EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025: Must-Know Tips for a Magical Disney Trip
Visiting Disney World in the winter is one of the most enjoyable seasons to visit, not only because it isn’t hot but because of all the fun activities and festivals. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 is a perfect example. This event combines stunning artwork, live performances, and incredible photo opportunities you’ll ever see. If you’re a Disney fanatic, an art lover, or someone who just loves good food, this festival has something for you!
What is the EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025?
If you’ve never heard of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, you’re in for a real treat. It’s one of Disney World’s most inspiring events, blending creativity with a bit of Disney magic. The festival celebrates the visual, culinary, and performing arts most colorfully and creatively possible. It’s a fun experience for your entire family.
History of the Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts first launched in 2017, and it’s quickly become a favorite among Disney fans. Originally a relatively small event, it started as a way to showcase the creativity and passion behind Disney’s artistry. The event brought together chalk artists, musical performances, and pop-up food kiosks inspired by fine arts.
Over the years, the festival has become a must-do experience, and the big crowds are proof this is a Disney fan favorite! Adding interactive workshops, large-scale art installations, and fun snack choices took it to the next level. It feels like Disney raises the bar every year, making it even more vibrant and exciting. This year is our third time visiting this festival and it never disappoints!
Key Features of the 2025 Festival
The 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts promises to be bigger and bolder than ever before. Here are the main attractions you won’t want to miss:
- Incredible Live Performances: Are usually at the stage near the American Pavillion in the World Showcase or in the newest entertainment space, the CommuniCore Plaza.
- Interactive Workshops: The festival offers hands-on workshops led by real pros.
- Art Displays: From chalk murals on the ground to booths filled with canvases, every corner of EPCOT becomes a gallery.
- Festival Cuisine: The food is designed to look like artwork, and the dishes look almost too pretty to eat.
- Exclusive Merchandise: The merch game is strong, like any great Disney event. Prepare for colorful pins, prints, and other keepsakes you won’t find outside the festival.
2025 Festival Dates and Schedule
Mark your calendars! The EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 will run from January 12 through February 17. The festival typically opens mid-morning and runs until the park closes (usually around 9 PM). If you’re looking to skip the busiest times, try visiting on a weekday.
Top Tips for Visiting EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025
Planning a Disney trip always comes with a lot of excitement, but it is a little stressful, too. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 has so many features that it can feel overwhelming to fit it all in. Don’t worry, though! With thoughtful preparation, you can enjoy every colorful moment without the chaos. Here are my best tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Best Times to Visit
Timing is everything at Disney, and the Festival of the Arts is no exception. If you want smaller crowds, weekdays are where it’s at. Tuesdays through Thursdays are typically less busy than weekends, which draw locals and annual passholders.
Check out my first-time visitor planning guide if you need additional Disney World planning tips.
As for the time of day, mornings are golden. The festival usually begins mid-morning, and if you’re one of the first in, you’ll have a chance to soak in the atmosphere before it gets too hectic. Plus, the lighting in the morning is perfect for snapping photos of those larger-than-life art installations.
If you can’t arrive until later, don’t stress. Evenings have their perks, too, and all the artwork is illuminated, so you can still enjoy everything at night. The crowds start thinning after dinner, and the park lights up beautifully, turning everything into an even more magical experience.
How to Plan Your Day
A game plan before stepping into EPCOT can make or break your day. Prioritize what matters most to you, such as the food, performances, or art workshops, and build your itinerary around that.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to aim for:
- Start with the High Demand Must-Dos: If there’s a performance, food studio, or workshop you don’t want to miss, head there first. Popular activities fill up quickly.
- Reserve Time for Exploration: Leave space in your schedule to wander. Some of the best parts of the festival are the unexpected discoveries.
- Mix Attractions with Downtime: EPCOT’s World Showcase has plenty of spots to pause and recharge. Trust me, breaks make a huge difference when spending all day in the park.
Navigating the Park Efficiently
EPCOT is one of Disney’s larger parks, and there’s even more to see and do during the festival. To avoid backtracking and wasting time, being strategic about navigation is a must.
- Use the My Disney Experience App: This app is an absolute lifesaver. It has everything from a park map to schedules for performances and workshops. You can even mobile order food from festival booths to skip the line.
- Plan a Route: EPCOT has Future World and World Showcase sections. Start at one end and work your way around.
- Avoid Peak Times for Popular Attractions: Interactive workshops and live performances are crowd magnets, so plan ahead if certain activities are a priority for your group.
- Check Out the Festival Passport: When you arrive, grab a festival passport. It lists all the food studios, art exhibits, and performance times. It’s like your personal guidebook for the day.
