EPCOT has given millions of fans a significant update on Santa Claus this year!
EPCOT Gives Quick Update on Changes for Santa Claus for This Year’s Holiday Events
The laughter of children, the sparkle of lights across World Showcase, and the thrill of spotting Santa Claus himself—it’s a holiday highlight that many Disney fans count down to all year long. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays has long been a tradition where families gather for the food, the music, and that all-important photo with Jolly Old Saint Nick.
This year, however, things won’t look quite the same. Disney has confirmed that Santa will not be meeting guests in his usual location. Instead, a move is underway that will reshape how visitors experience one of EPCOT’s most popular seasonal offerings.
If you’re planning to attend the festival in 2025, you’ll want to know exactly what’s different, why it matters, and how you can still make the most out of every magical moment. Here’s the full breakdown—along with insider tips only savvy parkgoers know.
What’s New for 2025: Santa’s Relocation
For the upcoming International Festival of the Holidays, Santa Claus will shift from the Odyssey Pavilion to the newly opened CommuniCore Hall. According to the Walt Disney World website, he’ll appear from November 28 through December 24, offering scheduled meet-and-greet sessions five times daily: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.
In the past, Santa greeted guests outside The American Adventure, before moving to the Odyssey Pavilion in 2022. This latest change marks his first appearance inside CommuniCore Hall, the festival hub designed to enhance EPCOT’s event offerings with better capacity and updated amenities. The move is expected to bring improved comfort for families and a refreshed backdrop for holiday photos.
Best Ways to Meet Santa Without Long Waits
Santa’s popularity means lines can become lengthy, particularly in December. Here are some strategies to make your visit less stressful:
-
Line up early: The first meet-and-greet of the day usually has the shortest wait.
-
Target midday sessions: Crowds thin a bit around 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. as families are exploring festival food booths.
-
Stay app-aware: Check the My Disney Experience app for live updates and potential schedule tweaks.
-
Keep kids occupied: Bring along small holiday activities—stickers, coloring sheets, or festive snacks—to keep little ones happy during the wait.
Insider Tips from Frequent Visitors
Those who return year after year to EPCOT’s holiday festival know a few extra tricks:
-
CommuniCore perks: The new hall provides shaded areas and nearby seating, ideal for tag-teaming line duty with another adult.
-
Exclusive décor: Disney often introduces fresh backdrops. This year’s setting inside CommuniCore Hall may feature unique seasonal designs only available in 2025.
-
PhotoPass advantage: Families using Disney’s Memory Maker can have professional Santa photos included at no extra charge.
-
Snack strategy: Grab a festival treat like the seasonal cookie stroll sampler before jumping in line for Santa.
Why Fans Are Excited About the Change
Meeting Santa at EPCOT isn’t just about snapping a photo—it’s a tradition layered with nostalgia. Many families return annually to create multi-year photo series, watching children grow alongside Santa himself. The move to CommuniCore Hall is more than a practical adjustment; it represents EPCOT’s ongoing transformation into a festival-forward park.
On social media, the news has already stirred buzz. TikTok videos featuring Santa interactions generate millions of views each season, and this year’s debut in a brand-new space is sure to fuel even more online sharing. For longtime fans, the new setup combines the charm of the tradition with the excitement of something fresh.
Wrapping It Up
Santa’s relocation for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is both a nod to the park’s past traditions and a glimpse into its future. By planning ahead, timing your visit wisely, and taking advantage of CommuniCore Hall’s features, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother, more magical experience.
Circle the dates—November 28 through December 24, 2025—and get ready to capture that once-a-year Disney memory with Santa Claus. After all, nothing says “holiday magic” like a hug from the man in red.
Author
