Savoring the Magic: Your Comprehensive Guide to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World consistently ranks as one of our most anticipated events of the year. This annual culinary celebration transforms Epcot into a global gastronomic paradise, inviting guests to embark on an unforgettable journey of flavors from around the world. For food enthusiasts and Disney fans alike, it’s a vibrant spectacle of tastes, aromas, and cultural experiences that truly makes it a highlight on the calendar. Each visit offers a unique opportunity to explore new cuisines, enjoy lively entertainment, and create cherished memories with loved ones.

Why We Love the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

For us, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an absolute must-do, and in recent years, we’ve made it a tradition to visit multiple times. The sheer volume and variety of culinary delights available make it virtually impossible to experience everything in a single day. This immersive festival, typically running from late summer into the fall, offers ample opportunity for repeat visits, allowing guests to savor new dishes and revisit old favorites at their leisure. The energy of the festival, combined with the unparalleled global offerings, makes it an experience unlike any other at Walt Disney World.

The Unbeatable Perk of Disney Annual Passes

One of the most significant advantages of being Walt Disney World Annual Passholders is the freedom to explore the Epcot Food & Wine Festival at our own pace. It allows us to pop in for a few hours, sample a handful of dishes, and then return another day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This flexibility enhances the entire festival experience, transforming it from a frantic sprint to a leisurely, enjoyable marathon of eating and drinking. Annual passes also often come with exclusive perks, such as special merchandise or discounts, further sweetening the deal for frequent visitors.

This year, for instance, we’ve already made two trips to the festival. Our first visit was a wonderful family outing, shared with my family and my daughter’s friend, where we delighted in discovering new flavors together. The second visit was a more intimate affair, a special celebration with just my husband for our 16th wedding anniversary, highlighting the festival’s appeal for all kinds of occasions and demonstrating its versatility.

Speaking of annual passes, my husband truly outdid himself four years ago when he surprised me with them. It was, without a doubt, the best gift ever! The passes have opened up so many opportunities for spontaneous Disney adventures, and the Food & Wine Festival is arguably where they shine brightest, offering unlimited access to this incredible annual event.

You can read more about my husband’s thoughtful gift and our early festival experiences here.

Planning Your Festival Adventure: Tips and Highlights

Our strategy each year is to visit early in the festival season to begin our culinary tour around the Global Marketplaces. Even with multiple visits, there’s always something new to try or a favorite dish to revisit. Beyond the incredible food and drink, the festival also features the popular “Eat to the Beat” concert series, showcasing a variety of musical acts at the America Gardens Theatre. We’re still hoping to squeeze in one more visit to catch a performance by Boys II Men, adding another layer of entertainment to our festival experience and proving there’s always a reason to return.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival typically runs for an extended period, offering plenty of opportunities for guests to experience its magic. For example, the 2018 festival spanned from August 30th to November 12th, providing ample time for multiple visits. Annual Passholders often receive additional incentives for frequent attendance. In 2018, for example, a special festival cutting board was awarded on the fourth visit – a fantastic #goal for any dedicated food and wine lover, offering a tangible memento of their culinary adventures!

Our Top Picks: A Culinary Journey Through the Global Marketplaces

With so many incredible options spread across dozens of Global Marketplaces, it’s always a delightful challenge to narrow down our absolute favorites. However, we’ve managed to compile a list of some truly unforgettable dishes and sips from our visits this year. These selections represent the diverse flavors, innovative preparations, and culinary creativity that make the Epcot Food & Wine Festival such an unparalleled and special event for foodies of all ages.

Spotlight on Our Favorite Booths and Bites:

Brazil

A perennial favorite, the Brazil booth always delivers an authentic taste of South America. This year, the Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo), pictured above, was an undeniable standout. We overheard numerous glowing reviews about it during our visit, and after trying it, we completely understood why. These delightful, warm, gluten-friendly cheese puffs boast a perfectly crispy exterior and a wonderfully chewy, cheesy interior that simply melts in your mouth. How could anything this cheesy not be utterly delicious? It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying snack that captures the essence of Brazilian comfort food, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Brewer’s Collection & Spain

These two booths offered fantastic contrasting experiences, catering to both beverage connoisseurs and lovers of Mediterranean flavors.

From the Brewer’s Collection, the Schofferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer (pictured left) was a truly refreshing discovery. Its unique blend of a traditional German wheat beer with a crisp, sweet-tart pomegranate flavor perfectly cut through the Florida heat, making it an ideal companion for strolling around World Showcase. It’s light, effervescent, and incredibly flavorful.
At the Spain marketplace, we indulged in two incredible dishes that transported us directly to the Iberian Peninsula:
- The Charcuterie in a Cone with imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette (pictured top right) was not only visually appealing but also a genius concept for festival snacking. The generous selection of high-quality meats and cheeses, complemented by the savory olives and a zesty herb vinaigrette, made it a sophisticated, flavorful, and incredibly convenient treat.
- The Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Smoked Paprika (pictured bottom right) was a fresh and vibrant explosion of flavors. The delicate seafood was perfectly cooked, tender, and succulent, and the light, bright dressing brought out all the natural sweetness, with a subtle hint of smokiness from the paprika adding depth.

