We’re LIVE today from Walt Disney World with more details for the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
In just a few weeks from now, the Festival kicks off. So before you’re feasting at the Fest, you can feast your eyes on NEW Food Photos that we have for several of the new dishes hitting the scene this year!
And don’t forget… you can see the full list of Food Booth and Menus so you can start putting together your Must-Eat list here!
PLUS we have a ton of new info on everything from where to learn to make Candy Sushi, to a Counter Service Eat to the Beat Dining Package, more information on the several new family-friendly offerings and much more!
The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival runs from August 30th through November 12th, and there’s lots to check out in the meantime.
Here we go!
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival NEW Food Photos
Brazil: Moqueca Brazilian Seafood Stew
will be serving Moqueca this year!
This Brazilian Seafood Stew features scallops, shrimp, and white fish with coconut-lime sauce and steamed rice.
Ireland: Guinness Baileys Shake
We know a LOT of you are excited about this one: the new Guinness Baileys Shake!
It will make its debut at the Ireland Booth this year! And — trust me — you WILL want to get it. It’s pretty awesome.
Taste Track: Pancake Milkshake
While we’re on the topic… Taste Track will serve up a non-alcoholic, very kid-friendly Pancake Milkshake!
It mixes a little pancake with a little milkshake in a vanilla ice cream base with butter extract, maple syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and bit of strawberry puree! This one really is tailor-made for the kiddos — not sure how many adults will care for it. But it’s fun to try, for sure!
The Wine & Dine Studio: Butternut Squash Ravioli
The Butternut Squash Ravioli will be new at The Wine & Dine Studio this year.
Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar: Madras Mimosa
The Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar is NEW at the Festival this year!
Start your Festival day in the Festival Center by raising a glass of Key Lime Mimosa, Tropical Mimosa, Blood Orange Mimosa, OR the Madras Mimosa, which we got to try!
Hops & Barley: New Brunswick Slider
The Hops & Barley Booth never disappoints, and it’s back with the New Brunswick Slider making its debut!
Overall, this is really tasty, but I did find the horseradish to be SUPER strong, so heads up on that!
Flavors from Fire: Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak and Chocolate Picante
will celebrate its second year in a row at the Festival, and it will bring with it the new Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake.
We also got to try the Chocolate Picante: dark chocolate mousse with cayenne pepper, chili powder, and mango.
Light Lab: RGB Flight
Let’s take a few more sips with the RGB Beer Flight coming to the Light Lab!
Playalinda Brewing Co.’s Red Cherry Tart, GrassLands Brewing Company’s Green Kiwi Blonde, and M.I.A. Beer Company’s Blue-berry Golden Ale make up this colorful trio.
The Cheese Studio: Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake
Time again for something sweet with the Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake coming to The Cheese Studio!
This is an absolute WINNER in my book, and I’m already looking forward to trying it again!
Active Eats: Energy Bar Bites
Fuel your Food and Wine Festival adventures with the Active Eats Energy Bar Bites at — where else? — Active Eats!
Chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, and dates make up these tasty bars.
Earth Eats: The Steakhouse Blended Burger
Look for The Steakhouse Blended Burger at Earth Eats this year!
It’s a blended beef with wild mushroom slider topped with brie cheese fondue (!!!), arugula, truffle, and a blue cheese potato chip… all on a brioche bun!
Islands of the Caribbean: Jerk-spiced Chicken Lollipop
What’s a Jerk-spiced Chicken Lollipop, you ask? Well, here you go!
You’ll find this savory meat with roasted sweet plantain salad and a mango chutney yogurt at the Island of the Caribbean Booth.
Click here to see the FULL BOOTH MENUS for the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Disney Food Blog Map
And where will you be able to find all of these new items (and more) plus returning favorites? Check out our Disney Food Blog Food and Wine Festival Map to plan your route! (Click the image to enlarge.)
NEW! Candy Sushi Presented by Skittles
New this year, a Disney Chef will teach guests how to create their very own sweet Candy Sushi! Skittles is partnering with Adventures by Disney to present this session daily at 3:30 and 5:30 pm in Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion.
Space will be limited, so be sure to sign up in advance at TasteEpcot.com once registration is open! The event is free, but your signup will require a credit card guarantee (similar to an Advance Dining Reservation).
NEW! Counter Service Eat to the Beat Dining Package
The Eat to the Beat Dining Packages are, of course, returning this year. But a brand new option is coming to the American Adventure Pavilion’s Liberty Inn! This Counter Service spot will offer a limited amount of day-of, first-come first serve Eat to the Beat Dining Packages.
The $29.99 price (plus tax) will include a non-alcoholic beverage, entree, and dessert. Plus, of course, reserved seating at the evening’s Eat to the Beat concert! Here’s a tip: don’t hesitate to make your way to Liberty Inn at 11:30 am if you are interested, because the amount of available seats will vary each day based on the amount of reserved seating not sold with the regular Dining Packages. (Keep scrolling down the post for more information on the regular Table Service packages which can be booked in advance.)
Ready to Plan for Your 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip?
Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-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.
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!
Order your 2018 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!
Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price!
Special Events
Your Festival experience can be greatly enhanced by attending a Special Event. New this year is the Sunday Brunch with the Chef series!
Returning options include the Party for the Senses.
And we found out that the Femmes of Rock have been confirmed as performers for all five Parties!
Cheese Seminars will also return. And don’t forget unique opportunities such as luncheons and pairings in various World Showcase Pavilions.
Choose from the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Italian Food Wine Vs. Beer Pairing, French Family Meal Traditions, The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef, and more!
Seminars and Demonstrations
At home chefs (and those aspiring) might want to check out the low-cost Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mix It, Make It, Celebrate it! Seminars which are all returning this year.
