My most recent trip to Walt Disney World in Florida luckily coincided with the start of the latest EPCOT celebration, Festival of the Arts. These all-encompassing events have thankfully become the norm in EPCOT, and while they share some similarities they are thankfully each very unique. For many though Festival of the Arts is a favorite as it combines amazing food with incredible works of art in all forms creating a fun day (or days) out and about exploring EPCOT.
The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs through February 22, 2021 and offers not only great canvases, but incredible edible works of art as well. More than 15 food stations are set up throughout EPCOT offering art-inspired food and drink and clever culinary creations.
2021 EPCOT Festival of the Arts
For me, the food at EPCOT festivals are always at the center of the fun. I love trying all the small bites and sips, enjoying the scenery as I go along. It’s a really fun way to enjoy a meal or two and try some dishes you might not otherwise try. Some of my favorites this year include:
- Tomato soup with grilled cheese at Pop Eats!
- Orange cream shake in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup
- Deconstructed Reuben at the Deconstructed Dish
- Frida Carrot Margarita at El Artista Hambriento
- Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie
- Saugatauck Brewing Co. Neapolitan Milk Stout at the Artist’s Table
- And so much more
At the heart of the Festival though is of course the art, which is demonstrated throughout EPCOT in a variety of fun ways. More than 100 talented artists will visit the park over the 46-day event and special tents have been set up to sell some of their fun works of art. I had an incredible time perusing the offerings and, yes, I walked away with my own artwork to take home.
In addition to the professional artists, the Festival offers ways for visitors to express their own creative side including:
- Lessons in drawing Disney characters.
- A giant Paint-by-Number Mural for everyone to add to
- Special photo-opportunity art installations around the World Showcase
- Instagram worthy art walls for everyone to enjoy and much more.
Of course all of this is done during the time of COVID so, if you’ve visited past festivals you will notice some differences with health and safety in mind. But as with my other Disney experiences during COVID, none of it was onerous and all of it felt safe and only enhanced my personal experience.
This was my first time attending the Festival of the Arts but I had such a good time I know that it won’t be my last.