Hops & Barley (at the America Pavilion)

This booth consistently ranks as one of our absolute favorites, especially for those seeking robust American-inspired comfort flavors. We thoroughly enjoyed two quintessential offerings:

The New England Lobster Roll: Warm Lobster with Fresh Herb Mayonnaise (pictured above, top right). This classic dish was executed flawlessly, featuring generous chunks of warm, succulent lobster gently tossed in a creamy, fresh herb mayonnaise, all nestled in a soft, buttered roll. It’s a taste of the East Coast’s finest seafood, prepared with precision and served with a smile, truly capturing the essence of a seaside delicacy.
The New Brunswick Slider: Slow-braised Beef Brisket “Pot Roast Style” with Horseradish Cream and Crispy Fried Onions on a Potato Roll with Pickled Vegetables on the side (pictured above, bottom right). The beef brisket was incredibly tender, falling apart with every bite, beautifully complemented by the tangy horseradish cream and crunchy fried onions. What truly sets this slider apart, however, are the accompanying pickled vegetables. Their spicy, acidic kick adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the brisket, making this dish a truly unforgettable experience and a must-try for any meat lover.

The Cheese Studio & The Chocolate Studio

We confess, we hadn’t explored this section of the Festival much in previous years, often drawn to other regions. However, we are incredibly glad we made a point to visit this time around. Both desserts we sampled here soared immediately to the top of our “must-have” list, proving that sometimes the best discoveries are made off the beaten path.

From The Cheese Studio, the Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake with Maple Bourbon Cream, Caramel and Pecan Crunch (pictured above, back) was a revelation. It offered a sophisticated balance of sweet and savory, with the creamy, delicate cheesecake base elevated by the rich, warm maple bourbon notes and the delightful textural contrast of the pecan crunch and smooth caramel. It was an unexpected, yet utterly perfect, combination.
Over at The Chocolate Studio, the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (pictured above, forward) was not just a dessert but an entire theatrical experience. The drama of the liquid nitrogen creating a smoky, ethereal presentation was matched only by the exquisite taste. The intensely rich chocolate-almond truffle, chilled to perfection, contrasted beautifully with the warm, velvety whiskey-caramel sauce, creating a symphony of temperatures and flavors that lingered delightfully on the palate.

Flavors from Fire

You simply cannot miss this booth – the incredible, savory aromas wafting from it are enough to draw you in from across the pavilion. It’s definitely one of our top favorites for its bold, smoky, and exciting flavors that deliver a memorable punch with every bite.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Piggy Wings (Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ sauce and sesame seeds), though not pictured here. These tender, fall-off-the-bone pork wings, coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy Korean BBQ sauce, are a messy but utterly delicious treat that embodies the fun of festival eating.
The Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue (pictured above, left) was an absolute triumph. The smoky, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef paired with the perfectly crispy potatoes, tangy pickled onions, and a rich, creamy blonde ale beer fondue created a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish that we simply couldn’t get enough of. We LOVED this one for its innovative combination of classic pub flavors!
The Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro Aïoli (pictured above, top right) showcased perfectly cooked skirt steak, bursting with fresh, herbaceous chimichurri flavors. The smoky corn cake provided a delightful, slightly sweet base, while the crisp pickled vegetable slaw and zesty cilantro aïoli added refreshing layers of texture and brightness, making each bite an adventure.

Islands of the Caribbean

This vibrant booth offers a delightful taste of the sunny islands with both savory and sweet options that capture the essence of Caribbean cuisine.

The Ropa Vieja Empanada with Tomato Aïoli (pictured above left, forward) was a savory delight. The pastry was perfectly golden and crispy, encasing a rich, deeply flavorful filling of slow-cooked ropa vieja (shredded beef), beautifully complemented by the creamy, tangy tomato aïoli. It’s a perfect handheld snack bursting with robust flavors.
For a sweet finish, the Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce (pictured above left, back) was heavenly. The flaky puff pastry enveloped a luscious, subtly sweetened cream cheese filling, all brought together by the vibrant, sweet, and tangy guava sauce. It’s a truly indulgent and authentic Caribbean treat that provides a perfect sweet counterpoint.

Sharing these delicious finds with my daughter and her friend was so much fun! They are the cutest little foodies, always eager to try new things and share their opinions, making the festival experience even more joyful.

