Walt Disney World Resort is renowned for many things, from its iconic theme parks brimming with unforgettable attractions to its diverse array of hotels that cater to all budgets. The hardworking cast members and beloved characters go above and beyond to create magical moments and lasting memories for every guest. With over 400 dining options, there’s something to satisfy every taste and budget, ensuring every meal is a delightful experience.
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As the holiday season unfolds, Disney World is buzzing with festive cheer, offering guests a wide variety of activities to get into the holiday spirit. Guests can enjoy special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays brings a global array of delicious foods and even a Holiday Cookie Stroll, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season.
A Holiday Highlight: EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays transforms the park into a global celebration of seasonal traditions. Guests can enjoy the Holiday Cookie Stroll, where they sample delectable cookies from various locations and collect stamps in a festival passport. Once all the stamps are collected, participants can claim a special prize cookie.
The festival also boasts unique food booths scattered throughout the World Showcase, offering festive dishes inspired by different cultures. Seasonal storytellers bring traditions to life, and the beloved Candlelight Processional draws crowds with its moving retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a full orchestra and choir.
The Peanut Butter Cookie That Missed the Mark
While EPCOT festivals are renowned for their top-notch culinary creations, not every treat can be a winner. Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion offered a giant peanut butter cookie topped with peanut butter frosting and mini M&Ms as part of this year’s Holiday Cookie Stroll. On paper, it sounded like a must-have treat. However, the execution left much to be desired.
A photo shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user FiBelleFi compared the cookie’s promotional image to its actual presentation, and the difference was startling. Instead of the generous swirl of frosting depicted in advertisements, the cookie looked sparse, as if the chefs had run out of frosting mid-batch.
It’s been a long time since I posted a good old fashioned Expectation vs. Reality
It’s been a long time since I posted a good old fashioned Expectation vs. Reality pic.twitter.com/10rtS47uuz
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) December 11, 2024
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The tweet quickly gained traction, with other users chiming in their disbelief over the stark contrast between the promotional and real versions of the cookie.
Fans React: “Disney Can Afford It!”
The cookie’s lackluster appearance sparked outrage among fans, who were quick to criticize Disney for what they perceived as a careless mistake.
One commenter didn’t hold back:
“The pastry chef who made that first image, if they saw the ones on the right, they would legit find out who, through the ladder, DID THAT. And they would make it cease. They would say, ‘Disney can afford it. Whoever told you to do this? Ignore them. I’M telling you, do it this way.’”
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Another user lamented the lack of consistency, noting that Disney’s culinary offerings are typically held to a much higher standard. For many, it wasn’t just about the cookie—it was about the growing perception that Disney is cutting corners while maintaining premium pricing.
A One-Off Mistake or a Pattern?
While some fans hope this was an isolated incident, others see it as part of a troubling trend. Recent critiques have pointed out inconsistencies in quality across Disney parks, from food to merchandise and even park maintenance. When guests pay a premium for their Disney experience, they expect top-tier offerings in every aspect—including their holiday treats.
The Festival Still Offers Plenty to Celebrate
Despite the cookie controversy, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays remains a fan favorite. Beyond the Holiday Cookie Stroll, guests can enjoy other festive snacks, like the Linzer cookies and Black-and-White Cookies, which continue to receive rave reviews. Specialty holiday drinks, like hot cocoa flights and seasonal cocktails, also draw crowds.
Additionally, the festival’s cultural performances and immersive decorations bring unique holiday magic to life, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you think this cookie fail was a one-off mistake, or is Disney starting to overpromise and underdeliver? Share your thoughts and your favorite EPCOT holiday treat experiences in the comments below!
Greed.