Imagine yourself strolling through World Showcase on a perfect fall evening, sampling authentic cuisine from six continents while live music drifts through the air and the sun sets over the lagoon! That’s exactly what awaits you at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival – one of Disney World’s most beloved culinary celebrations that transforms the park into a foodie wonderland for nearly three months each year!

Whether you’re a seasoned festival veteran or planning your first visit, this festival offers an incredible opportunity to eat your way around the world without leaving Central Florida! From award-winning dishes to Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, from budget-friendly strategies to exclusive dining experiences, we’ve got everything you need to make your Food & Wine adventure absolutely magical!

The Rich History Behind the Festival

The story of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival began long before the first booth opened in World Showcase. In 1981, Disney Springs (then called Walt Disney World Village) hosted the first Wine Festival, featuring local winemakers but no food offerings. This modest beginning planted the seeds for something much bigger.

The success of EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival in 1994 convinced Disney leaders that festivals could be a powerful draw during traditionally slower seasons. George Kalogridis, who ran EPCOT from 1995 to 2000, is credited with the vision to move and transform the original wine event.

In 1996, the first EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival officially debuted, running from September 28 through October 27 – a 30-day celebration that featured 25 booths. The timing was strategic, designed to boost attendance during the fall months between summer vacation season and the winter holidays.

The festival has grown exponentially since those early days. What started as a month-long event now spans nearly three months, featuring over 30 Global Marketplaces and attracting millions of visitors annually. Some of the original booths, like Canada’s famous cheddar cheese soup, Germany’s apple strudel, and Poland’s pierogies, remain festival favorites today.

2025 Festival Dates, Tickets, and Pricing

Festival Dates: The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 28 through November 22, 2025 – a total of 87 days of culinary celebration.

Admission: Here’s the best part – the festival itself is included with your EPCOT park admission. You don’t need special festival tickets, just valid theme park admission for the day you’re visiting. However, you’ll pay separately for food, drinks, and special events.

Park Ticket Prices: EPCOT single-day tickets vary by date, typically ranging from $109 to $159, with weekends and popular festival dates commanding higher prices. Peak season dates in October tend to be the most expensive.

Food & Beverage Costs: Individual food items typically range from $4.50 to $9.50, with most dishes falling in the $5-7 range. Alcoholic beverages cost between $5-15, with specialty cocktails and wine flights reaching $20-25. Non-alcoholic options are available for $4-6.

The Top Festival Booths You Can’t Miss

After sampling everything the 2025 festival offers, certain booths consistently deliver exceptional experiences that keep guests coming back year after year.

Australia remains a perennial favorite, serving its famous Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and crushed salt-and-vinegar potato chips ($8.75). The Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer has also earned rave reviews from visitors.

Hawaii’s Kalua Pork Slider with sweet-and-sour Dole pineapple chutney continues to be a must-try item, featuring tender pork on a buttery Hawaiian roll.

Japan offers sophisticated options like the Beef Wagyu Don ($9.50), which provides exceptional value for premium ingredients. Their steamed buns are also festival legends.

Canada keeps guests happy with their signature Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup and premium Filet Mignon. These items have been festival staples for years and never disappoint.

Coastal Eats has emerged as a new contender, offering fresh seafood preparations that rival the best coastal restaurants. The Earth Eats booth serves up incredible Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with goat cheese polenta that food bloggers consistently rank among the festival’s best dishes.

The new Gyozas of the Galaxy booth, debuting September 28, promises unique dumpling variations including Buffalo-style, Street Corn-style, and French Onion Soup-style options.

Best Times to Visit and Crowd Strategies

Optimal Timing: The absolute best time to experience the festival is Monday through Thursday mornings, arriving when Global Marketplaces open at 11 AM. This strategy helps you avoid both weekend crowds and the evening influx of local Annual Passholders.

Avoid These Times: Friday through Sunday afternoons and evenings see the heaviest crowds. Saturday in October is particularly challenging due to fall break crowds and perfect weather drawing locals to the park. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend (October 24-26) brings especially large crowds.

