Have you ever wanted to know how to draw like the Disney pros? During the incredible Epcot Festival of the Arts seminars, you’ll get the opportunity to learn unique drawing tips from artists across the globe.
From January 12th through February 19th of 2024, you’ll be able to participate in workshops that will teach you not only basic character sketches, but also add your artistic touch and so much more at Epcot!
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Visiting the 2024 Epcot International Festival of the Arts at a Glance:
- This Epcot Festival will take place daily from January 12 to February 19, 2024!
- Epcot opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m.; however, the food booths (also known as the Food Studios) don’t open until 11 a.m.
- Witness the brand-new fireworks show called Luminous the Symphony of Us
- Explore all of the magnificent Art Defying Gravity show
- Capture the most incredible photos with a group of your beloved Disney Hipster Friends with the Artful Photo-Ops!
- Listen to the wonderful artists as they bring you classic tunes from DISNEY ON BROADWAY.
- Eat your way through the festival with the colorful cuisine (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer this Disney holiday event like a pro!
What is the Epcot International Festival of the Arts?
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is Disney’s way of combining the creativity of arts and food in only a way Disney can do!
It’s also a place where accomplished professionals show you unique tricks of the trade at hands-on workshops and seminars.
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How does the Epcot Festival of the Arts differ from the other park festivals?
This artistic festival is different from the other Epcot Festivals in many ways.
Not only is everything a bit over-the-top, there are other characteristics that you may notice below:
- Instead of Garden Rocks Concert series at Flower & Garden Festival and the Eat to the Beat concert series at Food & Wine Festival, there’s Disney on Broadway Concert series for the Festival of the Arts
- Prices are much higher for the Epcot Festival of the Arts food
- The temperatures are incredible in Florida during the Festival of the Arts which makes it the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World
- Although there are paid workshops, most of the offerings for Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts are included with theme park admission
Things to Know About the Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars and Special Activities
Before we go through the full schedule, let’s go through a few of the most common questions I get asked about the seminars each year.
Where will the Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars take place?
This year, the workshops and seminars will take place around the park and inside the American Gardens Theatre which is located between the America Pavilion.
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How much are the Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars?
This year the workshops are included in your theme park admission ticket!
Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars Schedule for 2024
Now that we have the basic details out of the way, let’s go through the full schedule for the seminars and what you can expect at this year’s Epcot International Festival of the Arts.
1. Animation Academy
The fun class gives you the opportunity to finally learn how to draw a Disney Character!
This Epcot Festival of the Arts seminar will be led by an actual animation artist.
What time is the Animation Academy at Epcot International Festival of the Arts?
The Animation Academy will occur daily from 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. during the event with the following artists:
- Will Gay
- Lon Smart
- Matthew Dewater
- Brian Blackmore
- Sarah Schmidt
- David Holbrook
- Michael Montgomery
- Alex Maher
- Andy Quiles
- Hannah Loflin
- Luke Consolo
- Justin Dring
2. Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural
The Paint by Numbers Mural is by far one of the most popular things to do at this Epcot Festival. It’s a fan-favorite and something EVERYONE can participate in.
How does the Epcot Paint by Numbers work?
All you have to do is head to the Expression Section booth, grab your mini portrait of the finished painting and you’ll be given a number and a certain paint color from 11 a.m. from 5 p.m.
Once you have your number and color, you’ll head to the mural to fill in the numbers you’ll be given.
After a few days, the painting will be completed and you will have contributed to a piece of art at Walt Disney World!
3. Kids Chalk Art
If you have a little one coming with you to Epcot, then you’ll be happy to know that they can create their own artwork on the sidewalks at the park!
This adventure will be available at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
For more theme park tips and tricks, follow ThemeParkHipster on YouTube.
What to Know Before You Go to Epcot Festival of the Arts
Now that you know what fun activities and seminars you can participate in at the festival, let’s go through a few things you should know before you go!
How much does Epcot cost?
A one-day REGULAR season Epcot ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).
What are the Best Rides at Epcot for Adults
- Soarin Around the World
- Living with the Land
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- Frozen Ever After
How many countries does Epcot have?
There are 11 (eleven) countries in Epcot.
What are the countries in Epcot?
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- America (United States)
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Do you need a separate ticket for Epcot Festival of the Arts?
You do not need an additional ticket to participate in the Festival of the Arts.
If you plan on doing any of the special dining experiences, then you will have to pay additional fee.
Can you use snack credits at Epcot Festival of the Arts?
You sure can!
The snack credit can be used for most food items under $6.
Simple snacks include pastries, ice cream bars, water bottles and soda (please note that the dining plan is currently not available).
Recommended: Get More Disney Food Reviews and Tips here!
Where are the best places to have a drink Epcot?
Like everywhere in the park and I mean that.
Nothing else needs to follow…
I will say that Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion and La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion are the absolute best places to chill and enjoy a drink.
If it’s not too crowded.
Have Your Drinking Around the World at Epcot Passport Handy
Don’t get overwhelmed trying to plan your perfect route around World Showcase. You already have enough to worry about for your Disney vacation.
Grab your own copy below!
Get your Drinking Around the World Passport to help you keep track of your progress of the best drinks in Epcot.
What are the best drinks at Epcot?
My top 5 must have alcoholic beverages are:
- Avocado Margarita from La Cava del Tequila in Mexico
- Mediterranean Journey for Spice Road Table in Morocco
- Leaping Leprechaun from Rose & Crown Pub in United Kingdom
- Apple Ice Wine from the Trading Post in Canada
- Violet Sake from Tokyo Dining in Japan
My Final Thoughts on Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars and Activities
I hope this post helped guide you towards a great experience at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts!
Don’t worry if you’re not able to see and do everything. I just want you to have fun and enjoy exploring all the different countries.
What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival? Let me know in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- Guide to Epcot for Adults
- The Ultimate Guide to Epcot Festival of the Arts Complete Guide
- Epcot Food and Wine Guide
- How to Do the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in One Day
- Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipster!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article Date: January 26, 2018/Updated January 2, 2024)