EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2023: A Beginners Guide to Great Bites!

Few Disney events can boast such a long legacy and as spectacular a reputation as the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. It’s the most popular EPCOT festival of all time! 

Held annually each fall, the Food and Wine Festival celebrates culinary delights from around the world in a very Disney way, blending classic foods with festive new flavors from cultures across six continents. For many longtime Disney parkgoers, this is the best time of the year to visit EPCOT. Because of its popularity and the expected crowds, you’ll want to do some advanced planning if you’re going to attend. And you’re definitely coming, right?…. Right!

Exploring the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is a beloved yearly event held at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This festival is a culinary celebration that features an array of traditional flavors from around the world, as well as innovative techniques and bold seasonings inspired by classic cuisine.

The festival’s roots can be traced back to 1996, and since then, it has continued to evolve and expand. The event has become one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World, and for a good reason! With food-tasting booths, cooking demonstrations, and wine sampling, there’s something for everyone.

But that’s not all – the festival has also introduced new experiences over the years, such as a fall concert series and celebrity chef tastings. So whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and delicious way to experience Walt Disney World, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is an event that you won’t want to miss!

Plan Your Trip: When Is the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and How Long Does It Last?

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you won’t want to miss the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. This annual event typically takes place in the fall, starting anywhere from late August to early September. However, in recent years, the festival has been extended to begin in late summer, creating a longer celebration than the other three EPCOT festivals.

To make planning your trip even easier, Disney announces the festival dates several months in advance. For instance, in 2023, the Food and Wine Festival will run from July 27th to November 18th. That’s a full four months of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting events to enjoy!

While the festival is held during the summer and early fall months, keep in mind that the later in the season you visit, the more pleasant the weather tends to be. So if you’re sensitive to heat or humidity, consider planning your trip for September or October. Regardless of when you go, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is a must-visit event for anyone who loves great food, wine, and fun!

Getting in and Getting Your Fill: Admission and Costs at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want to attend the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, you’ll be pleased to know that festival admission is included in your regular park ticket. That means all you need is a valid Disney Park ticket for the day you plan to attend!

If you’re planning to visit multiple parks in one day, you’ll need to purchase a Park Hopper pass. Keep in mind that some Food and Wine Festival events, such as specialty tastings, may require the purchase of separate admission tickets. These events are optional, but we highly recommend them if your budget allows!

In addition to the paid events, there are other experiences that come with additional costs, such as scavenger hunts (which can be a fun souvenir of your trip) and any specialty food items you may want to try from the Global Marketplaces. Of course, all other EPCOT experiences, including shows, rides, and restaurants, will operate normally during the festival unless there are scheduled closures for those days.

So whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge on some special experiences, there’s something for everyone at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Get your ticket and enjoy all the delicious food, exciting events, and magical memories that await you!

Savor the Flavor: Your Guide to the Best Things to Do at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

At the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, the main event is indulging in a world of delicious flavors. With dozens of Global Marketplaces and food booths scattered throughout the park, there’s no shortage of options to try. But the festival is more than just eating and drinking – you can also attend culinary demonstrations, seminars, and tasting events led by celebrity chefs and sommeliers. And don’t miss the Eat to the Beat concert series, featuring popular musical acts. Whether you’re a foodie or simply love to eat, this festival is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the flavors of the world.

Eating Around the Global Marketplaces at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

The International Food and Wine Festival is a culinary adventure around the world, where food and drink are the main attraction. The festival boasts over 20-30 Global Marketplaces, outdoor kitchens where you can sample traditional dishes and drinks from different countries. The small plates and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The festival offers a mix of old favorites and new menu items every year, making it an exciting and surprising experience for repeat visitors. As you navigate the Global Marketplaces, you’ll have the opportunity to try new dishes and drinks that you may never have tasted before. It’s an excellent chance for adventurous foodies and Disney fans to expand their palates and discover new flavors.

With so many Global Marketplaces to choose from, you may want to plan your eating itinerary carefully, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies. Don’t forget to bring cash or a credit card, as you’ll need to purchase each dish or drink individually.

