What to Expect at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2018

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2018 … PLUS OUR BEST TIPS!

What to Expect at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2018 …

Plus Our Best Tips!

by Mommy Frog on August 30, 2018

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Walt Disney World knows me too well ... what could be better after a summer hoppin' around with the tadpoles than an entire festival dedicated to food and wine? That's exactly what we busy mommas need.

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is one of my personal favorite traditions, and it's back and better than ever for 2018. With new flavors and tastes debuting at the global marketplaces, the 2018 festival is sure to have delectable items for everyone.

Epcot Food and Wine has been taking place since 1995 and seems to expand every year to satisfy all of its adoring fans ... and we're not complaining! Epcot Food and Wine can get quite busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends. It's important to have a plan and be in the know. You can find our top tips at the end of this festival guide. However, feel free to hop straight to them!

Since it is our honor and privilege to stay on top of all things Disney — especially dining and drinking — we have taken the leap to Epcot Food and Wine 2018 for some in-person, ahem, research on the first day of the festival. The only downside to our visit is that it's quite exhausting to chow down on savory food in https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 Guide to the Foodthe and readers!

Wine Festival;) Beware that the dates, times the heat of August, but we withstood theseUltimate challenges forEpcot YOU,

and celebrity guests listed for specific events may change. Prices are subject to change as well.

Epcot Food and Wine Dates & Overview | Global Marketplaces | Talks, Demonstrations & More! | Premium Events | Eat to the Beat | Tips

Epcot Food and Wine 2018 Dates & Overview

One of Epcot's most popular events, this daily festival runs Aug. 30 through Nov. 12, 2018. The good news is you'll be able to experience the bulk of the festival with your regular Disney World tickets. However, you will need to foot the bill for your eats and drinks, which can add up if you have a hearty appetite like us frogs. For the most part, kiosk food prices run between $4 and $9, with beverages varying from $3 to $10.

There is an additional charge for some of the talks, demonstrations and premium events. Reservations are strongly recommended for those experiences. There are plenty of free things to do though, including book and bottle signings, meet-and-greets and more. You'll find more about that at the Festival Welcome Center, which also offers plenty of foodie merchandise and delicious wines!

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1/17/2019 you dive in, let us tempt your tastebuds Ultimate Guidethis to thevideo Epcot Food Wine Festival the sights and sounds of the Before with thatand showcases

2017 festival. Please refrain from licking the screen.

Sights & Sounds at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2017, Epcot, Walt‌ Walt‌

Epcot Food and Wine 2018 Global Marketplaces

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The global marketplaces are the heart and soul of Epcot Food and Wine. True to World Showcase fashion, the food and drinks focus largely on interesting cuisines from around the world. Fear not! The portions are intentionally small, so you can sip and savor around the world. Here is the list of global marketplaces for 2018: Active Eats Africa The Almond Orchard Australia Belgium Brazil Brewer's Collection Canada The Cheese Studio China The Chocolate Studio Coastal Eats Craft Drafts Earth Eats The Festival Center Wine Shop

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from Fire

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

France Germany Greece Hawai'i Hops & Barley India Ireland Islands of the Caribbean Italy Japan Light Lab Mexico Morocco New Zealand Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar Spain Thailand Wine & Dine Studio We're so hoppy that many of our favorite locations are returning. Some of the highlighted new items include more gourmet options such as these: New Brunswick Slider: Slow-

Glance over the menus online for an idea of what you want to try!

braised Beef Brisket “Pot Roast Style” with Horseradish Cream, Crispy Fried Onions on a Potato Roll with Pickled Vegetables on the side at Hops & Barley Marketplace) Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak, smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro at Flavors from Fire) Vegetarian Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese, and Pumpkin Seeds at The Wine & Dine Studio

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

If you're curious what some of my faves were ... I LOVED the Key Lime Mimosa from Shimmering Sips, which is new at the Festival Center. (The menu was everything I dreamed of and MORE. So many options!)

Spain's Charcuterie Cone was seriously my *dream* snack, and don't get me started on the Guinness Baileys Shake in Ireland ... SO GOOD.

