Epcot® celebrated its 35th Anniversary on October 1st. As part of that celebration, we've talked a bit about Epcot's history, explored how to make Epcot® a place that the whole family will love, discussed what's in store for Future World, and walked around World Showcase. The last post in our Epcot® 35th Anniversary series is all about the holidays.
(Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog)
It is on my personal bucket list to visit Walt Disney World® during the holiday season, but because of my love for World Showcase, what I want to see most is the Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays. This holiday celebration can be experienced from November 19th through December 30th. Each World Showcase pavilion is decked out in decorations that celebrate the holidays the way you'd see in their native country. Live music, special holiday foods and beverages (more on that below), and costumed performers bring each country's holiday traditions to life! The festival experience is included in your theme park admission and can be enjoyed throughout the day. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app or a Times Guide for World Showcase operating hours and special show times on the day that you visit.
One of the highlights of Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays is the seasonal food and beverage menus at the marketplaces in World Showcase. This year's festival includes an American Holiday Table featuring roast turkey and pork tenderloin, the Feast of the Three Kings featuring Caribbean food inspired by the story of the Magi, a special Mexican celebration of Feliz Navidad with spicy Mexican cuisine, and my personal favorite, Holiday Sweets and Treats where you can grab seasonal pastries and libations. If anyone goes, you must come back and tell me what you had to eat and drink and share pictures!
Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays also includes a special activity for kids. Chip and Dale need help collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree, and they're recruiting Disney® kiddos to help! To play along, purchase a map and sticker for $6.99 from select merchandise locations. Then be on the lookout for Chip and Dale as you travel around World Showcase. When you spot them, add the corresponding ornament sticker to your map. Complete your map and return it to Disney Traders for a special prize!
A special "IllumiNATIONS: Reflections of Earth" show for the holidays. (Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog)
A unique holiday activity that Epcot® offers is the Candlelight Processional. Held from November 24th through December 30th at 5 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm each day, the Candlelight Processional is hosted by a celebrity narrator who tells the biblical Christmas story while accompanied by an orchestra and choir. This year's list of celebrities includes Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, Warwick David, Chandra Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Trace Adkins, CCH Pounder, Jaci Valesquez, and more to be named later. You can see the official schedule here, though please note that celebrity appearances are subject to change without notice.
The Candlelight Processional is open to all Epcot® guests. No additional event ticket is required, though seating is limited for each reading and it is recommended you arrive early to get a seat. You can also choose to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and get guaranteed priority seating for one of the shows later that day. There is a variety of restaurant options based on your budget, and food and dining experience preferences. Your MousePros agent will be happy to share more information about the options with you and make your reservation so that you can eat a great meal and get fantastic seats for this unique holiday tradition.
Looking to book a trip to Walt Disney World® for holidays 2018? Reach out to our agents for a free, no-obligation quote. They can tell you all about a new special offer that is available to guests who want to surprise a loved one this holiday season with a trip to Walt Disney World® for 2018.