Conundrum: Epcot and F&W strategy- WWYD

[dwfanatic]

Sooo I am fortunate enough to be taking some extended family members with us at the end of August to Disney World. SOOO happy that we will get to attend a MNSSHP while we are there, as well as anticipating that Food and Wine will be starting as well. My concern is that we are going to Epcot on a Friday, when historically F&W has begun that week- PLEASE tell me it won't be toooo crazy- My family will be staying for 10 days, but other family members only for 5. I can assume going Friday would be better than Sat and Sun, but since it seems to have opened in past years on that Thursday, am I doomed??? Would love to hear some perspective! (BTW our dates are Aug 24- Sept 3). We attended the MNSSHP on opening night 2 years ago- it seemed like all the bloggers were there and it was PACKED!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I have never been there for opening weekend, but what I can tell you is that it is much more pleasant to do the booths earlier in the day, like right when they open at 11 a.m. That is exactly what I would do if I was going to be there on a Friday. Also, I have read that Sunday nights are better than Friday or Saturday nights.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Friday and Saturday nights are always packed. We vowed to only go in the day on those days. The crowds didn't bother us, the obnoxious drunks did. Have fun!

 

[dwfanatic]

TY!- We would be going mainly for my 7 yr old niece, so getting there early and doing Future World and some countries- countries are VERY important to US but we will go back more than once for sure to Epcot- NOT on a weekend LOL!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with PPs. If you are interested in actually getting food or beverages at any of the kiosks, I would be in WS shortly before 11 am. As the day goes on, it will get very crowded. We were there on a Saturday during F&W last year - never again.

 

[TomorrowlandKD]

Friday and Saturday nights are always packed. We vowed to only go in the day on those days. The crowds didn't bother us, the obnoxious drunks did. Have fun!

Drunks at a wine festival!?!?!?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Drunks at a wine festival!?!?!?

There is also beer and hard liquor.

 

[TomorrowlandKD]

There is also beer and hard liquor.

I was be facetious.

There will always be those that imbibe a little more than the rest, especially at a festival set up to celebrate wine in the first place.

 

[paisleys]

I have never been there for opening weekend, but what I can tell you is that it is much more pleasant to do the booths earlier in the day, like right when they open at 11 a.m. That is exactly what I would do if I was going to be there on a Friday. Also, I have read that Sunday nights are better than Friday or Saturday nights.

^^^This, all of it! During the day you will have a chance to get to the booths. The last few years we have had the misfortune of being there at night, the crowds were scary. Years ago, we stumbled upon the Thursday soft opening and it was so magical that we planned our next year's trip around it. Unfortunately, for the Thursday soft opening, they also invited all of their employees. I have never felt so squished and nervous at Epcot in my life--and forget the booth lines. Also, like the poster above said--Sunday nights are MUCH better than any other night. So, daytime it and if you can't--Sunday (or even Monday) night.

 

[Belleandtinker]

We have done it one too many times. Large groups of people most of which have been drinking...for awhile. On our first visit, we tried a few food stands but shortly stopped that because we spent more time getting food and drinks than enjoying the park. After you get into the country circle, we found it easy. Getting to the first country was the most difficult part - seemed to always be very crowded where Future World connect with the World Showcase. We also scheduled out visits to EPCOT to mid week or leave by mid-afternoon Friday to Sunday. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I was be facetious.

There will always be those that imbibe a little more than the rest, especially at a festival set up to celebrate wine in the first place.

Yes, exactly. Some drunks will definitely drink more than the other drunks, LOL!!! All hail Bacchus!