If you’re headed to EPCOT during the Food and Wine Festival, chances are you’ve already mapped out your must-try snacks.
But before you get too confident, there’s one piece of advice floating around the park: avoid France. Yes, the pavilion, known for its buttery pastries and champagne, is the one spot guests are saying isn’t worth the trouble this year.
Why EPCOT Shines in Festival Season
The International Food and Wine Festival has long been EPCOT’s signature event. Between the futuristic vibes of World Celebration and the cultural depth of World Showcase, the park becomes a global culinary tour.
Crowds swell with locals on weekends, and every pavilion seems to get busier as festival booths roll out. France has always been among the most popular, and that’s precisely what has led to today’s warning.
A Pavilion with Plenty to Offer
France usually sparkles at EPCOT. The cobblestone streets, the Eiffel Tower replica, and attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure make it a favorite stop. Guests flock here for croissants, crème brûlée, and elegant wines that feel straight out of Paris.
On paper, this pavilion should be the crown jewel of Food and Wine. In practice, though, it has become the festival’s most crowded nightmare.
The Problems in France
Guests this year are sharing a common experience: lines at France’s booth that seem to loop endlessly, winding so far back that they blur into the rest of World Showcase. Some say it circles “again, and again, and AGAIN” before you finally glimpse the register.
Waiting half an hour or more has become the new normal, and for some unlucky visitors, the wait can stretch even longer.
It doesn’t stop there. Peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, make the pavilion nearly impossible to navigate, with crowds spilling into every corner.
Add Florida’s relentless sun to the mix, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder quickly turns miserable. The congestion doesn’t just impact the booth—it spreads across the entire pavilion, stripping away much of its usual charm and leaving many guests wishing they had skipped it altogether.
How to Handle It
If you’re determined to try France’s booth, plan carefully. Arrive early when the crowds are lighter, or wait until the evening rush has died down. A weekday visit also makes a difference, as weekends attract a flood of locals. Staying hydrated and carrying cooling towels or umbrellas can also make the wait more tolerable.
Or, you can skip the food chaos altogether. France still offers atmosphere and rides without needing to join the mob. Snap photos, explore shops, and ride Ratatouille without braving the line.
Better Alternatives
EPCOT has no shortage of choices. Mexico’s margaritas, Japan’s sushi, or India’s spices all offer festival flavors without the same frustration.
Permanent restaurants like Via Napoli and Garden Grill also serve excellent meals that don’t require waiting in the sun. Pairing dinner with “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” makes for a perfect evening.
To France or Not to France?
The France pavilion is usually a highlight, but right now, it’s better to admire from a distance. Long lines, heavy crowds, and brutal weather make it one of the least enjoyable stops at Food and Wine this year. Take the warnings seriously—your EPCOT day will be smoother if you save France for another time.
