What EPCOT Is Really Like During Festival of the Arts

The International Festival of the Arts at EPCOT is Disney’s shortest and least understood festival. It is quieter than Food and Wine, smaller than Flower and Garden, and often overlooked by first-time visitors. That does not mean it is low impact.

Festival of the Arts affects crowds, food costs, park flow, and dining availability in ways many guests do not expect.

Here is what it actually is and why it matters when planning a Disney trip.

What Is EPCOT Festival of the Arts?

Festival of the Arts is a seasonal EPCOT event that blends:

• Visual art
• Culinary art
• Performing art

The festival focuses on creativity across multiple formats, with:

• Art displays and galleries
• Food booths featuring visually styled dishes
• Live performances and interactive experiences

It is more low-key than other EPCOT festivals, but it still changes the park experience.

How Long Does Festival of the Arts Last?

Festival of the Arts typically runs:

• From mid-January
• Through late February

It is EPCOT’s shortest festival, lasting roughly six weeks.

Because it overlaps with:

• Long weekends
• RunDisney events
• Presidents’ Day week

crowds can build quickly during peak dates.

Who Comes to Festival of the Arts?

The festival attracts a specific crowd mix.

Common visitors include:

• Adult couples
• Friend groups
• Repeat Disney visitors
• Locals and annual passholders

It draws fewer families with small children compared to other festivals, but weekends still feel busy.

How Crowded Does EPCOT Get During Festival of the Arts?

Festival of the Arts increases EPCOT crowds, especially:

• Midday
• Weekends
• During special events

What guests notice:

• Heavy foot traffic around World Showcase
• Lines at popular food booths
• Busier dining locations

Ride wait times do not always spike dramatically, but overall park congestion increases.

Does Festival of the Arts Cost Extra?

There is no separate admission for Festival of the Arts. Entry is included with regular EPCOT park admission.

However, costs add up quickly.

Additional expenses include:

• Food booth purchases
• Specialty drinks
• Art prints and merchandise
• Optional workshops or seminars

Many guests spend more at EPCOT during the festival than on non-festival days.

How Much Should You Budget?

Typical spending varies.

Estimated costs:

• Food booths: $6–$10 per item
• Specialty drinks: $12–$15
• Art purchases: widely variable

A realistic festival budget ranges from:

• $25–$40 per person for food
• More if you sample multiple booths or purchase art

How Festival of the Arts Affects Dining

Festival crowds impact dining availability.

Important planning notes:

• Table service restaurants book faster
• Walk-ups are less reliable
• Festival booths reduce table service demand but increase crowd congestion

Guests who skip dining reservations often regret it.

Is Festival of the Arts Good for First-Time Visitors?

It depends.

Festival of the Arts works best for:

• Adults
• Repeat visitors
• Guests who enjoy food and culture

It may feel overwhelming for:

• First-time visitors expecting a quieter EPCOT
• Families focused primarily on rides

Understanding what the festival adds helps set expectations.

Best Days to Visit EPCOT During the Festival

To minimize crowds:

• Visit on weekdays
• Avoid holiday weekends
• Enter EPCOT early in the day

Weekends feel significantly busier due to locals and event traffic.

Final Thoughts

EPCOT Festival of the Arts is small but influential. It adds creativity, food options, and entertainment, but it also increases crowds and spending.

Guests who plan for it enjoy the experience. Guests who do not often feel surprised by the congestion and cost.

Knowing what Festival of the Arts is and how it affects EPCOT is key to deciding whether February is the right time for your Disney trip.