EPCOT Food And Wine Festival: A 2024 Culinary Adventure

1. What is the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual event held at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park. The 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE runs from August 29 to November 23. This festival offers guests the opportunity to sample foods and beverages from various countries and regions around the world. It is a celebration of culinary arts, featuring tasting-sized portions of dishes and drinks at marketplace booths set up around the World Showcase Lagoon and Future World (now World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature). Beyond the food and drinks, the festival includes live music performances, culinary demonstrations, and special events that enhance the overall experience. The EPCOT festival is a favorite among foodies, families, and Disney enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over the globe.

2. Why Attend the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?

Attending the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is a must for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it’s a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of international cuisines in one location. The festival offers tasting-sized portions, allowing you to sample dishes from various countries without committing to full meals. It’s a culinary adventure that broadens your palate and introduces you to new flavors.

Secondly, the festival is not just about the food. It features live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and interactive experiences that enhance the overall atmosphere. You can enjoy live music performances, learn cooking tips from renowned chefs, and participate in special events like wine seminars and cheese workshops.

Thirdly, the festival provides a festive and vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for families, couples, and friends. The World Showcase Lagoon transforms into a lively marketplace, with each booth offering unique and exciting culinary creations. It’s a great way to spend a day (or several days) exploring the park, indulging in delicious food and drinks, and enjoying the company of fellow food enthusiasts.

Finally, attending the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is an excellent way to experience the magic of Disney in a different light. The festival adds a special touch to the park’s already enchanting atmosphere, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

3. Navigating the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

Navigating the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival efficiently can greatly enhance your overall experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Step 1: Obtain a Festival Passport

Pick up a Festival Passport upon entering EPCOT. This booklet provides a complete list of all the food and beverage offerings at each marketplace, along with their prices. It also includes space for you to collect stamps as you try different dishes, adding a fun, interactive element to your culinary journey.

Step 2: Plan Your Route

Before you start sampling, take a look at the Festival Passport and identify the dishes and drinks that you’re most interested in trying. Plan a route that takes you through the World Showcase Lagoon and Future World (World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature), hitting all the marketplaces that feature your desired items.

Step 3: Arrive Early

To avoid long lines, especially on weekends and holidays, arrive at EPCOT early in the day. The festival marketplaces typically open around 11:00 AM, so aim to be there when they open to get a head start on your culinary adventure.

Step 4: Pace Yourself

With so many delicious offerings to try, it’s important to pace yourself. Start with a few smaller dishes and drinks, and then gradually move on to larger items. Don’t try to eat everything in one day – spread out your visit over multiple days if possible.

Step 5: Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to get dehydrated while indulging in food and drinks, especially in the Florida heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay refreshed and energized. You can bring your own water bottle or purchase bottled water at various locations around the park.

Step 6: Use Mobile Order

Select quick-service restaurants offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. Use this feature to order and pay for your food in advance, and then simply pick it up when it’s ready. This can save you a significant amount of time and allow you to avoid long lines.

Step 7: Check the Entertainment Schedule

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival features live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and other entertainment throughout the day. Check the entertainment schedule in the Festival Passport or on the My Disney Experience app to plan your visit around your favorite acts.

Step 8: Take Breaks

Exploring the festival can be tiring, so be sure to take breaks throughout the day. Find a shady spot to sit and relax, or take a ride on one of EPCOT’s attractions to recharge.

Step 9: Capture Memories

Don’t forget to capture memories of your culinary adventure. Take photos of your favorite dishes, the festival marketplaces, and the entertainment. Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #EPCOTFoodAndWineFestival to connect with other food enthusiasts.

By following these steps, you can navigate the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival like a pro and have an unforgettable experience.

4. Must-Try Dishes at the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

The 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival boasts an impressive array of dishes from around the world. Here are some must-try items that you shouldn’t miss:

Dish	Location	Description
Liquid Nitrogen Frozen Sweet Potato Mousse	Swirled Showcase	Candied pecans and maple-caramel sauce
Tostada de Camarones	Mexico	Tempura battered shrimp, guacamole, cabbage, chipotle aioli, diced mango, and chile-lime powder on a fried corn tortilla
Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese	The Alps	Alpine ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette
Grilled Bushberry Spiced Shrimp Skewer	Australia	Sweet-and-sour vegetables and coconut chili sauce
Braised Beef Poutine	Refreshment Port	French fries with braised beef, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese sauce, cheese curds, and gherkin relish
IMPOSSIBLE Spicy Sausage	Refreshment Outpost	Piri piri peppers and onions, and piri piri aïoli
Wagyu Temaki Sushi	Japan	Hand-held sushi with sweet and savory American Wagyu beef, Takana Japanese pickles, and spicy mayo sauce
Grilled Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin	Bramblewood Bites	Fennel apple slaw and apple cider gastrique
Autumn Chili	Forest & Field	Bison, lamb, pork belly, root vegetables, jalapeño cornbread, smoked cheddar, and Crème Fraîche
Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib	Earth Eats	Goat cheese polenta, puttanesca sauce, shaved pecorino, and petit herbs
Feijoada	Brazil	Black beans with pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice
Key Lime Tart	Festival Favorites (CommuniCore Hall)	Refreshing and tangy dessert
Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich	Connections Eatery	Pickled cucumbers on a brioche bun
Pan de Elote	Mexico	Traditional Mexican cornbread topped with chocolate sauce and queso fresco

Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese; Dark Chocolate Fondue

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes available at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Be sure to explore the various marketplaces and try as many items as you can to discover your own favorites.

