By Megan Deppe
Travel around the world in only five weeks to experience the ultimate celebration of food, art, and cultural entertainment! Between January 12 and February 19, Walt Disney World’s Epcot park is hosting the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a perfect blend of art and culture from all around the world. And what better way to start off 2018 than by celebrating everything you love about the arts?
1. World-class Seminars and Workshops
Each week is jam-packed with unique opportunities to learn from the masters—festival guests can attend seminars and interactive workshops on everything from drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries to handcrafted calligraphy and storytelling drawings. Join esteemed professionals—each proficient in various disciplines—as they explain the basics behind their art.
2. Disney on Broadway Dining
You’re already singing Disney songs in your head, so why not enjoy them live after a delicious meal? Select Epcot restaurants will serve beautifully prepared meal options after which guests can attend star-studded concerts at the America Gardens Theatre with performers such as Alton Fitzgerald White, Ashley Brown, and Kara Lindsay. They’ll be belting out some of Disney’s greatest tunes, so be prepared to sing along. It’s show-stopping cuisine with a side of sizzlin’ Disney Broadway hits.
3. Figment’s Brush Scavenger Hunt
You can help Figment, our favorite purple dragon, learn all about art as you tour the World Showcase, and maybe you’ll pick up some cool facts yourself! You can get a map and stickers at Pin Central, Disney Traders, or World Traveler, and then search for Figment hiding inside famous works of art all over the World Showcase. Every time you find Figment, you can add a sticker to your map, and when you’ve finished, you may find a surprise waiting for you at Disney Traders.
4. Exciting Art Exhibits
Some of Disney’s most iconic artists will have pieces available at the The Art of Disney shop, where you can also take home original artwork from your favorite Disney films. Each Epcot pavilion will also feature exhibits of their own, including the Stave Church Gallery in Norway that represents the culture that influenced Disney’s Frozen, and the Mexico Folk Art Gallery that celebrates the traditions and artwork of Día de Muertos.
5. Culinary Artistry
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you’ll discover an edible adventure with sessions such as The Deconstructed Dish, The Artist’s Table, and The Masterpiece Kitchen. You can even get tips on watermelon carving. Enjoy Festival-exclusive “food studios” all over the park alongside signature dining options, as well as workshops with professional kitchen artists. From pop-inspired art treats to Old World culinary delights, everyone will find something delicious to sink their teeth into while walking around the world.
6. Kidcot Stops for the Kids
Get your smallest traveler involved in the International Festival of the Arts with the Kidcot Fun Stops located all over Epcot. They can travel the world with Duffy, Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear made by Minnie—who loves to take pictures at all of the big landmarks. You can color your own cardboard Duffy at each Kidcot station, and also collect stamps from the international pavilions.
7. Community Arts Showcases
Stop by the America Gardens Theatre to catch some of the finest up-and-coming talent, including the Encore Cast Performing Arts, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Orlando REP Power Chords. It’s a showcase of professional virtuosity.
8. DestiNations Discovered Tour
Thanks to the DestiNations Discovered tour, you can take in 11 countries and 4,000 years of history in just five hours! Take a peek behind the scenes of several pavilions and become immersed in the architecture, landscapes and attractions of each country. The tour includes lunch at the Rose & Crown Dining Room for a delicious end to your international experience.
9. Art in Performance
Prepare for a visual treat as artists dream outside the box. All across Epcot, you can find renowned Disney artists creating their art live and in person. You’ll discover art on sidewalks, in common spaces, and in surprising spaces as well. And watch as statues inspired by Epcot come whimsically to life. Art leaps off the canvas and into the streets as you explore the fascinating artistic process.
