The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is underway, and this year marks the debut of several new options for Festival guests. We’re going to cover two of the most popular — and most expensive — today!
The Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package is available exclusively to Disney Resort guests (as well as guests at Swan & Dolphin and Golden Oak), and the Food and Wine Festival — Late Nights LIVE! after hours party, which is available for purchase to all guests.
Premium Package credential, gift card, and themed MagicBand
Today we’re breaking down the components into a few sections beginning with the Food & Wine Premium Package. At the end of the post, we’ll go over our thoughts regarding value for the price of these options.
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package
There are three main components to the Food & Wine Premium Festival Package available for Disney Resort guests: In-Room Amenities, dedicated Food & Wine Festival Premium Package Areas at Epcot, and entrance into the Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights Live! party. The package costs $199/person.
In-room Amenities
I was definitely curious to see the in-room amenities included in the package, though I had some idea from the official description from Disney: “a select bottle of wine (for Guests over 21 years of age), a festival wine glass and delicious chocolate truffles.”
I arrived to my resort a few hours early, hoping for the possibility of an early check-in. I was kindly accommodated, but since I arrived early, I actually picked up my gift bag at Concierge Services at the front desk. So, if you are participating in this package and are also an early check-in hopeful (before 3:00PM), that’s just something to keep in mind. With that said, I received everything in a thermal Food & Wine tote.
Amenities Bag
Let’s check off the list, starting with the wine, which was a bottle of “Sogno d’ Italia (Dream of Italy)” Chianti. It was one of the bottles “made exclusively for Disney Parks.”
Dream of Italy Chianti
Sogno d’Italia label
Guests can find this wine sold in the Italy Pavilion (we’ll have a “math breakdown” later on to discuss more of the value).
A Food and Wine Festival souvenir stemless wine glass is part of the package as well.
Souvenir wine glass
Four truffles came in an edible box made of dark chocolate, topped with a white chocolate themed decoration.
Truffle box made of chocolate
Flavors included salted caramel, cherry, ganache, and white chocolate.
Truffles
The in-room amenities are fun, and it did feel a little like a holiday, opening gifts upon arrival.
Gifts inside the amenities bag
But it may be the next three items that are of the most interest: a Food & Wine themed MagicBand, a $50 Disney gift card, and the Premium Package “credential” lanyard, which grants guests access to exclusive Premium Package Areas within the Festival.
Premium Package credential, gift card, and themed MagicBand
The credential is a lanyard to wear around the Festival, and while we’ll explore its design and function more in the next section, it’s worth noting that one side is printed with the dates the guest can access the Premium Package areas.
The MagicBand is decorated with the current signature artwork for the Food and Wine Festival.
Themed MagicBand
Themed MagicBand
Finally, there is a $50 Disney gift card. It’s the “wristband” style for ease of use at the booths.
Disney Gift Card
And if you’ve purchased this package as a diehard Food and Wine Festival fan, clearly there’s only one place to spend it (though now is as good a time as any to note that it’s a regular Disney gift card, and can be used anywhere a Disney gift card can be used ;-D)
Off to EPCOT!
Food and Wine Premium Package Areas
Ten locations
have been placed around World Showcase for the exclusive use of Premium Package guests. These areas operate from 12:00 – 8:00 pm on Mondays through Thursdays.
This is where that credential lanyard comes into play. Not only does it grant you access to those areas, but — cleverly — the designated areas are also printed on the lanyard.
Premium Area map on credential lanyard
I didn’t realize how handy that little map would be until I arrived at World Showcase. Without it, I may have missed the areas. You will see that the designated spaces blend in quite well with the all-access areas, equipped with the standard Food & Wine Festival high-standing tables.
Premium Area near Italy
What I really appreciated about this set-up was that it didn’t scream “PREMIUM PACKAGE HERE!!” Those who aren’t participants in the Premium Package will likely not feel excluded. I like how they blended in, while the credential map is detailed well enough to make the areas easy to find if you’re on the lookout.
So, here’s the drill:
Step One: You arrive to the area as designated on the lanyard map, and see a sign that indicates which Marketplaces that particular Premium Area services.
Premium Package area designation
Step Two: You can show your credential to the Cast Members staffing the area (okay, actually the lanyard is huge, and they’ll probably spot it without you waving it :).
Step Three: The Cast Members will provide a menu with all the items available so you don’t have to check out each individual booth prior to getting to the area to decide what you want. (All booth menu items are available.)