Morning Strategy: While booths don’t open until 11 AM, arriving at park opening lets you experience popular attractions with shorter waits before switching to festival mode. This approach maximizes your entire EPCOT experience.

Weather Considerations: September can bring intense heat and humidity, while October offers more comfortable temperatures but larger crowds. November provides the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowd levels.

Activities & Entertainment for All Ages

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

The festival’s crown jewel is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, featuring three shows nightly at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at the America Gardens Theatre. The 2025 lineup includes exciting newcomers like KT Tunstall, Bowling for Soup, and Jordin Sparks, alongside returning favorites like Hanson, Joey Fatone & Friends, and Boyz II Men!

Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fills quickly for popular acts! Smart festival-goers arrive 30-45 minutes early for preferred performers.

Family-Friendly Activities

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: This scavenger hunt challenges families to find Remy hidden throughout World Showcase pavilions. Maps are available for purchase, making it an engaging activity that keeps kids entertained between food stops.

Emile’s Fromage Montage: Cheese lovers can participate in this special challenge by trying five designated cheese dishes and collecting passport stamps. Complete the montage to receive a special surprise treat at Shimmering Sips.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit: Available during the fall season, this additional scavenger hunt adds seasonal fun for families.

PhotoPass Magic Shots: Festival-exclusive photo opportunities feature Figment, Remy, and other Disney characters in special food-themed settings. These unique photos make perfect souvenirs and social media content.

Dining Packages and Premium Experiences

Eat to the Beat Dining Packages guarantee concert seating while providing a complete meal at participating restaurants. Packages range from $56-99 for adults and $21-49 for children, depending on the restaurant.

Popular dining package restaurants include:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse: $99 adult, $39 child (highest-tier option)

• Teppan Edo: $80 adult, $40 child

• La Hacienda de San Angel: $82 adult, $37 child

• Spice Road Table: $56 adult, $21 child (great value option)

Same-Day Packages: Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers same-day dining packages, but they’re limited and often sell out by early afternoon. Arrive when they open at 11:45 AM for the best chance.

Culinary Demonstrations: Throughout the festival, professional chefs offer 45-minute wine, beer, and spirit tastings ($19), culinary demonstrations ($19), and technique lessons ($29). The 90-minute cheese seminar costs $95 but provides incredible value for serious food enthusiasts.

Shopping

Festival merchandise features exclusive designs celebrating the event’s culinary theme. Popular items include:

• Chef Mickey, Remy, and Figment collections

• Festival logo apparel and accessories

• Specialty drinkware and kitchen items

• Disney Parks Food & Wine cookbooks and recipe collections

The festival’s unique wristlet gift cards serve double duty as both payment method and keepsake. You can load these starting at $15, making budget management easier while creating a lasting memento.

Global Marketplace Locations and Layout

The festival features over 30 Global Marketplaces spread throughout EPCOT’s four neighborhoods. Most booths are concentrated around World Showcase, but you’ll also find options in World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

World Showcase Marketplaces represent countries and regions including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Greece, Hawaii, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. Each offers 2-4 signature dishes representing authentic regional cuisine.

Themed Marketplaces like Coastal Eats, Earth Eats, Forest & Field, and Bramblewood Bites provide specialized culinary experiences beyond country-specific offerings.

New for 2025: The Gyozas of the Galaxy booth near Creations Shop promises to be extremely popular, so plan accordingly.

Navigating Crowds and Wait Times

Typical Wait Times: Most festival booths maintain wait times under 10 minutes throughout the day. However, popular new booths or those featured in social media can experience longer waits, especially during peak hours.

Strategic Booth Selection: If you encounter a long line, consider visiting nearby booths first and returning later. Lines move efficiently, so don’t let initial appearances discourage you from trying popular items.

Seating Strategy: Secure tables at locations like Harvest Hollow, Tangierine Cafe, The Odyssey, or CommuniCore Hall, then send group members to gather food from nearby booths. This approach maximizes comfort and efficiency.

