It’s heeeeere… the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has officially begun!!
And since the first day of the Festival is my favorite day of the year, I’m here, too, of course! The DFB Team has been hard at work tasting our way around every single Marketplace Booth to let you know the items you absolutely MUST EAT at the Festival this year!
Be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth Page to see pictures of every single dish at the Festival. Just click through the links for each booth to see pictures of all your favorite dishes, along with every single new one from this year!
Then meet me right back here to check out our recommendations for the BEST of the FEST!
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle at Chew Collective
Layers of thick peanut butter mousse and white chocolate mousse with some sugared peanuts on top make up this dessert at Chew Collective…and it’s my idea of perfection. Super rich and salty-sweet, you will not be disappointed.
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle
It’s a small portion, but the sweetness will knock your socks off.
Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese at Chew Collective
Plan on arriving hungry to Chew Collective — you’ll want to also get that peanut butter mousse we just talked about.
Seriously crazy good. Cooked perfectly, the skewer showcased medium/medium rare beef. I found the marinated flavor to be spot on. To be fair, Chef Dee Foundoukis was working the booth so I’m sure she had something to do with the outstanding taste. ;-D
Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese
What’s not to love about meat on a stick?!
Seared Scallop, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce at Wine & Dine Studio
Seared lightly, this lush scallop dish featured at Wine & Dine Studio was fresh, earthy, and savory.
Seared Scallop with Truffled Celery Root Puree, brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms
Our favorite of the surrounding ingredients was that Truffled Celery Root Purée — creamy and delicious!
Red Wine Chocolate Truffle at Chocolate Studio
Looking for a decadent little treat? Stop by the Chocolate Studio! This truffle is for my wine and chocolate lovers. The mousse-like texture adds to the indulgence. Give it a try — it’s only a bit over $2.
Red Wine Chocolate Truffle
I noted a distinct wine flavor; if you don’t like red wine, this isn’t for you.
Frozen Mojito at Islands of the Caribbean
While this year’s returning mojito at Islands of the Caribbean is being served in a smaller glass, it’s still one of my standbys for cooling off during a hot festival day. Always good — it still has a super refreshing flavor.
Frozen Mojito
Tart with just a hint of muddled mint, it’s a festival classic!
Sprecher Hard Orange Cream Soda Float at Desserts and Champagne
If you recall, the selections at Desserts & Champagne Booth haven’t exactly wowed me at past festivals. That all changed with last year’s Orange Blossom Brewery Toasted Coconut Porter Float with Caramel Ice Cream. Now there’s a new float that has won me over — the Sprecher Hard Orange Cream Soda Float. Super fun, right?
Hard Sprecher Orange Cream Soda Float
Served in a unique glass, this orange cream float is super fun for for the grown-ups. But don’t worry, kiddos — there are non-alcoholic floats available here as well! Try the grape fanta version!
Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider at Farm Fresh
Now, we’re not recommending that you bypass the mac ‘n cheese at Farm Fresh this year. We just think you should wash it down with Elderberry Hard Cider. This beverage is not too sweet and very refreshing.
Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider
Don’t pass this one up; you can thank me later. 😉
Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine at China
This one surprised me. A refreshing and fruity flavored cooler at China, we love the sweet-tart taste. Sooooo good! Muddled strawberries add to the decadence of this blend. (A tip from DFB: This one goes down super easy. ;D)
Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler
And it’s totally worth the wait in the super hot, no-shade-to-be-found line.
Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi at South Korea
Returning for the second year in a row to our Best of the Fest list, you’ll want to experience the deliciousness that is Korean-style BBQ Beef at the South Korea booth.
While a little bit on the salty side, this rich (due to the fatty texture of the short ribs) dish has a delicious, spicy flavor.
Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
DFB can recommend both the vegan and regular versions.
Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese Served on Griddled Garlic Toast at Hops & Barley
OK, some barbecue can be pretty mediocre — especially at Disney, but Hops & Barley gets bragging rights for a perfect brisket. This stick-to-your-ribs grub is SO good!
Super savory and perfect with the pimento cheese, you’ll love the great texture. Eat it as-is — make sure you get a bite of the buttery toast in the mix!!
Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
But wait. There’s another comfort food that you shouldn’t miss at Hops & Barley. Read on…
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing at Hops & Barley
Every carrot cake that I recommend must be finished with cream cheese icing. THIS super moist (so moist it’s almost a pudding) carrot cake has now become my favorite thing at the festival because, well, WARM cream cheese icing. And don’t forget to ask for extra icing like I did in the picture below! ;-D
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing
Hops & Barley is the new Canada for me — not-to-be-missed!
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce at Morocco
took our breath away with this one. We didn’t expect a healthy alternative to French fries to be a show-stopper. Yet, we couldn’t stop eating them!
Unique and crispy, the Spicy Hummus Fries reminded us of falafel.
Spicy Hummus Fries
We don’t think the sauce was Tzatziki since it was red (but you Tzatziki gurus feel free to correct us in the comments!). While sweet and spicy, it had a creaminess to it.
Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop: Strawberry Puree with French Caribbean Rhum Clément at France
Boozy popsicles are still popular at France. Made with real strawberries, this frozen blend of strawberry puree and rum is extremely refreshing.
Adding some depth to this popsicle, the distinct alcohol flavor is definitely present. Nobody’s going to mistake this one for a kiddie treat.
Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop
Super fun for selfies, this unique treat doubles as a cocktail. Win-win!
Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake at Ireland
You can get this one with or without caramel vodka… can’t decide? Try both versions made with Pumpkin Chai Tea at Ireland.
We know you’ll love the shake consistency that transforms this beverage into a decadent treat. Crushed vanilla wafers add to the fall-like fun.
Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (non-alcoholic)
This one was very creamy and thick with a prominent pumpkin flavor.
Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka at Poland
bills the Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie as a beverage but we really think it’s more of a dessert. Either way, it’s fun and unique!
Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie)
Great on these super hot, early fall days.
But We’re Not Finished Yet!
If you’re thinking, “Wait… what about my favorite dish from last year? I love the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese at Farm Fresh. Is it gone?!?” Fret not! Remember that this is just our Best of the Fest for 2016. We’ve got pictures and pricing for every single item at the Festival, just like we do every year.
To see the full list — and pictures of EVERYTHING — be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth page, where the provided links will take you to each booth’s individual page. That’s how you can see pictures of every single dish at this year’s Festival!
Ready to Plan for Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip?
The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!
Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price!
Want Even MORE Great Info About the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
Don’t worry… We’ll be back with MUCH more from the Festival in the coming weeks — from Seminars and Demonstrations to Special Events to Booth Reviews. In the meantime, you can check out all of the info below to prepare for YOUR visit to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items
How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events
To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 21. Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone.
Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents will be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 19th at 9AM. (Note: According to an official Disney World Annual Passholder website and email, booking for low-cost demonstrations begins for Annual Passholders ONLY on July 18th. We can find no other confirmation of this date, but we wanted to be sure you were aware of all possibilities!) Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.
Chase Disney Visa Cardholders can book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 19th as well. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date. Call 407-939-1870 to book reservations with your Disney Visa Credit Card.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
GREAT recap! I’m the gal in the red shirt & hat who said hello to you at the Caribbean marketplace. This is going to sound dorky, but it was exciting to see the DFB in action!
I’m glad you mentioned the hummus fries, because I had completely written those off. I love falafel, so now I must try them. And I also can’t wait to try the peanut butter mousse and the brisket toast this year, and of course get as many carrot cakes as I can eat. That one’s my absolute favorite!
Hooray my favorite time of year is here! Thanks for the first day recap..can’t wait to see more reviews as the festival goes on! I’m only getting two days there this year; glad to live vicariously through you! 🙂
Do they have the Squeak and Search this year? And if so, where can we pick up the map? Thanks!
AJ — could the red sauce you’re describing for the hummus fries be a creamy harissa sauce?
LOVE reading the blog!
Does the carrot cake have raisins in it?
I don’t enjoy the craziness of the F&WF, but I love reading all about the delicious food (without the crazy long, hot lines!). Hope you guys are having a blast! Love the pictures!
Although we won’t be there during the Food & Wine Festival this year (going after Thanksgiving), I was quite interested in the hummus fries. While you are correct that tzatziki sauce is normally white or light colored, I have found many recipes online for a spicy version, including one from Emeril that includes his Cajun seasoning. I think that would be great on them!
