Living with the Land Merry and Bright Nights at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays

Have you experienced this year’s International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT?  Until December 30, guests can hear the Christmas story at the celebrity-laden Candlelight Processional, sample holiday food from around the globe, and enjoy special entertainment options such as JOYFUL! – a celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa presented through song.

Besides these popular offerings, EPCOT’s festival includes smaller holiday attractions. Such as a holiday light display inside the beloved Living with the Land boat ride. While this attraction has received decorations and other Christmas additions in the past, this is the first year it’s received a temporary new branding: “Merry and Bright Nights.”

Not having experienced this overlay in previous years, my kids and I were excited to check it out. Here are some things we learned that you should know before heading to the park:

• The lights and décor are only in the greenhouse section of the attraction. –

I was expecting a more “Jingle Cruise” level overlay where the entire ride was fitted with Christmas cheer. I truly thought I would find the early-scene buffalos and alligators decorated with Santa hats or other festive items. I was disappointed when that expectation was not met. Please remember a large portion of the ride has not changed.

• The attraction is best experienced at night. –

I originally booked our FastPass+ for a time close to sunset. I wanted the sky to be dark-ish so we could appreciate the lights. But I was afraid if it was too dark I would miss some of the other touches, such as sand snowmen. This fear was unfounded. The vast majority of the décor was dependent on the holiday lights, so our first ride was disappointing. We ended up returning for a second, darker ride, and the experience was much more enjoyable.

• Living with the Land will have extended hours during the International Festival of the Holidays.–

Most of the year, Living with the Land closes earlier than the World Showcase and other popular EPCOT attractions. During this festival, however, the ride will remain open until EPCOT’s final closing time to give as much opportunity as possible to enjoy this display!

If you plan to visit EPCOT before December 30, make sure you experience Living with the Land’s Merry and Bright Nights! It’s a festive and fun twist on a classic attraction and well worth the ride!