Lisa,
Praise and flattery will get you EVERYWHERE!
So I have a few rules about the
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
First, always go during the week, not on the weekend. It is such a culinary treat that it pulls in more locals from the Central Florida area than any other regular event at any theme park that I can think of. But they visit on the weekends. And since week day vs. weekend day has little meaning to those of us on vacation, why not avoid these larger weekend crowds?
Second, arrive early. As the evening goes on, the lines at the booths get longer and longer.
Third, follow the
Disney Parks Blog. This official Disney blog will highlight different offerings at the event, giving you some inspiration as to some things you may want to try.
Fourth, follow the Disney Food Blog. This is an unofficial site, but A.J. Wolfe gets it. She shares recommendations, and you can see a map from 2011.
Since it is your first time, I would say don't worry about extra cost events. Save those for a future trip. For now grab a map so you see what is available, walk around, eat and drink whatever inspires you, share it with your party, then move on to the next stop. Like shampoo, repeat if necessary.
Write me back in a few weeks when the release official booth information and we can discuss some of the hits and misses.
Have a magical (and delicious) vacation!