EPCOT Disney Food and Wine Festival 2023: A Guide for Foodies and Wine Lovers

If you are a fan of food, wine, and entertainment, you won’t want to miss the EPCOT Disney Food and Wine Festival 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This annual event is one of the most popular festivals in EPCOT, featuring cuisines from around the world, live music, fun activities, and more. Whether you are a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, this guide will help you make the most of your experience at the festival in 2023.

What is the EPCOT Disney Food and Wine Festival 2023?

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of the culinary arts, culture, and diversity of the world. It showcases more than 25 global marketplaces, where you can sample dishes, drinks, and desserts from different countries and regions. You can also enjoy live performances by famous artists, participate in interactive games and scavenger hunts, learn from celebrity chefs and experts, and shop for exclusive merchandise.

The festival is presented by CORKCICLE, a company that creates innovative products to keep your beverages cold or hot. You can find CORKCICLE products at various locations throughout the festival, as well as receive a souvenir CORKCICLE tumbler when you purchase a dining package or a tasting sampler.

When and where is the festival in 2023?

Dates and hours

The festival runs from July 14 to November 19, 2023, for a total of 129 days. The festival is open daily from 11 a.m. to park closing time, which varies depending on the day of the week and the season. You can check the official website or the My Disney Experience app for the latest park hours.

Location and transportation

The festival takes place at EPCOT, one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. EPCOT is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase. The global marketplaces are located mainly in World Showcase, which features pavilions representing 11 countries around a lagoon. However, some marketplaces are also found in Future World, which showcases innovation and technology.

You can reach EPCOT by various modes of transportation, depending on where you are staying or coming from. If you are staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can take advantage of the complimentary bus, monorail, boat, or Skyliner service to EPCOT. If you are driving, you can park your car at the EPCOT parking lot for a fee, or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If you are using public transportation, you can take a bus to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), and then transfer to the monorail or ferry to EPCOT.

What can you expect from the festival in 2023?

Global marketplaces

The highlight of the festival is the global marketplaces, which offer a variety of food and beverage options from different cuisines. You can find everything from appetizers, entrees, desserts, wine, beer, cocktails, mocktails, tea, coffee, and more. Some of the marketplaces are permanent fixtures in World Showcase, while others are temporary booths that are only available during the festival.

In 2023, there will be more than 25 global marketplaces to choose from, including seven new ones:

• The Fry Basket: This marketplace features french fries with different toppings and sauces, such as buffalo chicken, cheese curds, and gravy.
• Hops & Barley: This marketplace showcases American fare, such as a Chesapeake crab slider, a New England lobster roll, and a carrot cake.
• Kenya: This marketplace offers African dishes, such as a beef and lamb kebab, a vegetable curry, and a mango lassi.
• Lobster Landing: This marketplace serves seafood delicacies, such as a lobster tail, a lobster bisque, and a lobster roll.
• Mac & Eats: This marketplace celebrates the comfort food of macaroni and cheese, with variations such as barbecue brisket, shrimp and lobster, and jalapeño popper.
• The Noodle Exchange: This marketplace features Asian noodles, such as pho, ramen, udon, and pad thai.
• Rotunda Bistro: This marketplace is located inside the American Adventure pavilion, and offers elegant dishes, such as a chilled smoked shrimp salad, a wild mushroom and truffle tart, and a dark chocolate raspberry tart.

You can pay for the food and drinks at the marketplaces using cash, credit card, debit card, Disney gift card, Disney Rewards card, or Apple Pay. You can also use a Disney dining plan snack credit for some of the items. The prices range from $4 to $10 for food items, and from $5 to $15 for beverage items.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a live music event that features popular artists from various genres, such as rock, pop, country, R&B, and more. The concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase, three times a day: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. The concerts are free with your park admission, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also reserve a guaranteed seat by booking an Eat to the Beat dining package at one of the participating restaurants in EPCOT.

