The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is a vibrant and multifaceted celebration of creativity and culture held annually at Disney World. This event completely immerses you into visual, performing, and culinary arts, transforming EPCOT into a showcase of artistry. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a food enthusiast, or a Disney devotee, this festival offers an unparalleled experience that will captivate your senses and spark your imagination.
In the following sections, you’ll discover everything you need to put together the perfect itinerary for your visit to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
From grabbing your tickets to navigating the best times to visit, we’ll guide you through the essential details to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. You’ll learn about the indispensable Festival Passport and the My Disney Experience App, tools that will enhance your journey through this artistic wonderland.
Dive into the festival’s artistic offerings, where visual arts come alive through exhibits and interactive installations, performing arts thrill with live shows and concerts, and culinary arts delight your palate with exquisite creations from Food Studios. Our detailed overview of these attractions will ensure you don’t miss a single masterpiece.
Next, we’ll tempt your taste buds with insights into the festival’s culinary delights. From specialty cuisines to exclusive dining packages, you’ll find out where to indulge in the most delectable treats.
For those looking to engage more deeply, the festival offers interactive experiences like scavenger hunts, art workshops, and captivating photo opportunities. These activities will allow you to immerse yourself in the creative process and take home unforgettable memories.
The excitement continues with live entertainment and performances, featuring the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, diverse music and shows, and captivating visual art in performance. These events are sure to leave you spellbound.
Don’t forget to explore the exclusive festival merchandise, perfect for bringing a piece of the magic home with you. Finally, our special tips and advice section will equip you with strategies for navigating crowds, utilizing FastPass and Mobile Order, and collecting unique souvenirs.
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, where every corner promises a new discovery and every moment is filled with artistic wonder.
Overview of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity across multiple disciplines, held annually at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This vibrant festival showcases visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the globe. You’ll find the festival spread throughout EPCOT, with a particular focus on the World Showcase.
- Visual Art: You can admire stunning works of art and watch artists create new pieces. Galleries and outdoor displays pepper the landscape.
- Culinary Arts: You will savor artistic culinary offerings that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
- Performing Arts: You are treated to live performances, including music, theater, and dance.
EPCOT’s festival emphasizes interactive experiences. You have opportunities to participate in art creation and attend workshops led by professionals in various artistic fields.
- First, you should plan your visit to coincide with the artists and performances you are most interested in.
- Next, you might want to make dining reservations at the World Showcase to enjoy the festival’s special culinary arts.
- Lastly, you don’t want to miss the exclusive merchandise, which includes art-themed memorabilia unique to the festival.
Disney World harmonizes entertainment with education during the International Festival of the Arts. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for artistic expression. Remember, the festival dates and offerings may vary each year, so you should check the official Walt Disney World website for the most current information before you plan your visit.
Planning Your Visit
To experience the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to the fullest, you need to consider tickets, optimal visit times, the Festival Passport, and the My Disney Experience App for a seamless journey through the arts.
Tickets and Admission
You must purchase a valid theme park admission to enter Walt Disney World’s EPCOT where the festival is held. If you plan to visit multiple days or parks, consider a multi-day pass or park hopper option for greater flexibility.
Best Times to Visit
For smaller crowds and more enjoyable experience, opt for weekdays over weekends. While the festival is generally less crowded during the morning hours, special events may influence the flow of visitors throughout the day.
Festival Passport
Once inside EPCOT, grab your complimentary Festival Passport. This booklet details exhibits, performances, and workshop locations, helping you navigate and plan your day efficiently.
My Disney Experience App
Download and utilize the My Disney Experience App to keep track of your plans, FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, and wait times for attractions. The app also offers real-time updates which can maximize your festival experience.
Artistic Offerings
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presents a trifecta of art forms including visual, performing, and culinary arts, each offering lively attractions for your enjoyment.
Visual Arts
Visual arts encapsulate a variety of mediums and methods at EPCOT. Notably, galleries display paintings and artwork from talented artists around the world. Visitors can view chalk art transforming sidewalks into vibrant tapestries or partake in the Animation Academy where you learn to create Disney characters under the guidance of a skilled animator.
- Attend live art demonstrations by visiting artists.
- Purchase unique artworks to commemorate your visit.
Performing Arts
The performing arts showcase is a thrilling highlight at the festival. Art defying gravity performances combine strength and poise in captivating displays. Live theatrical music and dance acts grace the stage, reflecting diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions.
- Enjoy an assortment of musical and theatrical performances scheduled throughout the day.
- Experience street theater where improvisational acts might include you in the performance.
Culinary Arts
The culinary arts at the festival bring a feast for the senses. Each dish is crafted as a visual and flavorful work of art. The plates are as aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious, blending cuisine and creativity to produce edible masterpieces.
- Savor artistically presented dishes at the festival’s many outdoor kitchens.
- Indulge in food that looks too good to eat but tastes too good to miss.
Culinary Delights
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts brings an array of culinary masterpieces to your palate with its distinctive food offerings.
Food Studios
Food Studios serve as your canvas for tasting art-inspired dishes. You’ll encounter unique plates such as the deconstructed key lime pie at The Deconstructed Dish and the visually striking rainbow cake at Deco Delights. These kiosks scatter throughout the World Showcase, offering a multitude of options to sample.
- The Artist’s Table: Savor hearty, rustic fare.
- Pop Eats: Enjoy modern art on a plate.
- Among others, each studio offers a twist on traditional tastes.
