A major art installation at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts vanished after just five days, eliminating a showcase of Walt Disney Imagineering concept art that was supposed to run through the entire month-long event. The “Drawing on Inspiration” display was removed from World Celebration with no indication that it will return before the festival concludes on February 23, 2026.
Installation Lasted Less Than a Week
WDWNT reported on Wednesday that the Walt Disney Imagineering concept art display had already been removed from EPCOT despite being installed specifically for the International Festival of the Arts. The “Drawing on Inspiration” exhibit occupied the breezeway between Club Cool and Creations Shop in World Celebration.
The display featured floor-to-ceiling decals showcasing concept art created by Walt Disney Imagineers for various theme park projects. Artwork depicted The Beak & Barrel, Indiana Jones Adventure, Avatar Flight of Passage, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the Tree of Life, the Norway World Showcase Pavilion, and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Each piece was labeled with the Disney artist's name who created the original sketch.
The installation went up on January 13—three days before the festival officially opened on January 16. It was gone by January 21, lasting less than one week.
Damage May Have Forced Early Removal
Disney Park guests reported the display showed significant deterioration just days after installation. The decals began peeling and exhibiting damage almost immediately after the festival started. X (formerly known as Twitter) user @DisneyStarr8 said:
Yesterdau the banners were peeling off. 🤦♀️😬
Yesterdau the banners were peeling off. 🤦♀️😬
— Disney Starr Manning❤️🏰🎆🐭🧚💫 (@DisneyStarr8) January 21, 2026
The rapid deterioration suggests installation issues or material failure caused the premature removal. Walt Disney World Resort hasn't indicated whether the “Drawing on Inspiration” display will be repaired and reinstalled before the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts ends on February 23.
The “Drawing on Inspiration” exhibit opened with this introduction:
“Once Upon a Sketch
When Walt Disney Imagineers begin dreaming up a new attraction, land, or experience, they often start with a sketch-a quick, simple drawing that captures the heart of what they hope to create.
Over time, these sketches will evolve into detailed concept art, intricate character studies, and fine-tuned architectural blueprints. But the sketch is the first point of origin-the one little spark, that starts the creative process.
This exhibit showcases sketches by current Imagineers who were inspired by the many wonders found throughout Disney Parks. May these little flights of fancy fan the flames of your own imagination-and help you notice how tiny details can come together to make something magical.”
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Continues Through February
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 to February 23, 2026, despite losing the Imagineering display. The event continues offering artists selling merchandise around the park, limited-time food and beverage options, and live performances, including the Disney on Broadway concert series.
Remaining experiences include Animation Academy, Once Upon a Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway display, Disney Lorcana stations, chalk art, and Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural. A Figment scavenger hunt is available for purchase, rewarding guests who find the purple dragon hidden around World Showcase.
Have you attended the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts this year? Share your favorite parts of the experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
The “ARTS” festival needs tro be cancelled in-total. It used to be artists who made their own “arts”, but evolved into a commercially available listing of art or arts. WHO NEEDS “ART” they can buy almost anywhere at cheaper prices? If WDW only used orignial artworks, I would be very happy, but we do not attend to view things we canbut at Walmart. GOOD RIDDENCE>