Under a cloudless sky, the vibrant colors that accentuate the sentiment behind the annual Epcot international Festival of the Arts come alive. During these few short weeks, the Disney park brings together three artistic pillars, music, food, and visual arts. For the artists that create these captivating pieces, a sense of community collective makes the experience even more memorable.
Disney fans are a loyal group. It is more than knowing the best theme park hacks or being able to quote movie lines on demand. They nurture a special connection to the spirit of the stories and their characters.
Visual arts can capture a nuance that sometimes goes unnoticed. Similar to a special ingredient in a food dish that elevates the flavor, a new interpretation of a familiar character can spark the imagination. The artists at the annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts epitomize that sentiment.
Ahead of the start of the Disney festival, Aaron Babcock, Merchandise Manager – Fine Art graciously took some time to discuss the art and artists featured at this year’s event. As guests rediscover their favorites, some of this year’s offerings have new approaches to capturing those familiar characters.
While some people might happily spend hours strolling the halls of the nation’s museums, others can feel intimated by those austere structures. During the Epcot Festival of the Arts, the barrier to entry is dismissed and everyone is welcomed at their own level.
As Babcock explained about Disney and its events, “our strength is our storytelling. All the guests understand who we are. They are familiar with our story and characters. It relatable and many have their own memories with what they are seeing.”
“Also, the guests are allowed to get close to the art and get personal with it. The artists are there to talk to you. They can share why they painted, what they love about it. The guests get involved. It is something that may not happen at a gallery or museum.”
That interactive element is key to making art approachable and appreciating it as a community. Even the festival’s physical layout encourages those conversations.
Babcock shared, “last year was the first time that we concentrated the artists in a couple of areas. The feedback we got from both the guests and artists was loud and clear. They all loved being close together and interacting with each other.”
“This year when we were mapping out the event, we made sure to have those collective spots. We were able to concentrate a large serving of happiness in one spot.”
As seen at the Festival, those areas are large congregating points. It is more than the person looking to add to their collection, it is the conversations had in and around the space that creates a sense of community. Even if it is just a fleeting comment, it can spark that creativity and imagination that will linger for a long time to come.
When Babcock speaks with guests, the guest and artist interaction is a key factor in how the festival is curated. He said, “how the artists are relating to guests both on a personal level and with their art is important. I can’t tell you how many conversations that I have had with guests who come back every year to get a photo with their favorite artist.”
“There is the whole interaction, and it is probably an element that's not really talked much about. It is why the festival is so successful because of the connectivity and the connection that's made. That is another Disney strength of connecting to the people.”
This year’s offerings have a wide range of artistic styles and interpretations. From two artists collaborating on Frozen characters to a stunning depiction of the Notre Dame Cathedral, there are many exciting, innovative, and unique visuals that will get guests to think and react. At the heart of any artistic expression is that it provokes a reaction.
Even though the nightly Disney on Broadway concerts fill the stage with sweeping ballads and the culinary arts tempt with their delicious flavors, it is the visual arts that strike a chord emotionally, intellectually, and personally. One spark ignites the imagination and that dream can soar forever.
2025 Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs now through February 24, 2025. More information on theme park reservations, artists on display, culinary offerings, and more events can be found on the Disney Parks website.