New to the scene for 2018 are Food and Beverage Pairing Events.
Check out all the Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations here!
NEW! Family Friendly Festival Offerings
Families have a LOT of opportunities to take in the the Festival fun together!
New this year, the complimentary Junior Chef Kitchen presented by Krusteaz® will be offered on select Sundays throughout the Festival in the Festival Center, where little chefs can decorate their own pancakes with the guidance of a Disney Chef. (Find out where and how to register here.)
And the Disney Du Jour Dance Party will make its debut this year, too! On Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, kids can look forward to dancin’ with a “rotating menu” of Disney Characters!
Here’s a hint: Remy and Emile may make appearances from time to time!
(Thanks to carlyewisel for the pic!)
The Fun Zone playground will give the kiddos a spot created with them in mind. Look for it right next to Taste Track in Future World, which will be a Food Booth this year!
And don’t forget that Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt returns this year, too… with cool new prizes!!
I am LOVING these cups as the prizes for this year!
2018 Festival Merchandise
Here’s (more than!) a peek the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise! There will be several ways to commemorate your time of Tasting Your Way Around the World.
Foodie Figment will return on several items, of course!
Chef Mickey returns on a new ornament.
And there are NEW MINNIE EARS from his best gal!
And Pin Collectors will have — as always — lots to keep an eye out for.
And check out the super fun, ever-popular wristlet gift cards this year, featuring Remy!
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a highlight for many guests throughout the Festival. Popular bands across all genres from the 80s, 90s, and even the 00s will take the stage once again at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot to share some of their greatest hits!
See the full lineup for 2018 to find out who is performing during your visit!
Among the nine new acts for 2018 are Vertical Horizon, 98 Degrees, Shelia E., and more. And remember… if the act during your dates is a can’t-miss for you, you might want to consider an Eat to the Beat Dining Package which pairs a meal at a participating restaurant with reserved seating for an evening show!
Making Your Food and Wine Plans
Okay, it’s high time to start mapping out your strategy, as you get ready to grab your Food and Wine Passport for 2018!
And watch our Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 Video from our DFB YouTube Channel for more information for the Food and Wine Festival!
Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info?
We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog!
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2018 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
2018 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items
How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events
To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting June 14, 2018 at 7:00 am (EST). Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone.
Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all special events early – June 12, 2018 starting at 9:00 am (EST). Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.
Because Chase is no longer a Festival Sponsor, Chase Disney Visa Cardholders have no access to early booking this year.
What are YOU most excited about for this year’s Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment!
Cindy says
No sampler lanyard this year??
giselle cox says
Will any areas open before 11AM? Hoping to grab “breakfast” at Taste Trak
Martha says
has anyone had the change to try the maple bacon funnel cake?
Katrina says
Do we know when booking for the Sweet Sushi thing opens?
Pam says
Hoping that they either bring back the fast pass or passholder access for the eat to the beat concert
Essie says
The seafood stew with cheese and Bailey’s milkshake look good to me. I’d love to have a photo op with Remy, but would rather get a pin for Hide and Squeak!
Maryanne says
Any word on a Dooney and Bourke f&w bag?
Renessa says
When will we be able to book the Candy Sushi? Ty!
Margaret Drayden says
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI!!!! Oh, boy! It’s my all-time favorite! And that Mimosa looks like a natural to have with it and finish it all off with that maple bourbon cheesecake. WOW!
Kathy says
Looks like some great food and entertainment. Looking forward to a great time.
Kerry says
Aaah waiting to see more merchandise. Specifically mugs!!
Jackie says
Hello AJ & the DFB team!
Great pics! Going to be in WDW for 52 whole hours during the festival. Love all the info.
Will there be any pass holder or DVC commemorative freebies? If I missed it in the article, apologies.
Thanks!
Andy says
I would absolutely love to meet Remy and Emile!! Will they show up for the dance party? thank you so much!
Cindy says
I think they’ve had the butternut squash ravioli before, it sounds familiar?
Cindy says
Is the T-shirt graphic on the front or the back? And will there be a festival magic band? Any exclusively passholder stuff?
Jess says
Did the passport give any details about the upcoming festivals next year? I was hoping that the art festival would return.
Jessica says
When/Where will it be announced when registration will be open for the Candy Sushi?
Becca says
I too wish that the Remy’s Hide and Squeek prize would be a pin. I wouldn’t mind a price increase if a pin was awarded. I was a little taken aback that Figment was not featured in a pin this year. I did like the addition of Simba and Snow White, but I love my figment dearly and look forward to getting my yearly pin with him.
DFB Sarah says
Jessica, check out our post on this!
DFB Sarah says
Jess, we would expect the Festival of the Arts to return! We may hear dates soon!
DFB Sarah says
Cindy, we haven’t seen any exclusive Passholder items yet, but we would expect to see some available during the Festival. Same with the Magic Band. The spirit-style shirt has the text on the back.
DFB Sarah says
Andy, no word yet, but we hope so!
DFB Sarah says
Renessa, ADRs open the 16th of August!
DFB Sarah says
Katrina, August 16th.
DFB Sarah says
Martha, not yet! But we will when the Festival opens!
DFB Sarah says
Giselle, you could check, but officially the food booths open at 11.
DFB Sarah says
Cindy, no word yet, but we’re still watching for it.
Judy says
Any news on Dooney and Bourke for Food and Wine?
DFB Sarah says
Judy, no word yet, but we expect to see some availability.
AJ says
Judy — There WILL be a Dooney and Bourke for food and wine but we don’t have pics yet! Stay tuned!
Missy says
Will Disney offer the prepaid tickets for the festival booths this year?