Editor’s Note (Updated 2025):
This story was first written in 2011 after one of our many Disney World trips. Fourteen years later, we’re still EPCOT regulars, still holding Disney Vacation Club memories close to our hearts, and still talking about that unforgettable night at the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. It was one of those trips that perfectly captured our love for Disney, food, and a little bit of adventure.
Why Did We Keep Returning to Disney World?
Anyone who knows Cristina and me knows we seem to be at Disney World all the time. We’ve had annual passes more than once, and to us, walking through those gates feels like coming home (and since we are now DVC members, we will be going more).
There’s a quote I overheard at the entrance of Magic Kingdom that always stuck with me:
“You may walk in at age 37, but you’ll leave at age 7.”
That spirit perfectly describes what Disney means to us — joy, nostalgia, and a reminder to never take life too seriously.
🍷 What Made the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival So Memorable?
My favorite Disney event has always been the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The festival, held in EPCOT’s World Showcase, offered small tasting plates from around the world, along with wine, at a decent price. Inflation has caught up with the festival since 2011, but it is still pretty affordable. Well, Disney-affordable unless you have a tapeworm.
In 2011, Cristina and I discovered that using Disney gift cards made things easier. It saved us from juggling debit cards and cash at each booth, letting us relax and enjoy every sample. Now, in 2025, you can buy digital Disney gift cards for your phone, making it even easier. If you have physical cards, you can use them to purchase digital ones as well.
We also planned our visit to coincide with Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Party, a nighttime event running from 7 PM to 3 AM. The energy was incredible. A huge screen showed live marathon footage, most rides were open (though sadly not my favorite, Spaceship Earth), and the crowd was filled with a mix of runners and food lovers. Even better — the ticket was a few dollars cheaper than a regular park ticket!
What Were the Best Dishes at the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?
Here’s a taste of our global food journey from that night:
- 🇦🇺 Grilled Lamb Chop with roasted potato salad and red wine reduction (Australia)
- 🇨🇦 Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (Canada)
- 🇫🇷 Escargots with Garlic and Parsley in Brioche (France) (still all these things later that I crave!)
- 🇫🇷 Coq au Vin with mushrooms, pearl onions, and macaroni gratin (France)
- 🇮🇪 Lobster and Scallop Fisherman’s Pie (Ireland)
- 🇮🇪 Kerrygold Cheese Selection (Ireland)
- 🇲🇽 Ribeye Taco (Mexico)
- 🇳🇿 Seared Sea Scallop with apple slaw and lemon oil (New Zealand)
- 🇵🇹 Calamari Salad with fennel, smoked paprika, and olive oil (Portugal)
- 🇸🇪 Cured Salmon and Herring with Shrimp Salad (Scandinavia)
The only disappointment? The Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Purée. The tomato sauce overpowered every flavor, which was a shame because in 2009, the same dish with a different sauce was one of our favorites.
Still, the highs far outweighed the lows. Tasting dishes from multiple continents while strolling through EPCOT after dark was one of those “only at Disney” moments.
Who Joined Us at the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?
Food is always better with family. Cristina’s mom, Susan, joined us and got adventurous with Portuguese cuisine. Cristina couldn’t resist Singapore’s offerings, and I went straight for the escargot.
Throughout the evening, we met a few Disney characters, laughed with other guests, and took far too many photos of our food plates — no regrets. The mix of great flavors and that trademark Disney nostalgia made the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival something truly unforgettable.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival?
If you’re planning a trip to the Food and Wine Festival, early fall is ideal. During our 2011 visit, the crowds were light except for Columbus Day weekend, when locals tend to pour in. Of course, that is when our fall break is! Weekday evenings are typically the most relaxed, and at night, EPCOT transforms into a sparkling, grown‑up playground full of live music and glowing pavilions.
Crowds keep on growing, but the same rules apply. My in-laws are regular attendees of the Food and Wine Festival because it is such a great event.
For future trips, consider staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Beach Club Resort — both are within walking distance of EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance. Pop-Century and the other skyliner resorts are great choices as well.
💫 Why We Still Talk About the 2011 Festival
Looking back, the 2011 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival wasn’t just about food. It was about friendship, family, and rediscovering joy in familiar places. Each booth told a story, and every plate carried a little piece of the world.
To this day, EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival remains one of our top reasons to visit Disney World. We love that it caters to both the foodie in us and the kids who still believes in a little magic.
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