Menu at Premium Area
Step Four: Place your order, and pay for your item (cash registers are set up in front of the tables).
Cash register in front of area
Step Five: A Cast Member goes to the booth for you and returns with your item! Here’s my tasty Baklava from Morocco, kept nicely dry by the kind Cast Member who brought it to me.
Baklava from Morocco booth
I mention “kept dry,” because this was the scene at Epcot on the first day of my visit…
Rainy day at Epcot
Even Duffy had to defend against the elements!
Rainy day Duffy
Now, while I really do think it’s cool how the Premium Areas blend in, this is a good time to mention that there is no covering or seating in the Premium Areas — at least, not at the time of this writing. It will be interesting to see if this changes as the Festival continues. I owe many thanks to the Cast Members who did their best to keep me dry and helped me have a great time while noshing on my baklava.
I had an entirely different experience when I returned two days later (though my resort stay was only one night, I had access to the Premium Areas through Thursday, as designated on my credential). The improved weather made it possible to really enjoy the premium views around the lagoon that have been reserved for this experience.
View from a Premium Area
Cast Members do their best to provide a fantastic experience, waiting on guests in the area from arrival to departure, and ensuring you’re well taken care of.
Italian Margarita and Cannoli set up by Cast Member
The whole not-waiting-in-line thing is definitely a great perk. Festival fans know how the lines can get, especially on evenings and weekends of the Festival. But it was also nice not having to hunt for a table. Top it off with some terrific views, great Cast Members and tasty food, and it really was an enjoyable experience.
Italian Margarita
There is one more inclusion to with the Premium Packages, which is entry into the Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! event.
Food and Wine Festival — Late Nights Live! Party
Part of the Premium Package is entrance into a Food and Wine Festival — Late Nights Live! after hours party. Entrance to this event can also be purchased as a standalone event for $79.00 (tax not included). The primary difference is that the Premium Package is available only for Disney Resort guests, whereas entrance to just the Late Nights Live party is available for non-Resort guests as well. Premium Package participants should note that this event only takes place on Thursday nights throughout the Festival, so you’ll want to be sure your reservation dates line up accordingly to receive the full value for your Package.
For guests who purchase this option as a standalone, admission to Epcot is included during the event as it is with other Disney hard ticket events.
Where to start? Party guests will want to head to the Festival Center in Future World where you’ll see a sign upon entering the building designating the “Late Nights Live Check-in” spot.
Late Night Live check in
Late Night Live check in
Because guests can access the event after hours, another check-in area is located at the International Gateway entrance into Epcot.
Guests receive a credential lanyard marked with the date of their party, which serves as an entrance “ticket.”
Late Nights Live credential
The credential has 6 perforated “coupons” attached to it. These are entitlements to six food and beverage items at the party. (Remember the “Year of a Million Dreams” super fastpasses way back when? Yeah — it’s kind of like that.)
Five are marked as “Valid for 1 item” and one is marked “Valid for 1 souvenir glow cup” (more on these after we enter the party).
Coupons attached to lanyard
Typically, the finale of any great day at the Food & Wine Festival caps off with a viewing of IllumiNations. But the day isn’t over yet for guests at Late Nights Live! Once IllumiNations is over, you can make your way toward the United Kingdom Pavilion, where the designated party area extends into World Showcase Plaza and beyond to the center of the World Showcase Promenade. The party begins at 9:45PM and lasts until 1:00AM.
After hours at Epcot
At first, it seems like just an extension of regular Epcot hours, enjoying the typical atmosphere of Epcot at night. But things start to change with the arrival of street performers decked out in fiber optic lights glowing in the dark.
Street performers
Street performers
Street performers
Street performers
So, umm… I’m sure there is a setting on my camera that works perfectly well for “dancers spinning fiber optics in the dark,” but since it’s not called exactly that, I have no idea what it is. Sorry for the blur!
As you wander, you’ll happen upon other areas of entertainment, including a live DJ playing dance music to deliver a party vibe.
Late Nights DJ
Other areas housed live musicians, and I thought they were top notch talent. I spent a good chunk of time in World Showplace, listening to “Martini Pop,” a band playing everything from classic jazz to current hits (and even a few Disney classics) with unique arrangements and impressive vocal power.
