New Epcot Food and Wine Premium Package for onsite guests only

[jiminy14]

Thank you! Great to know! Do you get a wine choice as far as red, white, rose?

The CM I spoke with did not offer me a choice of wine. She only mentioned that there would be a non-alcoholic option available. Maybe you will be able to choose a variety at check-in since that is where you have to pick up your credentials and show your ID.
As far as picking up the six food/beverage tickets for the evening party, she did specify that they had to be picked up in person at the Festival Center the day of the party. I asked if by Festival Center she meant the old Wonders of Life pavilion and she responded "exactly". Not sure what this means in regards to using one of your park tickets to enter EPCOT to pick up the party tickets as I did not ask since we have APs.

 

[POOHsie]

Where in MDE did you find it listed? I don't see mine at all.

On MDE, my dining reservations didn't come up, there was just a spinning circle. But beneath dining reservations, you could select a button if you didn't see a dining reservation, and that took you to another page. On the new page I typed in the F&W Premium Package confirmation number and last name of the person reserving, and Viola! the reservation showed up for just the F&W After Hours Live! Street Party. I don't think there would be anything for the F&W premium package, because you don't make a reservation for that, just show up at Epcot with VIP credentials from 12-8pm Monday-Thursday any week. Guess I wrote incorrectly when I posted that the F&W Premium Package came up in my dining reservations. It was just the street party portion of the package. Sorry.

Now that you mention it, I don't have an email or anything (yet) confirming my F&W Premium Package booking. I do have the confirmation #. I'll check my CC tomorrow for a Disney charge, and print that and take with me to WDW if I don't get anything else. I pre-paid my Hoop-dee-doo dinner show, and that showed up on MDE under dining reservations. Let's hope...

 

[GrandMum]

Thanks for the tip POOHsie. I called back and was able to get a reservation. The CM did ask for my resort confirmation before she would even look for availability.

I'm a little confused about some of what it covers. I thought I had read somewhere that the credentials were good for the Premium Package Area for the week (Mon thru Thur) but I don't remember where I saw that. When I asked the CM, she said no it was only good for 1 night and that was whatever party night I selected.

 

[JanaDee]

So you're paying $200 per person for a $50 gift card, a bottle of wine and to have food you've purchased delivered to a table you'll be standing around?

I don't get it.

 

[kaylasmom07]

So you're paying $200 per person for a $50 gift card, a bottle of wine and to have food you've purchased delivered to a table you'll be standing around?

I don't get it.

You also get admission to the After Hours Live which is $79.

 

[Luckybee]

I asked a lot of questions before booking the premium package yesterday, and called back again today to reconfirm because of all the confusion. We were told 1 gift bag per room yesterday, and 1 per person today. We were told either way the gift card and magic bands are per person.
The week starts on a day of your choice. Not a calendar week
There WILL be seating in the premium areas (these last 2 were our main reason for booking).

I hope for their sake they confirm some of this stuff on the f&w pgs or it will be a real mess if people get there and these things are not provided. I know we'll be looking for a refund if that happens. (somehow I know we won't be alone)

 

[POOHsie]

I just tried to book for Sep 23 or 25 and was told that both were completely booked. I asked about calling back to check and she said that there were no cancellations or transfers so it wouldn't be worth it.

Thanks for the tip POOHsie. I called back and was able to get a reservation. The CM did ask for my resort confirmation before she would even look for availability.

I'm a little confused about some of what it covers. I thought I had read somewhere that the credentials were good for the Premium Package Area for the week (Mon thru Thur) but I don't remember where I saw that. When I asked the CM, she said no it was only good for 1 night and that was whatever party night I selected.

GrandMum, I'm going to try to get you all straightened out. You're confused, I was confused, the Disney people we're talking to are totally confused and giving out wrong info. In your first post, the CM gave you bs about not being worth it to call back and try again. I told you my story, how the CM got me a reservation, and why there was no availability at first, then availability later in the telephone call. You called back and got Late Nights LIVE! Street Party reservations for your chosen date. Hooray!

Now what did your second CM book? Did that person book the Late Nights LIVE! Party only ($79+tax pp)? Or did the CM book the F&W Premium Package ($199+tax pp) which includes one Late Nights LIVE! Party? It may be too soon to check your CC online. I just checked my CC online, and I have a pending charge from WDW for $423.90, which is the exact amount-plus tax for 2 people for the F&W Premium Package.

In my post #42 (above) I explained that I found my reservation in MDE by typing in (beneath Dining Reservations) the reservation confirmation # and last name. What came up was the Late Nights LIVE! Party, listing my name and "Guest 2." That was no good. Disney had to know the name of Guest 2, and what resort they were staying at. How else could Guest 2 get credentials and their own goody bag. And that's when we went 10 Rounds about the Goody package being just one per resort. I said, "No, it was per person." The CM argued back that she knew for sure it was only one per resort. I told her I called twice before and got the answer that it was per person. So the CM typed in a query on her computer, was told it was per person, and apologized. Then she put in the real info about Guest 2.

