REVIEW: Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses Behind the Seeds Tour

Eric Morton

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A person stands beside a lit display table in a glimmering greenhouse adorned with lights and plants, as part of the enchanting Behind the Seeds Tour. Another individual is partially visible in the foreground, adding to the immersive Living with the Land experience.

REVIEW: Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses Behind the Seeds Tour

For the first time, guests can now embark on a Behind the Seeds tour of the nighttime holiday overlay of Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses at EPCOT. We signed up for the first tour to see what it had to offer. We were given headsets to help hear in the environment, and the tour began.

The light displays showcase the crops that provide so many flavors we associate with the holidays.

A hand holds a lanyard with a badge reading "Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour, Tour Guest" inside a clear plastic pouch, offering an exclusive peek into the lush wonders of Living with the Land.

Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses Behind the Seeds Tour

Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses has become increasingly popular with guests over the years, and they were excited to share how they do it with us. While the annual display had humble beginnings, new features are added each year, with the Agricultural Sciences team teaming doing the decorating. The overlay includes over 100,000 lights, and takes about 6 weeks to set up. Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment provides interesting updates on his Instagram. There is also a regular Behind the Seeds Tour available to guests that doesn’t focus on the Glimmering Greenhouses motif.

It should be mentioned that the tour involves a lot of standing and walking, so wear comfortable footwear. There is a brief break where guests are able to sit on benches for a few minutes.

While the opening scenes of Living with the Land remain unchanged during the holidays, the greenhouses come alive with holiday flair. The living laboratory includes 5 distinct areas: Tropics Greenhouse, Aquacell, Temperate Greenhouse, String Greenhouse and Creative Greenhouse.

The Glimmering Greenhouses reveal a magical scene: trees adorned with string lights and red ornaments, surrounded by vibrant purple and green lighting in an indoor setting.
A room with two large contraptions illuminated by blue and purple lights, reminiscent of the captivating displays in greenhouses. Colorful string lights are draped across them, and a black table is visible on the right.
A geodesic dome with a vibrant light display illuminates lush plants and a water pathway at night, reminiscent of the enchanting experiences found in Disney's Living with the Land.
A circular, tree-like symbol stands among illuminated plants and string lights in the greenhouses, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the Living with the Land experience.
In an indoor setting, a Green Mickey Mouse-shaped topiary with antlers and a nose shines brightly, adorned with colorful lights. It's reminiscent of the enchanting displays in the Glimmering Greenhouses during the Living with the Land experience.
Step into a glimmering greenhouse where an indoor hydroponic farm showcases vertical plant racks and colorful LED lighting, reminiscent of the magic found in "Living with the Land.

This hidden Mickey made of lettuce received lights over it for the first time this season.

In the "Glimmering Greenhouses," rows of plants thrive under decorative string lights, crafting an illuminated indoor garden scene that feels like a hidden paradise from the "Living with the Land" journey.

Plants have to be seeded months ahead of each festival. Many of the plants for Festival of the Holidays were planted in August. Planning for the 2025 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is already underway.

The narration for Living with the Land is done by a local voice artist, and they use the same voice artist for the Glimmering Greenhouses overlay.

Walt Disney Imagineering’s influence can be seen throughout, including wrapping paper that honors the plants, and the light colors of white, green and blue, meant to honor the planet.

During our visit, we had an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide—and she was fantastic. Her enthusiasm shone as she encouraged questions and eagerly shared detailed explanations about guests’ favorite plants and crops.

The tour culminates with an interactive scent activity, which, while engaging, felt slightly prolonged. It seemed tailored more towards children—our group included only three kids—but it’s clear Disney aimed to make this part fun and memorable for everyone.

One of the highlights was Rachel’s willingness to capture those perfect family photos. Whether posing in front of giant Mickey-shaped plants or the stunning greenhouse backdrops, she ensured everyone had a chance to take home a picture-perfect memory.

If you’re a fan of Disney’s agriculture and innovation, this tour offers a deeper appreciation for the magic that fuels Living with the Land. Just be ready to embrace a bit of kid-friendly fun along the way!

A display of gift boxes and fresh produce, adorned with ribbons and surrounded by plants and lights, features a sign that reads "The Land," reminiscent of the enchanting scenes within the Living with the Land greenhouses.

