Get ready to be whisked away into the enchanting world of Disney on Broadway, because the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in 2026 is pulling back the curtain on something truly special. Imagine stepping into a world where the magic of your favorite Disney stage shows comes alive right before your eyes. This isn’t just any exhibit—it’s Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway, a dazzling showcase that’s back by popular demand after its debut in 2025, now with even more to explore inside the iconic CommuniCore Hall. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this year’s version is bigger, bolder, and packed with authentic props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes secrets that will leave you in awe.
From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a treasure trove of memorabilia from beloved productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. Picture this: a wall lined with costumes from Hercules, Newsies, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen, each one telling a story of its own. And this is the part most people miss—next to the Frozen display stands a life-size Sven puppet, the intricate 50-pound masterpiece that brings Kristoff’s reindeer pal to life on stage. It’s a detail that reminds you just how much craftsmanship goes into every Disney production.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some fans adore seeing the same costumes from last year, others wonder if the exhibit could introduce more fresh pieces to keep things exciting. What do you think? Should Disney rotate the displays more frequently, or is there something special about seeing these iconic outfits year after year?
Moving deeper into the exhibit, you’ll find a stunning row of The Lion King costumes and puppets set against a breathtaking sunrise backdrop. Ever wondered how those galloping gazelles come to life? A clever wheeled mechanism does the trick, and you can see both the full-size prop and a miniature model up close. In the center of the room, Mufasa, Scar, and young Simba stand proudly, their lion masks a testament to the artistry behind the show. And let’s not forget Beauty and the Beast—Belle’s iconic yellow ballgown, the Beast’s regal blue velvet suit, and even her pink and blue village dresses are all on display, each one a piece of Broadway history.
One of the most Instagram-worthy spots? A photo op with the Enchanted Rose prop in front of a West Wing-inspired backdrop. But that’s not all—in another corner, a Broadway wig shop comes to life, showcasing dozens of wigs from various productions. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the transformation process that actors undergo for their roles.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 to February 23, 2026, giving you plenty of time to explore this exhibit and more. Don’t forget to grab your festival passport, check out the exclusive Figment and Annual Passholder merchandise, and share your experience on social media. Will you be visiting Once Upon A Stage? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
And before you go, here’s a thought to ponder: As Disney continues to blend its theme parks with Broadway magic, are we seeing the future of immersive entertainment? Or is there something irreplaceable about the traditional theater experience? Let’s spark a conversation—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
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