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Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an annual food festival at Epcot, in the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. It would typically run from late September to mid-November, though in recent years the start date has moved earlier to mid-July. Special kiosks are set up around the World Showcase with food and drinks that reflect various countries.[1][2] The activities, themes and corporate sponsors have changed over the years since the festival began in 1995.[3][4]

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
BeginsAugust 29, 2024
EndsNovember 23, 2024
FrequencyYearly
VenueEpcot
Location(s)Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated1995
ActivityAlcoholic drinks, Food Tasting, Musical Concerts, Cooking demonstrations
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

Admission to the basic festival is included with park admission, but guests must purchase the food and drink separately. Activities have included concerts, book signings and demonstrations.[5] Certain special events require a separate admission pass.

History

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George Kalogridis, president of the Walt Disney World Resort since 2013, conceived the idea for the festival.[6] The first Epcot International Food and Wine Festival was held in 1996. The thirty-day event ran from September 28 through October 27, and replaced a one weekend wine festival that was once held in previous years.[7] The event featured food booths and stands, a gourmet food market, cooking demonstrations, seminars, wine sampling, and appearances by celebrity chefs.[8][9]

On February 15, 2016, it was announced that Disney California Adventure would be hosting its own Food & Wine Festival, only on the weekends, during April 2016, after a five-year hiatus.[10][11]

2014

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The Wonders of Life Pavilion being used as the Festival Center during the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The Orlando Sentinel reported that the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was to include 100,000 dessert portions, 360,000 beer servings, 300,000 wine pours, 1.5 million tapas-size food samplings and visitors from over 25 nations.[12]

The event ran from September 19 to November 10, a total of 53 days, which was the longest in the festival's 19-year history.[13]

The 2014 booths were Africa, Australia, Belgium, Block & Hans, Brazil, Brewer's Collection, Canada, China, Craft Beers, Desserts & Champagne, Farm Fresh, Fife & Drum, France, Germany, Greece, Hawai'i, Hops & Barley, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Patagonia, Poland, Puerto Rico, Refreshment Port, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Terra, and the Refreshment Cool Post.[14]

2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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Dennis DeYoung performing during the 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Eat to the Beat is a series of concerts during the festival at the America Gardens Theater. Performers performed three times during the day, at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm. The performers for the 2014 series were Jo Dee Messina, The Pointer Sisters, The Commodores, Christopher Cross, Hanson, Air Supply, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Sugar Ray, Fuel, Sister Hazel, Richard Marx, Billy Ocean, Night Ranger, Smash Mouth, Jim Brickman, Los Lonely Boys, Wilson Phillips, Dennis DeYoung (original member of STYX), 38 Special, Boyz II Men, David Cook, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.[15]

2015

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The 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from September 25 through November 16. The 2015 festival saw the additions of new booths including the Cheese Studio, the Wine Studio, Intermissions Café, The Outpost, Chew Lab, and Sustainable Chew, the latter two being inspired by the ABC show The Chew,[16] as well a Dominican Republic booth. Also, the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returned for its fourth year after a one-year absence.[17] Two countries did not return from the 2014 lineup, Puerto Rico and Singapore.[18]

2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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The lineup included the return of Dennis DeYoung, Starship with Mickey Thomas, Christopher Cross, The Pointer Sisters, 38 Special, and Air Supply, alongside newcomers Tiffany, Maxi Priest, Everclear, and Chaka Khan.[19]

2016

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The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from September 14 through November 14. The 2016 festival saw the additions of new booths including the Brewer's Collection, the Chocolate Studio and the Islands of the Caribbean. Not returning from the 2015 lineup included the booths of Fife & Drum, The Outpost, and Terra. The Wine Studio was combined with the Cheese Studio to become the Wine & Dine Studio, while The Chew Lab and Sustainable Chew combined to become The Chew Collective.[20][21] The festival also included new premium events at some of the Disney resorts for the first time, including events at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort & Disney's Yacht Club Resort.[22]

