The Festival of the Arts is the festival Disney squeezed in between the Food and Wine Festival (Fall) & the Flower & Garden Festival (Spring) at Epcot.
Based on what I've tried from this festival, it might be my new favorite. MIGHT.
Quick tip:
You must wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times while at Disney. Except for when you are eating or drinking in a stationary spot. If you do not comply you will be asked to leave.
What's unique about the Festival of the Arts is local artists come out and debut their artwork for purchase. Giving you a chance to bring a piece of the magic home with you!
I used to think these art pieces were so out-of-reach cost-wise, but after searching, I found great prints that range from $30-$50.
There is plenty of wall art for photo ops as well.
I loved the Tinkerbelle wings (found in America) and Figment (Found by Figment and the Land)! You can find even more all over the park.
Anyway blah blah art, I promise I will talk about food! I've compiled a list of "must-try's" below.
Another Tip:
If you're planning on trying multiple booths, I highly recommend purchasing a gift card wristlet so you don't have to touch anything apart from a receipt! It's great for budgeting and convenience.
I'll take you around World Showcase (the Countries) starting from the Outpost, which is now located right next to a Starbucks. Take that as you will.
#1 Lobster Poutine from Outpost - $10.50
The amount of lobster they give you is so worth the price. This place is very easy to miss so definitely keep your eyes peeled!
This dish comes topped with a Lobster Bisque cheese sauce, pickled jalapeños, scallions, and a citrus cream.
Plus the lobster and fries of course. Also be on the lookout for birds because they have NO SHAME. They will take your food.
You can definitely share this item with human people you feel safe with, or you can go ham and eat it all yourself.
I have personally done both, and I think the sharing option is more enjoyable because everyone gets a piece.
Except for the birds, they get none of it.
#2 Salmon and Cream Gateau from Canada - $7.00
Humble opinion: I feel that the picture I took actually looked more appetizing than the one on the menu. I thought whatever I was ordering was going to be grey.. But thankfully, it was not!
This dish consists of Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar, and Micro-Herbs.
To me, this was a very fancy looking Salmon & Lox. Which I was very impressed with! The Salmon and cream went really well together, plus the sprig of green onion went perfect with it.
I took my time eating it because it was so windy and it was stacked relatively high. But I enjoyed every moment!
#3 Salt-roasted Beet Tartare inside Showcase Plaza (in between Canada & UK) (Vegetarian)- $6.50
I didn't have high expectations for this dish, so I believe that's why I was so pleasantly surprised by it!
The beets have a great seasoned flavor so it's not too sweet tasting.
The little tartare bite-sized cubes also made it very easy to share.
This dish is served with pickled vegetables (specifically cauliflower, that was different but pleasant!), parsley salad, and béarnaise aioli (contains egg & butter for the vegans out there!)
I'm hoping they have a secondary option for vegans. If you ask a staff member I'm sure they'll have something to accommodate.
My Mom and I definitely want attempt a recreation of this one at home, so there might be another #allysoncookz coming 'atcha.
#4 (Available year-round but felt inclined to include) Espresso Affogato - $11.50
The pricing of this is borderline robbery, I did not think I would get only one scoop of gelato.
However: the espresso, cookies, and espresso bean in the middle went so dang well together.
I recommend going halfsies with someone to share this dessert, even though you're paying $3 a bite.
The cute factor with this one is definitely high on this one, it's like I had a character toy for a short moment walking around Italy.
I consumed this dessert around 3:30 PM and I believe stayed awake until the wee hours of the morning because of it.
Nonetheless, I will still say it was worth it. 🙌🏻
#5 (Again, available all year round but I need to mention this) Margaritas at Choza de Margarita (VEGAN) - $12-$15.50
Apart from taking the Twitter Shot in the Tequila Cave (if you follow La Cava Del Tequila on Twitter you get an $8 shot of tequila and it's tall).
These drinks will most likely be the strongest of all the drinks at Epcot.
Which is why this is usually my first stop 😂 I always order The Cucumber - Arette Blanco Tequila, fresh Cucumber and Lime Juice, Orange Liqueur, and Agave. Tajin Chile-lime Powder rim.
I like this one a lot because it's not too sweet, and the chile-lime rim makes it a little spicy.
These margs always take me a while to finish (especially since you can't drink and walk now). But they are so tasty the whole way through!
#6 Shrimp Ceviche from POP Eats (Gluten Free) - $6.00
Served with a Lime Mint Foam, this is a cute little serving of jalapeños, green peppers, mangos, and onion.
This is a dish that is served chilled and was probably the easiest thing to eat.
I got a surprisingly descent amount of shrimp, the portion is great if you're looking for a snack that keeps you feeling light.
Well guys, that is my short-ish list on what items I found #worthit for the Festival of the Arts 2021!
If you wind up going and trying any of these recs be sure to let me know! You can tag me @allysoneatz or #allysoneatz.
Until next time! 👋
Allyson