It’s everything a festival should be, painting the EPCOT grounds in a rainbow of color, whimsy and tasty treats.
You still have plenty of time to be part of that picture at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, the first of this year’s four annual seasonal salutes at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
What’s so special about this one, which kicked off in January and runs through Feb. 24?
Ask Melbourne resident Carolyn Perrine, who’s dropped by the festival twice already. She’s a 10-year veteran of Walt Disney World’s diverse offerings, with a deep fondness for the parks.
“It allows an escape from the intensity of everyday life as we know it today,” Perrine said. “Walt had it right when he wanted to immerse guests in The World. You absolutely forget your troubles. The EPCOT festivals, specifically, offer a look into different cultures that I especially enjoy.”
And who can’t use a big splash of all that?
Here’s a peek at standout Festival of the Arts moments.
When does EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts run?
Through Feb. 24, from park open to close. After that, the International Flower and Garden Festival blooms from March 5–June 2. Later this year, look for the Food and Wine Festival and then, to close out the year, the International Festival of the Holidays.
What kind of artistic touches can guests expect?
With 36 artists on hand this year, there’s much to, yes, draw from, like opportunities to learn to sketch Disney characters. The work of chalk artists. Artistic photo ops and the chance to take part in a paint-by-numbers mural at the Expression Section. Don’t miss the vibrant festival poster, by Rob Kaz. And watch artists in action as they do live presentations: Check out a list of featured artists and when and where they’ll be appearing.
“There are 43 Disney films or TV shows represented in that art, and that does include anything that falls under the Disney umbrella … Pixar, Lucas, Marvel and so forth,” said Aaron Babcock, Disney merchandise manager.
“We represent 241 characters this year in all of that art, and then finally, we have 36 different attractions in our art, so plenty to choose from. For every single guest, I dare say we have covered their favorite movie character or attraction through this assortment … we are very happy with the diversity in our characters. It’s something we really strive for, to cover as many things as we can for guests. We know the passion they have for the art that they see here.”
For kids (and adults, too), there’s a “Help Figment” scavenger hunt, looking for Figment in art at stops around World Showcase. For $9.99, get a map and stickers at Creations Shop; Port of Entry; or World Traveler. Completed maps earn a “little keepsake” at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler; redeem by Feb. 24,
What kind of musical performances are on tap?
Along with music acts at CommuniCore Plaza, grab a spot for the Disney on Broadway series.
There are three shows daily at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion, at 5:30 p.m.; 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Expect selections from, among others, “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins,” “Tarzan” and “Newsies.”
Adrian Sarple, director of the Broadway Series, said that while the set list is finite given the time it takes to develop Broadway shows, there’s much to choose from when you work in new performers and new pairings, along with teasing visuals.
Featured will be Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”) on Feb. 12 and 13; Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”) on Feb. 11; Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) on Feb. 14, 16, 17, 20, 23 and 24; and Rodney Ingram (“Aladdin”) and Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) on Feb. 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24.
“There are, of course, crowd favorites, and we will always try and do those,” Sarple said.
“But what we’ll also try and do is make sure that in the song cycle, it’s stuff that really suit the performers who are doing it. Not everyone is going to be able to sing ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,’ for instance, as effectively as maybe Ashley Brown does … but sometimes it’s nice to see where we can go with a performer who you wouldn’t expect to hear a certain type of song. Michael James Scott, for example, is singing a song he’s never done for the festival. We keep trying to bring in a few surprises.”
And about “Frozen”: Everyone knows how popular it is, but still, it’s easy to forget just how popular “Frozen” really is, Sarple said.
“There’s something about the story that clearly resonates with everyone … they champion those sisters,” he said.
Love trivia and nostalgia? For a walkthrough that wows, check out the “30 Years of Disney on Broadway” walk-through exhibit at CommuniCore Hall, where you’ll see costumes and props from favorite stage musicals and get a look at how films like “The Lion King” come together.
Yes, there’s food galore (and there’s art in that, too)
Artistic flair is on the menu at food studios throughout the park during EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Snacks like deconstructed key lime pie, BLTs and mint juleps at Deconstructed Dish; or rainbow cake at Figment’s Inspiration Station Drop by your countr(ies) of choice around World Showcase for classic, colorful fare and make a meal of it. Allergen-free food is available.
Perrine’s favorites: “I loved The Enchanted Rose (mousse) at Opening Bites, in CommuniCore Plaza, and Squid Ink Pasta with lump crab at Fictional Victuals,” she said.
“Delicious.”
Perrine and her companion on one outing, Kimberly Landrau, went for grilled kebabs from Morocco, ravioli from Italy and wild mushroom risotto from Canada.
“Tasty treats,” Landrau said. “I love testing out the flavors because the food isn’t the same old stuff, and the serving is just enough to get a proper taste.”
In no hurry? Meandering’s magical
If you’re not going by the clock, don’t tie yourself to a must-do-this-at-this-time schedule, Perrine advised.
“I plan nothing and just meander to discover beautiful art, great music and delicious food,” she said.
“The first trip, I wandered through England and stumbled upon an excellent band in the gazebo. I like being surprised around every corner. But I will often look up the food kiosk menus online beforehand. There are so many food options that I don’t want to be overwhelmed with choices while walking around.”
And surprises await even regular Disneygoers.
“I love EPCOT because I always feel like I’m learning or experiencing something new,” Perrine said. “On my second festival trip, I wandered down into Canada and got to see the ‘O Canada!’ film narrated by Eugene Levy. I’d forgotten it was tucked back there and enjoyed the new experience.”
How much is admission to Festival of the Arts?
The festival is included with EPCOT park admission. Single-day theme park tickets are from $119 depending on date. Food and beverages at the festival kiosks are at an additional cost. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com for more details on admission prices.
Britt Kennerly is education/breaking news/Style editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Kennerly at 321-917-4744 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: There’s still time to savor the flavor of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Reporting by Britt Kennerly, Florida Today / Florida Today
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