At the end of our tour, we received a recipe card for gingerbread cookies used by Disney chefs.

A recipe card for gingerbread cookies and royal icing is beautifully displayed in front of a plant backdrop, reminiscent of the lush ambiance found in Glimmering Greenhouses during the enchanting Behind the Seeds Tour.
A recipe card for gingerbread cookies and royal icing, including ingredients and steps. In the bottom left corner, discover a suggestion to pair with warm spiced apple cider for a complete Living with the Land experience that will leave your taste buds delighted.

Overall, we felt this was a good value for a memorable holiday experience. While it’s not cheap, it’s a relatively affordable experience by major theme park standards.

Guests can book the Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses Behind the Seeds Tour for $45 per person. Only the 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. tours are Glimmering Greenhouses — daytime tours are the regular Behind the Seeds Tours. Reservations can be made online at the Walt Disney World website or by using the My Disney Experience app. Walk-ins are subject to availability.

Guests must be at least 3 years old to participate and those under 18 will need a paying adult with them. The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 29 through December 30 and the Glimmering Greenhouses Behind the Seeds Tour is available daily during that time.

Watch our on-ride video of this year’s Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses overlay below.

Check In

People gather around an information desk under "The Land" sign in a spacious indoor area, eager to explore the Glimmering Greenhouses and embark on the Behind the Seeds Tour.
A sign with a decorative design reads "The Land: Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour," inviting you to explore the glimmering greenhouses and discover the marvels of Living with the Land.

A hand holds a "SEEDS Tour Guest" badge in front of a framed "Behind the Seeds Tour" informational poster, evoking the essence of "Living with the Land," surrounded by other wall decorations.
A hand holding a listening device with earphones, placed in a black case, offers a glimpse into the wonders of the Living with the Land experience, providing insights similar to those found on the Behind the Seeds Tour through immersive greenhouses.

The Tour

The covered walkway, reminiscent of a serene path through greenhouses, is adorned with hanging string lights and large illuminated snowflakes. Alongside the trail of this picturesque journey, potted trees sparkle with lights, crafting an enchanting prelude to the wonders found within "Living with the Land.
People eagerly line up outside the "Research and Production Greenhouse," where signs hint at secrets within. This is part of the Glimmering Greenhouses experience, a behind-the-scenes peek into Living with the Land on the exclusive Behind the Seeds Tour.
The door, marked "Door Opens On Stage," sits adjacent to a small window with wire mesh, reminiscent of entryways on the Behind the Seeds Tour at the glimmering greenhouses where innovation meets nature.

Visitors stroll through the Glimmering Greenhouses, where hanging plants sway beneath glowing circular lights under a blue-lit ceiling. This serene atmosphere offers a glimpse into the innovative spirit of Living with the Land, inviting curiosity and wonder.
In the Glimmering Greenhouses, a person wearing a headset stands in a plant-filled room with colorful lighting, surrounded by greenery and glowing ornaments.

The overlay includes over 100,000 lights and takes six weeks to fully set up. The plants have to be seeded months ahead of time for each festival — they are already preparing for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which typically begins in March.

A garden scene with a cart holding various items is surrounded by glowing spheres, potted plants, and illuminated decorations, reminiscent of the wonders seen on the Living with the Land journey.
A glass terrarium showcases a winter village scene with snow-covered trees and houses, illuminated by string lights, replicating the magic of Glimmering Greenhouses.
A charming gingerbread house with a reindeer and cookies sits beside a "Recipes" sign on a green table, much like the displays seen on the Behind the Seeds Tour, surrounded by festive lights and lush greenery.

The Living with the Land narration is done by a local Central Florida actor, who returned to do narration for Glimmering Greenhouses.

The festive indoor scene glows with holiday garlands and lights, a decorated counter, and a potted plant reminiscent of the Glimmering Greenhouses from the Behind the Seeds Tour.
Guests embark on a ride through Living with the Land, an indoor attraction featuring vibrant greenery and glimmering lighting that transforms the greenhouses into a magical experience.

