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*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Coming off the heels of the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot is the International Festival of the Arts! From January 17 through February 24, Epcot will turn into a giant artist showcase - and, because it's Disney, they'll have some seasonal food options around the world.
Festival of the Arts is my second favorite festival (only behind Flower and Garden!) for two reasons: it's colorful and highlights some amazing talents, but also because they don't go as heavy on the food offerings as some of the other festivals (while still having samplings all around the world), which is a relief for Weight Watchers wanting to sample without dipping into too many Weekly SmartPoints. Let's dive right in to the menu for this year's festival! Worth noting that I'll be sharing my Magically Fit recommendations of Disney's menu for just the food: I don't drink alcohol so it's not my expertise, and if you are looking to cut back on SmartPoints then I always recommend going for a non-alcoholic option as that will down on it quite a bit, 
The Deconstructed Dish
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: The Deconstructed BLT sounds like it packs a good amount of protein thanks to the pork and egg without sacrificing on flavor thanks to the tomato jam. The Deconstructed Reuben has a few extra things like the Jarlsberg Cake and dressing that are probably sneaky when it comes to calories, so the BLT is the champ here. ​
Cuisine Classique
Prepare to be amazed with these hearty braised bites and traditional Old World delights! Food:
The Artist’s Table
Satisfy hunger with these savory plates—all prepared using oven and stove-top techniques! Food:
Pop Eats!
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats! Food:
Decadent Delights
Indulge in a gallery of divine delectables that transform dessert into a fine art! Food:
​The Masterpiece Kitchen
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine—cheers! Food:
And now, let's head to the World Showcase!
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is one of my favorite booths, both because the sushi donut is a great, colorful, and protein-packed choice, but the taiyaki is a fantastic option if you really want a sweet treat since it's small and, per My Fitness Pal, only roughly 210 calories or so. Plus it's something out of the norm from what you get at a grocery store, so you'll be treating yourself to something that is special if you're like me and try to avoid sweets.
El Arista Hambriento – Mexico Pavilion
Food:
Refreshment OutPost – Outpost
Food:
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Food:
The Painted Panda – China
Food:
L’Art du Cuisine Francaise – France
Food:
Mosaic Canteen – Morocco
Food:
L’Arte di Mangiare – Italy
Food:
And, of course, if you're worried about temptation sneaking up on you, then I always recommend brining a snack! I love having a Built Bar handy since I have such a sweet tooth, and most flavors are only 3 SmartPoints on Weight Watchers (but they max out at 4 SmartPoints, and that's really just for the peanut butter bar!). I like to keep them in the fridge, so if I pack it with me to the parks, it doesn't get super melted unless its a really hot day (as any product with real chocolate would). If you're worried about melting, you could even freeze it prior to leaving for the park! Get 10% off your order of Built Bar and their other products (like Built Boost, a flavor packet loaded with vitamins for your water) when you shop with the coupon code MAGICALLYFIT.
Another reason I love this festival is there are a ton of fun photo opportunities, so its another great way to distract yourself if you are worried about raking in the SmartPoints. Focus on enjoying the experiences and you'll find yourself pretty occupied between the art and the interactive ways you can become art (photos below from 2019's Festival of the Arts)!
Which Epcot festival is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
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*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
It's the most wonderful time of the year... unless you're dreading having to go to countless holiday parties between work and families and you know that holiday deserts threaten your healthy lifestyle and weight loss goals. Just when you think Epcot is safe territory because the Food and Wine Festival is over, in rolls the International Festival of the Holidays, which used to showcase just different cultures' wintertime traditions... but now is just as loaded with food and drink as Food and Wine is.
Have no fear - the menu is out so we can peruse in advance! As I always say with the Epcot festivals, what's great about these seasonal events is that most of the options are in a smaller, sample-sized portion - that means you shouldn't worry too much about food guilt if you do indulge. I've snagged the menu right from Disney so that way you can see what's what and I'm also highlighting some of my recommendations if you're still trying to count your calories or Weight Watchers SmartPoints. GF = Gluten/wheat friendly | KA = kid-approved 
Photos in this graphic are from DisneyParksBlog!
