Raise your hands up! The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is almost here!

This year, EPCOT is hosting the event from August 29th through November 23rd, 2024. There are going to be so many amazing booths and all kinds of entertainment — more than you can count, and we’re here for it! That being said, we wanted to go over some of the Food and Wine Festival trends we’re expecting to see this year.

Again, the 2024 Food & Wine Festival is being held from August 29th through November 23rd, so make sure the dates are highlighted, circled, stamped…whatever you need to do to make sure you don’t miss it! ‘Round these parts, we’re constantly trying to predict what will happen during this year’s festival, so let’s do just that and go over the trends we’re expecting to see this year at the Food & Festival.

New Lug Bags

Okay, let’s start straigh away with accessories. As you know, the right bag can make or break your park experience, and in 2024, it looks like we’re probably going to be obsessing over a new must-have item: a brand-new Lug bag.

If you haven’t heard of it yet, Lug is a brand that’s got some practical yet stylish bags, which makes them perfect for theme park adventures.

They’re typically big enough to hold your essentials (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a phone) but small enough that they won’t weigh you down. Plus, all those vibrant colors and fun patterns will definitely complement your favorite Disney fit.

There might even be an exclusive EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Lug bag this year, so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled!

Exclusive Festival Merch

Every year, Disney ups the ante with exclusive festival merchandise, and 2024 will most likely be no different.

If you’re a collector or just someone who loves getting a good souvenir, get ready. We’re expecting to see limited-edition pins, spirit jerseys, and other “surprises” that will only be available at the festival.

Remember, snagging these goodies early is the key because there’s nothing worse than seeing that perfect piece of merch on Instagram, only to find out it’s sold out when you finally get to the park.

As a pro-tip, you might want to plan on hitting the festival shops first thing when you get to EPCOT so you don’t miss out on anything.

More Mocktails

Let’s face it. Not everyone who goes to the festival is looking to drink around the world. Whether you’re the designated driver or just want something refreshing, mocktails are going to be your go-to this year.

I’m sure we’re going to see creative, non-alcoholic concoctions that are every bit as “Instagram-worthy” as their boozy counterparts. They really are the perfect way to stay cool and hydrated without missing out on any of the fun. Also, they can be a bit easier on the wallet, too!

More Plant-Based Dishes

To be fair, Disney has been stepping up its plant-based game over the past few years, and we’ll most likely see even more plant-based options on the festival menu here in 2024.

Whether you’re a committed vegan, a curious carnivore, or just someone looking to mix it up, you’re in for a treat. It’s so interesting living in a time where plant-based dishes are no longer the afterthought, but they’re becoming a major highlight.

Plus, don’t we all love indulging in something delicious and feeling a little better about our choices?

More “Elevated” Comfort Food

Comfort food has been making a comeback, and we’re expecting to see more of it at this year’s festival. We’re talking about those familiar, feel-good dishes but with a gourmet twist.

Think mac and cheese topped with truffle oil, loaded fries with artisanal cheeses, or a classic grilled cheese made with the fanciest bread and cheese combo you can imagine.

In other words, it’s all about taking the foods you crave and dialing them up a notch. These are the kinds of foods that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, no matter what’s going on outside. We’re definitely going to come hungry, so we can indulge in all the elevated comfort dishes we can find.

More Local Florida Flavors

The last thing (for this list) trend we’re expecting this year is an even bigger focus on local food from Florida. Because of the continued rise of farm-to-table dining and an increased appreciation for locally sourced ingredients, EPCOT should highlight even more of the best that Florida has to offer.

There’s a lot that the Sunshine State has to bring to the table, so look out for booths featuring any local gems, allowing you to taste your way through Florida without ever leaving the park.

Want to learn more about this year’s Food & Wine Festival? Check out our guidebook for comprehensive coverage and info about this event!

You’re stoked about this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, right? So are we! Share your thoughts below and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, reviews, tips, and more!

3 BIG Ways EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival Will Be Totally Different in 2024

What trends are you expecting to see at the Food and Wine Festival this year? Let us know in the comments!

The post NEW EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trends We Expect to See in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog.