Party for the Senses-disappointment

[Chim Chiminy]

Hi Liz. I'm really sorry to hear about the difficulties you had, for such an expense it could only be a let down. As I was reading your review I was thinking of my own parents; my father has had multiple strokes and while he is doing really good, he isn't always very steady on his feet and a shoving crowd wouldn't have been good for him, nor standing all evening, which my mother could never do due to a career in nursing that has taken its toll on her back. Now, they are food lovers and on the surface such an event would appeal to them greatly and if they could be comfortable during the event I'm sure they would consider it money well spent.

I was also thinking about how I went to a similar event with one of Cirque's traveling shows. It's called Tapis Rouge and you get preferred seating for the show along with nibbles before and during intermission (with various other goodies thrown in too). It's also a very 'cocktail' style setup, where you go to varrious stations to select your goodies and wine and champage, but they have enough seating for everyone as well, with bar style tables that have chairs placed next to them so that while you have freedom of movement and can mix and mingle all you like, you can also take a moment to sit and enjoy your food and drink. This is what I've always assumed the PFTS was like and have been jealous of my friends who've gone. Now I'm not so sure I'm missing out on much other than feeling clausterphobic and sore.

I realize that Liz's post is just one person's opinion, that many other DISers really love PFTS and go back every year, and that it could have been an 'off' night. But the seating situation alone would make it very difficult for me to attend, so the other bits would just be icing on a worrisome cake as it were. I in no way think that PFTS or the people who do go and do enjoy it is in any way bad or wrong; just that it's not for my family and I'm glad that I got to hear Liz's experience. Thank you Liz.

You are very welcome.
My own father has heart problems and had a pacemaker and defibrillator put in in January, standing for so long is hard on him.
And my mom, some of her health issues are attributed to 40+ years as a nurse, but she has multiple health issues and can only stand for a short time.
They love good food, love trying new things, which is why they were so keen on this event.
You are right, it could have just been an off night.
We were told it was overbooked, and heard other people say the same while we waited outside the gates. Maybe that was the issue.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

to attend PFTS next weekend! While the handicapped situation was totally unacceptable and should be brought to the attention of Disney immediately, the rest of this sounds pretty self-inflicted to me. First, the OP already stated they had some family tension and they didn't even want to be there. Second, they should not even allow children at this event. It is a cocktail party type event where people are paying good $ for a special evening out- having kids running around (or even sitting around) is ridiculous. Not where they want to be (I am sure) and not where other adults want them either. Second, the event is designed as a tasting event. Unless you are handicapped, do you really need to sit down to eat your food? Don't you go to cocktail parties? You hold your wine in one hand and you sample your food with the other. If you need to cut something, you ask your SO to hold your wine for a second! Geesh!!

Self inflicted????
It is not as though I snuck my kids in.
My parents specifically asked when they booked the event about having the kids along and were told by DISNEY CMs that "kids are allowed and do attend", so they booked for them.
And to imply that my kids were running around is ridiculous. They were very well mannered at this event, and dressed appropriately.
Although I cannot say the same for all the kids we saw there, but that is on their parents. And I would agree that kids should not be allowed at this type of event, we took them because it was paid for and non refundable!
The bit of upset we had with my parents did start the evening off wrong, but being shoved around like cattle and knocked around by people jostling for a table certainly did nothing to help.............and that was not self inflicted. I did not have a sign up that said "PLEASE-Trample us"

We do not go to cocktail parties, but at military events we attend where there is a set up similar there are always enough tables for people to be able to relax and enjoy their food and beverage, and room to mingle.
Trying to hold a plate, fork, knife in one hand while holding a wineglass in another and enjoying both makes no sense to me.
And for people who attend alone, should they approach a stranger and ask for assistance? Please hold my wineglass for me while I enjoy my food?

From what we saw, you could not really float from table to table enjoying the stations in the vicinity, people simply were not leaving their tables up for grabs. Which would explain why so many sat around ON the perimeter of the stage, eating and drinking.
My parents shared their stand up table with many couples who were just looking for a place to rest their plates for a while.

 

[itchin2go]

Hmmm. I would have wanted to sit down as well. I like to be able to enjoy my food. Walking around and eating? Nope, not for me. I like walking. I like eating. I just don't like the combination of the two. Different strokes, I guess. If I pay that much for a ticket, I would expect a seat AND to not have to participate in the mad rush for it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[poohlvr]

I'd just like to add my thoughts on the P4TS... I attended, for the 1st time, with my Sister, the opening night event on 9/29... yes, the one where the huge rain storm rolled in, and they opened the doors late, so the the huge crowd of us waiting, got soaked (the event people did their part in trying to help us out, by bringing around napkins for us to dry ourselves off, and plastic bags to put our wet stuff in).... here are my observations.... 1)... I figured out why they give you the wrist band 1st, then the ticket , the wrist band gets you into the P4TS, and lets the people working at the food stations know your are a guest... the ticket was turned in for your plate and wine glass (so they only give out 1 per person).... at least this is what made sense to me after I pondered it for days.... 2)... I figured if you showed up at 7:00pm for the party, instead of the 6:00 - 6:30 time frame, you could walk in, in a civilized manner, and avoid the rush of people.... arriving at 7 would give you more then enough time to enjoy everything the party had to offer, and then some....I don't know why everyone rushes in at the beginning, it's not like they're giving anything away for free ! .... as people have stated, it's the type of event that is to be seen as a cocktail party, it is set up to encourage people to move about, meet new people, and interact with the Chefs..... My sister and I found it very nice to move from table to table, meet new people and share a moment.... we found everyone we encounterd pleasant, and more then willing to share a seat, or a corner of their table as we stopped to taste, before we moved on to the next area..... I do agree the price is a bit steep, and that would be what kept me from attending again... if it were priced closer to $100.00, great, but getting up to $150.00 is just a bit too high....

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I think one reason people rush is that they want a table. If tables are in short supply, some people (myself included) want a place to sit rather than walking and eating.

I am glad you enjoyed it, though. We had an enjoyable evening, but decided that it declined from previous years, and the price went up. That is not a good combination!