EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2024: What’s New and Delicious This Year?
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved events, drawing foodies, wine enthusiasts, and Disney fans alike from around the globe. Every year, this festival showcases the best in global cuisine, wine, and culinary innovations, and 2024 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet. With new food booths, celebrity chefs, exclusive experiences, and updated entertainment, there’s so much to look forward to this year.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2024—from what’s new to some of the most exciting dishes and events you simply can’t miss. Plus, we’ll offer some insider tips on how to maximize your festival experience and how Royal Family Tours can help make your trip smooth and luxurious with Disney VIP Tours.
What’s New in 2024?
Each year, EPCOT revamps its Food & Wine Festival with new tastes, experiences, and entertainment, and 2024 is no different. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, here’s what’s fresh this year:
1. New Global Marketplaces
One of the biggest draws of the festival is the sheer variety of food booths (called Global Marketplaces) that showcase unique and authentic flavors from around the world. In 2024, EPCOT is adding new countries and regions to the lineup. Here are some of the fresh faces in the culinary scene:
Sweden: Making its debut, the Sweden booth will feature Scandinavian flavors like gravlax (cured salmon), Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and a variety of herring dishes. Don’t miss the famous Swedish Princess Cake!
South Africa: Returning after several years, South Africa will be showcasing dishes like peri-peri chicken skewers and bobotie (a savory minced meat pie), paired with some of the region’s best wines.
Brazilian Steakhouse: While Brazil has always had a presence at the festival, the new Brazilian Steakhouse Marketplace will elevate the experience with authentic churrasco. Expect flame-grilled meats, pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), and traditional feijoada.
Ireland’s Cheese and Beer Pairing: A new twist on Ireland’s offering, this booth will present an exciting pairing menu where guests can indulge in Irish cheeses paired with craft beers.
2. Plant-Based Marketplace
In keeping with Disney’s commitment to providing plant-based options, EPCOT is introducing a new 100% plant-based Global Marketplace. This booth will feature creative and innovative dishes that are perfect for vegans and vegetarians, but delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.
Look out for dishes like a Vegan Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie and Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sliders. Even the desserts will be plant-based, with coconut milk-based ice cream and dairy-free cheesecakes.
3. Culinary Demonstrations with Celebrity Chefs
This year, EPCOT is expanding its celebrity chef lineup with some of the biggest names in the culinary world. Fan-favorite chefs like Carla Hall, Masaharu Morimoto, and Guy Fieri will return, but 2024 will also welcome new faces, including Nyesha Arrington, known for her farm-to-table approach, and Kwame Onwuachi, whose Afro-Caribbean fusion cuisine has been making waves.
These celebrity chefs will host cooking demonstrations, giving attendees a chance to learn professional techniques and sample gourmet dishes.
4. Exclusive After-Hours Experiences
New for 2024 are exclusive after-hours events that cater to food and wine enthusiasts looking for an elevated experience. These intimate gatherings will be held in various pavilions across the park and will feature limited-access tastings, wine pairings, and meet-and-greet opportunities with top chefs and sommeliers.
Some of the new events include:
Parisian Night Under the Stars: Held at the France pavilion, this event will offer a fine dining experience with wine pairings and a spectacular view of EPCOT’s fireworks.
Taste of the Mediterranean: At the Morocco pavilion, guests can enjoy small plates and wine pairings from around the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by live music and dance performances.
Guests can sample tapas-sized tastes of inventive cuisine from more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The popular fall festival also features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, mixology seminars, nightly “Eat to the Beat” concerts and a broad range of premium dining events. (Chloe Rice, photographer)
5. Interactive Wine and Mixology Seminars
For those who want to deepen their knowledge of beverages, EPCOT is offering expanded wine and mixology seminars. Learn from master sommeliers, mixologists, and winemakers as they teach the art of pairing wines with food, crafting the perfect cocktail, and more. This year, you’ll find a special focus on eco-friendly and sustainable wine practices, with seminars highlighting organic and biodynamic wines.
Must-Try Dishes at the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
With more than 25 Global Marketplaces offering a wide variety of dishes, deciding what to try can be a challenge. But don’t worry—we’ve put together a list of must-try dishes for 2024 that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
1. Lobster Poutine (Canada Pavilion)
This indulgent dish combines crispy fries with buttery lobster, cheese curds, and a decadent lobster bisque sauce. If you’re a fan of seafood and rich, savory flavors, this one’s a must!
