For art enthusiasts, the dawn of a new year brings the much-anticipated 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This event, which runs from January 12th to February 19th, is a vibrant celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts in unique Disney style. It offers an immersive experience with fantastic performances, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and tantalizing food and drink options. Let’s dive into what this artistic extravaganza has in store for you!
The Return of DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series
The EPCOT festival welcomes back the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, featuring some of Broadway’s most admired stars. For the first time, two original leading ladies from the beloved show “Frozen” will grace the stage at the America Gardens Theatre. Fans of “Aladdin” are also in for a treat! The series includes three shows daily throughout the festival and features songs from various popular Disney shows. Here’s the star-studded lineup:
- Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
- Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
- Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
- Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
- Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
- Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19
Exclusive DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages
For a VIP experience, consider the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages. These packages offer priority seating at the concert series and are available at eight select EPCOT restaurants. The participating restaurants are:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Le Cellier
- Spice Road Table
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
A Feast for the Senses: Culinary Arts
The festival features over 15 Food Studios across EPCOT, each presenting an array of artistic culinary creations. New dishes and drinks, along with returning favorites, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. A highlight is the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a culinary journey showcasing vibrant sweet and savory treats.
Immerse Yourself in Interactive Experiences
Guests are invited to partake in a variety of creative activities. You can learn drawing skills from Disney artists at Animation Academy, contribute to a mural at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, or let your little ones create chalk masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art. There are also unique photo opportunities and limited-time Magic Shots available through the Disney PhotoPass Service.
Explore Galleries and Exclusive Merchandise
The festival allows visitors to discover art galleries and meet the artists behind the masterpieces. A range of new and returning merchandise, including items inspired by Figment, will be available for purchase. Guests can join in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt, helping Figment explore art by finding him hidden in art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion.
With its inspiring blend of visual, culinary, and performing arts, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, this festival invites you to immerse yourself in a world where art comes alive.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!