Here’s some good news: the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return in a modified format. The new-look food festival, called “A Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival,” will debut July 15, the same day Epcot is scheduled to re-open, and continue through the fall, making it Epcot’s longest festival ever.
It will offer over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, according to a post on the Disney Parks blog, some of the topiaries planned for the Flower & Garden Festival that was scheduled from March through June 1 may appear, along with Flower & Garden merchandise. This creates a hybrid Food and Wine and Flower and Garden Festival, which is positively interesting!
While the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” will not appear in order to keep large crowds from gathering, local Epcot entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors will play the America Gardens Theatre with performances spread out throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them in smaller groups.
As for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney made the decision to cancel this year, as its hallmark stage shows, parades and fireworks are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. Looking ahead to the holiday season, decisions have yet to be made about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional.
“We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials,” a Disney release read last week. “As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.”
