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—that’s exactly what the Once Upon A Stage exhibit promises. This isn’t just a repeat of last year’s show; it’s a refreshed and reimagined experience, building on the success of its 2025 debut (https://wdwnt.com/2025/01/communicore-hall-disney-on-broadway-exhibit-fota/). Housed inside the iconic CommuniCore Hall, this exhibit is a treasure trove for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being part of Disney’s theatrical universe.
But here’s where it gets even more captivating—the exhibit doesn’t just display costumes and props; it tells a story. Authentic pieces from blockbuster productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast are showcased alongside behind-the-scenes glimpses that reveal the artistry behind the magic. Picture this: a wall lined with costumes from Hercules, Newsies, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen, each one a testament to the creativity that brings these characters to life. And yes, some of these outfits were fan favorites from last year, but seeing them up close never gets old.
And this is the part most people miss—the intricate details that make Disney’s stage productions so unforgettable. Take the life-size Sven puppet from Frozen, for example. Did you know it’s operated by an actor inside a 50-pound masterpiece of engineering? Or the wheeled mechanism that brings a herd of galloping gazelles to life in The Lion King? It’s these small wonders that make the exhibit a must-see. Speaking of The Lion King, the exhibit features a stunning display of costumes and puppets set against a sunrise backdrop, with Mufasa, Scar, and young Simba taking center stage in their iconic lion masks.
Beauty and the Beast fans will swoon over the collection of Belle’s dresses, including her famous yellow ballgown and the Beast’s regal blue velvet suit. There’s even a photo op with the Enchanted Rose in front of a West Wing-inspired backdrop—perfect for your Instagram feed. But here’s where it gets controversial—one corner of the exhibit is dedicated to a Broadway wig shop, showcasing dozens of wigs from various productions. It’s a fascinating look at how hair design plays a starring role in character transformation, but it also raises the question: how much do these details really matter to the average viewer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 to February 23, 2026, giving you plenty of time to explore. Don’t forget to grab the festival passport (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/festival-passport-epcot-festival-of-the-arts-2026/), check out the exclusive Figment merchandise (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/full-list-figment-merchandise-epcot-festival-of-the-arts-2026/), and snag Annual Passholder-only items (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/annual-passholder-exclusive-merchandise-epcot-festival-of-the-arts-2026/). Whether you’re a Disney die-hard or a casual fan, this exhibit is sure to spark your imagination.
So, will you be visiting Once Upon A Stage? Share your plans on social media and let the world know! For the latest updates on all things Disney Parks, follow WDW News Today on Twitter (https://twitter.com/wdwnt), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WDWNewsToday/), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wdwnt/). But before you go, here’s a thought to ponder—as Disney continues to blend its theme park and Broadway worlds, are we losing the uniqueness of each experience, or are we gaining something even more magical? Let the debate begin!
