Food & Wine Premium Package 2016 - any rumors?

[PeasandCarrots]

I know there's no official news yet on whether the Premium Package will return for 2016 Food & Wine. I also know last year it was announced later than other special events related to the festival. Does anyone remember exactly when it was announced last year. I want to say it was about 2 months out - well that's about now which has me concerned. Also, I know there are some people here with behind the scenes info - any rumors as to whether it's returning for 2016?

Thanks!

 

[kizzle]

I know there's no official news yet on whether the Premium Package will return for 2016 Food & Wine. I also know last year it was announced later than other special events related to the festival. Does anyone remember exactly when it was announced last year. I want to say it was about 2 months out - well that's about now which has me concerned. Also, I know there are some people here with behind the scenes info - any rumors as to whether it's returning for 2016?

Thanks!

What does premium food and wine mean? Sounds interesting

 

[Accident]

They have so many new packages and events this year I wouldn't be surprised if this was replaced.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

What does premium food and wine mean? Sounds interesting

We give a pretty thorough overview and review of it last year at the beginning of this video & in the rest of the video you can see some of the private eating areas. Short answer is you paid (in 2015) $199 for reserved seating where CMs bring you your food from all of the F&W kiosks, plus a goodie bag with wine, wine glass, LE magic band, LE pin, Illuminations Dessert Party, & 4 (I think) food entitlements.

We had really hopped to do it again this year, but it hasn't been announced.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

They have so many new packages and events this year I wouldn't be surprised if this was replaced.

That's my fear

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I know there's no official news yet on whether the Premium Package will return for 2016 Food & Wine. I also know last year it was announced later than other special events related to the festival. Does anyone remember exactly when it was announced last year. I want to say it was about 2 months out - well that's about now which has me concerned. Also, I know there are some people here with behind the scenes info - any rumors as to whether it's returning for 2016?

Thanks!

I recall that last year on the day of booking Disney had no idea what they were selling, but people were hysterical they could not buy this!

Here's the DisneyFoodBlog page for 2016 events.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2016-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-special-events/

There's a statement on the Premium package at the bottom of the page which indicates they still have not heard.

My gut feeling is it may be in danger. I think for it to be profitable they needed to sell lots of packages and I never saw much volume in the reserved areas. Having 3 CMs stand around waiting on one guest is not something the current cost cutting company wants to do IMHO. So I think you have a couple of options if it returns.....
1. I am wrong and it's back just like last year
2. It's back, but with significant cuts in what you get
3. It's back with the same perks as last year at a much higher price.

 

[kizzle]

We give a pretty thorough overview and review of it last year at the beginning of this video & in the rest of the video you can see some of the private eating areas. Short answer is you paid (in 2015) $199 for reserved seating where CMs bring you your food from all of the F&W kiosks, plus a goodie bag with wine, wine glass, LE magic band, LE pin, Illuminations Dessert Party, & 4 (I think) food entitlements.

We had really hopped to do it again this year, but it hasn't been announced.

Wow that sounds amazing experience never knew about that, all the years I been to Disney I've been around during food and wine but never done it! This year it's on the to do list 100%! So I most likely just be wandering around

 

[firerunner1965]

Watching this thread too hoping it is back!

 

[TheMags]

We really enjoyed the perks when we got the Premium Package 2 years ago. We're heading down there at the end of September and hoping they bring it back again. We got spoiled not having to wait in lines for our food. I have searched and searched for some news, has anybody heard anything lately?

 

[boomgoesthemickey]

We really enjoyed the perks when we got the Premium Package 2 years ago. We're heading down there at the end of September and hoping they bring it back again. We got spoiled not having to wait in lines for our food. I have searched and searched for some news, has anybody heard anything lately?

Unfortunately it is not coming back for this years festival, me and the gf were looking forward to it as well.

 

[TheMags]

Unfortunately it is not coming back for this years festival, me and the gf were looking forward to it as well.

Thank you for the information, at least I know now.

 

[hedberg1661]

This is a very disappointing move by Disney. You would think with all of the other add on charges they would want to take my money. It was a really great way for my parents to enjoy the festival.

 

[TheMags]

I am very disappointed as well. Considering that you still had to pay for the food on top of the price of the package, it was still worth having a place to sit and not having to wait in the lines to get your food. We're heading down at the end of the month, so hopefully the lines won't be too long! Oh well, I'll be at Disney, I'll deal with it!

