Are EPCOT Festivals Returning to Normal?

With the pandemic Disney had to pare down several of the offerings around the theme parks and resorts, including EPCOT festivals. However, are we getting to the point where the festivals may be returning to normal? I think so, and here’s why.

EPCOT Festivals

One of my favorite parts about visiting EPCOT is the fact that there is almost always a festival happening. Let’s take a look back at previous dates of each festival since the parks reopened last July:

Taste of Food and Wine: July 15 to November 22

Taste of Festival of the Holidays: November 27 to December 31

Taste of Festival of the Arts: January 8 to February 22

Taste of Flower and Garden Festival: March 3 to July 5

Food and Wine Festival: July 15 to November 20

With the exception of a week or so in between, Disney is consistently offering us a festival at EPCOT. I’m not mad about it. Actually, I welcome the festivals because it means every time I visit there is something new for me to try whether that be a new food, special entertainment, or a scavenger hunt.

Food and Wine Festival

Disney released the official 2021 dates for the Food and Wine Festival. It will run July 15 to November 20. However, the name “Taste of” has been taken out of the title. This little phrase usually means Disney is not offering the full festival experience that we were used to in years past. Most notably, the live entertainment has been missing.

We missed the storytellers in each country and Candlelight Processional during the Festival of the Holidays and the live performances for Flower & Garden and Food & Wine. I really missed the Broadway performances at Festival of the Arts this year.

However, this is the first festival since the parks reopened that does not have the “Taste of” in front of it. Does this mean Disney is planning to bring back the full experience?

I think so. Disney is already advertising Harmonious for corporate packages this fall. I think they are planning on bringing back nighttime entertainment before/for the 50th anniversary.

Second, live entertainment is already returning for Flower and Garden. Several local bands will be performing on various nights during the festival. One big name performer is already slated to sing at EPCOT this fall, which leads me to believe Disney is planning to bring back some bigger names for the festival.

A return to normal?

I think as more Guests become vaccinated and are eager to travel, Disney is planning to bring back more experiences. I am especially hopeful for nighttime entertainment and some version of FastPass+.

What do you think? Are you hopeful we will see a full festival experience with Food and Wine? Do you think we will be back to normal by the 50th anniversary?

Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!