If you’re planning a Disney vacation, one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about this unique event, from the best food and drinks to the must-see attractions. Let’s dive in and prepare you for an unforgettable experience at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
This guide is designed to optimize your visit to Epcot, particularly during the Food and Wine Festival. We’ll provide insights into what’s new, what’s worth your time, what you can afford to miss, and whether it’s a family-friendly event. With careful planning, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival can be a truly memorable experience.
What to Know About Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2024
First, let’s talk about the basics.
What is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? It is a celebration of unique drinks and food from all over the world. Disney World chefs wear their creative hats and unveil unique food and beverage pairings each year to encourage guests to venture out of their comfort zones.
When is Epcot Food and Wine? It will run from August 29 to November 3, 2024, making it the first time this festival will be shorter than usual.
Where does it take place? It takes place mostly in the World Showcase of Epcot, which is home to all of the food kiosks. However, there are other places throughout Epcot where you can enjoy activities, seminars, tours, and more related to the festival.
What to Do at Epcot Food and Wine
Next, let’s talk about what to do at the festival. Every year, be sure to check out the Festival Center. From the free seminars to the merchandise to the Intermissions Cafe, one could spend all day there if not careful! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak adventure is a fun additional activity for adults and kids as well.
It may seem obvious, but don’t skip the food kiosks! With everything else to do, you may choose to indulge in a seminar or Eat to the Beat Concert package, but you’ll definitely be sad if you don’t sample some of the food.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
In addition to other activities, Epcot offers a free concert series with valid admission to the park. Past visits to Walt Disney World during this festival have included acts like Hanson, Boyz II Men, and The Pointer Sisters. Check out who is performing this year:
August 30-31: The Fray
September 1-2: Sugar Ray, 6-7: Hoobastank, 8-9: Yellowcard, 13-14: Tiffany, 15-16: MercyMe, 20-21: Shelia E., 22-23: The Wanted, 27: Luis Figueroa
October 4-5: Aloe Blacc, 6-7: Joey Fatone & Friends, 11-12: We the Kings, 13-14: Switchfoot, 18-19: David Archuleta, 20-21: Billy Ocean, 25-28: Hanson
November 1-2: Haley Reinhart featuring Emily Estefan, Casey Abrams, and Janel Parrish, 3-4: Boyz II Men, 8-9: Magic!, 10-11: Parmalee, 5-16: Smash Mouth, 17-18: 98 Degrees
Concerts are scheduled Fridays through Mondays at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8 pm.
Extra Food and Wine Festival Experiences
Previous years have seen several semiars and demonstrations offered at an extra cost for guests. As of this article’s publishing, no annoucnements have been made about these extras. However, below is a sampling of previous festival offerings:
Food & Wine Pairings: Attend a 45-minute seminar about food and beverage pairings between the UK and Canada pavilions.
Culinary Demonstrations: Celebrated chefs teach tips, tricks, and kitchen skills while whipping up special treats. This experience takes place in the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.
Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It: A 75-minute guided interactive experience with expert chefs and beverage makers.
Beverage Seminars: These are for ages 21+ only. Learn from sommeliers, cicerones, and other beverage experts. They are located between the UK and Canada pavilions.
Cheese Seminars: During a 90-minute seminar, learn about the different textures, flavors, and aromas of popular cheeses.
Fun for Kids at Epcot Food and Wine
Finally, if you’re taking kids, you may wonder if this festival is appropriate for them. The short answer is: yes! Not only can you introduce children to new flavors, textures, and cultures through food, but Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak is always a fun activity, no matter your age.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is similar to the Remy adventure, but it only takes place during the Halloween season. Lastly, Emile’s Fromage Montage is great for all ages as it’s a sampling of different cheese dishes around the festival with a completer prize at the end for trying them all! The best times to visit Epcot Food and Wine with kids is during a weekday or weeknight.
I’m Sarah, and you’ve landed on my website, On the Road with Sarah. This is where I share travel stories, tips, and so much more!
