Even though we're still in the thick of the holiday season, 2024 will be here before you know it. Although it's always a bum to say farewell to Disney's holiday decorations, the New Year means the start of Disney World's first festival of 2024: EPCOT's International Festival of the Arts.
The annual festival, which celebrates the creation of art and cuisine, typically runs for the first couple of months of the year. But now we have actual dates and details!
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024 will run from January 12 through February 19. Unlike other festivals at EPCOT, this is by far one of the shorter ones. But that doesn't mean it's any less special.
I've tasted some of my favorite culinary dishes during the Festival of the Arts, and the weather this time of year is always fantastic. It's definitely worth a visit to the park if you're going to be in Disney World this time of year.
Speaking of food, Disney has given us a sneak peek at some of the sweet and savory dishes you'll find at EPCOT this year. There will be 15 Food Studios throughout the World Showcase, featuring new creations and returning favorites.
One of my personal favorites, the Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies returns and can be found at Figment's Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. The always delicious Red Win-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate is also back this year.
In addition to food, EPCOT's International Festival of the Arts also features musical entertainment. The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is returning with three daily shows. The highlight this year is undoubtedly Caissie Levy and Patti Murin — the original leads in Disney's Frozen show on Broadway — who will be performing on several dates in January.
Check out the full list of performers and what dates they'll be showcasing their talent:
- Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
- Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
- Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
- Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
- Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
- Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
Of course, it wouldn't be a festival without dedicated merch to buy. We'll have specific Festival of the Arts 2024 souvenirs in addition to actual artwork available for purchase. There's also Figment's Brush with the Master's Scavenger Hunt, an activity that takes you around the world in search of Figment. Completing the hunt will get you a special keepsake.
Be sure to check back as we learn more details about EPCOT's Festival of the Arts!