Food and Wine at Epcot with Kids

So this year marked one of many that we went to Epcot with the kids for Food and Wine Festival.  Most people who plan a Disney vacation with their children leave out the Epcot because they think there is nothing to do there - nothing for the kids.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  And, plus - since most people stay away - you can go and have a great day there!

First - Epcot the park. There are two sides, one with rides and learning about land, seas, space, etc - and the other with the countries and the food.  The country part does not open until noon, and it is the area that is host to the Food and Wine Festival.  We will get to it in a bit, let's start with the rides and learning.

So, what's in Epcot anyway?  That creepy Michael Jackson thing?  I remember waiting in line forever for Figment's Journey to Imagination.  Ellen - before she was talk show Ellen has something.  And there is a ride to do with the Dinosaurs, right?  Yep - all that from when we were kids is still there, good news is no lines ever for any of them.  But there is so much more now.

In the Seas you can meet Crush and talk to him, ask him questions, in Turtle Talk with Crush, and after do the Nemo ride (never a wait there).  Say hi to my friend the Manatee, and take a picture in Bruce the Shark's mouth.  At the Land you can eat in a rotating restaurant with Donald, take a ride to learn about agriculture (we actually found this fascinating) - or fly away at Soarin (you will want a fast past for Soarin for sure).  Tons of fun there.  On the other side of this park is Test Track (Fast Pass please!) where even the most doubting of pre-teen boys will be smitten.  They will want to do this over and over and over again, warning.  There is also a space ride I haven't done yet...  I hear is good.  These are just some of the highlights of this area of the park, it isn't dull like we thought it was!

Now - for Wine and Dine  and the countries!---

In year's past we have gone on completely empty week days/ weekends for the Food and Wine Festival (usually takes place mid-September through mid-November).  This is quite popular, and so you will note the Park is more crowded than any other time of the year for Epcot, but it is worth it.  We went during a particularly high crowd time this year -- around the Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon, and Veterans Day week (which also turned out to be NJ Fall Break?), so it was crowded.

EXCEPT - and a BIG TIP HERE - if you find yourself at Disney during this time - then BUY TICKETS FOR THE RACE AFTER PARTY AT EPCOT!  Regardless of whether you know a runner or not.  The party was so awesome, characters everywhere - no lines for the food carts, music blaring, tons of fun.  Not everything is open, but it was a unique experience and I wish I had more time to be there!  Next time if we go, I would probably do the 5K in the morning so that I could have more time for the party at night!  (I am crazy for being a runner and telling you non-runners this).

What is Wine and Dine anyway?  They have all sorts of extra little country kiosks set up in between the other countries.  Lots of little bites for sale from all over the world, and of course wine and beer too.  Think your kids would be bored?  Maybe (but see below for other things to do in Epcot countries any time of year) - Mine were never bored, love food, and were thoroughly entertained.

What will my kids do in this Country Section? There was so much with the people watching, the street shows - each country has one.  In France there was a guy who climbed atop 15 stacked chairs.  In China are the acrobats, and in Japan you can see the drums (my favorite).  There are characters throughout, think Alice in Great Britian, Aladdin in Morocco, etc.  And, they keep adding these little scavenger hunts, this year was something to do with Remy from Ratatouille.  Our kids had too much fun otherwise, so we didn't get to do this, but it looked awesome, you had to go in and out of all the countries to try and find Remy in each spot.  I would have loved to do it!  There are also activity stations at each country for the kids.  More and more.  I highly recommend.  Also, this is the area with some awesome restaurants for the kids, hibachi in Japan; dancing and live show with delicious buffet in Germany; princesses in Norway; and in Mexico dine in the dark next to the boat ride (my boys love that one in particular).

There are other fun things at other times of the year in Epcot too - so don't be dismayed if you missed Food and Wine.  The Flower Show I hear is amazing, I haven't been since I was a kid.  Maybe we will make that one soon.

Lots to do an see for the kids in Epcot, don't let your experience as a kid thinking this was the least fun of all the parks sway you.  Times have changed.  Plus, it is the most fun for adults now (around the world with drinks anyone?), so do a good job ensuring your kids love it and it will be a fun place to go for years to come!