What Food and Wine Events Are You Looking At?

[josh]

Anyone looking to do any Food and Wine Festival "Special Events" as listed here: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012-e...pecial-events/ ??

Last year, George, Deb, Darcie, Tim, and I had a lot of fun at the Italian Wine Pairings and 3D Dessert Party, among other things. Last year's thread: http://www.easywdw.com/forums/showth...ne-Paid-Events

Some "reviews" from last year:

Mexico Tequila Lunch: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...ctober-2-2011/

Tokyo Dining Wine Pairings: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...r-3-walkabout/

Italy Wine Pairings: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...ctober-5-2011/

Scott Hunnel Kitchen Memories: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...-but-a-goodie/

First Bites Reception: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...ctures-part-1/

3D Dessert Party: http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized...ctober-7-2011/

And I did a bunch of the less expensive seminars. I recommend any of them wholeheartedly, regardless of whether you recognize the names. All of them were worth the $10 - $14.

Anyway, if you're looking at doing any of these sorts of things and would like some dining/drinking companions, please post your ideas/plans!

[goodferry]

We will be down from the 27th until the 7th and would love to have company if anyone else is interested. We plan on going to the first Party for the Senses, still toying with the idea of reserved seating just because it gets you in early enough you don't have to deal with the rush once the party started. I am going back and forth between the Italian Food and Wine Pairing (I was bummed we didn't get into one before they filled up last year) and the Regional lunch, which would be fun because it's new. We didn't take the time to do any of the seminars last year but will this year. I would love to go to the Discovery of Grand Marnier event on the 30th, but we are doing the Exotic Driving Experience that morning and then I think we are going to the Halloween Party that evening, although that's not set in stone yet.

[George]

I'll be down from 3-12 November (remember they extended the end of the Fest until Monday the 12th just for me?) and am looking at the White Truffle Lunch in Italy. I mean they only do it once a year, and I'm usually down at F & W earlier in October, so I figure this is my One Chance to do it.

I'm also looking forward to the release of the demo and mixology schedules, so that plan has yet to be determined.

[mdsd8700]

We are going for such a short trip, only 3 days that many of these don't fit into our plans. We are looking at the Mexico/tequila, the new Italian Regional Food and Wine pairing or the 3D Dessert. Have to have DH look at these and give me some input.

[wgwtgb]

This is our first time at food and wine, and our dates are October 19-27... and since someone put a damper on my idea to eat from every booth this year ... I'm thinking DH and I better stick to the booths instead of trying to squeeze in a party or dinner. Buuuuuut... if I had to choose, I'm looking at the Chef VIP tour on Wed. 24th of October and Culinary Adventures in Signatrue Dining on the 25th--either HBD or The Wave.
I'm really anticipating the demo/seminar schedule so that I can plan out those Epcot days. I'm trying to squeeze in as much Epcot time as I can. This is DH and I's first trip alone to WDW so I hate to sacrifice time at the other parks, but I really want to take in all that F&W has to offer.

[runDisneygirl]

Ashley - try one of the mixology seminars! Truly interesting stuff that you learn about whichever liquor they're working with. Plus, it's just 3 little cocktails, and then you're back out at the food booths! It's a fun one. I've also done the Sweet Sundays brunch thing which was excellent as well. But you'll be full from brunch and 3 desserts, so the food booths will have to wait until dinner time. If you like desserts though, that's a really interesting one as well.

[Rowan]

We are traveling with a large group and will only be there for the first few days of the festival. There are a total of 6 adults and 6 kids (gulp). Anyway, because of the timing and the group size, none of the major events will really work for us. I do want to do the mixology seminar on either Sept 30th or OCt 1st. I am still debating which day is better because of Epcots anniversary but Im leaning toward monday the 1st. I also need to figure out which adults will do this and which ones will occupy the kids, lol
Im assuming I should prebook that on August 14th too just as I would one of the pricier events?

[DisMom11]

We'll be down there for the start of the festival but won't be able to attend any events :( We'll be traveling with the in-laws (who have no interest) and our DD (1). Can't wait to hear about it!!

