Japanese Gate with lake

2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Guide

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Fall might still be a couple of months away, but the wait is almost over for the foodie fête of the year: the Disney Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. This year, Walt Disney World’s foodie theme park is playing host to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from July 27 to November 18, 2023.

For anyone keeping track (and we definitely are), that’s 129 delicious days filled with flavorful dishes and drinks from across the globe, plus a cornucopia of wholesome (both literally and figuratively) entertainment both kids and adults will love. Just think of all the tasty possibilities! 

Are you ready to eat and drink your way around Epcot and World Showcase with worldly bites and sips, live concerts by big-name acts and local musicians, interactive activities and healthy helpings of culinary magic and pixie dust? Then bring your appetite and a thirst for adventure (and wine and beer!), as we dig into everything there is to know about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2023. Just wanting to see what’s on the menu? Check out our festival foodie guide. (Updated July 10, 2023)

Mexican Ruin at Epcot

Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 – What Is It?

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of flavors from around the world, offering everything from country-themed Global Marketplaces and a cheesy food stroll to family-friendly entertainment like live music and a squeak-tastic scavenger hunt starring Remy, Pixar’s famous Little Chef. It truly is a foodie fever dream.   

Best of all, almost everything is included with your theme park admission. That means access to: 

  • Close to 30 Global Marketplaces (food and beverage costs not included)
  • Musical performances
  • Exclusive merchandise
  • And a menu of culinary-inspired experiences that are chockful of fun for food lovers and families alike!

In short, if drinking around the world (showcase) is at the top of your Walt Disney World bucket list, or if eating, drinking and traveling just happen to be some of your favorite things, then this is the Epcot festival for you.

For a complete guide to the buffet of fun, be sure to grab an Epcot Food and Wine Festival passport on your way into the savory shindig. This handy-dandy pamphlet is a must when planning out your day, whether exploring menus, checking out performance times and or keeping track of everything you’ve sampled. 

Norwegian buildings with waterfall

When is Epcot Food and Wine 2023? 

It’s no secret that Epcot’s food-focused festivals are a highlight for many Walt Disney World guests. Luckily, Disney is more than happy to oblige, with events like Epcot’s Festival of the Arts and Flower & Garden Festival seemingly getting longer each year. (And we definitely aren’t complaining!)

Thankfully, Epcot’s fall foodie festival is no exception. For this year, Epcot International Food and Wine 2023 dates are July 27 to November 18, with the festival running seven days a week.

Currently, Epcot is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with Early Park Entry from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and Global Marketplaces typically available from 11:00 AM to park close. For the most up-to-date schedule, refer to the My Disney Experience app. 

How much is the 2023 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? 

For those of you wondering if you need a special ticket for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, we’re happy to say that the answer is no. Admission to this culinary extravaganza is free with your Epcot ticket (starting at $114 plus tax for guests ages 10 and up). Just keep in mind that rates for Disney tickets vary depending on when you decide to visit, with prices increasing during busy times like the weekends and over holidays.

As for everything else, the food and wine (or whatever else you’d like to drink), however, are not included in the price of your ticket. So, plan to spend around $5 to $9 for food items and between $4 and $10 for beverages. For an easy way to keep your budget under control, consider buying a wearable gift card at the festival loaded with what you can spend. 

Where to Stay for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Planning to stay on resort property while devouring all those yummy festival eats but not sure which of the Disney World resorts to choose? We suggest you stick with one of the Epcot-area resorts or a hotel near a Disney Skyliner station. That way, you won’t have as far to go once you’re too stuffed (or tipsy) to make another loop around World Showcase. 

The American Adventure sign and liberty building

Depending on which resort you decide on, you’re just a walk or short ride – either by Skyliner, bus or car – away from your bed. Best of all, not only does staying at one of the Disney hotels in the Epcot Resort Area give you even more time to accomplish everything on your festival to-do list, but you can even go back for a much-needed, mid-afternoon nap to rest up and create some more stomach space. 

Walking Distance Resorts in the Epcot Area

Resorts With Disney Skyliner Access to Epcot

German village buildings

Global Marketplaces: Epcot Food and Wine 2023 Food Booths

This may or may not be a bit of a hot take, but where and what you eat at Disney is as essential to your vacation as which rides you go on and what characters you meet. Yes, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again (and seriously all the time because food is awesome).

