Are you ready to immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity? Epcot’s Festival of the Arts combines food, art, and entertainment into one unforgettable experience. We just returned from this year’s festival, and I’m here to share all the highlights and tips to help you plan your visit, whether it’s for this year or next!
What is Epcot’s Festival of the Arts?
Debuting in 2017, the Festival of the Arts is the newest of Epcot’s seasonal events. It runs each year from mid-January to late February and focuses on celebrating all forms of art: visual, performing, and culinary. Think of it as a colorful mashup of an art gallery, food festival, and live concert series, all set in the magical atmosphere of Epcot.
Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
Paint-by-Number Mural
This activity is perfect for all ages—even if you’re not particularly artistic. Grab a paintbrush, add your touch to a larger mural, and watch as the masterpiece comes to life throughout the day. Plus, you get a bookmark of the completed design as a keepsake!
Animation Academy
Learn how to draw a Disney character under the guidance of an animator at the American Adventure Pavilion. It’s a great way to embrace your inner artist and take home a unique souvenir.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
Fans of Figment (Epcot’s beloved purple dragon) will love this paid activity. Search for hidden Figments in iconic paintings throughout the World Showcase. It’s a fun way to explore the countries and earn a prize at the end!
The Visual Arts Experience
Epcot transforms into an outdoor art gallery with booths showcasing Disney-inspired works, chalk art displays, and immersive photo ops. Look for 3D sidewalk art that seems to pop off the pavement and snap a picture in recreations of famous works like The Mona Lisa or The Scream.
New this year, the CommuniCore Hall features live art demonstrations and an exhibit celebrating 30 years of Disney on Broadway.
Performing Arts
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
This concert series is a festival highlight! Performers from Disney’s Broadway shows take the stage to bring their magic to Epcot. Whether you’re a fan of The Lion King, Frozen, or Mary Poppins, these performances are a treat.
Live Performances and Exhibits
Relax at the CommuniCore Plaza with live music or explore costumes and props from 30 years of Disney Broadway shows in the new Once Upon a Stage exhibit. Seeing these costumes up close is a must for any theater fan.
Culinary Arts
No festival at Epcot is complete without indulging in its food offerings, and the Festival of the Arts does not disappoint. Every dish is a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat (but you’ll definitely want to).
We sampled everything from the Beef Wellington-inspired croissant to Wagyu beef buns in Japan and the vibrant rainbow cake at Figment’s Inspiration Station. While some dishes impressed us more than others, there’s truly something for every palate. Listen to the full podcast to see what we thought were the winners.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan for Weekdays: The festival is more crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
- Check the Weather: Florida weather can be unpredictable in winter—bring layers and an umbrella just in case.
- Make Time for Photo Ops: The interactive photo spots and chalk art galleries are unique to this festival, so don’t skip them!
- Scout the Menus Early: Review the festival passport or check online before your visit to prioritize your must-try dishes.
Epcot’s Festival of the Arts is an incredible blend of creativity and fun. From the vibrant energy of the Disney on Broadway concerts to the beautiful works of art and culinary delights, it’s an experience I look forward to every year.
If you’re visiting this year, you’re in for a treat. If not, start planning for next year—it’s a festival you won’t want to miss.
Listen to the Full Episode:
