NEWS: Disney Releases New Details on EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
We’re just a few weeks away from the year 2021! At Walt Disney World the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, is kicking the year off with a bang. Learn more below.
Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Jeremy Schoolfield:
Ready for a fresh start in 2021? Then grab a paintbrush and indulge your artistic side (and your palate … and maybe your palette) with an inspiring visit to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, running January 8 – February 22, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort.
This global celebration mixes visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world into an entertaining blend that’s fun for the entire family. More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will display their work, and you can show off your own talents by participating in interactive experiences such as a larger-than-life paint-by-number mural or learning to draw some of your favorite Disney characters. You can also step into famous works of art, thanks to artful photo ops.
You’ll also discover dishes to feast on with delicious Disney twists and art-inspired menus. And, of course, no visit is complete without finding the perfect piece of artwork or Festival merchandise to bring home.
New in 2021
Voices of Liberty will take centerstage at America Gardens Theatre with a brand-new showcase – The Disney Songbook. From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Let It Go,” the ensemble will perform Disney songs and celebrate the artistry of Disney composers and lyricists.
Over at World Showplace, you can catch live performances by “Art Defying Gravity,” a spectacle of thrilling strength acts, and “Visual Art in Performance,” a high-energy, onstage visual artist who paints favorite Disney characters before your eyes in just a matter of minutes.
Food Studios located around World Showcase are where you can view – and eat – great works of art. Vibrante & Vívido Food Studio, a new location between France and Morocco, will feature a mouthwatering (and photo-ready) chilled seafood cocktail with octopus, scallops, shrimp, black garlic aïoli, tomato coconut sauce and serrano lime oil. Or, indulge on Blue Corn Pupusa stuffed with cheese and topped with shredded pork, guajillo and árbol chile sauce, cabbage slaw and aji amarillo crema.
Other ways to enjoy the Festival: Take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, where you’ll use the Festival Passport as a guide to purchase five vibrant food items and receive a complimentary, tasty technicolor treat. The popular Figment’s Brush with the Masters returns this year, as well, inviting you to help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase; you will be able to purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly hunt at a variety of merchandise locations. Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run for 46 days and be available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date.
RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Reasons the 2020 Winter Season is a Fantastic Time to Visit Disney World
by Cindy E. Nykamp
Most travelers to Walt Disney World favor specific times of the year to visit. Some prefer waiting until school lets out to enjoy Florida’s summertime fun; others can’t wait for EPCOT’s spring and autumn festivals. Though these seasons certainly offer many wonders to enjoy, we believe the winter season, from early-November to the end of January, is a fantastic time to visit Disney World. This winter season looks different for everyone, and only you can decide whether or not you are ready to visit Walt Disney World. If you are ready to visit, we offer you the 8 reasons why this 2020 winter season is a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World.
1 – There is so Much to Be Glad About
Growing up a huge Disney fan, one of my favorite movies was Pollyanna. If you are familiar with the film (or book), then you know that one of the things that Pollyanna loved to do was play “The Glad Game.” She would look at a bad situation and ask herself what she could be glad about? We encourage you to play the Glad Game when thinking about the modifications, cancellations, and temporary closures that are in place at Walt Disney World right now. Here’s are some things that we can certainly be glad about:
- I’m glad that Walt Disney World is open to guests. (Disneyland is still closed).
- I’m glad that Disney Cast Members are working hard to create a safe and healthy environment for guests, even if it means guests might be inconvenienced.
- I’m glad that while wait times are longer than when the park first opened in the summer, that they are still well below what is considered “normal.”
- I’m glad that Disney is still offering certain holiday entertainment and décor this holiday season.
- I’m glad that even though I can’t greet my favorite characters, I can see them multiple times a day in new ways that I actually enjoy more.
I think you get the idea. There is a lot to be glad about. Focusing on the positive aspects of a visit to Walt Disney World will certainly help you enjoy a trip during these crazy times.
