It's that time of year again, friends! EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival is back, running from August 20-November 22, 2025. This festival is all about celebrating food and drinks, with internationally inspired small plates, desserts, beers, and cocktails scattered around World Showcase.
I made my first trip of the season this week (of many, no doubt) and sampled a handful of snacks and beers. In this post, I'll share my honest thoughts on everything I tried, break down prices, and give you all the info you'll need to start planning your own tasting adventure. I'll be updating this post as I try more treats, so check back often!
Festival Overview & Pro-Tips:
- Dates: August 20 - November 22, 2025
- Festival Passport: You can pick one up at the entrance of EPCOT, in any gift shop, or at most festival food stands. It's super handy for keeping track of all the booths, menus, and activities.
- Crowd Levels & Best Times to Visit:
- The festival runs during Orlando's "slow" season, so September and early October are the least crowded.
- Best days to visit: Tuesday-Thursday during the day.
- Evenings and weekends tend to be busier.
- Tips for Sampling & Spending:
- Pre-load a festival gift card at nearly every shop, so you can keep track of your spending as you go.
- Beer stands usually offer two sizes: half pour (5-6 oz) or full pour (10-12 oz). I usually go for the smaller pour so I can try several beers throughout the day.
- Dietary Restrictions & Allergies:
- Scan the QR code at the front of the Festival Passport for the allergy guide.
- This makes it easy to find allergen-friendly options throughout the festival.
Everything I've Tried (So Far):
I made my first trip to this year's Food & Wine Festival and tried a handful of snacks and beers. Below, I'm breaking down everything I sampled, prices, portion sizes, and my honest thoughts, so you can plan your own tasty trip. I'll be updating this post as I try more, so check back often!
Forrest & Field: Schiacciata Sandwich & Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout
This year started off strong! Located on the edge of World Showcase, just across from Swirled Showcase, the Forest & Field booth is a must-visit. Here I tried:
- Schiacciata Sandwich: Mortadella, prosciutto, sun-dried peppers, arugula, stracciatella cheese, fall squash mostarda, and pistachio pesto on warm focaccia (New this year), $6.25
This sandwich is an instant favorite for me. The focaccia is fresh, buttery, and crisp, while the stracciatella adds a creaminess. You get notes of sweet red pepper and pistachio pesto, balanced with the savory cured meats. It's a generous portion, slightly larger than my hand and perfect for sharing. I'm already planning to bring Mr. Garlic next time so he can try it. My Rating: 7.5/10
- Brewery Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout: 6oz, $5.75
Leading up to this trip, I'd been craving a Reese's, so this beer was calling my name. Smooth and rich, it combines dark chocolate and peanut butter flavors without being overly sweet. Despite being an Imperial (9% ABV), it doesn't have the boozy burn some Imperials carry. It's closer to a Guinness in texture, though I don't believe it's nitro. A half pour (6oz) is a great way to sample this at $5.75, and I'll definitely have Mr. Garlic try this one too. My Rating: 7/10
France: Brioche aux Epices Avec Une Garniture Mornay de Trois Fromages
Next up, we have the France booth, located at the front of the France Pavilion. Here I tried:
- Brioche aux Épices Avec Une Garniture Mornay de Trois Fromages: Spiced brioche with a three-cheese mornay filling (New this year & DDP Snack Eligible), $8.50
I had high hopes for this one. Anything cheese and bread is basically my love language, and I've loved this booth's goat cheese croissant in past years. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me.
For starters, the portion is tiny, smaller than the palm of my hand, and nearly $9. That might have been fine if the flavor and texture had been better. Sadly, neither were. The cheese on top was stale, hard to bite through, and I ended up pulling it off. The brioche itself was soft and savory, with hints of paprika and garlic, but not quite what I had imagined. The three-cheese filling had a gravy-like texture and a heavy nutmeg flavor that overpowered the dish.
Overall, it wasn't inedible, just not what I expected and far too small and lacking for the price. I'm glad I tried it, but this isn't something I'll order again. My Rating: 3/10
Note: The beer in the background of this photo isn't from this booth. It's actually my favorite beer in the park, La Fin du Monde (9% ABV), a Strong Triple Blonde available at the Popcorn in Canada stand. Follow the scent of maple to find it.