Visitors on the Behind the Seeds Tour wander through a glimmering greenhouse adorned with strings of white and blue lights, experiencing the magic of Living with the Land.
A vertical hydroponic garden with a spiral structure showcases green leafy plants under artificial lighting in a greenhouse, reminiscent of the Glimmering Greenhouses from the Living with the Land exhibit.
Experience the Glimmering Greenhouses with an indoor hydroponic garden featuring vertical green columns, plants in hanging pots, and decorative string lights. This enchanting greenhouse setting invites you to explore a serene world of nature and innovation.
The corridor resembles glimmering greenhouses, with vertical gardens on both sides beautifully adorned with string lights. The ceiling, a blue-lit transparent structure, adds an enchanting touch, evoking the magic of a "Living with the Land" adventure.

A decorated display features wrapped gifts, fruits, and a "The Land" sign illuminated by string lights. In the background, a man sits serenely, reminiscent of the tranquil experience on the Living with the Land tour.

Table setting with a floral napkin and green napkin ring on a white plate, surrounded by cutlery and a wine glass, reminiscent of the lush beauty found on the Behind the Seeds Tour.
A round table set for two with a Living with the Land theme features a green tablecloth, floral napkins, candles, silverware, glassware, and a potted plant. A decorative lantern centerpiece adds charm reminiscent of the Glimmering Greenhouses.

The greenhouse interior, reminiscent of the Living with the Land experience, features hanging planters and trailing plants on a lattice. Strings of white lights illuminate the enchanting space, offering a glimpse into the wonders one might discover on a Behind the Seeds Tour.
The Greenhouse interior, reminiscent of Living with the Land, is aglow with overhead string lights illuminating vibrant rows of plants. This enchanting setting boasts colorful lighting and an industrial framework, offering a glimpse Behind the Seeds Tour.
A lush indoor hydroponic farm with rows of leafy greens, reminiscent of a Living with the Land exhibit, glimmering under overhead string lights.

New this year are the string lights over the lettuce.

Gift-wrapped boxes, including one shaped like a candy, sit beside a cucumber plant with a sign detailing its variety and characteristics. This charming scene could seamlessly fit into Disney's "Living with the Land" attraction, echoing the imaginative spirit of greenhouses in Behind the Seeds Tour.
Three wrapped gifts are placed on a concrete floor, surrounded by string lights that twinkle like the wonders inside glimmering greenhouses.

Hanging gourds and plants entwined with string lights and a circular decoration create a magical ambiance in this garden setting, reminiscent of the serene beauty found on the Living with the Land tour.
A lit-up tree with wrapped fairy lights in an indoor garden setting, reminiscent of the enchanting greenhouses from the Behind the Seeds Tour, surrounded by more illuminated trees and greenery.

A festive Christmas tree with glimmering lights stands tall amidst gifts, oranges in a basket, and garden tools. The scene evokes the charm of Living with the Land, with a touch of magic reminiscent of Glimmering Greenhouses in a beautifully decorated space.
A charming Christmas scene unfolds with two stockings hanging from a railing, a small decorated tree, and wrapped gifts under the string lights. It's like stepping onto the "Living with the Land" tour, where nature's bounty is celebrated—a basket of oranges adding a fresh touch to the festive décor.
A green gift with a burlap ribbon and a "Happy Holidays!" tag sits on a decorated box, evoking the charm of glimmering greenhouses.
A small decorated holiday tree adorned with lights, dried orange slices, and cotton branches is surrounded by lush greenery, reminiscent of the vibrant life nurtured in greenhouses.

A coffee plant with large green leaves, draped in string lights, thrives in the Glimmering Greenhouses.
The glimmering greenhouses feature vertical plant structures illuminated by green and white lights. This spacious area, part of the Behind the Seeds Tour, sees a few people strolling along the paths, marveling at nature's splendor.
Hanging green gourds flourish under artificial lights in the greenhouse, with a large planter and rich soil in the foreground, reminiscent of the innovative techniques showcased on the Living with the Land tour.
In the Glimmering Greenhouses, indoor trees are adorned with string lights and hanging ornaments, all under the enchanting glow of purple and green ceiling lights.

Colorful boats glide through a dimly lit indoor area, bathed in green and blue lights. This Glimmering Greenhouses setting is surrounded by lush plants and decorative lights, evoking the magic of a "Living with the Land" experience.
In the heart of the Glimmering Greenhouses, a shrub is artfully sculpted into a cartoon character face with antlers, glowing green in the festive indoor setting. String lights twinkle around this enchanting creation, capturing the whimsy of Living with the Land.

