International Festival of the Arts premieres at Epcot

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney World's Epcot has debuted its newest festival, which will run Friday through Monday in January and February.

“Everyone comes here to try and get themselves immersed into something,” said visitor Tyler Schwarts.

The International Festival of the Arts opened Friday and unlike previous festivals, it will not focus on a single topic like food or art.

“We have always had some food and a little entertainment, but now we are bringing all pillars together of art forms and that is definitely unique for us,” said general manager of World Showcase Dave Kesting.

Kesting said they launched the even because other festivals have been very successful.

“I think art is definitely something that is taken for granted here, especially because of the amount of animation and all the work that goes into it,” said Schwarts.

Each weekend, the festival will feature a new type of art, including culinary, visual and performing arts inspired by counties and cultures all over the world, Disney World said.

The festival will be unlike anything Epcot has presented before, Kesting said.

“(I’m) definitely into theater. So seeing cultural things and international would be great to see,” said visitor Frank Shandling.

“We have headliners from the Broadway Disney Theatrical performances coming to join us,” he said. “We have always had some food and a little entertainment, but now we are bringing all pillars together … and that is definitely unique for us.”

The festival is included with general admission to Epcot.

Cox Media Group