Here is how to eat and drink around the world for cheap: It’s EPCOT Food and Wine on a budget.

Everyone who has been to the Food and Wine Festival knows that those tasty treat prices can really add up—but Food and Wine doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to save money to keep your belly full without emptying your pockets. Here are five ways to have your cake and eat it too … and still make rent.

1. Indulge in the Cheapest Foods at the Festival 

Vanilla, Rose, Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta. Photo by Tatjana Lazar

Be sure to take advantage of the cheapest snacks at the festival; just because they are less expensive doesn’t mean they taste any less delicious. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, when something is cheaper, it tends to taste even better.

• Maple Cheesecake: Refreshment Port, $4.50
• Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup with Pretzel Roll: Canada, $5.75 🧀
• Apple Crumble Tart: Appleseed Orchard, $4.75
• Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread): Brazil, $4.75 🧀
• Pistachio Cake: Tangierine Cafe, $4.75
• Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey: Greece, $4.75 🧀
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese: The Alps, $5.00 🧀
• Rocky Road Chocolate Cake: Flavors From Fire, $4.25 
• BBQ Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese Dip: Swanky Saucy Swine, $4.50 🧀

Anything that has a 🧀 next to it is a cheesy item that is part of Emile’s Fromage Montage, a self-led cheese adventure throughout the park (and you can earn a prize!)

💸All of these budget choices are fabulous, but we especially recommend the Pão de Queijo, Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey, and the BBQ Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese Dip.

2. Avoid (Some of the) Most Expensive Foods

Australia’s Lambchop at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Photo by Rain Blanken

Remember that just because a dish is expensive doesn’t mean you should forgo it. 

Many of the more expensive dishes are a huge portion that you can split between people or fill up on yourself. For instance, the Braised Beef Poutine is a deal; it’s the most expensive selection on the menu but also one of the most considerable portions. Also, it’s incredible.

Braised Beef Poutine. Photo by Tatjana Lazar

Most expensive foods at the fest include:

1. Braised Beef Poutine: Refreshment Port, $9.50
2. Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon: Canada, $9.25
3. Gnocchi di Patate: Italy, $9.00
4. Takoyaki: Japan, $8.50
5. Roasted Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies: Australia, $8.25 
6. Tostada de Barbacoa: Mexico, $8.00
7. Orange Blossom Panna Cotta: Italy, $8.00
8. Fry Flight: Fry Basket, $7.50
9. Dandan Noodles: China, $8.25

💸Of these, the Braised Beef Poutine, Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon, and the Fry Flight are our can’t-miss wallet-busters.

To know which of the most expensive dishes give great portion size and flavor, check out our honest staff reviews.

3. Get the Most For Your Drink Budget

It’s no secret that the most expensive items at the festival are alcoholic beverages. In order to get a proper buzz for your buck (if that’s your goal), the alcohol content of the drink really matters. Here are a couple of choices that give you the most bang for your buck.

The Fireworks Cocktail from China

The Fireworks cocktail from the China booth. Photo by Rain Blanken

💸 The Fireworks cocktail at the China booth is the most expensive cocktail at the festival at $14.00 but also the strongest.

It has an extremely heavy pour of tequila and vodka—an estimated 3oz of liquor (we watched them make it). Not only this but it’s yummy too and very well balanced. This cocktail is worth the price tag because you’re basically getting two drinks for the price of one. 

The Mimosa Flight at Shimmering Sips

That pricey mimosa flight is worth it! Photo by Julie de la Fe

💸 The same goes for the Mimosa flight at Shimmering Sips, ranking at $14 dollars as well. It is another one of the most expensive beverage items but you get three different delicious mimosas to try!

Of course, if you’re just perusing EPCOT and don’t feel the need to stick to the festival-specific drinks, your best value drink at EPCOT will always be the margarita stand at the Mexico Pavilion.

4. Get a Gift Card With a Set Balance

That delectable Brazilian cheese bread. Photo by Lex Mancini

If you don’t trust yourself to maintain your budget (I get it) grab a gift card at the entrance of the park, this way you can load it up with exactly how much money you want and not have to worry about over-spending. 

The EPCOT Food and Wine gift cards with bracelet loops are perfect for a day at the park and make it easy to pay for your festival purchases—without worrying about misplacing a loose gift card.

Sticking to a gift card allows you to let loose, lay back, and not have to check your bank account when you’re out having fun at the park.

5.  Get the Food and Wine Festival Guide

Don’t let the price tag associated with The Food and Wine Festival intimidate you. There are plenty of ways to do Food and Wine on a budget without sacrificing your favorite foods and drinks or new ones you want to try. 

The best way to save is to use our handy-dandy in-park Festival Guide! Inside is everything you need to make smart budget decisions while at EPCOT.

We have all the prices of the food items at your fingertips, without waiting for a webpage to load! You can download the PDF guide onto your phone—then you don’t have to worry if that Disney WiFi isn’t cooperating while you’re in the park!