7 Family Fun Activities at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is, in my opinion, by far the best event that takes place at Walt Disney World. Is it because of the unique and intricately designed food offerings? Maybe? Is it because everything is all Figment and rainbows? More likely! Or is it because of all the entertainment and interactive exhibits? Answer…it’s all of the above!
This is definitely the most family friendly festival that Epcot has to offer. With so much to see, do, taste and experience, you can spend 2-3 days just enjoying the festivities. The best part is that most things are included with your park admission!
When you arrive at the park, make sure to pick up a Festival Passport for all the details of the event. Let’s take a look at some of the fun things you can do with the whole family at the festival!
Paint-By-Number Mural
Remember those fun Paint-By-Number kits you had as a kid? Well this is basically the same thing but on a grand scale. Grab a paint color and a brush and fill in the corresponding spot on this giant mural. When you are finished, you will receive a bookmark of the design you just helped to create!
There are multiple designs, usually with at least one featuring my favorite purple dragon. Each mural takes around 2 days to complete and it’s really fun to come back and see the progress throughout the day.
Chalk Art
Along the bridge to World Showcase, talented chalk artists display their work along the ground.
Have an inspiring artist in the family? Well now is their chance to shine! After admiring some of the incredible chalk art by festival artists, your little ones can create their own chalk art masterpiece at the Kids’ Chalk Art area.
Artful Photo Ops
Ever dream of being a part of a famous work of art? Well now you can!
Scattered throughout World Showcase, you will find life size replicas of well-known paintings. However they main characters are removed and replaced with YOU!. So grab your family and get to posing.
Food Studios
An Epcot Festival wouldn’t be complete without food booths scattered around World Showcase featuring an eclectic offering of tasty treats and delicious drinks. The great thing about the Festival of the Arts is that they really play with the food and make it fun for the whole family.
Check out this fun Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie! How about this fun Mozzarella Fritta or beautiful Rainbow Cake? Yum!
Dishes are affordable, ranging from $4.75 - $16.50, and some are a better value than others. For example, this Deconstructed French Onion Soup can be a whole meal for only $6.50!
Look for a brush and fork symbol throughout the Festival Passport for items that are part of the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. If you purchase 5 of these dishes and receive stamps at the back of your passport, you will receive a fun Festival Treat!
You can find a full food guide over at Disney Food Blog. If you prefer a plant-based diet, check out Vegan Disney Food’s guide to all the vegan options available.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
Figment is hiding in famous works of art located at each of the World Showcase Pavilions and you need to find him! Pick up a map at select merchandise locations (additional cost) throughout the park and set off on a hunt around the World.
The paintings are hung within each pavilion, so keep your eyes peeled. When you’ve found all of the paintings, return your completed map for a special gift.
This is my favorite thing to do at the Festival of the Arts, especially with kids. It’s also a great time to check out some of those delicious food booths while on the hunt!
Chalk Full of Character
As you’re walking around, keep an eye out for chalk drawings of some of your favorite characters hidden in the World Showcase Pavilions. You might find Abu in Morocco, Jiminy Cricket in the UK or Mushu in China. My favorite (obviously!) are the Aristocats in France! These add a fun little surprise as you’re walking around World Showcase.
Animation Academy
During the day at the America Gardens Theatre, you can learn how to draw a Disney character from an actual Disney animation artist. They will take you step-by-step through the process making even the most novice artist look like a professional. This is a wonderful activity for the entire family!
I can’t say enough good things about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. On top of all the fun activities and delicious food, the weather this time of year is fantastic! You just can’t beat cool temps in Central Florida. So if you can’t get there this year, definitely make plans for the future!
Happy Travels!
