Boo To You! Happy Halloween!

One of my all time favorite things to do at Disney is to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Yes, I know that it's expensive because it is a hard party ticket (meaning it's not included with regular park ticket purchases or Annual Passes), but it is a good time!  This year, I didn't get to go, which makes me a sad Rikki.

So, what is it I love about this party?  Well, in large part, it's the Boo To You Halloween Parade.  For those that know, I'm not a parade person.  I would much rather be riding attractions rather than sit for the 3:00 parade.  But there's something special about Boo to You.  It gets me excited for a parade!  Here are my top three reasons why I love it so much.

1. The characters:  There are a TON of different characters that are included in this parade that help to make it as fantastic as it is.  You've got the gravediggers, the Haunted Mansion ghosts, Clara Cluck, the Country Bears, Jack Sparrow, I could go on...it's a concophony of great characters that you won't see anywhere else and that's what make it awesome.  Becuase they all just work together to make for one fantastic parade.  
2. The floats:  Seriously...I think these are some of the best floats out of any Disney parade.  You have the pirate ship, Chernabog, a big gumball machine float (which I know, Goofy sits on for Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime parade too...but still...).  Each one tells the story of the parade so well.  We start with classic characters, then Winnie the Pooh, then we move to Pirates, then we pick up with Haunted Mansion, we have a barn/country theme, Villains, and then the best of all, candy...trick or treat candy, scrumdiddlyumptions, good to eat...
3. The song: the last part leads me to my number three...and that is the Boo to You song.  Seriously...if you don't get that sucker stuck in your head...I don't know how you did it.  It is so darn catchy.  This had to make the list.  

For those who were like me and didn't get to see the parade this year and for those who just want a little fun on their Halloween, I present you with this treat...or tricks required.  Here is the full parade I took last year for your enjoyment.  Happy Halloween!

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 10/21/13 - 10/27/13

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.


News


Magic Kingdom

• This Holiday season, the Jungle Cruise will get an overlay to become the Jingle Cruise.  This new version will see the Jungle Cruise skippers who have grown homesick for the holidays, so they’ve added holiday cheer to both the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse by putting up some decorations that have been mailed to them from home, as well as a few homemade decor. New jokes will also be added, the boats have been renamed, and for those who listen in the queue, a holiday-themed radio broadcast will playing in the background.  The Jingle Cruise is expected to begin Nov. 12th.
• Magic Magician Mickey Mouse is now appearing at The Town Square Theater.  Did I forget to mention that Mickey talks with guests?  
• A special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card will be released for guests who attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  This card will feature Huey, Dewey, and Louie. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge will open on Oct. 30th.  The lounge will be found on the existing patio and is a first come, first served basis. It will serve up small bites and beverages.

Downtown Disney

• The Festival of the Masters, an arts festival, is scheduled for Nov. 8th - 10th.
• Valet parking is now available at Downtown Disney.  Guests can access it through Entrance 4 at Downtown Disney.  The service will cost $15 per vehicle (gratuity accepted) and is offered daily from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Guests with Tables in Wonderland can receive complimentary valet parking with a valid dining receipt. When you are ready for your car, you either can check in at the valet booth or you can send a text message to a special number. This is scheduled to run through January 1st.
• It was announced earlier that 4 food trucks will be able to be found starting in early Nov.  The trucks will be there Wed. - Sun.  The trucks will be found on the West Side by House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil.  Items will include: 
  
  • Superstar Catering: Themed after Disney's Hollywood Studios, this truck's design is stainless steel with teal, tan and orange accents.  It will be themed after a very sleek, retro, 1930s Art Deco diner. Menu items include delectable variations on hearty meatballs: a spinach and feta beef meatball sandwich; turkey sausage and golden raisin meatballs on polenta; and a lamb meatball flatbread with tzatziki; plus meatball sliders for kids.
  • Namaste Café:  Themed after Disney's Animal Kingdom, this truck is the most colorfully decorated truck of all, with art inspired by the colors and textures of Asia.  This truck will serve butter chicken, slow-cooked beef short ribs and tandoori spiced shrimp, all served with basmati rice, naan and pickled veggies.
  • Fantasy Fare truck will serve dishes from Disney’s Magic Kingdoms around the world.  This truck is designed with down-home appeal and a nod to the past. Guests can dine on hand-dipped corn dogs from Disneyland, Croque Monsieur with housemade chips from the Magic Kingdom, and glass noodle salad with chicken and pickled veggies from Hong Kong Disneyland.
  • World Showcase of Flavors:  features the best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival The truck will be green with vintage travel stickers all around. This truck will offerlobster rolls, pierogies and kielbasa and grass-fed beef sliders. 

