We got a special Sneak Peek of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and I can tell you it’s going to be PACKED with Holiday Cheer!
Celebrating joyous holiday traditions from around the globe, this year’s festival is presented by AdventHealth and runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 2019. It features a variety of yuletide decorations, flavors from around the World, and family-friendly activities.
There will be several characters ready to celebrate with you in their holiday best. Belle is my favorite Princess, and this year’s Festival you’ll find her strolling through France in her gorgeous red velvet and yellow brocade winter gown. Mickey and Festive are looking festive this year, and Chip and Dale will be arriving in adorable red and gold vests and jaunty hats to create some mischief.
Holiday Kitchens are returning this year, where you can sample holiday dishes from around the World.
Pork Schnitzel
The Yukon Holiday Kitchen will feature a Canadian Wild Rice and Ham Soup, served with a Pretzel Roll. The Bavarian Holiday Kitchen will have a Prok Schnitzel with mushroom sauce and Spatzle. I tasted this one and I found the sauce to be very delicious and earthy, with every bite full of mushrooms. The pasta was also cooked to the perfect al dente consistency.
If it’s an adult beverage you’re looking for, there’s a Hot Spiced Wine called Gluhwein from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen that’s sure to warm you up. Holiday Sweets & Treat will feature a Chocolate Peppermint Shake made with Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka. The Refreshment Port will be serving up Eggnog with spiced rum. They were all so delicious and put me in the Christmas mood, but my favorite was the Peppermint Shake. It had crushed peppermint of top of the whipped cream that added just the right amount of minty-ness. (The Peppermint Shake and Eggnog also come in non-alcoholic versions)
Living with the Land is getting “spruced” up this year with a brand new Holiday overlay. Each night of the Festival, starting at sundown, the ride will be transformed into Living with the Land: Merry & Bright Nights. The greenhouses are filled with twinkling lights and cute holiday displays showing how you can use nature to decorate inside, or bring a little holiday magic outside. Make sure you check the Times Guide for operating hours.
In Mexico the Mariachi band will be wearing a holiday version of their tradional outfits and sprinkling some holiday tunes into their performance. Check the Times Guide for show times.
The Cookie Stroll is back and even better this year! If you want to “snack your way around the world,” this is the challenge for you. Buy one of each of 5 different cookies in World Showcase and you’ll be rewarded with a Mickey shaped sugar cookie!
And finally, all the fun merchandise to commemorate your trip to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! This year Chip & Dale, those rambunctious brother, are the mascots for the festival. You will find them on Spirit Jerseys, coffee cups, ornaments, and an exclusive Passholder t-shirt. There are also several open and limited edition pins featuring Mickey and friends to add your lanyard.
Holidays at Daisey are always magical, and this year’s Festival of the Holidays is no exception. Expect to see more ways to celebrate than ever before. So, make sure you put a trip to Epcot on your Wish List this year!