EPCOT at Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a huge draw for the resort and, each year EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival allows guests to explore food and wine from six continents. This year (2023) started on July 27 and will last until November 18.
So, you can expect to have four months to get the chance to eat and drink yourself around the world. However, with so much to do, and relatively little time for each trip, you’ll want to have a plan and avoid common mistakes. Here’s a good strategy to conquer the world at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival (2023) – Know Before you Go.
- Make a park pass reservation
- Set a budget
- Plan your meals, snacks, and drinks
- Go on a weekday
- View the concert schedule ahead of time
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Take breaks and slow down
Best Time to Visit EPCOT
Firstly, as listed above, you must make a park pass reservation. You will not be able to get into a Walt Disney World theme park without one. Though this is a common mistake, it’s crucial you understand, you won’t be able to get into EPCOT or any Disney park without booking a park pass reservation.
This is purportedly soon to change but, at least for the holiday season, that’s the way it is. As weekends are generally packed at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks it’s better to visit on the weekday if at all possible.
Plan your EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Food and Drinks
Since the festival just got underway, you’ll have the chance to visit several times if time permits but you still want to make sure you don’t miss any key food and drink. Notably, many items from last year are returning for this year.
You can take a look at the 2023 Food and Wine Festival Menu here. It’s advisable not to show up without at least some idea of what you’re going to order. Naturally, that can lead to overspending and not really getting what you’ll enjoy the most. 
Create a Food & Wine Festival Budget
The sheer number of things to eat at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival can be quite daunting. There is absolutely no way anyone could try them all and the bill can expand rapidly.
Though many have tried, just going headfirst into the fray is inadvisable. Rather, plan ahead using a well-thought-out budget of what you’ll allow yourself to spend. Plan on spending AT LEAST $50 a person, even though $75 is about the average. Now, if you plan on adding some wine, beer, or cocktails into the mix, you’re going to be closer to $125 a person.
- Beer samples range from $6 – $9
- Wine samples range from $7 – $10
- Food samples average between $5 – $10 per plate
- Cocktails and specialty drinks $9 – $13
Also, it’s a good idea to share items with a companion if you can’t decide on what you want. This can save time and money as well as space in your belly for the rest of the festival. I mean, a big part of the festival is the social aspect anyhow, so you’ll just be playing the part if you experience new foods together with someone else.
Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
EPCOT also features a concert series called “Eat to the Beat” which boasts a lineup of classic rock and more. Notably, bigger artists are reserved for busy nights and weekends.
- July 28-29 – Orianthi (NEW)
- July 30-31 – FOR KING + COUNTRY (NEW)
- August 4-5 – Southern Avenue
- August 6-7 – Tiffany
- August 11-12 – Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart
- August 13-14 – The Bacon Brothers (NEW)
- August 18-21 – Joey Fatone & Friends
- August 25-26 – Ayron Jones (NEW)
- August 27-28 – Phillip Phillips (NEW)
- September 1-2 – Baha Men
- September 3-4 – MercyMe
- September 8-9 – Ray Parker Jr.
- September 10-11 – TobyMac
- September 15 – Monsieur Periné
- September 16-17 – Raul Acosta and Oro Solido
- September 17-18 – Bacilos – NEW!
- September 22-23 – Los Amigos Invisibles
- September 24-25 – 98 °
- September 29 – Oct. 2 – Boyz II Men
- October 6-7 – Mark Wills
- October 8-9 – Sugar Ray
- October 13-14 – Hoobastank
- October 15-16 – Air Supply
- October 20-21 – Taylor Dayne
- October 22-23 – Billy Ocean
- October 27-30 – Hanson
- November 3-4 – We the Kings (NEW)
- November 5-6 – Sheila E.
- November 10-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- November 12-13 – 38 Special
If you’re still planning your trip to Disney World, be sure and check out Disney World Orlando – What to Pack for Winter Months and for underway construction, construction, and events in the coming months take a look at Disney World Orlando – What to Pack for Winter Months.
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