2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: August 30 to November 12, 2018

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For What It's Worth .... We were at Epcot on Thursday, October 4th ( 1 pm to 9 pm) and Saturday, October 13th (at Rope Drop). The number of drunks stumbling around both days told us that we will never go to Epcot again during F & W. Understandably, there were a lot of them before/after Illuminations on the 4th, but the surprise was at 12:30 pm on the 13th, about 90 minutes after F & W began! Maneuvering from Germany around to Canada, we saw at least 20 different women in staggering/falling-down-drunk condition!

We couldn't wait to get out of Epcot! ... And yes, I sincerely believe that Walt Disney was turning over in his grave at what has become of his dream!
 
No denying the amount of Visibly Intoxicated people has increased each year but I can honestly say that I have seen quite a few in each of the other parks also including MK so it isn't just limited to EPCOT. It's so much fun watching intoxicated grown men berating their families in MK or any of the other parks as the obvious aroma of alcohol wafts from their bodies. Not saying they are actually drinking in MK or any of the other parks but in some cases they've obviously had a few too many prior to entering the park. And it isn't just during F & W or any of the other EPCOT Festivals. I've visited during most months over the years, I think July is the only month I've never been.
 
What I saw as different with food and wine was it was more of a team effort for folks getting drunk. I enjoy drinking, and I can't say I've never been buzzed in WDW.
Other times of the year you'll see a random drunk person or even a couple. In this case you'd see groups of people in matching shirts in groups of 6+ clearly enjoying their fair share of alcohol. Where in other times of year folks might drink to excess, it wasn't necessarily their goal. With many of these groups, they were clearly there to get their drink on. No magic bands to be seen, and didn't necessarily seem like WDW was a vacation spot for them. Certainly could have been and influx of locals with the nice weather......but based on their group themed shirts, they were planning to go to WDW that day.
Don't get me wrong, I was expecting to drink and to see others drinking and having a good time. I was just surprised at the shear volume of people that may have taken it a drink or two past their normal "feeling good point". Maybe it was the heat. No worse than any other beer fest or music fest where alcohol was served, just surprised me at Epcot.
To be clear, I'm not advocating a reduction of alcohol there. I was just surprised at the level I saw. I can only imagine the cash registers were overflowing that day.
 
I've attended Epcot many times over the years and thankfully I've experienced very little drunken obnoxious behavior. A man curled up in the shrubs, sleeping. Some boisterous behavior/language but not offensive, and a bit of staggering. This year we've been to F&W on 09/14 and 09/15, as well as 10/01 and 10/02. One thing I will say, having lived in Florida for 46 years, this was one of the hottest summers on record, drinking and heat don't mix. On our 1st week-end, a woman passed out right behind me, we fanned her, called for help, put something cool behind her neck, and her husband said she wasn't drinking alcohol, but she wasn't drinking water either. Dehydration is terrible. At MK, same week-end, we saw a man transported by gurney to an Ambulance just outside of the main entrance, the EMT said apparent heat stroke. Contrary to years past, during those 2 week-end's and particularly the 1st, I thought the crowds and the drinking was down at Epcot. We called it quits at 1pm and headed back to the resort pool, and it was mobbed with families who felt the heat too. The only truly obnoxious, abusive drunk I've witnessed, who was taken away by security was at DHS, at 10:30 am but that was 10 year ago. Certainly not discounting what others have experienced, but personally I haven't witnessed anything at Food and Wine in all of these years, this one included, other than maybe the prices :scared1: that would deter me from going and enjoying it, the same can be said of those who travel with me. In fact, I'll be there again the last week-end, it seems fall is in the air and there's a Frito Misto in my future.
 
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We arrived Thursday, leaving Vermont with snow falling at about 3:30 am on our drive to the airport. We were in Magic Kingdom by noon or so. Left MK around 5:30 and the heat had got me. Headache, the whole nine yards. We power napped and managed to hit Disney Springs by 8 or so. It was still hot. Friday and Saturday were as hot as I ever remember being in Orlando. Despite being at food and wine, I just didn't have the appetite or thirst for beer.
Sunday was gorgeous. With the great weather, we ate way more, and I certainly had plenty to drink prior to leaving for the airport around 4 pm.
 
