It’s finally here—Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival for 2024! This year, the festival runs from August 29th to November 23rd, and there are more than 32 booths featuring snacks and drinks from around the world. We spent two amazing days eating, drinking, and shopping, so let’s dive into what’s new and what you absolutely have to try! Grab your festival passport and let’s go.
Festival Merch You Can’t Miss
The first thing we did was check out the festival merchandise. The designs this year are too cute, especially if you love Figment (and who doesn’t?!).
There’s a simple festival hat for $29.99 that’s perfect for a sunny day at Epcot.
If you want to stay cozy, there’s also a long-sleeved t-shirt featuring World Showcase icons, snacks, and Figment. It’s $44.99, and even though it’s a little warm for Florida weather, it’s so cute I might have to grab one!
Other standouts include the Corkcicle water bottle priced at $44.99.
And if you’re looking for something fun to add to your kitchen, the Spaceship Earth wine cork is only $19.99 and is absolutely adorable.
I love the peach and purple theme this year—it feels fresh, fun, and perfect for the festival vibe.
Now, on to the food!
Macatizer: Brand New Mac & Cheese Booth
First up, we checked out the new Macatizer booth, and it did not disappoint. This booth has four types of mac and cheese, including a plant-based option! Here’s what we tried:
- Chili Mac (plant-based): This mac and cheese was topped with Impossible chili, beans, green onions, cheese sauce, and a dollop of sour cream. It was super rich and cheesy, but the chili threw me off a bit. The beans weren’t what I expected for a chili mac—it was more like a soup-style chili. Still, for a plant-based dish, it’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
- Cheesesteak Mac: This was the star of the booth for us! The shaved beef was thin and tender, and the creamy cheese sauce balanced it perfectly. The parmesan crumbs on top added a nice crunch, and the peppers and onions were slightly spicy but sweet. A solid 4 out of 5 for sure!
We wanted to try the Kentucky Pumpkin Bourbon Barrel Ale, but the taps were down when we visited. I guess I’ll just have to come back and try it later (spooky season vibes!).
Fry Flight: Crispy and Delicious
Next, we grabbed the Fry Flight from the Fry Basket. This has been a festival favorite for a while, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s what was on the flight this year:
- Truffle Parmesan Fries: Crispy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned with parmesan—these were the clear winners of the flight. 5 out of 5 stars!
- Barbecue Bacon Fries: These fries were a little dry, even with the aioli on top. I was expecting more sauce, so they didn’t quite live up to the hype. They did have a slight spicy kick, though, which was nice. I’m giving these a 3 out of 5 stars.
- Sweet Potato Casserole Fries: These were basically dessert! They were topped with candied pecans, cinnamon, sugar, and marshmallow cream, but it melted pretty quickly in the heat. If you like sweet fries, these are for you. 3 out of 5 stars for these, just a little too sweet for my taste.
I loved being able to try all three flavors in one go, but if I had to pick just one, the truffle fries are the way to go.
Flavors From Fire: Impossible Sliders That Deliver
We also made a stop at Flavors From Fire to try the Impossible Montreal-Style Burger Slider. Last year’s slider was a bit dry, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this one was delicious! The tomato jam was sweet, and the creamy aioli added just enough moisture to balance the dish. This is the kind of plant-based dish I can get behind—5 out of 5 stars!
If you’re a fan of trying plant-based options that don’t sacrifice flavor, this is a must-try!
Milled and Mulled: Sweet Treats Galore
Time for dessert! We swung by Milled and Mulled and tried two desserts that we were excited about:
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing: This was amazing! The texture reminded me more of banana bread than carrot cake, but the spice was perfect, and the cream cheese icing wasn’t too sweet, cutting through the richness of the cake. 5 out of 5 stars for sure!
- Fig and Balsalmic Cheesecake: I wanted to love this, but it was a bit too soft and plain. It was hot outside, and the cheesecake just wasn’t holding up. The fig jam was flavorful, but the cheesecake itself didn’t have enough depth. I’m giving it a 2 out of 5, but it might be better if you take it home and let it chill.
