Each Fall Adults flock to the Walt Disney World Resort to check out the latest rendition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  2019 does not disappoint and Only WDWorld is here to share with you a few tastes that you don't want to miss!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival At A Glance

The Epcot Food & Wine is now in its 24th year as an event that Disney fans schedule their fall travel plans around.  Each year gets bigger and better with more food and drink choices over a longer period of time.  2019 runs from August 29th through November 23rd marking the longest Epcot F&W festival ever.

The festival is FREE to those who visit Epcot during those days.  For no additional fees guests get access to over 40 additional food & drink kiosks beyond what is normally available.  There are also 3 nightly concerts performed well known acts at the America Gardens Theater for no additional charge.

Beyond that there are additional culinary and wine seminars and demonstrations that are available for an extra charge for those that are interested.  There are also signature food & drink pairing specialty events for an extra fee available on certain days.

For the majority of Epcot visitors it means that the World Showcase is filled with literally over a hundred different options for food and drink in sampling size portions to try and experience.

6 Foods To Try During Your Visit

With 40 locations of specialty food & drink options during the Festival it is always a challenge to locate what to try when there is only so much time available.  Only WDWorld will share with you 6 of our favorites that are available during the 2019 Epcot Food & Wine Festival that you should give strong consideration to trying.  As a bonus ALL of these foods are available as snack credits for those that are using one of the Disney Dining Plans during their visit.

No matter what your preference: beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetarian there is something for you!  That is what makes this food extravaganza so great.  The culinary choices are wonderful whether you pair them with the variety of alcoholic libations or not.

Choice #1 at Flavors From Fire

Our favorite kiosk is actually not located in the World Showcase, but rather tucked away in Future World near The Land pavilion.  Everything on the menu here is excellent, but for our recommendation we have selected the Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak on a smoked corn cake with pickled vegetables slaw and cilantro aioli.

This dish for beef lovers has a wonderful mix of flavors that starts with the wonderful grilled skirt steak.  You cannot go wrong with this dish!

Choice #2 at Japan

Our next selection comes right is the middle of the World Showcase at the Japan kiosk.  Here was our biggest surprise of our visit as this dish did not catch our eye by reading the description.  After hearing the buzz from others we knew we had to try this choice and boy were we blown away.

The Frothy Ramen with Chilled noodles and dashi broth with a light foam topping is something that has to be tasted to be believed.  It won us over and earned a spot in our top recommendations of the year.  It all works together and creates a great flavor combination.  This is not something that you will see everyday which is all the more reason to try it here at the festival.

Choice #3 at The Wine & Dine Studio

Finding our next food choice at The Wine & Dine Studio located on the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase might seem a little odd, but trust us this is an option that you do not want to miss.

The Seared Scallops with truffled celery root puree, brussel sprouts and wild mushrooms is a great choice for the scallop and/or seafood lover.  The scallops were prepared perfectly and the vegetables did a great job of complimenting the flavors.

Choice #4 at Italy

Our next choice was another surprise to us after surveying the initial menus for the festival.  after hearing recommendations we were inspired to try this dish and again we had no regrets and want to share it with you.

The Costine di Maiale is 3 large balsamic glazed and oven roasted pork ribs that are incredibly tender and tasty.  This was easily the largest portion size of all of the dishes that were tried and viewed at the Festival.  The flavor was amazing and if you enjoy ribs then you owe it to yourself to stop in Italy and try these!

Choice #5 at Morocco

It may surprise you that one of the best steak based food items to enjoy at this year's festival is located at the Morocco kiosk.

The NY Strip Steak Green Shermoula Flatbread with fresh radish and tomato salsa has a serious portion of steak on a flatbread with a very flavorful and fresh salsa.  This is a hearty sample that does a masterful job of combining the steak with the bright notes of the salsa which made it one of our favorites.

Choice #6 at Active Eats

Again we venture outside of the World Showcase back to Future World to find the Active Eats kiosk which is grouped together with the Earth Eats and Coastal Eats kiosks to provide a trio of nice options and a combined seating area to enjoy.

Here we recommend the Spice Crusted Verlasso Salmon with Uncle Ben's quinoa & ancient grains medley, crushed avocado, and sherry vinegar. This is a great salmon dish that combines well with the hearty grains on the side.  The flavors and textures in this dish really won us over and that is why it deserves to be one of our top recommendations this year

Be Bold & Taste Outside Your Comfort Zone!

No matter what your normal dining preferences take the opportunity to be bold and try some foods outside of your normal dining choices!  Over 30 countries and regions are represented and this is your chance to try new preparations of food you are familiar with and other foods you may never have tried before.  The cost of trying something new averages around $5-$6 per dish so it doesn't cost a lot to experiment.

Let us know if you agree with our recommendations or if you found something else that should have been listed amongst our top choices!

Live Musical Entertainment is one of the best part of the incredible Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that comes to the Walt Disney World Resort each Fall.  The 2017 lineup of music acts brings a number of first time participants at the Festival that you will definitely want to see.

Disney has lined up an amazing array of musical acts with songs that you know by heart to perform at these free concerts during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  Each night there are 3 performances at the America Gardens Theater to enjoy.

Here is the current 2017 Schedule of performers:

• 8/31 – 9/1 – Delta Rae (“Bottom of the River”)
• 9/2 – 9/3 – The Hooters (“And We Danced”) NEW
• 9/4 – 9/5 – Baha Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out”) NEW
• 9/6 – 9/7 – Fuel (“Shimmer”)
• 9/8 -9/10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
• 9/11 – 9/12 – Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”) NEW
• 9/13 – 9/15 – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”)
• 9/16 – 9/17 – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
• 9/18 – 9/20- Air Supply (“All Out Of Love”)
• 9/21 – 9/22 – David Cook (“Light On”)
• 9/23 – 9/24 – Everclear (“Santa Monica”)
• 9/25 – 9/27 – Sugar Ray (“Every Morning)
• 9/28 – 9/29 – 38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
• 9/30 – 10/1 – Mark Wills (“19 Somethin’”) NEW
• 10/2 – 10/3 – American Authors (“Best Day of My Life”) NEW
• 10/4 – 10/5 – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
• 10/6 – 10/8 – Devon Allman (“Ragged & Dirty”) NEW
• 10/9 – 10/11 – Dennis DeYoung: The music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
• 10/12 – 10/13 – Taylor Dayne (“Tell It To My Heart”)
• 10/14 – 10/15 – Jeffrey Osborne (“On The Wings of Love”)
• 10/16 – 10/17 – Postmodern Jukebox (Various Hits) NEW
• 10/18 – 10/20 – 10,000 Maniacs (“Because the Night”) NEW
• 10/21 – 10/22 – Toad The Wet Sprocket (“Walk on the Ocean”)
• 10/23 – 10/24 – Kenny G (“Songbird”) NEW
• 10/25 – 10/26 – Billy Ocean (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”)
• 10/27 – 10/29 – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
• 10/30 – 11/1 – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
• 11/2 – 11/3 – Blue October (“Into The Ocean”) NEW
• 11/4 – 11/5 – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)
• 11/6 – 11/8 – Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”)
• 11/9 – 11/11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
• 11/12 – 11/13 – Squeeze (“Tempted”) NEW

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from September 14 - November 14 making it the longest ever! There are 30 Marketplaces that will be open to all Epcot guests with tastes of regional cuisines and beers and wines. At OnlyWDWorld we will count down the days to the most popular Walt Disney World Resort event for adults by providing previews to each of these marketplaces.

France Marketplace

Introduced to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1996 the France Marketplace has tempted Disney guests with authentic French Cuisine and special drinks that always get rave reviews.  This year the France marketplace returns two great savory classics and one dessert from last year's Festival.  (note: the menu picture with prices is from the 2015 Epcot F&W Festival)


 Food:

• Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
• Soupe à l’oignon au Gruyère et Cognac: Gruyère and Cognac Onion Soup
• Boeuf Bourguignon: Cabernet Sauvignon-braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes
• Crème Brûlée Caramel Chocolat: Caramel and Chocolate Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar

Beverages:

• Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager
• Chardonnay, Bourgogne Blanc, Mommessin, La Clé Saint-Pierre
• Merlot & Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux, Château les Graves de Barrau
• St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop: Strawberry Puree with French Caribbean Rhum Clément
• La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from September 14 - November 14 making it the longest ever! There are 30 Marketplaces that will be open to all Epcot guests with tastes of regional cuisines and beers and wines. At OnlyWDWorld we will count down the days to the most popular Walt Disney World Resort event for adults by providing previews to each of these marketplaces.

Canada Marketplace

Introduced to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1996 the Canada Marketplace has continued to be one of the most popular stops in the Festival.  There are two different legendary dishes returning for the 2016 Festival. (note: the menu picture with prices is from the 2015 Epcot F&W Festival)


Food:

• Canadian cheddar cheese soup served with a pretzel roll
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce

Beverages:

• Moosehead Lager
• Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine, Québec
• Fielding Estate Red Conception

Epcot Food & Wine Passport

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from September 14 - November 14 making it the longest ever! There are 30 Marketplaces that will be open to all Epcot guests with tastes of regional cuisines and beers and wines. At OnlyWDWorld we will count down the days to the most popular Walt Disney World Resort event for adults by providing previews to each of these marketplaces.

Brazil Marketplace

Introduced to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 2014 the Brazil Marketplace will be returning three popular food dishes and one dessert to the 2016 Festival. (note: the menu picture with prices is from the 2015 Epcot F&W Festival)




Food:

• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
• Crispy pork belly with black beans and tomato
• Escondidinho de Carne: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca

Beverages:

• Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine, Serra Gaúcha
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from September 14 - November 14 making it the longest ever! There are 30 Marketplaces that will be open to all Epcot guests with tastes of regional cuisines and beers and wines. At OnlyWDWorld we will count down the days to the most popular Walt Disney World Resort event for adults by providing previews to each of these marketplaces.

