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Complete Guide to the Food at International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Complete Guide to the Food at International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

Epcot recently kicked off its new International Festival of the Holidays, celebrating holiday traditions from cultures all over the world. This year boasts a joyous array of Holiday Kitchens located throughout the World Showcase. Discover the flavors of the season with new recipes from around the globe and indulge in appetizing dishes, desserts and drinks at this Yuletide extravaganza.

Delight in a mouthwatering warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and warm caramel sauce at The Cookie Nook Holiday Kitchen at the Festive Center, or savor the Réveillon de Nöel in France, a delicious turkey breast stuffed with mushrooms and chestnuts with sweet potato purée. You’ll be sure to find your holiday spirit at one of the 15 unique Holiday Kitchens that decorate the World Showcase this year along with even more seasonal offerings at various quick service locations throughout the park. Here’s your guide to everything available at the 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from Nov. 19-Dec. 30.

German Artisan Cheese Plate, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

Food Items:

  • German Artisan Cheese Plate – German ButterKäse with ham, mushroom brie with pretzel crostini, and Tillamook cheddar
  • Sauerbraten, Red Cabbage and Spätzle
  • Cheese Fondue – served in a bread bowl with fresh steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes
  • Stollen Holiday Fruit Cake

Beverages:

  • Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
  • Possmann Pure Hard Black Currant Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
  • Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen
  • Cider Flight
  • Specialty Riesling
  • Glühwein – House-made hot spiced wine

Stollen Holiday Fruit Cake, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

American Holiday Table (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

  • Slow-roasted Turkey – with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin – with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges and a Champagne demi-glace
  • Chocolate Pecan Tart – with whipped cream and caramel sauce

Beverages:

  • Orange Blossom Brewing Cranberry Kringle Pilsner, Orlando, FL
  • Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
  • JDub’s Season’s Greetings Peppermint Milk Stout, Sarasota, FL
  • Holiday Beer Flight
  • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay “Goldie”, California
  • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
  • Chocolate Apple Shake – featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea and butterscotch schnapps
  • Cocoa Candy Cane Hot Cocoa – with peppermint schnapps
  • Firenog – Eggnog with cinnamon whisky
  • Chocolate Apple Shake – featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea (non-alcoholic)
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)
  • Eggnog (non-alcoholic)

Maple Bûche de Noël, Yukon Holiday Kitchen, Canada

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Salmon – with maple-whisky glaze, parsnip silk, apple chutney and hazelnut croquant
  • Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere Meat Pie – with Canadian ketchup
  • Maple Bûche de Noël – maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble

Beverages:

  • Château des Charmes Riesling Icewine
  • Neige Apple Ice Wine
  • Red Stone Cabernet Franc Icewine
  • Ice Wine Flight
  • Fielding Estate Pinot Grigio
  • Fielding Estate Red Conception
  • Frozen Coffee – with whisky
  • Unibroue Éphémère Elderberry

Assort Holiday Cookies, The Cookie Nook, Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Cookie Nook (The Festive Center)

Food Items:

  • Warm Apple Fritter – with cinnamon ice cream and warm caramel sauce
  • Snowflake Sugar Cookie
  • Snickerdoodle Cookie
  • Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
  • Gingersnap Cookie – with cream cheese icing and cranberry jam
  • Sachertorte – chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze
  • Decorated Gingerbread Cookie
  • Holiday Tree Sugar Cookie
  • Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Beverages:

  • Brew Hub Pumpkin Spice Dunkelweiss, Lakeland, FL
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Sparkling Christmas Coffee Blonde, Titusville, FL
  • Central 28 Beer Company Joy From the World Holiday Dubble, DeBary, FL
  • Holiday Beer Flight
  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Cranberry Wine
  • Cranberry Sprite Punch – with pear vodka
  • Hot Cocoa – with crème de menthe
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)

Three Kings Bread, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Feast of the Three Kings (Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • Shredded Beef Tamale – with avocado crema and cilantro Rice
  • Roasted Pork – with smashed yuca and pickled green bananas
  • Three Kings Bread

Beverages:

  • Presidente Pilsner, Dominican Republic
  • Coquito – with a rum floater
  • Coquito (non-alcoholic)

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

  • Peppermint Sundae – chocolate ice cream, whipped cream and peppermint candy

Beverages:

  • Shipyard Candy Cane Coffee Porter, Clearwater, FL
  • Frozen S’Mores – with caramel vodka
  • Hot Cocoa – with assorted cordials
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)
  • Frozen S’Mores (non-alcoholic)

