If you’re contemplating a trip to Walt Disney World, consider going this fall and treating your taste buds to the flavors of the world during the 20th Annual Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival. It’s held Friday, Sept. 25, through Monday, Nov. 16 this year. Named one of the Best Food and Wine Festivals by Travel Channel, this memorable event celebrates two decades of showcasing exquisite international flavors.
Step foot inside a food lover’s paradise where you and your family can choose from more than 25 international food and wine marketplaces. Samples range in cost from about $3 to $8 and are served in tapas-size portions, so you’ll have plenty of room to eat around the world. A few of the new dishes to dig your teeth into this year are the Pepper Bacon Mac n’ Cheese at Farm Fresh Marketplace, Seared Venison Loin at the New Zealand Marketplace and Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp at the Australia Marketplace. Each marketplace also offers suggested wine, beer and cocktail pairings.
An Epcot® Food and Wine Festival gift card bracelet can be purchased and used at each
New this year are the French Family Meal Traditions, which are lunches on Fridays and Saturdays; Rockin’ Burger Block Parties on select dates; and beverage events such as Exploring Wine from 1996 to Now. The Party for the Senses tasting events will be hosted every Saturday night in October, featuring more than 50 wines and beers with delicious bites from renowned chefs.
Take your adventure to the next level and sign up for various culinary demonstrations, tastings and classes at an additional charge. Keep an eye out for famous faces such as Cat Kora, Jamie Deen, John Ash, Robert Irvine and Buddy Valastro, who are among the more than 270 Disney chefs and culinary stars who will be showcased.
Set the mood with the savory sounds of diverse live music at the free Eat to the Beat Concert Series in the American Gardens Theatre. Performers include family favorites like Smash Mouth, David Cook, Hanson, Tiffany, Everclear and Chaka Khan. Check here for the full lineup. Daily shows take place at 5:30 p.m. (generally the most popular), 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. And Chase® Card holders will have access to special concert seating at the Chase® Lounge, but be sure to get there before seats run out.
Chase®, the festival sponsor, offers card holders access to the complimentary Chase® Lounge in American Adventure where they can chill out, grab soft drinks, charge their electronics and enjoy some interactive family fun. For kids of all ages, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak features a themed scavenger hunt around the World Showcase. Using a map and stickers, they will locate a number of rat chef Remy statuettes to receive prizes.
To enjoy the shortest lines, try to get there at 11 a.m. when the park opens. Typically, the lines are shortest Monday through Thursday.
Admission into the festival is included in the park entrance fee, but all food and beverage purchases, demonstrations and classes can be paid for additionally. More information will continue to be released by the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival as the event approaches.
Whether you’re looking for a family fun vacation or an adult getaway, this event caters to all!
