EPCOT 2024 Festival of the Holidays Opens with New Offerings at CommuniCore Hall and Plaza

2 days ago in "Epcot International Festival of the Holidays"

2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays CommuniCore Hall and Plaza
Posted: Friday November 29, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins today, and for the first time, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza are at the heart of the celebration with several new offerings.


Inside CommuniCore Hall, a gingerbread Spaceship Earth has taken center stage. This impressive 8-foot-tall creation, crafted by the EPCOT Pastry Team and Walt Disney Imagineering, mirrors the park’s iconic geodesic sphere. Made from nearly 1,000 gingerbread triangles, the display incorporates over 240 pounds of honey dough, 55 pounds of dark chocolate, and 100 pounds of royal icing. The sphere lights up and plays festive music, while guests can search for 11 hidden Mickeys symbolizing the World Showcase countries.

The hall is also dressed for the season, with its Glittering Grove by Balsam Hill providing a shimmering backdrop of holiday trees. Exclusive festival merchandise is available inside, offering guests the chance to bring home a piece of the celebration.

The Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow, a new Holiday Kitchen, serves decorated cookies, including a gingerbread triangle decorating kit inspired by the Spaceship Earth display.


Outside in CommuniCore Plaza, snowflake decorating stations invite guests of all ages to get creative, while the JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season performance has found a new home on the plaza’s stage. The live show blends gospel, R&B, and holiday classics.

Foodies will appreciate the Favorites of Festivals Past kitchen, which is offering nostalgic dishes from previous EPCOT festivals just outside the hall.


Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, Scentsy’s snow globe garden fills the air with the aromas of the holidays, adding an extra sensory layer to the festivities.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

Nunu9 minutes ago

Idk, I find it both odd and funny. In any case Josh's jeans aren't skinny, they're slim. There's a difference.

LittleBuford12 minutes ago

I can’t tell if you’re joking or actually implying that it’s slovenly to wear jeans in public.

networkpro23 minutes ago

My wife doesn't allow me to wear jeans in public, they are reserved strictly for outdoor work .

LittleBuford53 minutes ago

What is this obsession with skinny jeans?! Some of you come up with the strangest ways to frame your anger!

nickys3 hours ago

Clearly not many wanted to pay the up charge.

HauntedPirate3 hours ago

The Epcot Christmas loop is very good, it should be played throughout the park. My second favorite behind the DHS loop in the park.

networkpro3 hours ago

Lighter crowds, seems the Bavarian and Hawaiian booths are the most popular. Both IMHO are delicious. I just miss Spaten Optimator, but the Köstritzer is a very good alternative.

networkpro5 hours ago

I'll let you know in a few.minutes

Brian5 hours ago

Today should be busy. Nice weather, first day APs are unblocked after a holiday, holiday weekend, Christmas party at MK, etc.

Tony the Tigger5 hours ago

They’re waiting for me to arrive. 😆

networkpro5 hours ago

It's pretty light attendance on day 2 of festival of the holidays. Nary a soul eating off of trashcans.

wdwfan225 hours ago

I agree and was happy to see that the Christmas loop was playing this year.

ToTBellHop6 hours ago

Happy that the Epcot Christmas loop has returned to the front of the park since it’s my favorite park Christmas loop. Pinar is great but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Cookie stroll gift this year is a mix to make your own cookies at home. Interesting choice.

Chi8416 hours ago

What video? I thought you were upset that MVMCP sold out.