When I book trips to Walt Disney World, it’s almost always in the fall. However, despite often being at EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival, I had never participated in the Eat to the Beat Concert Series or Dining Package – until this trip. With an all-time favorite singer performing two nights at the America Gardens Theatre and a desire for front row seats, it was finally time to have dinner and a show at EPCOT.
My research led me to learning that the dining package was the only way to secure the best view in the house. Dining packages for Eat to the Beat are available at specific restaurants across the park and include a special ticket to the show that allows you access to the first few rows. With plans to attend all six concerts over the two days, my party of five booked two dining packages per day – four dining packages and 20 tickets total.
Donning my Mickey ears and ready for a day filled with good food and even better music, our very first meal was breakfast at Garden Grill. One of my favorite family-style restaurants in WDW, this was my first time joining them for breakfast rather than lunch or dinner. The meal offered a variety of breakfast favorites like eggs, hashbrowns, and Mickey waffles, plus a free alcoholic beverage that came with each dining package purchase. Garden Grill is also a great option if you want to fit some character interactions into your busy concert day, with Chip, Dale, Mickey and Pluto all stopping by the table to say hi.
Since the concerts ran at 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15, respectively, our second meal on Day 1 happened before we even saw a show. It brought us back to Garden Grill, this time for their delicious lunch. We had to have asked for at least two more helpings of their mashed potatoes, plus their mac and cheese is to die for.
Tip: If you’re eating at a restaurant far from the American Adventure pavilion, try to schedule it on the earlier side so you’ve got time to make the trek through all the countries to get in line for the show you’re attending.
Since our lunch ended close to 5:00, we hurried from Garden Grill to the American Adventure pavilion to hop in the dining package line for the show. Getting there around 30-45 minutes early seemed to suffice, and we had our pick of seats in the first two rows once we were let in. On past trips, I had overheard some concerts while I was strolling through the America Adventure pavilion, but I had never been inside the theater. There’s hardly a barrier between the front row and the stage while the Eat to the Beat logo flashes on the screens as everyone piles in.
Now that we had our meals, it was time for a show! David Archuleta walked out all smiles as he performed hits like “Afraid To Love,” “A Little Too Not Over You,” and, of course, “Crush.” Throughout the three shows that first night, Archuleta switched up his setlist each time, even lending his beautiful voice to Disney classics like “Go The Distance,” “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Tip: As fun as front row is, take a chance on a seat in the first row behind the aisle – more often than not, the artists will walk through the audience as they perform! Archuleta, for example, spotted my party and came over to touch our hands during his concert favorite “Touch My Hand” when we were seated there.
When Day 2 arrived, we were back at Garden Grill for breakfast, but shook things up for lunch at Coral Reef. I was pleased with the vegetarian option on the menu, though it seems to have since been replaced. Overall, it was a great meal for my first time at Coral Reef, and I couldn’t help but be reminded of the memorable Full House episode when Danny took Vicky there for dinner and spotted Jesse and Joey swimming in the aquarium that surrounds the restaurant.
This time around, to try and snag a special ticket for the third show of the night, we decided to get a second dinner at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Unlike the other restaurants where your reservation guarantees your ticket, this quick-service restaurant only offers tickets on the day of the show, on a first-come, first-served basis. We were lucky to learn they still had tickets available for the show we wanted, but it definitely depends on park attendance and the demand for the artist.
The second night of concerts was just as fun as the first. Archuleta sang almost entirely different songs compared to the first night, and ended each show with a roaring crowd. His eclectic setlist included current hits like “Hell Together” and “I’m Yours,” plus songs only OG fans would remember, like “Waiting For Yesterday” and his American Idol favorite “Imagine.”
The sun began to set during the second show, creating a beautiful ambience that peeked out behind the stage. By the end of the final show, it was already dark and Spaceship Earth lit the World Showcase Lagoon.
Each night, the concerts ended just in time for Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which begins at 9:00. The American Adventure pavilion has always been my favorite spot to view EPCOT’s fireworks shows, so leaving the theater and finding a spot was quick and easy, and allowed just enough time for a bathroom break or a snack run.
My honest review is that the dining package is a must for making the most of your Eat to the Beat experience. While it seems most seats offer a great view of the show, there’s nothing like experiencing a concert from the front row. The meals plus front row concert seats are well worth the price, though the restaurant options are limited. Be sure to jump in and book your reservations early to ensure you score the restaurants and concerts you want!
