Hi Kerry,
Tasting your way around the world at the
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a great way to spend a day at Epcot.
When I have visited the Walt Disney World Resort in previous years whilst this event has been taking place, the World Showcase did open at 11:00 AM each day, just like normal.
If you want to make the most of your time at the Food & Wine Festival, I would highly recommend that you plan to visit mid-week as the event is extremely popular and crowd levels do increase massively at weekends with many locals and large groups attending.
I would also suggest that on the day of your visit, you make your way into the World Showcase as soon as it opens at 11:00 AM as you will find that it will only get busier as the day goes on.
Wishing you a magical holiday filled with memories which will last a lifetime!
Emma