Tell me about the Food and Wine Festival

[tc]

My husband asked me if I'd like to go to WDW in October. I've been hinting that a trip is needed. We have DVC points to use, and could purchase APs so our 25th anniversary trip next May would be cheaper. We usually go in September, but had decided not to go this year due to sending my daughter on her honeymoon and wanting to save money. But, we really want to go, , have the money (and points) and Stephen thought Oct would be fun. Then I got to thinking that the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot starts on Oct 1, and wondered what it all entailed.

The WDW website just lists the dates. Are there any special events or concerts? If so, when are these dates released? I haven't got reservations yet since we just started talking about this yesterday, but wonder how long I should wait to see if there are DVC rooms available.

Any tidbits or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[luvpooh]

I would book your villa now, we had trouble getting a studio at BWV for Oct 16 for 5 nts but finally got it; there wasn't anything at BCV either (VWL, OKW and SS were available).
The F&WF is great! Many booths to sample from (ranging from $1-5) as well as demos and seminars. There are dinners ranging from the Party for the Senses, which is like a big cocktail hour almost, with many different foods and wines (and beers) to taste, to the Reserve Dinner, which is a jacket required, intimate event. Check out allearsnet.com for descriptions of last year's stuff, it will be similar this year, I'm assuming.
Keep an eye open to this board and disney's website to see when these events are going to go on sale. Last year there was a mad rush to book them and many got shut out. We did the Beers around the World dinner last year and really enjoyed it (although it took me over 1 hr to book it!)
As far as concerts, check out Deb Wills' site or pollstar.com and search for lake buena vista as the city search option; they have everything listed. I think while I'm there Taylor Dayne will be performing. I really can't remember who else will be there right off the top of my head.
Plus MNSSHP will be going on then too, that's always fun!

 

[tc]

Thanks for the info. My husband is not ready for me to make ressies yet, but I will as soon as possible. I know waiting is taking a chance, but we really don't have our hearts set on any particular date; we are extremely flexible.

I'll check out Deb's site, shoulda thought of that one myself, lol.

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

Dh and I enjoy F&WF as well. It is fun to walk around Epcot and have different things to sample and see. We're going back this year. It happens to be at the same time as the Funai Golf Tournament (the real reason we'll be there!!) so we get to do two biggies at once. Last year we missed the tournament and the F&WF but did MSSHP. It was all lots of fun!

Hope to you get to go. October is a great time to be at WDW, but then again anytime is!!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Do you have to pay for the whole festival, or are some things open to the public?

 

[Grumpy92]

The F&W festival is wonderful. It is part of your regular admission, but if you want to go to one of the special dinners there is an additional charge. We went to the Sam Adams beer tasting one year (free) and it was so fun. Even got to try some that were not on the shelves yet. We also eat our way around the world for atleast one meal. The wine tastings are also pretty good.