Enjoying EPCOT Festivals Throughout the Year

Enjoying EPCOT Festivals Throughout the Year

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park is not to be missed. Having undergone a recent transformation, there are new rides, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, new experiences such as Journey of Water (inspired by Moana), and newer restaurants like Space 220. All of the classics remain, including the World Showcase. What makes EPCOT truly special are the four festivals they host throughout the year. Each has something unique to offer to for the whole family. 

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January-February)

The festivals kick off each year in mid January with EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Lasting through February 19^th in 2024, this festival features artists and artwork throughout the park as well as unique food and beverage offerings. A few interactive favorites include Animation Academy, Expressions: A Paint by Numbers Mural, and chalk arts. Figment’s Brush with the Masters is a scavenger hunt fun for the whole family. Artists big and small will delight in the colors and designs all around them. 

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May)

Next up is my personal favorite, EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. The park comes alive with beautiful topiaries. There are ample food and beverage offerings that are bright and refreshing. The Garden Rocks concert series hosts musical guests on select nights. Nothing signals spring more than the start of this festival, which begins February 28th in 2024. 

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

During the summer and fall months the most well-known of the festivals, EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, delights guests with delicious foods from around the globe. Eat to the Beat concert series and dining packages are available so that your ears can enjoy as much as your taste buds. Several scavenger hunts can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Stay tuned for the 2024 dates!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

When the holiday season is upon us, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays gets guests in the spirit celebrating traditions from cultures around the world. The iconic Candlelight Processional features celebrity narrators bringing the holidays to life. It wouldn’t be an EPCOT Festival without delicious food offerings, and during this festival they are themed for the holidays. Enjoy a specialty hot chocolate while you take in the holiday decor and listen to carols. This festival typically runs mid-November through the beginning of January. 

There are a few tricks to getting the most out of the festivals:

• The best way to enjoy EPCOT Festivals is by staying at an EPCOT area resort and having park hoppers. This way you can venture out to the other parks, water parks or Disney Springs during the day and spend your evenings at EPCOT with just a short walk back to your room at night. Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn are all excellent options. 
• Take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan snack credits at the festival. Many of the featured treats can be purchased with your snack credit and several are large enough for sharing. Having each member of your party use their snack credit for a different item allows the group to sample several items. 
• Add Memory Maker to your Walt Disney World Vacation Package to capture all the specialty photos, as well as all other pictures throughout your stay. 
• Stop at one of the pavilions to grab a Foodie Guide and purchase any scavenger hunts. 

EPCOT has so much to offer guests of all ages, and the festivals are guaranteed to make your visit even more special!