The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of culinary delights from around the globe, drawing food enthusiasts and Disney fans alike. Beyond the delectable dishes and innovative beverages, a significant draw is the exclusive Epcot food and wine merchandise. From commemorative apparel to kitchen essentials and collectible souvenirs, the festival offers a treasure trove of items for every taste and budget. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the vast selection of Epcot food and wine merchandise, highlighting must-have items and pinpointing the best locations to secure your perfect festival mementos.
Festival Specific Merchandise
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival boasts a dazzling array of festival-branded merchandise, allowing guests to take a piece of the celebration home. This collection encompasses a broad spectrum of items, all adorned with the festival logo, dates, and distinctive artwork, making them instantly recognizable and highly sought after.
Apparel
One of the most popular categories of Epcot food and wine merchandise is apparel. T-shirts, a wardrobe staple, come in an assortment of designs, showcasing the festival logo alongside beloved Disney characters indulging in culinary pursuits. Adult and child sizes are readily available, making them ideal for families looking to coordinate their festival attire. Hats and ears, another favorite, offer a playful way to express your festival spirit. From baseball caps emblazoned with the festival emblem to Minnie ears adorned with food-themed embellishments, there’s a style to suit every personality. For cooler evenings, jackets and sweaters featuring the festival branding provide both warmth and a stylish reminder of your Epcot adventure.
Drinkware
For those who appreciate a well-crafted beverage, the drinkware selection is particularly enticing. Epcot Food and Wine Festival mugs and cups, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or a cozy evening beverage, often feature unique designs and collectible elements. Wine glasses, essential for savoring the festival’s extensive wine offerings, are available in various styles, from stemless options ideal for casual sipping to elegant stemmed glasses for a more refined experience. Spirits glasses, tailored for tasting the festival’s diverse cocktail creations, are also a popular choice. For those seeking a practical and stylish way to keep their drinks cool, branded Corkcicles and tumblers are a must-have, ensuring your beverages remain refreshing throughout your Epcot exploration.
Kitchenware
Bringing the culinary magic of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival into your own kitchen is made possible with the delightful selection of kitchenware. Plates, bowls, and serving dishes, adorned with the festival logo and culinary-inspired designs, add a festive touch to any meal. Utensils and cooking tools, emblazoned with subtle festival branding, elevate your cooking experience, reminding you of the flavors and aromas of Epcot. Cutting boards, crafted from durable materials and featuring unique designs, serve as both a practical kitchen accessory and a cherished souvenir. Aprons, available in adult and child sizes, allow you to channel your inner chef while sporting the festival logo, making them a fun and functional addition to your kitchen ensemble.
Collectibles and Souvenirs
No visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is complete without acquiring a few collectible items to commemorate your experience. Festival pins, a time-honored tradition among Disney enthusiasts, feature unique designs that change each year, making them highly sought after by collectors. Ornaments, perfect for adding a touch of Disney magic to your holiday tree, capture the essence of the festival with their intricate details and festive themes. Magnets, a simple yet effective way to display your love for the festival, adorn refrigerators and other metal surfaces with vibrant designs and memorable imagery. Figurines, often featuring Remy from Ratatouille or other beloved characters, provide a charming reminder of the culinary delights and magical moments experienced at the festival.
Accessories
Elevate your festival style with the array of accessories available, adding a touch of Disney flair to your ensemble. Festival-themed Loungefly bags, known for their stylish designs and durable construction, provide a convenient and fashionable way to carry your essentials. Wallets and wristlets, adorned with festival-inspired patterns and featuring secure compartments, keep your valuables organized and easily accessible. Phone cases, designed to protect your phone while showcasing your love for the festival, offer a personalized touch to your everyday tech. Keychains, a small yet meaningful memento, serve as a constant reminder of your Epcot food and wine adventure.
Character Themed Merchandise
Beyond the generic festival merchandise, items featuring beloved Disney characters add another layer of appeal. These offerings leverage the popularity of iconic characters, placing them in culinary settings to create a whimsical and engaging collection.
Remy Focused Merchandise
Remy, the culinary-minded rat from Ratatouille, holds a special place in the hearts of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival attendees. His connection to food and the France pavilion makes him a natural mascot for the event. Remy-focused merchandise abounds, including chef hats emblazoned with his image, plush toys perfect for cuddling, and a variety of other items that capture his charming personality. The prevalence of Remy merchandise reflects his popularity and reinforces the festival’s culinary theme.
Other Disney Characters
While Remy takes center stage, other Disney characters also make appearances in the festival’s merchandise lineup. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Figment, each lending their unique charm to the culinary celebration. Merchandise featuring these characters often depicts them enjoying food, drinks, or simply reveling in the festive atmosphere.
Where to Buy Merchandise
Navigating the vast merchandise landscape can be daunting. Knowing where to find the items you desire is essential to a successful shopping experience.
Festival Marketplaces
Many of the festival marketplaces, in addition to serving up delicious food and drinks, also offer a curated selection of merchandise. These marketplaces provide a convenient opportunity to browse and purchase items while sampling the culinary offerings.
Creations Shop
The Creations Shop, one of the largest merchandise locations in Epcot, boasts an extensive collection of Epcot food and wine merchandise. This sprawling store offers a diverse array of items, from apparel and drinkware to kitchenware and collectibles, making it a one-stop shop for all your festival souvenir needs.
World Traveler at International Gateway
For those entering or exiting Epcot through the International Gateway, World Traveler provides a convenient opportunity to snag some last-minute souvenirs. This shop features a selection of festival merchandise, making it a perfect spot to pick up items you may have missed during your earlier exploration.
Pop Up Merchandise Locations
Throughout the duration of the festival, temporary pop-up merchandise locations spring up across Epcot. These shops offer a focused selection of specific items, often catering to particular themes or characters. Keeping an eye out for these pop-up locations can lead to the discovery of unique and hard-to-find merchandise.
Online
For those unable to attend the festival in person, or for those seeking items they may have missed during their visit, ShopDisney.com offers a selection of Epcot food and wine merchandise. However, availability may be limited, and the online selection may not encompass the full range of items available in the parks.
Tips for Shopping
To maximize your Epcot food and wine merchandise shopping experience, consider these helpful tips.
Budgeting
Before embarking on your shopping spree, establish a merchandise budget. This will help you stay within your financial means and avoid impulse purchases that you may later regret.
Planning
Prioritize the items you want most. Popular merchandise tends to sell out quickly, so it’s wise to target your must-have items early in your visit. Check merchandise locations early in your trip. Waiting until the last day may result in disappointment if desired items are no longer available.
Disney Visa/Annual Passholder Discounts
Take advantage of any applicable discounts. Disney Visa cardholders and annual passholders often receive discounts on merchandise purchases, helping you stretch your budget further.
Package Pickup
Utilize park package pickup services to avoid carrying your purchases around all day. This convenient service allows you to have your merchandise transported to a designated location for pickup later in the day, freeing you to enjoy the festival without being burdened by bags.
Conclusion
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival offers a delightful blend of culinary experiences and unique shopping opportunities. The vast selection of Epcot food and wine merchandise provides a tangible way to remember your festival adventure, whether you’re seeking a stylish t-shirt, a commemorative wine glass, or a charming Remy figurine. By planning your shopping strategy, prioritizing your must-have items, and taking advantage of available discounts, you can ensure a successful and satisfying merchandise experience.
Now, go forth and discover the perfect treasures to commemorate your culinary journey at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Share your favorite food and wine merchandise finds in the comments!
