Help Me get excited about F&W Again

[rpb718]

Back in the early 2010s, DW and I wanted to do Food & Wine at EPCOT but never could pull the trigger. Truth be told we were more enamored taking cruises in the Spring or Fall at the time.

However back in 2013, DW and I did do a short 4-5 day trip to Disney in early March. We knew at the time that the last 2 days coincided with the beginning of Flower & Garden. What we didn't know was that 2013 was the year that there would be more food kiosks as part of F&G. We got a little taste of what F&W was all about and decided for our next WDW trip we'd do F&W.

So in 2015 we did a week of F&W in October - and it was grand. That was the 20th anniversary year and unbeknownst to us at the time we made a horrible mistake - we bought the Premium Package. If I remember correctly, the Premium Package included a gift bag with a bottle of wine along with a wine glass and a very nice F&W 20th anniversary magic band. It also included entry to the Illuminations Dessert Party one night, and I think included entry into one seminar of your choice - but the choices were limited. It was only good for use Monday - Thursday for one week only, which fit into our plans perfectly. But more importantly - we received 4 (or 6?) entitlements along with entry to 6 or 8 shaded areas along World Showcase with open seating and tables. (Someone correct me if I got any of the above details wrong, but it's what I can remember.)

Imagine a week at F&W at EPCOT were you had ample open tables and chairs already reserved in many shaded areas set up around World Showcase and you didn't have to deal with any lines to get food at any kiosk. You'd just show up and place your order for the specific kiosks that were included around the various seating areas, and just sit down and wait for the items to be delivered to you at your table. The weather was perfect. It was 4 days of bliss.

We didn't plan to go back again the next year during F&W - we had scheduled a November trip instead to see the Christmas decorations and to do MVMCP. Upon hearing that the Premium Package was no longer being offered we were glad we didn't go during F&W and hoped that the Premium Package would eventually come back. Alas, after 2 years it's looks like the Premium Package is not coming back.

Right now our next trip is scheduled during Flower & Garden. It's unknown what they'll have for tables or seating, which could be an issue with DW's knees and recent surgery, but we'll see.

My problem now is, how can I get excited about going to F&W again when I know (1) tables will be tough to get (I don't even know if there are any seats now) and (2) we'll have to stand in lines to get the food?

(We didn't do Party for the Senses last time because it was only on the weekends I believe, and if that's still the case we probably wouldn't do that anyway. We could do some more seminars, but DW isn't the most adventurous eater which is why we avoided them and many special dinner events the last time.)

 

[loves to dive]

I have been going to both F&G and F&W for gifts and have always been able to find somewhere to sit or an available table and have never used the top of a trash can. Sometimes that means sitting on a bench with my food in my lap or on a planter. They have started adding more tables and if you don't mind sharing it's not hard to find one, to be fair, most of the ones they have added are the standing tables. I have never stood in a line longer than 5 min for the booths, the lines tend to move fast and during busy times they have more than 2 cash registers going. I enjoy F&W more than F&W because the festival center is open every day and has more going on and I like the little food demos and beverage tastings. I also like the food and wine pairing meals they have during F&W. I go for an entire week and have yet to be able to get something from every booth.

 

[skyblue17]

Maybe plan to focus your time at F&W during the week, when crowds will be less? I was honestly pretty surprised that the lines at the food kiosks were really not that bad at all on the days we were there (a full Monday, a Tuesday afternoon/evening, a Friday afternoon). I felt like for most of the kiosks, we were able to walk into the line and go right to order, or be able to order within a couple minutes. The only day I waited more than this was at Germany on the Friday. The food pickups actually seemed to go more quickly when there were more orders coming in, as I think they were able to prepare the food itself in larger bunches knowing it was going out immediately.

While they do not have many seated tables, they are ample standing tables at each kiosk, some shaded and some not, which for us worked well as the Monday was chilly and we enjoyed the sun, the Tuesday not as much and we opted for shade. We rarely had an issue finding a table, though with three of us, we were able to have someone keep an eye on the situation while the others ordered and picked up food. Since we didn't plan to stay longer than it took to eat at any of these tables, this was fine for us (and we actually appreciated the design of things, making sure that there were tables for others that needed them rather than promoting lingering at them by providing seats). Plus there are benches and walls and such throughout to actually sit if you want/need. I do specifically remember a bunch of actual seated tables in the China area.

