Are you ready to get in touch with your inner-artist? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this entry in our Guide 2 Epcot Festivals, we are covering everything you need to know about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. EPCOT’s newest festival only runs for a few weeks, which is tiny in comparison to EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival or Food & Wine Festival. But there is so much to do and see at the Festival of the Arts, so be sure not to overlook it!
We’ve updated our guide for the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. So if you’re visiting Disney World early this year, this festival is a wonderful opportunity to try some crazy inventive food, meet some incredibly creative people, and witness art that might spark your imagination.
Update January 18, 2023: We have updated the guide with new information about the Spaceship Earth light show, Figment Popcorn Bucket mobile ordering, and more.
Table of Contents
- Festival Dates
- What is the EPCOT Festival of the Arts
- What to Do
- Food Studio Menus
- EPCOT Festival of the Arts Tips
Table of Contents
ToggleWhen is the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
January 13 – February 20, 2023
What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity, music, and, well, art! It’s no wonder that Journey Into Imagination’s Figment is the mascot of this festival. From inventive food items to Disney-inspired art, imagination is everywhere at this EPCOT festival. You could meet the artist behind your favorite piece of Disney merchandise, see Broadway performers, or make your own masterpiece at interactive demonstrations.
Like all EPCOT festivals, you need admission to EPCOT in order to experience the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Many of the experiences are included in the price of your park admission, but there are some experiences that cost extra.
What to do at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Free Activities
Animation Academy: Located at America Gardens Theatre daily at 12:30 and 1:30. Learn how to draw a Disney Character. This is the same activity as the art class at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom, and one of our favorite Free Things at Disney World.
Photo Ops: Get ready to pose for a unique and art-inspired picture. Put yourself in some of history’s greatest masterpieces, such as Mona Lisa, The Scream, or Washington Crossing the Delaware.
- International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- The American Adventure: Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Leutze
- Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
- Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: The Scream – Edvard Munch
- Mexico Pavilion: An homage to Frida Kahlo
- Bridge to World Showcase: Peter Pan Storybook
- Italy Pavilion Courtyard: Birth of Venus – Sandro Botticelli
- Bridge to World Showcase: Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series: Located at American Gardens Theatre daily. Enjoy some of the most memorable numbers from Disney’s Broadway musicals, performed by genuine Broadway stars. Performances are three times nightly, at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 PM. Check out more information on Disney On Broadway at EPCOT, plus dining package details here.
- January 13: Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan)
- January 14: Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin)
- January 15 – 16: Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan)
- January 17 – 18: Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin)
- January 19 – 20: Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan)
- January 21 – 22: Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin)
- January 23: Patti Murin (Frozen) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)
- January 24: Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
- January 25 – 26: Patti Murin (Frozen) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)
- January 27 – 28: Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
- January 29 – 30: Patti Murin (Frozen) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)
- January 31 – February 1: Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
- February 2 – 3: Patti Murin (Frozen) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)
- February 4 – 5: Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
- February 6: Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
- February 7: Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
- February 8 – 9: Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
- February 10 – 11: Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
- February 12 – 13: Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
- February 14 – 15: Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
- February 16 – 17: Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
- February 18 – 19: Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
- February 20: Extended Finale featuring Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Kissy Simmons, and Michael James Scott.
Artist Galleries: Throughout the merchandise locations throughout EPCOT, you can see amazing art and actually meet the talented artists behind the work. Merchandise is also available for purchase. For the full artist lineup and each location, check Disney’s official Festival Artist Appearance schedule.
Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural: Want to put your own mark on the EPCOT Festival of the Arts? Participate in this massive collaborative paint by numbers mural, located at Expression Section in World Nature and open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Seeing these huge murals come together is one of the coolest parts of this festival.
Character Chalk Art: Masterpieces can be found everywhere! Look around World Showcase (especially on the ground) for chalk art created by skilled artists, featuring Disney characters like Lumiere and Jiminy Cricket.
Kid’s Chalk Art: Roll up your sleeves, kick up some chalk dust, and create some art with the whole family. This activity has a new location for the 2023 Festival of the Arts. It is now located at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza from 11 AM to 5 PM daily.
Drawing on Inspiration: Celebrating 50 Years of Magic: Located in World Celebration near Creations Shop, take in art depicting the best Walt Disney World attractions as illustrated by Disney Imagineers.
