There’s plenty of buzz around the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a lively way to spend a weekend (Fridays through Mondays) around beautiful World Showcase Promenade and in Future World at Epcot.
This festival is for all ages, and guests are getting a real kick out of the ingenious “immersive photo stops” featuring famous paintings that let you step in and play a part: scream along with Edvard Munch (in his famous “The Scream”), cross the Delaware River with Gen. George Washington (via a rendition of artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s painting), or join in artist Claude Monet’s “Garden Picnic.” Now that’s a clever souvenir!
Returning this weekend to the America Gardens Theatre are Broadway superstars Kerry Butler (who played Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan” on Broadway) – lighting up the outdoor stage with songs from Disney’s “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Newsies” and “Tarzan.”
If you want to try your hand at animation, head to the Animation Academy in Innoventions East for a free, fun and informative drawing class with a Disney artist.
And if you prefer a shorter gig with a paintbrush, spend a little time at the giant color-by-number wall murals each weekend near Showcase Plaza – lots of guests join the fun to create this communal masterpiece as they begin their circle around World Showcase Promenade.
For little ones, the Kidcot Fun Stops encourage artistry with short projects to take home. Or the whole family can join in the art-filled scavenger hunt, “Figment’s Brush with the Masters,” featuring that adorable purple dragon in famous works of art. Purchase a scavenger hunt map at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler shops.
A little more serious are the origami and anime drawing classes from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Garden Deck in the Japan Pavilion.
There’s plenty more – check out the interactive workshops and seminars at Disneyworld.com/artfulepcot. And while you’re immersed in all the fun, make sure to save time to see the amazing live performance artists in Future World at the Fountain Stage, as well as the Living Statues, performing throughout the day. (Watch closely, you might get a little wave!) Check the Times Guide for performance times!
