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    The Ultimate 2024 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Guide

    Discover the best food, drinks, and entertainment at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Your complete Disney World guide for menus, concerts, and tips.

    Your Ultimate Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

    The Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World is the premier destination for foodies, wine connoisseurs, and families alike. This annual celebration transforms World Showcase into a global culinary playground, offering flavors from six continents, world-class entertainment, and unique park experiences.

    Whether you’re a seasoned pro or planning your first trip to the food wine festival Disney hosts every year, this guide will help you navigate the booths, manage your budget, and maximize your time.

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    When is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

    The festival typically runs from late summer through the fall. While exact dates shift annually, the event generally spans from late July through the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

  1. Pro Tip: To avoid the heaviest crowds, visit on a weekday (Monday–Thursday). Local crowds tend to surge on Friday nights and weekends, especially during the peak of Florida's fall season.

    2. Global Marketplaces: What to Eat and Drink

    The heart of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the collection of over 25 Global Marketplaces (food booths). These kiosks offer snack-sized portions of authentic regional cuisine, paired with curated wines, beers, and cocktails.

    Must-Try Booths and Dishes

  2. Canada: The legendary Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon are perennial favorites.
  3. France: Look for the Boeuf à la Provençale or the iconic frozen slushies (Grey Goose Citron or Grand Marnier).
  4. Brazil: The Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) is a gluten-free fan favorite.
  5. The Fry Basket: Try the Fry Flight, featuring sea salt and malt vinegar, BBQ bacon, and sweet potato fries.
  6. Shimmering Sips: Perfect for brunch lovers, offering various Mimosa flights.

    7. Emile’s Fromage Montage

    Love cheese? Participate in this food crawl! Purchase five specific cheese-based dishes from featured booths to collect stamps in your Festival Passport. Once complete, bring your passport to the Shimmering Sips booth for a special festival-exclusive prize.

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    Entertainment: Eat to the Beat Concert Series

    The food wine festival Disney experience isn't just about the palate; it's about the performance. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series features nightly performances at the America Gardens Theatre.

  7. The Lineup: You’ll find a mix of 80s icons, 90s stars, and contemporary Christian artists.
  8. Dining Packages: To guarantee a seat for popular acts (like Boyz II Men or Tiffany), consider booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. This includes a meal at a participating Epcot restaurant and reserved seating for the show.

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    Best Strategies for Navigating the Festival

    1. Grab a Festival Passport

    Available for free at the park entrance and at every marketplace, this small booklet is your bible. It contains full menus for every booth, indicates gluten-friendly/plant-based options, and provides space for your stamps.

    2. Use a Disney Gift Card

    To stay on budget, purchase a wearable Disney Gift Card (available with a wrist strap). Load it with your set spending limit (e.g., $100) so you can tap-and-pay at every booth without digging for your wallet.

    3. Share Everything

    Portions are designed for one, but the best way to see the whole festival is to share dishes with a partner. This allows you to try twice as many items without getting too full too fast.

    4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

    Florida heat is no joke. You can get free cups of ice water at any Quick Service location. Alternating water with your wine and beer samples is essential for making it through the day.

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    Festival Merchandise and Scavenger Hunts

    Beyond food, Epcot offers exclusive festival-themed merchandise featuring characters like Remy from Ratatouille, Figment, and Mickey Mouse.

    Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: Families love this scavenger hunt. Purchase a map and stickers, then search for hidden Remy statuettes throughout World Showcase. Whether you find them all or not, you can return your map for a festival-themed souvenir.

    Summary of Festival Costs

  9. Park Admission: Required (EPCOT ticket or Annual Pass).
  10. Food Items: Generally range from $5.00 to $9.50.
  11. Beverages: Range from $5.00 (beer/soda) to $12.00+ (specialty cocktails).
  12. Entertainment: Most concerts and exhibits are included with your park ticket.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need a separate ticket for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
    No, the festival is included with your standard EPCOT park admission. However, food and beverages are an additional cost.
    What are the best days to visit the festival?
    Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the least crowded days. Avoid weekends and local school holidays if you want shorter lines at the food booths.
    Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
    Yes! The Festival Passport uses specific icons to denote plant-based (V) and gluten-friendly (GF) options at nearly every marketplace.
    Can I use Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits?
    Yes, many food items at the Global Marketplaces are eligible for Snack Credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Look for the DDP icon on the menu boards.
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