 Disney Resorts

• The Villas at the Grand Floridian have opened.  This is the 12th DVC property for Disney. 

General WDW News

• This week's Limited Time Magic will allow guests to experience The Happy Haunted Horseshoe.  (Otherwise known as The Diamond Horseshoe.) The hall has been redecorated for the holiday.   From 11 am – 3 pm, guests are invited to join hostess Miss Betty Blue, as she presents The Cadaver Dans, the piano-playing Dearly Departed Stan, and magician Abner Cadaver. Guests will also be able to grab a Halloweeny treat, including a special cupcake.

Rumors

• New soda offerings may be coming to Club Cool at Epcot. 
• Anna and Elsa from Frozen are expected to start greeting guests on Nov. 1st at Epcot's Norway Pavilion.

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A Stop at Epcot Character Spot

Epcot Character Spot has been a fun place to meet a lot of characters all at once, since it was first introduced in 2007.  The previous version included meets with The Fab 5 characters and saw lines that were often in the range of 45 minutes.  

My previous experience at the Epcot Character Spot in June 2012

However, earlier this year, the Epcot Character Spot saw a lengthy refurbishment that lasted a good portion of the year.  When it reopened (without a whole lot of fanfare), a few changes were made.  First off, new backgrounds were introduced.  Both were quite cartoony, but the newer ones seem a little less cluttered.  The focus is now drawn to the character.  The theme of the backgrounds are still based off the main principles of Epcot, innovation and discovery.

In addition, there are only three stations now, leaving guests to only get the chance to meet with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. (Pluto has previously met here instead.)

The other major change here is that wait times aren't nearly what they used to be.  I think this is due to the fact that with the old version, guests could plainly see the characters through the windows that faced the passageway to Future World West.  Now, however, the characters meet in a different spot inside the building, so guests can't see any characters at all.  This is great news for me though.  Character greeting isn't something that I HAVE to do on vacation, so it benefits me that the lines are typically short.  Matter of fact, when we were there in October near the end of the night, we waited a grand total of 5 minutes.

So, for this trip, since I hadn't visited the new location to meet some of Disney's most beloved characters, we got in line and pretty much walked right up.  Only a couple of families were in front of us.  First up is the Big Cheese himself.  We gave Mickey some love.

Next, the Goofiest of them all.  

Finally was Miss Minnie Mouse herself.  So very sweet.

This new meeting area is still fun.  It's a great opportunity to see multiple characters at once.  In addition, this is one of the best places to see Mickey Mouse in all of Walt Disney World because he is more hidden. (The other places you can meet him are the new Adventurers Outpost in Animal Kingdom, at the Magic of Disney Animation in Disney's Hollywood Studios, and now, guests can meet Talking Mickey at Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom.) 

My suggestion, if you want to experience this meet and greet, go towards the end of the night.  While most people are in World Showcase, Future World is quite empty.  Meaning that this character location's wait times plummet to next to nothing. Make sure to have your autograph book and camera ready! 

What are your thoughts for visiting the Epcot Character Spot?  Do you like this new version?  Prefer the older one?  Have tips for meeting the characters?  Let me know in the comments or on the Facebook page.  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 10/14/13 - 10/20/13

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Studio Backlot Tour will be closed from Jan. 5th - March 1st. 

Downtown Disney

• Wetzel's Pretzels in Downtown Disney West Side has closed.  It will reopen in Spring 2014 as a Starbucks.  

General WDW News

• For this week's Limited Time Magic, for guests who purchase the Glow With The Show Ears Hats, guests will be able to get vibrant ear clings that will come complete with 2 sets of stickers: one side will say good bye to 2013, and one side will welcome 2014.

