All You Need To Know about 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Jan. 13-Feb. 20
Disney wows guests with new festival celebrating culinary, visual and performing arts! Epcot International Festival of the Arts is not to be missed during six inspired weekends, Fridays through Mondays, Jan. 13-Feb. 20, 2017.
The Festival features new art, artists and shows each week, making each weekend original. Enjoy culinary studios, galleries, Art of Disney shops, merchandise tents, interactive workshops, hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, and seminars. It’s a colorful, whimsical celebration of a new artful Epcot.
The festival is included with regular Epcot admission. Get there early and stay all day. Here’s what you can expect! The complete Epic Guide to 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.
But before we get started…
Festival Tips:
- ^ Pick up your Festival Passport at the park entrance or in any of the shops so you can check off each dish and drink you sample as you go along. It will help you keep track of your favorites. Plus it’s a fun souvenir.
^ Purchase a wrist band gift card at one of the merchandise shops. You can add any amount you desire and it will make paying for your purchases throughout the park much easier, plus help you manage your budget.
^ Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Dress in layers for the warm days and cool nights. A good pair of comfy walking shoes will serve you well. You will thank me later.
^ Don’t forget an umbrella or poncho. It’s Florida. Afternoon showers come out of nowhere.
CULINARY ARTS
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts features all- new, never before seen, Food Studios located around Epcot’s World Showcase. Food Studios showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. Disney chefs encourage guests it’s the latter.
Food Studios
Similar to the food kiosks made popular at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, however I must note these “Food Studios” have taken artistry both in flavors and presentation to the next level. I was quite impressed with the dishes and drinks being served in a “festival” setting and I think you will too! Expect a more upscale experience. No paper boats or paper plates. Dishes and drinks are served in more refined disposable wares. Expect a bit longer wait as dishes are artistically assembled before your eyes. The charcuterie board for example has 14 ingredients all displayed beautifully by the trained Disney chefs.
Here is a list of the Food Studios and their menus. They are listed in order as you walk from the front entrance of Epcot and turn left, clock-wise around the World Showcase Lagoon. Please note: Gluten Free items are marked “GF,” and Vegetarian items are marked “V”).
Painter’s Palate
Located inside Odyssey Festival Showplace, here you will not only get to sample some beautiful dishes and beverages but also enjoy the historic works of art from Disney legends Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. Plus, it’s indoors so it offers a bit of respite from the sun or in case of inclement weather, and has plenty of tall tables.
“Inspired by great works of art, this gallery transforms spectacular small bites into mini masterpieces.”
Food:
^ Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts:
• Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt
• Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs and Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
^ Margherita Flatbread with Basil Pesto and Balsamic Drizzle (V)
^ Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
^ Pop’t Art: Abstract Designed Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V)
^ White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette
Beverages:
^ Pomegranate Mule featuring the Ginger People Ginger Beer and Van Gogh Vodka
^ Breckenridge Nitro Vanilla Porter, from Breckenridge Colorado.
^ Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, from England
^ 3 Daughters Queens Court Strawberry Blonde Nitro, from St. Petersburg Florida.
^ Neapolitan Beer Flight: All three of the above beers.
E=AT²
Located in Showcase Plaza, this culinary studio features unique, deconstructed presentations of familiar comfort food.
Food:
^ Deconstructed Classic Reuben: Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage, and a Rye Curl
^ Deconstructed BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam, and Soft Poached Egg
^ Cobb Salad with Smoked Duck Breast, Avocado Mousse, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon and Blue Cheese (GF)
^ Figment White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF, V)
^ White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle with Artist Palette (GF) (V)
Beverages:
^ Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon
^ Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (non-alcoholic)
^ Pop-Artsicle: Red, White and Blue Frozen Slushy (non-alcoholic)
El Artista Hambriento
Located near the Mexico pavilion, “El Artista Hambriento” translates to “The Hungry Artist”. Guaranteed you won’t be hungry after sampling all these festival bites.
“Classic Mexican Dishes created to satisfy artists of every age”
Food:
^ Flank Steak Huarache: Grilled corn dough topped with Flank Steak, Black Beans, Salsa de Chile de Arbol, Frisee Lettuce, Queso Fresco, Red Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Queso Fresco and Chipotle Mayo
^ Choriqueso Taco served with Chihuahua Cheese, Red and Green Peppers over a Corn Tortilla and garnished with Poblano Peppers and Micro Cilantro
Beverages:
^ Margaritas on the Rocks:
Passion Fruit Coconut or Mandarin Ginger
^ Bohemia Pilsner
Cuisine Classique
Located in the Germany pavilion. “The art of 18th and 19th century masters inspires these French braised dishes.”
Food:
^ Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic
^ Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF)
^ Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF)
^ Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Beverages:
^ Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
^ Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale
^ Duck Rabbit Milk Stout
^ Beer Braising Flight
^ Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series
The Artist’s Table
Located in the American Adventure Pavilion. “German and Dutch Renaissance masterworks inspire these delicious roast dishes”
Food:
^ Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
^ Roasted Pork Roulade with Marble Potatoes, Baby Carrots and Red Wine Sauce featuring Melissa’s Produce
^ Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Beverages:
^ Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic)
^ Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate: Dark Chocolate with Chambord
^ Perla Santa Coffee-flavored Wine
Masterpiece Kitchen
Located near the Canada pavilion. The finest “masterpiece” ingredients in the world are featured in these artistically plated dishes.
