A Beginner’s Guide to EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip in the fall, you’re in for a treat — literally. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival transforms the park into a global tasting tour, with marketplaces featuring food, drinks, and desserts from around the world.

But with so many booths, live concerts, and unique offerings, first-timers can quickly feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you understand how the festival works, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.

1. What Is the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival?

The basics you need to know

Each year, EPCOT hosts the International Food & Wine Festival, typically running late summer through early November. The festival celebrates global cuisine, offering small plates and drinks at over 25 outdoor food booths (“Global Marketplaces”).

Beyond the food, you’ll also find:

Eat to the Beat concerts featuring live music from well-known artists
Festival-exclusive merchandise like cookbooks, pins, and kitchenware
Kid-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and family-friendly bites

👉 Tip: You don’t need a special ticket to enjoy the festival. It’s included with your regular EPCOT admission.

2. When and Where the Festival Happens

Timing your visit right

The Food & Wine Festival usually runs late July through mid-November, making it one of the longest-running EPCOT festivals. For 2025, it’s in full swing by September.

You’ll find booths spread throughout World Showcase and parts of World Celebration and World Discovery. Each booth highlights cuisine from different countries or themes (like Flavors of America, Brew-Wing, or Coastal Eats).

👉 Tip: Weekends tend to be busier, especially in the evenings. If you want a quieter experience, aim for weekday afternoons.

3. How the Food Booths Work

Your step-by-step guide to snacking around the world

Here’s how it works:

Grab a Festival Passport. This booklet (available at the park entrance) lists all the booths and menus.
Head to a booth. Each offers small plates, desserts, and drinks, usually $5–$10 each.
Order, pay, and pick up. Portions are tasting-size, so you can sample multiple items.
Stamp your passport. Collect stamps as you go — it’s like a foodie scavenger hunt.

👉 Tip: Budget for snacking. Most guests spend $50–$100 per person if they want to sample a variety.

4. Top Festival Experiences for First-Timers

Where to start if it feels overwhelming

With so many booths and options, here are a few must-try experiences for beginners:

Fan Favorites: Mexico (tacos + margaritas), France (cheese + pastries), Canada (cheddar cheese soup + filet mignon).
Unique Drinks: Don’t miss specialty cocktails, craft beers, or frozen wines.
Emile’s Fromage Montage: Buy five cheese-based dishes across the festival, get stamps in your passport, and earn a free dessert at the end.
Eat to the Beat Concerts: Nightly performances by well-known bands at the America Gardens Theatre.

👉 Tip: Pick 4–6 booths you must try before you go. That way you don’t get overwhelmed by the endless choices.

5. Family-Friendly Festival Fun

Yes, kids can enjoy Food & Wine too!

Even though “Food & Wine” sounds adult-focused, kids can absolutely join in on the fun. EPCOT builds family-friendly experiences into the festival, like:

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt (kids search for statues of Remy around the park, then claim a prize).
Special kid-approved food items (smaller, milder flavors for picky eaters).
Non-alcoholic specialty drinks like smoothies, frozen lemonades, and fruit slushies.

👉 Tip: Pace your day with breaks at attractions like Frozen Ever After or The Seas with Nemo & Friends. It keeps kids happy while adults snack and sip.

6. Strategies to Maximize Your Festival Day

Avoid the rookie mistakes

To get the most out of your Food & Wine Festival visit, keep these strategies in mind:

Arrive hungry. The booths open around 11 a.m., and you’ll want to save room.
Share plates. Splitting dishes allows you to taste more without getting too full.
Stay hydrated. Florida heat + wine tastings = dehydration if you’re not careful. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Use a gift card wristlet. Load it with a set budget to keep spending in check (and make transactions faster).
Plan your evening. Lines get longer as the night goes on. Tackle your must-try booths earlier in the day.

👉 Tip: If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort, skip driving and take resort transportation. That way, you can enjoy the wine part of Food & Wine stress-free.

7. Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for EPCOT

Seasonal perks beyond the food

September and October bring more than just the festival. It’s also a fantastic season to visit because:

Crowds are lighter than summer and holidays.
Weather starts to cool slightly (though it’s still warm).
Halloween decorations and special events pop up throughout Walt Disney World.

👉 Tip: Pair your EPCOT day with a resort stay nearby (like Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn) so you can walk back after eating and drinking around the world.

8. Why Work With a Travel Advisor for Festival Trips

How I make your Food & Wine visit stress-free

It’s easy to think, “I’ll just wing it.” But between ticketing, dining reservations, Lightning Lane, and now festival planning, it can feel like too much. That’s where I come in.

I’ll help you:

Choose the right EPCOT day (and avoid peak crowd times).
Build a family-friendly strategy that balances rides and festival fun.
Recommend resorts that make festival visits easier.
Handle all the behind-the-scenes planning so you can focus on tasting and enjoying.

👉 Tip: My services are complimentary when you book through me. You’ll get expert advice at no extra cost.

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a must-do for any Disney fan or foodie. From global flavors to family fun, it’s the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and magic. With the right strategy, you can turn an overwhelming event into an unforgettable experience.

Ready to plan your Food & Wine Festival trip? I’d love to help you sip, snack, and stroll your way through EPCOT — stress-free.