World Showplace
“Martini Pop”
And outside near the Canada booth, a duo performed acoustic versions of songs ranging from the Black Crowes to Macklemore to Johnny Cash. If you’ve ever happened upon Bryan Malpass (the guitar player and vocalist) playing live in Downtown Disney, you know what a treat it is to listen.
Acoustic duo
Of course, what’s a party — especially one at the Food & Wine Festival 😉 — without eats? Be sure to have your lanyard handy, because you’ll be able to use it for five food or drink items of your choosing at the following booths: Ireland, Canada, Greece, the Refreshment Port, Desserts and Champagne, and Hawaii.
Ireland booth
Greece booth sign
The full menus are available, and nothing is off limits with your entitlement coupon.
Canada menu
My one moment of concern was when I tried to make use of my coupon valid for the souvenir glow cup. It can be redeemed at the Refreshment Port, and I headed there right when the party opened. The line looked like this, and I feared for overcrowding for the rest of the night. It seemed lines in the immediate opening were really long everywhere.
Opening line at Refreshment Port
However, that was the opening rush. I left the line and explored some of the entertainment options for around 20 minutes, and when I returned, I practically walked right up. I didn’t have a problem with major lines for the rest of the night.
Line about 20 minutes later
The souvenir glow cup was filled with a surprise: a White Cranberry Cosmo, which I thought was delicious (I like fruity, sweet drinks). The cup is plain (no Food and Wine logo or anything), but walking around and seeing the glowing cups was a fun, bright touch.
White Cranberry Cosmo in glow cup
We’ll be adding up value more at the end of this post, but for those interested, there were a few small bars inside World Showplace selling the signature beverage in case you wanted another, and the prices were $8.75 for just the Cosmo, $4.25 for the glow cup, and $13.00 for the drink served in the glow cup.
As for my food choices, I enjoyed some of my favorites: Cheddar Cheese Soup and the Beef Filet from Canada, Warm Chocolate Pudding and a Chilled Irish Coffee from Ireland, and a Kalua Pork Slider from Hawaii.
Cheddar Cheese Soup… at night ;)!
Out of pocket, these items would have cost $25.75. Clearly, this is the place to maximize your value. As it so happens, some of my favorite items are on the less-expensive side (the Pudding, Slider, and Cheddar Cheese Soup range from $3.50 to $4.25), while my most expensive items were the Irish Coffee ($7.00) and Beef Filet ($7.25). How you choose to maximize your entitlements is up to you.
Chilled Irish Coffee
For those who enjoy the beautiful and unique atmosphere that is Epcot at night, it’s always a treat to spend more time there.
I do feel like this event is finding its legs in some respects: there wasn’t really an official start, per se, so the beginning felt a little disjointed to me. There was a “where-do-I-go-now” vibe for the first bit, which likely contributed to the huge lines at first. Dancing in the street was encouraged, but there wasn’t much participation — however, that’s not a “fault” of the event, just part of the general vibe that I wanted to share for those looking for a certain atmosphere (though a few people did dance and appeared to be having a great time! As Men Without Hats always said, “You can dance if you want to!”).
Still, the opening is an easy fix, if they so choose, and the crowded lines seemed to fix themselves fairly early on. I think fans of live music will be pleased — while the options aren’t numerous, they’re high quality. Since we’re clearly very food-focused here at DFB, I hadn’t accounted for the difference that would make in my experience, but it really did.
Good night, EPCOT
Math and Value Breakdown
Just writing the word “math” gives me mild anxiety, but I’ll try to crunch a few numbers so you can measure if the Premium Package or the Late Nights Live! Party is a good value for you. (I’m including in the text where estimates have been made.)
The price for entrance to the Late Nights Live! party is $79.00 (tax not included). Included are 6 food items, and the value will vary based on what you choose. The items I chose would have cost $25.75, and the cost of the Cosmo in the souvenir cup brings the total to $38.75, leaving a remaining $40.25 for entertainment and the chance to stay at Epcot until 1AM. If you use each of your entitlements for items ranging around $7, there’s potential to bring your food/drink value to $48 (including the Cosmo).
The price of the Premium Package is $199.00 (per guest, tax not included) and includes in-room amenities starting with the Chianti, which retails for $16.95 in the Italy Pavilion, and a Festival wine glass, which I’m estimating at $10.00 based on a comparable item sold at Festival merchandise shops. (I don’t have a value for the truffles.) Themed graphic MagicBands are relatively new and prices vary, but the recent Haunted Mansion graphic MagicBand retails at $24.95, so that’s a price example (the Food & Wine specialty band isn’t available for individual purchase). The $50 gift card is worth… well, you know 😉 . Also included is the $79.00 entry cost to the Late Nights Live party (breakdown above). That brings the estimate to $180.90, leaving a remaining $18.10 for access to the Premium Areas.