Australia Marketplace

Introduced to the Epcot Introduced to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1997 the Australia Marketplace will be returning two popular food dishes to the 2016 Festival. (note: the menu picture with prices is from the 2015 Epcot F&W Festival)




 Food:

• Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut
• Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion and Snap Peas

Beverages:

• Coopers Brewery Extra Strong Vintage Ale, Regency Park
• Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling, Barossa Valley
• Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia
• Yangarra Estate Vineyard Shiraz, McLaren Vale

The 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from September 14 - November 14 making it the longest ever!  There are 30 Marketplaces that will be open to all Epcot guests with tastes of regional cuisines and beers and wines.  At OnlyWDWorld we will count down the days to the most popular Walt Disney World Resort event for adults by providing previews to each of these marketplaces.

Africa Marketplace

Introduced to the Epcot Introduced to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1997 the Africa Marketplace will be returning two popular food dishes to the 2016 Festival. (note: the menu picture with prices is from the 2015 Epcot F&W Festival)

Food:

• Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread
• Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato and Pap

Beverages:

• Indaba Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
• Simonsig Pinotage, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa

Epcot Food & Wine Passport

Each year Epcot guests can pick up a free passport to serve as their guide to all of the Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces.  When you visit a marketplace, you can get your passport stamped to mark your progress around the world.

We got ours stamped at the Africa Marketplace, how about you?  Post your Africa Passport Stamp when you visit this year's Festival  and leave your review of the food you tried!

The 21st annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held for an unprecedented 62 days of culinary treats and libations this fall.  Spanning September 14th through November 14th, 2016 this Epcot Food & Wine Festival will not only be the longest, but it will have the earliest starting date that we have ever seen!

This yearly event is one of the most anticipated each Fall by thousands of Disney World fans.  It is the premier adult focused celebration at Disney World and one that is not to be missed.  There are well over 300 different food and drink options that only are available during this time each year, along with special Dining Events, and a multitude of celebrity chefs demonstrations and top notch musical acts that make their way to Epcot each year.

Stay tuned to OnlyWDWorld.com to keep up to date on all of the latest Epcot International Food & Wine Festival details and information!

Also don't forget to like our Page on Facebook:  Only WDWorld - Epcot Food & Wine Festival News

Robert Irvine is a recognized Chef and personality.  It is only when you see him live and in person that you realize that outgoing personality that you witness on television is the same Robert Irvine that exists in real life!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney World presents one of the most amazing Food & Wine Festivals each year for the past 19 years and 2014 is no exception!  One of the best parts of the Festival is to see celebrity chefs in person and see them create culinary specialties and interact with the audience.

Robert Irvine made two appearances for the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  The first was a supposed to be a simple dish preparation and question and answer session.  Well 45 minutes turned into over an hour and the audience that we were gladly a part of got a chance to experience and witness Robert Irvine up close and see far more of the personality that is presented across a wide number of shows on tv recently.

Robert Irvine the Chef

Let's start with the dish that Robert Irvine prepared for the audience.  After all, he has gained his fame from being an acclaimed chef.

The food that he prepared for us was:
Tasting of Hudson Valley Duck: Brined Moulard Breast, Puy Lentil, Butternut Squash, Preserved Duck Confit, Cashew Mousse, Fermented Garlic Jus


Cutting ahead to the final results, we are talking about an amazing dish!  This comes from a person that really does not like duck and cannot recall ever having duck prepared in a manner that was enjoyed.  This definitely broke the mold and surprised me with the incredible flavors.

Robert Irvine - Beyond The Food!

Robert Irvine is much more than a Chef, he is a dynamic storytelling personality!  He spent his time at the center of attention cooking, teaching, and entertaining.  There is no doubt that in real life he really is the dominate personality that he appears to be on television.


He brought volunteers on stage from the audience and got them to participate as he described the ingredients that he used and explained his choices for oils and salts.


The more that Robert talked, the more that you realized that he is a humanitarian that really becomes emotionally attached to some of the people that he interacts with on his shows and the problems and issues that they fight to overcome.


Without a doubt the culinary demonstration that starred Robert Irvine was a highlight of a recent visit to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  You can't fake the amount of passion that Robert has and the devotion to his staff.


Robert even came out into the audience to continue his discussion and answer questions.

Summary - Robert Irvine at Disney World

The culinary demonstrations at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can sometimes be hit or miss, but Robert Irvine definitely hit a home run!  besides preparing a great dish that tastes as great as it looked he did a great job being both storyteller and entertainer for the audience.  He came of as genuine and larger tan life at the same time with his outgoing personality.

He felt comfortable enough to both bring his wife and children to the session and introduce them to the audience.

He definitely turned me from a casual fan of him and his shows to someone that is now engaged with what he becomes involved in.  He was not only entertaining, but his passion for what he does was infectious!

Whether you enjoy him on the Food Network for  Restaurant Impossible or one of the other shows that he appears upon he is quite the talented entertainer.

Best of luck to Robert Irvine in his future endeavors and take the opportunity to see him in personal if the opportunity presents itself!