These New Events Make EPCOT Extra Christmasy
A giant, gingerbread Spaceship Earth is only the beginning.
A lot of people think of Magic Kingdom as the Christmas Park at Walt Disney World, but itās really Epcot! Other than Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom doesnāt have too many things going on, other than Mickeyās Very Merry Christmas Party of course.
But here are some brand new reasons I recommend visiting Epcot this holiday season. I just found out about these so I donāt have photos yet. Iāll post as soon as I can.
8 foot tall Ginger Bread Spaceship Earth
The innovative talents of the EPCOT Festival Team, in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and the skilled EPCOT Pastry team, have come together to produce an impressive 8-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by Spaceship Earth. This geodesic sphere, constructed from hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread triangles, will be showcased within CommuniCore Hall for all festival attendees to admire. Additionally, akin to its park icon original, this gingerbread rendition will illuminate and perform to music at intervals throughout the day.
Communicore Hall Will Host Artificial Christmas Trees
I wrote that headline to be a little sarcastic, Iām not a fan of the new Communicore Hall building as some of you know. We were promised that this would be the hub of all festivals at EPCOT. Instead, we got a high school cafeteria (that took 5 years to build).
But I must admit a hall of artificial Christmas trees does sound a little intriguing, as long as itās not a showroom of trees - because this is going to be sponsored by Balsam Hill.
My fingers are crossed that Disney will use itās imagination here, and I think it will. Itās a step in the right direction anyway.
The cafeteria kitchens will be cranking out gingerbread Spaceship Earth triangles - just like the ones used on the 8ft. tall gingerbread copy of Spaceship Earth.
Iām actually looking forward to both!
The Communicore Hall kitchens will also be serving what Disney describes as, ābest-loved dishes from previous years with Favorites of Festivals Past.ā
Sounds good but I have no idea what that means.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This bandās performances arenāt new at Epcot during Christmas, but they will move to a new location: Communicore Plaza. While they perform, little ones will be able to decorate snowflakes.
Seasonal Scents
Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, guests can stop by to see an all-new seasonal display, open to all guests throughout the festival.
Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy is a gift for the senses ā guests can stroll through a snow globe garden with seasonal aromas! Guests who visit CommuniCore Hall can purchase some of their favorite holiday fragrances, reliving the festival experience long after their vacation.
And there it is ā all new experiences to look forward to during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Signs Are Up At EPCOT Communicore, Mysterious Globe Appears
What is that globe in Epcot? Communicore Opening Date and moreā¦
Today on my visit to EPCOT I noticed that some of the walls have been pushed back in World Celebration Gardens.
Disney has announced that the rest of EPCOT will officially open on June 10, 2024, including Mickey and Friends, Communicore Hall, and Communicore Plaza.
Also, a mysterious new globe appeared. Letās check it outā¦
MIckey and Friends signs have been installed. The construction walls have been pushed back as well, making the sidewalk wider.
āMickey and Friendsā is where you can meet popular Disney characters in Epcot.
Communicore signs have been installed. Some of the walls here have been pushed back as well.
Disney has announced that Communicore Hall will be the starting point for Epcotās international festivals like Food and Wine, Festival of the Arts, and Flower and Garden.
Communicore Plaza will be an outdoor area where guests relax. There will also be areas for large-scale concerts and small performances.
Epcot Communicore Plaza
Communicore Plaza
The canopy has been installed over Communicore Hall. I assume this will be where a lot of the concerts will be held.
Once the walls come down, youāll be able to walk from one side of the park to the other easily.
Epcot character meet and greet area.
Mickey and Friends is now lit up at night, giving us a better idea of how Communicore will tie in with the World Celebration Gardens and Spaceship Earth.
And this mystery contraption has appeared in World Celebration Gardens. It appears to be some kind of globe. Are those stools around the base? If you know what this is, leave a note in the comments below.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Epcot will Reveal "Walt the Dreamer" and "Luminous" on December 5, 2023
World Celebration Gardens, āWalt the Dreamerā and āLuminous The Symphony of Usā begin Dec. 5, Walt Disneyās birthday.
To commemorate Walt Disney's birthday on December 5th, guests at EPCOT can explore Dreamers Point in the soon-to-be-opened World Celebration neighborhood.
This area of Epcot has been behind walls since 2020.
Here, they will have the opportunity to see the original dreamer, Walt Disney himself, in a fresh and inspiring way.
Visitors are invited to join Walt in his imagination and take in the breathtaking views of World Celebration Gardens.
The brand-new statue, titled "Walt the Dreamer," portrays Walt during a later stage of his life when he was envisioning the grand Florida Project and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).
Sitting contentedly, he relishes the fulfillment of his dreams, reveling in the beauty of his realized vision: a park that embodies boundless optimism and truly honors the enchantment of potential.
āWalt the Dreamerā at Epcot
Dreamers Point is named not only for Walt Disney, the dreamer who has and continues to inspire us, but also all guests who visit EPCOT to celebrate the endless potential and possibility of the legacy that Walt has left behind.
Luminous The Symphony of Us ā Starting December 5, 2023
Experience the joy of a captivating spectacle meticulously crafted to unite us all.
Witness an awe-inspiring extravaganza showcasing a stunning combination of fireworks, fountains, harmonious melodies, and breathtaking illuminations, all harmoniously synchronized to an original score.
As fresh compositions intertwine with emotive renditions from the renowned Disney songbook, be reminded that our similarities far outweigh our differences, forging the undeniable bond that unites us as one.
I will be there on December to see the new show. Stay tuned for the video and a possible live-stream.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2024
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in the Epcot International Festival of the Arts that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can.
Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, 2024 revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, weāre sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.
Performing Arts Take Center Stage
Some of Broadwayās brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts January 12 - Feb 19, 2024.
Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire.
Hereās the full lineup of Epcot Entertainment:
Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (āFrozenā): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
Heidi Blickenstaff (āFreaky Fridayā and āThe Little Mermaidā) and Gavin Lee (āMary Poppinsā and āBeauty and the Beastā): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
Ashley Brown (āMary Poppinsā and āBeauty and the Beastā) and L. Steven Taylor (āThe Lion Kingā): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Kissy Simmons (āThe Lion Kingā) and Josh Strickland (āTarzanā): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
Mandy Gonzalez (āAidaā) and Michael James Scott (āAladdinā and āTarzanā): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
Bradley Gibson (āHerculesā and āThe Lion Kingā) and Shoba Narayan (āAladdinā): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19
To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight EPCOT restaurants:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Garden Grill Restaurant
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Le Cellier
Spice Road Table
Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
For more information, including pricing and availability, click here for Walt Disney World packages. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.
More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist ā including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor.
The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLESĀ® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figmentās Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic.
Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib at Epcotās Odyssey Center
And don't miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.
Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figmentās Brush with the Masterās Scavenger Hunt.
On this journey throughout Epcotās World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art.
To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler.
Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilionājust look for the Figment-themed picture frame.
Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map.
Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake! Redemption is valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it! Start planning today.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney is preparing for major refurbishments and new ideas, but some attractions will need to close.