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

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1/17/2019 Ultimate Guide the EpcotWorld.

Food andIndoors Wine Festival An absolute TADPOLE HIGHLIGHT is the Light Lab intoFuture (in the AC, might I add) is an

ultraviolet room filled with colorful science experiments! Little ones can learn how their tastebuds work through interactive beverages.

All of these marketplaces take credit and debit cards, but we find it's easier to use our MagicBands if we're staying on-site. (You can currently save on your Disney World hotel room by booking with us!) We're also fans of purchasing an official festival gift card for the day. These mini-sized gift cards include a wearable plastic band so that you can swipe and go! Set your limit at the outset, and these gift cards keep you on a budget. They also make a fun souvenir and let you enjoy all the food and drinks you want until reach the end. (Putting a finite amount on the gift card will also help you budget.)

Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2018 Talks, Demonstrations & More!

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Don't you want to be as happy as the guy in the photo above? YES, YOU DO. The festival allows your inner chef or aspiring sommelier shine. You can fine-tune your kitchen skills at a number of cooking demonstrations; wine and beverage, mixology and cheese seminars; and food and wine pairings. Many of these events require reservations (call 407-939-3378), and some are an additional fee. You can see the full list here, but here are some 2018 highlights: Epcot Food & Wine 2018 - Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! I don't know about you, but I could always use a little how-to from kitchen experts to help expand my skills.

Taking place Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., these interactive experiences allow you to get a hands-on lesson from kitchen experts. For $39, your senses will be enlightened as you learn anything between cocktail creations to sushi-rolling. Check out the official event calendar to get the deets on featured appearances and presentations and find out which seminar is right for you!

Epcot Food & Wine 2018 - Food & Beverage Pairings Not ready to roll up your sleeves and cook, but still want to enjoy the yummy delights of a professional? For $25, join a featured chef and beverage presenter to learn how to pair a match made in culinary heaven.

Taking place Friday through Sunday at 2:30 p.m., this 45-minute demonstration allows you to sample the https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 Guide the Epcot Food and Winecalendar Festival dish and beverage in the spotlight! You canUltimate check outto the official event to see which

demonstration is right for you, but we're especially excited for those featuring chefs from Disney World restaurants and resorts!

Epcot Food & Wine 2018 - Sunday Brunch with the Chef Breakfast buffet? Gourmet guest of honor? Say no more. Start off with a sparkling wine toast before indulging in a spread of delicious dishes as you listen to the celebrity guest offer their favorite tips and tricks. Enjoying all-you-can-eat food while learning how to better cook for future reference is just my style.

Sunday Brunch with the Chef takes place select Sundays throughout Epcot Food and Wine at the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion. Epcot admission is required in addition to the $129 per guest cost. You can check out the dates and corresponding guests of honor below!

September 2: Richard Blais (Top Chef; owner of Trail Blais culinary company in California) September 9: Jamie Deen (co-owner of The Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah, Georgia) September 16: Tiffani Thiessen (actress and author of Pull Up a Chair) September 23: Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto (Chef/owner of Morimoto Restaurants, including Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs) October 7: Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss; owner of Carlo’s Bake Shop in New Jersey) October 14: Art Smith (Top Chef; restaurateur behind Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs ) October 21: Geoffrey Zakarian (Iron Chef, Chopped and The Kitchen; restaurateur behind Point Royal at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida) October 28: Carla Hall (chef and author) November 11: Alex Guarnaschelli (Iron Chef and Iron Chef Gauntlet; Executive Chef at Butter in New York City)

Epcot Food & Wine 2018 - Premium Events The festival holds premium events that offer guests the chance to explore even more fabulous cuisine. Can you tell your Asiago from your Roquefort? Fromage lovers will enjoy the Wine and Cheese Pairing Seminars, held on select Saturdays. The annual Party for the Senses, held on select dates in October, is a grand tasting event featuring bites from chefs of the Disney Parks.

