Why We're Anxious About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival This Year

Believe it or not, the 2025 edition of EPCOT’s premier event — the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is just about two months away, and we’re feeling…anxious.

2024 Food and Wine Festival

As always, the 2025 Food and Wine Festival — which is scheduled to run from August 28th through November 22nd — will be a “culinary adventure across 6 different continents.” However, as stoked as we are for the festival — and the FOOD — some elements have us a bit worried.

The Weather

As always, when it comes to the Orlando area in late August and early September, it’s going to be HOT during the opening weeks of the Food & Wine Festival. So those heading to the festival will definitely need to stay hydrated with water between their food and drinks.

Germany Festival Booth

Furthermore, the Fest is taking place right smack in the middle of Atlantic Hurricane Season. While this is normal for Food & Wine, the 2025 Hurricane season is predicted to be very active.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a “confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes,” could mead to more activity than normal, which could have effects throughout the event’s run.

Jam-Packed Opening Week Crowds

Speaking of the Food & Wine Festival’s opening week, it promises to be a PACKED one in Orlando. In addition to the festival’s August 28th launch, the following day will see the start of the three-day Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney event.

©Disney

This sold-out, exclusive for D23 Gold Members event, will provide guests the opportunity to “celebrate beloved moments and memories with behind-the-scenes stories, and special guests and performances”, “buckle in for a sneak peek at the company’s boundless future”, and “be among the first to access exclusive shopping opportunities, and experience plenty of surprises at this fan-favorite event!”

As if that wasn’t enough, August 28th will also see the opening of Universal’s 2025 Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

Suffice to say, these three major events will draw a lot of guests to the Orlando area, likely leading to the Festival’s first few days being even more crowded than usual opening festival days.

Where are the Seminars?

For years, seminars, tastings, and demonstrations were a huge part of what made the Food & Wine Festival special. However, they haven’t been a major part of the event for several years now, and nothing is confirmed for a 2025 full comeback. This is especially confusing since the Flavors of Florida event at Disney Springs IS offering food and drink seminars.

Cheese Seminar at Epcot Food and Wine Festival back in 2016.

How Will Communicore Hall Be Utilized?

Speaking of seminars, where could they be held? Why, Communicore Hall, of course. After all, the massive space was touted as one that would bring “the center of the park to life seasonally as an ever-changing hall to highlight art, live music, food, and more,” especially during Festivals. As of now, however, there’s nothing announced for the space during Food & Wine.

CommuniCore Hall

While we’re as excited as ever for the Food & Wine Festival, some elements of this year’s fest are giving us anxiety and call for a bit more planning! But don’t worry, we are here to help!! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the 2025 event.

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What are you looking forward to a Food & Wine 2025? Let us know in the comments below.