There’s only one week to go before Epcot debuts its newest festival offering, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts and the details released by Disney over the past week are painting us a very vibrant picture of the exciting performances, exhibitions and culinary delights on offer. To help you get the most out of your visit during the Festival’s inaugural year, here’s all the little rundown of what you can expect when visiting Epcot between January 13 – February 20, 2017.
During its five week run, the festival will pay homage to a variety of different art forms, with an impressive line-up of activities that include the following:
- Artist appearances
- Gallery Exhibitions
- Artful photo ops
- Disney on Broadway Concert Series
- Community arts musical showcase
- Artful photo ops
- Workshops and seminars with visiting artists
- Commemorative Merchandise
- Destinations Discovered Tour
- Illuminations: Reflections of Eart
- Interative mural
- Living statues
- Walking chalk gallery
- Kidcot fun stops for the little ones
- Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
- Culinary masterpieces
As you can see from the list above the three main areas of focus are the Culinary, Performing and Visual Arts. So, let’s explore briefly what is being offered in each of these areas.
Culinary Arts – Food Studios
The Festival will play host to a series of food studios or booths where the creative genius of Disney’s leading culinary talents will be on display. Guests will be able to watch chefs plating their amazing creations and will be able to indulge in a wide range of dishes ranging from savory options like a Shrimp Ceviche with Mint Foam to the sweet and sublime like the Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar with Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce. So don’t miss your chance to spend an afternoon at Epcot treating yourself to these edible works of art.
In addition, the following Culinary Workshops are available to attend at the Odyssey Festival Showplace for a cost of $39 per person.
Sunday January 22nd – Become an Artisan Spice Blend Mix-Master (Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!) Learn how to blend spices the P.S. Flavor! way and become a top chef in your own kitchen! You will be mixing P.S. Flavor! spice blend to your own tastes and using it to create a vibrant vinaigrette and sensational salad…flavor from start to finish!
Monday January 23rd – The Artistry of Amorette’s Patisserie (Jade Bower, Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs) Come learn the artistry behind decorating techniques of Amorette’s signature “petite cake.” We will cover how to buttercream and decorate a cake while discovering the unique artistic touches of Amorette’s Patisserie. In the end, you will have a one of a kind cake designed to honor Epcot!
Friday January 27th – Truffle Making (Amy Holmes & Kathleen Dunn, The Ganacher, Disney Springs) Learn to roll and decorate your own truffles using the Signature Ganachery Chocolate and pick up a few tips and tricks from the talented team of Chocolatiers!
Sunday January 29th – The Art of Mixology (Eric Foster, Stacole Fine Wines & Spirits) Learn from a top mixologist as you experience a hands-on cocktail making workshop! Elevate classic cocktails by adding your own artistic touch and transform the simple cocktail to elegant using craft ingredients.
Monday February 6th – Artfully Blending Tea (Karon Cannon, Tea Craze) Just like an artist creates a painting, you will create your own aromatic tea blend. In this fun and interactive workshop, we’ll discuss what tea is, the basics of blending, then set you free to blend your own tea using herbs and botanicals. When you finish your creation, you will take it home with you!
Saturday February 11th – Become an Artisan Spice Blend Mix-Master (Pam Smith, P.S. Flavor!) Learn how to blend spices the P.S. Flavor! way and become a top chef in your own kitchen! You will be mixing P.S. Flavor! spice blend to your own tastes and using it to create a vibrant vinaigrette and sensational salad…flavor from start to finish!
Sunday, February 12th – Olive Oil 101 (Marcy Elias, The Olive Pantry) Join us for a demonstration and tasting of recipes using The Olive Pantry’s gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Learn how to incorporate Ultra Premium certified extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars to make your own home cooked meals healthy and delicious.
Each of these workshops takes place at 11am. You can book now by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive 15% off.
Performing Arts – The Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Broadway meets Disney as stars of the Great White Way bring their musical talent to the American Gardens Theater during the Festival. Here’s a rundown of this amazing who’s who of the musical theater world.
January 13th – 16th and January 20th – 23rd: Ashley Brown, renowned for playing the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, and Josh Strikland, who starred as Tarzan on Broadway, perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Best, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid
January 27th – 30th and February 3rd – 6th: Leading Broadway talents Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey (also know for his stint at Tarzan on Broadway) will be treating guests to selections from Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin.
February 10th – 13th and February 17th – 20th. Kissy Simmons best know for her work in The Lion King and Alton Fitzgerald who famously plaid the role of Mufasa on Broadway over 4000 times will take guests through a range of songs from Disney Broadway classics including The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and the Little Mermaid.
The performances will take place Fridays through Mondays at the American Gardens Theatre at 5.30pm, 6.45pm, and 8pm.
Those wanting to ensure that they have a good seat for the performances may want to consider booking The Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. Similar to the Candlelight Processional Dining package, those booking breakfast, lunch or dinner at select restaurants will be treated to VIP seating for the 8pm showing of the Broadway in Concert performances scheduled for that day. The restaurants participating are as follows:
Breakfast:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $54; Child $32
- Garden Grill – Adult $39; Child $28
Lunch:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $69, Child $41
- Biergarten – Adult $39; Child $22
- Coral Reef – Adult $69; Child $24
- Garden Grill – Adult $57; Child $34
- Rose & Crown – Adult $58; Child $23
Dinner:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Adult $69; Child $41
- Biergarten – Adult $53; Child$29
- Coral Reef – Adult $69;Child $24
- Garden Grill- Adult $57; Child $34
- Rose & Crown – Adult $58; Child $24
Guests should note that dining packages are paid for at the individual restaurants. Seating badges for the concert are handed out at the restaurant and guests are advised to check into the performance early. Due to popularity advanced reservation are strongly encouraged.
