*2013* epcot food & wine festival 9/27-11/11

[Ellielovesdisney]

Hi all! We are arriving at WDW Friday Oct 4. My kids love Epcot and we thought we'd head over there late friday (around 5:00) as it is open until 10:00 that night. Do you guys predict that it is going to be crazy crowded and we shouldn't bother. I did manage to obtain fastpass+ for illuminations and test track.
Thoughts?

 

[Devilsangel7681]

Hi all! We are arriving at WDW Friday Oct 4. My kids love Epcot and we thought we'd head over there late friday (around 5:00) as it is open until 10:00 that night. Do you guys predict that it is going to be crazy crowded and we shouldn't bother. I did manage to obtain fastpass+ for illuminations and test track.
Thoughts?

We will be arriving the 4th, too! We are going to hit up DTD though, we don't land until 8:30 pm.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Yup .. I met up with a group of other DISers last year for F&W on a Saturday. I really didn't want to go near the park after hearing the Saturday crowd stories, but decided the brave it anyway. Things were doable from ~ 11AM to maybe 1 or 2 PM. By 2 PM the crowds were picking up. We finally left by 6PM as I had never seen crowds like that. Everyone was well behaved but the lines were huge, and it was tough just to move along the World Showcase. No way I'm attempting F&W on Saturday again, unless I'm out by 1PM or so ...

I will be there opening weekend starting that Sunday-Wednesday of the first week. Since it is the first week do you think it will it be really crowded? I'll be excited to go Sun. night for F&W but if it will be crowded, I have no problem going to another park or hanging out at a resort or DTD that night instead.

I will never forget trying to navigate the crowds on NYE at Epcot, Never Again-Ugh!

 

[ryansstitch]

I will be there opening weekend starting that Sunday-Wednesday of the first week. Since it is the first week do you think it will it be really crowded? I'll be excited to go Sun. night for F&W but if it will be crowded, I have no problem going to another park or hanging out at a resort or DTD that night instead.

I will never forget trying to navigate the crowds on NYE at Epcot, Never Again-Ugh!

I did that once for NYE. It was the only day I can truly describe as miserable at WDW!

 

[ryansstitch]

We will be arriving the 4th, too! We are going to hit up DTD though, we don't land until 8:30 pm.

We arrive the 10/3! Looks like a fair number of us will be around those couple days!

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

We arrive on the 2nd

 

[Michaella]

We arrive 30th Sept .. Stay until 11th Oct.... My son is desperate to know if they are likely to serve escago (sp) in France ?

 

[gismo1554]

We arrive 30th Sept .. Stay until 11th Oct.... My son is desperate to know if they are likely to serve escago (sp) in France ?

Its on the menu for this year

 

[Ali]

I was there for the first weekend last year and it was wall to wall people during the day and we left around 6 each day to get away from the people in World showcase. As long as you are not planning to do much other than walk and talk and enjoy treats of foods after waiting in lines then you'll be ok. I would imagine the future world part of Epcot would be pretty empty during that time.

 

[TDC Nala]

Hi all! We are arriving at WDW Friday Oct 4. My kids love Epcot and we thought we'd head over there late friday (around 5:00) as it is open until 10:00 that night. Do you guys predict that it is going to be crazy crowded and we shouldn't bother. I did manage to obtain fastpass+ for illuminations and test track.
Thoughts?

Yes, it will be very crowded in the World Showcase when you get there. As soon as the locals get off work, it will start to become extremely crowded, as in you may have trouble walking around crowded. If there is bad weather it should keep the crowds down, but if the weather is good it will be wall to wall people.

Future World shouldn't be so bad. But if you are not going for the festival, you should be warned about World Showcase.

I will be there opening weekend starting that Sunday-Wednesday of the first week. Since it is the first week do you think it will it be really crowded?

If you do not go on Friday evening or Saturday you will not see the peak crowds. Sunday will be crowded but not like Saturday. Go on Monday-Weds if you can. It is the locals that jack up the crowds, and you should plan to be there during there workweek if you want to avoid it.

Weekends are also when you will see the most "drinking around the world" groups and some of these groups can be VERY large. There is one group that brings in over 200 people in matching shirts each year. Most of the groups I see are having fun and not bothering anybody, but some have the sheer size, some have been reported to be misbehaving in some way, and some persons seem to object to the groups' mere presence.

 

[redzinner]

We arrive 30th Sept .. Stay until 11th Oct.... My son is desperate to know if they are likely to serve escago (sp) in France ?

2013 France Menu

Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

 

[itisamymc]

Someone told me there was a special ticket to purchase that already included some food and wine. Is this true? If so, how and where do we get them?

