Hello everyone and welcome to another seasonal post!! We are in full-on Christmas cheer at my house baking cookies, decorating, and watching our favorite holiday movies. This festive feeling is also in full swing at Disney World. A few years ago, we had the pleasure of visiting Epcot during the holidays, but this year things are looking at “bit” different. Today’s article will be all about the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays!
Holiday Kitchens
Any Epcot festival just wouldn’t be the same without the outdoor kitchens that offer specialty food and drink! This year, Disney went above and beyond for the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays regarding food. There are 17 kitchens offering festive favorites, new and old! There are two standout locations, with a close runner up:
- Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)- Just like last year, the Las Posadas Kitchen earned another top spot. Guests are really enjoying the Giant Tostada de Chorizo and the Dulce de Leche Churro! However, people either love or hate the pumpkin spice margarita.
- Le Marche de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)- Another fan favorite, this is a must-try location! Guests rave about the Dinde Forestière, Pommes Dauphines (turkey and bacon served with mushrooms and onions in a mustard sauce with potatoes) and frozen Grey Goose hot chocolate martini.
- Mele Kalikimake Holiday Kitchen (Showcase Plaza)- This is a new kitchen for 2020, but it’s earned rave reviews for the unique dishes. You’ve got to try the Kālua Pork with Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes, and Mango Salad. If you like seafood, give the Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu Mayonnaise, and Yucca Chips a try!
Cookie Stroll
The cookie stroll is back again this year! Make sure to pick up your Festival Passport and stroll through World Showcase. Along the way are 5 cookie stops. Purchase all 5 cookies, receive your stamps, and then you’re eligible to get your free Minnie peppermint cookie! Here are this year’s cookies:
- Linzer cookie- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)
- Chocolate Crinkle cookie- American Holiday Table (America)
- Peppermint Pinwheel cookie- Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
- Gingerbread cookie- Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
- Black-and-White cookie- L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen (between Morocco and France)
Seasonal Entertainment
Even though the Candlelight Processional is not running this year, there are plenty of options for seasonal entertainment in Epcot!
- Festive Cavalcades- In lieu of meeting Santa (or any character for that matter) in person, Disney World is hosting character cavalcades throughout their parks. Listen for a change in music as that is a dead given away that characters are coming! This year, Epcot has 3 special holiday cavalcades: Mickey and friends, Frozen, and, of course, Santa Claus.
- American Gardens Theaters Presents- Located in the American Adventure Pavilion, this amphitheater is home to two amazing acts during the Christmas season. Be sure to grab a seat early to enjoy the sounds of the Voices of Liberty and Mariachi Cobre!
- JAMMitors- This group of entertaining “janitors” create amazing music on the Mill stage in Canada! They are a returning favorite of the park, so be sure to see them.
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season- Stop by the World Showplace stage to listen to Gospel and R&B tunes celebrating the holiday season!
Olaf Scavenger Hunt
If there’s an Epcot festival, there’s likely a scavenger hunt! This year, Chip and Dale passed the baton over to Olaf. Our favorite snowman is posing with his favorite holiday treats all around the park! Are you up for the challenge of finding him? If you do, you can redeem your completed scavenger hunt card for a cool surprise! We LOVE doing these scavenger hunts. It is fun for all ages!
That is all you need to know about the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! I don’t know about you, but the food excites me the most!
Until next time… Cheers!!!