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Credit: Inside the MagicEPCOT fans have noticed a strange rhythm for years—periods of vibrant excitement followed by moments where the park feels a little too quiet. While the big-name festivals bring in the crowds, the time between them often feels like EPCOT hit the pause button.
And after plenty of guest feedback and subtle hints, Disney has finally responded.
EPCOT’s Festival Lineup Keeps Guests Coming Back
One of the biggest reasons people love EPCOT is the park’s unmatched festival schedule. It’s four seasons of food, art, music, and holiday fun:
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International Festival of the Arts – Celebrates creativity every winter
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Flower & Garden Festival – Transforms the park into a colorful botanical escape each spring
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Food & Wine Festival – Brings global flavors and drinks to the spotlight each fall
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Festival of the Holidays – Closes the year with traditions, treats, and festive holiday cheer
These events aren’t just about eating your way around the World Showcase. They offer live concerts, unique merchandise, themed decor, and activities that change EPCOT’s atmosphere entirely. The park is bursting with energy when a festival is in full swing.
Fan-Favorite Attractions Still Deliver the Magic
Of course, festivals aren’t the only thing EPCOT has going for it. Attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After continue to bring long wait times—and even longer fan devotion.
More laid-back rides like Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land, and Spaceship Earth offer nostalgic charm and family-friendly fun. And at night, Luminous: The Symphony of Us lights up the lagoon with a dazzling nighttime spectacular.
Still, something was off during the downtime between festivals. The food booths were closed. Live entertainment was limited. And the vibe? A little too quiet for a park known for its pulse.
The Long-Awaited Change Arrives
This update matters because Disney has reintroduced magic between festivals, and it’s not just a one-off trial. Guests visiting EPCOT during non-festival periods will now find surprise pop-up performances and seasonal decor that keeps the park feeling alive.
Even when a festival isn’t running, select food booths are now open around World Showcase. These booths serve fan-favorite items from previous festivals, giving you a little taste of festival flavor year-round. For example, you might stumble upon a booth serving snacks from Food & Wine or a treat from Festival of the Arts—without the full event underway.
Rather than letting the atmosphere dip between major events, Disney keeps the momentum going with mini-experiences. Think of it like a light version of a festival—just enough to add energy and magic without overwhelming the calendar.
A Win for the Guest Experience
This move is precisely what fans have been asking for. EPCOT now feels more consistent throughout the year, with fewer “lulls” and more reasons to explore every inch of the park, no matter when you visit.
It’s a smart way to extend the magic while offering more value for parkgoers. Disney didn’t need to reinvent anything—they just needed to keep the celebration going. And now they have.
EPCOT Feels More Alive Than Ever
EPCOT has always been a fan favorite, especially during festival season. But now, thanks to this long-awaited change, the park is getting a little more love in between. With Disney officially bringing back magic between the festivals, guests can look forward to a vibrant, flavorful, and fun park every day of the year.