Rumors

• The Festival of the Lion King is rumored to close on Jan. 5th.  It will reopen in it's new location in Summer. 

Download the ALL NEW DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  It's officially F&W time!

Author Randy Crane Wants To Bring ''Faith and the Magic Kingdom'' to the World!

Please help a friend of mine on his project.  It is an intriguing idea that I think many can relate to.  And bonus...if you help, you get something for your support too!

Just like Uncle Walt had a magical dream, so does author Randy Crane.  Similarly, much like Mr. Disney needed a little help to make his dream a reality, as does Randy. 

Randy, a Life Coach, is in the process of writing a brand new book called Faith and the Magic Kingdom that connects spiritual faith lessons with Disneyland Park.  The book will help to enhance the guest experience allowing them to have a greater appreciate for "The Happiest Place on Earth."  This process, of course, needs a little push in getting it off the ground in the form of people helping to support the project.  

From now, until October 22, 2013, donations are being accepted to help bring this book to reality.  Pledges can be made anywhere from $1 all the way to $6000 and each pledge comes with special reward options, including choices like acknowledgement in the book, autographed copies, personal life coaching meetings, and more!  Pledges may be made at  http://igg.me/at/faithmk2

Randy is raising money for this project because the book has been his dream for years and he wants to be able to get the message out in the right way. He wants the readers to have a book that is of the highest possible quality for a maximum amount of enjoyment.

Pat Williams, Orlando Magic co-founder and senior vice president, as well as author of How To Be Like Walt says, "Walt Disney created one of the most well-loved places in the world, a part of the fabric of society, when Disneyland opened in 1955. Throughout its history, though, most people have seen it as simply an impressive 'amusement enterprise.' In Faith and the Magic Kingdom, Randy does an exceptional job of taking this familiar and fanciful place and showing it to be so much more, drawing from it practical lessons and valuable reminders for a dynamic life of faith. If you're a fan of Disneyland and a Christian, this book is a must-read!" 

With this book, Randy wants to share that what we experience in every trip to Disneyland--whether we realize it or not--can have a significant impact on our lives. 

Randy grew up not far from Disneyland, and his experiences there were just as influential on him as was his upbringing in the church. In the midst of his upbringing two things that remained regular parts of his life: his ability to write well, and his faith. He went to Bible College and became a pastor.

While in his early 20s, he realized that Disneyland was the place where he could “recapture my childhood." The more time he spent there and got to know it, the more valuable it became to him and the more he wanted to learn. It, and its creator, Walt Disney, became an integral part of him, and he was able to use the park as a teaching tool, a writing inspiration, and a resource. 

He started his journey with a single sermon and realized that there was much more to this than he'd previously thought.  In July of 2010 he began blogging it at FaithandtheMagicKingdom.net. Last year he published his first book, Once Upon YOUR Time: 7 Strategies for Gaining Control of Your Time Through a Tour of the Magic Kingdom.  He is now ready to bring his second book to life and share with the world: Faith and the Magic Kingdom. 

Thank you all for your help in supporting this project, if you decide to do so. I know this isn't something that I would normally post on my blog, but I wanted to see if I could help out a friend.  :)  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!   
 

Why Avatarland....Despite My Meh Feelings On Avatarland...Is Good For Disney's Animal Kingdom

©Disney

Ok...I still want you to know...I dislike the idea of Avatar at Disney...ok...dislike may be too strong of a word...let's use that I am apathetic to the idea of using Avatar at Disney.  I personally, haven't seen the movie, didn't care to see the movie, don't think it will stand the test of time (I  mean, I see pins on Pinterest all the time for various franchises out there...but Avatar...it's never one of them), the whole thing I think is relying on the fact that it is the number one movie of all time.  Part of that is due to the fact that it was one of the first sucessful 3D movies out there...drawing in a LOT more revenue because of that.

There are just too many variables out there to really know how the rest of this franchise is going to stand up in the future.  The picture is still to foggy to gamble on, to me.  (Which reminds me...Disney will gamble on a LAND based off of a movie that has not stood the test of time, but it took over 20 years to get a Little Mermaid attraction, arguably one of their biggest movies ever? What?!) 

Speaking of franchises...I also really do dislike that Disney has been relying on them as of late for their attractions.  I miss original attractions where Disney Imagineers can really be creative to design innovative ideas that we've never seen before.  They've proved how good they are at it with things like Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, Soarin, and Pirates.  Even Expedition Everest was a great idea, until the actual mechanics of the idea didn't quite do what they thought it would, causing the attraction to be in B mode now for longer than it was in A mode.  But of course, Bob "Franchise" Iger will have none of that...because apparently franchises are what seems to be what draws in the most (and easiest) money.  I know that it's only going to get worse as time continues with things like Marvel and Star Wars being Disney owned now. 

With that being said, given the information that came out this weekend about some of what Disney is working on for this new land, the land itself, will be a great addition to the park.  What makes me say this?  Well, kind of take away the fact that it's based of the movie Avatar...

To me, the problem with Animal Kingdom is it's always sort of been in identity crisis mode.  To many, the park is a half day park (heck, even Disney admits it by not having full hours into the evening.)  So, what makes this park have such trouble connecting with the masses overall?

I think it's a two pronged problem...first off, while Disney doesn't want people to think it's a zoo...it's a fancy zoo.  There's not getting around that.  While they have some portions of this theme for the park down really well (with Kilimanjaro Safaris blowing most other parks in this realm out of the water and I'll admit it's pretty cool to get THAT close to a tiger on the Majarajah Jungle Trek), many of the zoological exhibits are a little lacking.  I'll call them the B exhibits.  Every zoo out there has them...things like prairie dogs or flamingos...etc.  To me, Disney's Animal Kingdom has too many B exhibits with their animals.  Then, at least on my last visit to the park, the more A type exhibits are extremely hard to get to because everyone wants to see the A animals.  It left me frustrated on my last trip to this park.  So, to me, it's not zoo-y enough.  Add a few more unique animals and you're got a better zoological experience.

The second part is (and I think this is probably the major factor) it's really not theme park-y enough either.  I'm not talking about your run of the meal theme park experience (it's certainly got that in Dinoland).  I'm talking about the fact that, despite the amazing details that can be found in the park (and trust me...this park really is chock full of details.  It's astonishing how many amazing details can be found here.  If you love the Disney Details, this is the park to go to to find them), there are very few attractions that are really Disney quality attractions here.

Don't get me wrong, they've been doing better in that department since the park first opened, adding a few things here and there, but overall, this park has the fewest number of traditional style Disney attractions to keep guest's interested.  (And people wonder why the Magic Kingdom is the most popular among average guests...well...it has the most stuff to do within it's walls, period.  Of course, you're going to go to the park where you can get the most attraction experience for your money.)

So, how does this all tie back into me thinking that Avatar will be good for this park?  I'm about to tell you.

The one thing that this new land will bring with it is the thing that I think has hurt Disney the most with this park and that is that it's missing attractions.  Plain and simple.  This new land is expected to deliver at least two, according to the newest announcement from Disney this weekend via Japan's D23 Expo.

©Disney

 One is a ride that seems to be similar to Soarin' where it will take you flying on a Banshee and make you feel like you are actually experiencing it.  The other ride, is a boat ride that will take you through the land, seemingly allowing you to soak up the atmosphere.  These two additions are the types of family friendly attractions that I think have been missing for years in Animal Kingdom.  This park is SORELY missing these types of experiences, where almost the entire family can and wants to ride together. Depending on how these rides play out, hopefully they will just take us into the world and not rely too heavily on the blue people.  (Navi?)  If they do that, then I will certainly have less apprehension about this land.

©Disney

©Disney

However, the other thing that I cannot wait for is what this place will transform to at night.  It's obvious that a BIG selling point to this land is the nighttime experience, which will allow Disney to keep this park open later than ever before, maybe finally giving it more of an all day feel.  The World of Avatar seems like it will truly sparkle at night with a rainbow of colors. From the brief images I've seen, it will be the place to go for nighttime touring.

