Best Advice for a Visit to EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts
Friends, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite times at Walt Disney World. EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts returns January 16 through February 24, 2026, and I genuinely believe this is the best festival value you’ll find at the parks. Most experiences are included with standard park admission, making this celebration of visual arts, culinary creations, and performing arts accessible to everyone.
I recently experienced opening day, and I’m so excited to share everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit, whether you’ll be attending this year or next.
What is Festival of the Arts?
Festival of the Arts is EPCOT’s winter celebration showcasing art in all its glorious forms: visual artwork from professional artists, culinary presentations that look almost too beautiful to eat, Broadway performances that’ll give you chills every single time, and interactive activities that bring out your inner artist. Unlike the longer festivals, this concentrated 39-day event delivers unique programming that changes annually, which means it never gets stale.
When Should You Visit?
Opening day and holiday weekends bring the largest crowds. Weekday visits or dates later in the festival run offer shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere. Food booth lines peak during typical meal times (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM), so plan accordingly.
What Are the Must-Do Free Activities?
Paint with Figment
Located on the Rosewalk near the Imagination Pavilion, this complimentary activity lets you contribute to a massive collaborative Figment artwork. You’ll receive a paintbrush and paint color to add your mark to the installation.
The experience takes just 5-10 minutes and operates until 5 PM daily. Cast members guide you to your assigned square and provide all materials.
Animation Academy
This experience is so special. Offered at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM daily at America Gardens Theatre, you get to learn drawing techniques from actual Disney animators; people who worked on films like The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch, and Princess and the Frog. How cool is that?
All supplies are provided, including pencil, paper, and clipboard. The animator walks through each step with such patience and humor, making the process accessible regardless of your skill level. You’ll keep your completed drawing as a souvenir, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite keepsakes from any Disney visit.
Pro tip: Arrive 20-30 minutes early to secure good seats. Trust me on this one; this popular activity fills up fast.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Evening performances at America Gardens Theatre showcase Broadway professionals performing songs from Disney theatrical productions including The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, and Newsies.
These 30-minute concerts are included with park admission. While a dining package offers guaranteed seating, arriving 30 minutes before showtime typically secures seats without additional cost.
What Food Should You Try?
Potato and Chorizo Empanada – Vibrate and Vivido
Oh friends, this empanada. Even though the recipe changed for 2026, it’s still absolutely delicious. The handheld favorite features seasoned chorizo and potatoes in flaky pastry, topped with two aioli sauces. The filling delivers pleasant heat without being overwhelming; it gets you right in the back of the throat in the best way, especially on a cool day. The portion size is generous for the $8-9 price point.
Note: The recipe changed for 2026 and now contains dairy, making it unsuitable for guests with milk allergies. I’m still bummed about this change for my friends with dietary restrictions.
Wild Mushroom Risotto – Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)
This risotto is so good, y’all. I can’t stress this enough. Plant-based and gluten-free, this creamy risotto comes topped with aged dairy-free parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction. The dish is rich, perfectly seasoned, and features substantial mushroom pieces that add beautiful texture.
At $9.79, it’s one of few options for guests with multiple dietary restrictions. The truffle component and labor-intensive risotto preparation justify the premium pricing. On a cool day, this is exactly what you need.
Sushi Donut – Goshiki (Japan)
This returning favorite presents donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seeds arranged over wasabi aioli, sriracha aioli, and eel sauce. The presentation is photogenic and the fish consistently fresh.
Expect 20-30 minute waits at Goshiki during peak hours, as this booth consistently draws crowds.
Pop Art Latte – Joffrey’s Coffee (located throughout World Showcase)
The festival’s signature beverage features iced espresso with vanilla syrup, topped with lavender whipped cream and freeze-dried Skittles. The lavender whipped cream provides floral notes, while the Skittles add textural crunch.
This sweeter coffee drink works best for guests who enjoy dessert-style beverages. It was absolutely delicious.
What About Dietary Restrictions?
I need to be honest with you about something disappointing. Festival of the Arts 2026 offers only two plant-based food options across all festival booths; a significant reduction from previous years that has me calling it the “Festival of Fasting.” If you’re following a plant-based diet or managing multiple food allergies, you’re facing extremely limited choices.
The Wild Mushroom Risotto serves as one of the only items that’s both plant-based and gluten-free. Always review the allergy menu at each booth and be very clear about your dietary needs when ordering.
What Other Experiences Are Included?
Once Upon a Stage: Disney on Broadway
Located in CommuniCore Hall, this exhibition displays authentic costumes, props, and set pieces from Broadway productions. Highlights include:
- Belle’s elaborate gowns from Beauty and the Beast
- Kristoff and Sven puppetry from Frozen
- Pride Rock set model from The Lion King
- Hercules costumes from the new production
A cast member monitors entrance flow to prevent overcrowding.
Interactive Photo Installations
Large-scale artwork installations throughout World Showcase let you step into famous scenes. The Washington Crossing the Delaware installation offers particularly memorable photo opportunities.
Chalk Art
Professional chalk artists create temporary pavement masterpieces throughout EPCOT. These artists typically welcome conversation about their techniques and inspirations.
Artist Booths
Dozens of professional artists display their work along the walkways, offering opportunities to meet creators, discuss their process, and purchase original pieces.
Lorcana Trading Cards
New this year, complimentary Lorcana starter packs are available near the World Showcase entrance (while supplies last). A designated trading area in the Morocco pavilion facilitates card swapping between guests.
How Much Should You Budget?
Festival booth food items range from $6-11 per dish. A realistic food budget for two people sampling 4-5 items is $40-60. Sharing dishes helps control costs while maximizing variety.
Artist booth prices vary widely depending on medium and piece size. Set a spending limit before browsing to avoid impulse purchases.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
Several festival booths have transitioned to cashless operations. While many locations still accept cash, carrying a credit card, gift card, or mobile payment option ensures you won’t encounter payment issues.
Is Festival of the Arts Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, 100%, yes. Festival of the Arts delivers exceptional value by bundling high-quality entertainment, interactive experiences, and culinary creativity with standard park admission. The Animation Academy alone provides educational value and memorable souvenirs, while Broadway performances match professional theater quality.
The festival’s shorter 39-day run keeps content fresh and prevents the repetition that can affect longer festivals. Each element feels thoughtfully curated and purposeful. If I had to choose between all the EPCOT festivals, this one and Festival of the Holidays are my top picks because they offer the most unique experiences you can’t get anywhere else.
What You Need to Know
- Festival runs January 16 – February 23, 2026
- Most activities included with EPCOT admission
- Animation Academy sessions at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM daily
- Broadway concerts in evenings at America Gardens Theatre
- Plant-based food options severely limited this year
- Weekday visits offer shorter lines than weekends
- Food booths accept cashless payment at most locations
For first-time visitors, prioritize the Animation Academy, one Broadway performance, and definitely get that empanada or risotto. Allow time to wander the artist booths and appreciate the creative atmosphere rather than rushing through a checklist. The festival rewards those who slow down and soak it all in.
Festival of the Arts proves that celebrating human creativity in all forms creates the kind of memorable Disney experiences that stick with you long after you leave the parks.
Rent DVC points, and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney! Browse the confirmed reservations or request a free quote.
