Day 5: Epcot International Festival Of The Holidays
Epcot / Happily Ever After Fireworks from Poly
December 11, 2017


Regular readers of my trip reports know that I take a lot of photos, and that I can't possibly include them all!
You will be able to find all of the photos from Hibiscus & Holly At The Poly 2017 in my Flickr Collection of albums from this trip.
To see just today’s extra photos, you can view this Flickr Album.
You can find my Hibiscus & Holly At The Poly 2017 Trip Index here.



We took the Monorail from Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), which is just a quick walk from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, over to Epcot today for the Epcot International Festival of The Holidays.

We were really looking forward to visiting the Pavilions in Epcot World Showcase where the Festival is held. It used to be called Holidays Around The World, but they changed the name this year for some reason. I think maybe to tie in with the other three festivals that they have during the year (Food & Wine, Arts, and Flower & Garden)?

Before catching the Monorail we had to go through security and bag check. I spoke about the security situation at TTC back on Day 2, and when visiting Epcot from TTC. This is where it is mildly annoying as you have to go through security twice – once at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and then again when you get to Epcot. It may be a different set up since our visit, and I hope it is. Who wants to line up twice for the same thing?!


After doing security and scanning our Magic Bands at the [not there any more] turnstiles, we were finally in Epcot! We were beginning to really notice the crowd levels by now, and there was quite the line not only getting into the park, but also for Spaceship Earth. I’m sure since they added FastPass+ the line for this ride has gone crazy!

But before getting as far as Spaceship Earth, we stopped to take some photos of the seasonal topiaries in front of it. There was a Disney Photographer taking pictures, but the line was long, so we didn’t bother to wait. I’m pretty sure Memory Maker is included with the park tickets (from the UK at least) these days, and I’m glad we didn’t pay out for it this year as we didn’t make use of the Disney Photographers this year.

The topiaries were Mickey and Minnie, as well as Pluto. There was also Bambi, Thumper and Flower (photos of the latter two I got later in the day) and also Stitch.


Before hitting up Epcot World Showcase and the Festival of The Holidays, we made our way into The Land for our FastPass+ for Soarin’. We haven’t been on this ride since 2011 and our very first trip! I can’t believe it’s actually been that long! Since then it has changed to Soarin’ Around The World with a new film. The ride seats are still the same, you sit in three rows and are elevated up to simulate being in a hang glider, soaring (see what they did?) over locations, landscapes, and landmarks across six continents of the world.

Plus-Size Rider Guide: I took a photo of the ride seats so you can see them below. I would estimate that they are about 18″ wide. When sitting down, pull the seat belt all the way out and if you can’t reach round to clip it in place, ask a member of your party to help. Or if you’re flying solo, a Cast Member will be happy to help you. The loop in the centre of the seat is optional – mainly for children to prevent them from slipping.


Bearing in mind I was a solid UK size 34 (US size 32) on this trip, and just about managed. The Cast Member that helped fasten my seat belt in, really yanked it round and into the clip. I would say at my size back then is about the max for fitting on this ride. I carry all of my weight around my middle, making the seat belt the trickiest part of it. The ride is about 5 minutes long so any discomfort felt is only for a short time.

Ultimately if you are smaller than size me at the time of riding this, you’ll be fine with fitting!

Oh, and those baskets underneath are for your loose items – if you have slip-on shoes like flip-flops you might want to take them off!

Back to the ride, which as I said now flies you over six continents across the world. According to Wiki you soar over:

• Matterhorn in Switzerland
• Isfjord, Greenland
• Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia
• Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
• Kilimanjaro National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
• The Great Wall of China in China
• The Great Pyramids in Egypt
• Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, India
• West and East Mitten Buttes in Monument Valley, Arizona, United States
• Lau Islands, Fiji
• Iguazu Falls, Argentina
• Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
• Epcot in Florida, USA

It was a pretty awesome ride, but just as we were approaching the finale over Epcot, the ride stopped abruptly, the lights came on, and we were brought back down to the ground. No word that there was a malfunction and everyone just kinda sat there waiting for an announcement. Nothing came, so people just unclipped their seat belts and left the ride area.

Steve did ask a Cast Member if there had been a problem with the ride. Apparently yes there had been, and he promptly gave us some FastPass tickets which Liam used later for Test Track.

We then made our way over to World Showcase where you’ll find the Epcot Christmas tree just before the entrance.


Along the way we saw some more topiaries – Goofy and Donald Duck, and a snowman too. There was also a stage set up by the fountains – not sure what that was for, but it had some colourful Christmas trees on it!

