The Epcot Food and Wine Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events at Walt Disney World Resort. This annual celebration of global cuisines, beverages, and entertainment is a must-visit for foodies and Disney enthusiasts alike. With the recent announcement of the Epcot Food and Wine dates and details, it’s time to start planning your culinary adventure at Epcot.
Food and Wine Festival Dates and Duration
The 2024 Epcot Food and Wine Festival takes place at Walt Disney World, August 29th through November 23, 2024! spanning an impressive 127 days. This extended duration allows guests ample time to savor the diverse offerings and immerse themselves in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The Food and Wine Festival Epcot is one of the best times to expand your culinary palette! They have so many different offerings, it makes it easy to stay longer so you can try each marketplace! Epcot Food and Wine festival dates can sneak up on you, so make sure and mark them in your calendar!
Food and Wine Global Marketplaces
One of the festival’s main attractions is the array of over 25 global marketplaces scattered around the World Showcase and beyond. These kiosks offer a tantalizing selection of traditional dishes, desserts, and beverages from various countries and regions. Prepare your taste buds for a journey around the world as you sample flavors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Be sure to pace yourself during the Food and Wine festival in Epcot so you don’t over do it!
Popular Marketplace Highlights
While the complete Epcot Food and Wine 2024 menu has yet to be revealed, some fan-favorite marketplaces are expected to return!
- Some highlighted food items from various marketplaces include:
The Alps
- Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with alpine ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette
- Dark Chocolate Fondue with Berries, Pound Cake and Meringues (plant-based)
Australia
- Grilled Sweet-and-Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with pineapple, pepper, onion, and snap peas
- Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies
- Lamington: Yellow cake with raspberry filling dipped in chocolate and coconut
Belgium
- Beer-braised Beef served with smoked gouda mashed potatoes
- Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache
- Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream
Brazil
- Crispy Pork Belly with Black Bean Arancini and Cilantro Aioli
- Mango Mousse with Condensed Milk Crunchies
Greece
- Spanakopita (Greek spinach and feta pie)
- Plant-Based Impossible™ Moussaka
Hawai’i
- Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Rings and Spicy Mayonnaise
- Tuna Poke with Avocado and Tomato
- DOLE Whip
Mexico
- Taco al Pastor: Marinated Pork with Pineapple, Onions, and Cilantro
- Sweet Corn Cake with Maple Crema
Morocco (Tangierine Café)
- Grilled Chermoula Chicken or Moroccan-spiced Lamb Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad
- Fried Falafel Pita with tahini sauce (plant-based)
- Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts
While we don’t know the entire Epcot Food and Wine menu yet, we know the offerings will be incredible! We’ve never been let down yet!
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
In addition to the culinary delights, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series promises to keep the festival atmosphere lively and entertaining. This popular event features nightly performances by renowned musical acts from various genres, including rock, pop, and country. Guests can enjoy their favorite tunes while savoring delectable bites and sips from the nearby marketplaces. The Epcot Food and Wine 2024 concerts are sure to be amazing! Be sure to make room in your schedule for them!
Family-Friendly Activities
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2024 caters to visitors of all ages with a range of family-friendly activities. Children can embark on the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt, a fun and interactive way to explore the festival while learning about different cuisines. Festival Food and Wine Epcot isn’t just for adults! Kids have many options during the festival to have fun while the adults enjoy their time as well!
Emile’s Fromage Montage at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Returning this year is Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cheese-themed experience that promises to delight cheese lovers! Details on this exciting offering are yet to be revealed, but it’s certain to be a highlight for those with a penchant for artisanal cheeses.
To take part in the cheese crawl called Emile’s Fromage Montage, follow these steps:
- Pick up a free Festival Passport at the Epcot entrances. This will have the official list of qualifying global marketplace dishes.
- Purchase any 5 of the featured cheese dishes from the different global marketplaces around World Showcase.
- For each cheese dish purchased, ask the cast member to stamp your Festival Passport.
- Once you have collected 5 stamps in your passport by purchasing 5 different cheese dishes, proceed to the Shimmering Sips Marketplace hosted by Corkcicle.
- Redeem your stamped passport at Shimmering Sips to receive an exclusive, specialty prize item!
The Chocolate Experience
Chocolate enthusiasts can rejoice as The Chocolate Experience returns to the Food and Wine Epcot festival! This indulgent event features intricate chocolate sculptures, decadent desserts, and opportunities to learn about the art of chocolate-making from expert chocolatiers. Epcot Festival of Food and Wine chocolate is some of the best we’ve ever had! You won’t want to skip this experience!
Seminars and Tastings
For those seeking a more immersive culinary experience, the festival offers a variety of seminars and tastings. Wine, beer, and cocktail enthusiasts can attend educational sessions led by industry experts, exploring the nuances of their favorite beverages. Culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs provide insights into cooking techniques and global cuisines.
Food and Wine Festival Merchandise
No Disney festival would be complete without exclusive merchandise and themed treats. Guests can expect a wide range of festival-themed apparel, souvenirs, and the return of the beloved Orange Bird treats, adding a touch of whimsy to the culinary celebration. Mickey Mouse, Remy from “Ratatouille”, and our favorite purple dragon, Figment will all have special merchandise!
Planning Your Visit
With so many offerings and experiences, planning your visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is crucial to make the most of your time. Here are some tips to help you navigate the festival:
1. Stay at a Disney Resort
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel offers convenient access to the festival and the ability to take advantage of early entry and extended park hours. Resorts like Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club are within walking distance of Epcot, while others like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort are just a short ride away on the Disney Skyliner.
2. Purchase a Festival Gift Card
To streamline your food and beverage purchases, consider purchasing a festival-specific gift card. This convenient option allows you to load funds onto the card and use it at all festival locations, eliminating the need to carry cash or credit cards.
3. Use Mobile Ordering
Disney’s mobile ordering system can be a lifesaver during the festival’s peak hours. By placing your orders through the My Disney Experience app, you can bypass long lines and pick up your food and beverages at a designated time, maximizing your time at the festival.
4. Attend During the Week
While the festival is popular throughout its duration, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. If your schedule allows, consider visiting during the week to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter wait times.
5. Pace Yourself
With so many tempting options, it’s easy to overindulge. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks between tastings to fully appreciate each dish and beverage. Hydrate regularly, and don’t hesitate to share portions with your travel companions.
Conclusion
The 2024 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival promises to be a culinary extravaganza like no other. With its diverse global offerings, live entertainment, and immersive experiences, this festival is a must-visit for anyone seeking a gastronomic adventure. Mark your calendars for August 29th through November 23, 2024, and get ready to embark on a journey of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, the Epcot International Food Wine Festival is sure to delight and inspire your love for global cuisine.