Category Archives: Disneyland Resort

World Princess Week 2023 Returns August 20-26

Hear ye, hear ye! You are cordially invited to indulge in the many decadent delights at Disney Parks for World Princess Week 2023. This regal celebration is returning from August 20 through 26, and we can’t wait to celebrate the timeless magic and storytelling that has captivated so many generations of fans. There will be princess-inspired treats and eats you can enjoy across Disney Parks all month long. 

With a combination of exciting new items, like the Rapunzel Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie, returning favorites, including the Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and novelties such as the Mulan Tea Set at Disneyland Resort, there is no shortage of the ways you can commemorate this occasion through your taste buds. There are even some international delights to try. 

Gather all your royal companions and your appetite to celebrate World Princess Week 2023! 

Image: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney Resort Hotels 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • How Far I’ll Go Haupia Pie: Rich chocolate-coconut pie with a layer of coconut haupia custard topped with sweet cream and macadamia nut 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort 

Beach Club Marketplace (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • Part of Your World Mousse: Blueberry mousse with a lemon curd insert, milk chocolate mousse, and crispy strawberry cobbler crumble with chocolate décor (New) 

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available Aug. 1 through 31) 

  • Ariel Milk Shake: Chocolate chip-mint milkshake with green caramel and a specialty vanilla cupcake (New) 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Contempo Café (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • Cinderella Cupcake: Vanilla cake with vanilla crème custard filling, buttercream, white chocolate slipper, and fondant pumpkin

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only) 

  • Snow White Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with caramel apple filling, white chocolate-dipped caramel buttercream, and fondant décor

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Kona Island Coffee Bar (Available Aug. 1 through 31) 

  • Moana Mini Cake: Vanilla Cake, mango mousse, glaçage, buttercream, fondant, and white chocolate décor 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Currently available; mobile order available) 

  • Wishing on Stars: Mango mousse with coconut-lime gelée, coconut glaze, and décor fit for a princess

Disney’s Riviera Resort 

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Available Aug. 1 through 31 during dinner only)

  • Make It Pink, Make It Blue:  Orange blossom honey mousse transformed by color changing flavors of citrus accompanied with strawberry curd and almond crumble (New) 

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 

The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • Part of Your World Mousse: Blueberry mousse with a lemon curd insert, milk chocolate mousse, and crispy strawberry cobbler crumble with chocolate décor (New) 

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Aug. 1 through 31)

  • Rapunzel Petit Cake: Layers of confetti cake, vanilla mousse, and Italian buttercream (New) 

The Ganachery (Available Aug. 1 through 31)

  • Princess Chocolate Bars with ruby chocolate, pistachios, crisp raspberries, and white crisp pearls (New) 

Marketplace Snacks (Available Aug. 1 through 31)

  • Little Mermaid Waffle Sundae: Vanilla soft-serve in a bubble waffle with rock candy, green apple sauce, pineapple wedges, and a chocolate decor

Swirls on the Water (Available Aug. 1 through 31) 

  • Rapunzel Cone: DOLE Whip lemon and DOLE Whip raspberry swirled in a lavender cone with sugar flowers (New) 

Magic Kingdom Park 

Storybook Treats (Currently available)

  • Rapunzel Sundae: Shortcake with wild berry soft-serve and DOLE Whip lemon and topped with berry compote and sugar flowers (New) 
  • Aurora Cone: DOLE Whip strawberry and blue soft-serve topped with white chocolate crisp pearls in a sugar cone (New)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available)

  • Moana Heart of Te Fiti Cupcake: Coconut cake, pineapple custard filling, coconut buttercream, white chocolate ‘Heart of Te Fiti,’ and coconut crumble (New) 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

Fairfax Fare (Available starting Aug. 1; mobile order available) 

Image: Disney
  • Enchanted Rose: Dark chocolate mousse with a taste of blackcurrant and morello cherry-chocolate shortbread cookie, whipped cookies ‘n cream fluff, and gilded chocolate-covered cacao nibs
  • Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and passion fruit-orange-guava juices topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New) 

Hollywood Scoops (Currently available through Aug. 31) 

  • Little Mermaid Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with mango, guava, and ginger topped with whipped cream and a pineapple-guava seashell cake

EPCOT 

Coral Reef Restaurant (Available Aug. 1 through 31) 

  • Bubbles of the Sea: Gold Peak Sweet Green Tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer (Non-alcoholic) (New) 

Oasis Sweets & Sips (Available Aug. 1 through 31) 

  • Jasmine Cookie: Sugar cookie with apricot jam

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available)

Image: Disney
  • Tiana Banana Pudding

Disneyland Resort 

Disneyland Park

Various Locations at Disneyland Park

  • Princess Bubble Sipper available at the following locations while supplies last:
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train
    • Maurice’s Treats
    • Refreshment Corner
    • Galactic Grill
    • Alien Pizza Planet
    • Main Street Fruit Cart
    • Lemonade near small world Promenade
    • Churros near Town Square
    • Little Red Wagon
    • Small World Churro
    • Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle
    • Ship to Shore Marketplace

Edelweiss Snacks (Available Friday-Sunday until Aug. 27)

  • Purple Pineapple Shell Macaron: Back by popular demand, this purple macaron is filled with blue pineapple buttercream and a chocolate pearl 

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 

Napa Rose 

  • Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures: Treat your child to an unforgettable 3-course breakfast and enchanting encounters with some favorite Disney Princesses
  • Mulan Tea Set: Whether you partake in the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures or simply want to create your own Princess adventure at home, your very own Mulan Tea Set is a must! Your tea set will include a tea pot with three cups, a six-pack of macarons, and six Twinings Tea Bags, including the Pure Sencha Green Tea and Golden Tipped English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea (New) (Available starting Aug. 1 while supplies last)

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Guests can make advance dining reservations online or via the Disneyland app.

Where to Find a Dole Whip at Disney Destinations

Happy Dole Whip Day! Did you know that Disney Parks celebrates Dole Whip day every third Thursday in July? Dole Whip is an iconic Disney Parks treat available at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii and even onboard Disney Cruise Line. The classic Dole Whip is pineapple flavored, but there are variations available including raspberry, coconut, and watermelon flavors.

Dole Whip

Dole Whip at Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom Park

Aloha Isle (Located in Adventureland)

  • Pineapple Float: DOLE pineapple juice served with a choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl (available with Tiki Sipper for additional cost)  
  • Raspberry Swirl Float: DOLE Whip and raspberry swirl served with DOLE pineapple juice
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake served with choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl
  • DOLE Whip Cup: Choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl
  • Coconut Cup: Choice of coconut or coconut and DOLE Whip swirl
  • Raspberry Swirl Cup: DOLE Whip and raspberry swirl

Storybook Treats (Located in Fantasyland)

  • Soft-serve Cup: DOLE Whip lime, chocolate, or vanilla soft-serve, or swirl in a cup
  • Snow White Cone: DOLE Whip lemon in a blue cone garnished with a chocolate bird and sugar bow

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Located in Adventureland; Mobile Order available)

  • DOLE Whip Orange Cup
  • Orange Cream Soft-serve Cup: DOLE Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve swirl
  • DOLE Whip Strawberry Cup
  • DOLE Whip Float: DOLE Whip or vanilla soft-serve with your choice of Coca-Cola, Barq’s Root Beer, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, Fanta Strawberry, POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast, or Sprite
  • I Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry Soda and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip orange and topped with popping candy

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Tamu Tamu

  • Scar’s Lair: DOLE Whip and sour apple
  • Lion’s Lair: DOLE Whip topped with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and sour apple
  • Simba Sunset: DOLE Whip with strawberry  
  • King’s Cooler: DOLE Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and strawberry
  • DOLE Whip Float: DOLE Whip with DOLE pineapple juice (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)
  • DOLE Whip Cup (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)

