21 Ways to Kick Off 2021 with Magic at Walt Disney World Resort

General By January 1, 2021 No Comments
Happy New Year! Walt Disney World Resort is ready to help you turn the page on 2020 right away and begin 2021 with magic. From new and classic attractions to culinary experiences to character interactions and more, here are 21 reasons to be excited about a visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth in early 2021:
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

1. Explore the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Beginning Jan. 8 – Through Feb. 22, you’re invited to an expansive collection of visual, performance and culinary arts throughout the park.

New Entrance Fountain at EPCOT

2. Gaze Upon the Reimagined Entrance Fountain at EPCOT – The new water feature in front of Spaceship Earth hearkens back to the park’s origins and highlights a greener, more open and welcoming experience as you enter the park. The fountain is the most recent milestone in the historic transformation of EPCOT now underway.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

3. Step Inside the Cartoon World of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Go through the movie screen as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Engineer Goofy and Pluto take you on a trip through Runnamuck Park … where anything can happen!

Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

4. Embark on a Star Wars Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far Away – Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Cinderella Castle, the icon of Magic Kingdom Park

5. Check Out Cinderella Castle’s Royal Makeover – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status, making for a great photo with family and friends.

6. Experience Classic Attractions at Magic Kingdom Park – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain … the new year is a great time for you to reconnect with these classics loved by millions the world over.

Nigerian dwarf goats at Disney's Animal Kingdom

7. Watch for New Residents on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Nigerian dwarf goats now play like kids at the warden’s outpost near the end of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Female Masai giraffe Maple at Disney's Animal Kingdom

8. Bask in the Cuteness of Baby Animals – In addition to the Nigerian dwarf goats, you may catch a glimpse of some of the animals born in 2020 at Walt Disney World while at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, for example, you may spot young Masai giraffe now out on the savanna.

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom

9. Celebrate the Magic of Nature in Pandora – The World of Avatar – At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, travel to the Valley of Mo’ara to hike among the floating mountains of Pandora and experience two awe-inspiring attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

'Mickey and Friends Cavalcade' at Magic Kingdom Park

10. Find Disney Characters in New Places – From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, you can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and the occasional special surprise at Disney Resort hotels.

11. Hop from Park to Park – Beginning today, guests who purchase a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day (with some new modifications).

Chocolate Chip cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

12. Indulge in Sweet New Treats at Disney Springs – When visiting the shopping, dining and entertainment district of Walt Disney World, you have plenty of new options to satisfy your sweet tooth, including newly opened Gideon’s Bakehouse and the forthcoming M&M’S store and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.

Interactive Groot action figure and Bluetooth speaker

13. Pick Out the Perfect Post-Holiday Gift – Disney Springs is also the place where you’ll find a little something you may have missed on your holiday shopping list. From the massive World of Disney store to quaint boutiques and just about everything in between, Disney Springs is home to the latest Disney merchandise as well as on-trend accessories, apparel and gear from other top brands.

14. Return to Favorite Disney Restaurants – As part of the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, restaurants continue to return to operation across The Most Magical Place on Earth. Recent reopenings include The Crystal Palace inside Magic Kingdom and the character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

15. Make Some Time to Relax Outdoors – Central Florida weather is often gorgeous in the early months of the year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy some outdoor recreation, including golf and miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.

Fresh Flowers and Flavors Spring to Life March 3, 2021

16. Buzz Through the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Blooming in March – Beginning March 3, you’ll find fresh cuisine, creative gardens and unforgettable topiaries as part of this annual festival.

Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

17. Soak Up the Sun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – After remaining closed for all of 2020 due to the pandemic, this wintry-themed water park is planning to reopen in March and celebrate its 25th season in splashy style.

New Entrances to Walt Disney World Resort

18. Look for Some Fresh Pixie Dust at the Entrances to Walt Disney World – Make some new memories as you pass these iconic gateways to The Most Magical Place on Earth, which are receiving a refreshed color palette complementing the recent Cinderella Castle makeover.

New Offer | Walt Disney World Resort

19. Add Extra Theme Park Magic to Vacations – Available to book beginning Jan. 5, 2021, guests buying non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket packages at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights Jan. 8, 2021, through Sept. 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days of theme park tickets.

