Epcot International Food & Wine Wine Festival

Guide to the What, When, Where, and Hows of Disney World’s Food Extravaganza

Photo Credit: d.k.peterson

One of Disney World’s most popular events is the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Every year – usually around late August through early-mid November – Disney’s Epcot theme park plays host to a cornucopia of cuisines, cultural events, and innovative cooking demonstrations from an acclaimed list of local and international chefs. The event features tasting events, seminars, and wonderful and creative meals prepared by Disney’s best chefs and renowned chefs from around the world.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a food and drink lover’s paradise. Here you will find craft beers, savory wines, spirits, and of course plenty of delicious dishes to please anyone’s palate. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before heading to the festival.

Here are some details of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

• Held in Epcot’s World Showcase
• Must purchase a regular Epcot admission ticket to attend, but no other ticket is needed
• Over 30 individual global marketplaces each year
• Marketplaces are open during regular park hours for the duration of the festival
• Menus subject to change and marketplaces are subject to closure
• Availability of marketplace offerings varies and may be limited
• Food and beverage offerings are for purchase (not free)
• Only those guests 21+ will be able to purchase alcohol
• Special Events like dining experiences and concerts require separate tickets (prices vary)

The food portions are appetizer-sized and generally range from $4-$8. This allows you to sample a number of types of cuisine without filling your stomach on one dish. Certain items qualify as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

As for the beverages, individual beer serving range from $4.25 – $6 for 6oz. and flights are around $9.00. Wine selections are $4 – $8 while mixed drinks are in the $7 – $9 range.

As for payments, booths accept cash, credit card, Disney gift cards, MagicBands, and Disney Visa credit card reward dollars.  You can also pick up the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival gift card and a wrist card that make purchasing your food and beverages as easy as pie. And as we mentioned before, you will be able to use your Disney Dining Plan snack credits as a payment method. Get the most value by using your snack credits on the most expensive items and just pay out of cash for the cheapest items.

In 2018, guest received a free Marketplace Discovery Passports with stickers. As you visit a booth, simply add the sticker to that page to commemorate your experience. Guests also receive a commemorative lanyard!

Photo Credit: inazakira

The 11 countries of Epcot’s World Showcase are known for their diverse array of ethnic restaurants. During the Epcot International Food and Wine Festive, you can discover an even more eclectic mix of cuisine than usual. Some of the highlights of the festival’s Global Marketplaces include:

• • Africa
    An exotic menu inspired by the countries of Africa
  • The Almond Orchard  (sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze)
    If you are a fan of almonds, you don’t want to miss the food and beverages of this marketplace.
  • Australia
    Discover the food and drink of the Land Down Under.
  • Belgium
    Belgium is the country for savory desserts like mouth-watering waffle chocolate treats.
  • Brazil
    Introduce your taste buds to the South American cuisine of Brazil.
  • Brewer’s Collection
    Try a glass or flight from some of Europe’s most acclaimed brewers.
  • Canada
    We know their beers, but who knew our northern neighbors – Canada – had such wonderful dishes and wines.
  • The Cheese Studio (sponsored by Boursin Cheese)
    This marketplace allows you to pair two of your favorite things: cheesy dishes and delectable wines.
  • China
    China is home to some of the best cuisines in the world, so its no surprise that this marketplace is a popular stop.
  • The Chocolate Studio
    This chocolate shop lets you enjoy everything dark and milk chocolate delights.
  • Coastal Eats
    This marketplace offers seafood and wines from the Pacific region.
  • Craft Drafts
    Over 21 and like craft beer? Come here to try some of these selections from local Florida breweries.
  • Earth Eats
    Experience the of innovated flavors of this healthy marketplace.
  • The Festival Center Wine Shop
    Come here to sip some of California’s finest wines paired with delish culinary dishes.
  • Flavors from Fire
    Flavors from Fire offers spicy bites and paired with select specialty beverages.
  • France
    This marketplace gives you a chance to experience fine wines and classic cuisine from France.
  • Germany
    Here you can indulge in heart appetizers, dishes, and drinks from Deutschland.
  • Greece
    Greece offers a variety of tantalizing traditional dishes and drinks from this Mediterranean country.
  • Hawai’i
    Hawai’i may be known for its volcanos and white sandy beaches, but the tropical flavors of this marketplace are hard to resist.
  • Hops & Barley
    Who doesn’t love all-American craft beer, wines, and spirits?
  • India
    Experience the exotic spices and savory dishes of India.
  • Ireland
    The Emerald Isle is known for its ales, hearty fare, and friendly atmosphere.
  • Islands of the Caribbean
    This marketplace takes you to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, where the laid-back culture and delicious cuisine with leave you with positive vibes.
  • Italy
  • What food and wine festival would be complete without an Italian marketplace?
  • Japan
    If you love sushi, delish Asian dishes, and alcoholic beverages, try the Japan marketplace.
  • Light Lab
    Adults with enjoy this selection of refreshing drafts and spirits set in a dark neon marketplace.
  • Mexico
    If you like spice and rice, there is no better place to check out than the Mexico area.
  • Morocco
    Morocco is arguably the most popular pavilion in World Showcase. Come and find out why everyone is fascinated with the exotic flavors of this north African country.
  • New Zealand
    After you have tried Australia, head over to New Zealand to compare their savory dishes and wines.
  • Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar
    This marketplace lets you sample scrumptious baked goods and delicious mimosas.
  • Spain
    No need to hop on a flight to Spain when you can sample the country’s seafood and paella right in Epcot.
  • Thailand
    Thailand is renowned for its exotic Southeast Asian cuisine. Discover why at this marketplace.
  • Wine & Dine Studio
    Sample a variety of signature dishes and first-class Napa Valley wines.

