# EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival: what to do between sessions in Orlando

Source: https://eventweekends.com/seasonal/epcot-food-wine/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 27 August to 30 November 2026 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** EPCOT, Orlando, United States, about 25 km from the centre
- **Free time:** The main event takes a day or an evening; plan the other days around day trips.
- **Best base:** International Drive: Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.
- **Getting there:** Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami.
- **Weather:** In August and September and October, Orlando averages highs of about 31°C and lows of 19°C, with roughly 194 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 50 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Magic Kingdom ticket; Universal Epic Universe; Kennedy Space Center

## Weather and what to pack

In August and September and October, Orlando averages highs of about 31°C and lows of 19°C, with roughly 194 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 50 min of daylight.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- A rain jacket or umbrella: it rains often in this month.
- Comfortable shoes for crowds, and keep valuables in a front pocket.

## Airport to venue

Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami.

Disney buses, the Skyliner or a car.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Kissimmee. Cheaper hotels and vacation homes.
- **mid:** International Drive. Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.
- **luxury:** Disney and Universal resort hotels. Early park entry.
- Hotels we would book: Hampton Inn Orlando near Universal (budget), Universal's Endless Summer Resort (mid), Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### The main day (Thursday 27 August)

Build the day around the event itself. Arrive early for the best spots.
- Free: Lake Eola Park.
- Eat: East End Market, Local food hall

### The day before or after

Use the second day for the city and a half-day tour.
- Half-day: Springs kayak tour. Clear springs with manatees in winter.
- Eat: ICON Park restaurants, International Drive

### Day trip

A full day out of the city.
- Full day: Magic Kingdom ticket. The classic Disney park.

### Evenings

After dark.
- Evening: Dinner show. Medieval Times or Pirates.

## Tours worth booking

- [Magic Kingdom ticket](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Magic%20Kingdom%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): The classic Disney park.
- [Universal Epic Universe](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Universal%20Epic%20Universe%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Universal's newest park.
- [Kennedy Space Center](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Kennedy%20Space%20Center%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Rockets and launch pads, 1 hour east.
- [Airboat ride with alligators](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Orlando%20airboat&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Lakes and wetlands.
- [Springs kayak tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Orlando%20springs%20kayak&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Clear springs with manatees in winter.
- [Gatorland](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Gatorland%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Old Florida attraction.
- [Dinner show](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Orlando%20dinner%20show&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-epcot-food-wine): Medieval Times or Pirates.

## Where to eat

- ICON Park restaurants: International Drive
- Disney Springs: Restaurant district
- East End Market: Local food hall

## With kids

- Theme parks.
- SEA LIFE and ICON Park.

## Rainy-day backups

- Orlando Science Center.
- Crayola Experience.

## Getting around

- You need a car or rideshare outside Disney's own buses. ESPN Wide World of Sports is inside Disney property.

## Questions people ask

### When is EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2026?

The next edition is 27 August to 30 November 2026, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival?

In August and September and October, Orlando averages highs of about 31°C and lows of 19°C, with roughly 194 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 50 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to EPCOT?

Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami. Disney buses, the Skyliner or a car.

### Where should I stay for EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival?

For most visitors the best base is International Drive: Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.

### What else can we do around EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival?

Good short outings in Orlando include Airboat ride with alligators, Springs kayak tour, Gatorland. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival?

Family-friendly picks: Magic Kingdom ticket, Universal Epic Universe, Kennedy Space Center. Theme parks.

### How far is EPCOT from Orlando centre?

About 25 km in a straight line. Disney buses, the Skyliner or a car.

More in Orlando: https://eventweekends.com/city/orlando/