Refreshment Cool Post (Outpost):

Food Items:

  • Warm Caramel-Stuffed Salted Pretzel – with soft-serve ice cream and chocolate sauce

Beverage Items:

  • Hot Cocoa – with cream liqueur
  • Shipyard Eggnog White Porter

Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

  • Chocolate Peppermint Glazed Croissant Donut

Beverage Items:

  • Hot Cocoa – with chocolate liqueur
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)

Fife & Drum Tavern (The American Adventure):

Food Items:

  • Holiday Apple Pie Sundae – with soft-serve ice cream, caramel sauce and crunchy streusel topping

Beverage Items:

  • Brew Hub Pumpkin Spice Dunkleweiss, Lakeland, FL

Three Kings Bread, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Alsace Holiday Kitchen (France)

Food Items:

  • Napoléon de Saumon Fumé, Brioche à l’aneth – smoked salmon Napoleon in a dill brioche
  • Réveillon de Nöel – turkey breast stuffed with mushrooms and chestnuts with sweet potato purée
  • Bûche de Noël au Chocolat – slice of chocolate Christmas Yule Log

Beverage Items:

  • Spiced Rum Punch Slush – spiced rum, orange and pineapple juice with cinnamon
  • Merlot & Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux Château de Bechuad, Saint Emilion
  • Holiday Kir – sparkling wine and cranberry syrup
  • Champagne Brut, Nicolas Feuillatte

Tarabaki Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Lamb Kefta and Grapes – with cucumber, red pepper, pickled pearl onions, harissa and cilantro dressing
  • Confit of Chermoula Chicken Drum – with cinnamon Granny Smith apple, toasted almonds, brussels sprouts and pinot noir syrup
  • Triangle Honey Briwat – with almond paste, rose water and toasted sesame seeds

Beverage Items:

  • The Andalusian Poinsettia Cocktail – sparkling wine, orange liqueur and cranberry juice topped with orange blossom water
  • Walnut Spiced Coffee – with walnut liqueur topped with cinnamon and whipped cream
  • Casa Beer

Warm Apple Fritter, The Cookie Nook, The Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Fusilli di Gragnano alla Carbonara – fusilli pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce with pancetta and onions
  • Cotechino con Lenticchie – fresh Italian salami sliced with lentils
  • Crespelle di Mele – cinnamon apple fritters and a vanilla sauce drizzled with chocolate caramel sauce
  • Panettone alla Milanese – warm Italian fruit cake with vanilla sauce and cherry syrup
  • Panettone Mignon – miniature traditional Italian Christmas fruit cake

Beverage Items:

  • Pinot Grigio – white wine
  • Chianti – red wine
  • Prosecco – sparkling wine
  • Corbinello – sweet sparkling wine
  • Moscato – sweet wine
  • Moretti Lager Beer
  • Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)

Food Items:

  • Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls
  • Mongolian Beef Bao Bun and a Fortune Cookie
  • Celebration Barbeque Pork Rice Bowl and a Fortune Cookie

Beverage Items:

  • Mango Wine
  • Tsing Tao Lager

Hokkaido Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

Food Items:

  • New Year Celebration Soba: buckwheat soba noodle with spinach in hot soup with shrimp tempura or chicken
  • Cinnamon Mochi Cake – cinnamon and coconut cake

Beverages:

  • Strawberry Nigori Sake Cocktail – semi-sweet unfiltered sake with puréed strawberry
  • Sapporo Lager
  • Iced Strawberry Milk (non-alcoholic) – strawberry milk with Japanese calpico yogurt (non-alcoholic)

Shredded Beef Tamale, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Tostada de Tinga – crispy corn tortilla smothered with black beans, topped with chipotle chicken and garnished with crema Mexicana, queso fresco, avocado and tomatillo sauce
    Tamal de Chilorio – slow-roasted pork shoulder, marinated in ancho paste and stuffed in a corn masa, served with salsa tres chile and garnished with crema Mexicana and queso fresco
    Buñuelo Navideño – a thin round fried pastry, drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Margarita on the Rocks
    Frozen Kahlúa Coffee Margarita
    Horchata Margarita on the Rocks
    Dos Equis Lager – served with a Kahlúa floater

Additional Festival Locations:

UK Beer Cart

  • Eggnog – with Irish whisky
  • Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
  • The Tea Caddy (United Kingdom)
  • Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy – Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with honey & drambuie
  • Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy – Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with honey (non-alcoholic)
  • Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway)
  • Traditional Holiday Rice Cream

