I am going to Chicago in November for this 2 week course. I was wondering if anyone has taken it and what to expect? Any advice? It sounds like a marathon with classes beginning at 7:30 am and ending at 6:30 pm (I'm including the classes on fondant and gumpaste...while I'm there, why not?). I would appreciate any input.
nah, no marathon. time passes so quickly. it's all done in one room. the masters, gumpaste, pulled sugar....when one is done, another instructor comes in and those who aren't taking the next class leave for the day. You get a break or two and a lunch. really, time goes quickly. everyone shares their reason for taking the class and gets to know each other a bit. during lunch, we all shared our pictures and ideas and woes on cakes, icings and things. you'll enjoy yourself!
I went to the same classes you are taking last summer (Master, Fondant, Gumpaste). It is exhausting but you will learn so much and get so much practise. They supply everything you need (and you get to keep all the goodies). The only thing I would have brought that I didn't, in restrospect, is a few wedding cake idea books, to use for the final 3-tiered project. You will end up making 3 dummy cakes: birthday cake sampler, 3 tier cake, and a fondant sampler cake. Also, you make an orchid spray and a rose spray in the gumpaste class. Unless, of course, anything has changed! I really got alot out of it and would do it again in a heartbeat. I stayed at the Extended Stay America, which is a great choice if you have a car. It was chilly in the classroom, bring some sweaters (and I went in August!). Also, arrive early on the first day if you want to be seated close to the front.
Julie 
Thanks so much for the quick replies! I did make my reservations at the Extended Stay America and am going to rent a car. In all it's probably going to cost a little over $2000 for everything. I guess I'm a bit concerned about the return on my money spent. I still have my dayjob...starting a fledgling cake business as I look toward retirement in a few years. Would love that to be sooner rather than later! I believe that I could "hit the ground running" with a lot more confidence after having completed this course. I have done a few wedding and anniversary cakes and have a couple more booked but all this is on a very small scale at this point. I certainly could live on it! But it is my absolute passion and I love to see people's faces when they see a beautiful cake. Don't you?
Oh, I would LOVE to be able to go to this !!! It is my passion, too, and yes, I really enjoy it when people see their cake and love it! AND, I get totally excited when I go into a cake decorating supply store and find new goodies. Fun, fun, fun !!!! Make sure you let us know how the classes went when you return. Be safe !!!
Suzanne
I can't think of any unexpected costs, really. Of course, they give you a 25% off coupon for the store that is good for the duration of your
class(es), so that can get pricey if self control is an issue 
If you aren't handed something in class, just ask about it and often times it will appear from a closet, drawer, or the store--they aim to please.
There's a mid morning snack, soda and water in the fridge for .50 & .75 each. Microwaves and freezer space are available.
If you're staying at a place with a fridge, you can cut down on food costs by packing lunch and dinner.
I'm not trying to get anyone to change their plans, but I will say that I think the car rental can be expensive and not worth it because you're so tired at the end of the day, you just wind up driving back to the hotel and collapsing. My personal preference is to stay at a place with a shuttle. The Marriott TownPlace Suites in Lombard has a shuttle and their negotiated rate for Wilton on a studio is/was $49 a nite. I've stayed at CHICAGO-WILLOWBROOK-HINSDALE
7800 SOUTH KINGERY HWY
It's about 5 miles from the school and has a shuttle to and from Midway as well as shuttles to and from the school. The breakfast buffet is great and the place is very quiet--lots of business travellers. The internet rate can be high, but if you call directly and tell them about going to the school, etc., they can lower it. I honestly don't remember if they have fridges.
My advice is to get lots of sleep and have a great time. You'll love it!
Rae
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