2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts Ultimate Guide

Epcot’s Festival of the Arts is an annual festival that takes place at Epcot. Much like the classic Food and Wine Festival that happens in the fall, this event follows a similar format. The Festival of the Arts features several unique offerings from the food to the entertainment. This is a festival that brings together the visual, culinary, and performing arts. Just as with the other festivals at Epcot there is no extra cost to see the festival. This year Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is set for January 13 – February 20, 2023.

The Festival of the Arts is included with Epcot admission. Disney announced that for the sixth year the festival would be back but this time better than ever. So come with me and take a look at the offerings of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts in 2023.

This festival is largely unique with its wide offering of live art and entertainment. It does hold the traditional selection of food booths all around the world showcase but we love that it is more than just that. If you are a fan of any of the Disney artists this is also a great opportunity to meet them as many show up for signings during the course of the festival.

When is Epcot’s Festival of the Arts

This year it will be held from January 13 – February 20, 2023. Lasting for 45 days (same as last year!) the event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights, and opportunities for you to embrace your own inner artists.

The great news is this is when the cooler season happens here in Florida. So you don’t have to worry about sweating it out as much as you do at the Food and Wine Festival (now that it starts in August).

Best Dates to Visit Festival of the Arts 2023

Of course, when planning a trip to Disney world we always want to know when the best time to visit is. We always recommend with these festivals to skip the first weekend it’s always packed with locals and people that have to be there to do it first. The second week and weekend of the festival are always much calmer and a more enjoyable experience.

We also expect Epcot to be lighter crowds from January 24th – 31th and then February 1st – 14th.

Guidemap for 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts

Having the festival park map is always a help when planning a trip! Here is a look at the 2020 map. You can find booth locations, photo opportunities, art demos, and more! Make sure to pick up the Times Guide and the 36-page Epcot International Festival of the Arts Festival Passport. The Festival Passport is not only loaded with all the information, pictures, and stickers that you will need, but it also makes a great souvenir of your visit!

Best Hotel to Stay at for the Festival of the Arts

Given this entire festival takes place at Epcot of course our top recommendations are for the Epcot resorts. These resorts are a top pick because they are within walking distance of Epcot. Though I would note the farthest out and the longest walk will be from the Swan, Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve. The Epcot resorts include:

• Boardwalk Resort
• Yacht Club Resort
• Beach Club Resort
• Swan & Dolphin Resort
• Marriott Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The Disney Skyliner addition to Walt Disney World this also easily connects in a few more hotels here are Skyliner resorts that would also make for speedy trips to Epcot.

• Art of Animation
• Pop Century Resort
• Caribbean Resort
• Disney Riviera Resort (DVC)

Tickets for Festival of the Arts, What’s Included

You may be wondering if there is a separate ticket for Epcot’s Festival of the Arts. The good news is there is no separate ticket to buy for Epcot’s Festival of the Arts. The Festival of the Arts is included in your standard Epcot ticket.

You will need to pay for the food separately, so all the food booths we cover below are an additional cost. Each item has its own pricing and will range from $3.00 – $12.00. If spending extra cash isn’t in the cards for you don’t worry the festival has plenty of free options. You can paint by number, enjoy photo ops, Disney artist meet and greets, and even a series of Disney Broadway Concerts.

Festival of the Arts Food Booths

In total this year will feature 15 Food Studios featuring some returning favorites and soon-to-be hits taking the foodie stage for the first time, like the brand-new The Craftsman’s Courtyard. For some added fun, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport to try out the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a returning food stroll featuring some true culinary masterpieces. As you travel throughout the Festival, collect stamps by purchasing five of these decadent dishes to redeem a special prize from Deco Delights to enjoy.

Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese (New)
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
• Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (Limit 2 per guest) (New)

Beverages:

• Hazy IPA
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures (New)
• Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Green) (New)

Beverages:

• Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel (non-alcoholic) (New)
• Brown Ale

Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle (New)
• Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse (New)
• Orange Mousse with lemon cake and raspberry meringues (New)

Beverages:

• Strawberry Blonde Nitro
• Vanilla Porter
• Milk Stout
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

The Craftsman’s Courtyard (near Disney Traders) (New)

Food Items:

• Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with Sautéed Tomatoes, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs (New)
• Cast Iron-seared Steelhead Trout with parsley salad, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and lemon aïoli (New)

Beverages:

• Wheat Beer
• Chardonnay
• Rosé
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wine Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

• Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based)
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

• Blue Raspberry Blonde Ale
• Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer
• Brown Ale

Pastoral Palate (Germany)

Food Items:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
• Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage (New)
• Opera Cake: Almond joconde, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache

Beverages:

• Rosé Hard Cider
• Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Old Vine Rosé

The Artist’s Table (America)

Food Items:

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelle, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
• Pan-seared Scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Orange)
• Pistachio Cake with cherry mousse and morello cherries

