International Festival of theh ARts at EPCOT
when you go around the countries for their different snacks, is it enough to substitue for an actual meal? Or are the portions too small? I was going to eliminate one of our meals and just sample things at the countries.
Thanks!
The International Festival of the Arts at EPCOT is a fantastic event for sampling foods from around the world, but whether it can replace a full meal depends on your appetite and approach. Generally, the snack-sized portions are smaller than standard meal servings, designed for tasting and sampling multiple items rather than filling up on one single dish.
Here are some points to consider when planning to substitute a meal with festival snacks:
- Portion sizes are small: Most items are intended to be tasting portions, often costing $5–$9 each. For adults with average appetites, you may need to sample 3–5 items to feel satisfied.
- Variety helps: Sampling items from multiple countries can give the feeling of a full meal, but you’ll need to mix protein, carbs, and vegetables to create a balanced eating experience.
- Cost factor: If you’re skipping a meal, keep in mind that purchasing several small items may end up costing as much as a regular table-service meal.
- Kids: Portions may be sufficient for children, but some older kids or teens may still find the snack sizes too small and may need an extra snack or meal addition.
Tips for making snack-based meals work:
- Plan your route around the World Showcase so you can pick a few items from different countries in a way that balances flavors and fills you up.
- Consider pairing snacks with a shared beverage or dessert item to round out the “meal.”
- Arrive with a light appetite; if you’ve already had a large breakfast or heavy snack, you might not feel satisfied with sampling alone.
- Keep an eye on festival-exclusive items; some of the larger plates or special offerings are closer to entrée size and can serve as a more substantial meal replacement.
In summary, yes, you can substitute a meal with festival snacks if you’re strategic about what you select and willing to purchase several items. For many adults, it can be enough, especially if you mix sweet, savory, and protein options, but for younger or hungrier adults, it may not fully replace a standard meal.
More Orlando Travel Questions