As invited media, Disney provided WDWNT with a $100 gift card for food and beverage for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, so some of the following coverage was hosted. As always, WDWNT will still provide our honest thoughts on all below.
When it comes to any festival held at EPCOT, you know there are going to be lots of new savory dishes, delicious desserts, and cocktails to try. To help you figure out which items are hits, and which we recommend staying away from, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to all of the new food for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
Table of Contents
The Artist’s Table
The Hummingbird Cake is back with new accompaniments, replacing banana sorbet with caramel sauce and pineapple compote.
Hummingbird Cake: Banana-and-Pecan Cake dipped in Cream Cheese Icing with Caramel Sauce and warm Pineapple Compote – $4.75
This is a solid dessert option. The cake is moist with a nice spice, but the aftertaste is all banana. It’s not the most memorable sweet treat on the list, but not bad, either. We would rate it a 4 out of 7.
The Artist’s Table is located at The American Adventure at the back of World Showcase, to the right of the rotunda entrance. You can find it at number 14 on the map below.
The Craftsman’s Courtyard
Grilled Pork Belly with Salsa Verde, Broccoli Rabe, Pickled Peppers, and Raclette Cheese on Grilled Sourdough – $6.75
The pork here is more akin to a pork loin, but it is quite sizable, tender, and delicious. The accompaniments and the giant glob of cheese on top bring a lot of added flavor to the dish, all complemented by the sourdough bread taste that permeates the aftertaste. It’s a solid dish overall. We’d rate it a 5 out of 7.
Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms, Blue Cheese Fondue, and Arugula on a Grilled French Roll – $7.00
The skirt steak is a sandwich, which isn’t mentioned in the title. The bread looks like it would be really hard, but it was quite soft. The steak is tender and well-cooked, accented with rich cheese and sweet caramelized accompaniments. We’d rate this a 6 out of 7.
The Craftsman’s Courtyard is located at World Celebration, near Creations Shop. You can find it at number 6 in the map below.
Deco Delights
Neapolitan Dessert Trio: Chocolate Tart, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Strawberry Mousse – $5.25
The chocolate tart has a nice flavor, but the outer shell takes away from that flavor. The vanilla bean cheesecake is a returning item, and we think it’s a winner. The cheesecake is very rich, and the shortbread cookie underneath is quite good.
The strawberry mousse has a hard outer shell that we don’t love, but the strawberry flavor inside is subtle and sweet. We would rate the entire trio a 5 out of 7.
Deco Delights is located on World Showcase Promenade near Port of Entry. You can find it at number 23 on the map below.
The Deconstructed Dish
Deconstructed Strawberry Mint Julep (Non-Alcoholic) – $4.50
Upon the first sip, without squeezing in the strawberry syrup from the pipette, the initial flavor that stands out is pure, overwhelming mint. After adding the strawberry, the beverage changes to something overwhelmingly sweet. This one is a pass for us. We’d give it a 2 out of 7.
Deconstructed Strawberry Mint Julep with Bourbon – $12
The added bourbon makes this mint julep better and more authentic than its non-alcoholic version, though we still find it to be a bit too syrupy-sweet. We’d give it a 4 out of 7.
The Deconstructed Dish is located in World Discovery, near Port of Entry. You can find it at number 3 on the map below.
El Artista Hambriento
While there was a Carne Asada dish last year, this year’s edition sees an all-new preparation and accompaniments, replacing sweet potato and crispy onion with grilled queso fresco, Nopales salad with queso fresco foam, and chicharron dust.
Carne Asada: Chipotle-Marinated Beef Sirloin, Grilled Queso Fresco, Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco Foam and Chicharron Dust – $10.50
The beef in this dish is perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. The grilled queso is thick and pairs perfectly with the queso fresco foam when enjoyed with the steak. The chicharron dust adds to the presentation, but adds nothing flavor-wise. We’d give this dish a 5 out of 7.
Tostada de Langosta: Chilled Lobster with Chipotle Aïoli, Onions and Mango on a Fried Corn Tortilla with Guacamole, Shredded Cabbage and Hot Sauce – $8
Served cold, the tortilla is a big departure from previous events in that it is perfectly crispy and adds a nice crunch to each bite. The lobster is plentiful and works perfectly with the spicy hot sauce, offset by the cool, crunchy slaw. We’d rate this another 6 out of 7.
