Epcot - F+W, weekends, and crowd tracker

[Shellee999]

I've read that on weekends the Food and Wine area becomes mobbed because that's when locals come to visit. But my choices to go to Epcot are either a Saturday, or a weekday when the projected crowd level is higher. Does it not account for this congestion, or may I actually be better off on the Saturday? Anyone with prior experience, I'd appreciate the help. Thanks!

 

[boufa]

It depends on the crowd tracker. Several of them (specifically Touring Plans) is based solely on the lines at the rides/attractions. The way their statistical models work, they cannot account for people who don't ride, or limited rides compared to an average visitor.

So if a local is going to F&W they likely are not jumping onto soarin' or test track.

The park with a lower crowd level on the weekend could feel fuller, specifically in the world showcase because of this. IF F&W is an attraction for you, avoid weekends... no matter what the trackers say.

Friday is the slowest of the weekend days (mostly earlier in the day), if you can't avoid it, just be patient.

 

[disnut8]

The only way I'd go to the Food & Wine Festival on a Saturday would be to understand I wouldn't be getting any food or drink at any of the Festival booths. That's really not the way to enjoy a day at the Festival.

 

[Wild4Walt]

A few years ago, I accidentally planned on my Epcot day being on a Saturday. ( I know - bad planning ). The overall day was really low - like a 4, but Epcot was really busy.

If you are going for the F & W fest part of things, it can be managed but you have to go into it knowing that the lines are long so it can look intimidating. Some lines took us 15 minutes to get through. The cast was great and they did keep things moving.

If you can go into it without making a ton of plans and just kind of wing it, it is managable.

I'd advise looking at the menu items ( they are already post on the blog ) and make a list of 'Must Haves' ( keep it simple ) and then when the Festival Map is released plan a loose course of attack.

 

[ifjf414]

A few years ago, I accidentally planned on my Epcot day being on a Saturday. ( I know - bad planning ). The overall day was really low - like a 4, but Epcot was really busy.

If you are going for the F & W fest part of things, it can be managed but you have to go into it knowing that the lines are long so it can look intimidating. Some lines took us 15 minutes to get through. The cast was great and they did keep things moving.

If you can go into it without making a ton of plans and just kind of wing it, it is managable.

I'd advise looking at the menu items ( they are already post on the blog ) and make a list of 'Must Haves' ( keep it simple ) and then when the Festival Map is released plan a loose course of attack.

When will the festival map be released?