If you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down the days until the next big creative celebration at EPCOT. In 2026 it’s shaping up to be one of the most art-filled, food-tastic, and photo-worthy editions yet. I’m already plotting my best route through the festival from January 16 to February 23, 2026. Check out last year’s festival here.
Here are the top foods and activities I’ll be keeping an eye on as I gear up for my visit for the Festival of the Arts Disney 2026.
Art in All Its Forms Immersive Experiences
One of the things I’m most excited about is the return (and expansion) of the visual-arts side of the festival:
- 🎨The giant communal paint-by-numbers mural is back. Guests get to grab a brush and help create a masterpiece.
- 🎨“Artful photo ops” where you can step into famous paintings or stand beside Disney-inspired art are part of the fun.
- 🎨2026 there’s a new twist with the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game: guests can engage in activities built around the gorgeous card art.
For me, this means planning plenty of time just to wander, camera ready, and soak in the artistry.
Live Performing Arts – Broadway Style
The performing-arts side is strong too:
- 🎭The beloved Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns at the America Gardens Theatre, offering shows multiple times a day.
- 🎭Look for art-in-performance acts (like live painting or acrobatic shows that blend art + theatre) around World Showcase Plaza.
I’m planning to pick one evening to enjoy a concert, perhaps with a dining package for guaranteed seats (once details drop). Timing will be key.
Scavenger Hunts & Interactive Games
These are the fun extras I always look for:
- 💡The fan-favorite Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt is back, hiding Figment inside pieces of “famous art” around World Showcase.
- 💡Chalk-art corners and interactive murals for families. Have some fun with a side of creativity.
I’ll definitely allocate some non-ride time just to wander and participate.
🍴 Top Food Highlights I’m Looking Forward To
Food is such a standout at this festival ! Here are what I’m watching for Festival of the Arts Disney food 2026:
- 🥖 Over 20 Food Studios: For 2026, the festival will feature more than 20 food studio booths throughout the park, blending culinary creativity and visual flair.
- 🫐The “Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine”: Though not officially confirmed for 2026 yet, past editions have featured a food stroll where you collect stamps from colorful dishes and redeem a prize. I expect it will return.
- 🍪Art-inspired eats: Dishes that look like art pieces. From vibrant desserts to framed savory bites. In previous years, guests raved about items like liquid-nitrogen desserts, super colorful cookies, and visually creative plates.
Here are a few specific treats I’m hoping to track down:
- 🧁A signature dessert that doubles as a photo-moment (think bright color splashes or framed plating).
- 🍔A savory dish that features artistry in plating and flavor combination (maybe something unexpected).
- 🍜And of course, something exclusive! Maybe a “festival only” treat or limited-time flavor.
Looking for more tasty treats? Definingly check out Disney’s International Food and Wine Festival which runs through mid November!
✅ My Planning Tips From Me and You
Since I’ll be visiting too, here are strategies I’m using (and you might want to) to get the most out of the festival:
- Arrive early in the day to hit the food studios before lines build. Especially since more than 20 booths might still mean long waits.
- Reserve an evening for the Broadway concert or at least check showtimes in advance. Its first-come seating means going early gives better options.
- Allocate a “wander” block: no rides, just strolling the World Showcase, photo-ops, art booths, watching live painting, maybe participating in the scavenger hunt.
- Budget for food studio grabs. Even tapas-sized, they add up. And look into the festival passport/stamp thing if it returns.
- Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos! These “art meets food meets performance” moments are designed for it.
- Keep an eye on official announcements (menus, full food studio list, Broadway lineup). They’ll be out closer to the start date.
🎉 Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely so excited for the 2026 edition of the Festival of the Arts. It hits that sweet spot for me which is the beautiful cooler weather in January/February, fewer crowds than peak holidays, and a whole world of creativity to explore. And from what I’ve seen, there’s more food, more art, and more immersive experiences than ever at Festival of the Arts Disney 2026.
Want to learn more of how to make this a reality? Reach out today at Lyndseykujawa@travel.net or visit here.
