Food and Wine Tips from the Pros?

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I know we have some Fiends that have been several times. Give me (us) your tips for the festival! 

 

Sadly, I only have 2 days in Epcot, and I know I can't do (eat) everything in such a short time. 

[Lou... 3,118]

Sadly, I only have 2 days in Epcot, and I know I can't do (eat) everything in such a short time. 

 

You may not be able do everything, but that's enough time to take in the main stuff.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

2 days isn't bad.  I'd study the menus and come up with a list of the "must trys." - for us that means things that are totally new and/or interesting.  If it's something I can get at home or someplace else easily, I skip it.  The only exception for us is the spicy tuna hand roll in Japan because, well... sushi, and it's delicious. (I know, you're shocked)

 

We skip the other usual Epcot things during F&W - like the bakery in France, "regular" flavors of slushies...  I know those things will probably be there another time, while F&W offerings change.

 

If your traveling companion is amenable, and you like to try a lot of different things, split dishes when you can.  Saves a bit of $ but also allows you to try different things without filling up quickly.

 

I'd start on a different side each day. While I enjoy some of the beers, I steer clear of the giant "commemorative" mugs - partly because we have a bunch of them already, but also because beer is super filling.

 

Oh and skip breakfast. 

[AuburnJen 777]

don't let my husband go with any Fiends without responsible supervision :rofl2:

[Lou... 3,118]

split dishes when you can. 

 

If the portions were any smaller they could fit it all on a spoon and hand it to you.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

It's like anything else at Disney- go in with a plan, but prepare to zig and zag as needed.

 

I assume that you're going on a weekend?  What nights of the week?  And what band is playing those nights?

 

I agree with Mo- pick a few things that you really want to try, and then figure out how and when to hit those booths.  I go over multiple weekends, so that isn't going to work for you.  Early on, I try to go right when World Showcase opens for the day- there are usually no lines at the booths, and you can easily move from one booth to the next and get try the things you want.  Later in the evening, especially on weekends, there can be long lines at booths, and there can also be times when you have to wait for the booths to restock inventory.  On the other hand, later in the night is prime people watching time.  But, it can get super crowded.

 

One problem I don't see mentioned very often is the lack of restroom capacity in the World Showcase when the Festival is in full swing.  Especially for the ladies.  Plan ahead.

 

One tip I used to share is to make sure and get the small gift card that you can wear on your wrist.  Makes the transactions much quicker.  But, I think that MB's may make those obsolete.

 

One more- use teamwork.  If there are things you want to try from booths that are near each other, split up and get the goods.  Then meet up someplace and enjoy them together.  Saves you both from having to stand in line during busy times.

 

TCD

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

I agree with Mo.  Last time in two days I tasted everything on my list, and then some.

 

But avoid F&W on the weekends if at all possible.  It's very crowded.

[Memphis 105]

It's like anything else at Disney- go in with a plan, but prepare to zig and zag as needed.

 

I assume that you're going on a weekend?  What nights of the week?  And what band is playing those nights?

 

I agree with Mo- pick a few things that you really want to try, and then figure out how and when to hit those booths.  I go over multiple weekends, so that isn't going to work for you.  Early on, I try to go right when World Showcase opens for the day- there are usually no lines at the booths, and you can easily move from one booth to the next and get try the things you want.  Later in the evening, especially on weekends, there can be long lines at booths, and there can also be times when you have to wait for the booths to restock inventory.  On the other hand, later in the night is prime people watching time.  But, it can get super crowded.

 

One problem I don't see mentioned very often is the lack of restroom capacity in the World Showcase when the Festival is in full swing.  Especially for the ladies.  Plan ahead.

 

One tip I used to share is to make sure and get the small gift card that you can wear on your wrist.  Makes the transactions much quicker.  But, I think that MB's may make those obsolete.

 

One more- use teamwork.  If there are things you want to try from booths that are near each other, split up and get the goods.  Then meet up someplace and enjoy them together.  Saves you both from having to stand in line during busy times.

 

TCD

What he said ^  Go early, some of the booths will be open before 12 so if you don't mind back tracking a little you can get some items with no wait at all. From 4-7 especially on weekends and even more so at the start of F&W it gets too crowded for me to take. 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

don't let my husband go with any Fiends without responsible supervision :rofl2:

 

Um... what is this "responsible" you speak of?  :rofl2:

 

If the portions were any smaller they could fit it all on a spoon and hand it to you.

 

Most are small, but some aren't.  We go to taste a bunch of stuff, not fill up on any particular thing, so splitting works.  And if you really like something, you can always get another. 

 

One problem I don't see mentioned very often is the lack of restroom capacity in the World Showcase when the Festival is in full swing.  Especially for the ladies.  Plan ahead.

 

One tip I used to share is to make sure and get the small gift card that you can wear on your wrist.  Makes the transactions much quicker.  But, I think that MB's may make those obsolete.

 

One more- use teamwork.  If there are things you want to try from booths that are near each other, split up and get the goods.  Then meet up someplace and enjoy them together.  Saves you both from having to stand in line during busy times.

 

All this^^

 

And as Gwen said, if you can possibly avoid weekends, do it.  If you can't, try to be there when WS opens.  Weekends get crazier and crazier as the day goes on (as do the people).

