The Epcot International Festival of the Arts features a new Broadway exhibit showcasing Disney’s theatrical magic and culinary delights.
A cool new addition this year is “Once Upon a Stage: Celebrating 30 Years of Disney on Broadway.” It’s a walk-through exhibit located in the new CommuniCore Hall at Epcot. You can check out costumes, set models, and some behind-the-scenes goodies from Disney’s stage shows.
Michael James Scott, who plays Genie in “Aladdin” on Broadway, shared how exciting it is to bring this experience to Orlando. He said it’s a great way to connect more people with the Disney on Broadway community.
Scott also talked about the amazing details in the costumes. He mentioned how his costume is made to fit him perfectly, with every little snap and hook crafted with care. It’s all about the intricate details that you can see up close.
Speaking of details, he revealed that one of the ensemble pants for “Friend Like Me” has around 1,500 Swarovski crystals! The exhibit also showcases costume sketches, including one for Elsa’s gown from “Frozen,” and puppetry from “The Lion King.”
Scott finds it mind-blowing to see a scaled model of a set come to life. He believes it’s a great way to peel back the curtain and learn about the magic behind Disney on Broadway shows.
He’ll also be performing in the concert series tied to the festival on several dates in February, which he finds meaningful as a Floridian. He loves the intimate vibe of performing in a theme park without all the glitz and glamour.
There are plenty of other highlights at the festival too. It kicks off with performances from Patti Murin and John Riddle from “Frozen,” along with other talented artists throughout the event.
Showtimes are set for 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily, and the concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.
New attractions include a “Moana”-themed photo op and a group paint-by-numbers mural. Plus, there’s a Figment scavenger hunt and a new Figment popcorn bucket that’s super cute!
Foodies will love the two new Food Studio kiosks and a variety of new food and drink options scattered around the park. Some standout items include a soft-shell crab slider and bubble gum soft serve.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs from January 17 to February 24, followed by the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival starting March 5.
