about it.

I was also told by my source that the only place selling the special gift card will be the Festival Center (but that is subject to change) This is the place where the line went ALL the way across the pavilion yesterday and there is ABSOLUTELY nothing I want to wait that long in line to pay for The manager was actually telling irate guests "I have all my cash registers open" and doing nothing else about it (Like taking some of the guests to other locations to pay? When someone suggested that she seemed shocked by such a novel idea LOL!)

 

[jerseygal]

Thanks Orangecountycommuter! Happy for all that the Sampler offers more flexibility to users!

 

[switch15foot]

Sucks, looks like you can't use Sampler at Refreshment Cool Post or Refreshment Port

Anyone can confirm otherwise that would be great ...

 

[karrit2000]

Sucks, looks like you can't use Sampler at Refreshment Cool Post or Refreshment Port

Anyone can confirm otherwise that would be great ...

This is exactly why I wanted to know what the actual 30 participating booths were. Looks like Block & Hans and the Coffee Carts will be on the need to pay list too. Too bad since there were some wines @ Block & Hans that are $9 each. Now I need to do a spreadsheet to see if it's actually worth getting the Sampler to cover some of the drinks at those 30 booths.

 

[SarahInMN]

Is anyone else signed up for the VIP F&W Tour? We are signed up in November and the itinerary states:
"You’ll start with a champagne toast and Best Seats in the House for a celebrity chef focused brunch with The Cake Boss on TLC – Buddy Valastro. After a break and a brief time to shop, you’ll enjoy a hosted beverage demonstration featuring acclaimed wines, spirits or craft beers from the finest locations around the world."

We were hoping someone can report back if there is enough time after the brunch to do the book signing event. I just emailed the VIP people but was hoping someone who actually does this can report back on the timing.

thanks!

Edited to add: the VIP tours said the break is 15 min. I'd still love to hear details from people who do it this year in terms of timing, rides, experiences, etc.

 

[Belle0101]

The Sampler was changed between when you called and they actually started. My source says that was actually due to the design on the "tabs' with the entitlements. Since they didn't put the date on the tabs they just decided to not worry about it.

I was also told by my source that the only place selling the special gift card will be the Festival Center (but that is subject to change) This is the place where the line went ALL the way across the pavilion yesterday and there is ABSOLUTELY nothing I want to wait that long in line to pay for The manager was actually telling irate guests "I have all my cash registers open" and doing nothing else about it (Like taking some of the guests to other locations to pay? When someone suggested that she seemed shocked by such a novel idea LOL!)

Is this the gift card that if you load if with at least $200 you receive a bonus lanyard? I was thinking there was something else included but now I can't remember for certain. I might have things mixed up. Thanks!

This is exactly why I wanted to know what the actual 30 participating booths were. Looks like Block & Hans and the Coffee Carts will be on the need to pay list too. Too bad since there were some wines @ Block & Hans that are $9 each. Now I need to do a spreadsheet to see if it's actually worth getting the Sampler to cover some of the drinks at those 30 booths.

If you do a spreadsheet, would you mind sharing what, if anything, you find that would make the Sampler worth getting? I know everyone likes different things but it would be interesting to see what others have found that I might be overlooking. Thanks!

 

[karrit2000]

Is this the gift card that if you load if with at least $200 you receive a bonus lanyard? I was thinking there was something else included but now I can't remember for certain. I might have things mixed up. Thanks!



If you do a spreadsheet, would you mind sharing what, if anything, you find that would make the Sampler worth getting? I know everyone likes different things but it would be interesting to see what others have found that I might be overlooking. Thanks!

Without actually doing the spreadsheet I know one would need to use the entitlements on non-excluded items that cost at least $7.50 each in order to at least break even. That is figuring the pin as a bonus gift and placing no value on the concert seating which we have zero interest in. If you want to value the pin @ $10 then you need to get booth items starting @ $6.75 +. We will be there for almost two weeks in November so we will have plenty of time to spread out the entitlements. I just need to figure if I might want more than one Sampler Package. I'm sure I can benefit from getting at least one Package. After I figure it out I'll update.

