EPCOT Festival of the Arts: The Ultimate Guide

Explore culinary, visual, and performing arts at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This festival takes place at the beginning of every year in EPCOT. Try unique cuisine from around the world, or expand your art collection. There is something for everyone to see and do. I find this Festival to be the most unique one out of all the EPCOT festivals. Not only are there artisans from all over the world, there are even local ones you can support! The 2024 Festival is set to start on January 12, 2024 and last until February 19, 2024.

Everything You Need to Know about EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Culinary Arts

Let’s face it, we all love EPCOT Festivals for their food, and the Festival of the Arts is no different. Unlike other Festivals, these foods are presented like a piece of art. This year, there will be 16 different food booths, or “Food Studios” as Disney calls them. Look out for some special festival menu items at year-round food locations throughout the park as well.

Disney’s Official 2024 Line-up of Food Studios for Festival of the Arts (Official Disney Food Studio Menus):

1. The Artist’s Table (American Adventure Pavilion)
   • Features American comfort food with a touch of art
2. Cuisine Classique (Near Test Track)
   • Features a variety of classic dishes with beer and wine pairings
3. The Craftsman’s Traders (Near Disney Traders)
   • Features steak and pork belly sandwiches
4. Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)
   • Features art deco inspired desserts
5. The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)
   • Features a deconstructed twist to dishes such as the BLT
6. El Artista Hambriento (Mexico Pavilion)
   • Features classic Mexican cuisine
7. Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic
   • Features creative desserts
8. Goshiki (Japan Pavilion)
   • Features classic Japanese cuisine
9. Gourmet Landscapes (Canada Pavilion)
   • Features ingredients from the land
10. L’Arte de la Cuisine Francaise (France Pavilion)
    • Features sweet and savory French dishes
11. L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy Pavilion)
    • Features Baroque inspired dishes
12. The Painted Panda (China Pavilion)
    • Features Chinese art-inspired foods
13. Pastoral Palate (Germany Pavilion)
    • Features Bavarian landscape cuisine
14. Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)
    • Features dishes inspired by 20th century pop art
15. Tangerine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco Pavilion)
    • Features classic Moroccan food and drinks
16. Vibrante & Vivido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco and France Pavilions)
    • Features traditional Colombian cuisine

Performing Arts

Please note that all showtimes will be available on My Disney Experience.

• Music: Feature musicians perform daily at World Showcase Plaza.
• Art Defying Gravity: Acrobatic performances at World Showcase Plaza take place Saturday-Wednesday.
• Art in Performance: Watch as painters paint a piece of art in front of you.
• DISNEY ON BROADWAY: Watch this concert series at the America Gardens Theatre daily. Shows will be at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Disney movies that will be featured include: Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Aida, and Aladdin. Click here for Disney’s official list of feature performers

Visual Arts

• Chalk Art Galleries: See 3D chalk art come to life on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza.
• Visiting Galleries,Artists, and Merchants:Throughout the festival, there are booths set up that feature galleries, artists, and merchants, for you to see and purchase their work in person.

Activities for the Whole Family

• Chalk Characters: Walk along the bridge to World Showcase Plaza and discover all the 3D chalk drawings of your favorite Disney Characters.
• Figment’s Brush with the Masters: Go on a Figment themed scavenger hunt around World Showcase. Purchase a map for $9.99 at the Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler before starting your hunt. Find picture frames with Figment on them and add a sticker to your map. Once you have completed your map, bring it to a cast member at Disney Traders or World Traveler to earn a prize.
• Kids Chalk Art: Let your little ones become artists themselves! This activity is available from 11am-5pm everyday on the bridge heading towards World Showcase Plaza.
• Animation Academy: Taking a drawing class with an animator. This activity takes place daily in America Gardens Theatre from 12:30 PM-1:30 PM.
• Paint by Numbers Mural: Head over to the Expressions Section and grab some paint and brush to add to the giant paint by number mural.
• Photo Ops: Take a picture with a PhotoPass Photographer in one of the 8 picture frame photo back drops set up around EPCOT.

Tips and Tricks

• Mini Festival Gift Cards: Grab one of these wristlet mini gift cards to help you budget your spending throughout the festival. Active them with $15 or more. You can find these gift cards at festival kiosks or Disney merchandise locations.
• Skip the Restaurants: If you’re planning to spend your day exploring the festival, then skip out on dining reservations. There are plenty of unique foods and drinks to try that will fill you up.
• Buy Merchandise when you See it: If you stumble upon of Festival of the Arts merchandise that you like, I suggest buying it right when you find it. Disney merch tends to sell quickly, especially limited edition merchandise.
• Crowds: If you want to experience less crowds, plan to go on a weekday (except for opening or closing day).

Discover more EPCOT Festivals Here