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Fresh Flowers and Flavors Spring to Life March 3, 2021, at the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Special Events By December 18, 2020 No Comments

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.

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Start Your New Year with Inspiring Art, Food and Entertainment at Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Special Events By December 11, 2020 No Comments

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 of EPCOT International 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 Studios located around World Showcase is where you can view – and eat – great works of art. Vibrante & Vívido Food 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.

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Celebrate Global Merriment at the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Special Events By November 27, 2020 No Comments

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.

Happy holidays from Walt Disney World!

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Shop, Sip, Savor and Celebrate the Holiday Season at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

Special Events By November 19, 2020 No Comments

Share the special joys of the holidays this season in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! Maybe it’s sipping a hot cocoa on a crisp, cool morning, sharing stories over a memorable meal, or finding the perfect, thoughtful gift!

The Downtown Disney District, known for its exceptional selection of dining and shopping, recently expanded to include the Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, and beginning Nov. 19, will extend with more Disney shopping and dining along Buena Vista Street!

This season, discover these great takes on all things merry and bright:

A Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy turkey and some Thanksgiving favorites throughout the month at the Downtown Disney District. For a limited time, try the Thanksgiving Burger at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, or enjoy a tasty twist with a sweet scoop of Salt & Straw’s Salted Thanksgiving Turkey or Sweet Potato Casserole with maple pecans. A Pints Club gift subscription is a gift idea from Salt & Straw’s colorful mercantile. Don’t forget, Earl of Sandwich offers its holiday best year-round with its Holiday Turkey Sandwich, a delicious layering of turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and mayonnaise on freshly-baked artisan bread.

More Holiday Sips, Eats & Sweets!
Satisfy that sweet tooth with a Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake CrazyShake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, a White Christmas Churro from California Churro, or an adorable snowman macaron from Kayla’s CakeWetzel’s Pretzels holiday pretzel is a colorful rainbow with a crunch! The festive caramel apples and peppermint marshmallow wands at Marceline’s Confectionery and Trolley Treats or a box of cupcakes from Sprinkles make great gifts.

Carthay Circle Restaurant is introducing Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, a new outdoor dining experience featuring flavorful Mediterranean-California fare and terrific views of Buena Vista Street. At this time, this restaurant will use a mobile waitlist system throughout the day to manage the number of guests dining when the location is at capacity.

After a day of shopping, grown-ups may enjoy La Brea Bakery’s clever cocktail list featuring the Merry Manhattan, the Tinsel-Tini, a Mistletoe Margarita, the Joyful Daiquiri or a Jolly Old Fashioned that can be paired with a sandwich or entrée.

Find Your Treasures!
Swing into the holiday spirit by picking up a silver and gold spirit jersey, an “ugly sweater” Loungefly backpack or a new snow blower wand for wintery fun at World of Disney, Elias & Co. or Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop. Guests will find even more Disney to love and to choose from at The Disney Dress Shop, Disney Home and Julius Katz & Sons. Together, these stores offer the ultimate in Disney shopping for toys, apparel, souvenirs, home décor and holiday collections.

Rinse Bath & Body Co. offers Spiced Cranberry handcrafted soaps and lotion sticks, giving the scent of mulled spices, made with ingredients that are soothing to winter skin. Check out their entire selection of natural products, which make nice stocking stuffers!

At Pandora, guests can build their own bracelet with charms that make a statement, hand-finished in sterling silver. Pandora has limited-edition gift sets for the holidays including three themed Cinderella charms with magical motifs, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney’s animated classic.

Browse through other unique boutiques such as California Sole, Curl Surf, Sunglass Icon, Sephora, Sugarboo & Co. and The LEGO Store to find the ideal gift for every member of the family.

Toys for Tots
Now through December 13, 2020, donate a toy online at shopDisney.com/ToysForTots, or donate a new, unwrapped toy to any Disney store or a World of Disney store in the U.S., and Disney will donate an additional $1 to Toys for Tots. Disney’s tradition of supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots program dates back to Walt Disney, who personally supervised the creation of the Toys for Tots logo. Disney also was a founding sponsor of the program when it began in 1947. Today, Disneyland Resort is proud to continue the tradition of supporting Toys for Tots.