Trilo-Bites

  • Trilo-Bites Twist: DOLE Whip orange with vanilla soft-serve

EPCOT

Refreshment Outpost (Available through November 19)

  • DOLE Whip: Watermelon, pineapple, or swirl (New)

Disney Springs

Swirls on the Water

  • Peach Bellini Float: Peach Bellini topped with DOLE Whip orange (New)
  • Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip orange atop an orange cone with sprinkles
  • DOLE Whip Flight: DOLE Whip orange swirled with DOLE Whip watermelon, DOLE Whip lemon swirled with blue butter cookie soft-serve, and DOLE Whip and Vanilla soft-serve swirl

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available July 21 through August 20; Mobile Order available)

  • DOLE Whip Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with DOLE Whip mousse and garnished with a cherry (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Good’s Foods to Go (Mobile Order available)

  • Key Lime Swirl: DOLE Whip lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl topped with graham cracker crumbs
  • DOLE Whip Key Lime Martini: DOLE Whip lime served with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and garnished with a lime (New) (available July 21 through 24)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Pineapple Lanai

  • “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone: DOLE Whip raspberry swirled with DOLE Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar (available July 21 through 24)
  • 50th Celebration DOLE Whip: Your choice of DOLE Whip with a 50th white chocolate medallion, umbrella, and EARidescent glitter
  • Pineapple Float: DOLE pineapple juice served with a choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl
  • DOLE Whip with Rum Floater: DOLE Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum

Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar

  • Frozen Margarita with DOLE Whip Lime: Corazón Blanco Tequila blended with DOLE Whip lime and chili-lime seasoning
  • Frosty Pineapple: DOLE Whip with Captain Morgan Private Stock Rum

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

  • Spikey Pineapple: Barbancourt Pango Rum blended with DOLE Whip

Dole Whip at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

The Tropical Hideaway (Located in Adventureland; Mobile Order available)

  • DOLE Whip
  • DOLE Whip Float: DOLE pineapple juice topped with DOLE Whip
  • DOLE Whip Swirl Float: DOLE pineapple juice topped with choice of two different DOLE Whip flavors: mango, watermelon, or pineapple
  • DOLE Whip Swirl: Swirl any flavors: mango, watermelon, or pineapple

Disneyland Hotel

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Mobile order available)

  • DOLE Whip
  • DOLE Whip Float: DOLE pineapple juice topped with DOLE Whip (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)

Dole Whip at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

  • DOLE Whip Cup: Choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)
  • DOLE Whip Lime topped with Graham Cracker Crumbs (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)

Dole Whip at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

Dole Whip

Little ‘Opihi’s

  • DOLE Whip pineapple, mango, watermelon, and vanilla soft-serve
  • DOLE Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae with sprinkles in a waffle bowl topped with fresh pineapple (Moana-themed) or watermelon fruit (Stitch-themed)
  • Mickey and Minnie Waffle Bowl featuring DOLE Whip with sprinkles

Ulu Cafe

  • Churro Pineapple DOLE Whip with Li Hing fresh pineapple (New) (available July 19 through 21)
  • DOLE Whip (available with vanilla soft-serve swirl)

Dole Whip Onboard Disney Cruise Line

You can indulge in DOLE Whip at the following locations across the Disney Cruise Line fleet:

  • Frozone on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy
  • Sulley’s Sips on the Disney Wonder
  • Wheezy’s Freezies on the Disney Wish

I hope you enjoy all these tasty treats for DOLE Whip Day, from July 21 through 24, and every single day of the year too. Be sure to try all the flavors and combinations at Disney parks, resorts, and Disney Cruise Line. Happy snacking!

Is a Dole Whip a “must have” Disney destinations treat for you or someone in your family?

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Dole Whip

Holiday Magic Returns to Disneyland from November 12, 2021 through January 9, 2022

holidays at Disneyland
Photo: Disney

The Disneyland Resort will once again transform into a merry and magical place as guests return to enjoy their holiday season beginning Nov. 12, 2021. You’ll have three more days to celebrate the Holidays, too, because the celebration will be extended through Jan. 9, 2022.

As you visit to make new memories this year, many beloved traditions are back that will provide you with cheerful entertainment, yuletide treats, specialty merchandise, sparkling décor and seasonal transformations of select attractions! 

Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland

Disneyland Park

At Disneyland park, nostalgic holiday magic shines brightly with the glistening Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and a 60-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. Both make wonderful photo locations for that cherished memory of your Holiday visit.

it's a small world holiday at Disneyland

Entertainment making a comeback this year at the park includes “A Christmas Fantasy” parade where beloved Disney characters join Santa Claus for a merry musical celebration down Main Street, U.S.A. You may also see Santa making other stops within the parks throughout your visit. For the perfect kiss goodnight, you will be treated to “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and magical snowfall over portions of Main Street, U.S.A. Additionally, seasonal transformations will happen once again at “it’s a small world” Holiday and the 20th installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
Photo: Disney

Disney California Adventure Park

At Disney California Adventure park, create new memories during Festival of Holidays and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations during this festive time of year, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse celebrating holidays at Disneyland
Photo: Disney

Friends and families are invited to celebrate with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” as Disney characters host a fun street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best! At Paradise Gardens, you’ll enjoy festively themed food and beverages, live music and dance, and later in the holiday season, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming film “Encanto” will make her park debut.

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Over in Cars Land, the four-wheeled residents will be pulling out all the stops with their holiday décor. From the snow-covered billboard at the entrance all the way to the hubcap-studded tree at the courthouse, you will see automotive ornamentation at its finest along Route 66. And for a little more festive magic two popular attractions will transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

More Merry-Making

gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Also around the resort, traditional holiday décor and carolers bring the holiday spirit to Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Over at the lobby inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you’ll want to discover all the fun, new details on the giant gingerbread house this year. 

holidays at Downtown Disney district at Disneyland
Photo: Disney

With so much to do at the Disneyland Resort, where will your merry making begin? For more details, continue to check back on the Disney Parks Blog where additional information about Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will be shared.

Both valid admission and theme park reservation for same park on the same day are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed for any specific date or park. Other restrictions apply. Attractions, experiences, entertainment and offerings may be modified, limited in availability, or unavailable, and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please check Disneyland.com for entertainment performance times, which may vary.

Please note that some images may not represent current operational or health and safety guidelines.

Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Foodie Guide to Spooky Eats and Treats Halloween Time 2021 at Disneyland Resort

Photo: Disney

Disney’s chefs and candy makers have conjured up all sorts of eerie eats and treats for Halloween Time 2021 at Disneyland Resort – all frightfully delicious! From Mummy Marshmallow Wands and Halloween Grey Stuff to Blood Orange Slushes and Ghost Pepper Potato Bites, there’s something scary good for everyone! And be on the lookout for all the creepy-cool novelties this year!

This Foodie Guide is seriously jam-packed with all the yummy details on where to find all of this year’s offerings available at Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, which runs through October 31, 2021. Happy Hauntings!

