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Pictures: First look at the 2025 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

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Epcot’s 2025 International Food & Wine Festival: A Sneak‑Peek Into Global Gastronomy

When the Florida sun reaches its peak in September, the world’s flavors converge on Disney’s Epcot. The 2025 International Food & Wine Festival—scheduled to run from September 1 through 29—has already started rolling out its culinary map, and the Orlando Sentinel’s latest photo‑heavy feature gives readers an insider’s look at what’s to come. From new food‑truck line‑ups to a revamped “Taste of the World” experience, the article paints a vivid picture of the festival’s expanding scope, while linking to official resources that make planning easier than ever.


A Gallery of Global Tasting

The article opens with an eye‑catching gallery of the festival’s first‑look photos. A steaming bowl of Japanese ramen, a colorful Mexican street‑taco stand, and a glass of French rosé glinting against the backdrop of the World Showcase Pavilion are just a few of the culinary snapshots that signal the event’s international reach. Each image is paired with a short caption that includes the country represented, the chef’s name, and a teaser of the dish’s signature ingredients. Viewers can click through to the full photo collection on the Sentinel’s website, and the article links directly to Disney’s own “Festival Gallery” for a more expansive visual tour.


New Attractions and Culinary Experiences

One of the most exciting revelations in the article is the expansion of the “Taste of the World” program. Traditionally, visitors could sample a single dish per country per day. This year, Epcot will offer a rotating lineup of tasting menus, each featuring four courses that explore regional specialties—from Greek moussaka to Ethiopian injera. The piece cites a festival spokesperson who said, “We’re turning tasting into a curated journey, allowing guests to savor deeper layers of each culture’s culinary identity.”

Food trucks have always been a staple, but 2025 sees a dramatic increase in the number and variety of vendors. The Sentinel’s story reports that the festival will now host 50 food trucks, up from the usual 30, with notable additions such as a Korean BBQ cart run by a Michelin‑starred chef and a Moroccan tagine stall featuring a local family’s heritage recipes. The article quotes the food‑truck manager, saying the new offerings will “bridge the gap between global flavors and the everyday palate.”

For wine lovers, the festival is also rolling out a “Wine & Dine” evening series that pairs a curated selection of 20 world wines with a multi‑course dinner. The dining experience will rotate between two new venues—an elegant Italian trattoria and a rustic French brasserie—providing an immersive, immersive context for each wine. According to the article, the wine program is being curated in partnership with the renowned Napa Valley Sommelier Association, ensuring a high‑quality selection that emphasizes both tradition and innovation.


Entertainment, Workshops, and Cultural Showcases

Beyond the food stalls, the Sentinel’s piece highlights a slate of entertainment that underscores the festival’s celebration of culture. The “Cultural Showcase” series will now feature live music, dance performances, and interactive workshops that dive into the culinary traditions of each country. A spotlight interview with the festival’s cultural director reveals plans for a live Korean pansori performance, a Brazilian samba dance workshop, and a Japanese tea‑making demonstration.

The article also notes a “Kids & Family” cooking class that will teach younger guests how to prepare simple, kid‑friendly dishes from around the world. The class will run on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, and parents can pre‑register via Disney’s official website. A small fee covers a handout of recipes and a “Chef’s Apron” souvenir.


Sustainability and Local Sourcing

In line with Disney’s broader sustainability goals, the Sentinel’s feature includes a dedicated section on how the festival is reducing its environmental footprint. According to the article, vendors are now required to use 100 % locally sourced ingredients for all menu items, and the festival is partnering with the “Epcot Sustainability Initiative” to recycle all packaging materials. The festival’s new “Zero‑Waste” booth offers tips for guests on how to minimize waste while enjoying the culinary experience.


Ticketing and Logistics

For those eager to plan ahead, the article provides practical information on how to secure tickets. Visitors can purchase day passes, which include entry to all food, wine, and entertainment offerings, or opt for a multi‑day “Food & Wine Pass” that grants unlimited access. A QR code in the feature links directly to Disney’s official ticketing page, where guests can choose a “VIP Experience” that includes a private table and a meet‑and‑greet with the chefs. The article stresses that tickets go on sale on July 15, 2025, and that limited “Early‑Bird” pricing ends on July 31.


In Closing

The Orlando Sentinel’s photo‑rich preview offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary delights that await festival-goers in September. From expanded tasting menus and a surge in food‑truck variety to culturally immersive entertainment and a heightened focus on sustainability, the 2025 International Food & Wine Festival promises to be a richer, more diverse celebration than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney foodie or a newcomer eager to sample the world’s flavors, the article’s detailed breakdown and handy links make planning a breeze. As the festival’s opening day draws nearer, keep an eye out for the full line‑up of chefs, beverages, and performances that will turn Epcot’s World Showcase into a global tasting playground.


Read the Full Orlando Sentinel Article at:
[ https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/26/pictures-first-look-at-the-2025-at-the-2025-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/ ]