Ok, so would anyone please express their opinion on the pros and cons of going to Epcot during Food and Wine festival?

My husband and I were about to switch our dates for WDW and realised that if moved, we would be going during the festival. We have two girls.. 1 and 5.5 is their ages when we go, they have never been to the world before and it is only our 2nd time..

Any thoughts? :D

Do you want to go during the F&W Fest or are you asking if you should avoid Epcot during that time?

Personally, if you go to Epcot during the week, the crowds are not all that bad. Weekends tend to get more crowded.

F&W is great. It does get busier on weekends, but it isn't bad during the week at all. We have been there for the start of it the last two years (we'll miss it this year... boo hoo!) If you have the dining plan you can use snack credits for most of the food items at the booths (hopefully this will still be the case this year, anyway). If you are worried about longer lines for attractions, I don't think it makes a significant difference - many of the people only go for the F&W fest and participate in the activities and tastings, etc and aren't as interested in the attractions - plus it spreads people out a little more, so there is more to do than just the rides.

Do you want to go during the F&W Fest or are you asking if you should avoid Epcot during that time?

Personally, if you go to Epcot during the week, the crowds are not all that bad. Weekends tend to get more crowded.


We were not originally planning on visiting F&W Fest.. it just happened that way date wise... It seems like it would be fun but I didnt know how much more complicated if you will, if at all, with two little ones...

there are things to do for the little ones during the F&W fest. not as much as during the flower and garden show, but still a lot of added fun for the little ones. (well the 5.5 anyway).
crowds on Fridays and Sat. can be hectic, and from our last visit we found another phenomenon, that is the drunk 20something that Disney seems to be catering to sometimes. We ran into this at the F&G show in May this year. it was around 2pm and there were about 8 20somethings who were in the drunk and extremely obnoxious stage. loud obscene language, cat calls to guests, and other anti Disney behavior. we called a security guard pointed out to obvious situation and his response was "so what they're spending money".

for the record we did complain about the guards attitude to GR and they promised to follow up on what was an inappropriate response.

Bottom line is that we now avoid Epcot on Fridays and Saturdays during any festivals as they do tend to attract the drinking crowd.

I agree, as long as you don't go to the World Showcase on Friday or Saturday (and to a lesser extent, Sunday), the only 'complication' would be the walkways are a tad narrower due to the food booths.

If your older daughter is a little adventurous with her food choices, it might be kind of fun for her to try a bite of something 'different' at the booths, too. Since the samples are fairly small, if you all three try one sample, it’s not a huge loss, like it would be if she ordered it in a restaurant or you spent the time making a meal.

I say go for it!

If you are concerned with the "wine" aspect of the festival, don't be. Especially if you avoid Friday and Saturday nights like has been suggested. It would take a ton of money to get drunk with the alcohol portions at the festival booths. I'm sure people have done it but most are there to do what the festival is intended for - to sample things. You get maybe 3 ounces of wine in a glass.

The festival will basically be extra booths around World Showcase. There are a few special areas set up but the activities shouldn't interfere with your normal touring. I'd say go for it Monday through Thursday and you'll have a good time.

You know, that is a wonderful idea... I didnt think of the aspect of our oldest having the opportunity for trying out new foods... She is quite adventurous (most of the time :o) ) So all we would need to to is plan the trip around Fri and Sat (although it might be a nice time for alone time with the hubby too!) and it seems as though we will be just fine!

I thank ya'll for the input and please...keep it coming! :o)

There are other neat things about the F&W fest too. Besides the food booths, some areas have whole big exhibitions about their country and that is neat to see. I know there will be something really big right at the entrance to WS on Canada's side this year, judging from the huge walled off area!

It would take a ton of money to get drunk with the alcohol portions at the festival booths.

I'm gonna challenge you on that one, disnut. I like to start in the Mexico area and nibble and sip my way around the World Showcase, & I have to say that I'm usually pretty wobbly by the time I reach Japan. Yeah, the glasses are smallish - but if you keep 'em coming, they'll catch up to you!