Art Defying Gravity: Witness thrilling acts of strength and acrobatics by some amazing performers. Check the My Disney Experience App or the Festival Guide for performance details.
Spaceship Earth Light Show: One of the best parts of EPCOT’s Festivals are the new light shows that debut as part of Spaceship Earth’s nighttime lighting package. This makes each event at EPCOT is a unique opportunity to see the park in a new light.
This year’s festival features a Figment-themed segment set to a section of “One Little Spark” from the original Journey Into Imagination attraction. The classic song “Rainbow Connection” is also being played. The show runs multiple times each night and the entrance plaza is the perfect spot to take it all in.
Paid Activities
Figment’s Brush with the Masters: One of our favorite things to do at every EPCOT festival is the scavenger hunt. For Figment’s Brush with the Masters, head to Port of Entry, Creations Shop, or World Traveler to purchase the map and stickers. Look out for Figment-themed picture frames at each World Showcase pavilion, and look for Figment hiding inside the famous work of art. Then match the corresponding sticker with the location on your map.
Once you’ve filled out the whole map, head to Disney Traders or World traveler to claim your prize! – 9.99 plus tax.
Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine: Enjoy 5 colorful and artistic dishes at different Food Studios, and earn an additional treat to enjoy at the end. Collect a stamp after each purchase in your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected 5 of the 7 available stamps, go to Deco Delights for your reward.
Here are the items you need to buy, as well as the reward.
- Red: Blood Orange-Braised Beet Tartare with Mustard Vinaigrette, Pickled Clamshell Mushrooms and Golden Beets – located at Gourmet Landscapes
- Green: Deconstructed Key Lime Pie featuring flexible Key Lime Curd, “Key Lime” Mousse, Graham Cracker Cake and Meringues – located at The Deconstructed Dish
- Yellow: Chorizo and Potato Empanada with Turmeric Aïoli and Annatto Aïoli – located at Vibrante & Vivido: Encanto Cocina
- Orange: Pan-Seared Scallops with Vanilla-Butternut Squash Purée, Brown Butter Cauliflower Purée and Lime Foam – located at Moderne
- Blue: Orange Mousse with Lemon Cake and Raspberry Meringues – located at Deco Delights
- Indigo: Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate – Located at Pop Eats
- Violet: Pop’t Art: Sugar Cookie with Blueberry Filling – Located at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic
- Reward: The Artist Palette Cookie
Purchase Festival Merchandise
Throughout EPCOT, you can purchase merchandise exclusive to the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, including a spirit jersey, mug, tote, and trading pins.
Will the Figment Popcorn Bucket be back in 2023? The viral star of last year’s festival was the Figment Popcorn Bucket, which was so popular that it had hours-long lines. Disney World confirmed that the Figment Popcorn Bucket is returning for the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! Featuring a new 40th anniversary strap, it is available for purchase at the Figment’s Inspiration Station Food Studio at the Odyssey through mobile order only. Here’s a step by step guide on how to buy a Figment Popcorn Bucket.
The Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket is back!
What to Eat: Food Studios
This festival features some of the most innovative and creative food items in all of Walt Disney World, so you definitely don’t want to miss the Food Studios located throughout the park. We have the full list of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Studio Menus in 2023 here.
Here’s the theme for each of the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Food Studios, including a new Figment-themed Food Studio located at the Odyssey.
The Artist’s Table (American Adventure) – “Treat your senses to artistically elevated comfort foods—like meatloaf, dumplings, hummingbird cake and more. Pair your dish with beer or a glass of wine.”
The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Disney Traders) – “Enjoy carefully crafted classics, like beef Wellington and roasted mussels—as well as a flavorful beer or cocktail.”
Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry) – “Satisfy your sweet tooth with sleek desserts inspired by Art Deco, from the gilded glamour of the roaring 20’s to the bright pastels of Miami Beach.”
The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry) – “Rediscover your favorite dishes fragmented and presented in a playful way—like a BLT, French onion soup and key lime pie.”
El Artista Hambriento (Mexico) – “A fiesta of flavor awaits! Delight in classic Mexican fare—from savory carne asada to creamy coconut flan.”
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic – NEW! – “Sweeten your day with colorful treats, like fruit pizza, rainbow cake and the Pop’t Art—a sugar cookie with a fun twist. You’ll also find a variety of beers and hard ciders.”
Goshiki (Japan) – “Celebrate the Japanese culinary arts with delectable dishes featuring “the 5 colors” of Japanese cuisine. Highlights include sushi donuts, daifuku mochi and sake.”
Gourmet Landscapes (Canada) – “Savor stunning dishes artfully composed with the finest ingredients that have been farmed and foraged from the land. Enjoy wild mushroom risotto, beet tartare and more.”
L’Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France) – “Discover delicious French treats and baked goods, from savory to sweet—including a black winter truffle croissant and warm brie in a bread bowl. Pair your dish with a French wine or frozen martini.
L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy) – “Indulge in Baroque cuisine, prepared with rich color and dramatic flavor. This food studio serves up fried mozzarella, ravioli and more.”
Moderne (Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet®) – “Embark on a culinary journey with avant-garde menu items, including compressed watermelon, soft-shell crab and more.”
The Painted Panda (China) – “Enjoy decorative cuisine inspired by magnificent Chinese art, like General Tso’s chicken shumai or the char siu pork bun. Plus, sip bubble tea, Chinese-inspired cocktails and other refreshing beverages.”
Pastoral Palate (Germany) – “Help yourself to hearty dishes inspired by the rustic settings where Bavarian Folk Art was painted. Indulge in wild boar cassoulet, a red wine-braised beef short rib and more.”
Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry) – “Delight in mouthwatering masterpieces inspired by the most captivating Pop Art of the 20th century. Highlights include tomato soup with grilled cheese, as well as the colorful almond frangipane cake.”
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco) – “Take your taste buds on a Moroccan adventure as you enjoy delectable dishes like grilled kebabs, almond phyllo pockets and more. Pair your dish with hard cider or the chai tea mint mimosa.”
Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco & France) – “Feast on authentic Colombian cuisine inspired by the Disney animated film Encanto—like spicy ajiaco soup or a house-made empanada with chorizo.”
Additional Locations
Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops—each offering special menu items in addition to the regular menu.
- Refreshment Port (near Canada): Serving poutine, the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and refreshing beverages
- Refreshment Outpost: Serving plant-based bratwurst, the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and assorted beers
- Funnel Cake: Serving a specialty funnel cake
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (all 4 in-park locations): Serving a unique art-inspired beverage at each location
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Tips
Grab a Festival Passport: At the entrance of the park next to the park maps, you’ll be able to find Festival Passports. These handy guides have vital information, and they are a great souvenir. Get them stamped at each Food Studio to mark your progress of dining around the world.
Interested in the scavenger hunt but don’t want to pay for it? You can participate in Figment’s Brush with the Masters without an official map. Just look out for the Figment-themed picture frames at each World Showcase pavilion, and then find Figment inside the famous work of art. You write down which Figment goes in each pavilion, create your own checklist of each country, or you can just keep a mental note as you go through the World Showcase. You won’t get the official map, stickers, or the prize for finishing, but those items aren’t fully necessary for enjoying finding Figment.
Enjoy food and avoid crowds. As with other EPCOT Festivals, the food booths are a huge draw for locals who flock to EPCOT on the weekends. To avoid the sea of humanity that the World Showcase becomes, visit EPCOT during Monday-Thursday. Crowds also tend to be lightest at the Food Studios when they first open, which is typically 11 am. If you dine during off hours, you can avoid lines.
Fans of Figment should head to the Odyssey. Figment’s Inspiration Station Food Studio features some great elements from the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, including a Figment animatronic!
Reduce waste while dining more comfortably. Finding spots to dine throughout the festival can be a challenge. That’s why it’s a pretty common sight to see people using trash cans as impromptu tables. You can easily pack a few items to help your EPCOT festival dining experience as well as reduce waste, such as a travel food tray, a reusable set of utensils, and reusable drinking straws (who likes paper straws anyway?). My family has brought this set of 10 Flathead Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws on our recent trips to Disney World, and it has been a game changer for convenient sipping while feeling good about helping the environment. Win, win.
Have any questions about the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, or your own advice to share? Let me know in the comments below!
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James Grosch
James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror.
James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.