F&W Party for the Senses

[Chellymouse]

Hello All! I am looking into events at F&W and the party for the senses. For those who have attended this event...can you tell me about it? Is it celebrity chefs or Disney chefs? How much food is at the event? Is alcohol included? I'm trying to convince DH that this would be a good idea but in his words "I need details" TIA!!

 

[Chellymouse]

Oops...forgot...is there a meal or is it all samples?

 

[DISNEYFAN2828]

I was actually going to ask the EXACT same question! Thanks!!

 

[BriarRosie]

Here's a link to a festival food report I did a couple years ago. This post has all direct links to all the reviews I did that trip, some festival and others non-festival.

Keep in mind that was from the 2008 festival, prior to what they did last year with the optional Wine View Lounge area. (Premium area for an extra $75 with reserved seats and an open bar in addition to the normal wine tastings available to all guests.) My experience will be comparable to the non-premium way to do the Party.

Before you see my review, keep in mind that the experience I had that year was NOT typical. They were giving away comped tickets during Year of a Million Dreams, so the venue had more people than I had ever seen it hold in three prior Party for the Senses. So don't get worried when you see my comments about the crowds.

For the direct Party for the Senses direct links, here's part 1 and part 2

 

[LowesChevy]

We did the Party for the Senses in 2008. There were about 20 chef stations with "celebrity" chefs from around the country and within the WDW resort. They all prepared a special small plate to showcase their cuisine and skills. I really enjoyed the food-the portions were large and we were easily stuffed well into the night. You could also try tons of wines and a few beers, but I ended up working on the bottled water.

My complaints were that the event was very loud with blasting music. To me that is not enjoyable to shout at people so they can hear you. At that time there were not many places to sit, which is difficult when you are balancing a glass and a meat dish that needs a knife. The place was a madhouse and people were pushing and shoving on the way into the venue.

I wanted to try it, but I have not decided to go back. I have included my photos from the event for you-please check them out


http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/erg48/WDW Party for the/

 

[danissmart]

When do the tickets for these events go on sale? I will be attending my first F&W in November for a delayed honeymoon and this seems like a magical way to spend an evening.

 

[budbeerlady]

We did this in 2007 and loved it. I keep proding Dh to go back!

There are not really tables with chairs, you walk around alot. We had so much fun trying all the foods and wines. Things we had never had before and some remakes of old classics. I think it would be a great honeymoon event!

 

[KCMiller]

We've been twice, and the food was, for the most part, really interesting and tasty, and wine (and occasionally beer and other non hard liquor beverages) is included, which is great. I'm not sure if we're going to do it again, although this year, I'll be at WDW during F&W with my DH (always went with my sisters before), and he might really enjoy it . . .


KC

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

WE have been three times and absolutely loved it each time. The event has changed over the years (Cirque was the entertainment the first time we went!) and it isn't cheap, but, if we are there for Food and Wine we attend the PFTS.

It is set up with many tasting areas, with alcohol selections to match. While it was always predominantly wine, it now includes beer, vodka, specialty drinks etc.

We usually walk around and eat but last year there were more tables available so we sat for a while. That is more problematic because you have to go back and forth to the table. Ours was at one end so more walking involved.

Last year they offered the upgrade for the Wine Lounge. This gave some access to premium liquor and guaranteed table seating. In our opinion, it looked very odd with the people sitting in an area surrounded by a fence. Heard some very positive comments about those who bought the extra tickets, but for us they didn't seem to be worth it.

The food selections are excellent. There is plenty to eat and drink.

It is truely a unique experience and if you are choosing just one ticketed Food and Wine event, it is definitely a good one to try!

 

[BriarRosie]

When do the tickets for these events go on sale? I will be attending my first F&W in November for a delayed honeymoon and this seems like a magical way to spend an evening.

When all the food and wine festival events are announced this summer, there will be a sticky thread at the top of the page telling everyone when we can call to book events. We won't know until the official announcement. Historically in past years, it's usually late July/early August.

You pay at the time you call, getting a confirmation number. You won't get hard tickets. There will be a check in area for the event near the venue between Canada and UK, the former "Millennium Village" area. They have a list of attendees and will issue wristbands for you to enter the venue.

 

[Chellymouse]

Here's a link to a festival food report I did a couple years ago. This post has all direct links to all the reviews I did that trip, some festival and others non-festival.

Keep in mind that was from the 2008 festival, prior to what they did last year with the optional Wine View Lounge area. (Premium area for an extra $75 with reserved seats and an open bar in addition to the normal wine tastings available to all guests.) My experience will be comparable to the non-premium way to do the Party.

Before you see my review, keep in mind that the experience I had that year was NOT typical. They were giving away comped tickets during Year of a Million Dreams, so the venue had more people than I had ever seen it hold in three prior Party for the Senses. So don't get worried when you see my comments about the crowds.

For the direct Party for the Senses direct links, here's part 1 and part 2

Thank you so much for this post! Did wonders to change DH's mind! As long as its not some weird cuisine, I have him convinced that this is the one big event for this trip!

We did the Party for the Senses in 2008. There were about 20 chef stations with "celebrity" chefs from around the country and within the WDW resort. They all prepared a special small plate to showcase their cuisine and skills. I really enjoyed the food-the portions were large and we were easily stuffed well into the night. You could also try tons of wines and a few beers, but I ended up working on the bottled water.

My complaints were that the event was very loud with blasting music. To me that is not enjoyable to shout at people so they can hear you. At that time there were not many places to sit, which is difficult when you are balancing a glass and a meat dish that needs a knife. The place was a madhouse and people were pushing and shoving on the way into the venue.

I wanted to try it, but I have not decided to go back. I have included my photos from the event for you-please check them out

Loved the food porn! Thanks so much for the reply!


http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/erg48/WDW Party for the/

 

[danissmart]

When all the food and wine festival events are announced this summer, there will be a sticky thread at the top of the page telling everyone when we can call to book events. We won't know until the official announcement. Historically in past years, it's usually late July/early August.

You pay at the time you call, getting a confirmation number. You won't get hard tickets. There will be a check in area for the event near the venue between Canada and UK, the former "Millennium Village" area. They have a list of attendees and will issue wristbands for you to enter the venue.

Thanks for the great info. I was going nuts trying to hunt down those very pieces of information.

 

[Forever Fairy]

I have looked at attending but it seems so expensive just for a one night event.

For that price, you could attend maybe a signature dinner (unless it's V&A) and also one of the food and wine pairing dinners at Italy, Morocco and Japan and enjoy 2 events instead of one.

Based on what I've read about the seating and/or having to pay extra for wine, I don't know that I'll do this year either.

 

[TDC Nala]

You do not have to pay extra for wine (at least based on last year). The Wine View Room, at an extra cost of about $30, was a reserved seating and open bar for cocktails arrangement. You could still have all the wine you wanted without purchasing the Wine Room upgrade.