When to go - F&W or January?

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

I am trying to decide between going to WDW in late September or October or in January. I have been to Disney many times at different times of the year including October and January, so I know what to expect in terms of basic planning. What I'm wondering is if the F&W is a must do because that is the only reason I would go in the fall, as I have never been to the festival.

Can anyone who has been to F&W help me out? Is it worth planning my trip around? Are the crowds larger than they would be in January? Anything else I would need to know?

Thanks!

 

[Brocktoon]

I'd say if you're a WDW vet, and have even a passing interest in food/drink, then you should try the F&W fest at least once. I pretty much plan a yearly pilgrimage with relatives every year around the event.

Things to know about F&W Fest:
- With more schools having fall breaks, crowds during October are no longer low. The parks may not be packed, but you can get decent sized crowds.
- The F&W Fest can cost some serious $$$. Even the tastings around the kiosks start to add up very fast. It's a very fun time, but be prepared to spend for that fun.
- Plan to spend more than one day to try a lot of the foods from the kiosks. It's way too much to try and fit in for one day.
- There's more to the F&W than just the kiosks around the World Showcase. There are a lot of special events and demos going on as well. The prices typically range from ~$15 up to the hundreds per event.
- AVOID Friday evening through Sunday afternoon if possible at the World Showcase. I can't stress how crowded the weekend crowds get during F&W. If you have a reserved ticket for an event over the weekend, you should be fine though.

 

[nealfreakinporter]

I haven't been in January, but we went to the Food and Wine Festival, and had so so so much fun! Plus if you've never been to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, id HIGHLY recommend that as well! Both are events not to be missed. Plus I believe more rides are down for maintenance in January than in October. I'm sure crowds are smaller in January though.

PS...there is potential for free dining in October, if booking a hotel, always an added bonus.

 

[brielise]

As someone who has been in January but never able to make it to F&W, I would say go for F&W!!!! January was significantly less crowded, but I have to agree that there were a lot of refurbishments and construction.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

You have to try F&W at least once!

 

[dreamscometrue101]

My suggestion would be F&W. I haven't had a chance to do F&W before as I'm either there too early or too late to do so. I'm looking forward to my upcoming trip in October as I get to do F&W as a solo traveller.

I have gone in January and in February and unfortunately the weather can be a risky proposition. One year it was gorgeous and we spent a lot of time in the pool, the next year we were using a credit card to scrape frost off the windows and had to buy hoodies as we hadn't packed warmer clothing.

 

[SEAlla]

I'd say if you're a WDW vet, and have even a passing interest in food/drink, then you should try the F&W fest at least once.

If you decide on F&W, be sure to check out Brocktoons October F&W attendance poll here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3252316

If you have time, maybe you could meet up with some of us fellow DISers for some drinks.

 

[ratt1345]

I agree with Brocktoon. F&W and the Flower and Garden Festivals are a yearly thing for DW and I. For F&W, get to the kiosks early!!! They get quite busy. If it's a hot FL day and the kiosk line is long, it's not so much fun standing in the sun. DW and I have done wine tasting. It was very much a lot of fun and informative. Try it!!!!