I also bought myself a bottle of Cranberry Sprite… it was not very nice – bleh! We also saw a Hidden Mickey (I am not sure where, I thought it was by the Monorail Station, but it doesn’t make sense for it to be there due to where it was in my camera roll) and I’m also popping in a wreath from outside the Mouse Gear store as we must have passed that along the way too!


The fact that the wreaths and decor in and around Mouse Gear have three gears laid out as Mickey makes me smile. Are they classed as seasonal Hidden Mickeys?!

Okay, back to the Epcot Christmas Tree which was of course huge, (I wonder which is the biggest of all the Disney Park trees?) and very simply (I think) decorated with gold tinsel garlands, bells, colourful baubles, globes, and ornaments with different country flags on them.

There were also pennants with holiday wishes in different languages nestled amongst the other decorations too. Sitting atop the tree was an angel holding the world above her head. A very fitting tree for this Disney Park I think.


After admiring the Epcot Christmas tree, we entered World Showcase and turned left towards the Mexico Pavilion. We made a pit stop first for some food as by now it was a lunch time and we had already skipped breakfast.

The Festival of the Holidays is like a much smaller Food & Wine Festival, with Holiday Kitchens serving traditional fayre from around the world. In addition there is also entertainment and storytelling, making it feel very festive indeed!

Festival of The Holidays – Mexico Pavilion


Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen

Tostada de Tinga – Crispy Corn Tortilla smothered with Black Beans, topped with Chipotle Chicken and garnished with Crema Mexicana, Queso Fresco, Avocado, and Tomatillo Sauce ($5.75)


Tamal de Chilorio – Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder, marinated in Ancho Paste and stuffed in a Corn Masa. Served with Salsa Tres Chile and garnished with Crema Mexicana and Queso Fresco ($6.25)


Liam got himself a portion of Nachos – Tortilla Chips topped with Ground Beef, Nacho Cheese, Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Beans, and Sour Cream ($11.50) from La Cantina de San Angel, because for him, nachos is life! And also because he didn’t want anything from the Holiday Booth.


There was a Coco/Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) alter set up which I guess was because of the release of the film in 2017.

The sign reads:

Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead”, is a holiday filled with joy and remembrance for families. It is celebrated over three days, beginning on the eve of All Hallows Eve, or October 31st, and ending on the eve of the Day of the Dead, November 2nd. It is the belief that for these days, the spirits of loved ones are allowed to come back and join the living to visit their families.

The holiday is celebrated with the creation of ofrendas, or altars, to honor loved ones and to help them make their journey back. Water is left in a pitcher to quench the spirits’ thirst. Papel picado, or paper banners, are representative of the wind, and the earth is represented by traditional food and bread. Fire represented by candles is in place to guide the way.

It is believe that the golden cempasuchil flower, a type of marigold used to decorated graves of loved ones, also serves to guide the spirits from the cemetery to their family’s home. Families leave toys and calaveras, or sugary skulls, for the children, and they leave food, pictures and mementos of the deceased. The celebrations often include music, dancing, and lively festivals with food and activities that the dead enjoyed in life.

The beautiful traditions of Dia de Los Muertos inspired Coco, the Disney Pixar film. Coco centers on a young boy named Miguel who lives in Santa Cecilia, loves music, and finds himself on an unexpected journey to the Land of the Dead. The film captures the heart and uplifting spirit of Dia de Los Muertos and the importance of family.

Now, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia celebrates Dia de Los Muertos right here in Epcot with performances capturing the wonderful music of the film!


The Dia de Los Muertos area was beautiful with all of the marigolds in shades of orange, and the sugar skulls and candles. We didn’t see the mariachi band for Coco, but we did see them for Feliz Navidad…


We caught the tail end of this performance, so wasn’t really sure as to what was going on! But what we did see was entertaining, and we joined in when they sang Feliz Navidad, which is one of my favourite Christmas songs!


Each Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase had a scroll with details about how the Holidays are celebrated in their country which I thought was a nice touch.

We didn’t get to all of the the Pavilions during this trip, which was a shame (but always an excuse to visit again at this time of year!). Of the scrolls we did see, I will type out what is on them, just in case they’re tricky to read. Plus they are an interesting read, and this is the International Festival of The Holidays!

Mexico

Beautiful candlelight processions, happy sounds of children laughing, and sweet smells of the season make Christmas in Mexico a magical, meaningful time of community.

In Mexico, Christmas is called La Navidad and its main celebration is Las Posadas, which means “shelter.” During Las Posadas, Mexican families recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. For nine nights, beginning December 16, Mexican children dress up like the holy family and visit their neighbors as part of a candlelight procession. Beautifully carved nacimientos (nativity scenes) are displayed in homes. Each night, after Mary and Joseph are welcomed in, the prayers and festivities begin!

