2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival celebrates epicuriosity

As 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival welcomes Disney guests to feast on delicious food and beverages, the annual Disney food festival has a new theme to this culinary adventure. Are you ready to satisfy your epicuriosity?

Although the word epicuriosity might not be found in the dictionary, that concept of choosing your own food adventure is part of the experience at the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. In addition to some favorite food choices returning to the menu, over 50% of the dishes are new. To say that this year’s festival is going above and beyond is an understatement.

This year is a huge one for Walt Disney World. As Epcot continues its transformation, it is also the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. All the Disney experiences have a heighten presence of Magical Memories.

What can guests expect at the opening of the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

Since the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival runs now through November 20, the long festival run might be best enjoyed with multiple visits. In addition, several of the marketplaces are opening on October 1, which begs guests to come back for a second, third or more taste.

For the opening part of the festival, a highlight is definitely the new Swanky Saucy Swine. Although it might be hard to say the name three times fast, you will want to enjoy all the food that is on the menu.

The Roasted Porchetta is the star of the marketplace. The moist pork is highlighted with a lemon-parsley salsa verde. Served with pork-far roasted rosemary potatoes, this dish makes for a perfect dinner.

Following the idea of epicuriosity, the Crispy Pig Ear Salad is a delight. The tomatillo sauce, roasted corn salsa and crispy pig ears make for a perfectly balanced bite. While many people love crispy pig ears, if someone is less adventurous, have them try a bite before telling them the ingredients. Those crispy little treasure will have them going back for more.

Of course, Epcot is always the place to find some amazing beverage. The Bourbon Bloody Mary is the must have cocktail. Garnished with candy bacon, this cocktail proves that bourbon and pork are always a winning pair. A hint of spice and a touch of sweetness will have everyone going back to enjoy another cocktail after this mason jar is empty.

What other new marketplaces debuted at the opening of 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

In the other Epcot festivals earlier this year, Morocco has been a stand-out addition. The same can be said at the Food and Wine Festival. The Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina needs to top the must try list. From the Stone Baked Moroccan Brea with hummus, zaalouk, and zhoug dips to the grilled kebabs to the pistachio cake, it is definitely a feast.

Also, there is a new Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience. Whether guests want to go big and bold with flavor or prefer a more approachable heat level, there is a wing for them.

The new Noodle Exchange is a must stop, not just for the noodles, but also for one of the special beverages. The traditional spicy beef pho is quite filling. Plus, that touch of Thai Basil keeps the flavor bright.

Paired with these noodle dishes is an amazing beer from Playalinda Brewing Company (a Florida local brewery). The Yaupon Brothers Green Tea Pale Ale plays off the spiciness of the noodles. While the green tea flavor isn’t instantly noticeable, it finishes with a brightness that is delightfully refreshing. If you love beer, this one is a must try.

These offerings and many, many more are now available at the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. The food festival is included as part of park admission and prices vary depending on menu item. Theme park reservations are required.

What food are you looking forward to try at the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? More importantly, how many times will you visit during the festival’s run?