While many things are different right now at Walt Disney World, you can be sure to find the same amazing quality of delicacies at the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival this year. The festival, which has been running since July with an indefinite end date this fall, will be sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
There are over twenty kiosks celebrating flavors from not only the countries and states but fabulous sponsors. The destinations showcased are Africa, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, and Hops and Barley - America’s pavilion. You will also find the sponsored kiosks Appleseed Orchard, Citrus Blossom, Desserts and Champagne, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible, Flavors From Fire hosted by the NFL on ESPN, Mac and Cheese hosted by Boursin Cheese, Shimmering Sips.
Besides the designated kiosks, specialty items such as “Street Corn Funnel Cake” and limited-time beverages like “The American Adventure” can also be throughout the World Showcase at different locations.
Each marketplace seems to have outdone themselves this year, and it will be hard for you to find a favorite! Most popular of this year are:
1. Mexico’s Ribeye Taco, a ribeye taco with ranchero salsa in a corn tortilla topped with onions, chives and a lime wedge.
2. Germany’s Roast Bratwurst in a Prop and Peller Pretzel roll (and be sure to try the Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce while there, one of my personal favorites!)
3. Lobster Tail at The Citrus Blossom served with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon
Entertainment abounds with Jammitors, a funky, drumming crew that turns any household item into a drum and Mariachi Cobre, world-famous musicians playing traditional folk music from Mexico. While musicians are not allowed to play and stroll throughout as they usually do, you can find both at some point in Epcot’s open-air theatre with plenty of physical distancing space to stretch out and enjoy the music!
For scavenger hunt fans, be sure to pick up a map and stickers at many of the stores throughout Epcot, priced at $7.99, and “help Remy as he explores World Showcase” by collecting ingredients for his signature dish. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt will have children and adults enjoying themselves as they go from kiosk to kiosk filling in their maps and trying dishes along the way. It’s so much fun for the whole family!
As a sweet remembrance of the day, head to one of the Pop-Up shops for festival merchandise and purchase a souvenir. Our favorite was the Remy shoulder plushes. Using magnets, Remy fixes himself on your shoulder and can enjoy the festival with you from your viewpoint!
Guests are asked to be respectful of others in wearing their masks and adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Guests are not allowed to walk around while eating sans masks and are asked to relax for a few minutes at one of the many tables set up and enjoy their food and drinks. Overall though, I didn’t feel that this year’s festival lost one bit of the magic that it usually encompasses. You will still find yourself just as happy (and just as full!) when you leave the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival this year.
| Jade Monzo is the owner of Rope Drop Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. She lives with her husband and seven little ones ages ten and under. She enjoys helping with her children’s school PTO’s and all things Disney. |
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