PlutoTheDog89
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2011
We've been to all four now.
Flower and Garden
Pros:
- The topiaries and displays are beautiful - gives you a little something more to enjoy than the festival and you can walk away with cool photos and keepsakes
- IMO, March/April/May is the best time to visit Disney. Sure, you may run into the occasional cold front, but April is a typically dry month in Orlando and it's not too hot.
- The food and season mesh a bit more. It's hot outside, and most dishes at F&G are light and refreshing
Cons:
- May coincide with Spring Break - meaning higher prices/airfare, etc.
- Comparatively speaking, not a TON going on at Disney outside of the festival - unless you go during Easter. Even then it's kinda dead. We usually use this trip to really enjoy F&G and relax by the pool.
Food and Wine
Pros:
- The OG foodie festival. The emphasis is very much on the food
- A lot going on at Disney - there's the Halloween Party at MK.
- Usually cheaper given the time of year
- Fall and eating go hand-in-hand. It's comfort food season!
- Potential to be a bit cooler
Cons:
- Potential to be hot. F&W has heavier foods, which don't mesh well
- It's the most popular festival and draws a crowd
- It's during MNSSHP, so MK may close early some nights during your trip.
- Could be hurricane season, depending on when you travel
- Could see some rain toward the end of hurricane season
Festival of the Holidays
Pros:
- It's grown. Disney has added a few more booths and far more interesting dishes.
- Definitely improves the holiday experience
- The Holidays at Disney is the best
- Potential for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Cons:
- Less offerings than the other festivals
- Feels like an afterthought in the grand scheme of offerings
- Could be cold (been there when it's been like 30 degrees at night)
- Not enough offerings for a foodie
- Very few "demonstrations" or showcases
- Could be very crowded depending on when you go
Festival of the Arts
Pros:
- Cool dishes with very cool plating
- Totally instagram-able dishes
- Different offerings than the F&W and F&G
- Feels on-brand for Disney. Shows behind the scenes behind your favorite Disney characters and Imagineering
- During the off-peak time at Disney, so will be cheaper
Cons:
- Not a ton going on during this time
- Can be cold
- Depending on where you're coming from, you could have delays due to snow
- Feels like a giant farmers market or flea market with vendors
Flower and Garden
Pros:
- The topiaries and displays are beautiful - gives you a little something more to enjoy than the festival and you can walk away with cool photos and keepsakes
- IMO, March/April/May is the best time to visit Disney. Sure, you may run into the occasional cold front, but April is a typically dry month in Orlando and it's not too hot.
- The food and season mesh a bit more. It's hot outside, and most dishes at F&G are light and refreshing
Cons:
- May coincide with Spring Break - meaning higher prices/airfare, etc.
- Comparatively speaking, not a TON going on at Disney outside of the festival - unless you go during Easter. Even then it's kinda dead. We usually use this trip to really enjoy F&G and relax by the pool.
Food and Wine
Pros:
- The OG foodie festival. The emphasis is very much on the food
- A lot going on at Disney - there's the Halloween Party at MK.
- Usually cheaper given the time of year
- Fall and eating go hand-in-hand. It's comfort food season!
- Potential to be a bit cooler
Cons:
- Potential to be hot. F&W has heavier foods, which don't mesh well
- It's the most popular festival and draws a crowd
- It's during MNSSHP, so MK may close early some nights during your trip.
- Could be hurricane season, depending on when you travel
- Could see some rain toward the end of hurricane season
Festival of the Holidays
Pros:
- It's grown. Disney has added a few more booths and far more interesting dishes.
- Definitely improves the holiday experience
- The Holidays at Disney is the best
- Potential for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Cons:
- Less offerings than the other festivals
- Feels like an afterthought in the grand scheme of offerings
- Could be cold (been there when it's been like 30 degrees at night)
- Not enough offerings for a foodie
- Very few "demonstrations" or showcases
- Could be very crowded depending on when you go
Festival of the Arts
Pros:
- Cool dishes with very cool plating
- Totally instagram-able dishes
- Different offerings than the F&W and F&G
- Feels on-brand for Disney. Shows behind the scenes behind your favorite Disney characters and Imagineering
- During the off-peak time at Disney, so will be cheaper
Cons:
- Not a ton going on during this time
- Can be cold
- Depending on where you're coming from, you could have delays due to snow
- Feels like a giant farmers market or flea market with vendors