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Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2026

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The gist

EPCOT Food and Wine Festival runs Aug 27-Nov 21, 2026, with new bites like Basil Pesto.
The festival's 30th anniversary adds a cheese exhibit and themed playground, drawing foodie crowds.

Background

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual event at Walt Disney World, running from late August to November. It features global marketplaces, food and drink offerings, and entertainment. The 2026 edition marks the festival's 30th anniversary, with new menu items and special exhibits like the 'Cheers to Cheese!' interactive display in CommuniCore Hall.

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 2026Disney confirmed the 2026 festival dates and early menu details, including returning items and food strolls.
  2. Jun 2026BlogMickey shared the full 2026 Eat to the Beat concert lineup for the America Gardens Theatre.
  3. Jul 2026Kiosk installation began at EPCOT, marking the festival's first physical construction milestone.
  4. Aug 15, 2026Disney's new solar-powered trash cans with sloped tops caused a stir as they prevent use as makeshift tables.
  5. Aug 18, 2026Signage on two dozen Global Marketplace kiosks confirmed returning favorites like Mexico, Italy, Japan, and Brew-Wing Lab. Theming added to EPCOT playground for the festival.
  6. Aug 19, 2026Disney Parks Blog released the full Foodie Guide, revealing new and returning food items, including Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings and Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt.
  7. Aug 27, 2026Festival begins, running through November 21, 2026.

Who’s saying what

Parkgoers
Visitors are disappointed that new trash can designs prevent using them as informal dining tables, a park culture tradition.
Disney
Disney introduced high-tech solar-powered trash cans that compact garbage for efficiency, with themed designs.

Sources

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