Crowd Flow: World Showcase experiences natural crowd patterns – typically lighter on the Americas side (Mexico/Canada) and heavier near popular pavilions like Germany and Italy during prime hours.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The festival provides countless opportunities for stunning social media content beyond the dedicated PhotoPass Magic Shots.

Signature Photo Spots:

• Spaceship Earth backdrop with festival foods creates classic EPCOT imagery

• World Showcase Lagoon sunset photos with cocktails and small plates

• Country pavilion architecture provides authentic international backdrops for food photography

• Festival booth setups themselves offer colorful, themed photo opportunities

Magic Shot Locations:

• Remy’s Ratatouille magic shot near the UK-France bridge

• Mickey Pretzel giant photo prop near Spaceship Earth

• Gelato magic shot in the Italy Pavilion

Pro Photography Tips: Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most flattering light for both food and portrait photography around World Showcase Lagoon.

Budget Planning

Conservative Budget: $30-40 per person covers 4-6 food items for a satisfying festival experience. This approach focuses on sharing dishes and avoiding alcohol.

Moderate Budget: $50-75 per person allows for 6-8 food items plus 2-3 alcoholic beverages. This level provides a comprehensive festival experience without breaking the bank.

Premium Budget: $75-100+ per person enables trying 8-12 items plus multiple drinks, including premium options and specialty cocktails.

Real-World Example: Disney Food Blog spent $828.41 for a comprehensive festival experience, with $461 on food and $366 on drinks. While extreme, this demonstrates the festival’s potential costs for those wanting to try everything.

Money-Saving Strategies:

• Load Disney gift cards with your predetermined budget to avoid overspending

• Share dishes – festival portions are designed for sampling, making sharing both practical and economical

• Visit during weekdays when you’re more likely to take your time and make thoughtful choices

• Skip alcohol or limit to 1-2 drinks to dramatically reduce costs

Food Alternatives

Disney takes food allergies seriously, offering extensive options for guests with dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Options: Over 20 items across multiple booths cater to gluten-free guests, from Australia’s Roasted Lamb Chop to Bramblewood Bites’ Grilled Pork Tenderloin. However, cross-contamination prevention at outdoor booths is limited compared to full restaurant kitchens.

Plant-Based Selections: Vegan and vegetarian options appear throughout the festival. Highlights include plant-based items at Refreshment Outpost and Tangierine Cafe.

Allergy-Friendly Menus: Complete allergen information is available through QR codes in Festival Passports and the My Disney Experience app. Options exist for guests avoiding dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and shellfish.

Important Note: While Disney provides ingredient information, outdoor festival booths cannot guarantee complete allergen isolation. Guests with severe allergies should consult with Cast Members about their specific needs.

Sharing Food

Festival portions are specifically designed for sharing, making this both practical and economical. Most dishes serve 2-3 people comfortably, allowing couples and small groups to try more variety while spending less money.

Portion Sizes: Food items are “appetizer-sized” rather than full meals. Most guests need 2-3 items to feel satisfied, making sharing the natural choice.

Sharing Strategies:

• Order different items from each booth to maximize variety

• Bring a tray from home or buy Disney’s festival tray to carry multiple items easily

• Establish a home base at covered seating areas and take turns gathering food

When NOT to Share: Premium items like Japan’s Wagyu Don or specialty cocktails might be worth enjoying individually, especially if you have different preferences.

Festival on a Budget

Strategic Menu Selection: Focus on heartier dishes that provide better value per dollar. Items like Canada’s Filet Mignon or Earth Eats’ Beef Short Rib offer more substance than lighter appetizers.

Timing Advantages: Weekday visits often result in better food quality due to higher turnover and fresher ingredients. You’ll also have more time to make deliberate choices rather than impulse purchases.

Gift Card Strategy: Purchase Disney gift cards in advance when they’re occasionally offered at discount through warehouse stores or credit card rewards. The festival’s special wristlet gift cards also help control spending while providing a keepsake.