Food:
^ Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V)
^ Smoked Salmon Tartare, Caviar, Crisp Lavash and Traditional Accompaniments
^ Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese
^ Triple Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Gold Leaf from Disney’s Master Pastry Chef
^ White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette (GF) (V)
^ Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
Beverages:
^ Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist
^ Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne
^ The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot
Decadent Delights
Located in Showcase Plaza. “Grand Rococo flourishes and sleek modern designs inspire these artistic desserts.”
Food:
^ Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
^ Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire”
^ Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Mousse
^ Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Beverages:
^ Ferreira 10 Year Old Port
^ Cherry Heering Liqueur
^ Courvoisier V.S.Cognac
Pop Eats!
Located in Showcase Plaza. These pop-art inspired edible masterpieces fuse modern art with cutting-edge cooking technique.
Food:
^ Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF)
^ Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF)
^ Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling (V)
^ Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (V)
^ Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette
Beverages:
^ Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine
^ Popping Bubbles Cocktail
Additional Festival Locations
You’ll find more delicious treats throughout Epcot.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
All Festival specialty drinks served hot or cold.
- ^ Canada: Night Sky Latte: A delicious shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with Creamy Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
^ Disney Traders: Cinnamon Sensation: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with RumChata and Cinnamon Whiskey, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
^ Future World East: Painted Lady Latte: A shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with rich Baileys Espresso Créme Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
^ The American Adventure: Dreamy Bourbon: A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with Bourbon Whiskey Cream Liqueur, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
Block & Hans
- ^ Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, CA
^ Festival Chardonnay, CA
^ Anchor Brewing Meyer Lemon Lager, San Francisco, CA
^ Coppertail Brewing Free Dive IPA, Tampa, FL
^ Founders Porter, Grand Rapids, MI
^ M.I.A. Brewing Mega Mix Pale Ale, Miami, FL
Joy of Tea
- ^ Traditional Chinese Golden Fish
^ Panda Rice Cake
Fife & Drum
- ^ Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
- ^ Opera Cake
Funnel Cakes
- ^ Gingerbread Funnel Cake
Japan Pavilion
- ^ Kabuki Café Kiosk: Futomaki Sushi
^ Tokyo Dining: Chirashi Sushi and Sashimi
Tangierine Café
- ^ Homemade Falafel with Pickled Beets and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
Refreshment Cool Post
- ^ Chilled Shrimp, Quinoa, Layered Vegetables, Spiced Yogurt and Red Pepper Coulis
Refreshment Port
- ^ Croissant Doughnut filled with Pastry Cream and topped with Colored Pearls
VISUAL ARTS
From the pieces of Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests won’t only be surrounded by incredible visions, they’ll watch the creative process live.
Galleries Throughout Park
Here’s a few of the galleries not to be missed around the park.
- ^ Odyssey Festival Showplace: located in Future World East. See featured Festival galleries including work by Mary Blair, Herb Ryman and Disney Original Art. Ever wondered what those original concept sketches for Epcot look like? Want to see drawings for some of Disney’s animated films and rides like The Three Caballeros? Don’t miss this stop.
^ Art of Disney: located in Future World West. Includes a dedicated art shop with art reproductions, original works of art and Festival merchandise.
^ Mexico Folk Art Gallery: Located inside the Mexico pavilion. See traditional wood carvings and learn about Oaxacan culture and daily life.
^ American Heritage Gallery: Located inside The American Adventure Pavilion. Take a journey through time with this art exhibit representing 400 years of African American achievement.
^ Walking Chalk Gallery: Located in World Showcase. Discover the work of imaginative chalk artists inspired by great art and the world around them.
^ Merchandise Tents: Located throughout World Showcase. Visit over 15 locations featuring Disney and visiting artists. New art is on display each weekend.
PERFORMING ARTS
Disney on Broadway Concert Series:
In the inaugural year of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions brings an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Performances held at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Over the six weekends of the festival, park guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including The Lion King, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few.
Live Performance Art:
A fun high energy performance by a special guest visual artist on stage painting favorite Disney characters. Held at the Fountain Stage.
Living Statues:
Artistic performers come to life right before your eyes in front of the Fountain Stage.
Community Arts Showcase Performances:
Through a partnership with Disney Performing Arts, enjoy jazz ensemble performances by some of Central Florida’s finest high schools and universities. Held at the Fountain Stage.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Don’t just sit back and watch. Be a part of the art!
Seminars:
Explore a variety of artistic topics such as Photography, Food Styling, Watermelon Carving, Soapmaking, the art of Disney Topiaries ad more. Located in the Odyssey Festival Showplace.
Interactive Workshops:
Take part in special workshops such as “Ink & Paint Animation”, Modern Calligraphy, Artfully Blending Tea. These events require additional fee. Reservations required at 407-WDW-TOUR or visit Odyssey Festival Showplace.
Self-Guided Gallery Tours:
Visit Odyssey Festival Showplace for your gallery guide.
Wall Mural Painting:
See a masterpiece take shape right before your eyes. Grab a paint brush and join in on the fun!
Animation Academy:
Experience the magic of Disney animation at this fun drawing class taught by a real Disney artist. Located inside Innoventions. Class held throughout the day starting at 9:15am – 6:15pm
Photo Backdrops:
Put yourself in the painting! Cross the Delaware with George Washington, scream along with Edvard Munch, join Monet for a day of immersive photo stops throughout World Showcase.
What are you most excited to see, taste and hear? Follow the hashtag #ArtfulEpcot to see everyone’s photos and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this epic guide to 2017 Epcot International Festival of The Arts will help you map out your day and take advantage of all there is to enjoy!
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
Disclosure: I was an invited media guest for a Festival preview event, however, I am a Disney Annual Passholder and all opinions are my own. As always, I only share with you experiences worth celebrating to inspire you to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time!
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