The annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is on my Disney® bucket list, and it is just around the corner. Starting August 31st, guests visiting Epcot® will have the opportunity to sample food and beverages from 35 food kiosks, representing cuisine from more than 20 countries and regions around the world. Fun fact: There are a record number of 35 food kiosks this year to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot®!
(Photo Credit: Magical Pix by Candi Clark)
Kiosks are organized into Festival Marketplaces. Dying to try African cuisine? Head over to the Africa Marketplace and you can sample Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips and an African wine flight. Check out the Greece Marketplace if Mediterranean food is more your style. New Marketplaces this year include Active Eats and Flavors for Fire, for those looking for food with a kick, and Coastal Eats, for those wanting to explore tastes from the Pacific coastline. You can read a full list of Marketplaces as well as the foods and beverages they are offering on the official Walt Disney World® website.
Thinking about checking it out? Here are a few important things you need to know before you go:
Park admission is required for entrance into Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival. A one-day ticket to Epcot® starts at $99.
Proper identification is required to purchase alcoholic beverages during the festival. A valid U.S. driver's license, state ID, U.S. military ID, or a passport showing that you are at least 21-years-of-age are acceptable forms of identification.
You don't have to leave the kiddos at the resort! Chefs are preparing kid-friendly menus and the Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt is back for 2017. Look for these special maps with stickers at Epcot shops. If it works like last year's scavenger hunt, you'll be able to return it to a designated location and collect a special prize.
(Photo Credit: Magical Pix by Candi Clark)
There are special events that happen every day during the festival. Check with your MousePros agent to find out more about what's happening during your visit, including opportunities to meet celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, and Eat to the Beat concerts!
The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 13th. If you have a day scheduled at Epcot during this time, your MousePros agent can help you craft a plan to maximize your day of tasting and exploring the festival.
(Photo Credit: Magical Pix by Candi Clark)
Though I won't be there this year, the menus, special events, and merchandise have me moving the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival up to the top of my Disney® bucket list. If you've been to this event in the past, I'd love to know which Marketplace you recommend others add to their plans. If you are planning to go to the festival this year or next, let me know which cuisine you're most looking forward to trying! You can leave a comment below, or email me at amy@mousepros.com.