N※N

Epcot's International Food And Wine Festival Is Happening Now!

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/28 .. nal-food-and-wine-festival-is-happening-now.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 22:40 GMT by Forbes
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is Happening Now—What You Need to Know

If you’ve been dreaming of a culinary adventure that spans the globe without ever leaving the United States, the latest edition of Disney’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing. According to a recent Forbes feature by Ronnie May, the six‑week summer event—running from June 6 to July 22, 2025—has kicked off at Disney World’s EPCOT park in Orlando, Florida, and is already drawing food lovers from all over the country.

A Quick Overview of the Festival

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival (IFF) is a signature Disney event that debuted in 2014. The idea is simple: bring together more than 40 world‑class restaurants and chefs to showcase their signature dishes, wines, and cultural traditions right in the heart of the park. This year, the festival has a fresh look with new food booths, updated tasting experiences, and a host of added entertainment options.

The event takes place on the grounds of EPCOT, near the park’s iconic spaces, and is accessible to all guests who have park admission. The festival is entirely free, with the exception of a handful of premium “Chef’s Table” or “Special Experience” bookings that come at an extra cost. The Forbes article makes it clear that the sheer variety of foods—ranging from Mexican street corn to Korean barbecue—means you can sample something new every day.

What the Festival Offers

The heart of the IFF lies in its tasting stations. Each station is set up to replicate a different corner of the world: for instance, the “Mexico” pavilion offers a trio of traditional tacos and a “Baja Beer” pairing; the “Italy” area highlights fresh pasta and local olive oil. The Forbes piece points out that the festival’s organizers have gone to great lengths to maintain authenticity: many of the chefs are local residents, and the ingredients are sourced from regional farms and specialty markets.

Beyond simple tastings, the festival hosts a range of interactive experiences. Cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and even “Cultural Nights” featuring live music or dance performances are all part of the itinerary. For diners who want a more exclusive experience, the “Chef’s Table” reservations let guests sit at a private table with a chef who explains the origins of each dish. While the article emphasizes that these experiences can be pricey—prices range from $120 for a basic wine tasting to $350 for a full multi‑course Chef’s Table dinner—the value is in the personal attention and behind‑the‑scenes insights.

Festival Highlights and Must‑Try Foods

While the entire festival is worth exploring, several items stand out as the “must‑try” highlights:

1. The “Mole” Dish from Oaxaca, Mexico – A complex sauce made from over 20 ingredients, served over roasted chicken.
2. The “Sushi & Sashimi” Station in Japan – Fresh, hand‑rolled sushi with a side of wasabi and soy sauce, accompanied by a mini sake tasting.
3. The “Pasta” Experience in Italy – Handmade ravioli filled with truffle‑infused cheese and a glass of Chianti.
4. The “Korean BBQ” Sampler – Marinated beef short ribs and a side of kimchi, with a “soju” pairing.
5. The “Greek” Mezze Plate – Dolmades, tzatziki, and a fresh “Ouzo” tasting.

Each station is thoughtfully curated to provide not only a taste of the cuisine but also a narrative about its cultural significance. According to May’s article, the festival’s emphasis on storytelling is a hallmark of Disney’s approach to food, making the IFF both a culinary and educational experience.

Navigating the Festival

For those who want to make the most of the experience, the Forbes article offers a few practical tips:

• Arrive Early: The popular stations fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving before noon can save you from the longest lines.
• Plan Your Route: With more than 60 tasting stations, it’s easy to miss some of the lesser‑known but equally delicious offerings. A pre‑festival map is available on Disney’s official site (the article includes a link to the festival page for detailed information).
• Book Reservations Early: If you’re interested in a Chef’s Table experience, bookings open at 8 a.m. daily and fill up fast. The article stresses that reservations are made through Disney’s “My Disney Experience” app.
• Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortably: The festival runs for a full day, and there are plenty of shaded seating areas, but the summer heat can be intense.

Getting Involved and Staying Updated

The Forbes feature links directly to Disney’s official IFF page, where guests can check for updates on new food stations, special events, and reservation options. The page also hosts an interactive map that shows each station’s location relative to the park’s main attractions, which can help visitors plan their route more efficiently.

There is also a social‑media component to the festival. Disney encourages guests to share their culinary adventures using the hashtag #FoodAndWineFestival. As the article notes, many of the best Instagrammable moments come from creative plating at the tasting stations, and the hashtag has garnered thousands of posts from fellow food enthusiasts.

Conclusion

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is an immersive celebration of global gastronomy, and the latest 2025 edition is already proving to be a must‑visit for Disney fans and food lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler of world cuisines or a curious newcomer, the festival offers a chance to sample a wide array of flavors, learn about the stories behind each dish, and enjoy a day of cultural enrichment—all within the familiar, family‑friendly setting of Disney World. For those planning a trip to Orlando this summer, the Forbes article—and the links it provides—offer a comprehensive guide to navigating this culinary adventure, ensuring you don’t miss a single bite.