2 – Crowd Capacity
Disney has stated publicly that the parks’ capacity was capped at 25% when the parks reopened and that they were well below that number. Over the fall season, more and more guests have been returning to the parks. In fact, Disney just confirmed on November 12, 2020, that they recently increased park capacity to 35%. While it is undoubtedly busier now than it was this summer, it’s important to remember that because of the capacity limits, the parks are still less busy than a typical visit. Usually, Christmas week is insanely busy. This year, it won’t be as bad because they simply will not let the parks get overcrowded. If you have ever wanted to visit during the holiday season but were hesitant to come because of the crazy crowds, this year might just be the year to do it. Remember that a park reservation is needed for every day you visit the parks and that park hopping is not available.
3 – Promotions & Sales
For 2020, there are many sales and promotions going on right now that might make getting to Walt Disney World a bit easier. Guests can save up to 40% on rooms. Various restrictions apply. Want to get a vacation quote? We highly recommend booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to ensure you are well taken care of and get all the discounts available to you. We personally book all our Disney trips (and we do Disney a lot) with Magical Vacation Planners because they are the best, and we trust them. For more details and help booking your vacation, call (407) 442-0227. You can also get a no-obligation, FREE vacation quote by clicking here. Their services are free to you, and they can answer any questions you may have.
4 – Mild Temperatures
The scorching heat of Florida spikes into the high 90s in the summer and temperatures hover in the mid-80s during spring and autumn. Add sweltering humidity to the mix, and the heat almost smothers you. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy temperatures in the 70s as you stroll through your favorite theme park in the winter. Be certain to bring a jacket for evening activities, however, because nights can dip into the 40s and 50s. Those who love swimming at Disney Resorts shouldn’t worry about these low temperatures since the pools maintain a comfortable 82 degrees.
5 – Dry Weather
Florida’s dry season begins in late November and extends until May, making winter an ideal time to visit. The rest of the year features the national hurricane season and Florida’s normal wet season. From June to October, 70% of the state’s annual rainfall falls in a seemingly unpredictable fashion, keeping you dry for hours and then drenching you in a span of minutes. Also, Floridia storms often produce an incredible amount of lightning, which easily disrupts theme park operations. Winter travelers to Walt Disney World rarely have to worry about Expedition Everest being closed due to dangerous weather conditions.
6 – Holiday Décor
Christmas serves as one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and Walt Disney World remains the most popular vacation destination during that time. During the winter holidays, Disney Cast Members decorate the parks and resorts with garland, Christmas lights, bows, trees, and more. Even the Jungle Cruise undergoes a makeover, becoming “Jingle Cruise” to exhibit its holiday spirit. Intertwining Christmas and Disney magic provides the perfect occasion for feeling both holiday and vacation delight.
7 – 2020 Holiday Offerings
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is now underway. Even with the offerings being different or modified from previous years, there is still so much holiday magic to be enjoyed this holiday season. Through December 30, you can discover special merchandise, delectable treats, and new entertainment experiences all across The Most Magical Place on Earth that celebrate the spirit of the season. Holiday celebrations have begun at three Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, with Disney Springs, EPCOT, and Disney resort hotels joining the festive fun in late November. Learn more at the links below!
Click here for a look at the treats available at Walt Disney World during the holiday season.
Click here for the 2020 Holiday Offerings at Magic Kingdom – What You Need to Know.
Click here for the 2020 Holiday Foodie Guide to Magic Kingdom Park.
Click here for what you need to know about the holiday offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here for where to find the Characters During the 2020 Holiday Season.
Click here for information on the 2020 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!
Click here for details on the holiday food items available at Disney Springs.
8 – January is One of the Best Months to Visit
While there are no plans for any New Year’s celebrations at Walt Disney World, there are still reasons to visit in January. January is typically a great month to visit because of the lower crowds. Even with reduced capacity, many people don’t travel after the holidays, so you may find the parks less crowded than in November and December. In January, EPCOT’s youngest festival, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, runs this year from January 8-February 22, 2021. Learn more about the festival by clicking here.
DisneyLists.com author D.W. Noonan also contributed to this article.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.