Epcot’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series is BACK for 2022 and I’m so excited! The last time this series happened was in 2019 and I am so excited to announce its return again! One of my favorite events during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series which is featured throughout the entire festival.

The America Gardens Theater (In the American Pavilion) hosts performances from major recording artists every year as part of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Epcot is hosts musical acts that include bands across all genres from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. These take place on stage in the American Pavilion. It is important to note that valid Epcot admission is required and all entertainment and artist appearances are subject to change or cancel without notice.

This Year’s General Event Details:

Where: America Gardens Theater  (American Pavilion) in World Showcase

When: Select nights from July 14th  to November 14th

Showtimes – Friday to Monday Nights: 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM

Tuesday to Thursday Nights: Florida’s top musical talent performs

What I love about the Eat to the Beat Concert Series is that an Eat to the Beat Dining Package is also offered for this event. This dining package entitles guests to lunch, or dinner at 6 different Epcot restaurants, and also includes same-day reserved seating at the Eat to the Beat Concert that evening.

The same-day reserved seating for the concert is in the covered section of the pavilion and is in the middle section of the theater. This has been my third year using the Eat to the Beat Dining Package, and to me, it is SO worth it. These past 2 years, I have been SO close to the stage for the 98 Degrees concerts that I attended at Epcot. I find that if there is a musical act that you really love, purchasing the Dining Package is totally worth it because you are guaranteed such great seating.

Dining reservations are at least 2.5 hours prior to the Eat to the Beat concert time. I have always done a 5:00- 5:30 PM dinner time, and then caught the last show of the Eat to the Beat concert series for that night. (Since there are 3 shows each night, it works out this way so that I can see the 3rd show with reserved seating). If you can plan to visit early on in the day, I would consider eating lunch with the package, getting a reserved seat for the earliest show, and then joining the general admission line to catch the acts for the 2nd and 3rd showing if you have the time and don’t mind waiting. Living in Orlando and working full time, I picked the time that worked best for me, which is why I only saw the last show. If it were up to me, I would have been to every one of them while 98 Degrees was there! 😉

This year, the restaurants that offer the Eat to the Beat Dining Packages are slightly different than in years past:

Biergarten Restaurantt

Coral Reef Restaurant

Garden Grill Restaurant

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day dining packages only)

Spice Road Table (same-day dining packages only)

This was actually my first time eating at Coral Reef restaurants. I really enjoyed it and the food was delicious!

Once you have eaten your meal and paid the bill, you will be given a receipt to show the host stand before you leave. In return, they will give you a sticker that you must wear valid for 1 showtime that same day. Guests with reserved seating should arrive to the American Gardens Theater at least 15 minutes prior to the concert start time and enter through the designated reserved seating entrance. However, I arrived 45 minutes- an hour before the show time and there was already a line forming for the reserved seating. The earlier you are in line, the more chances you’ll be in the front row or towards the center of the stage.

The Eat to the Beach Dining Package varies depending on what time of day you are eating: Breakfast packages include 1 buffet or family-style dining where applicable. Lunch and dinner packages include your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet. These package prices exclude tax and gratuity, and you must have a valid Epcot admission ticket.

Planning a last-minute visit and did not purchase an Eat to the Beat Dining Package but want to see some great artists? That’s ok! Guests who have not reserved an Eat to the Beat Dining Package will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity. Be sure to get there early before the show since lines will start to form before the concert. Remember, to enter EPCOT, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required.

Overall, do I think the Eat to the Beat Dining Package is worth it? ABSOLUTELY. I have always been a 98 Degrees fan since boy bands were my entire childhood. My 10-year-old heart was loving it and knowing I was so close that I could see their faces and the sweat and humidity on their faces made it so worth it! If there is a band or singer that you know for sure you want to see and want to make sure you get a good seat without having to stress about it, the Eat to the Beat Dining Package is for you!

Read more about Epcot’s International Food and Fine Festival for 2022 here!

Thinking of wanting to visit Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival next year? Contact me for details and let me help you plan your trip! My services are always free!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly