Why You Should SKIP the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival This Year and Do THIS Instead

While EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is one of Walt Disney World’s premier annual events, many guests may be unaware that there’s a SECOND Food & Wine Festival each year: The Food & Wine Classic, held at the Swan & Dolphin hotels.

2025 Food and Wine Classic

The annual event, which is usually in conjunction with the final weekend of EPCOT’s Festival, features two days of gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world, as well as live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks. The 2026 edition is scheduled for November 20th and 21st, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM each day.

During the event, the Michael Graves Causeway between the hotels – named for the architect who designed the iconic buildings – is filled with booths featuring food and beverages from the hotels’ 17+ eateries as well as local products to entertain the taste buds of foodies and fans. For example, during the 2025 fest, some of our favorite dishes included a take on a short rib from Bourbon Steak.

Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib

Then there’s the question of price. Currently, advance-purchase, event-only tickets including unlimited food and beverage tastings on the Causeway for Friday OR Saturday night are available for $215.00 per person ($234.90 with tax and service fees). A TWO-NIGHT EVENT BUNDLE ticket is also available, which offers a savings of 10% off of individually-priced one-night tickets. The Two-night Bundle is $387.00 per person ($422.94 with tax and service fees). In comparison, a single ticket to EPCOT on the 20th costs $194 and $199 on the 21st, without any included food.

Swan and Dolpin Resort

Furthermore, a room reservation discount for the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve is available for guests attending the Food & Wine Classic. The Food & Wine Classic discounted room rate must be booked in advance and is based on availability. Proof of event ticket purchase (ticket email confirmation) is required upon check-in to validate the discounted room rate. Discounted room rate is available for up to 4 days pre event and up to 4 days post event.

The 2025 event

The Swan & Dolphin’s Food & Wine Classic is returning in 2026, and for some visitors it just may be the preferable Food & Wine option at Walt Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the events.

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Have you ever been the Food & Wine Classic? Let us know in the comments below.