Rubí Delicioso Margarita: Tromba Blanco Tequila ($41/bottle), Lejay Blackcurrant Liqueur ($38/bottle), Citrus, Mint, Spicy Agave and Beet Juice – $16.50
A smokey, very beet forward drink. It has a good kick, but tastes like you shoved a full beet in your mouth. This was a divisive drink in our group, with some liking its uniqueness, but most of us felt it was too syrupy and off-putting in flavor. We’d collectively rate this drink a 4 out of 7.
Smokey Banana Bliss Margarita: Ten to One Rum ($21/bottle), Ilegal Mezcal Joven ($30/bottle), Banana Purée and Lime Juice – $15.50
This is possibly the worst cocktail in EPCOT festival history. Our teeth immediately got stuck to our lips after sipping this. It has a medicinal artificial banana flavor that we’d be surprised to hear anyone enjoy. Do not get this, please. It’s a 1 out of 7 on our scale.
El Artista Hambriento is conveniently located on the waterside of World Showcase Promenade adjacent to La Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico Pavilion. You can find it at number 8 on the map below.
Goshiki
The Ichigo Mochi is back, but this year, the mascarpone has been replaced with white chocolate and strawberry cream.
Wagyu Bun: Steamed Bun filled with American Wagyu Beef served with Green Shiso Sauce – $9.75
We would recommend getting this steamed bun during your visit to the festival. The beef inside is a nice, high-quality minced beef.
In the bun we had, the beef distribution was uneven, leaving some bites to be bready, but that didn’t take away from the taste. We rate it a 5 out of 7.
Ichigo Mochi – Daifuku: Daifuku Mochi filled with Fresh Strawberry, Sweet Azuki Bean Paste and White Chocolate served with Strawberry Cream – $6.75
The Daifuku Mochi, on the other hand, is a definite skip. The bean paste tastes off, and the mochi tastes cheaply made overall.
We feel this dish isn’t worth the price, and would rate it a 2 out of 7.
Murasaki Blueberry Drink: Sweet Blueberry and Cream (Non-Alcoholic) – $6.75
We’re fans of the flavor of this non-alcoholic drink. The yuzu gives it a hint of citrus that makes it sweet, but not too sweet that you’ll be left with a sugary aftertaste when you’ve taken a few sips. We’d rate it an 5 out of 7.
Blueberry Cocktail: Nigori Sake with Sweet Blueberry, Cream and Yuzu – $8.50
The addition of Nigori Sake makes the alcoholic version even better than its non-alcoholic counterpart. This drink is strong, and we find it to be a way better choice than the Rubí Delicioso Margarita at El Artista Hambriento. We’d rate this one a 6 out of 7.
Goshiki is located adjacent to the Japan Pavilion on World Showcase Promenade. You can find it at number 16 on the map below.
Gourmet Landscapes
This year, the Wild Mushroom Risotto has ditched aged Parmesan from its recipe.
Verjus-Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese, Petite Lettuce, Blackberry Gastrique and Spiced Pecans – $5.50
The highlight of this dish is the combination of the roasted beets and the accompanying cheese. Though it’s not hearty, we think this is a great little dish. We’d give it a 5 out of 7.
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (Plant-Based) – $9.75
One of only two vegan-friendly items at the 2024 Festival of the Arts, this risotto is phenomenal. There are big chunks of mushrooms and the flavor is rich and decadent. We’d happily give it a 7 out of 7.
Frozen Scotch Cocktail: Scotch and Herbal Tea garnished with a Chocolate Nail – $15.50
There is nothing remarkable about this frozen scotch cocktail. Scotch mixed with herbal tea is a unique combination, but ultimately nothing special. However, the chocolate nail garnish is dark chocolate, and we enjoy it better than the drink. We’d rate it a 4 out of 7.
Gourmet Landscapes is located on World Showcase Promenade adjacent to the Canada Pavilion. You can find it at number 21 on the map below.
L’Art de la Cuisine Française
Duo de Saumon Hot and Cold: Includes both Salmon Offerings – $14.75
The cold option is very fishy, but tasty. The biscuit pairs well with the salmon and the flavoring of the roasted red pepper dip is spicy and compliments the dish well. The hot option is a buttery, flaky French pastry with a perfectly cooked piece of salmon. It just may be the best savory new item at the Festival. We’d give the entire dish a 7 out of 7.
