Al Youngman & Chelsea Florig Share Insights on Festival Creativity and Planning
Regardless of the festival, food is at the heart of Epcot’s annual celebrations. From the Holiday Cookie Stroll during the Festival of the Holidays to the artful inspirations of the Festival of the Arts, planning these events is a year-round process. During Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration, I had the opportunity to sit down with Al Youngman, Culinary Director, and Chelsea Florig, Program Manager for Food and Beverage at Epcot.
Walt Disney World | Epcot | Festival of the Holidays | Food and Beverage Preview | Disney FoodThis interview was recorded at the Epcot Experience during the Festival of the Holidays. Both Al and Chelsea shared how they bring creative ideas to life, taking inspiration from the World Showcase pavilions and expanding those concepts across all Disney festivals.
Year-Round Planning & Global Inspiration 🌍
Al Youngman revealed that Epcot’s festivals start with extensive research into global holiday traditions and culinary trends. These ideas are then adapted to create unique, immersive food experiences for Disney guests. Each festival focuses on authentic flavors and storytelling, connecting visitors to the cultures represented in the World Showcase.
Chelsea Florig added that collaboration is key to making these events successful. The team works closely with Disney chefs, food artisans, and cultural experts to ensure every dish is authentic, creative, and memorable.
Expanding Beyond the Parks
During the conversation, Al explained how festival-inspired food concepts often extend beyond Epcot. Many ideas influence menu updates at Disney Springs, Disney Resort hotels, and even Disney Cruise Line. According to Al, “We take those flavors and traditions and give them a new twist, offering guests something unexpected while keeping it familiar.”
A Look Ahead 🍴
While planning never stops, Al and Chelsea hinted at exciting surprises for future festivals. Whether it’s a new take on a classic dish or a creative fusion of international flavors, there’s always something fresh on the horizon.
Want more Epcot Festivals? How about the 2021 Festival of holidays or 50th Anniversary food festival
