Five Reasons Why Epcot International Festival Of The Arts Is A Must Do

It’s January in Florida which means all of my friends from up north are seeking to travel down south in search of warm weather.  If you plan on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort this winter, I urge you to make a pit stop. Make it a priority to visit Epcot International Festival of the Arts, which runs from January 12 – February 19, 2018.

This festival is an artistic paradise full of an amazing array of both local and international talent. Prepare to enjoy some of the most amazing artists, singers, performers, and food.

Here are five reasons why the festival will not disappoint you.

Festival Experiences For the Whole Family

One of the things I love about the festival is how family friendly the activities are no matter the age.  The festival has something for everyone to enjoy. I listed some of my favorites, but I suggest getting your festival passport when you enter the park so you can enjoy all of the activities offered.

Workshops

These are designed to teach you different artistic techniques in a creative classroom setting.  The workshops are only $39 a person plus tax.  Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make a reservation since these classes fill up quickly.

Seminars

There will be a number of seminars that will feed the inner artist in you.  Learn from Disney artists, guest-perts and Cast Members as they impart their professional expertise during complimentary seminars, hands-on workshops and quick study sessions.

I was lucky enough to be able to sit through the able to sit through the Trailblazing Ladies of Disney Animation with Mindy Johnson, Author of Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation. During this seminar, I learned about some of the notable women behind Walt Disney’s early animated classics.

Complimentary Seminar Details

• Odyssey Festival Showplace
• Sunday through Saturday (7 days a week)
• 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
• Limited availability

Enemy Ink (Located at Future World West)

I loved that at Enemy Ink you are able to create your own wearable t-shirt and have it printed right in front of you!

Expression Section (Located at Showcase Plaza)

Here you are able to grab a paintbrush and help create a wall mural.

KIDCOT Fun Stops

Kids travel around the world and create a personalized souvenir.  Check your map for KIDCOT locations.

Figment’s Brush With the Masters

This is a fun scavenger hunt to help Figment learn about art. You can buy the map and stickers at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler.

Entertainment

Art Defying Gravity

This year the festival is featuring a new act called Art Defying Gravity.  It is a spectacle of thrilling strength acts that will wow you with their amazing acrobatic ability and imagination. You can check out these acts at the Fountain View Plaza.

Check out some of these pictures I took from 3 different acts and what you can expect!

Disney on Broadway Concert Series

Here is the chance to see some of your favorite Disney on Broadway stars singing their favorite songs from award-winning Broadway shows.

2018 Appearance Schedule
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is currently scheduled to take place on the following dates:

• January 12 – 15
• January 19 – 22
• January 26 – 29
• February 2 – 5
• February 9 – 12
• February 16 – 19

Shows will take place:

• America Gardens Theatre at Epcot
• Fridays through Mondays, January 12 – February 19, 2018
• Show times are 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM

These concert series fill up quickly, so if you want a good spot I recommend getting the Dining Package. You can book your reservation online as well as by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-7463.

This year there is some amazing talent, like Jenn Gambatese who will be performing January 12 – 15, 2018.  Jenn originated the role of Jane in Tarzan on Broadway.  She recently starred as Principal Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock on Broadway, as well as Glinda in the National Tour of Wicked.  Other Broadway credits include Hairspray, All Shook Up, Is He Dead, A Year with Frog and Toad, and Footloose.

Kevin Massey will be performing January 12-15, 2018 and again on January 19-22, 2018.
Kevin starred in the title role of Tarzan on Broadway.  Kevin has also starred on Broadway and in National Tour productions of A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis and Big River.

I was able preview what you can expect at the concert series.  Click on the link to watch a short video of Kevin Massey and Jenn Gambatese!

For more information on the concert series line up and artists, click here.

Food Studios

The quality of food you will be able to taste and experience is quite unbelievable.  The food studios feature food from around the world.  Not only are they unique in nature, but it will also leave your taste buds craving more!

Make sure you use your festival passport when searching for food options.  You will get detailed information on what types of food are being served at different countries.  You will also be able to see what menu options are vegetarian and gluten free.  Be prepared to pair your food with a wonderful array of beverages.  Epcot features beers from local breweries, or a wonderful mix of cocktails and wines from around the country and the world.

Here are some pictures of the food you will be able to enjoy during the festival:

Art Walk

New this year at the festival is the art walk adventure, where you and your family will be able to see unique galleries and cultural displays from each country in the Around the World Showcase.  Along the way you will also be able to create your own mementos.  Make sure to look for the art palettes!  Again, get your festival passport so you are able to enjoy this experience.

Merchandise

If you love art and hand crafted items, this year the merchandise is incredible. Visit the Art of Disney to see original artwork from many artists including Greg Mccloum.  His pieces are amazing and the details are impeccable!  You can also buy several different items throughout the park like wine glasses, t-shirts, tumblers, and a cute festival-themed Disney card.

Throughout the park you will see several markets which feature more than 50 Disney artists and visiting artists who showcase their art, pottery, jewelry, marbling and more.  I recommend getting a marble piece.  They are beautiful and make excellent gifts for family and friends.

If you are undecided about whether or not you should buy the Disney Photopass, I recommend you buy it for the festival.  You will be able to enjoy one-of-a-kind photo opportunities from the festival and memories that you can keep in one place.  Disney Photopass can be bought through My Disney Experience here.

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