Feast of the Three Kings (Near the Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Despite the queso, I'd actually reach for the Arepa with Shrimp - you've got a little protein from the shrimp, and it's a leaner protein than the beef option. Holiday Sweets & Treats (Promenade Refreshments):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is a tricky one because it's all sweets - definitely know your food triggers before hitting up this food stand! If you're worried about calories, the sugar cookie is probably the lesser of two evils here. And while I'm not saying not to have any alcoholic beverages, option for the hot cocoa without any booze will help cut back on some calories too. Want something sweet but don't want to set off any food triggers! I always like to bring a 3 SmartPoint Built Bar! Flavors range from 110-130 calories (except for the 4 SmartPoint, 170 calorie peanut butter flavor) and they're coated in real chocolate. It's a great way to curb your sweet tooth but since it's a protein bar, it'll be much more filling! Plus the coupon magicallyfit gets you 10% off. Pro tip: I like 'em refrigerated! 
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Latkes - especially sample-sized ones - probably won't be too much of a heavy hitter, so I'd reach for one of those to feel more festive. Shoutout to the smoked salmon one for packing some extra protein and a healthier fat than the sour cream! Refreshment Port (Near the Canada Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Not really many options here - just your eggnog, really, and the turkey poutine which I'd personally stay away from. If you really want these things, it would be much more satisfying to just have a Thanksgiving-style meal instead of a copycat version of it on French fries!
Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada Pavilion)
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: I'd go for the Canadian Wild Rice and just be cautious of the size of the pretzel roll due to everything that comes on the salmon! Plus there are other healthier salmon options at different stands. Canada Popcorn Cart (Canada Pavilion):
UK Beer Cart (United Kingdom Pavilion):
UK Tea Caddy (United Kingdom Pavilion):
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Turkey and Mushrooms - even though it's in a cream sauce, you can push some of that out of the puff pastry if you've got a lot of it that you're worried about. L’Artisan des Glaces (France Pavilion):
Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles (France Pavilion):
Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is another good pavilion to visit if you're set on sampling around the world showcase! Your Lamb Kebab is grilled, and the Chicken Drum comes with mostly-healthyish (for a theme park, anyway) options. I'd probably lean towards the lamb, though - less sugar! Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Japan always offers up some of my favorites, and for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, it's no exception! Buckwheat soba noodles are Zero SmartPoints on the MyWW Purple Plan, so even though there's some vegetable tempura going on, it makes for a good option. The sushi Christmas tree is also adorable and a great option! However, don't be fooled by the matcha creme brulee - even though matcha is packed full of health benefits, this is a sugar-loaded dessert! However, if you're looking for something sweet that won't necessarily trigger a chocolate craving and don't want to bring your own dessert or aforementioned Built Bar, then this may be a good choice of indulgence. American Holiday Table (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Either of your options here probably are comparable, so you're looking at two options with decent protein! The cranberry sauce with the turkey and the sweet potato casserole are probably a trade-off as far as a sugary side dish goes. However, if you are worried about having more sides, I'd go for the ham. If you're here for something sweet, the gingerbread cookie will probably pack some similar flavors to the tart without as many calories from the whipped cream and sauce!
