What's the food and wine festival in October like?

[fairytalelover]

We have never been to WDW in October and were wondering what the food and wine festival is like

 

[figment_jii]

We have never been to WDW in October and were wondering what the food and wine festival is like

I think the F&W Festival is a lot of fun (in any month)!

There is a great thread about the festival over on the Restaurants board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3290655

 

[BrianL]

It's great if you love food! It's great if you love wine (or beer)! It's, well, pretty great!

There will generally be a lot more food offerings form countries not represented in the World Showcase. You get small tasting portions, but keep in mind that "eating around the world" can really add up, both in money and calories! They also have a concert series, and all kinds of presentations and seminars, etc. (stuff I haven't bothered with). October is a GREAT time to go as the weather is nice and it is overall less crowded (though F&W does draw).

Some people don't like the weekend nights at Epcot because it can get a little wild, though I've never seen any really bad behavior personally. It is definitely crowded though! You can always avoid these times if you prefer.

 

[Cubicleprisoner]

Mondays through Thursdays are wonderful. Avoid Columbus Day weekend at all costs!

 

[Lanie]

AMAZING!!!!!!!! Love the F&W, and October (first week for us) is awesome and not too busy.

Lots of great food, lowish crowds and tasty drinks!

 

[Angel Ariel]

We had a fantastic time last year - so much so that DH decided to run the Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon this year, and we're going down for an adults only weekend so we can enjoy the F&W festival activities!

Our favorite part was the special event dessert party...it was in a building b/w Canada and England, and had unlimited desserts and alcohol included with the extra ticket. We had a great time enjoying it all while grandparents watched DD

 

[JoeA]

It's all kinds of fun, is what it is! And all that fun comes at $8 a pop!

They'll bring out temp pavilions to include new countries all over The World Showcase and each country represented will have small food selections and different drinks which are representative of the respective countries.

It seems like everything is $8!

 

[fairytalelover]

Do we have to pay extra or is it all included in our park hopper passes? Are the concerts free?

 

[Mad Hattered]

Do we have to pay extra or is it all included in our park hopper passes? Are the concerts free?

It doesn't cost extra unless you decide to do some of the special events. You have to pay for the food and beverage (or use snack credits if on DDP). The concerts are included in admission.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Do we have to pay extra or is it all included in our park hopper passes? Are the concerts free?

Special events and many of the cooking/tasting demonstrations are extra (some as low as $12-$15, some more like $100+), but the country kiosks are open to everyone with park admission (you have to pay for what you eat, like at any quick service restaurant). The nightly concerts are included in your park admission.

 

[vleeth]

We went last October and were on the dining plan. We 'saved' up our snack credits so we had more to use on our Epcot day. We also usually got one thing and the 3 of us each took a bite so we could taste more things.

 

[jcvalenti]

Well, I love food and I love wine and I love Epcot and I love cheezy 80's and 90's music, so it's pretty much Heaven on Earth for me. I'm a big fan of arriving sometime Monday through Wednesday, and getting out of there by Friday. It's much more fun when it's a relaxed leisurely stroll as opposed to an all out battle to get in the best lines.

 

[Antonio]

Wife and I went for our honeymoon a few years back and it was by far the best vacation we've ever had. It may not seem like much cause EPCOT already has a ton to offer but the little sampling dishes and different drinks were great. It is a great time of year for the weather too. We always do the DDP but if we go back during F&W we are gonna go out of pocket. Hope this helps.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I love the F & W Festival - especially in October as the humidity seems to lighten up around the first week of October. I usually budget around $30 for a turn around the food booths.

What I really enjoy though is spending time doing food demonstrations at the Festival center - they cost about $12 - you are seated at tables with others, see a chef prepare the food option in front of you and have a sample of wine to go with the dish - plus it all takes place in air conditioned comfort. There are also lots of special meals that take place during the Festival too so make sure you check out the schedule to see what appeals to you. The F&W Festival is much more than the food booths - and definitely check out the Festival Center.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's all kinds of fun, is what it is! And all that fun comes at $8 a pop!

They'll bring out temp pavilions to include new countries all over The World Showcase and each country represented will have small food selections and different drinks which are representative of the respective countries.

It seems like everything is $8!

As far as the food at the kiosks nothing has reached $8 yet. Some alcoholic drinks will - some of the drinks will surpass that.

The most expensive food item offered is the lobster roll they sell at Hops & Barley and last year that item reached a record high of $7.50.

Listing of all kiosk items offered in 2013:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013-...val-marketplace-booths-menus-and-food-photos/

 

[ratt1345]

Wife and myself are going again this year the first weekend, Sept 19. We have gone the past 5 years. We love walking past all the kiosks and smelling the food. Yes, we do eat some, but the smells are fantastic!!!

 

[mm1971]

We have never been to WDW in October and were wondering what the food and wine festival is like

Awesome fun! I would suggest a week day if possible though as the weekends can get crazy busy sometimes.

The weather is usually still warm, but less humid. Each country has regional food samples and different beer, wine or specialty drinks. We love going and will spend a couple of days trying new things and just enjoying the atmosphere. Best time to be there for us.