Whew! Still with me 😉 ?
Overall
Clearly, either of these options is a definite vacation splurge: they aren’t cheap, and it’s up to each interested guest to determine if they find value in the inclusions. In the Premium Package areas, I was joined in the space a few times by couples celebrating their anniversary and honeymoon; I thought it could be a really special touch to add on the occasion, and hope that was the case for them (though I want to stress again, the price of the package is per guest, not per vacation reservation, so that’s something to consider). From my perspective as a solo guest, I can say it enhanced my experience.
I attended the first Late Nights Live party, and I enjoyed it. I spoke with a few Cast Members (I’m guessing managers), who were at the event and spoke about how they were observing things to see what could be improved upon to make it bigger and better, and we’ll be curious to hear about any experiences as the Festival continues.
Here’s hoping everyone is having a great time at the Festival so far this year! Six weeks left… hope to see you there!
Have you participated in the Food and Wine Festival Premium Package or Late Nights Live! Party? We’d love to hear about your experience with a comment!
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question: is the premium package for your length of stay? We will be there for 2 weeks, wondering if it will apply to the entire time we are there.
It is for a week only. If you wanted it for your whole 2 week stay you would need to purchase a second one for that week. The lanyards have the week it is good for printed on them.
And the premium areas are only open Monday-Thursday, not weekends.
Hi
Do you know when the in room pack would be delivered – we will be checking in on a Thursday for 11 nights – so assume that the premium package would start from the following Monday-Thursday. Therefore would the pack be delivered when we checked in or on the Monday?
thanks
B
For those asking about tipping, we were unsure and when one of the manager types was checking out the Premium area we were in, my DH approached her to ask that question. Her response was that “tips are included in the price of the Premium Package”
catherine, you have to use book for one calendar week (Monday-Thursday). You can’t use the Premium Package on a Thursday and then the following Monday. Which really sucks because that’s what we planned to do.
Are you able to purchase additional items beyond your six? Seems like Disney would never deny people a chance to spend more money, but haven’t been able to find anything saying one way or another.
A wonderful summary of the package and event. Thank you so much!
We are here and are enjoying the premium package! Thanks for all the info. I will try to find out (ahead of time) if we can use Dom Perignon as our choices on Thursday. We will let you know. I have pics of the gifts, and it includes a wine bottle/corkscrew. We love them all!!! We still haven’t figure out how to use our F&W wristbands with the annual passes… but they are lovely. We have pics but not sure how to post them.
I dont get the Magic Band does it do everything our reg magic band does? Feel dumb asking but no one has said what it does for we have to have the lanyard to get our 6 drinks or food. Has anyone gone yet that knows if you can get the $30 drink?
Hello Denise. Yes the Magic Band will do everything your regular one does AFTER you link it to your account. In my case I had to go to the Customer Service Area at Epcot and they link it without any problems. You will still be able to use your regular one as well. I haven’t got the answer to the $30 drink but I will and I will let you guys know.
So far the Premium Package has worked wonders for us. The lines are pretty long almost everywhere and is nice to just go to your area and order without any fuzz. The NO TIPPING part is very real, don’t do it. We asked and even if you insist and leave money, that money goes into the cash register, not the server. Also they can’t receive any type of gifts. And all the servers are AWESOME and we really wanted to give them something. 🙁
Quite a few people (without premium package lanyards) try to sit with in the designated areas and they were not allow to do it. Tables are a coveted item by itself.
I recommend buying the portable plastic side dishes… when you don’t have those tables they are very helpful holding the drink and food in one hand while you use the other to actually eat.
Lili Thanks for all the info!! Great knowing what we are doing. Have a Great time! 19 days and counting.
Lili, you said that people were trying to sit in the designated area. Does that mean that they added chairs to the tables? Is there someplace to sit in those areas or is it standing only? Thank you
Hello Ann
Yes, they have added some sitting in some of the areas (benches mostly). They are in the process of adding umbrellas too, and that is even better.
I asked about the Dom Perignon, and was informed that it will not be one of the choices for Thursday. I still will try to order it then with one of the coupons, I will let you know if that works or not.