 

[FoodieFriend]

Premium Package. Some were able to pick up next week's package today.

i'm able to confirm that i was able to pick up my Premium Package swag bag today at the Festival Center from the Festival Shop line. There are two lines & i was directed to the one on the right side where the line wraps around a planter. they have the swag bags sitting behind that counter. it seemed like their printers were not working but the CM took my confirmation number & checked my photo ID & she was able to pull up my purchase on her computer. i had to sign a piece of scratch paper to confirm that i was picking up my swag bags today (9/26, saturday although my PP doesn't start until monday 9/28). i could choose red or white wine. then i was given two options: 1) send the swag bags to the front of the park for pick up at will call in 3 hours OR 2) be escorted to the front of the park by a cast member & leave with our swag bags. CM Dakota said it was because it was alcohol AND glass in the bag, we could walk around carrying the swag bags. since we were already leaving the park for the day, we opted to be escorted out of the park. it was slightly drawn out because they had to find a CM to walk with us. i was also required to sign a paper that verified i received all the stuff in the bags: bottle of wine, wine glass, magic band, credentials with entitlements, special passport & lanyard with burlap bag. score! i was so relieved that on Monday we wouldn't be stuck lugging all of that around!

AND i advise anyone who still needs to pick up their PP swag bag, that you do it ASAP. it's the same area where others are picking up their Tasting Sampler, so lines are LONG! i almost didn't want to wait in that madness, but i sucked it up since we were already at Epcot. it didn't take too long, but the CM at the register (not CM Dakota) seemed a little frazzled about having to deliver the PP. i think she had only been doing the Tasting Sampler all day. consider it's only the 2nd day of the EFWF, so everyone is on a learning curve. i just felt bad for the guys behind me waiting. they were getting extremely impatient.

the entitlement/credential does say what's excluded: beers larger than 6oz, all tasting flights, all Champagnes and the Artist Palette of cheese & wine. my entitlements expire on the last day of my PP & is clearly stated on each entitlement tab. so it seems exclusions are similar to the Tasting Sampler with a definite expiration date.

Here's my swag bag stuff:

 

[rpb718]

i'm able to confirm that i was able to pick up my Premium Package swag bag today at the Festival Center from the Festival Shop line. There are two lines & i was directed to the one on the right side where the line wraps around a planter. they have the swag bags sitting behind that counter. it seemed like their printers were not working but the CM took my confirmation number & checked my photo ID & she was able to pull up my purchase on her computer. i had to sign a piece of scratch paper to confirm that i was picking up my swag bags today (9/26, saturday although my PP doesn't start until monday 9/28). i could choose red or white wine. then i was given two options: 1) send the swag bags to the front of the park for pick up at will call in 3 hours OR 2) be escorted to the front of the park by a cast member & leave with our swag bags. CM Dakota said it was because it was alcohol AND glass in the bag, we could walk around carrying the swag bags. since we were already leaving the park for the day, we opted to be escorted out of the park. it was slightly drawn out because they had to find a CM to walk with us. i was also required to sign a paper that verified i received all the stuff in the bags: bottle of wine, wine glass, magic band, credentials with entitlements, special passport & lanyard with burlap bag. score! i was so relieved that on Monday we wouldn't be stuck lugging all of that around!]

Thanks for the picture. We're staying in an Epcot resort and would be coming in via IG so I'm really hoping I'm not forced to leave via the front entrance.

 

[Belle0101]

Without actually doing the spreadsheet I know one would need to use the entitlements on non-excluded items that cost at least $7.50 each in order to at least break even. That is figuring the pin as a bonus gift and placing no value on the concert seating which we have zero interest in. If you want to value the pin @ $10 then you need to get booth items starting @ $6.75 +. We will be there for almost two weeks in November so we will have plenty of time to spread out the entitlements. I just need to figure if I might want more than one Sampler Package. I'm sure I can benefit from getting at least one Package. After I figure it out I'll update.