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt at EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

Looking for a fun and interactive way to explore EPCOT during the International Food and Wine Festival? Look no further than Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt! Inspired by the beloved Pixar film, this scavenger hunt takes you on a quest to find small statues of the mouse chef Remy hiding throughout the park.

This activity is perfect for all ages and comes at a small fee of around $9.99 (prices are subject to change). To participate, simply purchase Remy’s map at several merchandise locations inside EPCOT, including Port of Entry, Mouse Gears, and World Traveler. Then, match the correct sticker to each statue you find in the designated locations and show your completed map to a cast member at the location where you purchased the map to receive your prize!

Whether you’re a fan of Ratatouille or just looking for a fun way to explore the park, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt is a must-try activity during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

Emile’s Fromage Montage and Specialty Dining Options

Emile’s Fromage Montage pairs the excitement of a scavenger hunt with delicious food. Aimed at an older audience, there’s no purchase necessary for this game, and you only need your Official Festival Passport to play. You purchase five specific food items from Global Marketplaces and receive a stamp for each one. In the past, the food items have all been gluten-free and vegetarian items, allowing just about any guest to join in on the fun! At the end of your snacking, you’ll take the passport to the specified location and receive your complimentary prize! The prize changes each year, making this a fun repeatable experience!

During the Food and Wine Festival, you can usually book specialty dining options at many of the best restaurants in EPCOT at Walt Disney World. These typically consist of a special multi-course tasting menu that offers dishes from the culture represented in that area of the World Showcase. These are not available during any other time of the year, so if you are interested in snagging a reservation, you may want to book fast!

Experience the Festival: Food, Fun, and More!

The International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT offers more than just delicious cuisine from around the world. Check out these exciting activities that will make your visit even more memorable.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Enjoy some tunes while you savor your snacks! The Eat to the Beat concert series features popular bands from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s performing live on stage three times a day. Best of all, the concerts are free with park admission. Keep an eye out for this year’s lineup, which could include anything from classic hits to modern pop.

Culinary Demonstrations

Learn how to cook like a pro and taste the results! Attend a culinary demonstration for a moderate fee, typically starting at around $15 per person. The chefs will share their tips and techniques as they prepare a delectable dish. Afterward, you’ll get to sample the finished product, which is usually of a higher quality than what you’ll find at the food booths. Don’t miss this opportunity to take a break from the heat and learn some new culinary skills.

Special Events

Take your foodie experience to the next level with a special event featuring celebrity chefs! You’ll have the chance to learn from some of the best chefs in the world as they prepare a mouthwatering meal. Although the price is steep (around $100 or more per person), it’s an unforgettable experience for food lovers. Past celebrity chefs have included Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Carla Hall. Stay tuned for this year’s lineup!

Topiaries

In addition to the tasty treats, don’t miss the stunning topiaries on display throughout the park. Originally featured only during the fall months, the festival has now expanded into the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy the most popular topiaries from the International Flower and Garden Festival. These intricate and breathtaking sculptures are perfect for photo opportunities and adding to your Instagram feed.

Interactive Play Areas and Event Shopping

If you’re traveling with children, be sure to visit the interactive play areas, where kids can burn off some energy while you enjoy food and beverage pairings from your favorite global marketplaces. And don’t forget to check out the exclusive event merchandise, which includes event-specific apparel, toys, housewares, and more. Look for Figment and Remy merchandise, which are always popular picks.

With so much to see and do at the International Food and Wine Festival, you’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your visit. Don’t miss out on these exciting experiences that will make your trip to EPCOT unforgettable!

Before we wrap up, let me ask you a question: Have you ever been to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival? If so, what was your favorite part? Did you enjoy trying all the different foods or checking out the topiaries? And if you haven’t been yet, do you think you’ll plan a trip to experience it for yourself? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your Food and Wine Festival experiences and thoughts on this amazing Disney event.

Featured photo: Steven Miller via Flickr