Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is one of four seasonal festivals at Epcot and likely the most popular. This is our Guide to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of Walt Disney World’s most anticipated annual events. It blends global flavors, inventive drinks, and family-friendly entertainment across the park. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, traveling with family, or simply aiming to sample your way through EPCOT, this guide will help you plan a delicious and efficient visit.
What Is the Food & Wine Festival?
Held annually at EPCOT, usually from late summer through fall, the festival features dozens of global marketplaces—small booths serving tasting-sized plates, cocktails, beer, wine, and desserts representing cuisines from around the world.
Most marketplaces are clustered around World Showcase, with additional offerings occasionally placed in World Discovery and World Nature. The festival also includes the popular Eat to the Beat concert series with nightly performances.
2025 Dates: The Festival runs from August 28 until November 22.
Festival Highlights
From global food booths and themed drinks to live music and interactive activities for kids, the festival offers something for every visitor. Below are the core attractions and tips to maximize your experience.
Global Marketplaces
Marketplaces act like miniature tasting stations representing countries and regional cuisines. Each booth typically offers two to three food items and one to two beverage options, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
Pro Tip: Portions are small—share dishes with your group so you can sample more.
Live Music: Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The Eat to the Beat concert series runs most evenings at the America Gardens Theatre. Shows are included with park admission and feature a mix of throwback acts and contemporary performers. Grab a snack, find a seat, and enjoy the live music.
Family-Friendly Fun
The festival includes activities that appeal to kids as well as adults:
- Emile’s Fromage Montage: Try five cheese-focused dishes around the park and receive a reward when you complete the card.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: A family-friendly scavenger hunt through World Showcase with a small prize at the end.
Special Events & Dining Extras
During some festival years, Disney offers additional ticketed events for adults, such as food and wine seminars, mixology classes, and wine pairings. There may also be Concert Series Dining Packages, which include a meal at a participating table-service restaurant and guaranteed seating at a concert.
Tips for Making the Most of the Festival
1. Start Early
Marketplaces typically open around 11:00 AM. Arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds and the midday heat.
2. Pick Up a Festival Passport
These free passports are available at park entrances and booths—use them to track tastings and collect stamps.
3. Budget Wisely
Most items cost between $5 and $9. Decide on a per-person snack budget or preload a Disney gift card to manage spending.
4. Use Mobile Order for Table-Service Meals
If you want a full meal or a break from tasting, mobile ordering for quick-service restaurants can save time.
5. Stay Hydrated
Florida can be hot and humid. Carry a refillable water bottle or request free cups of water at quick-service locations to stay refreshed.
6. Make the Festival Your Meal
If you prefer grazing to a sit-down meal, plan to sample several booths to create a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Top Food and Drink Picks
While offerings change each year, some popular festival favorites include:
Brew Wing Lab – A playful, Muppet-themed booth known for inventive wings; unusual flavors like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sticky Wings are crowd-pleasers.
Belgium – The Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream is consistently a hit with kids and adults alike.
Canada – The cheddar cheese and bacon soup is a rich, comforting favorite for many guests.
Whether you’re drawn to the food, the music, the scavenger hunts, or the drink pairings, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is a memorable way to explore global flavors and celebrate the season. It’s a relaxed, tasty way to enjoy EPCOT at your own pace while making new memories with family and friends.
Other Guides and Tips for Disney World
We also publish guides on planning and enjoying your Disney vacation, including early entry and rope drop strategies, packing essentials, and birthday celebration tips. Explore these resources to get the most from your trip and discover practical advice to save time and reduce stress while visiting the parks.
We hope this guide helps you plan a delicious visit to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy the food, music, and family-friendly activities as you taste your way around the world.