[josh]

Mixology is fun and informative. My favorite is the culinary demos, where you get one of whatever they're making along with a glass of wine or beer. It's usually something pretty tasty - a crab cake, piece of pie, noodle bowl, etc.

[George]

Mixology is fun and informative. My favorite is the culinary demos, where you get one of whatever they're making along with a glass of wine or beer. It's usually something pretty tasty - a crab cake, piece of pie, noodle bowl, etc.

Mixology is only as good as the product they're teaching. We went to one last year and didn't care for any of the spirits, but he presenter (head of beverages at the Swan & Dolphin) was fascinating. She ended up talking more about cocktails in general than about the subject spirit, so it wasn't a total bust.

I agree that the demos are great, and they serve you what turns out to be a small meal, complete with beverage. A great bang-for-your-buck as well.

[Darcie]

Right now this is what I'm planning:

Tuesday, Oct 16 Italian Food & Beer Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli
Wednesday, Oct 17 Italian Regional Food & Wine Lunch Noon - 2 Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Thursday, Oct 18 Italian Food & Wine Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli

I also plan to stalk Josh at a few of the mixology or culinary demos.

I really wish I liked Tequila because I think that lunch looks like a lot of fun.

[wgwtgb]

Mixology is only as good as the product they're teaching. We went to one last year and didn't care for any of the spirits, but he presenter (head of beverages at the Swan & Dolphin) was fascinating. She ended up talking more about cocktails in general than about the subject spirit, so it wasn't a total bust.

I agree that the demos are great, and they serve you what turns out to be a small meal, complete with beverage. A great bang-for-your-buck as well.

I can't wait for all the demo's and seminars to be released! I do want to see which ones we can attend.
DH and I aren't big drinkers (we may go for drinks once every 3 months), and everything seems to be paired with some type of alcholic beverage. I get that it's food and wine!!!!! I haven't found a wine yet that I can come home and drink. I'm seriously hoping that I find on here... with DH's new job and work this year.... I'M GOING TO NEED IT!!!

[Deb]

[QUOTE=Darcie;88497]Right now this is what I'm planning:

Tuesday, Oct 16 Italian Food & Beer Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli
Wednesday, Oct 17 Italian Regional Food & Wine Lunch Noon - 2 Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Thursday, Oct 18 Italian Food & Wine Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli
QUOTE]

I am planning on these as well. In addition, I am planning

10/12 Dessert Party
10/13 Italian Regional Lunch
10/14 Discovery of Chocolate
10/26 Dessert party
10/27 Italian Regional Lunch
10/28 Discovery of Chocolate

Not sure what if anything I am doing the last weekend of the festival when I am there for the W&D.

I do know that at least for 10/12 - 10/18 I plan to go to all the different mixology seminars. I sure wish that specific schedule would come out.

And I'm sure Darcie will be able to twist my arm on some of the culinary demos...

[wgwtgb]

[QUOTE=Deb;89952]

Right now this is what I'm planning:

Tuesday, Oct 16 Italian Food & Beer Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli
Wednesday, Oct 17 Italian Regional Food & Wine Lunch Noon - 2 Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Thursday, Oct 18 Italian Food & Wine Pairing 1:30-4 Via Napoli
QUOTE]

I am planning on these as well. In addition, I am planning

10/12 Dessert Party
10/13 Italian Regional Lunch
10/14 Discovery of Chocolate
10/26 Dessert party
10/27 Italian Regional Lunch
10/28 Discovery of Chocolate

Not sure what if anything I am doing the last weekend of the festival when I am there for the W&D.

I do know that at least for 10/12 - 10/18 I plan to go to all the different mixology seminars. I sure wish that specific schedule would come out.

And I'm sure Darcie will be able to twist my arm on some of the culinary demos...

Lucky You!!!

[josh]

No one looking at Marrakesh huh?

[Darcie]

No one looking at Marrakesh huh?

Josh, did you do Marrakesh last year? I would like to try that one but it conflicts with pizza and beer.