Epcot Food and Wine 2018 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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1/17/2019 Ultimate Guideband to the Epcot Food and Wine the Festival On every evening of the festival, a classic American or artist takes stage at the America Gardens

Theater at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. The concerts are free and the perfect place to kick back and let loose! Listed below are the dates and performers for the 2018 slate, with first-time Epcot Food and Wine Festival performers noted.

We've never felt the need to stake out spots too early for these concerts, and typically recommend getting there 20-30 minutes ahead of time and attending the earliest show.

Full Eat to the Beat 2018 Lineup August 30 to 31: Blue October September 1 to 3: Tiffany September 4 to 5: NEW! MercyMe September 6 to 7: NEW! Glass Tiger September 8 to 9: NEW! Tauren Wells September 10 to 11: Postmodern Jukebox September 12 to 13: NEW! Vertical Horizon September 14 to 16: Baha Men September 17 to 19: Plain White T’s September 20 to 21: Living Colour https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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Ultimate September 22 to 23: NEW! Sheila E Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

September 24 to 26: Sugar Ray September 27 to 28: David Cook September 29 to 30: Jeffrey Osborne October 1 to 2: NEW! Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts October 3 to 4: Everclear October 5 to 7: Mark Wills October 8 to 10: Air Supply October 11 to 12: NEW! Anderson East October 13 to 14: Smash Mouth October 15 to 16: NEW! 98 Degrees October 17 to 18: 38 Special October 19 to 21: The Devon Allman Project October 22 to 23: Kenny G October 24 to 25: Billy Ocean October 26 to 28: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas October 29 to 31: Hanson November 1 to 2: NEW! High Valley November 3 to 4: Taylor Dayne November 5 to 7: Boyz II Men November 8 to 9: The Hooters November 10 to 12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Eat to the Beat Dining Package If you're a die-hard fan and can't miss your favorite band, check out the dining packages at some of our favorite Epcot restaurants for guaranteed seating. While we're usually huge fans of the convenient dining packages, this isn't our favorite option for Epcot Food and Wine since we're too busy stuffing our faces with the quick bites at limited edition booths. For the Eat to the Beat Dining Package, guests can book a threecourse meal (breakfast and lunch prices vary from $45 to $70 and dinner $52 to $80 per person, adult prices listed.)

These are the restaurants you may dine at in 2018: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Biergarten Restaurant Chefs de France Coral Reef Restaurant https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

La Hacienda de San Angel (dinner only) Nine Dragons Restaurant Marrakesh Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room San Angel Inn Restaurante Spice Road Table Teppan Edo Tokyo Dining Tutto Italia Ristorante Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Epcot Food and Wine 2018 Merchandise Leap doesn't believe me, but I swear the festival merch gets cuter and cuter each year, and I just cannot resist. These wine cork ears are PERFECT, and Disney just keeps hitting home runs with cool spirit jerseys.

Visit the Festival Center (to the left of Mission Space) for the widest selection in one place. You'll find ornaments, mugs, ears, apparel, kitchenware, art and so much more! You can also find festival merchandise throughout smaller kiosk locations in FutureWorld and World Showcase as well. (Oh, and this year, there is some fun merch for beer lovers too!)

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Epcot Food and Wine 2018 Tips With so many visitors to Epcot during the festival, especially in the evenings and weekends, it helps to have ahttps://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/ few insider tips. Here are some of our favorites.

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

If you take your food as seriously as I do, you'll want to identify a few must-try items in advance. It's a great way to whet your appetite, and it can help you budget. I make a list of the things I want to try and which global marketplaces I can ďŹ nd them. It's not meant to be exhaustive because I want to leave a little room for discovery, but it helps me plan which foods (OK, desserts) I don't want to miss.

You can also do this when you get to the festival. Use your Food and Wine Passport to note the dishes you're most interested in sampling. Be sure to check the Eat to the Beat concert series, calendar of demonstrations and chef appearances as well. You never know who might be coming to town while you're visiting or what new skills you can learn at a cooking demo!

2. Have a budget and stick to it As we mentioned earlier, setting a spending limit at the outset is the best way not to go overboard. You can use cash, credit, debit, cards, MagicBands (if you're staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel), and quickservice meal and snack credits (if you're using the Disney dining plan.) We prefer the miniature-sized festival gift cards because they are convenient with their little wrist strap and also make nice souvenirs.