Specialty Cuisine
Explore the world through specialty cuisine that EPCOT Festival of the Arts prides itself on. Here, creativity meets flavor with standout items like the deconstructed key lime pie, which reinvents a classic dessert. The following highlights present a guide to not-to-miss culinary art forms:
- El Artista Hambriento: Discover the richness of Mexican cuisine.
- Gourmet Landscapes: Find flavors that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
- The Deconstructed Dish: Taste familiar foods in an unfamiliar way.
Dining Packages
Enhance your festival experience with Dining Packages that offer a savory combination of fine dining and entertainment. The Disney on Broadway Dining Package pairs mealtime with showtime, allowing you to indulge in an exceptional meal while securing priority seating at the Disney on Broadway concert series. Make dining reservations and learn about package details through the mobile order service available on the My Disney Experience app.
- Book a package at participating EPCOT restaurants.
- Select from various cuisines to tailor your dining to your tastes.
Interactive Experiences
At the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you can immerse yourself in creative fun with various interactive experiences designed to spark your artistic side.
Scavenger Hunts
Figment’s Brush with the Masters is a scavenger hunt that leads you through a world of famous art. Your objective is to help Figment learn about art on a park-wide adventure, following clues to find hidden Figments adorned in famous works. Purchase a map at select merchandise locations to start the hunt, and once completed, return for a surprise.
Art Workshops and Seminars
Participate in Animation Academy, an interactive seminar where you can learn to draw Disney characters from experienced animators. At the Expression Section, grab a brush and leave your mark on a collaborative mural that showcases collective creativity. Workshops and seminars require sign-up; check the schedule early to secure your spot.
Photo Opportunities
Find and capture unique artful photo ops throughout EPCOT. These special photo locations allow you to step into oversized frames and become part of classic artwork, or pose with magic-infused 3D chalk art underfoot known as Chalk Full of Character. The artful photo ops are perfect for memorable souvenirs and social media shares.
Live Entertainment and Performances
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers a rich tapestry of live entertainment that showcases musical and artistic talent. Your experience is enhanced by the vibrant array of Broadway-caliber shows, live concerts, and artistic displays.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Disney on Broadway Concert Series features a lineup of Broadway stars performing songs from Disney’s classic stage productions. First, check the schedule for showtimes at the America Gardens Theatre. Second, arrive early to secure good seating as performances are highly popular and seats fill quickly.
Music and Shows
The festival boasts a variety of music and shows beyond Broadway hits. Live performances occur throughout the park, including global music ranging from traditional cultural tunes to contemporary pieces. Look for the times guide upon entering EPCOT to plan your day around these auditory delights.
Visual Art in Performance
Witness the mesmerizing visual art in performance, where artists create stunning pieces before your eyes. This fusion of visual art and live entertainment demonstrates the creative process in real-time, offering a unique auditory experience as well. Each performance is a blend of both visual and audio elements that captivate all your senses.
Exclusive Festival Merchandise
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts features unique merchandise that complements the celebration of creativity. At the event, you can find an array of exclusive festival merch ranging from apparel to collectibles. Visit the Creations Shop for the broadest selection, where Disney art comes to life through various mediums.
For an iconic Festival of the Arts souvenir, seek out the coveted Figment popcorn bucket. Often found at Disney Traders, this item embodies the spirit of imagination. Additionally, be on the lookout for the Artist Palette Cookie, a treat that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
- Apparel and Accessories: Discover limited-edition Festival of the Arts merchandise such as themed shirts, hats, and totes, many featuring the beloved character, Mickey Mouse.
- Art Pieces: You will encounter original artwork and prints by acclaimed Disney artists. Expand your collection with these exclusive pieces.
- Commemorative Items: For something special, pick up festival-exclusive pins, magnets, and phone cases that make perfect mementos.
Each piece of merchandise captures the essence of the EPCOT festival, reflecting the blend of culinary, visual, and performing arts. When purchasing, reuse the festival merchandise as a functional reminder of your visit, or gift it to fellow Disney art connoisseurs.
Keep your purchases secure and consider how they’ll integrate into your daily life. Whether you favor practicality or artistic flair, you’ll find something at the Festival that speaks to your taste. Remember to revisit icons like Mickey Mouse in various festival-themed designs, adding a touch of Disney magic to every item.
Special Tips and Advice
When attending the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, strategic planning can significantly enhance your experience. Consider these specific strategies for navigating the event efficiently.
Navigating the Crowds
Firstly, prioritize visiting popular attractions early in the day. Spaceship Earth and Journey into Imagination with Figment, often see increased footfall. To avoid congestion, watch live entertainment near the World Showplace between your visit to these landmarks. Artwork viewing and Disney character experiences, featuring Mary Poppins or Aladdin, should be scheduled around midday when many guests are dining.
Utilizing FastPass and Mobile Order
Begin your day by securing FastPasses for high-demand rides like Test Track to minimize wait times. Use the My Disney Experience app to check FastPass availability and to use Mobile Order services at eateries. This will save you time queuing for food, providing you more opportunities to enjoy the art displays and performances around the park.
Souvenir and Art Collection
Remember to earmark time for exploring art pieces across EPCOT. Collectibles and festival merchandise are located at the World Traveler shop near the entrance. Purchase limited-edition prints or original pieces as they often sell quickly. Engage with artists at their booths to gain insight into their creative process before deciding on artworks or souvenirs to commemorate your experience.