As for the Areas, finally one of the managers wrote down for me the following (in parenthesis if I know personally if they have or not sitting, and what type of sitting if any):
Area 1: Terra, Scotland, Hawaii (one bench). This one is right at the entrance of world showcase right next to Terra.
Area 2: Craft Beer
Area 3: Patagonia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico
Area 4: south Korea, Farm Fresh, China
Area 5: Singapore, Brewer’s Collection, Germany, Africa
Area 6: Poland, Italy
Area 7: Hops & Barley, Japan
Area 8: France, Morocco, Brazil, Belgium (one bench)
Area 9: Canada, Ireland (seating along the flower bench)
Area 10: Puerto Rico, Greece, Dessert & Champagne (no sitting at all)
I hope I am not boring you guys with details.
We have visited so far 1, 8, 9 and 10 in the last 3 days. We have tried to sample everything from those areas, and we are so full!!! whatever you do: don’t eat before getting there. We order one of each for the both of us, and with the drinks and everything, we can only manage 3-4 countries in a whole day. The portions look small, but 3 of those little suckers equal a whole meal.
Our faves so far have been: Crispy Pork Belly w/black beans & Mocequa de Pescado (Brazil), Lobster & seafood fisherman’s pie (Ireland), Kalua Pork slider (Hawaii).
If you have any other question, please let us know. One more day of bliss with the Premium Package, and we are definitively doing this next year. To us it was worth the price and we got to meet so many other Disney guests that otherwise it would not have happened.
Lili
Lili,
Thank you so much for all the information. You are not boring at all! 🙂 I love all the details.
We have the Premium Package too and will be using it in a few weeks. I’m happy to hear they may add umbrellas and I hope they add more seating too. My husband is in an ECV but I am not and I would love to be able to sit down too.
About tipping the Cast Members who get the food: Years ago I found Cast Member Appreciation Cards. I print and use them every time we visit the World. I hope it’s all right to post the link to them here. I am not affiliated with the site – I just love these cards and the Cast Members seem to like them too. Here’s the link: http://tagrel.com/APP/CMCards.shtml
Ok… some good and bad news….
Area 5 : no sitting at all. No shade for now, but wonderful location overlooking the lake.
Area 6 : one bench, overlooking the lake. Best location so far.
Area 7 : 3 benches, shade, right next to Chase lounge. Great place to catch your breath and decompress.
The umbrellas are going to be in place next week. Not sure how many per area.
Now the Party… the Refreshment Post is a bust 🙁 Not only you can’t order the Dom Perignon, but they have taken some of the other champagnes as well. If you want to order the chicken chunks…. well one of the tickets equals 1/2 portion…. the ‘donut croissant’ is a large croissant in the shape of a donut, not the delicious ‘cronuts’ we were hoping. (But that is on us not them).
In general 6 tickets is a bit much unless you plan on drinking a lot. Not our case. We ended up ordering food ‘to go’ because we were full with all the tasting during the day, and the cocktail with the glass was enough alcohol for us… again we already had some during the day.
Personally i will repeat the Premium Package minus the Thursday party. They had music and entertainment but not a crowd… most people left around 11pm. It would have been better if the rides were working, that way you get to work an appetite… but that wasn’t the case.
Thank for more information, Lili.
If you have any more – even the smallest tidbit – and if you have the time, please post more. 🙂
I seriously doubt we will stay very long at the Party, if we go at all.
Also, if you have the time to answer – How did they package the “to go” food and was it difficult to get it back to your room?
Hi Lee,
Disney lets you bring a small cooler inside the parks. We always have one packed with 6 bottles of water and ice. By that time of the event started, I knew the water will be gone, and with the help of sandwich bags we brought from home, I packed all the ‘to go’ food inside the baggies and into the empty cooler. We order ‘to go’ 4 beef entrees from Canada and 4 fisherman’s pie from Ireland. And we are enjoying them today… my guess you can do the same if you use the bag the wine comes in (instead of the small cooler).
How did you find out about this and how does one sign up for it? I’ve been a DVC member for years and this is the firs tI’ve heard about it! And I’m going Monday. :/
This was great summary. It was confusing and breakdown was helpful. Thank you.