3. Don't limit yourself to World Showcase https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food andso Wine Festival The concept of eating and drinking "around the world" has become common that many people forget

about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival offerings outside of World Showcase. Some of our favorite items this year appear in Future World. You'll find tons of fresh, delicious and unique options here.

Just beyond this area, a bit closer to World Showcase is where you'll find some of the more classic — and always amazing — booths such as the Chocolate and Cheese Studios, and Wine & Dine. If I were limited to only visiting three booths at the entire festival, these would be it! The wine and cheese flight at Wine & Dine is a delectable deal, and we all know I can't pass up chocolate creations. These areas also have prime dining stops, with plenty of tables for all of your snacks. And for the beer lover in your family, don't miss the Craft Beer pavilion right behind Test Track — a great place for yummy food and snacks, and to cool off!

4. Visit the Festival Center While a majority of the Food and Wine Festival technically takes place in fall, Florida weather tends to stay on the hot and humid side later into the year. If you're looking to cool off, we highly recommend taking a stroll through the Festival Center. You'll find this hub of festival activity to the right of the (now closed) Universe of Energy in Future World.

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1/17/2019 Ultimate Guide the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Aside from being a great place to enjoy some AC, thetoFestival Center is also home to the many food and

beverage seminars. There is also a wine-centric film showing on a loop that you can sit down and enjoy.

Grab a bite at a couple of the food stations inside, including one dedicated to Ghirardelli chocolate. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Not to mention, the Festival Center is a hub for all of the special edition merchandise available during the festival — Mickey-themed kitchen art, cookbooks, apparel and more. While you can find much of this merchandise in smaller booths around World Showcase, this is the best place to scout out all items in one spot.

5. Annual Passholders — get your goods!

There are usually quite a few Passholder-exclusive merchandise items available only in the Festival Center, such as pins, tumblers and shirts.

6. Go with a group to maximize the adventure

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Another way to sample a little bit of everything is to go to the festival with a group. Even if it's just you and your bestie, a good time is guaranteed. Whether it's friends, family or even some happy folks you met in the hotel lobby, everyone is bound to have different tastes. Each person gets the dishes he or she wants and then shares with the group!

7. Scout places to eat You don't want to dash and dine at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Don't underestimate the importance of having a place to enjoy all of the food you're about to consume. During crowded times (evenings and weekends) it can be tough to grab a place to set your food down to enjoy. Most of the dining areas are high-top tables with no chairs. However, there are hidden alleys and areas throughout Epcot to take a break and sip on that specialty drink.

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

We recommend scouting out a place to sit BEFORE grabbing those handfuls of food. That way, you're not left scrambling for seating. Have one member of your frog pack hold down your spot (or even a standing table) while others grab food and drinks.

8. Try this hidden photo-op near World Gateway Cute photo with a short wait? Count us in. On your way to World Gateway (the path to the Boardwalk between the United Kingdom and France), you'll find an adorbs Epcot Food and Wine 2018 display perfect for a family pic. Don't worry ... you'll likely find a PhotoPass photog (or a nice frog) nearby ;)

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

9. Pace yourself It can be very tempting to dive into every dish (or drink) you see, but this is where your plan comes in to play. Use that handy passport to help pace yourself as you travel around World Showcase. But remember it's OK to try something that just looks too yummy to pass up.

10. Let the kids have fun Epcot Food and Wine isn't just for adults! One of the most fun things about the festival —especially for the tadpoles — is getting your festival passport stamped. Everyone can get a passport, but if you're doing the festival as a family, we think it's easiest if you only get one. Every time we visit a new marketplace booth, Lily and Tad take turns getting it stamped.

11. ... And let them eat!

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Sure, first impressions of Epcot food and Wine Festival cuisine may come off quite exquisite and not exactly kid-friendly. But, have no fear! The festival does a great job of combining traditional favorites with something new and exciting. What better way to get your tadpoles to experiment with veggies than with interesting Disney dishes? (FYI, this Loaded Mac 'N' Cheese is still one of our fave dishes in its second year.)

