Despite the sensationalist reporting by several overly dramatic Disney YouTubers claiming that Disney Jollywood Nights was dead (after only one party), the truth is that Disney has turned things around and it's looking good. This story plus a sneak peak at the upcoming EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2024.

New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 12 through February 19 and highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts in Disney style. Here's what you can see and do if you plan to be at Walt Disney World for the event.

Performing Arts: Disney on Broadway

Broadway stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is back with three daily shows throughout the festival.

The full lineup of Disney Broadway stars:

Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to live performances daily, featuring musicians, painters and acrobats.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Go on Sale December 19

If you want priority seating, dining packages are available at eight EPCOT restaurants:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Garden Grill Restaurant
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Le Cellier
Spice Road Table
Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

Are You a Foodie? Here's What's Happening for the Culinary Arts?

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT feature tasty food and drink concoctions. For example, the Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES is back at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey and the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate is available as a savory choice. The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine highlights sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow.

The EPCOT Festival of the Arts Passport shows exactly where to find everything. Once you collect five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to get a free surprise.

Interactive Experiences at the Festival

Animation Academy has a learn to draw a Disney character classes daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre. You can leave your mark on a large paint-by-numbers mural at Expression Section.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing your ones to create chalk masterpieces (while you get a little break). Plus, there are plenty of photo opps all around the festival area.

Visual Arts and Festival Merchandise

If you're into art, then visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring creations to life may be right for you. New and returning favorite artists will be part of this year’s lineup, so visit ArtfulEPCOT.com for the latest news.

If you're a Figment fan, you'll be happy to know that Figment is back as the ambassador and takes center stage on festival merch ranging from household items and décor to clothing and more.

Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt is back. With this fun journey through World Showcase you'll help Figment learn all about art. Buy a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion (hint: just look for the Figment-themed picture frames).

Every time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to your map. Once you've completed the journey, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a special artful keepsake.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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