One of my favorite things to do as an adult at Walt Disney World is eat. 9 times out of 10, the food is above and beyond my wildest expectations. Epcot festivals are no exception. If you’re looking for everything about Epcot Food and Wine, you’ve come to the right place. I’m covering what to do, what concerts and seminars are available, and answering that age old question: should you take your kids?
Everything About Epcot Food and Wine Festival
First, let’s talk about the basics.
What is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? It is a celebration of unique drink and food from all over the world. Disney chefs put on 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 August 29-November 19 this year, making it 87 days long and the longest festival run in the park’s history.
Where does it take place? It takes place mostly in the World Showcase of Epcot. It is home to all of the food kiosks, but there are other places throughout Epcot to enjoy activities, seminars, tours, and more all related to the festival.
What to Do at Epcot Food and Wine
Next, let’s talk about what to do, besides eat, at the festival. Every year, I cannot wait to check out the Festival Center. From the free seminars to the merchandise to the Intermissions Cafe, I could probably spend all day in there if I’m not careful! I am always eager to pick up a few items commemorating the festival, and I know my girls get excited to participate in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak adventure, so this is always a must-do for our party.
It may seem obvious, but don’t skip the food kiosks! With everything extra there is to do, you may indulge in a seminar or Eat to the Beat Concert package, but you’ll definitely be sad if you miss out
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Additionally, who doesn’t love a free concert after noshing on some great food and beverage pairings? Sign me up! When my family has visited Walt Disney World during this festival in the past, we’ve had the chance to hear acts like Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, and The Pointer Sisters. Check out who is performing this year:
August
- 29-31: Plain White T’s
September
- 1-2: Sawyer Brown (NEW)
- 3-4: MercyMe
- 5-6: Grace Kelly (NEW)
- 7-8: Zach Williams (NEW)
- 9-10: Lauren Daigle (NEW)
- 11-12: Jimmie Allen (NEW)
- 13-15: TBD
- 16-17: THe Allman Betts Band
- 18-19: Everclear
- 20-22: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
- 23-24: Postmodern Jukebox
- 25-26: Blue October
- 27-29: Mark Wills
- 30-October 2: Sugar Ray
October
- 3-4: Taylor Dayne
- 5-6: India (NEW)
- 7-9: TBD
- 10-11: Boyce Avenue (NEW)
- 12-13: Southern Avenue (NEW)
- 14-15: Kenny G
- 16-17: 38 Special
- 18-20: Baha Men
- 21-22: Billy Ocean
- 23-25: Sheila E
- 26-27 High Valley
- 28-30: Hanson
- 31-November 1: Kris Allen (NEW)
November
- 4-6: Boyz II Men
- 7-8: The Hooters
- 9-11 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 12-18: TBD
- 19: DCapella (NEW)
Concerts scheduled on Sunday-Thursday are at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8pm. Friday and Saturday concerts are at 6:30pm, 7:45pm, and 9pm.
Extra Food and Wine Festival Experiences
While it’s simple to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the festival that are free with your park admission, there are some fun extras.
- Food & Wine Pairings: Learn about food and beverage pairings in a 45 minute seminar. Located between the UK and Canada pavilions, this seminar is every day except Wednesday at 2:30pm. Cost is $29 per person plus tax
- Culinary Demonstrations: Celebrated chefs teach tips, tricks, and overall kitchen skills while whipping up a special treats. This experience takes place in the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion on selected Fridays and Saturday at 12:30pm. The cost is $19 per person plus tax.
- Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It: A 75 minute guided interactive experience with expert chef and beverage makers. $45 per person plus tax will get you a spot for this fun event in the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion on select Mondays and Thursdays at 12pm.
- Beverage Seminars: These are for adults only or, at least, guests under 21 won’t be served so there isn’t a point in going if you’re not 21. Learn from sommeliers, cicerones, and other beverage experts. Located between the UK and Canada pavilions, this seminar is every day except Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:30pm. Cost is $19 per person plus tax.
- Cheese Seminars: During a 90 minute seminar, learn about the different textures, flavors, and aromas of popular cheeses. This event is $95 plus tax per person and it lasts from 9:45am to 11:15am on select dates. The 2019 cheese seminars occur on September 14, 28, October 5, 12, 19, and 26, and November 9.
Sunday Brunch with a Chef
Also, Sunday Brunch with a Chef has always been on my bucket list of Food and Wine festival events to attend, and I can’t wait to try it one day! On select Sundays during the festival, meet celebrity chefs, enjoy a breakfast buffet, and hear their favorite tips and tricks for making it work in the kitchen. Here’s who is coming in 2019:
- September 1: Jamie Deen (co-owner of The Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah, Georgia)
- September 8: Carla Hall (Celebrity Chef & author of Carla Hall’s Soul Food)
- September 15: Fabio Viviani (Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group, Celebrity Chef & Restauranteur)
- September 22: Richard Blais (Chef & Entrepreneur)
- September 29: Robert Irvine (Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible)
- October 6: Buddy Valastro (Celebrity Chef)
- October 13: David Burtka (Celebrity Chef & author of Life is a Party)
- October 20: Andrew Zimmern (Chef, Writer & TV Personality)
- October 27: Cat Cora (Corlich Enterprises & Cat Cora, INC.)
- November 10: Graham Elliot (Coast restaurant at MGM Cotai in Macau)
- November 17: Aarti Sequeria (Cookbook Author & Food Network Personality)
Fun for Kids at Epcot Food and Wine
Finally, if you’re taking kids, you may be wondering if this festival is appropriate for them. I have an entire post dedicated to Epcot Food and Wine with kids, but the short answer is yes, it’s a lot of fun! One of the exciting offerings this year is learning to make Candy Sushi. Every day from 3:30-5:30pm, guests can learn to make a candy version of famous Japanese sushi. For $10 per person, this affordable extra in the Sunshine Seasons pavilion is a great way to beat the heat and have family fun together.
