EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024: Disney’s Most Colorful Winter Tradition
What happens after Christmas is over? The decorations come down (well, maybe), and nothing remains of the Christmas tree but a pile of hard-to-vacuum evergreen needles. Without the colorful lights and something to celebrate, the winter days feel a little darker. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
With tthe EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, we have something to look forward to in January! Part of the acclaimed EPCOT Festival lineup, the Festival of the Arts has joined the ranks of classic favorites like the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, quickly becoming a highly anticipated event at Disney parks!
What is The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
There’s no better time to visit Walt Disney World than festival time! These EPCOT offerings bring the World Showcase to life in a way that’s true to Walt’s original vision of the park. Festival of the Arts is one of the newer festivals, premiering in early 2017. As Walt was a bit of an artist himself, I think he would approve!
Despite being the new kid on the block, the Festival of the Arts has quickly become a favorite of parkgoers. It celebrates art in a fun and engaging way. Rather than having a walk-through gallery like some rigid art museum, the Festival of the Arts creates an immersive experience that blends the visual, performing, and culinary arts – because “art” is more than just painting!
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When is the International Festival of the Arts?
This event typically occurs through most of January and February, though dates vary from year to year. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts dates for 2024 are January 12 – February 19!
Much like the other festivals, this one is also an all-day affair. You’ll want to arrive early (and most likely plan to stay late!) to experience everything there is to offer.
What is the Cost of Admission?
Unlike other Disney events, festival admission is included in your regular admission ticket, though you will need a valid admission to EPCOT for the day to attend. Given the festival’s nature, we would recommend budgeting a little extra for food and drinks. Not to mention souvenirs, as there are plenty of one-of-a-kind items to tantalize and tempt festival participants!
Attending the Festival of the Arts
Even on a typical day, there’s no end to rides, shows, and other attractions to enjoy at EPCOT. During the yearly festivals, there are even more new things to explore! Festival of the Arts splits its events into three, neatly-organized categories.
1. The Visual Arts
With a name like that, it’s obvious there’s going to be an emphasis on traditional art during this festival. You can find pretty pieces tucked into every corner of the park as the scattering of galleries all showcase – and sell! – beautifully produced and officially licensed artwork of classic movie characters. Many times, you can snag a print and then have it signed by the artist! There’s no way you won’t be tempted to blow your budget on some of these unique and adorable pieces. In addition to art, you can also see artists at work as chalk art, traditional paintings, and other visual media are produced right before your eyes!
Make Some Art
One of the coolest parts about this festival is how it encourages you to pick up your own paintbrush, pen, or pencil! At Animation Academy, a Disney animator will be on hand to teach you how to draw an iconic Disney Character. Talk about learning from the best of the best! (Daily sessions at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm at American Gardens Theatre).
You can also leave your mark by coloring in a square on the enormous Paint By Numbers Mural! Disney fans unite as their individual efforts magically combine into a vibrant illustration. Simply grab your paint, brush, and assigned number at the Expression Section booth from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm!
Kiddos are also welcome to take part in the Chalk Art experience, drawing at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza throughout the day.
Find Some Art
Another artful activity kiddos (or adults!) are sure to enjoy is Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt! Just purchase your map and stickers from a participating store, then set off around the World Showcase in search of Figment the dragon. You’ll find him hiding in famous pieces of artwork. Once you’ve filled your map with the corresponding stickers, you can return it to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a keepsake!
BE the Art!
Say cheese! Visual art includes the phenomenal element of photography, so to celebrate that, the festival also has interactive “Artful Photo Ops!” With these photo ops, you can become part of famous paintings from around the world in clever (and highly Instagrammable!) ways. Personally, we love The Scream, though Washington Crossing the Delaware is a fun one to try out, too. Cast members are on hand and happy to snap that group photo for you!
