The time for fa-la-la-la-la is just around the corner! To celebrate, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth at Walt Disney World Resort brings the joyful season to life with magical traditions, jubilant entertainment, delicious dishes and sparkling merchandise.
Grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s take a look at all that’s coming!
NEW Celebrity Narrators Join EPCOT Candlelight Processional Alongside Returning Favorites
Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story.
To plan your visit, here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators:
Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open Oct. 17
Want to ensure your seat for the performance? There’s no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from seven distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, there’s something for everyone. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit the Disney Travel Agents website.
Santa Returns to the Odyssey Pavilion
Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Don your festive best for the perfect photo op and make sure you’ve been nice! But that’s not all, because …
Storytellers From Around the World Share Tales and Traditions
… World Showcase comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers from around the globe captivate listeners with myriad tales. Celebrate the season with laughter in the Norway pavilion as a mischievous Barn Santa makes an appearance; observe the wonder of a Chinese Lion Dancer commemorating the Lunar New Year; join a fascinating journey to learn more about Hanukkah festivities around the world; and rediscover the magic of special moments as Pere Noel shares the delightful words of a child’s letter. As you stroll the park, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse décor throughout World Showcase – and beyond.
Even More Joy
To fill your cup up even more, sing along with the exuberant voices of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in World Showcase Plaza. With uplifting Gospel and R&B songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, the biggest challenge you’ll have will be standing still! And as a bonus, enjoy a sparkling boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature, where the greenhouses will be decked out with twinkling holiday light displays.
Tantalizing Holiday Kitchens and a Decadent Cookie Stroll Highlight Seasonal Flavors
What’s a holiday without feasting? If tucking into delicious goodies is your favorite way to celebrate, then you’ve come to the right place. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will entice your palate with treasured dishes that celebrate a panoply of global holiday cheer. While we can promise you that there will be plenty of returning favorites like Slow Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce, there are also scrumptious surprises in store. Keep an eye out for all the jolly details coming soon in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.
Remember to save room for the delectable Holiday Cookie Stroll! There’s nothing better than exploring the sights and sounds of the festival with a sweet treat in hand. My family loves to try them all, and I know you will, too. Purchase five cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations and collect the matching stamp for each cookie to add to your festival passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and receive a specialty cookie. Since you can complete the stroll at your leisure through December 30, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends every time you visit the festival.
Set off on an adventure with Olaf for his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a fun way to explore World Showcase. Just purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations and seek out the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special festival holiday keepsake.*
Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
From celebrating beloved and familiar traditions to learning about new ones, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is the perfect way to embrace the cheer and good will of the season. Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details now through the beginning of the festival.
*Redemption valid through Dec. 30 or while supplies last.
It’s time to try another Disney Park recipe at home! This time we’re looking forward to Beef Bourguignon from the Canada pavilion offered during the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays!
Beef Bourguignon debuted at Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this year and has quickly become the dish “not to miss” for festival-goers. Offered at Yukon Holiday Kitchen located at the Canada pavilion, this hearty classic dish has it all – fork-tender beef brisket with savory flavors of bacon-infused wine sauce over crushed buttery red potatoes. What’s not to love?
The EPCOT chefs gladly shared the recipe … it is one of their favorite dishes as well!
BEEF BOURGUIGNON Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Serves 6
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
1 tablespoon butter
6 ounces smoked bacon, diced
3 pounds beef brisket, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, or stew meat
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large white onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 pound crimini mushrooms, quartered
1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups red wine (Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup sherry vinegar
12 small fresh or frozen pearl onions, peeled
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided
CRUSHED RED SKINNED POTATOES
1 tablespoon salt, plus more, to taste
3 pounds red-skinned potatoes, washed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
White pepper, to taste
FOR BEEF BOURGUIGNON:
Heat butter and bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until bacon is brown and beginning to crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in Dutch oven with butter and bacon fat, 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.
Add garlic, onion, carrots, and mushrooms and sauté 6 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in rosemary and thyme.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, until paste begins to caramelize, but does not burn.
Return beef and bacon to pan. Add flour and stir constantly for 5 minutes. Add wine, beef broth, and vinegar and stir to deglaze pot. Add pearl onions and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender and sauce is thickened. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Keep warm until ready to serve.
FOR RED SKINNED CRUSHED POTATOES:
Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the potatoes and boil for 10-15 minutes, until soft. Drain potatoes.
Return potatoes to pot and mash with a hand masher or electric mixer until just broken. Add butter, sour cream, vinegar, and mash until potatoes are mashed, but still lumpy.
Season with additional salt and white pepper, to taste.
TO SERVE:
Divide potatoes among 6 bowls. Ladle beef bourguignon on top of potatoes and garnish with remaining chopped parsley.
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
While the holiday season has officially kicked off at Walt Disney World, at EPCOT, we need to wait a few more weeks until the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays kicks off on November 27, 2020. Disney has released the foodie guide for the festival and my diet is in danger. Good thing calories do not count while at Walt Disney World, right? Catch all the details below.
