Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Week 3 and 4 Highlights

We are almost smack dab in the middle of the second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, and we are going strong.

With programming seven days-per-week this year, Epcot guests have had more opportunities this year to sample our artistic-themed food and beverage; peruse the fabulous art exhibits and take part in the enthralling seminars and workshops.

The seminars are included with Epcot admission and are generally 30 minutes; and the workshops have a nominal fee but last 75 minutes and include hands-on training and a cool take-away.

Some workshops you could try over the next two weeks include:

• (Tuesday, January 30) Watercolor Love – Artist Rachelle Eason showcases her talent for blending watercolors while showing participants how to make masterpieces of their own.
• (Friday, February 2) From Script to Screen – Developing Stories at Disney Animation Studios – Actor, Director and "Head of Story" Paul Briggs will talk about his work Disney animated hits like Frozen and Big Hero 6. Plus, participants will get a special look at Briggs' new children's book Catch My Breath.
• (Offered Thursday, February 8 and Sunday, February 19) Mini Masterpieces – Curators from our own Orlando Museum of Art help participants make their own own landscape, portrait or abstract work on canvas inspired by the Orlando Museum of Art's State of Excellence.

Don't forget to visit the Festival website for all the official times and prices. Seminars can be reserved day-of at the Odyssey Festival Center. Workshops can be booked in advance by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

As a reminder, the Disney on Broadway series runs Fridays through Mondays during the Festival (or what we like to call a "Disney Weekend.")

The next two weekends – Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-5 – feature spectacular performers from Disney's The Lion King Broadway show: Alton Fitzgerald White and Kissy Simmons.

Kissy is best known for playing Nala in the show and Alton played Mufasa. That's a show you do NOT want to miss!

All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Broadway fans can book dining packages that include guaranteed seating for a show and a wonderful meal.*

[NOTE: Alton also will be signing his newest book, My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance, in Heritage Manor at the American Adventure pavilion on January 29 and February 5 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to have the opportunity to meet Alton and get a book signed.]

For more information on the Festival, click over to www.disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463.

And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival.

*Disney on Broadway Dining Packages are available for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and include a 3-course meal or full buffet, depending on the location.