EPCOT hosts four seasonal festivals each year. When planning your visit, it helps to know which festival will be running. This is our EPCOT Festivals Tips and Tricks Guide.
Your Guide to Making the Most of Any Festival at EPCOT:
EPCOT’s festivals offer vibrant gardens, global flavors, live performances, and unique art installations, making them some of the most exciting times to visit Walt Disney World. They can also bring larger crowds, higher temperatures, and sensory overload if you arrive unprepared.
Whether you’re attending the Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts, or Festival of the Holidays, these practical tips will help you enjoy a smoother, more memorable festival day.
What Are the EPCOT Festivals?
- International Festival of the Arts (Jan–Feb) – Highlights performing, visual, and culinary arts with interactive displays and special performances.
- International Flower & Garden Festival (Spring–Early Summer) – Known for spectacular topiaries, themed gardens, and fresh seasonal flavors.
- International Food & Wine Festival (Late Summer–Fall) – Offers international taste booths, beverage pairings, and live concerts.
- Festival of the Holidays (Mid-Nov–Dec) – Celebrates seasonal traditions from around the world with specialty treats and seasonal entertainment.
Tips and Tricks
Below are practical strategies to get the most from your festival experience, from saving time in lines to capturing great photos.
1. Arrive Early (or Late) — Depending on Your Plans
- Booth lines and crowd levels increase quickly, especially around typical lunch and dinner times.
- If you have must-try booths or limited offerings in mind, arrive at park opening and head straight to those priorities.
- If you prefer a more relaxed pace, visit in the evening when the sun is lower; note that popularity can still mean long lines at night.
2. Grab a Festival Passport
Each festival offers a complimentary passport booklet with booth menus, activity checklists, and maps. Pick one up near the entrance or at merchandise kiosks. It’s a fun way for kids to mark discoveries and for adults to remember favorite dishes and activities.
3. Use a Festival Gift Card Wristlet
Festival gift card wristlets are small, reloadable bracelets that make booth purchases quicker and help you stick to a budget. They save time compared to digging for a wallet or phone and make spending easier to track.
4. Share Food Booth Items
Booth portions are intentionally small so guests can sample many items, but costs add up. Sharing plates lets you try more dishes without getting too full. Also, don’t skip dessert booths—some of the most eye-catching, festival-exclusive treats are worth saving room for.
5. Bring a Portable Phone Charger
Between using the park app, taking photos, scanning menus, and mobile ordering, your phone battery will deplete quickly. A compact portable charger is essential for a full festival day.
6. Beat the Heat
Florida weather can be hot and humid, even outside summer months. Pack a refillable water bottle and take advantage of complimentary cups of water from quick-service locations. Bring sunscreen, hats, and a lightweight cooling towel in warmer months. Plan breaks in air-conditioned spaces like The Land pavilion to recharge and cool down.
7. Take Advantage of Festival Photo Ops
Festivals feature unique topiaries, art installations, themed photo frames, and character statues. Some events include PhotoPass-exclusive shots and magic effects. Plan one or two photo stops so you don’t miss these signature visuals while you’re busy sampling food.
8. Enjoy the Entertainment
Live performances are a festival highlight and often included with park admission. Examples include Eat to the Beat (Food & Wine), Garden Rocks (Flower & Garden), Disney on Broadway (Festival of the Arts), and seasonal storytellers or choral performances during the holidays. You can usually enjoy many shows just by strolling past or pausing for a set.
9. Join the Festival Games & Activities
Interactive options appeal to all ages, including scavenger hunts (Remy, Spike the Bee, Olaf, Figment), interactive art walls during the Festival of the Arts, and Kidcot stops in the World Showcase that offer cultural activities and stickers. These low-cost or free activities are great for keeping kids engaged beyond food booths.
10. Festival Merchandise Sells Fast
Exclusive festival merchandise—mugs, ears, spirit jerseys, and limited-edition pins—can sell out quickly. If you spot something you love, buy it early in the day to avoid disappointment.
Final Tip: Don’t Try to Do It All
Each festival is packed with attractions, food, and entertainment. Trying to experience everything in a single day often leads to fatigue. Choose five to seven booths or experiences that matter most to you and focus on those—anything extra is a bonus.
Other Guides and Tips for Disney World
We share many practical guides to help plan your trip, including tips for early park entry and rope drop strategies, recommended packing lists, and ideas for celebrating special occasions at the parks. These resources can help you maximize time and enjoyment during your visit.
We hope these tips help you make the most of an EPCOT festival and create wonderful memories. Enjoy your trip and the seasonal magic each festival brings.