2025 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Information & Planning Thread

[escriven75]

Has anyone noticed if there is new cookbook this year for the festival? They don't have a new one every year but I usually grab it when they do.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Has anyone noticed if there is new cookbook this year for the festival? They don't have a new one every year but I usually grab it when they do.

Now that you mention it, I don't think I've seen a festival cookbook in a few years. I always got them too. Pam Brandon who has written many official Disney cookbooks, does have a new one coming out in a couple weeks that is typically also available in the parks:

The Official Disney Parks Desserts Cookbook: Remembering 101 Sweet Delicious Disney Recipes​

 

[BK2014]

The seafood roll from the Flavors of America both was really good. The New England slider was also good, but not as good as the seafood roll.

 

[japanese maple]

So supposedly the GoofyCore thing ended Monday at Communicore Hall - if we have any boots on the ground, please give us a status update of the area! Does it look like they are doing anything to it? Perhaps replace the food that was there?

 

[PolyRob]

So supposedly the GoofyCore thing ended Monday at Communicore Hall - if we have any boots on the ground, please give us a status update of the area! Does it look like they are doing anything to it? Perhaps replace the food that was there?

I saw a vlogger recently at MK in Big Top saying "cool kid summer was extended?"

I have no proof of that from Disney, but GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall is still listed in My Disney Experience today with hours from 10am to 6pm

 

[japanese maple]

I saw a vlogger recently at MK in Big Top saying "cool kid summer was extended?"

I have no proof of that from Disney, but GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall is still listed in My Disney Experience today with hours from 10am to 6pm

Ugh. Okay thanks!

 

[OhDannyBoy]

So we are on our way and it's likely to rain the next 3 days. A lot.

Does rain generally shut down the food booths?

 

[sherlockmiles]

So we are on our way and it's likely to rain the next 3 days. A lot.

Does rain generally shut down the food booths?

No it doesn't. Have a great trip.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

No it doesn't. Have a great trip.

Sweet.

I'm not made of sugar so rain doesn't bother me much. And we are going regardless anyways. Just anxious!!

Thank you!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So we are on our way and it's likely to rain the next 3 days. A lot.

Does rain generally shut down the food booths?

Pure rain, generally no. Lightning in the area can sometimes cause the outdoor electronic card readers to go down / be taken offline and those booths temporarily accept cash only. I suppose that in the event of a severe thunderstorm and/or tornado warning that they might temporarily shut the booths down or close them early if the end of the night. Hope the rain is sporadic / passes through quickly and that you're able to enjoy!!

 

[RedHead0186]

So we are on our way and it's likely to rain the next 3 days. A lot.

Does rain generally shut down the food booths?

When I was there last week some of the booths did shut down when it rained, but others stayed open. If it's lightning, as PP said they all will shut down.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Was able to try the Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France this morning. Offered Friday and Saturday mornings during the F&W festival for $64.95 per person (pre-paid, includes tax and gratuity).

TLDR - although pricey, I thought it was a nice event with old school F&W event vibes. If you would be upset having to sit with strangers, this probably isn't the event for you.

I arrived ~8:40 am and a line had already started to form to the right of the restaurant entrance. They had put out stanchions and happily most of the line was in the shade. They started checking parties in shortly before 9. Tables were pre-assigned and a server escorted you to your table. You were served a mimosa as you entered.

Tables were preset with coffee cups, your plate, and napkin and cutlery. There were four identical buffet tables set up in the middle of the restaurant and parties were sat in the rooms with windows, if that makes sense. Definitely expect to be sat with other parties - even if you're a party of two or four. Even if not literally at the same table, they're set close enough to each other that you might as well be (unless at a round table for 6).

Buffet includes a variety of pastries, baguette, cheese, charcuterie, individual quiches, small croque monsieur sandwiches, salmon, fruit. Minor quibble, the expectation seemed to be to keep bringing your same plate up to refill. You probably could ask for a clean plate, I just didn't. Also, the food is beautifully presented on wood boards but unfortunately that means the hot items cool quickly. Nothing was bad at room temp (nothing was bad period) - but still warm and melty on the croque monsieur, quiche and ham & cheese croissant would be ideal.

A server attends the table to offer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can ask for water. They'll bring cream for coffee (sweeteners are on the table) or butter for pastries upon request. Refills on the mimosas are plentiful with no issue. They're pre-mixed in carafes that the servers bring around. We found that the various servers were all helping each other so got refills from a few different servers. Service overall was great. All of the staff from check-in to exit seemed excited to be hosting the event and wanted to be sure everyone was enjoying.