Funnel Cake (The American Adventure):
Fife & Drum (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Block & Hans (The American Adventure):
Beverage Items:
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Bianca Neve flatbread; beef is protein, but it's white-wine braised and not the leanest of protein options. You're also getting to skip out on "caramelized" and "creamy" aka dressings that are high in SmartPoints even in tiny amounts. Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd split the cheese fondue in the bread bowl with a friend and hog the baby vegetables! Prost! (Germany Pavilion):
Beverages:
Refreshment Outpost (African Outpost):
Food Items:
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd opt for the barbecue pork with steamed rice - easier to control your carb count than a bao bun! Norway- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion):
Magically Fit's notes: In case you aren't sure what this is, typically a Norweigen holiday rice cream is essentially a leftover rice porridge refresher with whipped cream, vanilla, and/or sugar added. It's usually topped with a red berry or fruit sauce. Similar to my Matcha Creme Brulee note on the Japan Pavilion's offerings, this might be a good dessert option for someone who doesn't want to bring their own sweets but would rather indulge in Disney's without triggering a chocolate craving, and would likely be a lighter sweets option than a Christmas Yule log cake or a pumpkin spice funnel cake. Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Because it's a leaner protein, my vote goes to the Tamal de Pollo. However if you're watching your carb intake, the Tostada de Puerco might be easier since you can just opt to not eat the tostada it's served on. Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company:
Future World East: Choco-Latte: Latte with Chocolate Sauce and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Canada: Ginger Chai Madness: Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Gingerbread Syrup Showcase Plaza: Coconut Snowstorm: Latte with RumChata and Coconut Syrup The American Adventure: Toffee Coffee: Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Sea Salt Caramel Toffee Sauce
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 29th and runs through December 30th! What are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments, on Instagram or on Facebook!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
There are so many exciting changes coming to Epcot, and if you missed out on D23 Expo, there’s another, new chance to check out what was showcased at the convention - The Epcot Experience! This exhibit gives us a close up look at what’s coming to Epcot in the near future, including a 360 degree view. Let’s check it out!
Where is it?
The Epcot Experience is where the old Odyssey restaurant used to be (and the structure is still the same) - if that’s not ringing a bell, it’s because it hasn’t been used much over the last few years, most recently housing some Flower and Garden Festival merchandise earlier this year. The building has some new signage and a fresh coat of paint, and is located on your way to the World Showcase from either the main bridge or the area by Test Track -- it’s where the bathrooms and first aid are located on the water near the Mexico Pavilion.
What's inside?
There are a few little pieces on display, including Remy in a jar and Chef Gusteau’s book in one, and some Mary Poppins memorabilia in another. The main focus, though, is the 360 degree experience and the photo ops located throughout the building. There’s also a spot to grab a snack and a drink with some tables and chairs near the posters of all the old and new attractions coming to Epcot (if you saw the posters at D23 Expo, it’s those!). You can also buy some Epcot merchandise featuring the new logo! You can also see a huge mural of the concept of how the park will look once completed, especially the front by Spaceship Earth.
What’s the 360 experience?
There’s a film that’s from floor to ceiling, featuring projection mapping on a model of Epcot’s layout, that showcases what’s coming. Whereas D23 focused more on concept art, we have more actual footage this time. The whole cycle is only 12 minutes long and you can expect to see a teaser for the upcoming Moana attraction, the upcoming Mary Poppins attraction in the UK Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Spaceship Earth, the new fireworks show HarmonioUS (coming 2020), the play pavilion, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride (called Cosmic Rewind), and more!
What photo ops are available?
We found Photopass photographers ready at four different photo ops that put you inside a difference aspect of Epcot; there were two on each side of the experience. One side features you in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and also floating away on some balloons, and the other side puts you in the heart of Food and Wine Festival (featuring Remy and Emile!) and standing on Spaceship Earth looking to the stars.