Anyway, we did this much more casually than some, only focusing on trying things at booths and not doing seminars or additional tastings or meals, but we really enjoyed ourselves and look forward to going again. Maybe just try going in with a bit of a clean slate? As long as you don't expect things to reach the bar of your exquisite experience, I think you will still enjoy yourself!

 

[holden]

Start visiting the kiosks at 11am when they open. Lines are shorter then.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I've been going to F&WF for years and never have trouble finding a table to perch at (if I even want one - sometimes we like to eat and walk) nor have I stood in line more than 2-3 minutes. Seating at all the parks is, unfortunately, limited these days.

We went several times just this year - once on a Friday and the rest on Sundays - and never had problems. Now the weather was often super humid and hot and that puts a damper on things but you can't control that. It does make you notice the lack of shade in the park, though

 

[eeyoresmom]

We go to F&W every year but only because we go so often at least one trip always coincides with the festival .Anyway, you don't sound too excited about the lines and standing and your wife isn't an adventurous eaters so why plan a trip around the festival? I don't mean this sarcastically at all. I like the festival but don't LOVE it, mostly for the same reasons as your concerns are. I try to go in very hungry but it just always works out in an unsatisfactory way for me. It's very disjointed. I may be really interested in a dessert at the first booth we come across but then the entrees I want are "world's away" lol. I would actually rather sit and have a fabulous meal and grab a snack or cocktail from the booths. People love F&W so I know I'm in the minority but I wouldn't talk myself into a trip at that time.

 

[DieHardJoe]

We started going to Disney when we were married 40 years ago and have more than lost track of how many times we have been. We even bought into DVC back in 2009. Yet our first time doing F&W was not until 3 years ago. I don't remember the exact time frame, but we totally enjoyed it and said we had to get back. So we planned our trip last year around F&W and went in September. We never once ate at F&W!! We were at BWV for 6 nights, so easy access to Epcot, but I'm not sure the weather was ever below 90+ by noon and the humidity was oppressive. The last thing we wanted to do was eat outside. But we didn't give up! This year we were at OKW from Nov 7th to 13th and went to F&W twice - once around midday on a Wed and then we were there Friday the 10th around dinner time. We had fantastic weather during our trip, especially during the time we were at Epcot, and even on that Friday night, the last weekend of F&W and despite all the locals coming in, I'm not sure we ever waited more than 5-6 minutes in a line. And most times we were able to find a place to sit. So we know we will definitely be going back multiple times for F&W, but we will probably plan to go again during November, just to try and beat the odds of sweltering. I understand your concerns, but I'd give it another try, and if you are there multiple days, maybe just try to plan a day or two for F&W when the weather looks tolerable and maybe do it before noon or mid-afternoon. Good luck!

 

[gharter]

We have gone the last few years and love it. We go during the week. Do NOT go on a weekend! We pick 2 food and wine pairings and sometimes a wine tasting put on by a winery. We take our time and spend 3 days during the week going around the world and take our time and enjoy it. We also stop and enjoy the free concerts they have. I think its all a matter of attitude you have going in.
We look for interesting food and try different things. Do I expect great wine there? No, because most of what they pour is average. That's not snobbish, just honest. Attitude is most important.

 

[winthropf]

Go to F&W Monday through Friday. Avoid Saturday and all but late on Sunday. Friday night can also be bad for lines. Other than those times, the lines are usually short. Many areas with picnic table seating have been added. You can also sit on the benches if you are comfortable holding the food in your lap. Shaded areas can be hard to find, but not impossible. I suggest going later in the festival as the temperatures should be lower then.

 

[mrswillson]

My husband and I LOVE F&W and especially F&G - we actually preferred F&G this year because of their awesome selections and the violet lemonade (it's a must if you haven't tried it). We have gone primarily on weekends, and to be honest I have seen smaller crowds during the afternoon Saturday/Sunday hours than weekdays on more than one occasion. We have never struggled with seating as we typically choose to eat and walk since the portions are so small, and I don't truly understand the need to sit and eat with F&W/F&G as the purpose is to sample and sightsee, not get food, sit down, get up, get food, sit down, etc. Seating is not necessary. As far as lines go, with the exception of one or two instances, we have never been in a line more than five minutes - ever. I'm not sure what kind of lines you've experienced in the past, or what you are expecting worst case, but they are nowhere near what your post makes them seem. As many of the other posters above have said, go and give them a try as you should be pleasantly surprised. Attitude makes a difference.