PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT 1/28/2025 (Pin Tuesday, Paint By Numbers, and More)

Bryce B.

Two theme park attractions: a large artificial tree with carved animals on the left and EPCOT's iconic geodesic sphere on the right, both surrounded by people and greenery.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT 1/28/2025 (Pin Tuesday, Paint By Numbers, and More)

Howdy! Festival of the Arts is in full swing with a new Paint By Numbers mural, new pins were released, Living with the Land updates, and so much more fun in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT.

Good Morning From Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Left: Large faux tree with carved animals, surrounded by crowds. Right: Entrance to "DinoLand U.S.A." in Animal Kingdom, with people walking and colorful banners overhead.

Right now, we start every morning by checking on the state of extinction in DinoLand. Good news is there hasn’t been any more destruction since our last update in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama.

Tokyo Inspired Mickey Sunglasses – $22.99

A hand holding sunglasses with mouse ears and round lenses reflects trees, capturing the essence of EPCOT's vibrant spirit. A tag is attached.

On my way out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I noticed these sneaky pair of Tokyo-inspired Mickey Sunglasses available for $22.99 in a few spots including Riverside Depot and Creation Shop in EPCOT. Nana will tell you there are better options in Tokyo for less money, but it’s still exciting to see some Tokyo merchandise making its way here in any capacity.

Monorail Rides and Test Track Updates

Collage of three images: EPCOT monorail station entrance, a monorail arriving in a station, and a construction site with scaffolding and materials, all capturing the vibrant spirit of the Festival of the Arts.

I honestly do not feel like I have been to the parks until I ride some sort of Disney transportation, it’s part of the experience. The monorail is one of the more unique options in Walt Disney World. I didn’t see any big movements since our last update but there were crews present and working which is always a good sign.

Good Morning from EPCOT

A large geodesic sphere welcomes visitors at the EPCOT entrance, fluttering flags nearby as guests meander on a cloudy day.

Today is the first day I have broken a sweat in 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited. This afternoon was stunning in the sunshine. There are rarely days it feels this nice without rain being involved somewhere, so much like the thawing lizards, I was basking in the sun the moment it came out.

Happy Pin Tuesday

A hand proudly displays four delightful Disney pins: a Lion King design, a Valentine's Day theme, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger in whimsical harmony, and Eeyore with Heffalump. These treasures capture the enchanting spirit of EPCOT's Festival of the Arts.

I missed this. Happy Pin Tuesday everyone! Disney had some heart-string pulls on the limited collection released this Tuesday. I love every single one of these movies to my childhood core so I feel attacked by the anniversary years, but also super nostalgic.

  • Reflections Hercules Pin
    • Limited Edition of 1500
    • $22.99
  • Valentine’s Day Belle & The Beast Pin
    • Limited Release
    • $19.99
  • The Tigger Movie 25th Anniversary Pin
    • Limited Edition of 3000
    • $22.99
  • Pooh’s Heffalump Movie 20th Anniversary Pin
    • Limited Edition of 3000
    • $22.99

Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below. I really can’t decide this time.

The Seas

A sign at the building entrance announces, "The Seas with Nemo & Friends will close at 7:00pm this evening." Nearby, a shell rests on sandy terrain under blue lighting, capturing the enchanting ambiance typical of EPCOT.

The Seas remains an utter disappointment. There are still no dolphins, there are still no manatees, there is still no Dive Quest, and now early closures? Honestly, the only thing they have left as far as I am concerned is the Cuttlefish in the nursery. Disney please please please, a la Sabrina Carpenter, leave the Cuttlefish alone.

Living with the Land Updates

Collage of four images: a dome ceiling with decor at EPCOT, entrance line for a boat ride, jungle-themed exhibit reminiscent of Animal Kingdom, and a biotechnology lab with pink lighting.

I decided to take a breather on Living with the Land to see the baby monkey and his mother have returned, and the Biotechnology Lab near the end of the boat ride not only reopened to guest view but has turned bright pink. It’s never dull when Living with the Land.

Paint By Numbers

A vibrant crowd gathers for a Festival of the Arts event. A person holds a paintbrush and paint, ready to transform the canvas. There's a zoom-in of a paint-by-number scene and a completed colorful mural strip, reminiscent of EPCOT's own artistic displays.

I was with Nana in California during the opening of Festival of the Arts so I missed all the fun here in EPCOT. I had to do the Paint By Numbers when I saw a fairly fresh canvas. I got a light green number 8 and was asked to fill in four squares. In return I got a fresh bookmark featuring the finished artpiece.

Pull the Lever Kronk!

A colorful 3D chalk drawing on a pathway at the Festival of the Arts depicts a cartoon person in a roller coaster car. Passersby observe this vibrant art in a park setting, surrounded by trees and with a monorail gracefully gliding in the background.

On the Chalk Walk, an artist has completed a 3D chalk art piece featuring Kronk and Yzma from ‘Emperor’s New Groove.’ It’s so wild that this is only a temporary change and will be likely be changed a few times during the festival into something entirely different.

Mexico Refurbishments

Three views of a building with Mayan-style architecture at EPCOT, featuring geometric patterns, stone textures, partial scaffolding, and surrounding greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

We should really be keeping a tally of all the small projects going on across the property. Mexico has joined the lineup of small refurbishments. There is some scaffolding built up on the left side of the pyramid. This is likely some paint work being refreshed.

Tiny Village Drama Update

A collage of six miniature house models, including a wooden house, a lighthouse, and small colorful buildings, captures the whimsy of EPCOT's Festival of the Arts. Displayed outdoors among lush plants, these charming pieces perfectly blend creativity with natural beauty.

All is well in the tiny German village. The villagers remain unphased by their dramatic lifestyles. The lizards have thawed and continue to soak up the sun on the roofs of the tiny buildings.

So Long For Now

A sign with "Park Exit" and an upward arrow stands on a path surrounded by buildings and a trash can, seamlessly guiding visitors through the vibrant setting reminiscent of EPCOT's Festival of the Arts.

I hope you enjoyed our day at Walt Disney World. My favorite moment was enjoying a nice day not freezing in the sunshine. I also enjoyed exploring the Festival of the Arts and seeing some phenomenal art showcased.

Let me know what your favorite moment was in the comments below.

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