2. Spicy Ethiopian Doro Wat (Africa Pavilion)
For those who love bold, exotic flavors, the Doro Wat, a spicy Ethiopian chicken stew served with injera (a type of flatbread), is the perfect dish. The blend of spices and slow-cooked meat creates a complex and unforgettable taste.
3. Brazilian Churrasco (Brazilian Steakhouse Marketplace)
Get a taste of authentic Brazilian barbecue with skewers of perfectly grilled meats served with chimichurri sauce. For a side, try the pão de queijo—warm, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
4. Orange Blossom Crème Brûlée (France Pavilion)
For a sweet ending, the Orange Blossom Crème Brûlée offers a floral twist on the classic French dessert. The creamy custard with a perfectly torched sugar crust is infused with subtle orange blossom flavors.
5. Jerk Spiced Chicken Lollipop (Caribbean Pavilion)
A festival favorite, this dish features juicy, jerk-seasoned chicken served on a lollipop stick, making it both delicious and fun to eat.
Beverages You Can’t Miss
What would the Food & Wine Festival be without some incredible drinks to pair with your meals? Here are a few new beverages you’ll want to sip on during your visit:
1. Frozen Sangria (Spain Pavilion)
Beat the Florida heat with a refreshing Frozen Sangria, featuring red wine, citrus juices, and fruit puree, served as a slushy.
2. Canadian Ice Wine Flight (Canada Pavilion)
Sample three varieties of sweet and refreshing ice wine, a Canadian specialty made from grapes that are frozen while still on the vine.
3. Mezcal Mule (Mexico Pavilion)
If you love a good mule, you’ll want to try the Mezcal Mule, which adds a smoky twist to the classic cocktail with the addition of mezcal.
4. Espresso Martini (Italy Pavilion)
Perfect for a mid-festival pick-me-up, the Espresso Martini combines strong espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka for a smooth and bold drink.
5. Eco-Friendly Organic Wine Flight (Wine Seminar Pavilion)
For the wine connoisseurs, EPCOT will offer an Organic Wine Flight, where you can sample wines made using eco-friendly, sustainable farming practices.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival
Attending the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
1. Arrive Early
If you want to beat the crowds and maximize your time at the festival, plan to arrive early. The Global Marketplaces open at 11 a.m., but getting there a bit before ensures shorter lines and better seating for seminars and demonstrations.
2. Use a Festival Passport
Pick up a Festival Passport when you enter EPCOT. This handy guide will list all the food booths, their menus, and event schedules, allowing you to map out your day and prioritize what you want to try.
3. Pace Yourself
With so much food and drink to enjoy, it’s important to pace yourself. Don’t try to do everything in one day—consider spreading your visit over two or more days if possible.
4. Hydrate
It’s Florida, and it can get hot—especially with all the walking and sampling you’ll be doing. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
5. Share Dishes
To maximize your tasting experience, consider sharing dishes with your friends or family. This way, you can try more items without getting too full too quickly.
Entertainment and Activities
While the food and drinks are the main draw, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival also offers plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy:
1. Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Every year, EPCOT hosts the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, featuring live performances from popular artists across different genres. In 2024, acts like Boyz II Men, TLC, and Smash Mouth are expected to perform.
2. Disney Du Jour Dance Party
For families visiting with kids, the Disney Du Jour Dance Party is a must. Held on select evenings, this high-energy dance party features favorite Disney characters, live DJs, and interactive fun for all ages.
3. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak
If you’re visiting with children, they’ll love participating in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a scavenger hunt throughout the festival. Guests can purchase a map and search for hidden Remy statues scattered around EPCOT.
How Royal Family Tours Can Elevate Your Experience
With so much to see, eat, and drink, planning your visit to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival can feel overwhelming—but that’s where Royal Family Tours comes in. Whether you’re attending the festival with family or friends, our Disney VIP Tours and Private Luxury Transportation services are designed to make your experience stress-free and enjoyable.
With our expert VIP tour guides, you’ll have insider access to the festival, shorter wait times, and personalized recommendations for food and beverage pairings. And after a long day of indulging in the best flavors from around the world, you can relax in comfort with our luxury transportation service.
Book a Free Quote Today!
Why not make the most of your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience? Contact Royal Family Tours today for a free quote on your next Disney VIP Tour or Private Luxury Transportation. Let us help you create magical, unforgettable memories at Disney World!