The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival was a soaring success, but now it is time to look forward to my favorite time of year at Walt Disney World : FALL! This fall will mark the 20th anniversary of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, full of exciting new additions! This year the festival will last a remarkable 53 days, from September 25- November 16 so there is plenty of time to schedule a visit.
The Travel Channel has celebrated the event as one of America’s top food festivals, and for good reason. The festival features inspired food and drinks from around the world served at more than 25 outdoor marketplace ‘kiosks’, signature wine tasting events and a nightly concert series. Disney chefs and festival organizers are promising a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual event in style. Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or a first timer, there will be something new to experience at this year’s celebration.
Festival guests can pair wines and beers with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival passports. Champagne, cocktails and “mocktails” also will bubble up on festival menus.
In Future World, the popular Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year so that families can discover the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage and learn fun facts about the tart fruits.
The most exciting addition to the festival is the arrival of ABC’s hit show The Chew! Hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall and Daphne Oz will tape shows Oct. 7-9 from the festival. Along with the taping of the show, “The Chew” will be featured in two marketplaces throughout the festivities.
For the first time in the festival’s history, marketplaces will expand into Future World in the new Next Eats festival area with three delicious dishes from “The Chew” in their Sustainable Chew Marketplace: Savory Pork Spareribs with Cheesy Mascarpone Grits; Ricotta & Zucchini Ravioli with Tomato Sauce, and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Figs and Pistachio Brittle. (Herbs and veggies from The Land pavilion will flavor the marketplace dishes when harvested.) The eco-home-inspired marketplace will offer a chance for guests to learn more about how food is grown and the importance of sustainability.
Also in Next Eats, Disney chefs are collaborating with “The Chew” for the Chew Lab , a cutting-edge marketplace inspired by food-science labs and the hottest culinary tech trends.
Ratatouille rocks — Last years ‘Muppets Most Wanted scavenger hunt was a huge success so Disney is bringing back the fun with a new hero! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak invites kids of all ages to join a World Showcase scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes hidden around the park’s World Showcase while using maps and stickers to chronicle the hunt!
Festival Center gets cookin’ – Guests can join culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and mixology seminars daily for a nominal fee. More festival fun will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros.
Chase Lounge offers perks – Anyone who owns or wants to own a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.
Eat To The Beat Concert Series returns to the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. The following performers are scheduled to perform:
- David Cook- September 25-27, 2015
- Wilson Phillips – September 28 to 29, 2015
- Christopher Cross – September 30 to October 1, 2015
- STARSHIP Starring Mickey Thomas – October 2 to 4, 2015
- Smash Mouth – October 5 to 7, 2015
- The Pointer Sisters – October 8 to 9, 2015
- 38 Special – October 10 to 11, 2015
- Rick Springfield – October 12 to 13, 2015
- Sugar Ray – October 14 to 16, 2015
- The S.O.S. Band – October 17 to 18, 2015
- Air Supply – October 19 to 21, 2015
- Fuel – October 22 to 23, 2015
- Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24 to 25, 2015
- Dennis DeYoung (original member of STYX) – October 26 to 28, 2015
- Jo Dee Messina – October 29 to 30, 2015
- Everclear (NEW!) – October 31 to November 1, 2015
- Boyz II Men – November 2 to 4, 2015
- Sister Hazel – November 5 to 6, 2015
- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7 to 9, 2015
- Hanson – November 10 to 12, 2015
- Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13 to 14, 2015
- Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15 to 16, 2015
Daily show times take place at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Entertainment and appearances are subject to change without notice.
There is so much to experience at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and if you are a runner, the 2015 Wine And Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place November 6-7 with the Half Marathon finish line inside of World Showcase! There is no better way to celebrate the completion of the 5K or Mickey Mile that a trip to EPCOT to experience this festival!
This event is not to be missed. Stay connected to Chip and Co. for more updates and upcoming events. If you would like to plan a trip to Orlando this fall and include a stop at the Food and Wine Festival, contact me! I would love to help you plan your magical visit to EPCOT! kristenfuentes@worldofmagictravel.com
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