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I don't agree with avoiding the weekends.  The weekends are the best part.  Just don't go too hungry, as there will be waits at all the booths, and that gets old after a while.

 

But, there's a certain frenetic energy in the air on the weekends that makes them fun.  And, who doesn't like the occasional person puking in the bushes?

 

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

:rofl2:   Ok, I'll give you that!

 

I guess it depends on what type of experience you want - relaxing sampling stroll or crazy frat party with way better food.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I have that whole teacher gig, so I can only take 1 day off. That means we'll be there on Friday and Saturday. It's not ideal, but it's the only way I could go.

Maybe from 11-3 it won't be that bad?

[Lou... 3,118]

Most are small, but some aren't. 

 

Guess I'll have to go with you because after stopping at a booth, I haven't  ever thought, wow, what a generous portion.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I have that whole teacher gig, so I can only take 1 day off. That means we'll be there on Friday and Saturday. It's not ideal, but it's the only way I could go.

Maybe from 11-3 it won't be that bad?

 

Are you able to go at 11 on a Friday?  That won't be bad at all.  Probably not on Saturday either.  I'd plan to eat first, and then maybe take another lap around to see the sights and listen to whatever washed-up band they have playing that night. When are you going September, October, November?

 

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I have that whole teacher gig, so I can only take 1 day off. That means we'll be there on Friday and Saturday. It's not ideal, but it's the only way I could go.

Maybe from 11-3 it won't be that bad?

 

It shouldn't be - especially Friday. Last time we attempted a weekend, it was a Saturday and it started to fill up around 2-3pm.  Doesn't mean you can't still have a great time, it'll just slow down your progress a bit.

 

Guess I'll have to go with you because after stopping at a booth, I haven't  ever thought, wow, what a generous portion.

 

Well you're going to have to wait until 2015, because we're missing it this year. 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I'd plan to eat first, and then maybe take another lap around to see the sights and listen to whatever washed-up band they have playing that night.

 

Or if you're DH, you can take a "nap" in Italy and then wake up refreshed and ready for round 2.  :rofl2:

[Roller ... aka Ed 351]

I agree with a lot of the above ...

 

Check out the menus and select your Must try and want to try items and plan your route from there;

 

Go early - it starts to get really busy around mid afternoon;

 

If you are interested in sampling the beer, do just that - get the Beer Flights so you get samples of a variety of beers. Some don't come in flights, but are worth trying (The Black Beer in Argentina goes REALLY well with the pork belly).

 

Check out other people's reactions to what they just got from a kiosk.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Are you able to go at 11 on a Friday?  That won't be bad at all.  Probably not on Saturday either.  I'd plan to eat first, and then maybe take another lap around to see the sights and listen to whatever washed-up band they have playing that night. When are you going September, October, November?

 

TCD

 

It shouldn't be - especially Friday. Last time we attempted a weekend, it was a Saturday and it started to fill up around 2-3pm.  Doesn't mean you can't still have a great time, it'll just slow down your progress a bit.

 

 

Well you're going to have to wait until 2015, because we're missing it this year. 

 

We arrive Thursday night, Oct. 23, and the plan is to hit the World Showcase at 11:00 both days, Friday and Saturday (Oct 24 and 25). 

 

I might do something "Mo" and hit AK on Sunday to ride EE before I get on the plane. 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

We arrive Thursday night, Oct. 23, and the plan is to hit the World Showcase at 11:00 both days, Friday and Saturday (Oct 24 and 25). 

 

I might do something "Mo" and hit AK on Sunday to ride EE before I get on the plane. 

 

Sounds like a great plan all around!  :)

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

We arrive Thursday night, Oct. 23, and the plan is to hit the World Showcase at 11:00 both days, Friday and Saturday (Oct 24 and 25). 

 

I might do something "Mo" and hit AK on Sunday to ride EE before I get on the plane. 

 

That's a great time to go.  Might even be a little cool. Your Eat to the Beat performer is Jim Brickman.  Who?

 

You ought to make time to see the Halloween decorations at the MK.

 

I think your plan is fine.  Just for kicks, you should plan to be around near closing one of those nights-maybe Saturday.  You don't want to miss the people watching.

 

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

You ought to make time to see the Halloween decorations at the MK.

 

I think your plan is fine.  Just for kicks, you should plan to be around near closing one of those nights-maybe Saturday.  You don't want to miss the people watching.

 

Agreed X2

 

I recommend grabbing a margarita of your choice right before park close and pulling up a bench. 

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Ha ha! I'll be sure to do that.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

We arrive Thursday night, Oct. 23, and the plan is to hit the World Showcase at 11:00 both days, Friday and Saturday (Oct 24 and 25). 

 

 

Kelly, I know you won't be there for Halloween, but I added you to our Halloween GG anyway since several of us will be there when you are.  Maybe some of us can meet you!

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Kelly, I know you won't be there for Halloween, but I added you to our Halloween GG anyway since several of us will be there when you are. Maybe some of us can meet you!

If my flight is early enough Thursday, I can probably come by the Fort.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

If my flight is early enough Thursday, I can probably come by the Fort.

 

What are your exact days?  I thought you were leaving on Sunday.