Think about it – food is an essential part of traveling. On the negative side, a tasteless or poorly cooked meal can leave a bad taste in your mouth both literally and figuratively. At its best, it’s a rich and flavorful glimpse into a culture and its people – and Disney’s International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is among the best.

Unlike the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, this delicious celebration has always put tasty things to eat and drink at its heart. Now, not to start a food fight with other amazing Epcot festivals, but the Epcot Food and Wine Festival has got them all beat when it comes to what’s on the menu.

For this culinary adventure, you’ll embark on a tantalizing voyage across six continents as you snack and sip on dishes and drinks inspired by vibrant cultures, flavors and cooking styles from across the globe. 

This year, there are 29 different “Global Marketplaces” on offer for guests, with festival-exclusive items spread across World Showcase and the rest of Epcot, including four brand-new food booths, Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubble & Brine and Swirled Showcase.  

2023 Epcot Food and Wine Food Booths

Getting hungry already? Us too! Set off on your whirlwind tour through the world’s cuisines with these Global Marketplaces, or food booths, at Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2023. Please note that while the festival officially starts on July 27, some booths won’t open until around a month later on August 15, 2023

The Alps

Aside from warming up in front of a fire wearing a snuggly sweater at a ski chalet, nothing says Alpine coziness quite like a steamy plate of ooey-gooey Raclette Swiss cheese, enjoyed with tasty vessels like bread and veggies. 

Chinese buildings and gardens

Australia

Take a trip to the land of Oz (that’s what the Aussies call Australia) at this Down Under-inspired booth featuring some yummy Australian favorites. 

Belgium

Delicately crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and with plenty of nooks and crannies to gather whatever deliciousness you put on top, Belgian waffles are a must in their namesake country, and at this European global marketplace too. Or, snack on some beer-braised beef with cheesy mashed potatoes.

Brazil

It may not be Carnival in Rio, but there certainly is a party of flavors at this Brazil-inspired food booth, with dishes every bit as vibrant as the country’s annual festival, such as the quintessential feijoada and the popular Brazilian cheese-bread balls.   

Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey

Beer and wings. Like macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly (or, how about PB&J sticky wings?), these pub favorites are a culinary match made in heaven. Hoping for some veggies with your chicken? Crispy brussels sprouts with a kick are also available.

Bubbles & Brine (New! Opening Later This Fall)

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply looking to treat yourself, nothing goes together like bubbly and seafood. Indulge in shrimp and crab cocktail or caviar alongside something fizzy and boozy.

Canada

It gets cold in the Great White North. Take the chill off (we know this is Florida and it’s hot outside, but channel Figment and use your imagination) with cozy yet refined dishes that are every bit as warm and hearty as our neighbors to the north. 

Char & Chop (New! Opening Later This Fall)

Attention, meat eaters (or “meat” eaters)! Perfectly cooked proteins and charcuterie take center stage in this all-new Global Marketplace. Equally full-flavored beverages like craft brews, red wine and a Bloody Mary with BBQ whiskey round out the cast.

China

With over 5,000 years of recorded history, an area spanning over 3.7 million square miles, and almost 1.4 billion people, China’s culinary culture is as vast, varied, and different as its impressive stats. Try a few of the country’s most popular dishes, such as dumplings and bao, at this Middle Kingdom-inspired booth. Wash it all down with a bubble milk tea, beer or cocktail

Flowered walls with Skyliner overhead

Coastal Eats

Orlando might be an hour-long drive (or more) from the beach, but with this global marketplace, you don’t need to hop in the car to get some craveable seafood. Wash it all down with a glass of wine or a Cape Codder cocktail.

Flavors from Fire

As anyone who has ever gone camping before can attest, one of the best parts of sleeping under the stars is the flame-kissed eats. But, don’t expect ordinary campfire food like hot dogs and burgers. Instead, indulge in global-inspired bites like a taco filled with skirt steak marinated in chimichurri and a chocolate tart with a BBQ potato chip crust. 

Flavors of America

Although Benjamin Franklin never actually said “God made beer because he loves us and wants us to be happy,” America’s love for that potent brew of hops and barley endures. Toast the forefathers with a patriotic pint of craft beer or a glass of wine, along with favorite dishes from across the U.S. of A. like an Italian-style hot beef sandwich and sweet carrot cake. 

France

One of the simple joys of any trip to Paris is indulging in crusty bread and savory dishes oozing with butter alongside a glass of wine. Here, you can have it all without even needing to unearth your passport. 

The Fry Basket 

Ah, fries. Addictively salty (or, if you’re feeling a little sassy, a little sweet) and easy to snack on, they’re a favorite for a reason. At this new global marketplace, choose from a classic French fry flight or opt for more worldly yucca fries. 

Germany

Germany may be known for its beer (and that’s definitely here too), but it wouldn’t be complete without some filling Bavarian favorites to soak it all up with, such as bratwurst and strudel. Prost

Greece

The Mediterranean diet may be touted as one of the healthiest ways to eat, but that doesn’t mean Greek food isn’t full of flavor. With ingredients such as lamb, feta cheese, and olive oil, traditional dishes like gyros and flaky spanakopita keep both your tastebuds and heart happy. And whatever you do, don’t miss the griddled cheese for dessert. 

Hawaii (Opening August 15) 

Disney’s Dole Whip may get all the glory when it comes to aloha-inspired eats, but don’t miss out on the Hawaiʻi global marketplace for other sweet and savory favorites straight from the islands. 

China gate and building at Epcot

India

From the riot of colors to the ear-popping sounds of the city, India can feel like a delightful sensory overload. The same can be said for its cuisine. Come for the spice-filled curries and crispy samosas, stay for the palate-pleasing balance of flavors. 

Ireland

It’s the luck o’ the Irish at this global marketplace where guests can nosh on all manner of dishes beloved on the Emerald Isle. Irish favorites including seafood pie and Irish sausage are on offer. And of course, this verdant land isn’t a beer lover’s mecca for nothing. So, don’t miss out on a taste of Irish ale and mead, a wine-like drink made of honey. 

Italy

Italian cuisine may be simple, like savory sauces clinging to pasta or fresh tomatoes on a slice of pillowy foccacia, but it’s that elegant simplicity that makes it so popular. Take your tastebuds on a tour around the boot as you sip on a glass of Italian wine. 

Japan

In the Land of the Rising Sun, food can be as much an art form as it is something to fuel you through your day. At this food booth, tuck into Eastern favorites like sushi and a steamed bun stuffed with teriyaki chicken, or try one of their boozy concoctions.

Kenya

It’s a jungle out there – of flavors! Set out in search of East African-inspired tastes and Kenyan culture as you dine on traditional favorites made with flavorful ingredients like Kenyan coffee and piri piri spices. 

France Building at Epcot

Mexico

Say olé and satisfy your appetite for south-of-the-border tastes with Mexican craft beer, tacos and tostadas. And while La Cava del Tequila may be on the list of our favorite Disney bars, you can get your margarita fix here too. 

The Noodle Exchange (Opening August 15)

Noodles are beloved throughout the world, but aside from Italy, nowhere are they as integral to a culture as the Far East. Get out your travel chopsticks (yes, that is a thing) as you slurp down a selection of slippery delicacies popular in countries like Japan and Thailand. 

Miniature Yellow Home in garden

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE

The perfect brunch spot! Kick off your morning (or any time of day) with fruity, effervescent mimosas and a slice of sweet guava cake. 

Spain

Disney Springs’ Jaleo by Jose Andres or Capa at the Four Seasons might be the places to go if you’re in the mood for Spanish food at Disney. But, if you can’t snag a reservation, this global marketplace is a pretty great substitute. Dine on vibrant Spanish fare like paella, charcuterie in a cup and seafood salad, along with wine and beer.

Swirled Showcase (New! Opening Later This Fall)

Whether it’s in a cone, part of a fizzy float or served all by itself, who doesn’t love a scoop or two (or three) of ice cream? With an assortment of frozen treats, including a selection of boozy floats, this new Global Marketplace is your dessert destination.

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Air redolent with spices, meandering marketplaces, sizzling meats – a visit to a Moroccan medina is a feast for the senses. Tuck into such tempting, traditional favorites as pita stuffed with falafel and smoky kebabs. 

Wine & Wedge (New! Opening Later This Fall)

Few things are more satisfying than a glass of wine with some cheese and a mix of sweet and savory accompaniments. Though decidedly simple, it’s the delightful interplay of flavors and textures that makes this delicious pairing such an enduring favorite.

Other Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eats

Funnel Cake | Between the American Adventure and Japan Pavilions

These fluffy fried treats are a theme-park mainstay. Just for the festival, try a version that combines two beloved flavors into one indulgent pairing: candied bacon and maple syrup.

Joffrey’s Coffe & Tea Company | Throughout the park

Power through the Epcot Food and Wine Festival with the help of icy coffee drinks and other refreshing beverages. For all the Disney adults out there, you can also make it boozy.

Refreshment Outpost | Between the China and Germany Pavilions

Craving more African-style cuisine? Stop by Refreshment Outpost for some Githeri, a Kenyan dish traditionally made with beans and corn.

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin® Cheese | Near the Canada Pavilion

Your one-stop shop for festival favorites like poutine, deep-fried treats, and, of course, something boozy to wash it all down. The Refreshment Port isn’t a paragon of global cuisine by any means, but it is a convenient stop if you’re just looking for an icy treat.

Waterfalls of Canada at Epcot

Have a Bit of Everything with Emile’s Fromage Montage 

With so many delicious dishes on offer, how can you possibly pick just a few to try? If you’re anything like us (i.e. the kind of person who spends entirely too much time waffling over which entrée you’d like at a restaurant – they just all sound so good!), let Disney narrow it down for you with Emile’s Fromage Montage

‘Fromage’ is French for cheese, and that’s what this food stroll is all about. As you wander around the park, you’ll snack on 5 different dishes starring cheese, from squeaky cheese curds and gooey gratin to the good stuff griddled and drizzled with honey or piled into a cheesecake.

And remember to collect the stamps for each in your Festival Passport as you go along, as you’ll need those to claim your free prize from the Shimmering Sips booth once you’re finished. Global marketplace stops on Emile’s Fromage Montage include:

  • India
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Flavors from Fire
  • Hawaii
  • The Alps
  • Spain
  • Wine & Wedge

Canada Palace over water

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2023 Entertainment

All that tasty food and drink may be the main event at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, but there’s so much more to this foodie party than what the name implies. 

Read on for all the entertainment on the schedule at the 2023 Epcot Food & Wine Festival.  

Eat to the Beat Concert Series 2023

I think we can all agree that the only thing better than dinner (and breakfast and lunch) is dinner and a show. Fortunately, the festival (and really Epcot any time of year) has a lot of live entertainment to choose from, including the glorious return of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

Although the popular offering was unavailable in the past couple of years due to the pandemic, we’re happy to say that Hanson, Boyz II Men, and other hot acts are back for 2023. Concerts are held each night at American Gardens Theatre from July 27 to November 13, with showtimes at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. 

Here’s who is on the schedule:

  • Funkafied – July 27
  • Orianthi – July 28 and 29
  • FOR KING + COUNTRY (New!) – July 30 and 31
  • Funkafied – August 1 to 3
  • Southern Avenue – August 4 and 5
  • Tiffany – August 6 and 7
  • Champagne – August 8 to 10
  • Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart (New!) – August 11 and 12
  • The Bacon Brothers (New!) – August 13 and 14
  • M-80’s – August 15 to 17
  • Joey Fatone & Friends – August 18 to 21
  • The Female Collective – August 22 to 24
  • Ayron Jones (New!) – August 25 and 26
  • Phillip Phillips (New!) – August 27 and 28
  • Element – August 29 to 31
  • Baha Men – September 1 and 2
  • MercyMe – September 3 and 4
  • Foreigners Journey – September 5 to 7
  • Ray Parker Jr. – September 8 and 9
  • TobyMac – September 10 and 11
  • Hooligans – September 12 to 14
  • Monsieur Periné – September 15
  • Raul Acosta & Oro Solido – September 16 and 17
  • Latin Celebrity Talent (TBA) – September 18
  • Audio Exchange- September 19 to 21
  • Los Amigos Invisibles (New!) – September 22 to 24
  • 98° – September 25 and 26
  • Latin Ambition – September 27 and 28
  • Boyz II Men – September 29 to October 2
  • Wish Radio – October 3 to 5
  • Mark Wills – October 6 and 7
  • Sugar Ray – October 8 and 9
  • Icon Party Band – October 10 to 12
  • Hoobastank – October 13 and 14
  • Air Supply – October 15 and 16
  • Evolution Motown – October 17 to 19
  • Taylor Dayne – October 20 and 21
  • Billy Ocean – October 22 and 23
  • Sound Up – October 24 to 26
  • Hanson – October 27 to 30
  • Rexine – October 31 to November 2
  • We the Kings (New!) – November 3 and 4
  • Sheila E. – November 5 and 6
  • Epic Live – November 7 to 9
  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 10 and 11
  • 38 Special – November 12 and 13

