Walt Disney World’s best and most underrated festival is going on right now at Epcot. Disney Parks’ International Festival of the Arts happens at the start of the year and showcases amazing artists debuting Disney-inspired art—and it’s truly any fandom print collector’s dream destination.
This year, artists like Tim Rogerson, Fenway Fan, Lewis Whitman, and so many more are on hand to sign their work in a true celebration of Disney’s legacy of characters. There’s Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney princesses and villains, with 2oth Century Studios’ Anastasia joining the line up for the first time.
Expect to drop a lot of coin, and to do it fast, because the pieces can sell out very quickly. And although some will later become available at Disney Galleries and Wonderground locations at both Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, the collections can be limited. At the International Festival of the Arts you get first dibs, which is the advantage. I was finally able to get a Beauty and the Beast stained glass piece by Ashley Taylor and a canvas of Define Dancing with Wall-E and Eve by Morgan Ditta, two of my favorite featured artists.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is a haven for artists and fans. What really stands out are the interactions between animation lovers and artists, something that D23 Expos have been lacking—here, there’s less corporate movie pitching to audiences and more participatory artistic expression. There’s stations where you can become art and make art with other park goers. And if you’re a foodie, definitely check out the inspired culinary curations that look like art but are still yummy; I favored the sushi donut and recommend ordering two because those lines can get long. And finally, the construction walls are coming down as Moana: Journey of Water and the World Celebration Gardens with the Walt the Dreamer statue have opened.
Check out the gallery for a look at the art (and other elements) at the festival, which is running through February 19.
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