When you visit Epcot you get to experience the world in amazing ways through rides, characters, food, and drinks. Disney World has expanded your ability to experience the world in different ways with their festivals. This essential guide to Epcot International Festivals will share with you what the festivals are and the best parts of each festival.
Guide to Epcot International Festivals
There are only a few times of the year when there is not a festival going on. During the summer peak season, there is not a festival going on. After the summer there is a festival frenzy, with just a few weeks between each festival.
Epcot hosts four main festivals throughout the year: the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
For each festival, you will want to be sure to pick up the free festival souvenir booklet where you can check off which things you have experienced and tasted.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts
Let’s get creative at Epcot! The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is Epcot’s newest festival and it is a big hit. Art (including Food Arts), music, and drama are the stars of this festival.
The mascot of the festival is Figment. He is on a lot of the merchandise. Figment is the fun, purple dragon from the Journey to Imagination attraction. I am so happy they are starting to use him more.
You can participate in interactive experiences such as a larger-than-life paint-by-number mural or learning to draw some of their favorite Disney characters. Guests can also step into famous works of art, thanks to artful photo ops.
The festival food booths around Epcot feature fanciful dishes with tasty and beautiful foods.
If you are looking to buy a piece of Disney or Florida-inspired artwork, this is the time and place to do it.
The popular Figment’s Brush with the Masters returns this year, as well, inviting Guests to help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase; you will be able to purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly hunt at a variety of merchandise locations.
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival usually starts in March and lasts until June or July.
The unofficial mascot of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival is Spike the Bee. Spike (sometimes referred to as Buzz-Buzz is a bee who often tormented Donald Duck in several cartoons in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He is on some merchandise but his most notable appearances are throughout the park giving out fun facts about the plants and a super cute magic shot.
Activities will include seeing all the beautiful topiaries around Epcot, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration – a springtime scavenger hunt starring Spike, 20+ outdoor kitchen to partake in, and buying some cool Flower & Garden merch. I always love the ears they come out with for this and the garden items!
If it comes from a garden, then you can probably find it somewhere on a plate to eat at the Flower & Garden Festival. So many tasty dishes and drinks!
This is the best time to get something Disney or just plain beautiful for your garden. There are a lot of garden experts available to answer all your gardening questions as well.
Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts in late July or August and lasts through mid-November. This is the biggest and best festival at Epcot. If you are a foodie you want to go to this festival.
It features tons of food booths with delicious dishes and beverages, plus cooking demos and tastings hosted by famous chefs. There’s also live music, cool activities, and unique merchandise, making it a perfect outing for foodies and families alike. It’s a great way to explore different flavors and cultures in a lively, festive atmosphere.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays
Epcot celebrates Christmas in a big way! At Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, you get to explore how other countries celebrate Christmas.
“Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition” scavenger hunt invites children of all ages to join a festive adventure around World Showcase, where they will round up holiday traditions the lovable snowman has misplaced.
There is The Holiday Cookie Stroll with freshly baked cookies from the EPCOT bakery ovens. The Festival Passport lists the five official stroll locations, with each stop offering a cookie for purchase and a stamp in the passport. After collecting all five stamps, guests can bring their passport to the Holiday Sweets & Treats location to receive a complimentary Minnie Mouse peppermint cookie. Guests can collect their cookies in a new ceramic Cookie Stroll jar, available for purchase at the Holiday Markets throughout World Showcase, while supplies last.
Guests wishing to take a bit of holiday magic home with them can find an assortment of festival merchandise, including spirit jerseys, t-shirts, ornaments, trading pins, and drinkware.
Which festival do you like best? Let me know in the comments!
Epcot International Festival Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra cost to attend the Epcot International Festivals?
The festivals are included with your regular Epcot admission. However, some experiences, such as special dining events, workshops, and certain activities, may require an additional fee.
Can I use Disney Dining Plan credits at the festival food booths?
Yes, snack credits from the Disney Dining Plan can often be used at the festival food booths. Check the specific items eligible for snack credits on the menus at each booth.
What are the best times to visit the festivals to avoid crowds?
Weekdays, especially earlier in the day, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (early or late in the festival period) can also help avoid the busiest times.
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