Fountain View

  • Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake

Canada Popcorn Cart

  • Pecan Maple Bark
  • Chilled Maple Café – Joffrey’s “Le Cellier Blend” Coffee with maple bourbon cream liqueur and topped with whipped cream and maple sugar

L’Artisan des Glaces (France)

  • Glace au Pain d’Epices – gingerbread ice cream with gingerbread pieces

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)

  • Bûche de Noël au Chocolat – chocolate Christmas log with chocolate orange mousse, chocolate biscuit and praline crunch

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Future World East:

  • Warm Glow – Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur blended with sweet cinnamon syrup and steamed light cream topped with whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Canada:

  • Gingerbread Chai – hot, creamy spiced chai tea flavored with gingerbread syrup and Irish cream and topped with whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Showcase Plaza:

  • Crazy Elf – RumChata Cream Liqueur and cinnamon whiskey topped with steamed light cream and whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® The American Adventure:

  • Holiday Mint – a decadent blend of chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup and Irish cream blended with steamed light cream and topped with whipped cream

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Complete Guide to the Food at Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Complete Guide to the Food at Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure park this year with a wonderful and diverse array of food and beverage offerings! Through Jan. 7, you’ll be able to feast on these delicious items at the Festive Foods Marketplace and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!. This year, 12 different marketplaces are scattered throughout the area with dishes spanning various cultures and holidays. Here’s your list of all the delicious food at Festival of Holidays at Disney Viva Navidad available this year!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Chips, Breads & Holiday Spreads

  • Chicken Liver Paté with cherry jam and pistachios
  • Cranberry-Pear Tart with rosemary-infused cream
  • White Chocolate-Dipped Lingonberry Speculoos Cookie
  • Chorizo Queso Fundido with house-made tortilla chips

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Making Spirits Bright

  • White Cranberry, Pear and Blood Orange Mimosa Flight (Also sold individually)
  • White Wine Flight with Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand; Fess Parker Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County; and Bertenura Moscato, Italy (Kosher) (Also sold individually)
  • Red Wine Flight with Castle Rock Pinot Noir, Reserve, Russian River Valley; Joel Gott Zinfandel, California; and Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County (Also sold individually)
  • Chandon Sparkling Wine, Brut, California
  • Red & White Rotational Wine Selection

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Joy to the Sauce

  • Seared Salmon Filet with lemon-caper sauce
  • Beef Short Rib with mashed potatoes and gravy and topped with cranberry sauce
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding with brandied vanilla sauce
  • Conundrum White Wine Blend, California
  • Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  • Holiday Eggnog Cocktail with whipped cream and nutmeg
  • Apple Lemonade with whipped cream and caramel

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Spicy Celebrations

  • Nashville Fried Hot Turkey with dill pickles
  • Beef Corn Tamale a la Plancha with spicy rojo sauce
  • Spicy Peanut Brittle
  • Pomegranate Margarita with a chipotle-smoked sea salt half-rim
  • Winter Michelada with Modela Negra and a brown sugar rim
  • Modela Negra Lager, Mexico

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Brews & Bites

  • Sliced Calabrese Salami with crackers
  • Warm Bavarian Pretzel with whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • Beer Flight: For a Snowy Day with Victory Prima Pilsner, New Belgium Accumulation White IPA, Aftershock Oatmeal Rasin Cookie Ale and Great Divide Hibernation Ale (Also sold individually)
  • Beer Flight: For a Sunny Day with TAPS The American Cream Ale, Brewery Ommegang Witte, Backstreet Raspberry Sour and Refuge West Coast Red Ale (Also sold individually)
  • Stone Brewing IPA
  • Unsung Naturia Double IPA
  • Karl Strauss Holiday Porter

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Holiday Duets

  • Macaroni and Cheese with cornbread crumbles
  • Warm Polenta with chilled crab salad
  • Cookie Butter and Jelly Cheesecake
  • Holiday Mickey and Minnie Cookies
  • Pomegranate Mule garnished with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig
  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)
  • Warm Chocolate Float with whipped cream and brownie crumbles

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Classic Crocks and Casseroles

  • Chana Masala with grilled garlic naan
  • Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole with crispy onions
  • Milk Chocolate Candy Cane Pot de Crème Cup
  • Ice Green Mint Tea with mint sprig

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Blissfully Braised

  • Braised Pork Belly Adobo with garlic fried rice
  • Braised Lamb Cheeks with Mediterranean cauliflower
  • Fruit and Nut Rugelach
  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Hoppy Poppy IPA
  • ACE Premium Craft Hard Apple Cider

