Food & Wine - More Cutbacks

[fillerup]

Just finished going through this year's FW guide. Looks like more of the same - meaning less.

I compared the 2008 guide to 2007 and the cutbacks are evident.

Last year, there were typically 8 or 9 wine tastings per day. This year it's 4 or 5. From the event times, I'm guessing there will be one venue instead of two.

Perusing the participant list, the total number of wineries is down from about 180 to 130.

Culinary demonstrations are reduced as well, though not as drastically. The Odyssey isn't identified at all on the map, so apparently, the culinary events will be in the Festival center.

The news on Fantasmic, 4$, Pocahontas, Acrobats, Musicians, etc etc etc have been thoroughly discussed elsewhere so I wont' go there. Not to mention the (circumstantial) evidence that next year's Flower Power concerts will be weekends only.

Funny thing - I don't recall park admissions going down. But the value received certainly is shrinking.

 

[WDWFigment]

Just finished going through this year's FW guide. Looks like more of the same - meaning less.

I compared the 2008 guide to 2007 and the cutbacks are evident.

Last year, there were typically 8 or 9 wine tastings per day. This year it's 4 or 5. From the event times, I'm guessing there will be one venue instead of two.

Perusing the participant list, the total number of wineries is down from about 180 to 130.

Culinary demonstrations are reduced as well, though not as drastically. The Odyssey isn't identified at all on the map, so apparently, the culinary events will be in the Festival center.

The news on Fantasmic, 4$, Pocahontas, Acrobats, Musicians, etc etc etc have been thoroughly discussed elsewhere so I wont' go there. Not to mention the (circumstantial) evidence that next year's Flower Power concerts will be weekends only.

Funny thing - I don't recall park admissions going down. But the value received certainly is shrinking.

Now I've never been, but don't the wine tastings cost money (if not, first of all--I'm absolutely shocked; second, disregard this)? I wouldn't be surprised if these were cut because they anticipate lower demand. Given the current economic circumstances, even those who are still electing to vacation are going to be more judicous with their money. Wine tasting is a luxury that many people will cut from their vacations. There isn't a high enough percentage of Disney vacationers who are financially insulated from the situation to justify Disney not making this cut.

In that this experience costs money and the others don't, I don't think it's a proper comparison.

 

[daverube]

Now I've never been, but don't the wine tastings cost money (if not, first of all--I'm absolutely shocked; second, disregard this)? I wouldn't be surprised if these were cut because they anticipate lower demand. Given the current economic circumstances, even those who are still electing to vacation are going to be more judicous with their money. Wine tasting is a luxury that many people will cut from their vacations. There isn't a high enough percentage of Disney vacationers who are financially insulated from the situation to justify Disney not making this cut.

In that this experience costs money and the others don't, I don't think it's a proper comparison.

Although I usually enjoy/agree with your perspective, (and I do agree that Disney probably expects lower demand this year, based on either attendance last year, hardcount guest room bookings this year or a combination of both) I think you're painting with a broad brush. In fact, if you have any stats on the typical off-season Disney vacationer's current economic wherewithal, I'd like to see it.

dave

 

[DivineMadness7]

Although I usually enjoy/agree with your perspective, (and I do agree that Disney probably expects lower demand this year, based on either attendance last year, hardcount guest room bookings this year or a combination of both) I think you're painting with a broad brush. In fact, if you have any stats on the typical off-season Disney vacationer's current economic wherewithal, I'd like to see it.

dave

But we're still in an economic crisis....I am thinking more about what Disney needs to do in order to survive in this scenario. If that means making a few cuts like this or not adding anything new, I would rather they do that than close down a ride or two. Some are overreacting to the recent cuts. Disney is a business and too often that is forgotten.

 

[mcjaco]

The wine tastings are extra $$$$.

My guess is that past attendance led to a refinement in scheduling, and perhaps early reservations to the tastings.

That being said. Don't miss the Sam Adams school. It's a great way to learn the basics of brewing and "tasting" good beer. It's a must stop for this beer snob.

 

[WDWFigment]

Although I usually enjoy/agree with your perspective, (and I do agree that Disney probably expects lower demand this year, based on either attendance last year, hardcount guest room bookings this year or a combination of both) I think you're painting with a broad brush. In fact, if you have any stats on the typical off-season Disney vacationer's current economic wherewithal, I'd like to see it.

dave

You're right, what I posted is all speculative (so I should have prefaced it with "I think/my opinion/etc"). I have absolutely no statistics, I just thought of this all when I read the post, without reference to anything.