The lineup of artists for 2023 has not been announced yet, but you can expect some returning favorites and some new faces. In 2022, some of the artists that performed were:

• Plain White T’s
• Sugar Ray
• Hanson
• Boyz II Men
• Billy Ocean
• Tiffany
• Smash Mouth
• 98 Degrees
• Kenny G
• Sheena Easton

You can check the official website or the My Disney Experience app for the latest schedule and updates.

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak is a fun scavenger hunt for kids and adults alike. You can purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations in EPCOT for $9.99 plus tax. Then, you can search for hidden statues of Remy holding different ingredients throughout World Showcase. When you find one, you can place the corresponding sticker on your map. Once you complete your map, you can return it to one of the redemption locations to receive a surprise prize.

The scavenger hunt is a great way to explore World Showcase and discover new details and attractions. You can also visit the France pavilion to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a 4D attraction that shrinks you to the size of a rat and takes you on an adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant.

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak 2022

Emile’s Fromage Montage

Emile’s Fromage Montage is a cheesy challenge that rewards you with a delicious treat. You can purchase five cheese dishes from any of the global marketplaces that participate in this activity. You can find them by looking for the Emile’s Fromage Montage logo on the menu boards. As you purchase each dish, you can collect a stamp on your Festival Passport. When you have all five stamps, you can redeem your passport at Shimmering Sips for a complimentary cheesecake.

Some of the cheese dishes that are part of Emile’s Fromage Montage are:

• Grilled cheese with tomato soup from The Fry Basket
• Schinkennudeln (pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese) from Germany
• Pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) from Brazil
• Crispy cheese curds with garlic ranch sauce from Canada
• Cheese tortellini with ricotta sauce from Italy

Other activities and entertainment

In addition to the main attractions mentioned above, there are many other things to do and see at the festival. You can:

• Watch cooking demonstrations and seminars by celebrity chefs and experts at various locations in EPCOT. You can learn tips and tricks on how to prepare different dishes, pair wine and food, mix cocktails, and more. Some of these events are free with your park admission, while others require an extra fee or reservation.

• Shop for exclusive merchandise at various shops in EPCOT. You can find festival-themed apparel, accessories, home decor, kitchenware, souvenirs, and more. You can also purchase a CORKCICLE tumbler that comes with a free beverage at one of the marketplaces.
• Meet and greet your favorite Disney characters in their festival outfits at designated locations in World Showcase. You can take photos and selfies with them, and get their autographs. Some of the characters you can meet are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Chip and Dale, and more.
• Enjoy the fireworks show Harmonious at World Showcase Lagoon. This spectacular show features music, lights, lasers, fountains, and pyrotechnics that celebrate the harmony and diversity of the world. The show is usually held at 9 p.m., but you can check the official website or the My Disney Experience app for the exact time.

How to plan your visit to the festival in 2023?

Admission and reservations

To attend the festival, you need a valid park admission ticket to EPCOT. You can purchase your ticket online, by phone, or at the park entrance. You can also use an annual pass or a park hopper ticket to enter EPCOT.

However, having a ticket is not enough. You also need a park reservation for EPCOT on the day you want to visit. You can make your reservation using the Disney Park Pass system online or on the My Disney Experience app. You need to have a My Disney Experience account and link your ticket or pass to it before making a reservation. You can make one reservation per day, per ticket or pass. You can also modify or cancel your reservation if your plans change.

You should make your reservation as early as possible, as availability is limited and subject to change. You can check the availability calendar online or on the app before buying your ticket or making your reservation.

Festival Passport and map

To help you navigate the festival and keep track of your progress, you should pick up a Festival Passport and a map at any of the global marketplaces or at select merchandise locations in EPCOT. The Festival Passport is a booklet that contains information about the marketplaces, menus, activities, entertainment, merchandise, and more. It also has spaces for you to collect stamps as you visit different marketplaces or participate in different activities. The map is a foldable paper that shows you the locations of the marketplaces and other attractions in EPCOT.

You can use these tools to plan your itinerary, discover new things, and have fun along the way.

Dining packages and tasting sampler

If you want to enhance your dining experience at the festival, you can consider booking a dining package or buying a tasting sampler. These options allow you to enjoy more food and drinks at a discounted price or with a guaranteed seat.