Once this land opens up, the fact of the matter is the rest of Animal Kingdom will need to be open at night for this to be a success, which is where I think this theme park will TRULY benefit the most.  Not only did Disney already announce that Kilimanjaro Safaris will get a nighttime version of the attraction (and we have no word on what that will be), but we are also going to get more entertainment in the way of a new nighttime spectacular, something this park hasn't had in the 15 years it's been open.

©Disney

This new spectacular will be shown on the Discovery River and takes it's page from the Rivers of Light concept that had been rumored about years ago.  Live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery will all combine in what is sure to be a dazzling show.

It will be interesting to see what other nighttime entertainment gets included as we get closer and closer to Avatarland's official opening in 2017 (as of right now.)

So, you see, Avatarland, in the long run, will actually be good for Animal Kingdom because it will bring new attractions and experiences for a park that is thirsting for them, based off of things that more or less the whole family should be able to enjoy AND they are allowing for guests to experience the nighttime beauty that this park has to offer, something many of us have never seen.

I just really wish it was based off of a different and unique theme.  My hope is though, that the new park offerings will be exactly what this park needs and that they benefit every one.

©Disney

Now I ask for your thoughts?  Are you like me...do you think the theme is one of question?  Do you think that the additions announced are steps towards the right direction for the park?  Or do you wish they'd put something else there in it's place, like the famed lost Beastly Kingdomme?  Do you think Avatar IS the right choice?  Let me know in the comments section or on the blog's Facebook page.

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 10/7/13 - 10/13/13

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Magic Kingdom

• A new Main Street USA bypass is being built for use during extremely busy periods of the year.  The new bypass will be located behind the buildings on the right hand side Main Street.  (The side with the Main Street Bakery on it.)

Epcot

• The tiny audio-anamatronic, Chef Remy is leaving Les Chefs de France on October 24th. 
• The characters Anna and Elsa from the upcoming Disney movie Frozen are headed to Norway sometime in early November until January 4th (as of now.)  There will also be a brand new gallery opening in the Stave Church exploring not only the culture of Norway, but how it helped to inspire the filmmakers of the movie.
• New costumes are coming for the Cast Members of the France Pavilion. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• We got some new details about what Avatarland will entail.  It appears that a boat ride, as well as a simulator flying attraction that had been rumored are coming to the land.  In addition, a new nighttime spectacular featuring live music, floating lanterns, water screens, and swirling animal imagery on the Discovery River.  Also a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris is coming.  Camp Minnie-Mickey is going to close in 2014 to make way for this new land, which will open in 2017.  More details will be able to be found on an upcoming blog post, as well as my view on this new information.  

Downtown Disney

•  A new running store, called Fit2Run is coming to Downtown Disney West Side this Fall, expecting to open sometime next month.
• Cap'n Jack's Marina will close Oct. 19th. 

General WDW News

•  This week's Limited Time Magic event will include a new Jack Skellington cupcake, which guests can pick up at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square.

Rumors

•  Pocahontas may be receiving a new meet and greet area in Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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Details About the Disability Assistance Service for Walt Disney World

Due to quite a few circumstances, Disney has created a brand new system for guests with special needs to navigate the parks called the Disability Assistance Service (DAS) that debuted today.  This system will replace the Guest Assistance Card.  (GAC).  

Guests who will be using this new system will need to head to Guest Relations to register for and pick up the card.  The card is green and will include the guest's name, the date range the card is good for, which park it was issued from, the number of guests in your party, and your photo.

In a nutshell, this pass is designed for guests who are unable to tolerate extended waits due to a disability.  It then allows the guest to schedule a return time that will be comparable to the current wait time for the attraction the guest is wanting to experience.  A guest's scheduled return time doesn't provide immediate access to the attraction when you return and sometimes, waits may actually be greater than the posted wait time. Guests will only be allowed one active attraction return time at a time, but guests can use FASTPASS in conjunction with this pass.  (This is the perhaps the biggest change, being only allowed one attraction at a time.)

