Credit: Inside the MagicThe EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is upon us, and foodies are flocking to Walt Disney World Resort to experience the limited-time international delights available around the World Showcase. Unfortunately, Disney Park guests have noticed a disturbing trend among festival visitors in 2025.
In 2025, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival offers over 30 Global Marketplace booths, in addition to Quick Service dining locations throughout the park selling limited-time, festival-inspired bites and sips. Guests perusing the World Showcase have access to hundreds of exclusive menu items, served in small portions to allow as many taste tests as possible.
No matter the season, most guests who rope-drop EPCOT or utilize Early Entry for Disney Resort hotel guests are heading to popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. However, during the 2025 Food & Wine Festival, a concerning trend has popped up among rope-droppers at EPCOT.
On September 9, Disney Food Blog reported noticing Walt Disney World Resort guests lining up for Food & Wine Festival booths during several early morning visits to EPCOT. The festival kiosks often open after the theme park, but some families are lining up over an hour before service begins for first access to limited-time food and drinks.
There’s really no reason to line up early – the wait for most EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival booths is less than ten minutes for much of the day. But if you have a long list of spots to hit, maybe strategically starting your day as early as possible is worth the wait?
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 28 to November 22, 2025. In addition to food and beverage items, guests can purchase exclusive festival-themed merchandise, enjoy the “Eat to the Beat” concert series, participate in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt, embark on Emile’s Fromage Montage, and participate in festival-themed PhotoPass opportunities around the park.
How long are you willing to wait for a snack or drink at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!