 

[Allidez]

So disappointed! My family has purchased the Premium Package since it was first introduced in 2014. I was told by an insider last year, they botched the package - The reservation center cast members had a hard time with reserving it for guests. Many were turned away. A supervisor checked the computer system and saw there were lots of openings. By then it was too late - that was the reason for the low attendance and purchases of this package in 2015. I myself had to ask for a supervisor after days of being told it was sold out for the dates we wanted. Please Disney bring the Premium package back! My entire family will miss the pleasant seating areas and conversations with the cast members. They so kindly brought our food to us as we relaxed and enjoyed one another. Great times! Heading back in late October for ten days - four of which were supposed to be with the Premium Package . As "TheMags" said it so well before me- Oh well, we'll be at Disney, we'll deal with it!

 

[Missyrose]

So disappointed! My family has purchased the Premium Package since it was first introduced in 2014. I was told by an insider last year, they botched the package - The reservation center cast members had a hard time with reserving it for guests. Many were turned away. A supervisor checked the computer system and saw there were lots of openings. By then it was too late - that was the reason for the low attendance and purchases of this package in 2015. I myself had to ask for a supervisor after days of being told it was sold out for the dates we wanted. Please Disney bring the Premium package back! My entire family will miss the pleasant seating areas and conversations with the cast members. They so kindly brought our food to us as we relaxed and enjoyed one another. Great times! Heading back in late October for ten days - four of which were supposed to be with the Premium Package . As "TheMags" said it so well before me- Oh well, we'll be at Disney, we'll deal with it!

Don't tell Disney your frustration here, where no one from the company will see it. Send Disney an email.

 

[Allidez]

Don't tell Disney your frustration here, where no one from the company will see it. Send Disney an email.

Missyrose - Took your advice and sent an email - What a waste of my time. I got this generic form letter response back (See below). They just filled in my name and hit send. Wonder if they even read it. Guess there are just happy to get my money anyway they can get it. Going for ten days - 4 of which were supposed to be Premium Package with my 81 year old Mom to celebrate her birthday!

I am wishing for 10 magical days with short lines and a table in the shade to sit and enjoy my food and wine! Not likely without the Premium Package.

Dear Allidez,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

We appreciate you interest, please know that we monitor our operation and our Guests' enjoyment. At times, our Guests have indicated a lack of interest in certain areas/offerings of our Theme Parks.

We would like to assure you that our goals for providing a happy and unique experience in our Theme Parks have remained constant throughout the years. One of the ways in which we attempt to maintain this goal is to continually evaluate the various aspects of our operation and make changes at times. Some changes prove to be positive and well received by our Guests, while others are not as beneficial. We rely on input from our Guests to help us determine when these changes should remain in effect or when we should implement something different.

As diverse as the millions of visitors are who come to the Walt Disney World Resort® each year, so are the reactions and opinions that we learn about. While we realize that it is impossible to please everyone at all times with the decisions that are made, it is always our goal to provide a quality "show" for our Guests.

Allison, we wish you a magical day.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Raven Acevedo
eCommerce Sales and Service Team

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

 

[Missyrose]

Missyrose - Took your advice and sent an email - What a waste of my time. I got this generic form letter response back (See below). They just filled in my name and hit send. Wonder if they even read it. Guess there are just happy to get my money anyway they can get it. Going for ten days - 4 of which were supposed to be Premium Package with my 81 year old Mom to celebrate her birthday!

I am wishing for 10 magical days with short lines and a table in the shade to sit and enjoy my food and wine! Not likely without the Premium Package.

Dear Allidez,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

We appreciate you interest, please know that we monitor our operation and our Guests' enjoyment. At times, our Guests have indicated a lack of interest in certain areas/offerings of our Theme Parks.

We would like to assure you that our goals for providing a happy and unique experience in our Theme Parks have remained constant throughout the years. One of the ways in which we attempt to maintain this goal is to continually evaluate the various aspects of our operation and make changes at times. Some changes prove to be positive and well received by our Guests, while others are not as beneficial. We rely on input from our Guests to help us determine when these changes should remain in effect or when we should implement something different.

As diverse as the millions of visitors are who come to the Walt Disney World Resort® each year, so are the reactions and opinions that we learn about. While we realize that it is impossible to please everyone at all times with the decisions that are made, it is always our goal to provide a quality "show" for our Guests.

Allison, we wish you a magical day.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Raven Acevedo
eCommerce Sales and Service Team

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

Sorry you felt it a waste of your time. I got a similar email response and then a follow-up phone call from guest relations. I wasn't expecting much of a response from Disney, but the only way Disney knows if they do something that disappoints their guests is if the guests tell them.