[Deb]

Pizza and beer is more important than Marrakesh to me. I kinda wanted to try the new chefs tour around the booth thingee but that conflicts with the Italian Regional Lunch and Italy wins there too.

[wgwtgb]

Yay! Yay! Yay! The details for Demos and Seminars has been revealed on disneyfoodblog.com!!!

[wgwtgb]

All of the culinary demos, beverage seminars, and mixology seminars are just walk up and register correct? I don't have to pay for those in advance right?

ETA: our days for Epcot are
October 20-evening only
October 22- all day
October 24-morning only
October 25-all day
Any suggestions for these days as far as the demos and seminars go are greatly appreciated.

[bnoble]

In honor of the Mixology seminars:

http://www.fogandsmog.com/mixologist/

[Deb]

Darcie - any interest in a mixology Tuesday or Wednesday? It's the same one each day. I plan to do one but if there was a day that you guys were going, I would go then.

(Edited to remove Thursday from my list of mixology choices. I want to see the Gin Blossoms that night).

I haven't made my way down the beverage and culinary demo lists yet.

And the Dessert party on 10/26 is now off my list due to a scheduling tweak to the plans.

[vicki_c]

I just got an e-mail that DVC Member Services will start accepting reservations for F&W events tomorrow morning. We're not going this year, but thought it might help some of you if you hadn't seen it.

Awaken your senses

Discounted experiences at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival are just a few of the tasty treats available to Disney Vacation Club Members in the months ahead. From a mind-bending show that's full of eye candy to an after-hours event that'll fill your bags with actual candy, 'tis the season to awaken your senses through the magic of Membership.

The aforementioned Epcot International Food and Wine Festival presents "taste your way around the world" Sept. 28-Nov. 12, 2012 and Members who act fast may purchase discounted tickets to select wine seminars, mixology seminars and culinary demonstrations taking place Mondays through Thursdays throughout the festival. Member Services will begin booking the discounted experiences tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., August 10, 2012, four days before these offerings become available to the general public.

A link within the detailed story on your Member website will lead you to more information about the festival so you'll be suitably prepared (and hungry!) by the time you call Member Services.

[Darcie]

Darcie - any interest in a mixology Tuesday or Wednesday? It's the same one each day. I plan to do one but if there was a day that you guys were going, I would go then.

(Edited to remove Thursday from my list of mixology choices. I want to see the Gin Blossoms that night).

I haven't made my way down the beverage and culinary demo lists yet.

And the Dessert party on 10/26 is now off my list due to a scheduling tweak to the plans.

Let's do Tuesday. I think we'll do Thursday as well.

[Darcie]

I just got an e-mail that DVC Member Services will start accepting reservations for F&W events tomorrow morning. We're not going this year, but thought it might help some of you if you hadn't seen it.

Awaken your senses

Discounted experiences at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival are just a few of the tasty treats available to Disney Vacation Club Members in the months ahead. From a mind-bending show that's full of eye candy to an after-hours event that'll fill your bags with actual candy, 'tis the season to awaken your senses through the magic of Membership.

The aforementioned Epcot International Food and Wine Festival presents "taste your way around the world" Sept. 28-Nov. 12, 2012 and Members who act fast may purchase discounted tickets to select wine seminars, mixology seminars and culinary demonstrations taking place Mondays through Thursdays throughout the festival. Member Services will begin booking the discounted experiences tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., August 10, 2012, four days before these offerings become available to the general public.

A link within the detailed story on your Member website will lead you to more information about the festival so you'll be suitably prepared (and hungry!) by the time you call Member Services.

Thanks, Vicki. I knew you could book early through DVC but I didn't get an email.

[josh]

All of the culinary demos, beverage seminars, and mixology seminars are just walk up and register correct? I don't have to pay for those in advance right?

ETA: our days for Epcot are
October 20-evening only
October 22- all day
October 24-morning only
October 25-all day
Any suggestions for these days as far as the demos and seminars go are greatly appreciated.

No, most of them will be sold out. You want to book what you want to do as soon as you know you want to do it.