Disney World and Epcot Food and Wine Fest?

[kc18]

My BF and I are going to Orlando next weekend. I really want to go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Has anyone here ever gone to that before? I'm trying to figure out how it works and if there are any insider tips for the best way to enjoy that. Things like....

- is it better to go during the day or the night?
- how are the crowds? We're going next Saturday
- should we get the Disney dining plan and does that apply to anything with the Food and Wine festival?
- any insider tips to enjoy and make the most out of our experience?
- any special events at the Festival that are a must-do?

Also - we're getting the park hopper pass, so if there was another park you could go to, which one? (I've been to them all. But haven't been in at least 8 years...)

Thanks all!

[jerseygrl]

- is it better to go during the day or the night? I don't think it matters. I would go during the day but plan to stay through the night and watch Illuminations. It's pretty awesome.


- how are the crowds? We're going next Saturday
The world showcase can get pretty crowded but it's worth it. It's mainly vendor carts set up along the path of the countries. Going on a Saturday there will surely be a crowd so go early and just take your time going through.

- should we get the Disney dining plan and does that apply to anything with the Food and Wine festival?

I think it depends on how long you are going and you can only get it if you are staying on Disney property (I don't know if that rule has changed but it applied everytime we went). Does not apply to the festival just the restaurants in the park

- any insider tips to enjoy and make the most out of our experience? Don't rush it, just take your time going through the park and enjoy it. Ride Soarin

- any special events at the Festival that are a must-do?
There are usually events going on and there will be signs posted through the park so just watch for them

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[kc18]

Thanks for the responses!

Yes, we are staying at a Disney resort. I just didn't know if it would be worth it to get a Dining plan since we'll just be there for the weekend. Also didn't know if it would give us access to the food we want to eat at the Festival or if that was separate from the Dining Plan.

I read up about Party for the Senses and it looks incredible. I would probably have to be rolled out of there in a wheelchair for eating so much!

[tlh]

I went 2 years ago on a Sunday. Crowds were average. We were there mostly in the afternoon. The food is great!