Is there a "soft" opening for F&W at Epcot?

[tinkerbell313]

I was just wondering if there is a "soft" opening. I know the official opening is on Oct. 1st.

 

[figment_jii]

Last year we were there the day before Food & Wine official started. The booths were up and you could read the sign boards, but they weren't open until the official start of the festival.

Edit: Sorry about the mis-information. I just remembered looking at all of the booths when they were closed, but after a quick review of my pictures, this was after the park had closed, so nothing was open.

 

[tinkerbell313]

Thank you!! We are going to be at the world from Sept. 22th through 28th and we are planning on doing Epcot on a weekend day and just wanted to make sure we were not going to hit any "pre F&W" crowds.

 

[WDWAddict Staci]

If I remember correctly last year when I was there, on the Thursday before opening day they had Cast Member preview day and all the booths were open and serving. However I thought it wouldn't be busy that day because it was just a preview day and decided to go before the crowds hit. Big mistake! It was more packed than opening day.

 

[purple figment]

Yes. Last year on the day before the official opening there was a soft opening. It was called a CM preview, but it was open to everyone.

 

[bomzar]

They always open F&W 1 day early as a soft opening, but the booths usually close at 8pm and nothing is guranteed. Basically, it's a practice day for the CMs working the booths. Also, avoid opening weekend at all costs! The lines are way too long. Best days to go are Mon/Tues/Wed/Thur, weekends it's just too busy!

 

[tinkerbell313]

OK...so we will miss the CM preview day...since F&W starts on Oct. 1st, I am assuming the practice run would be Sept 30th...even if its on the 28th (the day we leave) or the 29th...we will still miss it...which is my plan.

Thanks!!