ABSTRACT
In 1982, EPCOT, or the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, became the second theme park to open at Walt Disney World in Florida. Conceived of as a permanent world’s fair, EPCOT has long been associated with edutainment in vision and attractions. Though the overtly educational offerings have been toned down over the decades, the park’s model has shifted to become not only a theme park but a festival centre with edutainment components. During the year, the park offers four festivals: the International Festival of the Arts (2017), the International Flower & Garden Festival (1994), the International Food & Wine Festival (1996), and the International Festival of the Holidays (1996). Though the theme of each festival is different, similar components include a focus on consumption of several sorts, booths from countries around the world with a selection of food and beverages, interactive activities for the family, demonstrations and educational sessions, cultural elements such as art or music, and related merchandise. This chapter examines in detail the EPCOT festivals, so popular that they inspired multiple operators to start their own food-related fests. It illustrates the potential of a theme park festival as revenue strategy, play site, cultural immersion creator, and educational tool.
