Epcot is kicking off their annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival the very same day that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in Walt Disney World, August 29, 2019.
But, with part of the focus of the festival being Wine, it has parents wondering if it’s a good place to bring their children.
5 Things To Do At Epcot International Food and Wine Festival With Kids
What are the dates for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?
This year, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will run from August 29 through November 23, 2019.
That means you have a full 87 days to experience the festival this year, the longest Food and Wine Festival to date.
Is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival appropriate for children?
It’s an appropriate question to ask, especially since the name of the festival is “Food and Wine.”
But, this is Disney. And they wouldn’t put on an event where anyone would be excluded. And that includes their smallest Guests.
In fact, Food and Wine isn’t that much different than any other day at Epcot. There are classes, demonstrations, decorations, and activities that are specific to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
And, of course, you’ll see the food booths placed in World Showcase.
But, even with Guests walking around with shirts sharing their desire to “Drink around the World (Showcase),” the atmosphere is nothing less than family friendly.
Kid Friendly Activities
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
Purchase your map and stickers from Festival merchandise locations and start looking for statuettes of Remy hidden all over World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.
Once you’ve found one, match the sticker that shows him holding the ingredient, and place it on your map.
Once you’ve found them all, bring your completed map to Disney Traders, located at the entrance to World Showcase, and choose a surprise.
You do have to purchase the map at the beginning of the scavenger hunt, but you do get a prize at the end of it.
Candy Sushi
Taking place every day at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, Disney chefs will teach little ones how to make candy sushi using gummies, fun strips, and crisped rice in Sunshine Seasons.
This year, there will be a $10 charge for this experience.
Reservations aren’t required, but they are recommended. After seeing how popular this experience was last year, I would recommend making that reservation ahead of time.
Family Play Zone
Sometimes little ones need to run off some energy. What better way than on a playground.
Look for this fun space over near Taste Track.
The Chocolate Experience
What child can resist chocolate?
With the Chocolate Experience, you can learn all about how chocolate bars are made.
Don’t forget to sample the chocolates! You’re also able to purchase gourmet drinking chocolate and shop for a bag of your favorite Ghirardelli Gourmet Chocolates while mom and dad select a wine and chocolate pairing.
Disney du Jour Dance Party
Upcoming Performers
- August 30 through August 31, 2019
Meg Donnelly (With U, Disney Channel’s Zombies) - September 13 through 14, 2019
Jenna Raine (A Letter to Me) - September 27 through September 28, 2019
Isabella Nicole (Headphones) - October 4 through October 5, 2019
Avenue Beat (Delight) - October 11 through October 12, 2019
Sky Katz (Like This, Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home) - October 18 through October 19, 2019
JAGMAC (Like a Band) - November 1 through November 2, 2019
AJ Mitchell (All My Friends) - November 8 through November 9, 2019
Kylie Cantrall (That’s What I’m Talkin’ Bout, Disney Channel’s Gabby Duran & The Unsittables) - November 15 through November 16, 2019
Erin Bowman (Good Time Good Life) - November 22 through November 23, 2019
Tegan Marie (Horses)
My biggest advice
Go early!
If you get there when the Park opens, not only are the lines shorter in the morning, you avoid the Guests who like to overindulge themselves.
We’ve gone to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival multiple years and we’ve never witnessed anyone who probably shouldn’t have had that last drink.
We attribute that to the fact that we like to go early and then leave Epcot for other nighttime shows or head back to the Resort for an early night.
