“The Holy Spirit showed up and proved that the Lord can show up whenever and wherever.”
— Elizabeth P., Facebook

It’s not every day that worship breaks out in the middle of Walt Disney World—but last night, that’s exactly what happened. As rain fell on Epcot’s American Gardens Theatre, a massive crowd gathered—waiting, worshiping, and braving the weather for a chance to see Maverick City Music live. What normally draws a spike in casual park traffic turned into a full-on worship service… and no one wanted to leave.

The band played some of their biggest worship anthems including “I Thank God,” “Jireh,” and “Miracles,” and the crowd responded in full voice—through the rain, thunder, and lightning delays.

“What a powerful experience,” said Malorie Elrod. “Getting to worship Jesus in the middle of Walt Disney World. The rain couldn’t stop His name from being lifted up.”
She added: “We stayed for every set, and Maverick City Music was incredible every time.”

And this was no isolated reaction. Phones lit up across Orlando. I didn’t even ask for it, but mine blew up from friends who know we run CCM Magazine—and who also know how much we love Disney. They were sending photos, videos, and texts.

Fan quotes from the night:

  • Tim Elrod: “It was amazing.”
  • Rob Johnston: “Legit worship at Epcot today.”
  • Maverick City Music (Instagram): “Thank you for worshipping with us, Walt Disney World.”
  • Elizabeth P. (Facebook): “The Holy Spirit showed up and they proved that the Lord can show up whenever and wherever.”
  • Christian E. (Facebook): “So magical worshiping at Disney. Such a wonderful surprise. And was our kids’ first concert.”

It’s been years since Night of Joy was discontinued—Disney’s once-annual Christian music festival. Many thought that was the end of Christian music at the parks. But slowly and steadily, Disney has continued to invite top-tier faith-based acts during Epcot’s seasonal festivals, including TobyMac, MercyMe, and now Maverick City Music.

And if you missed it? You still a chance:
Maverick City returns for an encore performance tonight, May 12, and We The Kingdom will close out the Flower & Garden Festival on June 1 and 2.

Pair this with the Christ-centered Candlelight Processional each Christmas—where the true story of Jesus’ birth is told in front of massive crowds—and you start to see a pattern. Disney might not promote it loudly, but someone at the top still understands the power and place of Christian infused content in the parks.

Because last night at Epcot, it wasn’t about wishing upon a star—
It was about praying to the Savior, singing to the Healer, and praising the One who made the stars in the first place.

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