5 little Epcot changes that make a difference during Food & Wine Festival

5 Epcot changes to know for the 2026 Food & Wine Festival

Here are five little Epcot changes to look for during the 2026 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

1. More places to put your Food & Wine plate

Eating off the top of a trash can has practically become an unofficial Epcot festival tradition. This year, there are some new alternatives.

Small shelves have been attached to railings at select locations around World Showcase. During our visit, we found them near the Mexico and Germany pavilions. The shelves are just wide enough to hold festival plates and drinks, and small signs remind visitors not to sit on them.

The timing seems related to the introduction of Epcot’s newer solar-powered trash cans. Unlike traditional Disney trash cans with large flat tops, the newer design isn’t particularly conducive to doubling as a dining surface, which, in my opinion, should have never been the case to begin with. Disney creating a situation in which people feel the need to eat off the surface of a trash can seems like a lack of planning.

I also noticed additional high-top tables around World Showcase. Hopefully this time around Disney will have placed enough proper places to eat off of.

2. A refreshed Epcot playground has more shade and seating

Families looking for a break from the festival have an updated spot to do it. The playground area near Creations Shop and Test Track has been refreshed with new benches and seating, large umbrellas and an open artificial-turf area decorated with a large Epcot-style logo.

It’s a useful spot to keep in mind during Food & Wine Festival, particularly for families spending a full day at Epcot.

3. Germany’s miniature train village has new surprises

The miniature train village at the Germany pavilion is worth another look, even if you’ve stopped to see it dozens of times before.

The display has received several updates and new scenes. Among the details we spotted are a miniature version of the Germany pavilion itself and a tiny construction-wall scene. There’s also a scene inspired by “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” complete with the cottage and the Old Hag.

Those are just a few of the additions tucked throughout the sprawling display, so take a closer look as you pass Germany on your Food & Wine tour.

4. Complimentary menstrual products are available in restrooms

Here’s a small practical change that could be very helpful when you need it: Complimentary menstrual products are now available inside most restrooms around Epcot.

We spotted dispensers stocked with feminine hygiene products during our visit, with no payment required.

Important detail: Not every Food & Wine booth opens Aug. 27

One more detail is important if you’re visiting during the first few weeks of the festival.

Not every Global Marketplace shown on Epcot’s 2026 Food & Wine Festival map will be open when the festival begins Aug. 27. The physical maps posted around Epcot identify later opening dates for several locations.

Festival Favorites opens Sept. 9, while the new cheese-focused marketplace The Wedge opens Sept. 18. The Alps and Earth Eats are among the marketplaces scheduled to begin serving Oct. 2. Disney’s official Foodie Guide confirms the staggered opening dates.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs Aug. 27-Nov. 21, 2026. With nearly three months to explore the festival, there’s plenty of time to find the big new dishes — and perhaps notice a few of Epcot’s smaller changes along the way.