The CM also misinformed me about the days and hours of the Premium Package VIP Areas. She had to read something to get it straight in her head what was going on. Your CM sounds like she wasn't aware there were 2 new F&W special offers.

I recommend you check your CC for the amount charged by WDW.
I recommend you check MDE and input your F&W package confirmation # to see who is listed. If only one person is named, you must call back and get each guest's name and resort info input.
I recommend you ask the CM what you are booked for -- Late Nights LIVE! Party only or F&W Premium Package.
I recommend if the CM gives you any guff about the Premium Package Goodies being only one per resort, that you make it clear that info is wrong. Challenge the CM to make an inquiry while you wait, so he/she can find out the correct info that the package is per person.

GrandMum, you have a few details to nail down. And you are supposed to stop over to Epcot Festival Center (former Wonders of Life Pavilion) on Late Nights LIVE! Party day (9am-9pm) to pick up your Late Nights LIVE! Party food tickets and credentials. I explained that I wasn't going to Epcot that day, and the CM said I could go earlier, from Sept 21 on, and pick up the things in advance, with photo ID.

Here's Disney's website description of both F&W special offers: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...enjoy-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

Late Nights LIVE! Street Party: Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! street party will run from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday during the festival between the United Kingdom Pavilion and World Showcase Plaza. The event includes six tastes (food and beverages) from select marketplaces, live music, entertainment, and a DJ. Cost is $79, plus tax. Bringing together the love of food with the love of music, it’s the perfect destination for a delicious final bite. Party is subject to capacity and advance reservations are recommended; to book a spot, call 407-939-3378. We know that Greece, Hawaii and Desserts & Champagne will be showcased, along with others that will change throughout the festival.

*Note: Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for guests who have purchased credentials to the event. However, if the guest wants to visit Epcot before 9 p.m., valid theme park admission is required. Alcohol will only be served to guests 21 and older. ​

F&W Festival Premium Package: Now for some brand-new “Premium” fun! From noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday during a select festival period (September 22-November 6), the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package is an opportunity for guests staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels) to sip and savor in style. The package includes an in-room gift with wine for guests 21 and older, a festival wine glass, truffles and credential for the Premium Package Areas at the festival – plus an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival MagicBand and a $50 Disney Gift Card to start the fun. The credential gives access to 10 VIP “Premium Package Areas” around World Showcase Promenade where you can order items from Marketplaces and have them delivered to you – no waiting in line. You can also bring your favorite marketplace treats into the Premium Package Areas and just relax. The package also includes one admission to Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE!, which you can attend on Tuesday or Thursday night.

Cost is $199 per guest, plus tax, plus Epcot admission.​

 

[LillsnJills]

Wondering how being able to order food in the premium access areas would work with DDP snack credits. Do the runners fetch the food and you pay for it there in the lounge area, or do you give them cash/gift card and they pay for it at the booth?

Also, has anyone been able to verify if any adult beverages are included in the Street Party?

 

[bookgirl]

I have an AP but my mom has a two day ticket. She was not planning to attend a park on the Tuesday of our trip, but if I read this right we get the package and it starts on Monday (when we will be park hopping) goes all week plus with out a ticket she can enter Epcot after 9:00 on Tuesday for the party?

 

[GrandMum]

Thanks again POOHsie. I am booked for the Premium Package ($200+) and got it linked and showing on MDE as the party. I'm the only name since this is a solo trip.

I think the problem with the 1st CM was that she didn't ask for my reservation # so it wasn't showing me as a resort guest. You're right, the 2nd CM didn't seem to know all the facts. I asked about a non-alcoholic option and she said "all it says is a bottle of wine".

I'm glad you posted all the information cause I knew I had seen something about Mon thru Thur.

 

[POOHsie]

Thanks again POOHsie. I am booked for the Premium Package ($200+) and got it linked and showing on MDE as the party. I'm the only name since this is a solo trip.

I think the problem with the 1st CM was that she didn't ask for my reservation # so it wasn't showing me as a resort guest. You're right, the 2nd CM didn't seem to know all the facts. I asked about a non-alcoholic option and she said "all it says is a bottle of wine".

I'm glad you posted all the information cause I knew I had seen something about Mon thru Thur.

I hate to say it again, but if you want the non-alcoholic option, which is offered by Disney, you should call back. Again, insist that while you wait, the CM should send a query to somebody who knows about the program, who can give proper instructions back. It'd be nice to know what the non-alcoholic option is, too. I'm truly disappointed in the sub-par service guests are receiving when ordering these expensive experiences. The CMs seem to have no training or info, and are making stuff up as they go along.

