Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit EPCOT for a preview of the 4th annual International Festival of the Arts! Disney invited WDW Magazine for a sneak peek, and we are dishing it all out right here.
The 2020 Festival of the Arts will run from January 17th to February 24th and once again features performance, culinary, and visual arts. After Disney showed us a sneak peek of two of the three films coming to EPCOT, it was time to dive right into everything the 2020 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts had to offer!
Visual Arts
Right when I walked into the festival reception space, I was greeted by my favorite Festival of the Arts activity: the Paint by Numbers mural! Everyone is given a pot of paint with a corresponding number. Then you simply paint a few squares of your number and come back to see the finished mural! You are also given a postcard with the finished artwork on it.
Different colored paint for the Paint by Number murals. Photo by Tina Chiu
Postcard with the finished artwork. Photo by Tina Chiu
I enjoy this interactive activity so much that I returned multiple times to help complete it. Photo by Tina Chiu
Performing Arts
Our first performing act of the day was from Trevor Carlton who danced and painted a Figment portrait live on stage! Trevor will be performing every Friday to Monday at 12:00 PM, and 3:45 PM at the Showcase Stage.
Artist Trevor Carlton painting Figment. Photo by Tina Chiu
Trever Carlton with his completed Figment artwork. Photo by Tina Chiu
We also had the pleasure of seeing Art Defying Gravity’s acrobatic performance, which was speculator, jaw-dropping and totally explains their name.
Art Defying Gravity at the media preview event. Photo by Tina Chiu
Lastly, we were treated to a sample of the Disney on Broadway concert series by Kissy Simmons, Alton Fitzgerald White, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Gavin Lee. All four performed a number from Newsies and Aladdin, followed by The Lion King with Kissy and Alton and then Mary Poppins with Heidi and Gavin.
Gavin Lee, Heidi Blickenstaff, Kissy Simmon, and Alton Fitzgerald White performing songs from Newsies. Photo by Tina Chiu
Performances are at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM daily during the festival. Disney on Broadway Concert Series dining packages are available. Check out the full lineup.
Art Workshops
There were other interactive activities available at the preview including Handimals, Spin Art, Glass Art at Glaskunst and Ink & Paint Animation workshop.
Turn your hand print into animals at the Handimals stand for $25. Photo by Tina Chiu
Framed artwork with multiple hand print is also available for $99 (frame included). Photo by Tina Chiu
Artist Hannah created a Narwhal out of my hand print. Photo by Tina Chiu
Pick up the 4 different colors to create a fun and colorful artwork with Spin Art. Photo by Tina Chiu
A new interactive glass art activity is coming to Glaskunst in the Germany Pavilion. Choose from a variety of items to decorate including necklaces, dishes, night lights, and picture frames. This activity will continue after the festival.
Various glass items you can create at Glashkunst. Photo by Tina Chiu
I had the opportunity to try my hand at 2D cel animation at the Ink & Paint Animation workshop. I learned about the history and method of 2D cel animation, which was used to create many of Disney’s animation films.
Create a 2D cel animation of Mickey at the Ink & Paint Animation workshop for $45. Photo by Tina Chiu
Culinary Arts
This would not be an EPCOT Festival without the famous outdoor kitchens! And while all festival foods are delicious, the dishes at the Festival of the Arts really stand out with its artistic and eye-catching presentations.
Deconstructed Reuben at the Deconstructed Dish. Photo by Tina Chiu
Pistachio Panna Cotta is a beautiful snack. Photo by Tina Chiu
Seared Corvina at the Cuisine Classique. Photo by Tina Chiu
Sous-Vide Chicken Roulade at Pop Eats. Photo by Tina Chiu
The delectable Almond Frangipane Cake returns in 2020. Photo by Tina Chiu
Rainboba (non-alcoholic) at Deconstructed Dish is served in a Figment glass that you can take home. Photo by Tina Chiu
Popcorn Pairing Flight at Refreshment Port. Photo by Tina Chiu
New! Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
New this year is the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine! Similar to the Cookie Stroll and Fromage Montage, once you purchase 5 of the participating menu items you will receive a complimentary colorful treat.
Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine pages in the Festival Passport. Photo by Tina Chiu
Festival of the Arts 2020 Merchandise
Last but not least we were given a preview of the new Figment Color Co. merchandise and I feel like the merchandise just keeps getting better and better! Figment is still the mascot for the festival and has a new saying: “Find the perfect pigment with your pal Figment!”
Figment Color Co. merch is back and we are here for it! Photo by Tina Chiu
Want to check out all the Figment Color Co. merch for this year’s fest? We have pictures of all of it! Head over our full Festival of the Arts Merch post to do a little window shopping.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt returns with new prizes! The prizes this year is your choice of Figment puzzle inside of paint tins.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt returns in 2020. Photo by Tina Chiu
I can’t pinpoint the reason, but EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts has always been my favorite festival. Creative food, talented performances, artist signings, fun photo ops, interactive activities…there is just so much to do and love!
Thank you to Disney for inviting us to this media event to experience a sneak peek of the festival. I hope you get a chance to experience it on your next adventure!
Related:
- All the Figment Merch, Please: Figment Color Co. Style and More
- New Attractions! Here’s Your Schedule of 2020 Events at Walt Disney World
- We Previewed the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along!