All in all, this is a great way to see what’s coming to Epcot in its multi-year expansion that won’t take a ton of time out of your trip. What are you most looking forward to? There are so many things coming over the next few years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
My favorite Epcot festival is upon us: International Flower and Garden Festival! Flower and Garden didn’t always have a ton of food stands but now, it’s similar to Food & Wine Festival but with different theming and the beloved topiaries.  If you want to enjoy sampling different food items but also don’t want to feel the guilt, here are some of the better-for-you options at every stand at Flower and Garden (as of 2018), running February 28-May 28!  While some of these options may be best described as the lesser of evils, it’s worth noting that these food items are more meant for sampling, which is awesome for people who don’t eat a lot of junk food because if you really do want to try something, you’ll get a small portion versus some large, super high calorie meal.  The Berry Basket: Field greens with fresh strawberries, crisp quinoa, strawberry vinaigrette and spiced pecans Northern Bloom: Either the seared scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette and apple-wood smoked bacon or the beef tenderloin tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, whipped potatoes with garden vegetables; depends on how you’d rather spend your calories/points/etc (butter and bacon vs sauce) La Isla Fresca: Caribbean conch salad with mango, papaya, and pickled red onions or Jamaican-braised beef with pigeon pea rice and micro cilantro Cider House: Pear cider-brined shredded corned beef with braised cabbage and Branston dressing with pears The Honey Bee-stro: Roasted cauliflower with buckwheat honey carrot purée, wild rice pilaf, asparagus, honey blistered grapes and sunflower brittle Pineapple Promenade: Dole Whip! Listed as pineapple soft serve on the menu Jardin de Fiestas: Pork taco Lotus House: Vegetable spring rolls Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market: Potato pancakes with house-made apple sauce Primavera Kitchen: Frittata di Asparagi (asparagus frittata, mixed greens and citrus dressing) The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews: Pulled pig slider with coleslaw (everything at this booth seems pretty high fat, if we’re being honest) Hanami: Teriyaki salmon with Furikake seasoned brown rice; the frushi also gets an honorable mention if you want something sweet! Taste of Marrakesh: Harissa chicken kebab with dried fruit couscous salad Florida Fresh: Spicy blackened shrimp and stone-ground cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and local sweet corn relish Fleur de Lys: Provencal tomato tart with sautéed onions, fresh thyme and rosemary on a flaky pastry crust  Some of these are really anybody's guess, but based on your menu options, these seem like the best choices - and at some stands, it'll be more obvious than others. Enjoy the topiaries and have fun!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) doesn't have to be scary for you if you're trying to avoid candy and sweets!  The event offers not only trick-or-treating, but also exclusive treats such as alcoholic beverages and baked goods that are Halloween themed and can be very tempting... but have no fear! There are plenty of things to do where you don't even have to worry about candy and Halloween themed snacks for sale around the Magic Kingdom for the event. Just have fun!Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is my favorite event at the Magic Kingdom and in the past, I've gotten so busy that I forgot they even have trick-or-treating! There are so many great character photo opportunities, amazing shows, and the fireworks are my favorite.  There's also a dance party every year - usually with Monsters, Inc. characters - so you can even burn some calories enjoying that! If you really want a piece of candy...In my experience, WDW doesn't give out full-sized candy bars for trick or treating, but the mini or fun sized ones, which means it's something you can look up in the tracker ahead of time and pre-plan for if you want to! If you really don't want to miss out, just get a single piece and give the rest of your candy to some kid and make their night!
 Have yourselves a merry little Christmas...Similarly to MNSSHP, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a seasonal, additional ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom that can strike fear in the hearts of Weight Watchers members because of all of the holiday goodies it has to offer! Here are my tips for surviving the event. Avoid the free cookies. They aren't worth it!You can get free cookies and hot chocolate at certain stations at the Magic Kingdom if you seek it out. I had the cookie in 2015 when I went before I was on Weight Watchers and honestly, the cookie tasted gross. It tasted really cheap, not like something you'd expect from Disney World, so don't waste your Weight Watchers points or your macros on it just because it's free. The hot cocoa also isn't the greatest because they're churning out so much for no additional cost to guests so the quality isn't going to be super high. Don't waste your time on these! Busy yourself with activities!There are plenty of things to do during MVMCP that unwanted food distractions and temptations are easy to avoid. To focus solely on going for Christmas treats would be a shame because the Magic Kingdom during the winter holiday season is, in my opinion, when it is most beautiful. Between the decorations, fireworks, the parade, the special shows, the rare character meet and greets, and the rides still being open, there is far too much to worry about besides a cupcake with frosting that looks like a Christmas tree or a gingerbread cookie. Don't cheat yourself of a great time and skip the guilt in the process! General tip:I personally would recommend finding spots for parades and shows fairly early, and getting in line for the more in-demand characters (like the Seven Dwarves, Jack Skellington, Santa, or some of the princes with the princesses) even earlier. As far as characters go, if you're interested in meeting Jack and/or the Dwarves, they always have the longest lines so it's recommended you get there before the 7 p.m. party start time so you don't waste party time on them. I'd also recommend trying to catch the later parade/show showings since it's usually got a lighter crowd.
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SearchAuthorJessica is a huge Disney and Star Wars nerd who channeled that love into motivation to lose 75 lbs. Categories
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