Holidays

Holidays are always special at the Walt Disney World Resort. The parks and resorts overflow with special entertainment and decorations that vary from season to season and year to year (see page 289 for details). The Christmas and New Year’s season is especially magical, with all kinds of celebrations throughout the property. One big Christmas favorite is the Candlelight Processional at World Showcase in Epcot, which is available free to Epcot guests (show only) or as an Epcot lunch or dinner package offering special seating for the show (call 407-WDW-DINE).

House of Blues

House of Blues has a concert hall separate from its restaurant (page 252) that features performances by top musicians. On Sundays at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm, they serve an all-you-care-to-eat Gospel Brunch with soul food and glorious gospel music—price is $41.50adult, $32.25 child age 3–9. Reservations can be made up to a month in advance at the House of Blues box office (or call 407-934-2583). Tickets for evening performances are available through the box office or Ticketmaster, and range from $13 to $60. The House of Blues is located at Disney Springs West Side.

Restaurants With Entertainment

Several Disney restaurants offer performances or entertainment during meals. At the Magic Kingdom, a piano player may tickle the ivories at Casey’s Corner. At Epcot, Biergarten has traditional German music and dancing, Restaurant Marrakesh features belly dancing and Moroccan musicians, and Rose & Crown plays host to pub performers. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ‘50s Prime Time Cafe has TVs and cast members who act like “sisters” and “brothers,” and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant shows old movie trailers. Both ’Ohana (Polynesian Village) and Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge Resort) offer fun activities for the kids (big and little). And Raglan Road at Disney Springs hosts Irish music, dancing, and storytelling.