Flavors of America: New England Slider & Pumpkin Cheesecake Blonde Stout
Located in the American Pavilion, opposite from Regal Eagle and right in front of the restrooms under the covered pavilion, this booth is a festival favorite. Here's what I tried:
- New England Slider: Slow-braised beef pot roast with spicy giardiniera, horseradish cream, and crispy fried onions on a potato roll (New this year & DDP Snack Eligible) $6.00
This slider was quite nice. A soft bun filled with slow-cooked beef, horseradish sauce, and peppers, served with a side of au jus. Savory, creamy, with just a hint of spice, but not overpowering. The bottom bun was a little soggy, but honestly, I didn't mind since I was dipping it into the au jus anyway. Portion-wise, it was a good size for the price, roughly the size of an English muffin with a generous amount of filling. I'll probably get this one again when Mr. Garlic tags along. My Rating: 6.5/10
- Playalinda Brewing Co. Pumpkin Cheesecake Blonde Stout (New this Year) 6 oz, $5.75
The beer, however, was not my favorite. Light notes of pumpkin and spice hit heavier on the aftertaste. Strong upfront flavors of sugar and vanilla, with a smooth, slightly effervescent texture. I liked the first sip, but it got sweeter and a bit chemical-tasting the more I drank. Definitely a hit-or-miss depending on your palate. This is exactly why I stick to the smaller pours, great for trying several beers without committing to one I might not enjoy. My Rating: 2/10
Germany: Schinkennudeln
Located between the Germany and China Pavilions.
I intended to try the Sommerfest festival item, Zwiebelkuchen (an onion cake quiche). But by this point, I was starting to get full, and that quiche is a hefty portion for a festival item. Instead, I went with something similar but smaller:
- Schinkennudeln: a pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Emile's Fromage Montage item, DDP Snack Eligible) $5.25
This one was enjoyable. It's a small cheesy pasta bake that gives a nostalgic, comfort-food vibe, like the kind of thing grandma might make. Very cheesy and salty, with subtle hints of nutmeg and sharp cheddar. The texture was a little congealed, likely from sitting under a heat lamp, but I actually kind of like that texture. Portion-wise, it's decent for the price, especially if you're just looking for a small savory snack. My Rating: 5/10
Brew-Wing Lab: Fried Pickle Spears & Space Camper Juice Nova Superstellar IPA
Located within the Odyssey building next to the Mexico Pavilion, I tried:
- Fried Pickle Spears with dill ranch (DDP Snack Eligible) $5.75.
The Fried Pickle Spears were pretty standard fried pickle fare with a crunchy coating and a drizzle of dill ranch. Both the coating and the ranch had a texture that hinted at a heat lamp, slightly congealed, but still tasty. Portion-wise, four full-sized pickle spears made it easily shareable and decent value. My Rating: 4.5/10
- Boulevard Brewing Co. Space Camper Juice Nova Superstellar IPA (New) 6oz $5.75
The Space Camper IPA was just okay. I love a hoppy, juicy IPA, so I was excited to try this one. With a 9% ABV, it didn't have a strong boozy taste, and the light notes of hops and fruit were nice. The problem? It was far too sweet, and the fruit flavor gave it a bit of a chemical taste, especially when paired with the bitter hops. My Rating: 3/10
Additional Tips & Info:
- Booth Hours: Most booths are open 11 a.m. until park close. Each booth is stocked with plastic utensils, napkins, and Festival Passports.
- Tables & Seating:
- Most booths have a few standing tables nearby.
- Picnic-style tables are available near Forrest & Field and within the American Pavilion.
- Indoor Seating (with A/C!):
- Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey (near Mexico Pavilion): air-conditioned, themed, lots of seating, and yes, the infamous Pickle Milkshake.
- CommuniCore Hall: also air-conditioned, features kitchen demos, a mixology bar, and a gallery space.
- Strollers & Wheelchairs: Rentals are available at Guest Relations at the front of the park. All booths are accessible with strollers or wheelchairs.
- Dining Plan & Discounts:
- Some festival items are Disney Dining Plan eligible (usually as a snack credit). Look for the snack credit icon on booth menus and in the Festival Passport.
- Some booths offer Annual Pass discounts (typically 10%), ask a Cast Member.
- What to Bring:
- Florida weather is unpredictable. Sunny and 95°F one minute, pouring rain the next. Pack a poncho or umbrella.
- Stay cool: personal misting fans, cooling towels, hats, sunscreen.
- Other essentials: wallet, portable phone charger, backpack or ziplock bags if you want to save snacks for later.
- Special Festival Activities:
- Emile's Fromage Montage: Pick up a Festival Passport to find 5 featured cheesy items. Complete all 5 for a special treat.
- Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: Purchase a scavenger hunt map at any gift shop ($11.99) and find all hidden Remys to receive a keepsake.
- Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit: A not-so-spooky scavenger hunt ($11.99) for pumpkins around the park.
- Eat to the Beat Concerts & Dining Packages: Check the official schedule for performers and times.
- NEW Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France. French-inspired buffet, available Fridays & Saturdays, $64.95 per guest.
EPCOT's International Food & Wine festival is a must for anyone who loves to eat and try a variety of international-inspired snacks. Just bring your stretchy shorts!
Which booth or item are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!
Enjoyed this post? You may also enjoy:
- Epic Universe Food Guide: And Everything We've Eaten (So Far!)
- Choza de Margarita | Epcot's Mexico Pavillion
- Popcorn in Canada | Epcot's Canada Pavillion
- Joy of Tea | Epcot's China Pavilion
- Gluten-Free Dining at Sebastian's Bistro (Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort)
- Exploring Gluten-Free Dining at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Comments
No Comments