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

A Twist on Tradition

  • Reuben Potato Smash with Russian dressing and rye toast crumble
  • Butternut Squash and Almond Pakora Fritters
  • Chocolate Yule Log with candied chestnuts and clementine compote
  • Horchata Fudge
  • Pumpkin Spice Float Cocktail with cream liqueur, vanilla ice cream and pumpkin seed brittle
  • Frosty Frosé – Frozen Rosé with blue curacao and white cranberry juice with mint sprig

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Winter Sliderland

  • Holiday Ham Slider with pineapple relish
  • Roast Turkey Slider with cranberry sauce
  • Egg Nog Macaron
  • Hot Buttered Rum with a cinnamon stick
  • La Crema Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  • Festive Beer Flight with Bottle Logic Brewing (714), Blonde Ale; Oaskar Blues Brewery Pinner, IPA; Barley Forge Brewing Co. The Patsy, Coconut Rye Stout; and Modern Times Fruitlands, Passionfruit and Guava Gose (Also sold individually)
  • White Hot Chocolate with house-made cinnamon marshmallow

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Grandma’s Recipes

  • Grilled Chicken Sausage with red beans and rice
  • Beef Brisket with brown sugar-glazed carrots
  • Sweet Potato Pie
  • Molasses Gingerbread Cookie
  • Merry Cherry-Pineapple Punch with assorted jellies
  • Warm Bourbon Cider with bourbon-infused marshmallow

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Festive Holiday Extras

  • Brussels Sprouts with goat cheese, cranberries and bacon
  • Baked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
  • Pineapple Kesari with golden raisins
  • Holiday Sherbet Punch with flavors of pineapple, lime and orange
  • Ballast Point Brewing Company Piper Down, Scottish Ale, San Diego

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Treats for Santa

  • Mickey Snowman Cookie Decorating Kit
  • Warm Bourbon Cider
  • White Hot Chocolate

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Paradise Garden Grill

  • Street Tacos – Trio of corn tortilla tacos filled with carnitas, carne asada and chicken, topped with white onion and fresh cilantro, served with lime-cilantro rice and black beans
  • Chicken Mole Plate – Chicken slowly cooked in Mole Sauce, garnished with cotija cheese, served with lime-cilantro rice and tortillas
  • Burrito – Flour tortilla filled with black beans, lime-cilantro rice and choice of carne asada, carnitas, or chicken with salsa and Mexican crema
  • Torta al Pastor – Soft telera roll, chorizo beans, al pastor, cabbage, guacamole and Mexican crema
  • House-Made Pozole – Mild chile and pork stew with hominy and oregano, topped with sliced radishes
  • Buñuelos – Two golden fried flour tortillas dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with a side of cajeta
  • Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla
  • Kid’s Street-Style Taco – Corn tortilla taco filled with choice of carne asada, chicken or carnitas, topped with white onion and fresh cilantro, served with lime-cilantro rice and black beans topped with queso blanco, served with choice of small lowfat milk or small Dasani® Water
  • Dos Equis Lager
  • Dos Equis Ambar
  • Red Sangria
  • Corona
  • Negra Modelo

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Paradise Pier – Outdoor Vending

  • Elote – Street-style corn with mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and tajin
  • Horchata – Sweet rice beverage with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon
  • Jamaica – Traditional slightly sweetened hibiscus tea
  • Chicharrón – Puffed wheat wagon wheel, tapatio and lime wedges
  • Strawberry Paleta – Fresa (strawberry) fruit bar

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Complete Guide to the Sweets and Treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is here, and you are going to love all of the wonderful treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort that are in store for the most magical season of the year! From now until January 7, 2018, you’ll be able to find everything on this guide at various locations throughout Disneyland Resort.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Run, run, run as fast as you can to try a tasty gingerbread man! You’ll be able to find these delightful gingerbread men at many locations throughout both parks and all three hotels. Disneyland park will offer gingerbread man cookies at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Market House, Red Rose Taverne, The Golden Horseshoe and Stage Door Café; Disney California Adventure park will have them at various carts throughout the park, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, Pacific Wharf Café and Pacific Wharf Coffee Cart; at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you’ll find them at The Coffee House, Hearthstone Lounge, and Surfside Lounge.

Snowman shortbread cookies will also be available throughout the entire resort. At Disneyland park, you’ll find them at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Market House; while at Disney California Adventure park, you’ll find them at various carts and Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café; and at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you’ll find this cookie at Tangaroa Terrace and Surfside Lounge.

