Probably the best thing about Epcot last Christmas was each country on World Showcase had their own Christmas story-teller telling stories of the Christmas traditions of that country. It took us a few days but we did eventually manage to see all the story-tellers. In case you haven't noticed by now I like pictures so here are the pictures of all the story-tellers:
Papa Noel -Canada:
Father Christmas - England:
Pere Noel - France:
The Taarji - Morocco:
The Daruma Vendor - Japan:
Hanukkah -America:
Kwanzaa - America:
La Befana - Italy:
Helga - Germany:
The Monkey King - China:
Julenissan and Sigrid - Norway (these guys were hilarious!):
Los Tres Reyes Magos - Mexico:
I made two videos with short clips of each of the story-tellers as well:
Another one of Epcot's Christmas events we went to was the Candlelight Processional, which is basically the story of the birth of Christ through song. It was good apart from the fact the night we went it rained the entire time:
Then the normal fireworks Illuminations have an added Holiday Illuminations added on to the end for the Christmas season and it was amazing:
So I've already talked about Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios but I haven't mentioned Epcot yet so figured why not start with Epcot's Christmas decorations that I saw in 2011. First hanging over the ticket stands at the entrance were these cute globe baubles:
Then from moment you stepped through the gates you were met by Christmas themed toparies and trees:
Then just as you get to World Showcase was a massive Christmas tree with an Angel holding a globe on top:
Duffy the Disney bear was meeting near the tree in a Santa outfit:
Then some of the pavillions on World Showcase had their own Christmas decorations as well. In Germany the little train set had it's own mini decorations on the houses:
In the American Pavillion was Santa's Village:
This was made up of several little stalls selling sweets, decorations, dolls and Disney Christmas merchandise then off to the side Mr. and Mrs. Claus were meeting and taking pictures with people:
So as well as the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party the Magic Kingdom has some very cute Christmas decorations. The first thing you see when you walk into the park is a huge Christmas tree:
Underneath the Christmas tree are presents, toys, little trains and little Toy soldiers.
Then around the entrance hub are Christmas toy soldiers:
From there on up Main Street USA is covered in Garlands and even the lamp-posts have seasonal Mickey heads on them:
The shops and shop windows are all decorated with Christmas themed characters:
And even the Mickey and Minnie hedges get a Christmas touch with Santa hats:
On Main Street USA during the day as well the Dapper Dans appear singing Christmas Carols:
Probably the best thing to happen on non party days during the Christmas Season is the Lighting of the Castle. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy all want to decorate the castle but everyone has their own ideas, however it being Cinderella's castle they all decide it should be Cinderella's choice how the castle is decorated. The Fairy Godmother is called and with a swish of her wand the castle is covered in thousands of lights. It looks absolutely gorgeous in my opinion.
So as well as characters, merchandise and dance parties, MVMCP does have it's own special shows and parades as well. First is the once upon a Christmas parade, complete with a host of characters in Christmas outfits and ending with the man of the season, Santa in his sleigh with everything from marching soldiers and reindeer in between. It's a great parade to get you into the Christmas spirit:
On the castle stage is a show called Celebrate the Season in which our favourite Disney characters do exactly what it says on the tin, they celebrate the season through song and dance:
In Tomorrowland there is a special show called the A totally Tomorrowland Christmas. In this Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazoski and Stitch celebrate the Christmas season through song and dance again and there may even be snow at this one! When I was researching for my trip this was listed as MVMCP exclusive event however I was in the park on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and there was no party that night but the Tomorrowland show was still on so I think it might also be on on select nights in November and December:
Of course it wouldn't be a party night without a big firework finale and MVMCP doesn't disappoint. Christmas Wishes takes place every party night to round off a great night:
