Written in 2018 — Some offerings mentioned may no longer be available.
Last year, 2017 marked the debut of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Festial of arts is a weekend event celebrating Disney culinary, performance, and visual arts. The Figment topiary greeting guests and art displays around World Showcase created a whimsical touch. The perfect blend of EPCOT’s rich history with a contemporary festival vibe. To say the event was a success is an understatement!
In 2018, the second annual Festival of the Arts expanded to seven days a week from January 12 through February 19. Filling the gap between Holidays Around the World and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Featuring world-class cuisine, live entertainment, and hands-on workshops, the Festival of the Arts invited guests to experience art in action throughout World Showcase.
Culinary Art: Creative Eats with a Disney Twist
One of the most popular features was the food studios. The Food Studios provided guests the opportunity to enjoy artistic dishes with a delicious Disney twist. These beautifully plated items were as much about presentation as taste, offering festival-exclusive bites around World Showcase.
From curated exhibits to culinary demonstrations, hands-on seminars let visitors learn from Disney chefs and artists. Whether you’re a foodie or simply love discovering unique flavors, the Festival of the Arts delivered memorable dishes at every stop.
Visual Arts & Live Performances
The Odyssey Festival Showplace became a hub for creative workshops like Animation Academy, where guests could learn to draw their favorite Disney characters. Meanwhile, the Expression Section provided a family-friendly way for guests to participate in a collaborative mural, turning a giant wall into a vibrant piece of art.
Live entertainment brought the festival to life! One highlight was Disney on Broadway Concerts. Hosted at the American Gardens Theatre, featuring Broadway stars performing hit songs from beloved Disney musicals.
Another standout was artist Stephen Fishwick, an official Disney Fine Artist known for his unique live painting style. Stephen’s work combines color, movement, and sound, creating an engaging performance that leaves audiences in awe. How long did it take you to guess the Disney character he was painting?
Hands-On Art and Interactive Fun
The community art showcase and artist demonstrations offered guests a chance to see the creative process up close. Whether watching a painter transform a blank canvas into a Disney masterpiece or learning techniques from professional artists, the festival had something for everyone.
Thank you for taking a walk down memory lane with me. If you missed the 2018 EPCOT Festival of the Arts, be sure to plan for future festivals—each one is packed with new experiences! See you next time on SamsDisneyDiary—Congaloosh! 🎨✨
Looking for more Festival of Arts Pictures? Check out my Photo Report over at The Disney Nerds Podcast
More Sam’s Disney Diary from the Epcot Festival of the Arts: 2018, Top 20 of 2020, Victor Espinola, Suroit in Canada, Trevor Carlton Visual Arts, Lebendig Rocking Germany, and Disney on Broadway.
[…] Sam’s Disney Diary from the Epcot Festival of the Arts: 2018, Top 20 of 2020, Victor Espinola, Suroit in Canada, Trevor Carlton Visual Arts, Lebendig Rocking […]