EPCOT Will Feel Totally Different in One Week

EPCOT is about to transform in a big way.

Starting August 28th, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will officially kick off, and the park will feel completely different from what it does right now. From over 35 festival booths serving up bites from around the world to live concerts, scavenger hunts, and exclusive merchandise, this event adds a whole new layer of energy to EPCOT. If you’re visiting in the next few months, here’s everything you need to know about why EPCOT is about to feel totally different.

The Food & Wine Festival Is Back

Every year, EPCOT hosts four different festivals, and Food & Wine is by far one of the most popular. In 2025, the festival runs from August 28th through November 22nd, which means for nearly three months, EPCOT becomes home to an endless lineup of food booths, activities, and entertainment.

This year, there will be over 35 Festival Marketplace booths scattered throughout the park (plus some surprise locations), each offering small plates inspired by countries and cuisines from across the globe. Returning favorites like Belgium, France, The Alps, Greece, and The Fry Basket will be back, along with a brand-new booth called Gyozas of the Galaxy (yes, dumpling lovers, your time has come).

The idea here isn’t just to grab a meal, but to snack your way around the park, trying little bites here and there until you’re totally full. It feels different from a normal EPCOT day because instead of sitting down for one or two big meals, the park becomes one giant, global food crawl.

New Additions for 2025

Every year, Disney shakes things up with a few new offerings, and 2025 is no different. One of the biggest additions is the Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France, a buffet-style morning event that includes fresh pastries, cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, smoked salmon, and unlimited mimosas. This is a separately ticketed event, but it’s bound to be a hit for anyone looking to start their EPCOT day with a little extra indulgence.

And for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the festival vibe, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza act as the “festival hub.” This area was built specifically to give EPCOT’s seasonal festivals a dedicated space, complete with a demo kitchen, mixology bar, and gallery space. While details are still unfolding, it’s a sign that Food & Wine is only growing bigger in scope and experience. We’ll keep you posted.

Emile’s Fromage Montage

One of the most beloved festival “extras” is returning in 2025: Emile’s Fromage Montage. This cheese-themed crawl lets you sample five specific dishes from booths around the park (they’re listed in the Festival Passport), and once you collect all your stamps, you’ll receive a prize at Shimmering Sips.

Some of the 2025 highlights include Warm Raclette Cheese from The Alps, Griddled Cheese with honey and pistachios from Greece, and Brazil’s fan-favorite pão de queijo. If you’re a cheese fan, this challenge turns your EPCOT day into a scavenger hunt with snacks. And yes, you can spread the crawl out over multiple visits if you don’t feel like eating all the cheese in one go.

Family-Friendly Fun

Food & Wine is often seen as a more “adult” festival because of all the drinks, but Disney makes sure kids (and kids-at-heart) get in on the action, too. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt returns this year, where you’ll search for tiny Remy statues hidden throughout the park. It costs $11.99 to play, and you get a prize once you finish.

Later in the season, starting September 2nd, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit will add another scavenger hunt to the lineup, this time themed to fall pumpkins decorated like Disney characters. Again, it’s a small upcharge to participate, but the prize at the end makes it worthwhile.

There’s also a free “Fun for Families with Kids” guide available, which points out scavenger hunts, Kidcot Fun Stops, and character meet-and-greet locations. EPCOT tends to be considered the “adult park,” but during Food & Wine, there’s more family-friendly content than people realize.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Another big part of the Food & Wine atmosphere is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. These free-with-admission shows happen at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion, with three performances each night. Nationally recognized artists take the stage Friday through Monday, while local bands perform Tuesday through Thursday.

If you want guaranteed seating, Disney offers Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at select restaurants, which include reserved seating for the concert that evening. It’s one of the most fun ways to break up your day — food booths all afternoon, then live music to wrap up the night.

Festival Extras

Food & Wine brings tons of small details that make EPCOT feel alive in new ways:

Spaceship Earth Nighttime Lighting will feature a special show themed to “Be Our Guest.”

EPCOT lighting during the Food & Wine Festival

Festival-themed merchandise includes collections centered on Remy, Chef Mickey, Figment, and even the Muppets. Expect spirit jerseys, Loungefly bags, mugs, and Passholder exclusives.

Living with the Land gets a seasonal overlay, with crops featured in the ride tied to ingredients used around the festival.

Chef Daisy Duck makes meet-and-greet appearances in a Food & Wine-exclusive outfit.

Even the miniature German village in the World Showcase gets in on the fun, with tiny Food & Wine banners decorating its streets.

It’s these little touches that make the event feel immersive, even beyond the food booths.

Tips to Maximize Your Festival Visit

Grab a Festival Passport. These are free and can be found at booths and park entrances. It’s a handy guide that lets you track what you’ve tried and see booth menus at a glance.
Budget with a wristlet gift card. You can load money onto a small, wearable Disney gift card, making it easier to pay at booths without digging for your wallet.
Check out Magic Shots. Disney PhotoPass photographers around the park offer exclusive Food & Wine-themed photo opportunities.
Pace yourself. With nearly 200 food and drink options, it’s impossible to try everything in one day. Prioritize must-haves and spread out your visit if possible.

Why EPCOT Will Feel So Different

EPCOT is always a fun park, but once Food & Wine begins, it transforms into something completely different. The entire park buzzes with energy, smells, and sounds you don’t get at any other time of year. Instead of just walking the World Showcase, you’re tasting your way around the world. Instead of sticking to rides, you’re stopping to catch live music or a scavenger hunt.

That’s why, starting August 28th, EPCOT won’t feel like “just another Disney park day.” It will feel like a massive international celebration, with something new around every corner. If you’re heading there soon, buckle up — your EPCOT experience is about to get a whole lot tastier.

Make sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest from the Food & Wine Festival and more.