Father and daughter at Magic Kingdom Park

20. Florida Residents Can Take Advantage of a Special Ticket Offer – Beginning Jan. 4, 2021, the four-day Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket invites Floridians to visit any of the four Disney parks through June 18, 2021 (subject to blockout dates), for $199 (plus tax). For more details on this special offer, click here.

21. Get Excited for Even More Magic Later this Year – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the new family-friendly attraction coming to the France pavilion in EPCOT, will debut in 2021. And the new Cirque du Soleil show “Drawn to Life,” coming to Disney Springs, will be a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Keep checking back with us for more details about these experiences and other excitement happening around Walt Disney World in the future!

As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system. Please visit Disneyworld.com/Updates for more information.

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Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts: The Culinary Arts

Special Events By December 30, 2020 No Comments

Eat, drink, and be dazzled by creative, culinary masterpieces during Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts—January 8 through February 22, 2021.

A chocolate chip cookie shaped like an artists palette with three dabs of paint and a paintbrush

Let Them Eat Art

Discover colorful fare that paints an exquisite picture of gastronomical perfection—only at Epcot!

Art critics and gourmands alike can enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! Explore a world where food imitates art as the epicurean elite converge to create mouthwatering magic that rivals the masters.

Choose from a variety of Festival-exclusive food studios to please nearly every palate:

The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure)
Treat your taste buds to savory plates like beef Wellington and pan-seared scallops. Here, you’ll also find the artist palette jumbo chocolate-chip cookie along with assorted beer and wine.

Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
Refresh your spirit with beverages from Florida Orange Groves Winery or an orange cream shake served in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup.

Cuisine Classique (Germany)
Prepare to be amazed with these hearty braised bites and traditional Old World delights—like red wine-braised short rib, coq au vin and opera cake. Pair your dish with a glass of wine or beer.

Decadent Delights (Promenade Refreshments)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with raspberry or lemon soft-serve ice cream. Plus, discover a variety of refreshing beers.

The Deconstructed Dish (Showcase Plaza)
Discover delicious dishes that dazzle! Enjoy a deconstructed take on favorite foods like the Reuben, BLT and strawberry cheesecake. Or, sip on a chai tea shake that showcases favorite breakfast flavors.

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)
Embark on a culinary journey south of the border and sample Mexican-inspired cuisine like pork belly pastor, chile rellenos and chocolate tacos.

Goshiki (Japan)
Stop by this food studio for popular items like sushi donuts and vegetable gyoza. Plus, sip on sake or try the pink snow—a refreshing beverage featuring sake, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and Calpico.

Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
Discover Guest-favorite dishes, like charcuterie, Remy’s ratatouille, the lemon blood-orange tart, and a jumbo chocolate-chip cookie. Plus, sip on a coffee cocktail or tasty microbrew.

Painter’s Palate (World Showplace)
Sample this palatable assortment of delicacies—like prime steak tartare, salt-roasted beet tartare, and a tantalizing pistachio cake with cherry mousse and Morello cherries.

L’Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France)
Discover delightful French treats and baked goods, from savory to sweet—including warm brie in a bread bowl, a black winter truffle croissant, and a trio of house-made macarons. Pair your dish with French wine or frozen martini.

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)
Get a taste of Italy, with a twist! This food studio serves up arancini, lobster ravioli, and cream-filled Italian donuts—along with Italian beer, wine, and cocktails.

Masterpiece Kitchen (Canada)
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine. Highlights include wild mushroom risotto, the salmon and cream gâteau and a luscious panna cotta.  Plus, discover wines to complement each culinary creation.

Mosaic Canteen (Morocco)
Savor the bold flavors of Morocco in delectable dishes like harissa-roasted rack of lamb and a Mediterranean flatbread with Za’atar pesto.

The Painted Panda (China)
Treat your senses to Chinese dishes, like pork and water chestnut meatballs or the Sichuan red hot mala shrimp. Plus, enjoy bubble tea, draft beer, and a variety of Chinese-inspired cocktails.

Pop Eats (Showcase Plaza)
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats! Highlights include the colorful almond frangipane cake and the ever-popular Pop’t Art—a modern-designed sugar cookie with strawberry filling. Plus, choose from savory dishes, like shrimp ceviche or tomato soup with grilled cheese.