Photo: Disney

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet (mobile order available)

  • Deconstructed Lasagna – Campanelle pasta tossed in ricotta cream sauce topped with Bolognese sauce and bread crumbs
  • Supernova Special – Spiced marinara sauce topped with sausage, salami, assorted cheeses, onions, olives, and tomatoes drizzled with pesto
  • Halloween Alien Macaron filled with blackberry buttercream and lemon curd

Café Orleans

  • Chocolate-Praline Mousse Cake – Decadent praline mousse, dark chocolate brownie, vanilla creme anglaise, and ganache

Candy Palace (mobile order available)

  • Jack Skellington Apple
  • Poison Skull Apple
  • Mummy Marshmallow Wand
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop
  • Minnie Witch Crispy
  • Spider Web Crispy
  • Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
  • Pumpkin Fudge

Carnation Café (opening Sept. 16)

  • Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – Sriracha-glazed fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with spicy sandwich spread, pepper jack cheese, creamy mustard slaw, and cilantro served with fries
Photo: Disney

French Market (mobile order available)

  • Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Cookie (limited offering available while supplies last)
  • Chocolate Cherry Cake – Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, sour cherries, and cream cheese filling finished with a splatter of cherry sauce

Galactic Grill (mobile order available)

  • Blood Orange Slush – Blood orange slush with a swirl of raspberry sauce and a glow cube
  • Loaded BBQ Pork Fries – Crisscut fries topped with slow-cooked BBQ pork, cheddar, chipotle ranch, and spicy slaw
  • Chocolate & Red Velvet Parfait – Layers of red velvet cake, ganache, cookies, dark chocolate ​mousse, and chocolate cake topped with chocolate flakes, a chocolate Darth Vader helmet, and a mini chocolate lightsaber​

Gibson Girl (mobile order available)

  • Halloween Candy Sundae – Two sundaes in one: sour gummy ice cream with raspberry sauce, gummy treats, and fruit candies; and chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and pieces of chocolate candy bars

Hungry Bear (mobile order available)

  • Honey Cream Cold Brew – cold brew coffee and honey-flavored cream poured over ice
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake – Pumpkin cheesecake filling and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream
  • Loaded French Fries – French fries topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
  • Loaded Onion Rings – Onion rings topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
  • Loaded Bowl – Choice of french fries or crispy onion rings topped with a creamy cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions in a Zero Dog Bowl
Photo: Disney

Hunny Spot at Pooh’s Corner (mobile order available starting Sept. 2)

  • Jack Skellington Apple
  • Poison Skull Apple
  • Mummy Marshmallow Wand
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop
  • Minnie Witch Crispy
  • Spider Web Crispy
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Crispy (available Oct. 1)
  • Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
  • Pumpkin Fudge

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (mobile order available)

  • Toasted Salsa Roja Chicken Sandwich – Salsa roja shredded chicken on rustic bread with jack and cotija cheeses served with tortilla soup
  • Pumpkin Muffin
  • Dark & White Chocolate Mousse Brownie – Chocolate brownie with black and white chocolate mousse
  • Cookie & Cream Macaron – Mummy mickey macaron shell with a cookies and cream filling
  • Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake – Classic pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a chocolate spider web and a Halloween decoration

Market House

  • Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face

Mint Julep Bar (mobile order available)

  • Mickey-shaped Strawberry Chocolate Beignets topped with strawberry-chocolate powdered sugar (3 and 6 Packs)

Plaza Inn

  • Halloween Cake – Chocolate cake with multi-colored mousse, green buttercream, royal icing, and Halloween sprinkles

Rancho del Zocalo

  • Milk Mamey – Vibrant tropical mamey fruit with flavors of persimmon, sweet potato, stone fruit, and vanilla served over ice
  • Creamy Horchata – Sweet creamy cinnamon rice and milk beverage served over ice

Red Rose Taverne (mobile order available)

  • Halloween Grey Stuff – Traditional Grey Stuff with tombstone cookie and holiday sprinkles
  • Candy Apple Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee, apple syrup, whipped cream, and caramel sauce
Photo: Disney

Refreshment Corner (mobile order available)

  • BBQ Bacon Dog – All-beef, foot-long hot dog with bacon slices, BBQ sauce, fried onions, jack and cheddar cheese, and chives served with choice of sliced apples or small bag of chips

River Belle Terrace

  • Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
  • Chicken & Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Brisket grilled cheese, hot chicken, and pickled pepper relish

Stage Door Café (mobile order available)

  • Spicy Corn Dog – Spicy beef frank hand-dipped and fried, drizzled with cheese sauce and crushed spicy chips served with fries
  • Chocolate-Hazelnut Funnel Cake with Halloween Sprinkles – House-made funnel cake  topped with chocolate-hazelnut spread and whipped cream dusted with chocolate- espresso powder
Photo: Disney

Churros

  • Churro Cart near Casey Jr. Circus Train
    • Churros with Pumpkin Dipping Sauce
  • Critter Country Fruit Cart
    • Chocolate Dusted Churro – Classic churro dressed in a duo of dark and milk chocolate
  • New Orleans Churro Cart
    • White Chocolate Churro – Elegantly dressed churro in a bouquet of vanilla and sugar
  • Tomorrowland Churro Cart
    • Pumpkin Spice Churro – Chocolate churro rolled in pumpkin spice sugar with brown butter cream cheese dipping sauce
  • Town Square Churro and Churro Cart near Sleeping Beauty Castle
    • Chocolate Cookie Churro – Churro covered with chocolate cookie crumbles blended with colored sugar
Photo: Disney

Disney California Adventure Park 

Award Weiners (mobile order available)

  • Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries – Dusted in crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies with cream cheese sauce, cookie pieces, gummy candies, chocolate-coated candies, and whipped cream
  • Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries in Mickey Ear Hat Bowl

Bing Bongs

  • Jack Skellington Apple
  • Poison Skull Apple
  • Mummy Marshmallow Wand
  • Minnie Witch Crispy
  • Oogie Boogie Crispy
  • Pumpkin Fudge

Boudin Bakery/Boudin Bread Cart

  • Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (mobile order available)

  • Cookies & Candy Sundae – Scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate cookie crumbles, and gummy candies in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone
  • Halloween Ice Cream Bar – Ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with chocolate accents and sprinkles
  • Spiked Hard Apple Float – Hard apple cider and apple sorbet drizzled with caramel sauce
Photo: Disney

Corn Dog Castle (mobile order available)

  • Pepper-Jack Cheese Stick – Pepper jack cheese stick dipped in corn dog batter and topped with raspberry sauce

Cozy Cone Motel (mobile order available)

  • Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
  • Spicy Mac & Cheese Cone – Pasta with spicy red pepper-cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs served in a bread cone
  • Cozy Cone Macaron filled with peanut butter cream and pretzels
Photo: Disney

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café

  • Oogie Boogie Macaron – Black macaron filled with green apple buttercream, caramel, brownies, cookie crumb dust, and gummy candy

Flo’s V-8 Café (mobile order available)

  • Spicy Chicken & Fries – Steak fries drizzled with ranch dressing topped with chicken tenders tossed in mango-habanero sauce and finished with green onions
  • Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce, and celery bits drizzled with ranch (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
  • Loaded Gravy Fries – Steak fries topped with chicken tenders, jack cheese, and smothered in gravy (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
  • Loaded Chili Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, Walt’s Chili, diced onions, and sour cream (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)

Hollywood Lounge (mobile order available)

  • Fanta Spooky Spirit – Fanta Piña Colada with white rum and melon liqueur
  • Worms, Dice & Everything Nice – Midori, peach schnapps, crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice topped with gummy worms and Oogie Boogie dice glow cubes
  • PBJ & W – PB & raspberry jam hard cider with peanut butter whiskey
  • Howl-o-Ween Concoction – Pineapple michelada with white tequila and pineapple chamoy topped with spicy candy
  • My Bugs! My Bugs! – Limeade with grenadine float and gummy worms
  • Orange Cream Fanta-sy – Fanta Orange infused with vanilla topped with whipped cream and black sprinkles
  • Various refreshing bottled Micheladas

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums

  • Shortbread Halloween Cookie

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

  • Ghost Pepper Nachos – House-made green tortilla chips, ghost pepper cheese sauce, ghost pepper-marinated steak, refried black beans, tomatillo avocado salsa, tomato, and cilantro
  • Specialty Cocktail – Añejo tequila, mezcal, agave, hibiscus, and lemon juice

Mortimer’s Market

  • Mickey Bat Sourdough Bread

Pacific Wharf Café (mobile order available)

  • Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough
Photo: Disney

Paradise Garden Grill (mobile order available)

Plaza de la Familia – Celebrate the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día de los Muertos from September 3 to November 2, 2021

