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Holiday Highlights – Disney Springs Holiday Eats & Treats

Special Events By November 13, 2020 No Comments

The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at your favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. Ready to plan your culinary adventure? Black Forest Parfait, Holiday Mickey Mousse, Holiday Petit Cake, Mickey Santa Dome Cake, Peppermint Crème Brûlée, Spiced Yule Log, at Amorette’s Patisserie

Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)

  • Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
  • Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur
  • Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
  • Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie
  • Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer
Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle, AristoCrepes

AristoCrepes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
  • Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
  • Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)
Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish
1871 Chili, City Works Eatery & Pour House

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • 1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin

The Daily Poutine (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds
Holiday Turkey Sandwich, Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich 

  • Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and  mayonnaise
Mickey Santa Piñata, The Ganachery

The Ganachery (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Eggnog Ganache Square – Creamy bourbon eggnog covered in dark chocolate
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square – Gingerbread spices combined with creamy milk chocolate
  • Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer and Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)

  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs 

  • Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)
Milk and Cookies by the Fireside, C9 Light Deviled Eggs, Papa Noel’s Churrasco, Mistletoe Mule and Very Berry Margarita, Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
  • Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
  • C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
  • Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
  • Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
  • Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
  • Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped  with ginger beer
  • Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice
Varietal blends, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

  • Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set
Fried Mac and Cheese, Mac & Cheese Disney Food Truck

Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)

  • Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)
Jolly Holiday Float, Marketplace Snacks

Marketplace Snacks

  • Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
  • Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup

Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
  • Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
  • Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
  • Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
  • Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
  • Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
  • Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour, The Polite Pig

The Polite Pig

  • Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.
Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread, Splitsville

Splitsville (All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro 
  • Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise
Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Cannoli Cupcakes, Sprinkles

Sprinkles 

  • Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
  • Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
  • Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
  • Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
  • Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Tiramisù Push Pop, Vivoli il Gelato

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
  • Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy
Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Tortellini, Heirloom Apple Salad, Fall Spiced Sangria, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)

  • Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Cardamom cream, spiced pumpkin seeds
  • Butternut Tortellini – Delicate Squash, cranberries, pumpkin butter
  • Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
  • Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon
Saganaki On Fire, Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George 

  • Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
  • Hooten Young American Whiskey –  Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.
Santa’s White Christmas Cookie, Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie,  Gideon’s Bakehouse

We’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, two of their limited-time cookies will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:

  • Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
  • Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging.

Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination when traveling to Disney Springs.

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The Holidays Start this Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort

Special Events By November 6, 2020 No Comments

The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort starts today, and we’re unwrapping more details about the magical experiences happening across our theme parks and Disney Springs, including special pop-up appearances by Santa Claus. Read on for all the festive fun!

Magic Kingdom Park
Favorite Disney characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music. From Mickey and friends trimming a tree to Goofy and his pals whipping up a bakeshop full of scrumptious treats, character cavalcades bring the holiday spirit to the streets of the Magic Kingdom throughout the day. And keep an eye out for Santa, as he glides down the parade route in his sleigh.

Main Street, U.S.A. is the spot to catch the Holiday Trolley, bringing festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and guests may just see some Toy Soldiers joining the Main Street Philharmonic when they march through Magic Kingdom playing their merry melodies.

At night, holiday magic brings a festive look to Cinderella Castle with special projection effects, producing a kaleidoscope of designs including festive stripes and dots, a whimsical Christmas sweater look, a jeweled winter castle, and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. It’s sure to provide the perfect, colorful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack.

Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat, and when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios get their own visit from Santa when he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, led by an entourage of elves and riding in his candy-apple red convertible packed with presents. And just in time for the holiday season, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

After dark, the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel, magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs
The holidays arrive at Disney Springs on Nov. 7, when the area will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor, and holiday surprises. Disney Springs is the place to find the perfect gift for everyone. And here, guests will want to take a break and savor the comforting flavors of the season.

Wander and enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, with elaborately-decorated, Disney-themed trees appearing throughout the shopping, dining, and entertainment district. There will also be music-playing DJs during the day, and in the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes, and a magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also making the trip to Disney Springs this year, where guests can catch them starting later in November, as they soak up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. Look for them cruising Lake Buena Vista and sharing Christmas wishes from a pair of colorfully decorated pontoon boats.

Disney Parks Holiday Merchandise
Guests can bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in California and online at shopDisney.com. From apparel to accessories to homeware and more, these very merry collections feature the latest ear headbands, spirit jerseys for adults and children, plush, mini-backpacks by Loungefly, cloth face coverings, and more. Highlights include:

  • The first Disney Parks holiday snowblower
  • Matching holiday onesies for the whole family
  • Fuzzy clogs by Crocs
  • A new holiday collection from BaubleBar
  • And much more!

This is just a sampling of all the festive fun Disney guests will enjoy across Walt Disney World Resort this year. And there’s more to come! EPCOT gets into the spirit a little later in the month, when the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth kicks off Nov. 27 with live entertainment, holiday kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and more.

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Holiday Highlights: Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World Parks

Special Events By November 1, 2020 No Comments

Like many of you, we absolutely love the holiday season at Disney Parks, especially all the festive food and drink. Walt Disney World chefs and mixologists have again created yummy treats and sips that will make your holiday visit to the parks, well, delicious!

We pulled together a list of edible holiday highlights – just a few favorites from WDE park kitchens. Be sure to check out all the holiday offerings when you visit the parks and let us know your favorites!

Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Holidays at Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park

Twice Upon a Cupcake – A confetti Christmas tree tops a vanilla cupcake with a red velvet hidden Mickey (Available at Main Street Bakery Nov. 6 – Dec. 30)

Let it Snow Taco – Sugar cookie “taco shell” filled with salted caramel and spiced chocolate mousse (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Nov. 6 – Dec. 30)

An Orange Bird Christmas – Orange–scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace Nov. 6 – Dec. 30)

Chip and Dale Christmas Churros – Gingerbread churros topped with apple pie filling and chocolate chips (Available at Westward Ho Nov. 6 – Dec. 30)

Pistachio Chai Tea Float – Pistachio soft–serve, spiced chai tea, and a red velvet cake pop ornament (Available at Aloha Isle Nov. 6 – Dec. 30)

Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – Frozen salted caramel hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, green sugar, and a chocolate drizzle served with a souvenir Mickey Glow (Available at PizzeRizzo, Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, and Rosie’s All–American Café Nov. 6 – Jan. 4)

Mickey’s Holiday Cookie – Vanilla butter cookie enrobed with white chocolate and sugar snowflakes (Available at ABC Commissary and Rosie’s All–American Café Nov. 6 – Jan. 4)

Holiday Whoopie Pie – Red velvet whoopie pie filled with a classic cream cheese filling (Available at The Trolley Car Café and Backlot Express Nov. 6 – Jan. 4)

Olaf’s Snow Flurry – Yellow cupcake with vanilla buttercream, snow flurry sugar, and Olaf Glow (Available at Rosie’s All–American Café Nov. 6 – Jan. 4)

Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

White–Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse – White chocolate peppermint cream cheese mousse with peppermint sauce and chocolate cookie crumbles (Available at Satu’li Canteen Dec. 20 – Jan. 2)

Menagerie Cupcake – Gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese frosting topped with a white chocolate bear (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus Dec. 1–30)

Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwich – Vanilla Ice Cream sandwiched between two pumpkin cookies decorated with fall sprinkles (Available at Dino–Bite Snacks Nov. 1–30)

Santa Mickey Mousse – White chocolate peppermint mousse dome on a brownie base, snowflake sprinkles, and chocolate Mickey ears (Available at Creature Comforts Dec. 1– Jan. 2)

Tasty Treats to Celebrate the Holidays at EPCOT

EPCOT

Spiked Frozen Apple Pie – Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine with Minute Maid® Apple Juice and Cinnamon (Available at Block & Hans now – Dec. 31)

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Sneak Peek! Maple Bûche de Noël – Maple mousse and cranberry rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Walt Disney World and we couldn’t be more excited!

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Grab Your Paintbrush! Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Begins Jan. 8, 2021

Special Events By October 21, 2020 No Comments

A global celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts is on its way to Walt Disney World Resort early next year, as the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is set for Jan. 8 – Feb. 22, 2021.