If you're there on Sept. 25th, we'll be there, too. I'll be on my own red scooter, and my lovely, twenty-something DD is along with me this trip. The F&W package is a surprise for her.

 

[ptted]

I'll be there with my parents on the 25th as well! Seems like that was a popular night for the party. I am interested, as others are, in why they are saying you have to pick up your credentials from the festival center during park hours when the party doesn't require park admission. I am a local with an AP, but my folks are just going to have one day passes for the next day.

 

[thestevied]

Just booked this for September 30th. I'm very excited. It was almost like the person I was speaking to on the phone hasn't heard about it. When I asked questions she kept saying, hang on, let me just read....

But to be expected for new experiences I guess. Still, really can't wait for the goodies and also the late night live opportunity.

 

[POOHsie]

Booked it for our vacation!!! Only took three calls. Strangely the person who was able to book it did not ask for our resort reservation while the other two who did ask for it were unable to book it for our vacation.

KnJ, Disney has to know your name and your resort stay info, same for any other guests on your Premium Package reservation. How else can they send the package goodies and credentials to you at your resort? Call them back and get that done. I would also check your CC account, to make sure they charged you $199/each for the Premium package and not $79/each for only the Late Night Live! Street Party. Sounds like that might be what they did.

 

[GrandMum]

POOHsie. I'm so glad that people here on the DIS are willing to share all the ins and outs of events.

I'll watch this thread and see what others find out about the non-alcoholic option and decide later. I still have to book my air tickets so will call back when that's done.

I'll look for a red scooter with a lovely daughter. Would be nice to have someone to talk to during the event. I'm going solo but have a CM friend that works F&W. She won't know here schedule until Sunday of that week so don't know when I'll be able to tour with her.

 

[Luckybee]

GrandMum, I'm going to try to get you all straightened out. You're confused, I was confused, the Disney people we're talking to are totally confused and giving out wrong info. In your first post, the CM gave you bs about not being worth it to call back and try again. I told you my story, how the CM got me a reservation, and why there was no availability at first, then availability later in the telephone call. You called back and got Late Nights LIVE! Street Party reservations for your chosen date. Hooray!

Now what did your second CM book? Did that person book the Late Nights LIVE! Party only ($79+tax pp)? Or did the CM book the F&W Premium Package ($199+tax pp) which includes one Late Nights LIVE! Party? It may be too soon to check your CC online. I just checked my CC online, and I have a pending charge from WDW for $423.90, which is the exact amount-plus tax for 2 people for the F&W Premium Package.

In my post #42 (above) I explained that I found my reservation in MDE by typing in (beneath Dining Reservations) the reservation confirmation # and last name. What came up was the Late Nights LIVE! Party, listing my name and "Guest 2." That was no good. Disney had to know the name of Guest 2, and what resort they were staying at. How else could Guest 2 get credentials and their own goody bag. And that's when we went 10 Rounds about the Goody package being just one per resort. I said, "No, it was per person." The CM argued back that she knew for sure it was only one per resort. I told her I called twice before and got the answer that it was per person. So the CM typed in a query on her computer, was told it was per person, and apologized. Then she put in the real info about Guest 2.

The CM also misinformed me about the days and hours of the Premium Package VIP Areas. She had to read something to get it straight in her head what was going on. Your CM sounds like she wasn't aware there were 2 new F&W special offers.

I recommend you check your CC for the amount charged by WDW.
I recommend you check MDE and input your F&W package confirmation # to see who is listed. If only one person is named, you must call back and get each guest's name and resort info input.
I recommend you ask the CM what you are booked for -- Late Nights LIVE! Party only or F&W Premium Package.
I recommend if the CM gives you any guff about the Premium Package Goodies being only one per resort, that you make it clear that info is wrong. Challenge the CM to make an inquiry while you wait, so he/she can find out the correct info that the package is per person.

GrandMum, you have a few details to nail down. And you are supposed to stop over to Epcot Festival Center (former Wonders of Life Pavilion) on Late Nights LIVE! Party day (9am-9pm) to pick up your Late Nights LIVE! Party food tickets and credentials. I explained that I wasn't going to Epcot that day, and the CM said I could go earlier, from Sept 21 on, and pick up the things in advance, with photo ID.

Here's Disney's website description of both F&W special offers: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...enjoy-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

Late Nights LIVE! Street Party: Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! street party will run from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday during the festival between the United Kingdom Pavilion and World Showcase Plaza. The event includes six tastes (food and beverages) from select marketplaces, live music, entertainment, and a DJ. Cost is $79, plus tax. Bringing together the love of food with the love of music, it’s the perfect destination for a delicious final bite. Party is subject to capacity and advance reservations are recommended; to book a spot, call 407-939-3378. We know that Greece, Hawaii and Desserts & Champagne will be showcased, along with others that will change throughout the festival.

