The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for food lovers, wine connoisseurs, and Disney enthusiasts alike. As one of the most beloved festivals at Walt Disney World, the event promises not just a taste of the world’s cuisine but an immersive experience where culture and culinary artistry meet. This year, Disney has added exciting new food and wine booths, providing a fresh twist to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. The announcement has set the foodie world abuzz, with visitors eager to sample the latest additions to the international lineup.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the new food and wine booths that Disney has introduced, exploring the unique flavors and experiences they offer. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, there’s something for everyone in this year’s exciting lineup.
What Makes EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival Special?
EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is not just a typical food festival. It brings together cuisines from across the globe, allowing guests to explore dishes, beverages, and flavors they may have never encountered before. Spread across the World Showcase, EPCOT offers a wide array of booths representing countries like Japan, France, Mexico, and more. Each booth is designed to immerse visitors in the culture of the country it represents, with decor, staff attire, and music contributing to an authentic cultural experience.
The festival isn’t just about eating and drinking; it also features culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, concerts, and interactive experiences that elevate the food and wine offerings into an educational and sensory journey.
A Look at the New Booths for 2024
This year, Disney has announced several new booths that will debut at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, ensuring that even returning visitors have something novel to look forward to. Here’s a sneak peek into these exciting new additions.
1. The Mediterranean Market
For the first time, EPCOT is featuring a booth dedicated entirely to Mediterranean cuisine. With dishes from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon, this booth offers a vibrant and flavorful menu that’s perfect for health-conscious foodies and adventurous eaters alike. Expect dishes like lamb gyros, falafel, spanakopita, and baklava alongside refreshing beverages like pomegranate sangria and an assortment of Mediterranean wines.
- Must-try dishes: Lamb kofta with tzatziki, Greek salad with feta, and baklava drizzled with honey.
- Beverage pairing: A glass of Assyrtiko, a refreshing white wine from Greece, or a crisp Mediterranean lemonade.
2. Caribbean Spice
Bringing the bold flavors of the Caribbean to the EPCOT festival, the Caribbean Spice booth offers a tropical feast that’s both vibrant and flavorful. From spicy jerk chicken to sweet and tangy mango salsas, this booth is a must-visit for lovers of bold, fiery flavors.
- Must-try dishes: Jerk chicken with pineapple salsa, Caribbean beef patties, and plantain chips with a guava dip.
- Beverage pairing: Sip on a rum punch or a refreshing coconut mojito to complement the tropical flavors.
3. Korean BBQ Kitchen
Korean cuisine has been steadily gaining popularity worldwide, and Disney has finally brought it to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival. The Korean BBQ Kitchen is a celebration of traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist. Expect savory marinated meats, spicy kimchi, and the ever-popular Korean fried chicken.
- Must-try dishes: Bulgogi beef lettuce wraps, Korean fried chicken wings with gochujang glaze, and kimchi pancakes.
- Beverage pairing: Korean soju or a chilled makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for an authentic experience.
4. Brazilian Carnaval
Brazil is no stranger to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, but this year’s booth brings even more flair with a festive “Carnaval” theme. This booth showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of Brazilian street food, offering everything from savory snacks to sweet treats.
- Must-try dishes: Pão de queijo (cheese bread), feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew), and brigadeiros (chocolate truffles).
- Beverage pairing: Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.
5. A Taste of India
India’s rich culinary history makes its return to EPCOT with a refreshed booth featuring a wider range of regional specialties. From the spice-laden flavors of northern India to the coconut-infused dishes from the south, this booth has something to satisfy every palate.
- Must-try dishes: Butter chicken with naan bread, vegetable samosas, and mango lassi.
- Beverage pairing: Masala chai or a glass of Indian Riesling to balance out the spices.
6. French Riviera
While France has long been a part of EPCOT’s World Showcase, this year’s French Riviera booth highlights a new take on French cuisine with a focus on coastal and Provence-inspired dishes. The flavors are light, fresh, and perfect for a sunny day at the festival.
- Must-try dishes: Ratatouille tart, Niçoise salad, and lavender-infused crème brûlée.
- Beverage pairing: Provence rosé or a sparkling French lemonade.
7. The American Homestead
For visitors who love classic American flavors, the American Homestead booth offers a farm-to-table experience. This booth celebrates the simplicity and freshness of American ingredients, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced produce.
- Must-try dishes: Grilled corn with herb butter, smoked turkey leg with cranberry chutney, and apple pie bites.
- Beverage pairing: A flight of American craft beers or a classic bourbon lemonade.
8. Japanese Fusion Street Eats
Japanese street food has taken the world by storm, and now it’s part of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival’s offerings. Blending traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists, this booth offers a variety of dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
- Must-try dishes: Takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori skewers, and matcha ice cream mochi.
- Beverage pairing: A chilled sake or Japanese plum wine is the perfect way to complement these street-style bites.
9. Coastal Eats
For seafood lovers, the Coastal Eats booth is a haven of fresh, ocean-inspired dishes. From succulent shrimp to seared scallops, this booth celebrates the bounty of the sea with dishes that are light, flavorful, and perfect for a warm day.
- Must-try dishes: Seared scallops with buttered leeks, shrimp ceviche, and crab cakes with aioli.
- Beverage pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with citrus zest.
10. Mexico Fiesta
Always a fan favorite, the Mexico booth returns with new menu items that celebrate the country’s vibrant culinary traditions. The booth offers a range of spicy, tangy, and hearty dishes paired with expertly crafted cocktails.
- Must-try dishes: Tacos al pastor, churros with chocolate sauce, and esquites (Mexican street corn).
- Beverage pairing: A classic margarita or mezcal-based cocktail.
Festival Highlights: Beyond the Booths
The new booths aren’t the only exciting part of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. This year, Disney is enhancing the experience with additional activities and entertainment that make the event even more unforgettable. Here are a few highlights:
Culinary Demonstrations and Chef Appearances
Food lovers will have the opportunity to learn from world-class chefs through live cooking demonstrations. These sessions provide behind-the-scenes insights into the preparation of gourmet dishes featured at the festival, with some of the chefs representing the very booths that are part of this year’s lineup.
Concert Series
The “Eat to the Beat” concert series is a staple of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. This year’s lineup promises to be just as exciting, with performances from popular artists across multiple genres. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or both, these concerts add an extra layer of excitement to the festival experience.
Interactive Foodie Challenges
In addition to sampling dishes, guests can participate in fun food-themed scavenger hunts, trivia, and other interactive challenges. These activities are perfect for families or anyone looking to deepen their engagement with the festival’s diverse offerings.
Planning Your Visit
With so many new booths and experiences to enjoy, planning your visit to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is essential. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time:
- Arrive early: The festival can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early allows you to beat the crowds and sample the food without long waits.
- Pace yourself: With over 30 booths to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Pace your meals, share dishes with friends or family, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Make a plan: Review the festival map and prioritize which booths you want to visit. This will help you navigate the event efficiently and ensure you don’t miss out on your top picks.
Conclusion
Disney’s announcement of new food and wine booths for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival adds yet another layer of excitement to an already beloved event. From the bold flavors of the Caribbean to the delicate tastes of the French Riviera, the festival’s new offerings showcase Disney’s commitment to culinary innovation and cultural celebration. Whether you’re a returning guest or visiting for the first time, the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival promises a culinary adventure like no other. So, grab your fork, raise your glass, and get ready to explore the world—one delicious bite at a time.