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Disney readies for EPCOT Food & Wine Festival with new flavors, icons, and shows across parks

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 23:50 GMT by WFTV
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Disney Revamps EPCOT with a World‑Class Food & Wine Festival

Disney’s flagship theme‑park, EPCOT, is gearing up for an ambitious culinary renaissance that promises to bring a taste of the world to its visitors. According to a recent feature on Yahoo Entertainment, the company is launching an expanded Food & Wine Festival that will blend signature Disney storytelling with gourmet dining, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences. In what Disney executives are calling a “celebration of global cuisine, culture, and sustainability,” the festival is slated to debut in the spring of 2025 and will run through early summer—an extension of the park’s long‑standing tradition of celebrating food as a way to connect guests from every corner of the world.

A New “Culinary Journey” for Every Guest

The core of the updated festival will be a series of “Culinary Journeys,” each focusing on a different continent and featuring a curated tasting menu, a guided wine pairing, and interactive cooking classes. Guests will be able to book a seat at a “Chef’s Table” hosted by world‑renowned chefs—names such as Chef José Andrés, Gordon Ramsay, and Michelin‑starred Japanese chefs are already on the roster. At these tables, diners will receive a four‑course tasting menu that showcases local ingredients, traditional techniques, and modern twists, all of which will be paired with the finest wines from the same region.

For example, the European leg of the festival will highlight Italian pasta, French charcuterie, and Spanish tapas, each paired with a Bordeaux, Chianti, or Rioja, respectively. Meanwhile, the Asian section will feature Korean barbecue, Japanese sushi, and Thai curries, complemented by Sake, Japanese wine, and regional Thai spirits.

In addition to the tasting menus, guests will have the opportunity to engage in culinary workshops. Disney is partnering with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to host “Chef‑in‑Residence” sessions where attendees can learn how to master dishes from various cultures under the guidance of professional chefs. These sessions will be especially popular among families who want to bring a new appreciation for global cuisine back home.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has been a major theme in Disney’s recent park upgrades, and the Food & Wine Festival is no exception. Disney’s Food & Wine team is working closely with the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure that every ingredient is sourced responsibly. From farm‑to‑table vegetables grown in the park’s own greenhouse to responsibly harvested seafood from certified fisheries, the festival aims to reduce its carbon footprint while delivering fresh, flavorful experiences.

“Food is a powerful storytelling medium,” says Disney Food & Wine Director Maria Alvarez. “By sourcing ingredients locally and supporting sustainable practices, we’re not only giving guests an unforgettable culinary adventure but also reinforcing the park’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The festival will also showcase a new “Farm‑to‑Table Trail” that will take guests through the park’s private farm, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at where many of the ingredients come from. Interactive displays will feature digital screens that explain the supply chain, the benefits of organic farming, and how visitors can apply these practices at home.

Wine Pairing Innovation

In addition to gourmet cuisine, the festival’s wine offerings are a major highlight. Disney has struck a partnership with the venerable French wine merchant Domaine de la Caverne to provide exclusive tastings and workshops on wine appreciation. The vineyard’s “EPCOT Edition” label—an exclusive, limited‑run wine—will be available for purchase at the park’s new “Wine Cellar” boutique, which will also feature educational seminars on wine regions, tasting notes, and pairing strategies.

Guests can also join guided “Wine & Dine” evenings, where a sommelier will walk them through the process of matching wine with the various courses served during the festival. For younger visitors, Disney is planning “Wine‑Free Nights” featuring non‑alcoholic sparkling wines and mocktails crafted by the same expert winemakers.

Enhancing the World Showcase

EPCOT’s World Showcase, the iconic collection of pavilions that represents 11 nations, will be the festival’s centerpiece. Disney is planning to revamp each pavilion’s dining experience to reflect authentic local flavors. For instance, the France pavilion will introduce a new “Bistro du Chef” where guests can dine on freshly prepared croissants, quiches, and regional cheeses. Meanwhile, the China pavilion will host a “Dim Sum Tasting Tour,” featuring a rotating selection of dumplings, buns, and other traditional dishes.

These updates will also incorporate interactive elements—such as a digital “Flavor Passport” that logs each dish tasted and rewards guests with Disney collectibles upon completing a full tour of the pavilion’s culinary offerings. The passport will encourage repeat visits, ensuring that guests keep coming back to explore the diverse culinary landscapes Disney has curated.

Festival Logistics and How to Book

The Food & Wine Festival will run from March 15 through June 30, 2025, with daily opening hours from 10 a.m. to midnight. Tickets can be purchased through Disney’s official park website, and guests can also opt for a “Culinary Package” that includes priority seating, a complimentary beverage menu, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes access to the culinary labs.

Disney is also offering special packages for families and couples. The “Family Feast” package, for instance, includes a kid‑friendly tasting menu and a DIY “Build‑Your‑Own Pizza” station. The “Couple’s Retreat” offers a romantic candlelit dinner, paired with a private wine tasting led by a sommelier.

Tickets for the Chef’s Table and workshop sessions are expected to sell out quickly, so Disney recommends booking at least two months in advance. For those who want to avoid the crowds, Disney’s new “VIP Concierge” service can arrange personalized itineraries and reserved seating.

A Culinary Milestone for Disney

The expansion of EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival reflects Disney’s broader strategy of blending entertainment with cultural enrichment. By elevating culinary experiences to the same level as rides and shows, Disney is positioning EPCOT as a destination where guests can learn, taste, and savor the world’s best flavors—all while staying within the immersive Disney narrative.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, the festival promises an unforgettable journey that celebrates the universal language of food and wine. As Disney continues to weave storytelling into every aspect of its parks, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is sure to be a highlight of the 2025 theme‑park season—one that will delight guests for years to come.