Epcot has four festivals throughout the year. Planning your trip should also include knowing which festival you will be visiting during. This is our Epcot Festivals Tips and Tricks Guide.

Your Guide to Making the Most of Any Festival at EPCOT:

From colorful flowers to global flavors and stunning art displays, EPCOT’s festivals are some of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. But they can also be busy, hot, and a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Whether you’re visiting during Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts, or Festival of the Holidays, these tips will help you make the most of your magical day.

What Are the EPCOT Festivals?

1. International Festival of the Arts (Jan–Feb) – Focuses on performing, visual, and culinary arts.
2. International Flower & Garden Festival (Spring–Early Summer) – Famous for topiaries, gardens, and fresh spring flavors.
3. International Food & Wine Festival (Late Summer–Fall) – Global food booths, concerts, and drinks from around the world.
4. Festival of the Holidays (Mid-Nov–Dec) – Celebrates international holiday traditions, with festive food and entertainment.

Tips and Tricks:

Here are some of our best tips and advice for attending an Epcot Festival.

1. Arrive Early (or Late) – Depending on your plans:

• Booth lines and crowds build FAST. Lunch and Dinner times are the busiest at the booths.
• Arrive at park opening and go straight to a few high-priority booths or experiences.
• Alternatively, visit in the evening, when the sun is lower and the vibe is more relaxed (but lines may be longer).

2. Grab a Festival Passport

Each festival has a free passport booklet with all booth menus, checklists, and activities. Pick one up at the entrance or a nearby merchandise kiosk.

Great for kids who want to “check off” countries or dishes — or use it to remember your favorites for next time!

3. Use a Festival Gift Card Wristlet

These small, reloadable gift cards on stretchy bracelets are perfect for booth hopping.

• Budget-friendly
• Faster than fumbling for your wallet or phone
• Helps you track spending more easily

4. Share Food Booth Items

Booth portions are small, but prices add up fast. Sharing allows you to try more dishes without getting too full too soon.

5. Bring a Portable Phone Charger

Between checking the My Disney Experience app, snapping pics, and mobile ordering, your phone will drain quickly.
A portable charger is a must-have for long festival days.

6. Beat the Heat

Florida weather = HOT. Even in winter.

• Bring a refillable water bottle.
• Grab free cups of water at quick-service spots.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and even a small cooling towel in summer months.
• Don’t be afraid to take a break in the AC (The Land pavilion is a great spot!).

7. Take Advantage of Festival Photo Ops

Each festival has unique topiaries, art displays, photo frames, or character statues.
Some even have PhotoPass-exclusive magic shots just for the festival.

Plan for 1–2 “Instagram moments” in advance — it’s easy to forget once you’re caught up in food booths!

8. Enjoy the Entertainment

Every festival features live entertainment:

• Eat to the Beat (Food & Wine)
• Garden Rocks (Flower & Garden)
• Disney on Broadway (Arts)
• Storytellers and Voices of Liberty (Holidays)

Most shows are included with admission, and you don’t always need a seat — just stroll by and enjoy!

9. Join the Festival Games & Activities

Fun for both kids and adults:

• Scavenger hunts (Remy, Spike the Bee, Olaf, Figment) with a prize at the end
• Interactive art walls (Festival of the Arts)
• Kidcot stops for cultural fun and stickers in each World Showcase country

These are low-cost (or free) ways to engage kids beyond the food booths.

10. Festival Merchandise Sells Fast

If you see something you love — a mug, ears, spirit jersey, or pin — grab it early in the day.
Festival-exclusive items can sell out quickly, especially limited edition pins or popular designs.

Final Tip: Don’t Try to Do It All

Every festival is packed with things to do, eat, and see — but trying to do it all in one day can lead to burnout.

Pick 5–7 booths or experiences you’re most excited for, and focus on those. Anything else is just extra magic!

Check out some of our other posts for Guides and Tips for Disney World:

Magic Kingdom Early Entry and Rope Drop Guide – Part of the magic at Magic Kingdom is Rope Dropping. Rope Drop is sometimes one of the busiest times at Magic Kingdom, but also a great time to go on one of the more popular rides. This is our guide for Magic Kingdom Early Entry and Rope Drop Guide.

Disney Packing List – Deciding what to pack for any vacation can be very tough. We provide you an essential Disney Packing List in this post to help you with packing for your trip!

Tips for Celebrating your Birthday at Disney World – The magic of Disney World is all over the place, and it is really special to celebrate a birthday there. These are our Tips for Celebrating a Birthday at Disney World.

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Also, our Facebook Group Disney World Insider Info and Tips is a great place to meet and chat with other Disney World fans like us!