2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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The lineup includes the return of Dennis DeYoung, Starship with Mickey Thomas, Fuel, Sugar Ray, Los Lobos, Wilson Phillips, Blues Traveler, Christopher Cross, 38 Special, Chaka Khan, Billy Ocean, Hanson, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Air Supply, alongside newcomers Wang Chung, BoDeans, Plain White T’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Living Colour, Soul Asylum, & Delta Rae.[23]

2017

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The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from August 31 through November 13.[24]

2018

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The 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was held from August 30 to November 12, 2018.[25] There were numerous new additions to the festival in 2018 including a Character Dance Party, Sunday Brunch with the Chef, Junior Chef Kitchen and Food & Beverage Pairings. Returning special events such as celebrity chef demonstrations (From names such as Robert Irvine, Art Smith, Alex Guarnaschelli), Seminars for Cheese, Beverages, and Baking, Party for the Senses and 36 Food & Beverage Booths in the Marketplace throughout Epcot.[26]

Festival Booth Listing: Active Eats, Africa, Almond Orchard (Hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze), Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brewer's Collection, Canada, The Cheese Studio (Hosted by Boursin Cheese, China, Chocolate Studio, Coastal Eats, Craft Drafts, Earth Eats, The Festival Center Wine Shop, Flavors from Fire, France, Germany, Greece, Hawai'i, Hops & Barley, India, Ireland, Islands of the Caribbean, Italy, Japan, Light Lab, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Refreshment Outpost, Refreshment Port, Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar, Spain, Thailand, Wine and Dine Studio.[27]

2018 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

Featured Bands: Blue October, Tiffany, Mercy Me, Glass Tiger, Tauren Wells, Postmodern Jukebox, Vertical Horizon, Baha Men, Plain White T's, Living Color, Sheila E., Sugar Ray, David Cook, Jeffrey Osbourne, Jim Belushi with Sacred Hearts, Everclear, Mark Wills, Air Supply, Anderson East, Sister Hazel, 98 Degrees, .38 Special, Devon Allman Project, Kenny G, Billy Ocean, Starship with Mickey Thomas, Hanson, High Valley, Taylor Dayne, Boyz II Men, The Hooters, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.[28]

2019

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The 24th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from August 29 to November 23 for a record 87 days.[29] Returning for this year's festival is the wildly popular "Party for the Senses", Eat to the Beat Concerts, Demonstrations from Celebrity Chefs, a record number of food booths in the Global Marketplace, and all new seminars.[30]

2019 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

Featured Bands: Everclear, 38 Special, Sheena Easton.[31]

2020

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The 25th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from July 15 to November 22, 2020, which is under the name Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine. As part of Walt Disney World's modified operations, the 2020 festival will not feature the Eat to the Beat concert series, since the park's temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.[32]

2021

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The 26th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from July 15 to November 20, 2021, as part of Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary celebration, which is under the name Walt Disney World's The World's Most Magical Celebration, since the beginning October 1, 2021.

2021 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

2022

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The 27th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from July 14 to November 19, 2022, as part of Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary celebration.

2022 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

2023

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The 28th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ran from July 27 to November 18, 2023, as part of The Walt Disney Company's 100th Anniversary celebration, which is under the name Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration, since the beginning October 16, 2023.

2023 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

2024

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The 29th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be run from August 29 to November 23, 2024.

2024 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

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During the Festival, you can catch some of the most popular bands from the 80s to the 2000s performing nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Shows are at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p nightly. These concerts are free with Epcot admission.

