When you meet in Orlando, your attendees will never run out of things to do once the workday is done — and when you meet here during the autumn months, they’ll never run out of things to eat thanks to delicious culinary celebrations throughout the destination! From theme park events to special hotel galas and more, here’s your guide to mouthwatering fall foodie festivals in Orlando.
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy business travel and safety information in Orlando, and check with your favorite businesses for their current status.
Fall Food Festivals at Orlando Theme Parks
Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort (Aug. 29 – Nov. 23, 2019)
Included with admission to Epcot, the 2019 edition of this legendary, globally inspired festival at Walt Disney World Resort is set to run a record-shattering 87 days, giving your group a wide window of opportunity to experience it.
More importantly, it also provides the chance to sample food and beverages from around the world courtesy of more than 30 Global Marketplaces, which extend from Future World to the World Showcase promenade. Plenty of favorites are back for encores, including countries such as Brazil, China, France, India, Japan, Mexico and more, as well as unique options like Active Eats, The Cheese Studio Hosted by Boursin®, The Chocolate Studio, Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar, and others. You can also look forward to numerous newcomers, including Appleseed Orchard (featuring apple-inspired beers, ciders and cocktails), The Donut Box, Cool Wash (where you can create frozen beverages), and The Alps.
The menu selections are complemented by special events and live entertainment, beginning with the “Eat to the Beat” concert series. The latter is showcasing 249 concerts through Nov. 19, including encore appearances from Boyz II Men, Hanson, Plain White T’s, Sheila E., Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and Tiffany, among others, as well as first-time appearances from BBMak, Boyce Avenue, DCappella, Grace Kelly, INDIA, Jimmie Allen, Kris Allen, Lauren Daigle, Sawyer Brown, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Southern Avenue and Zach Williams.
If your group would like guaranteed seating at one of this year’s shows, opt for specially ticketed “Eat to the Beat” dining packages, which also include breakfast, lunch or dinner at your choice of Epcot restaurants.
Another feature that’s perfect for groups is the specially ticketed “Party for the Senses” — a grand tasting experience showcasing the finest creations from all of the main festival’s represented countries. Free to attend but requiring reservations, other programming includes:
- “Sunday Brunch With the Chef” series, starring celebrity chefs such as Cat Cora, Carla Hall, Buddy Valastro and Andrew Zimmern
- “Tailgate Tasting Hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football” on select Sundays
- “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops
- Book & Bottle signings by some of the world’s top vintners and chefs
- Appearances by popular TV chefs and other culinary icons
- Culinary Demonstrations through Nov. 16
- Beverage Seminars through Nov. 17
Attendees who are bringing their kids with them will also be interested in the festival’s special offerings for children, such as Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt and the popular Candy Sushi interactive experience. Last but not least, a wealth of new festival merchandise featuring Chef Minnie and Chef Mickey make for unforgettable keepsakes of your group’s time in Orlando. If you’re meeting in Orlando from Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, make plans for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, showcasing Holiday Kitchens and a festival global tour.
Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando (Weekends, Sept. 7 – Oct. 27, 2019)
Included with park admission, this event at SeaWorld Orlando is perfect for the beer-lovers in your group. And given that it’s expanded to eight weekends for 2019, you’ll have more opportunities than ever to experience its delicacies.
Per the event’s name, beer is the main attraction, including more than 100 drafts made right here in Florida, plus select domestic and international craft favorites. Your attendees won’t go hungry, either, because the festival also offers a selection of gourmet dishes designed to pair perfectly with the brews. Bottoms up!
Wonderfall Food & Beverage Guided Tour at Disney Springs® (Starts Sept. 20)
During this event, the foodies in your group can enjoy the comforting, spiced flavors of fall courtesy of special menu items at eateries throughout Disney Springs®.
Fall Food Festivals Throughout Orlando
Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria® Orlando (Weekends, Sept. 13 – Nov. 24, 2019) Minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Waldorf Astoria
Orlando is hosting 11 weekends packed with an impressive menu of culinary treats, including mouthwatering gourmet tastings and exquisite wine pairings. The festival offers a full schedule of ticketed events hosted by the Waldorf Astoria’s acclaimed onsite restaurants. Each Friday and Saturday, your group can attend tasting events with Bull & Bear®, La Luce® and Zeta Asia, as well as “Sip, Swirl & Savor — A Wine Tasting Experience.” On Saturdays only, enjoy “Cocktail Creations,” “Pop Culture” (featuring artisanal popsicles), and the decadent “Bar du Chocolat,” boasting a selection of a-la-carte chocolate treats made by the resort’s world-class pastry team.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov. 8-9, 2019)
Hosted by Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, this one-weekend event pairs wines from around the world with culinary mastery from the resort’s top chefs, who prepare everything from pasta to pastries. Your attendees can also take advantage of 11 optional, ticketed, educational seminars where they can learn about cheese-pairing, pasta-making or even the fine art of sushi and sake, and increase their knowledge about wines, cocktails and beer.
Admission options include a causeway ticket, which provides unlimited samples of all food and beverages as well as entry to the Beer Garden, and a-la-carte booklets, which include 25 tickets that can be exchanged for samples. Paid admission is also required for the event’s seminars.
FusionFest (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2019)
Taking place Thanksgiving weekend, this two-day event is one of Orlando’s most unique cultural celebrations, inviting your attendees to discover the world. In addition to a cornucopia of dishes from around the world, it features interactive experiences and contests celebrating fashion, music, dance, short films and more, all designed to honor each person’s heritage while exploring how we influence each other and create our own unique identity.
Representing 160 different heritages, FusionFest is free to attend, with food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase. It’s held at the outdoor Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.
