2025 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Information & Planning Thread

[2xcited2sleep]

Haven't done a dining package in years, but my husband really wants to see Boyz II Men so I think we'll book one since I know they're popular. How flexible are they if you want to substitute an appetizer instead of a dessert? I'm flipping through the menus trying to see which package we might want to aim for. I wish they'd just let you order what you want off the menu and charge you $20 per person for the reserved seating, because the packages are definitely higher priced than ordering the same items off the menus...at least that way we wouldn't get stuck with desserts that we'd never order/don't want.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth so would much prefer an appetizer but in my experience, there are no substitutions. Of course you can always order more for additional $.

 

[gottalovepluto]

…. How flexible are they if you want to substitute an appetizer instead of a dessert?…

Don’t know that we’ve seen any reports of that with dining event packages since they made the switch. I’ve heard people ask and get denied.

 

[Simba's Mom]

There's finally a band I want to see that will be playing when we're there-Evolution Motown. I watched some youtube videos, and they look like I'd like to hear them. However, none of the videos showed very crowded audiences (I watched them at Epcot). So hopefully we won't need the Dining Package. Anyone been there? Agree with not needing the dining package or disagree?

 

[Disturbia]

No eat to the beat on the last day Nov 22 or could they still add more?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

There's finally a band I want to see that will be playing when we're there-Evolution Motown. I watched some youtube videos, and they look like I'd like to hear them. However, none of the videos showed very crowded audiences (I watched them at Epcot). So hopefully we won't need the Dining Package. Anyone been there? Agree with not needing the dining package or disagree?

I haven't been there while they've been playing but would agree that you likely wouldn't need a dining package, especially in the middle of the week, unless you really wanted to ensure front row or the first few rows under cover. Hope you enjoy!

No eat to the beat on the last day Nov 22 or could they still add more?

They could but I doubt it. I think in years past the last concert has tended to be ~5-7 days before the end of the festival. My speculation is that they need more time to reset the stage, lighting etc. for Candlelight Processional and start rehearsals.

 

[LilyWDW]

2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Merchandise Collections: Remy, Figment, Muppets and More

Festival Merchandise/Logo collection

Chef Mickey Mouse Collection

Chef Remy Collection

Chef Figment Collection

Muppet Labs Collection!!!

I like the logo this year! Some people may find it boring, but I like the sleek look.

Also excited for the Muppet Labs stuff.

I am not a fan of Remy (don't hate me). Figment is eh to me. Obviously love Mickey, but often don't love the merch with him on it. I don't do a lot of character merch in general.

 

[sconnell]

Super excited about F&W this year! We will be visiting with our young adult children and friends with their young adult children for a MILD drinking (and eating) around the world celebration of our youngest two turning 21. Very little memory of Epcot for most of the group, so yay!

 

[GGOOFY1]

Do they have a different menu for Eat to the Beat at each restaurant or do you order off their regular menu

 

[crazy4wdw]

Do they have a different menu for Eat to the Beat at each restaurant or do you order off their regular menu

You order off of the restaurant's menu


From the WDW website:

• At Most Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage
• At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage

 

[gottalovepluto]

If there was anyone trying to book early/mid Sept Eat to the Beat packages they seem to have finally loaded them all into the system. (I was watching for a couple dates this morning that were showing nothing available but like, Eat the Beat isn't NPH for Candlelight, I knew they weren't sold out lol.)

 

[LilyWDW]

The fact I will be there and Baha Men will be performing makes me feel very very old.

 

[ThreeKMom]

I was looking for eat to the beat dining n 11/16 or 17 and November is not loading in at all. Did anyone else have and luck?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I was looking for eat to the beat dining n 11/16 or 17 and November is not loading in at all. Did anyone else have and luck?

I believe the "60-day rule" still applies (60 days not 2 months) ... so I wouldn't expect to be able to book 11/16 until sometime in September, depending on when your trip starts, if you're staying on-site, if it's a split stay, etc.

 

[ThreeKMom]

I believe the "60-day rule" still applies (60 days not 2 months) ... so I wouldn't expect to be able to book 11/16 until sometime in September, depending on when your trip starts, if you're staying on-site, if it's a split stay, etc.

Thank you! I didn't realize the 60 day rule applied - I can buy MVMCP tickets today so I thought I could book eat to the beat dining also.

 

[gottalovepluto]

-

 

[conandrob240]

What are we thinking about seminars l, special dinners and PFTS? I think they’d have released them by now if they were planning on having any? I miss the days when F&W was more than just booths.

 

[crazy4wdw]

What are we thinking about seminars l, special dinners and PFTS? I think they’d have released them by now if they were planning on having any? I miss the days when F&W was more than just booths.

Those most likely are not coming back. The last time there were special events was in 2019, prior to COVID-19

 

[conandrob240]

Yes I am aware but there was a lot of speculation that the new spaces they added recently in Epcot meant dedicated spaces for seminars. Many were hopeful it meant the special events, tastings, demonstrations and parties/dinners would come back.

All F &W is now is a bunch of booths. The food is good but way overpriced. Nothing like the exciting event it used to be. Even Eat to the Beat has taken a backseat to other festivals with better lineups- garden rocks was much better this year.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yes I am aware but there was a lot of speculation that the new spaces they added recently in Epcot meant dedicated spaces for seminars. Many were hopeful it meant the special events, tastings, demonstrations and parties/dinners would come back.

All F &W is now is a bunch of booths. The food is good but way overpriced. Nothing like the exciting event it used to be. Even Eat to the Beat has taken a backseat to other festivals with better lineups- garden rocks was much better this year.

The restaurant and Party for the Senses space still exists/has always existed, pandemic long gone, international cast members back so now it's really a matter of wanting to hold them. Mexico still does the tequila tasting and Takumi Tei does special dinners every now and then but otherwise nothing. It's sad. They made a point of highlighting that the kitchen in Communicore Hall is outfitted with cameras but doesn't seem they want to use them. It's all very puzzling to me. I still enjoy it but it is no longer my favorite festival, probably least favorite, to be honest.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Yes I am aware but there was a lot of speculation that the new spaces they added recently in Epcot meant dedicated spaces for seminars. Many were hopeful it meant the special events, tastings, demonstrations and parties/dinners would come back.

All F &W is now is a bunch of booths. The food is good but way overpriced. Nothing like the exciting event it used to be. Even Eat to the Beat has taken a backseat to other festivals with better lineups- garden rocks was much better this year.

Unfortunately, the space that was promised for a show kitchen inside of Communicore Hall did not happen. The Millenium Village, between Canada and United Kingdom, is still there but I don't think is used anymore. This is the space that was used for the Party for the Senses. The old Wonders of Life pavilion was supposedly gutted in anticipation of being converted to a new attraction themed to play. This attraction was cancelled after the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in the parks being closed for months. It's anyone's guess as to why WDW has decided not to host the special events, seminars, and demonstrations anymore. I haven't attended the F&W festival since 2021, basically due to these events not occurring anymore. I visited this year during the Festival of the Arts which I found to be quite enjoyable. ......and will be returning to this festival in 2026.