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Complete List of 2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menus

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Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Spring is almost here and you know what that means … the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! With flavors in full bloom and dishes waiting to be cultivated from March 2 through July 4, this year’s celebration is not one to be missed. With so many delicious items to try, we are sharing the 2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival menus early so you can start planning your must-have treats!

Once you see the tasty options available, your appetite will be sure to grow. With nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens, there is a perfectly harvested combination of new delights like the BLT Scone at Cider House and fan favorites like the Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board back in season. There’s so much to enjoy this year – you and your tastebuds will want to keep coming back for more.

As you eat your way through the Festival, don’t forget to pick up a Festival Passport to participate in Garden Graze, a returning food stroll featuring five delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens. Get a stamp in your passport after you’ve purchased the items and once you’ve compiled all five, simply make your way to Pineapple Promenade to receive your Festival-exclusive treat.

If you know anything about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you know that the fresh flavors aren’t the only fun to be had. This celebration is filled with adorable topiaries featuring some of your favorite characters, renowned performers for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and, of course, exclusive merchandise to bring the fun home with you. The little ones can get in on the fun too with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, a scavenger hunt for the whole family!

Now, it’s time to see all the 2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menus!

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth

(Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Seared Salmon with farro risotto and micro herbs
  • Strawberry Mousse with chocolate-crisp pearls

Beverages:

  • Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
  • Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

EPCOT Sunshine Griddle

(Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

  • Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
  • Corned Beef Brisket Hash with house-made potato barrels, onions, peppers, cheese curds, and a soft-poached egg with Tabasco hollandaise (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

  • Froot Loops Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, rum and coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board

Food Items:

  • Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with jalapeños, bacon, and house-made whipped honey butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with whipped honey-ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, and goat cheese
  • Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with orange blossom honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
  • Lemonade Mead
  • Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

The Citrus Blossom

(Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork Belly, with avocado cream, corn salsa, salsa verde, and plantain chips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (New)
  • Tuna Tataki Bowl with spicy yuzu glaze, mango, avocado, and pappadam crisp
  • Grapefruit Tart: Grapefruit curd, lychee jam, ginger mousse, and yuzu cream (New)

Beverages:

  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
  • Key Lime Hibiscus Ale
  • Orange Peel Ale
  • Citrus Honey Cream Ale
  • Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  • Beer Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Refreshment Port

(Near Canada)

Food Items:

  • House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers Poutine (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Salted Cucumber Apple Hard Cider
  • Lavender Martini: Vodka with lavender and lemon
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Pineapple Promenade

(Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  • DOLE Whip (Plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
  • Tropical Hefe Wheat Ale
  • Fresh Pressed Mango, Pineapple, and Guava Wheat Ale
  • Hazy Pebbles Fruity Hazy Milkshake
  • Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with mango cream liqueur
  • Pineapple Beer Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™

(Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Baby Vegetables with hummus cream and red pepper coulis (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Impossible Sausage and Kale Soup (Plant-based)
  • Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise (Plant-based)  
  • Chocolate Cake with whipped cassis mousse, raspberry gelato, and fresh raspberries (New) (Plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea (non-alcoholic)   
  • Bloom Hazy IPA
  • Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea with lime vodka served in a mason jar
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

  • Pineapple Skewer with tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based)
  • Tangerine soft-serve

Beverages:

  • Tangerine Cream Ale
  • Blueberry Lemonade Hard Cider
  • Organic Blonde Ale with passion fruit
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

(Germany)

Food Items:

  • Potato Pancakes with house-made applesauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted Gruyère cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries

Beverages:

  • Hugo Lager
  • Premium Pilsner
  • Raspberry Radler
  • Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
  • Beer Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Magnolia Terrace

(American Adventure)

Food:

  • Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, mussels, crawfish, potatoes, corn, and Andouille sausage
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice (New)
  • Grilled Oysters with Cajun butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • House-made Boudin Bites featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice
  • Pecan Praline (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and Minute Maid orange juice
  • Orange Coriander Wheat Ale
  • American Light Ale
  • Double IPA
  • Beer Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

(Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Mediterranean Flatbread with za’atar, artichokes, olives, mozzarella, and feta cheese (New)
  • Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Mimosa
  • Ginger and Elderberry Ale
  • Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Blackberry Mint Mead
  • Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

La Isla Fresca

(Between Morocco and France)

Food:

  • Arepas topped with melted queso fresco (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado ají, and tomato sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Arepa topped with chorizo (New)
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

