2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts: The Best Disney Trip You’ll Take This Year

I’ve been to my fair share of EPCOT festivals, but if you ask me, the International Festival of the Arts is the absolute crown jewel. There’s just something about the combination of cool winter air and the explosion of color across the park that makes it feel special. For 2026, the festival is running from January 16 through February 23. It’s a short window—only 39 days—but it is packed with things that’ll make your inner artist (and your stomach) very happy.

When to Go

If you can swing a mid-week trip, do it. I personally recommend the window between January 20 and February 6. You’ll avoid the holiday crowds from Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the late-February rush for the Princess Half Marathon. Plus, the weather in Orlando this time of year is usually "Goldilocks" territory—highs in the 60s or 70s and low humidity. Just bring a light jacket for the evening Broadway shows!

The Food: It’s Almost Too Pretty to Eat

The "Food Studios" are the stars here. They don't just serve food; they serve art. In my opinion, the one booth you absolutely cannot skip is The Artist’s Table in the American Pavilion. Their new Steakhouse Lobster Caesar Salad is a total game-changer, and the Peppercorn-crusted Striploin is surprisingly sophisticated for festival fare.

If you like things a bit more whimsical, head over to The Deconstructed Dish. The Deconstructed Key Lime Pie is a fan favorite for a reason—it’s a geometric masterpiece of lime curd and toasted meringue. And for the Instagrammers out there, the Sushi Doughnut at the Japan pavilion is still a must-buy.

Experiences

What I love most about this festival is that you aren't just a spectator. You have to try the Expression Section paint-by-number mural in World Nature. It’s free, and there’s something so cool about painting a few squares and knowing you helped create a massive Disney scene.

If you’ve ever wanted to be an animator, head to the Animation Academy at the America Gardens Theatre. They hold classes daily at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. In 2026, they’ve even added some new instructors like Fidel Santiago to the lineup.

For the collectors, the Disney Lorcana integration this year is huge. There’s an Ink & Find Scavenger Hunt where you look for oversized cards around the park. If you finish your "Questbook," you get a limited-edition Magical Places promo card. It’s a fun way to explore the pavilions while hunting for prizes.

The Entertainment

You haven't lived until you've seen the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. We’re talking actual Broadway stars—like Sierra Boggess from The Little Mermaid and Susan Egan, the original Belle from Beauty and the Beast—singing the hits live. The finale weekend on February 22-23 features a massive four-person cast that is always an emotional powerhouse.

The Merch

Let’s be real: we’re all here for Figment. The 2026 collection is heavy on teal, purple, and pink. The Figment Spirit Jersey shows him drawing the World Showcase, and it’s honestly one of the better designs I’ve seen in years.

And yes, the Figment Artist Popcorn Bucket is back for $29.00. Pro tip: You can only get this through Mobile Order on the My Disney Experience app at the Odyssey. Don't be the person waiting in a 7-hour line that doesn't exist anymore—just use your phone!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just someone who appreciates a good meal and a beautiful view, the 2026 Festival of the Arts is worth the trip. It feels more intimate and creative than the bigger festivals like Food & Wine. Just remember to pace yourself, share your snacks so you can try more things, and take a second to watch the chalk artists work their magic on the bridge. See you there!