EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity. It blends visual, culinary, and performing arts into an unforgettable experience. EPCOT transforms into a living art gallery with incredible exhibits, live artists at work, and colorful photo opportunities. Here are five things you need to know before you visit the Festival of the Arts:
1. Grab A Festival Passport
This festival is a celebration of artistry in every form, offering countless ways to immerse yourself in creativity and inspiration. Be sure to grab a festival passport as soon as you arrive, it’s your ultimate guide to the event. These booklets are free and provide detailed schedules, concert times, food booth locations, and everything else you need to make the most of your visit. Not only are they incredibly useful during your time at the festival, but they also make for a delightful keepsake to remember your experience once you are back home.
2. Savor The Art Of Food
The Festival of the Arts offers visually stunning and delicious menus, from Figment’s whimsical Rainbow Cake to Pop Eats’ comforting Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. Adventurous bites like Squid Ink Pasta or the Sushi Donut add excitement, while the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine lets you collect stamps for dishes like Almond Frangipane Cake to earn a prize. Everyone will enjoy playful treats like the Imagination Cone or Artist Palette Cookie, and don’t forget to snag the specialty Figment Popcorn Bucket. With vibrant flavors and artistic flair, this year’s festival promises to be a feast for all senses!
3. Experience The Magic Of The Disney On Broadway Concert Series
One of the most highly anticipated features of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This captivating performance brings the enchantment of Broadway to the America Gardens Theatre, where stars from your favorite Disney musicals perform iconic songs live on stage. FromThe Lion King to Aladdin, these show-stopping numbers deliver an unforgettable experience for Disney fans of all ages.
The concerts are held multiple times daily, and the best part? This is included for all festival guests! However, if you want to ensure you have the perfect spot for the show, consider reserving a Disney on Broadway Dining Package up to 60 days before your trip. This special offering pairs a delicious meal at select EPCOT restaurants with priority seating for the concert. It’s a great way to combine exceptional dining with world-class entertainment, making your festival experience even more magical. Don’t miss this chance to sing along with beloved Disney hits and witness the incredible talent of Broadway performers live!
4. Get Hands-On with Art at the Festival
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts isn’t just about admiring creativity, it’s about unleashing your own! Dive into interactive workshops led by skilled professionals, where you can try your hand animation. Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt is something the whole family will love. It’s a whimsical activity that has you searching for Figment hidden within famous works of art around the World Showcase.
Be sure to contribute to the massive paint-by-numbers mural, where every guest gets a chance to add their personal touch to a collaborative masterpiece. Don’t forget to marvel at the incredible chalk art displays, featuring stunning 3D illusions that seem to leap off the pavement. For younger artists, there are fun, kid-friendly activities near the World Showcase entrance, like creating their own sidewalk chalk art. It’s an artistic adventure for all ages!
5. Immersive ‘Step-Into-the-Painting’ Photo Ops
One of the most unique experiences at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is the chance to literally step into iconic works of art! Scattered throughout the World Showcase, these interactive photo opportunities let you pose inside famous paintings and create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re reimagining history or striking a pose, these photo ops are both fun and memorable. Keep an eye out for these photo ops in France, the American Adventure pavilion, and two spots in Italy as you stroll through the World Showcase!
Bonus: Celebrate 30 Years of Disney on Broadway at CommuniCore Hall
Step into the spotlight at CommuniCore Hall with a captivating walkthrough exhibit that celebrates three decades of Disney on Broadway magic. “Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway” offers you an up-close look at the artistry behind some of Disney’s most beloved stage musicals. Marvel at iconic costumes and props from fan-favorite productions like The Lion King and Aladdin, and take a behind-the-scenes journey to discover how these timeless animated films were brought to life on the Broadway stage.
EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity and inspiration, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From stunning art displays and delectable food to Broadway-worthy performances and interactive fun, this festival is a can’t-miss experience for Disney fans and art enthusiasts alike. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in a world where imagination knows no bounds!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Marissa Coffta
Marissa’s lifelong enchantment with Disney magic began in her childhood and has continued to flourish. She is a mom to 3, who frequently embarks on solo or family adventures to Disney World. Currently living out of state, she takes many modes of transportation to experience the wonder of Disney firsthand. Her fervent passion for writing fuels her with the hopes of bringing the world of Disney to life, making the magic a part of her world.
