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Disney World is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year, but one that truly stands out is the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT. This year, the festival runs from January 12th to February 19th, giving guests a limited time to experience all that it has to offer. On the first day of the festival, we had the opportunity to explore and indulge in the various art exhibits and performances, and of course, try some delicious food.
As we made our way into EPCOT, we were immediately greeted with vibrant colors and beautiful artwork. The park was decorated with murals and displays featuring famous Disney characters and scenes, bringing a unique twist to traditional art festivals. Our first stop was the Craftsman’s Courtyard, where we were excited to try some of the new food items offered at this year’s festival.
But before we could dig into our food, we couldn’t resist taking a look at some of the artists’ booths. From intricate paintings to stunning sculptures, there was something for every type of art lover. We were particularly drawn to Trevor Carlton’s work, known for his performance art where he paints live on stage. His pieces featured classic Disney characters with a modern twist, and we couldn’t help but admire his talent.
Next, we made our way to the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine exhibit. This was an interactive activity where guests could try various colorful dishes from different booths around the World Showcase. The goal was to collect five stamps by trying different items listed in the festival passport. Once completed, guests could exchange their passports for a special completer festival treat. We decided to take part in this fun activity and were not disappointed.
With our stomachs growling, it was finally time to try some of the new food items at the Craftsman’s Courtyard. We ordered the grilled pork belly and the marinated skirt steak, both of which were brand new additions to the menu. The pork belly was served on grilled sourdough with salsa verde, broccoli rob, pickled peppers, and raclette cheese. The steak was served on a grilled French roll with caramelized onions, mushrooms, blue cheese fondue, and arugula. Both dishes were flavorful and perfectly cooked, making it difficult to choose a favorite.
As we continued our journey around the World Showcase, we stumbled upon the Art in Performance stage. This is where artists perform live, showcasing their talents in various forms, such as acrobatics and aerial silk dancing. Unfortunately, due to the morning rain, the stage was still a bit wet, and performances had not yet started. However, we were still able to admire the beautiful stage and imagine the incredible performances that would take place later in the day.
One of the highlights of the Festival of the Arts is the Disney on Broadway concert series. This year, Broadway stars perform songs from popular Disney musicals at the America Gardens Theater. We were lucky enough to catch Casey Levy and Patti Murin from Frozen performing that evening, and it was truly a magical experience. The energy, talent, and passion these two actresses brought to the stage were unforgettable.
As we made our way towards Spaceship Earth, we came across another exhibit that caught our attention – The Juxtaposition of Life and Death by Greg Rutkowski. This display featured beautiful paintings of Disney characters in both life and death scenes. It was a thought-provoking exhibit that made us appreciate the beauty and complexity of life.
But it wasn’t just paintings and sculptures that were on display at the Festival of the Arts. There were also various forms of street art throughout the World Showcase, adding a unique touch to this already vibrant event. We saw chalk art drawings, spray-painted murals, and even sand sculptures that left us in awe.
During the Festival of the Arts, the Odyssey building transforms into Figment’s Inspiration Station. This is where you can pick up the Figment premium popcorn bucket, which includes rainbow caramel corn popcorn and a button that lights up the bucket in different settings. The line for the popcorn bucket can get long, but it’s worth the wait!
As the day came to an end, we realized that we had only scratched the surface of what the Festival of the Arts had to offer. There were still so many exhibits, performances, and delicious dishes waiting to be discovered. We couldn’t help but plan our next visit to EPCOT to experience the festival once again.
From stunning artwork to delicious food and live performances, the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a unique experience at Disney World, this festival is not to be missed. So make your way to EPCOT before February 19th and immerse yourself in the magic of the Festival of the Arts. Trust us; you won’t regret it!
What was your favorite piece of art or artist at the Festival of the Arts? We would love to hear them in the comments below!
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