Disney just announced that Tony Baxter is appearing at the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and if you’re a serious Disney fan, this is absolutely massive news. Tony Baxter is a Disney Legend and former Imagineer who spent 47 years creating some of the most iconic attractions in Disney park history. This is the kind of opportunity people dream about because you rarely get to meet the actual people who designed and built the rides you’ve loved your entire life.
Here’s When You Can Meet Him in EPCOT
Tony Baxter will be at the Disney Fine Art booth on the World Showcase bridge near Disney Traders. The dates and times are:
- January 22-25, 2026
- Daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Daily from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Those time windows give you multiple chances each day, but let’s be real, lines are going to be insane. This is Tony Baxter we’re talking about. Disney fans who are familiar with their park history will be lining up early to meet him.
What You Can Get Signed
The Disney Fine Art booth will have artwork available for purchase including:
- “Tyrolean Fantasy” inspired by Pinocchio
- “Steps of St. Paul’s” inspired by Mary Poppins
You can buy these pieces and get them signed by Baxter himself. Disney Fine Art also teased something special, saying guests should keep their eyes open in the booth because there might be “a little extra Disney art magic, we promise is real (and not just a ‘Figment’ of your imagination).” That Figment reference is perfect because Baxter oversaw the creation of Journey Into Imagination, featuring Figment, at EPCOT.
Why Tony Baxter Is a Huge Deal
If you don’t know who Tony Baxter is or why this appearance matters so much, here’s what you need to understand. Tony Baxter worked with Walt Disney Imagineering for 47 years. He eventually became senior vice president of creative development. That’s not just some random title. That means he was one of the top creative leaders responsible for designing and building Disney attractions.
His resume includes attractions that literally define the Disney parks experience:
Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Created the beloved purple dragon character who became an EPCOT icon. The original attraction celebrated creativity and imagination in ways that resonated with generations of guests.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Oversaw this runaway mine train coaster that became signature attraction at multiple Disney parks worldwide. It’s one of those rides that’s essential Disney experience.
Splash Mountain – Directed this major log flume attraction that operated for decades as one of the most popular rides before its recent transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Indiana Jones Adventure – Brought the action and excitement of the Indiana Jones films to Disneyland with immersive ride experience that still impresses guests today.
Star Tours – Introduced Star Wars to Disney parks years before Galaxy’s Edge and the current massive Star Wars integration across the resort.
Beyond individual attractions, Tony Baxter served as executive producer of Disneyland Paris. That means he oversaw the creative development of an entire resort, bringing Disney to Europe. His influence spans continents and decades, shaping how Disney approaches theme park storytelling.
The Recognition He’s Received
Disney named Tony Baxter a Disney Legend in 2013. That’s the company’s highest honor for people who made extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company. It’s not something they give out casually. You have to genuinely shape the company’s legacy to receive that recognition.
He also received a THEA Award for lifetime achievement from the Themed Entertainment Association. That’s recognition from industry peers acknowledging his massive influence on themed entertainment worldwide.
Even after retiring in 2016 Disney consulted with him on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2020. The fact that they brought him back years after retirement shows how much they value his expertise and creative vision.
Why Meeting Him at EPCOT Matters
For Disney fans meeting an Imagineer is bucket list experience. These are the people behind the curtain making the magic happen. They design the attractions, develop the stories, solve the technical problems, and create the experiences that become core memories for millions of people.
Meeting Tony Baxter is even more significant because his work spans so many beloved attractions over an extended period. If you grew up riding Big Thunder Mountain or fell in love with Figment at EPCOT, you can meet the person responsible for creating those experiences. Guests can tell him what his work meant to them. You can ask questions about the creative process. You can get artwork signed, creating a personal connection to Disney history.
The EPCOT Festival Context
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs January 16 through February 23. The festival celebrates visual arts, culinary creations, and performing arts throughout EPCOT. Dozens of artists appear at various locations around World Showcase and near the main entrance.
Tony Baxter’s appearance is the headline for Disney park history enthusiasts, but there are other notable guests, too. Voice actor Bret Iwan, who voices Mickey Mouse, will appear. Paige O’Hara, the original voice of Belle, is coming. Painters and artists work in various media throughout the festival.
Get to EPCOT Early
If meeting Tony Baxter is a priority for your EPCOT visit, plan accordingly. Arrive early during his scheduled times. Bring items you want signed, whether you buy them at the booth or bring personal collection pieces. Prepare questions or comments about his work to make the interaction meaningful, rather than rushing through for a signature.
The World Showcase bridge location is easy to find whether you enter from the main gate or walk around World Showcase. It’s central spot that you can build your festival day around while exploring everything else the event offers.
Meeting Tony Baxter at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is an opportunity that serious Disney fans absolutely cannot miss.
