Do you know the top Epcot Food and Wine Festival tips to make the most of your time and save?
If not, then today I have a real treat for you— we are going to go over everything you need to know about doing the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival!
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The 2020 event has been slightly changed due to the pandemic. You can go through the tips to prepare for this year’s event. Continue to check back for updates!
15 Fun Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tips
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival will feature more than 30 global marketplaces with dates from July 15th through the fall of 2020.
You can read the complete guide to Epcot International Food and Wine Festival here!
1 – Get to Epcot Food and Wine Festival Early
Coming early to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will give you a chance to pace yourself.
You will be able to enjoy not only the amazing food that’s being offered, but you’ll also get to experience the attractions in both Future World and World Showcase.
2 – Map Out Your Day
This is another classic tip for any avid Disney traveler. Mapping out your day will save you the headache of missing out on any of your must do items, especially if you’re only able to visit once.
This tip is very important, because it will help guide you on:
- Where to find each marketplace
- What time seminars/events will occur
- Any information regarding speakers, performers, and other special Disney guests
Grab Your Disney World Itinerary for Adults Below
3 – Get a Festival Passport
Festival Passports are free and available all over Epcot.
The passport is a booklet that allows you to personalize it with your name, country, date issued, and date of completion.
It also includes the locations of marketplaces, a detailed list of the dishes, merchandising options, and concert information.
Stickers are also included for you to mark off which food booth you’ve visited.
4 – Start in the Festival Center
Starting here is a must!
It opens two hours before World Showcase and it is a good way to enjoy a few seminars and chat with the Cast Members, possibly gaining some insider tips.
Inside the Festival Center you find:
- Passports to start your world adventure
- The wine shop
- Intermissions Café
- The Chocolate Experience
- Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak
- Bottles and Book Signings
- wine making film
- Seminar stages
Please Note that you can temporary experience these events mainly in the Land Pavilion and throughout Epcot. The previous location of the Festival Center is making way for a brand new Epcot Pavilion.
5 – Go During the Weekdays
For the best time I recommend attending the festival during the weekdays (Monday through Thursday). These days tend to be the least crowded days at Epcot.
This will help you be able to make the most of your time at the festival.
6 – Plan to Visit Multiple Times
The Epcot International Food and Wine festival is like no other festival out there. That’s why I recommend visiting on multiple occasions throughout the season.
You will need a trip to try it all, a trip for seminars, and a trip to retry your favorites.
7 – Attend the Food and Wine Festival Seminars
There’s no better way to enjoy the event than attending the amazing variety of classes.
The prices range from a luxurious all-encompassing experience to budget friendly 45-minute presentation.
A plus is that you will get to meet many of your favorite chefs and try the dishes and drinks in your class.
The sessions are done very well and are lots of fun!
8 – Put Money on a Disney Wristlet Gift Card
Tasting the many samples without a set budget could turn a fun trip into one of financial regret…
…trust me, I’ve made this mistake a few times. Be sure to put “get a Disney wristlet gift card” at the top of your priority list.
9 – Budget for Your Day
Believe it or not, $3 here or $5 there adds up quickly. I recommend budgeting $35-$45 for each person in your party.
And that’s just a budget for food!
Beer and wine samples are poured at about 3 ounces for wine and 6 ounces for beer or cocktails.
On average, adult beverage samples usually cost between $3-$9 with cocktails around $9.50.
10 – Split the Cost
Going with a friend or two or three lowers your budget and makes the event memorable. You can share multiple dishes without leaving Epcot broke.
Hipster Power Tip: Share a beer or wine flight with a friend. Each flight contains 3 to 4 samples.
11 – Share Your Table with Others
It’s Epcot and it’s your home, so why not make new friends by sharing your table. On busy festival days, finding a table can be hard.
If your group is small and you have an extra spot, why not invite someone over who you see searching the area for a place to enjoy their fabulous dish.
12 – Plan for A Cab or Have A Designated Driver in The Group
Previewing the festival’s menu gives you an idea of what delicious treats can be expected.
