Epcot's F&W vs. MNSSHP

[Boatingmom]

There is only one day during my stay in October that is recommended for the Epcot F&W festival. It just happens to be the only night MNSSHP is offered. We'd love to try new foods, and taste some Wine. We also have children 9 & 11. Should we do Epcot during the day and to the party at night or just stay at Epcot the whole day? Help

 

[goldenears]

We have been to both events and both are a lot of fun. I wouldn't choose between the two. I would find some way to incorporate both into your visit. Are you following TGM?

 

[KingdomHeartsFan]

I agree with the pp. I would try to find a way to do both. Perhaps you can do Epcot in the morning and stay until early afternoon then go back to your resort and rest a while before going over to MK for MNSSHP.

If you do feel like you need to do just one, I would say do the Halloween Party... your kids will LOVE IT (and so will you)!!!

 

[Boatingmom]

Yes, I am following TGM. The party is on the only day listed as green for the F & W Festival. Its only a short 5 day trip for a birthday celebration. We could go to the F & W till about 6:00pm and then head over to MNSSHP. Would I miss anything at the F & W? We're not signed up for anything special there.

 

[MinnieLee]

I would definitely do both. Go to EPCOT in the morning and do TT, Soarin', MS, Turtle Talk with Crush (that' fun for all ages), go to the F&W early afternoon, head back to your resort, go in the pool and then do the party. You could also have them sign up for Kim Possible which would give them a little added something while you are sampling around the world and will give them an incentive to go into the countries. It will also be great bribery to tell them that they have the party that night! Besides the parade and the fireworks, they will love the trick or treating!

 

[pyrxtc]

I say forget TGM and go to F&WF another day so you can spend the whole day there and then spend some time doing somehting else or hit it again the day of the party and do the party when you can.

 

[Ms. WDW]

I've done both and both are fun!! I'd definately do both and on separate days. The only days that I try and avoid the F&W are Friday nights and Saturday nights. The day time and afternoons are fine; but the nights are unbearable. Way tooo many people for me. DH and I spent a Saturday afternoon/evening at Epcot two years ago during the F&W and by 8 pm it was soooo crowded that all you could see ahead of you were "heads"!! LOL...

 

[goldenears]

Yes, I am following TGM. The party is on the only day listed as green for the F & W Festival. Its only a short 5 day trip for a birthday celebration. We could go to the F & W till about 6:00pm and then head over to MNSSHP. Would I miss anything at the F & W? We're not signed up for anything special there.

We followed TGM on our most recent trip last Dec. and it worked out great. We did do a few yellow days though and they ended up being fine, so I wouldn't hesitate to switch your schedule around, if you feel you need to.
When we went to the F&W festival, my DH and I did a really nice beer sampling that was free. They have neat little events like that.
Your kids are old enough that they can probably handle going to Epcot in the a.m. and the party at MK that night. If I were you, I wouldn't set the alarm that a.m.. Just get to Epcot before lunch and sample some different foods and drinks. To get the most bang for your buck (party tickets are expensive), I would get to the MK for 4:00 and stay as late as you can. If you don't have Hopper passes, you can get into the MK with your party pass at that time. Ride a few rides, etc... before the party starts. You want to use the party time to do party events.
Whatever you decide, have a great time!