Live Life On Vacation
with The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando Blog Plan the Perfect EPCOT® Food & Wine Festival Trip with These 11 Insider Tips
© Disney
Fine dining, curated wines, and exquisite accommodations come together to define what an Orlando escape should truly feel like. Guests staying at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando enjoy luxury living just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, making it the perfect place to stay for the EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival. Beautifully appointed vacation homes combined with premium resort services create the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and elevated living.
If you’re planning to indulge in one of the park’s most celebrated annual events, these curated tips will help you make the most of your experience.
A Celebration of Global Flavors
The EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival is an annual showcase of global cuisine, fine wines, and culinary craftsmanship. Running from late August through mid-November, the festival features dozens of outdoor kitchens across the entire park, each serving thoughtfully crafted dishes and specialty beverages.
It’s a feast for the senses with live entertainment, seasonal offerings, and culinary demonstrations by world-class chefs. Guests return year after year for a taste of something new and the comforts of their favorite festival classics.
1. Start Light, Savor More
Starting the day with a light breakfast, like a smoothie or fresh fruit, is a simple way to ease into the morning while leaving room for the flavors that await at the festival. You can prepare something fresh at home, or, if you’re staying at The Bear’s Den, take full advantage of your private chef-style kitchen to craft a relaxed morning spread.
If you prefer to go out to eat, Bear’s Den guests can visit one of the many on-property dining options for a relaxed morning bite or a full-service breakfast.
2. Curated Essentials for a Seamless Festival Day
Before your first sip or bite, be sure to pack with Florida’s weather in mind. Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen will serve you well. As temperatures can dip slightly in the later months, we recommend packing a light jacket or sweater.
Bringing a small day bag with a refillable water bottle, a portable fan, and a rain poncho or compact umbrella will ensure you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
3. Let the Bear's Den Handle the Drive
Guests at The Bear’s Den Resort can take advantage of complimentary transportation to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Skip the parking lots and arrive at EPCOT® relaxed and ready to explore. Reserving a shuttle is easy and can be arranged through the resort concierge or by booking online through the Reunion Resort Website (opens in a new tab). It’s one less thing to think about, and more time to enjoy your day.
4. Your Key to a Smooth Festival Day
Simplify your day with the convenience of a Disney MagicBand. It streamlines park entry, Lightning Lane access, and mobile payments, allowing you to stay fully immersed in the experience. For added ease, link a Disney gift card to your MagicBand to make transactions at festival booths quick and contact-free. With every detail handled for you, your attention can remain on exceptional flavors and meaningful moments.
5. The Art of Festival Planning
Before you begin tasting your way around the park, review the latest booth menus in the Disney Parks app or pick up a printed festival guide at the entrance. Creating a list of must-try dishes ensures you make the most of your visit without missing anything special.
Pacing is everything. Start light, hydrate often, and take breaks between tastings to enjoy live music or a ride or two. This festival is a marathon, not a sprint.
6. Taste the World, One Dish at a Time
During the festival, EPCOT® transforms into a global tasting tour where every booth feels like a new stamp in your culinary passport. Small plates and signature sips from every continent invite you to try something unexpected or revisit a longtime favorite. You might sample roasted lamb in Australia, sip a smoky cocktail in Canada, or enjoy a chocolate dessert in Belgium, all in one afternoon.
Take your time as you stroll between bites, enjoying live music, seasonal displays, and the rich detail in each World Showcase pavilion. With global flavors, entertainment, and world-class attractions like Soarin’ Around the World and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure nearby, it’s a celebration you can enjoy at your own pace.
7. Music Paired with Every Bite
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series adds a rhythmic touch to your festival evening, with popular bands and recording artists performing throughout the season at the America Gardens Theatre. Concert admission is included with your EPCOT® park ticket, making it easy to catch a show as part of your day. Past acts have included fan favorites like Boyz II Men, Hanson, Sugar Ray, 98°, Sheila E., and Joey Fatone, bringing high-energy performances that span generations. Arrive early to secure premium seating or consider a dining package that includes reserved spots for select shows.
8. Stay Refreshed Between Tastings
With so many wines, craft beers, and cocktails to sample, hydration is key. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of refill stations throughout the park. Staying cool and hydrated ensures you can enjoy more of the experience, from day into evening.
9. Family Fun Along the Way
The festival isn’t just for adults. Kids will enjoy activities like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a playful scavenger hunt around the World Showcase.
Look out for kid-approved snacks at select booths, along with interactive exhibits and family-friendly entertainment. There’s something for every palate and age group.
10. Bring the Experience Home
Gourmet pantry items, cookbooks, and culinary merchandise make perfect souvenirs. Pick up ingredients or inspiration to recreate festival flavors back in your villa’s chef-style kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to extend the experience beyond the park.
11. More Than a Resort, A Destination
The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando is a preferred partner of Reunion Resort and Encore Resort at Reunion, giving guests access to an exceptional collection of experiences. Enjoy championship golf courses, fine dining, private in-home chef services, full-service spa treatments, and complimentary access to three water parks, including the award-winning Island H2O Water Park.
Each vacation home is thoughtfully designed for upscale living, with features such as private pools, game rooms, movie theater rooms, gourmet kitchens, and spacious gathering areas that offer comfort, style, and privacy.
Where Exceptional Taste Meets Unmatched Comfort
With The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando as your home away from home, each festival day ends in refined comfort. Enjoy every flavorful bite, every cultural discovery, and every luxurious moment of downtime.
Reserve your luxury stay and make this year’s EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival your most unforgettable yet.
Live Life on Vacation at the The Bear’s Den.
More From The Bear's Den Blog
Experience Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® with a Taste of Luxury
Experience 3 Premier Water Parks with Your Stay at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando
A New Era of Magic: What’s Coming to Walt Disney World® in Summer 2025
The Advantages of Direct Booking with the Bears Den Resort vs. Airbnb