  • Pollo Verde Wet Burrito – Chicken cooked in grilled salsa verde, golden rice, black beans, and crema
  • Traditional Tamale Plate – Red chile pork tamales with golden rice and black beans
  • Tacos with Estilo Callejero – Trio of sirloin beef tacos with pickled vegetables, golden rice, and black beans
  • Tortitas de Papa – Plant-based crispy potato cakes with sautéed spinach, ranchero salsa, golden rice, and pickled onion salsa
  • Ensalada de Frutas – Jicama, watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and mango with chili-lime salt and chamoy
  • Kid’s Offerings –  Cheese Quesadilla or Street-style Taco
  • Coco Cake – Layers of vanilla cake filled with a cinnamon “churro” flavored mousse and covered in sweet cream cheese frosting
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate – Cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
  • Aqua de Jamaica Slush – Sweet hibiscus tea slush
Photo: Disney

Schmoozie’s Smoothies (mobile order available)

  • Mint-Chocolate Cookie Shake with whipped cream and chocolate cream-filled cookie ears
  • Chocolate Chip Shake topped with whipped cream and a chocolate cookie stick

Smokejumpers Grill (mobile order available)

  • Green Apple Lemonade with sour green apple syrup, cherry pearls, and raspberry sauce
  • Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger – Angus beef patty, pickled jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack, beer-battered onion rings, jalapeño popper, jalapeño chips, and chipotle mayo

Studio Catering Truck (mobile order available)

  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with Fanta pineapple-infused fried rice and soy-ginger glaze
  • Ghost Pepper Potato Bites – Potato bites, ghost pepper cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and pickled jalapeños
  • The Backlot Carnitas Nachos with house-made tortilla chips, red pepper cheese sauce, chipotle crema, and green onions
  • Plant-based Backlot Nachos – Soy chorizo with house-made tortilla chips, dairy-free cheese, and crema topped with green onions

Trolley Treats (mobile order available)

  • Jack Skellington Apple
  • Poison Skull Apple
  • Mummy Marshmallow Wand
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop
  • Minnie Witch Crispy
  • Oogie Boogie Crispy
  • Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
  • Pumpkin Fudge
Photo: Disney

Churros

  • Cozy Cones
    • Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
  • Grizzly Peak Churro Cart
    • Caramel Apple Churro – Churro rolled in green apple flavored sugar topped with a caramel drizzle
  • Hollywood Churro
    • Chocolate-Marshmallow Churro – Classic churro rolled in crushed chocolate cookies and “mummified” in marshmallow icing “bandages”
  • Willie’s Churros (Buena Vista)
    • Chocolate & Matcha Churro – Churro rolled in chocolate cookie crumbs and drizzled with a matcha cream cheese buttercream and strawberry sauce
Photo: Disney

Downtown Disney District

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

  • Halloween CrazyShake – Chocolate shake with a vanilla frosted rim with candy corn topped with a “spider-web” chocolate cupcake, orange and white twisty pop, orange rock candy, whipped cream, orange sprinkles, and a chocolate drizzle (available Oct. 28-31)

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

  • Victory at Sea Braised Short Rib – Slow braised short rib in Victory at Sea, cheddar grits, and bacon greens

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

  • Cheddar Pickle Dog – Kosher pickled corn dog rolled in a cheddar cheese blend

Jamba

  • Pumpkin Smash – Made with our original pumpkin spice blend with your choice of either classic or plant-based

Kayla’s Cake

  • Mummy Macarons with cookies and cream buttercream (available Sept. 9-Oct. 31)
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with white chocolate pumpkin ganache (available Sept. 9-Oct. 31)

Marceline’s Confectionery (mobile order available starting Sept. 9

  • Minnie Witch Apple
  • Jack Skellington Apple
  • Poison Skull Apple
  • Mummy Marshmallow Wand
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop
  • Minnie Witch Crispy
  • Oogie Boogie Crispy
  • Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
  • Pumpkin Fudge
Photo: Disney

Naples Ristorante e Bar

  • Spookaccino – Cappuccino with edible scary paper spiders and insects

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

  • Crouching Dragon Sushi Roll – fresh tempura shrimp, asparagus and creamy avocado. Before serving, the roll is topped with a spicy krab mix and drizzled with eel sauce, spicy mayo, and sriracha

Sprinkles Cupcakes

  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – Chocolate cake filled (and topped) with peanut butter frosting dipped in chocolate ganache and finished off with mounds of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (available Oct. 4-10)
  • Double Stuffed OREO – Orange vanilla buttercream filled chocolate cake lined with Halloween orange OREO cookie crust topped with orange vanilla buttercream frosting, OREO crumble rim, and black bat (available Oct. 18-31)
  • Bewitched – Signature Red Velvet is rolled in our exclusive Halloween inspired decorations by fancy sprinkles (available Oct. 26-31)

Uva Bar & Cafe

  • Trick or Treat – A spooky cocktail with bourbon, pumpkin spice syrup, lemon juice, and soda water
Photo: Disney

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (mobile order available)

  • Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Cupcake
  • Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Donut
  • Mickey-shaped Mummy Donut

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart

  • Jack Skellington Cookie
  • Mickey-shaped Monster Cookie
  • Minnie-shaped Halloween Cookie
  • Oogie Boogie Cupcake Treat
  • Oogie Boogie Cupcake Trick
  • Mickey-shaped Whoopie Pie
  • Skull-faced Cookie
  • Oogie Boogie Crispy Treat
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot Glass with Milk
Photo: Disney

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

If you have tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park, be sure to check out the dinner and dessert packages for a grim, ginning good time!  

Oogie Boogie Bash Dining Parade Package at Wine Country Trattoria

Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party at Sonoma Terrace

And while you travel down the moonlit Treat Trails at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, be sure to get your fill of M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies, SNICKERS Original, and SKITTLES while meeting up with your favorite Disney Villains! Yum!

Reminder to download or update the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park can make dining reservations on the same date 60 days in advance with mobile check-in and mobile wait-list at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app.

Visit the Dining: Know Before You Go for more information. Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

Check out our Know Before You Go blog post to learn more about theme park reservations, tickets, and more.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

(Note: All offerings subject to change.)

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Top 5 Tips for a Rainy Day at Disneyland Resort in California

Top 5 Tips for a Rainy Day at Disneyland Resort in California

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Rainy Day at Disneyland
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

While the sun is often shining upon the Disneyland Resort, there is a rainy day now and then. If you think damp weather puts a damper on a day at Disneyland, think again! Here are five tips for enjoying a rainy day at Disneyland Resort.

Pack that Poncho…
…or grab one when you get here! Many Disneyland Resort merchandise locations offer ponchos and umbrellas. If you don’t see them on the shelves, just ask a cast member.

Rainy Day at Disneyland
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Take it Inside
Whether you’re learning to draw at the Disney Animation Building in Disney California Adventurepark or exploring a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland park, there are many indoor attractions that will keep the fun going while keeping you dry. Check out the list of indoor attractions on Disneyland.com.

One More Time!
Rainy days can mean more opportunities to ride your favorite attractions!

Unique Photo Opportunities
Rainy days are the perfect time to catch a unique photo of icons like Sleeping Beauty Castle, framed by dramatic clouds or even reflected in a puddle. For inspiration, check out these rainy day reflection photos from former Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer.

Rainy Day at Disneyland
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Catch a Show
The climate is always nice when you’re enjoying an amazing show inside a comfortable theater. Cozy up for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” or settle in for the classic Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln!

What are your best tips for enjoying a day at Disneyland Resort? Tell us in the comments!

10 Activities and Ideas to Countdown to Disney Vacations

You’ve booked your family’s Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation! Now what? How will you pass the coming weeks and months before your magical adventure? There are so many fun ways to countdown to Disney vacations! You can get the whole family involved to build excitement for your visit.

Take a Virtual Disney Vacation

We recently wrote a whole list of ideas about how you can take a virtual Disney vacation. Some kids like to be prepared to know what to expect so you can watch YouTube videos. We also love making Disney Parks treats at home when we can’t visit the parks in person.

