So what what were the dates of Food & Wine this year?

[pumpkinboy]

Like many BWV and BCV owners (and lots of other DVCers), we want to plan to get in on next years's EPCOT food and wine fest next year; so of course, we will plan to reserve at the 11 month window if we really want to get that Std view 2BR. But it does not seem that the Disney folks have annouced that dates for next year yet, and I have by now forgotten this past year's dates, so if y'all could help me out with speculation etc, I'd really appreciate it. Of course I expect if you want to maximize your own chances of getting in at the 11 month window, you'll give me misinformation but I'll trust that someone will come thru for me.

Thx

 

[Candace]

I don't remember the exact dates, but I did recently read that because of the success of recent years, the F&W will be lengthened. I think what I read is that it will begin earlier - like the first of October rather than mid-month, and it will still end the middle of November. Hope this helps.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

This is good news for DVC members. For one thing, this is the first time they've announced the dates before the 11-month booking window. And the longer festival will even out the demand somewhat for these desirable Choice Season reservations.

Here's the official word:
<blockquote>
Press Release
Source: Walt Disney World

Epcot Food & Wine Fest To Expand; 2004 Event Slated For 45 Days
Friday November 7, 12:49 pm ET

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- After eight years and millions of delectable food and wine samplings, the month-long Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, on now, will lengthen its run next year to 45 days beginning Oct. 1, 2004.

In recent years, the popular festival has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of wine connoisseurs and gourmands, as well as droves of wine "amateurs" eager to boost their wine IQs. In addition, the wine fest's Eat to the Beat! nightly concerts, with acts that that have included Sister Sledge and Three Dog Night, have drawn additional crowds since their 2002 festival debut.

This year's month-long festival, which began Oct. 18 and features several hundred wineries from around the world and 26 international marketplaces, continues through Nov. 16.

"Each year, we host the largest, longest wine fest in the world, and as demand for our food and wine events increased, we knew it was time to grow even more for our guests," said Epcot vice president Brad Rex. "We've added many new events to this year's festival, and guests still have more than a week before the curtain comes down. Come next year, we're happy to announce the festival will expand by 15 additional days and run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, 2004."

Currently, festival chefs are serving up appetizer-sized tastings of international foods at the rate of nearly 28,000 per day. More than 125 celebrity and Disney chefs are appearing throughout the month to conduct culinary demonstrations or host special dinner- and tasting-events. At least 840 wine and beer seminars deliver complimentary tastings to festival guests.

This year's headliner food and wine experiences are "Australia: Discover Down Under" and "Piemonte: The Land of Chocolate." Child-friendly exhibits include a tip of the hat to fruits and veggies at Kitchen Karnival! and a goober salute at "Nuts" for Peanuts.

Before the last cork has popped on this year's festival, the Eat to the Beat! concert series presents Chic featuring Nile Rodgers Nov. 7-11 and Chubby Checker & the Wildcats Nov. 12-16.</blockquote>

 

[pmcpmc]

be extended thru' the winter

 

[sters]

I believe the length of the FW is dictated in part by the amount of time Florida laws allow for liquor licenses, or something like that, and that the law was recently changed from 30 days to 45.

 

[TDC Nala]

Already booked! October 24-29

 

[mb168]

I hear ya', booked mine today.

 

[eporter66]

The dates this year were from October 18th - November 16th. They are starting on October 1st for 2004, and running for 45 days I believe.

We wont be able to get down this October, but we have been 2x before and it is one of our favorite parts of the vacation. The F&WF is great!!!!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Thanks to all of you for the very detailed and pertinant information (the news article was great). This helps quite a bit, and I am reassured to note that our planned dates fall within even this past year's schedule. I'll start booking next week. I ought to call right AT 9:00 EST when MS opens, right? And since I am looking around Veterans Day, I should probly go day-by-day, at least for the weekdays?

 

[spiceycat]

hey I would book in the middle of Oct - so you get to see MNSSHP and food/wine festavial.

yes they both might start sooner - but you know they will be in the middle of the Oct