A dining package is a combination of a meal at one of the participating restaurants in EPCOT and a reserved seat at one of the Eat to the Beat concerts. You can choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner packages, depending on the restaurant and availability. The price ranges from $35 to $85 per person, depending on the restaurant and meal. You can book your dining package online, by phone, or at the restaurant.

A tasting sampler is a prepaid card that you can use to purchase food and drinks at any of the global marketplaces. You can choose from two options: a $50 card that comes with eight entitlements and a bonus CORKCICLE tumbler, or a $100 card that comes with 16 entitlements and two bonus CORKCICLE tumblers. One entitlement is equivalent to one food or beverage item of your choice. You can buy your tasting sampler online or at select merchandise locations in EPCOT.

Tips and tricks

To make the most of your visit to the festival in 2023, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:

• Arrive early: The festival tends to get crowded as the day goes on, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid long lines and waits, try to arrive early when the park opens or before 11 a.m. when the marketplaces open.
• Share your food: The portions at the marketplaces are usually small enough for one person, but if you want to try as many dishes as possible, you can share them with your friends or family. This way, you can save money and space in your stomach.
• Stay hydrated: Florida weather can be hot and humid, especially in summer and fall. To prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can bring your own water bottle or buy one at any of the shops or marketplaces. You can also refill your bottle at any of the water fountains or hydration stations in EPCOT.
• Use mobile ordering: To save time and avoid contact, you can use mobile ordering to order and pay for your food and drinks at some of the marketplaces. You can use the My Disney Experience app to access the mobile ordering feature, and select your items and payment method. You will receive a notification when your order is ready, and you can pick it up at the designated window.
• Have fun: The most important tip is to have fun and enjoy yourself at the festival. Don’t stress too much about trying everything or following a strict schedule. Just go with the flow and savor the moment.

Conclusion

The 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is a must-do event for foodies and wine lovers who want to experience the flavors and cultures of the world. With more than 25 global marketplaces, live music, fun activities, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, this guide will help you plan your visit and make the most of your experience at the festival in 2023.

FAQs

• Q: How much does it cost to attend the festival?
• A: The festival is included with your park admission ticket to EPCOT. However, you will need to pay extra for the food and drinks at the marketplaces, as well as for some of the events and activities that require a fee or reservation.
• Q: What are the best marketplaces to visit at the festival?
• A: The answer depends on your personal preference and taste. However, some of the most popular and highly rated marketplaces are:
  • France: This marketplace offers classic French dishes, such as escargot, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and macarons.
  • Hawaii: This marketplace features tropical flavors, such as kalua pork slider, tuna poke, passion fruit cheesecake, and pineapple wine.
  • Mexico: This marketplace serves spicy and savory Mexican fare, such as ribeye taco, pork tostada, chocolate bread pudding, and margarita.
  • Canada: This marketplace showcases Canadian specialties, such as cheddar cheese soup, filet mignon, maple bourbon cheesecake, and ice wine.
• Q: What are the best times to visit the festival?
• A: The best times to visit the festival are weekdays, early mornings, late afternoons, or evenings. These are usually less crowded and more comfortable than weekends, midday, or peak seasons.
• Q: What are the best ways to get around the festival?
• A: The best way to get around the festival is by walking. You can follow the World Showcase promenade clockwise or counterclockwise to visit all the marketplaces and attractions. You can also use the Friendship Boats that operate between some of the pavilions across the lagoon.
• Q: What are some of the health and safety measures at the festival?
• A: Some of the health and safety measures at the festival are:
  • Face coverings: You are required to wear a face covering indoors and on Disney transportation, regardless of your vaccination status. You can remove your face covering when eating or drinking outdoors or in designated areas.
  • Physical distancing: You are encouraged to maintain physical distancing from other guests and cast members whenever possible. You will find markers and signs to guide you in queues and seating areas.
  • Enhanced cleaning: You will find enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures throughout the park, especially in high-touch areas. You will also find hand sanitizer and hand washing stations for your convenience.