Food & Wine Festival Crowds?

[luvnwdwgal]

How are the crowds in general for all the parks during the Food & Wine Festival? We usually go in September for the low crowds, but would like to see if an AP code comes out in October. Don't know if it will be worth it though if we have to contend with higher crowds though.

 

[redfieldmjr]

Went last year at the end of Oct. into Nov. It was very manageable for us. We did hit Jersey week but it still didn't seem to effect us except for lots of folks in restaurants on the Saturday evening portion of the trip. The weekdays were great for roaming around Epcot sampling the food and wine. It may have been my favorite trip to WDW thus far. Also, stayed at an Epcot resort which helps a whole lot.

 

[jkfreeman33]

We have done the F & W twice. Once in Oct & last year in Nov. Both were find with crowds. The weekends tend to be a little more crowded than during the week. If it wasn't nailed down, we ate it! (and drank it). Chistmas used to be my favorite time at WDW, but I think the F&W has an edge on Christmas now.
We don't have children, so it seems geared to adults more than the children. There is stuff for the kids, but much more for the adults. Enjoy and leave any dieting at home for the week. Eat, drink & be merry.

 

[Tink]

I think the thing that makes WS seems more "crowded" is that the booths that line the walkways have long lines for some of the popular things. That gives the impression of being more crowded.

We have gone twice and we were there last year. I thought the crowds were fine. We went after Jersey Week/Super Soap Weekend.

 

[sters]

I guess I'm in the minority,... I disliked the Food and Wine Festival crowds. People were very rude cutting off our stroller, actually stepping on the front wheels! Too many drunk, loud and inconsiderate guests for those of us with small children. (Better to be with a group of adults for this event.) We ended up in the front part of the park, where it was nearly empty and had a GREAT time.

Apart from the crowds, the food was way overpriced, even for Disney. I'd go broke starving to death if I relied on the Festival to feed me.

 

[monalsw]

i've got to agree with sters...i was overwhelmed by the evening crowds last year. i was traveling with my kids, ages 4 and 14, and epcot after the other parks closed was not the best choice for them. we saw many who had imbibed just a little too much and the crowd was noticeably different; language was looser than usual, stroller was almost unmanageable with other guests, and my teenager couldn't stand the alcohol odor.

i'm sure it's a great time for adults, but if you're taking your kids, consider another activity in the evening.

btw, we are going back in november (haven't changed my countdown yet), but we will do epcot during the day!

 

[safetymom]

I agree about the drunks. It was a shame that some people acted like they did. If you are going for the first time don't let them ruin it for you. The crowds are bearable and the event is very nice.

I have been to the event for several years and go for other events.