Our family always makes it a point to visit the Disney Parks during the Christmas season, and this year we spent the day celebrating Holidays Around the World at Epcot.
You may remember that my oldest daughter was in the Disney College Program last year, and her assignment was in Epcot. Her dad and I couldn't have been happier as it has always been our favorite park.
Between the Food & Wine Festival, the Flower & Garden Festival, and the fantastic restaurants that are there all year long, Epcot is the place to be for foodies!
Just this last summer while at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we discovered Schofferhofer Grapefruit beer in Germany, so that was our first stop when arriving at Epcot.
I mean, we had to walk through several countries at that point and needed sustenance. No judging.
And you can't visit Germany without getting a bratwurst, right? If you have had one in Epcot, you know what I mean. If you haven't, don't miss it next time.
Holiday specialties can be had at certain kiosks around the park. Look for these spots to grab a snack you will only find during Holidays Around the World:
- Alpine Haus
- American Holiday Table
- Feast of the Three Kings
- Holiday Eats and Treats
- Seasonal Southern Delights
- Mexico
Once we had our snack, it was time to explore the park. With 11 World Showcase nations to visit, we had a lot to do! Pick up your Passport when you enter the park and you can get stamps for each stop.
One of our favorite performances was in Mexico.
During the performance, you will learn about holiday traditions of Mexico. It really is fascinating, and as many times as we've seen it, we have to stop and listen every time.
Continue on through all the countries to discover more holiday celebrations and decorations.
I loved the Victorian Christmas trees, and learning about the first Christmas cards. Did you know the popularity of Christmas cards led to the creation of the greeting card industry? And it cost just a penny to send a card back in the 1800s.
A walk around Epcot will have everyone in a holiday mood! Besides the live productions and decorations, the kids can see Santa and Mrs. Claus at The American Adventure. Santa even takes notes when the kids share their Christmas list!
The main reason we decided to visit the park on this particular day was the Candlelight Processional. In case you aren't familiar with this program, it's the Biblical story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and amazing choir.
This year, there were 12 narrators, including Anthony Mackie, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, and Steven Curtis Chapman.
We were thrilled to be able to get tickets to the show narrated by Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. You may also know him from roles on CBS' Person of Interest as well as The Count of Monte Cristo
Caviezel joked that his playing Christ did not have much affect on his 6-year-old, who was in the audience, but seeing Mickey Mouse was a very big deal.
The choir was truly amazing, and it was clear Caviezel enjoyed it, too.
Seats fill quickly for this show, so you will want to get in line early. There are dining packages available that will guarantee seating, which is a great option.
I was sorry we missed Joyful, the Gospel Celebration, but we just didn't have time to do it all.
We ended the evening as we always do at Epcot, with IllumiNations. If you haven't seen it, this is not your ordinary fireworks display. It's absolutely spectacular.
It begins with The Story of the Earth, where you'll see the 350,000-pound Earth Globe, the world's first spherical video display system. This presentation is truly magical, and during the holidays there is a special Holiday Finale.
Please find your spot to watch and enjoy. Many people think they can watch and walk as they are leaving the park, but you miss so much of the story. It's best to find a spot to relax so you can really soak it all in.
Holidays Around the World a special celebration you and your family will always remember. And making memories is what the holidays are all about, right?
Cacinda Maloney
OMG! This looks like so much fun! I wish I could go with you guys! lol
Colleen Lanin
Epcot is one of my favorite spots at Disney. You can find all sorts of rides around the park, but Epcot promises a different kind of discovery and fun. I love it!
Catherine Sargent
It looks like you had a wonderful time. We only live an hour from Disney and Epcot has always been our favorite park. I love trying all of the different foods.
Marcie W.
My husband and I are a couple of foodies who are absolutely dying to visit Epcot. It looks as if the holiday season is an extra special time to go.
Theresa
I haven't been to Epcot during the holidays, but would love to go some time. We did think that Germany was a blast when we went last year. Hubby is quite fond of their beer too 😉
Reesa Lewandowski
I haven't been to Epcot in about a decade and it has always been one of my favorite places in Disney. The food to me is the best!
Seattle Travel Blogger
Epcot is truly an amazing place!
There is so much diversity in a relatively small area.
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane
I always hear great things about Epcot. Looks like not only is it fun, but a little bit of a learning experience too.
Rosey
My son and his girl like to go through Epcot. My younger kids haven't caught on to how great Epcot is yet, but I love it!
Kita Bryant
I have some friends who did the Disney college program. They loved it and it changed their life.
Kelly Stilwell
It was SO good for my daughter, Kita. My younger daughter hopes to do it next year! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment!
Beeb Ashcroft
What a great opportunity for college students! Sounds like a fun time!
Kelly Stilwell
It was really amazing for my daughter, and my younger daughter wants to do the program next year. It's a great way for kids to be away from home for the first time because it's safe and they are able to save some money while working there. (Besides all the fun they have!!)
Our Family World
It's good to see Caviezel in the limelight like that. The whole event just sounds wonderful and I got hungry seeing the food!
Kelly Stilwell
He was great and the food was fantastic as always at Disney! You should try to go next year!
Amanda Love
This is an awesome place to go to with the kids! I love that Epcot is featuring so many attractions and experiences in one go. I wouldn't mind watching a performance like that of Caviezel and the choir!
Brianne
Oh I just love Epcot! It might just be my favorite park at Disney!