How Epcot is Becoming the 'Festival Park' at Walt Disney World
Epcot will officially become as the “Festival Park” at Walt Disney World. Here’s why.
Disney World recently shared plans about the transformation of EPCOT. While a timeline hasn’t been provided, we now know that Disney is officially making EPCOT its “festival park” by creating new spaces for these events to take place.
The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival has really grown in popularity and now runs from July 14 through November 19, 2022. Remember when it used to run for just a few weeks? I wouldn’t mind if it ran all year!
Festival of Arts, EPCOT’s winter event has become one of my personal favorites with so many interactive displays and events like the giant Paint by Numbers wall.
And of course the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with the amazing Disney topiaries and of course the concerts.
As festivals continue to become more of an integral part of the EPCOT experience, Disney Imagineers are creating new spaces that will bring these events into the heart of the park in the new World Celebration neighborhood.
In several new artist concept renderings recently released, you can see how the transformation of EPCOT will take shape as you walk past Spaceship Earth and begin your journey through the park.
If you have been to EPCOT recently or if you have passed by on the monorail and got a look over the construction walls, you know that work is far from complete and they seem to be working at a snail’s pace.
While no opening date has been provided, my guess is that we are at least a year out from completion, unless this new area is opened in phases.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 21, 2022. The festival is extra magical since it’s taking place during The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Yes, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a big hit, but having experienced the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for the past few years now, I have to say it’s actually my favorite event at Epcot.
For one, you won’t find the “drink around the world” college kids partying World Showcase. But I like it because there are a number of interactive elements, like the giant ‘Paint By Numbers Wall” and a number of creative projects taking shape right in front of you - such as the elaborate chalk art right on some Epcot’s sidewalks.
Festival Dates
This year, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 21, 2022.
Don’t Miss These Festival Highlights
The popular DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns, with three shows each evening headlined by Broadway stars performing beloved songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions.
This is an excellent way to enjoy Disney on Broadway music without having to buy pricey (but worth it!) tickets for a Broadway show.
These shows are extremely popular! I recommend purchasing a DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Package. These packages allow you to enjoy a great lunch or dinner at Epcot and guaranteed admission to the performance.
Beginning Dec. 14, Guests can visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to find out more about DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages.
Speaking of dining, Epcot will feature 15 Food booths, or “studios” throughout World Showcase.
This year 2 new studios will be introduced, Deco Delights and The Craftman’s Courtyard featuring artfully presented cuisine and beverages as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Interactive Art for the Whole Family
Watch imaginative chalk artists create masterpieces at Chalk Art Galleries, or improve your own artistic skills by learning how to draw a Disney Character at Animation Academy.
Paint By Number Wall at Epcot
Children can create their own chalk masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art and families can leave their artistic stamp on a larger-than-life mural at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural.
Around World Showcase, Guests can step into renowned paintings from centuries past in stunning Artful Photo Ops.
Get answers to all your questions about planning your trip to Walt Disney World plus the best available rates. Start planning your Walt Disney World vacation with me today!
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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New Film Experiences Coming to Epcot in January
3 new films will debut Jan. 17, 2020, at Epcot, on the same day the Epcot International Festival of the Arts begins!
New film experiences coming to Epcot
“Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score.
“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion invites Guests to participate in a new sing-along that will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.
“Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2018
Toy Story Land Opens Summer 2018
- Amazing Walt Disney World offers so you can do more, and spend less
- Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new food and beverage locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year.
- The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates its 25th Anniversary –This year’s festival will run from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids’ activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Celebrates It’s 20th Anniversary – The theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, 2018.
- Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut to Guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. You can already catch a glimpse of what’s in store inside the park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.
By Darren W, Specializing in Disney Destinations
10 Must-Do Experiences at Epcot's Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts Events
1. Art of Topiaries The Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries.
2. Watermelon Carving – A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.
3. Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.
4. Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.
5. Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.
6. Inspiring Floral – This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.
7. Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.
8. Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
9. Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
10. Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return January 12 through February 19, 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. Book these experiences by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687)
Disney on Broadway Stars Coming to Epcot International Festival of the Arts
In collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions, Epcot's new festival brings a showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Throughout the six weekends of the festival, different pairings of Broadway artists will perform songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award winning shows.
I'm excited to share the lineup of performers for this brand new series:
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Enjoy These New Epcot Experiences - Festival of the Arts
Over the six weekends of the festival, beginning Jan. 13, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort, you can sign up for interactive workshops like the Gesture Drawing Class, led by former Disney animator Todd Bright. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors. A single drawing tells a story. Todd’s Story Telling Drawings class will teach you the art of quick sketching from life.
Other select workshops include watercolor painting, mixed media art, calligraphy and floral arrangements. The Interactive Workshops are $39+tax each Friday-Monday of the Festival.
Also available are meal and performance combos: a breakfast, lunch or dinner, followed by a Disney on Broadway inspired concert – nightly during the Festival from Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017.
The concert series will pair Broadway talent with favorite songs from award-winning Disney shows such as “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin”. The Dining package includes a three-course meal or full buffet and priority seating at the 8:00 p.m. concert at participating Epcot restaurants. Prices range from $39-$69+ tax for adults, $23-$41+tax for children.
The festival runs Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13–Feb. 20, 2017.
Book one of these select experiences by calling 407-WDW-PLAY
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney is preparing for major refurbishments and new ideas, but some attractions will need to close.