If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the fall, I highly recommend making time to attend the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. It’s a fan-favorite that Disney lover’s look forward to each year. It’s a tastes‑around‑the‑world celebration of global cuisine, drinks, culinary culture, and a fantastic way to sample bites you might never try otherwise. Here’s your guide to what it is, when it’s happening, and what to put on your must‑try list. To learn more about this festival, keep reading!
What Is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival?
The Food & Wine Festival is an annual event at EPCOT where the park transforms into a culinary playground. Across dozens of outdoor “Global Marketplace” kiosks. Disney chefs and food teams offer small plates, snacks, sweets, and drinks inspired by countries and culinary trends. Each booth changing what they serve year to year.
Beyond the food booths, there are special experiences too. These include cooking demonstrations, mixology workshops, musical performances such as the “Eat to the Beat” concert series. This year’s highlights: Baha Men, The Wanted (NEW to concert series), The Fray, Smash Mouth. There is also a festival-themed scavenger hunts or passport challenges such as the Remy’s Ratouille Hide & squeak and emile’s fromage montage. A fun favorite for all kids and kid’s at heart. Due to the fact, that each dish is sold à la carte, many visitors “graze” around the park, sampling multiple small bites rather than sitting for one big meal.
2025 Food and Wine Festival Dates & Details
The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 28, 2025 through November 22, 2025. The Food & wine kiosks, as well as festival programming, are available during regular EPCOT park hours. To attend, you need a standard EPCOT admission. There’s no extra festival ticket for access to the booths themselves, but many of the special events require separate reservations or added fees. Such as the dining package that includes the concert series. At most participating restaurants you can expect a entree, dessert, or buffet. All of which includes alcoholic & non-alcoholic options.
Fan-Favorite Food and Wine: What to Try
Because the festival changes its menus year to year, there’s always something new to taste. But over recent years, here are a list of some fan favorites:
- Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese at the Alps Booth: Described as: “From The Alps marketplace, this melted cheese served with potatoes, baguette, and cornichons (and optionally ham) is a comfort-food favorite.”
- Fry Flight at the Fry Basket Booth: Described as: “At The Fry Basket booth, you can sample a trio (or more) of flavored fries like Truffle-Parmesan, BBQ Bacon, and Sweet Potato Casserole. Many festival fans recommend this as a fun way to try varying fry styles in one bite.”
- Kielbasa & Potato Pierogis at Festival Favorites in Communicore Hall: Described as: “Kelbasa and potato perogies that are served with caramelized onions and sour cream.”
- Boef Bourguignon at the France Booth: Described as: “a hearty dish of braised beef in wine, often paired with potatoes or vegetables, is one of the more upscale bites on the festival circuit and a consistent fan favorite.”
- Slow-Roasted Pork Slider at the Hawaii Booth: Described as: “a juicy pork slider topped with pineapple chutney or tropical condiments — great for those who want something savory and satisfying.”
- Curry-spiced Fried Cheese at Festival Favorites in Communicore Hall: Described as “One of the newer standout items: breaded fried cheese sticks paired with a mango-curry ketchup.”
- Irish Milk Shake at the Ireland Booth: Described as “A boozy blended milkshake made with Guinness, Baileys, and vanilla ice cream. “
Tips for Enjoying the Food and Wine Festival
- Go early or stay late — lines are often lighter at opening or toward close.
- Use the festival passport or app — many guides provide maps, menus, or “stamps” you collect for completing food trails like Emile’s Fromage Montage (cheese trail).
- Share plates — many of the portions are small, so sharing allows you to try more dishes.
- Plan around entertainment — concerts and demos can draw crowds, so consider timing your visits to certain booths before or after shows.
- Be adventurous — some dishes (like pickle milkshakes or bold spice fusions) are polarizing but memorable.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself — there’s a lot to eat, and walking all day adds up!
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of those celebrations where the love of food, culture, and creativity all come together. Whether you’re a seasoned festival eater or visiting for the first time, there’s always something to excite your palate. Check out this video by Disney Food Blog with the full list of 2025 Food and Wine Treats breakdown!