12. Avoid evenings and weekends if possible Floridians love Epcot Food and Wine, so crowds tend to swell during evenings and weekends. For shorter lines, visit during the week and plan on going for lunch rather than during dinner hours. If you're going on a weekend, head for the World Showcase during the day or later in the evening as guests start to claim spots to see fireworks. It's worth going late if you go during the weekend — Epcot remains open until 10 p.m. on those festival weekend evenings.

13. Try new things you might not consider beforehand

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Small plates inspired by cuisines from all around the globe could introduce you to your new favorite food!

Don't be afraid to try that vegetable you've never heard of, the cheese with the funny name or interesting new drink. You might just like them! If not, I'll be hoppy to finish it for you.

14. Get dessert for a memorable finish The savory dishes are certainly delicious, but my sweet tooth always has me coming back for dessert.

Disney has some of the best in the world! From classic pairings like lemon and raspberry to unexpected combinations of strawberry and basil or innovative truffles chilled with liquid nitrogen, you're sure to have a sweet ending to your day at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival!

15. Hop on wearable Epcot Food and Wine 2018 gift cards

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Tasting lanyards are no longer available for Food and Wine (boo!) so while no special deals are offered, your next best bet for convenience is getting this wearable festival gift card. This avoids the fuss of pulling out your wallet at each marketplace, and it's a good way to budget each member of the squad. Put an allotted amount on each to pace your spending.

16. Dress up and have fun Whether it's just you and your bestie or a whole lot of you, you'll have more fun if you get in the wine and foodie spirit. Wear your team colors, custom trip T-shirts or matching wine glasses. It will be a blast!

There is a lot to digest (so to speak) as you decide what to experience at Epcot Food and Wine 2018! Do you have any questions about this year's event? Share in comments below!

Related: 5 Fantastic Quick-Service Restaurants at Epcot Hoppy planning!

Tags: Epcot, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot Food and Wine Festival https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

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Sort: Oldest to Newest Nov 10, 2018 at 8:13 p.m.

CHRISTINE E SAYS...

We did the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series Dining Package” and found it interesting no discounts were allowed in restaurant. (Tables in Wonderland or DVC) REPLY

Nov 12, 2018 at 8:39 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Christine!

That is correct - typically, discounts are not allowed on dining packages.

Hoppy planning! https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019Mommy

Frog

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

REPLY

Oct 30, 2018 at 11:11 p.m.

MARIA SAYS...

How much is a ticket to Epcot?

REPLY

Oct 31, 2018 at 11:03 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Maria!

Prices vary depending on when you want to visit and how long. Check out all of our options.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Oct 14, 2018 at 10:33 p.m.

DENISE SAYS...

Has anyone been to FW on the last day? It’s the only day we can go (Monday) and we’re imagining the ends of recipes, kiosks broken down and the beginning of tearing everything down REPLY

Oct 15, 2018 at 2:49 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Denise!

OMG - no worries! Epcot keeps the festival TOTALLY up and running through the final day, just as good as it would be if you had visited in the middle of it. The only difference is that you might see some holiday decorations popping up as well.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

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1/17/2019 Oct 1, 2018 at 8:54 p.m.

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

TIFFANY SAYS...

Hi. We plan on attending the festival on October 5. Should we start ďŹ rst thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and also can you purchase an all you can eat and drink pass? Thanks REPLY

Oct 1, 2018 at 9:41 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Tiffany!

The marketplaces typically don't open until 11AM, but we do recommend arriving early!

Unfortunately, there is not an all-you-can-eat pass.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Sep 18, 2018 at 11:50 p.m.

WILLOW SAYS...

I would like to ask about The Epcot passport.

How we can get The Epcot passport inside the Epcot.

REPLY

Sep 23, 2018 at 11:10 a.m.

KRISTINA HOGUE SAYS...

They have them everywhere! When you walk into Epcot, there are stands with maps of the park in many different languages, usually the passports are right there. No worries, you will see them all around, I promise. Have fun!!

