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Credit: D23The long pause is almost over. Starting July 11, the theme parks of the Walt Disney World resort will begin to open its gates to guests once again.
But, in preparation for its phased reopening, Disney World has already begun canceling certain events. They include extra-ticketed events such as Disney Early Morning Magic at the Magic Kingdom and H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
But what about the bigger, more established events that take over an entire park and attract tens of thousands of people to come and eat, drink, and be merry?
What about the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival?
Well, Inside the Magic asked two representatives over at Walt Disney World Guest Services the question, “Will EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival happen this year?”
Their answers were none too clear.
The first representative we asked said:
“At this point, we cannot guarantee any particular dates. Due to current conditions, we just have to keep checking on the website to see if dates are posted.”
The second representative simply responded with the following blanket answer:
“We know you have many questions about what this announcement means for your upcoming visit. Please know we’re working to be able to answer all of your questions as quickly as possible. We look forward to providing an update as soon as we have more information to share.”
We asked if they then could not confirm the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival was happening this year, they said:
“We have not gotten any information that it will not be happening but as the current situation is still evolving I would recommend keeping an eye on the website for the most up to date information.”
Related: Will EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival Resume? New Aerial Photos Provide Answers
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival has been an annual feast and one of Walt Disney World’s most-beloved events for decades, especially for being one of the more adult examples of Disney magic. But it is not an event known for its social distancing.
EPCOT’s World Showcase is often found packed to the gills with people lined up at kiosks and huddled around dozens of small tables scattered across the area. Masks will be repeatedly removed or, like instances witnessed at Disney Springs, kept off completely so guests can enjoy their food and beverages.
It could be argued that the consumption of alcohol noted at the festival could also cause guests to become more careless and forgetful when it comes to maintaining social distancing with other guests. There is also the matter of the interactive shows, tastings, and classes, as well as the overall system from cashier to pickup by the makeshift open kitchens.
In 2019, EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival began as early as August 29 and ran through November 23. As previously stated, there are still no dates announced for 2020’s festival. But, once they are, Guests should be on the lookout for some social distancing measures announced with them.
Inside the Magic will update its readers as soon as festival dates area announced and if any new health and safety policies are announced with them.
Related: OpEd: Why the World Needs EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival
Do you think EPCOT will host its International Food & Wine Festival this year? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!