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Meet the Holiday Storytellers at the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays

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Kids sitting

We all have treasured holiday traditions, whether it’s decorating a tree with keepsake ornaments, music we love or special treats we crave (Grandma’s fruitcake, anyone?). But how do people from different cultures celebrate the season? What are their traditions and what are the stories behind them? 

During the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays, running from November 25th to December 30th, the Holiday Storytellers at the World Showcase at EPCOT® take Guests on a “trip around the world” to discover the many ways people create joy for their friends and families during this festive winter season.

EPCOT

The Storytellers bring beloved traditions such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to life with stories enhanced by music, dance and performers in colorful costumes.

“The Holiday Storytellers truly capture the spirit of the season,” says Dominique Marmolejo, Show Writer for Disney Live Entertainment. “It’s a wonderful way to discover new things and find new ways to honor the traditions you already celebrate.” You may even decide to incorporate some of the elements into your own traditions!

The Storytellers’ performances take place several times a day in their respective countries. Here is a sample of some of the experiences you won’t want to miss.  Be sure to look for specially identified areas in each country and check the My Disney Experience app for these and other showtimes at each country’s pavilion.

Mexico Pavilion

Feliz Navidad! Experience the joy and pageantry of the tradition called Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre.

United Kingdom Pavilion

Ring in the season with Father Christmas and join in the good cheer and traditions of the United Kingdom.

Japan Pavilion

Have you ever heard of the Daruma doll? Learn about the fascinating story of this symbolic doll and how the New Year is celebrated in Japan.

Japan

Italy Pavilion

This charming tale of witchery may surprise you, as you learn the story of La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who visits sleeping children on the Eve of the Epiphany.

Norway Pavilion

Get ready to laugh as you watch Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller, encounter a mischievous Barn Santa.

Santa and kids

Canada Pavilion

Take a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs. They’ll introduce you to holiday customs from the various regions of Canada.

France Pavilion

Let the magic of Christmas surround you as you visit with Père Noël and feel the enchantment through a child’s letter.

France

Between Morocco and France Pavilion

Listen to a Hanukkah Storyteller recount Hanukkah celebrations around the world.

Showcase Plaza Stage

Be uplifted by the spirit of “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season,” a stirring musical performance honoring both Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Odyssey Events Pavilion

What would a celebration of holiday traditions be without an appearance by Santa Claus?

Santa

Each pavilion also offers holiday treats and beverages from its respective country. “You hear the stories and music, see the dancing and colorful costumes, and even taste the experience. It adds a whole new layer of richness to our appreciation of the season,” Marmolejo says.

Celebrate beloved traditions or create new ones with special gifts for friends and family. Use your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations at Walt Disney World® Resort.12

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NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney, Heroic Encounter or Star Wars Cardmember Photo Opportunities, you must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

2Merchandise Savings at Disney Theme Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention this offer. Discount is not valid on previous purchases or on purchases of the following: ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Theme Park admission, arcades, tobacco, alcohol, outdoor vending (e.g., in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors), Add-a-Dollar (Disney Conservation Fund), postage stamps, rentals (e.g., strollers, ECVs), personalization, Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Disney PhotoPass® purchases (e.g., purchases through any application, website or onsite sales location), Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day, Capture Your Moment and other photo sessions requiring reservations, select print packages, original or consignment art, select limited editions, select collectibles, select specialized toys, select specialty items (including, without limitation, one-of-a-kind art, Disney-branded original art, celebrity memorabilia, framed Disney Dollars, Artist Sketch Program, framed Disney Gift Cards, framed ticket media, Walt Disney Classics Collection, handmade products (physically touched by an artist/vendor) and artist-signed Vinylmation), purchase-with-purchase offers, select reusable shopping bags, newspapers/periodicals, books, sundries, pantry/prepared foods, digital/video/disposable cameras, consumer electronics (including, without limitation, DVDs, CDs, and software media), national branded fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, Lladró®, Swarovski® Crystal, Tiffany & Co.® Jewelry, Bvlgari®, handmade items, special orders, live auction artwork, select product launches, select premium branded items, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Savi's Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, and Droid Depot packages, phone, internet, email or mail order purchases, shipping or taxes. Discount is not available at games, Cast Connection, Disney's Character Premiere, Disney's Character Warehouse or Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort, except for Arribas Brothers locations (Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Crystal Arts stores and kiosks), Balocoloc Venetian Masks at La Gemma Elegante, Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Columbia Sportswear Company, Crown & Crest, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Just Fun Socks, Levi's®, Luxury of Time, Sanuk, Shop for Ireland at Raglan Road™, Sperry, Stance, Sugarboo & Co., and Volcom. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise.

3$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

4$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

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