Other offerings that will be available across Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks include holiday crispies, parfaits and brownies at various carts and locations throughout the resort. Peppermint mochas will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland park; Pacific Wharf Coffee Cart in Disney California Adventure park; and The Coffee House, Hearthstone Lounge and Surfside Lounge at the Disneyland Resort Hotels. For the cotton candy fans out there, you’ll be excited to find yummy candy apple cotton candy at various carts in both parks.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disneyland park, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café will be serving up caramel apple muffins with streusel as well as pumpkin spice lattes. The Main Street Coffee Cart will be offering various holiday doughnuts. At the French Market Restaurant, you’ll find praline cheesecake with graham cracker crust, a layer of praline crunch and almond brittle. And for those wanting to get their chocolate fix, you can get a chocolate coffee Yule Log at Plaza Inn, with coffee buttercream filling, chocolate crunch and chocolate ganache.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the peppermint lovers out there, if you stop by Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, Stage Door Café or Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find crushed candy cane topping, as well as peppermint ice cream at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. And Mint Julep Bar is celebrating the season with scrumptious candy cane beignets ­– yum!

There are also several offerings continuing from the fall, like the graham cracker churro with marshmallow dipping sauce at the New Orleans Square Churro Cart and the Campfire S’mores Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café.

Savory options include the Enchanted Maize Flatbread at Red Rose Taverne with mozzarella, roasted corn, pickled red onions, parmesan, spicy lime aioli and chopped cilantro; or try the Bison Blue Cheeseburger at Hungry Bear Restaurant with candied bacon, sautéed mushrooms, baby kale and blue cheese tarragon sauce on a whole wheat ciabatta.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disney California Adventure park, there will be many offerings in addition to the Festival of Holidays marketplaces. Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream will have a cinnamon roll apple strudel sundae, crushed candy cane topping for hand-dipped bars, and cinnamon spiced, dark chocolate Ghirardelli and white chocolate Ghirardelli hot cocoa. Mortimer’s Market and the Boudin Bread Cart will have candy cane-shaped bread and snowman-shaped bread. Award Wieners will be frying up gingerbread funnel cake fries. At Schmoozies, you’ll find a pumpkin pie smoothie, a blended peppermint Malibu mocha, a holiday doughnut and a Santa’s Mittens Macaron with mint chip ice cream; and Pacific Wharf Café will have pumpkin spice bread pudding.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

In Cars Land, Flo’s V8 Café is serving up chocolate peppermint pie and a peppermint candy cane shake, while the Cozy Cone Motel will have a red churro with crème anglaise and crushed candy cane topping.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

On the savory side, you can find Elote at various carts throughout the park – street-style corn with condiments including parmesan, mayonnaise and chile-lime seasoning. A turkey pot pie soup will be available at Pacific Wharf Café, and a meatloaf with bacon will be offered at Flo’s V8 Café. You’ll find the chicken verde cone at the Cozy Cone Motel, and at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, you can find a chorizo thick-crust pizza with creamy tomato sauce, mozzarella and cotija cheese, spicy chorizo, fresh pico de gallo and a tomatillo-cilantro crema drizzle.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

From Dec. 1 through Jan. 7, Carthay Circle Restaurant will have some special additions to their menu, including prime rib with cranberry horseradish, roasted leg of lamb with Christmas shrimp relleno, peppermint affogato, ginger monkey bread and a poinsettia cocktail consisting of Cointreau, cranberry juice and champagne and garnished with a twist of orange zest. You’ll also find this cocktail at Carthay Circle Lounge.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The festive fun doesn’t stop at the parks! You’ll also be able to find some fun and delicious holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort Hotels as well. The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel and Surfside Lounge at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will be offering eggnog, eggnog lattes and caramel apple muffins with streusel.

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you can find a Black Forest bundt cake at White Water Snacks and an eggnog latte at Hearthstone Lounge. And at the Gingerbread House Cart will be tree ornament cookies, pumpkin coffee loaf, traditional and peppermint hot chocolate, and hot cider with the option to add spiced rum.

Which of these treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort would you most like to try?