*Note: Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for guests who have purchased credentials to the event. However, if the guest wants to visit Epcot before 9 p.m., valid theme park admission is required. Alcohol will only be served to guests 21 and older. ​

F&W Festival Premium Package: Now for some brand-new “Premium” fun! From noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday during a select festival period (September 22-November 6), the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package is an opportunity for guests staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels) to sip and savor in style. The package includes an in-room gift with wine for guests 21 and older, a festival wine glass, truffles and credential for the Premium Package Areas at the festival – plus an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival MagicBand and a $50 Disney Gift Card to start the fun. The credential gives access to 10 VIP “Premium Package Areas” around World Showcase Promenade where you can order items from Marketplaces and have them delivered to you – no waiting in line. You can also bring your favorite marketplace treats into the Premium Package Areas and just relax. The package also includes one admission to Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE!, which you can attend on Tuesday or Thursday night.

Cost is $199 per guest, plus tax, plus Epcot admission.​

More confusion...based on this I was concerned because dh's res for the premium party states his name plus 1 unnamed guest. I spent over an hour on the phone last night with both dining and guest services getting them to try to add my name . They couldn't get it to add but more important they said it doesn't matter and the gift bag will come in my dh's name because " if it is a booking for 2 there is only 1 gift bag per room and that gift bag will have only 1 bottle of wine, 1 chocolate treat, 2 bands , 2 gift cards, 2 credentials , 2 tickets to the party. " I took your advice and I spoke with 2 different supervisors( 1 in dining and 1 with guest services) both who were saying the same thing. It's rather frustrating that so many are getting different info.

 

[POOHsie]

More confusion...based on this I was concerned because dh's res for the premium party states his name plus 1 unnamed guest. I spent over an hour on the phone last night with both dining and guest services getting them to try to add my name . They couldn't get it to add but more important they said it doesn't matter and the gift bag will come in my dh's name because " if it is a booking for 2 there is only 1 gift bag per room and that gift bag will have only 1 bottle of wine, 1 chocolate treat, 2 bands , 2 gift cards, 2 credentials , 2 tickets to the party. " I took your advice and I spoke with 2 different supervisors( 1 in dining and 1 with guest services) both who were saying the same thing. It's rather frustrating that so many are getting different info.

Honestly, I'm not convinced we'll get 2 gift bags, either. I'm mentally prepared to get one bag only, or one bag plus 2 bands, 2 credentials, 2 tickets to the party. I asked 3 CMs on 3 different calls for details in writing, and that went unanswered.

On the Restaurants Forum yesterday, there was a new thread about the F&W Premium Package. TDC Nala, the Disboards expert on Dining and Dining Plans, put up a link to a brand-new Disney website entry that added some more details about the F&W Premium Package. In this Disney posting, an important new rule stated that you could only go to the Epcot VIP Areas with your credentials during one week (one Monday-Thursday, 12pm-8am).

Here's the Disboards Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3311243
Here's the Disney Website new info (scroll down to 3rd item from the bottom): https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-new-experiences/#

I pretty much lost my cool at that point. I went over and over the details of this package before I booked. When I booked, the CM gave me a verbal list of all the rules, and there was no mention of the VIP Area access being for one week only. I probably wouldn't have booked, because the only 2 times I could use the VIP food area was 1 day our first week, and Monday the next week before we checked out. If it was now limited to one week, we could only do the VIP food area 1 time! That is a huge waste of $424 for 2 people.

I wrote an email to Guest Communications at WDW. I told Disney what I posted in this thread and linked the thread. I also had links to online info we had at the time we booked, which didn't say if it was pp or per room, and contained no rule about using the VIP access during one week. I asked the Disney person to read the other posts from people who were as confused as I was. I presume I will get a response, but I can't predict what it will be.

 

[Luckybee]

I'm going to go one better. When we booked we did so because of these " premium areas" which were beneficial to us for dh to be able to go to and relax (as stated on the D website) because he has a tough time with a problematic hip, walking and standing too long. By implication to relax means sitting down to me. Guess what...I confirmed today there will be NO SEATING. Sadly we've cancelled...for us its a waste if there is no place at the premium areas to sit down and relax.

 

[Dan Murphy]

HOw could they give all the amenities to one person for $199 and then fewer amenities to a second person, who is paying another full $199?

As for the sitting aspect, sounds similar to the Illuminations extra charge package, which has no seating either.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

I'm still on the fence. CM's giving different answers to who gets what . . .I'm waiting to see what happens. We will be there on the 25th (my birthday) I'm thinking of wearing some kind of get up, sash, crown, etc, so look for some crazy 47 year old lady acting like a nut, but we are also going back down Oct 29th to see Dennis DeYoung, so by then I'll know if the premium package is worth it or not . . I don't wanna be the guinea pig on this one . . .