Food & Wine Festival Event Tickets?

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Most events we want to attend are already sold out. We're new at this. I'm wondering... is there anywhere else to obtain tickets/reservations other than through the WDW Dining Reservation line? Perhaps there is a travel agency that has tickets/reservations or a package deal that includes them for certain events? Any info on how to obtain tickets/reservations for events, especially the wine pairings, would be very appreciated! The only pairing we could obtain tickets/reservations for was Seas Salon. Our travel dates are Oct 18-23. Thanks! Ev

 

[DisneyNotes]

Perhaps there is a travel agency that has tickets/reservations or a package deal that includes them for certain events?

I've never seen any for sell outside the park. Maybe someone else can help.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have heard that sometimes travel agencies buy blocks of tickets. As for which ones, couldn't tell you. I think it unlikely they would have many tickets for pairings because of the limited seating at these events.

This year the events are noncancellable and nonrefundable, so if they're sold out there is practically no chance of getting in. If you were interested in pairings, the only ones offered during your dates which are not currently sold out are Seas Salon (which you got), and the Sushi/Sashimi pairing, which pending word about the restaurant construction may or may not be offered at all.

If you look beyond pairings, it looks like there are plenty of events open.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

If you look beyond pairings, it looks like there are plenty of events open.

Actually, we obtained ressies for Sushi/Sashimi during that brief few days Disney accepted them, and then we were informed that the ressies were cancelled. We also have ressies for Thursday's Pairing at Seas Salon and Saturday's Party for the Senses. I had a WDW Dining agent search for anything else that was not sold out during our travel dates earlier today. She said the only thing still available is the wine seminar at California Grill, which is not of interest to us.

 

[TDC Nala]

Actually, we obtained ressies for Sushi/Sashimi during that brief few days Disney accepted them, and then we were informed that the ressies were cancelled. We also have ressies for Thursday's Pairing at Seas Salon and Saturday's Party for the Senses. I had a WDW Dining agent search for anything else that was not sold out during our travel dates earlier today. She said the only thing still available is the wine seminar at California Grill, which is not of interest to us.

Then Allears went out of date fast because as of 8/14 they are showing a Sweet Sunday, Kitchen Conversation, Cheese Tasting, Exquisite Evening, Wine School and the Signature Dinner at Seas Salon (aka Eating Nemo; I booked that one on Tuesday) still open for those dates.

I don't know who booked you for sushi/sashimi because my dining agent told me when I got through 15 minutes after booking time opened that they would not be booking it.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

I don't know who booked you for sushi/sashimi because my dining agent told me when I got through 15 minutes after booking time opened that they would not be booking it.

The first time I called for Sushi/Sashimi, I was told they weren't booking, but to check back. The second time I called, they were taking reservations. Then my parents called and tried to make a reservation to join us for the event (which shocked me since they say they don't like Asian food). They were told that ressies were closed. I called back and was told that the event was "uncertain" and to check back. On the next call, I was told that all reservations were cancelled for the event until further notice and to keep checking back. So yep, no ressies. It's unfortunate that Disney has not come up with something else to take the place of this event, as it seems unlikely that the venue will get off the ground in time.

 

[TDC Nala]

The first time I called for Sushi/Sashimi, I was told they weren't booking, but to check back. The second time I called, they took my ressie. I was so excited. Then my parents called and tried to make a reservation to join us for the event (which shocked me since they say they don't like Asian food). They were told that ressies were closed. I called back and was told that the event was "uncertain" and to check back. On the next call, I was told that all reservations were cancelled for the event until further notice and to keep checking back. So yep, no ressies. It's unfortunate that Disney has not come up with something else to take the place of this event, as it seems unlikely that the venue will get off the ground in time.

Crap! What a great opportunity for your folks to try Asian food. I took my mom to this one year, and to Kimonos, and she likes sushi now.

Or that they couldn't get another venue for it. But I think the other restaurants are probably too full to let F&W use the space or the kitchen at this late date, the Odyssey is being used for other things, and they probably can't find another good location that has a proper kitchen.

I was thinking about the cheese tasting on 10/20 but from what you've posted it's sold out now...

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Got off the phone with WDW Dining and they confirmed all is booked for our travel dates except Sweet Sunday at this point (and Saturday's Senses, which we already have). Since my dad's diabetic and we're already "pushing the limit" with the wines and other rich foods, we are best passing on a feast of only desserts! I'm sure we'll find plenty to keep us fat and happy with all the booths around Epcot though. All of the Northwest flavors and seafoods that were featured for our planned dates seemed so perfect... it's unfortunate they were all sold out before my parents committed to the travel dates.

 

[TDC Nala]

Got off the phone with WDW Dining and they confirmed all is booked for our travel dates except Sweet Sunday at this point (and Saturday's Senses, which we already have). Since my dad's diabetic and we're already "pushing the limit" with the wines and other rich foods, we are best passing on a feast of only desserts! I'm sure we'll find plenty to keep us fat and happy with all the booths around Epcot though. All of the Northwest flavors and seafoods that were featured for our planned dates seemed so perfect... it's unfortunate they were all sold out before my parents committed to the travel dates.

The Festival changed this year to making events noncancellable and nonrefundable. That's going to be tough on those who don't have their trip booked and their events picked within the first month they go on sale.

Look at what you are finding. The events went up for reservation on August 6, and today is August 18, not even two weeks later...and there is nothing available for your 5 night trip but a Sweet Sunday (P4TS is still available because that event is huge). In past years you would have had a chance to snag a cancellation, but they've cut that avenue off.

