2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Dates, Offerings & Must-Try Experiences
Picture this: you’re strolling through World Showcase on a crisp January morning, coffee in hand, when suddenly you hear the soaring vocals of a Broadway performer echoing across the lagoon. Welcome to one of Disney’s most underrated festivals – and trust me, after ten years of helping families plan their perfect Disney vacations, I can tell you that EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is pure magic.
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 through February 23, 2026 – that’s 39 days of artistic wonder during one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. No summer crowds, no holiday chaos, just you and some of the most creative experiences Disney has to offer.
Why January and February Are Festival Gold
Here’s something most people don’t realize: visiting during Festival of the Arts means you’re hitting Disney’s sweet spot. The weather’s perfect for walking around World Showcase (hello, 70-degree days!), the crowds are manageable, and you get to experience EPCOT when it’s dressed up in its artistic finest. Plus, if you’re planning a winter getaway anyway, why not make it extra special?
Disney on Broadway Concert Series: The Showstopper
The heart and soul of this festival is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and folks, this is where the magic really happens. Picture this: you’re sitting in the America Gardens Theatre (that’s in the American Adventure pavilion), and professional Broadway performers are belting out songs from The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, and other Disney theatrical productions.
The lineup changes every two weeks, so you’ll get different performers throughout the festival. These aren’t just any singers – we’re talking about actual Broadway professionals who’ve graced stages in New York City. The concerts happen multiple times daily, and here’s the best part: they’re included with your EPCOT admission. No extra charge!
Now, here’s an insider tip from someone who’s been there: arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want good seats. The theatre fills up fast, especially on weekends. But if you’re really wanting to guarantee your spot (and maybe enjoy some delicious food while you’re at it), Disney offers dining packages that come with reserved seating. Trust me, after a long day of walking around EPCOT, having a guaranteed seat while enjoying a meal is worth every penny.
Food Studios: Where Culinary Art Meets Disney Magic
You know what makes Disney festivals special? They don’t just feed you – they create edible masterpieces. The 2026 festival features over 20 Food Studios scattered throughout EPCOT, and each one is like a little gallery of culinary art.
These aren’t your typical theme park snacks. We’re talking about dishes that look almost too beautiful to eat (but please, eat them anyway). From intricately designed desserts that look like tiny sculptures to savory dishes with presentations that would make Instagram jealous, these Food Studios are where Disney’s culinary team really shows off.
The complete menu lineup gets announced closer to the festival dates, but based on previous years, expect everything from artistic interpretations of classic dishes to completely new creations that exist nowhere else on property. And yes, dietary restrictions are accommodated – Disney’s gotten really good at that.
Interactive Experiences That Bring Out Your Inner Artist
Figment’s Brush with the Masters
This scavenger hunt is pure genius, and it’s perfect for families. You purchase a map and stickers (usually around $7-9) from select merchandise locations, then embark on a journey through World Showcase to find Figment hidden in famous works of art. Each pavilion has artwork with little Figment-themed picture frames tucked in, and when you find them, you add matching stickers to your map.
Here’s a pro tip: start early in the day when it’s less crowded, and bring comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be covering all of World Showcase, and while it’s fun, it’s also a workout! Kids absolutely love this activity, and honestly, so do adults. There’s something satisfying about completing that map and getting your special keepsake at the end.
Animation Academy
Ever wondered how Disney animators create those beloved characters? At Animation Academy, Disney artists teach you step-by-step how to draw classic Disney characters. These sessions happen throughout the day, and different characters rotate, so you might learn to draw Mickey one day and Elsa the next.
The best part? You keep your artwork! I’ve seen families frame these drawings and hang them as Disney vacation memories. Just remember that seating is limited and it’s first-come, first-served, so arrive a few minutes early.
Expression Section: Paint by Number Mural
This collaborative art project lets you contribute to a massive paint-by-number mural. It’s surprisingly meditative and gives you that “I helped create something beautiful” feeling. Plus, it’s a nice break from all the walking, and little kids can participate alongside adults.
What’s New for 2026
This year brings some exciting additions, including activities related to the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game. While details are still being finalized, this is Disney’s foray into the trading card game world, and incorporating it into the Festival of the Arts shows they’re serious about making it a lasting part of the Disney experience.
There are also new Artful Photo Ops being added throughout the park – these are Instagram-worthy spots designed specifically for the festival. Think beautiful backdrops, artistic installations, and perfect lighting for those vacation photos you’ll treasure forever.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Timing is everything. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. If you can swing it, Tuesday through Thursday are your best bets for shorter lines and more relaxed experiences.
Download the My Disney Experience app and check it regularly for Disney on Broadway show times and locations for activities like Animation Academy. These can change, and you don’t want to miss out because you had outdated information.
Pace yourself with the food. With over 20 Food Studios, it’s tempting to try everything in one day. Don’t do it! Spread your culinary adventure over multiple days, or better yet, share dishes with your group so you can sample more variety.
Bring a portable phone charger. You’ll be taking lots of photos, using the Disney app, and possibly participating in interactive experiences. Nothing ruins a magical day like a dead phone battery.
How AKOR Services Makes Your Festival Experience Seamless
Here’s where we come in, and honestly, this is what sets us apart from just booking your own trip online. Planning a Disney vacation around a specific festival requires insider knowledge and strategic thinking.
We know which park tickets give you the best value for festival dates. We understand Disney’s dining plan options and can help you decide if a dining package for the Broadway concerts makes sense for your family. We’re up to date on Disney’s ever-changing policies and can navigate the sometimes confusing world of Disney reservations.
But more than that, we’ve been there. We know which Food Studios tend to run out of popular items first. We know the best touring strategies for hitting all the interactive activities without wearing yourself out. We know how to build in flexibility so you can enjoy the festival without feeling rushed.
When you work with AKOR Services, you’re not just getting a booking service – you’re getting a Disney-experienced travel advisor who wants your vacation to be as magical as you’ve dreamed it would be. We handle the planning stress so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is shaping up to be something special. Whether you’re drawn by the Broadway performances, excited about the culinary adventures, or looking forward to trying your hand at Disney animation, this festival offers experiences you literally can’t get anywhere else.
The 39-day window from January 16 to February 23 gives you plenty of flexibility for planning, but don’t wait too long. Disney’s dining packages and some special experiences do sell out, especially for weekends.
Ready to start planning your artistic adventure? Let’s chat about how we can make your Festival of the Arts experience absolutely unforgettable. After all, some of life’s most beautiful moments happen when art, magic, and perfect planning come together – and that’s exactly what we specialize in.
