This is only the second year for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The Festival is running seven days a week for the full run (instead of just select days a week), and they need every single one of those days to showcase the awesomeness of this festival! The festival is running at Epcot from January 12 through February 19. If you will be visiting Walt Disney World during the festival dates, you MUST spend at least a day or two exploring the festival at Epcot.

The festival is a celebration of the culinary arts, the performing arts and the visual arts. Every inch of Epcot has something amazing going on.

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series was a highlight for me. I experienced a great show Jenn Gambatese (Jane from Tarzan on Broadway) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan!). The chemistry and energy between the two made for a great show.

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is held at America Gardens Theatre in the America Pavilion Thursdays thru Mondays during the festival. Each weekend will showcase different performers from Disney shows on Broadway. The full schedule can be found HERE on the Disney website.

The Arts

Living statues that come to life right before your eyes were another highlight and fun experience. They interacted with the crowd while taking pictures and had everyone laughing!

The Expression Section was a favorite of everyone that passed by. It allows guests to participate in finishing a huge painted wall mural. This is definitely a fun experience. I think the section I completed will be considered a masterpiece! 

There were several seminars offered in the Festival Center. Unfortunately I only had time to attend one or two. I was thrilled with my choices. I particularly liked “The Trailblazing Women of Disney Animation.” This was a great and informative seminar and the ideal spot for Disney animation fans. 

Its great to stop and chat with the artists that are located in different tents scattered around Epcot’s World Showcase. The artists give demonstrations and sell various pieces. My all-time favorite Disney Master Artist, Kevin-John was there greeting guests in his usual fun way, signing pieces and talking Disney!

The Food

I found great food scattered all throughout World Showcase and the Festival Center. Specialty created tastings that are themselves a work of art!

Some of the special treats available:

• Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts
• Gallery Bites: A Trio of Hors d’Oeuvres
• Festival of Arts While Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel
• North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw Pilsner
• S’mores Tart
• Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake
• Deconstructed Breakfast
• Roasted Pork Roulade
• Carmel Road Drew’s Blend Pinot Noir
• Pop’t Art (filled with Strawberry)

Art Defying Gravity was another great combination of shows to watch throughout the day.

Overall, Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is now on the top of my “must see” list every year. The entertainment, the seminars and the food were all outstanding. If you have the chance – don’t miss it!