Have a Very Merry Unbirthday Party or Tea Party

Start by watching “Alice in Wonderland” and then celebrate your un-birthday! Set the scene and decorate your table with these colorful flowers. For dessert, make these Cheshire Cat cupcakes or a Cheshire Cat cake roll. A fun activity for the kids is to make their own talking doorknob.

While you’re on the “Alice in Wonderland” theme, you can have a tea party! You can make your own edible tea cups out of ice cream cones. Disney Family even has a mad tea party mousse recipe. The kids can even make and decorate their own tea pots with this template.

Make and Decorate Mickey Cookies

What better way to get some quality time than to bake cookies? You can bake and decorate Disney cookies while you countdown to Disney! Get as creative as you can.

You can find an inexpensive five pack of Mickey Mouse cookie cutters or this 11 piece set including Mickey heads, glove, and more. Don’t forget fun sprinkles like these red, white and black Mickey sprinkles or these pink, purple and green Mickey sprinkles.

Make a Countdown Chain

A countdown chain can be both a fun visual for the kids as you count down the days until your vacation and a great activity to keep them busy! Depending on how early you begin your countdown to Disney, you can count down the number of weeks to go or the number of days to go. Or, make a combination of both! We have a PDF version of the countdown chain that you can print at the bottom.

Have a Disney Movie Marathon

There are so many attractions and shows inspired by Disney movies. Make some time to catch up on any you may have missed. Disney+ has a great selection or you can always order some relatively inexpensively from Amazon.

We recommend the animated classics for Magic Kingdom, Frozen for Epcot, Toy Story and the Star Wars trilogies for Hollywood Studios, and Avatar for Animal Kingdom, just to name a few.

Coloring Books

If you have little ones, you can pick up Disney coloring books from your local dollar store. They can color pictures of their favorite characters that they hope to meet during your vacation. We also love Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring for little ones, even to occupy them on the airplane.

For adults, there are some amazing Disney coloring books! Some of our favorites include Art of Coloring: Disney Animals, Art of Coloring: Disney Villains, Disney Dreams Collection from Thomas Kinkade Studios, Art of Coloring: Disney Princess, Art of Coloring: Mickey & Minnie and Art of Coloring: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

You can even sign up for a FREE Disney World coloring book to get started ASAP here.

Read a Disney Themed Book Series

Kingdom Keepers

From TheKingdomKeepers.com, “In this fantastical thriller, five young teens tapped as models for theme park “guides” find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls. Using a cutting-edge technology called DHI–which stands for both Disney Host Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging–Finn Whitman, an Orlando teen, and four other kids are transformed into hologram projections that guide guests through the park. The new technology turns out, however, to have unexpected effects that are both thrilling and scary. Soon Finn finds himself transported in his DHI form into the Magic Kingdom at night. Is it real? Is he dreaming? Finn’s confusion only increases when he encounters Wayne, an elderly Imagineer who tells him that the park is in grave danger. Led by the scheming witch, Maleficent, a mysterious group of characters called the Overtakers is plotting to destroy Disney’s beloved realm, and maybe more. This gripping high-tech tale will thrill every kid who has ever dreamed of sneaking into Walt Disney World after hours and wondered what happens at night, when the park is closed.”

You can start with the Kingdom Keepers Boxed Set which includes the first three books of the series. This is perfect for older kids to read on their own or mom and dad to read together with younger ones.

A Twisted Tale

For adult readers, you could try the “A Twisted Tale” series. This series will “reintroduce fans to their favorite worlds and stories – with game-changing twists that have readers feverishly turning pages to follow their heroes and heroines into all-new adventures.”

We recommend starting with A Twisted Tale Collection: A Boxed Set of three books.

Make Mickey or Minnie Ears

The Disney Family site has a ton of fun DIY projects to make your own pair of ears. For most of these, you’ll just need some felt, a headband, scissors, and glue. Some of our favorite projects include traditional Mickey and Minnie ears, Stitch ears, Yoda ears, and Marie ears.

Or, if you just want to decorate the ears, you can order a set of plain ears and add ribbons, sequins, and more. This will really help you show off your unique Disney style!

Host a Pirate Dinner

Prepare to ride Pirates of the Caribbean with a pirate night celebration. If you want to look the part, check out this Jack Sparrow Dress Up Kit or make your own eye patches.

For dessert, you can make cookies decorated with these skull and sword stencils. Or, make these adorable baby croc cupcakes.

If you are planning a surprise trip and looking for a big reveal, this would be a great way to do it! You can end the night with a treasure hunt. You can even print these Pirates of the Caribbean clue cards and map to add to the fun!

Planning Books

It can be fun to get the whole family involved in planning your Disney World vacation. You can read together about which attractions you just can’t miss. It can help to get the kids involved so you know their interests and “must do’s.” We recommend Birnbaum’s 2021 Walt Disney World: The Official Vacation Guide or The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2021.

We think you’ll also love the behind the scenes look at how Disney creates magic for guests in Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real.

Bonus: We also love playing Disney music at home and in the car while we countdown to Disney! There are some great (free) Disney stations on Pandora or you can order a CD, like the Disney Theme Park Classics or the Walt Disney World Official Album.

How do you plan to countdown to Disney?

Print your own DIY countdown to Disney vacations chain here:

This article does contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission for purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting our small business!

15 of the Best Theme Park Recipes to Make at Home

15 of the Best Theme Park Recipes to Make at Home

One of my favorite things about spending a day at a theme park is the food! There are so many delicious snacks and treats! When we can’t visit the theme parks in person to get our fix, we can make these theme park recipes at home.

Disney Parks Recipes

Disney Parks Churro Bites

Photo: Disney

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low.
  3. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min.
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside.
  5. Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚.
  6. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. 
  7. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer.
  8. Drain churro bites on paper towel.
  9. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets

Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (105°)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour and boiling water in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut individual beignets with a Mickey Mouse-shaped cutter or cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares. Cover with a towel and let dough rise until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 
  4. Using caution, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side. Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain.  Dust warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts Recipe

Ingredients

Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt, divided
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 10 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Icing

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk, divided
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

For Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

  1. Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, butter, coconut oil, and 2 of the eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined.
  2. Add water and mix on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed and blend until dough is smooth. Do not overmix.
  3. Divide dough into two even balls and wrap in plastic wrap. Rest in refrigerator for 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat over to 375 degrees.
  5. Mix remaining egg and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Lightly flour a large cutting board and roll first ball of dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut into eight 2- by 6-inch rectangles.
  7. Place rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with reserved egg wash. Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on the rectangle.
  8. Roll remaining ball of dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into eight 2- by 6-inch rectangles. Place on top of chocolate hazelnut covered tarts and seal edges with a fork. Brush top of tarts with egg wash.
  9. Bake for 17 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely.

For Icing

  1. Mix sugar, 1 tablespoon of the milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add remaining milk until icing is smooth and spreads easily, but is not runny.
  2. Spread icing on each cooled tart and top with bacon pieces.

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Garlic Spread

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

  • 8 slices of artisan bread
  • 8 cheddar cheese slices
  • 8 provolone slices

Instructions:

For Cream Cheese Spread:

  1. Combine cream cheese, Double Gloucester or cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

For Garlic Spread:

  1. Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended. Set aside.

For Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich:

  1. Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  2. Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  3. Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone. Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  4. Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  6. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  7. Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup warm Canadian golden lager or any pale lager-style beer
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. 
  2. Add red onion, celery, and butter and sauté until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat.  Whisk in chicken stock and bring to boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after milk is added.
  5. Remove from heat and add cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend with immersion blender until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer.  If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

The Grey Stuff Recipe

Photo: Disney

Ingredients: 

  • 1 1/2 cups cold whole milk 
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix 
  • 15 chocolate sandwich cookies 
  • 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed 
  • 3 tablespoons instant chocolate pudding mix  
  • 12 scalloped sugar cookies 
  • Edible sugar pearls  

Directions: 

  1. Pour milk into large mixing bowl. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until firm. 
  2. Place chocolate sandwich cookies in food processor and pulse until puréed.  
  3. Fold puréed cookies into pudding mix. Stir until fully mixed. 
  4. Add whipped topping and instant chocolate pudding.  Stir until fully mixed. 
  5. Place in refrigerator and chill for one hour. 
  6. Spoon grey stuff into piping bag fitted with desired tip. Pipe grey stuff onto cookies. Top with sugar pearls. 

Tonga Toast Recipe

Photo: Disney

Ingredients: 

Sugar-Cinnamon 

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon 

Batter 

  • 4 large eggs 
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk 
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

Tonga Toast 

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying 
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long) 
  • 2 large bananas, peeled 

Directions: 

For Sugar-Cinnamon: 

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside. 

For Batter: 

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.   

For Tonga Toast: 

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.) 
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. 
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. 
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice. 
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. 
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil. 
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake Recipe

Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons jelly (strawberry or grape)
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Add additional peanut butter or jelly to taste.

Cook’s Notes: Two cups sliced strawberries can be substituted for jelly.

Totchos Recipe

Photo: Disney

Chili with Beans

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Ground cayenne, to taste

Queso Sauce

  • 2 cups jar cheese sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies

Totchos

  • 1 (2 pound) bag frozen potato barrels
  • 1 1/2 cups corn chips
  • Chili with Beans
  • Queso Sauce
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

For Chili with Beans:

  1. Brown ground beef in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add salt.
  4. Add black pepper and cayenne, as needed.
  5. Keep warm until ready to serve.

For Queso Sauce:

  1. Place cheese sauce and diced tomatoes with chilies in small saucepan. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, until warm.
  2. Keep warm until ready to serve.

For Totchos:

  1. Cook potato barrels according to package instructions.
  2. Divide potato barrels into 6 bowls. Place 1/4 cup each of corn chips, chili with beans, and queso sauce on top of each bowl of potato barrels.
  3. Top each bowl with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 1 teaspoon green onions.

Kitchen Sink Recipe

Image: Disney

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup warm fudge topping 
  • 1/2 cup warm butterscotch topping
  • 1/2 cup warm peanut butter topping
  • 1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 1/4-inch), quartered
  • 1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 1/2-inch), quartered
  • 2 generous scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 2 generous scoops chocolate ice cream
  • 2 generous scoops strawberry ice cream
  • 1 generous scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • 1 generous scoop coffee ice cream
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup 
  • 1/4 cup marshmallow cream
  • 1/4 cup strawberry topping
  • 1/4 cup pineapple topping 
  • 14-ounce can dairy whipped topping 
  • 1 large brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered  
  • 1 regular-sized candy bar, quartered
  • 4 chocolate cookies with cream filling
  • 1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds 
  • 1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings
  • 1 tablespoon crushed chocolate cookies with cream filling 
  • 1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices, about 2 large slices
  • 1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles
  • 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles 
  • 1/2 cup drained maraschino cherries 

To Serve:

  1. Pour hot fudge, butterscotch, and peanut butter toppings into bottom of large bowl.  
  2. Layer banana slices and cupcake pieces over toppings. Top with all ice creams.  
  3. As quickly as possible, spoon chocolate syrup, marshmallow cream, strawberry, and pineapple toppings over ice cream.
  4. Cover completely with dairy whipped topping. Tuck brownie pieces, candy bar pieces, and cookies in whipped topping.
  5. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, dark and white chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, jellied orange slices, milk chocolate chip morsels, peanut butter morsels, chocolate sprinkles, and rainbow sprinkles. Top with cherries.

What are some of your favorite Disney Parks recipes?

theme park recipes

Universal Orlando Resort Recipes

Butterbeer Recipe from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One of the most iconic snacks from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or even all of Universal Orlando Resort is butterbeer. Butterbeer is served chilled, frozen, or warm (seasonally) inside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can find this sweet butterscotch flavored treat in the Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, Hog’s Head, and carts throughout the Wizarding World.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 6 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
  • 4 bottles (12 oz. bottles) cream soda

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.
  2. Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  3. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.

To make your butterbeer most like the original version served at Universal Orlando Resort, you will want to freeze this recipe since it served hot.

We even have a Harry Potter recipe card that you can print out to save your butterbeer recipe to make again and again!

Fried PB&J with Bananas Sandwich Recipe from Halloween Horror Nights

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

Although Universal Orlando Resort was unable to offer Halloween Horror Nights in 2020, you can still enjoy a delicious treat from the nation’s premier Halloween event as you dream about the fun for 2021!

The first step to enjoying these fried pb&j with bananas sandwich is to make the secret ingredient that makes this sandwich unbelievable… FUNNEL CAKE BATTER!

Funnel Cake Batter Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups of whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups of all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, mix the milk and eggs together.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Next, stir the bowl of dry ingredients into the large bowl of wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
  • Set aside for later.

Fried PB&J with Bananas Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of thick cut, white bread
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of grape jelly
  • ½ banana sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
  • ½ cup funnel cake batter
  • 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
  • Canola oil (I would get at least 48 oz.)

Directions:

  • Preheat a large, heavy bottomed pot or large fry pan with canola oil until it reaches 350 degrees (use a candy thermometer to check temp).
    • You can also use a dutch oven or stock pot to fry as well. Whatever floats your boat… or in this case, sandwich.
    • For the canola oil, you’ll want around 2 inches or so. You want to be able to fully submerge the sandwich in the oil.
    • If you don’t have a candy thermometer (which I did not), you can tell the oil is ready when it’s shimmering with a whiff of smoke.
  • Spread creamy peanut butter evenly on one slice of bread.
  • Spread grape jelly evenly on another slice of bread.
  • Pause to lick any peanut butter or jelly you may have gotten on your fingers.
  • Slice the banana and place onto the piece of bread with the peanut butter.
  • Close sandwich and submerge into the bowl of funnel cake batter until completely covered.
  • Place the sandwich into the preheated oil but be careful! I recommend using tongs or a large slotted spoon.
  • Fry until golden brown on both sides.
  • Remove from oil and place onto paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
  • Drizzle as much chocolate syrup as you’d like and garnish with powdered sugar. I love A LOT of chocolate as you can probably tell in the picture!
  • Lastly, turn on the Halloween Horror Nights Spotify Playlist, close your eyes, and munch away. It’s almost like you’re back on the fog covered streets… almost.

Are you ready to start counting down to Halloween Horror Nights 2021?!

Guacamole Recipe from Antojitos

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

You can celebrate Cinco de Mayo anytime with this guacamole recipe from Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food in Universal CityWalk.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 teaspoon of jalapeños (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon of tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of red onions (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon olives (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon of lime juice
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Directions:

  1. First, let’s get fancy and get a bunch of little bowls and divide all the ingredients up into them. Then, let’s get mixing!
  2. Put the jalapeños in a large bowl (if you don’t like spiciness, skip this step.)
  3. Carefully cut the avocado in half and discard the pit by inserting the blade into the seed using a quick and gentle cutting movement, then twist and remove. Gently scoop the avocado with a spoon and place in a bowl.
  4. Add the red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, salt, and olives to the bowl.
  5. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
  6. Mash and mix all the ingredients together using the back of a large spoon or fork, then mix in the lime juice.
  7. Shape it into a perfect little guac mountain and garnish with extra cilantro or tomatoes.
  8. Get your favorite chips and get your guac on!

Blast the mariachi music, throw those chips in a bowl, and get that salt shaker ready. It’s time to fiesta!

