The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is a foodie’s paradise. But with over 30 booths and hundreds of delectable items to try, it can quickly become overwhelming. So I went to some experts to help find the must-do’s of this year’s festival. After talking with Disney’s Festival culinary team, Walt Disney World Ambassador Serena Arvizu, and festival expert Demi from Magical Hijinks, I’ve put together the ultimate game plan to help you make the most of EPCOT Food & Wine.
Running through November 22nd, this year’s festival features nearly half new food and beverage offerings alongside beloved returning favorites. Here’s how to navigate it all like a pro.
This article has 10 great tips, but you should definitely watch the full video for more in-depth strategies, as well as a look at all the food we recommend!
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1. Create Your “Plan of a Snack”
Before you even enter EPCOT, grab the Festival Passport or look up the menus online. As Walt Disney World Ambassador Serena recommends, “Look through all the booths, look through all the food offerings, and you scope out, okay, this is gonna be a must in my day.”
Must-try items this year include:
- Flavors of America: Gulf Coast Seafood Roll and New England Pot Roast Slider
- Japan: Beef Wagyu over rice
- Canada: Filet Mignon
- France: Reimagined Escargot with crispy pastries and dipping sauce
- Hawaii: Pineapple Cheesecake with passion fruit curd
- Brew-Wing Lab: Parmesan-garlic chicken wings and the infamous pickle milkshake. If you’re a heat seeker, check out the Unnecessarily Spicy Yet Extremely Tasty wings too.
Circle your must-haves and plot your route around World Showcase accordingly.
2. Pace Yourself and Graze All Day
My biggest mistake was trying to eat everything at once. The smarter approach? Graze throughout the day. Grab an item or two, walk around, ride an attraction, then hit another booth when something sounds good.
This strategy breaks up booth wait times and makes the festival feel less stressful, even when crowds surge. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, not a competitive eating contest.
3. Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat
Bring a refillable water bottle and add electrolyte powder – this makes a huge difference in Orlando’s heat and humidity. You can refill for free at quick service restaurants like Connections Eatery, which has convenient water stations.
Pro tip: The food booths only sell bottled water, so plan your refill stops at places like Connections, Refreshment Port, Refreshment Outpost, and the bakery in France.
4. Time Your Visits Strategically
Avoid the lunch and dinner rush by eating during off-peak hours:
- Right when booths open
- Mid-afternoon (2-4 PM)
- Evening (7-9 PM)
Visit Tuesday through Thursday for the smallest crowds, unless there’s a popular Eat to the Beat concert that might draw bigger audiences.
5. Budget Smartly with Disney Gift Cards
Control your spending by purchasing Disney gift cards at a 5% discount from Target. Get the wristband-style cards to stay hands-free while navigating the festival.
At around $7 per plate, costs add up quickly, so setting a budget beforehand helps avoid sticker shock.
6. Take Advantage of Indoor Spaces (and one of the best Festival booths)
The Brew-Wing Lab at Odyssey is a festival lifesaver – it’s Muppet-themed, air-conditioned, and serves consistently great food. As Demi notes, “You get to eat it indoors, which is so great.” They’ve got great videos with Bunsen and Beaker playing, plus activities for kids.
Also, the food here is really good! One of our picks for the best booths of the festival!
Other indoor relief spots include quick service restaurants with festival-exclusive items like Sunshine Seasons and Connections.
7. Complete the Fromage Montage
Get your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Passport stamped at every booth, but also participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage. Collect five special cheese stamps by ordering specific cheese items (listed in the back of your passport), then head to Shimmering Sips for a festival treat. The Warm Raclette dishes at The Alps are a great way to earn stamps, as well as the new Pineapple Cheesecake.
Important note for Emile’s Fromage Montage completers: You can repeat items and complete this across multiple days.
8. Consider Eat to the Beat Dining Packages
If you want to see popular concerts without waiting in long lines, book an Eat to the Beat dining package. Regal Eagle offers the best value since it’s quick service and much less expensive than full-service options. These packages are available same-day if there’s availability.
9. Don’t Sleep on Hidden Gems
Yes, everyone is talking about the Seafood Roll from this year’s festival. But don’t skip out on the underrated gems that Demi and I highlighted in the video:
- Morocco: Pistachio cake at Tangerine Cafe
- Brazil: Pão de Queijo (gluten-free cheese bread, great for kids)
- Fry Basket: Adobo yucca fries with garlic aioli
- Germany: Pretzel bread bratwurst
- Refreshment Outpost: Berber Spice Beef Stew (huge portion for $6.75)
10. Discover the Secret Florida Blue Lounge
Hidden in the back of Morocco, the former Restaurant Marrakesh now houses the Florida Blue Lounge during the festival. It offers free beverages, activities, air conditioning, and limited guaranteed seating wristbands for Eat to the Beat concerts.
You don’t need to be a Florida Blue member – just search “Florida Blue” in the Disney World app, use the link on the page, and register for a free pass.
Festival Strategy Tips
For families: The Remy Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt adds extra fun for kids. You can participate without buying the map if you just want to spot Remy throughout World Showcase.
For serious foodies: Check out Demi’s comprehensive booth reviews at Magical Hijinks before your visit to plan your must-try list.
Weather considerations: September can still be quite hot, so plan indoor breaks and prioritize air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours.
Final Thoughts
The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival celebrates both culinary innovation and classic flavors from around the world. With proper planning and realistic expectations, you’ll create delicious memories and have the best day possible at EPCOT.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, remember Ambassador Serena’s advice: “Come hungry!” But also come prepared, stay hydrated, and most importantly: have fun exploring the incredible flavors World Showcase has to offer.
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