The Epcot Festival of the Arts has returned, now in its second year, with more activities, more food and more art.

  • Epcot Festival of Arts returns for 2nd year
  • Festival will take place 7 days a week
  • Festival takes place Jan. 12 through Feb. 19

The festival now takes place seven days a week, a change from last year's weekend-only schedule.

The Disney on Broadway concert series shows, which features performers from Disney's Broadway shows, only take place on "Disney Weekends" -- Friday through Monday, however.

The festival focuses on the visual, culinary and performing arts, so there are plenty of activities for those interested in any of the arts.

Each day features a variety of seminars, workshops, exhibits and other activities.

Here are a few highlights:

Attraction posters

Over in the Odyssey Festival Showplace is a new exhibit called "The Art of Disney: Attraction Poster." Posters from -- you guessed it -- various Disney Parks attractions (past and present) are prominently displayed.

Custom T-shirts

No festival would be complete without a few commemorative T-shirts. But new this year, guests have the chance to create their own. Enemy Ink, an Orlando-based company, has set up shop in the Innovations pavilion. You pick a design from four options, including Donald Duck, Maleficent and two festival logos. From there you pick the color of your shirt, as well as the size. There's also passholder exclusive design that features Sorcerer Mickey.

Food, food and more food

Shifting focus to the culinary arts aspect of the festival, the number of food items offered this year has grown.

About 46 additional items are available at the 13 food studios located throughout the park, according to the festival's culinary director. A few of the options include a roasted pork roulade, sous vide pocket rouge chicken roulade, and a smoke salmon tartare. For dessert, there's a "deconstructed" strawberry cheesecake, a s'mores tart and Disney's version of a Pop-Tart.

On Broadway

Can't make it to see a Disney show on Broadway? Let the show come to you, so to speak.

Several singers and actors from Disney on Broadway productions are set for the festival. Kevin Massey ("Tarzan") and Kissy Simmons ("The Lion King") are among the performers set to take the stage.

The concerts take place at the America Garden Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. on select nights.

Art Walk

A self-guided art walk has been added to the lineup of festival activities. Using the guide included in the festival passport, guests can find hidden gems around the World Showcase, including galleries and cultural displays.

Live entertainment

Beyond the Broadway performances, live entertainment is offered throughout Epcot. Guests can enjoy living statues at the Fountain View Plaza, marching bands from Central Florida schools, live painting demonstrations and more.

Just for passholders

Disney World annual passholders will find merchandise items only available to them, including a T-shirt, button set and a tumbler. Passholders can also pick up a complimentary print in the American Adventure. Just look for the sign.

Access to the festival is included with Epcot admission.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs Jan. 12 through Feb. 19.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Entertainment at Festival of the Arts

 

 

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