My husband and I took our first trip to the Food and Wine Festival 2 weeks ago and splurged on the Premium Package. We were not disappointed with everything that the package had to offer however we were unable to attend the Late Night party.When we booked our trip and package, the Late Night party was originally being held Tues and Thurs nights. We received a phone about a week later saying the party will only be Thursdays. Well our trip was booked from Sun to Thurs, so we couldn’t make it. Disney was accommodating and refunded us the cost of the Late Night party. So, even though we couldn’t attend it we still get our money back. We’ll just have to go again next year!
We were there for the second week. We go to the food & wine festival every year. We always arrive on Sunday and leave on Friday so the Monday thru Thursday worked perfectly for us. We loved pretty much everything about this package. I will admit at the party I used all 5 of my tickets for champagne at $12.50 a glass so did get my money’s worth. Neither my husband or me liked the drink that came in the light up glass- way too sweet. All the cast members at the different areas were so accommodating – especially the group in the Canada/Ireland area. We would definitely do it again next year. We did get an email survey once we were home.
I am thinking this premium package just might be worth it – mainly because you don’t have to stand in lines to get your food and dinks. Everyone is saying how crowded it seems to be this year. Having somewhere to at least stand if not sit, maybe umbrellas and being able to socialize would be great. I am thinking about it – so if anyone has anything to add please do.
Thanks for your reply, Lili. IF you have time to answer: Did the Cast Members put one plate on top of another for both to go items – especially for the Filet in Canada? I would have thought it would be a bit messy even with the ziploc baggie. Since Ireland’s Fisherman’s Pie is in its own cup I can see where it would be a lot easier to transport.
Thank you too, Sandra, Kim and Donna, for your additional comments. 🙂
Ernie, call the Disney Reservation Center (407-934-7639) and ask them about the Premium Package. They should be able to walk you through the process if there are still tickets available for Monday.
Thanks for the information, Lili. 🙂 IF you have a minute more 😀 – did the Cast Members put a plate on top of the to go plates? I would imagine the Filet would be a bit messy to carry even with the Ziploc baggies. Since the Ireland Fisherman Pie is in its own dish it doesn’t sound difficult to transport.
Thank you Kim, Donna and Sandra for adding your comments. 🙂
I got two packages on the first day it was offered and have been reading as many reviews as I can. I can’t wait to experience it.
Ernie, I suggest you call the Disney Reservation Center (407-934-7639) and ask them to walk you through the steps to get the Premium Package if there are still tickets available.
Hello Lee,
No problem answering any of your questions.
I just use the little paper basket the filet comes in inside the Ziploc baggies. They were a little crunched up, but fit fine. And I just stacked one on top of another. To heat them up, all I did is open up the baggies and 1m 30sec later, taken them out of the baggies and they tasted as good as new ( 🙂 )
The servers did put a plate on top and below the fisherman’s pie, but because they are buttery, I still put them in baggies by themselves and minimize the cleanup of my cooler.
Friday and Saturday have been very crowded to do any tasting at all… I guess I got used to not standing in line, and all the lines were very very long… so we enjoyed the Magical Hours in all of the parks and remembered everyone that helped us in the all the Areas we visited.
Donna, you are right, the group of people in the Canada/Ireland area is fantastic: Ariel, Scott, Stephanie, Bethany, and a couple more girls (I forgot their names 🙁 ) made our experience a Magical One. If any one of you go, please check them out and say Thank You from me and my husband (Randy)
We finally try the Chianti, and it was delicious! One of the other guests told us it marry well with the chocolates, and they were not fibbing. It really works.
We all know that everything that we eat at the end tends to not settle completely in our stomachs, but I have found that a little of that Chianti at the end of the day is better than anything else, at least that was my case.
Again, I will recommend this experience to anyone that enjoys not just tasting but interacting with fellow participants. We did (and do) and had a blast!
Hello Lily,
Sorry about the duplication above. I didn’t see that the first one posted so I typed and posted again.
Hope you had stand another Thank You for your answers and updates. 🙂 They are much appreciated.
I’ve made note of the Canada/Ireland Cast Members’ names and I’ll try to remember to thank them for you.
Even though you probably already know this, and just in case other readers might be interested, Rosa Regale is also a perfect wine to pair with chocolate. I discovered it several years ago at an Italian Food and Wine Pairing.
Have a magical day, everyone, no matter where you are. 😀
A bit late to the discussion, but we just got back. They changed the menu for the Desserts & Champagne booth for the party. Dom is not on there. There are a couple of Moet & Chandon selections which are probably the most expensive items available during the party.
