Cameras rolled at EPCOT's World Celebration Gardens on Monday, and country singer Warren Zeiders appeared to be the featured act. He sang Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe."
Christmas came to EPCOT with a camera crane on Monday.
Disney filmed a performance at World Celebration Gardens on Monday, Nov. 9, for ABC's Disney Parks holiday specials, BlogMickey reported. Country singer Warren Zeiders appeared to be the featured act, backed by a full band.
His song pick was Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe." Zeiders was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, so a sweet holiday gig in Florida tracks.
Disney hasn't announced a host or performers for either special yet, so it isn't clear which broadcast the EPCOT footage is for. BlogMickey summed up the scene: "It was a very Florida Christmas."
The stage had a row of Christmas trees with red and green ornaments and Mickey-shaped baubles, plus tall white light columns. A camera crane swung over the crowd, which BlogMickey said was packed tight against the stage in Santa hats and sparkly ears.
A clip of the performance/filming was posted by Rebekah on TikTok
When does the Disney holiday special air in 2026?
ABC has two Disney Parks specials on the calendar, BlogMickey reported in October:
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular: Monday, Nov. 30, 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on ABC
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade: Friday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Eastern on ABC
The Holiday Spectacular streams the next day, Dec. 1, on Disney+ and Hulu, What's On Disney Plus reported. Disney said it will feature new musical performances from both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Last year, Disney also put the full Holiday Spectacular on YouTube on Nov. 28, three days before ABC aired it, Laughing Place reported. The video went private later that day.
Who is Warren Zeiders?
A country singer best known for "Pretty Little Poison," his first No. 1 country hit, in early 2024. He also had a breakout with "Ride the Lightning," which went platinum, and he recorded a song for the "Twisters" soundtrack. He was born in 1999.
Disney hasn't confirmed his spot in the lineup. Last year, it released the full list of performers on Nov. 12, about three weeks before the special aired, so an announcement could come any day.
Who performed at EPCOT in last year's holiday special?
Trisha Yearwood sang "My Favorite Things" at World Celebration Gardens for the 2025 Holiday Spectacular, according to Disney Parks Blog. Derek Hough hosted, and Ginnifer Goodwin narrated.
Other 2025 performers included Gwen Stefani at Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Bebe Rexha at Cinderella Castle, Coco Jones at the Tree of Life and Good Charlotte in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
WDW News Today also caught Lady A filming at World Celebration Gardens on Nov. 4, 2025. Lady A wasn't in the Holiday Spectacular lineup, which shows EPCOT footage can end up in either special.
Will the holiday special filming affect your Disney World visit?
BlogMickey reported no EPCOT closures or ride disruptions from Monday's taping. Last year, WDWNT noted the center of World Celebration Gardens was blocked off during setup.
Magic Kingdom is next. Disney will run Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in the daytime at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, so it can be filmed. Day guests can watch without a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ticket.
The trade-off, per BlogMickey:
Festival of Fantasy Parade: canceled both days
Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire: two shows on Nov. 10 and four on Nov. 11
Evening shows: Happily Ever After at 8 p.m. and Disney Starlight at 6:45 and 9 p.m. are unchanged
BlogMickey suggested Frontierland and Liberty Square for parade viewing, since Disney has filled Main Street, U.S.A., with Cast Members during recent tapings. Wednesday looks like the better day for everything else.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
BlogMickey (Nov. 9, 2026), the EPCOT taping, Warren Zeiders' performance, the stage details and the "very Florida Christmas" quote
BlogMickey (Oct. 27, 2026), the 2026 ABC air dates
BlogMickey (Nov. 1, 2026), the Magic Kingdom taping schedule changes and viewing tips
What's On Disney Plus (Oct. 28, 2026), the Disney+ and Hulu streaming date
Disney Parks Blog (Nov. 12, 2025), last year's host and performer lineup
WDW News Today (Nov. 4, 2025), last year's Lady A filming at EPCOT
Laughing Place (Nov. 28, 2025), last year's early YouTube release
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