Hey there, Teresa!
Welcome to planDisney. We're so happy you've stopped by with a wonderful
Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning question! It sounds like you're planning a wondrous wintertime vacation at The Most Magical Place on Earth. As a fellow Midwesterner, I can't imagine a better way to shake off the mid-winter blues than a visit to sunny Walt Disney World Resort! Now, let's chat about your upcoming visit.
Teresa, your question caught my eye because I'll be visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth during the same time, participating in
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend! I'm sure you've noticed that our visits fall directly in between the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. I've visited EPCOT between festivals before, and, based on my previous experiences, I think there's a good chance you will see a mix of decorations for both festivals during your visit! Although festival food booths will not be offered during that time, you may see some EPCOT International Festival of the Arts merchandise remaining in the retail locations, and you might even see some of the topiaries being set up in preparation for the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. No matter what, you'll still be able to find delicious food offerings at the non-festival locations all year long! Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Red Berries Crêpe at Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion
- Maple Popcorn in the Canada Pavilion
- Croque Glacé at L'Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion
- Wine flights at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion
During your visit, you'll likely also have the chance to view
Luminous The Symphony of Us - a brand new nighttime spectacular that recently debuted at EPCOT! I can't wait to see this new entertainment offering featuring classic, moving Disney music set against a backdrop of fantastic fireworks.
Teresa, keep in mind that your vacation coincides with a
runDisney race weekend. Since runDisney events route runners through the theme parks and along the roadways that connect them, you may experience some operational changes during your stay - most notably during the early mornings on February 23-25, 2024 while the races are taking place. I encourage you to rely on the
complimentary transportation provided by your Disney Resort hotel on these mornings, if possible, as the Transportation Cast Members will be able to easily whisk you to the theme parks despite any potential road closures!
I hope you've found this information helpful, Teresa. I wish you a wonder-filled wintertime adventure at The Most Magical Place on Earth! You're always welcome to return to
planDisney with any additional planning questions you might have. We're all ears!
See ya real soon,
Lauren