Epcot International Arts Festival is back at Walt Disney World. The event has many of the same artistic attractions as previous years, but during the opening weekend we spotted some tweaks and updates throughout the rounds.
Here are some highlights from the festival, which will be held daily at the theme park until February 23rd.
living room large lamp
There’s something new, big and shiny outside the entrance to the “Once Upon a Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway” exhibition. And people are rubbing it in hopes of making a wish.
It’s a big golden lamp in the style of “Aladdin.” The sign says it is 14 feet tall, weighs 1,200 pounds, and once sat in the marquee of the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City. It was produced as a project to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the stage play.
“This is an exact replica of the prop used in the show, right down to the intricate pattern carvings,” the sign reads.
Among the exhibits showing alternate floor plans for Communico Hall, standout items would be Belle’s three vibrant ball gowns from “Beauty and the Beast” and a collection of dolls/outfits from “The Lion King.”
The space also includes demonstrations showing how behind-the-scenes elements such as lighting effects and cues are realized on stage.
Play their cards, right?
Sure enough, visitors are participating in the collectible card game Disney Lorcana across the park. Epcot Fest incorporated it into a treasure hunt format, with players also gathering at the Illuminers Lounge, now housed in a former restaurant behind the Morocco Pavilion.
A scene from the game was transformed into one of the fest’s artistic photo shoots. Located on the bridge to World Showcase, the new set features Mickey (the brave, kissing Little Prince) and Minnie (the sweetheart princess) on their merry-go-round horses, a look from the iconic Fabled collection.
Unsurprisingly, the line to receive a scavenger hunt prize inside Odyssey was longer than the line to receive a Figment popcorn container.
dragon show
There’s no need to feel bad about Figment. Dragons appear throughout Epcot and even appear on souvenir products such as apparel, backpacks, and liquor bottles.
His popcorn bucket features his figment as an artist. Things like berets, big poofy ties, and paint brushes with rainbow-colored popcorn on them.
To be fair, the lines are shorter than they were in the early days of the fest, since you can now order from the My Disney Experience app without having to wait in line. The price is $29.
eye-catching food
Popular foods around the lagoon include popcorn, popcorn chicken, and waffles at Figment’s Inspiration Station (very colorful and great for hand-held photos), dark chocolate torte at American Adventure’s Artist Table (so warm and comforting on a cold day), and roasted bone marrow (it’s boney) sold at Gourmet Landscape in the Canada Pavilion.
Another development: all festival kiosks now offer cashless purchases. It’s a trend that’s percolating throughout Walt Disney World and other dining establishments. Visitors who don’t want to repeatedly swipe their credit or debit card can choose to purchase via a Disney gift card.
Selected voice
The Disney on Broadway concert series features three performances each day. The schedule includes “Aladdin” stars Adam Jacobs and Isabel McCullough (January 22, 24, 26 and 27), as well as Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”) on January 21, 23, 25, 28 and 29.
Showtimes are 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm at America Gardens Theatre.
The festival is included in regular Epcot admission, and food is also available for purchase.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