The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers fun for the whole family. Here is just a sketch of what to expect when the event debuts in January:

  • Indulge in over 15 Food Studios serving culinary art all around World Showcase
  • Explore and purchase the brilliant and diverse work of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon
  • Step into the scene at special photo locations scattered around the park
  • Participate in a paint-by-number mural that serves as a collaborative art project for all
  • Watch as visiting artists create magic right before your eyes
  • Catch performances by favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
  • Join an artful scavenger hunt and search for Figment around World Showcase
  • Shop for festival-exclusive merchandise

We’ll have more details on the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in the weeks and months to come.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Home with These Amazing Recipes!

Special Events By October 11, 2020 No Comments

Hispanic Heritage Month celebration continues with a glimpse of how three Hispanic Disney chefs bring their cultura and sabor to their work at Walt Disney World Resort.

Learn in this video the stories of Chef John Prieto, Chef Daniel Contreras and Chef Yoly Lazo Colón. See Spanish version here.

Enjoy three mouth-watering recipes that you can follow at home to continue the celebration, inspired by different dishes that have been showcased during past event of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

Shrimp ceviche from EPCOT

To start our culinary fiesta at home, consider a simple, fresh and colorful shrimp ceviche with lime mint foam. It was first introduced at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

This dish can be found across several countries in Latin America, but it originated in Perú and can be made with fish and different types of seafood. There are many variations to ceviche; Chef John Prieto, originally from Perú, who works at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, shares how he also makes this spectacular and easy-to-prepare dish at home with his family.

Charred skirt steak with arepa (corn cake) and jicama slaw from EPCOT

For the main course, a charred skirt steak with arepa (corn cake) and jicama slaw, discovered at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The arepa is a staple in Colombia and Venezuela; they can be sweet or savory, and on this occasion, we are featuring a savory/salty arepa.

This recipe was created by Colombian Chef Daniel Contreras, who has created dishes for many EPCOT festivals. His love for his hometown food, his heritage and culture inspires every recipe he showcases.

Flan from EPCOT

To finish our dinner party, a favorite traditional dessert: flan! This delicious flan with caramelized pineapple recipe was first served at the Dominican Republic Marketplace at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in 2015.

Puerto Rican Chef Yoly Lazo Colón, Pastry Chef at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, developed the recipe. She shares her favorite memories of making flan every Friday at home, in our video.

Click the links below for downloadable versions of all of these recipes. Happy cooking!

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Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Start Nov. 6

Special Events By September 8, 2020 No Comments
Disney guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, they will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings, and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.

Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.

When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our Guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by Guests and Cast Members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.


Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best. 

Shifting gears to Disney Springs, Guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, Guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.


Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned.

Everyone is looking forward to creating new holiday traditions with guests and Cast Members this year, with unique ways to enjoy the season together. There’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort!

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Additional dining options returning this fall at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Special Events By September 2, 2020 No Comments
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s some Halloween fun in store at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is set to return Sept. 25. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, you can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine with a monster feast served to your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their friends. It’s a boo-tastic time filled with Halloween décor and music, scary good food, and more!

Beginning Sept. 24, Guests can enjoy dining in the enchanted, fairytale setting of Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a delicious regal banquet with unforgettable main courses ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day. The princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting Guests, but there will be plenty of delicious fare and fun to be enjoyed in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Both of these immersive dining experiences will be available for reservations beginning Sept. 11.

Additionally, some more snack and quick-service options are reopening soon. Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will return Sept. 4 and the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens for walk-in quick service for lunch beginning Oct. 8.

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Celebrate Mardi Gras and Carnevale at Disney Springs

News, Special Events By February 11, 2020 Tags: , , , No Comments

Calling all foodies – Mardi Gras and Carnevale is back at Disney Springs! From the flavors on the streets of New Orleans (where Mardi Gras is most famously celebrated) to the beautiful city of Venice, you’ll discover the perfect way to celebrate with entertainment that will have them “jazzed” up and ready to party. 

Mardi Gras and Carnevale at Disney Springs - Maria & Enzo's Entrees

Step into the streets of Italy at Carnevale returning to Maria and Enzo’s now through February 29. Every night from 5-10 p.m. the restaurant transforms into a festival atmosphere filled with live entertainment including musicians, balloon artists, and mask painters where you can request your own unique mask to wear during the event. (Perfect fun for adults and kids!) The famous Carnevale menu returns jam-packed with delicious Sicilian delicacies like antipasti, salads, soups, pasta, entrees and more. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling (407) 560-8466. 