Trish, I had the carrot cake last night. The only texture I remember is some crunchiness from chopped nuts. I don’t think it had raisins, but I can’t say for sure.
Going tomorrow, thanks for the ideas.
They have specific instructions now not to give out extra cream cheese icing for the carrot cake.
Mark — Let us know what you like this year!
Sandra G — Thanks for weighing in! Yep — it was nothing like the Tzatziki that I’ve had other places or made myself. It was creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy. I may try it again tomorrow, just to see if it’s the same. We know that things tend to change from time to time during the Food and Wine Festival. 😉
Kimberly H. — Thanks! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the posts, and we promise — we’re having a fantastic time covering it for y’all! 😀
Ames — That’s what it tasted like to us. We’ll be back tomorrow for more food fun, so we’ll be sure to ask. Thanks so much for your kind words. We’re so glad!
Stacey — Are you talking about Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt? Pick up your map at the following locations this year: Pin Central, Festival Center, Disney Traders in World Showcase, International Gateway in World Showcase. Cost is $8.99. Have fun! 🙂
Any details about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler 8 tab ($59) & 16 ($109) tab packages? I wondered what’s excluded from them and if there are photos of them anywhere.
RE: the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler. At aprox. $60 the individual price of a ticket (1 of 8) is $7.50. There are only a handful of menu items (I walked around to all of the kiosks) that cost $7.50 or more. To use the tickets for the majority (maybe 90%) of the menu items is wasting your money. You would spend your money more wisely to pay directly for each item.
Great list! I’ll be back again a few more times before it’s over to try everything on this list. I was there yesterday though and I just want to second you on the strawberry plum wine cooler in China. I was so pleasantly surprised!
Wow everything sounds good. I’m glad they are putting some non-alcoholic stuff back in again for those of us who can’t drink (allergic, ). Wondering about the red wine truffle. I probably won’t mind the flavor of the wine but I was assumed I couldn’t try it since it has alcohol. Or do you think the alcohol has been cooked off when they were melting the chocolate for the truffle? I would love to try it if so. 🙂
Roosaunty — Since you’re dealing with an allergy, I wouldn’t want to assume all of the alcohol has been cooked off. I would imagine that the quantity of alcohol over all is relatively low, however.
Thanks for the great photos & reviews, as usual!
I will greatly miss the potato leek waffle from the Belgium booth this year but look forward to trying the beef dish in its place. And it’s nice that they started serving the cheese soup w/a pretzel roll.
Question: Have they started providing the option to get 12 ounce beers this year like they did at last year’s Flower & Garden Festival or is the only option 6 ounces for the single serving?
Stefanie — We’re only seeing 6-ounce beers as the serving size for the Food and Wine Festival. Also, Craft Beer is the only spot to get flights, and there are 3 four-ounce pours in each flights, instead of the 4 four-ounce pours that we’ve seen previously.
Jess — I took photos this weekend of the tabs. I’ll share more details a little later today. Stay tuned. 🙂
@TJ Thanks for the info. That’s what I was thinking but if alcoholic drinks are included in it ( i know not champagne) then I might be able to get it to work for me.
@Brooke Thank you so much! 🙂
Does anyone know if the markets set up outside of World Showcase are open before 11? (CHEW Collective, Greenhouse Guru, Chocolate Studio, Wine & Dine studio, Festival Center including the Chocolate Bar)
Has anyone tried to reserve their Tasting Sampler? I called the number Disney lists but no one has any clue what I’m talking about…
Lisa Brown – When I was there last week they didn’t appear to be open before 11 even though they are located in Future World and they still closed at 9 even on extra magic hour nights.
Jay – They do have the tags but it doesn’t appear to come with any other special things (like a priority seating at Eat to the Beat). I think it might come with a pin? The prices were $59+tax for a card of 8 and $109+tax for a card of 16. Also there isn’t the special seating area or CM’s getting your food for you.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much for the favorites post. It was my first time at F&W and it was a little overwhelming. Your post did wonders to help me get through to the good stuff. Although that mac and cheese was amazing too….
I loved the New Eats area and the casual seating and the theming. It would be really nice to do singing like this in the World Showcase…
Thanks again!
Jenna — Thanks so much for reading! We’re so glad our coverage was helpful! 😀