The Drawing on Inspiration display at this year's Festival of the Arts at EPCOT celebrates the art of theme park concept art. This exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how Walt Disney Imagineers use sketches and drawings to dream up new attractions, lands, and experiences.
Located in the breezeway between World Celebration and World Discovery, near Club Cool and Creations Shop, the display explains that concept art is the very beginning of the creative process for any new Disney project.
When Walt Disney Imagineers begin dreaming up a new attraction, land, or experience, they often start with a simple 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.
Featured Sketches from Imagineers
The exhibit includes a variety of sketches from different Imagineers, each highlighting the initial creative steps behind beloved Disney attractions.
- Todd Bright, Concept Designer for Magic Kingdom’s Beak and Barrel, contributed a sketch centered on Peg Leg Pete, surrounded by character and architectural details that bring the bar to life.
- Caroline Gendron, Concept Design Intern, created concept art for Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, depicting rockwork, plants, ride vehicles, and detailed sketches of Na’vi characters.
- Ethan Salmon, Concept Artist for Disneyland Park’s Indiana Jones Adventure, provided sketches including the Gates of Doom, a film projector, the boulder trap, and ride vehicles.
- Sarah Conner, Concept Design Intern for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, sketched images of Batuu, featuring artwork of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, ride vehicles for Rise of the Resistance, and land structures.
- Kianna Pan, Concept Design Intern for Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, showcased intricate woodwork and the concept of including real animals in the water surrounding the tree.
- Kira Wygle, Graphic Design Intern for EPCOT, contributed concept art for the Norway Pavilion, including a wooden sign inspired by gothic art nouveau and sketches of the Stave Church replica with Viking-Nordic designs.
- Remi Jeffrey-Coker, Concept Designer Sr., presented sketches for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, featuring the queue entrance, fountain, Parisian-style lampposts, and other structures.
This exhibit not only celebrates the artistry behind Disney parks but also inspires visitors to appreciate how tiny details and initial sketches evolve into magical experiences. Which sketch is your favorite?
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