First Look at the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Dates, Tips, and Autism-Friendly Planning

If you’re already thinking about your next Disney snack, you’re not alone. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2025 has just announced its dates. It’s shaping up to be another unforgettable season of flavour, music, and family fun. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time guest, this preview covers everything you need to know. It also includes helpful tips for families travelling with autism or sensory needs.

EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2025 Dates Announced

The 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival will run from August 28 through November 22. It offers nearly three months of global cuisine, live entertainment, and interactive experiences.

💡 Autism Travel Tip:
Visit mid-week in September or early November for lower crowds and shorter wait times. Mornings are generally quieter and more predictable—perfect for guests who prefer a calm start.

What to Expect at the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

The Food & Wine Festival is more than just snacks—though there are plenty of those! Here’s what’s returning for 2025:

• Global Marketplaces with over 35 booths
• Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
• Emile’s Fromage Montage Cheese Crawl
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series
• Dining Packages with Reserved Seating
• Festival-themed displays in Living with the Land

Stay tuned for the full Foodie Guide to the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, coming later this summer.

2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Global Marketplaces: International Flavours

The Global Marketplaces are one of the biggest draws of the festival. They offer dishes and drinks from countries all over the world. This year, over 35 festival booths will offer everything from Brazilian cheese bread to vegan eats and kid-friendly snacks.

💡 Autism-Friendly Tip:
Preview menus online before your visit. Planning ahead helps reduce overwhelm, especially for guests with food sensitivities or decision fatigue.

Emile’s Fromage Montage: The Ultimate Cheese Crawl at EPCOT

This returning fan-favourite is a fun and delicious challenge! Sample five cheesy dishes around EPCOT and collect stamps in your Festival Passport. Once complete, redeem it for a special dessert.

Featured dishes include:

• Boursin Fig & Balsamic Cheesecake (Milled & Mulled)
• Pão de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread
• Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (Greece)

💡 Sensory Tip:
This activity provides a great mix of structure and fun. It gives families a clear focus during the day. This focus can help with transitions and downtime between rides or shows.

Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt: A Festival Favourite for Kids

Inspired by Ratatouille, this interactive scavenger hunt has guests searching for Remy throughout World Showcase. Buy a map and sticker set at select stores, then locate Remy in each pavilion with his ingredients.

💡 Autism Tip:
This low-pressure, goal-based activity is great for sensory-sensitive kids. The maps can be a visual guide for the day, helping reduce stress and uncertainty.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series 2025: Live Music at EPCOT

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns to the America Gardens Theater with multiple performances each day. The lineup will include new artists and returning fan favourites, with music for all tastes and ages.

💡 Sensory Tip:
Bring noise-cancelling headphones. Arrive early to find a seat near the back. It’s quieter and easier to leave if needed. Shows are included with park admission, but reserved seating is available through a dining package.

EPCOT Concert Dining Package: Guaranteed Seating for Eat to the Beat

Want a guaranteed seat for the concert? Book an EPCOT Festival Dining Package. This package includes a meal at a participating table-service restaurant. It also reserves a spot for a concert that same night.

What’s included:

• Appetizer, entrée, dessert (or buffet-style meal)
• Non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage
• Reserved seating badge for the Eat to the Beat show

💡 Accessibility Tip:
This package helps eliminate stress by giving your day more structure. It also saves time by avoiding the need to wait in long standby lines for concerts.

Living with the Land Festival Displays: A Quiet Break from the Crowds

Living with the Land is a boat ride that offers a relaxing, educational break from the festival hustle. During Food & Wine, you’ll see seasonal displays highlighting ingredients featured throughout the event.

💡 Autism Travel Tip:
This ride is ideal for mid-day decompression. It’s slow-moving, air-conditioned, and offers engaging visuals without loud noises or fast movement.

Travel Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival with Autism

Travelling to Disney with autism or sensory needs? Here are a few pro tips to make your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2025 visit smoother:

• Use visuals – Review menus, park maps, and daily plans in advance
• Bring comfort tools – Headphones, fidget toys, weighted lap pads
• Take breaks – Use quiet spots like The Seas pavilion or shaded gardens near Japan
• Consider Rider Switch – For families who need flexible ride options
• Stay onsite – Resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans Riverside offer quieter settings and convenient park access

Download Your FREE 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Autism-Friendly Planning Checklist!

To ensure a smooth and magical experience at the Food & Wine Festival, I’ve created a detailed Autism-Friendly Planning Checklist. This checklist is specifically designed for families like yours. It includes sensory tips and crowd management advice. Additionally, it provides food options and all the must-know details. These elements help reduce overwhelm and boost your family’s enjoyment.

👉 Download your FREE checklist here – start planning your perfect festival experience today!

Book Your 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Vacation

Planning your visit to the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I am a Certified Autism Travel Professional and a fellow autism parent. I help families plan stress-free Disney vacations tailored to their needs. This way, you can focus on the fun, not the logistics.

Ready to make your travel plans? Let’s create a personalized itinerary that works for your family’s unique preferences, pace, and needs.