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This is one of my favorite festivals at Epcot. Those of you who have been following me already know that I have three children under the age of five. While I enjoy going around the world getting a taste of all the traditional foods, I need to make sure that the littles are content for me to really indulge.
Here is what I recommend in preparing for your visit to this unforgettable Food and Wine Festival-
Do some prep work. Before we go, I look at all the food items available at the booths. This way, I already have an idea of what we are going to get, and what I can feed my littles. I also never plan for a sit-down meal for that park day. The Food and Wine Festival offers so much that a sit-down meal seems like a waste of time.
Bring snacks. My family prefers snacking while we tour the World Showcase. I make sure to pack plenty of snacks and quick sandwiches. Break out the Uncrustables! They’ll come in handy at one point during the day.
Don’t forget to hydrate. You’ll always find frozen water bottles in my cooler. I bring along the Yeti cups and strap them on our stroller hook when they aren’t in use. When my kids are drinking them, I use these silicone anchors. These anchors attach to the stroller so they don’t fall.
(Also, just an FYI, at quick service locations, Disney will give out free water in a paper cup. This way, if need be, you can always refill water bottles on a hot summer day).
Come prepared with this easy-to-use tray. Instead of trying to push a stroller and juggle our food, I recommend these trays . You can also use the canopy on the stroller to place the tray and enjoy your food items.
Stay cool. During this time of year, Florida gets very hot. I use these fans that attach to the stroller. My older two love the handheld portable fans too and they’re so inexpensive. Don’t hesitate to utilize the air-conditioned indoor rides and attractions to keep cool.
Avoid Friday and Saturday Evenings. The parks tend to fill with locals, and college kids going to enjoy the festival. Prioritizing doing the World showcase earlier in the day if you plan on going to Epcot on Friday or Saturday. Most festival booths are open by 11 am.
Ok, so now let’s get down to even MORE business at Epcot.
Quite often, I have heard people state that “Epcot is not a park for children.” This statement, my friends, could not be further from the truth.
So... What IS there to do with children at Epcot?
Well, let’s start at the beginning, at the very front of the park before you make your way to the World Showcase. Here you have three different areas of the park that accommodate young children - World Nature, Journey into the Imagination and World Discovery. Below are the tiny tot experiences that each offer-
World Nature
Turtle Talk with Crush. This is an interactive experience that will have you rolling in your seat!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Disney’s largest Aquarium that has sharks, and let’s not forget the air conditioning!
Epcot’s newest attraction at Journey of Water inspired by Moana. This attraction features the stunning Te Fiti herself. You are also able to interact with the water and watch it come to life.
Living with the Land. This is a calming boat ride through the greenhouses of Epcot. Riders can see where the food is grown fresh and used to prepare meals at Epcot’s Garden Grill (location).
Journey into the Imagination
Figment in World Celebration. At the end of this ride is an interactive play area where children can make music with colored floor tiles along with other hands-on activities.
Disney Pixar Short Film Festival.
A lesser known, which means less crowded, meet and greet with Mickey Mouse himself. There is also a separate meet and greet with Mickey for Chase Disney Visa Cardholders.
World Discovery
Mission Space. At this ride’s exit, there is a large indoor playground. Think 1990s McDonald’s style with interactive computer games. This is also a good place to take the little ones when waiting for a rider switch at Guardians of the Galaxy.
Nestled between Mission Space and World Celebration is an outdoor playground next to the creations shop. This is rarely crowded and a perfect spot to burn energy and decompress.
The Odyssey building is where you will find the baby care center. This place is amazing and is loaded with amenities. They have diapers, wipes and formula, and baby food available inside, a private nursing area for infants, a toddler sized toilet, highchairs, microwave to heat up food, sunscreen and feminine products…. Just to name a few things!
Did you really think that was it? Absolutely not.
Your Mandatory Pavilions Visits
Let’s make our way back over to the World Showcase….
The France Pavilion has Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or the Beauty and the Beast Sing Along. At Norway, you can journey along with Elsa and Anna on the Frozen Ride.
…And can we not forget about Mexico? Located in the Aztec Pyramid is the infamous boat ride featuring the Three Caballeros.
Don’t Miss the Kidcot Fun Stops!
Kidcot Fun Stops are in each country (some inside, some outside). At these areas, children can interact with cast members, color a post card and get a special sticker. Cast members will write down little greetings like “hello” in that country’s native language.
******Canada’s Kidcot location is one of my favorites. While the kids color, we get to enjoy the Canadian Filet Mignon, the bacon cheddar soup and, of course, a pint of Canadian beer. Make sure to check out the photo below. ******
…. And what about those characters meet and greets?
Winnie the Pooh (in Christopher Robins bedroom) and Mary Poppins in the UK, Alice in Wonderland, Elsa, Anna, Jasmine, Belle in her blue dress, Mulan… I mean do I really have to go on?
And Don’t Think the Food and Wine Festival Forgot about the Kiddos Either!
During the Festival there will be two scavenger hunts –
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit (available during the Halloween season)
Each hunt is about $10. Upon completion, you can make your way to Disney Traders, World Travelers or Creations to claim your adorable prize. Kids really love this one!
So if we want to revisit the question, “What is there to do with children at Epcot?” I think it’s safe to say that the answer is, “A LOT,” or possibly, “TOO MUCH.”
Remember everyone – Disney forgets NO ONE. Epcot is filled with wonderful experiences for all ages all throughout the year. The Food and Wine Festival just certainly adds different perks that you won’t find year-round. I can assure you that you will eat and drink some of the most flavorful delicacies from around the world, while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Make sure to book with me between August 29th, 2024 and November 23rd, 2024 if you want to experience EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE!
