You may be just starting Summer vacation and all that goes with it, but here at Disney Food Blog, we’re also busy gearing up for one of our most favorite times of the year — the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

The festival, which runs from September 25 until November 16 this year, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015. There is so much to do, see, taste, and experience, all crammed into seven weeks. So you’re bound to have some questions about planning for it — and specifically, how to budget for all you want to do.

So today, let’s talk a little bit about budgeting to get you ready for Fall’s biggest Disney food event.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

Many things at the festival are included in your Epcot admission. Attractions and events such as Eat to the Beat Concerts, Back to Basics Seminars, and the Cranberry Bog are all complimentary with your Epcot ticket.

The Cranberry Bog Returns to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2015

And new for 2015, guests can also enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt, a fun game that will take place around World Showcase.

But food and drink, even at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths, is not included in the price of admission. And Special Events do cost extra and can range widely, depending on the events you plan to attend.

How Much Money Should I Budget For a Day at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

The answer to this question varies widely from person to person. A great way to experience the festival is by Eating and Drinking Your Way Around the World, Marketplace Discovery Passport, in hand! In the past, plates and pours at the World Showcase Booths have averaged $3-8.

The Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash from the Farm Fresh Booth in 2014 Was a Filling and Delicious Option

If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, be aware that usually many of the selections at the Booths have been available as a Snack Credit. It also seems that there is more flexibility coming with how you can use snack and meal credits with the Disney Dining Plan; stay tuned to DFB as we bring you additional details.

While Culinary Demonstrations and Wine and Beverage Seminars are around $12-15 per person, other Special Events, like tasting lunches and dinners held in the various countries throughout World Showcase, are more expensive, ranging anywhere from around $50-$200 per person.

The Tequila Pairing Lunch, Back for 2015, is $85 Per Person

And premium events, like Party for the Senses, can set you back anywhere from approximately $150-300 per person.

What Low Cost Events Can You Enjoy at the Festival?

Even if the Party for the Senses or a Special Event isn’t in your budget for 2015, there is still plenty that you can enjoy during a day at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival without breaking the bank.

Low-Cost Culinary Demonstrations and Wine and Beverage Seminars are a hallmark of the festival. What’s more, they often include some top names in the culinary industry. Celebrity chefs like Buddy Valastro, Jamie Deen, Cat Cora, and Amanda Freitag will participate in demos, which highlight great recipes that guests get to taste.

Chef Cat Cora at an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demonstration

Or if wine or mixology is your passion, learn more about different varietals or how to mix up a great cocktail during the low-cost Wine Tastings and Mixology Demonstrations.

We’ll be sharing the full line-up of scheduled events soon, so be sure to stay tuned. Once booking for these events opens, it tends to fill up quickly.

Whether the sky is the limit when it comes to budget for you at the Food and Wine Festival, or you plan to enjoy a more modest trip Around World Showcase, there’s tons of fun to be had at every price point! Planning is the key to making the most of this special time of the year.

And speaking of planning ahead to get the biggest bang for your Food and Wine Festival buck…

Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order!

This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Pre-order your 2015 edition today, and download the 2014 guide for FREE — immediately!

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount!

Be sure to check our main Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page frequently for updates, and also check out Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 for even more information about the festival!

What are your best tips for enjoying the Epcot Food and Wine Festival on a budget? Share them with us in comments below!