For months I was looking forward to my fall trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth. Having a serious intolerance to gluten, it can be hard for me to enjoy eating while out on the road. In fact, it can be downright stressful. Naturally, when I found out the amount of options that would be available to me at the 2022 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, I was very eager to dive in.
In case you have never gotten the chance to attend, the Food & Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place in Epcot. The foodie dream features food from all around the world, including the countries represented in the world showcase annually…as well as some additional nations! Combined with the cooler weather and the fall décor, put simply, this is my favorite time of year to visit.
Before I traveled to Orlando, I went on the event website to research what was on the menu ahead of time. This is something I do whenever and wherever possible when it comes to traveling and menus. Having dietary restrictions, you can often filter out restaurants and festivals based on a lack of allergy-friendly choices. Usually with Disney Parks, I never have an issue as they are very conscious of these food trends, but it still helps to be aware in advance to help make quick and easy decisions.
Once I entered the park and got to the first booth, I picked up a Food & Wine passport. This is a little booklet that you can carry around with you to be able to figure out which Global Marketplaces are must-dos. Or, if you’re like me, you already have a general idea of what you can eat and just look for the allergy logo on each menu sign as you go through. Please note that each stop also has a variety of alcoholic drinks available for individuals over 21. Select locations also have non-alcoholic options available.
I was lucky enough to have two days to visit, therefore also had two outfits to don, one day themed in France and another in Norway. The great debate is always, which way to go…Mexico to Canada or Canada to Mexico. I got to try both this time around and I’d like to say, either way is fantastic.
Here’s what I ate on Day 1:
Mexico – Taco al Pastor: Seared Pork Belly Pastor on a Corn Tortilla with Chipotle Black Beans, Pineapple, Pickled Onions and Chives
Kenya – Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef Tenderloin with Sweet-Potato-and-Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw
Spain – Paella with Rice, Chorizo and Shrimp
Here’s what I ate on Day 2:
Mexico – It Takes 2 to Mango Margarita: Mezcal Ilegal Joven, Mango Purée, Nixta Corn Liqueur, Rum and Ancho Chile Lime Juice served on the rocks with Hibiscus-Salt Rim
Spain – Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Smoked Paprika
France – Crème Brûlée Vanille à la Confiture de Framboises: Vanilla Crème Brûlée with House-Made Raspberry Jam
Kenya – Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef Tenderloin with Sweet-Potato-and-Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw (again…because it was so good the first time)
The Noodle Exchange – Thai Shrimp and Coconut – Curry Rice Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Thai Basil
I would like to point out that all the food that I consumed was delicious and not at all expensive. Portions are sizeable and the only thing over ten dollars was my margarita on day two. If you’re planning to drink, expect to pay a bit more. If you’re in it just for the food, you can actually eat quite a lot for not very much; your money will go a long way. You can use a credit card or cash, but Disney gift and rewards cards are also redeemable at each Marketplace.
Unfortunately, I only had a limited amount of time to eat and drink at the festival. I could have truly used a full week. I ended my second day with a dessert party and private viewing of the new nighttime fireworks show, Harmonious. Such a tearjerker. The chef was prepared for my arrival ahead of time and provided me with a plate of gluten free options on a separate plate including cookies and pastries. I couldn’t have asked for a more enchanting and delicious way to finish my experience.
Going down to Epcot in the coming year? Don’t worry…whether you’ve got restrictions or not, festivals involving food happen most of the year at this point and entry is included with valid admission ticket and park reservation. Here are a few you can look forward to coming up:
• 2022 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – through November 19, 2022
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – November 25 through December 30, 2022
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Expected Late Winter
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – Expected Spring – Early Summer 2023
• 2023 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – Expected mid-July through mid-November 2023
Note: Allergy-friendly options are available all over the Walt Disney World Resort property. When making reservations ahead of time on the app, you can note any allergies/restrictions for your party so that the restaurant is aware ahead of time. At quick-service locations (including at the resort hotels), you can also order off of an allergy-friendly menu. These options can be seen in the mobile order section of the MyDisneyExperience app, as well. At festivals, you can ask to speak to someone if your restrictions are not easily met by the cuisine that is ready to grab and go.
Emily Gnacik is the Editor of AAA Every Day Magazine.
