planDisney Shares Tips for EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE has officially kicked off at Walt Disney World Resort! The planDisney panelists are eager to share their best tips to help you make the most of your visit. The possibilities are endless, with more than 25 Global Marketplaces, nightly live music, and exciting activities that the whole family will enjoy. “Your family can explore the flavors of the world together, and if one particular choice is not to your liking, you are just steps away from your next culinary adventure!” Doug exclaims.

Ariane recommends checking out the Foodie Guide on Disney Parks Blog before your arrival. “They usually include pictures, which is great to get an idea of what you’ll like, and they help you plan your list of treats ahead of your trip.” Taylor uses this as an opportunity to introduce new flavors to the littlest world travelers in her life by letting them choose treats ahead of time and challenging them to pick things they’ve never tried before. “My goddaughter is so excited about being asked to help that she’s forgotten to be a picky eater!”

If you’re feeling more spontaneous, Jane recommends collecting a “complimentary and oh-so-handy Festival Passport” upon arrival to determine your must-haves. Your Festival Passport also serves as your guide to Emile’s Fromage Montage, one of Lisa’s favorite Food & Wine festivities. “Try five cheese-featured dishes, collect a stamp with each purchase, and bring your stamped Passport to the Shimmering Sips Marketplace for a special dessert served in a festival cup! You don’t have to complete this in one day, so take your time enjoying the featured dishes.”

We can’t talk about cheese without mentioning our favorite little chef! Mandy dares festival-goers of all ages to participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt. “Even when festin’ without kiddos, we find that this fun scavenger hunt is the perfect way to explore every World Showcase pavilion and notice new details that we typically overlook.” The map includes a très magnifique collection of stickers to help you keep track of where you last spotted Remy. Whether you choose to complete the hunt or not, bring your map to redemption locations in the park to receive a small festival keepsake item!

planDisney tip: Remember to stay cool and hydrated throughout your adventures. Jennifer recommends taking advantage of indoor spaces like Appleseed Orchard in the Canada pavilion and Brew-Wing at The Odyssey to beat the heat or wait out a midday Florida downpour.

The Appleseed Orchard is a hot spot for festival favorites, such as the Frozen Apple Pie beverage (which Eean says tastes like autumn in a cup) and the Apple Crumble Tart. The tart will go quick, so Ashley recommends making this an early part of your day if it is on your must-try list!

While there are plenty of Global Marketplaces to explore in the World Showcase, be sure not to miss the ones located in World Discovery near Test Track and Mission: SPACE. Eean’s favorite is Flavors from Fire, which is returning to the festival this year. “The Fry Basket is a brand-new booth in the same area, and I’m intrigued by their Fry Flight!”

planDisney tip: Keep track of your snacking by loading your festival funds onto a Disney gift card. Lisa always opts for a wristband gift card to have her payment easily accessible when strolling around the World Showcase. The wristband makes for a great souvenir as well!

Add some extra flavor to your day by attending an Eat to the Beat concert presented by Florida Blue Medicare. The concert series is included in your theme park admission, so Anne Marie recommends that you “grab a snack and beverage and head into the outdoor theater – food and drinks are permitted!” Amy has a top tip for serious music enthusiasts: “Consider booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package at one of the amazing EPCOT restaurants. Not only will you enjoy a great meal, but you’ll also have a guaranteed seat for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series later that day.”

There is much to try, see and do at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. Ana Paula urges you to “take tons of pictures, document every single thing you try, and take advantage of the breathtaking backdrops that EPCOT offers!” Don’t forget to pick up some exclusive festival-themed merchandise to commemorate your experience. Bon appétit!

For more great tips and suggestions like these, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, and be sure to visit planDisney.com to get personalized answers to your Disney vacation planning questions!

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.