The festival season at Walt Disney World kicks off in 2025 with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. From Jan. 17 through Feb. 24 the festival is full of all types of artistic representations from food, musical performance, chalk art, performance art, various art work, artists and an artful scavenger hunt.

This ranks as my personal favorite festival because of all the artists who appear and the opportunity to speak with the artists. What has also happened the past few years is that the artists have expanded their offerings and the price points on the art.

Below is a guide to everything that is going on during the festival. Check back at DisneyDiary.com after the festival begins for reviews and fresh photos of the festival.

Festival of the Arts Guide

The festival is taking place Jan. 17 through Feb. 24, 2025 at EPCOT, most of the entertainment is part of admission.

Meet the Artists

The main draw of the festival are the artists at dozens of locations around EPCOT. The full schedule of artists appearing can be found in these links:

• Artists Appearing Jan. 17 – Jan. 25
• Artists Appearing Jan. 26 – Feb. 1
• Artists Appearing Feb. 2 – Feb. 8
• Artists Appearing Feb. 9 – Feb. 15
• Artists Appearing Feb. 16 – Feb. 24

Paint by The Numbers

Pick up paint, a brush and an assigned number from the Expression Section booth. Then, paint a few squares of our massive mural that correspond with your paint color. Watch in awe as the wall fills with color—to eventually reveal a beautiful scene. The Expression Section booth is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It’s located on the walkway between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion.

Chalk Characters

Look for more than two dozen Disney charming chalk drawings throughout the World Showcase area. From Abu to Jiminy Cricket, an array of familiar faces wait to be discovered. Here’s a look at what the art looked like in 2024.

Scavenger Hunt: Figment’s Brush with the Masters

Help Figment learn about art on this scavenger hunt around World Showcase. To get started, purchase your map and stickers (available while supplies last) for $9.99 plus tax at one of the following stores:

• Creations Shop
• Port of Entry
• World Traveler

Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase Pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame. Every time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to the Pavilion on your map. When your journey is complete, return your map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler by February 24, 2025, and receive a little keepsake.

Here is last year’s scavenger hunt.

Food Booths

Discover colorful fare that paints an exquisite picture of gastronomical perfection—available at these limited-time Food Studios. Art critics and gourmands alike can enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Here is the complete list of menus.

Broadway Exhibit

New this year is at CommuniCore Hall you will be able to experience the magic of Broadway both on and off the stage in a walkthrough exhibit celebrating three decades of Disney on Broadway. ostumes and props from stage musicals will be on display. You will also be able to venture behind the scenes to see how the classic animated films “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” were reimagined for the Broadway stage.

Photo Ops

Step into an artistic backdrop and strike a pose for a fantastic photo.

Find these step-in frames around World Showcase:

• International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• The American Adventure Pavilion: Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze
• Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
• Bridge to World Showcase: Mary Poppins
• Bridge to World Showcase: Sleeping Beauty
• Near Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: Moana

Kids Chalk Art

Kids, create your very own chalk-art masterpiece! This experience is offered at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Chalk Art Galleries

Watch chalk artists at work—taking inspiration from great art and the world around them. Chalk art galleries are located along the bridge to World Showcase Plaza. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

Animation Academy

Learn how to draw a Disney Character during this session led by an animator in America Gardens Theatre at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. daily.

Visual Art in Performance

Watch in awe as an artist paints a Disney character in mere minutes. This experience takes place in World Showcase Plaza, Thursday through Sunday during the festival. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

Music

Hear harmonious musical performances daily in World Showcase Plaza. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

2025 Disney on Broadway Concert Series Schedule

Disney fans and Broadway enthusiasts alike are gearing up for the return of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at EPCOT. This beloved event, a highlight of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, promises to deliver a magical experience.

This year’s series will feature a stellar lineup of Broadway talent performing iconic Disney songs from beloved musicals such as “The Lion King,” “Newsies,” “Aladdin,” and “Frozen.” Audiences can expect to hear show-stopping numbers from Tony Award-winning shows and fan favorites, performed by stars who have graced the Broadway stage, including some original cast members.

The shows will take place three times a night at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion from Jan. 17 through Fev. 24, 2025. Showtimes are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Patti Murin (“Frozen”) and John Riddle (“Frozen”) – NEW!
  • January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28
• Caissie Levy (“Frozen”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”) – NEW!
  • January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30
• Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
  • January 31
  • February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”
  • February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13
• Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”)
  • February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23
• Rodney Ingram (“Aladdin”) – NEW! and Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”)
  • February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22
• Special Final Performance: Rodney Ingram, Kara Lindsay, Michael James Scott & Kissy Simmons
  • February 24

Disney on Broadway Dining Packages

On top of a delicious meal from one of 15 EPCOT restaurants, enjoy an incredible pièce de résistance—guaranteed priority seating at one of the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series shows. For more information, visit Disneyworld.com