Beverages:

• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate (non-alcoholic)
• White Ale
• Amber Ale
• Brown Ale
• Pinot Noir
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Cream liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
• Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

• Carrots Three Ways: Berbere-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée (Plant-based) (New)
• House-made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange (New)

Beverages:

• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa: Twinings of London Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
• Sangria Hard Cider
• Chai Hard Cider
• Berry Hard Cider
• Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco & France)

Food Items:

• House-made Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Yellow) (New)
• Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (New)
• Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (non-alcoholic)
• Frozen Piña Colada
• Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

• Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata (New)
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

• Blood Orange Cosmo: Vodka with blood orange, cranberry, and lime (New)
• Hard Cider

Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)

Food Items:

• Blood Orange-braised Beet Carpaccio with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, golden beets, and crostini (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Red) (Planted-based) (New)
• Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, mache lettuce, and bone marrow snow (New)
• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction

Beverages:

• German Lager
• Cuvée Sparkling Wine
• Merlot
• Frozen Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Donut Box

Food Items:

• Vanilla Donut with strawberry sugar, strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry gele (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Pink) (New)
• Inside Out Donut: Vanilla donut with Bavarian cream (New)
• Chocolate-dipped Donut with black and gold sugar sprinkles and chocolate buttercream ((New)

Beverages:

• Rosé
• Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

Food Items:

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm creamy brie in a house-made bread bowl
• Croissant à la Truffe Noire d’Hiver: Black winter truffle croissant served warm
• Mousseline de Bisque de Homard Froide, Brioche Feuilletée à l’Aneth: Chilled lobster bisque mousse served with dill brioche (New)  
• Moelleux aux Noisettes et Chocolats Valrhona: Molten chocolate and hazelnut cake with pure origin Valrhona chocolates

Beverages:

• Frozen French Martini: Vodka, black raspberry liqueur, pineapple, orange, and grape juice with lemon-lime foam
• French Rosé Sparkling Wine
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling Chardonnay

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

Food Items:

• Huarache Verde: Cilantro huarache with cochinita pibil, fresh pineapple, and pickled onion (New)
• Carne Asada: Seared beef tenderloin, grilled queso fresco, refried beans, scallion, and ranchera salsa (New)
• Taco de Chocolate: Chocolate candy shell filled with Mexican chocolate mousse with a touch of chile topped with seasonal fruit (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

• Mexican Craft Beer: Crafted with citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean seawater
• The Lily: Blanco tequila, violet essence Infusion, rose petal liqueur, cranberry, and lime juice
• Smoky Raspberry: Blanco tequila, rosemary-infused mezcal, ginger cordial, lime juice, and rosemary aroma

Goshiki (Japan)

Food Items:

• Chicken Kushiage: Breaded and fried chicken with yum yum sauce and vegetables (New)
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce

Beverages:

• Winter Ale
• Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
• Niseko Flurry: Sake, rum, white cranberry juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice (New)

Goshiki (Japan)

Food Items:

• Chicken Kushiage: Breaded and fried chicken with yum yum sauce and vegetables (New)
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce

Beverages:

• Winter Ale
• Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
• Niseko Flurry: Sake, rum, white cranberry juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice (New)

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

Food Items:

• Arancini: Fried risotto balls stuffed with braised-beef and served with pomodoro sauce (New)
• Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and creamy Parmesan sauce (New)
• Bomboloni: Chocolate-hazelnut Italian doughnut with powdered sugar (New)

Beverages:

• Peroni Pilsner
• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Red Sparkling Wine
• Moscato
• Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
• Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
• Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
• Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée, and Prosecco
• Bergamotto: Rosolio Liqueur, Prosecco, and Olive

Funnel Cake

• Cherry Blossom Funnel Cake: Chocolate chip funnel cake topped with cherry ice cream, rainbow whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Mocha Masterpiece Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and chocolate puffs
• Canada – Colorful Canvas Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and fruity cereal
• World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Cinnamon Swirl Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and cinnamon squares
• The American Adventure – Rainbow Dreams Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold crew topped with whipped cream and colorful marshmallow crunch

Entertainment During the Festival of the Arts at Epcot

The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will return to America Gardens Theatre this year. It is previously headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes:

• DISNEY ON BROADWAY: Get swept away by the songs you love during DISNEY ON BROADWAY performances at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Sit back and sing along with show-stopping numbers from legendary Disney musicals. Every 2 weeks, we’ll welcome different pairs of DISNEY ON BROADWAY stars to perform some of the songs they helped make famous, plus other sensational tunes.
• Art Defying Gravity (7-day offering): Enjoy the spectacle of thrilling strength acts defying gravity and imagination at World Showplace.
• Epcot Pianist (7-day offering): Tap your toes to a variety of show tunes performed by a talented entertainer at World Showplace.
• JAMMitors (7-day offering): Listen to the soothing sounds produced this fun group of musicians at the Mill Stage in the Canada Pavilion.
• Visual Art in Performance (4-day offering, Thursday – Sunday): Behold a high-energy, on-stage performance by a guest visual artist painting favorite Disney characters within World Showplace. In just minutes, colorful Disney images magically appear before your eyes.
• Chalk Art – Future World East: Discover the work of imaginative chalk artists, then help create a chalk art masterpiece!

