Epcot International Festival of the Arts January 13 – February 20, 2017

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Logo

Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Combining visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world, the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts will create a global masterpiece for six inspired weekends. Held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 through Feb. 20, 2017, the Festival will feature new art each week, making each weekend original.

Here’s a sample of what’s in store:

From the pieces of Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests won’t only be surrounded by incredible visions, they’ll watch the creative process live.

In the inaugural year of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a collaboration with Disney Theatrical will bring an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Over the six weekends of the festival, park Guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including ‪The Lion King‪, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Artist appearances
  • Artful photo ops
  • Workshops and seminars with visiting artists
  • Commemorative merchandise
  • Community arts musical showcase
  • Culinary masterpieces
  • Destinations Discovered Tour
  • Disney on Broadway Concert Series
  • Gallery exhibits
  • IllumiNations
  • Interactive mural
  • Living statues
  • Walking chalk gallery and more!

More to Explore

  • Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
  • Kidcot Fun Stops
  • World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered Tour

Event Details

  • Epcot
  • Fridays through Mondays, January 13 to February 20
  • Hours from park open to park close
  • Epcot admission required
  • Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older
  • Advanced reservations are highly recommended for ticketed events
  • Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice

FOOD STUDIOS

New Food Studios will showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. Disney chefs will surely encourage guests it’s the latter. While the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival strives for seasonal flavors, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is all about global cuisine, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is all about works of art on a plate (Instagram-worthy, for sure!). At many of the Food Studios, guests will be able to watch the chefs plating and see the creative process as the dish comes to life.

Here’s a gallery of some of the artful dishes. Click HERE for the Food Studios Menus.

BROADWAY STARS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES

Live Performances in Future World will include: a variety of other visual and live performances including Epcot Living Statues, performances by Central Florida high schools and acclaimed university and college talent appearing through a partnership with Disney Performing Arts. Plus, Epcot’s American Music Machine will perform on the Future World Fountain Stage. Chalk artists will reproduce classic works on canvas as well as park sidewalks and guest performance artists create magic on the spot—with only a wave of their paintbrush!

Performing Arts Highlights

  • American Music Machine a capella group
  • College and university talent
  • Disney artists in action
  • Disney on Broadway Concert Series
  • Jazz ensembles
  • Living statues
  • Local high school choirs and marching bands
  • Walking chalk gallery and more!

In collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions, the stars will perform at the American Gardens Theatre Stage. Performances will be 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend

Jan. 13-16 and 20-23: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland performing songs from: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid

Ashley Brown
Josh Strickland

Jan. 27-30 and Feb. 3-6: Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey performing songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin

Kerry Butler
Kevin Massey

Feb. 10-13 and 17-20: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White performing songs from Disney’s The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid

Kissy Simons
Alton Fitzgerald White

VISUAL ARTS

Peruse pure Disney brilliance when the mastery of Mary Blair and Herb Ryman is displayed in stunning exhibitions you’ll never forget. Visiting galleries will spotlight artists who infuse their distinctive styles into every brushstroke, with pieces from Darren Wilson, Noah and David Doss, to name a few.

Learn the latest creative techniques and tricks of the trade during hands-on workshops and complimentary seminars with accomplished professionals—from animation drawing and cake decorating to calligraphy and other subjects that offer attendees a brand-new way to express themselves!

Keep your eyes peeled for art-inspired photo opportunities and Festival merchandise that provides a great way to remember your visit.

Visual Arts Highlights

  • Animation Academy
  • Artful photo ops: American Adventure, Future World Fountain Stage, Italy, United Kingdom
  • Art on demand
  • Commemorative merchandise
  • Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt – Purchase a map and stickers at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler.
  • Gallery shows
  • Interactive wall mural – World Showcase Plaza
  • Mary Blair and Herb Ryman exhibits – Odyssey Festival Showplace
  • Workshops and seminars with visiting artists

Featured Exhibits Odyssey Festival Showplace

  • Mary Blair
    Experience the legendary genius of Mary Blair, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic artists.
  • Herb Ryman
    Study pieces by the visionary behind early concept art for Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom park and Epcot.
  • Disney-Inspired Original Art
    Take home original artwork created by some of Disney’s most beloved artists.

Pavilion Exhibits

  • American Heritage Gallery – American Adventure
    Journey through 400 years of African-American achievement.
  • Art of Disney – Future World West
    Purchase work by popular Disney artists as well as Festival merchandise.
  • Bijutsu-kan Gallery – Japan
    Delve into the origin and evolution of “kawaii,” Japan’s cute culture.
  • Gallery of Arts and History – Morocco
    Check out the unique designs of time-honored crafts.
  • House of the Whispering Willows – China
    Discover the wonders of the new Shanghai Disney Resort.
  • Mexico Folk Art Gallery – Mexico
    Learn about traditional wood carvings and life in the Oaxacan culture.
  • Stave Church Gallery – Norway
    Observe art representational of the culture that influenced Disney’s Frozen.
  • Walking Chalk Gallery – World Showcase
    Watch imaginative chalk artists recreate works by famous masters.

SELECT EXPERIENCES TO BOOK – Call 407-WDW-PLAY

  • Interactive Workshops: Topics include Gesture Drawing Class, Watercolor Painting, Mixed Media Art, Calligraphy, and Floral Arrangements. Click HERE for a list of workshops and dates.

    Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive 15% off select experiences. $39+tax Fridays – Mondays of the Festival.

  • Combo Meal and Reserved Seating: Make a reservation for breakfast, lunch or dinner followed by priority seating at the 8pm show of the Disney on Broadway inspired concert. Participating Restaurants: Akershus, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Garden Grill and Rose and Crown. Prices rrange from $39-$69+tax and gratuity for adults and $23-$41+tax and gratuity for children.

WORLD SHOWCASE: DESTINATIONS DISCOVERED TOUR

Travel to 11 countries in 5 fascinating hours—minus jet lag! Take this comprehensive World Showcase tour and immerse yourself in 400 years of culture, food and history. From the streets of Paris to the Bavarian countryside, discover the iconic architecture that’s inspired Disney animators for years while learning how the 3-D replicas are created for each pavilion.

Attendees will also feast on a fabulous international lunch at the Rose & Crown Dining Room. To reserve your spot, call (407) WDW-TOUR or visit the Odyssey Festival Showplace. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Tour Details

  • World Showcase
  • Daily 5-hour tours begin at 8:15 AM
  • $116.09 per person (tax included)
  • 15% discount for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members or Disney Visa Cardholders
  • Advance reservations are recommended as this event fills up quickly
  • Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 or older
  • Events subject to change or cancellation without notice

The festival is included with regular Epcot admission.