First look: Epcot arts fest’s big lamp, flurry of Figment
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts has burst back onto the scene at Walt Disney World. The event has many of the same artsy attractions as in previous years, but on opening weekend we spotted tweaks and updates whilst making the rounds.
Here are a few things to look for at the festival, which runs daily at the theme park through Feb. 23.
Living large lamp
There’s something new and big and shiny outside one of the entrances to Once Upon a Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway exhibit. And folks are rubbing it in anticipation of wishes.
It’s a large, golden lamp a la “Aladdin.” The sign says it’s 14 feet tall, weighs 1,200 pounds and once sat on the marquee of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. It was made as part of the stage show’s 10th anniversary.
“It is an exact replica of the small prop used in the show, all the way down to the intricate pattern carvings,” the sign reads.
Inside the exhibit, which demonstrates another floor plan for CommuniCore Hall, the standout items may be three bright ball gowns for Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” and a collection of puppet/costumes for “The Lion King.”
The space also now includes some demonstrations of how behind the scenes elements – such as lighting effects and queues – are pulled off on stage.
Playing their cards, right?
Sure enough, visitors are participating in Disney Lorcana, the collectible card game, across the park. The Epcot fest has incorporated it into a form of scavenger hunt, and players also gathered in the Illumineer’s Lounge, now set up in a former restaurant in the rear of the Morocco pavilion.
A scene from the game has been converted into one of the fest’s Artful Photo Ops. The new set, located on the bridge to World Showcase, shows Mickey (brave – and kissed – little prince), and Minnie (as sweetheart princess) on carousel horses, a look from iconic “Fabled” collection.
For what it’s worth, the line to claim scavenger hunt prizes inside Odyssey was longer than the Figment popcorn container pick-up queue.
Dragon show
Not that you should feel bad for Figment. The dragon dude is everywhere at Epcot and all over the souvenir merchandise, including apparel, backpacks and drinking vessels.
His popcorn bucket features Figment as an artist: beret, big poofy tie, paint brushes with rainbow colored popcorn.
To be fair, the line is shorter than in the early fest days as it can now be ordered through the My Disney Experience app instead of queuing up. The price is $29.
Eye-catching eats
Buzzy foods around the lagoon include the popcorn and popcorn chicken and waffles from Figment’s Inspiration Station (very colorful, great in-hand photo op), dark chocolate torte (from Artist’s Table at American Adventure (so warm and comforting on a cool day) and roasted bone marrow sold at Gourmet Landscapes at Canada pavilion (it’s big boned).
Another development: all festival kiosks are cashless purchases now. This is a trend that has been seeping across Walt Disney World and other eateries. Visitors who don’t want to make multiple swipes on credit or debit cards can opt for purchases via Disney gift cards.
Choice voices
The Disney on Broadway concert series continues with three performances daily. Coming up on the schedule are “Aladdin” stars Adam Jacobs and Isabelle McCalla (Jan. 22, 24, 26, 27) plus Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”) on Jan. 21, 23, 25, 28, 29).
Showtimes are 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
The festival is included with regular Epcot admission, with food available for purchase.