EPCOT’s food and wine festival concerts: How to avoid the line

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EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival may be known for its culinary experience, but music fans also have something to feast on.
The lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series strikes a nostalgic chord with some favorites from decades ago. Acts like Tiffany, Boys II Men and Hanson will take the stage for live performances.
Shows are included with admission to EPCOT, but getting a seat to watch the performance may require some planning. Here are details on what you need to know about the festival and accompanying concerts:
◾ Aug. 30-31 – The Fray
◾ Sept. 1-2 – Sugar Ray
◾ Sept. 6-7 – Hoobastank
◾ Sept. 8-9 – Yellowcard
◾ Sept. 13-14 – Tiffany
◾ Sept. 15-16 – MercyMe
◾ Sept. 20-21 – Sheila E.
◾ Sept. 22-23 – The Wanted
◾ Sept. 27 – Luis Figueroa
◾ Sept. 28-29 – Mau y Ricky
◾ Sept. 30 – Jesse & Joy
◾ Oct. 4-5 – Aloe Blacc
◾ Oct. 6-7 – Joey Fatone & Friends
◾ Oct. 11-12 – We The Kings
◾ Oct. 13-14 – Switchfoot
◾ Oct. 18-19 – David Archuleta
◾ Oct. 20-21 – Billy Ocean
◾ Oct. 25-28 – Hanson
◾ Nov. 1-2 – Haley Reinhart featuring Emily Estefan, Casey Abrams and Janel Parrish
◾ Nov. 3-4 – Boyz II Men
◾ Nov. 8-9 – Magic!
◾ Nov. 10-11 – Parmalee
◾ Nov. 15-16 – Smash Mouth
◾ Nov. 17-18 – 98 Degrees
It’s wise to check the schedule as the concert date gets closer. Artist appearances are subject to change or can be canceled without notice.
First, you need to make sure you have an EPCOT park ticket valid for the day you want to see a concert.
Seating in the American Gardens Theater is done on a first-come basis. Guests usually start lining up hours in advance to secure a spot.
There is a way to get a guaranteed seat on certain nights if you purchase a dining package. Available Friday through Monday, the dining package includes a meal at one of eight restaurants the day of the concert.
Prices for the dining package vary per restaurant and start at $36 for adults.
The concerts are held nightly beginning Aug. 30, the day after the festival begins.
There are three concerts each night: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The festival features dozens of booths serving food and beverages from a variety of cuisines around the world.
Each booth offers small plates for a fee, usually about $10.
Spitzer can be reached at [email protected]