Here is a picture of the menu while we were at the party.
https://flic.kr/p/pmWjH7
Great review!
I have a question….
Is the laynard to the late night event a separate ticket from the premium access credentials? Because we are arriving on Thursday and leaving on Monday night we are going to the Thursday late night and will then only have Monday to use the premium access. It will be really disappointing if the Thursday event is the only thing we can go to because Monday is a new week.
I hope my question makes sense! Thanks!
Stacey,
The package (according to what I was told by Disney reps) is only good for one week, and it starts on Monday and ends on Thursday. The lanyard/pass to be admitted to the reserved areas is different from the lanyard/pass to the Thursday event.
My suggestion is to contact Disney directly to make sure you will be able to use the lanyard/pass for the reserved areas both on Thursday (if you arrive early) and then on Monday, but my guess is not. I hope I am wrong.
Good luck and enjoy the Food and Wine Festival, say Hi to the girls and boys at the Canada/Ireland station… they are pretty awesome.
Lili
Great review… wife forwarded it to me and while I assumed it was well worth it, the breakdown nailed it for me. I think part of the charm of this VIP Package for me more than anything was having others being the food runners. Typically it’s one of the members of our group being a food runner while we were between pavilions. Now we just send off a CM… an in the event of inclement weather they manage to keep things dry upon delivery, even if you are not. Looking forward to our time there next week… ^_^
Niekon,
You are SOOOO right! That was what my husband like the best about the Premium Package ( he Hates standing in line and there are sooo many lines). You guys will enjoy knowing in advance that you will have your own table (an in some places chairs) to relax and sample all the offerings.
Have fun!
Lili
Just finished Nov 6 event, had a blast. Used most of the chits for 18 yr Glenfiddich pours 🙂 Premium Pkg included limited regular tables with chairs at the stops, CM were great.
Thank you so much for all this info. We did the Premium Package and it was a superb way to enjoy the Festival. Worth every cent.
Two comments I would make for the future:
1. When it got dark, not all the reserved areas had lighting. I enjoy my food a lot more when I can see it!
2. I wish every booth (or at least every reserved area) had an interesting non-alcoholic option. I am not a big drinker and rarely drink alcohol when it’s hot. The watermelon drink from Terra was lovely, but otherwise it was the usual lemonade, Coke etc – boring!
I was wondering with the coupons are they for free items or do they give you access to buy they items , like the souvenir cup
Here’s a question… does anyone know if you do this as a family, if just the adults need to purchase the package (providing they offer it in 2015)? We have three younger children but would still totally take advantage of this….
Hi Kara, the coupons were for the Festival Late nights Event on Thursday night and I don’t believe they had enough value to get a souvenir cup. I remember asking about it, and I couldn’t get a new drink with the souvenir cup. In our case we will NOT do the Thursday event again… we are not big drinkers and most of the food offered we had already tried using our Premium Package (Tuesday to Thursday). Not too mention that for the Champagne we wanted to try we couldn’t use the tickets.
Jocelyn, I guess it will depend on the ages of your kids. I saw plenty of people trying to use the reserved tables (some with kids) that were not allowed to used them. Also we met with a couple of friends who didn’t purchase the Premium Package (not staying in Disney property) and they were not able to join us while we were in the Reserved Area. My guess if they are toddlers it will be OK. This area tends to be more for grown ups than for kids (to be fair, most kids will find this area pretty boring)
Thanks Lili! They’ll be 7, 6, & 3 when we’re there… if we only had to pay for my husband & I and it’s not an issue that they’re in that space, we are so in! 🙂 We were there the 1st day of 2014 F&W – yes, in the rain – and the kids entertained themselves for almost 7 hours while we kept snacking away! They had a blast just pretending/performing/people watching. We lucked out there! But if I have to buy 5 passes (again, assuming they offer this), then there’s no way…
It’s definitely a pretty adult event. There was a lot of drinking …excessive drinking (the night we attended someone that had to be transported to the hospital after badly breaking his leg while dancing …. Still surprised no one else around him got hurt)
Even if you aren’t concerned about them being in that atmosphere and think your kids would entertain themselves you might want to consider the other guests too. I assume most are spending that much for a chance to enjoy a late night grown up event.
Jocelyn, We LOVED every minute of the Premium Package!
Not looking for a place to eat and been able to get everything brought to us was perfect. We got to meet fellow PP guest who helped us picked drinks, tasty treats and we all got to share the Festival in a different way. My suggestion will be to ask the phone operators as soon as this comes available (and we really hope it does) if your kids can participate with your 2 passes.