Big Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe from TODAY Cafe

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

You can bring a taste of Universal’s comfort food to your home with the Big Apple Grilled Cheese recipe from TODAY Cafe. This fun twist on grilled cheese combines the savory flavors of melted cheesiness and tomatoes with the crisp sweetness of apples all in one sandwich. It’s a great lunch option for your kids or for the big kid that’s in all of us.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of white bread
  • 2 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 2 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 1 slice of pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon roasted plum tomato
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 4 thin slices of Red Delicious apple

Directions:

  1. Butter two slices of white bread with softened butter
  2. Remove the core of the apple and cut into 4 wedges
  3. Thinly slice one wedge of apple and set aside for later
  4. Place bread butter side down into non-stick fry pan on medium heat
  5. Begin to build the sandwich by laying the pepper jack and Swiss cheese on one slice
  6. Allow the cheese to begin to melt from the heat below
  7. Once the cheese begins to soften, place apples and tomatoes on top of the slice with cheddar
  8. Using a spatula, flip the side with the pepper jack onto the other side and press for one minute
  9. Ensure that both sides are golden brown, remove from pan and place onto cutting board
  10. Cut in half and enjoy the cheesiness!
  11. Serve with your favorite side of fruit, potato salad, or whatever your heart desires

Bonus: it’s an easy recipe to tackle for those of us who aren’t necessarily cooking savvy.

Mini Pumpkin Donuts with Green Icing Recipe

This is the perfect pumpkin donut recipe to bring a little Halloween Horror Nights to your home. Not only are they deliciously pumpkin flavored, they’re also mini and very cute!

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

Makes 24 Mini Pumpkin Donuts

Ingredients:

  • 1  cup sugar
  • 4  teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup of pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups flour (plus a little more if dough is sticky)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Green icing or white icing + green food coloring (from local grocery store for topping)

Directions

  • In a large bowl mix the sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and nutmeg together.
  • Add eggs, milk, and melted butter. Beat well.
  • Add 3 cups of the flour, beating until blended. Add one more cup of flour and beat well. The dough should be soft and sticky but firm enough to handle. If you feel it’s necessary, add up to 1/2 cup more flour.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill for (at least) one hour.

During your hour break, turn on the Halloween Horror Nights Spotify Playlist and imagine yourself standing in the fog. Now it’s time for the fun part.

  • Remove your dough from the fridge and begin heating about 1 inch of oil to 360℉ in a large metal skillet or dutch oven.
  • Working half the dough at a time, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
  • Cut out circles using a mini donut cutter or small biscuit or cookie cutter, really anything that can give you a mini donut shape. 
    • For the center, I actually use the cap off a soda bottle to cut the holes. (Life hack!)
  • Gently drop the donuts a little away from you in batches into the hot oil.
  • As they begin to puff, flip them over with metal tongs and continue to flip a few more times as they cook. They will take about 2-3 minutes in total and will be a lovely golden brown color all over.
  • Remove donuts from the oil and set them on top of paper towels draped over a plate.
  • Grab the green icing you purchased from your local grocery store and drizzle over donuts as much as you’d like!
    • If you’re unable to find green icing, you can mix green food coloring in any white frosting. 
  • For a little more fun, you can even crush up some cookie crumbles and lay the donuts on top to resemble a spooky little pumpkin patch.
  • Take a photo and ENJOY!

What theme park recipes are you whipping up in the kitchen? Share with us your take on these delicious theme park recipes!

10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Disney This Summer at Disneyland Resort

10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Disney This Summer at Disneyland Resort

From the Disney Parks Blog:

10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Disney This Summer at Disneyland Resort
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Summertime is a fun time to enjoy the sunshine in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, where you and your family can dive into cool, tasty treats and the season’s hottest must-have merchandise.

This one-of-a-kind Disney experience recently began a phased reopening with a mix of family-friendly restaurants offering outdoor seating, favorite snacking stops and shopping boutiques. First stop, be sure to visit the flagship World of Disney store for the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles and more.

Since the initial reopening of the Downtown Disney District, more locations are now on tap to welcome you including Ballast Point Brewing CompanyTortilla Jo’s and most recently Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

So shop it, taste it, wear it, love it! Here are 10 reasons to visit Downtown Disney this summer at Disneyland Resort:

1. Warm Waffle Sundae at Ballast Point Brewing Company

Overlooking the Downtown Disney District, enjoy the upper deck patio and delve into this pearl sugar waffle made with vanilla bean ice cream, crumbled chocolate wafers, Victory At Sea chocolate sauce, candied walnuts and fresh berries. Try pairing with Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea Imperial Porter!

2. Frosty, Frozen Lemonade at Wetzel’s Pretzels

Nothing says summer like a fresh, frosty, frozen lemonade! Yet, any time of year you can sip on this delightful refreshment, with your choice of the original flavor or strawberry lemonade.

3. Churro Ice Cream Sandwich at California Churro

Through the month of August, don’t miss your chance to try this vanilla bean ice cream sandwich covered with two freshly-rolled, colored crispy cereal churro buns!

4. Strawberry Shortcake CrazyShake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

Get your camera and your sweet tooth ready! This strawberry shake has a vanilla-frosted rim topped with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, pink & white twisty pop, whipped cream, strawberry drizzle, crumbled cake and a cherry. All shakes can be made with a vegan dairy free ice cream base and lactose free whipped cream.

5. Beignets at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Hurray for beignets, as Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Express locations just reopened!  Indulge in this classic taste of New Orleans with these delicious French donuts which are made fresh throughout the day, deep fried and topped with powdered sugar. They are available in the restaurant and to-go from the Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express window.

10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Disney This Summer at Disneyland Resort
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

6. Cool Shades at Sunglass Icon

Stay cool and look cool in these classic Ray-Bans with a touch of Mickey Mouse! These functional and stylish sunglasses, named Justin Mickey A20, feature Mickey Mouse character art and limited-edition engraving on the temples, officially making the Justin Mickey the latest addition to the Ray-Ban x Disney collection.

7. Sunny and Seaside Pandora Charms

Summery and precious, add these charms to your collection: the Pandora Passions Pave Ice Cream Cone Sapphire and CZ Charm, the Pandora Tropical Starfish CZ Charm and the Pandora Me My Summer Sun Crystal Charm. 

8. Summer Sandals and Beach Towels at California Sole

California Sole is the place to give your feet a treat! Slip into a comfy pair of OluKai, Reef, Sanuk, Vans or Havaianas, and add a Pura Vida bracelet for that breezy, beachy, California look. Get the Nomadix go-anywhere towel and take it with you to the beach, yoga or camping. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, sand-resistant and is made from recycled plastic bottles.

9. Beachwear at Curl Surf

Curl Surf has you covered for summertime fun. Stop by to check the newest selection of Roxy, Quiksilver, Levi’s and Billabong, along with graphic tees, swimwear, shorts and sandals. (Adding water is optional!)

10.  Refresh at Rinse Bath & Body Co.

Stop by Rinse’s kiosk in the Downtown Disney District, where you can pick up natural products scented with essential oils, including the Lavender Refreshing Spray to spritz your skin and the Peppofoot Stick to put the pep in your step!

If you haven’t visited the Downtown Disney District lately, be sure to familiarize yourself with our health and safety measures at Disneyland.com/DTD to learn important details, including that all guests, ages 2 and older, must wear a face covering.

During the month of August 2020, Downtown Disney District hours are extended to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Continue to check Disneyland.com/DTD or the Disneyland app for the latest details, as information is updated often and individual locations may vary. 

We hope you are enjoying these summer days with your family, and we look forward to seeing you again soon in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland!

10 Official Disney Parks Recipes You Can Make at Home

Disney Parks recipes

Do you love eating at Disney? I do! Half of the fun of a Disney vacation is all of the delicious meals and snacks that I can enjoy in the parks and resorts! We can’t be in the parks every day though to enjoy all of those delicious treats. So, instead we can can taste a bit of the magic at home with these ten official Disney Parks recipes.

