Hi Julia!
This year the fabulous
Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts even earlier with opening day being August 31! Every year this festival has grown and grown with new events and special experiences and I can't wait to see what is ahead for guests for 2017.
This festival is held around the World Showcase of the Epcot park. You do not need a separate ticket to enjoy it once you are in Epcot. The World Showcase opens at 11am each day and many guests enjoy some of the attractions in Future World in the morning and then head over to the festival area for the afternoon and evening. Save your appetite as there will be food booths all around the lake offering specialties from around the world. You can also enjoy tasting the various wines, beer, and spirits from countries so it is truly a culinary and beverage spectacle.
Be sure and check for the schedule of beverage seminars, food demonstrations, and the Eat to the Beat concert performers during your stay.
Disney does offer a special Food and Wine gift card that you can activate with as little as $15 to use as you graze from booth to booth making it easier for you.
Hints from me include avoid the Festival on the weekends as that is the busiest time. If you have young children with you avoid the weekends by all means and avoid nights. The least crowded times are from opening at 11am to 1pm where you will find the shortest lines. During busy times the lines can get really long and waiting for the bite size food tastes can get frustrating.
Finally, check out the Festival Center in Future World's old Wonders of Life building. There you can shop and find special products that are not sold anywhere else. This is also where many of the demonstrations are held.
Enjoy!