Running daily through February 22, Taste of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts brings colorful fun, delicious food, and Disney-inspired artists for a culturally inspired trip to the theme parks! Let’s explore what awaits you at this year’s Festival!
Art Galleries
Throughout the park, you can enjoy pop-up galleries featuring Disney-inspired art pieces. Most galleries focus on a particular artist, giving guests the opportunity to fully appreciate their unique style. As an added bonus, many of the artists were present at their booths for signing, pictures, and meet and greets. (Of course, the exact availability of these artists will vary throughout the Festival.)
My first stop happened to Doug Bolly’s tent. Mr. Bolly created the iconic Mushu print you can find on some of the official event posters and merchandise.
View more of Doug Bolly’s work.
But Mr. Bolly’s tent is only the first of many that I encountered, including Wyland, Wonderground, and other individual artists with varying ranges of styles and techniques. Their uniting characteristic is that all of the featured art is inspired by Disney movies, theme parks, and beloved characters.
Food Studios
Showcasing global culinary artistry, there are more than 15 food studios throughout Future World and World Showcase. Each location offers a unique menu with food inspired by world cultures, art styles, and flavor palates.
Some of this year’s offering include:
Vibrante & Vivído – BRAND NEW for 2021, this studio features South American flavors and designed inspired by Disney legend, Mary Blair. Click here for our full review of this fun, new studio!
Goshiki – Appropriately located near the Japanese pavilion, this studio features a sushi doughnut with salmon, tuna, shrimp, and cucumber.
The Citrus Blossom – Right next to the World Showcase entrance, you can celebrate the heritage of the Orange Bird! This beverage-only studio features citrus flavored alcoholic drinks and an Orange Cream Shake in a souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup!
© Disney 
To see the full food studio offerings and menus, visit ArtfulEPCOT.com.
World Showplace Pavilion
A special events center within the World Showcase, the World Showplace Pavilion contains additional art galleries, special food studios, performances and merchandise.
Food Studios
The World Showplace Pavilion features two studios with upscale dining options.
- The Painter’s Palate – Prime Steak Tartare, plant-based Salt-roasted Beet Tartare (Dwight Shrute would be proud), and Pistachio Cake.
- Festival Favorites – Remy’s Ratatouille (obviously in celebration of the new TikTok musical – oh yeah, and the upcoming attraction), Charcuterie, and a Lemon, Blood-Orange Tart.
Merchandise
Disney has released several colorful, new merchandise items in commemoration of International Festival of the Arts’ five year anniversary.
Performance Stages
As we’ll discuss in the next section, the World Showplace is home to multiple live performances. You can find daily show schedules in the My Disney Experience app.
Extra Art Displays
With over 100 visiting artists, the Showcase Lagoon was bound to feel a little bit crowded! (Not what you want in a pandemic) So instead, Disney provided some indoor artist locations inside the World Showplace. There’s a nice variety of styles to enjoy, and it’s particularly interesting to visually compare the varied techniques while the works are directly next to each other.
This is a great, indoor location to avoid the weather, grab a bite to eat, and continue enjoying all Taste of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts has to offer!
Performance Artists
Of course, no art festival is complete without a few live performances. For the 2021 event, you can see a variety of shows including:
American Gardens Theater:
- Voices of Liberty – The Disney Songbook: See this beloved group perform favorite Disney songs.
- Mariachi Cobre – Enjoy traditional folk music from this talented band.
World Showplace Events Pavilion:
- Art Defying Gravity – For a non-musical performance, enjoy this display of amazing acts of strength!
- EPCOT Pianist – Enjoy the relaxing sounds of classic Disney music played on a piano.
- Visual Art in Performance – Watch a visiting artist create a beautiful Disney painting before your eyes.
Canada Mill Stage:
- JAMMitors – These high-energy, rhythmic drummers will get you in the mood to celebrate!
Check the My Disney Experience app for show schedules.
Other Activities
The festival also provides plenty of opportunity for your own artistic expression through a variety of included and premium activities:
- The Expression Section allows guests to participate in a paint-by-number masterpiece!
- Special, art-themed photo opportunities are installed around the World Showcase.
- Chalk art is featured throughout the pavilions as well as on the bridge from Future World to the World Showcase.
- For a fee, you can create your very own “Spin Art” on a stationary bicycle or design a custom t-shirt!
- To help Figment learn more about art, participate in his Brush with the Masters. Purchase a map and stickers before searching for Figment hiding in famous works of art. Return your completed map for a surprise!
Depending on your interests, Epcot’s Taste of the International Festival of the Arts may not be a reason, in and of itself, to pay a visit. However, for locals, Passholders, or those with a passion for visual art – it’s a great opportunity to support independent artists and enjoy unique theme park entertainment. For operating hours and additional information, visit Disney’s website.
