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EPCOT is home to some of the best seasonal events at Walt Disney World, and if you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering which of the EPCOT festivals is the best fit for you. With four amazing festivals throughout the year, each offering unique experiences, deciding which one to visit can be a challenge. Whether you’re a foodie, a flower enthusiast, an art lover, or ready to celebrate the holidays, there’s an EPCOT festival with your name on it. Let’s break down the details so you can pick the perfect one for your next trip.
What Are the EPCOT Festivals?
Before we get into which festival is right for you, here’s a quick overview of the four EPCOT festivals:
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January – February) – A celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts.
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March – July) – Featuring stunning topiaries, gardens, and fresh flavors.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (July – November) – A dream for foodies with global bites and beverages.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (November – December) – A festive experience with holiday traditions and seasonal treats.
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EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: For the Creatives
If you love art in any form—whether it’s painting, music, or food—Festival of the Arts is the one for you. This festival transforms the park into a vibrant celebration of creativity. You’ll find incredible chalk art throughout the walkways, interactive experiences where you can contribute to a giant paint-by-number mural, and booths featuring artists showcasing their work. Live performances add to the atmosphere, with Broadway-style concerts featuring Disney songs performed by actual Broadway stars.
One of the biggest highlights of this festival is the food. The dishes are not only delicious but also stunning to look at, often plated like works of art themselves. A must-try is the Deconstructed Dish booth, where classic dishes like BLTs and cheesecake are reimagined in a creative and artistic way.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience with lower crowd levels, this festival is a great choice. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, and it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore EPCOT in a more artistic way.
If you love art in any form—whether it’s painting, music, or food—this is the EPCOT festival for you.
- Best for: Art lovers, foodies looking for Instagram-worthy plates, and anyone who enjoys live performances.
- Must-do experiences: Chalk art displays, live Broadway-style performances, and the opportunity to step into famous works of art.
- Best eats: The food is a work of art itself! The Deconstructed Dish booth is a fan favorite.
- Why you’ll love it: It’s visually stunning, and the crowds tend to be lower than other festivals.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: For Nature Lovers
Do you love strolling through gardens, admiring flowers, and enjoying fresh, light bites? The Flower and Garden Festival is perfect for you. The entire park is transformed into a lush, colorful wonderland with intricately designed topiaries featuring favorite Disney characters. Garden displays throughout EPCOT showcase different types of plants, from butterfly-attracting gardens to edible herb and vegetable gardens.
This festival is also a treat for the taste buds. The Outdoor Kitchens scattered throughout the park serve up fresh, garden-inspired dishes. A fan-favorite is the iconic Violet Lemonade, a sweet and floral drink that’s perfect for warm spring days.
One of the highlights of this festival is the Garden Rocks Concert Series, where well-known bands take the stage at the America Gardens Theatre. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the festival’s gardens and exhibits.
Do you love strolling through gardens, admiring flowers, and enjoying fresh, light bites? This festival is perfect for you.
- Best for: Garden lovers, springtime travelers, and anyone who enjoys a more relaxed vibe.
- Must-do experiences: Iconic Disney character topiaries, butterfly gardens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
- Best eats: Outdoor kitchens serve up fresh, garden-inspired dishes—don’t miss the Violet Lemonade!
- Why you’ll love it: The park is at its most beautiful, and it’s the longest-running of the EPCOT festivals, giving you plenty of time to visit.
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EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: For the Foodies
The Food and Wine Festival is the ultimate EPCOT festival if you’re all about eating and drinking your way around the world. With Global Marketplaces set up throughout the park, you can sample a wide variety of international cuisines, unique beverages, and decadent desserts. It’s a dream come true for food lovers.
One of the best aspects of this festival is that it allows you to try flavors from different countries without committing to a full meal. You can grab small plates and pair them with cocktails, beer, or wine from around the world. Popular booths include Canada’s cheddar cheese soup and filet mignon, Belgium’s waffles, and France’s crème brûlée.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, expect larger crowds, as this festival is one of EPCOT’s most popular.
If food is your main focus and you love trying new things, this festival should be at the top of your list!
This is the ultimate EPCOT festival if you’re all about eating and drinking your way around the world.
- Best for: Food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and guests who love sampling international flavors.
- Must-do experiences: Global Marketplaces with small plates from around the world.
- Best eats: Too many to list! But make sure to check out the Canada booth for the famous cheddar cheese soup.
- Why you’ll love it: There’s a huge variety of food and drinks, and it’s a great way to try flavors from different cultures.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: For the Festive at Heart
If you’re all about the holiday spirit, Festival of the Holidays is a must. The park transforms into a festive winter wonderland with holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal music filling the air. Each World Showcase pavilion celebrates the holidays in a unique way, highlighting traditions from around the world.
A favorite part of this festival is the Holiday Storytellers, where cast members dressed in traditional clothing share holiday tales from their respective countries. The Candlelight Processional is another must-see, featuring a celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story with a full orchestra and choir.
Food lovers will enjoy the Holiday Kitchens, which serve up seasonal treats like cookies, warm spiced beverages, and hearty dishes inspired by winter traditions. The Cookie Stroll is a fun interactive element where you collect stamps for trying different cookies around the park—complete the stroll and you get a free treat at the end!
If you want to experience EPCOT with an extra dose of holiday magic, this festival is the perfect pick.
If you’re all about the holiday spirit, this EPCOT festival is a must.
- Best for: Christmas lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys seasonal traditions.
- Must-do experiences: Holiday Storytellers in each pavilion, the Candlelight Processional, and seasonal food offerings.
- Best eats: Holiday cookies from the Cookie Stroll and festive drinks from around the world.
- Why you’ll love it: It’s the most magical time of year, and EPCOT is full of festive cheer.
FAQ: EPCOT Festivals
- Are EPCOT festivals included with park admission?
- Yes! All four EPCOT festivals are included with your ticket, but some experiences (like food and special events) have an extra cost.
- Which EPCOT festival is the busiest?
- The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival usually draws the biggest crowds, especially on weekends.
- Can I use Lightning Lanes during an EPCOT festival?
- Yes, Lightning Lanes are available for the same attractions as usual, but they are not available for any special festival experiences.
- Which EPCOT festival is best for kids?
- The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is great for kids because there are so many fun, interactive experiences they can participate in.
Final Thoughts: Which EPCOT Festival Should You Choose?
No matter which of the EPCOT festivals you choose, you’re in for an amazing experience. If you love creativity, go for Festival of the Arts. If flowers and fresh flavors make you happy, pick Flower & Garden. Food & Wine is a no-brainer for culinary adventurers, and if holiday cheer is your thing, Festival of the Holidays is the way to go.
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Each festival offers something special, so no matter when you visit EPCOT, you’ll have a unique and memorable experience. Whichever EPCOT festival you decide on, one thing is for sure—you’re going to have a fantastic time