2. The Performing Arts
EPCOT has always been home to some amazing performance artists, many of them hidden gems waiting to be discovered in their respective pavilions. During this year’s festival, performers from around the world will take center stage (quite literally!) as they serenade you on guitar, harp, saxophone, and even the digeridoo!
You’ll also find acrobats, traditional dancers, and exciting feats of strength on display as well. Living statues have also been known to pose around the World Showcase. On select days, artists Trevor Carlton and Stephen Fishwick will also be in attendance, painting amazing Disney character portraits in 10 minutes or less.
One of the main events is the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series. Every day, different pairs of Broadway performers will spend an evening sharing well-loved songs at the American Gardens Theater. You’ll get to hear the incredible voices of the actors and actresses who’ve brought Disney characters to life on stage through song. Here’s the full line-up:
- Caissie Levy (Frozen) & Patti Murin (Frozen):
January 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22 and 23 - Gavin Lee (Beauty and the Beast) and Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid):
January 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24 and 25 - Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King):
January 26, 28 and 29
February 1, 3, 5 and 6 - Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King):
January 27, 30 and 31
February 2, 4, 7 and 8 - Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin):
February 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19 - Bradley Gibson (The Lion King) and Shoba Narayan (Aladdin):
February 10, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 19
To guarantee your Broadway concert seat, you can opt to purchase a dining package. Choose from 8 different participating eateries and enjoy a meal and receive a guaranteed seat at the show! Reservations are open starting December 19th. It’s a bit pricey ($36 – $99 for adults), but if you love Broadway performances, this is an excellent way to ensure you get to see the show! That being said, there are 3 performances every evening, so you can choose to arrive strategically early and know you have a second chance if the first showing doesn’t work out.
3. The Culinary Arts
No festival is complete without yummy food! Perusing the offerings at these festival-exclusive Food Studios is a highlight of our trip, especially as they have new menu items each year, often with some old favorites sprinkled in. While you won’t find as many booths here as at the International Food and Wine Festival, the International Festival of the Arts does have specialty foods and drinks that are exclusive to this event. You won’t find the same dishes replicated anywhere else!
This year there will be 16 kiosks:
- The Artist’s Table (American Adventure Pavilion)
- Cuisine Classique (Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet) – NEW!
- The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Disney Traders)
- Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)
- The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)
- El Artista Hambriento (Mexico Pavilion)
- Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic
- Goshiki (Japan Pavilion)
- Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)
- L’Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France Pavilion)
- L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy Pavilion)
- The Painted Panda (China Pavilion)
- Pastoral Palate (Germany Pavilion)
- Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)
- Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco Pavilion)
- Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between the Morocco & France Pavilions)
We recommend visiting the Pop Eats booth, as they are known for visually stunning and delicious snacks! If you have any concerns about allergies or dietary restrictions, full menus will be available on Disney’s website at the festival date draws closer!
You can also choose to take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. Like the EPCOT Cookie Stroll, your goal will be to collect 5 stamps (obtained by buying and trying tasty bites!); the reward is an Artist Palette Cookie. There will be 7 technicolor dishes to choose from during your culinary scavenger hunt, though as of writing, we’re still wainting on the official menu. But we just know it’ll be delish!
Tips and Tricks for Your Visit
- Don’t forget your Festival Passport! You’ll want to pick up this free little booklet at the park entrance along with a park map. It’s a great guide to the events, shows, and food offerings of the Festival!
- Try visiting on a weekday to maximize your time. While this festival is held during a historically less crowded time of the year, the park can still be quite busy during festival times! You’ll find it more crowded during the weekends, especially as local crowds are more abundant during that time.
- Snack sharing is a must! There are so many delicious selections at the Food Studios that choosing just one or two may prove harder than you think! You may want to grab a few bites and share them among your group to get more variety.
- Always look at the gift shop! There are some fantastic, festival-exclusive items available at the Festival shops that appeal to all ages. In the last few years, merchandise often features the lovable purple dragon, Figment, who doubles as the (unofficial) EPCOT mascot. Too cute!
What do you like best about EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo via Canva.com