Mardi Gras and Carnevale at Disney Springs - House of Blues Restaurant and Bar

Down on the West Side, House of Blues Restaurant and Bar is getting ready to celebrate Fat Saturdays this month with authentic New Orleans-style food and music. Join in on the party in the courtyard on February 15 and 22 from 5-9 p.m. with food and drink specials plus live music from the Brown Bag Brass Brand. Returning favorites on the menu include Bread Bowl Gumbo, Jambalaya and their famous Bread Pudding at the Smokehouse just outside. If you pop into the restaurant, the Shrimp & Crawfish Etouffee comes highly recommended! 

Mardi Gras and Carnevale at Disney Springs - Sprinkles Cupcakes

If you’re looking for something for their sweet tooth, swing by Sprinkles Cupcakes for the new Bananas Foster Cupcake packed with caramelized banana-infused rum sauce and topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with Mardi Gras themed sprinkles. (Available starting February 17-March 1.) Or, pop over to Vivoli il Gelato for the ultimate royal “treat”ment. It’s called the King Shake and it’s an over-the-top shake made with cake gelato spun with milk, a waffle cone, a cinnamon roll, and topped with whipped cream. 

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Cinderella-Themed Treats at Disney Parks

News, Special Events By February 5, 2020 Tags: No Comments

If you have been dreaming about new sweet treats coming to Disney Parks, then this news is a wish come true! In Celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s animated classic, Cinderella, their pastry chefs have created an array of yummy new desserts at Walt Disney World Resort. And at Disneyland Resort, the afternoon tea at Steakhouse 55 will be receiving a magical Cinderella-themed overlay with special themed desserts, snacks, and more!

Walt Disney World Resort

At Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be able to find a wide selection of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth across property. Unless otherwise noted, all of the items listed below will be available through February 28, 2020. 

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Cake

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Cake (Available at Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom® Park) – Lemon-scented Bavarian mousse filled with blueberry compote on top of a citrus almond cake

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella Soft-Serve

Cinderella Soft-Serve (Available at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village resort) – Vanilla soft-serve topped with a white chocolate clock, white chocolate crispy pearls, and glitter

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella Cupcake

Cinderella Cupcake (Available at Capt. Cook’s and Kona Coffee Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) – Vanilla cupcake with blueberry compote filling, vanilla buttercream, and a white chocolate slipper

Cinderella Cupcake (Available at Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort) – Yellow cake filled with pumpkin custard and topped with vanilla buttercream

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella's Cake Pop Coach

Cinderella’s Cake Pop Coach (Available at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort) – Triple chocolate cake pop with white chocolate wheels

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella's Slipper Cupcake

Cinderella’s Slipper Cupcake (Available at Riverside Mill and Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts) – Vanilla cupcake with strawberry fluff, buttercream, a white chocolate slipper, gold crispy pearls, and disco dust

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Off to the B all Dessert

Off to the Ball Dessert (Available at Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort) – Cheesecake with chocolate-hazelnut ganache center and white chocolate decorations

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Greedy Gus Gus Cupcake

Greedy Gus Gus Cupcake (Available at the Food Courts of Disney’s All-Star Resorts) – Chocolate cupcake with peanut butter fluff filling, peanut butter buttercream, fondant ears, and a chocolate “cheese” wedge

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Glass Slipper Cupcake

Glass Slipper Cupcake (Available Feb. 9-Mar. 7 at Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort) – Yellow cupcake with lemon filling, tea-infused buttercream, sugar crystals, and a white chocolate slipper

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella's Coach Chocolate Box

Cinderella’s Coach Chocolate Box (Available Year-Round at The Ganachery at Disney Springs) – Cinderella’s Coach box filled with two ganache squares of your Clients’ choice

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - Cinderella's Carriage Mini Dome Cake

Cinderella’s Carriage Mini Dome Cake (Available at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs) – Strawberry mousse with strawberry champagne center and vanilla chiffon cake

Cinderella Treats at Disney Parks - So This Is Love: A Cinderella Anniversary Tea at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Resort

So This Is Love: A Cinderella Anniversary Tea at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel

For a limited time beginning February 7, Guests can celebrate Cinderella’s 70th anniversary at a very special tea party sure to enchant taste buds of all ages! The menu features a delectable selection of salads, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and a dash of Disney magic—plus an assortment of loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions. Aperitifs, wines by the glass, ports, and cordials are also available for an additional charge.