  • Tropical Breeze: Lemonade, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup (non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Coconut Key Lime Ale
  • Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with rum (New)
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

EPCOT Farmers Feast

(Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (available March 2 through April 9)

  • Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with chive oil and crispy leeks (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Char-grilled Bison Ribe-Eye with creamy leek fondue, roasted carnival cauliflower, Romanesco and port wine-goat cheese butter (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Goat Cheese Creamsicle Pop: Goat cheese Crémeux, orange cream, olive oil cake, cranberry sauce, and praline (New)
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Springtime Menu (available April 10 through May 21)

  • Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta (New)
  • Herb-crusted Spring Lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine butter sauce
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Summer Solstice Menu (available May 22 through July 4)

  • Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella with burrata cheese and fresh basil
  • Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • A Whole Lotta Melon: Feta cheesecake with watermelon curd, pickled watermelon rind, watermelon caramel, and compressed watermelon (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages (available throughout the Festival):

  • Raspberry Lemon Verbena Whole-Leaf-Steeped Sparkling Hard Tea
  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring hibiscus gin
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Cider House

(United Kingdom)

Food Items:

  • BLT Scone with Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon, sundried tomato, and basil (New)
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with whipped cream

Beverages:

  • Pink Lemonade Hard Cider
  • Watermelon Hard Cider
  • Triple Jam Hard Cider
  • Pure Brewed Organic Lager
  • Snakebite: Triple jam hard cider and pure brewed organic lager
  • Cider Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Northern Bloom

(Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and applewood-smoked bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with garden vegetables
  • Griddled Maple Pound Cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato

Beverages:

  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Blonde Ale
  • Blueberry Fruit Beer
  • Apricot with Maple Syrup Blonde Ale
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with maple rye whisky
  • Beer Flight
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Jardin de Fiestas

(Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Enchilada de Mole Negro: Chipotle chicken in a corn tortilla with mole negro, avocado mousse, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa beef in a corn tortilla with crispy grilled Monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Tostada de Chorizo: Plant-based Chorizo and black beans on a crispy corn tortilla with avocado mousse and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

  • Poppy Flower Margarita: Tequila blanco, hibiscus flower tea, cucumber juice, aperitivo, and blackcurrant liqueur with a chile salt rim
  • Hypnotic Margarita: Tequila blanco, mezcal, rosemary syrup, cognac, and lemon juice
  • Craft Mexican Lager
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Lotus House

(China)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer (New)
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Beverages:

  • Rose Bubble Milk Tea (non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Jasmine Draft Beer
  • Marco Boba: Amaretto, iced coffee, milk, and boba
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
  • Tang Dynasty: Tequila gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, white boba pearls, and soda water
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Primavera Kitchen

(Italy)

Food Items:

  • Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls stuffed with braised beef served with grape tomato salad and balsamic emulsion
  • Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli with sweet corn, spring vegetables, and cream sauce
  • Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian doughnut with raspberry sauce and powdered sugar

Beverages:

  • Pilsner                                                                                    
  • Pinot Grigio                                                                           
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco                                                                                
  • Rosa Regale
  • Moscato                                                         
  • Italian White Sangria with prosecco
  • Italian Red Sangria with cabernet sauvignon
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Hanami

(Japan)

Food Items:

  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and cantaloupe wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, berry sauce, and toasted coconut
  • Chicken Yakitori: Grilled chicken with scallions, red pepper-shoyu emulsion, and pickled onions
  • Beef Tataki: Seared sirloin with red shiso sauce, watermelon radish, and sprouts

Beverages:                                                                

  • Yuzu Tilted Tonic Hard Seltzer
  • Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake
  • Cucumber Cooler: Sake, vodka, and cucumber garnished with a cucumber slice 
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Fleur de Lys

(France)

Food Items:

  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic (New)
  • Pan Bagnat Classique: The Niçoise Sandwich with house-made bread, albacore tuna mayonnaise, tomato, black olives, lettuce, and celery (New)
  • Salade de Lentilles à la Lyonnaise: French Green Lentil Salad with bacon and garlic sausage (New)
  • Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Beverages:

  • French Wheat Draft Beer
  • VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
  • Grand Mimosa Cocktail with orange liqueur, Champagne, and orange juice
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, orange vodka, and liqueur with white and red cranberry juice       
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Funnel Cake

Food Item:

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake topped with strawberry ice cream, cheesecake crumbles, strawberry drizzle, and whipped cream (New)
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Image: Disney

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Minty Melon Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of watermelon-cucumber-mint juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring Watermelon-Basil Vodka) (New) 

