While we are just now on the very cusp of the holiday season, with a new year just around the corner, it is time to turn our thoughts to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! What better way to kick off a new year?
The Festival takes place from January 12 through February 19, 2024, and is a feast for the senses, highlighting the visual, culinary, and performing arts as only Disney can. The whole family will enjoy incredible performances and indulge in delicious bites and sips.
We are delighted to bring you a peek at some of the fantastic ways to celebrate the arts during this colorful festival.
Performing Arts Take Center Stage
Along with the fabulous art and culinary delights, some of Broadway’s brightest stars will arrive at Walt Disney World as the Disney On Broadway Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. Two leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the American Gardens Theatre stage for the first time in forever. Fans of “Aladdin” should take note: There’s some magic in store for you, too!
Performing songs from many of your favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:
- Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
- Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
- Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
- Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
- Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
- Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where you’ll find musicians, live painting, and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Le Cellier
- Spice Road Table
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.
Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures
More than 15 Food Studios located throughout EPCOT will blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist. Returning favorites like The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES bite-sized candies is a sweet treat at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey. If it is savory you’re craving, check out the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.
Up for a delicious challenge? You won’t want to miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. Your handy Festival Passport will show you where to make the scrumptious purchases, receiving a stamp in your passport as a reward. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise. You don’t have to complete the Walk all at one time so plan to enjoy a new treat each time you visit throughout the festival.
Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic
Discover the artist within you as the festival offers an abundance of opportunities to engage in the creative process.
At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave your creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.
Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon you to become part of the painting.
You can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**
Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe
One of the best things about the festival is having the opportunity to explore the galleries and meet the artists who bring imaginative works to life. This year’s lineup features both new and returning favorites so visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up on the latest news.
Of course, there can’t be a celebration of imagination without including everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! You will find him center stage on a wide variety of festival merchandise including household items and decor to apparel and trading items.
The whimsical paintbrush cup and Figment plush are just begging to jump into your shopping bag for your journey home.
Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it for as little as $15 and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when you purchase all your festival delights.
Kids of all ages can get into the action with Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. To help Figment learn all about art, stop by Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler and purchase your map and stickers. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at World Showcase pavilions — just look for the Figment-themed picture frame. Once your journey is complete, return your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!
Prepare to unleash your artistic superpowers at The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. It will be here before you know it!
Looking forward to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts?