I attended the Master's class a couple of years ago. I have mixed feelings about what I got for the expense (class, hotel, food, transportation, etc). The one benefit for me was taking additional classes in the evening while there (ie gumpaste flowers and pulled sugar)
If you are strickly a "Wilton Method" person go for it. You will learn every thing taught in the Wilton I, II, III and more.
I have wanted to go but then decided against it because most past attendees felt they only learnt what was already being offered in Wilton 1,2,3-and for that it makes no sense to travel all the way. Do you have local schools/community colleges that offer cake decorating courses?
I have wanted to go but then decided against it because most past attendees felt they only learnt what was already being offered in Wilton 1,2,3-and for that it makes no sense to travel all the way. Do you have local schools/community colleges that offer cake decorating courses?
I've had the same impression myself and for this reason have decided against it myself.
Jctusa welcome to CC! 
I have wanted to go but then decided against it because most past attendees felt they only learnt what was already being offered in Wilton 1,2,3-and for that it makes no sense to travel all the way. Do you have local schools/community colleges that offer cake decorating courses?
The local community college classes were another consideration, but from what I read online, Wilton (Chicago) was the way to go for intense training. I am glad you responded and I am hearing more and more people aggree with what you are saying. Of course more training would be invaluable and you will learn new techniques, but can it really be justified. Also it looks like a lot of the eight hour class time is devoted to practicing what you learn. Maybe devoting three hours a day to practicing at home would be just as valuable.
Keep those thoughts coming, I appreciate it.
I have wanted to go but then decided against it because most past attendees felt they only learnt what was already being offered in Wilton 1,2,3-and for that it makes no sense to travel all the way. Do you have local schools/community colleges that offer cake decorating courses?
I've had the same impression myself and for this reason have decided against it myself.
Jctusa welcome to CC!
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Thank you for the welcome. 
Another alternative to Wilton might be local groups or clubs for networking and sharing tips. Now I will just have to find such a club nearby or maybe start one.
jctusa
I took the Master's class in Chicago 2 summers ago. I'd taken I,II,III (they were just beginning to offer the gumpaste/fondant class in stores around that time).
I felt that the class was worth every penny. I learned plenty of new things and also re-learned many things, coming away knowing how to do them better and faster. I learned "tricks of the trade", designed and built a 3 tier cake, worked intensively with royal icing, and talked shop 8hrs. a day with like-minded people. I took the supplemental gum paste class (I'd taken sugar previously and loved it) and learned a lot there, too.
As I recall, every member of the class had also taken the other Wilton classes. I think every one of us benefited from from the portion that was expanded review, as well all of the new material that was introduced.
My opinion is that if you can afford the time & $ , go for it! Just picking the brains of the staff and other students is well worth the trip.
Rae
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