Welcome to planDisney, Bev! Thanks for sharing your question with us.
You’ve picked a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. All of the parks and resort hotels are decked out in their holiday best, and special events like Jollywood Nights and Candlelight Processional can create such special memories for you and your group.
If you are looking to plan an outing for a large group (and I’d say 40 people is a large group), then you’ll want to talk with the friendly Cast Members at
Disney Meetings & Events. They handle large social events, corporate or community group events, and private dining, including holiday celebrations. You just fill out the request form (which you can find
here), and a Cast Member will contact you about availability and pricing.
If your group needs hotel rooms for their visit, then you will need to call the
Group Reservations phone line. They handle reservations requiring 10 or more rooms and can help get your group accommodations at a Disney Resort hotel.
As you plan your group holiday visit, be sure to visit the
Disney Parks Blog to stay up-to-date with all the festive offerings at Walt Disney World. It sounds like you plan to enjoy the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, so make sure you stop by CommuniCore Plaza to enjoy the
Favorites of Festivals Past Menu.
I hope you find this information helpful, Bev. Pop right back to planDisney if you have more questions. Your planDisney pals are happy to help!
Magical travels!
Matt