The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is returning from January 12 through February 19. This festival highlights the visual, culinary, and performing arts as only Disney can. Here are new details on what to expect at the Festival.
Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
- Caissie Levy and Patti Murin, who originated the roles of Anna and Elsa in “Frozen” on Broadway, will perform on January 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 23.
- Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) perform on January 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, and 24.
- Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”) are scheduled to perform on January 26, 28, and 29; and on February 1, 3, 5, and 6.
- Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”) will perform on January 27, 30, and 31; and on February 2, 4, 7, and 8.
- Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”) are performing on February 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, and 19.
- Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”) will perform on February 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 19.
As always, entertainment is subject to change without notice.
Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where you’ll find musicians, live painting, and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity. Showcase Plaza is located between the Port of Entry and Disney Traders shops as you make your way into World Showcase.
There will be special dining packages for the DISNEY ON BROADWAY performances. Seven restaurants will be participating in the advance dining packages: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Rose & Crown Dining Room, Le Cellier, and Spice Road Table. Regal Eagle Smokehouse is also participating, but will only be available for same-day, in-person walk-up packages. Reservations open December 19.
Food is also a major part of any EPCOT Festival, and the Festival of the Arts features an eclectic array of culinary art and even some unique dishes that won’t be found anywhere else. More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT will blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist, including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. Returning favorites including The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies can be found at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic, and the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and balsamic glaze at will be available Pastoral Palate. The complete Festival Foodie Guide will be revealed at a later date.
If you’re looking for a delicious challenge, you don’t want to miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. You will want to pick up a Festival Passport that will show where to make your picturesque purchases and receive stamps in your passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring your passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise. The best part about The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine is that it can be completed at your pace throughout the Festival. This will also allow you to enjoy a new treat every time you visit throughout the Festival.
Since this is the Festival of the Arts, artists of all ages will find plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills. At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm in America Gardens Theatre, you can learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave your creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural. This is a fan-favorite activity every year, and it’s always fun to see the finished product. Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. Don’t forget about the fun and artful photo ops! From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon you to become part of the painting.
What would a Festival be without merchandise? One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, which will of course feature everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items.
Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, you’ll help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame. Every time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on your map. Once your journey is complete, return your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake! Redemption will be available throughout the Festival, while supplies last.
So, get those paintbrushes ready and unleash your artistic superpowers because the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before you know it.
