Tips for surviving Saturday at F&W and Eat to the Beat with kids?

[iujen94]

Looking for advice, suggestions, and general reassurance that I can do this. Planning a late October trip around my kids' (DS11 and DS13) long weekend from school. It will be just the 3 of us. We weren't planning on hitting F&W - especially not on a Saturday night - until they announced that Toad the Wet Sprocket (my all-time favorite band) will be the Eat to the Beat concert the Saturday night we are there (also Sunday, but we leave Sunday afternoon).

I know the concerts are at 5:30, 6:45 and 8. I've also heard the first concert is usually the most crowded. My boys and I did F&W a few years ago and they really enjoyed trying new things and getting their passports stamped, so I think they'd like to hit at least a few food booths while we are there. Suggestions on how to manage this without going insane in the crowds??

Somewhat related, could we grab concert seats, and then could I leave the boys to stake out our seats while I grab some food for all of us, or is this frowned upon and/or flat out not allowed?

Thanks!

 

[PSUGuy]

Last things first, if there are 3 of you in seats and 1 leaves to get food there should be no issue on holding the seat. Have them sit so there's a space for you between and if someone asks them to move down politely have them say, 'Our mom/dad will be right back'.

Sat will be crowded, no doubt. The 2nd and last shows usually are less crowded but if you get a group like Boyz II Men they'll all be jammed, don't know about Toad. When getting food from the kiosks in the Rose & Crown area we often find seating in the little patio that' right next to the Ireland booth. Sadly, no more Fisherman's pie.

Bill From PA

 

[mousefan73]

Saw toad at Illinois State for 3 or 6 bucks. Opened for Gin Blossums. Or vv cant remenber

 

[JerseyJanice]

I like to sit near the top of the theater so I can go back and forth for snacks and drink refills easily and unobtrusively.

 

[mbtohill]

If you've gone to F&W before than you know the BEST tip is get there early!! Make sure you're in the World Showcase at 11am and you can probably make a loop and hit most of the booths you want before the crowds get INSANE!! Take a break mid-afternoon and then come back for the concert.

 

[iujen94]

If you've gone to F&W before than you know the BEST tip is get there early!! Make sure you're in the World Showcase at 11am and you can probably make a loop and hit most of the booths you want before the crowds get INSANE!! Take a break mid-afternoon and then come back for the concert.

We've got plans at another park for most of the day so no early arrival for us - planning to arrive at what I assume is literally the worst possible time - around 4pm. In my ideal world, we'd hit a couple of rides, grab a snack or two or three, and then catch the concert.

 

[Beach710]

I haven't been to a concert in Epcot for about 2 years but it seems with all the dining packages and FP for the concerts, grabbing a seat is not that easy. From what I remember you have to line up and wait quite a while before get a chance to try to find a seat. Also any little bit on space on the benches makes people try to squeeze in. I wouldn't leave my child to try to defend my space nor would I try to eat anything with people almost sitting on top of you. Just my experience - YMMV

 

[thelittlemermaid2]

If you are planning on going to the concert at 6:45 after getting to the park at 4 I would suggest skipping the rides (unless you make a FP) and heading straight to the food and your seats, just to make sure you make it! That being said it may be in your best interest to plan a FP+ reservation for 4:30 ish if there is a specific ride you definitely want to do before dinner and the show.