2022 DISNEY ON BROADWAY Schedule

Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin)

• January 14
• January 16 through 17
• January 20 through 21

Kerry Butler (Beauty and the Beast) and Telly Leung (Aladdin)

• January 15
• January 18 through 19
• January 22 through 23

Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)

• January 24
• January 26 through 27
• January 30 through 31
• February 3 through 4

Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Dan DeLuca (Newsies)

• January 25
• January 28 through 29
• February 1 through 2
• February 5 through 6

Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)

• February 7
• February 9 through 10
• February 13 through 14
• February 17 through 18

Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)

• February 8
• February 11 through 12
• February 15 through 16
• February 19 through 20

Special Performance – February 21, 2022

On February 21, give a standing ovation for an extended finale featuring Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Kissy Simmons, and Michael James Scott!

Festival of the Arts Photo Opportunities

What would it be without a few photo moments when visiting Disney World? So are you ready for your close-up? Cross the Delaware with George Washington, scream along with Edvard Munch and flash your best Mona Lisa smile at immersive photo stops that let you “step into” some of the most-admired artwork from around the world. You will find these photo ops located throughout World Showcase in Epcot.

Take stylish selfies and snap fantastic photos of friends and family. Or, let our experienced Disney PhotoPass Photographers capture the moment for you, so you can get everyone in the picture!

Step into iconic artwork from around the world at these unique art installations around World Showcase:

• An homage to Frida Kahlo
  Mexico Pavilion
• Birth of Venus – Sandro Botticelli
  Italy Pavilion Courtyard
• Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh
  Bridge to World Showcase
• Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
  International Gateway
• Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
  Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion
• Peter Pan Storybook
  Bridge to World Showcase
• The Scream – Edvard Munch
  Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion
• Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze
  The American Adventure Pavilion

The Art Exhibits throughout the Festival

Chalk Art, Chalk Full of Character

As you walk through Epcot, you’ll see amazing photo ops, art on display, and exhibits to enjoy. Back in World Showcase, expect to see artists scattered around. The highlight last year was the chalk art like the one pictured above.

Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural

Head over to the walkway by the Seas and the Land Pavillion and watch creativity come alive! Here you can take part in painting a giant mural and yes it’s free! The murals fill up fast and are changing throughout the festival. At the beginning of each new piece, it’s always fun to try to guess what the painting will end up being.

Where: World Nature
When: Daily 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Animation Academy

Head over to America Gardens Theatre and learn how to draw a Disney character from an animation artist.

Shows begin daily at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM

Artist Meet and Greet Schedule

Throughout the festival, you will have a chance to meet some of your favorite Disney artists. Here is a look at the 2022 artist schedule.

Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars

If you want to step up your artistic side a mix of workshops and seminars are available during the Festival of the Arts. Some are complimentary, and some cost extra. I recommend the free “Animation Academy” at the American Gardens Theatre, where you get to draw a Disney character and take the drawing home with you! Don’t worry, you will get step-by-step instructions from a Disney artist. Get the complete schedule, details, and pricing info on the Disney World site.

This is before the class shot. We were given the Minnie Mouse coffee mug turned floral arrangement holder, a collection of flowers plus all the supplies we needed to put it together.

In 2019, we signed up for a floral arrangement class. Here is a look at the results! I was mostly just shocked by how many goodies we got for just a $39 class fee!

How to Accomplish the Festival of the Arts at Epcot

Since this festival takes place when Florida actually sees mild weather it makes touring Epcot a whole lot easier. You can easily fit the entire festival into an afternoon and evening. This leaves you to spend the morning touring Future World at Epcot or sleep in and arrive late.

It is important to note that the construction in Future World has shifted walkways and places where past shows have been located. I recommend that you use the times’ guide and map to catch some of the entertainment at the Showcase Plaza Stage, my favorite is the Visual Art in Performance. You will see a Disney painting being “performed” before your eyes and completed in just 20 minutes! They also have “Art Defying Gravity” performances where you won’t believe the strength of these artists. The “EPCOT Living Statues” are now located on the walkway just before Mission Space.

Don’t miss out on “Artful Photo Ops” where you can get your picture taken at interactive spots in Mexico, Italy, America, France, and the United Kingdom.

Warning: Last year this event was popular with locals so watch out for weekend nights. So if that is the only time you can attend you might want to consider a dining package for the reserved show seating.