Tips For Enjoying Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

All reports coming out of Epcot point to the altered foodie fest going on being a truly different experience. While some visitors may just be happy to get the shadows of the annual special event others are questioning if the the effort is worth it. I've got some great tips for making the best of your 2020 experience at the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.


Taste of Epcot Festival Tips


Don't Eat While You Walk

Grab your small plates from the kiosks with your masks on and head directly to a spot where you can eat. Things are pretty different all across the Walt Disney World property and one of the latest rules is that to be able to remove their face masks, guests must be stationary. To encourage this more standing tables have been placed around World Showcase Promenade at socially responsible distances.


No Snacking While You Stroll


Be Sure To Look Down In Queue

Marketplace booths have been equipped with changed to accommodate for social distancing measure. Plexiglass shields have been installed at registers, new utensil dispensers have been placed, queue stanchions have been extended, and 6-ft apart markers have been placed on the ground. Don't be that guy that creeps up on the person in front of them. Simply look down at the grown and the markers will tell you where to stand.


Stay Socially Distanced In Queue


Pack Your Patience And Positive Attitude

While the Food and Wine experience has changed, remember you're still at Disney World! A little kindness goes a long way and during these difficult times and that is even more true. Give other guests a little leeway if they seem lost or confused. Be patient with Disney Cast members who are struggling to balance the magic with social responsibility. Most of all decide you're going to have the best Disney day possible, and then allow it to happen.


Pack Your Positive Attitude


Balance Your Booze And Hydration

The festival has begun earlier than ever, and some of the changes reported include no more tasting flights. This means guests will have to purchase full 6oz or 12oz beer and cider options. While this may seem annoying to some, those who decide to power through and taste all the full options need to remember to balance those beers (and other alcoholic beverages) with bottles of water.


Water is Readily Available in Disney Parks


Try Something New On The Menu

Food and Wine Festival fans all have their favorite dishes that they hope will return year after year. Many of them do, which has led to recent grumblings of boring and repetitive menus. During this tasting event however many of the menu items from Flower and Garden Festival have stayed around to shake up the ordinary with some fresh flavors. While we all need a little comfort (food) right now, be adventurous and give something new to you a try as well. Perhaps these Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops will do the trick. I've also heard excellent things about the Mac and Cheese Booth!


Liquid Nitro Cake Pops


Bring Some Extra Cash

Without the ability to use the Disney Dining Plan to defray costs of eating your way around the world, costs can quickly skyrocket. These small plates often cost upward of $8 or $9 for the snack size portion. If you're used to playing the Food and Wine game of managing your snack credits for a full festival meal you may find that costs you upwards of $25 to $30. Since Disney prefers touchless payment options right now, I highly recommend using your MagicBand or ApplePay.


Use Touchless Pay Systems


Obviously the limited Festival doesn't have the same look or feel that we've all come to expect. However, it is a great way to expand dining availability throughout the Park and offer some small sense of normalcy to guests. Thanks so much to our friends at the Disney Food Blog for exclusive use of their images used in this post.

If you head to Epcot while the Taste is running (now through sometime this fall) go with an open mind, and empty stomach, and a heart full of Disney magic.