This time we are also going to attend the Swan & Dolphin Food Wine Classic (Oct 30 – 31st), we read the reviews and they look so enticing…
Thanks Stacey- I get that. We attend from opening @ 11am and my kids are in bed by 6:30pm so the day crowd “usually” isn’t too much of a problem. We also plan on the weekdays which are typically less crowded.
Yeah….that was my mistake. When I originally read through the post I mistakenly assumed you were talking about the after hours event specifically (and, that would be more of an eye opener than you’d probably want for your kids! haha!) Sorry for the confusion! The Premium Package is AWESOME for the seating areas alone and the staff at the different locations are super. I hope they do it again this year as well!
Oh…and Lili…the Swan and Dolphin Food + Wine Classic is one of our favorite events. We stopped going to Party for the Senses because we like it so much.
No worries Stacey! I’m sure some people would do that.
My whole comment didn’t show above…. Lol
I was saying that grandpa will be with is and babysit a night so we can head out sans kids.
Stacey… you read my mind!
We did the Party for the Senses last year and it is one we will NOT do again. Because we didn’t book the event on time, we didn’t get the reserved seating in front of the show and let me tell you… we saw little to nothing show wise. So nope, not doing it again.
The food was great but the servers were not. 45 minutes before the event ended, some of the booths didn’t have any more food, and you can see the servers stashing food for themselves at that time. I even told one of the managers this was happening and both (she and her supervisor) said ‘oh well’… Basically we felt our very expensive tickets were worth nothing to them. I get it, no one wants to have food wasted… but this is BEFORE the event ended and they were competing against paying customers for food! It just made the event look cheap and not enjoyable at all.
Lili, I am shocked by that. I have done PFTS every year for the last 5 years and have never seen them run out of food and I stay till they kick me out. In fact I am surprised by how much food is usually left over. I have never had an issue watching the Cirque performers either. Also as a side note that if you don’t get the wine view lounge get there early and ask if there are spots available. They usually have some tables left that you can upgrade to last minute. PFTS is one of my favorite events at the F&WF. The Hibachi experience is up there too.
Ann, believe me I was shocked too!
I had never had any types of complains about any of the Disney Experiences, in fact the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party is one of our favorites of all times… but sadly it did happen 🙁
The worst part about it, is the fact that my husband was so upset, that now he needs ‘convincing and compelling evidence’ to try anything new at Epcot FW…. I can’t really blame him tho… that is how I end up finding the Swan and Dolphin Food + Wine Classic. (He was the one who was told twice they were out of food and I was the one who saw the servers stashing the food)
Me personally I would had given them another shot, nothing goes smoothly all the time.
Any rumblings yet on the premium package returning for 2015?
Jocelyn — Yes, we expect it to return. But they’re also introducing a more affordable option, the Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler. You can read more about it at the bottom of our Special Events page. More info coming — stay tuned! 🙂
Thanks Brooke! I’m hoping for the premium package still. The idea of “reserved” areas and not waiting in lines – priceless. 🙂 The Eat to the Beat series isn’t that important to us.
I am booking my food and wine premium package today (7/30/2015) and they have 2 types of packages at this time. In both cases is from Monday to Thursday, includes 1 bottle of wine, access to 11 areas (concierge style), 1 take home amenity bag, magic band
Type 1: Food & Wine Premium Package + 1 culinary demonstration OR beverage seminar, during the week of the package 2 pm (beverage demonstration) / 5 pm (culinary demonstration) $199/pp
Type 2: Food & Wine Premium Package with beverage OR culinary demonstration, but you can book the seminar at the time of booking. $199/pp
But they are still ironing out the details and in any case today they can’t book the seminar at the time of booking the Premium Package. I looked everywhere in the WDW website and they don’t have anything listed… so it is something new to the booking call center.
At this time you DO NOT have to stay on Disney Property to book the Premium Package, but they have not included the $50 gift card. Also not included as of now Food and Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! (My guess because they don’t have it this year?)
So if you have ALREADY booked your seminars, it is going to be tricky. They are still working on how to fix this, maybe at the end of this week. The tittle to request to add your included seminar: Epcot Food Wine premium Package, beverage/seminar culinary demonstration … they are going to be available between tomorrow through the weekend. Tell them you are doing the add on, non purchasing a new seminar.