EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Sept. 25 - Nov 16 2015

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I said I have never been to F&W, so am referring to general unruly crowds. I was at a state fair recently and was stepped on & pushed by crowds. I consider that invasion of my personal space. Glad to know it doesn't happen at Disney, although there are threads on Dis saying it does.

Actually my only "personal space" invasion at Epcot seems to occur by people well under drinking age. (MY CM friend once got taken out by a kid on those horrid skate shoes. The "parent" acted rather put out when the CM told her that these were not allowed claiming that it was "too hard" for Junior to actually walk around the park like the rest of the world CM's manager explained that Junior could walk or they could leave LOL!)

Nope, I'm going with a friend of mine. She tried to book but got the same message.

Call, they can override this.

 

[sunnygal041]

Actually my only "personal space" invasion at Epcot seems to occur by people well under drinking age. (MY CM friend once got taken out by a kid on those horrid skate shoes. The "parent" acted rather put out when the CM told her that these were not allowed claiming that it was "too hard" for Junior to actually walk around the park like the rest of the world CM's manager explained that Junior could walk or they could leave LOL!)




Call, they can override this.

Just called and I got it!! Thanks, OCC!

Cindy

 

[lovingeire]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but I haven't had time to sit down and read 100 pages...hopefully life will allow that time in the near future. Normally when we travel as a family we use the dining plan. However, we are lucky that my dad has volunteered to stay with our kids so we can have a long weekened away. We are running Wine & Dine Half and will be there Thurs-Mon. We do have table service reservations. We are AP holders/FL residents and are looking at doing TiW vs. the dining plan for this trip since we do have a few sit downs planned, but anticipate the rest of our eating will likely be at F&W. What do seasoned F&W goers do? Dining plan or no?

 

[wvaspartan]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but I haven't had time to sit down and read 100 pages...hopefully life will allow that time in the near future. Normally when we travel as a family we use the dining plan. However, we are lucky that my dad has volunteered to stay with our kids so we can have a long weekened away. We are running Wine & Dine Half and will be there Thurs-Mon. We do have table service reservations. We are AP holders/FL residents and are looking at doing TiW vs. the dining plan for this trip since we do have a few sit downs planned, but anticipate the rest of our eating will likely be at F&W. What do seasoned F&W goers do? Dining plan or no?

I can merely only speak for myself...we usually dont do the Dining Plan during F&W since we usually eat like Europeans do (since we are from there originally). We eat our heavy meal at lunch and then just go around the lagoon for the rest of the afternoon snacking. Since we have a tendancy to snack a ton it is usually over the dining plan allotment plus we usually dont eat a heavy breakfast so the dining plan really isnt a benefit for us during this event. I think it is more or less a comfort level of what you eat on a regular basis. It may help if you dont eat a bunch and can find a kiosk with three items you like (to transfer the QS) but last time we had the plan it was before the whole 3 Snacks for a QS thing. So if you can make a table service and 4 Snacks (???) work per day then it would probably be a good thing to get if you get the high end sample at the booths (if of course they are included in the Snack category). Basically the 3 Snacks you get had better offset the QS it would have brought you in the package and you only stick to one Table service per day then it works otherwise you may be "helping" yourself but may still not work out monetarily the way you would like it to....Hope this makes sense.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have never seen the benefit of the Dining plan, but I rarely have a TS meal during Food and Wine. I fill up on the kiosks!

 

[lovingeire]

I can merely only speak for myself...we usually dont do the Dining Plan during F&W since we usually eat like Europeans do (since we are from there originally). We eat our heavy meal at lunch and then just go around the lagoon for the rest of the afternoon snacking. Since we have a tendancy to snack a ton it is usually over the dining plan allotment plus we usually dont eat a heavy breakfast so the dining plan really isnt a benefit for us during this event. I think it is more or less a comfort level of what you eat on a regular basis. It may help if you dont eat a bunch and can find a kiosk with three items you like (to transfer the QS) but last time we had the plan it was before the whole 3 Snacks for a QS thing. So if you can make a table service and 4 Snacks (???) work per day then it would probably be a good thing to get if you get the high end sample at the booths (if of course they are included in the Snack category). Basically the 3 Snacks you get had better offset the QS it would have brought you in the package and you only stick to one Table service per day then it works otherwise you may be "helping" yourself but may still not work out monetarily the way you would like it to....Hope this makes sense.

