Disney Legend, voice of Belle, Paige O’Hara surprises Beast For Valentine’s Day at Epcot

in Disney, Entertainment, Walt Disney World

‘Beauty & The Beast’ Voice Paige O’Hara Surprises Beast For Valentine’s Day

Credit: Disney

Update 2/14/19:

Earlier today, Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” stopped by the France Pavilion at Epcot to revisit her “tale as old as time” with Belle and Beast for Valentine’s Day. As part of the visit, O’Hara got to waltz with Beast, just as her animated counterpart did in the iconic scene in the classic animated film.

According to Disney, on her trip to Epcot, O’Hara also shared some of her fond memories from working on the original film, and that she’s thrilled the film has been a favorite of so many over the years since its premiere back in 1991.

“When we were doing the film, we all knew it was really special, but we had no idea of the longevity of this movie. It resonates with everybody. It’s about beauty that comes from within!” said O’Hara.

In addition to the magic O’Hara has brought to Disney fans from serving as the voice of Belle, she has also served as a Disney artist. “Everyone knows me as the voice of Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ but I’ve also been a Disney fine artist for over ten years now. So I’m here for the art festival and I’ve got lots of paintings I’m bringing and I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans and signing your autographs and hearing your stories,” said O’Hara to Disney.

Paige O'Hara's "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired art
Credit: Disney

Fitting as the original voice of Belle, O’Hara paints primarily “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired paintings. “‘Beauty and the Beast,’ the paintings just pour out of me because I can approach them not only as an artist but as the actress behind Belle. I sort of know what she feels, obviously, and I try to paint that emotion on canvas…I mean how cool is it? The voice of Belle and now the artist of Belle,” said O’Hara.

You can see O’Hara from today, Feb. 14, to Monday, Feb. 18, as she visits the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

Paige O'Hara at Epcot with Belle and Beast
Credit: Disney

O’Hara’s autograph sessions at the festival will take place at the Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions Festival Market located between France and Morocco in World Showcase from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. daily. A wristband is required to meet her and a limited number of them will be distributed with purchase at the signing location on the day of each signing. (Only two items may be signed per guest – no personal items can be signed. A valid Walt Disney World Resort receipt will also be required).

Original Story 2/13/19:

Paige O’Hara, Disney Legend and voice of Belle from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”, will be making a special appearance at 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts as one of the event’s featured artists.

Disney fans all remember Belle as the non-conforming daughter of an inventor who yearns to abandon her village life in return for adventure, which occurs when her father is imprisoned by the cold-hearted Beast, whom she ends up living happily ever after with after a series of harrowing events. And what better way to recapture the magic of this beloved story than by meeting the voice behind this strong-willed princess, Paige O’Hara.

Belle from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"
Credit: Disney

Taking place Feb. 14 – 18 from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM, guests to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts can meet O’Hara in person as she will be hosting a special artwork signing at the Disney’s Fine Art by Collectors Editions Festival Market located between France and Morocco in Epcot’s World Showcase.

All guests looking to meet O’Hara must purchase a piece of her artwork. The experience is on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the signing and requires a special wristband.

Paige O'Hara singing for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"
Credit: D23

Meeting O’Hara isn’t the only thing to do at this special festival as the event’s offerings are almost endless. Just a few of the many experiences to take in while exploring the festival include the Disney Artist Gallery, which allows guests to see works featuring a variety of artistic styles and media created by Disney Cast Members and visiting artists, and the ACME Archives, which is where Star Wars Fans can revel in some of the extraordinary works found in the archives of the official publisher of Lucasfilm Fine Art.

Additionally, other awesome Disney art to take in at the event can be found over at the festival’s Thomas Kinkade Studios booth, where you can discover some of the whimsical Disney magic brought to life by Kinkade himself and Dirk Wunderlich.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Credit: Disney

As per the official Walt Disney World website, artist appearances are subject to change without notice.

Are you going to meet Paige O’Hara at the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts? Let us know in the comments below!

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