At EPCOT, Living with the Land has always been a sanctuary from the hustle of park crowds. The gentle boat ride takes guests through futuristic farming concepts and lush greenhouses, offering a rare moment of calm. But come the holiday season, the attraction hides a dazzling secret—and Disney is turning that secret into a ticketed experience.
When the Lights Go On
Each winter, Living with the Land undergoes a festive transformation called Glimmering Greenhouses. The ride-through comes alive with sparkling holiday lights, turning ordinary plants and hydroponic systems into glowing displays of seasonal cheer. For guests lucky enough to ride after sunset, it feels like stepping into a winter wonderland.
Disney has now decided to lean into that magic with a special add-on tour.
Behind the Seeds—After Dark
Last year, Disney tested a holiday spin on its long-running Behind the Seeds tour. The concept proved so popular that it’s officially back for 2025 as Behind the Seeds: Glimmering Greenhouses.
This one-hour guided adventure takes guests out of the boat and directly into the attraction. Under the glow of thousands of holiday lights, tour groups walk the pathways of the greenhouses, learning how Disney creates the overlay while also exploring its cutting-edge farming techniques. It’s both educational and enchanting, offering a rare opportunity to slow down and see a classic attraction in a whole new light.
Tours begin November 28 and run nightly through December 30, with time slots at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Reservations open October 9.
Part of a Bigger Celebration
The tour is one piece of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays. Guests can still enjoy festival staples like the Candlelight Processional and JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, plus discover World Showcase storytellers and festive treats. This year also introduces a new Santa Claus location inside CommuniCore Hall.
A Paid Perk or Priceless Memory?
Disney’s strategy of adding premium experiences is nothing new, and reactions are often mixed. Some fans bristle at the idea of spending more on top of park admission, while others see it as an unmissable way to enhance their holiday visit.
Still, there’s something undeniably appealing about wandering through EPCOT’s greenhouses while they shimmer with holiday lights. For guests who want to maximize their holiday spirit—and don’t mind the added cost—this nighttime secret might become one of their most treasured Disney memories.