The holiday festivities continue with Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day) celebrated on January 6. This tradition commemorates the day the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem bringing gifts to baby Jesus.

On the eve of Three Kings Day, Mexican children leave their shoes on their doorsteps. When they awaken in the morning, they are delighted to discover wonderful toys and gifts in and around their shoes.


I loved the decorations in the Mexico Pavilion with their fuchsia pink bows and baubles, and the more traditional ornaments tucked in too – so pretty!

Norway Pavilion was next, but not much more than a passing through. We didn’t stop for food*, but I did see someone with an amazing looking cupcake! We didn’t go on the Frozen ride as couldn’t get a FastPass+ slot for it, and the line wait was too long for us to bother with.

*The reason we didn’t stop for food was because there wasn’t a Holiday Kitchen in Norway. I’ve been doing a bit of research (since my memory is a bit hazy) and it would seem not all the country Pavilions have a dedicated Holiday Kitchen, but most do have seasonal offerings at their regular booths and food/beverage carts.


Norway

The Christmas season is a festive time in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”: however there are remarkable differences between the holiday celebrations in Norway’s cities and the age old traditions of farming communities.

In Norwegian towns and cities, there are a host of festivities leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many will celebrate the holidays going to concerts, fairs and markets, with caroling and church services, or the familiar custom of awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.

On many Norwegian farms, there is also much excitement as children anticipate the visit of “the Barn Santa,” Juleniseen, a gnome who lives in woods and barns across the countryside. It is believed that he is the guardian of the farm animals and every family’s welfare. Young children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to thank Juelnissen.

Christmas Eve on the farm is busy with fun activity. Farm animals are treated to the finest oats and barley. Birds are offered a julenek, large sheaves of grain placed high on spruce poles. Gifts are opened. After darkness, it’s “lights out” as homes are illuminated by only the warm glow of candlelight.

Throughout Norway – the Musevisa is a very popular song about a Mouse family preparing for Christmas. In the spirit of the song, Christmas Day throughout Norway is “family time!” Everyone gathers to enjoy the precious gift of food, music and good times that may last for hours!


The entertainment in Norway told the story of Julenissen…


Our next food stop was at the Shanghai Holiday Kitchen in the China Pavilion…

Festival of The Holidays – China Pavilion

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen

Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls ($4)


Mongolian Beef Bao Bun and a Fortune Cookie ($6)


Celebration Barbecue Pork Rice Bowl and a Fortune Cookie ($6)


We also bought a Bubble Milk Tea – Sweetened; Peach Flavored Black Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls ($6.50) from the Joy of Tea.


We then made our way to The Temple of Heaven to go and watch Reflections of China, a Circle-Vision 360° movie that takes you on a tour of China’s countryside, and historical buildings and structures. You stand in the middle of the theatre and there are screens all around you. As the camera also flies above the scenery, and sometimes swoops down, you have this feeling of motion which is really quite strange – a heads up for those with motion sickness though.

We also took a look at the mini exhibition of Shanghai Disneyland which was pretty cool to see! Maybe one day we’ll get to see it (and all the other Disney Parks around the world) in real life.


And of course we popped into the gift shop where I really wanted to buy the cute Panda plushie above, but though I better not, so I took the photo. Then decided he was too cute and I had to have him! Yes, I’m a 40-odd year old woman who likes toys!

I also really loved the tea set, but didn’t buy it this time around. One year I will though!

The seasonal entertainment in the China Pavilion is The Lion Dance. We didn’t see it on this visit to Epcot, but we did when we returned for the Candlelight Processional – I’ll tell you all about that in day 14.


Just as we entered the Germany Pavilion as the band began to play. My research online tells me it is Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band. Margret Almer is the yodel queen of Germany – and I can confirm that her yodelling skills were really impressive!


I loved the Christmas wreaths in the Germany Pavilion with their traditional red, gold, and green baubles and cute gingerbread ornaments. I also loved the snowmen ornaments that they were selling (above) but they were made of glass and just looked too fragile to transport home. Naturally I regret it now as I do love collecting Christmas ornaments!

Germany

Many of Germany’s rich traditions of the season have been adopted all over the world.

Germany produced the very first tannenbaum (Christmas tree). According to legend, one snowy evening, the beauty of the starlit sparkling fir trees overcame a well-known minister, Martin Luther. He was reminded of the star on the night the Christkindl (Christ child) was born. Tho share this magical feeling with his children, he brought home a fir tree and clipped candles on to the branches, so they would appear to be covered in glistening snow.

