The EPCOT international festivals transform the park into a celebration of culture, creativity, and cuisine throughout the year. Each festival offers unique experiences, from global food tastings to artistic showcases and seasonal entertainment.
Whether visiting during the Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, or Festival of the Holidays, several must-do activities make for a memorable experience. Here are 10 must-try things and EPCOT festival tips for the next time you visit.
EPCOT’s international festivals offer something for every visitor—art lovers, food enthusiasts, gardeners, and holiday fans alike. With thoughtful planning and a spirit of exploration, each festival visit becomes a journey through creativity, culture, and celebration.
1. Sample Global Cuisine at Outdoor Kitchens
Each festival features themed food booths representing countries and culinary styles from around the world. Sampling small plates and specialty beverages is one of the most popular activities. Not only is each affordable, but it also gives you a chance to test drive international food and potentially make a dining reservation at one of the pavilions in World Showcase for a larger meal.
Tips:
- First, pick up a festival passport to track dishes and plan your route. For example, it’s the perfect place to start for what to see at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts as there’s so much to do.
- Share plates to try more items without getting full too quickly. During my recent visit to EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, my daughter and I shared everything!
- Visit booths early in the day to avoid long lines. Additionally, lines tend to lower toward the end of the day.
2. Attend Free EPCOT Live Performances
EPCOT’s festivals are known for their live shows, from musical acts to cultural performances – and you don’t have to pay a dime extra apart from your EPCOT park ticket.
Highlights:
- Festival of the Arts: Disney on Broadway concert series featuring Broadway performers. I had the extreme pleasure of watching Josh Strickland from Tarzan on Broadway during my recent visit and he was truly amazing!
- Flower & Garden: Garden Rocks concerts featuring popular bands from the ’80s and beyond.
- Food & Wine: Eat to the Beat concert series.
- Festival of the Holidays: Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators.
Tip: Check the daily schedule and arrive early for the best seating.
3. Explore All the Interactive and Artistic Experiences
Each festival offers hands-on activities and creative displays.
- Festival of the Arts: Participate in the paint-by-number mural or watch live art demonstrations. This is one of the top activities at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!
- Flower & Garden: Stroll through themed topiary gardens and butterfly exhibits. They’re both pretty and fun EPCOT photo spots.
- Food & Wine: Join culinary demonstrations or beverage seminars.
- Festival of the Holidays: Experience storytelling traditions from around the world.
4. Collect Festival Merchandise and Passports
Exclusive merchandise is released for each festival, including apparel, pins, and kitchenware.
Tips:
- Limited-edition items sell out quickly, so shop early.
- Use the festival passport to collect stamps or stickers as souvenirs.
- Look for Annual Passholder exclusives if eligible. When I had a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, I loved the cool, passholder-only merch and sometimes free gifts.
5. Participate in Scavenger Hunts
Family-friendly scavenger hunts add an interactive element to exploring World Showcase. Some are an additional cost, but you do get a cute souvenir once completed and turned in. It’s one of the great family-friendly things to do at EPCOT Festivals.
Past festival’s have included:
- Festival of the Arts: Figment’s Brush with the Masters.
- Flower & Garden: Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration.
- Food & Wine: Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak.
- Festival of the Holidays: Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition.
Tip: Purchase maps at select merchandise locations and redeem them for a prize upon completion.
6. Capture Photo Opportunities
Each festival features themed photo backdrops, topiaries, and art installations perfect for pictures and are the best photo ops at EPCOT Festival of the Arts. Make sure to check your free festival passport for locations and descriptions.
Tips:
- Use Disney PhotoPass photographers for professional shots if you’re an Annual Passholder or have purchased Memory Maker.
- Visit early in the day for better lighting and fewer crowds.
- Look for festival-specific Magic Shots with special effects.
7. Enjoy Seasonal Beverages and Desserts
From craft beers to themed cocktails and desserts, each festival offers unique drinks and sweets. Honestly, this is one of my favorite reasons to visit any of the EPCOT festivals.
Tips:
- Try festival-exclusive beverages available only during the event.
- Stay hydrated with water between tastings, no matter what time of year you visit. In hotter months, drink more water than you think you should to play it safe.
- Visit the Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company kiosks for limited-time specialty drinks.
8. Attend Special Events and Workshops
Some festivals offer ticketed experiences such as culinary classes, mixology sessions, or guided tours.
Tips:
- Reserve early, as spots fill quickly.
- Check the official EPCOT website for updated schedules and pricing.
- Consider pairing a workshop with a dining reservation for a full-day experience.
9. Visit the Festival Center or Headquarters
Each festival has a central hub offering information, exhibits, and exclusive offerings.
Tips:
- Stop by early to pick up maps, guides, and merchandise.
- Attend free presentations or meet artists and chefs.
- Use the center as a rest stop between activities.
10. End the Day with Nighttime Entertainment
Finish the festival experience with EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” which combines fireworks, music, and storytelling.
Tips:
- Secure a viewing spot 30–45 minutes before showtime.
- Consider dining packages that include reserved seating if you want a great meal and a good place to watch.