From Anthony Murphy on August 10, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I am going for the first time this year :)

I think the other thing is to plan for different events like cheese and beer and stuff.

From steve lee on August 10, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Here's a quick hint - load up a giftcard to use at the food stalls, rather than having to handle cash or a credit/debit card each time. They have great small cards that you can keep on your wrist and scan as you go. It saves a ton of time and is far easier to deal with.

From Mitchell Botwin on August 11, 2009 at 5:35 AM
I have a Disney credit card and it comes with a Disney rewards card. I transfer reward points to the card and use it to eat my way around Epcot.

From Ray Schroeder on August 11, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I was also going to suggest using points from your disney credit cards to eat around the world. It's much easier than cash.
If you plan on going to the Party of the Senses, skip the concert unless you really like the group. People line up early to get in because seating is limited. People make a mad dash to grab a table. Pace yourself. There's alot to eat and drink. You don't want to get stuffed to early.
Save room for the desserts.
If they're back this year, a must see is the Sam Adams tasting tent at the American Pavilion. You get a nice sampling and a nifty key chain/bottle opener. Best of all, it's free.

From Mitchell Botwin on August 12, 2009 at 5:14 AM
And Sam Adams creates a special brew for the festival. It has been excellent.

From Russell Meyer on August 12, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Anyone who is visiting the Festival and is on the Disney Dining Plan, you can use your "snack" credits for most of the food samples at the booths around the World Showcase.

It's also pretty important to book the more exclusive events as soon as possible. The special dinners and cooking schools tend to book really early. The cooking schools, in particular, fill up very fast because they have very limited spots available. Pretty much, the more recognizable the name, the quicker the session will fill up.

Like others, I would also recommend the Sam Adams "History of Beer in America" demonstration in the American Adventure Pavilion. I'm surprised Sam is not participating in a Brewer's Dinner as they have in the past--it was an incredible experience.

From Amy Tupper on August 13, 2009 at 4:47 AM
I'll be attending F&WF 11, after the "Race for the Taste 10K", which I'll be running that morning. That is also the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, for those of you lucky enough to get that day off (like me!). We'll be taking some first-timer's and I have forwarded them a link to this entry.

We've been able to make F&WF part of my daughter's birthday celebration weekend for the last couple of years. Her birthday is Oct 9 and we always go to MNSSHP and now F&WF every year. Something for everyone! :-)