 

[TDC Nala]

Someone told me there was a special ticket to purchase that already included some food and wine. Is this true? If so, how and where do we get them?

This is incorrect. All food and wine purchases are extra on top of Epcot admission.

It is possible that they were talking about the D23 event, but I think that does not include a park ticket.

It is also possible they were talking about the wristband gift card. While a lot of folks love to use it for the festival, it's a gift card, not a park ticket. You load it with money, and spend the money on your purchases, then reload the gift card when it empties.

 

[TDC Nala]

Here is the info on the D23 event.

Join the D23 Team as we celebrate the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival with dining delights!

Our adventure begins Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. with coffee, tea and croissants provided inside World ShowPlace, where guests will be treated to presentations celebrating all things food and wine.

Following the panels it’s time to party! A pairing party that is, as guests will be able to sample some of the succulent new dishes being served during the Festival, paired with exquisite wines to accent the flavor. Additional details on panelists and food will be provided to guests closer to the event.

Beginning at 1 p.m. it’s time to take the show on the road as guests will have the opportunity to stroll World Showcase and Future World at their leisure. The Norway Loft will be open during this time exclusively for Sip & Stroll guests to relax in the shade and enjoy a cool glass of water or lemonade.

At 7:30 p.m. it s time to Eat to the Beat, as attendees head to the America Gardens Theater for reserved seating to see 80′s pop group Air Supply perform in concert. Following the concert we say bonjour! to the France pavilion, where guests will enjoy a delectable dessert party and private viewing of the nighttime spectacular IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. No D23 event would be complete without a few surprises and a commemorative gift. We look forward to raising a glass with you.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. Park admission is not included with the price of the ticket and is required for October 4. Must be over 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. There are a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. If you wish to request for sign language interpreting services for this event or have any dietary restrictions, please submit your request to GuestRelations@D23com at least two weeks prior to the event date. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferable.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Someone told me there was a special ticket to purchase that already included some food and wine. Is this true? If so, how and where do we get them?

This also may have been in regards to the Party for the Senses. This is a special event held on most Saturdays during F&W. Some people, like myself, really enjoy the upscale yet relaxed atmosphere and special food and wine selections which are not available at the booths, while Cirque de Soleil performs. Some others don't think it is worth the price. We have been going for five or more years now, and have done the Wine View Lounge ticket and the general admission stampede. This year will be our first try at reserved seating.

 

[ryansstitch]

This is incorrect. All food and wine purchases are extra on top of Epcot admission.

It is possible that they were talking about the D23 event, but I think that does not include a park ticket.

It is also possible they were talking about the wristband gift card. While a lot of folks love to use it for the festival, it's a gift card, not a park ticket. You load it with money, and spend the money on your purchases, then reload the gift card when it empties.

I wonder if it was in reference to the seminars. They do have tickets and many do include food and wine.

 

[ryansstitch]

I wonder if it was in reference to the seminars. They do have tickets and many do include food and wine.

Actually, I missed the last post. PFTS is a much more likely possibility!

 

[kmchisholm]

I apologize if this has been addressed earlier - we've attended F&W for several years but just now doing the low cost seminars. Question for the group - we've booked with Dvc discount, do you just show up at the appointed time or pick up tickets (and if so, when and where). Reason for asking is probably best - I've booked 2 sessions for my daughter and friend but don't plan on going myself. Do their names need to be on there for ID verification purposes or is there a work around?

 

[BwoZoo22]

I apologize if this has been addressed earlier - we've attended F&W for several years but just now doing the low cost seminars. Question for the group - we've booked with Dvc discount, do you just show up at the appointed time or pick up tickets (and if so, when and where). Reason for asking is probably best - I've booked 2 sessions for my daughter and friend but don't plan on going myself. Do their names need to be on there for ID verification purposes or is there a work around?

You will want to check, but I'm 99% positive all of the low cost seminars are in the Festival Center. When you walk in, down the ramp, there will be an information stand. Just let the person know who you are and for what you have a reservation for, and they will give you your ticket for the seminar and direct you to the correct area. I do believe they check the id of at least one person in the group. I think.

I love the seminars and special events, especially the Saturday cheese seminars. You will have a great time at these!

 

[kmchisholm]

You will want to check, but I'm 99% positive all of the low cost seminars are in the Festival Center. When you walk in, down the ramp, there will be an information stand. Just let the person know who you are and for what you have a reservation for, and they will give you your ticket for the seminar and direct you to the correct area. I do believe they check the id of at least one person in the group. I think.

I love the seminars and special events, especially the Saturday cheese seminars. You will have a great time at these!

Thanks! Sounds like if I walk over there with her to pick up the tickets we're fine (they're both over 21). Is more the concern that I wasn't planning on attending the seminar, but reservation is in my name.