Celebrating joyous holiday cheer from around the globe, this year’s festival runs November 27 through December 30, 2020, and features a variety of yuletide decorations, live holiday music at various EPCOT stages, family-friendly activities, and, of course, the delicious food and beverage offerings at the Holiday Kitchens scattered throughout all 11 World Showcase pavilions and World Showplace.
The popular Holiday Cookie Stroll is back this year with yummy freshly baked cookies from the EPCOT bakery ovens. The Festival Passport lists the five official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations. Each stop will offer a delicious cookie for purchase and a stamp for your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected all five stamps, bring your Festival Passport to the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive an adorable complimentary Minnie Peppermint Cookie! The Holiday Cookie Stroll can be completed at your own leisure, and you can even bring back your stamped Festival Passport to EPCOT at any time during the festival to complete your stroll.
In addition to all the cookies and decadent desserts at the festival, the EPCOT pastry chefs have been busy creating a Gingerbread Capital City! Located this year in World Showplace, this sweet patriotic display has gingerbread replicas of some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks including the United States Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and a 5-foot tall Washington Monument!
And now it’s time to talk HOLIDAY KITCHENS! This Foodie Guide has it all – from unique and classic holiday dishes to festive seasonal cocktails and beverages. Check out all the delicious details below. Enjoy!
Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza)
Food Items:
Turkey Poutine French Fries with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Relish, and Crispy Onions
Beverage Items:
T.G. Lee Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
T.G. Lee Eggnog with Spiced Rum
Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
Beverage Items:
Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic)
Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose Vanilla, Vodka, and Chocolate Milk
Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)
Food Items:
Grilled Lamb Kefta Kebab and Grapes with Euro Cucumber, Red Pepper, Pickled Pearl Onions, and Harissa-Cilantro Dressing
Confit of Chermoula Chicken Drum with Cinnamon Granny Smith Apple, Toasted Almonds, Brussels Sprouts, and Pinot Noir Glaze
Sfenj: Warm Beignets with Cream, Cinnamon-Sugar, and Chocolate Sauce
Beverage Items:
Mediterranean Beer
Kasbah Prestige Red Wine
The Andalusian “Poinsettia” Cocktail: Sparking Wine, Orange Liqueur, and Cranberry Juice topped with Orange Blossom Water
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
Food Items:
Biancaneve Italian Flatbread with Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan
Sacchetti alla Boscaiola: Four-cheese Mini Beggar’s Purses filled with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Pancetta, and Cremini Mushrooms with a Creamy Sauce (New)
Cannoli Siciliani: Crisp Pastry filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate, and Candied Orange
Beverage Items:
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
Pinot Grigio
Chianti
Prosecco
Rosa Regale
Moscato
Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
Food Items:
Red-stewed Beef Rice Bowl (New)
Curry Chicken Rice Bowl (New)
House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
Beverage Items:
“Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic)
Tsigntao Lager
Jasmine Draft Beer
Dragonfly: Jose Cuervo Tequila Gold, Vodka, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk, and Boba
The Lucky Mo: Peach Schnapps, Peach Syrup, Orange Juice, and Piña Colada Mix
Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
Food Items:
New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat Soba Noodles in Hot Dashi Soup with Shrimp Tempura, Fish Cake, and Chopped Green Onion
Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade Tuna, Salmon, Ikura, and Yellowtail with Vegetables decorated on a bed of Rice
Ichigo Mont Blanc Tart: Strawberry and Bavarian Cream-filled Tart sprinkled with Konpeito (New)
Beverages items:
Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and Yuzu Cream Drink with Japanese Calpico and popping Strawberry Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic)
Sapporo Draft Beer
Tsubaki Whiskey Sour: Plum Wine with Whiskey, Cranberry Juice, Sugar, and Lemon
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
Food Items:
Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Chorizo served on a Giant Tostada with Chipotle Black Bean Purée, Salsa Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana, and Pickled Onion (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)(New)
Tamal de Pollo: Braised Chipotle Chicken served in a Corn Masa topped with Mole Verde, Queso Cotija, Crema Mexicana, and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
Dulce de Leche Churros: Dulce de Leche filled Churros sprinkled with Cinnamon-Sugar (New)
Beverages Items:
Tulum Mexican Craft Beer with a Blackcurrant and Ginger Liqueur Floater
Pumpkin Spice Margarita: Tomba Blanco Tequila, Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Nixta Corn Liqueur, Pumpkin Spice Purée, and Lime-Agave Juice with Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (New)
Horchata Margarita: Casa Noble Blanco Tequila, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Horchata Rum, Agua de Horchata, and a hint of Cinnamon-infused Mezcal Liqueur
Funnel Cake (The American Adventure)
Sweet Potato Casserole Funnel Cake topped with Marshmallow Topping, Cinnamon-Sugar, Honey-roasted Pecans, and a Caramel Drizzle (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company®– All Locations:
Caramel Tinsel Latte:A cheerful Chocolatey Latte drizzled with Caramel Sauce and crumbled TWIX® Original, available hot or iced (New)
Caramel Tinsel Donut topped with crumbled TWIX® Original