I'm hoping that we get an Italian Wine vs Beer review soon
We did the Italian Wine VS Beer event and it is amazing. The food is outstanding and the wine and beer they select for each course is delicious. The best part is they come around and refill your glass if you want. It is a 5 course meal with 5 sets of wine and beer (and any additional pours you might get) so you come out of this very buzzed. Our food included a meat and cheese plate, small pizza, salmon, (can't remember), and a cannoli for dessert. I will have to post pictures later I don't have them online yet.
 
We did the Italian Wine VS Beer event and it is amazing. The food is outstanding and the wine and beer they select for each course is delicious. The best part is they come around and refill your glass if you want. It is a 5 course meal with 5 sets of wine and beer (and any additional pours you might get) so you come out of this very buzzed. Our food included a meat and cheese plate, small pizza, salmon, (can't remember), and a cannoli for dessert. I will have to post pictures later I don't have them online yet.
Did it take the full 3 hours or more like 2/2.5?
 


Here is what we tried at the food and wine festival:

Apple strudel-Germany 1/5
-this was pretty gross, not warm at all and just tasted like something you would get at a buffet that was sitting out for a long time

Dumplings-China 5/5 (got them twice)
-absolutely delicious, I had to get them twice, I loved the sauce it came with

Pancake-China 5/5
-we really liked the flavoring on the meat in the pancake

Spicy tuna roll-Japan 4/5 (Dh got this twice)

Bao bun-Japan 3/5
-just okay, we were excited for this but it was a bit expensive for one bun and the flavor wasn’t our favorite

Piggy wings-flavors from fire (Dh 4/5, me 2/5)
-Dh really liked these, I was not a big fan of them

Nitro almond truffle-chocolate studio (Dh 3/5, me 1/5)
-I don’t like chocolate ice cream but wanted to try this, it was way too rich for me and just tasted like chocolate ice cream

Cheddar soup and pretzel-Canada (Dh 3/5, me 5/5)
-Dh thought this was just okay but I absolutely loved this, it was my favorite thing I tried
 
Not sure if it has been posted, but the Guinness Bailey's Shake is no longer being served in a Ireland souvenir glass. I think it is the same glass, but it is plain with no writing on it. They are still selling it for $10.50. It was good but I very disappointed about the glass.
 
Not sure if it has been posted, but the Guinness Bailey's Shake is no longer being served in a Ireland souvenir glass. I think it is the same glass, but it is plain with no writing on it. They are still selling it for $10.50. It was good but I very disappointed about the glass.

I noticed that when my husband got one on Thursday. I had considered playing the Remy hide & squeak game with my son, but opted not to after hearing they were out of the cups. Stinks when they are out of things before the festival is over.
 
So far we have tried the Roasted Irish Sausage (very good).
Kalua Pork Slider (very good)
Passion fruit Cheesecake (very good)
Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte (good)
The Steakhouse Blended Burger (very good)
Piggy Wings (good)
Smoked Corned Beef (very good/salty)
Charred Chimichurri Steak (good)
La Passion Martini Slush (double shot Grand Marnier)? Not sure if this is right - so good
Beef Brisket - very good
Lobster Roll - excellent
Carbonade De Boeuf - good
Escargot - very good


The best

Concerts excellent - Saw Kenny G two nights
Billy Ocean - two nights
Starship

The Highlight

Got to meet Billy Ocean and take a picture with him next morning.
 
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Epcot was a horror show today. We went just to get pressed pennies and it took awhile to get around the lake.
 
Epcot was a horror show today. We went just to get pressed pennies and it took awhile to get around the lake.

Today I only went to sign my son up for the Jr Chef Event tomorrow. It took 45 mins just to park my car. The crowd was pretty bad when I left. I'm sure it's related to MK closing early today
 
I know this is for Epcot (not even sure if there is one for the Swan Classic). We did attend the Swan Classic F&W tonite - first time!!! We were impressed and had an awesome time. Entertainment also very entertaining!!! We will be back!
 
Today I only went to sign my son up for the Jr Chef Event tomorrow. It took 45 mins just to park my car. The crowd was pretty bad when I left. I'm sure it's related to MK closing early today
There were lots of groups today with matching shirts and a majority of them were related to drinking
 
We’re here this weekend and it feels like Christmas crowds.
We usually come at the beginning of October. We won’t be coming the weekend before Halloween again. The crowds are crazy!
 
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