The Adventskalender (Advent Calendar) is another German invention designed to involve children in the festivities leading up to Christmas. Even today, when children look behind the tiny windows of the calendar, they find chocolate or even small toys.

One of the most famous German stories told at Christmastime is the story of a girl, Clara and her Nussknacker (Nutcracker), magical toy that comes to life! It is still believed that at Christmas, children and ‘the pure at heart’ can see this special kind of magic.

In German towns large and small, the Weihnachtsmärket (Christmas Market) will be the center of activity. People gather to listen to music and dance, and to drink beer, apple cider, or Gluhwein (hot mulled wine). Everyone gets their fill of baked goods, such as gingerbread hearts, sugar-roasted almonds, stollen, Lebkuchen (spice bars), and other sweets. Families shop together for beautiful glass baubles and other things to decorate the tree, or buy fun toys and treats for children.

Now, as you take in the festive sights of this wonderful German Weihnachtsmärket, enjoy the magical feeling in the air that Christmas is on its way.

Fröhliche Weihnacten! Merry Christmas!


There was also a Bavarian Holiday Kitchen, but we didn’t buy anything from here – not sure why as one of my favourite Christmas treats – stollen – was on the menu. Plus other delicious goodies like a cheese fondue in a bread bowl – OMG, why did we miss this out?!

We did however, stop by the Tuscany Holiday Kitchen in the Italy Pavilion for some more Holiday food from around the world.

Festival of The Holidays – Italy Pavilion

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen

Fusilli Di Gragnano Alla Carbonara – Fusilli Pasta in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce with Pancetta and Onions ($7)


Crespelle Di Mele – Cinnamon Apple Fritters and a Vanilla Sauce Drizzled with Chocolate Caramel Sauce ($7)


Panettone Alla Milanese – Warm Italian Fruit Cake with Vanilla Sauce and Cherry Syrup ($8)


We had more food in the American Adventure from the American Holiday Table. Whenever I write about Epcot’s food festivals, it always sounds like we are eating loads, but we are sharing the dishes, and they’re not that big. I had heard that portion sizes were a lot smaller for Festival of The Holidays than previous years too.

Festival of The Holidays – American Adventure

American Holiday Table

Slow-Roasted Turkey – with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce ($5.25)


Chocolate Pecan Tart – with Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce featuring Green Valley Pecan Company Pecans ($4.50)


Shipyard Eggnog White Porter – Clearwater, FL ($4.25)

No photo of this I’m afraid. It was just a cup of standard looking beer!


There was a large tree in the American Adventure which was very pretty with garlands of poinsettias, lanterns with candles, and swags of fruit and foliage.

Just opposite is the American Gardens Theatre (where they hold the Candlelight Processional during the Holiday season) which also had a gorgeous traditional tree, decked out in red and gold, and lots of gift boxes piled underneath.

We by-passed Japan and Morocco completely, although I did stop to take a photo of this Hidden Mickey in Morocco!


Just before reaching the France Pavilion we stopped to watch Mostly Kosher,

Mostly Kosher, a Los Angeles based indie-global-collective, radically reconstructs Judaic and American cultural musical roots. Through ravenous post-klezmer beats and arresting Yiddish refrains, Mostly Kosher is a musical feast that explodes into a global food-fight of Jazz, Latin, Rock, Hip Hop, World and Folk. These fearless soundsmiths highlight the architecture of heritage music and yet raze it to the ground. – Facebook

who performed a variety of Hannukah and Klezmer music.

Klezmer is a musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. Played by professional musicians called klezmorim in ensembles known as kapelye, the genre originally consisted largely of dance tunes and instrumental display pieces for weddings and other celebrations. Typical instruments played: Violin, cymbalom, clarinet, accordion, trombone, trumpet, piano, double bass, Cello, Flute – Wikipedia

They were very entertaining, and since I am married to a Jewish man, it was nice to learn of his heritage. Over here in the UK you don’t really see anything Jewish or Hannuakah related – unless you live in a Jewish community, but over in the USA we saw a lot of stuff, not only decor in the Resorts and Parks, but also in the stores offsite as well.


Hanukkah

A GREAT MIRACLE HAPPENED THERE

Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is an eight-day celebration honoring the trials and tribulations that the Jews living in Israel faced in 166 B.C.

A small band of Jews known as the Maccabees, named after their leader Judah Maccabee stood up against a large army to protect their land and the holy temple. Beating all odds, the Maccabees successfully reclaimed the Second Temple from their enemies who desecrated and destroyed it.

