Disney loves to find fun ways of bringing the magic of Disney into your home, so for this installment of #DisneyMagicMoments, we’re excited to share another series of popular recipes – this time, from Summertime Freeze at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas.
Like Olaf, some of us wish it was summer all year long. And while things may be a bit chilly outside, take a tropical twist on the holidays with this presentation of four blended beverage recipes that you and your family will love. Download the print-at-home recipe to get started.
Make your favorite beverage – or all of them! – and bring a small taste of island paradise into your home, or wherever you may be celebrating this holiday season.
(Careful, the “Sven’s Carrot Delight” might attract some of Santa’s reindeer.)
Whether you prefer the frosty air or a frosty beverage, we hope you have a very merry holiday season!
It may be chilly outside now, but a hint of spring is in the air as EPCOT prepares for the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival beginning March 3, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort. With garden-fresh cuisines, creative gardens, and unforgettable topiaries, this vibrant festival combines the freshest flowers and flavors from around the world.
Your favorite Character topiaries are coming back – from Mickey, Donald and friends, to Remy, Anna & Elsa, Lady & the Tramp, Figment and more. Our Disney Horticulture team is busy planting, pruning and planning now for the kaleidoscope of bright blooms and floating gardens scattered throughout EPCOT, with each one making a perfect backdrop for family photos.
With more than 20 delectable stops, World Showcase will play host to the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens and other food & beverage locations, offering a smorgasbord of flavors and beverages.
Gardeners of all ages will be invited to participate in Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration – a springtime scavenger hunt starring Spike, the buzzzz-iest honeybee at Walt Disney World. And, Guests will “bee” on the lookout for festival-specific merchandise throughout the park.
Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will run through July 5, and is available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date.
Magic Kingdom Park is decked out in full festive regalia, and our chefs have been busy cooking (and baking!) up delicious treats just for the holidays, along with offerings that are available after the last holiday wreath has been packed! Read on to find out what’s new and not to miss at Magic Kingdom Park today and after the holidays.
Hand-dipped Corn Dogs at Sleepy Hollow
Fans that crave the hand-dipped corn dogs at Disneyland Resort can now bite into this iconic treat on a stick at Sleepy Hollow.
These corn dogs are hand-dipped in sweet corn batter then perfectly fried, allowing for a warm crunchy, sweet taste that enrobes a salty all-beef dog – pure hot dog heaven! And they are served with house-made potato chips.
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant New Menu of Returning Favorites
For those of us craving the maritime menu at Columbia Harbour House, we are in luck! Starting today, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant is now serving up these delicious Columbia Harbour House highlights. You can order, pay, and pick-up at your convenience through mobile order.
Lobster Roll served with French Fries
Trio Platter – Combination of Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, and Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Hush Puppies and choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin
Combo Platter – Choice of two: Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, or Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Hush Puppies and choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin
Want to start your holiday adventure off at Magic Kingdom Park with a quick and delicious breakfast? Beginning Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, these breakfast items will be available from park opening through 11 a.m., except for the Cheshire Cat Tails, which will be sold all day:
A delicious Braised Lamb Shank with Cannellini Bean Ragoût, Caramelized Pickled Shallots, and Herbed Panko Breadcrumbs is now on the menu at Cinderella’s Royal Table menu. An entrée fit for royalty!
The Crystal Palace Family-style Menu
The Crystal Palace has reopened its doors! Although our friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood are taking a break from greeting guests, the restaurant is offering a delicious family-style three-course dining experience, and we are sharing the menu!
Shared Family-Style Starters
Homestyle Buttermilk and Cheddar Bacon Biscuits – Honey Butter, Caramelized Onion Butter, and Hot Pepper Jelly
Seasonal Salad –Tomato and Watermelon, Crisp Greens, Blue cheese, Candied Walnuts, and Hot Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette
Marinated Watermelon and Tomatoes –Crisp Greens, Candied Walnuts, and Hot Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette(plant-based and available upon request)
Entrée Selection (Guest Choice of One Entrée)
Fire-roasted Prime Rib of Beef – Asiago Potatoes au Gratin, Creamed Spinach, and Horseradish Cream
Crispy Fried Chicken – Honey Pot Drizzle, Macaroni and Cheese, and Collard Greens
Blackened Catfish and Shrimp – Creamy Cheddar Grits, Fire-roasted Corn Salsa, and Sauce Creole
Brown Sugar Glazed Bone-in Pork Chop – Sweet Potato Casserole, Seasonal Vegetables, and Spiced Apple Reduction
Southern Fried Cauliflower –Hot Maple Drizzle, Roasted Potatoes, and Collard Greens
Shared Family-Style Dessert Platter
Seasonal Fritters with Powdered Sugar and Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Banana Cream Pie
Hummingbird Cake
Honey of a Cupcake
Strawberry Shortcake – Vanilla Cake with Whipped Topping and Strawberries (plant-based and available upon request)
Holidays are truly sweet at Marceline’s Confectionery, a delightful candy shop named after the small Missouri town where Walt lived as a boy, located at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.
The talented candy makers have been busy dipping apples, crisped rice cereal treats, and marshmallows into warm chocolate, with some confections getting a second dip into creamy caramel. The candy makers then artfully embellish with holiday candies to create adorable treats almost too cute to eat!
As a sweet gift, the candy makers gave us their recipe for Peppermint Marshmallow Wands, an easy (and yummy) holiday recipe the entire family can make and enjoy at home.
All of these delicious offerings will be available through Jan. 3, 2021, or until supplies last.
Happy Holidays from our Disney Kitchens!
Minnie Holiday Crispy: Crisped rice cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate decorated with red sanding sugar, green candy-coated chocolate candies, and a red chocolate bow with green polka dots.
Minnie Holiday Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and milk chocolate decorated with red sanding sugar, green candy-coated chocolate candies, and a red chocolate bow with green polka dots.
Mickey Snowman Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and vanilla white chocolate decorated with dark chocolate, sour belt scarf, and chocolate top hat.
Peppermint Marshmallow Wand: Fluffy marshmallows dipped in caramel and dark chocolate covered in crushed peppermint candy.
Peppermint Marshmallow Wands Marceline’s Confectionery Downtown Disney District Disneyland® Resort Makes 8
2 (12 ounce) jars hot caramel topping
8 large lollipop sticks
24 large marshmallows
1 (10-ounce bag) dark melting chocolate
1 cup crushed peppermints (15 candy canes, crushed)
Melt caramel in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep warm.
Dip one end of each lollipop stick in 1 inch of water. Skewer 3 marshmallows onto each stick, starting at the wet end.
Dip marshmallows into caramel, gently tapping to remove excess caramel and place on parchment paper. Cool caramel at room temperature for 30 minutes, until caramel is set.
Melt dark chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat. Keep warm.
Place crushed peppermint in shallow bowl.
Dip caramel-coated marshmallows into melted dark chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess chocolate. Gently roll wand in crushed peppermint; place on clean parchment paper. Repeat for all wands.
Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, until chocolate is set.
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
Beef Bourguignon debuted at Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this year and has quickly become the dish “not to miss” for festival-goers. Offered at Yukon Holiday Kitchen located at the Canada pavilion, this hearty classic dish has it all – fork-tender beef brisket with savory flavors of bacon-infused wine sauce over crushed buttery red potatoes. What’s not to love?
The EPCOT chefs gladly shared the recipe … it is one of their favorite dishes as well!
BEEF BOURGUIGNON Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Serves 6
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
1 tablespoon butter
6 ounces smoked bacon, diced
3 pounds beef brisket, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, or stew meat
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large white onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 pound crimini mushrooms, quartered
1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups red wine (Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup sherry vinegar
12 small fresh or frozen pearl onions, peeled
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided
CRUSHED RED SKINNED POTATOES
1 tablespoon salt, plus more, to taste
3 pounds red-skinned potatoes, washed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
White pepper, to taste
FOR BEEF BOURGUIGNON:
Heat butter and bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until bacon is brown and beginning to crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in Dutch oven with butter and bacon fat, 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.
Add garlic, onion, carrots, and mushrooms and sauté 6 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in rosemary and thyme.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, until paste begins to caramelize, but does not burn.
Return beef and bacon to pan. Add flour and stir constantly for 5 minutes. Add wine, beef broth, and vinegar and stir to deglaze pot. Add pearl onions and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender and sauce is thickened. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Keep warm until ready to serve.
FOR RED SKINNED CRUSHED POTATOES:
Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the potatoes and boil for 10-15 minutes, until soft. Drain potatoes.
Return potatoes to pot and mash with a hand masher or electric mixer until just broken. Add butter, sour cream, vinegar, and mash until potatoes are mashed, but still lumpy.