There are lots of drinks (mostly adult inspired) that will hopefully leave you balanced and able to walk out.
Be sure to have a plan for this kind of indulgence, it makes for a safe and fun experience at Epcot.
Hipster Power Tip: Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and taking frequent breaks in the air conditioned buildings.
13 – Book Your Reservations Early
Reservations are your friend!
Most Epcot Food and Wine Festival fans know that the small spots for the great classes fill up fast.
I highly recommended to reserve the seminar or special event you’re the most excited to attend right away.
Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) or online. Remember to book quickly to guarantee a spot.
14 – Try New Things
It’s easy to stick with the things most familiar to you, but that’s not what Epcot Food and Wine Festival is all about!
Since the portions are smaller, it’s a great way to try something at least once…or twice as Andrew Zimmern states.
It is at the festival that I learned the art of eating escargot. Maybe due to the dish being smothered in butter and garlic!
Epcot chefs definitely understand how to ease guests, like you and me, into exploring new cultural cuisines.
15 – Have Fun!
You’re really going to have a great time, so try not to stress too much if you find yourself spending too much time at the marketplaces or in the seminars.
There’s always something going on in the park that will allow you to have the best time ever!
Have fun, learn something, eat well, and drink up!
Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
What to Know Before You Go
How much does Epcot cost?
A one-day REGULAR season Epcot ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).
What are the Best Rides at Epcot for Adults
- Soarin Around the World
- Living with the Land
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- Mission Space
- Frozen Ever After
How many countries does Epcot have?
There are 11 (eleven) countries in Epcot.
What are the countries in Epcot?
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- America (United States)
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Do you need a separate ticket for Epcot Food and Wine?
You do not need an additional ticket to participate in the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
If you plan on doing any of the special dining experiences, then you will have to pay additional fee.
Can you use snack credits at Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
You sure can!
The snack credit can be used for most food items under $5.49. Simple snacks include pastries, ice cream bars, water bottles and soda.
Learn more ways on how to maximize your Disney Dining Plan here!
Where are the best places to have a drink Epcot?
Like everywhere in the park and I mean that.
Nothing else needs to follow…
I will say that Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion and La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion are the absolute best places to chill and enjoy a drink.
If it’s not too crowded.
Have Your Drinking Around the World at Epcot Passport Handy
Don’t get overwhelmed trying to plan your perfect route around World Showcase. You already have enough to worry about for your Disney vacation.
Get your Drinking Around the World Passport to help you keep track of your progress of the best drinks in Epcot.
Grab your own copy below!
What are the best drinks at Epcot?
My top 5 must have alcoholic beverages are:
- Avocado Margarita from La Cava del Tequila in Mexico
- Mediterranean Journey for Spice Road Table in Morocco
- Leaping Leprechaun from Rose & Crown Pub in United Kingdom
- Apple Ice Wine from the Trading Post in Canada
- Tokyo Sunset from Kabuki Cafe in Japan
You can read more of the best drinks at Epcot here!
Final Thoughts
I hope this post helped guide you towards a great experience at the 2020 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!
Don’t worry if you’re not able to see and do everything. I just want you to have fun and enjoy exploring all the different countries.
What Epcot Food and Wine Festival tips do you think is the most helpful for making the most of your time? Leave your comment below!
Read More Epcot Food & Wine Festival Tips Below:
- Epcot for Adults the Complete Guide
- Read the Full Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Guide
- Epcot Food and Wine Festival MENU
- Food and Wine Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
- Epcot Food and Wine Culinary Demonstration Schedule
- Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
- Easy Tips for The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
NikkyJ
Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article Date July 27, 2018/Updated June 22, 2020)
Great tips! There is always so much to do at Food and Wine!
Yes there is! My favorite event at Epcot 🙂
Great tips for F&W newbies!
Thanks! I love the Epcot Food & Wine Festival 🙂
What a great post! You really made me want to go!!
You will have a blast! So much to see, eat, and do 🙂
Great post!
Thank you! Are you making your way out to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year?