🍷 Your Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
A view of the EPCOT ball from the World Showcase across the lake
If you love trying new foods, sipping unique beverages, and exploring cultures from around the world, there's no better time to visit EPCOT than during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. This fan-favorite event transforms the World Showcase and beyond into a global culinary celebration, featuring dozens of food booths, live entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and family-friendly activities.
Whether it's your first festival or your tenth, here's everything you need to know before you go.
📅 When Is the Food & Wine Festival?
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is held annually, typically from late summer through the fall. This year, it will run from August 27 to November 21. The festival spans several months, giving guests plenty of opportunities to visit and experience the ever-changing flavors of the season.
🌎 What Is the Food & Wine Festival?
The festival celebrates food and beverages from around the world through Global Marketplaces—small food booths located throughout EPCOT that serve tapas-sized dishes, desserts, specialty cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages inspired by different countries and regions.
You'll find returning favorites alongside brand-new menu items each year, making every visit a little different.
🍽️ Sample Your Way Around the World
One of the best ways to experience the festival is by sharing dishes with your travel group.
Since portions are designed to be smaller than a full meal, you can sample foods from several booths without filling up too quickly. Sharing also allows everyone to try a wider variety of flavors while keeping costs down.
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you may discover a new favorite cuisine!
Three friends laughing, eating, and drinking with the EPCOT ball in the background
🍷 It's More Than Just Wine
Despite its name, the Food & Wine Festival offers far more than wine.
Guests can enjoy:
Craft beers
Specialty cocktails
Frozen drinks
Hard ciders
Sparkling beverages
Coffee drinks
Mocktails
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or don't drink alcohol at all, there's something for everyone.
🧀 Try Something New
The Food & Wine Festival is the perfect opportunity to expand your palate.
Maybe you've always wanted to try:
Escargot
Brazilian cheese bread
Belgian waffles
Hawaiian specialties
Fresh seafood
International cheeses
Unique desserts
The smaller portions make it easy to experiment without committing to a full meal.
🎶 Enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series
One of the festival's biggest highlights is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, featuring live performances from nationally recognized artists and tribute bands.
Concerts are included with EPCOT admission, making them a fun way to end your day. If there's a performer you don't want to miss, consider arriving early, as popular shows can fill up quickly.
A father holding his daughter at a concert at EPCOT
📱 Use the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app is a great tool during the festival.
You can use it to:
Browse menus
Find marketplace locations
View wait times
Mobile order at select locations
Check entertainment schedules
Navigate the park
Planning your route ahead of time can help you spend less time walking back and forth between booths.
💰 Set a Budget Before You Go
With so many delicious options, it's easy to overspend without realizing it.
Decide on a food budget before arriving and prioritize the dishes you most want to try. Sharing plates with family or friends is another great way to sample more while staying within your budget.
🎁 Explore Festival Merchandise
Each year, Disney releases exclusive Food & Wine Festival merchandise featuring unique artwork, apparel, drinkware, kitchen accessories, pins, and collectibles.
Many items are only available during the festival, making them fun souvenirs for returning guests.
👨👩👧 It's Fun for the Whole Family
Although the festival is famous for its food and beverages, it's not just for adults.
Families can enjoy:
Kid-friendly menu items
Scavenger hunts
Live music
Character sightings
Beautiful gardens
Interactive exhibits
Rides and attractions throughout EPCOT
Children often enjoy collecting stamps or completing festival-themed activities while adults sample the food booths.
A mother and her two young daughters at the Hawaii booth at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival
🕒 Visit During Off-Peak Times
Festival booths are often busiest during evenings and weekends, especially when locals visit after work.
If your schedule allows, visiting on a weekday or arriving earlier in the day can mean shorter lines and a more relaxed experience.
⭐ Don't Skip EPCOT's Regular Restaurants
While it's tempting to fill up at the marketplace booths, EPCOT is also home to some of Walt Disney World's best restaurants.
If you're planning a table-service meal, consider sharing festival dishes earlier in the day so you'll still have room to enjoy your reservation.
The combination of festival booths and signature restaurants makes EPCOT one of the best dining parks anywhere.
💡 Pro Tip: Pace Yourself
With dozens of tempting dishes around every corner, it's easy to eat too much too quickly. Instead of stopping at every booth, make a list of your must-try items before you arrive. Sharing dishes, taking breaks between booths, and staying hydrated will help you enjoy more flavors throughout the day.
✨ Let’s Talk Travel can Help You Plan Your Foodie Adventure
Whether you're visiting EPCOT specifically for the Food & Wine Festival or adding it to a Walt Disney World vacation, we'll help you make the most of your trip. From choosing the best resort and park days to recommending dining reservations and festival strategies, we'll take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on enjoying every bite.
Ready to start planning?
Contact us today!
