A New Festival? Say Whhhhaaaaattttt?? by Erika
Happy New Year Main Streeters! 2017 is full of promise and new experiences headed to Walt Disney World. The one I’ll cover today, I am most excited about because it combines art, food, and performances. Before you start thinking that I’m talking about festivals that you already may know of, I’ll stop you right there and proudly proclaim that I’m talking about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Never heard of it right?! Because its brand spanking new! This addition to the festival line up at Epcot debuts Jan. 13 – Feb. 20.
Although the official the Disney Parks blog hasn’t released a lot information about this new festival, what we can gather is that many famous Disney artists, chefs, and performers will be coming together at Epcot to create a most unique atmosphere for guests. What’s most appealing is the promise that every weekend that the festival is going on, you will be able to enjoy different experiences with brand new art being unveiled each week. This new festival is worth checking out if you have always been fascinated by the artistry of classic and contemporary Disney masterpieces. To date, we know that Mary Blair will bring art of the historical nature, Herb Ryman will show his art of Epcot, and Joe Kaminski as well as Costa Alavezos have current or contemporary Disney art to display.
I’m personally hoping that the new artwork to be unveiled comes from the likes of these super talented people; Steve Adams, Dave Avanzino, David Bird, Britni Brault, Brian Crosby, Jeremy Fulton, Brian Kesinger, Daniel Killen, Bridget McCarty, Miss Mindy, Mike Peraza, Javier Soto and Yakovetic. Many of whom have produced artwork to commemorate my favorite Disney experience; the Haunted Mansion. From what we also know, the artists will be on-hand creating artwork at the park; maybe a few meet and greets would also make my most haunted mansion art dreams come true.
Aside from the focus of art, this inaugural festival will also tickle the taste buds and rattle the eardrums. Small plated delicacies await when the festival kicks off, some of which Disney writers hail to be “creations that look almost too good to eat”. When you put it that way, my first stops as I go once around the World Showcase will most definitely be the Food Studios, second go around; the art. However, between the food and the art, anyone who has a love for Disney on Broadway can’t afford to miss the line-up of Broadway talent.
Jan 13-16 and 20-23: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland
Jan. 27-30 and Feb. 3-6: Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey
Feb. 10-13 and 17-20: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White
Many of these performers have been on tour taking part in one or more of the casts of Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, the Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies, and Aida. Fun fact, Josh Strickland was the original Tarzan when the play debuted, and he has a most impressive Broadway resume, as do many of the talent featured.
With this new festival happening in the “cooler” months of Florida weather, would you make the trek to Epcot to check it out? Let us know!
Erika is excited to be on the TMSM team and where Disney Parks are concerned, you won’t catch her dead on It’s a Small World. If she asks to ride that, this is a clear indication that she is in danger and you must send help. You will, however, catch her performing Random Acts of Disney (R.A.D’s), park hopping with her amazing group of impressively talented and kind friends (usually in some themed attire), hanging out by The Haunted Mansion, and ugly crying during fireworks… then begging for a Mickey Premium Bar to eat her feelings…this is a judgment-free bio.
Otherwise, Erika works for the State of Florida and is actively involved in her community. Erika believes in empowering others and spreading kindness to people from all walks of life. Erika also makes custom designed Disney inspired ears, etched glass, gifts, and accessories. You can check out, like or follow her work on FB, which also links to my shop’s Instagram: www.facebook.com/imagineering.emporium. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and sharing the magic of Disney!
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