REPLY

Sep 19, 2018 at 8:42 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Willow! https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food andpark Wine Festival can grab a passport wherever you ďŹ nd brochures in the :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Sep 15, 2018 at 2:45 p.m.

LAURA SAYS...

What time does the Eat to the Beat Concert series start each night?

REPLY

Sep 20, 2018 at 4:21 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Laura!

On every evening of the festival, a classic American band or artist takes the stage at the America Gardens Theater at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Sep 2, 2018 at 3:21 a.m.

T SAYS...

Hi, Heading the 1st week in October. Will it be so crowded that the restaurants will be full we will need dining reservations. Or will most people head to Food and Wine. I am interested in the restaurants at Epcot.

Also how crazy busy will it be that week we were planing to eat there during the evenings Oct 1-5?

REPLY

Sep 5, 2018 at 8:44 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi there!

Our Crowd Calendar predicts moderate crowds that week. It shouldn't be too crazy busy! Be sure to make reservations at any sit-down restaurants. :) https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019Hoppy

planning!

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 31, 2018 at 12:25 p.m.

JOHN W SAYS...

We are heading to Orlando WDW for Xmas this year. It's great to have Undercover tourist as our start point for tickets and hotel!

REPLY

Aug 6, 2018 at 1:48 a.m.

WENDY SAYS...

We are attending F&W and are on the DDP. Can we use a quick service meal entitlement for tasting portions and an alcoholic beverage (now that the dining plan includes alcoholic beverages), or only snack credits for the tasting portions (and purchase alcoholic beverages separately)? Thanks.

REPLY

Aug 14, 2018 at 2:32 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Wendy!

We can't confidently answer your question quite yet, as this is the first year of the festival for which this will be applicable. We'll be sure to ask when we attend the first day! Keep an eye on this post for answers.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Jul 7, 2018 at 4:44 a.m.

EMILY SAYS...

Hi! I made a rookie mistake and planned a disney vacation over labor day weekend so I could go to the food and wine festival for the first time. After looking at all the horror stories of going opening weekend or on a weekend in general, I am reconsidering.. We only had plans to go to food and wine on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, but I may just cancel our trip altogether and plan for a time where we can go on a less https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 Ultimate to the Epcot Food andor Wine Festival busy time period. If you could give an opinion onGuide whether to cancel not please do! If you don't think we

should cancel and could give advice on the best time of day to go, that would be great. I wouldn't mind the crowds as much, but the people I am going with I know will not be happy.

REPLY

Jul 9, 2018 at 12:07 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Emily!

Uh oh! To us, even a busy trip to Disney World is still a blast. But we totally understand the struggle and pressure to make sure the people you are going with have fun too. If you're worried they will be bothered by the crowds, we deďŹ nitely recommend rescheduling your trip since Labor Day and the beginning of Food & Wine will bring in lots of guests. We would hate for you to not enjoy your trip because you have secondhand stress! You can check out our Crowd Calendar for the best times to visit, and feel free to reach back out if you have any other questions.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Jul 3, 2018 at 5:32 p.m.

CAROL SAYS...

First time to F&W this Oct with our group of 5; we have only one day which is a Sun so I know it will be crowded; I am hoping to do a few rides in the morning; F&W for lunch; more rides; then walking around to see how the crowds are and if we want anything else to eat; I am thinking of doing a sit down dinner at Epcot due to the crowds I am thinking will be there at dinner; is this wise? And I saw that white tray above in the pictures? Are those offered any where at the Festival? Thank you!

REPLY

Jul 3, 2018 at 3:14 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Carol!

This sounds like the perfect plan to us. Our best advice would be to dine at "off" times. For example - an early lunch around 11 a.m. and an early dinner around 4 p.m. (with extra snacking at the Food & Wine booths later on, of course!) would be the best approach. The white tray was included with a sampler dish we purchased last year. Yum! https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019Hoppy

planning!

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Mommy Frog REPLY

Apr 18, 2018 at 5:43 p.m.

SHANNON SAYS...

