January 17, 2020 was a very busy day for Disney Parks as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance officially opened at Disneyland, and three shows premiered at Epcot. It was also the first day of the 4th annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This festival combines the best in culinary, performing, and visual arts. While the Park is undergoing a massive transformation, new shows and experiences are still coming before the transformation is complete.
After enjoying some pastries at Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie, it was time to head to the theater for the “Beauty and the Beast” Sing Along to see the first show of the day. As you walk In the lobby, you can find costume displays based on French fairy tales and stories.
Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the animated featured, narrates the Sing-Along. LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, plays a major role in the sing-along. Scenes were re-imagined to include LeFou as if he was the one to help Belle and Beast make their special love connection.
While watching the Sing-Along, words appear on the screen just in case you need some help. It was fun to hear people sing-along. You could definitely tell that there were definitely fans of “Beauty and the Beast” watching the first show. Guests were surprised with very limited edition attraction posters. as they exited the theatre.
The Sing-Along runs from 11am to 7pm daily. “Impressions de France” is still being shown at the Palais du Cinema from 7:30pm to 9pm. Both shows are presented in 4K, which make for a very clear presentation.
From there, it was time to travel to the Canada Pavilion for the 2nd new show of the day – “Canada: Far and Wide.” This film features updated sequences and a new musical score. Canadian actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara narrate the film, while adding a bit of subtle humor. The CircleVision aspect of the movie is still there, as is the theme song “Canada (You’re A Lifetime Journey)” to end the film.
After seeing “Canada: Far & Wide,” it was time to see “Awesome Planet” in The Land Pavilion. “Awesome Planet” is an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, which showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth.
You can definitely see the spectacular nature photography, as well as see and feel the immersive in-theater effects. The 10-minute film also features an animated space segment from Industrial Light & Magic, plus an original score from Academy Award winning composer Steven Price.
All three new films are unique and definitely add to the Epcot experience and its future. So be sure to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World very soon!
