Question re: Opening weekend of Food & Wine

[rudetreehill]

Hey, gang!

So, my family is planning another trip... way sooner than I'd expected! But it looks like we're going to make a quick trip at the end of September to hit the food & wine festival and run in the marathon.

Here's my question: We're planning to fly in on Friday, September 30 and stay until Monday. I know that the weekend we're there is the first weekend of food & wine. Should we expect that Epcot (the only park we'll probably go to while we're there, spending the rest of our time hanging at pool bars!) to be swamped BECAUSE it's the first weekend?

As always, thanks for any input!

Richard/Tralfie

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Should we expect that Epcot . . . to be swamped BECAUSE it's the first weekend? . . .

That is usually the case.

 

[POOHsie]

We did a trip last year from Sept. 23rd through Oct. 3rd. Friday, Oct. 1st was F&W opening day, and we went again on Oct. 2nd. We were worried about a crush of people, and it was certainly busy. But I didn't feel it was swamped. I think you will have a worthwhile time.

Your plans sound like you will have a wonderful, fun weekend. Enjoy!

 

[TDC Nala]

Should we expect that Epcot (the only park we'll probably go to while we're there, spending the rest of our time hanging at pool bars!) to be swamped BECAUSE it's the first weekend?

Yes (although any Saturday will be swamped)

 

[sue_gowin]

Yes, we have been to the F&W Fest for the past 4 years, and the first weekend tends to be pretty swamped. It seems to be most manageable until early/mid afternoon, and then it gets pretty busy quite quickly. The evenings tend to be pretty insane!!! If you're ok with big mobs of drunk people, then you'll be fine!!!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I went to WDW last September/October to run the Wine and Dine half and went to Epcot the Friday afternoon for the F&W festival. It was packed to the gills. I had wanted to just have a relaxing evening and watch Illuminations but I decided to go relax on the beach at the Poly and watch the Electrical Light Parade and Wishes instead. The other time I was at the F&W Festival was 2 years prior and that was the last weekend of F&W that year so it was quite a shock to me how packed it was in comparison.