Credit: Erica Lauren Inside the MagicEPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is a must-see for Beauty and the Beast fans as Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle, is appearing through Monday, February 16. This is a rare chance to meet a Disney princess, as O’Hara showcases her “Belles by Belle” collection, featuring her paintings inspired by the character.
Unlike typical character meet and greets, you’ll meet the actual voice behind Belle as she shares her Disney Fine Artist talents. O’Hara’s signing sessions have multiple daily time slots, but expect long lines due to her limited engagement and Disney Legend status.
Where and When to Find Her
O’Hara will be at the World Showcase Bridge Kiosk from Friday, February 13 to Monday, February 16. This kiosk is easy to find, located between Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase Lagoon. It’s a great spot for guests entering EPCOT or walking around World Showcase, making it simple to fit into your festival plans.
Her signing hours are daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. These time slots give guests flexibility to plan around dining, attractions, and other festival activities. However, it’s a good idea to arrive early because many people will want to meet her.
Meeting a Disney Legend like O’Hara is a top priority for many guests, so EPCOT might use a virtual queue for this signing. This will likely be a simple virtual queue managed by cast members onsite, not through the My Disney Experience app. Guests should arrive early at the World Showcase Bridge Kiosk and talk to the team to secure their spot. Don’t assume you can just show up at any time during the signing hours.
The Belles by Belle Collection at EPCOT
What makes this appearance particularly interesting is O’Hara’s dual identity as both voice actress and visual artist. The “Belles by Belle” collection features paintings created by O’Hara herself, offering her artistic interpretation of the character she knows more intimately than almost anyone else. These aren’t generic Disney princess portraits created by outside artists. They’re Belle as seen through the eyes of the woman who gave her voice, personality, and emotional depth.
Fans can purchase both original paintings and limited edition prints at the kiosk. Having artwork signed by the voice of the character adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection that’s unique to Festival of the Arts. It’s one thing to own a Belle print signed by a random Disney artist. It’s entirely different to own one signed by Paige O’Hara with a personal message or dedication.
For serious Beauty and the Beast collectors or Disney art enthusiasts, this represents a genuinely rare opportunity. O’Hara doesn’t appear at Disney parks regularly, and when she does, it’s typically for very limited engagements during special events. Missing this weekend means potentially waiting years for another chance.
Beyond Just Belle
O’Hara is part of the Festival of the Arts, which features many talented artists, including some famous Disney figures. The 2026 festival runs from January 16 to February 23 and celebrates visual arts, food, and performances with artists from around the world.
Earlier in the festival, Tony Baxter, a well-known former Disney Imagineer, appeared at the Disney Fine Art booth on the World Showcase bridge from January 22 to 25. Baxter worked for Disney for 47 years and helped create beloved attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Star Tours. For Disney fans, meeting Baxter was a dream come true, as he played a crucial role in shaping many classic Disney experiences.
The festival also features many artists at various locations. You can find Disney Gallery Artists in the World Showcase pavilions, Disney Fine Art near Disney Traders, ACME Archives near American Adventure, and Thomas Kinkade Studios near Creations Shop. Artists like Jerrod Maruyama, Joey Chou, Dave Perillo, Michelle St. Laurent, Tim Rogerson, and Trevor Carlton create Disney-inspired artwork in different styles and mediums.
Bret Iwan, who is the current voice of Mickey Mouse, also appears during the festival. This gives fans a chance to meet the voice behind this iconic character rather than just someone in a costume.
Planning Your EPCOT Visit
If you want to meet Paige O’Hara this weekend, there are some tips to help you have a better experience and avoid long waits. First, plan to arrive early, especially for the 11:30 a.m. session, since the holiday weekend means more guests.
Bring items for her to sign. This could include artwork from the booth or personal items like vintage Beauty and the Beast merchandise, posters, or the original VHS case if you have one. Preparing some questions or comments about her work or the film can make your meeting more special than just getting an autograph and a photo.
There are several time slots available, giving you some flexibility. However, expect larger crowds in the afternoon as more people enter EPCOT. Morning sessions usually have shorter waits since fewer guests are in the park at that time.
If a virtual queue is in use, be sure to know how it works. A simple virtual queue means you arrive at the location, talk to the staff, and get added to a list for a return time. This system works best for those who arrive early and communicate clearly with the cast members that they want to meet O’Hara.
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts Experience
Meeting Paige O’Hara is just one part of the Festival of the Arts, which includes culinary delights, performing arts like the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and visual art displays, making EPCOT a vibrant celebration of creativity.
The festival lasts only 39 days, creating a sense of urgency for guests, especially with O’Hara’s limited four-day appearance, heightening excitement for Beauty and the Beast fans. For families at EPCOT for other reasons, her presence adds a special touch to their visit. For dedicated fans planning their trips around her appearance, it offers a unique experience that enhances the value of their Disney World vacation beyond just rides and food.
Why This Matters
Voice actors for classic Disney characters rarely appear at the parks, making their meet-and-greets unique opportunities for fans to connect with Disney animation history. Meeting Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle, offers a chance to engage with the legacy of a character who redefined Disney princesses as strong and independent. Her performance imbues Belle with intelligence and emotional depth, making her relatable.
This weekend at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, fans can connect with O’Hara and celebrate the influence of Beauty and the Beast, a film that changed Disney animation forever. Don’t miss this chance!