Hello, Bonjour, Ciao, and Konnichiwa, Beth-Anne!
Here at planDisney it’s always a treat to discuss dining at Walt Disney World, so let’s dig in to this tasty question!
As you’re aware, Walt Disney World Resort is home to four unique theme parks that transport Guests to worlds previously out of reach with their immersive theming. While in Magic Kingdom Park you can walk among the castles of beloved fairy tales, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will transport you to a bygone era of glamour, and although both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and EPCOT bring the world to Central Florida, Animal Kingdom focuses on the wildlife and conservation efforts of two continents while EPCOT’s World Showcase offers a plethora of authentic sights, sounds, and tastes from five of the world’s continents.
I’m happy to report, Beth-Anne, that the shops, dining, and attractions of EPCOT’s 11 country (plus the Refreshment Outpost)
World Showcase are open to Guests year round (pending refurbishment). You can conveniently find a map of the World Showcase in the My Disney Experience app that includes dining locations and menus. Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila and Italy’s Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar are my personal favorites for beverages and smaller bites.
The
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival differs from EPCOT’s traditional offerings in the World Showcase in that the Food & Wine Festival features Global Marketplaces hailing from more than just EPCOT’s traditional 11 countries. These Global Marketplaces are offered seasonally and in addition to EPCOT’s regular restaurants.
While EPCOT’s restaurants offer menus filled with a variety of authentic dishes from their respective countries, the Food & Wine Festival’s Global Marketplaces feature limited tastes and sips of traditional cuisine. While the menus of each country are limited, the sheer number of countries featured in each year’s International Food & Wine Festival will ensure you finish the day with a full belly.
It’s important to keep in mind that the dates and offerings of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival vary by year, but if you’d like an idea of what to expect, I encourage you to check out
2024’s information on the Disney Parks Blog.
It’s worth mentioning that while your March visit won’t fall during the Food & Wine Festival, you will arrive during the first week of the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Although the highlights of this particular festival are the colorful gardens and character-inspired topiaries, you’ll also want to check out the Outdoor Kitchens and their festival-exclusive menus. While typically fewer in number than the Global Marketplaces, their fare is no less tasty!
Cheers,
Lizzie