Disney Parks Churro Bites

Disney Parks Churro Bites
Photo: Disney

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low.
  3. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min.
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside.
  5. Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚.
  6. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. 
  7. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer.
  8. Drain churro bites on paper towel.
  9. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets

Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets
Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (105°)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour and boiling water in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut individual beignets with a Mickey Mouse-shaped cutter or cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares. Cover with a towel and let dough rise until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 
  4. Using caution, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side. Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain.  Dust warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts Recipe (from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts Recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients

Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt, divided
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 10 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Icing

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk, divided
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

For Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

  1. Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, butter, coconut oil, and 2 of the eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined.
  2. Add water and mix on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed and blend until dough is smooth. Do not overmix.
  3. Divide dough into two even balls and wrap in plastic wrap. Rest in refrigerator for 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat over to 375 degrees.
  5. Mix remaining egg and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Lightly flour a large cutting board and roll first ball of dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut into eight 2- by 6-inch rectangles.
  7. Place rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with reserved egg wash. Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on the rectangle.
  8. Roll remaining ball of dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into eight 2- by 6-inch rectangles. Place on top of chocolate hazelnut covered tarts and seal edges with a fork. Brush top of tarts with egg wash.
  9. Bake for 17 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely.

For Icing

  1. Mix sugar, 1 tablespoon of the milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add remaining milk until icing is smooth and spreads easily, but is not runny.
  2. Spread icing on each cooled tart and top with bacon pieces.

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich Recipe (from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Garlic Spread

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

  • 8 slices of artisan bread
  • 8 cheddar cheese slices
  • 8 provolone slices

Instructions:

For Cream Cheese Spread:

  1. Combine cream cheese, Double Gloucester or cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

For Garlic Spread:

  1. Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended. Set aside.

For Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich:

  1. Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  2. Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  3. Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone. Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  4. Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  6. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  7. Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe (from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT)

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup warm Canadian golden lager or any pale lager-style beer
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. 
  2. Add red onion, celery, and butter and sauté until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat.  Whisk in chicken stock and bring to boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after milk is added.
  5. Remove from heat and add cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend with immersion blender until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer.  If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

The Grey Stuff Recipe

The Grey Stuff recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients: 

  • 1 1/2 cups cold whole milk 
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix 
  • 15 chocolate sandwich cookies 
  • 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed 
  • 3 tablespoons instant chocolate pudding mix  
  • 12 scalloped sugar cookies 
  • Edible sugar pearls  

Directions: 

  1. Pour milk into large mixing bowl. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until firm. 
  2. Place chocolate sandwich cookies in food processor and pulse until puréed.  
  3. Fold puréed cookies into pudding mix. Stir until fully mixed. 
  4. Add whipped topping and instant chocolate pudding.  Stir until fully mixed. 
  5. Place in refrigerator and chill for one hour. 
  6. Spoon grey stuff into piping bag fitted with desired tip. Pipe grey stuff onto cookies. Top with sugar pearls. 

Tonga Toast Recipe (from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

Tonga Toast recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients: 

Sugar-Cinnamon 

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon 

Batter 

  • 4 large eggs 
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk 
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

Tonga Toast 

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying 
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long) 
  • 2 large bananas, peeled 

Directions: 

For Sugar-Cinnamon: 

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside. 

For Batter: 

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.   

For Tonga Toast: 

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.) 
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. 
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. 
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice. 
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. 
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil. 
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake Recipe (from 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake Recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons jelly (strawberry or grape)
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Add additional peanut butter or jelly to taste.

Cook’s Notes: Two cups sliced strawberries can be substituted for jelly.

Totchos Recipe (from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Totchos Recipe
Photo: Disney

Chili with Beans

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Ground cayenne, to taste

Queso Sauce

  • 2 cups jar cheese sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies

Totchos

  • 1 (2 pound) bag frozen potato barrels
  • 1 1/2 cups corn chips
  • Chili with Beans
  • Queso Sauce
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

For Chili with Beans:

  1. Brown ground beef in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add salt.
  4. Add black pepper and cayenne, as needed.
  5. Keep warm until ready to serve.

For Queso Sauce:

  1. Place cheese sauce and diced tomatoes with chilies in small saucepan. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, until warm.
  2. Keep warm until ready to serve.

For Totchos:

  1. Cook potato barrels according to package instructions.
  2. Divide potato barrels into 6 bowls. Place 1/4 cup each of corn chips, chili with beans, and queso sauce on top of each bowl of potato barrels.
  3. Top each bowl with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 1 teaspoon green onions.

Kitchen Sink Recipe (from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort)

Kitchen Sink recipe
Photo: Disney

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup warm fudge topping 
  • 1/2 cup warm butterscotch topping
  • 1/2 cup warm peanut butter topping
  • 1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 1/4-inch), quartered
  • 1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 1/2-inch), quartered
  • 2 generous scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 2 generous scoops chocolate ice cream
  • 2 generous scoops strawberry ice cream
  • 1 generous scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • 1 generous scoop coffee ice cream
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup 
  • 1/4 cup marshmallow cream
  • 1/4 cup strawberry topping
  • 1/4 cup pineapple topping 
  • 14-ounce can dairy whipped topping 
  • 1 large brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered  
  • 1 regular-sized candy bar, quartered
  • 4 chocolate cookies with cream filling
  • 1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds 
  • 1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings
  • 1 tablespoon crushed chocolate cookies with cream filling 
  • 1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices, about 2 large slices
  • 1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles
  • 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles 
  • 1/2 cup drained maraschino cherries 

To Serve:

  1. Pour hot fudge, butterscotch, and peanut butter toppings into bottom of large bowl.  
  2. Layer banana slices and cupcake pieces over toppings. Top with all ice creams.  
  3. As quickly as possible, spoon chocolate syrup, marshmallow cream, strawberry, and pineapple toppings over ice cream.
  4. Cover completely with dairy whipped topping. Tuck brownie pieces, candy bar pieces, and cookies in whipped topping.
  5. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, dark and white chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, jellied orange slices, milk chocolate chip morsels, peanut butter morsels, chocolate sprinkles, and rainbow sprinkles. Top with cherries.

What are some of your favorite Disney Parks recipes?

10 Fun Facts About Grim Grinning Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion

10 Fun Facts About Grim Grinning Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion

From the Disney Parks Blog:

“Grim Grinning Ghosts,” the theme of The Haunted Mansion, is both merry and spooky at the same time, and is perfectly fitting for one of our guest-favorite attractions. Of all the Disney Parks attractions with catchy theme songs, we can probably agree that we don’t mind when this one gets stuck in our heads.

Grim Grinning Ghosts

In honor of The Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary at Disneyland which was celebrated last August, here are 10 fun facts about Grim Grinning Ghosts the Haunted Mansion:

Grim Grinning Ghosts
  • The arrangement of the tune progresses throughout the attraction, starting off on an eerie piano in the library and funeral scenes, then bolder as organ music in the dining room and a whooping party in the graveyard scene.
  • “Grim Grinning Ghosts” hits a high note in the graveyard scene, where a set of singing busts await “to shriek and harmonize.” Did you know that each of these busts has a name? They are: Rollo Rumkin, Uncle Theodore, Cousin Algernon, Ned Nub and Phineas P. Pock.
  • The face of singer Thurl Ravenscroft appears on one of the singing busts – Uncle Theodore, which you can identify at Magic Kingdom Park attraction as the “broken” bust.
  • Buddy Baker, X. Atencio and Thurl Ravenscroft have all been named Disney Legends in years past for their contributions to Disney Parks and films.
  • The pop band Barenaked Ladies did a cover of “Grim-Grinning Ghosts” in 2003 for the film “The Haunted Mansion” which starred Eddie Murphy.
  • A reference to a “Grim Grinning Ghost” (note “ghost” is singular, not plural) appears in the William Shakespeare poem “Venus and Adonis” which was completed in 1593.

Do you prefer The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland or Disney World?