EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns January 16, 2026, bringing significant changes to the park’s appearance and offerings.
The Quiet Period Ends
Since late December, EPCOT has operated without festival programming. This means:
- No themed food booths in World Showcase
- No festival-specific merchandise
- No special entertainment or programming
- Standard park operations only
That changes next week when Festival of the Arts officially launches.
Visual Changes Throughout the Park
Festival of the Arts is known for its colorful, artistic aesthetic. Guests will notice immediate visual differences:
Murals and Art Installations: Vibrant murals appear along walkways throughout the park. Chalk art installations create photo opportunities on pathways leading to World Showcase.
Festival Signage: Bold, colorful signage guides guests to food studios, art displays, and performance venues. The artistic typography and bright colors replace standard park signage.
Food Studios: Temporary food booths set up in World Showcase locations that were empty during the non-festival period. These studios feature distinctive designs incorporating artistic elements.
Food Offerings at EPCOT
Festival of the Arts features creative, art-inspired menu items known for visual presentation and unique flavor combinations.
Previous festivals have included:
- Paint palette desserts with multiple flavors
- Dishes incorporating edible flowers
- Creative plating that encourages photography
- Artistic twists on familiar foods
The food studios change menus annually but maintain focus on items that look as impressive as they taste. These presentations blur the line between cuisine and visual art.
Artistic Elements
Gallery Displays: Gallery-style exhibits throughout World Showcase showcase works from various artists. Many pieces are available for purchase.
Artist Booths: Guests can meet artists, watch demonstrations, and purchase original works or prints. Some artists offer customization options or festival-exclusive pieces.
Interactive Experiences: Participatory activities let guests contribute to collaborative art projects or engage with installations designed for hands-on interaction. These appeal particularly to families with children.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
The festival features the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre. Performers from Disney theatrical productions sing selections from various shows.
Performances happen multiple times daily throughout the festival. Many guests plan park visits specifically around performance schedules.
Timeline and Duration
- Start Date: January 16, 2026
- Location: EPCOT, primarily World Showcase
- Duration: Several weeks (exact end date to be announced)
The festival typically runs through late winter into early spring.
What Makes This Festival Different
Festival of the Arts stands apart from EPCOT’s other festivals:
Food and Wine (Fall): Focuses on culinary experiences and beverage tastings from around the world.
Flower and Garden (Spring): Showcases horticulture with elaborate topiaries and garden displays.
Festival of the Holidays (Winter): Celebrates seasonal traditions with holiday storytelling and festive food.
Festival of the Arts (Winter/Spring): Celebrates artistic expression across visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts.
Planning Your EPCOT Visit
For guests visiting EPCOT starting January 16:
Arrive Early: Festival opening days typically draw larger crowds. Early arrival provides better access to food studios before lines form.
Check Performance Times: Broadway concert schedules are posted daily. Plan around performances you want to see.
Budget for Food: Food studio items range in price. Budget accordingly if planning to sample multiple offerings.
Explore Beyond Food: Take time to view art displays and interactive experiences throughout World Showcase.
The EPCOT Transformation
The shift from non-festival EPCOT to Festival of the Arts happens quickly. Disney crews install infrastructure, signage, and decorations efficiently, often completing major changes overnight.
Guests who visited during the quiet period may be surprised by how different the park looks just days later. World Showcase walkways that were clear suddenly feature food studios, art installations, and festival theming.
This transformation represents EPCOT’s festival cycle, where the park adopts different identities throughout the year. Festival of the Arts kicks off the 2026 festival season, with other festivals following later in the year.
For anyone visiting EPCOT next week, prepare for a noticeably different experience than the park offered in recent weeks. The basic EPCOT operation gives way to festival programming that adds layers of food, art, and entertainment to the standard park offerings.