Vibrante & Vívido – NEW! (Between Morocco & France)
Enjoy bright, fresh flavors in dishes both savory and sweet—like a passion fruit mousse or a chilled seafood cocktail. Pair your food with an island-inspired smoothie, piña colada or daiquiri.

Additional Locations
Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops.

  • Refreshment Port: Serving lobster poutine, traditional poutine, chicken breast nuggets, refreshing beverages and more
  • Refreshment Outpost: Serving plant-based bratwurst, warm brown-sugar-stuffed pretzels, frozen slushies, beers and more
  • Funnel Cake: Serving a red velvet funnel cake topped with cream cheese icing and pixie dust
  • Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (all in-park locations): Serving a unique, art-inspired latte paired with a doughnut at each location
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7 Reasons to Be Excited for the Opening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach in March 2021

General By December 23, 2020 No Comments

The wait is finally over! Cast members will begin returning soon to prepare Disney’s Blizzard Beach for its scheduled reopening on March 7, 2021. First opened to the public on April 1, 1995, this spring will kick off Blizzard Beach’s 25th season. In honor of this exciting news – here are seven fun facts you may not have known about Disney’s wintry-themed water park.

1.Blizzard Beach has a special story all its own 

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

A ski resort in Florida? You heard that right! As the story goes, a legendary snowstorm in Florida prompted local opportunists to build a ski resort. When Florida’s climate returned to normal temperatures and the snow began to melt, Blizzard Beach was born.

 2. Blizzard Beach is home to one of the fastest waterslides in the world

Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

The ultimate water park thrill ride, Summit Plummet is a 120-foot-tall waterslide with a near-vertical drop. Guests accelerate up to 65 mph on the slide, making it one of the fastest attractions at Walt Disney World.

3. There’s no shortage of tasty treats

Nachos from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

From churros to Mickey ice cream bars, you can discover many of your favorite snacks at the Disney Water Parks. There are plenty of menu options to choose from, including these loaded nachos from Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments.

4. The first chairlift in Florida was built at Blizzard Beach

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Want to know a Disney secret? This colorful chairlift, built to ferry guests to the top of Mount Gushmore, was the first of its kind in the state of Florida. The chairlift offers a scenic bird’s-eye view of Blizzard Beach and easy access to Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.

5. There’s a full-service beach bar serving Blizzard Beach-inspired cocktails

Fancy drink from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Piña CoLAVA anyone? How about a Blue Blizzard Margarita? The Polar Pub serves as Blizzard Beach’s own full-service beach bar and offers specialty cocktails inspired by the park’s stories.

6. Cross Country Creek is one of the longest lazy rivers in the U.S.A.

Cross Country Creek at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

At 3,000 feet, Cross Country Creek ranks among the longest lazy rivers in the country. It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete one journey around the waterway – depending, of course, on how lazy you want to be!

7. Teamboat Springs is one of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride

Teamboat Springs at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

One of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride is none other than Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach. Along the winding rapids of Teamboat Springs, guests encounter remnants of the fabled snowstorm in the form of snowshoes, snow shovels, melting icicles and a snow mobile.

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Last-Minute DIY Gifts, Ideas to Add Disney Magic to the Holidays

General By December 21, 2020 No Comments

Christmas week is here and we’re sharing more #DisneyMagicMoments with a virtual Santa’s workshop of last-minute Disney DIY projects, gifts and inspiring ideas to help create a magical holiday for everyone at home.

Today, we’re reaching into our holiday archives to unwrap some favorite tutorials of the season, including a dazzling DIY Princess Tiana wreath and gorgeous handmade holiday cards from Walt Disney Imagineering.  Our yuletide list of holly-jolly how-tos begins with Mickey Mouse!

DIY Mickey Snowflakes

Mickey Mouse Snowflakes –  Whether it’s snowing or not, you can create a winter wonderland with this easy DIY project on making Mickey Mouse snowflakes.  Use our special template to make different-sized snowflakes and create your own festive flurry! Find step-by-step instructions here.

Holiday DIY: Make Disney Parks Hot Chocolate Gifts

Disney Parks Hot Chocolate Gifts – With our special DIY Hot Chocolate Kit tutorials, we’re offering a clever way to gather and display all the ingredients you’d need for Cocoa, Holiday Cocoa, Spicy Cocoa and Salted Caramel Cocoa.  Download step-by-step instructions here and ingredients for each.