Season with additional salt and white pepper, to taste.
TO SERVE:
Divide potatoes among 6 bowls. Ladle beef bourguignon on top of potatoes and garnish with remaining chopped parsley.
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
Are you ready for a fresh start in 2021? Then grab a paintbrush and indulge your artistic side (and your palate … and maybe your palette) with an inspiring visit to the Taste ofEPCOTInternational Festival of the Arts, running Jan. 8 – Feb. 22, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort.
This global celebration mixes visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world into an entertaining blend that’s fun for the entire family. More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will display their work, and you can show off your own talents by participating in interactive experiences such as a larger-than-life paint-by-number mural or learning to draw some of their favorite Disney characters. Guests can also step into famous works of art, thanks to artful photo ops.
Discover dishes to feast on with delicious Disney twists and art-inspired menus. And, of course, no visit is complete without finding the perfect piece of artwork or Festival merchandise to bring home.
New in 2021
Voices of Liberty will take centerstage at America Gardens Theatre with a brand-new showcase – The Disney Songbook. From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Let It Go,” the ensemble will perform Disney songs and celebrate the artistry of Disney composers and lyricists.
Over at World Showplace, catch live performances by “Art Defying Gravity,” a spectacle of thrilling strength acts, and “Visual Art in Performance,” a high-energy, onstage visual artist who paints favorite Disney characters before their eyes in just a matter of minutes.
Food Studioslocated around World Showcase is where you can view – and eat – great works of art. Vibrante &VívidoFood Studio, a new location between France and Morocco, will feature a mouthwatering (and photo-ready) chilled seafood cocktail with octopus, scallops, shrimp, black garlic aïoli, tomato coconut sauce, and serrano lime oil. Or, indulge on Blue Corn Pupusa stuffed with cheese and topped with shredded pork, guajillo and árbol chile sauce, cabbage slaw, and aji amarillo crema.
Other ways to enjoy the Festival: take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, where you can use the Festival Passport as a guide to purchase five vibrant food items and receive a complimentary, tasty technicolor treat. The popular Figment’s Brush with the Masters returns this year, as well, inviting Guests to help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase; you’ll be able to purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly hunt at a variety of merchandise locations. Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run for 46 days and be available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date.
Is there anything better than taking that first heavenly bite of a warm cookie as the smell of freshly baked cookies still lingers in the air? No wonder there is a day dedicated to celebrating these delicious morsels of goodness. And that day is December 4!
Disney chefs from around the world sent their favorite cookie recipe so you can bake some Disney magic at home for National Cookie Day. But feel free to celebrate National Cookie Day every day – we do!
Click the link below each photo for the downloadable recipe. Happy baking!
Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookies from Disneyland Paris – Our Disneyland Paris pastry chefs have created these delicious chocolate chip cookies and fancied them up with pecans, dried fruit, and a dark chocolate drizzle. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree from Magic Kingdom Park – This festive stack of almond macarons, cranberry buttercream, and cranberry-orange white chocolate ganache is sure to “wow” family and friends. A bit of work but worth it! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Gingerbread Cookies from Shanghai Disneyland Resort – Leave it to our Shanghai Disneyland pastry chefs to take a simple gingerbread cookie mix to the next level. Kiddos love decorating these traditional holiday cookies, well, adults too! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies from Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery – Using whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor that sets these cookies apart from the classic chocolate chip version. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Molasses Crackle Cookies from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Bakery – With rich flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, these deliciously chewy molasses cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Spaceship Earth Cookies with Salted Caramel Ganache from Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – The EPCOT pastry chefs had me at “salted caramel ganache.” This recipe is a baking commitment in the kitchen, but you will not regret it – promise! Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Num Num Cookies from Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The ultimate in the classic chocolate chip cookie game. Jack-Jack loves these over-the-top chocolate chip cookies and you will too. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
Butter Cookies from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – You may not be able to decorate like our talented Hong Kong Disneyland pastry chefs, but these butter cookies are delicious alone or simply decorated with royal icing. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.
It’s the most wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World Resort, as the holiday season is in full swing across the Resort hotels. Whether you’re staying on vacation or just stopping by for the day, these fantastic locales are merry and bright with yuletide décor that enhances the stories they tell.
