Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is back and bibbidi-bobbidi-better than ever before with 4 new kid-approved attractions! From August 30th through November 12th, we’ve compiled this need-to-know guide on Disney’s most family-friendly food festival yet!
Since its debut in 1996, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival has grown to include 65 wineries and over 40 breweries. While the annual Disney extravaganza has previously catered to fans of all ages, this year is set to be an unforgettable experience for parents with aspiring foodies to entertain.
THE BASICS
Entrance into the Food & Wine Festival is free with Epcot park admission, which starts at $102. Because of its size, regular attendees of the festival recommend at least 2 days. However, it’s definitely worth checking out even if you can only make Epcot a one-day stop.
Don’t forget to grab a Food & Wine Passport before you start the day. You can keep track of where you’ve been and document all the daring new flavors you (and your brave kiddos) may try!
Pro-tip! Watch for a “strawberry” symbol at food booths! It signals there are foods available made especially with kids in mind.
Pro-tip! Are you using Disney Dining Plan credits? You can trade a quick service meal credit for three snack items from any single food booth! (The food booths around World Showcase open at 11am!)
DISNEY’S NEW FREE KID-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL FUN
Disney’s exciting new kid-approved festival stations are free with admission and will certainly keep your little ones smiling in-between every bite!
DIY Candy Sushi
Twice daily (3:30pm and 5:30pm) Disney chefs will aid in this interactive candy sushi-making workshop. It is located in the Sunshine Seasons food court at the Land Pavilion. Because space is limited, be sure to register here!
“Fun Zone” Playground & Sweet Snacks
Located near the Test Track marketplace in Future World East, this festival play area is inspired by Ralph Breaks the Internet. (The epic upcoming sequel to Wreck-It Ralph!) Refuel with nearby themed treats like the new “Pancake Milkshake” and croissant doughnuts topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate and marshmallows, chocolate hazelnut cream, or sprinkles!
Disney du Jour Character Dance Party
Follow the tunes to the Fountain View Stage in Future World! From 5:30-9:30pm every Friday and Saturday festival goers can enjoy music, dances, and activities for kids of all ages. This is one party you won’t want to miss because some of your favorite classic Disney Duos will be dropping by each weekend. Look out for Remy & Emile from Ratatouille, Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde from Zootopia, Lilo & Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, and Clarabelle Cow & Horace Horsecollar! Furthermore, each dance party features a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming Radio Disney artist!
The Junior Chef Kitchen
Every Sunday morning at 11am this interactive experience takes place at the Festival Center. Under the supervision of a Disney chef, learn how to make your own pancakes complete with tasty decorations. (And enough time to devour your creation!) Due to limited space, registration is only available at the Festival Center on Saturdays and Sundays.
EXTRA FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
A noteworthy Food & Wine Festival family tradition! The Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt map and sticker sets are usually under $8. But as a result you receive an exclusive small prize at the end no matter how far you get. The goal is to match food item stickers to their corresponding location where Remy can be found “hiding out”. He will be holding whatever food is on each sticker. Find a home for all the stickers on your map and you will discover the “ingredients” Remy needs to make his special dish!
Pro-tip! When searching for Remy regular festival-goers say above all else, remember to look up!
Eat to the Beats Meals
Attend nightly concerts at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot World Showcase. This year’s performers include Blue October, MercyMe, Baha Men, Plain White T’s, Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, and Smash Mouth! Save big with all-inclusive packages that combine one breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating at the concert series. (To see the full list of performers and participating restaurants, click here!)
Festival Center Open Early
If you’re an early bird, the Festival Center opens 2 hours before food booths at 9am! Get busy planning for the day ahead as you sip on coffee from Joffrey’s Specialty Disney Collection. Or investigate the new Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar (yes, also open at 9am) where you will find a kid-friendly drink by the name of “Frozen Apple Pie”.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TASTEEPCOT.COM