DIY scarves

Disney Scarves – This dazzling Disney scarf DIY is sure to warm you up this holiday season.  How-to instructions show techniques for adding Disney magic to your own scarf.  Download the stamps and stencils template and the DIY instructions and get your craft on!

 

Holiday Hostess Gifts- Our friends at Disney Floral & Gifts have several tutorials on how to create heartwarming hostess gifts for the holidays.  Watch the videos above for step-by-step instructions.

Mickey Mouse-Inspired Ornament/Gift by Maggie Tompkins

Mickey Mouse Inspired Ornament/Gift –  In one of our recent tutorials, Maggie Tompkins, of Jet Plane Mommy, showed us how to make festive Mickey and Minnie mason jar ornaments.  These projects are practically perfect for hanging on your tree or giving as a present. Click here for instructions.

Make the Holidays Brighter with these DIY Disney Inspired Holiday Crafts

Princess Tiana Wreath & Gingerbread Mickey Ornaments – Our popular #DisneyCreators at Home series is adding to the festive fun with several DIY projects with a Disney twist!

Disney Holiday Cards – Sending and receiving holiday cards is one of the best parts of the season! Add extra flair to your holiday greeting cards with video tips from Walt Disney Imagineer Alisara Tareekes.

Alisara is also sharing instructions on how to add Disney Magic to your holiday thank you notes as well. For more drawing tutorials, check out the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.

Disney Inspired Gift Wrap –  To bring more dazzling Disney Magic to your gifts as well, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide! Download instructions here and templates.

Disney Countdown graphic

Disney Vacation Countdown – And if you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, we’re sharing a craft that adds even more excitement to counting down the days to your vacation.   It’s easy to create -just print out your favorite themed numbers for a Walt Disney World Vacation Countdown or Disney Parks Holiday Vacation Countdown.

We hope you enjoyed our winter wonderland of projects, gifts and inspiring ideas to add Disney Magic to your celebration.

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Disney Cruise Line Recipes for a Tropical Holiday at Home

General By December 20, 2020 No Comments
Disney loves to find fun ways of bringing the magic of Disney into your home, so for this installment of #DisneyMagicMoments, we’re excited to share another series of popular recipes – this time, from Summertime Freeze at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas.

 

Like Olaf, some of us wish it was summer all year long. And while things may be a bit chilly outside, take a tropical twist on the holidays with this presentation of four blended beverage recipes that you and your family will love. Download the print-at-home recipe to get started.

Serving up the Magic: Recipes from our Disney Kitchens - Blended Beverages from Summertime Freeze on Castaway Cay

Make your favorite beverage – or all of them! – and bring a small taste of island paradise into your home, or wherever you may be celebrating this holiday season.

(Careful, the “Sven’s Carrot Delight” might attract some of Santa’s reindeer.)

Frozen, A Musical Spectacular

Whether you prefer the frosty air or a frosty beverage, we hope you have a very merry holiday season!

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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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Disney Parks Foodie News: Magic Kingdom Park Edition – New Menus, Returning Favorites, and the Infamous Hand-dipped Corn Dog!

Foodie Guide By December 17, 2020 No Comments

Magic Kingdom Park is decked out in full festive regalia, and our chefs have been busy cooking (and baking!) up delicious treats just for the holidays, along with offerings that are available after the last holiday wreath has been packed! Read on to find out what’s new and not to miss at Magic Kingdom Park today and after the holidays.

Hand-dipped Corn Dogs at Sleepy Hollow

Hand-dipped Corn Dogs at Sleepy Hollow 

Fans that crave the hand-dipped corn dogs at Disneyland Resort can now bite into this iconic treat on a stick at Sleepy Hollow.

These corn dogs are hand-dipped in sweet corn batter then perfectly fried, allowing for a warm crunchy, sweet taste that enrobes a salty all-beef dog – pure hot dog heaven! And they are served with house-made potato chips.

Lobster Roll from Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant New Menu of Returning Favorites

For those of us craving the maritime menu at Columbia Harbour House, we are in luck! Starting today, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant is now serving up these delicious Columbia Harbour House highlights. You can order, pay, and pick-up at your convenience through mobile order.

