5 Not To Miss Things At The Epcot International Festival Of The Arts

Whether you’re a fan of all things Broadway, or getting up close with artisans of all kinds or just love great food and are ready to get up close and personal and learn how that food comes to life, here are 5 not to miss things at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

What began on January 18, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort returns for its annual celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts.

My very favorite of all of the the events that Epcot has over the course of the year, 2019 will bring with it  39 days with offerings for every age to match every passion and continues through Feb. 25, 2019, this year promising more live music than ever before, along with fresh tastes to savor and new artwork to admire and bring home.

There is no better time to stroll around the International Showcase sampling all of the fares, talking to artists bringing their works of art to life and capping off the evening with some of the best Broadway performers around. If you’re already making plans as I am don’t miss any of these unique experience:

Broadway Concert Series

I am all about Broadway in any way, shape or form and thanks to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, it is all about the Broadway Concert series. Where else could you see your favorite Broadway performers and enjoy a Broadway-style sing-along all included with your Epcot admission?  New in 2019, guests can now sing along to their favorite Disney Broadway tunes seven days a week during the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series, with daily showings at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

Each week, different pairs of Disney on Broadway stars will take the America Gardens Theatre stage to sing favorite songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway productions. The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from shows such as “The Lion King,” “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast”:

• Kerry Butler (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
• Meredith Inglesby (“The Little Mermaid”) and Steve Blanchard (“Beauty and the Beast”)
• Arielle Jacobs and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
• Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
• Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
• Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)

The best way to take advantage and make sure you have the best seat possible is by booking a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package, which allows you to make a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation at a participating Epcot restaurant and later enjoy priority seating at a show. Dining package reservations open Nov. 8, and for more information, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407-939-3463.

Eat, Drink, And Be Merry

This year, treat yourself to the best in culinary delights.

Now the Epcot International Festival of the Arts invites you to try out one of the 13 Food Studios, plus other creative (and savory!) offerings around Epcot with an expanded menu of tastes and sips.

Drop by The Artist’s Table for beef wellington with mushroom bordelaise, fennel cream, and roasted baby vegetables, or enjoy smoked salmon and cream gâteau with egg yolk cream, paddlefish caviar and micro-herbs at The Painter’s Palate. Pop Eats! will serve up almond frangipane cake with raspberry and chocolate, while red wine-braised short rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes and aged balsamic will be available at Cuisine Classique.

Or my favorite, test your own artistic, decorating talents and bring your Easel Cookie to life, proving that you can have your cookie and eat it too!

Step Into The Picture And Help To Create A Masterpiece

One of the favorite parts of the Festival each year is the opportunity to actually step into the picture of some of the greatest works of art.

This fun photo ops are located throughout the World Showcase and allows you to bring home a unique and fun souvenir. Where else would you have the opportunity to literally step inside works of art and take fun photos, such as the “Washington Crossing the Delaware” Artful Photo Opportunity?

And once you’ve become a part of the picture, don’t forget to grab a paintbrush and help create a masterpiece by leaving behind your legacy as you become a part of the wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.

It’s Time To Get Your Learning On

Whether you’ve dreamed of learning to cook from the best chefs in the culinary world, or always wanted to learn to paint or create jewelry, or wanted to know what it’s like to help make music come alive, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is the perfect place for the new learner and the lifelong learner alike. Some of the classes that await you include:

• The Paint with a Disney Artist program invites guests to learn under the tutelage of a professional (offered select Fridays and Sundays, including continental breakfast, for an additional fee).
• Performing artists are scheduled throughout the festival, demonstrating gravity-defying feats of strength, acrobatics, and many other skills.
• International musical and variety acts will share their talents with guests, including the return of Bodh’aktan to the Canada stage and Delta Q, a new group performing in Germany.

Guests can join in the fun of Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt by purchasing a map at select merchandise locations.

A variety of workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques, such as floral design, ink and paint, mixed-media art and more (offered Friday-Monday for an additional fee). As a memento of what they learn, guests will take their creations home with them.

• Complimentary 30-minute seminars will give guests helpful instruction for producing their own artwork at home.

Memories To Last A Lifetime

Whether you’re looking for a new kind of experience for the entire family, are looking to share and extend your love of the visual, culinary and performing arts or expanding your knowledge base and looking to introduce your family to something new in a fun and hands-on way, there is no better festival for the entire family than the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

It’s the perfect multigenerational outing or just for a day all on your own at Epcot.

And don’t forget to keep the memories going by picking up some of the unique and one of a kind merchandise that is synonymous with the Festival.

Don’t miss the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, opening January 18 for only 39 days at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. What’s your best tip for experiencing the Festival?