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Complete Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Get ready to celebrate the season as the holidays return to Magic Kingdom Park! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is now taking place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom Park and you won’t want to miss all of the festive sweets and treats that the Magic Kingdom Chefs have cooked up this year. Here is your complete guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party treats:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

While most of these treats are exclusive to the party, there are three items that will be available daily through Dec. 22. The first one is a holiday cinnamon roll. This Mickey-shaped treat is decorated with red and green icing as well as a white chocolate snowflake. The second item available daily is a peppermint cupcake – a red velvet cupcake filled with peppermint mousse and topped with cream cheese, buttercream, peppermint sprinkles and peppermint bark. Both of these can be found at the Main Street Bakery. And the third item – a peppermint ice cream sundae available at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Storybook Treats.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the rest of this list is sure to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, starting with some tasty Yule Log desserts! You’ll find the first at the Main Street Bakery; this Yule Log consists of white chocolate mousse, raspberry mousse, cassis pate de fruit and chocolate flourless cake. It comes covered with a red glaze, striped with white chocolate and topped with a garnish featuring Mickey and Minnie. The next Yule Log is at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and ganache featuring Chip and Dale and Donald Duck. And what’s more– both of these Yule Log desserts are gluten-friendly.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for more gluten-friendly options, over at Gaston’s Tavern, “Beauty and the Beast” fans will be excited to try this gluten-friendly Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert. This flourless chocolate cake is filled with white chocolate peppermint mousse and covered in a yellow glaze with a chocolate garnish featuring Belle dressed in her holiday best. You’ll also find a gluten-friendly Tinker Bell Dessert at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café! This dessert consists of chocolate peppermint mousse, raspberry mousse, and dark chocolate mousse with a flourless chocolate cake bottom. It’s also covered in a green glaze and garnished with a chocolate piece featuring Tinker Bell.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

It looks like Sandy Claws is “Making Christmas” again with his new cake push-pop – available at Sleepy Hollow. He’s filled his dessert with layers of orange vanilla cake, cranberry cherry mousse, white crispy pearls, cream cheese buttercream and holiday sprinkles. It’s also topped with a chocolate piece featuring none other than Sandy Claws, himself! And that’s not all, Sleepy Hollow will also be serving up decadent red velvet Mickey waffles with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and holiday sprinkles.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Finally, if you’re looking to get your egg nog fix, then look no further than Storybook Treats, where you’ll find an egg nog custard dessert, topped with spiced chocolate cake, meringue and an edible Scrooge McDuck gold coin.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you want to get in on the merry celebration and try all these delicious sweets and treats, then get your tickets today for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This winter celebration takes place on select nights though Dec. 22 at Magic Kingdom Park and includes live entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Where to Find the Gingerbread Displays at Disney World in 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As the holiday season draws near, the Walt Disney World Resort pastry chefs are bustling with excitement as they prepare their magnificent gingerbread displays at Disney World! Each year, guests travel from around the world to see the beautifully-crafted gingerbread creations that adorn our parks and resorts. Today, you can get the inside scoop on what’s in store for this year!

Starting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant will have a 3-foot long African-inspired gingerbread marketplace on display from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2, created by Pastry Chef Amber Vega. Over at Epcot, Pastry Chefs Noah French, Jason Stricker, and Crystal Saunders will be putting together two gingerbread displays at The American Adventure featuring the United States Capitol Building as well as the Lincoln Memorial. These will be on display starting Nov. 19 and will contain over 50 pounds of gingerbread! On Black Friday, Nov. 24, Pastry Chefs Yoly Lazo and Joseph Lodato from Disney Springs will have a set of gingerbread icons that celebrate the story behind Town Center; look for a display in the window of Amorette’s Patisserie where you can enjoy a sweet treat in between shopping stops.

If you’re planning to go resort hopping to see the festive holiday decorations, the deluxe resorts will be featuring gingerbread displays that you won’t want to miss. On the 4th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find the beautiful Cinderella Castle, designed by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes and his talented pastry team. This display recreates the castle in the style of legendary artist Mary Blair on a backdrop inspired by “it’s a small world.” With oversized gingerbread cookies depicting Cinderella and Prince Charming greeting guests from the castle forecourt, this 18-foot tall display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant, and a mouth-watering amount of modeling chocolate!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

This year also marks the 18th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel – a life-size, edible spinning carousel that’s become a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This year’s carousel is designed by Pastry Chefs Thomas Huebner, Jennifer Ladisky and Cindy Roman. The Lilo and Stitch-themed carousel will feature horses with hand-painted holiday characters and hand-crafted gingerbread snow flakes. See if you can spot all 18 hidden Mickeys on this display! There will also be a limited-edition pin featuring Lilo and Stitch available for purchase starting 11/17 at the Beach Club Marketplace. And right next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, you’ll also find the annual Holiday Miniature Train! These beautiful holiday displays will be in the lobbies of each resort starting Nov. 17.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And for the “Grand” finale, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is celebrating the 19th anniversary of its famous life-size gingerbread house, which will be located in the main lobby of the resort now through January 1, 2018. Each year, the Grand Floridian pastry team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, spend over 400 hours baking the gingerbread and over 160 hours constructing and decorating the house, which also contains The Bake Shop. There you can find gingerbread ornaments, cookies, and gingerbread house kits, all made using a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria. On Nov. 18, there will be a pin trading event with a special limited-edition pin featuring the penguins from “Mary Poppins.” What’s more, decorating aficionados will be excited to attend gingerbread house decorating demos conducted daily in the lobby in front of the display starting Dec. 1.

