OUR FIRST EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
If you love food and wine, plus live in Florida you’ve definitely heard about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival which is taking place in the park from August 29 to November 23, 2019. It’s one of those must-attend once in your life type of events. It’s hard to believe it’s been around for 24 seasons. It takes place every fall and goes for 87 days!
My family was invited to attend the festival and enjoy everything it had to offer. They gave me four passes and we took the two youngest children. They enjoyed it because they are so used to going to the Magic Kingdom, so Epcot was refreshing with amazing rides and new experiences.
However, if we get invited back next year, we’re bringing 2 adults with us. Why? So we can try the wine! Joking, but serious.
Why should you attend the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Here are a few reasons:
It’s International!
If you’ve ever visited Epcot on a general visit, you know that you actually are immersed in the culture from many different countries. One minute you’re in the Netherlands, the next you’re in Paris. They literally make you feel as if you’ve gone around the world. At the food and wine festival, it’s the same experience but now you get to experience food (including desserts) and spirits from those areas. You’re tasting amazing dishes from around the world.
You do have to pay for what you want to try. They are food stations in every country with prices ranging from $3- $12, so it adds up in addition to paying full price to enter.
Entertainment
All food and no music is no good! Disney gives you a full concert nightly throughout the run of the festival. Each night there is something fun to do. The day we attended, they had:
- Disney Du Jour Dance Party
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series (you enjoy a concert with different guests nightly.)
- IlluniNations Dessert Party
- IlluniNations: Reflections of Earth
Rides
Now although you want to enjoy food and wine, you can’t come to Disney without enjoying the rides. I was sharing with my husband that I love that Disney gives you an experience when you ride.
They pay attention to every detail so even when you’re standing in line, you feel like you’re entering a new world. It’s so much fun. We rode Soarin’, Nemo, Living on the Land, an Earth Ride, and another Space ride. A few were new for all of us.
More Information
The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, takes place in the park from August 29 to November 23, 2019. If you want to attend the Food and Wine Festival, here’s a map to help you plan out where you would like to start.
They have special events (some free with reservations), like food and wine pairings and celebrity chef visits. You need to check the listing for times.
I think the best way to make the most of the experience is to go with people that want to try a variety of things. That way you all can taste test each other’s dishes. You personally can’t try everything. There are over 40 countries to visit, you would be full by number 20! However, try everything you can. That’s part of the fun.
There is also still time to visit Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas. Disney has everything covered!
Follow the hashtag #TasteEpcot on social media to see how other families are enjoying the festival.
