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Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival Returns with a Fresh Menu and Global Flavors

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/22 .. eturns-with-a-fresh-menu-and-global-flavors.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 1:23 GMT by WOFL
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Epcot’s beloved International Food & Wine Festival is back for 2024, promising a vibrant celebration of global cuisine, exceptional wines, and unforgettable experiences. Running from February 29th to March 25th, this year's festival boasts an entirely new menu across its numerous marketplaces, alongside returning favorites and exciting entertainment offerings. This marks a significant shift from previous years, which often featured carryover dishes. Disney is clearly aiming for a fresh and innovative experience for both seasoned veterans and first-time attendees.

The core of the festival remains the marketplace booths – culinary outposts representing countries and regions around the world. These booths offer small plates and beverages designed to be shared and explored, allowing guests to sample diverse flavors without committing to full meals. This year’s revamped menu promises a more authentic representation of each region's cuisine, moving beyond familiar Americanized interpretations.

A Taste of What’s New:

While the complete list of marketplace menus isn’t fully available yet (Disney is releasing them in phases), several exciting changes and additions have been revealed. The focus this year is on showcasing regional specialties and highlighting lesser-known ingredients. For example, the France booth will feature a new Crème Brûlée au Caramel Beurre Salé – a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert. Similarly, the Japan marketplace promises to showcase more traditional Japanese dishes beyond the usual sushi offerings.

The Canada Marketplace is introducing “Poutine Arancini,” a creative fusion dish blending Canadian comfort food with Italian technique. The China booth will feature "Xiao Long Bao," steamed soup dumplings – a popular street food delicacy. Italy’s marketplace is showcasing regional pasta specialties, and Brazil's booth promises to highlight unique Brazilian ingredients and flavors.

Beyond the individual marketplaces, Disney has emphasized a commitment to sourcing higher-quality ingredients and working with chefs who specialize in authentic international cuisine. This dedication aims to elevate the overall dining experience and provide guests with a more immersive cultural journey through food. The festival’s website (linked below) will continue to be updated with detailed menus for each marketplace as they become available.

Beyond the Food: Entertainment & Experiences

The International Food & Wine Festival isn't just about eating; it's a full-fledged celebration of culture and entertainment. This year, guests can expect a robust lineup of live music performances across various stages throughout World Showcase. The Eat to the Beat concert series will feature a diverse range of artists representing different genres and musical styles, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the park. The specific artist lineup is still being finalized but promises something for everyone.

Additionally, culinary demonstrations and seminars are planned, offering guests the opportunity to learn from renowned chefs and wine experts. These sessions provide insights into cooking techniques, food pairings, and regional specialties, enhancing the educational aspect of the festival. Disney Parks Blog will be a key resource for schedules and registration details as these events are announced.

Wine & Beverage Highlights:

As the name suggests, wine plays a crucial role in the International Food & Wine Festival. Numerous beverage gardens throughout World Showcase offer an extensive selection of wines from around the world, alongside beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. This year’s focus is on showcasing smaller vineyards and producers, offering guests the chance to discover unique and lesser-known varietals. Specialty sake selections will also be featured at the Japan marketplace, complementing the cuisine offered there.

Planning Your Visit:

Given the popularity of the International Food & Wine Festival, planning your visit in advance is highly recommended. Park reservations are required for entry into Epcot, and demand is expected to be high throughout the festival's run. Disney Genie+ service can also be utilized to minimize wait times for popular attractions while enjoying the food and beverage offerings.

The International Food & Wine Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore global cultures through the lens of cuisine and entertainment. With its revamped menu, diverse musical performances, and extensive wine selection, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Resources:

• Official Disney Parks Blog - Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Page: [ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/food-and-wine-festival/ ]
• Fox 35 Orlando Article (Original Source): [ https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/epcot-prepares-new-dishes-drinks-international-food-wine-festival ]