Do I need to avoid Epcot during Food/Wine Fest?

[Boo Mc]

We'll be staying at BW in Oct. with kids ages 5 and 7. We often walk over to Epcot at night as the other parks close earlier and to watch Illuminations. Will Epcot be packed every night because of the Food and Wine Festival? Are the crowds any more inappropriate than usual because of increased drinking? Also, what activities do they have for kids other than making cookies in The Land? Te Food and Wine page here says they "don't forget the little ones" but I can't find out what else they offer. Thanks for your help!

P.S. Despite my title, I wouldn't really avoid Epcot altogether - I'm just really trying to get a feel for the crowds, atmosphere, etc.

 

[billybaruch1]

Based on my limited experience, the crowds will be more festive than at the Magic Kingdom. Maybe it's because of the alcohol drug. I don't know whether it'll be packed, but some of the pathways getting out immediately after the fireworks can be bottlenecks. If you take it easy you should have no worries about any inappropriate behavior raining on your parade at Epcot.

Try here: http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/foodwine.htm

Children ages 4-10 can take part in the Junior Chef Program “Making Nestle Toll House Cookies” at The Land pavilion, and other kids’ programs include Kitchen Karnival! presented by Del Monte Fresh Produce, a new interactive experience along the rose walkway in Future World that stars the Kitchen Kabaret Players and celebrates fruits and vegetables. Kids discover that “eating your colors” can be fun and healthy. Parents learn fresh and tasty ways to present fruits and veggies to kids.

 

[dvcgirl]

The weekends during F&W are very busy because many locals come over to Epcot to take part in the festivites. Lines at some of the booths get very long. During the week it's much less crowded and much more enjoyable.

 

[llij]

We've been to Epcot the past two years during their F&W Festival. I never noticed any inappropriate behavior and the only crowds I saw were people waiting in line to try to the different foods. We went during the week on both trips so I can't comment on what the weekends were like. Overall, I thought Epcot was fun during the F&W festival. I'm kicking myself for not trying the food though!!!! It looked yummy!

As far as activities for the kids, I'm not sure what special programs they have. We just focused on the kids "passports" for the World Showcase and they seemed to enjoy that.

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by dvcgirl
The weekends during F&W are very busy because many locals come over to Epcot to take part in the festivites. Lines at some of the booths get very long. During the week it's much less crowded and much more enjoyable.

I've gone 3 times now, and yes, the weekends are much more crowded, so avoid them if you can.

Regarding the drinking, honestly it's no worse than any other time if you ask me.