Photo Credit: Joel

Photo Credit: inazakira

Photo Credit: zannaland

Special festival events vary each year, but here are a few examples of past events.

Cheese Seminars

Experts are on hand to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about cheese.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $89 per person, plus tax for the seminar.

Seminars subject to change:

• Mediterranean Cheeses and Wines

• French Cheeses and Wines

• Italian Cheeses and Wines

• The Great Cheeses and Wines of the United States

• Great British Cheeses and Ales

• Old World Classic Cheeses and Wines

• Season’s Best Cheeses and Wines

Sunday Brunch with the Chef

Sunday Brunch with the Chef is a 2-hour session with a Q&A with a celebrity guest. A breakfast buffet sparkling wine toast are included.

Price: Epcot admission is required, plus $129 per person, plus tax.

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops

This is your chance to get hands-on instruction from culinary experts. Workshops include such activities as mixing cocktails to decorating cakes.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $39 per person. Epcot Admission Required.

Parisian Breakfast

Held at Les Chefs de France, guests can indulge in mimosas, authentic French pastries, and plenty of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and orange juice

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $42.21.

French Family Meal Traditions

Join the acclaimed chefs of the France Pavilion as they prepare traditional French dishes. Wine will – of course – be served!

Pricing: Epcot admission required, plus $95 + tax.

The Parisian Afternoon

This event emphasizes Parisian snacking at its finest. Macaroons, finger sandwiches, petit fours, and an unlimited amount of mimosas will be served!

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $55 + tax. Epcot admission required.

The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef

This amazing 5-course meal features some of the best Japanese food on the planet, all exquisitely prepared before your eyes. And why not wash it down with sake!

Price: Epcot admission required, plus$189.92 (includes tax).

Tokyo Pairing

This  3-course meal is the perfect meal to pair with sake. The menu includes Blue Fin sushi, Wagyu beef,  and lobster tail.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $160 + tax per person. Epcot admission required.

Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing

The Mediterranean Wine and Food Pairing is a 4-course dining event held at Morocco Pavilion’s Spice Road Table. It features a selection of gourmet cuisine from Morocco and the Mediterranean region.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $65 + tax.

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing

Italy Pavilion host this pairing of wonderful food with wine and beer. Its held at Via Napoli.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $92.85 (includes tax). Epcot admission required.

Italian Regional Food and Wine Pairing Luncheon

Come try this pair of regional Italian wines with 5 courses of Italian dishes. Held in Italy’s wine bar, Tutto Gusto.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $99 + tax. Epcot admission required.

Mexican Tequila Lunch

This event pairs Mexican regional cuisine with spirits like Mexican tequila.

Price: Epcot admission required, plus $89.68 (includes tax). Epcot Admission Required.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is a buffet of sweet treats. Admission is $79 for adults/$47 for children ages 3-9.

Wine Glass Painting at Abracadabar (Disney’s BoardWalk)

This event includes painting, a drink, snacks, and two wine glasses.

Price:  $50 per person

Photo Credit: Martin Lewison

Every year, Disney brings a host of top musicians to perform at the Epcot International Wine & Food Festival. Past guests include Boyz II Men, Starship, Sheena E, 98 Degrees, Air Supply, Jim Belushi, Sugar Ray, and more. 

The Festival offers dining packages that will give you reserved seating for these concerts. There are 15 restaurants offering dining packages for lunch and dinner, and breakfast available at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Prices start at $46. 

Photo Credit: Sam Howzit

We hope this Epcot International Food and Wine Festival page has helped you decide if this event is worth booking. For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides like our Disney Dining Plan Calculator, Disney Transportation Map, and Disney World Tips and Tricks articles.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our friends at The Vacationeer. Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge!

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!