The Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World honors the visual, culinary and performance arts. This newer festival runs January 17- Feb 24, 2020 and is sure to have something for everyone! From culinary masterpieces at the outdoor kitchens, to your favorite Broadway stars on stage, the Festival of the Arts offers a lot to cover. Which may make our first tip seem out of place. 

Go without a schedule
While there is a ton to do at the Festival of Arts, it's not about checking your favorite foods or performances off a list. This festival works best when you're taking it slow. Culinary masterpieces take longer to make. Discussions with artists have no timeline. And you'll want to stop and watch that impromptu performance. Things like dining reservations, and FastPasses could get in the way of a full day just appreciating art. 

Take part in a class
Complimentary classes and seminars are part of the experience. You can learn to draw your favorite characters, get tips on better photography, or how to do lettering. There are so many classes throughout the festival. Be sure to check the schedule to see what’s happening during your vacation. 

Try the Food
With outdoor kitchens throughout the World Showcase, there is more food than you could possibly try! Pick your favorite cultural cuisines and see what beautiful masterpieces they're cooking up. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, load the days food budget onto a Disney Gift Card. This will help you keep track of your spending and make getting through the food lines a little easier. 

Watch the Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Whether you pick just one performance or try to see them all through your vacation, know that you are in the presence of greatness! The performers that visit Walt Disney World for this event are the best of the best and have played beloved Disney Characters on Broadway and across the world. Take the time to head to the America Garden's Pavilion for these special Disney performances. 

Take Part in Community Art
As part of the Festival of the Arts experience you can make your mark as an artist while at Epcot. This past year there was a community mural available for everyone to help paint. It's a fun and free way to get involved and you often get a special souvenir freebie just for helping out! 

Peruse the Galleries
There are pop-up galleries all over Epcot, featuring artists honoring all things Disney. From our favorite Disney castles to characters, these artist booths highlight a wide range of art styles and give you the opportunity to talk with the artists themselves. 

Play Figment's Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt
We love taking time at Disney for games since they're fun for kids and grown-ups alike! This Figment-focused game is all about finding Figment in classic art pieces throughout the World Showcase. Of course you don't have to find them all to get your prize, but it's a fun way to really experience each country as your hunt for Figment. 

Stay on the Disney Boardwalk
Since January and February are some of the cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World, why not try out a new resort and stay on the Disney Boardwalk? Staying at the Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club or the Swan & Dolphin Hotels gets you in walking distance of the festival action. Meaning you can spend more time at the festival at less time getting there. 

Dress for the Weather
While Florida is known to be pretty warm, in January and February it can get downright breezy! Check the weather ahead of time and pack layers. You may not see rain, but evenings can get chilly. 

Support the Artists
Many artists feature both small and large prints, originals and even cards for purchase. Something at every price range. As this festival helps to showcase artists and their work, we love being able to support those talents with a purchase. Of course there are other ways to support the artists as well. Stopping to watch a show, engaging in conversation, and sharing something on socials means more than you know.

Hopefully you get a chance to take a mini break to Florida this winter for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. With lower crowds, better weather, and cheaper everything it's truly a magical time to be at Walt Disney World