Pasta in the Park reviews?

[erinna]

Hi all,

I'm doing my first half at Marathon Weekend, and I'm trying to decide if I want to persuade the family to go to Pasta in the Park the night before. I'm okay with the price if the event is well organized -- that is, my family and I can expect to find seats, obtain food efficiently, see Illuminations as well as we would if we had gone on a different nite when there wasn't an event. Any opinions of the event's execution from people who've been there?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cewait]

Hi all,

I'm doing my first half at Marathon Weekend, and I'm trying to decide if I want to persuade the family to go to Pasta in the Park the night before. I'm okay with the price if the event is well organized -- that is, my family and I can expect to find seats, obtain food efficiently, see Illuminations as well as we would if we had gone on a different nite when there wasn't an event. Any opinions of the event's execution from people who've been there?

Thanks in advance!

I have attended 2 of the three years. Both times we arrived as they opened. They ask folks to walk all the way across the building to sit. There is a nice variety of food and seems well organized. The lines did not seem all that long for the buffet lines. The room is set up with numerous 12-15 spot tables so expect to eat with other runners. Hopefully, you will have a table with folks who talk - one of our years, the family who joined our table said maybe two words and the rest of the time texted. The only long lines I witness were for the character photo ops. Disney provides a DJ as entertainment. He is a good entertainer and helps liven up the event.

Note that the event ticket gets you into Epcot just around the time the meal starts so no other pass is required. You have the ability to eat and then hit a little of Epcot prior to Illuminations using the event pass. I have to admit that I have not stayed for Illuminations either year we attended. We hit the inaugural year in 2010 and were so cold that we headed back to the room for a cup of hot chocolate. Then last year, my brother's flight arrived during the meal and we had to leave prior to Illuminations to help get him into the room.

Note sure if we will be doing it this year. The good news is that the event has expanded to three nights for the upcoming year. The issue for us is that way have runners arriving Thursday night again and then I am not a fan of staying out late the night prior to the weekend races. (OK 9 is not really late unless you are waking at 2 the next morning).

I am a go for it vote.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It is worth trying out at least once. They have character opportunities which is nice and of course you get to meet a lot of the other runners. I had no problem getting gluten-free pasta the time I tried it, which was really nice and the chef that assisted me was so nice to help with that.

I think it is great for newbies, but I won't do it again because it is expensive for what you get, and there isn't a shortage of other great places to eat at.

 

[Merandab4]

We are trying Pata in the Parks for the first time next year. I did hear from others that the food is not all that and it is not worth the money, but I guess it's just the atmosphere you are paying for. It's also a good way to get pumped and excited before the races. ( Although I agree with the previous poster, when you have to get up at 1:30 in the morning, anything past 9:00 pm is considered being up very late)

 

[princessallegra]

Thanks for this info! DH and I will both be running the Princess this year and are considering Pasta in the Park. It works out for us as we won't be doing the 5K Sat morn so we don't mind being out Friday night. Epcot has emh that night til 11pm.