After fighting the Pin Drop Tuesday lines in the Magic Kingdom back in January and earlier this month for the coveted Kingdom Hearts pins, I was relieved to experience a much more laid-back and community-driven event in the Disney Parks. With Disney Lorcana hosting an event during the International Festival of the Arts in Epcot, I had high hopes for what I thought would be a simple meet-and-greet or card trading event.
What I did not anticipate was the scale of the event. It seems like Disney learned from previous overcrowded events where product scarcity seems part and parcel so prepared accordingly, generating massive hype and intrigue for both newcomers and veterans alike.
Planning A Short-Term Park-Wide Event
There have been multiple promo cards released for Disney Lorcana, though they’re usually limited to local game stores or specific purchases. This time, at Epcot you can earn two promos for free by trading with other park guests to get four specific cards and completing a map of the World Showcase based on the giant-sized Lorcana Cards displayed in each country.
I had the chance to ask Ryan Miller, director of product and play at Ravensburger, how the team decided which cards would get the promo treatment for the event.
Disney Lorcana’s Fabled Is Great For Players, But Bad For Collectors Like Me
Disney Lorcana Fabled is a brand-new set filled with old cards.
“Together, we chose cards that highlight three different types of arts that guests can celebrate while at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts,” he tells me. “The visual arts with ‘Rapunzel – Appreciative Artist’, the culinary arts with chef ‘Donald Duck – Pie Slinger’ and the performing arts with one of our favorites, ‘Stitch – Rock Star’.”
Miller, as usual, was there in person to talk with guests, trade with players, and overall ensure that the vibes stayed light and encouraging. Things went smoothly, with children and adults alike all embracing the colorful trading cards and cooperative elements of the community.
I ask Shane Hartley, VP of creative at Ravensburger, if any surprises popped up while planning such a large-scale event that would be relatively open to the public, compared to previous events like the Disney Lorcana Challenge in Chicago.
“What surprised me most [at opening weekend] was seeing people experience Disney Lorcana TCG for the very first time and immediately start sharing and trading the cards with complete strangers,” he says. “There was no hesitation, no awkwardness—it just felt natural. It honestly felt like witnessing a spontaneous community of joy come together in real time, all centered around a shared love of Disney.”
As someone who also got to experience the opening weekend, the line wrapped around the kiosk distributing cards. While plenty of people were clearly there for the event, there were also multiple newcomers who just happened to take interest. My partner and I got to share our bulk commons and extras with some of the kids who were visiting the park for the first time, and they were so excited to see their favorite characters in a new way.
“We’re at a stage where the focus is really on getting Disney Lorcana TCG into the hands of as many people as possible. It’s a game, but it’s also a collection of beautiful works of art and fun new moments,”Hartley explains. “Disney Lorcana TCG is just genuinely fun to collect. From the very beginning, we approached [it] as a game with something for everyone. Disney has such a rich legacy of storytelling that’s touched billions of people around the world, and our goal is to reach those same hearts, one card at a time.”
Upscaling Cards To Be Larger Than Life
Even before getting to the kiosk for the Illumineer’s passport, there are a handful of Disney Lorcana cards that are larger than life – making my 6’3 partner seem small. Each is strategically placed to make you walk around the whole park, but also to compliment the scenery around it.
No spoilers for the event, but it’s exciting to try and guess which characters will appear in each country. It’s easier than you’d think!
As well as Hartley, I ask Tracy Thurman, VP of global product design, what it’s like to work with so many different artists this time of year for the festival, as well as in general for the cohesive yet diverse art styles showcased in each Disney Lorcana set.
“Having the opportunity to work with a range of artists, across both of our companies, specializing in different styles of artwork, is a very exciting, unique experience,” Thurman tells me. “We build upon ideas to see how we can create even more original pieces in the fantastical world of Lorcana inspired by Disney’s beloved characters and landmarks. The art is eye-catching and unique and reminds people why they love Disney.”
“Honestly, it’s one of the best parts of my job.” Hartley admits. “I love getting to see how each artist brings a card to life. Our artists have such a deep passion and respect for Disney characters and stories, and they’re honored to build on that legacy.”
It’s a fun opportunity for both us and the artists to push our creativity to create moments of surprise and delight for fans. – Shane Hartley
Fan Favorites At The International Festival Of The Arts
Everyone has a favorite card. From reimagined princesses like Belle as a mystic and Cinderella as a stout soldier, to Stitch living his best life as a rockstar and Winnie the Pooh vibing as a Hunny Wizard, there’s something for everyone. When I ask about his favorite card, Hartley laughs.
“That’s always a tough question. There are so many incredible cards, and I’ll admit I’m definitely biased toward the art. But if I had to choose just one, I’d pick one of the Iconic cards that’s in our upcoming set, Winterspell: ‘Pocahontas – Peacekeeper’.”
It’s certainly a unique card, designed by Miguel Lasarte with a uniquely colorful and whimsical style. The art fits in with the other artists that have been on display at the International Festival of the Arts previously, like Ryan Riller.
Artists like Dylan Bonner regularly feature at the festival, and have contributed to the TCG by producing gorgeous works of art for both common and rare cards so that collectors of all levels can appreciate the iconic Disney character they love in a new way.
As for the future of Disney Lorcana, Hartley couldn’t disclose much. However, he did share that “the team is buzzing with ideas on how to expand that reach even further through new art, new gameplay, and new glimmers of these beloved characters.”
My heart is set on a potential Kingdom Hearts card one day taking center stage, but I’ll continue to wait patiently to see what the team has in store. One thing is for sure, though. Now that Disney Lorcana is past the initial risk of launching a TCG, the game will only expand from here. It’s more than just a TCG for collectors–it’s something that anyone of any age can get into, and the community is thriving.
Pack Rush Might Be The Best New Way To Learn Disney Lorcana
With just two sealed packs and a few minutes, you can quickly learn how to play Disney Lorcana.
