Mark Your Calendars for a Global Feast
It is officially time to start loosening those belt buckles. Disney just confirmed the dates and initial details for what many fans consider the highlight of the year at Walt Disney World. The 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is scheduled to run from August 27th through November 21st, 2026. This gives guests nearly three full months to explore the culinary delights scattered throughout the park.
Whether you are a seasoned festival pro or planning your first trip, this event is massive. It covers everything from World Discovery and World Nature to the iconic World Showcase. While the full list of Marketplace Food Booths hasn’t been released yet, Disney did give us a tasty preview of some returning favorites that are sure to be hits once again.
What We Are Eating in 2026
The sneak peek of the 2026 menu includes some heavy hitters. You can look forward to finding the Street Corn-style Dumplings making a comeback, which have been a crowd favorite in past years. Also confirmed is the Grilled Bushberry Spiced Shrimp Skewer, offering that perfect blend of savory and spice that defines the festival’s global flair. We are still waiting on the full booth-by-booth menus, but seeing these items return is a great sign for the quality of this year’s spread.
Activities and Entertainment Beyond the Food
The festival isn’t just about eating; it’s about the experience. Disney confirmed that Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt is returning. This is a fantastic way to keep the family entertained while you navigate the crowds. You’ll purchase a map and search for hidden Remy statuettes tucked away throughout the World Showcase. Once you finish, you can head to a redemption location to claim a festival-themed prize.
For the cheese lovers out there, Emile’s Fromage Montage is officially back on the schedule. This cheese-themed crawl allows you to purchase five specific cheese dishes listed in your Festival Passport. After collecting five stamps, you can take your passport to a designated booth to receive a specialty prize. It’s a fun, structured way to make sure you don’t miss out on the best dairy offerings the festival has to offer.
Music fans also have something to celebrate. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will return to the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. This series brings in bands from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s to perform their hits. While the specific lineup hasn’t been announced yet, it’s a staple of the festival atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.
Planning Your 2026 Visit
If you’re planning a trip during these dates, keep in mind that the festival is included with your park admission, though the food and drinks are an additional cost. It’s a busy time for EPCOT, so having a strategy for your “must-try” items is essential. We recommend checking the Festival Passport as soon as you enter the park to track your progress on activities like the Fromage Montage.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the August kickoff. We’ll be looking for full booth menus and the official concert lineup very soon.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.