Food & Wine 2009 - Best time to go?

[georgemoe]

I was wondering when it was the best time to go to the F&W Festival? The first weekend, first week, mid October, etc?

2009 will be DW and I's first experience. We have SSR booked for the first week of October. Is this too early?

Thanks all.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I say after the free dining is over with and try and avoid Friday and Saturdays, it is mass pandamonium!

 

[Technosavant]

Two years ago we were there right as F&W kicked off. This time we were the last week of October. We preferred the earlier time- the weather is a bit warmer and it seemed like the parks themselves were less crowded (but weekend evenings at F&W are packed solid anyway).

 

[MinnieLee]

We've gone whatever week Halloween falls in for the past 12 years. Weather at that time is low 80s and 70 or so at night. Follow advice of previous posters - Saturdays are a madhouse! Long lines at all of the booths and big crowds. If you want to do any of the special events (Party for the Senses, wine seminars, etc) book them early. During the daytime you can basically walk up to any booth.

 

[AnitaDisneyVacation]

I've been there for the last weekend and in mid-October. The last weekend wasn't that great - much of the festival merchandise is sold out and the weekend was super crowded.

Mid-October was great (as long as you go during the week). Low crowd levels, good weather, and the festival is up and running with all the kinks worked out.

I've read that the opening weekend can be chaotic. Many CMs are temp workers that are there just for the festival and there are often problems with the registers/accepting payment other than cash.

We were there last month, and it took 3 times around to hit all the booths for my family of 4. It's a great festival, but trying something at every booth is a daunting task.

 

[OKW Lover]

Mid-week. And not during the first week or two. The weekends are pretty busy with all the locals going.