If You Haven't Been to This Disney World Event, IT'S TIME.

We’re coming to the end of the year, which means there are a lot of exciting events happening at Disney World.

EPCOT entrance

We have the holiday season, filled with special treats, over-the-top decorations at all the parks and resorts, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On top of that, we’ve also got two big festivals at EPCOT. First, there’s the Food & Wine Festival, which has been going on since July, but once that ends it’ll be time for the International Festival of the Holidays. Those two events are a big draw for Disney food lovers, but if you fall into that category, there’s another big offering you’ll want to check out!

What other big Disney World fall time event is perfect for those who want to eat their weight in delicious food? Why, it’s the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! We know what you’re thinking — “why would I go to a food festival at a Disney hotel when I could just go to EPCOT?” But before you write it off so quickly, allow us to explain!

Food & Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin in 2021

This year, the Food & Wine Classic will take place on November 11th and 12th from 5:30PM-9PM each night. Unlike the festivals at EPCOT where you purchase a park ticket to enter, then pay individually for the food items, the Food & Wine Classic offers “causeway event tickets” which will be your entry to the event and provide you with unlimited food and beverage samplings from the various booths. These basic tickets can be purchased for either Friday or Saturday and cost $165 per person.

The event map from 2021

However, if you want to level up your experience, you can also purchase seminar tickets to attend special culinary or beverage sessions. This year, they’re hosting Pasta Making with Chef Dan, Wine Blending, Craft Cocktails, and more. And if you want to attend the Food & Wine Classic but you’re hoping to stay nearby, you can get discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels during the weekend — just make sure to book online in advance.

Food & Wine Classic entertainment

Okay, so what does that causeway event ticket get you? Well, this year there are more than 50 food and beverage options that you’ll find spread throughout the causeway. Some items are exclusive to one night of the event, so we recommend checking out the menus before you decide when to attend, but many of the food options are samplings from the menus of Swan and Dolphin Hotel restaurants. Some of our favorites in the past have been items from places like Shula’s Steak House or Il Mulino…there’s some seriously high-caliber food.

Black Pepper Smoked Beef Brisket

There will be live entertainment on both nights as well. And once the party’s over for the night, you can take the chance to stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk nearby or walk past EPCOT to catch the nighttime fireworks show. You’re right in the heart of Disney World, so you can make it more than just a 3.5-hour experience!

2021 Food & Wine Classic Booth

We know that the $165 ticket isn’t cheap, but it’s probably less than you’d spend buying a ticket to EPCOT and then going to the festivals there for a day. On top of that, you’re getting to taste some of the highest-quality food from top-tier restaurants, and if you drink alcohol, you could justify a significant portion of the cost by trying a few of the craft beer, wine, or sake options.

The Bavarian Pretzel

So if you’re looking for the perfect excuse to dress up (or dress down, it’s totally up to you!), visit Disney World for a night, and try some of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels’ best food, then this is your ticket! And speaking of tickets, you can buy them online currently for the causeway, as well as some special weekend events.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts

We’ll be there to check out the event and try a bunch of the food offerings, so stay tuned to DFB for all the details and reviews from the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! We can’t wait to share all the excitement from one of Disney World’s hidden gems.

Click Here to See the 13 Things You Should Try at the Food & Wine Classic!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today!