  • Lobster Roll served with French Fries
  • Trio Platter – Combination of Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, and Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Hush Puppies and choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin
  • Combo Platter – Choice of two:  Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, or Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Hush Puppies and choice of French Fries or a Cuties Mandarin
  • Harbour Salad – Mixed Greens, Chick Peas, Onions, Apples, Candied Walnuts, and Vinaigrette
Cheshire Cat Tails from Magic Kingdom Park

New Breakfast Offerings

Want to start your holiday adventure off at Magic Kingdom Park with a quick and delicious breakfast? Beginning Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, these breakfast items will be available from park opening through 11 a.m., except for the Cheshire Cat Tails, which will be sold all day:

  • Donut Holes; Egg & Bacon Croissant Breakfast Sandwich (Westward Ho)
  • Donut Holes; Egg & Bacon Croissant Breakfast Sandwich; Tots & Sausage Gravy (The Friar’s Nook)
  • Cheshire Cat Tails; Egg & Bacon Croissant Breakfast Sandwich (The Lunching Pad)
Braised Lamb Shank from Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table New Entrée

A delicious Braised Lamb Shank with Cannellini Bean Ragoût, Caramelized Pickled Shallots, and Herbed Panko Breadcrumbs is now on the menu at Cinderella’s Royal Table menu. An entrée fit for royalty!

The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park

The Crystal Palace Family-style Menu

The Crystal Palace has reopened its doors! Although our friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood are taking a break from greeting guests, the restaurant is offering a delicious family-style three-course dining experience, and we are sharing the menu!

Homestyle Buttermilk and Cheddar Bacon Biscuits and Seasonal Salad from The Crystal Palace

Shared Family-Style Starters

  • Homestyle Buttermilk and Cheddar Bacon Biscuits – Honey Butter, Caramelized Onion Butter, and Hot Pepper Jelly
  • Seasonal Salad – Tomato and Watermelon, Crisp Greens, Blue cheese, Candied Walnuts, and Hot Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette
  • Marinated Watermelon and Tomatoes – Crisp Greens, Candied Walnuts, and Hot Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette (plant-based and available upon request)
Collage of offerings from The Crystal Palace

Entrée Selection (Guest Choice of One Entrée)

  • Fire-roasted Prime Rib of Beef – Asiago Potatoes au Gratin, Creamed Spinach, and Horseradish Cream
  • Crispy Fried Chicken – Honey Pot Drizzle, Macaroni and Cheese, and Collard Greens
  • Blackened Catfish and Shrimp – Creamy Cheddar Grits, Fire-roasted Corn Salsa, and Sauce Creole
  • Brown Sugar Glazed Bone-in Pork Chop – Sweet Potato Casserole, Seasonal Vegetables, and Spiced Apple Reduction
  • Southern Fried Cauliflower – Hot Maple Drizzle, Roasted Potatoes, and Collard Greens
Collage of desserts from The Crystal Palace

Shared Family-Style Dessert Platter 

  • Seasonal Fritters with Powdered Sugar and Chocolate Dipping Sauce
  • Banana Cream Pie
  • Hummingbird Cake
  • Honey of a Cupcake

Strawberry Shortcake – Vanilla Cake with Whipped Topping and Strawberries (plant-based and available upon request)

Holiday treats from Magic Kingdom Park

Holiday Treats

You have until Dec. 31 to sample all the festive tastes this holiday season at Magic Kingdom Park. Check out all the goodies in our Foodie Guide to Holiday Treats at Magic Kingdom Park.

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Cooking Up the Magic — A Sweet Holiday Recipe for Peppermint Marshmallow Wands from Marceline’s Confectionery

Cooking Up the Magic at Home By December 15, 2020 No Comments

Holidays are truly sweet at Marceline’s Confectionery, a delightful candy shop named after the small Missouri town where Walt lived as a boy, located at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.

The talented candy makers have been busy dipping apples, crisped rice cereal treats, and marshmallows into warm chocolate, with some confections getting a second dip into creamy caramel. The candy makers then artfully embellish with holiday candies to create adorable treats almost too cute to eat!

As a sweet gift, the candy makers gave us their recipe for Peppermint Marshmallow Wands, an easy (and yummy) holiday recipe the entire family can make and enjoy at home.

