Welcome to planDisney, Charlene!
You’re a girl after my own heart. I love planning my Walt Disney World vacations around the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Wine and cheese? Yes, please!
The
Disney Parks Blog just released some tasty details about the 2025 festival, which will run from August 28 through November 22. One of the returning fan favorites is
Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cheese-lovers “tour” where guests purchase five select cheese-based dishes from designated Global Marketplaces, collect stamps in their Festival Passport, and redeem them at Shimmering Sips for a special treat (usually a dessert like cheesecake or a soft-serve swirl). Unfortunately, there isn’t a dairy-free version of the tour at this time. Because it’s centered around cheese, the featured dishes are all dairy-based. As of now, Disney hasn’t announced any alternatives for guests who are dairy-free.
That said, you can absolutely still enjoy the Festival Passport, which is complimentary and available at most Marketplaces. It’s a great guide to all the dishes, concerts, and experiences, and it makes a fun souvenir, too. The passport also includes a QR code that links to Disney’s allergy-friendly and plant-based menus, which can help you find dairy-free options across the festival. While these dishes won’t count toward the Emile’s Fromage Montage prize, you can still create your own culinary adventure! In the past, booths have featured some delicious dairy-free bites, so I’d keep an eye out for the official Foodie Guide (usually released in June or July) for updated menu details.
And if you’re looking for a fun festival activity that is totally dairy-free, I recommend
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a family-friendly scavenger hunt where you search for Remy statues around the World Showcase. You can even earn a prize when you complete your map!
Oh, and one more thing you don’t need to be lactose-tolerant to enjoy...the
Eat to the Beat Concert Series! Most evenings, the America Gardens Theatre comes hosts performances from popular bands from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. If you’re a Hanson fan (guilty!), this is your moment. Consider booking the Concert Series Dining Package for a great meal and guaranteed concert seating.
I hope this gives you a “gouda” idea of what to expect, Charlene! Please feel free to stop by again if you have more questions. We’re always here to help.
See ya real soon,
Eean