The 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is set to kick off on July 14th, 2022.

This year’s fest will run through November 19th, and we’ve already seen a look at the food booth lineup along with some other special events and sneak peeks about this year’s event! We like to think we know a thing or two about the culinary event (we have been going for YEARS, after all!) — so we thought we’d share our insider tips for the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

Whether you’ve been to the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in years past or this is your very first time, each year is different — so these are our top tips for the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

1. You can check out some pretty great live music!

Disney announced that the Eat to the Beat Concert Series would be coming back to this year’s festival, and we even got to check out the Concert Series lineup. Featuring artists like the Baha Men, Joey Fatone & Friends, Air Supply, Hanson, and Boyz II Men — there’s something for just about everyone.

There are quite a few dates that are listed as TBD on the Disney website, so chances are that more and more artists will be confirmed soon. The Eat to the Beat concerts take place on the America Gardens Theatre stage located on the World Showcase Lagoon and shows take place at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8PM.

An even BETTER insider tip about the Eat to the Beat Concert Series is to take advantage of the Dining Packages! Guests can enjoy either lunch or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants and then get reserved seating for the Eat to the Beat Concert that same day.

Learn More About the Eat to the Beat Dining Packages Here

2. You can get limited-edition, festival-exclusive merchandise

Sure, you might know all about what a serious Disney World merchandise haul looks like, but did you know that Disney releases exclusive merchandise just for the EPCOT Festivals?! We’ve seen entire collections and collaborations come out during past events.

Not to mention, the exclusivity doesn’t stop there. Disney has also released Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club exclusive festival merchandise in the past, and we’re hoping this year is no different.

3. You probably don’t NEED that table service reservation

Although you absolutely still can make one if you’d like! What we’re trying to say is that depending on how much you plan on indulging at each of the festival booths throughout your visit, you might be too full to eat a full meal.

If you’re just looking for a break from the crowds and are looking for a quiet place to sit without committing to a large meal, consider one of the lounges found around EPCOT like Space 220 or the walk-up waitlist at Spice Road Table.

4. Rain or shine, the festival is ON!

That is to say, if the weather is looking particularly dangerous or torrential, Disney may call an audible and decide to shut down certain booths for safety. But, Central Florida sees many, many, summertime showers that often don’t last for very long — so you should still be able to get your grub even in the rain (though you might get wet while waiting in line!).

One of our top tips is to pack a poncho, that way, you’re not stuck getting wet or stuck spending your festival food money on expensive Disney ponchos! We also recommend packing a small folding tray so you can hit up several booths at once without having your hands full.

Check Out Our Ultimate Packing Guide for the Food and Wine Festival

5. Prepaid Disney gift cards can help you stay on budget

If you’re ballin’ on a budget (we see you, we hear you!), consider deciding what you are able to spend before your festival visit and pre-loading Disney gift cards. They can be used at all the festival booths and other dining locations on Disney property and can be a great way to make sure you don’t fall off track.

In the past, we’ve even seen smaller gift cards that you can wear on your wrist — that was you don’t even have to dig out your wallet!

6. It’s possible to experience the festival in one day, but you might need some help

The best tip we can give here is to prioritize which booths and eats are must-dos on your list and which you’d be alright missing out on. But even more than that, you might need just a bit of guidance when it comes to figuring out just what dishes can’t be missed!

That’s where we come in. We’re always at the fest on day one trying EVERYTHING out so you know what’s worth a visit and what you might want to skip. And don’t forget to check out the DFB Guide to the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, either. That’s your one-stop-shop for all the info you might need!

Check Out the 2022 Food and Wine Festival Booths HERE

7. Break your trip up into half-day chunks.

If you’re able to be flexible with your schedule during this Disney trip, you might want to consider breaking your Food and Wine eating tour into two or more days — but only for a few hours at a time. We recommend getting to the World Showcase right as the booths are opening at 11AM. 

That way, you can hit up popular booths and have more time to try additional foods since the majority of crowds typically don’t show up until later in the day. Plus, you won’t feel as pressured to get EVERYTHING done in one day!

Click Here to See Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

Heading to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival later this year, or any of the Disney World parks? Don’t forget that guests still need valid park pass reservations in addition to theme park admission!

Curious about other EPCOT eats? Check out our EPCOT restaurants playlist below!

We also have even more insider Food and Wine tips in our DFB Guide! Order it today for all of the need to know details!

What’s your favorite EPCOT festival? Let us know in the comments!

The post Insider Tips for the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog.