EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival | DISNEY THIS DAY

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 28, 1996

September 28, 2026

On this day in 1996, EPCOT officially launched the International Food & Wine Festival. Conceived by George Kalogridis, it began in 1995 as the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival to boost attendance during the off-season. Festivities ran for 30 days the first year, with 25 marketplace booths selling food and drinks for about $1 to $2 each. Several original items, like Canada’s cheddar cheese soup, Poland’s pierogis, and Germany’s apple strudel, have been staples ever since. Today, the Food & Wine Festival spans four months and includes additions like the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. [30 years ago in 2026]

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