As we prepare for the reopening of our theme parks next month, we’re taking a measured and deliberate approach to our planning that applies appropriate new health and safety measures. We continue to follow guidance from government and health officials for responsibly operating our theme parks, so we can make the right adjustments to our offerings, including our upcoming fall events.
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, we’re pleased to share that not only have we cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance – guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
We know the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” often pack the house and, in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them.
While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.
Comments
So excited that they didn’t cancel the F&W Festival. I’m sure they have thought this thru and people need to just use common sense.
I am very surprised they are continuing with the F&W Festival. We are pass holders and of course love the events, but I am not sure how they will pull this off…I will try and have more confidence as I assume it was thought through in Disney style. I wish the fireworks weren’t cancelled; this is true Disney to me. Parades encourage people to congregate but I think the fireworks taking place without allowing people to congregate is possible…we will miss them.
Is it possible to have at least prepaid snack credits, it makes fun for this festival and will give the ardent Disney world goers a semblance of a dining plan even if it just the snack prepaid credits. Going there July 23 to 30 after 20 years. Really excited for my family, kids grew up in Disneyland as we are from the west coast. Can’t wait!
Yes
Wondering if they will still have the scavenger hunt thing for kids that they normally have.
Hopefully Disney will reconsider some of their plans – especially Food & Wine – based on the increasing cases in FL. Why give people an excuse to not wear a mask all day as they eat and drink their way around the park?! The only way to conduct Food & Wine safely would be to have designated eating areas so that Guests can not walk around the park all day without a mask under the excuse of having food or drink this hands.
Really disappointed that the Flower show was not extended! How will pass holders be able to obtain the Passholder Magnets?? We were really looking forward to them!
We appreciate that Disney and Walt Disney World are taking utmost precautions to protect their guests, and their hard working employees, All of the people that are employed by Disney, deserve to be safe as they make our experiences a good time, for us.
Disney, like other businesses, is being responsible, and trying to allow people to have fun, but also trying to keep everyone as safe as they are able to.
We are surely disappointed, that some things over 2020 have been canceled as well, no doubt.
Let’s focus more about “we” right now, common courtesy, and looking out for one another.
rather than zeroing in on “I”. Take care everyone.
I think it’s too bad that they’ve cancelled MNSSHP. I really believe that even without fireworks and parades Disney could have gotten creative and made it both safe and fun. They could have done something like DCA’s Oogie Boogie Bash with the character treat trails from last year. That would have kept people moving and spaced out while allowing for distanced character interactions.
Good news on the modified Food & Wine fest, just wish there was a more definitive end date then just though the fall.
Thanks for the update. What about Passholder magnets? As a Silver Passholder I was looking forward to the Orange Bird Magnet from the Flower & Garden festival but was unable to get it before park closed. Will it be offered to Passholders later this year ?
Was looking forward to MNSSHP on our trip at the beginning of September. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to purchase tickets to the parks for our reservations. The whole reason we planned this trip was to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
Will ticket prices be lower due to the lack of experiences and events?
Thank you for continuing to make magic for all of us 😊
I’m disappointed that the Flower and Garden Festival isn’t being extended.
Can we get an update on the wine & dune marathon soon? (Honestly hoping it’s cancelled too at this point)
Well there goes 1 day of my October trip! Hope Festival of the holidays doesn’t get cancelled.
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