This will be my 8th consecutive F&W Festival. I have done the seminars and wine tastings. All were good, with one exception. They had a last minute switch and we ended up with a vegan dish rather than the seafood that was listed. It is rare but it can happen. Stay away from Friday evening thru late Sunday afternoon. Epcot is packed as many of the locals come then and others for a long weekend. You also get a lot of "the drinking around the world" groups. They can be very loud and raucous when the alcohol and the heat kick in. We have seen security escort some of them out on more than one occasion. We also avoid the days with EMH as they are more crowded. Lines are shortest when the park opens and then again mid-afternoon. With a few exceptions, there were never more than 5 or 6 folks ahead of us in line, so we felt it was very manageable.
I have been to Party For The Senses twice, both times with reserved seating. Thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to go again this year. Be advised that if you do not have reserved seating, finding a table to put your beverage and food down can be difficult. It is suppose to be a eat, drink, and mingle, but many folks come in groups and stake out a table all night, taking turns getting their food, so the table is never freed up.
I have also done Signature Dinners: Citico's, The Wave, Jiko and Flying Fish. Well worth doing. I went once to the French luncheon, which is now French Family Traditions. It was outstanding, with the wine flowing freely. I was solo and ended up at a table with some lovely folks with whom I still keep in contact. Have also done the French breakfast. For me, that was a one time only event. Excellent food, but very carb heavy and I was uncomfortable all day because of all the pastries. I know I didn't have to eat them, but the temptation was too great.
