This year, the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival covers 75 days, from Aug. 30-Nov. 12, 2018, and the Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is hard at work on the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This year the America Gardens Theater will be hosting nine new acts including 98 Degrees, MercyMe, Vertical Horizon, Glass Tiger, Sheila E. and Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts.

In Future World, the all-new Disney Du Jour Dance Party electrifies the Fountain View Stage on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the Festival, with great music and interactive dances and activities for kids of all ages. And every Disney Du Jour Dance Party is highlighted by a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming artist from Radio Disney.

For opening weekend, the Disney Du Jour Dance Party will feature Hollywood Records’ recording artist, IRL. The band just wrapped the first leg of the American Idol 2018 tour and will embark on their own headline tour, starting Sept. 9, 2018. You can catch IRL’s performance at Epcot Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2018.

The Disney Du Jour Dance Party is one of several new family-friendly offerings at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Kids can explore a new playground in Future World, participate in the Junior Chef Kitchen (Sundays in the Festival Center) and try their hand at rolling sweet sushi treats at Sunshine Seasons with Candy Sushi.

A separately ticketed event, Party for the Senses 2018, runs on select Saturdays and pays tribute to the sensory arts with a night filled with incredible food and entertainment. This year, each Party for the Senses is headlined by a performance from the incomparable Femmes of Rock. The Femmes of Rock have wowed audiences worldwide with high-energy shows, featuring classic rock hits played on electric violins.

Check the Offers Page for ways to save money on Walt Disney World Resort hotels and theme park tickets. 

By Darren W.