Why hello there Felicia, and a wonderful welcome to planDisney!
I've got a special spot in my heart for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, especially since it was one of the first exciting things I was selected to spotlight to kick off the year and my time as a planDisney panelist!
I highly recommend watching our episode of the planDisney Podcast dedicated to everything folks and families would find at the festival! Part of what I discussed on camera alongside fellow
Disney Fine Art connoisseur Aena and our
incredibly talented host Amiyrah included the things that guests could purchase while they wandered the artist booths and galleries around EPCOT, so here's what I'd recommend for you to keep a keen artful eye out for:
- If you're interested in having artwork shipped home, I've observed that a significant amount of extra care is taken with your purchases whether it's a beautiful canvas worth thousands or even a print to display. It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on the Disney Parks Blog where you'll not only find planDisney Panelists with our tips and content but also a glimpse of what you might find, like the ever-popular Festival Merchandise featuring Figment if your grandparents are fellow fans of our mischievous imaginary dragon. (One of my earliest memories as a planDisney Panelist was documenting that wild line of guests winding through EPCOT as folks waited for hours for a Figment popcorn bucket of their own - luckily a Mobile Ordering system has since been in place more recently!)
- I personally like to keep an eye out for some rarer pieces of art featuring things that you might not normally see around Walt Disney World Resort, like a popular print that featured Kingdom Hearts last year! With the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts typically taking place around Valentine's Day, it's also nice to look out for romantic pieces (that might inspire folks of any age to kiss and stuff); think of classic Disney couples from films that date back to your grandparents' era. It's a good idea to consider whether they'd appreciate some massive wall art of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, or something easier to pack as small as a Lady and the Tramp stamp. Grannies and Grandfathers alike have certainly been known to appreciate mementos that come with a story to share, so in my opinion I'd take a stroll and find things that remind you of them!
Don't forget to check out this year's
Disney Eats Foodie Guide ahead of your visit, just so you can plan out the treats to try - and I'm personally hoping for some great pineapple snacks this year in honor of my favorite voyager.
I hope you find some great treasures as you embark on this art-filled adventure!
Prince