EPCOT is the place to be from November 26 through December 30th for holiday traditions that include choirs singing, chestnuts roasting, kitchens cooking, cookies baking or gifts unwrapping.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth features cherished cultural traditions, savory seasonal flavors and costumed storytellers from the 11 World Showcase nations. And, during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration" (the 18-month celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort) guests will discover incredible EARidescence and countless ways to make new memories with family and friends, making this holiday season extra special.

The beloved “Candlelight Processional” is coming back, a Disney Parks tradition dating back to 1958 at Disneyland park. This heartwarming production at America Gardens Theatre features the Voices of Liberty and a choir of Disney cast members, a live orchestra, and celebrity narrators retelling the traditional Christmas story. This year’s celebrity narrators will include Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White, Lisa Ling, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blair Underwood and Pat Sajak with more celebrities being added soon. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are also returning, and can be booked online beginning October 26th.
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During the festival, holiday traditions of the world come to life around World Showcase, such as: 

• Las Posadas at the Mexico pavilion
• Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion
• Chinese Lion Dance celebrating the new year in the China pavilion 
• A Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade and delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom. 
• And outside The American Adventure, you can wave hello to Santa Claus as he gets ready for the big day.

Guests of all ages will enjoy sweet treats during the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll. Purchase any five cookies – such as the delicious SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® Bars or the tasty Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE® Dark Chocolate – from any of the official Cookie Stroll locations featured in the Festival Passport and collect a matching stamp. Once guests have collected all five stamps, they can bring their passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a specialty cookie!

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is another fun family activity for guests of all ages. Search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world – and lost along the way! Guests can purchase the map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations while supplies last.

And, what’s a holiday season without gifts? From designer fragrances to handmade confectionary treats to festive holiday wines and teas from around the world, it’s easy to find gifts for everyone on the list – including commemorative festival merchandise featuring Olaf!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. ​Click here to request a complimentary Walt Disney World resort quote or you can contact a Simply Perfect Vacations agent for more details! 

Simply Perfect Vacations is a travel agency specializing in Disney Destinations; Universal Orlando vacations and beyond. When you book your vacation package with Simply Perfect Vacations you will receive our complimentary concierge services from the day you contact us to the day you get home, and everything in between. 

To get Disney vacation news this and other travel news and highlights delivered straight to your email inbox, sign up for our newsletter.  As a thank you for signing up, you'll get our mini-guide to the Walt Disney World theme parks AND Universal Orlando parks for FREE!

The new year will be here before you know it, so now is the time to plan a visit to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! This fan-favorite festival will return on January 14th! This global celebration of the performing, culinary and visual arts runs through Feb. 21, 2022, as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is returning for this year’s festival, where you will be able to see some of your favorite entertainers perform Disney songs live at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Stay tuned for updates about the entertainers and schedules.

During the festival, art lovers of all ages can enjoy inspirational experiences, such as: 

• Culinary delights from Food Studios around World Showcase
• The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – a fun food stroll featuring five delicious sweet and savory treats
• Chalk artists turning walkways into stunning landscapes and portraits
• Photo ops where you can step into famous artwork
• A paint-by-number mural
• Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt
• Performance and visual artists
• Special festival merchandise

If you are Disney Visa Cardmembers, you may receive information about an exclusive advance booking opportunity for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser when you book with your Disney Visa Card. You can book your voyage with your Disney Visa Card now through October 16 and your Simply Perfect Vacations agent can help! This presale will give you an exclusive opportunity to book before the general public begins booking on October 28, 2021. Travel dates are for voyages most nights March 1-Sept. 30, 2022.  Contact a Simply Perfect Vacations agent today for more information or request a Walt Disney World resort quote or a Universal quote today!

Simply Perfect Vacations is a travel agency specializing in Disney Destinations; Universal Orlando vacations and beyond. When you book your vacation package with Simply Perfect Vacations you will receive our complimentary concierge services from the day you contact us to the day you get home, and everything in between. 

