This year, I finally made it to EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival for the very first time. I was more than excited to pick up my food passport and select as many different foods as I could stomach. For any food lover, it’s an absolute paradise. Each booth highlights a different country, serving up small plates and inventive drinks that let you “travel” across the globe without ever leaving Disney World. It was the perfect way to celebrate my (belated) birthday—great food, amazing drinks, and that unmistakable touch of Disney magic.
China: Smoked Duck Bao Bun & Mango-Peach Bubble Tea
My first stop was China, where I tried the smoked duck bao bun. The soft, pillowy bun was perfectly steamed and held slices of tender, smoky duck breast drizzled with a sweet hoisin glaze. It was a beautiful balance of savory and sweet, and the richness of the duck contrasted nicely with the airy texture of the bao. I'm being honest when I say I wouldn't have imagined it came out of a Disney pop-up quick service venue; It was actually so yummy.
To pair with it, I grabbed a mango-peach bubble tea—refreshing, fruity, and full of chewy tapioca pearls. It was the perfect palate cleanser after the duck, and I loved how it added a playful, tropical element to the meal. The combination of warm savory and icy sweet drinks really captured the variety that makes the festival so special.
Swirled Showcase: Frozen Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse & Frozen Apple Pie Cider
Next, I wandered over to the Swirled Showcase, a newer addition to the festival that focuses on whimsical, dessert-inspired treats. The liquid nitrogen-frozen pumpkin cheesecake mousse was as much a science experiment as it was a dessert. Watching the cast members flash-freeze the mousse right in front of you in a cloud of mist was so fun! The flavor was like autumn in a spoon, which felt strange given the high temperature of 94 degrees this day—creamy, spiced pumpkin with hints of graham cracker crumble for texture.
Alongside it, I sipped on a frozen apple pie cider, which tasted exactly like its name. It was cool, crisp, and subtly sweet with warm cinnamon notes—like an apple pie slushie. Together, the two treats made for a refreshing, festive combo that celebrated the flavors of fall even in Florida’s heat.
Belgium: Chilled Belgian Coffee
Needing a little pick-me-up, I headed to the Belgium booth for a chilled Belgian coffee. This wasn’t your average iced coffee—it had a smooth, rich flavor with deep roasted notes and a subtle sweetness, possibly from a hint of Belgian chocolate or cream liqueur. It was indulgent without being heavy, and it hit the spot perfectly between all the sweet and savory bites. I could easily see myself sipping it on a cozy café terrace in Brussels. P.S. Though this serving was on the smaller side, I enjoyed this coffee more than my usual Joffrey's Shaken Jamaican. IYKYK!
Australia: Bushberry-Spiced Shrimp Skewer & Roasted Lamb Chop
After some pin purchases at Disney Traders, I made my way “down under” to the Australia booth, which offered some of my favorite dishes of the day. The bushberry-spiced shrimp skewer was vibrant and zesty—the shrimp grilled to perfection with just the right smoky char and paired with a fruity, slightly tangy bushberry glaze.
The roasted lamb chop, meanwhile, was beautifully cooked—tender and juicy with a rich, savory crust. It came with a mint pesto that I enjoyed on its own, but not on the lamb chop. Together, these dishes brought bold, earthy flavors that stood out among the more delicate plates at other booths. Australia definitely delivered on taste. Additionally, this booth featured a few standing tables off to the left, where I could watch the Aussie chefs grilling the very dishes they were serving.
India: Potato & Pea Samosa with Mango Lassi
Next stop: India. The potato and pea samosa was golden and crispy on the outside, with a spiced, comforting filling on the inside—perfect finger food to nibble as you stroll. The flavors of cumin, coriander, and turmeric shone through without being overpowering.
To wash it down, I ordered a mango lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink that was both refreshing and slightly tangy. It paired beautifully with the samosa, cooling off the spices while enhancing the sweetness of the mango. I really enjoyed this!
Italy: Chocolate Spuma & Bellini Spritz
I finished my culinary tour in Italy, which was a perfect sweet ending. The chocolate spuma was airy and decadent—somewhere between a mousse and a foam—with deep cocoa flavor and a touch of espresso bitterness. It wasn’t overly sweet, which made it feel elegant and refined.
I paired it with a Bellini spritz, a bubbly mix of prosecco and peach purée that was light, refreshing, and wonderfully celebratory. Sipping it as the sun set over the World Showcase Lagoon felt like the perfect finale to my food-and-drink adventure.
By the end of the day, I was happily full and completely enchanted. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival lived up to all the hype—it’s the perfect mix of culinary exploration, Disney fun, and international flair. I’ll definitely be back!
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