Eat, Sip and Explore: Two Foodie Favorite Events at Walt Disney World Resort

Ally Golden • September 2, 2026

Global Flavors and Award-Winning Chefs Give Horizon West Foodies Plenty to Savor this Fall

Autumn in Central Florida doesn’t always bring chilly temperatures or changing leaves, but around Walt Disney World Resort, the season has arrived with flavor and excitement. From late August through November, Horizon West foodies can experience two of the area’s most anticipated culinary celebrations year after year: the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic.



EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

At EPCOT, this year's annual celebration returns August 27 through November 21, 2026, transforming the theme park into a culinary tour around the world. Now in its 30th year, the festival features more than 30 global marketplaces, offering everything from international delicacies to unique desserts, beverages and plenty of plant-based and family-friendly options.

Photo courtesy of Ally Golden

This year’s milestone anniversary brings a fun twist for guests: 30 dishes have returned or been reimagined from the festival’s history, giving longtime fans a chance to revisit some favorites while discovering new creations.


Among the returning selections are the Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli at Forest & Field and the Grilled Bushberry-Spiced Shrimp Skewer at the Australia marketplace.


New offerings include Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy and a Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt at Hops & Barley. Yum!


Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt

Photo courtesy of Disney: ©2026 Disney. All rights reserved.

One of the festival’s most popular traditions, Emile’s Fromage Montage, is also back. Guests can purchase five cheese-inspired dishes throughout the park, collecting stamps in their Festival Passport along the way. When you complete the food stroll, a complimentary festival treat awaits.


For families, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt offers another way to explore World Showcase. Guests can purchase a map and themed stickers before searching for Remy and the ingredients he has hidden throughout EPCOT. An exclusive festival keepsake waits for you at the end of the hunt!



Photo courtesy of Ally Golden

And, it wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without the music. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns to the American Gardens Theatre in the America pavilion, with performances scheduled for nearly every night.


The 2026 lineup includes artists Lauren Alaina, Fitz and The Tantrums and Grace Potter, alongside a diverse roster of musical guests representing a range of genres. A perpetual fan favorite, The Beach Boys are returning this year on November 11 and 12, and John Stamos is expected to appear with them once again. Make your park reservations now!


Concerts are included with EPCOT admission, while dining packages are available for guests who want to pair a meal with guaranteed seating. A standby queue is also available.


There’s even more cheese to discover this year, too! Beginning on September 18, CommuniCore Hall will host “Cheers to Cheese!,” an interactive experience celebrating the history and versatility of one of the world’s most beloved foods. Guests can explore cheese-focused displays and enjoy offerings including a cheese flight, Crab and Corn Macaroni and Cheese and a Cannoli Milk Shake. This experience will run through November 8.

Left: Crab and Corn Macaroni and Cheese. Right: Cannoli Milk Shake.

Photos courtesy of Disney: ©2026 Disney. All rights reserved.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Just beyond the walls of EPCOT, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers an equally tempting fall experience. Returning for its 17th year on November 20 and 21, the two-night event takes over the resort’s scenic causeway from 5 to 9 p.m., creating a lively street-party atmosphere centered around food, wine, beer and themed entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

More than 50 culinary creations will be served throughout the weekend, representing restaurants across the Swan and Dolphin Resort, including Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino, Amare and Rosa Mexicano.


The event also features more than 170 beverage selections and returning areas such as the Beer Garden, For the Love of Florida, Chinatown and the Bubble Lounge.

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Menu highlights include Wagyu Beef Short Rib from Bourbon Steak, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil from Rosa Mexicano, Blackened Cedar Plank Grouper from For the Love of Florida and a Mini Smash Burger from The Fountain.


Wine enthusiasts can enjoy unlimited samples from around the world, while the Bubble Lounge and Beer Garden offer their own experiences.


Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Whether you spend an afternoon sampling your way around EPCOT or schedule a November staycation weekend for the Swan and Dolphin’s culinary celebration, fall around Walt Disney World Resort offers something Florida does so well: giving you an excuse to gather, eat, explore and celebrate, even if you still need a T-shirt instead of a sweater.


Learn more:

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival


Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic



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