Note: Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is for the exclusive use of guests with confirmed rooms, dining and recreation reservations. However, bus transportation is available from each of the four parks and Disney Springs. Guests may also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and visit Epcot, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Celebrate with the Season with One of the Disney World Holiday Tours

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Walt Disney World Resort is quickly becoming a winter wonderland. Are you interested in learning the secrets behind this magical, festive transformation? The two Disney World holiday tours, Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy and Disney’s Holiday D-Lights, offer the chance to go behind the scenes of the astonishing annual decorating efforts throughout the Theme Parks and Resorts.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy takes you backstage to learn just how Walt Disney World Resort gets dressed up for the holiday season and watch the “elves” themselves, the cast members of Holiday Services at work. From holiday celebrations around the world at Epcot to the traditional trimmings of Main Street U.S.A. you don’t want to miss this dazzling wonderland of holiday secrets.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Holiday D-Lights is offered on 12 select nights throughout the season. During this tour, you will have the chance to meet with Event & Decorating Support cast members and discover how some of the most cherished holiday customs are brought to light at Epcot and Magic Kingdom Park. You will learn how they decorate Cinderella Castle with thousands of twinkling lights and experience the iconic Candlelight Processional.

Don’t miss out on unwrapping the holiday magic with these unique Disney World holiday tours! Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy and Disney’s Holiday D-Lights are only offered seasonally throughout November and December. Call 407-WDW-Tour for reservations or ask your travel agent for assistance in booking one of these Disney World holiday tours.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Brand New Disneyland Resort Hotel Set to Open in 2021

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney has recently revealed some exciting news about continuing expansion and growth of the Disneyland Resort. For the first time in almost two decades, there will be a new Four Diamond hotel! Set to open in 2021, this new Disneyland Resort hotel will transform the west end of the Downtown Disney District and anchor a new gateway to the Disneyland Resort.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park.

Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. In addition, an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland park fireworks.

The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for our Disneyland Resort guests.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And that’s not all. This new hotel creates great benefits for the community, generating approximately $25 million in new taxes in its first five years of operation that go directly to Anaheim’s general fund. It also will create thousands of additional construction and permanent jobs and attract new hotel guests to the resort area.

Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2018, with a grand opening of the new Disneyland Resort hotel slated for 2021.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Three New Experiences at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’ve visited Disney’s Wilderness Lodge over the last couple years, you probably saw and experienced the vast construction and changes happening at the resort. I’m excited to share that the construction has wrapped up and there are a number of new experiences at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that I’m sure you will enjoy (when you aren’t taking a water taxi just around the river bend to Magic Kingdom Park).

Swimming: The new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool dramatically expands and re-imagines (with an abandoned rock-quarry theme) the former Hidden Springs Pool, creating a completely new oasis between the new and existing villas, complete with a whirlpool spa and six shaded seating areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis). The new pool complements the nearby Copper Creek Springs Pool (formerly known as the Silver Creek Springs Pool), which features a 67-foot water slide, hot and cold whirlpool spas and an adjacent water-play area for kids.

Lounging at the lake: The new Geyser Point Bar & Grille has elevated the experience of lounging around the lake, with its casual (and comfortably covered) seating areas, unique food items (American classics with distinctive tastes of the Pacific Northwest) and artisanal cocktails (featuring liquors from Pacific Northwest distilleries). The picturesque views of Bay Lake illuminate after dark with the nightly arrival of the famed Electrical Water Pageant.

Pampering by the Springs: The new Salon by the Springs, officially opening soon at the site of the resort’s former Trout Pass Pool Bar, will be designed to offer a full menu of salon services, including manicures, pedicures and hair styling, with appointments bookable through Member Services or by pressing the Massage/Health Club button on your in-room phone at the lodge.