You have a choice of three distinct tea parties – Classic, Premium, or Kids – for an afternoon filled with delightful bites and fantastical sips fit for Disney’s popular princess! This afternoon tea occurs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-3pm starting February 7, 2020. Reservations can be made on the Disneyland Resort website.

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Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival: Now With Bigger Fun for Little Ones!

Special Events By September 4, 2018 Tags: , No Comments

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is back and bibbidi-bobbidi-better than ever before with 4 new kid-approved attractions! From August 30th through November 12th, we’ve compiled this need-to-know guide on Disney’s most family-friendly food festival yet!

Since its debut in 1996, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival has grown to include 65 wineries and over 40 breweries. While the annual Disney extravaganza has previously catered to fans of all ages, this year is set to be an unforgettable experience for parents with aspiring foodies to entertain.

THE BASICS

Entrance into the Food & Wine Festival is free with Epcot park admission, which starts at $102. Because of its size, regular attendees of the festival recommend at least 2 days. However, it’s definitely worth checking out even if you can only make Epcot a one-day stop.

Don’t forget to grab a Food & Wine Passport before you start the day. You can keep track of where you’ve been and document all the daring new flavors you (and your brave kiddos) may try!

Pro-tip! Watch for a “strawberry” symbol at food booths! It signals there are foods available made especially with kids in mind.

Pro-tip! Are you using Disney Dining Plan credits? You can trade a quick service meal credit for three snack items from any single food booth! (The food booths around World Showcase open at 11am!)

DISNEY’S NEW FREE KID-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL FUN

Disney’s exciting new kid-approved festival stations are free with admission and will certainly keep your little ones smiling in-between every bite!

DIY Candy Sushi

Twice daily (3:30pm and 5:30pm) Disney chefs will aid in this interactive candy sushi-making workshop. It is located in the Sunshine Seasons food court at the Land Pavilion. Because space is limited, be sure to register here!

“Fun Zone” Playground & Sweet Snacks

Located near the Test Track marketplace in Future World East, this festival play area is inspired by Ralph Breaks the Internet. (The epic upcoming sequel to Wreck-It Ralph!) Refuel with nearby themed treats like the new “Pancake Milkshake” and croissant doughnuts topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate and marshmallows, chocolate hazelnut cream, or sprinkles!

Disney du Jour Character Dance Party

Follow the tunes to the Fountain View Stage in Future World! From 5:30-9:30pm every Friday and Saturday festival goers can enjoy music, dances, and activities for kids of all ages. This is one party you won’t want to miss because some of your favorite classic Disney Duos will be dropping by each weekend. Look out for Remy & Emile from Ratatouille, Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde from Zootopia, Lilo & Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, and Clarabelle Cow & Horace Horsecollar! Furthermore, each dance party features a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming Radio Disney artist!

The Junior Chef Kitchen

Every Sunday morning at 11am this interactive experience takes place at the Festival Center. Under the supervision of a Disney chef, learn how to make your own pancakes complete with tasty decorations. (And enough time to devour your creation!) Due to limited space, registration is only available at the Festival Center on Saturdays and Sundays.

EXTRA FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

A noteworthy Food & Wine Festival family tradition! The Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt map and sticker sets are usually under $8. But as a result you receive an exclusive small prize at the end no matter how far you get. The goal is to match food item stickers to their corresponding location where Remy can be found “hiding out”. He will be holding whatever food is on each sticker. Find a home for all the stickers on your map and you will discover the “ingredients” Remy needs to make his special dish!

Pro-tip! When searching for Remy regular festival-goers say above all else, remember to look up!

Eat to the Beats Meals

Attend nightly concerts at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot World Showcase. This year’s performers include Blue October, MercyMe, Baha Men, Plain White T’s, Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, and Smash Mouth! Save big with all-inclusive packages that combine one breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating at the concert series. (To see the full list of performers and participating restaurants, click here!)

Festival Center Open Early

If you’re an early bird, the Festival Center opens 2 hours before food booths at 9am! Get busy planning for the day ahead as you sip on coffee from Joffrey’s Specialty Disney Collection. Or investigate the new Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar (yes, also open at 9am) where you will find a kid-friendly drink by the name of “Frozen Apple Pie”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TASTEEPCOT.COM

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