*2013* epcot food & wine festival 9/27-11/11

[wilma-bride]

I am so excited for the F&W Festival this year. We travelled in summer last year so missed it and, in previous years, we have been with friends who weren't big drinkers (or eaters). This year, it's just our family and I intend to partake fully.

I agree with those who have said to avoid weekends if you don't want big crowds. The one time we went on a Saturday evening it was absolutely heaving - wall to wall people and you couldn't even get near the booths.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

A lot of the fun on weekends is watching the crowds. As long as I can get an occasional drink and snack I'm fine with it. Talking with people in line is fun too.

Also, in the past it seems like more events are on the weekends (Tequila lunches, party for the sense, etc.) so if those are important to you, you might need to include at least one weekend

We are planning on going Saturday October 12th but then also making times a few afternoons during the week to hit more of the booths

 

[TDC Nala]

A lot of the events are on weekends, and they also trot out the celebrity chefs for the weekends. So if you want an event or to see a celebrity or a particular ETTB band, you may have to go in on a weekend. But just for grazing at the booths, if you can swing it, go Monday-Thursday.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I went last year in October solo. I had a fab time. Did a couple of seminars and Party for the senses. Going again this year with a GF from 11/7-11. Yeah the last weekend. May try to get a seminar or two if any are available. Hope the Tequila Lunch is open then, if not, just head over to Mexico for a couple of Tequila Flights.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

What do you all think about going on Thursday, Sept. 26, the day before the official opening? Will everything, i.e. booths and the pavilion, be open on that day?

yes and no.

The booths were open last year but they opened late and closed at 8. Not sure about the Festival center.

No tastings, wine demos etc. that day.

 

[deadheadmamma4]

I had no clue that the fw was going on our first time to Disney we were so coughs up with going to mnsshp that night at mk Epcot was our day plans but we will have been there beginning of week it's opening day sept 27 will the place be crazy we are not really going for the food or wine.

 

[TDC Nala]

opening day sept 27 will the place be crazy we are not really going for the food or wine.

In the evening, yes, the World Showcase will be crazy.

 

[Li Li]

Historically, how bad is Columbus Day weekend? That's when we will be in Disney. We are trying to figure out best day to go; we've never done F&W. Would the experts out there go Saturday or Sunday of Columbus Day weekend?
(I know I'm in for crowds no matter what!)

 

[franandaj]

What do you all think about going on Thursday, Sept. 26, the day before the official opening? Will everything, i.e. booths and the pavilion, be open on that day?

I've heard they have limited soft opening but not consistently.

 

[Ellielovesdisney]

Ok...this is a bit premature...but I like to plan. We have never been to PFTS and would really like to go...but have had trouble getting tickets in the past. We are lucky enough to be staying club level this trip. Can the itinerary planners get these tickets for us...or are we better off trying on our own? Anyone with experience with this? thanks - Holly

 

[deadheadmamma4]

So day time should. Be ok we are out of there around 3

 

[gwynne]

Ok...this is a bit premature...but I like to plan. We have never been to PFTS and would really like to go...but have had trouble getting tickets in the past. We are lucky enough to be staying club level this trip. Can the itinerary planners get these tickets for us...or are we better off trying on our own? Anyone with experience with this? thanks - Holly

The IPO has assisted me in the past with these sorts of tickets. Call or email your IPO for more information.

 

[ryansstitch]

Yes, she's always been a trial for me. I just tell myself 1 more year and she is off to colllege. I'm sure I'll even miss her "meaness" just a tiny bit as I will be all alone.Honestly, I don't go anywhere by myself though, so I'm not even sure if I will do this. I would like to. I plan to stay at either BW or BC. Maybe I'll even check into prices of Swan or Dolphin.

Thanks everyone for the info. If you've gone at a particular time and it wasn't crowded at all, please let me know.

My husband and I are doing swan and dolphin package during their f&w classic for 3 nights. It's WAY cheaper than BW or BC and the location is still great. Our total for 3 nights with tax was just over $600, including 2 passes to the classic event. We also had AAA discount. I don't mind paying for parking if it saves me a couple hundred bucks!

 

[bellepearle]

We will be at Disney Oct 13-20. This will be our first F&W Festival and we're very excited about it! Any tips on how to best navigate it and what special events should we try to do? Thanks!

 

[cdtommie]

Was at Narcoossees's about a week and a half ago and was talking to one of the managers about the new very impressive beer list (three of the managers now have cicerone certification) - they will be having a beer pairing event during F&W (most likely a lunch)...was just approved that week.

Lot's of Belgian's on the list and some craft american brews such as Bear Republic. Prices were reasonable for disney standards...had a Petrus Oud Bruin for only 7.25 a bottle...St Bernardus ABT 12 (one of my favorites) for 9.50.

 

[BeerMe]

I've never done this and I wonder if it's possible. I love the wrist gift cards they make getting stuff so easy. I have several other gift cards I buy at BJs at a discount. Can I take those gift cards and add them to a wrist gift card? Would make things a little easier.

 

[Bellamouse]

I've never done this and I wonder if it's possible. I love the wrist gift cards they make getting stuff so easy. I have several other gift cards I buy at BJs at a discount. Can I take those gift cards and add them to a wrist gift card? Would make things a little easier.

Yes I believe you can. I love the wrist cards too. Have been going to this event since almost the beginning - back then we used cash! The wrist card is SOOOOO much easier! It's just a regular gift card, just smaller, so I don't think it's any problem to transfer balances from other cards to the smaller card. And you can use the wrist card anywhere in Disney, so if you happen to have any $$ leftover on it, just use it somewhere else.

 

[deadheadmamma4]

New at this it's beer too!!!!! Hubby's a foreign beer lover there will be different beers too?

 

[BeerMe]

Hubby's a foreign beer lover there will be different beers too?

Yes!

 

[BeerMe]

This will be our sixth trip to F&W and I just added three weeks to our trip so we will be there from 9/27 thru 11/8. We will miss the final weekend. We decided to extend this trip rather than to come back again for a couple of weeks in December. DW doesn't want the hassle of having less time at Christmas to prepare for family visits like we have the past few years. So we will have a long F&W visit.

Skol........