5. Signature Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is not just about the food; it also features a wide selection of signature drinks to quench your thirst. Here are some must-try beverages that you should sample:

Drink	Location	Description
Blood Orange Agua Fresca	Earth Eats	Refreshing and flavorful non-alcoholic option
Mango Sunrise Margarita	Mexico	Dos Hombres Mezcal, Centinela Tequila, mango purée, and black currant liquor with a chile-lime salt rim
Blackberry Caipiroska	Connections Eatery	Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Minute Maid Lemonade, strawberries blackberry syrup, and frosted mint syrup
Frozen Pomegranate & Raspberry Tea	Brew-Wing Lab	Twinings Pomegranate & Raspberry Herbal Tea infused with orange ice cream molecules (Non-alcoholic)
Greek Melon Limenade	Greece	Kleos Mastiha Spirit, Aelred Melon Apéritif de Provence, Pearl Vodka, and lime sour mix
Sparkling Fig Cocktail	Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina	Kleiner Feigling Fig Liqueur, sparkling wine, and cranberry juice
Strawberry Basil Cocktail	UK Beer Cart	Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Seagram’s Ginger Ale, with strawberry and basil syrups
Boulevard Beverage Company Quirk Ginger Grape Fizz Hard Seltzer	Refreshment Port	Refreshing hard seltzer option
AULANI Sunrise	Hawaii	Vodka, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and grenadine
Spiced Apple Old Fashioned inspired cocktail	Bramblewood Bites	Boyd & Blair Rum
Tropical Mimosa	Shimmering Sips	Sparkling wine, Minute Maid Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices
Coconut Banana Cream Pie Latte	Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company	Espresso, milk, coconut syrup, and banana syrup garnished with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes (Non-alcoholic)

These are just a few of the many delicious drinks available at the festival. Be sure to explore the various marketplaces and try as many beverages as you can to find your favorites.

6. Emile’s Fromage Montage: A Cheesy Adventure

Emile’s Fromage Montage is a delightful food stroll that takes place during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. This activity encourages guests to sample a variety of cheese-based dishes from different marketplaces around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Here’s how it works:

Pick Up a Festival Passport: Obtain a Festival Passport upon entering EPCOT. This booklet lists all the food and beverage offerings at each marketplace, including the dishes that qualify for Emile’s Fromage Montage.
Purchase Qualifying Dishes: Look for the 🧀 symbol next to the dishes that are part of Emile’s Fromage Montage. Purchase any five of these dishes from the participating marketplaces.
Collect Stamps: As you purchase each qualifying dish, ask the Cast Member at the marketplace to stamp your Festival Passport. Each dish counts as one stamp.
Redeem Your Prize: Once you’ve collected five stamps, head over to Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE, and present your completed Festival Passport. You’ll receive a special redemption prize as a reward for completing the cheesy stroll.

The 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Cheese Crawl items:

Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with herbed panko – Macatizers (CommuniCore Hall)
Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese with shaved beef, peppers and onions, and breadcrumbs – Macatizers (CommuniCore Hall)
BBQ Pork Rinds served with pimento cheese – Festival Favorites (CommuniCore Hall)
Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with alpine ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette – The Alps
Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette – The Alps
Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese – Germany
Spanish Charcuterie: Jamón, Manchego, and pan con tomate – Spain
Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey – Greece
Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread – Brazil
Passion Fruit Cheesecake with toasted macadamia nuts – Hawaii
Boursin Fig & Balsamic Cheesecake with fig jam and pomegranate – Milled & Mulled
Pumpkin Mascarpone Ravioli with sage-brown butter, pecorino cheese, and hazelnut praline – Forest & Field

Emile’s Fromage Montage is a fun and interactive way to explore the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival and sample some delicious cheese-based dishes. It’s a great activity for families, couples, and friends to enjoy together.

