Thrilling attractions, first-class entertainment, delicious international cuisine, and plenty of Disney magic are just some of the many reasons that Epcot has earned the distinction of being one of the 10 most visited theme parks in the world. This Walt Disney World destination also hosts four yearly festivals that perfectly complement all of its fabulous offerings. Worldwide holiday traditions are celebrated at the end of each year during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Epcot International Festival of the Arts shines a light on the visual, culinary, and performing arts every January and February. In the spring, colorful blooms and incredible character topiaries are displayed during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. And the start of fall ushers in perhaps the park’s most sought-after event: the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. For nearly three months, food and beverages from various countries and cultures around the world are showcased at more than 30 Global Marketplace locations around the park. The festival is wildly popular and draws many visitors every year, so having a plan is essential to make the most of your time. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience!
Time it Right
Food booths at the festival will be the busiest when locals visit, which tends to be on the weekends and most evenings. Aim to arrive when the festival kiosks open at 11 AM or as early as possible for the shortest wait times.
Grab a Passport
The festival passport is your guide to all the food and fun. These are available at both entrances and at every food booth. A digital option is also available on the My Disney Experience app. They make a great souvenir and are free! Kids can also grab their own passport filled with great ideas to keep busy during Food and Wine.
Get a Gift Card
There are so many delicious foods, desserts, and drinks to try at the Food and Wine Festival, and the cost of those items can add up quickly! Instead of repeatedly scanning your MagicBand and accidentally overspending, consider purchasing a Disney Gift Card and adding your budgeted amount to it. Disney Gift Cards are accepted at all of the festival’s food booths, and during the festival, you’ll even find convenient wristband gift cards available for sale as well. Both types of cards can be reloaded with additional funds if you decide to revisit the festival.
Share Items
The food portions are usually generous enough to share a few bites each with others in your group. With so many choices available at every booth, sharing can help you experience more food items and not break the bank. (And if you find something you love, go back and get it again!)
Emile’s Fromage Montage
If you have an affinity for cheese, then this festival activity is a must-do! In the back of the festival passport, you’ll see a number of dishes featuring cheese at select Global Marketplaces. Any time you purchase and try one of these dishes you’re eligible for a stamp in your passport. After collecting 5 stamps, present your passport at the Shimmering Sips Marketplace to receive a specialty food item served in a souvenir cup.
Eat to the Beat
During this festival, the America Gardens Theatre hosts popular music acts that play 20 to 30-minute sets several times daily. Seating for the concerts is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is subject to availability. If there is a particular group you are especially excited to see, consider booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package for a guaranteed seat at the theatre. With a dining package, you’ll enjoy a multi-course meal at one of Epcot’s participating restaurants and a ticket for seating at one of the shows later that same day.
Bring your ID
If you plan to enjoy the “wine” part of the festival, be sure to bring a valid form of identification to show proof of age. If you’re from outside the United States, bring your official Passport and country-issued ID. To ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience at the festival, note that Disney World also limits each person to two drinks per transaction.
Magic Shots
Ask PhotoPass photographers around Epcot to add festival-specific Magic Shots to your photos. Cameos with Figment, Remy, and the Swedish Chef are some of the Magic Shots available to enhance your photos during Food and Wine. If you purchase the Memory Maker photo package, you’ll have access to unlimited downloads of all of these souvenir photos.
Stop and Shop
The name may be deceptive, but food and wine aren’t the only stars of this fan-favorite fall event! Take some time to shop for unique mementos of your visit to the festival. Exclusive merchandise featuring Figment, Remy, Mickey Mouse, and the Food and Wine logo will be available for the duration of the festival, as well as unique kitchen and cooking-related gifts from various vendors.
Family Fun
Even if your kids aren’t foodies, there are still plenty of activities for them to enjoy. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt or Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit are two of these offerings and will surely be a hit with younger guests. To participate in the Remy hunt, purchase a souvenir map and stickers for $9.99, then let the kids explore the park to search for hidden statues of Remy. Whenever they find Remy, they’ll mark his location on their map with a sticker. Once the map is complete, they can visit any redemption location within Epcot to redeem a prize. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is very similar and will have the kids searching for hidden pumpkins decorated to look like popular Disney characters. Game boards and stickers are also available for purchase at participating locations for $9.99, and once the game board is complete and the kids have found every pumpkin they can visit any redemption location for their prize. Whether the kids do one hunt or both, they are sure to stay entertained and engaged, end their park day with a special keepsake, AND you will be able to relax and enjoy everything at the festival. It’s a win-win for the whole family!
As you prepare for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, remember that a little planning can go a long way. Keeping some of these tips in mind will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re indulging in a new dish or discovering a new favorite beverage, get ready for a culinary adventure like no other. Happy tasting, and may your festival experience be filled with many unforgettable memories!