While these are three new ways to unwind in the woods, there are plenty of others. What are some of your favorite ways to spend the day at the lodge?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Three New Italian Restaurants to Open at Disney Springs This Winter

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Three New Italian Restaurants to Open This Winter at Disney Springs

Coming this winter, three modern Italian restaurants will be arriving at Disney Springs. These restaurants, all new concepts created by the Patina Restaurant Group, each feature unique menus and authentic Italian food in a beautiful and expansive dining complex. The complex will be located adjacent to The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style destination also being developed by Patina. The new concepts all tie into Disney Springs’ storyline of a restored Florida waterfront town, bringing unforgettable food and wine direct from Italy to the Sunshine State, with stunning scenery you can only find at Disney Springs.

The first concept, called Maria & Enzo’s, is a trattoria set in the town’s abandoned 1930’s airline terminal which has now been transformed into an open and airy restaurant. Featuring gorgeous views of Lake Buena Vista and incredible 50-foot ceilings, the interior dining room is adorned with artifacts that reflect air travel of the time such as maps and historic flight paths. Inspired by Sicily, the menu has a delightful range of family-friendly dishes – Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan), and handmade pastas including Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab) and ‘Ncasiata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – all served tableside. Other delectable highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

The second concept is Enzo’s Hideaway – Enzo’s own personal speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars. Located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s and steeped in Florida’s true history of rum-running, Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman Dishes such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Finally, Pizza Ponte rounds out the group with a fast-casual restaurant serving pizza, pastries, Italian sandwiches and espresso. With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, Pizza Ponte is the ideal place quick bite. On the savory side, the menu features Pizza al Taglio (Sicilian-style pizza served by the slice), signature Tirangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, and Porchetta (roast pork). To satisfy your sweet tooth, pastry specialties include Bombolini (Italian donuts), Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream), and Tiramisu.

Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte are set to open at Disney Springs this winter, and are sure to leave you saying, “Delizioso!” If you want to learn more about the Pantina Restaurant Group and their incredible restaurants such as these, visit www.patinagroup.com

These new concepts are just the beginning of a whole new list of exciting food and beverage concepts coming to Disney Springs. Coming soon are new locations such as The Edison, Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo by José Andrés, and Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill! Stay tuned for more updates on these amazing new locations.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Out of this World Food and Beverages at Star Wars Galactic Nights 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Out of this World Food and Beverages at Star Wars Galactic Nights 2017

Calling all Star Wars fans – Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16, 2017 with out-of-this-world food and beverage offerings that are sure to leave you dreaming of a galaxy far, far away …

This year’s event will be a real treat for foodies and Star Wars fans alike. Drawing inspiration from the beloved characters, worlds and stories, the chefs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have created a whole host of gourmet bites just for the occasion!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New on the menu this year are items such as the Shrimp and Chorizo Skewer. A tribute to the hearty appetite of the Wookiees, this generously-loaded skewer is complete with Chorizo sausage, sweet potato hash and shrimp. Other new items include the Tatooine Bisque, inspired by the sandstorms and moisture farms of Tatooine with rutabaga, turnips, carrots and parsnips; and the Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn, which is based on the iconic garbage chute scene in Episode IV! This popcorn comes loaded with cookies, caramel, chocolate and pecans.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Returning this year are fan favorites, like the popular Lightsaber Churro! Choose between the Light Side and the Dark Side with these Lightsaber-themed churros, offered with red or blue sugar and a Lightsaber Hilt. Or let the battle begin with the Lightsaber Churro Sundae, a vanilla ice cream sundae topped with chocolate sauce and red and blue churros.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the beverages, cool off with the classic Jettison Juice, a refreshing watermelon lemonade served with a Death Star Glow Cube – good for all ages! For the adults, try the Skywalker Wine Flight. Straight from Skywalker Vineyards in Marin County, California, this flight consists of Sommità Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Rosé, and Sommità Pinot Noir.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And this is just the beginning! For a full list of all the exciting food and beverage items that will be offered at the event, check out the Star Wars: Galactic Nights website. Get ready to jump to hyperspace as you navigate the galaxy to find all the galactic goodies available this year, because these are bites you won’t want to miss!

Now, if you’re looking at these items and just can’t decide on one dish, try the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package! With this sampler package, you can taste a selection of five items – with up to 25 different specialty items and beverages (alcohol included) to choose from. In addition, you can also use this sampler for any Disney Dining Plan Snack-eligible items throughout the park. You can book the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package online or call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Remember, these special Star Wars-themed offerings are exclusive to this event, so purchase your tickets today for Star Wars: Galactic Nights if you want to get in on the action! This event will take place on December 16, 2017, from 7p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and DVC Members. Call 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639) for details and reservations.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.