Contrary to some popular beliefs, Epcot, with or without the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, is actually a great place to take kids. It might not have the fantasy and ‘sparkle’ of the Magic Kingdom, but its own unique form of adventure and magic. Whether you are traveling around the world or soaring to new heights, Epcot can be an exciting place to take kids.
Now, let’s add in the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival to the excitement of Epcot. Suddenly, you’ve got a fantastic time on your hands!
First, we are going to preface this post by stating we aren’t even going to go into details about the everyday Epcot fun for kids. Instead, we will take a look at kids and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
What exactly is offered for kids at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? In addition, we are going to explore the appropriate ages for the various activities for kids at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Plus, be sure to spot a Disney photo-taking tip in suggestion number two!
1. Play Hide and Squeak with Remy
The star of Ratatouille is going to be hiding all around World Showcase. Pick up a map (for a nominal fee) and start the hunt. Maps with included stickers can be picked up at Pin Central, Port of Entry and World Traveler at International Gateway.
Remy is going to be in statue form and tucked into different places ‘around-the-world’.
If you want to play hide and ‘squeak’ with him, be sure to start early. As with most Disney scavenger hunts, there are always a few ‘hiding spots’ that are really tricky. The more crowded World Showcase becomes, which is usually the case the later in the day you get, the more difficult it is going to be to spot him!
Once you find every single Remy, be sure to collect your prize at Disney Traders. Disney Traders is located in World Showcase. When you are first entering World Showcase, it is the store straight ahead and a little to the left. Act as though you’re going to walk into World Showcase Lagoonbear left and you will probably run smack into it.
What Ages are Appropriate for Remy’s Hide and Squeak?
We started playing this with my son when he was three. He enjoyed finding the easier to spot hidden objects, but at times it was tricky to keep his attention. As the hiding spots became trickery, it was trickier for my son to stay focused. Age 4-5 might be the perfect age to start this game.
Beyond just kids ages 4-5, I think everyone enjoys a scavenger hunt!
2. Sushi Candy Creations!
One of the most popular events held at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival are the sushi candy making classes.
Held at Sunshine Seasons, guests are welcomed to a class that shows them just how to make a ‘maki’ or ‘nigari’ style creation out of sweets. Starting with a base of Rice Krispies and adding on gummies and other candy embellishments, guests can create sushi that everyone will like!
Everyone is welcome and invited to the event. Kids under the age of seven need to be accompanied by an adult to participate. The cost is $10 for each and every guest to make amazing creations!
The candy sushi classes occur at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. It’s a really popular event, so if you don’t get reservations there is a chance you won’t be able to participate. Call (407) 939-3378 to make a reservation.
That being said, reservations are not required, so if you decide on a whim that you’d like to do the event, it doesn’t hurt to see if there are any openings! As with any event, details are subject to change.
Candy Sushi Making Disney Photo Tip
In order to capture the magic of your kiddos making candy sushi, be sure to document the process step by step. Start with a picture of all the ingredients spread out, move to a shot of little hands creating the ‘sushi’ and finally snap a shot of the candy creation all the way completed!
Taking a few photos as the story progresses helps to create and tell the story. When your little looks back at the photos they will be able to recall every step of the process!
What Ages are Best for Making Candy Sushi at Epcot?
Let’s start with little kids who have teeth!! Probably best for even the littlest of guests to be able to chew up and enjoy their creations after they make them.
Ideally though, teeth or no teeth, guests should be able to stay engaged and be able to follow instructions as they create Candy Sushi. Following a head chef’s lead, guests will need to stay focused and take instructions one at a time before moving onto the next step.
Perhaps first try this event when your little ones are of preschool age.
3. Disney du Jour Dance Party at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (All Ages!)
Located in Future World, the Disney du Jour Dance is the perfect Epcot International Food and Wine Festival event for kids of all ages.
The party is said to feature Radio Disney artists on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus a DJ will be performing Sunday through Thursday. You can dance along 7 days a week for the duration of the festival.
Anyone is welcome to join the festivities and when there is music playing it’s hard for anyone to sit still. From little-to-old, everyone is sure to be moving to the beat.
Yet, those who are big fans of Radio Disney will probably be the most Excited by the Disney du Jour dance party. The complete line-up is available on the Disney website found right here.
4. Family Play Zone
It doesn’t take a lot to make kiddos happy.
Sometimes the best form of entertainment is just the ability to be free to run around! If after a day of sushi making and Remy hunting your little ones still have a lot of ‘juice’ left in the tank, head over to the Family Play Zone.
The Family Play Zone is a fun playground in the heart of Epcot perfect for a little old fashioned kid fun! Located near Mouse Gear and Test Track, you can’t miss this spot.
5. Eat All the Food! Kid Epcot Food and Wine Fun for All Ages (Minus the Wine)
In addition to all the fun activities listed above, one thing that the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has is food!! Even kids who might not be super adventurous might have some fun with the food offered at the festival.
Knowing what your kiddo does and doesn’t like to eat, you can set off to try out different types of food at the various marketplaces. Hopefully, you’ll find one or two things your kiddo will like!
Be sure to check out this post here on 16 different vegan and vegetarian options offered by the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Perhaps a few will sound appealing to your kiddos!!
Conclusion to 5 Exciting Opportunities for Kids at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
There ya go!
Five things your kiddos can enjoy at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. While your own personal mileage might vary depending on the ages of your kiddos, there are at least a few things for guests of all ages who attend the festival.
Whenever you plan to go to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and its marketplace booths, be sure to have a plan in place. Plus, make sure to make this plan BEFORE you go to the festival! Nothing is worse than wandering around aimlessly while being unsure of what to do first.
Keep your kiddos (and yourself!) happy as you enjoy the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival with your kiddos!
Now that you’ve read all about what there is to do with kids at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, be sure to check out these great photo spots at Epcot. And these Epcot Must-Dos! Plus, make sure you read about 16 must-try vegan options at the Food and Wine Festival.
Have you ever taken your kids to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival? What was their favorite part?
Be Sure to Follow-Me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest: @magicformiles
Heading to the parks soon? If you’re looking for tickets, hotel or car rental deals be sure to check out Undercover Tourist. We have used Undercover Tourist for several years and for numerous trips, both to Walt Disney and Disneyland. Every experience has been easy and resulted in a great deal. Be sure to click through the link below to see their current offers. If you purchase after clicking through banner, we will receive a small commission. Thanks in advance!