I think that's my concern is what if they can't change the QS to snacks, and the QS meals are the ones I'm not sure we'd use, at the kiosks and then we're stuck with a ton of QS meals or random snacks, which our kids would be happy for us to bring home, but is pretty much wasted money. My husband and I eat very differently as well. He really likes his 3 meals a day and I can be more flexible, but I see us snacking at the kiosks a lot and doing our 1 TS meal.

I have never seen the benefit of the Dining plan, but I rarely have a TS meal during Food and Wine. I fill up on the kiosks!

We've used it with our family and always save or break even to what we would spend out of pocket, but since we don't have the kids I think it might not be as cost effective since we will eat differently.

Thank you both for the feedback! I think I'm leaning towards trying a trip (without the pressure of kids) without the dining plan though and maybe investing in TiW for our sit down meals.

 

[pepperandchips]

I think that's my concern is what if they can't change the QS to snacks, and the QS meals are the ones I'm not sure we'd use, at the kiosks and then we're stuck with a ton of QS meals or random snacks, which our kids would be happy for us to bring home, but is pretty much wasted money. My husband and I eat very differently as well. He really likes his 3 meals a day and I can be more flexible, but I see us snacking at the kiosks a lot and doing our 1 TS meal.



We've used it with our family and always save or break even to what we would spend out of pocket, but since we don't have the kids I think it might not be as cost effective since we will eat differently.

Thank you both for the feedback! I think I'm leaning towards trying a trip (without the pressure of kids) without the dining plan though and maybe investing in TiW for our sit down meals.

I LOOOOOVE tables in wonderland. Doing quick math, you need to spend $500 in participating food and drink per year to make it worthwhile. We tend to knock this out in just a few meals so it's an easy choice for us. While we don't necessarily eat European style, we definitely have a lot of those meals consisting solely of appetizers and desserts (oh and drinks) so that's why I love food and wine (and Tables). Now if only I could get that 20% discount at the booths...

 

[lovingeire]

I LOOOOOVE tables in wonderland. Doing quick math, you need to spend $500 in participating food and drink per year to make it worthwhile. We tend to knock this out in just a few meals so it's an easy choice for us. While we don't necessarily eat European style, we definitely have a lot of those meals consisting solely of appetizers and desserts (oh and drinks) so that's why I love food and wine (and Tables). Now if only I could get that 20% discount at the booths...

Thank you for the feedback on TiW. We are AP's, but do live a decent distance away, about 6 hours, so we make it a few times a year, and I will personally be back in Feb for Princess Half. We were thinking TiW might be a better fit for us because DH does like appetizers (which I could normally live without) and we do frequently like to have wine/beer/cocktail with dinner so it seems like it would be a great option, especially for this trip. We have 4 table service reservations, but one is a brunch or lunch (still deciding) so that will be rather cheap. One is a signature (our fav CA Grill) so it should pay off there as well. So, I think you gave me very helpful advice on this TiW! I just need to not be afraid of the unknown and go for it!

 

[FeralCatRogue]

Make sure though your restaurants are on TIW some are not. I remember going to a TS in animal kingdom that was not that barely allowed the AP discount either.

 

[lovingeire]

Make sure though your restaurants are on TIW some are not. I remember going to a TS in animal kingdom that was not that barely allowed the AP discount either.

Thanks! Fortunately everywhere we plan to eat is listed as accepting TiW!

 

[FeralCatRogue]

awesome hope you have a great time!

 

[Missyrose]

We booked the premium package today! We're really making this return trip to F&W after a one-year absence epic!

 

[randumb0]

I'm glad someone else has had the same amount of very limited experience with rowdy drunks. I also make sure I'm out of Epcot by 4:00 (except on Eat to the Beat concerts I want to see), and never go to Epcot on weekends. Rarely have I seen anyone drunk.

I have been going to F&W for years especially on weekends and have yet to see the rowdy drunks that people keep mentioning

 

[POOHsie]

I dodged another problem situation today. When the F&W Premium Package was announced there was confusion about what it included in total. Then there was confusion about the date you had to give them -- which was later revealed by Disney to be the date you would attend the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party. Then we had to wait to book our Culinary or Beverage Seminar. OK. On Aug 14th I called to book that. The CM read off what would be available Sept 28 thru Oct 1st. Based on those choices, I selected Sept 28 for the Beef Seminar. Found out from reading this thread that I was given choices from the "old" list, and now the Culinary Seminar for Sept 28 was Bacon. I thought about that for awhile, and today I called to change our Culinary Seminar to Sept 30 -- Scallop.

The first person I called, at the specific F&W phone number, told me the Seminar could not be changed because "rules." I was not pleased, and she put me on hold while she found someone higher up to speak with. The higher up also explained the selection couldn't be changed, and I went into an explanation of what happened (above). I thought it was unfair that I couldn't change selections after being given Disney's bad info. Well, no problem -- she happily let me change to Sept 30th -- Scallop. Good!

 

[rpb718]

This is our first time to F&W. I'm trying to get a sense of the times when the various food and beverage kiosks/areas will be open. I assume all the kiosks that can't be reached until they officially open World Showcase won't start until 11AM, but what about the one's that can be reached (I assume 11AM also, but wanted to verify with the experts out here)? Also, what time do the kiosks close (9PM or earlier)? And on EMH nights, does World Showcase remain open and is there any difference to kiosk closing times?

 

[POOHsie]

This is our first time to F&W. I'm trying to get a sense of the times when the various food and beverage kiosks/areas will be open. I assume all the kiosks that can't be reached until they officially open World Showcase won't start until 11AM, but what about the one's that can be reached (I assume 11AM also, but wanted to verify with the experts out here)? Also, what time do the kiosks close (9PM or earlier)? And on EMH nights, does World Showcase remain open and is there any difference to kiosk closing times?

As far as I know, all food kiosks will start at 11am and close at the start of IllumiNations. Previously, there weren't any booths on the walkway to Future World. That's new. During EMH, the booths won't be open. WS will remain open during EMH, but even the regular stuff in WS is a little closed down here and there. I remember there was a certain F&W booth selling sparkling wines and desserts that stayed open a little while after IllumiNations. They had a large crowd buying drinks on their way out of the park after the fireworks. That was located between Mexico and the Future World pathway. But that was the only late booth, and it wasn't really "food."

 

[patster734]

This is our first time to F&W. I'm trying to get a sense of the times when the various food and beverage kiosks/areas will be open. I assume all the kiosks that can't be reached until they officially open World Showcase won't start until 11AM, but what about the one's that can be reached (I assume 11AM also, but wanted to verify with the experts out here)? Also, what time do the kiosks close (9PM or earlier)? And on EMH nights, does World Showcase remain open and is there any difference to kiosk closing times?

At past F&W Festivals, the WS kiosks would be from 11am to 9pm, regardless of evening EMHs. Last year, the Crafts Beers market, located in the Odyssey building between Mexico and Test Track, opened by 10:30am (maybe earlier). So I wouldn't be surprised if the kiosks in FW are open prior to 11am.

 

[Jeapgurl]

Hi. I'm new, here. My husband and I are attending this year's F&W Festival. We've gone before, but only munched our way around World Showcase. This year, we've booked several events, too. I have a couple of questions about these events, and I'm sure you experienced F&W fans can help. We're celebrating our 25th anniversary, so I've planned a few special events, at least special to us.

How long do culinary demonstrations last? We're attending one at 5pm and have a 7pm reservation at La Hacienda. Am I understanding, correctly, that this will only be a small sample of food, not enough to ruin our appetite for dinner?

I've also booked "What's Cookin' with Robert Irvine". It says it's a "plated brunch". Will this be a full meal? I'm not sure what "plated brunch" means. For the price, I'm assuming so, but would like verification.

We're attending Party for the Senses on 10/24. General admission is all that was left by time I was able to book, but this is our only Saturday night and we've always been curious about this party. Any advice? Arrive late to avoid the "running of the bulls'? Start with dessert? Anyone have a game plan for this event? I'm just not sure what to expect and after reading some reviews on here about general admission, I'm a little worried. We're fine being on our feet for 3 hours and fine with the standing tables, but not fine with rude people, so, like I said, I'm a little worried.

Also, my husband does not drink wine. Are there other beverages available at Party for the Senses or should we bring in a bottle of water or two?

What do people wear to Party for the Senses? Is it kind of like the signature restaurants? Dressier? More casual, because it's in a park?

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

 

[Meliechick]

If you don't mind standing for the Party for the Senses then you don't necessarily have to arrive late. Just stand at the back of the room that you wait in for the CMs to open the curtains and let everyone else go first. It is definitely like a "running of the bulls."

We dress business casual... little nicer than how we dress for the parks but still comfortable. You will see people dressed from really casual to semi-formal.

I like to start with desserts because there will be no lines for that at the beginning of the party and then at the end of the party the lines for desserts are crazy long but the savory lines are short.

