Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is one of four seasonal festivals at Epcot and arguably its most popular. This is our Guide to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, with tips, highlights, and favorite picks to help you plan your visit.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival celebrates global flavors, creative drinks, and lively entertainment across Walt Disney World. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, visiting with family, or hoping to sample your way around the park, this guide covers what to expect, how to make the most of your day, and a few must-try items.
What Is the Food & Wine Festival?
Each year—typically from late summer through fall—EPCOT transforms parts of the park into dozens of themed market-style booths. These global marketplaces serve small plates, desserts, and specialty drinks inspired by cuisines from around the world.
You can stroll and sample mostly around World Showcase, with select offerings extending into World Discovery and World Nature. The festival also features the popular Eat to the Beat concert series held at the America Gardens Theatre.
2025 Dates: The festival runs from August 28 to November 22.
Festival Highlights
EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival blends small-bites dining with family activities and nightly entertainment. Highlights include international marketplaces, live music, kid-friendly experiences, and occasional special dining events and seminars.
Global Marketplaces
The marketplaces are the festival’s heart: compact booths representing countries or culinary concepts. Expect 2–3 signature tasting-sized dishes and a couple of drink options—ranging from craft cocktails to regional wines and beers—at each stop.
Pro Tip: Portions are intentionally small. Share dishes with companions so everyone can taste more options without overspending.
Live Music: Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The Eat to the Beat series features nightly performances at the America Gardens Theatre. Artists range from nostalgic favorites to current performers, and concert access is included with park admission. For guaranteed seating, consider the concert dining package when available.
Family-Friendly Fun
The festival offers activities that appeal to kids and adults alike:
- Emile’s Fromage Montage: Sample five cheese-based dishes across the festival to earn a completion treat.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: A scavenger hunt around World Showcase that’s ideal for families and comes with a small prize when finished.
Special Events & Dining Extras
From time to time, Disney adds ticketed experiences such as culinary seminars, tasting events, mixology classes, and wine-pairing dinners. The Concert Series Dining Package pairs a meal at a participating restaurant with reserved seating for a show.
Tips for Making the Most of the Festival
1. Start Early: Booths typically open around 11:00 AM. Arriving early reduces lines and helps avoid peak heat.
2. Pick Up a Festival Passport: These free booklets help you track tastings and collect stamps—useful for planning and for mementos.
3. Set a Budget: Individual items often range from $5–$9. Decide a per-person snack budget or use a prepaid Disney gift card to manage spending.
4. Combine Mobile Order with Festival Sampling: If you want a full meal, use Mobile Order at quick-service restaurants to avoid long booth lines and recharge during the day.
5. Stay Hydrated: Florida sun and adult beverages can dehydrate quickly. Bring a refillable bottle or request free cups of water at quick-service locations.
6. Plan Grazing as a Meal: If you prefer, build a complete lunch or dinner from several marketplace dishes instead of sitting down for a traditional meal.
Top Food & Wine Picks
While menus change year to year, these are consistently popular or memorable choices worth seeking out:
Brew Wing Lab – A playful, Muppets-themed booth known for creative wing flavors; the Peanut Butter & Jelly Sticky Wings are a unique favorite.
Belgium – The Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream is a perennial family favorite and a great shareable treat.
Canada – The cheddar cheese and bacon soup is a comforting, hit item especially on cooler festival evenings.
Whether you come for the food, the music, the family activities, or the wines and cocktails, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is a flexible, flavorful way to enjoy the park. Move at your own pace—sample, explore, and make memories.
Additional Guides and Tips
For more planning help, look for related guides such as Magic Kingdom early entry and rope drop advice, a comprehensive Disney packing list, and tips for celebrating birthdays at Disney World. These resources can help you plan attractions, packing, and special celebrations alongside your festival visit.
We hope this guide helps you get the most out of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy the flavors, the music, and the unique atmosphere as you taste your way through one of Walt Disney World’s most popular seasonal events.