10 must things to do at the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a favorite for many – and mine in particular – because it offers a wealth of engaging experiences. Whether you choose to participate in a few or many of the festival’s offerings, take your time to savor each moment. The essence of the Arts Festival lies in appreciating and, when possible, actively engaging with diverse art forms.

That also does include eating, consider it an investment in the artistic experience itself.

Here are some must-do experiences at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts (in no particular order) taking place now through Feb 24, 2025:

1. Disney on Broadway Exhibit

To celebrate 30 years on Broadway, the new CommuniCore Hall has a special Disney on Broadway exhibit with costumes from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and other Broadway shows, as well as masks used for “The Lion King.” In addition, there are a number of photo ops, including one with Genie’s lamp.

2. Paint by numbers

Head on over to Expression Station and get your small paint cup and a brush and fill in the paint by numbers poster. Every time you walk by it see how much more has taken form. And, you can go through a couple of times during the day, no one will notice.

3. Go inside a painting

Around the park are various backdrops based on famous paintings. Step into the painting and have your photo taken. It can be a lot of fun to be part of Washington’s famous crossing. The experience can also be a real Scream.

4. Find the Chalk Art

There are more than Disney characters throughout the World Showcase area, and at least one in the front of the park as well. These are well hidden in plain sight.

5. Find Figment at the Festival of the Arts

Yes, you can purchase the the official map of Figment’s Brush with the Masters, put down stickers and get a prize, but you can also just head through all of the pavilions in the World Showcase and see if you can find Figment yourself. These will all be inside the pavilions, sometimes near the Kidcot Fun Stops and sometimes just in the various stores.

6. Talk to an artist

Numerous artists are visiting and signing their work. Do not be afraid to say hello and ask questions, especially if it is slow. They are more than happy to talk about their work and inspiration. Sometimes, you get some really fun stories from them.

7. Watch and participate in the chalk art

As you head over to World Showcase from the main park entrance stop off and see chalk art artists working on the bridge to the World Showcase. There are a number of 2-D chalk artists working and one 3-D artist. And kids, there is a space set aside on your left before meeting the chalk artists. 

8. Watch the entertainment

Singers, dancers, acrobats and artists painting live and of course the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. These are all taking place during the festival and well worth taking a rest and enjoying the show. In addition there are special musical artists and live art performances taking place in the CommuniCore Plaza area at the front of the park.

9. Eat

Over 50 food and beverage options are available at the “food studios” around the World Showcase. These kiosks operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from now through the end of the festival. Here are the complete menus.

10. Attend the 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.

Featured artists include Luke Consolo, Matthew Dewater, Justin Dring, Will Gay, Hannah Loflin, Alex Maher, Michael Montgomery,Sarah Schmidt, and Lon Smart.