The pass works by guests showing the card to the Cast Member at the entrance of each attraction, where they will then assign a return time for the guest to come back to the attraction, based on the current wait.  So, for example, say the wait of Peter Pan's Flight is 60 minutes at 4:00 pm, the Cast Member will write a return time that's 50 minutes later (or 4:50 pm).  If the wait is less than 10 minutes, than the entire party will be granted immediate access to the attraction.

Once you return to the attraction, the Cast Member will void it by crossing it out.  In order for your party to ride the attraction, the DAS holder must board the attraction as well.  The card has spots for 30 attractions visited.  Once the card has been filled, a guest will need to get a new card, which can be done by returning to Guest Relations, where they will scan the QR code that can be found on the card and your data will be transferred to the new card.  Keep in mind that return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS cardholder.

The cards are good for up to 14 days and will depend on the number of days of a guest's ticket.

For guests whose disability is based on the use a wheelchair, a DAS card is not needed. Depending on the attraction, the guest will either wait in the regular queue or they will receive a return time card at the attraction based on the current wait time.

Guests with any concerns should make sure to stop by Guest Relations.  Please make sure when visiting Guest Relations, to be respectful of the Cast Members.  This is a very stressful time for all involved and getting angry at them about the situation isn't going to help anyone.

In addition, if you have any praise or advice on what could be changed, please let Disney know.  I would suggest sending an actual letter over email, as actual letters seem to get taken a bit more seriously. 

Walt Disney World Guest Relations 
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Disney Guest Relations - 407-824-4321

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com


What are your thoughts on this new system?  Is it fair or do you have another idea of what could work.  (It's obvious the old system was not working.) 

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 9/30/13 - 10/13/13

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.


News


Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed on Nov. 5th.

General WDW News

• Disney's next celebration for 2014 is called Show Your Disney Side.  For more information, read this post. 
• Resort monorails will be operating at a reduced schedule for the next couple of weeks.  They will not be running from 11 am - 6 pm. 
• The Guest Assistance Card will be changing over to the Disability Access Service. Another blog post will be released this week with all the details.  
• Disney expands it's cancellation policy to all restaurants, as now guests will need to put down a credit card to make their reservation.  Should they need to cancel it, guests must do so before11:59 pm on the day before the reservation, otherwise they will be charged a $10 fee.  This goes into effect Oct. 31st. 

Download the ALL NEW DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  It's officially F&W time!

Tips For Getting The Most out of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Right now, as we speak, I am getting ready to go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  It really is my favorite time of year to visit Walt Disney World.

Today, I thought I'd share a few tips with you on how to best enjoy the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

• To avoid large, visit during the weekdays.  The weekends are crazy crowded with locals!  Monday - Thursday are your friends!  Keep in mind that as they day drags on, the crowds get bigger. 
• Start visiting he booths at 11 am when they first open.   
• Don't eat everything in one day as it's a lot of food that's offered up at the Marketplaces.  Spend a couple of days at the event or share dishes amongst the group. 
• Pick up a Marketplace Passport souvenir book, which can be stamped at each booth.  Each booth has it's own unique stamp.
• Consider getting a Festival gift card.  Put a set amount of money on it from your budget. The card can be reloaded and used throughout the resort, if you don't spend it all.  Plus, it has a bungee cord attached so you can wear it on your wrist. 
• Use your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits on the many options at the Festival.  It's a great use of credits, so look for the Disney Dining Plan logo.  
• Seriously, check out the menus ahead of time and get a game plan.  It will give you a general idea of what items you want to try.
• Tables tend to be few and far between.  Stake out areas that have areas to sit and don't pass up that trash can as a table, while gross, it works.  And bring a tray to carry your food around, so when you are looking for a spot to dine, you can carry your food a bit easier.
• Make sure to hydrate when walking around the promenade. You can easily overheat while strolling and eating.  It's still super hot in Florida in the Fall.
• Try new things.  You never know what you're gonna actually really love. 
• Try things that are more unique.  I can get Belgium waffles anywhere...but there are certain things I can't get.  I tend to try those items.  
• Pick up the Disney Food Blog Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  It will help with the planning!  (Note...you clicking on that link supports this blog.)

These are just a few tips that I think can help people who are experiencing the Festival.  If you have other ideas, let me know on the Facebook page or in the comments section.  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!