EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is here: How to hack it

It’s far from sweater weather in Florida, but that didn’t stop eager Walt Disney World guests from lining up for toasty treats like Autumn Chili and Grilled Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin on Thursday as EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicked off.

This year’s fan-favorite festival features more than 240 flavors across more than 30 different Global Marketplace locations centered on geographic regions like Hawaii or Mexico, culinary themes like Forest and Field, or genres of food like french fries. Of course, there are some light and refreshing treats too, like Mango Peach Bubble Tea.

Here’s what you should know about one of Walt Disney World 's most popular festivals.

What are the dates for the Food and Wine festival at EPCOT in 2024?

This year’s Food and Wine festival spans nearly three months, from Aug. 29 to Nov. 23.

What’s new at EPCOT Food and Wine this year?

There are dozens of new food and beverage offerings this year, including a variety of regionally inspired hot dogs at Flavors of America, Liquid Nitrogen Frozen Sweet Potato Mousse at Swirled Showcase, and boozy Greek Melon Limeade at the Greece booth.

There’s also a new festival space, CommuniCore Hall , which opened in June, marking the end of EPCOT’s years-long transformation . CommuniCore Hall is home to the macaroni-and-cheese-centered Macatizers kiosk and year-round Festival Favorites quick-service venue .

Is EPCOT Food and Wine free?

Like all EPCOT festivals, the event is included with park admission, but food and drinks must be purchased separately.

What are the 4 EPCOT festivals?

EPCOT’s four festivals are:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Does EPCOT still have the scavenger hunt?

Two scavenger hunts are available during EPCOT's Food and Wine festival: Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit . You have to buy an activity map to earn a completion prize for each, but you can casually search for hidden Ratatouille figurines and decorated pumpkins around the park for free.

There's also the cheesy challenge Emile’s Fromage Montage . Guests who order five cheese-related items from a set list get a completion treat for free. The list of applicable dishes is available in the festival’s free booklet.

How late are EPCOT Food and Wine booths open?

Festival Global Marketplace booths are open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily, just in time to grab one last snack before Luminous The Symphony of Us, the nighttime spectacular on World Showcase Lagoon.

Many of the booths are located around World Showcase, but some are scattered throughout the park, like Coastal Eats near Mission: SPACE and Earth Eats near The Land .

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How to make the most of EPCOT Food and Wine

1. Check menus in advance

With so much to eat and drink, it’s easy to fill up before you get very far round the park. Scope out Global Marketplace menus online or in the festival booklet, so you can figure out what you want to save room for.

2. Set a limit

Each dish or drink may not seem too expensive, but they add up. Consider capping your spending by purchasing a gift card for an amount you’re comfortable spending. Once you hit your limit, you can decide if you want to load more money onto the card. Any remaining balance can be used on merchandise or other Disney expenses beyond the festival.

Sharing dishes across your travel party also lets you sample more flavors without overspending or filling up. Friends can take turns footing the bill .

3. Try something new

This is the time to step outside your comfort zone and try something you may not normally order at a restaurant.

Who knows? You may like the controversial Pickle Milk Shake at Brew Wing lab or love with the Paella Negra with squid ink rice, shrimp, bay scallops, octopus and garlic aïoli at the Spain kiosk.

4. Take breaks

This festival may stretch into fall, but it will still feel like summer most days. Take breaks along the way in air-conditioned attractions like Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros , Reflections of China , The American Adventure , Impressions de France , Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along , and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 .

Also make sure to drink plenty of water. Cups of cold water are available for free wherever dispensed drinks are sold.

5. Stay for a show

Each night through Nov. 18, you can catch a live concert from artists like The Fray, Tiffany, Aloe Blacc, Yellowcard, and Boys II Men.

It’s part of the festival’s Eat to the Beat series. Showtimes are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. in the America Gardens Theatre.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is here: How to hack it