Olaf said it best when he sang “it’s that time of year”! The Festival of the Holidays has returned to Epcot and yesterday we were invited by Walt Disney World to come experience all the holiday magic and fun. Festival of the Holidays is included with park admission and is happening from now until December 30th. You can experience fun holiday experiences, traditions, foods from all over the world, and the beloved Candlelight Processional. Today I am going to breaking down some of the must know information regarding food, entertainment, special holiday offerings, and more!
Epcot is of course known for its wonderful food and drink options and Festival of the Holidays continues with that! When you arrive at the park, make sure you pick up a festival passport. This passport will include a list of every booth and the food and drink offerings they have. In that passport you will also find a place to participate in the Cookie Stroll. To do the cookie stroll you can either buy each of the five cookies listed or any combination of that five. As long as you buy five cookies you can return towards the front of World Showcase to claim your prize! My person favorite cookies are the Crinkle and Black and White.
Festival of the Holidays isn’t just for sweets though! You will find savory dishes as well. My personal favorite was the turkey dish back in the America Pavilion. With stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans, you get a lot of food for the price and the flavor was awesome. That’s also where you can get the crinkle cookie which is featured on the cookie stroll!
Last year the entertainment that truly makes Festival of the Holidays so special was deeply missed, but this year that incredible entertainment is back and I’m happy to share all the details with you! During Festival of the Holidays there are four shows that happen and luckily all but one has multiple showtimes! Here are the shows:
- Candlelight Processional: Enjoy a stunning orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, talented choirs, and a celebrity narrator as they share with you a retelling of the birth of Christ. Candlelight is incredibly popular so plan on arriving early or book one of the dining packages that will get you priority seating! There are three showtimes available at 5:15, 7:00, and 8:30. You can find the list of celebrity narrators on My Disney Experience
- Joyful: Joyful is all about incredible gospel music performed by a beyond talented ensemble celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa! Located at the stage near World Showcase Plaza, your heart with be bursting with joy! Showtimes are 1:15, 2:20, 3:25, and 4:30
- Spaceship Earth: A Beacon of Magic: Enjoy the new updated light show with a touch of Holiday Magic! This happens continuously after dark, so no showtimes are necessary.
- Harmonius- Enjoy one of Walt Disney World’s best nighttime spectaculars that uses water and fireworks to celebrate Disney characters that represent cultures from around the world. The show is truly beautiful and a must see!
The entertainment doesn’t stop there though! Make sure you take time to walk around World Showcase and listen to the different storytellers around the park! All showtimes are available in My Disney Experience and begin early in the day so you have plenty of time.
This year’s merchandise is everyone’s favorite snowman! You can find him on spirit jerseys, magic bands, candy jars, and even a special Passholder hoodie. You can also find Olaf hidden around the park in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition! Travel around World Showcase and find Olaf hidden in each pavilion. You can turn your map in once you have finished to earn a prize! This is a fun option for the entire family.
Epcot has other holiday fun located outside of World Showcase as well! Living with the Land is transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights and magical decorations. My best advice is make sure you go at night when you will be able to appreciate all of the holiday lights. Afterward you can head to Journey into your Imagination with Figment to see everyone’s favorite dragon rocking his holiday sweater! Between the two rides make sure you keep an eye out. You may just see Joy and Pooh wearing their holiday best and greeting guests from a distance.
Epcot has been totally transformed to engulf guests in the holiday spirit and it is nothing short of magical! To see more from our experience, head to our Instagram page and check out the highlight bubble labeled “Epcot”. Happy Holidays and we hope you enjoy the magic!
Marvelous Mrs. Morin 