The room got quite loud... at some points I struggled to hear the person sitting just one seat away from me... but it did my F&W event loving heart good to see that over time individual parties who were maybe initially shy or put off sitting with strangers were making friends and sharing in a love of food and Disney.

I saw a couple parties enter as late as 9:30 and 9:40. No idea if they had reservations and were just late or had walked by and asked if they could join. By 10:15 they'd picked up 3 of the 4 identical buffet tables but the 4th was still fully stocked as I exited. Technically (per the initial instagram post) the event ends at 10:30 but I didn't see or hear anyone trying to rush anyone. Parties started to leave around ~10 and when I left at ~10:15 I'd say it was still roughly half full.

Sorry for such a long post. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

DIY Old School F&W Experience List

I've seen individual posts about some of these experiences but thought there might be some value in gathering together. I continue to wish Disney would bring back all the events of the past, but it really confuses me that they don't just gather all the things they DO offer and at least pretend

I'm sure I've missed stuff - what needs to be added?

La Cava Experience - Tequila Tasting - offered daily in EPCOT's Mexico pavilion during the F&W festival (offered select days the rest of the year)

Sangria University - held Saturdays and Sundays at Coronado resort

Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle - savory and sweet fireworks event at California Grill

Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette's Patisserie

Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France - Fridays and Saturdays only during F&W festival

Taste Like a Sommelier at Wine Bar George - select afternoons Sept and Oct

Mixology series at The Edison - October 2025

Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic - Nov 14 & 15, 2025 - some classes offered in addition to primary evening events

Disney Springs Flavors of Florida - summer event series - includes demos, special events, special menu items. Summer only.

Chef's Tasting Menus:

Chef's Tasting Menu at Jaleo

Takumi Tei

Omakase at Morimoto Asia

Monsieur Paul

Victoria & Albert's

Edited to add: Disney Springs summer series

 

[jmasgat]

I'm sure I've missed stuff - what needs to be added

During the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida (summer series), there were special ticketed events. I did the Paella class at Jaleo (great). There were also some free demos, as well as some special menu items at the various restaurants.

https://www.disneysprings.com/flavors-of-florida/

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/disney-springs-flavors-of-florida-walt-disney-world/

 

[VAtink]

During the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida (summer series), there were special ticketed events. I did the Paella class at Jaleo (great). There were also some free demos, as well as some special menu items at the various restaurants.

https://www.disneysprings.com/flavors-of-florida/

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/disney-springs-flavors-of-florida-walt-disney-world/

Saw these for the first time this year, really hoping they'll have some of these events late June next year when we're there!

 

[Lsdolphin]

DIY Old School F&W Experience List

I've seen individual posts about some of these experiences but thought there might be some value in gathering together. I continue to wish Disney would bring back all the events of the past, but it really confuses me that they don't just gather all the things they DO offer and at least pretend

I'm sure I've missed stuff - what needs to be added?

La Cava Experience - Tequila Tasting - offered daily in EPCOT's Mexico pavilion during the F&W festival (offered select days the rest of the year)

Sangria University - held Saturdays and Sundays at Coronado resort

Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle - savory and sweet fireworks event at California Grill

Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette's Patisserie

Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France - Fridays and Saturdays only during F&W festival

Taste Like a Sommelier at Wine Bar George - select afternoons Sept and Oct

Mixology series at The Edison - October 2025

Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic - Nov 14 & 15, 2025 - some classes offered in addition to primary evening events

Disney Springs Flavors of Florida - summer event series - includes demos, special events, special menu items. Summer only.

Chef's Tasting Menus:

Chef's Tasting Menu at Jaleo

Takumi Tei

Omakase at Morimoto Asia

Monsieur Paul

Victoria & Albert's

Edited to add: Disney Springs summer series

I can’t remember the name of the special venue located between Canada and England but they used to have some of the food booths in there during the Food and Wine and the Holiday. It was great to have that location open especially during afternoon storms…

 

[PolyRob]

I can’t remember the name of the special venue located between Canada and England but they used to have some of the food booths in there during the Food and Wine and the Holiday. It was great to have that location open especially during afternoon storms…

"World ShowPlace Pavilion?"

Probably happier to give the business to private convention goers again

 

[Lsdolphin]

"World ShowPlace Pavilion?"

Probably happier to give the business to private convention goers again

Yes that was it! World Show Place Pavilion.