I don't drink wine either and find plenty of things to drink. There are usually several beers to choose from and I can't remember for sure but I think there was one hard liquor a few years ago.

No need to bring water. There are plenty of water stations.

 

[TheFairyGodmother]

Hi. I'm new, here. My husband and I are attending this year's F&W Festival. We've gone before, but only munched our way around World Showcase. This year, we've booked several events, too. I have a couple of questions about these events, and I'm sure you experienced F&W fans can help. We're celebrating our 25th anniversary, so I've planned a few special events, at least special to us.

How long do culinary demonstrations last? We're attending one at 5pm and have a 7pm reservation at La Hacienda. Am I understanding, correctly, that this will only be a small sample of food, not enough to ruin our appetite for dinner?

I've also booked "What's Cookin' with Robert Irvine". It says it's a "plated brunch". Will this be a full meal? I'm not sure what "plated brunch" means. For the price, I'm assuming so, but would like verification.

We're attending Party for the Senses on 10/24. General admission is all that was left by time I was able to book, but this is our only Saturday night and we've always been curious about this party. Any advice? Arrive late to avoid the "running of the bulls'? Start with dessert? Anyone have a game plan for this event? I'm just not sure what to expect and after reading some reviews on here about general admission, I'm a little worried. We're fine being on our feet for 3 hours and fine with the standing tables, but not fine with rude people, so, like I said, I'm a little worried.

Also, my husband does not drink wine. Are there other beverages available at Party for the Senses or should we bring in a bottle of water or two?

What do people wear to Party for the Senses? Is it kind of like the signature restaurants? Dressier? More casual, because it's in a park?

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Hi. I'm new, here. My husband and I are attending this year's F&W Festival. We've gone before, but only munched our way around World Showcase. This year, we've booked several events, too. I have a couple of questions about these events, and I'm sure you experienced F&W fans can help. We're celebrating our 25th anniversary, so I've planned a few special events, at least special to us.

How long do culinary demonstrations last? We're attending one at 5pm and have a 7pm reservation at La Hacienda. Am I understanding, correctly, that this will only be a small sample of food, not enough to ruin our appetite for dinner?

I've also booked "What's Cookin' with Robert Irvine". It says it's a "plated brunch". Will this be a full meal? I'm not sure what "plated brunch" means. For the price, I'm assuming so, but would like verification.

We're attending Party for the Senses on 10/24. General admission is all that was left by time I was able to book, but this is our only Saturday night and we've always been curious about this party. Any advice? Arrive late to avoid the "running of the bulls'? Start with dessert? Anyone have a game plan for this event? I'm just not sure what to expect and after reading some reviews on here about general admission, I'm a little worried. We're fine being on our feet for 3 hours and fine with the standing tables, but not fine with rude people, so, like I said, I'm a little worried.

Also, my husband does not drink wine. Are there other beverages available at Party for the Senses or should we bring in a bottle of water or two?

What do people wear to Party for the Senses? Is it kind of like the signature restaurants? Dressier? More casual, because it's in a park?

Thanks for any advice you can give me![/QUOTE

If you don't mind standing for the Party for the Senses then you don't necessarily have to arrive late. Just stand at the back of the room that you wait in for the CMs to open the curtains and let everyone else go first. It is definitely like a "running of the bulls."

We dress business casual... little nicer than how we dress for the parks but still comfortable. You will see people dressed from really casual to semi-formal.

I like to start with desserts because there will be no lines for that at the beginning of the party and then at the end of the party the lines for desserts are crazy long but the savory lines are short.

I don't drink wine either and find plenty of things to drink. There are usually several beers to choose from and I can't remember for sure but I think there was one hard liquor a few years ago.

No need to bring water. There are plenty of water stations.

We haven't booked a culinary demonstration in awhile. I believe the demo is 45 minutes to an hour, so you should be ok for dinner.

For Robert Irvine...we have attended several guest chef events in the past. While I can't confirm on this specific event, Yes, there is typically plenty of food to eat.

We love Party for the Senses! We do opt for reserved seating, although I have found that people are willing to share the stand-up tables. As has been stated, dress code is all over the place. We dress nicer than we would for a day in the parks. There is plenty to drink for the non-wine lover, so just pack your patience and enjoy. You will have plenty of time to eat and enjoy, so make sure you check things out at the various food stations. My daughter and I share plates so we can try as much as possible.
Hope this helps!