Can you believe the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts next month?! This festival might be one of the most popular events of the year. It’s easy to understand why with all of the great food, wine and music to explore. EPCOT offers great activities to get guests even more involved like Food and Wine Seminars, Specialty Dining, and Party for the Senses to name just a few.
But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this amazing 6 week long event. I’ve put together a list of the Free (or almost free) activities you can take advantage of while exploring the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival this year.
Taste Your Way Around The World
Stop by the Festival Information booth for a park map, a Times Guide and, of course, your Festival Passport! The Festival Passport is a fun way to experience the Global Marketplaces—located throughout Epcot during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Each marketplace offers unique cuisine and a variety of divine delicacies… and at every stop, you can receive a marketplace sticker in your Festival Passport. Let the appetizing adventures begin!
The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar
This popular exhibit hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company outlines the history of chocolate and shows guests the chocolate making process. There are even chocolate sculptures made by the talented Disney Pastry Team on display. Guests are also treated to chocolate samples and chocolate and wine pairings. Of course, all guests will have the opportunity to purchase their favorite chocolates!
Back to Basics Seminars
Discover delish tips and tricks that’ll have a profound effect on your next meal—from the industry’s top culinary pros! With insights on techniques, products and easy-to-follow fixes, your epicurean expertise is sure to soar!
Back To Basics sessions are held at the Festival Center Spotlight Stage on Fridays through Sundays at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Presenters in 2017 include:
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® – September 1, 2 and 3
- The Olive Pantry – September 8, 9 and 10
- Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!™ – September 15, 16 and 17
- Melissa’s Produce – September 22, 23 and 24
- National Watermelon Promotion Board – September 29 and 20; October 1
- AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate – October 6, 7 and 8
- Minus 8 Vinegar – October 13, 14 and 15
- Kumquat Growers, Inc. – October 20, 21 and 22
- Blue Diamond Almond Breeze – October 27, 28 and 29; November 3, 4 and 5
- Twinings™ of London– November 10, 11 and 12
Book Signings and Meet & Greets
Meet celebrated authors and other food-and-wine-industry personalities at one of their special Festival appearances. Bring purchased books or other merchandise along for a personalized inscription or autograph—it’s the perfect gift for your favorite foodies!
For featured authors and personalities, check the daily schedule in the park Times Guide or visit the Festival Center Information Desk.
Bottle Signings
Rub elbows with some of the world’s top beverage experts! Prominent vintners as well as industry professionals will be on hand to autograph purchased bottles for a fabulous souvenir.
Seasons of the Vine
Enter the wonderful world of winemaking! Get a behind-the-vines look at the process that transforms delicate grapes into the “nectar of the gods”—step by nectarous step. This fascinating, 7-minute film runs continuously throughout each day of the Festival and is a must-see for wine aficionados!
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak
Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around the Festival. Simply purchase your map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations—including the Festival Center, Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway.
Next, locate statuettes of Remy hidden throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces, and match the ingredient stickers to your map. Once you’ve found them all, bring your completed map to Disney Traders—located at the entrance to World Showcase—and choose a new surprise, compliments of Chef Remy!
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Sing along with your favorite bands and solo artists during this outdoor show at Epcot!
Each night during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the America Gardens Theatre stage lights up with one of the industry’s top recording artists. Featuring more than 30 amazing acts, we’re serving our biggest musical menu of top talent to date—get ready to enjoy the “Beat” again and again!
- General Event Details
- World Showcase at Epcot America Gardens Theatre
- Daily from August 31 to November 13, 2017
- Showtimes at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM
Check out our Eat to the Beat Concert Series Page for the full lineup
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