The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has brought Broadway magic to life with Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway inside CommuniCore Hall. This immersive exhibit showcases costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes secrets from beloved Disney stage productions. While exploring, visitors might miss some incredible details—so here’s a backstage pass to nine hidden gems worth discovering!
1. Mufasa Mask Prototype Debut
Step into The Lion King Puppet Workshop to see a legendary piece of Broadway history—the original Mufasa mask prototype created by visionary director Julie Taymor. This intricately designed lion’s head has never been displayed publicly until now, making it a true treasure fit for a king!
2. Puppet Embellishments
Disney’s stage productions bring the animal kingdom to life using creative materials. In The Lion King Puppet Workshop, guests can spot real feathers used for Zazu, straw details for the giraffes, and even pom-poms forming the wildebeests. These handcrafted details showcase the genius behind the production’s lifelike puppets.
3. Perfect Puppet Placement
For an authentic touch, The Lion King puppet dayworker Arthur Caudros arranged the exhibit’s workstation display just as he would during a real Broadway workday. Every tool and puppet piece is placed precisely where it belongs, ensuring visitors experience a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Broadway craftsmanship.
4. The Sands of Time
Inside The Aladdin Costume Studio, a clock near the bulletin board is frozen at 3:20—a subtle nod to Aladdin's Broadway opening night on March 20, 2014, at the New Amsterdam Theatre. This small yet meaningful detail honors the show’s incredible journey.
5. Genie’s Fabulous Style
The costume studio features vibrant bolts of fabric, pulled straight from the Broadway costume shop that supplies Disney on Broadway productions worldwide. Among them is a rich blue fabric used for Genie’s signature pants, adding a touch of Broadway flair to the exhibit.
6. Classic Hidden Mickeys
No Disney experience is complete without Hidden Mickeys! Between The Aladdin Costume Studio and The Lion King Mask & Puppet Workshop, seven Hidden Mickeys are waiting to be discovered—plus a possible eighth hidden at the tip of a paintbrush. Keep your eyes peeled!
7. Tale as Old as Time
One of the exhibit’s most historic artifacts is the handmade King Arthur book from the original 1994 Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast. Crafted by senior props designer Stan Meyer, this stunning book has stood the test of time, making it the oldest artifact on display.
8. Dancing from On-Stage to On-Screen
Fans of Newsies will be thrilled to find Jack Kelly’s costume, worn by Jeremy Jordan during the Newsies Disney+ filming, proudly on display. This iconic ensemble connects Broadway’s stage magic to its on-screen legacy, making it a must-see for theater lovers.
9. Arendelle Couture
Anna and Elsa’s breathtaking costumes from Frozen are showstoppers in the exhibit, but did you know these gowns are surprisingly heavy? Anna’s dress weighs 15 pounds, while Elsa’s ice-inspired ensemble comes in at 25 pounds! The intricate beadwork and luxurious fabrics highlight the craftsmanship that makes Disney on Broadway costumes so extraordinary.
From hidden Mickeys to historic props, Once Upon A Stage is packed with magical details waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a Broadway superfan or just stepping into the world of Disney theater, this exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and storytelling that bring these beloved productions to life.