Criticism

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The festival has been criticized for bringing high crowd levels to Epcot, particularly weekends; lack of entertainment; and displays of public drunkenness.[33][34]

See also

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Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
  1. ^ Heather McPherson (September 17, 2014). "Epcot chefs set a global buffet of eclectic tastes". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  2. ^ Jeff Houck (September 27, 2013). "The Sip: Everywhere a food fest, but Epcot worth the trip". Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  3. ^ "Walt Disney World Resort World History Digest". Walt Disney World News. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  4. ^ "Food & Wine Festival, 2011 Edition". Yesterland. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  5. ^ "Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival". Modern Mouse Radio. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  6. ^ Jason Garcia (January 19, 2013). "George Kalogridis: From clearing tables to Disney World chief". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 18, 2014. From 1995 to 2000, Kalogridis ran Epcot, Disney World's second-busiest theme park. He conceived and launched the park's International Food and Wine Festival to help generate attendance during a typically slow period in the fall. It is now one of Disney World's largest annual events.
  7. ^ Scott, Joseph (September 27, 1996). "New Disney festival will be celebration of food and wine". Orlando Sentinel. p. 114. Retrieved June 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Shrieves, Linda (September 26, 1996). "Vintage Celebration (Part 1)". Orlando Sentinel. p. 71. Retrieved June 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Shrieves, Linda (September 26, 1996). "Vintage Celebration (Part 2)". Orlando Sentinel. p. 77. Retrieved June 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Coming Weekends in April". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016.
  11. ^ MacDonald, Brandy (April 4, 2016). "Food fest returns to Disney California Adventure with pricey VIP offerings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  12. ^ "Epcot chefs set global buffet of eclectic tastes for Food and Wine Fest". Orlando Sentinel.
  13. ^ "Get your taste buds ready! Epcot food and wine fest begins Sept. 19". Florida Today.
  14. ^ "Epcot Food and Wine Festival Map". wdwinfo.com. WDW Info. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  15. ^ Fickley-Baker, Jennifer. "2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Announced for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". disneyparks.disney.go.com/blogs. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  16. ^ Brandon, Pam. "20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Expands for First Time into Future World". disneyparksblog.com. Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on July 15, 2015. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  17. ^ Cruz, Georgina. "Are your taste buds ready for Florida fall food festivals?". orlandosentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  18. ^ "Global Marketplaces". disneyworld.com. Walt Disney World. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  19. ^ "Eat to the Beat Concert Series". Dining at Disney. May 23, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  20. ^ "Global Marketplaces at the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  21. ^ Cox, Danny (July 11, 2016). "Disney Releases Info For 2016 Epcot Food And Wine Festival: Eat To The Beat Concert Series, Menus, More". Inquisitr. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  22. ^ Brandon, Pam. "Celebrity Chefs and New Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Set for the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". Disney Parks Blog. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  23. ^ Lim, Victoria. "Eat to the Beat Lineup Announced for 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". Disney Parks Blog. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  24. ^ Lim, Victoria. "Dates Announced for the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". Disney Parks Blog. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on November 26, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  25. ^ Stovall, Charles. "The 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Brings 75 Days of Fall Fun Aug. 30 – Nov. 12". Disney Parks Blog. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on March 13, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  26. ^ Martin, Corey. "The 24th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival". WDW Info. The Dis. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  27. ^ Wolfe, AJ (February 20, 2018). "2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths, Menus, and FOOD PHOTOS". Disney Food Blog. AJ Wolfe. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  28. ^ Martin, Corey. "Eat to the Beat Concert Series - 2018". WDW Info. The Dis. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  29. ^ Fickley-Baker, Jennifer. "Details Unveiled for the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival". Disney Parks Blog. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  30. ^ "Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival". Walt Disney World. Disney Parks. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  31. ^ Wolfe, AJ (April 4, 2012). "2019 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up! – Preliminary Bands". Disney Food Blog. AJ Wolfe. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  32. ^ "Update on Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World Resort". Archived from the original on June 19, 2020.
  33. ^ "2024 Guide to Epcot Food & Wine Festival". Mouse Hacking. September 1, 2023.
  34. ^ Colopy, Jess (September 25, 2023). "Food and Wine Festival "Ruins" Disney World Experience, Drunks Take Over". Inside the Magic.
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