5 Colorful Ways to Experience
EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts
January 1, 2026
Bright colors, bold flavors, and feel-good entertainment take center stage during the EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts. From eye-catching art displays to live music and creative food studios, the festival delivers a cheerful mix of experiences that invite you to wander, snack, and smile your way through the park.
Staying at Margaritaville Cottages and Villas adds an extra layer of ease to the experience, giving you the space to unwind, spread out, and enjoy island-style evenings after a full day of festival fun.
Once you step into the festival, the only real plan is to enjoy the ride. Still, a few favorites tend to stand out. These five discoveries capture the fun, color, and carefree spirit of the day.
1. Color Around Every Corner
At this festival, creativity refuses to stay in one place. Art appears along walkways, in open plazas, and around corners you did not even know you were turning.
As you stroll through World Showcase and beyond, open-air galleries showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media works from artists around the world. Many artists are there in person, ready to chat, sign prints, and share the stories behind their work. It turns a casual stop into a memorable moment.
Throughout the day, you may also catch artists bringing blank canvases to life, adding a little extra magic to an already colorful scene.
2. Culinary Works of Art
Food is part of the art at this festival. Colorful food studios serve up small plates and drinks designed to delight both your taste buds and your camera roll.
From bright desserts and thoughtfully plated savory bites to eye-catching cocktails, every stop feels like a fun surprise. The small-plate format makes it easy to sample widely, follow cravings, and turn snacking into part of the adventure.
Grab a Festival Passport and let your appetite lead the way.
3. Music That Sets the Perfect Festival Mood
Music drifts through the park, giving the day an easygoing rhythm. The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series brings familiar Disney songs to the America Gardens Theatre, performed with Broadway-style flair in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Beyond the main stage, live music pops up throughout the park, creating moments where it feels just right to slow down, find a seat, and enjoy the show before heading off again.
It’s the kind of soundtrack that fits the festival perfectly, lively, fun, and never rushed.
4. Creativity Comes to Life
The festival shines when it invites guests to jump in and create. At Animation Academy, learning how to draw beloved characters feels more like play than a lesson.
The Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural adds a collaborative splash of color, while chalk art along the walkways keeps things light and playful. Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt turns wandering into a fun challenge inspired by famous works of art.
Interactive experiences like the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game add even more ways to tap into creativity throughout the day.
5. Souvenirs with a Story
When something colorful catches your eye, there is no reason to leave it behind. Festival merchandise includes limited-edition artwork, apparel, and playful collectibles inspired by the event and its artists.
Browsing becomes part of the fun, and these finds make great reminders of a day filled with color, laughter, and creative moments.
Your Island Retreat After the Festival
After a full day soaking up the festival, heading back to Margaritaville Cottages and Villas feels like the perfect next chapter. With spacious accommodations, open living areas, and a relaxed island atmosphere, evenings slow down naturally.
Kids can keep creativity going with simple crafts inspired by the day, while adults mix colorful cocktails and share favorite moments. Complimentary transportation to the theme parks keeps everything easy, so the focus stays on enjoying the experience from start to finish.
Wrapping Up a Colorful Day
The EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts is all about color, creativity, and enjoying the moment. From art-filled strolls and snack-worthy bites to live music and hands-on fun, the festival offers plenty to love.
Paired with the space, comfort, and laid-back charm of Margaritaville Cottages and Villas, it becomes a getaway that feels effortless and full of happy memories. It’s a perfect reminder to slow down, soak it all in, and Live Life On Vacation.
Come ready to explore. Leave with a little extra color in your world.