That said, I think that's probably the rationale behind these cuts. I don't think it's so much of a stretch. Organic and natural type food stores have reported substantial declines in recent quarters, and speculation is that many, even the upper-middle class who typically frequent these establishments, are cutting these "non-essential" expenditures from their budgets.

I know it's hardly scientific, but I don't think it's that hard to envision a September-October vacationer cutting back on their F&WF expenditures.

 

[daverube]

I know it's hardly scientific, but I don't think it's that hard to envision a September-October vacationer cutting back on their F&WF expenditures.

Well, I agree that folks may cut back on their food consumption, but why, oh why would you cut back on the wine??? :animwink: :slurp: :ROFLOL:

dave

 

[WDWFigment]

Well, I agree that folks may cut back on their food consumption, but why, oh why would you cut back on the wine??? :animwink: :slurp: :ROFLOL:

dave

Hey, don't ask me, I'm a student. Not only does that mean I don't experience the financial realities of the "outside" world, but also that booze accounts for an inordinate amount of my grocery bill. :lookaroun :animwink:

 

[CajunEpcotLover]

Is there a copy of the Food and Wine Festival Guide online? We are there next weekend and would love to plan ahead...thanks in advance for all help!

 

[crazydaveh]

As long as Sam Adams is still doing their thing there, I'm not complaining!

 

[fillerup]

The wine tastings are extra $$$$.

Just to clear up any misunderstanding, the tastings I referenced in my OP as to some pretty steep cuts are the free ones.

But I'm going to back off on my disappointment a bit - but only slightly.

Went to the festival center today - one wine tasting venue and two culinary venues. So while I'm disappointed that some of my favorite wineries are absent this year, I'll probably wind up attending more free food events and fewer wine events.

By evening, Epcot was packed - longest lines I've ever seen for some of the booths, but moving fairly well in spite of malfunctioning credit card machines.

Three standing room only shows for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (outstanding performances). Some pretty talented audience members were up and swing dancing in the aisles. High energy show, great addition to the lineup.

On a down note, for me at least, a CM friend had heard the rumor internally (still only a rumor) that Flower Power concerts next year would be weekends only.

 

[Bug715]

Just to clear up any misunderstanding, the tastings I referenced in my OP as to some pretty steep cuts are the free ones.

But I'm going to back off on my disappointment a bit - but only slightly.

Went to the festival center today - one wine tasting venue and two culinary venues. So while I'm disappointed that some of my favorite wineries are absent this year, I'll probably wind up attending more free food events and fewer wine events.

By evening, Epcot was packed - longest lines I've ever seen for some of the booths, but moving fairly well in spite of malfunctioning credit card machines.

Three standing room only shows for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (outstanding performances). Some pretty talented audience members were up and swing dancing in the aisles. High energy show, great addition to the lineup.

On a down note, for me at least, a CM friend had heard the rumor internally (still only a rumor) that Flower Power concerts next year would be weekends only.

What are the times for the free wine tasteings? I want to catch at least one but one of my friends isn't 21 yet so I'm hoping to catch it before her plane arrives (I have 5 hours).

 

[davinakb]

Just to clear up any misunderstanding, the tastings I referenced in my OP as to some pretty steep cuts are the free ones... Went to the festival center today - one wine tasting venue ..

I noticed this, other cuts you mentioned upthread when reviewing the Festival Guide. Not sure if it WDW cutting back or the wineries cannot afford to come, present, give wine or a combination of that, other factors. This will be the first time in years we'll miss the event, just hope this is only a one-time thing, next year's festival will be back in full force. FWIW.

 

[coasterphil]

They also cut back by not doing any culinary demostrations on Mondays or Tuesdays this year. Very disappointing to see that.

 

[CMTinkerbell99]

I noticed this, other cuts you mentioned upthread when reviewing the Festival Guide. Not sure if it WDW cutting back or the wineries cannot afford to come, present, give wine or a combination of that, other factors. This will be the first time in years we'll miss the event, just hope this is only a one-time thing, next year's festival will be back in full force. FWIW.

That was my thoughts too. I did not believe that Disney buys the wine for the tastings...the wineries are doing the presentations. With the economy there may not have been as many wineries interested in doing the FW. IF they do not sell enough wine to make the trip worth wild...they may not have the money to lose money on a wine festival. I'll check it out for myself on
10/25

 

[Fievel]

I was really disappointed in the merchandise offered this year as well. I usually buy the cookbook every year, as it features all recipes in the festival. This year it had "20 select recipes" from this years and years past. It was in a nice binder, but entire parts of it were blank.

It's really too bad, too, as I thought a lot of the menu items seemed interesting to cook at home, but no recipes were provided.