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Epcot prepares new dishes and drinks for International Food and Wine Festival

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/23 .. ks-for-international-food-and-wine-festival.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 23:48 GMT by WOFL
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EPCOT Prepares a Global Feast: New Dishes, Drinks, and Experiences for the International Food & Wine Festival

The Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT has always been the park’s culinary laboratory, and it’s taking that experiment to the next level for the 2024 International Food & Wine Festival. The 2024 edition—running from October 6 to December 21—promises a smorgasbord of fresh, flavorful offerings that celebrate more than 50 countries. The article on Yahoo Lifestyle, “EPCOT prepares dishes, drinks in International,” takes readers through the park’s ambitious culinary roadmap, the festival’s unique programming, and the behind‑the‑scenes work that turns a theme‑park food event into a worldwide gastronomic celebration.

A World‑Wide Menu in the Making

One of the article’s most compelling angles is the sheer breadth of the food and beverage options that EPCOT is rolling out. Disney is partnering with local chefs, food artisans, and culinary brands to introduce “new menu items, craft drinks, and immersive food experiences” that reflect the festival’s global theme. The piece notes that, in addition to the classic dishes that have become fan favorites—such as the famous “Panda Express” bamboo shoots or the “Spice Village” samosas—EPCOT will add several completely new offerings. These include:

• Sushi‑Rolling Workshops at the Japan Pavilion, where guests can learn the art of maki from a master chef.
• Pasta‑Making Studio in Italy’s “Pasta Villa” pavilion, allowing families to shape fresh pasta on the spot.
• Korean BBQ Pit‑Stop in the Korean pavilion, complete with a small, interactive grill for a quick, customizable meal.
• Crafted Cocktails & Aperitifs featuring regional spirits, such as a Korean Soju punch or a Mexican mezcal spritz, each prepared by a resident mixologist.

The article also highlights that, beyond the main attractions, vendors in the World Showcase and future‑world exhibits will receive an overhaul, with menus that adapt to the seasons and guest feedback. Disney’s marketing team is using an app‑based “Food & Wine Guide” that updates in real time, giving guests a “tailored menu” recommendation based on their past dining history and current cravings.

New Drink Experiences

The beverage side of the festival is not left behind. According to the article, EPCOT is launching a series of “signature drinks” that are unique to each pavilion. The Korean pavilion’s new Soju‑infused mocktail will be served in a bamboo cup, while the Mexican pavilion’s “Agave Old Fashioned” is a new take on a classic cocktail that incorporates the country’s native agave spirit. The Japanese pavilion will offer a “Matcha Latte” with a seasonal twist that includes yuzu and sesame.

The piece also underscores the “Sake & Spirits” bar, a collaborative effort between Disney’s beverage division and independent craft distilleries from around the world. It promises to be a must‑visit for guests looking to sample a curated selection of small‑batch liqueurs, as well as a place to learn about the distillation process from on‑site experts.

Immersive Culinary Experiences

Perhaps the most exciting development mentioned in the article is the launch of Chef’s Table—an exclusive, reservation‑only dining concept that will bring guests behind the scenes of the festival. The Chef’s Table will feature a rotating lineup of guest chefs from around the world, each bringing a signature dish or cooking style to the pavilion where they’re based. For example, a renowned Korean chef might showcase the art of making “Tteokbokki” in a live demonstration, while an Italian pastry chef could offer a tasting of “Gelato” paired with espresso. Guests who book a table get a “cultural immersion” that extends beyond food to include music, décor, and storytelling that capture the spirit of each country.

The article also details the new “Taste the World” Pop‑Up Café. Set up inside the World Showcase’s plaza, the café offers a rotating selection of dishes that guests can sample in a more relaxed environment. It’s a place to try a bite of each pavilion’s most popular menu item without having to commit to a full meal. The café will be staffed by culinary ambassadors—staff members who have undergone intensive training in international cuisine—who can talk guests through the flavors and ingredients.

Behind the Scenes: How Disney Creates a Culinary Experience

The Yahoo piece does a deep dive into the operational side of the festival. It shows that Disney’s culinary team is using data analytics to predict which dishes will be popular among guests and which drinks will drive the most foot traffic. This data is used to inform everything from ingredient sourcing to portion sizing. For instance, the “Pasta‑Making Studio” has been fine‑tuned based on the number of guests that typically line up for the Italian pavilion—ensuring that there’s enough dough, sauce, and toppings for every visitor.

Another section of the article touches on sustainability. Disney is partnering with local food producers in each country to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting ingredients across the globe. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will also be donated to local food charities in the countries represented, ensuring that the festival’s impact extends beyond the park’s walls.

Community and Cultural Engagement

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is as much a cultural celebration as it is a culinary one. The article highlights the festival’s “Chef‑Partner Program,” in which local chefs are invited to collaborate with Disney’s culinary team on menu design, cooking demonstrations, and cultural storytelling. This partnership ensures authenticity in every dish served. For example, a Mexican chef will guide the construction of the “Al Pastor” tacos, while a Japanese chef will oversee the “Takoyaki” station.

There are also educational workshops that focus on cooking techniques, nutrition, and the history behind certain dishes. These are aimed at both younger guests and families. Disney’s aim, according to the article, is “to create an immersive, culturally rich experience that teaches while it entertains.”

The Takeaway

EPCOT’s 2024 International Food & Wine Festival is poised to be a culinary event unlike any other. With an expanded menu featuring over 500 new dishes, a fresh lineup of craft cocktails and international spirits, and immersive culinary experiences like Chef’s Table and Taste the World, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The Yahoo article captures the essence of Disney’s vision: a park where guests can taste a world in a single visit, learn about the cultures behind each dish, and appreciate the artistry that goes into every bite and sip. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to spend a weekend, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is one event you can’t afford to miss.