Food and Wine Questions

[NC Belle]

We were at the Food and Wine in 2005 (Hurricane Wilma kinda reduced our experience), so I figured that our trip that we had been seriously planning since Monday Oct. 13, 2008 for 10/18-25 would be easy. Wrong.

Background:
We did not upgrade our hoppers last month since we were not planning at time for another WDW until a cold week sometime in 2009. Well, Saturday, NC Beast had to go get some items at Wal-mart. He told me that he wanted to give me Pirates of the Carribbean for my birthday. I said that would be nice and maybe next year go to WDW for my b-day. Hours later...NC Beast calls his mom to see if there were any Orlando RCI exchanges for Bonnet Creek or Sheraton Vistana during his vacation weeks. She was too busy on Sunday so we told her not to worry about doing a booking and that we would save the money to do a trip next year. Well, she wanted us to have fun. Monday morning, 9:30 am...phone rings just 15 minutes after NC B. went to work. "Belle (okay...she used my real name-not Belle)...I just booked the Vistana for 10/18 and we need to fax the paperwork to you." I was half-alert at the time and asked her to call NC Beast on the cell and I would send him an e-mail. Since that phone call/e-mails, I have been trying to figure out the details needed. I will be cooking in the condo for some meals because we want to enjoy the Food part (well, maybe a beverage or 2). Did I mention that we talked ourselves out of upgrading at least 1 hopper last month to AP?

Kevin...you mentioned last month in some thread that you were tempted to drop in for dinner--here is your next chance.

Back to the main reason for this thread:

I have only knowledge of Jon Secada (no clue on the other groups until I hear them). So, I should be safe in skipping Spyro Gyra, Otis Day & the Knights, and Expose?

This year's booths---is there background theme music for the booths/sections like harps for Ireland?

NC Beast and I have been to Ireland so hopefully that food selection will not let us down.

The target booths for us: Canada, San Francisco, New Orleans, The History of Beer (we might have to do this early since we are driving/offsite), Cork/Ireland, various booths for some Baklava, Tokoyo---maybe this will be my first sushi, Melbourne, The Mouse Catch
I'm hoping that we will be able to enjoy the hightlights of the booths for 2 days...we did a lot of EPCOT last month.

Souvineers--- We try to not buy a lot, but I hope to buy a cookbook or 2. Has there been a sell-out on this year's festival cookbook?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

How fun for you guys! What a nice surprise!!!

I can answer the cookbook question, as we get one (or have a friend get it for us) every year. Since we couldn't go this year, she picked me up a cookbook after she ran in Race for the Taste. She hasn't sent it yet, but in an email, she said they were a different format this year. They only have about 20 recipes - not all of the ones from the booths. There is also space in it to write down some of your own.

I sounded interesting to me that they mixed up it's format this year. I'm sad they didn't do all the recipes, but excited for it to arrive in the mail to see what they did do.

I don't remember theme music from last year, since the booths are just like fair kiosks. Someone else can definitely verify if they changed it for this year. It would be fun to know.

 

[NC Belle]

4 am

I'm glad that I have plenty of room on my (2) 4gb cards for pictures.

I think that in 2005, NC Beast had the Tokoyo roll---I chickened out..he coated the first piece in the wabasabi. That was so funny... he was one of the first customers of the day and the 2 young women tending the booth giggled. We got an omelette and a plate with some kind of ham/meat from Spain. France, I think he got a quiche, don't recall what I had from there if anything. So, I guess that we only got to 3 booths on the one day we had the opportunity to sample before catching a flight home (Wilma had the 2 previous days shut the booths/limited opportunities). I almost forgot, we did the InBev free beer thing near the Rose and Crown. I was first in line for the 2nd seating and I'm not really into the beers. I like mixed drinks and bubbly offerings.

 

[NC Belle]

Julie...we will be using a "box" camera on our trip for Splash Mountain and Everest if we remember to bring it to the parks.

We may bring some extra Disunplugged pins (we have extras from last month...Kevin loaded up my Bagallini with Disunplugged pins and the straps).

I want to see if the new version of Norway's schoolbread is good (its not a booth offering-but, the last trip...no appetite while we were in the area). We usually get some chocolates from the Tea Shop and the Christmas tea should be in stock by now. I'm not a tea fan except for the Long Island type (its been years).

 

[NC Belle]

How fun for you guys! What a nice surprise!!!

I can answer the cookbook question, as we get one (or have a friend get it for us) every year. Since we couldn't go this year, she picked me up a cookbook after she ran in Race for the Taste. She hasn't sent it yet, but in an email, she said they were a different format this year. They only have about 20 recipes - not all of the ones from the booths. There is also space in it to write down some of your own.

I sounded interesting to me that they mixed up it's format this year. I'm sad they didn't do all the recipes, but excited for it to arrive in the mail to see what they did do.

I don't remember theme music from last year, since the booths are just like fair kiosks. Someone else can definitely verify if they changed it for this year. It would be fun to know.

Thanks for the cookbook answer.

I keep on having a cookbook on a wish list. We don't spend much on the extras, but I cave in on cds. I still need to pick up on Illuminations cd for us and for the in-laws.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I know what you mean about cookbooks on the list. Love all my Disney cookbooks.

My biggest beef with the last hardbound (all parks and Cruise Line) one they produced - no index! Big beautiful photos - and no index. What were they thinking!!!!

I bought it anyway.... what was I thinking???? Oh yeah - I like Disney food and I have a collection problem. Hi - my name is Nancy.......

 

[safetymom]

No background music at the booths.

 

[NC Belle]

Thanks Safetymom. Too bad about the music. On my trip to Ireland in 2001, there were musicians playing along the pathway to the main scenic path at the Cliffs of Moher. It was cool having traditional music in the background while taking in the beauty of the land/sea.


If I had my way:
...there would be a Brussels booth featuring dishes such as pomme frites, mussels, waterzuli (mispelled sorry), waffles, and of course the famous chocolates.
...more shade, tables/chairs/seating

 

[MM32830]

I have only knowledge of Jon Secada (no clue on the other groups until I hear them). So, I should be safe in skipping Spyro Gyra, Otis Day & the Knights, and Expose?

Don't make the mistake of only going to the concerts that the groups sound familiar.

I was at the opening act of Eat to the Beat this year. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was playing. Normally I would have skipped this but I really enjoyed listening to them.

Check out as many concerts as you can. It's only an hour.



______________
Armand

 

[parrotheadlois]

Otis Day and the Knights are great!

We bought the cookbook. If you want more info about it, let me know.

 

[Minnie Lor]

great post. we'll be there at the same time. I would like to stop for a listen of Spyro Gyro but doubtful that I left myself enough time. We're only planning 5 days at Epcot. Did I mention that we really like F&WF? I'm hoping to buy a F&WF cookbook as well. I have a hard bound Disney one that I love ~ rarely use it but love it still the same. The music in Ireland would've been really We're going to Raglan Rd one night so maybe we'll get our fill there.

Enjoy your trip!