Food and Beverage Highlights
One of my favorite parts of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 is, without a doubt, the food. Disney knows how to turn every meal into a work of art; this year’s offerings are no exception. Whether you’re a foodie, an artist at heart, or just really hungry, you’ll want to make the most of the festival’s incredible culinary options.
Must-Try Food Booths
Every year, EPCOT’s food booths (or “food studios,” as Disney calls them) bring something new to the table. These little kiosks across the park are full of creative, beautifully plated dishes that taste just as amazing as they look. For 2025, here are the booths you absolutely have to check out:
- The Painter’s Palette: This booth is always a top pick, and this year they’re serving up a “Colorful Crêpe Trio”—three mini crêpes, each inspired by a different artist. The presentation alone is worth it!
- Festival Favorites: A quick-service restaurant that showcases different festival menu options. Located in the new CommuniCore Plaza.
- Deco Delights: Expect desserts here that look like they belong in a museum. Don’t miss the Lemon Blood Orange Tart, which comes topped with an edible sugar sculpture. It’s almost too pretty to eat.
- L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France): The French booth always delivers. This year, their standout is the Brie Bread Bowl, a warm, gooey masterpiece that’s perfect for a cooler January day. Pair it with a glass of Cremant, and you’ll feel fancy without the price of a sit-down dinner.
- Moderne: New for 2025, this booth focuses on bold flavors and modern presentation styles. The Compressed Watermelon Salad with Wasabi Dressing is as refreshing as unexpected.
Saving Money on Food and Drinks
Indulging in festival food is one of the best parts, but it can get expensive fast. Here’s how I keep the costs down without missing out on the fun:
- Share Plates: Most festival dishes are big enough to share a few bites with two or more people. Split a few dishes with your group so you can try more items without blowing your budget.
- Disney Dining Cards: These reloadable gift cards are available in festival-themed designs and can make it easier to stick to a budget. Load up with however much you’re comfortable spending on food, and once it’s gone, it’s gone—no surprise charges on your credit card later.
- Free Water: Disney offers free cups of ice water at quick-service restaurants. It’s a great alternative to buying bottled water, leaving more room in the budget for food.
Best Photo Spots and Instagrammable Moments
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 is a playground for anyone who loves taking pictures. Whether you’re snapping shots to document your trip or you’re all about curating the perfect Instagram feed, this festival delivers. Every corner of the park feels like it’s been designed to create a magical photo op, but some spots are just next-level stunning and you can pose in the artwork!
Iconic Art Installations
Here are a few installations you cannot miss:
- Figment’s Brush with the Masters: This giant Figment mural is a festival favorite yearly. The colors pop like crazy, making it the perfect spot for family photos or solo shots.
- Chalk Art Walkway: You’ll find intricate chalk masterpieces lining the ground near the bridge that connects the World Showcase to Future World. These 3D illusions are so realistic they’ll make your followers do a double take.
- Living Statues: Capture the performative art sections, especially where the living statues.
- Expression Section Wall: Don’t skip this interactive mural! Visitors can help paint squares on a massive work of art.
Free and Budget-Friendly Activities
You don’t have to spend much extra money to enjoy everything the EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 offers. Some of the best parts of the festival are already included with admission. Whether you’re trying to stick to a tight budget or just looking for unique experiences that everyone in your group can enjoy, there are plenty of options.
Interactive Workshops and Demonstrations
The festival is packed with opportunities to get hands-on with your creativity. Many of these workshops are either free or very low-cost! These sessions are a great way to try something new, especially if you’ve kids or are just feeling artsy.
Here are some of my must-try picks:
- Animation Academy: Learn to draw a Disney character from an actual Disney animator. These sessions are free and held at the Festival Stage. Don’t worry if you’re not the best artist—this is all about having fun.
- Chalk Art Lessons: Hosted by talented chalk artists, these demos teach simple techniques to create your mini-masterpiece. You’ll find these sessions near the chalk art walkways, and they’re free!
- Origami Folding: Stop by the Japan pavilion, where Cast Members teach quick, beginner-friendly origami techniques. It’s such a calm, fun break from the faster-paced parts of the day.
Live Performances to Watch
EPCOT is excellent when it comes to live entertainment, and most of it is included with your park ticket. During the Festival of the Arts, you can enjoy incredible daily performances without spending an extra dime.
- Disney on Broadway Concert Series: Held at the America Gardens Theatre, this free concert series features Broadway stars performing beloved Disney classics.
- Living Statues: Are metallic-painted performers coming “Alive” in the Future World? They’re fun to watch and make for great photo ops, too!
- Performances at World Showcase: Throughout the countries, you’ll find smaller-scale live music acts.
Wrapping Up Your EPCOT Festival of the Arts Adventure
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2025 has colorful food, stunning art, and endless photo ops all in one place. With a solid plan and these tips, you’ll avoid the stress and savor every moment. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for your next winter Disney Trip!
