By Roger Jimenez
Beginning today until February 24, 2025, EPCOT has once again transformed into a wonderland for art enthusiasts with the return of the International Festival of the Arts. This beloved event celebrates all things creative, from visual masterpieces and musical performances to stunning culinary creations.
This year, Disney’s culinary team has outdone themselves, crafting dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. With nearly 20 Food Studios scattered throughout the park, the festival promises an explosion of flavors that are sure to delight every guest. Be sure to grab a Festival Passport and embark on the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a fan-favorite food stroll where collecting stamps from five colorful dishes earns you a delectable mystery prize from Deco Delights.
And for 2025, Disney has unveiled five brand-new experiences that will make this year’s festival even more magical!
New Experiences
This year, festival attendees will be treated to five new experiences:
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Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway
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Disney on Broadway Concert Series
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New Menus: Opening Bites & Fictional Victuals
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New Artful Photo Op
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Festival Merchandise
Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway
Credit: Walt Disney World
Step into the world of Disney on Broadway at the all-new walkthrough exhibit at CommuniCore Hall. "Once Upon A Stage" celebrates 30 years of Disney’s stage musicals with an up-close look at costumes, props, and set designs from iconic productions like The Lion King and Aladdin. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into how these classic animated films were reimagined for the Broadway stage, and immerse yourself in the magic of Disney’s theatrical legacy.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Credit: Walt Disney World
Prepare to be wowed by the talent gracing the America Gardens Theatre for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This year’s lineup includes newcomers like Jelani Remy (Simba in The Lion King), Rodney Ingram (Aladdin on Broadway and in Mexico City), and John Riddle (Hans in Frozen)! Their performances will bring the magic of Broadway to EPCOT, making this series a must-see for any theater lover.
Showtimes run daily at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion.
New Menus: Opening Bites and Fictional Victuals
With the new year comes new food stalls and new menus of course. Located at the CommuniCore Plaza, guests can expects to find new food kiosk Opening Bites showcasing a new menu featuring foods that celebrate world cultures, with bites such as Cheddar and Chive Scones that come with smoked salmon salad topped with caviar and crème fraîche, or Soft Shell Crab Sliders on delicious toasted brioche. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Just outside the CommuniCore Plaza near the refreshments stations, the Fictional Victuals’ new menu can be found offering some of the most eye-catching dishes the festival has seen yet, taking artistic plating to a new level. With choices such as Charred Octopus with crushed fingerling potatoes and Squid Ink Pasta with lamb crab and truffle cream, these new menus are sure to spark your taste buds and your camera flashes.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
If you’re interested in a full menu of the festivals offerings, click here!
New Artful Photo Op
Credit: Walt Disney World
Get ready to pull out your cameras and step into the frame as the festival’s signature Artful Photo Ops return with classics like Pierre-August Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. This year, a brand-new photo opportunity lets you pose with Moana, inviting you into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios' beloved seafarer.
Festival Merchandise
Credit: Walt Disney World
No trip to the Festival of the Arts is complete without taking home some art-inspired souvenirs. From paintings and prints to apparel, accessories, and trading items, the festival’s curated collection offers something for every art lover.
This year, Figment fans are in for a treat with a brand-new Figment-themed collection. Featuring art-inspired designs, this beloved imaginary dragon makes his mark as the unofficial mascot of the festival, bringing a splash of whimsy to every piece.
Overall
The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts promises a grand celebration of creativity, giving guests a unique mega-experience of visual art, live performances, and culinary innovation. From immersive exhibits like Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway to the star-studded Disney on Broadway Concert Series, the festival shines a spotlight on artistic excellence. New food kiosks, such as Opening Bites and Fictional Victuals, bring global flavors and stunningly crafted dishes to the table, while interactive Artful Photo Ops and exclusive Figment-themed merchandise guarantee a memory for an unforgettable moment. Running from January 17 to February 24, this dynamic event is a special one you just can’t miss this new year!
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