Coastal Eats

For seafood lovers, Coastal Eats is an absolute must-visit, offering exquisitely prepared dishes that highlight fresh, oceanic flavors with a creative twist. We are huge fans of both of these selections, which exemplify high-quality festival dining:

The Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado-lemongrass Cream was a masterpiece of textures and tastes. The crab cake was packed with sweet, succulent lump crab meat, perfectly seared to a golden crisp, and served with a refreshing, crisp Napa cabbage slaw. The avocado-lemongrass cream added a bright, herbaceous, and subtly creamy note that tied all the delicate flavors together beautifully, making it incredibly light and satisfying.
The Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn, Butterbean Succotash and Chili-chipotle Butter Sauce (pictured above) were absolutely divine. The scallops were perfectly seared to a golden-brown exterior, boasting a tender, buttery interior that melted in the mouth. The vibrant succotash, with its sweet roasted corn and creamy butterbeans, added a wonderful texture and earthiness, while the chili-chipotle butter sauce provided a gentle, smoky heat that elevated the entire dish to gourmet status.

Photo Credit: Kristen Doyle, Dine & Dish

Light Lab

For those looking for refreshing sips that go beyond traditional beer or wine, the Light Lab offers an intriguing and varied selection of hard ciders. We particularly enjoyed exploring the Cider Flight, which included a diverse range of flavors:

Original Sin Dry Rosé Hard Cider, New York, NY: A crisp and elegant choice, offering delicate fruit notes and a clean, dry finish.
3 Daughters Brewing Blueberry Peppercorn Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL: A truly unique experience, blending the sweet tang of blueberries with an unexpected, subtle kick of peppercorn for a complex and engaging flavor profile.
Ciderboys Zen Berry Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI: A delightfully fruity and smooth option, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, more approachable cider with a hint of berry goodness.

This flight provides a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of distinct flavors, from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity, perfect for cooling down and rejuvenating on a warm Epcot day.

Photo Credit: Kristen Doyle, Dine & Dish

More Must-Try Dishes (Without Photos, but Highly Recommended!):

While we couldn’t capture every delightful bite during our visits, these additional items left a lasting impression and are certainly worth seeking out during your own festival exploration. They represent some of the most memorable flavors we encountered.

Active Eats

Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions – This dish is pure comfort food heaven! Rich, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese loaded with savory, smoky pepper bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh green onions. It’s no wonder this is a huge favorite with my daughter – a truly satisfying and indulgent treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Australia

Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies – My husband raved about this one, declaring it a festival highlight. The lamb chop was perfectly grilled, incredibly tender, and bursting with flavor, elegantly elevated by a vibrant and fresh mint pesto. The “potato crunchies” added a fun and unexpected textural element that made the dish truly unique and unforgettable.

Japan

Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables and a Sweet Teriyaki Sauce – A delightful and convenient handheld snack, this soft, fluffy steamed bun offered a harmonious blend of tender, seasoned chicken and crisp vegetables, all coated in a classic, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s an easy and incredibly flavorful bite, perfect for on-the-go festival exploration and a favorite for its balanced taste.

Mexico

Short Rib Tostada: Corn Tortilla topped with Short Ribs, Black Beans, Salsa Verde and Spring Onion – This tostada was a symphony of bold Mexican flavors. The succulent, slow-cooked short ribs were incredibly tender, resting atop a perfectly crispy corn tortilla, complemented by earthy black beans, bright and tangy salsa verde, and a garnish of fresh spring onion. A rich, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying choice that provides a true taste of Mexico.
Smoky Margarita with Gracias A Dios Mezcal, Lime Juice and Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur – For an adventurous and sophisticated sip, this margarita delivered. The distinctive smoky notes of mezcal were perfectly balanced by the tart freshness of lime juice and a subtle, intriguing heat from the Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur. It’s a beautifully crafted and memorable cocktail that adds an exciting dimension to your beverage experience.

Beyond the Bites: The Festival Atmosphere

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is more than just exceptional food and drinks; it’s an immersive cultural experience that engages all the senses. Everywhere you look, there’s something to capture your attention, from the lively crowds and vibrant decorations to the charming festival merchandise that allows you to take a piece of the magic home.

Who can resist Figment, Epcot’s beloved purple dragon, donning his chef’s hat on adorable Food & Wine gear? These charming souvenirs, from pins to apparel, add to the magic and make for perfect mementos of your culinary adventure, reminding you of the fun and fantasy that only Disney can create.

And of course, no visit to Walt Disney World is complete without a nod to the main mouse himself, Chef Mickey! His presence, even if just in spirit on merchandise or delightful character art, reminds you of the enduring joy and timeless wonder that Disney brings to all its guests, tying the culinary celebration back to the heart of the Disney experience.

Until Next Year!

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a truly special event that consistently delivers incredible food, delightful drinks, and cherished memories year after year. Each season brings new culinary discoveries and familiar favorites, making every visit a unique and exciting adventure. We eagerly anticipate its return, already dreaming of the next global culinary tour around World Showcase and the wonderful moments it will bring. Until then, we’ll cherish the flavors and moments from this year’s unforgettable experience, knowing that the magic of Epcot’s festival awaits us once again!

Epcot’s 2018 Global Culinary Journey