Hi, I'm doing Disney World this fall and it's falling in the middle of the food & wine festival... Sad thing is I don't drink and am currently seeing little interest in the festival. Is it possible for me to stick to a "regular" Epcot touring plan and not focus on the festival without it impending the fun? We're only in the park until about 6pm and I want to see as much as possible...

Thanks!

REPLY

Apr 18, 2018 at 10:47 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Shannon!

OMG - don't worry! The festivals don't interfere with the standard Epcot experience at all. You can deďŹ nitely stick with a "regular" Epcot touring plan and enjoy your day! Much of the crowds will be drawn towards the Food & Wine exclusives, leaving the rest of the park as your oyster!

Keep hopping!

Leap REPLY

Sep 28, 2017 at 3:27 a.m.

KC SAYS...

What time does the Food & Wind Festival close on Sundays? I cannot ďŹ nd any information about the hours anywhere REPLY

Sep 28, 2017 at 8:05 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi KC,

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019The

Ultimate Guide to the is Epcot Food yet and Wine Festival Food and Wine festival is "open" when Epcot open, some booths and activities have

different hours. Check the oďŹ&#x192;cial Epcot page and look up the day you are thinking of attending.

That's your best clue as to times.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Sep 7, 2017 at 2:10 p.m.

RACHEL SAYS...

Is it possible to get the passports before we go (in November)?

REPLY

Sep 7, 2017 at 3:05 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Rachel, We've only seen the passports available inside Epcot.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 28, 2017 at 8:52 p.m.

STEPHANIE SAYS...

Read enough bad reviews of this event to avoid it altogether. Crazy prices, miniscule samples, crappy wine...I can do so much better all by myself for a fraction of the cost.

REPLY

Aug 31, 2017 at 3:07 a.m.

TRACI SAYS...

Oh it's pricy because of the admission to get into Epcot but my husband and I go without children and have gone 5 out of the last 8 years.

WE love it. The food is small but just enough. And wine is not the only alcoholic beverages offered.

We have a blast either alone or years we've traveled with others. https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019Im

Epcot andabout Wine Festival sad because until last year whenUltimate it wasGuide full,toI the had noFood idea the chase lounge and was

excited to take advantage but now it's gone.

So give it a try.

REPLY

Aug 27, 2017 at 8:39 p.m.

BETH SAYS...

will there be gluten free items offered?

REPLY

Aug 28, 2017 at 8:55 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Beth, We're hopping down to the Food and Wine Festival this week. We'll note where we see gluten free options and include it in our post!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 21, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

KAREN SAYS...

How do I go about purchasing a festival gift card? Is there a website? I will be coming from the Midwest and will need it before I arrive in Florida. Thanks!

REPLY

Aug 22, 2017 at 6:48 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Karen, You may purchase a Disney Gift Card before you arrive and use that at the festival. It's not a festival gift card, but it works the same. You can ďŹ nd more info here.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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REPLY

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Aug 16, 2017 at 12:50 p.m.

THERESA SAYS...

What is the average cost per dish/drink when sampling food and wine? I am trying to determine how much to budget for and put on the mini gift cards for myself and my daughter. Thank you.

REPLY

Aug 16, 2017 at 8:49 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Theresa, In the past, food dishes have been between $4-8, and drinks between $3-6. Hope that helps!

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 10:01 p.m.

CAROL HARTER SAYS...

Can you give a price range for the small bites that are offered at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival? I'd like to get a feel for how much I'd like to put on my festival gift card.

REPLY

Aug 16, 2017 at 8:50 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Carol, In the past, food dishes have been between $4-8, and drinks between $3-6. Hope that helps!

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 8:18 p.m.

LEXY SAYS...

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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to the Epcot Food Festival I1/17/2019 see the list of Marketplaces, but how do I Ultimate know Guide where these will and be Wine spread out throughout the park? Is

there a map available ahead of time to plan? Thanks!

REPLY

Aug 16, 2017 at 9:28 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Lexy, There is a map available, but it has not been posted yet. We'll link to it on the blog when it's posted

by Disney.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 16, 2017 at 9:28 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Lexy, There is a map available, but it has not been posted yet. We'll link to it in the blog when it's posted

by Disney.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 7:21 p.m.

