EPCOT questions (Food & Wine, Illuminations, Kids)

[Goldys4]

Hi all! We are so excited to be going to WDW in October. We weren't planning a trip, but my daughter's dance studio was selected by Disney to showcase their dancing (probably at Disney Springs). So, since there was no way I was going to let her go to Disney without me (because who doesn't love going to WDW???), we decided to make it a family vacation and all of us go- including my sister and parents! Yeah! Anyway, we are going to EPCOT on Thursday, 10/20. I know that F&WF will be going on and I am looking forward to checking that out (never been). My question is, one of my daughter's is pretty picky with her food. The other isn't too bad, but won't necessarily choose to eat anything to different from what we typically eat. When we walk around the worlds, will there be places we can get more kid friendly foods? The kids are 13 & 10. I currently don't have and ADRs for that day.
Also, I really want us to see Illuminations. We've never seen it. My initial thought was that we would do future world and things at the front of the park first then make our way around the world and end up with watchin Illuminations. I am wondering though, how crowded it will be and how bad will the drinking be as it gets later. Would it be best to walk around the world first (we wouldn't get there at RD, it will be a late night traveling the day before) to eat lunch around the booths, do the other attractions in the evening and eat at a quick service if we are hungry and then make our way back for Illuminations? How hard is it to get a good spot as you are coming from Future World to see the show?

 

[samsteele]

Food for pre-teens? While they may see something at the F&W booths, some spots offering more standard fare include Britain's Rose & Crown Fish & Chips stand and La Cantina de San Angel's Nachos in Mexico. Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion (same level as Soarin') back in Future World has many more choices. Maybe check out some online menus at allears?

Weekday nights at F&W aren't usually too rowdy compared to weekends (why many repeat guests try to avoid Epcot on weekends)

Don't miss the free soda machines at Club Cool in Future World (behind Starbucks) as you near the World Showcase. Self-serve pop from around the world.

Illuminations can be crowded on any evening. However, positioning yourself in the WS closer to Britain/France (the bridge offers a decent view) means less of lengthy wait to exit the park after the fireworks are over. Another strategy is to stay later after the fireworks and window shop to allow the crowds to exit first. Your strategy may depend on how tired your kids are by that point.

 

[P800aul]

Hi

We've been in Oct the last 6 - 7 years and the F&WF is always on around that time. My children aren't that picky (2xDD's 12 and 14 now) and we have snacked on the booths, there's food for all types of 'eaters' As for the evenings they can be busy but I agree with samsteele it okay mid week Illuminations on a Thursday starts at 9.00 and people start to save the best spots about an hour before which obviously can be a pain. We've tried the Dessert Party and to be honest a good view but still more standing around with lots of other people eating desserts.

So our preferred deal is to book the Rose and Crown (about 7:30) when you get to the restaurant say around 7:10 tell them you want to be on the terrace and are prepared to wait for a table, the view is perfect for Illuminations and the food is very good. I'm from the UK and I will say the Fish and Chips are not bad at all

Enjoy

Regards

Paul