Food lovers have plenty to look forward to as the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026 prepares to return to Walt Disney World.
Running from August 27 through November 21, 2026, the annual festival will bring together dishes and drinks inspired by cuisines from around the world, with EPCOT’s chefs serving both returning favourites and new creations across the Global Marketplaces.
This year’s edition is particularly significant as the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, with 30 dishes returning or being reimagined from previous editions.
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026 dates
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026 will take place from August 27 to November 21.
Across the festival, visitors can explore food and beverage offerings representing different culinary traditions while moving through EPCOT’s World Showcase and festival locations.
Among this year’s highlights are familiar favourites alongside several new dishes.
Returning favourites and new dishes
The 2026 Foodie Guide includes several returning offerings that longtime festival visitors may recognise.
Among them is the Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli at Forest & Field and the Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer at Australia.
The festival is also introducing new bites, including Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy and a Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt at Hops & Barley.
The combination of returning dishes and new creations gives visitors an opportunity to revisit popular festival flavours while discovering something different.
30th anniversary brings back special dishes
The festival’s 30th anniversary is one of the major themes of this year’s celebration.
To mark three decades of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, 30 items from the festival’s history have returned or been reimagined.
These anniversary offerings will be identified with a special 30th anniversary icon in the official Foodie Guide, making them easier for visitors to spot while planning their food crawl.
For longtime EPCOT visitors, the anniversary menu provides an opportunity to revisit flavours associated with previous festival editions.
Emile’s Fromage Montage returns
Cheese lovers will once again have a dedicated food trail to follow with Emile’s Fromage Montage.
The popular stroll features selected cheese-focused dishes available at participating Global Marketplaces.
Visitors can pick up a Festival Passport and collect stamps by purchasing five qualifying offerings.
After completing the food stroll, guests can head to Shimmering Sips to redeem the festival treat associated with the experience.
The qualifying dishes are identified with a cheese symbol in the festival’s Foodie Guide.
The Wedge celebrates cheese
Cheese takes centre stage in another festival experience at CommuniCore Hall.
The interactive “Cheers to Cheese!” exhibit will be open from September 18 through November 8.
Hosted by Dairy Does More, the experience is designed to explore the history and variety of cheese through interactive elements and food offerings.
Guests can expect options including a Cannoli Milk Shake, a cheese flight and macaroni and cheese at The Wedge.
The exhibit adds another dimension to the festival beyond the traditional marketplace food stops.
Disney Gift Card wristlets return for festival spending
Disney is also offering a practical option for guests who want an easier way to pay while exploring the festival.
Exclusive Disney Gift Card wristlets featuring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck enjoying sweet treats will be available at merchandise locations throughout EPCOT during the festival.
The wearable gift cards require a minimum $15 activation and can be used at the Global Marketplaces as well as other locations that accept Disney Gift Cards.
For guests planning to sample multiple dishes throughout the day, the wristlets can provide a convenient way to keep payment close at hand.
What to expect at EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026
The 2026 festival brings together several elements that have made the event popular over the years: international flavours, limited-time dishes, themed food trails and special anniversary offerings.
From the Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli and bushberry-spiced shrimp to the new chicken dumplings and brisket-and-cheddar melt, the menu offers plenty of options for visitors looking to build their own culinary itinerary.
With the event’s 30th anniversary also being celebrated through returning and reimagined dishes, this year’s festival could be particularly appealing to longtime EPCOT fans.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026 runs from August 27 to November 21, 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort.
