The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival transforms Disney’s most beloved park into an incredible culinary passport that whisks you across six continents without ever leaving Orlando! Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a Disney enthusiast, or someone who simply loves discovering new tastes, this festival delivers an experience that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first dish!

This isn’t just another theme park event – it’s Walt Disney World’s longest-running and most anticipated festival, and once you experience the magic of sampling Brazilian cheese bread while listening to world-class musicians perform under the stars, you’ll understand why millions of guests return year after year!

A Delicious Journey Through Time

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has quite the origin story that began back in 1996. Originally conceived as a way to boost park attendance during the slower fall season, the festival started as a modest 30-day event running from September 28th through October 27th.

What began as a simple extension of the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival has evolved into a spectacular 87-day celebration that now runs from late August through November. The festival’s creators wanted to bridge the gap between summer crowds and holiday festivities while showcasing EPCOT’s World Showcase in an entirely new way.

Some fascinating milestones include the 1997 addition of celebrity chef appearances (including the legendary Julia Child!) and the 2004 revolution that introduced sparkling wine in a can with a straw – letting guests sip while they walked. By 2008, the festival was serving 3,000 gallons of soup and 1,500 pounds of strawberries throughout its run.

Today’s festival has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, featuring over 35 global marketplaces, world-renowned entertainment, and exclusive experiences that make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Festival Dates and Ticket Information for 2025

When: August 28 through November 22, 2025
Duration: 87 days of culinary magic
Cost: Included with regular EPCOT admission – no separate festival ticket required!

Here’s the beautiful part: you don’t need any special tickets to enjoy the festival. Your regular EPCOT admission gets you access to all the entertainment, activities, and atmosphere. You’ll only pay extra for the food, drinks, and special experiences you choose.

Standard EPCOT admission starts around $129 for a single-day ticket, though prices vary by season. If you’re an Annual Passholder, the festival is included (subject to blockout dates).

Perfect Timing

September is your golden ticket for the lowest crowds. This is when you’ll find the shortest lines and most relaxed atmosphere. October and November see the heaviest crowds, especially during fall break periods.

Weekday Strategy: Tuesday through Thursday offer your best bet for manageable crowds. Weekends, particularly Friday through Monday evenings, can get quite busy with locals joining the festivities.

Daily Timing Tips:

• Early Morning (11 AM – 2 PM): Lighter crowds, cooler weather, fresh food

• Afternoon (2 PM – 5 PM): Busiest time – consider taking a break

• Evening (5:30 PM onward): Concert series begins, but crowds build

Weather Considerations: August and September can be brutally hot and humid with daily thunderstorms. Pack accordingly and plan midday breaks in air-conditioned pavilions.

Entertainment and Activities for Every Age

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

This is where the festival truly shines! The America Gardens Theatre transforms into an incredible venue hosting three performances daily at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.

2025 Star-Studded Lineup includes:

• Joey Fatone & Friends

• Hanson

• Boyz II Men

• The Beach Boys

• Bowling for Soup

• Jordin Sparks

• KT Tunstall

Pro Tip: Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early for popular acts. Lines can form over an hour in advance!

Kids’ Activities That Create Magic

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
This adorable adventure takes families around World Showcase searching for 15 Remy statues holding different ratatouille ingredients. At $11.99 plus tax, kids get a game map, stickers, and an awesome prize – character bento boxes featuring Mickey, Minnie, Remy, or Donald.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Running September 27 through November 1, this Halloween-themed hunt lets kids search for decorated pumpkins throughout the park. The prize? Adorable mini-Mickey sippers featuring the pumpkin designs.

Emile’s Fromage Montage
Perfect for families wanting to explore cheese together! Purchase five cheese dishes listed in the Festival Passport to collect stamps, then redeem them for a special festival treat.

Adult Entertainment Beyond the Food

The festival features cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and special culinary experiences. Party for the Senses events (held on select Saturdays) offer premium tastings for $229-$359 per person.

Dining Packages

Want guaranteed seats for the Eat to the Beat concerts? Dining packages are your answer! These include a full meal at participating restaurants plus reserved concert seating.

Participating Restaurants and Pricing:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse: $99 adults, $39 children

• Nine Dragons Restaurant: $60 adults, $23 children

• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Varies by day

Same-Day Packages: Available at Regal Eagle starting when they open (usually 11:45 AM), but these sell out quickly!

Shopping

The festival merchandise is legendary among Disney collectors. Head to Creations Shop near the park entrance for the best selection.

Top Collections for 2025:

Chef Figment Collection: Aprons, chef hats, mugs, and oven mitts featuring EPCOT’s beloved purple dragon

Chef Mickey Collection: Spirit Jersey and Loungefly bags showing Mickey riding through spaghetti and meatballs

Chef Remy Collection: Plush toys, t-shirts, and kitchen accessories

Annual Passholder Exclusive: Special merchandise only available to passholders

Festival Logo Collection: Classic items featuring the 2025 festival logo

Pro Shopping Tip: Popular items sell out throughout the festival, so grab favorites early rather than waiting!

Global Marketplace Dining

With over 35 global marketplaces scattered throughout the park, you’re truly eating your way around the world.

