Savor the world: The 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Imagine sipping on a chilled glass of Chardonnay from California while indulging in a warm, flaky empanada from Argentina. Or maybe you’re more into a zesty slice of pizza paired with a robust Italian red? This isn’t just any foodie’s daydream—it’s a reality waiting for you at the 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Running from August 29 through November 23, this culinary adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to taste your way around the globe, without ever leaving Florida. And when it comes to accommodation, Casiola Orlando is the perfect home base to enhance your festival experience, blending comfort with convenience only minutes away from the heart of the excitement.

Festival highlights

The 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is much more than an event, it’s a grand sensory voyage that encapsulates the vibrant essence of global cultures, cuisines, and communities. As you stroll through EPCOT’s iconic pathways, you’ll embark on a gastronomic tour that spans continents, offering a feast for the senses with an array of tastes, sights, and sounds from around the world. Every corner of the park transforms into a bustling marketplace, featuring authentic culinary delights that invite you to taste your way through dozens of international pavilions. From the aromatic spices of Morocco to the robust flavors of Germany, each bite offers a story, each sip a tradition.

Here are some of the can’t-miss highlights that await you at this year’s festival:

Global marketplaces

Explore over 30 unique booths, each representing a specific country or culinary style. These marketplaces are the heart and soul of the festival, where guests can enjoy authentic tastes and sips from around the world. Each booth is staffed by representatives native to the region, offering insights and stories that enhance the dining experience. Whether it’s your first time tasting haggis from Scotland or you’re craving the sweet delights of France’s pastries, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Signature dining experiences

For those looking for a more exclusive culinary affair, the festival offers special signature dining experiences. These events often feature celebrity chefs, gourmet multi-course meals, and expert pairings of wine and beer. Held in various EPCOT restaurants, these dining events are a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the culinary arts under the guidance of world-renowned chefs.

Hands-on workshops and demonstrations

Engage directly with culinary masters through a series of hands-on workshops and cooking demonstrations. Learn from the best, as chefs share their techniques, recipes, and personal stories behind their dishes. These sessions not only provide practical cooking tips but also deepen your appreciation for the cultural significance behind the food.

Live entertainment

As you indulge in worldly flavors, the festival atmosphere is amplified by an eclectic mix of live music and performances. The Eat to the Beat concert series features popular bands and artists from across the musical spectrum, providing the perfect backdrop to your culinary journey. Additionally, traditional folk dancers, musicians, and artists from each featured country bring their heritage to life, creating a festive, immersive environment.

Family-friendly activities

The festival is a delight for all ages, with activities designed to engage and entertain the entire family. From scavenger hunts like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak to kid-friendly cooking activities, there are plenty of opportunities for young ones to get in on the fun too.

Exclusive festival merchandise

Commemorate your visit with exclusive merchandise available only during the festival. From themed apparel and decorative items to limited-edition collectibles featuring beloved Disney characters, these keepsakes are perfect for remembering your flavorful adventure.

Exciting new additions

Last year, we introduced the Brew-Wing marketplace at the festival, which featured a delightful “Muppet”-theme. This unique experience, hosted by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker from Muppet Labs, offered guests the chance to try out culinary experiments like the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sticky Wings or the Pickle Milkshake. This marketplace was a hit and will be returning in 2024 with even more quirky and delicious offerings.

Emile’s Fromage Montage (Returning in 2024)

For cheese lovers, don’t miss out on Emile’s Fromage Montage. This culinary crawl involves purchasing five cheese dishes from select global marketplaces. Each purchase gets you a stamp in your Festival Passport. Once you complete your passport, return it to claim a special prize—a cheesy delight that rewards your adventurous spirit!

With each step through the festival, you’re not just sampling food—you’re experiencing pieces of the world, brought together in celebration of diversity, creativity, and culinary excellence. The 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the world’s flavors, right in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort®.

Tickets to taste

At the enchanting 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, your regular Disney World® tickets open the door to an exhilarating journey of flavors from across the globe! While your admission allows you to partake in the vibrant ambiance and the myriad activities that define this storied event, please remember that the myriad culinary delights and exquisite beverages are offered at an additional cost.

For all the epicureans embarking on this flavorful expedition, it’s essential to keep a budget in mind as the delectable offerings can quickly accumulate in cost. The festival features an array of kiosks throughout EPCOT, each presenting mouth-watering dishes that typically range between $4 and $9, with drink options spanning from $3 to $10. These prices are specifically designed to encourage you to explore and enjoy a diverse selection without stretching your wallet too thin.

The portions, intentionally small, are crafted to allow you to indulge in a vast selection of tastes without feeling overwhelmed. This thoughtful approach lets you weave through the World Showcase, sampling uniquely international flavors—from the zesty tang of authentic Mexican salsa to the rich, creamy texture of French fromage—creating a tapestry of taste that enhances your magical journey through Disney. Whether you’re sipping on a finely crafted German Riesling or nibbling on a succulent piece of Japanese sushi, each taste and sip offers a new discovery, turning your day at the festival into an unforgettable adventure in dining.

Why choose Casiola Orlando as your festival home base?