Thank-you! Even knowing that the break even point is at least $7.50 per item is very helpful. From briefly looking at some of the menus it seems like the higher price points are for non-food items. I'm going by myself this year and only have 3 days planned for F&W. To break even, or come out ahead, I'd have to have 3 alcoholic drinks a day for 2 of the days and 2 on 1 day. I'm a lightweight so probably not a good idea. I'd be the one that everyone posted about - I saw this seriously intoxicated stumbling through F&W mumbling about maximizing her entitlements.

If I had longer, or weren't such a lightweight, I'd definitely buy at least 1 package.

 

[FoodieFriend]

Thanks for the picture. We're staying in an Epcot resort and would be coming in via IG so I'm really hoping I'm not forced to leave via the front entrance.

ahh, good question. since i didn't "send it" for pick up, i didn't get to see the form (CM called it the green form) so i didn't get to see if IG was an option. i'm no as familiar with the areas in the parks, so hopefully if there's a will call area at IG, you can send it there too?? good luck!

 

[Disney102015]

Looks awesome! Does anyone know if the Premium Package entitlements can be used for all the same things / are subject to the same exclusions as the Sampler Package entitlements?

 

[thornton0511]

Can anyone tell me if DH and myself can share a sampler package or do we each have to purchase our own? We will only be in Epcot for 1 day and I could see us sharing 8 between us, but not 8 each in one day.

 

[NejTheLion]

Ooh, that makes me want a premium package...maybe next year

 

[NejTheLion]

Probably taking things way too literally but I am curious as to what Disney is defining as "champagne". All wine from the Desserts & Champagne booth? All sparkling wine? When we had the late nights live credential entitlements last year, Dom was removed from the menu entirely but we were able to use entitlements for the $12ish imperial sparkling wines. Wondering if that will hold true this year -- if so, more than happy to book at least one more sampler to maximize our savings. Hope all those continuing to experience this event will update us on what is/isn't included with those sampler entitlements!

And again, a HUGE thank you to the DISers taking vacation time to update us at home! @ChrisNY2 @NoMoneyThanks2Disney

Just to clarify, everything served at the Desserts & Champagne booth is actually champagne. None of those are sparkling wines. The $12ish imperials from Moet & Chandon are champagne.

Looking at the lists, there's also a champagne (albeit a cheaper one) at Block & Hans for $9. Maybe that one is okay. Anything else looks like sparkling wine (e.g., Brazil, Patagonia, Prosecco in Italy) and is priced accordingly.

 

[NoMoneyThanks2Disney]

Can anyone tell me if DH and myself can share a sampler package or do we each have to purchase our own? We will only be in Epcot for 1 day and I could see us sharing 8 between us, but not 8 each in one day.

You can definitely share the tabs for food and drink, you would only have 1 seat for the concert.

 

[thornton0511]

You can definitely share the tabs for food and drink, you would only have 1 seat for the concert.

That's good about the sharing of the credits.....eh the concert was not really a selling point for us lol. Thank you!!

 

[partyof2]

Thanks for all the info/pictures on the Sampler and Premium Packages, getting super excited now!

I'm also hoping they'll send the swag bag to IG, surely they will!? How else are Epcot resort guests supposed to get their bags?!

Being escorted out of the park sounds so dramatic, I understand why they have to do it but it's going to make PP guests look as though they're in trouble or something.

I think onsite guests should have automatically had their bags sent to their room as per last year and offsite guests collected, it would be much easier.

 

[Scoobypop]

FoodieFriend, I was wondering if you could tell us what day your ISDP is? Example-the date of your actual PP booking? Your experience sounds great, thanks for sharing. Gives a little relief, but my next fear is wondering, since our ISDP is on a Thursday, and that's the official PP booking date, I want to still make sure our credentials will be Mon-Thur of that week, and not Thur-Wed of the next week. Probably a silly worry, but with all the confusion up till now, lol. Again, thank you everyone for sharing your experiences so far!

Also-yes you can send packages to international gateway from the festival shop, we do it every year, so I would imagine it's the same for the swag bag this year