All of these delicious offerings will be available through Jan. 3, 2021, or until supplies last.

Happy Holidays from our Disney Kitchens!

Minnie Holiday Crispy from Marceline’s Confectionery

Minnie Holiday Crispy: Crisped rice cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate decorated with red sanding sugar, green candy-coated chocolate candies, and a red chocolate bow with green polka dots.

Mickey Snowman Apple and Minnie Holiday Apple from Marceline’s Confectionery at the Disneyland Resort

Minnie Holiday Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and milk chocolate decorated with red sanding sugar, green candy-coated chocolate candies, and a red chocolate bow with green polka dots.

Mickey Snowman Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and vanilla white chocolate decorated with dark chocolate, sour belt scarf, and chocolate top hat.

Peppermint Marshmallow Wand from Marceline’s Confectionery at the Disneyland Resort

Peppermint Marshmallow Wand: Fluffy marshmallows dipped in caramel and dark chocolate covered in crushed peppermint candy.

Peppermint Marshmallow Wands
Marceline’s Confectionery
Downtown Disney District
Disneyland® Resort
Makes 8 

  • 2 (12 ounce) jars hot caramel topping
  • 8 large lollipop sticks
  • 24 large marshmallows
  • 1 (10-ounce bag) dark melting chocolate
  • 1 cup crushed peppermints (15 candy canes, crushed)
  1. Melt caramel in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep warm.
  2. Dip one end of each lollipop stick in 1 inch of water. Skewer 3 marshmallows onto each stick, starting at the wet end.
  3. Dip marshmallows into caramel, gently tapping to remove excess caramel and place on parchment paper. Cool caramel at room temperature for 30 minutes, until caramel is set.
  4. Melt dark chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat. Keep warm.
  5. Place crushed peppermint in shallow bowl.
  6. Dip caramel-coated marshmallows into melted dark chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess chocolate. Gently roll wand in crushed peppermint; place on clean parchment paper. Repeat for all wands.
  7. Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, until chocolate is set.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. 

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

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Cooking Up the Magic — Serving Up the Recipe for the Popular Beef Bourguignon from Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Cooking Up the Magic at Home By December 11, 2020 No Comments

Beef Bourguignon debuted at Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays this year and has quickly become the dish “not to miss” for festival-goers. Offered at Yukon Holiday Kitchen located at the Canada pavilion, this hearty classic dish has it all – fork-tender beef brisket with savory flavors of bacon-infused wine sauce over crushed buttery red potatoes. What’s not to love?

The EPCOT chefs gladly shared the recipe … it is one of their favorite dishes as well!

Check out our Foodie Guide to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays for a list of all the delicious offerings at this year’s festival through Dec. 31.

BEEF BOURGUIGNON
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Serves 6

BEEF BOURGUIGNON

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 ounces smoked bacon, diced
  • 3 pounds beef brisket, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, or stew meat
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large white onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 pound crimini mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups red wine (Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sherry vinegar
  • 12 small fresh or frozen pearl onions, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, divided

CRUSHED RED SKINNED POTATOES

  • 1 tablespoon salt, plus more, to taste
  • 3 pounds red-skinned potatoes, washed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • White pepper, to taste

FOR BEEF BOURGUIGNON:

  1. Heat butter and bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until bacon is brown and beginning to crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in Dutch oven with butter and bacon fat, 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Add garlic, onion, carrots, and mushrooms and sauté 6 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in rosemary and thyme.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, until paste begins to caramelize, but does not burn.
  5. Return beef and bacon to pan. Add flour and stir constantly for 5 minutes. Add wine, beef broth, and vinegar and stir to deglaze pot. Add pearl onions and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender and sauce is thickened.  Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR RED SKINNED CRUSHED POTATOES:

  1. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the potatoes and boil for 10-15 minutes, until soft. Drain potatoes.
  2. Return potatoes to pot and mash with a hand masher or electric mixer until just broken. Add butter, sour cream, vinegar, and mash until potatoes are mashed, but still lumpy.
  3. Season with additional salt and white pepper, to taste.

TO SERVE:

Divide potatoes among 6 bowls. Ladle beef bourguignon on top of potatoes and garnish with remaining chopped parsley.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. 

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

Happy cooking!

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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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