Top Must-Try Marketplaces:

Australia: Bushberry-spiced shrimp skewer ($7.00), roasted lamb chop ($8.75)

The Alps: Warm raclette Swiss cheese with ham and potatoes ($6.00)

Bramblewood Bites: Cider-brined pork tenderloin ($7.00)

Hawai’i: Always a crowd favorite with tropical-inspired dishes

Pricing Expectations:

• Most dishes: $5.00 – $13.00

• Average per item: $6-7

• Complete booth sampling: About $20 (food only)

• Beverages: $6 for beer, $12-15 for cocktails

Disney Dining Plan: Almost every festival dish accepts snack credits, making them excellent value!

Navigating the Crowds

Best Times to Visit Booths:

• Avoid: Noon to 2 PM and dinner rush (5-7 PM)

• Best: Early morning (11 AM-noon) and late evening (after 8 PM)

Walking Strategy: Start at Mexico and work clockwise around World Showcase to avoid backtracking. This natural flow helps manage crowds and digestion!

Line Management: Popular booths can have 20-30 minute waits during peak times. Use this as an opportunity to explore nearby pavilions.

Photo Opportunities

The festival offers incredible photo opportunities beyond just food shots.

Must-Capture Spots:

• Spaceship Earth: Classic EPCOT backdrop with festival decorations

• Italy Pavilion: Gorgeous architecture and gelato magic shots

• World Showcase Promenade: Festival banners and marketplace setups

• America Gardens Theatre: Concert atmosphere shots

PhotoPass Magic Shots: Look for special festival-themed shots featuring Remy and Mickey throughout the park.

Budgeting

Conservative Budget: $50-75 per person for a full day of sampling
Moderate Budget: $100-150 per person including drinks
Splurge Budget: $200+ per person with premium beverages and experiences

Money-Saving Tips:

• Load a gift card in advance for easier tracking

• Share dishes between party members

• Focus on 2-3 savory items plus one dessert per person

• Skip the most expensive cocktails if budget is tight

Wait Times and Crowd Management

Typical Wait Times:

• Light days: 5-10 minutes per booth

• Moderate days: 10-20 minutes per booth

• Busy days: 20-30+ minutes per booth

Skip-the-Line Strategies:

• Visit booths immediately when they open (11 AM)

• Use Mobile Order when available

• Split up your group to cover more ground

• Save popular booths for late evening when crowds thin

Food Alternatives

Disney takes dietary restrictions seriously, offering extensive options for various needs.

Gluten-Free Options: Over 30 items clearly marked throughout the festival
Plant-Based: Numerous vegan and vegetarian choices at most booths
Allergy-Friendly: Comprehensive allergy menus available via QR codes in the festival passport

Important Note: Outdoor kitchen booths cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination, so guests with severe allergies should use caution.

Top Gluten-Free Picks:

• Australian shrimp skewer

• Bramblewood pork tenderloin

• Various grilled items without breading

Additional Insider Tips for First-Timers

Festival Passport: Grab this free booklet at park entrances – it contains all menus, maps, and important information

Hydration is Key: Florida heat combined with salty foods and alcohol can be dehydrating. Drink water between booths!

Pace Yourself: This isn’t a race. The festival runs for nearly three months, so you don’t need to try everything in one day.

Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking and standing in lines for hours. Proper footwear is essential.

Hand Sanitizer: With all the outdoor eating, keep your hands clean between tastings.

Weather Apps: Check radar frequently during afternoon thunderstorm season (August-October).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special tickets for the festival?
No! Regular EPCOT admission includes access to all festival activities. You only pay for food and drinks you choose.

Can I bring outside food and drinks?
Disney’s standard policies apply – limited outside food allowed, but you’ll want to save room for festival offerings anyway!

Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Absolutely! Many booths feature plant-based dishes clearly marked on menus.

What if it rains?
Most booths operate rain or shine, but severe weather may temporarily close outdoor areas. Many pavilions offer covered dining.

Can I get Disney Dining Plan credits?
Yes! Most festival items accept snack credits and are excellent value.

How long should I plan for my visit?
A full day allows you to sample 8-12 booths comfortably, attend a concert, and enjoy other EPCOT attractions.

Are there items for kids who are picky eaters?
Yes! Look for familiar items like chicken skewers, mac and cheese, and simple grilled items throughout various booths.

Can I make reservations at the booths?
No reservations needed for marketplace booths – they’re all walk-up service.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival represents everything magical about Disney: incredible attention to detail, world-class entertainment, and experiences that create lifelong memories! From that first bite of perfectly seasoned lamb chop in the Australia booth to the moment you’re singing along with Hanson under the stars, every moment offers something special!

Don’t just visit the festival – embrace it fully. Chat with the cast members about their recommendations, try something completely outside your comfort zone, and take time to appreciate the incredible effort that goes into creating this culinary wonderland! The festival changes you, opening your palate to flavors you never knew existed and creating food memories that last far beyond your vacation!

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another year of delicious discoveries, remember that the best part of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival isn’t just the incredible food – it’s the joy of sharing these amazing experiences with the people you love most. So grab your festival passport, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to eat your way around the world in the most magical way possible!

Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram will be legendary, and your heart will be full of the kind of Disney magic that only comes from combining incredible food with unforgettable experiences! The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is waiting for you – are you ready to take that first delicious bite?