The festive season is in full swing, so you’ll likely find our Disney Parks Blog team stationed in front of the Favorites of Festivals Past Holiday Kitchen at EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.
This has become one of our favorite stops, featuring popular dishes — like Reuben Croquettes, Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Ham Sliders, and a Panettone Holiday Trifle — inspired from previous EPCOT festivals.
And this year, we were given the opportunity to try the beloved dishes and beverages, so I teamed up with Nicole from Disney Eats to sample the menu.
I hope you ate before reading this story, because these descriptions are making me hungry as I’m writing it down. Here’s what you need to know on this foodie stop.
Where to Find Favorites of Festivals Past (and What’s Nearby)
Make your way to CommuniCore Hall to find Favorites of Festivals Past right at the heart of World Celebration. This holiday kitchen will be open for the rest of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, until December 30, 2025.
While you’re grabbing a bite, sit near the CommuniCore Plaza Stage to hear JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. There will likely be a few hits you recognize since the ensemble is performing Gospel, Rhythm, and Blues tunes that celebrate the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa.
You can also travel inside the hall to meet Santa Claus or grab one of the delicious cookies that’s available this year as part of the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Reuben Croquettes
If you take away one thing from this blog, I hope it’s this — the Reuben Croquettes are delightful and are now my go-to festival item. These five croquettes are filled with pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese and come with Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side.
It’s a ton of flavor in a small bite. Plus, if you’re with a group, this delicious dish can easily be divided among the team.
Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Ham Sliders
Are you looking for a heartier option that has a little sweetness? Then, you’ll want to check out the fan-favorite slider. Packed with flavor, Nicole and I both enjoyed the depth that the cranberry and apple coleslaw added to each bite. Nestled in between a Hawaiian roll, the vibrant flavors added a punch to the holiday classic.
Panettone Holiday Trifle
Every dish from this marketplace included an ample serving, and this trifle is no exception. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, the Panettone Holiday Trifle is topped with an eggnog custard and includes a cranberry-cherry compote and sugared almonds. Grab your spoon and make sure you get every ingredient from this layered dessert.
My favorite part was the burst of flavor from the tart cranberry-cherry compote, which was complemented by the creamy custard. There is no better way to enjoy the day than with a festive treat, and this trifle is perfect for the whole family to share.
Festival of the Holidays Beverage Favorites
The seasonal beers and wines at Favorites of Festivals Past have some of your favorites inspired by previous Holiday Kitchens all around EPCOT. Availability is subject to change.
At time of publication, we spotted these brews:
- Keel Farms Pecan Pie Hard Cider
- Southern Tier Brewing Co. Tiramisu Imperial Stout
- Cigar City Brewing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Brown Ale
- Beverage Flight also available
Available wines include:
- Martin Ray Chardonnay
- Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon
What’s Next?
This Holiday Kitchen will be returning to every festival, and we can’t wait to see what the culinary team has in store for Opening Bites, coming to EPCOT International Festival of the Arts this January.
So, when you make your way over to EPCOT, be sure to save some room for these delicious offerings and check out the entertainment and merchandise nearby in CommuniCore Hall and Plaza.
For more information on this year’s fest, including the full list of all the Holiday Kitchen menus, see our 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide.