Visual Arts – Arts Workshops – Odyssey Festival Showplace
Art enthusiasts can sign up for interactive workshops including gesture drawing, watercolor, painting, mixed media art, calligraphy, floral arrangements, and macrame for an additional fee of $39 + tax.
Here’s a look at what’s on offer:
Friday January 13th – “Magical” Mixed Media Art (Rachelle Eason at BoiLedBooKs) Create a magnificent mixed media piece using BoiLed BooK paper and paint. We’ll finish it off with a mat and some sparkles for a magical masterpiece to display.
Saturday January 14th – Gesture Drawing Class (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) “Story Telling Drawings:” Come learn the art of quick sketching from life with a Disney animator. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, story board artists, and directors. A single drawing can tell a story.
Sunday January 15th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) Imagine the Pixie-dusted possibilities as the Disney Floral Designers show you how to make a little floral design magic! In this session we will teach you the basic floral design principles and show you how to create a petite Tinker Bell inspired floral arrangement – all it takes is faith, trust and a little pixie dust!
Monday January 16th – Modern Macramé (Sarah Stoff) Fiber Macramé is the art of knotting rope to make patterns. In this class you will learn basic macramé knots and how to make a modern wall hanging. Fun for the whole family!
Friday January 20th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) Mickey Mouse is in the house! Let the Disney Floral Designers show you some of our favorite ways to add a little touch of Mickey-magic to any floral arrangement. During this session, we will share basic floral design principles along with some Disney inspirations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year!
Saturday January 21st – Watercolor Love (Rachelle Eason at BoiLedBooKs) Paint a wonderful work of art blending watercolors to create a beautiful sentiment. A choice of shapes will be available for your selection. We’ll finish it off with a mat and your watercolor art will be quite a delight!
Saturday January 28th – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!
Monday January 30th -Animation 101 (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) Create your own animated Flip Book while learning the fundamental Principles of Animation with a Disney animator. Watch your drawings come to life!
Friday February 3rd – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!
Saturday February 4th – Valentine Card Making (Tona Bell, The Paper Seahorse) Make a beautiful handmade love note for Valentine’s or anytime. You will learn to make your own origami heart card and envelope. Then you will learn how to hand letter the greeting. Make with your hands and give from your heart.
Sunday February 5th – Intro to Modern Calligraphy (Singling Lee, CalligraLee) Learn the basics of pointed pen calligraphy and work on a special project in class together. We will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill!
Friday February 10th – Handwritten Typography (Simone Miranda, Creative Services Manager, Walt Disney World) Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand. It conveys time and thought lovingly invested into the art form of a word. Learn how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
Monday February 13th – Crystal Light Cuff Bracelet (Lymarie Suarez-Rivera, Arie Jewelry, Artegon Marketplace) Discover the craft of jewelry making and create your own beaded cuff bracelet using wire and crystal beads. Leave the workshop with your unique piece of jewelry and a new talent!
Friday February 17th – Ink & Paint Animation (Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation) Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Pain Cel!
Saturday February 18th – Floral Arranging (Disney Floral and Gifts Designer) During this session, the Disney Floral Designers will show you how to create a Valentine inspired arrangement. We will teach you basic floral design principles, tips and techniques so you can recreate the magic at home at any time of the year. Share the love with someone special or keep this one for yourself!
Sunday February 19th – Abstract Painting (Crystal Dombrowsky) Enjoy a fun creative journey through self-expression to reveal your unique Artistic voice. Bring your abstract art to life as you paint a one of a kind Masterpiece!
Monday February 20th – Animation 101 (Todd Bright, Disney Animator) Create your own animated Flip Book while learning the fundamental Principles of Animation with a Disney animator. Watch your drawings come to life!
Each of these workshops takes place at 11am. You can book now by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive 15% off.
In addition to all of the fantastic offerings listed above, guests may also want to include one these magical activities:
- Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt – Can you find Figment? Slip into sleuth mode while searching for clues that lead to the illusive little dragon – leave no painting in the World Showcase unturned!
- Kidcot Fun Stops – Kid of all ages can get crafty by visiting various pavilions to collect global stamps and decorate their very own souvenir Duffy (AKA Mickey’s Favorite Teddy Bear)
- World Showcase: Destinations Discovered Tour- Walk around the world – in only 5 hours. Guests can immerse themselves in the architecture, culture, food and history of the 11 countries that make up the world showcase.
With the dynamic range of activities happening at the first Epcot International Festival of the Arts, it will definitely be a January and February to remember. We’ve merely given you a taste of the highlights on offer at this year’s festival. For a complete guide to what’s happening during your visit, guests are strongly encouraged to pick up a Times Guide upon arrival.
Readers heading to the Festival of the Arts should watch this space for details about the latest Festival news, updates and events.
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