To get Disney vacation news this and other travel news and highlights delivered straight to your email inbox, sign up for our newsletter.  As a thank you for signing up, you'll get our mini-guide to the Walt Disney World theme parks AND Universal Orlando parks for FREE!
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In early 2023, Disney Cruise Line will return to top tropical destinations in the Bahamas – including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay – as well as the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, delighting Guests of all ages with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. A variety of enchanting itineraries will set sail coast-to-coast from U.S. home ports including Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego.

Vacations to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida
Disney Cruise Line will create even more fun in the sun like never before with an array of departures from the Sunshine State in early 2023, visiting tropical destinations throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. Every cruise from Florida includes a visit to Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay.

Departing from Port Canaveral, the Disney Wish will sail into 2023 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. Cruises aboard Disney’s newest ship combine enchanting new entertainment and storytelling, with the unparalleled service and magical moments that guests love when sailing with Disney.

Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will begin the year with seven-night sailings to several favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Plus, one unique eight-night sailing includes two days in beautiful Bermuda, where Guests can sunbathe on the island’s pristine pink sand beaches, enjoy exhilarating water sports or explore the island’s spectacular underground Crystal Caves.

From Miami, the Disney Dream will embark on an assortment of four- and five-night cruises to locales including Grand Cayman, Nassau, Castaway Cay and Cozumel, Mexico. Even more private island enjoyment is on deck with one special five-night cruise that includes two stops at Castaway Cay.
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On all Florida departures, Guests can delight in a voyage that provides something for every member of the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

​more info including when it will launch, pricing and what attractions will be included and more:

What is Disney Genie+: Disney Genie+ is a new product being launched by Walt Disney World that will give guests access to shorter wait times at select attractions at the theme parks. This shorter line is now called Lightning Lane. It will also give guests access to new products such as Audio Tales that will give guests interesting facts and trivia about the parks and PhotoPass Lense that will give those with Disney Genie+ a photo filter that they can use while taking pictures in the parks!

How Much: DisneyGenie+ will cost $15 per ticket per day. You can add this for the length of your tickets.  For example, if you are a party of 2 adults and 1 child with 4 days of theme park tickets, to add DisneyGenie+ (and thus Lightning Lane access) it will cost $180 to add to your package or to your theme park ticket purchase. 

What Attractions are included with Disney Genie+: The attractions with Lightning Lane access included with Disney Genie+ are in purple and are as follows (see picture).

You may only use Lightning Lane to access these attractions once. Once you use your Lightning Lane pass, if you want to ride the attraction again, you will need to wait in the standby line. You can use Lightning Lane across multiple parks if you have Park Hopper tickets. Lightning Lane is subject to availability. 

Individual Attraction Selections: These Individual Attraction Selections (IAS) are not included with the Disney Genie+ service (the ones in blue). These popular attractions will be available to guests for an additional fee the day of their park visit. You do not have to purchase Disney Genie+ to access these attractions.  The price for each of the Individual Attraction Selection (IAS) will vary depending on the day, the attraction and the park.  I was told it would be a range of an additional $7-15 per attraction per person that will be paid at time of booking these attractions. Guests are limited to two IAS attractions per day. You can not add this feature to your package or tickets in advance and payment will be due on the day you add it to your plans.  Individual Attraction Selections are subject to availability. 

When Can I Add This to My Tickets: Disney Genie+, the ability to purchase Lightning Lane access, will start October 19th. We will be able to add this for your length of ticket. If you've already paid in full for your vacation, we can add it without penalty to your reservation.
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When Can I Make My Lightning Lane and Individual Attraction Selections: By staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, at 7:00AM EST you'll be able to make your first Lightning Lane selection and/or Individual Attraction Selection for that day. You will need valid theme park tickets and a park reservation to make your selections. It has not been confirmed if I will be able to do this for you or if you need to be connected to the Disney Resort Guests Wifi to make these purchases. I will update you as soon as I find out. Guests of non-Disney Resorts will make their selections when the park opens for the day. 

Don't Want to Pay for Disney Genie+ or Individual Attraction Selections: All guests will have access to Disney Genie (no plus). This complimentary service will be available to all guests. You will tell the app what you're top interests are for the day and it will give you a suggested itinerary to follow; it will also give guests forecasted wait times for attractions, entertainment and dining; you'll also be able to order food; make day of dining reservations (subject to day-of availability which will be limited); and join virtual queues.