Moroccan Buildings and tree

Other Food-Inspired Fun at the 2023 Food and Wine Festival

Although one of the highlights of going to an Epcot festival is swaying along to the music as you nom on whatever dishes tickle your tastebuds, there are plenty of other offerings to feed your mind as well as your stomach. 

With a beloved albeit unofficial tradition built around alcohol and theming that appeals more to adults than youngsters, Epcot doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being the most kid-friendly Disney World park. Interactive activities like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt, however, are fun for both kids and adults and help you to appreciate design details that you may not have caught without the scavenger hunt. Epcot also has education at its heart, so you can best believe that you won’t leave the festival without learning something new. 

Italy Tower and gate at Epcot

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

As fans of the movie Ratatouille know, Remy loves forgoing typical rat life in favor of one filled with adventure and delicious food. Luckily, the Food & Wine Festival has both. Track down Remy as he tries all the yummy things around World Showcase.

Pick up your map and stickers from either Port of Entry, Disney Traders, Creations Shop, the World Traveler store at International Gateway or other festival merchandise kiosks. Once you’ve finished your gastronomic treasure hunt, take your completed map to a cast member at one of the stores above for a fun surprise. Then, head over to the France Pavilion for a spin on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

Held during the harvest season, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is essentially a celebration of Earth’s bounty in all of its delicious iterations. One food that pops up a lot this time of year is the humble pumpkin, and you’ll be seeing a whole lot more of it around the theme park thanks to Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

Held in honor of Halloween, this fun scavenger hunt will have you searching high and low for hidden pumpkins inspired by different Disney characters. Like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, you can pick up your game board and accompanying stickers at Port of Entry, Disney Traders, Creations Shop, the World Traveler store at International Gateway or other festival merchandise kiosks. Then, take your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler to claim your spook-tacular surprise.

2023 Food & Wine Festival Disney Culinary Demos, Seminars & More

Food is, of course, the centerpiece of any food festival. This Epcot festival takes it a step further by showing you the ins and outs of how the food gets made and introducing you to the masterminds behind the dishes. Unfortunately (we know, what a setup for such a disappointment), as they haven’t been confirmed yet for the 2023 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, we don’t know yet if the hands-on culinary demos, seminars, workshops, book signings, chef meet-and-greets, and more will be returning this year. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned for any possible changes.  

Spaceship Earth with water fountain

Food & Wine Festival Merchandise

Long-lasting souvenirs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a food festival (we’d rather eat it, after all), but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t fun festival gear to be had. This year, you’ll find an array of themed merchandise on offer from trays perfect for carrying your delectable haul around the park to measuring cups and so much more. So, be sure to take some time to do a little shopping before you leave the festival. 

Well fellow foodies, that concludes our guide to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. While things may look a bit different from what you’re used to, this culinary celebration is sure to still pack a punch when it comes to flavor and fun.    

To make some time for all the Epcot rides during your trip to the festival, don’t miss out on our 1-Day Epcot Plan. Or, to save some extra cash for even more tasty festival treats, check out our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.  

Are you a Food & Wine Festival fan? What’s your favorite dish or global marketplace? What are you missing this year? Let us know in the comments!