Heads up for future food and wine travelers... better have that schedule worked out when the reservations open if you want events. (Of course Le Cellier sold out all its pairings within the first 10 minutes of booking... I hope the new chef lives up to the standards of the one that just left)

 

[bamagoofy]

Just a little more info about sweet sundays. The event does start with a breakfast buffet. So there is more than just desserts. I have attended these in the past and usually the portions are a good size but not huge so he would be able to "taste" without a sugar overload.

 

[TDC Nala]

Just a little more info about sweet sundays. The event does start with a breakfast buffet. So there is more than just desserts. I have attended these in the past and usually the portions are a good size but not huge so he would be able to "taste" without a sugar overload.

What do they have on the buffet? I don't eat eggs. I sort of worry that they'll only have eggs.

I went to one of the first Sweet Sundays and back then they didn't have a buffet...but that one had all the ice wine you could drink. I haven't done one since they changed it. I have one booked for Oct. 7

 

[karrit2000]

Just want to let you know that the Sweet Sundays event includes a Buffet Brunch including several different Egg Frittata type dishes, fresh fruit, sausages, bacon, biscuits and breakfast danish, not just the desserts. They served Prosecco & Champagne to us last year. It was wonderful. But you may be too tired from the PFTS the night before.

 

[TDC Nala]

But you may be too tired from the PFTS the night before.

I do P4TS and then go out to PI.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

The Festival changed this year to making events noncancellable and nonrefundable. That's going to be tough on those who don't have their trip booked and their events picked within the first month they go on sale.

Yep, it's a nightmare! I just wrote to a forum moderator to see if we can get a sticky started for F&W reservatons, where we could post want ads and for sales (in case anyone has reservations they want to resell). I feel fairly certain there will be at least someone who has to cancel their trip and certainly they wouldn't want to get stuck with expensive, prepaid, unused event reservations (and, of course, i would be ALL TOO HAPPY to take them off their hands for our travel week!!!!). Hopefully something like that can work out well, just like it does for the folks on the DVC forum.

 

[TDC Nala]

Yep, it's a nightmare! I just wrote to a forum moderator to see if we can get a sticky started for F&W reservatons, where we could post want ads and for sales (in case anyone has reservations they want to resell). I feel fairly certain there will be at least someone who has to cancel their trip and certainly they wouldn't want to get stuck with expensive, prepaid, unused event reservations (and, of course, i would be ALL TOO HAPPY to take them off their hands for our travel week!!!!). Hopefully something like that can work out well, just like it does for the folks on the DVC forum.

That's not a bad idea but the reservations are also nontransferable. If they ask for the ID of the booking party that could be a problem.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

That's not a bad idea but the reservations are also nontransferable. If they ask for the ID of the booking party that could be a problem.

I think Disney would hit a legal issue there... you don't get anything when you make the reservation as far as I can tell except a reservation number. Couldn't someone who cancels their trip fight the charge for an unused dining reservation by saying they never received the ordered good or service in exchange for their payment? Regardless, I read in another thread that ADRs have been transfered to other disBoard members before, so I think this could work the same way... though I've never tried before. I think perhaps Disney stated the "non-transferrable" policy to discourage speculative people from snatching up all the desireable reservations ahead of time and then selling them at higher prices later on. I don't think their intent is to penalize families whose plans change at the last minute.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think Disney would hit a legal issue there... you don't get anything when you make the reservation as far as I can tell except a reservation number. Couldn't someone who cancels their trip fight the charge for an unused dining reservation by saying they never received the ordered good or service in exchange for their payment? Regardless, I read in another thread that ADRs have been transfered to other disBoard members before, so I think this could work the same way... though I've never tried before. I think perhaps Disney stated the "non-transferrable" policy to discourage speculative people from snatching up all the desireable reservations ahead of time and then selling them at higher prices later on. I don't think their intent is to penalize families whose plans change at the last minute.

It could work the same way. The story I have heard is that Disney has decided to treat food & wine events as "hard ticketed" events, much like MNSSHP and MVMCP (which are also nonrefundable and nontransferable - although this is slightly different since you don't actually get a ticket and most of the events don't include park admission). And because you are told when you are booking that you can't cancel or transfer, you are on notice of the terms of the contract. ADRs are not considered hard-ticket events, just restaurant reservations (unless you are talking about CRT but even that has a cancellation window).

I am sure their intent is not to penalize people - most likely it is to avoid 1) trafficking in reservations for popular items and 2) to cut down on having high-cost events booked by guests who then cancel and leave empty seats.

I'd bet they'd do a cancellation even now for a serious event (illness, travel delays caused by weather, hurricanes, etc.) but it would not be easy to get one.

 

[muffy0110]

In the past I have purchased re-sold tickets at much higher prices for
PFTS. This yr. WDW has said no! I guess others have done the same.
All sales final-once purchased cannot be resold-you own them. I'm sure
that in some circumstances WDW will be willing to refund money-but I'm
also sure it will not be easy. Plus it does cut down on all the calls that
people make to find out if events have become available.

 

[webray]

Just give disney dining a call every week or so...there are usually a lot of cancellations. I have know people who call two days before their trip, get every event they want to attend, even the sold out ones.

 

[TDC Nala]

Just give disney dining a call every week or so...there are usually a lot of cancellations. I have know people who call two days before their trip, get every event they want to attend, even the sold out ones.

That's always been true in the past... but this year there are no cancellations or transfers allowed. Remains to be seen how it will affect the secondary market (if there is one, because most guests will likely make every effort to show up rather than eat the cost of an event at $150 per person).

You might find some cancellations for extraordinary circumstances but who knows how many of those they might permit.