This year’s quick visit to Walt Disney World for EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts felt different in the most meaningful way.

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Last year, my mom and I took a girls trip to experience the festival for the first time. We fell in love with it — the creativity, the food booths, the live art, the music… it was such a special weekend. She even surprised me with a fun Rob Kaz print called “Check In.” At the time, it was just a sweet memory from a magical trip. Little did we know that this would be our last trip together.  My mom and I took so many trips together over the years, and traveling was truly “our thing.”

 

Being back at Festival of the Arts this year was emotional, but also beautiful. This time, I went with my husband. He knew how much this festival — and this place — meant to me. Walking through the World Showcase with him, sharing the food booths, admiring the art, and listening to the music felt like such a gift. It was different, of course. There were tender moments. But there was also gratitude. I could feel the joy my mom and I shared there last year, and I was thankful to create new memories while honoring those sweet ones.

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For this quick visit, we stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort — and it was the perfect choice. One of the biggest highlights is the Skyliner access. You simply walk out of your room, hop on the Skyliner, and in just a few minutes you’re gliding through the sky straight into EPCOT’s International Gateway. For a festival-focused trip, you truly can’t beat that convenience. No buses, no parking — just smooth, scenic transportation.

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Pop Century is such a fun, nostalgic resort. The larger-than-life icons from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s make it playful and colorful. It’s budget-friendly but still feels very “Disney.” The rooms are modern and bright with smart storage and comfortable beds — perfect for a quick getaway where you’re mostly in the parks.  I especially loved walking along Hourglass Lake in the morning and seeing the Skyliner glide overhead. It’s simple, cheerful, and full of that classic Disney charm.

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This trip was short, but it meant so much. Disney has always been part of my story with my mom. Going back to Festival of the Arts reminded me that memories don’t end — they just become even more precious. And this year, I was grateful to share it with my husband while carrying those beautiful memories of my mom with me.

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If you’ve ever thought about taking the trip, don’t wait. The memories you make are truly priceless. 💛

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