If there’s one thing Disney Adults absolutely love, it’s an EPCOT festival! Each year, Disney Adults can bring out their artistic sides at the Festival of the Arts, celebrate springtime during the Flower & Garden Festival, chow down on delicious culinary creations during the Food & Wine Festival, and be extra festive during the Festival of the Holidays. As you can see, there’s always something exciting to experience!
Disney Adults planning an EPCOT visit won’t want to miss out on any festival fun. That’s why I want to remind you of the very first thing every Disney Adult should do at EPCOT festivals. This simple action will keep you informed and help you make the most of your EPCOT experience.
The Festival Passport Is A Disney Adult’s Lifeline
If you’ve been here before, you may have already guessed what my top suggestion is. The very first thing every Disney Adult should do at every EPCOT festival is grab a free Festival Passport booklet. You can pick up a booklet from multiple locations around the park, but I’m partial to getting mine as soon as I enter EPCOT. You’ll find them on display near the paper theme park maps at the front and International Gateway entrances. Festival Passport books are also available at select merchandise locations (including Creations Shop and the Festival Marketplaces) as well as at all of the festival food booths.
Why It’s Essential The Moment You Enter The Park
Festival Passport books are essential for every EPCOT festival because they contain all of the information you need to know to experience the festival. While you could certainly walk around blindly and experience things as they come, you may miss out on something you wish you could have done. Having the Passport in hand means you’ll have access to everything festival related all in one place. They’re pocket-sized and easy to carry around, which makes them even more convenient. Let’s talk more about the information you’ll find inside, shall we?
Festival Dates
For starters, the cover of the booklet will remind you of the dates for the current festival. It’s especially important to keep these dates in mind if you’re visiting near the end of a festival. All festival offerings are only available until the final day of the festival. For example, the last date of the festival is the deadline to finish activities like scavenger hunts and food strolls and redeem for your prizes.
Summary of Offerings
Once you open up your book, you’ll see a “welcome” summary of offerings. This summary will give you basics about food booths, concerts, merchandise, and the food stroll. Subsequent pages will provide additional details about these items, so feel free to flip to whatever section sparks your interest!
Scavenger Hunt(s)
Each festival will have at least one scavenger hunt, and all ages can do it! To participate, visit Creations Shop, Disney Traders, World Traveler, or one of the Festival Marketplaces to purchase a scavenger hunt map. The map comes with stickers. As you make your way around the festival, keep an eye out for that festival’s scavenger hunt subject. Examples of scavenger hunts include Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak for Food & Wine, Figment’s Brush with the Masters for Festival of the Arts, and Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration during Flower & Garden. As you find all of the hiding places, put the appropriate sticker on the map’s corresponding space. When you’ve found them all, return to Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler to pick up your prize. Scavenger hunt maps are available while supplies last.
Concert Information
The concert series available during EPCOT festival are among the most popular entertainment options for Disney Adults. The best part is that they’re included with the price of your EPCOT admission! Disney Adults will definitely want to scan the QR code inside the Passport book for more information and the latest schedule. Concerts are held at the America Gardens Theater. Each evening features multiple showtimes. However, lines often begin forming early for very popular performers, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Finally, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Merchandise Collections
Disney Adults are all about a good merchandise collection! Festival Passport books will give you a sneak peek at some of the merchandise available during each festival. Typically you’ll find items including apparel, home goods, collectible pins, and more. Of course, you’ll want to visit Creations Shop and the Festival Marketplaces to browse the full selection. Shop ’til you drop!
Menus Galore!
One of the most important reasons to grab a Festival Passport book is to browse full menus for each festival food booth. The booklet will tell you where to find each booth along with menus and descriptions of food items. Menus will also denote which items are plant-based and which items are eligible for a given festival’s food stroll activity (more on that in a moment). Disney Adults like me who have allergy concerns can also access an Allergy-Friendly Menu via the QR code at the beginning of the section.
Food Stroll Activity
Perhaps my favorite thing to do at an EPCOT festival is the food stroll activity. Every festival has one themed for the occasion. During Food & Wine Festival, it’s known as Emile’s Fromage Montage. I recently completed this cheesy journey, so definitely check it out to hear my thoughts!
Food strolls are an excellent way to get rewarded for a selection of delicious festival food items. Participating is very simple (as long as you have your Festival Passport in hand!). Near the back of each Festival Passport book, Disney Adults will find a list of eligible food items for the activity. In order to earn a prize, you must purchase 5 participating items from this list. You can purchase five unique food items, five of the same item, or any combination totaling five. Each time you purchase one of the eligible items, make sure you collect a stamp in your booklet! Once you have all five stamps, head to the designated location to collect your prize.
Don’t Miss Out
Although the terminology for the various festivals may differ slightly, these are all of the basics you can find in every Festival Passport booklet, no matter which festival you’re attending. Don’t have FOMO, grab a booklet. Again, they provide all of the information Disney Adults need to successfully navigate an EPCOT festival.
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