Overview
- The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opened on Thursday, August 27 and runs through November 21 with many booths, concerts, scavenger hunts, and festival merchandise available.
- Disney published a phased schedule that explicitly delays multiple Global Marketplaces: Festival Favorites opens September 9, the new “Cheers to Cheese!” exhibit and The Wedge are set for September 18, and Coastal Eats, Earth Eats, India, and The Alps begin October 2.
- Opening‑day visitors reported operational gaps including a closed Florida Blue Lounge and Joffrey’s festival drinks not being poured, and those social posts produced immediate guest complaints.
- Disney has not publicly explained the staggered openings, and coverage notes fan and media speculation that the schedule may reflect staffing or cost management choices rather than accidental hiccups.
- Despite the delays, early reviews praised new dishes like the basil pesto chicken dumplings and the festival’s merch; reporters recommend checking the printed festival passport or My Disney Experience for live booth status before planning a visit.