From iconic Christmas trees to festive flourishes of garland adorning the front entrances and more, our resorts have decked their halls in celebration of the season for a fun holiday atmosphere. For instance, you can’t miss the massive and magnificent tree outside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Or you can gaze in wonder at the tree stretching into the upper reaches of the soaring lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Traditional tunes and holiday melodies fill the air in the classic setting of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as a talented pianist performs live music most afternoons and evenings in the lobby. And while you’re visiting one of these magical places, you may just spot a favorite Disney pal taking in the sights, as well.
The tinsel and trimmings make our resorts a wonderful way to check some names off your holiday shopping list, too. You’ll find great gift ideas for family and friends, especially anyone looking for an ornament from their favorite home away from home at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Resort gift shops offer exclusive pieces you can only find there!
When it’s time to take a break from your merry-making, treat your taste buds with jolly specialties across the resorts. Holiday flavors of eggnog, peppermint, pumpkin, chocolate and more dance across the dessert menus at all the resorts throughout the season. May we suggest any of the following tasty morsels:
The triple-chocolate Happy Holidays Grand Cake Pop from Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
A Christmas Candy Drop from Le Petit Café at Disney’s Riviera Resort, filled with milk chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge, hazelnut custard and cherry reduction.
Plant-based macarons available at The Artist’s Palette inside Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
Cookie Trees featuring stacks of vanilla cookies decorated with royal icing, mini-pearls and snow sugar, along with a delightful miniature Gingerbread Carousel with hidden Mickeys and a sugar replica of this year’s gingerbread pin from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.
And speaking of sweets, our pastry chefs cooked up some holiday cheer this year for gingerbread fans with a lineup of delicious cookies, kits, and more. Highlights include a classic Gingerbread Mickey available at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort’s BoardWalk Bakery and the Contemporary Gingerbread House Kit from the Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
You’ll find all sorts of other special gingerbread items available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. If you aren’t staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, a dining reservation may be required to park at the resort. Depending on the location’s capacity, guests without reservations may be redirected to park nearby and walk, or take Walt Disney World Transportation to the resort.
A fan-favorite from a past holiday festival – Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Turkey, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Homemade Cranberry Sauce. This remix of the traditional Thanksgiving feast is the ultimate plate of leftovers – complete with crispy stuffing waffles! (Disney bonus points if you make your stuffing waffles with a Mickey-shaped waffle maker!)
Happy Thanksgiving from the Disney Kitchens!
LEFTOVER STUFFING WAFFLES WITH TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES, GRAVY, AND HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays
Serves 6
CRANBERRY SAUCE
12 ounces cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Zest of 1 orange
WAFFLES
4 1/2 cups leftover stuffing, crumbled
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetable oil, for brushing waffle maker
TO SERVE
1 pound warmed leftover turkey, sliced
2 cups warmed leftover mashed potatoes
2 cups warmed leftover gravy
FOR CRANBERRY SAUCE:
Stir together cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes, until sugar dissolves and cranberries are soft.
Increase heat to medium and cook about 12 minutes, or until cranberries burst. Cool to room temperature before serving.
FOR WAFFLES:
Preheat waffle maker to medium-high. Combine stuffing, eggs, and 1/4 cup cream. If mixture is too dry and not spreadable in the waffle maker pockets, add more cream as needed, until mixture is just wet enough to spread.
Generously brush top, bottom, and all pockets of waffle maker with oil.
Evenly and firmly pack each pocket of the waffle maker full with stuffing mixture. (Note: If using a mini waffle maker this will make 12-14 mini waffles. A larger waffle maker (6”-8” in diameter) will yield 6-8 waffles). Close and cook about 7 to 8 minutes, until golden and the waffles easily lift out of waffle maker.
TO SERVE:
Place two mini waffles or one large waffle on each plate. Top each with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!
Starting today, the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will bring seasonal fun from around the globe to the Walt Disney World Resort. Through Dec. 31, 2020, this magical event features delicious food, activities for the whole family, a chance to see Disney characters in their holiday finest, and more.
Guests got their first taste of the festival. Check out the photos below for the seasonal fun already underway at EPCOT!
There is plenty of festive merchandise available throughout World Showcase as part of this year’s festival, including fragrances, apparel, ornaments, dolls, stocking stuffers, tree trimmings and so much more. And don’t miss the special holiday collection featuring everyone’s favorite dynamic duo, Chip ‘n’ Dale. The mischievous chipmunks can be found playfully adorning apparel, cookware and more.
