OpEd: Why the World Needs EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival

in Disney, Food, Walt Disney World

epcot food and wine

The day is coming, Disniacs, when the world opens back up for both business and pleasure. The pandemic will fade to the latest pages of history, the “shelter in place” orders will be lifted, and Disney Parks will open up the gates for the first time in forever.

When that day comes, it will be the most joyous time since the end of World War II or the fall of the Berlin Wall. It will be time to reunite with friends, to go out and eat, drink, and be merry. And there will be no better place to celebrate the end of a pandemic than at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort.

2019 Epcot Food & Wine
Credit: Disney

From late August to Mid-November of this year, the entire world showcase opens up to you with delicious food and beverage options from all over the world. While built-in pavilions offer their own menus, we see booths raised for even more countries offering their own dishes and looking to take part in the event. No matter how picky the eater, no matter what kind of drinker you claim to be, you will find some food and drink combination to enjoy at the Food and Wine Festival.

Whether you just want to relax and people watch with some charcuterie, cheese, and sparkling wine, or you want to chow down on some smoked corned beef and beer, the culinary choices will get your taste buds going. Oh, and we can’t forget about the epic concert series, the wine pairings and craft beer tasting seminars, and the live culinary demonstrations with a master chef. There will also be an array of new merchandise and special options exclusive to Annual Passholders.

eat to the beat

Related: Coming to EPCOT: DuckTales World Showcase Scavenger Hunt  

It is one of the busiest times of the year for Disney World’s second-oldest theme park outside of the Holiday Season, and we have no reason to think it will be any less busy this time. Disniacs are in the midst of going weeks without being able to get their Disney fix, and everyone will be looking for a reason to travel and mingle with people once again. EPCOT’s World Showcase offers the perfect setting for that joyous reunion.

And EPCOT will be a showcase to a world” demonstrating the romantic scenes, ideas, and feelings of nations all over the world. Some devastated by the pandemic. We can only hope that someone standing in the Italy pavilion is re-inspired to plan her trip to Rome, and that inspiration happens for would-be tourists venturing to nations all over the world, helping one another rebuild how they can. 

Related: Disney Recipe: Make The Udon Noodles From EPCOT Right In Your Kitchen

Epcot Food & Wine
Credit: Disney

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival usually begins at the end of August and lasts through the fall to Mid-November, which means there is still plenty of time to stay home and wait out these troubling times. Plus, the Disney event gives us something to look forward to. For those who haven’t been, remember that this event only requires an EPCOT admission ticket to attend. However, events such as the culinary demonstrations, live concert tickets, and beverage seminars can cost extra.

Read More: Celebrity chefs, sunday brunch, concerts, and more coming to 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Please feel free to contact Walt Disney World directly regarding any questions you may have. Everything served at the food booths are, of course, a la carte. For those who have visited past festivals, just think about your favorite drink waiting for you at your favorite World Showcase pavilion to help power you through. 

craft beer EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

If this year was a Disney movie, we’d be at the low point right now. But soon, things are going to get better and the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival will be waiting for us at the end of the tunnel to help us celebrate our triumphant happily ever after. It will be a global Disney bacchanal for the ages that will truly ring another roaring 20s. We can’t wait to see you there!

Epcot Food & Wine
Credit Disney

Check out our top five food items from last year’s festival!

Book Your Trip to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

If you are thinking about planning your next trip to Walt Disney World for the Food and Wine Festival sometime between August and Mid-November, our friends at Academy Travel are here to help. Whether you’re looking for a room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn or your unsure of what dining plan to use, Academy will work with you to get you the best possible deal for your ideal Disney Vacation as well as help you understand all the ins and outs of your itinerary. Click here to learn more and receive your free, no-obligation quote today.

Related: 5 Things to Look Forward to When Disney World and Disneyland Reopen

in Disney, Food, Walt Disney World

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