Moelleux aux Noisettes, Croustillant Noisettes, Coulis Framboise et Mangue: Molten Valrhona Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Crunch, and Mango-Raspberry Coulis – $9.25
This is a pretty basic molten chocolate cake, similar to what you can find on any dessert menu. The crunchy top layer is probably the highlight of the dish.
While the mango-raspberry coulis is nice, it doesn’t do much to enhance the dessert. We’d rate this a 4 out of 7.
Elderflower Liqueur Cocktail: St. Germain Liqueur ($31/bottle), Sparkling Wine, and Mint – $13.25
The elderflower flavoring is a bit lacking in this cocktail, leaving it to taste like a basic champagne. There are so many great beverages inside the France Pavilion, that we think this one is skippable. We would give this a 3 out of 7.
L’Art de la Cuisine Française is located on World Showcase Promenade across from the France Pavilion. You can find it at number 19 on the map below.
L’Arte di Mangiare
Conchiglie Ripiene: Baked Stuffed-Conchiglie Pasta with Beef, Ricotta, Peas, Pomodoro and Creamy Sauce – $9.50
This pasta dish tastes like the same red sauce at every Patina Restaurant Group restaurant, but in general, it is very plain and forgettable. It’s not bad, per se, but it’s not an item you’d tell your friends to run and get. We’d give it a 3 out of 7.
Torta Ricotta di Cioccolata: Chocolate Cheesecake and Whipped Cream – $8
To put it simply, this dessert is delicious. It’s made of a rich and creamy chocolate with a perfect texture. We can wholeheartedly recommend this new addition, and rate it a 7 out of 7.
Elderflower Sparkling Cocktail: Mint-Infused Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco and Sparkling Blood Orange – $15
We think this cocktail is very refreshing and crisp. The elderflower pairs well with the Prosecco and drinks easily. We would rate it a 6 out of 7.
L’Arte di Mangiare is conveniently located adjacent to the Italy Pavilion on World Showcase Promenade. You can find it at number 12 on the map below.
The Painted Panda
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste – $7.25
The sesame ball itself tastes authentic and chewy and has a sweet red bean paste inside. It tastes nice with or without the sauce and at $7.25, it’s a pretty good deal. We’d give it a rating of 5 out of 7.
The Painted Panda is conveniently located directly across from the China Pavilion on World Showcase Promenade. You can find it at number 9 on the map below.
Pop Eats
Rock the Dots White Chocolate and Orange Mousse with Vanilla Bean Chiffon Cake – $5.25
The looks of this one are deceiving, because it has a super-strong citrus flavor. If citrus isn’t your thing, we suggest skipping it. If you’re a fan of that flavor, however, we think you’ll love it. Because it’s so strong, it’s probably good for sharing. We’d rate it a 6 out of 7.
Pop Eats is located at World Showcase Plaza near Port of Entry. You can find it at number 25 on the map below.
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
Chocolate Cake with Pomegranate Mousse and Pomegranate Whipped Cream – $5
The tart flavor of the pomegranate steals the show on this cake. We find the cake-to-mousse ratio is a little off — we wish there was more chocolate cake — but wouldn’t tell people not to grab this one. The thick chocolate cake layer inside was tasty. We rate it a 5 out of 7.
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina is on the western side of the Morocco Pavilion, opposite the entrance to Spice Road Table. You can find it at number 17 on the map below.
Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina
Passion Fruit-Filled Mango Cheesecake with Coconut-Pineapple Cake, Dragon Fruit Gelée and Dragon Fruit-Strawberry Sauce – $5.00
While a lot is going on with this pastry, we love the way the textures play together. The mousse is airy and the cake is delicate, making a perfectly light dessert. The flavors are subtle but make a nice tropical mix. We’d rate it a 6 out of 7.
Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina is located on World Showcase Promenade between the Morocco and France Pavilions. You can find it at number 18 on the map below.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
The American Adventure
Pastel Pineberry Frost: A pastel work of art featuring Frozen Lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade and Pineberry Syrup garnished with Lemon (Non-Alcoholic) – $6.49, $14.99 with Grey Goose Vodka ($25/bottle)
Our non-alcoholic version of the Pastel Pineberry Frost tastes like a refreshing strawberry lemonade. It’s a bit on the sweet side, but nice for a hot day. We’d give it a 4 out of 7.
