What Is The Best Time To Visit Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival?

Epcot is a unique theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida that celebrates human achievement and international culture. Epcot’s World Showcase features pavilions representing 11 countries, each showcasing the country’s culture, cuisine, and architecture. The park’s annual International Food & Wine Festival is a popular event that brings together foodies and wine enthusiasts from around the world to sample cuisine and wines from different regions.

The Festival Experience

The International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot is held annually from late August to mid-November. The festival takes place in the World Showcase area of the park, with kiosks set up throughout the pavilions representing different countries. The festival features over 30 marketplaces that serve small plates of regional cuisine, as well as a wide variety of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Visitors can purchase a Food & Wine Festival Passport that allows them to keep track of the different dishes and beverages they try at the festival. The passport includes stickers for each marketplace, and visitors can collect them all to earn a prize.

The festival also includes cooking demonstrations, seminars, and special events such as the Party for the Senses, which is an extravagant tasting event featuring live entertainment and cuisine from renowned chefs.

When is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Held?

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an annual event held at Epcot in the fall, typically from late August to mid-November. The festival typically lasts for about two and a half months, giving visitors plenty of time to sample all the delicious dishes and drinks on offer.

It’s worth noting that the festival’s schedule can vary slightly from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date information on dates and times. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is not to be missed!

Pro-Tips for Attending the Festival

Attending the International Food & Wine Festival can be overwhelming due to the crowds and the vast array of food and drink options available. Here are some pro-tips to help make the most of your experience:

• Plan ahead. Check out the festival’s website and review the menus ahead of time to decide which dishes and drinks you want to try.
• Visit during the weekdays if possible. The festival is less crowded during the weekdays, which means shorter lines and more time to enjoy the food and drink.
• Buy a gift card. They offer them in the Food & Wine Festival Stands. This will save time and less chance that your card will be declined.
• Pick up a Food & Wine Festival book from the cashiers at the kiosks. The book includes menus, maps, and other useful information about the festival.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. The festival takes place during the hottest time of year in Florida, and there is limited shade in the World Showcase area.
• Do not expect to sit down at a table or a bench even. There are very few places to sit and eat, so be prepared to eat on the go or stand while you eat.

Sampling the Cuisine

The food options at the International Food & Wine Festival are diverse and reflect the different cuisines of the countries represented in the World Showcase. Some popular dishes include the cheddar cheese soup from Canada, the escargot croissant from France, the beef empanada from Patagonia, and the lamb chops from Australia.

The festival also offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary needs.

Insider Tip: They still offer their regular quick-service meals from the permanent eateries as well during this festival. You should check out our review at the La Cantina de San Angel.

Highlights From Previous International Food & Wine Festivals

While it’s true that many of the dishes offered at the festival can be found outside of Epcot, there are still some unique and noteworthy offerings that are worth trying. Here are a few highlights:

• Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon: This dish from the Canada kiosk features a tender filet mignon topped with wild mushroom risotto and truffle butter sauce. It’s pricey at $8.25, but worth the splurge.
• Spicy Hummus Fries: These crispy, spicy fries from the Morocco kiosk are a vegetarian delight. They’re topped with red pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. At $7, they’re a bit more reasonable than some of the other dishes.
• Teriyaki Chicken Bun: This savory and slightly sweet bun from the Japan kiosk is filled with chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce. At $6.25, it’s a filling and satisfying snack.
• Lobster Landing New England Lobster Tail: If you’re a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss this dish from the Lobster Landing kiosk. The lobster tail is buttery and succulent, and comes with a side of lemon herb butter. At $9.75, it’s one of the pricier dishes, but well worth it.
• Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle: This dessert from the Desserts & Champagne kiosk is a showstopper. The truffle is frozen with liquid nitrogen right in front of you, creating a dramatic cloud of vapor. It’s then topped with warm whiskey caramel sauce. At $4.75, it’s a steal.

The Wine and Beverage Selection

The International Food & Wine Festival is also a celebration of wine and beverages from around the world. The festival offers a variety of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling, as well as beer, cocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Visitors can purchase flights of wine or beer to sample different varieties, or opt for full glasses or bottles. Prices vary depending on the type and size of the beverage, but generally range from $5 to $20.

One popular feature of the festival is the wine and beverage seminars, which are led by experts in the industry. These seminars cover a variety of topics, such as wine tasting techniques, food and wine pairing, and the history of certain beverages. They are a great way to learn more about the world of wine and expand your knowledge.

Another fun aspect of the festival is the specialty cocktails that are available at various kiosks. These cocktails are often inspired by the countries represented in the World Showcase, and feature unique ingredients and flavors. Some favorites include the Tipsy Ducks in Love from the China kiosk (a blend of coffee, tea, and bourbon) and the Frozen Rum Punch from the Caribbean kiosk.

Overall, the wine and beverage selection at the International Food & Wine Festival is diverse and impressive. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a refreshing drink, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. And with so many different options, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the various beverages on offer.

More Tips and Suggestions

Aside from the pro-tips mentioned earlier, there are a few other things you might want to keep in mind if you’re planning to attend Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. First, be prepared for long lines. As mentioned earlier, the festival can get extremely crowded, and many of the food stands have long queues. Consider going during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) to avoid the crowds.

Second, make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Epcot is an outdoor park, and the Florida sun can be brutal. Even if it’s not particularly hot, the sun can still cause damage to your skin and eyes, so it’s important to protect yourself.

Finally, be aware that the festival is not just about food and wine. There are also live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and other special events. Make sure to check the festival schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss anything that interests you.

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