Share your tips for experiencing Food & Wine Festival at DCA-starting April 16-May 31

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

DCA's Food & Wine Festival starts in 10 days (and runs through May 31...) Let's hear your best tips for standing in seminar lines, getting the most from special events and wine and food tastings, and hear comments about the food from previous years to help the folks who are planning on going this year!

I've also put up a multiple response poll, so you can share what you like most. I think it will be fun to see what people like to do best!

We will share your tips with everyone on a special podcast later this month, as well as give you hints on how to manage the changes for this year.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Nancy,

Thanks for posting this.

I can't wait to be there opening weekend...and to share our experiences with other DISers.

Tom

 

[liesel]

I only attended the last day of the festival last year, but I noticed that the Pacific Wharf Cafe did not have a sign advertising their specialty item. I asked if they had one and they said yes! It doesn't hurt to ask a place if they are doing anything special. Also, they ran out of the seared ahi tuna salad at Taste Pilot's Grill on the last day, so if you see something you want, get it before its gone!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

One of my favorite tips is to make sure you take a few minutes out to stop and look at the Festival Guide Book.

This will give you the schedule of seminars for the day and also the locations of activities. That way, you can plan your eating and learning in one fell swoop and incorporate it into your normal attraction touring schedule.

For instance.... On my way to ride California Screamin', I can pass through the Pacific Wharf area and grab the special taco snack at Cocina Cucamonga!

 

[21yankees]

For the celebrity seminars.

Most of the lines start 2+ hours before it starts. I recommend getting in line when you see it forming (there is a limit to the number of people who can attend). Make friends (ie talk) to the people around you. Not only does it make the time pass by quickly but they can hold your space to use the rest room and you can do the same for them.

I saw Guy Fieri in 2008. It was so hot that day and we were waiting in the direct sun (no shade in the line). The people in front of me and behind were very friendly. We took turns using the rest room and getting water from the near by vendor for each other. The demonstration was worth the wait.

steph

 

[Pollito916]

This is great! Last year we went the 1st weekend in June and it was F&W, so I thought it started in June and we would miss it for our May trip. DH will be so excited!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I was so excited to learn that this would be going on during our visit in late May. We love the one in WDW and have never attended in California, so it will be interesting to see the differences in the two. We don't attend the seminars, but just eat our way around EPCOT at WDW, so I am curious as to how the food stations are set up. Is everything at California Adventure?

 

[imp&pixie]

Does anyone have any experience with the Junior Chef demos? We probably won't be doing the wine or beer tastings but I think the kids would love to get a chance at being junior chefs. How early do people line up for this on a weekday (is it even offered on weekdays? - our trip is Monday-Thursday)?

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Does anyone else have tips they'd like to share???

 

[franandaj]

I love the F&W Festival and I seem to be the only one who likes the Signature events best! I can't wait until this weekend when I return to the Napa Rose Cooking School for my third year in a row!

I've already started a Review for the Festival which starts out with my experiences of the past two years. I'm looking forward to some of the demos with Food Network Chefs that I haven't seen yet, and get some pictures and autographs.

I was so excited to learn that this would be going on during our visit in late May. We love the one in WDW and have never attended in California, so it will be interesting to see the differences in the two. We don't attend the seminars, but just eat our way around EPCOT at WDW, so I am curious as to how the food stations are set up. Is everything at California Adventure?

Everything takes place inside DCA except for most of the Signature events which are at the Restaurants or perhaps the GCH Convention Center. Unfortunately you might be disapointed with the CA Festival. Our food laws are very different from Florida. Last year I was lucky enough to have a nice long chat with the Festival Producer Jim Ames. He told me that in CA the laws will not allow the kiosks like Epcot has. In fact, he said that the "food police" (whatever their official government name was) showed up at every one of the Signature Events to check for food handling, storage, temperature. Sheesh!

Last year each CS restaurant had a special dish for the Festival, but they were full sized meals and each one ran about $10. This year I believe that they have the same thing, but in addition there is the "Taste of California" Marketplace which will feature Tapas style portions. That takes place in Studio 12. I think I know what building that is, but I'm not quite sure. I will know by Friday though!

There is something they are calling the Hollywood & Wine Louge which might be the Patio Lounge at the Vineyard Room. Last year they served flights of wine and small appetizer type portions which were specially designed for the Festival. There are also "Wine Walks" where you can purchase a Passport to region and pick 4 different wines they are offering (usually about 12) to taste.

Personally, I'm signed up for some sort of Dinner every other Friday and the Taste event on closing weekend. I love these events. It's a very decadent time of year for me.