Enjoy Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival this year with a day of sampling culinary treats from around the world. Walk Epcot’s World Showcase and sample tasty treats and beverages from the festival kiosks. A popular annual festival, see what’s new at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.
The International Food and Wine Festival features cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef-hosted Sunday brunches and evening concerts. Sample culinary treats paired with wine and spirits from the experts. With smaller portions, I found it easy to sample lots of dishes to find a new favorite. And the special cocktails are too good to pass up.
This year’s International Food and Wine Festival starts Thursday, August 29, 2019, and runs to Saturday, November 23, 2019.
How to Spend a day at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival
Since the festival doesn’t open until 11 a.m. take in some rides like Soarin’ Around the Worldor Spaceship Earth. Then head over to the World Showcase to start sampling.
In addition to the regular countries in World Showcase, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival includes pop-up kiosks with additional countries. So sample additional flavors at the pop-up booths sprinkled throughout the World Showcase.
What’s in the Festival Center
First stop at Festival Center, located atthe World ShowPlace Events Pavilion, in-between the UK and France. Find the Times Guide, an International Food and Wine Festival passport and a map.
The International Food and Wine Festival passport is your go-to guide for information, like the regional-inspired offerings from each country. The pocket-sized passport includes stickers that let you mark off your culinary adventures.
Also find book signing, bottle signing along with official International Food and Wine Festival merchandise at the Festival Center. Several seminars and demonstrations happen throughout the day so check out the schedule.
The Chocolate Experience is a must for chocoholics. Hosted by Ghiradelli Chocolate, learn how the favorite treat goes from bean-to-bar. Then see the chocolate sculptures along with samples.
What’s New at Epcot’sInternational Food and Wine Festival
Everyone loves Sunday Brunch so why not share it with a celebrity chef? For this two-hour event, meet-and-greet one of the chefs. Then grab a glass for a champagne toast while you enjoy a brunch buffet while the chef shares their best tips and tricks. Additional admission.
Looking for some inspiration? Then attend a Food and Beverage Pairings seminar. Sit down and watch a chef and a beverage specialist create a great-tasting combo. Then sample both to experience how each compliments the taste of the other. Offered on selected days throughout the festival. Additional admission.
Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with chefs and beverage specialists. Create something new and learn some tips and techniques from industry pros. Offered on select Mondays and Thursdays evenings.
For foodies wanting to mix and mingle with chefs, food personalities and entertainers, then the Party of the Senses is what to attend. Toast the event with a signature cocktail, then sample the flavors of the season at a reserved table.
The Party of the Senses offers two seating options on select Saturdays. And all attendees can sit in the reserved seating at the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Additional admission required for the above events.
What to Sample at theInternational Food and Wine Festival
I always like to sample the new foods and beverages available at the International Food and Wine Festival. Each year the Disney chefs create new dishes for festival goers.
Active Eats–Find chef-created healthy options featuring ancient grains.
Africa–The Kenya Coffee BBQ Beef Tenderloin offers tastes of the continent.
The Alps–Enjoy a Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes.
Australia–Chew on a roasted lamb chop with sweet potato puree.
Canada–Sample the famousLe Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce.
Coastal Eats–Bite into a Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream.
France–Can’t pass up the Croissant aux Escargots with garlic.
Hawaii–Blending flavors of the island, the Kalua Pork Slider with sweet-and-sour Dole Pineapple chutney offers an escape.
Hops and Barley–Sample slow-braised beef brisket New Brunswick Slider with horseradish cream.
India–Savor the vegetarian Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower.
Ireland–Find Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes.
Islands of the Caribbean–Satisfy the need for heat with Jerk-Spiced Chicken.
Dessert Lover’s
Belgium–Head for the Golden Malted waffles with warm chocolate ganache or a berry compote.
The Chocolate Studio–Offers a Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with warm whiskey caramel sauce.
Germany–What’s fall without apples and an Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce.
Italy–Sink a fork into the Vanilla Cake with chocolate hazelnut Mascarone Cream.
Mexico–Find the Capirotada de Chocolate, a bread pudding with chocolate Abuelita Creme.
Sample the Drinks
Brewers Collection–Grab a flight of some of the best of European beers.
China–It’s not all boozy, so sip a Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black and Milk.
Simmering Sips Mimosa Bar–Explore different flavors with a Key Lime Mimosa or a Blood Orange Mimosa. Or savor a classic with Moët and Chandon, Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot available.
Special Entertainment for International Food and Wine Festival
Don’t forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at the American Gardens Theatre with a different act every few days.
Plain White T’s
Sawyer Brown
Grace Kelly
Zach Williams
Blue October
Sugar Ray
Shelia E
Boys II Men
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival for Kids?
The World Showcase offers special activities for kids for the International Food and Wine Festival. Making it a family event with a cooking activity just for the kids.
Disney Du Jour Dance Party—Find a DJ every day during thefestival. Then on Friday and Saturday nights, kids can dance with Radio Disney stars, like Meg Donnelly and Jenna Raine.
Kidcot Fun Stops—Find different stations in 11 World Showcase countries to create arts and crafts.
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide-and-Squeak Scavenger Hunt–Just for the International Food and Wine Festival, kids can play with everyone’s favorite rat. After purchasing a map with stickers from the official festival merchandise location, kids search for Remy hidden across the World Showcase and turn in the booklet for a special treat when they’re done.
Candy Man-Style Maki–Take some sweet favorites and make a candy sushi creation. Additional admission.
Remember the World Showcase’s playground, conveniently located at the entrance and near the restrooms.
Where to Stay in Walt Disney World
Looking for lodging for your visit? I’ve stayed at the following Walt Disney World resorts.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
I’ve also stayed at the following Lake Buena Vista resorts.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
Mystic Dunes Resort in Celebration
More Fun at Walt Disney World
And the fun isn’t over so head over to Disney Springs for more dining, shopping and entertainment options. It’s a quick bus ride to-and-from the parks. So try out any of my 50 places to visit at Disney Springs.
If it’s hot and sticky, then head to a Walt Disney World water park. My favorite is Typhoon Lagoon and I’ve got all the hints and tips.
Don’t forget to see the newest addition to Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land. Play big with all your favorite toys. Got all the information on the new rides and even a new place to sample goodies.
Need more hints? I wrotea newbie guide to planning a last minuteWalt Disney World trip.
Disclosure:
Consideration for brands mentioned. This post uses affiliate links.
Know before you go:
- The International Food and Wine Festival is free with a one-day park admission though doesn’t include any food or wine.
- Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is popular, expect large crowds over the weekends.
- Remember to pack the water bottle to stay hydrated, sunscreen, a hat, comfy shoes, a mister and face wipes in your backpack.
Comments are closed.