Food and Wine newbie

[aviva5675]

Will be going Oct 19 for FWF (DH and 2 Dis Cousins)...have FP for a few things in the morning, then plan to hit World Showcase at 11 when it opens. Basically first timers for this event. Any general suggestions? or thoughts on how crowded it'll be? The plan ( probably like everyones) is to just start at one side and walk and eat as we go. Stop at a few of the countries that look more interesting to walk around in.

Other than just be one of the crowd- no way to get around crowds/lines at booths? Can you get food 'tickets' ahead of time, or its pay at each place you get something? thanks!

 

[Missyrose]

It's awesome to go right when the World Showcase opens, you'll be able to do a bunch of booths with little to no line.

Divide and conquer, have each of you stand in a different line so you can enjoy a bunch of food and drinks all at once. And don't forget to stick around for the Eat to the Beat concert! I'll be there that day too!

 

[aviva5675]

thanks! Not sure if we have the stamina to last til then- but can try! Good idea to split up a bit.

 

[WDWRook]

You can get food tickets ahead of time. Not sure where exactly. We just used Magic Bands and that is very easy. The Korean BBQ beef, and Spicy Chicken in China were great. The Jalapeno Margarita was very good (slight kick to it). Everything was good we tried but those stood out. The Canada filet was good, but not as good as advertised. Oh, and get a Croissant Donut, or two.

 

[aviva5675]

oh right, use the magic bands to pay, that sounds probably easiest... I guess my biggest worry is how the crowds will be. But that day is crowd level rated medium=ish, and if we start at 11, I think itll be ok..pretty excited!

 

[WDWRook]

Most of the crowds we saw were around the food kiosks. The crowds in the shops and for the regular performers were light. Even with the kiosks, it was pretty efficent. I was like 20th in line at Canada and it only took maybe 5-10 minutes. Kids and wife sat and relaxed while I hunted for new food to try. All the selection was great, our picky kids tried and enjoyed most of the food we sampled.

 

[Epcotgal8]

Do the food booths accept Disney gift cards without having to stop and get the Festival gift cards? I'd rather not waste time stopping to get the Festival card.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Do the food booths accept Disney gift cards without having to stop and get the Festival gift cards? I'd rather not waste time stopping to get the Festival card.

Yes. You can use any Disney gift card.

My advice to F&W newbies is to check out the food that people are carrying as they exit the kiosks. Note the sizes of the samples. Some are more generously sized and that can vary based on who's working.
I say this because if you get an extra small portion, you could wind up feeling disgruntled.

It's a very enjoyable event. This year will be my third time, and I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[WEDWDW]

You are doing the most importanat thing by being there at Opening.

Arrive HUNGRY and eat as much as you can before the lines grow.

Also,if you have a Chase Visa or Debit Card,be sure to check out The Chase Lounge in American Adventure.(I like to grab some food in that area and take it up to the Lounge-they have free coke products in the Lounge).

The earlier you go to the Lounge the less crowded it will be.

 

[MagnoliaBend12]

You are doing the most importanat thing by being there at Opening.

Arrive HUNGRY and eat as much as you can before the lines grow.

Also,if you have a Chase Visa or Debit Card,be sure to check out The Chase Lounge in American Adventure.(I like to grab some food in that area and take it up to the Lounge-they have free coke products in the Lounge).

The earlier you go to the Lounge the less crowded it will be.

Is it ok to bring an alcoholic beverage (glass of wine) into the Chase lounge?

 

[Missyrose]

Is it ok to bring an alcoholic beverage (glass of wine) into the Chase lounge?

Yes! There's also wine for sale in the lounge

 

[Dbktmc]

Are you able to use snack credits at any of the food and wine kiosks? We are just trying to decide if we should save our snack credits.

 

[Missyrose]

Are you able to use snack credits at any of the food and wine kiosks? We are just trying to decide if we should save our snack credits.

Snack credits can be used on basically anything non-alcoholic at the booths.