5 tips for surviving the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival

As Epcot prepares for its annual food and wine festival, these 5 tips for surviving the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival will have you remembering every bite and sip.

Starting August 31, Disney’s annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival serves its delicious bites and beverages for everyone who passes through the turnstiles. With marketplaces scattered around Future World and World Showcase, the bounty of choices can be overwhelming. Since this year’s event has expanded to a record breaking 75 days, even more foodies will be able to enjoy the gastronomical pleasures.

Whether it is your first time visiting or you are an old pro, here are our five tips for surviving the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival, photo by Cristine Struble

Pace yourself

The amount of food and beverages offerings at Epcot Food and Wine Festival can be overwhelming. Each marketplace or booth has at least three choices. Usually, all those choices sound really good. Eating everything in a single given day is impossible (unless you are a competitive eater).

When you enter Epcot, pick up the Food and Wine Festival passport. This booklet gives a list of every dish and beverage at the festival. Plus, some of the dishes are picture in the book.
Before eating a single bite or raising a drink, look at all the choices and make a plan. You don’t want to eat a big dessert then go eat a bowl of ceviche. Even if you have to walk a little more that isn’t a bad thing. The extra walking means more calories burned for eating more food.

Epcot Food Festival, photo by Cristine Struble

Hydrate

Of course, the many beers, wines and cocktails look divine. But, water is a must for Epcot Food and Wine. Even if you don’t have a single alcoholic beverage, staying hydrated is very important. The days can be warm, you will do a lot of walking and water is key to feeling your best.

A good rule of thumb is a minimum of one water for every non-water drink. Personally, I prefer two waters for every non-water drink. Before anyone complains, no you won’t get full of just water. Second, you won’t spend the entire event in the bathroom. But, you will feel better and more energized throughout the day.

If you don’t want to buy bottles of water in the park, remember to pack a re-fillable water bottle. Throughout Epcot, there are many opportunities to get water. No one has an excuse not to drink water and stay hydrated.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival, photo by Cristine Struble

Take pictures

Since the food options are so many, pictures can serve as a helpful reminder. Granted, more and more people are sharing all their food pictures. Still, these pictures can help you remember what you ate and in what order. Sometimes by the end of the afternoon, all the dishes can be a giant jumble.

Of course, these pictures don’t have to be expert food photography. Even if you take selfies with your favorite cocktail or dish, these moments can be a great memories. Plus, this year’s Epcot Wine and Food Festival has some fun experiences that are definitely worth a photo or two.

Epcot food festival, photo by Cristine Struble

Book a seminar, class or special event

On many days, the Festival Center offers a variety of special programs. From seminars to celebrity chef appearances, these special events are quite entertaining. While these programs do require an additional fee, they are quite worth the extra cost.

Many of the seminars are hands on experiences. Personally, I enjoy the cocktail seminars and wine pairings. The information is quite good and you get to sample the beverages. While there is a cost, the value is well worth it.

But, if you see a seminar that you want to attend, book it early. Don’t wait till you’re at Epcot to get a seat. Many of the special events sell out quickly. To book the special event, call Disney dining.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival, photo by Cristine Struble

Make a Second Visit

Since Epcot Food and Wine has expanded to a total of 75 days, a second visit is a great idea. With so many new foods, experiences and events, one day can be extremely overwhelming. It would be impossible to even taste one bite from every kiosk in one day. Why not make it a weekend. Or, if you are local, come back once a month. Since I’m a passholder, I will be at Epcot quite a few times over the Festival’s duration.

If you are planning a trip, weekdays can be less busy than weekends. Also, try to avoid weekends that are special events. The annual Wine and Dine run can be quite busy. Even if the park is crowded, Epcot Food and Wine is a wonderful event. Don’t worry, Epcot never runs out of food or wine.

Next: 5 favorite summer beverages

The opening day of this year’s annual Epcot Food and Wine event is almost here. Are you ready? Check back for our thoughts on all the amazing offerings. Share your best bites with us too. Tag @FoodSided on social media with #FoodSided.