EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival remains one of Walt Disney World’s most celebrated annual events—a global culinary experience that pairs fine dining with Disney magic. Yet this year, a viral post has reignited debate over the festival’s atmosphere, suggesting that what was once a sophisticated tasting experience is starting to resemble a party scene.
A recent guest complaint, shared on Reddit under the title “The Food and Wine Festival has gone too far,” has captured widespread attention from Disney fans. The post alleges that the popular festival has seen a rise in disorderly guest behavior tied to alcohol consumption, transforming EPCOT’s World Showcase into something far different from its original intent.
The guest, who identified themselves as an annual passholder, began their post by saying, “I’m a pass holder and travel here 4-6 times per year, and I always do one weekend during the food and wine festival.” However, they described a noticeable decline in guest behavior in recent years—particularly surrounding alcohol.
“Over the last few years I’ve noticed a steady decline in guest behavior, especially with respect to alcohol. I think it is great that you can have a drink while walking around the park. Yet, it feels increasingly like Bourbon Street and not Epcot.”
A Shift in EPCOT’s Atmosphere
The Reddit user’s post struck a chord with other longtime Disney fans who have noticed similar changes. EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival—originally envisioned as a celebration of world cuisine and cultural exchange—has grown into one of the resort’s most profitable seasonal events, attracting millions of visitors every year.
But according to the guest, that popularity has come at a cost. “The sheer amount of drunken behavior today was just insane. I saw three different adults vomitting, multiple people who tripped and fell in traffic, stumbling, swearing, and too many arguments to count. The stupid ‘Drunk at Epcot is the best kind of drunk’ t-shirts are everywhere.”
The vivid account describes a side of the event that contrasts sharply with Disney’s polished reputation. While many visitors still enjoy the festival responsibly, reports of public intoxication and guest altercations have sparked renewed scrutiny of how the company handles alcohol sales and park behavior during the months-long event.
The Food and Wine festival has gone too far
byu/bradleyalpha inWaltDisneyWorld
“Drinking Around the World” or Crossing the Line?
Since its debut in 1996, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival has evolved from a limited culinary showcase into one of Walt Disney World’s cornerstone events. With dozens of booths offering small plates, global wines, craft cocktails, and specialty beers, the festival draws a diverse mix of food lovers and casual vacationers alike.
Alongside that growth came the now-famous “Drinking Around the World” tradition—where guests attempt to sample alcohol from each country pavilion around EPCOT’s World Showcase lagoon. For many, it’s a fun, social experience; for others, it’s become synonymous with rowdy park behavior.
The Reddit post touched directly on that issue, capturing both the humor and frustration of someone torn between loving the festival and lamenting what it’s become. The guest acknowledged that most attendees remain well-behaved but expressed concern about the festival’s direction. “I get that food and wine is probably quite profitable and that the majority of park guests are extremely well behaved. I love the fact that Epcot allows for you to have an adult experience if you want. Something has to give, though. I don’t know if I will come back next year if this trend continues.”
Alcohol and Disney’s Balancing Act
Disney’s relationship with alcohol has evolved considerably over the decades. When EPCOT first opened in 1982, alcoholic beverages were served primarily in table-service restaurants, often themed to their host country’s cuisine. Over time, guest demand and changing cultural norms led to broader availability, culminating in the Food & Wine Festival’s introduction—a celebration explicitly built around gourmet food and drink pairings.
In the years since, Disney has introduced alcohol to other parks, including Magic Kingdom, which for decades had remained dry out of respect for Walt Disney’s original vision. While these changes have been widely accepted, they have also prompted questions about maintaining the “family-friendly” brand that Disney is known for.
EPCOT, in particular, has leaned into its appeal for adult visitors, offering exclusive events like wine tastings, mixology seminars, and culinary demonstrations. Yet the increasing presence of intoxicated guests—highlighted by viral complaints like this one—suggests that Disney may be facing a new challenge: preserving the park’s cultural and educational atmosphere amid rising demand for a nightlife-style experience.
A Divided Fanbase
Reaction to the Reddit post has been divided, mirroring a long-standing split within the Disney fan community. Some users agreed that the festival’s tone has shifted, pointing to the growing number of “Drunk at Disney” shirts and TikTok videos glamorizing heavy drinking as evidence of the change. Others, however, argued that isolated incidents don’t represent the event as a whole and that most guests still behave appropriately.
Many fans emphasized that timing can play a significant role, noting that weekends tend to draw larger local crowds—including annual passholders and Florida residents—who may treat the festival more like a night out than a family attraction.
“With That Off My Chest, I’m Going to Go Clutch My Pearls.”
The original poster ended their commentary with a touch of humor that underscored their frustration but also their enduring affection for EPCOT. “With that off of my chest, I’m going to go clutch my pearls.”
The remark struck a chord among readers, who sympathized with the tone of weary amusement. It also highlighted what makes this particular complaint so compelling—this wasn’t the perspective of a casual visitor, but of a loyal Disney fan expressing concern over a tradition they love.
For many, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival represents the height of Disney’s adult entertainment offerings: elegant, diverse, and immersive. Yet as the park continues to balance its global culinary appeal with its growing reputation as a “drinking destination,” Disney may soon need to reassess how to maintain harmony between fun and responsibility.
A Cultural Celebration—or a Casual Party?
Ultimately, the debate reflects a broader tension shaping Disney’s modern identity. As the company expands its reach toward older audiences—through EPCOT’s festivals, Disney Cruise Line, and high-end resort offerings—it must also protect the inclusive, family-first image that has defined it for a century.
The Reddit post serves as a reminder of that delicate balance. Whether seen as a lighthearted rant or a valid critique, the guest’s experience exposes the evolving nature of EPCOT’s most popular event. For some, the festival remains a tasteful celebration of world culture and cuisine. For others, it’s starting to look more like Bourbon Street in mouse ears.
Either way, the conversation around alcohol, decorum, and the guest experience at EPCOT is likely far from over. As the user wrote—half-jokingly, half-seriously—their love for the park remains strong, even if their patience may be wearing thin.
