Most people know of Epcot as the place with the big ball and all the countries – but in the past few years with the expanding calendar of annual festivals, it has become so much more. Where it was once the lowest park on some families’ priority list to visit, it is now a top choice for visitors looking to get even more out of their Disney vacation. The festivals cater to all types of travelers, from girlfriends on a getaway to families on holiday and even honeymooners. With each new festival, it is as if Epcot takes on a whole new image to satisfy all the senses – but most especially the taste buds.
Read on to find out a bit more about what each festival season has to offer, and how a day at an Epcot festival will take your Disney vacation to the next level!
International Food and Wine Festival
The Food and Wine Festival, traditionally held late summer through fall, is a culinary tour across 6 continents that is sure to please even the pickiest of foodies and drink lovers. Food and Wine is most commonly known for its tasting booths scattered around the world showplace, where guests can sample authentic, mouth watering small plates and beverages from all around the world. The NFL inspired Flavors From Fire booth is sure to be a touchdown of a tasting! Who can skip a s’mores flavored whoopie pie or a bourbon drink with a meat snack?
But it’s not just about the little bites! Visitors can learn kitchen secrets from celebrity chefs in live demonstrations, or discuss wine pairing or cheese varietals with world renowned sommeliers and taste experts in one of the many available seminars. Even the kiddos can get in on the action by shaking it up at the Disney Du Jour Dance party or learning to make their own candy sushi. The whole family can end the night grooving together to big name musicians like Starship and Boyz Ⅱ Men.
There’s no need to worry about the calories, because Disney even hosts the Wine and Dine race weekend to celebrate all there is to love about food and wine with several races run right through the parks. Because it is a festival strongly focused on imbibery, this one is heavily attended by locals and is best enjoyed by families with children on weekdays.
Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The holiday festival typically begins mid November following right after Food and Wine, as Disney transforms seemingly overnight into a ”winter” wonderland. World travelers are fully immersed in the yuletide traditions of the 11 showcase countries while savoring seasonal treats from the international holiday kitchens.
I really love holiday goodies as much as the next Disney fanatic (I mean who doesn’t), but the real highlights of this festival are live musical performances and SANTA! In years past, the candlelight processional, which features stars from Neil Patrick Harris to Warwick Davis and Whoopi Goldberg, has delighted guests with the retelling of the Christmas story colored in musical interludes by a live orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, AND a live choir. It is an incredible experience – an absolute can’t miss for any holiday enthusiast.
Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts
This festival starts off the calendar year in a celebration of the culinary, performing, and visual arts. The food and beverage booths serve up delectable art inspired goodies in brilliant color that will delight more than just your sense of taste. The Frozen French Martini is a must try!
Guests can peruse Disney and other themed art of all mediums while chatting right along with the artists. Classes and interactive exhibits are available to those looking to try their own hand at creating a masterpiece or looking to get into the groove with exciting artists like Trevor Carlton. Just watching him for a few minutes totally energizes my whole day! Families will have a great time hunting the hidden pop up paintings throughout the park and collaborating with strangers from around the globe on a giant paint by number mural.
I never thought I could love any festival more than Food and Wine, as my two favorite things are in the name, but after my year of visiting them all multiple times, this one has stolen my heart.
Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
This celebration of all things horticultural ushers in the spring season at Epcot. Flower and Garden was my first festival at Epcot in 2015, and I always feel a little nostalgia when the topiaries appear. You never forget your first!
The food for Flower and Garden is all about freshness and creativity. Think Meyer Lemon-poached Lobster Salad with Grapefruit-Rosé Vinaigrette, Yuzu-marinated Hearts of Palm, and Avocado-Yuzu Panna Cotta and a Coconut Key Lime beer on the side. And my oh my, a Fruit Loop Shake!
Disney fans of all generations can find their favorite characters in topiary form throughout the park and connect with nature in the butterfly habitat. Kids love the freedom to run and play in the plant mazes and open gardens and guests won’t be able to help but jam along as the JAMMITORS pound out their beats with their gardening tools.
So, whether it’s snacking and drinking your way around the world, learning something new, or shaking your groove thing – there is a festival for everyone at Epcot. With a nearly year round schedule of festivals there is always something new to see. It’s almost as if the park gets a complete make over 4 times a year! The great thing about all of these festivals is that they are included with your entry into the theme park. The hardest part is choosing which one to visit next!
When you are ready to begin making your Disney daydreams a reality, reach out to Laura Miller at Travel Ease at Laura@teplanners.com to get started with a complimentary quote. Make your next Disney trip your best Disney trip, whether it’s your first or 21st.
Laura Miller is a Travel Ease Advisor specializing in Disney vacations. She is a full-time RV nomad home-based in Orlando with expertise in race vacations, couples trips, and family trips with small kids. Her favorite thing about planning Disney trips is finding something special for every individual.