If you’re visiting Walt Disney World between now and February 23, there’s one event you absolutely shouldn’t miss: the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
This is EPCOT’s most colorful, creative, and surprisingly delicious festival of the year. It blends Broadway performances, interactive art, and some of the most photogenic food Disney has ever created — all included with regular park admission.
And in 2026, there are some fun new twists that make it worth visiting even if you’ve been before.
🎮 NEW This Year: Disney Lorcana Comes to EPCOT
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 Festival of the Arts is the introduction of Disney Lorcana experiences inside EPCOT.
At the Morocco Pavilion, guests can visit the Illumineer’s Lounge, where Lorcana fans can:
- Open booster packs
- Trade cards
- Complete collections for limited-edition promo cards
- Participate in the new “Ink & Find” scavenger hunt
This is the first time Disney has integrated Lorcana into a festival in this way, and it’s a huge draw for families with tweens and teens — especially those already into trading card games.
👉 Blog angle tip: This is a great hook for a “Why EPCOT Isn’t Just for Adults” style article.
🍽️ The Food: Even More Creative in 2026
Let’s be honest — festival food is why many guests come.
This year features over 40 new food and drink items across the Food Studios. Some of the standouts:
🎨 Must-Try Savory Picks
- Steakhouse Lobster Caesar Salad (The Artist’s Table)
- Peppercorn-Crusted Striploin
- BBQ Chicken Pizza (Opening Bites)
- Wagyu Bun (Goshiki – Japan Pavilion)
🍰 Show-Stopping Sweets
- Deconstructed Key Lime Pie (The Deconstructed Dish)
- Liquid Nitrogen Minnie Cake Pop (Swirled Showcase)
- Figment’s Color Scheme Cake
- Popcorn Chicken & Waffles (Figment’s Inspiration Station)
And don’t forget the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine — a food stroll where you purchase five designated items and receive a complimentary treat at the end. It’s a fun way to explore the festival and makes for great social media content.
👉 Blog idea: “Top 10 Festival of the Arts Dishes Worth the Calories”
🎭 Disney on Broadway Concert Series
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is one of the most underrated experiences at Walt Disney World.
Broadway performers (many from actual Disney stage productions) perform multiple times daily at the America Gardens Theatre — and it’s included with park admission.
If you have a theatre-loving family member (or you’re one yourself), this is a can’t-miss experience.
Pro tip: Show up early for popular performers, especially on weekends.
🎨 Interactive Art & Photo Opportunities
Festival of the Arts isn’t just about watching — it’s about participating.
Here’s what families love:
- Chalk artists creating large-scale masterpieces on the walkways
- Step-into art photo frames around World Showcase
- Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt
- Artist tents where you can meet Disney artists and purchase prints
This festival feels more relaxed and creative compared to Food & Wine — and it’s usually lighter on crowds earlier in the year.
🎁 Festival Merchandise Highlights
Figment continues to reign supreme.
This year’s festival features:
- New Figment apparel
- Collectible festival artwork
- Festival-themed popcorn buckets
- Limited-edition prints and artist merchandise
If you’re a collector, go early in your trip. Popular items don’t always last through the festival’s run.
📅 Why Now Is a Smart Time to Visit
Festival of the Arts runs through February 23, which means:
- Mild Florida weather
- Lower crowds compared to Spring Break
- Festival included with admission
- Perfect pairing with a long weekend trip
If you’re considering a short Walt Disney World getaway before spring travel season kicks into high gear, this is one of the best-value times to visit.
🎯 Who Is This Festival Best For?
✔️ Foodies
✔️ Couples trips
✔️ Girls’ weekends
✔️ Families with creative kids
✔️ Broadway lovers
✔️ Disney collectors
✔️ Tweens into Disney Lorcana
✨ Final Thoughts
EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts continues to be one of the most well-balanced festivals Disney offers — not as overwhelming as Food & Wine, not as crowded as Flower & Garden during peak spring break, but packed with creativity and unique experiences.
The addition of Disney Lorcana this year gives returning guests something new to explore, while the food lineup is arguably the most playful and Instagrammable yet.
If you’re thinking about a winter Walt Disney World trip, this festival alone might be reason enough.