A greenhouse interior with vertical plant-growing systems illuminated by blue and purple LED lights, reminiscent of Epcot's Living with the Land. Strings of green and yellow decorative lights are draped across the equipment, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
A person in uniform gestures while speaking to a group beside a table with informational materials, reminiscent of the informative style at Living with the Land, in a brightly lit indoor setting.
Two transparent panels with wiring lie on a black surface under blue lighting, accompanied by two round objects and a document filled with text and images, reminiscent of the innovative designs seen on the Behind the Seeds Tour in modern greenhouses.

An indoor scene unfolds with large wrapped gifts, colorful light rings on the floor, and illuminated decorations in a partially enclosed area, reminiscent of the joy found during a Seeds Tour within greenhouses.
Gift boxes are arranged around a floor design of glowing colored rings, reminiscent of the vibrant displays found on the Behind the Seeds Tour. The background features festive string lights, capturing the enchantment of a hidden Glimmering Greenhouse.

Visitors marvel at the large circular aquatic tank in a dimly lit setting adorned with colorful lights, reminiscent of the vibrant exhibits found in Living with the Land's greenhouses.
The indoor aquarium features a circular pool illuminated by blue and red lights, enclosed by a dazzling glass ceiling, reminiscent of the vivid displays seen on the Behind the Seeds Tour.
A boat with people glides inside a tunnel, illuminated by colorful lights in red, green, and purple hues, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the Living with the Land experience.

Explore the enchanting indoor garden beneath a geodesic dome ceiling, where the vibrant ambiance of Glimmering Greenhouses showcases colorful illuminated plants. A captivating water feature completes the scene, reflecting purple and green lights that promise a preview of Living with the Land.
Green plants thrive inside a large dome structure with a geometric ceiling, reminiscent of the innovative greenhouses featured in "Living with the Land," all beautifully illuminated by blue and purple lights.
A dome with a starry ceiling contains plants and trees, illuminated by string lights wrapped around planters, creating a nighttime garden ambiance reminiscent of the Glimmering Greenhouses.

A sandy pathway is lined with vine-covered poles wrapped in white string lights, leading to a white decorative sculpture under a lush canopy of leaves, reminiscent of the enchanting ambiance found during Behind the Seeds Tour.
Illuminated decorative display with tree-like abstract design, nestled among plants and string lights in an outdoor setting, reminiscent of the enchanting scenes from the Living with the Land experience.

A guide presents "Behind the Seeds" insights to a group in a decorated indoor garden, with plants and string lights creating an atmosphere reminiscent of "Glimmering Greenhouses.
Inside a Glimmering Greenhouse, a large bush sculpted into Mickey Mouse's head dazzles with white lights and dons a Santa hat. This enchanting display sits under blue lighting, offering a magical glimpse for those on the Behind the Seeds Tour.

A table labeled "Spice Garden" showcases cakes, jars of spices, cupcakes, and decorations. Surrounded by string lights in a festive outdoor setting, it resembles the enchanting ambiance of the Glimmering Greenhouses.
A variety of desserts are displayed on a wooden table, including a cake, jar of ginger cookies, pastries, and cacao pods. Just like the wonders discovered on the Behind the Seeds Tour, these treats shine under festive lights in the background.
A stack of wrapped gifts in various colors sits on the ground, each adorned with a ribbon. Nearby, fairy lights and flowers add charm, reminiscent of the Glimmering Greenhouses' enchanting aura.

Recipe Card Gift

Close-up of a recipe card for gingerbread cookies and royal icing, nestled among greenhouse plants. The card includes ingredients, measurements, and a note emphasizing adult supervision for children. Perfect for those living with the land and bringing nature into their culinary creations.
A recipe card sits on the table, detailing steps for making gingerbread cookies with royal icing. Beside an image of the cookies is a suggestion for warm spiced apple cider, perfect after a day spent on the Living with the Land tour.

Review

We really enjoyed this tour. If you’ve done Behind the Seeds, it is a lot of the same information with a holiday twist. Even if you’ve done the regular tour, though, it’s really special to see it all lit up at night and there are some great opportunities for gorgeous photos.

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. She also offered many times to stop for photo ops or to take photos of guests throughout the greenhouses.

It’s a truly unique EPCOT experience that fans of Living with the Land will enjoy.

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