Festival of Arts 2026

[tx911]

They went through a lot at FWF

It's their raison d'être!

 

[2vets]

It's their raison d'être!

So very true. As long as I don’t have to buy a bigger size, well, GO STRETCHY PANTS!!!!

 

[Araminta18]

I've never been to this festival before, it looks like fun and I'm glad I will be taking a whole day at Epcot, but I may need to budget some more into the food fund based on that menu.

Some of the art pieces look really pretty, someone mentioned being able to buy postcard versions? I think. That would be nice, and probably easier to pack to bring home.

Yup! Most pieces usually come in several sizes: postcard size and then a slightly larger matted postcard (5x7 then 6x8, I think), then an 14x18 I think, and then larger canvases. Not all pieces come in postcard size, and vice versa, but most are in all the sizes.

This is my 3rd year in a row going to this festival and I always buy waaaaay too much (it's by far my favorite festival) - these two posts from my TR last two years show some of the art and the different sizes:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/c...2024-trip-report.3944948/page-6#post-65635779
https://www.disboards.com/threads/c...use-jan-2025-tr.3963613/page-10#post-66201746

If you do find a larger piece that you love, they do ship back home for a pretty decent price.

I hope you have a fantastic time!

 

[team bradfield]

Great festival, this is a piece from 2 years ago, got it signed by the artist

 

[Simba's Mom]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

 

[tx911]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

It looks like it's about to crawl out of the bun, so I'm going to pass.

 

[VAtink]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

I have and it's actually really good! It took a few minutes to muster up the courage to take a bite, but I'm glad I did, I would definitely get it again.

 

[CarolynFH]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

Being from New Orleans, I've been eating soft shelled crab all my life. I can't wait to try it!!

 

[Artygal90]

I’m going to be there for opening day! Can’t wait

Folks who have been before - are there any returning food or drinks that I MUST try? I’m interested more in savory dishes and the stouts on offer over the brightly colored desserts and cocktails. but even just focusing on those I’m so overwhelmed by the menus

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

We love crab (though never tried soft shelled) and we tried really hard to like it but it was just not happening for us…three of us took a bite and none of us was a fan. Something about the middle threw us off. That being said, we don’t regret trying it anyway….made for a good reason to get something else quick to change the taste in our mouths!

 

[Araminta18]

So they list the days artists will be there on this page: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...t-international-festival-of-the-arts-artists/ but they don't list the times the artists will be signing! They used to - in previous years there were pdf schedules. Anyone found the schedule with times, or does that just not exist this year?

 

[MPD]

So they list the days artists will be there on this page: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...t-international-festival-of-the-arts-artists/ but they don't list the times the artists will be signing! They used to - in previous years there were pdf schedules. Anyone found the schedule with times, or does that just not exist this year?

Many of the artists list their signing times on their social media accounts. I haven't been able to find a listing of all of them though. Maybe Disney will publish one soon?

 

[Chuck96]

I know the Festival starts a week from today. Unfortunately, we leave WDW a week from today (morning flight). It's OK, I doubt I would enjoy the first day (influencer overload), even oif we tried to stay.

But I did want to ask if there a chance that any of the food kiosks for the Festival would be open during the week next week? I assume NO, but figured I'd ask and hope!

 

[twasbrilig]

I know the Festival starts a week from today. Unfortunately, we leave WDW a week from today (morning flight). It's OK, I doubt I would enjoy the first day (influencer overload), even oif we tried to stay.

But I did want to ask if there a chance that any of the food kiosks for the Festival would be open during the week next week? I assume NO, but figured I'd ask and hope!

I've been there the day before the last couple of years, and I don't think any kiosks were open yet. It did make for lower crowds as people who could were waiting for the festival to start to visit EP.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Who's had the soft shelled crab slider and enjoyed it? I've gone to the festival 3 previous years, and I think they've offered it each year. I like seafood, so each year I want to try it, but then I get there and it really doesn't look very appealing, so I chicken out. But all the bloggers say it's good, and I like crab, so talk me into it.

I’m offering to go in halfsies with you! So wait till I get there…Jan 31!

 

[scrappinginontario]

I know the Festival starts a week from today. Unfortunately, we leave WDW a week from today (morning flight). It's OK, I doubt I would enjoy the first day (influencer overload), even oif we tried to stay.

But I did want to ask if there a chance that any of the food kiosks for the Festival would be open during the week next week? I assume NO, but figured I'd ask and hope!

We've been the day before Food and Wine a couple of times and none of the food kiosks were open.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I’m offering to go in halfsies with you! So wait till I get there…Jan 31!

It's a deal! So now I can't chicken out!

 

[Araminta18]

Many of the artists list their signing times on their social media accounts. I haven't been able to find a listing of all of them though. Maybe Disney will publish one soon?

Yea I’ve been checking each artist’s social media but it’s a bit of a hassle. Hopefully they publish something!!

 

[Betsyp]

Hello,

So I’ve got one day at WDW on January 24th - which is a Saturday, and since the Festival of Arts is going to be on, I want to go. I would ordinarily try to avoid Epcot on a Saturday, but this is how it’s worked out.

I’ve been to Food and Wine fest, and the Flower & Garden fest, so I’m assuming this is very similar

Any tips since I’ve not been to this one? I’m looking forward to seeing the art…and of course tasting the different foods. I feel like the Artists Palette chocolate chip cookie is one must ..

I’m so excited. I live in South FL, but I wasn’t able to renew my yearly pass in 2025, so I really miss Disney..

Thank you !!

 

[Araminta18]

Hello,

So I’ve got one day at WDW on January 24th - which is a Saturday, and since the Festival of Arts is going to be on, I want to go. I would ordinarily try to avoid Epcot on a Saturday, but this is how it’s worked out.

I’ve been to Food and Wine fest, and the Flower & Garden fest, so I’m assuming this is very similar

Any tips since I’ve not been to this one? I’m looking forward to seeing the art…and of course tasting the different foods. I feel like the Artists Palette chocolate chip cookie is one must ..

I’m so excited. I live in South FL, but I wasn’t able to renew my yearly pass in 2025, so I really miss Disney..

Thank you !!

It's my favorite festival - I hope you have a great time! I'd say since it's a saturday pick one or two booths with food you really want to try, since the lines may be long (personally the brie bread bowl from France is one of my faves, but all the menus look good ). The Broadway Concert series is also one of my favorite series, and nothing like the crowds the Candelight Processional gets so I'd also recommend that.

But yea, similar to the other festivals, just with the addition of the art booths. Browse the art booths, talk with artists (they have artists signing through the days), get some yummy food, watch the concert...I hope you have a fantastic time!