Skip Premium Add-Ons: While dining packages and special events offer value, the core festival experience – sampling booth food and enjoying free concerts – provides the best bang for your buck.

Free Entertainment: Remember that Eat to the Beat concerts, PhotoPass Magic Shots, and scavenger hunts are included with park admission. These activities can extend your festival enjoyment without additional cost.

First-Timer’s Essential Tips

Get Your Festival Passport: Pick up this free guide at park entrances or any merchandise location. It contains complete menus, booth locations, and spaces for collecting stamps – plus it’s required for Emile’s Fromage Montage.

Start with Familiar Flavors: Begin your festival journey with booths featuring cuisine you recognize before branching out to more adventurous options. This builds confidence and ensures you enjoy your initial experiences.

Plan Your Attack: Study booth locations in advance using the festival map. World Showcase is 1.2 miles around, so strategic planning prevents unnecessary backtracking and exhaustion.

Bring Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll easily walk 5+ miles)

• Portable phone charger for photos and My Disney Experience app use

• Small backpack or bag for Festival Passport and purchases

• Light jacket for evening concerts (even Florida can get cool)

Set Realistic Expectations: You won’t try everything in one day, and that’s perfectly fine. Focus on must-try items and save others for return visits or future years.

Stay Hydrated: Florida heat and alcohol consumption make hydration crucial. Water fountains are available throughout the park, or bring a refillable bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need separate tickets for the Food & Wine Festival?
No, the festival is included with regular EPCOT admission. You only pay extra for food, drinks, and special events.

What time do the food booths open?
Global Marketplaces typically open at 11 AM, even if the park opens earlier. Use morning hours for attractions, then switch to festival mode when booths open.

Can I use Disney Dining Plan credits at festival booths?
Yes, most food items qualify as snack credits on Disney Dining Plans. However, the plan’s value during festival season is debatable due to item pricing.

How many booths should I plan to visit in one day?
Most guests comfortably visit 8-12 booths during a full day, trying 1-2 items per booth. This provides variety without overwhelming your palate or budget.

Are the concerts really free?
Yes, all Eat to the Beat concerts are included with park admission. Seating is first-come, first-served unless you purchase a dining package for guaranteed seats.

What happens if it rains?
Most booths operate rain or shine, though severe weather may cause temporary closures. Indoor locations like CommuniCore Hall and restaurant-based booths provide weather protection.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the festival?
Standard Disney park policies apply – you can bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in non-glass containers. However, the festival’s appeal is trying the exclusive offerings.

Is the festival suitable for children?
Absolutely! While alcohol is a significant component, kid-friendly options exist at most booths. The scavenger hunts and PhotoPass opportunities specifically cater to families.

How far in advance should I make dining package reservations?
Dining packages become available starting July 16th each year. Popular restaurants and concert dates fill quickly, so book as early as possible.

What’s the best strategy for large groups?
Establish meeting points and times rather than trying to keep everyone together constantly. Different group members can gather items from various booths and reconvene to share discoveries.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival represents more than just a dining event – it’s a celebration of global cultures, culinary creativity, and the joy of discovery that defines the Disney experience! Whether you’re savoring your first taste of authentic Australian lamb or returning for your tenth helping of Canada’s famous cheese soup, each visit offers new flavors and memories waiting to be made!

The festival’s magic lies in its ability to transport you around the world in a single afternoon, introducing your taste buds to authentic preparations you might never experience otherwise! From the moment you take that first bite while overlooking World Showcase Lagoon to the final notes of an Eat to the Beat concert under the stars, you’re participating in a tradition that has delighted millions of food lovers for nearly three decades!

So grab your Festival Passport, set your budget, and prepare for a culinary adventure that perfectly captures why Disney continues to create magic for guests of all ages. The world is waiting to be tasted, one delicious booth at a time, and your table at this global feast is ready whenever you are!