Rare Finds: Photo tour of 'Animales Fantasticos' at Epcot Mexico pavilion

Rare Finds is a column showcasing some of the beautiful and unique things you'll find at Disney World that are a little off the beaten path. Today's photo tour takes us to a very special exhibit inside the Mexico pavillion in Epcot.

Welcome to Animales Fantasticos!

Sign for Animales Fantasticos gallery show

The story here is about the Oaxacans, from a region of south Mexico bordering the Pacific. It's said that magic and reality coexist for the Oaxacans, and myths and folktales are a big part of their culture. (Sounds very Disney to us!) Artists draw on these traditions to create the Animales Fantasticos, or Nahuals -- mythical humans that turn into animals after midnight (Sounds very Twilight to us, ha). Below is a diorama of the Oaxacans artists at work.

Diorama of Mexican artists

And here's some of the beautiful animals in displays. These below have the more human-like faces.

Display of animals

While these have more of a traditional animal look.

Animals

And here's a lizard? A bird? We're not sure, but it's beautiful.

Animal close up

Here's a close up of some frogs -- such detail!

Animals close up

Below is an artist working in the exhibit. It's fascinating to watch these artists create the animals -- you can even watch one being made, and opt to purchase it.

Artist painting in Mexico pavilion

Artist painting in Mexico pavilion

Be sure to stop by the gallery on your next trip to the Mexico pavilion at Epcot! Buenos tardes!