Epcot's New Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts is Epcot's newest festival, which pretty much means that Epcot has a festival going on most of the year! This new festival is a celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts with some Disney magic mixed in. There are so many activities and attractions to see and take part in, for those with children and those adults going solo.

There's a scavenger hunt for the little ones too, just purchase your map of World Showcase and stickers at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler! Check out the Galleries as well, where you can find art done by disney artists, including concept drawings.

And don't miss out on watching American Music Machine, live performance art & community arts at the Fountain View Stage & Plaza.

You can be a part of history and jump right in to some of the world's most famous paintings and have a PhotoPass Cast Member take your picture! Want to join hundreds of other park guests in painting a Disney mural? Who wouldn't? This free activity is sponsored by Glidden and makes a muralist of us all! All you need to do is go to the tent and they'll give you a small cup of paint with a number on it and a brush, you then proceed to the mural and paint 5 squares that have your number on it. That's right! This is a giant Paint-By-Number mural! How awesome is that?!

The seminars, which are complimentary, explore various artistic topics. However, the interactive workshops available require an additional fee and Disney strongly suggests that you make reservations for those you're interesting in partaking.

Let's not forget the theatre performances by Broadway performers at Disney's on Broadway Concert Series at the America Gardens Stage. You can purchase a dining package for reserved seating but my friend Jessica said that you might want to hold off on this particular performance package as it wasn't as grandiose as she was expecting for such an expense. Each performance consists of 2 performers on stage singing select songs from their particular Broadway shows. There is no dancing or anything too special during the performances, this is mostly highlighting the performance and not the "show", if you will. Annual Passholders do have the option of getting free reserved seating but you need to set this up in advance.

This is a really cool festival and Im so glad that people are enjoying it. The food is fabulous, although not nearly as plentiful as that offered during The Food and Wine Festival. Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company also has new specialty beverages, similar to during the other festivals.

There are 15 merchandise tents featuring Disney artists as well as visiting artists invited to join the festival. The art could change from week-to-week so make sure you go back and check out the tents again.

I will admit that the draw of pretty art prints and the opportunity to meet the artists was too much for me and I did buy a few pieces. Some of the art is a little pricier than others, but that is usually per the artist. The artists are not there all the time so make sure to check your times guide to make sure that you get that artwork signed before they are done for the day!

Me getting to meet Rob Kaz and getting my adorable "The Aquarium" print signed!

There's even an inaugural Festival of the Arts t-shirt for Annual Passholders! This cool shirt, which Lisa and I just couldn't resist buying, can be found at 3 locations: Odyssey Festival Showplace, Bridge Kiosk &the Animation Academy in Innovations. And make sure that you pick up your festival times guide as well as your Festival Passport, which can be found at any merchandise or food tent.

If you haven't checked it out yet you better act fast as it's only running today (Mon., Feb. 13th) and then one more weekend Fri-Mon (Feb 17th-20th) from 11a to park closing. I hope you enjoy your time at Epcot's newest festival! Leave a comment and let me know what your favorite part was!

Disney on Broadway Concert Series Remaining Performers:

Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White

Featuring songs from: The Lion King, Aladdin & The Little Mermaid on Feb 13th & 17th-20th.