7. Tips for a Budget-Friendly Festival Experience

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival can be an expensive experience, but there are several ways to enjoy the festival without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for a budget-friendly festival experience:

Set a Budget: Before you go, decide how much you’re willing to spend on food and drinks at the festival. Stick to your budget by tracking your spending and avoiding impulse purchases.
Share Dishes: The tasting-sized portions at the festival are perfect for sharing. Split dishes with your friends or family to save money and try more items.
Utilize Disney Gift Cards: Purchase Disney Gift Cards in advance to help you stay on budget. You can find Disney Gift Cards at various retailers, including grocery stores and drugstores. Load the gift cards with your budgeted amount and use them to pay for your food and drinks at the festival. You can also use the Disney Gift Card wristlets for convenient payment.
Take Advantage of Free Activities: The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival offers several free activities, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and cultural exhibits. Take advantage of these free activities to enhance your festival experience without spending extra money.
Bring Your Own Water: Bottled water can be expensive at Disney World. Bring your own water bottle and refill it at water fountains throughout the park to save money and stay hydrated.
Pack Snacks: To avoid buying snacks at the festival, pack your own snacks to bring with you. This can help you save money and avoid unhealthy impulse purchases.
Visit on Weekdays: The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is typically less crowded on weekdays than on weekends. Visiting on a weekday can help you avoid long lines and save time, allowing you to sample more dishes and drinks without spending as much money.
Consider a Festival Sampler: Disney often offers a festival sampler that includes a pre-loaded card with a set amount of credits that can be used at the marketplaces. This can be a cost-effective way to sample a variety of dishes and drinks without spending too much money.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival without breaking the bank.

8. Beyond the Food: Entertainment and Activities

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival offers more than just food and drinks. It also features a variety of entertainment and activities that enhance the overall experience. Here are some of the highlights:

Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Enjoy live music performances by popular artists from various genres. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series takes place at the America Gardens Theatre and features nightly performances that are free with EPCOT admission.
Cooking Demonstrations: Learn cooking tips and techniques from renowned chefs at the festival’s cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations take place at the World Showcase Plaza and are a great way to expand your culinary knowledge.
Wine Seminars: Attend wine seminars led by sommeliers and wine experts. These seminars offer the opportunity to learn about different types of wines, wine pairings, and wine regions around the world.
Cheese Seminars: Indulge in cheese seminars led by cheese experts. These seminars offer the opportunity to learn about different types of cheeses, cheese pairings, and cheese-making techniques.
Culinary Exhibits: Explore culinary exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and traditions of food and wine from around the world. These exhibits are located throughout the World Showcase Lagoon and are a great way to learn about different culinary traditions.
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: Participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a scavenger hunt that takes you around the World Showcase Lagoon in search of Remy statues. Purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations, and then search for Remy statues hidden throughout the park. Once you’ve found all the statues, redeem your map for a special prize.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit: During the fall season, participate in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a pumpkin-themed scavenger hunt that takes you around EPCOT in search of hidden pumpkins. Purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations, and then search for hidden pumpkins decorated with Disney characters. Once you’ve found all the pumpkins, redeem your map for a special prize.

These are just a few of the many entertainment and activity offerings at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Be sure to check the festival schedule for a complete list of events and activities.

9. Planning Your Visit: Dates, Hours, and Tickets

The 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE takes place from August 29 to November 23, 2024.

The festival marketplaces typically open around 11:00 AM and remain open until park closing. However, some marketplaces may have different hours of operation, so be sure to check the festival schedule for specific times.

To attend the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, you’ll need a valid EPCOT theme park ticket. You can purchase tickets online or at the park entrance. Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, and ticket type.

In addition to theme park tickets, some of the festival’s special events, such as wine seminars and cooking demonstrations, require separate tickets. These tickets can be purchased online or at the park’s Guest Relations.

Here are some helpful resources for planning your visit:

Walt Disney World Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/?CMP=ILC-DPFY24Q4wo0808240001F
My Disney Experience App: Download the My Disney Experience app to view park maps, wait times, entertainment schedules, and more.

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The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is a culinary adventure that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a novice cook, you’re sure to find something to love at this annual event. So, pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready to experience the flavors of the world at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

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FAQ: Your Questions Answered About The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

What are the dates for the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival?

The 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival takes place from August 29 to November 23, 2024.
Where is the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival located?

The festival is located at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park in Orlando, Florida.
Do I need a separate ticket to attend the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?

No, you do not need a separate ticket. The festival is included with regular EPCOT park admission. However, some special events, such as wine seminars and cooking demonstrations, may require separate tickets.
Are the food and drinks at the festival free?

No, the food and drinks at the festival are not free. You must purchase them at the various marketplace booths.
Can I make reservations for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series?

Yes, you can make reservations for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series by booking a dining package. Dining packages include a meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating for the concert.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at the festival?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available at the festival. Look for the plant-based symbol on the menus at the various marketplace booths.
Is the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival family-friendly?

Yes, the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is family-friendly. There are activities and entertainment for guests of all ages.
Can I use Disney Dining Plan credits at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?

Yes, you can use Disney Dining Plan credits at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. However, keep in mind that most items at the festival are snack credits, not quick-service or table-service credits.
What is Emile’s Fromage Montage?

Emile’s Fromage Montage is a food stroll that encourages guests to sample a variety of cheese-based dishes from different marketplaces around the World Showcase Lagoon. Purchase five qualifying dishes, collect stamps in your Festival Passport, and redeem it for a special prize.
Where can I find more information about the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?

You can find more information about the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival on the Walt Disney World website or in the My Disney Experience app.