My first experience with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival was in 2009, but this festival originated in 1995! Since then it has really changed and grown into an amazing event and fan favorite. Here is everything you need to know about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
This year the festival will run from August 29 to November 23 with over 30 individual booths. The most important thing to know is the festival is basically free to attend. There is not a separate ticket to attend beyond the theme park admission to Epcot. It used to take place just around the World Showcase in Epcot, but has expanded to include locations throughout Future World. There are lots of booths and kiosks that are typically themed by country, culture or region, however some, like the Donut Box, are themed around a food item.
Foodie Guide
Each location features a few small plates and drinks. Most of the food items and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased using a snack credit from the dining plan. You can buy one item or one of everything—whatever you’d like to have. Around each booth are tall tables you can use to enjoy your food and then head to the next spot.
If you are not on a dining plan you can get a small gift card to wear on your wrist to make it easy to pay as you wander around Epcot. Of course, cash, credit and charge to the room on your magic band are all options as well. Find out what food is being offered for the 2019 festival here.
On your way in be sure to pick up a complimentary event book. It’s a great way to see what the food and beverage offerings are, where they are located and keep track of what you tried. It’s a nice souvenir and I like to collect them from year to year.
The World Showcase is generally open from 11 a.m. to close and hours are the same during the Food and Wine Festival. This gives you some time to enjoy Future World before you head back.
The event is family friendly overall, but during Friday and Saturday nights it can be very popular so that makes it a little harder for families to navigate. The best time to attend for less crowds is from when the festival starts in August through the first two weeks of September.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Another fun component to the event is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. These free concerts take place every night in the American Pavilion at the America Gardens Theater. There are different artists throughout the festival usually changing every couple days. If you find your favorite artist is performing, you may consider an Eat to the Beat Dining Package to ensure a great meal and a guaranteed seat for the concert. Here is the lineup for 2019.
Keep a look out for special merchandise only available during the festival. Don’t miss out on unique magic bands, pins and food items.
Half Marathon Weekend
For runners there is even a special weekend for you! The Food and Wine Half Marathon Weekend is typically the first weekend in November. We can help you plan your vacation including race bibs. Keep in mind that races sell out quickly so if you missed this year let us know and we can keep you in the loop and get you registered right away for next year.
Sunday Brunch with the Chef
If you are looking to kick it up a notch there are options for you too with seminars, dining experiences and demonstrations you can sign up for. Each year the schedule is different and you may have the opportunity to meet a celebrity chef and learn something new. These events do have a cost and require a reservation. Some chef’s available for this year are Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Cat Cora and Aarti Sequeria. Check out the Sunday Brunch with the Chef schedule here.
Keep in mind there is also a Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure in California usually in January/February. If the fall doesn’t work for you or you want to go to Disneyland, you have that option as well.
Plan Your Visit
Contact Magical Memory Planners so we can help you plan your visit to the Food and Wine Festival and be sure you don’t miss anything.
Special thank you to our MMP Melinda who shared her amazing pictures with us.