The number of guests visiting the Downtown Disney District and its shopping and dining locations is limited to promote physical distancing. At some locations, including the World of Disney store, Marceline’s Confectionery, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining at Carthay Circle Restaurant, we may at times use a mobile waitlist system to manage the number of guests when the location and/or queue are at capacity. Guests can choose to provide their name and mobile number to receive a text message when they are able to return.* Disney California Adventure park is currently closed.

There is much to discover and explore at the Downtown Disney District!

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Holiday Magic and Virtual Gift Guide at Disney Springs

Special Events By November 16, 2020 No Comments

Disney has officially kicked off the holidays at Disney Springs. This year is even more special as we find new and safe ways to celebrate with our loved ones and Disney Springs is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the season with family-friendly fun, sparkling décor, and gift ideas galore. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Virtual Gift Guide

Need a little gift-giving inspiration? The Disney Springs Gift Guide is back with an all-new format on Instagram! Head to @disneysprings and use the highlight buttons to explore 8 different gift categories including classics like “For Her” and “For Kids” and of course, the “For the Disney Fan” that has a little something for everyone! This collection of items will give you can find at Disney Springs but it gives you a little taste of the amazing variety of gifts to complete your shopping for everyone on your list. There’s always something new to discover so make sure you keep checking back through the holiday season.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth

We’ve taken all the holiday magic and spread out the fun with the new Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth featuring a collection of elaborately decorated Disney-themed Christmas trees. As in year’s past, each tree is themed to a popular Disney character, attraction, or story, with trees now spread throughout all four Disney Springs neighborhoods.

Check out this time-lapse video of our cast members hard at work as they turn the holiday magic on for our guests.


Create a new holiday family tradition and prepare for a jolly holiday scavenger hunt that allows you to safely wander and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealthThe scavenger hunt is complimentary and collateral can be picked up from select retail stores, Disney Springs Welcome Center, and Disney’s PhotoPass Studio. As you explore, don’t forget to take advantage of special discounts and offers available on the back of your map from select retail and dining locations. Once you complete your scavenger hunt, bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.

Santa’s Winter Watercade & Holiday Entertainment

Discover other select entertainment throughout Disney Springs that will immerse you in the holidays while you safely enjoy time together and make new memories. The popular Toy Soldier stiltwalkers and Snowflake Skaters will be back bringing holiday magic to the promenade along with guest DJs cranking out your favorite seasonal tunes at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage and at Exposition Park across from Disney’s Candy Cauldron.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a little snow and it’s in the forecast! Be delighted in a magical snowfall that will add a little extra touch to your holiday shopping happening intermittently at Disney Springs Town Center and West Side.

Later this month, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pack their winter wear as they plan to soak up the last bit of Florida sun before their big night. Keep an eye out this season on the waters of Lake Buena Vista where you might spot them waving and sending season’s greetings from afar in a festive and colorfully-decorated pontoon boat.

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar is back and has been transformed with merry décor and festive fun through December 30, 2020. The Light Deviled Eggs return to the menu alongside some new delicious additions like Grandma’s Favorite Sliders (made with venison!) and Milk and Cookies by the Fireside paired with Coquito and Malibu Rum (believe me, this is a must-try!). Popular holiday cocktails are back as well like the Jock’s Holiday Nog, Berry, Merry Margarita and a new Mistletoe Mule. Keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog for another story coming soon with a roundup of other delicious Holiday Eats & Treats you’ll find this holiday season at Disney Springs.

Disney’s PhotoPass Studio

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs! Starting November 16, get all your family photos for the holidays, including a virtual backdrop featuring Santa, and other festive virtual backdrops that combine the magic of the holidays with the magic of Disney! To download all the photos taken the day of your visit (including your photos from the studio from that day), take advantage of a special offer of $49.99 for Memory Maker One Day*, in addition to great prices and specials on prints, available only at this location November 16 through December 26, 2020. Put on your ugly (or not-so-ugly) Christmas sweater, and jingle all the way to the studio – no reservations required.

FreeForm’s “25 Days of Christmas” Photo Op

Freefrom is counting down to the holidays with another themed photo-op at Disney Springs. Be sure to make a stop at the new “25 Days of Christmas” Instagram wall located right outside Disney’s Days of Christmas. Tag those “elfies” using #DisneySprings and #25DaysofChristmas.

As you can see, there’s so much holiday shopping, dining, and fun to be had at Disney Springs this holiday season. If you’re planning to drive, please allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination. Digital message boards along Buena Vista Drive will indicate when garages and surface lots are full.

 

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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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