- Chocolate Shop Chocolate Red Wine: If you’re in the mood for something truly different, the Chocolate Shop Chocolate Red Wine is worth a try. It tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry with a strong, slightly sour flavor. It’s definitely a unique experience! While it’s not something I’d drink in large quantities, it’s fun to try for a dessert-style wine. I’m giving it a 3 out of 5 stars—it’s good, but the small portion is more than enough for me.
Autumn Delights at Forest and Field
At Forest and Field, we tried the Pumpkin Mascarpone Ravioli and the Autumn Chili. Both of these were perfect for fall:
- Pumpkin Mascarpone Ravioli: This dish had creamy pumpkin filling with a sweet praline topping. The ravioli were small, but the flavors were rich and delicious. The pralines were a little too sweet for me, but if you’re a fan of sweet-savory combos, this will hit the spot. 5 out of 5 stars!
- Autumn Chili: This hearty dish was packed with bison, lamb, and pork belly, and served with cornbread. It was a little greasy, but the cornbread added just enough sweetness to balance it out. It’s perfect for those cooler days (if we ever get them in Florida). 4 out of 5 stars!
Bramblewood Bites: A Taste of Artisanal Dishes
One of the newer booths is Bramblewood Bites, located near the Imagination Pavilion. We weren’t too sure about eating such hearty dishes in the August heat, but the flavors were so worth it!
- Cider Brined Pork Tenderloin: This pork was juicy, tender, and paired perfectly with the fennel apple slaw and apple cider drizzle. 4 out of 5 stars for sure!
- Cast Iron Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These were fabulous! The Brussels sprouts were charred and crispy, the root vegetables added a nice earthy note, and the candied pecans brought in a touch of sweetness. This is a dish I’d love to recreate at home for Thanksgiving. 4 out of 5 stars!
- Spiced Apple Old Fashioned: This quickly became one of my festival favorites. It’s sweet and smooth, with just the right hint of apple cider to give it a fall flavor twist. The bourbon adds warmth, but the overall taste is more like sweet tea, which makes it perfect for sipping even in the Florida heat. This is a 5 out of 5 stars for sure! If you’re looking for a cocktail that captures the essence of autumn in a glass, don’t miss this one.
Swirled Showcase: Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat
Over at the Swirled Showcase booth, we indulged in the Liquid Nitrogen Frozen Sweet Potato with candied pecans and maple caramel sauce. Watching the dish being made was half the fun! The sweet potatoes were frozen with nitrogen, making them creamy and cold—just what you need on a hot Florida day. The flavor was rich and spiced with cinnamon and allspice, and the crunch from the pecans made it extra special. This is how you do autumn in Orlando! 5 out of 5 stars for this frosty fall treat.
Mexico: Bold Flavors and Spicy Sips
The Mexico booth brings some classic Mexican flavors with a festival twist. This year, we opted for a delicious flauta and a margarita with a spicy kick!
- Poblano Margarita: Made with tequila, corn whiskey, poblano liquor, and lime juice, this margarita had a nice earthy pepper flavor without being too spicy. The poblano liquor added a unique twist, making it one of my favorite drinks of the day. 5 out of 5 stars for this refreshing cocktail!
- Flauta de Barbacoa: This fried tortilla was soft and airy, stuffed with flavorful barbacoa beef. Topped with salsa verde, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco, it was a perfect balance of heat and freshness. The barbacoa was tender and juicy, giving this dish a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Wrapping Up the Festival Fun
After two days of eating, drinking, and exploring, I can confidently say this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival is packed with some truly amazing dishes. From the comforting flavors of fall to unique twists on classic favorites, there’s something for everyone.
What dishes are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the deliciousness from the rest of the festival season. We’ll be back soon for more foodie fun—and don’t forget, Christmas is just around the corner, so stay tuned for all the holiday magic!
