F&W Opening Weekend

[cdntowdw]

We will be at WDW Sept. 27 to Oct 4 on the DDP. What days are to be avoided at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival opening weekend? What other parks might be quieter?

 

[Jrabbit910]

If thats the weekend the f&wf starts, stay away that weekend. We went last year and the weekend was crazy but when we went back to epcot on the weekday before we left it was quite.

 

[TDC Nala]

Avoid the weekends, especially in the World Showcase.

 

[katied]

9/30 (Saturday) is the only day we can go to Epcot during the F&WF (we fly out at 8 pm that night). Is it worth it to go, or will the crowds be too bad? I've been before for F&WF, but my husband never has, so I'd like him to experience it. However, if we're towing around 2 miserable kids (and a husband who doesn't really like crowds), it may not be worth it. Thoughts?

 

[TDC Nala]

For Saturday, 9/30...go early. In the evening, with the concerts and everybody showing up for the Party for the Senses, it'll get crazy. But you'll be leaving in the evening, so no big deal.

Last year I went for the first Saturday and it rained like crazy and everybody ran. They had to shut down the food booths because of the rain. When the rain cleared and they opened back up...no lines.

I'll be there, too. I'm trying to decide whether to go to the party for the senses or not that night...I know I'm going to one in October.

 

[misslissa]

I heard all kinds of horror stories about the last weekend of the festival, and last year we went on the last Sunday and it was fine!

 

[christygobar]

I, too, was there that time last year and am going back the same weekend this year. The crowds weren't bad at all. It will probably be a little busier than surrounding weeks because it is the final days of free dining and the first days of F&W.

 

[burly]

I am also going with my sister your exact dates. But we want to experience the F&W.
Can I also ask what it the party for your senses? Kim

 

[Redwitch]

We went opening weekend last year. It was crowded, but I'm sure if you compared it to Christmas, or the summer months, not bad. While it was HOT, the afternoon was not as crowded as the evening.
Allears (I can't post links) has last years information explaining what was available.
I say go for it! If the kids are young, let them do the masks. Try samples of all the food. Watch the shows and go to the Eat to the Beat concert. If it too much for hubby and kids, leave!