The American Adventure Joffrey’s kiosk is located on World Showcase Promenade between The American Adventure and the Italy Pavilion. You can find it at number 13 on the map below.
Near Canada Pavilion
Realism Roseberry Cold Brew: A lively swirl of flavors featuring Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, Strawberry Rose Syrup and Milk topped with Whipped Cream, and Colorful Sprinkles (Non-Alcoholic) – $6.49, $14.99 with Bailey’s Irish Cream ($29/bottle)
Nice for a hot day, this option is great for guests looking for a strong coffee. There’s a hint of sweetness, but the Shakin’ Jamaican cold brew is the star. We rate it at 4 out of 7.
The addition of Bailey’s Irish Cream takes this cold brew up a notch. We prefer it to the non-alcoholic version. This one gets a rating of 5 out of 7 from us.
The Canada Pavilion Joffrey’s kiosk is located just outside of the gate leading to World Showplace, between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions. You can find it at number 20 on the map below.
Near Disney Traders
Brushstroke Berry Bliss: A vibrant combination of Frozen Lemon, Minute Maid® Lemonade, Raspberry Syrup and Iced Tea garnished with Lemon (Non-Alcoholic) – $6.49, $14.99 with Grey Goose Vodka ($25/bottle)
We chose the alcoholic option, which is a refreshing frozen drink perfect for a hot day. You get the sweet lemonade flavor up front, and the raspberry and iced tea flavors on the back end. It masks the alcohol well, but if you want to taste the vodka, get the double. Overall, we would recommend it, with a rating of 6 out of 7.
The World Showcase Plaza Joffrey’s kiosk is located just as you enter World Showcase, near Disney Traders. You can find it at number 7 on the map below.
World Discovery
Pistachio Palette Cold Brew: A flavorful masterpiece featuring Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, Pistachio Syrup and Milk, topped with Whipped Cream and Colorful Sprinkles (Non-Alcoholic) – $6.49, $14.99 with Bailey’s Irish Cream ($29/bottle)
A Joffrey’s cold brew always hits the spot at a Disney Park, and the Pistachio Palette Cold Brew is no exception. The pistachio flavor is very subtle and comes through more on the back end, so if you enjoy the shaken Jamaican blend, don’t worry — that signature taste is still there.
Overall, we think this is a very mild choice from everything on the menu for Festival of the Arts. We wouldn’t recommend grabbing it over the typical cold brew, as it isn’t much different and there are cheaper options that taste just as good. We do think this would be better with the alcohol option of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur added, though we would guess that would neutralize the pistachio flavor entirely. We would rate it a 4.2 out of 7.
The World Discovery Joffrey’s kiosk is located near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE. You can find it at number 2 on the map below.
Swirled Showcase
Cupcake Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone – $6.50
While we wouldn’t place this flavor as quite as intense as birthday cake-flavored, ice cream, the cupcake soft-serve is tasty. There are chunks of cake inside that add to the deliciousness. We rate it a 6 out of 7.
Strawberry Fanta Float with Cupcake Soft-serve – $6.75
The cupcake soft-serve is good on its own, but the Strawberry Fanta makes it even better. The kick of strawberry is so good that we suggest passing on the solo soft-serve in a cone and opting for this combination instead. We’d rate it a 7 out of 7.
Swirled Showcase is located between the Canada Pavilion and Port of Entry. You can find it at number 24 on the map above.
Funnel Cake
Crazy Chocolate Funnel Cake Sandwich: Mini Funnel Cake Sandwich with Vanilla Ice Cream, Rainbow Whipped Cream, Strawberry Sauce, Powdered Sugar and Sprinkles – $12
Funnel cakes are a constant Festival of the Arts highlight, and this one is no different. In fact, this just may be the best funnel cake they’ve ever done. The chocolate dough gives us a breakfast cereal taste, and it’s softer than usual, which we really like.
The whipped cream, mixed with the strawberry sauce, and the crunch of the sprinkles all work well together. This is a must-get, for sure. We give it a perfect rating of 7 out of 7.
The Funnel Cake kiosk is located on World Showcase Promenade between The American Adventure and the Japan Pavilion. You can find it at number 15 on the map below.
Video Review
Map of 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Locations
The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is being held from January 12 to February 19.
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