6 Reasons Why We’re Excited About the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

September 23, 2017

Disney announced this week that the Epcot International Festival of the Arts would be returning for a second year from January 12 – February 19, 2018. We here at Disney Addicts think there’s a lot to love about the newest Festival on the block which is a celebration of the culinary, visual and performing arts. So check out our 6 Reasons why we’re excited about the return of the Festival of the Arts.

1. Even more Festival Dates in 2018 – When the Festival debuted last year, it was introduced as a weekend offering with the majority of programming occurring Friday- Sunday. However, Disney has announced that this year’s Festival will be running 7-days a week. We can’t wait to see what amazing offerings Disney’s going to include in this year’s Festival line-up to fill all of this extra space.

2. Expanded Performing Arts Program – The 2017 Festival program provided Epcot visitors with an opportunity to see leading Broadway talent performing much loved Disney numbers on-stage at the American Gardens Theatre thanks to a collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions. Performances were also held each day at the Fountain View stage and featured an eclectic line-up including marching bands, jazz ensembles, a capella groups, and choral groups just to name a few. The performing arts will continue to be a key component of this year’s festival with a smorgasbord of musical performances including everything from local bands to Broadway’s best. We can’t wait to see who will turn up!

3. Edible Works of Arts – One of the things that impressed us the most about last year’s Festival were the themed food studios offering a stunning array of gorgeously presented dishes that were almost too beautiful to eat. There were 7 booths in 2017 serving up amazing options like the Artist’s Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie (pictured), a Deconstructed Sweet Potato Pie, A Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts and a Popping Bubbles Cocktail. Though no information has been released about this year’s culinary line-up, we’ve got a feeling it will be bigger and better than ever!

4. Fun for the Whole Family – 2017’s Festival was a feast for the senses, offering a wide range of hands-on activities that the whole family could enjoy together. Our favorite was the Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt. This fun activity sent intrepid adventurers around Epcot to try and track down Figment who was hiding in and amongst the works of art. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this fun way to learn about and explore the details in the visual arts makes a comeback.

5. Stunning Visual Arts Showcases – In 2017, the Festival was brimming with amazing works from world-renowned Disney Artists. Three Galleries were created to showcase the work of Mary Blair, Herb Ryman and contemporary artists like Joe Kaminski (pictured). Numerous artists took up residency during the Festival providing guests with an amazing birds-eye view into the artistic process. We can’t wait to see the stunning talent Disney will assemble for this year’s line-up.

6. Indulge Your Inner Artist With Amazing Workshops, Seminars and Drawing Classes – Whether you are a professional artist or novice, there’s bound to be a seminar or workshop that will appeal. Last year’s offerings included an Animation Academy lead by some of Disney’s top Animators an a gesture drawing course let by former Disney animator Todd Bright. Other programs included everything from calligraphy and origami to cake decorating or Food Styling 101. What’s even better is that majority of these offerings were FREE for those with a valid Epcot theme park ticket! With the Festival slated to run 7 days a week in 2018, I think it’s safe to say we can expect an even larger number of fun, hands-on and educational programming.

This is just a taste of the amazing Festival of the Arts returning to Epcot in 2018. If you’re a lover of the visual, performing and or culinary arts, why not consider a visit to Walt Disney World the beginning of next year to take in all this fun-filled event has to offer? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

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