The eagerly awaited EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2024 kicked off today (August 29th), and we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in this annual feast for the senses. This year’s event starts a whole month later than last year’s, which began on July 27th, but there’s a silver lining — unlike recent years with staggered openings, this time, the entire festival is entirely open from day one!
We had hoped the festival would have been open throughout our whole vacation, but at least we have managed to grab the first few days. While we were disappointed the festival didn’t run throughout our entire vacation, it did make today feel like an even bigger event.
A Feast for Food Lovers
Every year, EPCOT’s World Showcase morphs into a food lover’s paradise, and 2024 is no exception. From the scent of sizzling skewers to the clink of glasses filled with artisanal brews, the festival invites you to sample global flavors at over 30 Global Marketplace Booths. Live music pulses through the park, interactive activities add extra spice, and there’s plenty of magic to discover at every turn.
New Date, Familiar Magic
While the festival used to start earlier in recent years, it also introduced a phased opening. This year’s timeline, from August 29 to November 23, aligns more with the traditional pre-pandemic schedule. However, we’re still missing the popular cooking demonstrations and seminars that were a staple before 2020. Hopefully, they’ll make a triumphant return in the future.
An Expanded Feast Across the Park
Interestingly, the festival has started to venture beyond the familiar paths of World Showcase. This year’s booths aren’t just about representing global cuisines but are more focused on specific culinary themes. And in a surprising twist, we’ve said goodbye to the much-loved Ireland Marketplace. In its place are five brand-new booths: Macatizers, Bramblewood Bites, Forest & Field, Milled & Mulled, and Festival Favorites.
Festival Favorites is situated at Communicore Hall, which was meant to be the festival’s stunning new centerpiece. But it doesn’t quite live up to its potential after five years in the making. Here’s hoping Disney sprinkles some extra pixie dust on it before future festivals!
Culinary Highlights: More Beer, Less Wine?
Over the years, we’ve observed a slow shift in the festival’s drink offerings. Wine options seem to be shrinking, with beer now reigning supreme across many booths. It’s an interesting trend that fits with the general reduction in wine consumption globally; we’re curious to see how it evolves. That said, there are still plenty of exciting drink options available.
Rock Out at Eat to the Beat
Of course, no EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is complete without the beloved Eat to the Beat Concert Series, and this year’s lineup is packed with fan favorites. Expect legendary performances from Billy Ocean, Tiffany, and Hanson, alongside first-time acts like The Wanted and Aloe Blacc. And if you’re in the park this weekend, don’t miss The Fray, who is headlining. I thought I knew quite a bit of the Fray’s back catalog, but it seems my knowledge is limited to their 1 UK hit, “How to Save a Life.”
Scavenger Hunts & Cheesy Delights
Scavenger hunts are scattered throughout the park for a fun, family-friendly twist. Cheese lovers will enjoy Emile’s Fromage Montage, where hunting down five cheesy dishes rewards you with a complimentary cheesecake.
Plus, we have already started Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. In this hunt, you search for hidden statues of Remy around the park — complete the quest, and you’ll score an exclusive Festival Keepsake.
More to Come!
Our first day at the festival has been a mouth-watering success, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Tomorrow, we’re diving back in for round two, and we can’t wait to see what other flavors, sights, and surprises EPCOT has in store for us. I can’t wait to try the delights at the new Bramblewood Bites Marketplace. Stay tuned as we explore the tastes, entertainment, and fun at this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!
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