Ultimate Kid’s Guide to Epcot Food and Wine Festival
World Showcase has earned itself a notorious bad rap among guests under age 14. In fact, when I visited Epcot with my young cousins a few months ago (not during Epcot Food and Wine), the morning of our “Epcot Day” was met with eyerolls, groans, and protests. On the car ride to the Park, loud questions of “There aren’t rides in the countries!” and “The countries are BORING!” made the oversized SUV feel like we were all crammed into a tiny Smart car with no escape.
As a recovered Epcot-hater myself, I assured my cousins that there are, in fact, plenty of awesome things for them to experience. Even though they didn’t believe me, they ended up having a fantastic time touring World Showcase!
Those same cousins recently told me they were planning a trip during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. I was shocked to hear the same complaints that I thought we had overcome earlier this year. Their parents tried to excite them with the promise of tantalizing dessert options from the Outdoor Kitchens. However, they still fear boredom and under-excitement.
Both to save their parents’ sanity and the sanity of parents nationwide, I’ve compiled a list of fantastically engaging, and entertaining, family-friendly activities geared for kids. So, the next time you’re met with a groan on “Epcot Day”, have your kiddos check out this awesome lineup of offerings!
Eat to the Beat
The outrageously popular “Eat to the Beat” concert series is returning to the Epcot Food and Wine to rock the America Pavilion. Live bands and recognizable tunes that the whole family will enjoy will be heard! Even if your kids don’t know the bands, they will love to watch the musicians play instruments, sing, and dance. Pro tip: Watch the lighting effects as the sun sets over the American Adventure.
TIP: Sit towards the back of the theatre and stock up on Festival snacks before the first song starts to ensure your kids will be engaged even if their interest in the music waivers.
Disney Du Jour Dance Party
Of all of the family-friendly offerings, this is the one that invites kids to let go of their inhibitions and dance the night away under the Central Florida sky! In between drink stops on Friday and Saturday evenings during the Festival, parents are invited to let their kids cut a rug with a rotating cast of famous and friendly Disney characters! Who do you hope to dance with?
Remy’s Scavenger Hunt
Parents: picture yourself leisurely strolling through the France Pavilion casually contemplating which wine to order from the Outdoor Kitchens. With your choice in hand, you slowly walk through the French-inspired Pavilion, Then drink in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Festival in peace and solitude.
It may seem like a pipe dream, but thanks to Remy’s Scavenger Hunt, that reality can be yours for the taking! Remy is hiding all throughout World Showcase. While you and the adults in your party enjoy the Festival, challenge your children to find the elusive Remy. You can tour the Pavilions and it will keep them engaged and excited to move onto the next Pavilion! This makes the Food and Wine Festival so much fun for everyone!
Candy Sushi, Presented by Skittles
If I walk on my knees do you think anyone will notice that I’ve aged out of this complimentary offering? I’m hoping not ( I’m definitely going to try it) because the Disney Chef-led workshops are taking place daily at Sunshine Seasons, and I absolutely want in on this sweet event! Your kids will be taught the ropes of rolling sushi-inspired candy with a hands-on workshop that I wish existed when I was younger. This is a great way to spark interest in cooking and, if you’re lucky, you might wind up with a sous chef when you return home!
Located in World Showcase Plaza, an all-new playground welcomes kids of all ages. They’re able to climb, step, swing, and jump their way into forming new friendships in this year’s family-friendly space! When the Skittles sushi sugar rush hits, this is the perfect spot to take a mid-day break. You can let your children run wild (under your supervision, of course). If you plan it correctly, you can stop by the nearest Outdoor Kitchen. There you can grab a drink and snack to enjoy while you watch them play!
Epcot Food and Wine IS for Kids
There is a whole lot more to Epcot than meets the (child’s) eye, and this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival was definitely created with kids in mind. Not only can they dance, climb, and scavenger hunt their way through Epcot, but this year they can jump into the food-inspired action too!
If my cousins don’t sneak me into the candy sushi workshop, my Festival will certainly feel incomplete- what about yours? What family-friendly activity are your kids most excited for? Let me know in the comments below!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to be a part of your Disney vacation planning! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!