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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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