Following the battle, Judah lead the Maccabees in cleansing the Second Temple, rebuilding the altar, and lighting the menorah, a seven-pronged candelabra that is supposed to burn bright every night. However, they only found enough oil to last one night. Miraculously, the menorah remained lit for 8 days, allowing the Maccabees to cleanse the temple and find more oil.

Today, Jews around the world celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with family, food, and fun. At sundown on each night of Hanukkah, families and communities light menorahs, share a feast of foods cooked in oil, such as fired potato latkes, exchange presents, and play games with a dreidel, a four-sided top with Hebrew letters on it that translate to “a great miracle happened there.”

The night is highlighted with singing and dancing to festive music – like that performed by Mostly Kosher. These joyous celebrations of laughter, song, and storytelling help us remember the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of Hanukkah.


One final food stop for the day in the France Pavilion, before working our way round the remaining part of Epcot World Showcase to head back to the Monorail.

Festival of The Holidays – France Pavilion

Alsace Holiday Kitchen

Le Réveillon De Nöel – Turkey Breast stuffed with Mushrooms and Chestnuts served with Sweet Potato Purée ($6.75)


Bûche De Noël Au Chocolat – Slice of Chocolate Christmas Yule Log ($4.75)


Spiced Rum Punch Slush – Spiced Rum, Rhum Clément V.S.O.P., Orange and Pineapple Juice with Cinnamon ($10.75)


We passed through the UK Pavilion and saw the giant tea set, pretty much ignored Canada (sorry, eh!), and then walked through the Feast of The Three Kings area to find out more about that.

I’m not sure why we missed sections of World Showcase, it’s not like we were in any mad rush because we didn’t have dinner reservations, or anywhere else to be. We purposely did that so that we could eat around the world! Oh well, yet another reason to go back…!


Before leaving Epcot for the day, we popped into Mouse Gear to do some shopping, and Liam bought himself a box of popcorn on the way out too. We then took the Monorail back to the Transport and Ticket Center and then through the walkway to Home at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.


After thawing out in our room, as it had grown rather chilly during the day, we then decided to go back out into the cold to watch Happily Ever After – the new (at the time) fireworks show that had replaced Wishes.

This 18-minute show features more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park!


Unfortunately we didn’t see the show from inside Magic Kingdom at all on this trip – well, I lie a little bit… we did, but with a really bad view from the side somewhere. And the other time we tried to see it, the park was at maximum capacity and we left early.

I’m sure the projections on the Castle are absolutely amazing – I have heard that they are – and the music and the fireworks themselves, which we saw from across Seven Seas Lagoon at Poly was awesome.

Disney do a lot of things well, but fireworks they take to a whole other level!


Wiki has a good write-up of the show, and I am making it priority number one to go and see Happily Ever After inside the Magic Kingdom, in front of Cinderella Castle on our next trip to Orlando in 2019!

I love that lots of different movies are represented in this show – through the projections and the songs, and the opening and closing number is pure Disney! I’ll have to see how good the video Steve took is and pop it up on my YouTube Channel as soon as I can.


I was overjoyed when I heard “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame – a film that is pretty dark for a Disney movie, but that song is just stunning. And brought to tears when I heard “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan (one of my favourite soundtracks) and “I See The Light” from Tangled ♥

Then when I heard “He’s A Pirate” from Pirates of The Caribbean I did a little squeal as I LOVE those films, and the main track from it is one of my absolutely favourites!

I lost it when “Go The Distance” from Hercules played – another epic, and favourite song of mine!


And that is another day over! Tomorrow it’s a bit of a slower day as we’re at Disney Springs for lunch at Planet Hollywood and at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the evening.



Read about the day after:
Day 6: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney Springs / Lunch at Planet Hollywood / Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Read about the day before:
Day 4: Night Blossom & Gingerbread
Animal Kingdom / Breakfast at Tusker House / Pandora – The World of Avatar / Snack from Satu’li Canteen / Drink from Pongu Pongu / Gingerbread House & Christmas Tree at Grand Floridian

Read ALL the days!

Another great day with terrific photos. We haven’t been in Nov/Dec for years. The increasing crowds just put me off (It used to be so quiet ‘back in the day’ ) but I really want to go now - just for the decor.lol.

Great pictures 👍

As ever your pictures are wonderful. That was also a really interesting read, you put lots of great detail into your report

Fabulous photos as usual! Thanks for all the effort you put in and sharing with us.

Really great to read. Epcot is a fantastic park in terms of all the effort they put into the festivals. We were there during the Flower and Garden festival in May 2017 and the effort put into everything was amazing. The food looks good too. We didn't get a chance to eat around the world on our last trip but I think we will make the effort this time.