WENDY SAYS...

Would you still recommend going left to right (Mexico to Canada) even now that the Frozen ride draws so many people to that side?

REPLY

Aug 16, 2017 at 9:25 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Wendy,

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

35/43

1/17/2019We'll

Ultimate the Epcot Food Festival look into this when we hop down in Guide a fewto weeks, but and weWine don't anticipate the Frozen line to

interfere with the Marketplace Booths around Norway.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 6:26 p.m.

CHERI SAYS...

Have seen that the Chase Lounge will not be operated this year- so sad REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 5:58 p.m.

MARY SAYS...

I am confused! You mention the Chase Lounge but I read in several sources that Chase was no longer a sponsor and there would be no Chase lounge available in 2017.

REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 1:27 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Mary, Thanks for the catch. We've removed it off the blog.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Aug 15, 2017 at 5:18 p.m.

TODD SAYS...

Pertaining to #9, I believe it was recently announced that the Chase lounge will not be returning for this year's festival.

REPLY

Jul 20, 2017 at 3:06 a.m. https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 PAM SAYS...

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Can my 19 year old daughter join me in attending the low cost seminars offered at the Festival Center as long as she doesn't partake of any alcohol?

REPLY

Aug 18, 2017 at 4:44 p.m.

ANN SAYS...

Yes, your daughter is more then welcome to go to the seminars. I have seen many children much younger then your daughter go to them. They just do not serve them the alcohol. They are very fun and family friendly.

REPLY

Jul 18, 2016 at 9:45 p.m.

KAREN SAYS...

Heading to Epcot's F&W Festival on Oct. 2nd, 2016. I'm considering the breakfast with Bobby Valastro. Is this a full breakfast?? Just wondering since the cost is $129/pp. Any idea if it's worth it?

Thanks!

REPLY

Aug 18, 2017 at 4:42 p.m.

ANN SAYS...

I go every year to this event and in the past couple of years it has been a plated brunch meal. It usually has roasted potatoes, some kind of quiche or egg dish, a protein, and another kind of vegi.

They also have pastries on the table to share along with coffee/tea, orange juice and some kind of wine or champagne.

REPLY

Oct 4, 2014 at 2:35 a.m.

JILL SAYS...

We will be attending the Food & Wine festival for the ďŹ rst time ever. Is there plenty to experience without buying additional tickets for events? Or do you have to have additional tickets beyond park admission to partake? I'm really not sure what exactly to expect. Thanks!

REPLY https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Aug 22, 2017 at 5:19 p.m.

NANCY STERNER SAYS...

You DO NOT need to purchase any extra event tickets. There are SO many vendors from which to purchase small plates and drinks AND the Eat to the Beat Concerts are free...just get there early for a seat. Also, if you are on the Dining Plan, your snack credits can be used instead of cash at the vendor sites.

REPLY

Oct 6, 2014 at 1:45 p.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Jill, You do not need to purchase additional tickets to enjoy the festival. World Showcase is the hub of activity with the food and drink offerings from the international marketplaces. Pick a few countries, sample the ďŹ&#x201A;avors and enjoy the sights and sounds!

Mommy Frog REPLY

Sep 24, 2014 at 12:13 a.m.

RONALD PAUL HAEGELY SAYS...

What do I ned to do to buy tickets for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival - Late Nights LIVE!. We will be there on oct 23.

REPLY

Sep 20, 2014 at 3:46 p.m.

BONNIE SAYS...

I attend the Food and Wine every year. Love it!

So disappointed this year to see they have removed the Lobster Roll! It was the best of the Festival!

REPLY

Sep 17, 2014 at 7:06 p.m.

CAROL ANN SAYS...

If you already have a ticket to Epcot, it's an additional $79 to partake in the Late Nights LIVE! street party?

Or is there an up-charge?

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/epcot-food-wine-festival/

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1/17/2019 REPLY

Ultimate Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Sep 18, 2014 at 7:52 a.m.

FROGBLOG SAYS...

Hi Carol Ann, That is correct.

Best, Mommy Frog REPLY

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