Near Canada: Strawberry Fields Refresher – A lightly caffeinated blend of strawberry açaí juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring strawberry-lemongrass vodka) (New) 

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Pink Paradise Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of refreshing dragon fruit-lychee juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring watermelon-basil vodka) (New)

The American Adventure –  Wildberry Wonder Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of wildberry-hibiscus juice with strawberries and blueberries (New) (Spirited option available featuring tropical rum)

I hope you’re as excited to try everything from the 2022 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival menus as I am. Enjoy all the excitement ahead from the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival and don’t forget to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #FreshEPCOT!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Disney Wonder to Sail from San Diego Beginning Fall 2022 through Spring 2023

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Disney Wonder

Beginning in Fall 2022 and continuing through Spring 2023, the Disney Wonder will offer Disney Cruise Line guests 3-, 4-, 5- and 7-day cruises to Baja, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego, California. In fact, it will be Disney Cruise Line’s longest season yet from this popular southern California homeport!

Disney Wonder

Home to 11 decks overflowing with restaurants, pools, recreation, imaginative kid’s clubs, adult-exclusive hotspots, special encounters with Disney characters, a spa and Broadway-caliber shows, the Disney Wonder is filled with adventure and plenty of Disney magic. And that’s not all! Your family can dine with Princess Tiana herself at Tiana’s Place, a restaurant inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.” While you might enjoy the live jazz music, this restaurant is always a guest favorite because of the southern cuisine. We highly recommend the beignets for dessert!  

In case that wasn’t enough, your family can also choose itineraries that include limited-time Halloween and holiday activities. Imagine experiencing the magic of the seasons at sea, including Halloween on the High Seas voyages and – for the first time from San Diego – Very Merrytime holiday cruises! Or, if you’re looking to escape winter back home to soak up magical fun, sun and relaxation while taking in the natural splendor of sun-kissed seaside towns, you can opt for one of the early 2023 sailings.

San Diego, Disney Wonder’s homeport for this extended season, is a picture-perfect urban gem worthy of a stay before or after your cruise. Balboa Park and Old Town speak to the city’s Spanish colonial heritage, while the world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals of more than 650 species.

From San Diego, the Disney Wonder will set sail to popular destinations, alive with color and culture. Ports include:

  • Mazatlan, the renowned “Pearl of the Pacific” and the perfect beachside escape with breathtaking natural wonders, thriving culture and colorful history.
  • Cabo San Lucas, a favored destination with dramatic rock formations and white-sand beaches.
  • Puerto Vallarta, a beautiful seaside resort wrapped around romantic Banderas Bay and bordered by the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains, where outdoor adventures abound.
  • Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain.
  • Catalina Island. Fabled in song and legend, Catalina abounds in wildlife, outdoor adventures and seaside charm. No visit is complete without stopping at the vast Wrigley Memorial Botanical Gardens or the gilded splendor of the Catalina Island Casino, a showplace that was beautifully restored to its 1930s Art Deco magnificence as a reminder of the island’s glorious past.
Disney Wonder

Unforgettable awaits! Cruises from California aboard the Disney Wonder will open for booking on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

2023 Adventures by Disney River Cruise to Return to Rhine, Danube and Seine

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Adventures by Disney river cruise
Image: Disney

Have you been dreaming of your next bucket list European vacation? Well, I have some very exciting news for you! 2023 Adventures by Disney river cruise itineraries are now available!

Adventures by Disney just announced a return to three enchanting rivers in 2023: Rhine, Danube and Seine. With 27 action-packed departures that include family, adult-exclusive and holiday-themed sailings, you’ll experience firsthand the people, places and stories of iconic destinations. Plus, their team of specially trained Adventure Guides will provide a seamless and authentic experience that is marked by Disney’s signature service.

Adventures by Disney river cruise
Image: Disney

Family Vacations in the Heart of Europe

Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, Adventure by Disney’s eight-day, seven-night river cruises are filled with active, immersive experiences.

On Rhine River cruises, guests will explore storybook villages in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Highlights include a toboggan ride through the black forest, high-adrenaline thrills at an indoor winter park and a voyage through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley offering up-close views of 30 majestic castles.

Danube River sailings visit eight unforgettable destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, where adventurers will roam medieval ruins, scale treetop rope bridges and marvel at the rolling hills made famous in “The Sound of Music.” 

Seine River cruises will celebrate the magnificence of rural France with visits to picturesque provincial towns, the historic beaches of Normandy, Monet’s House and Gardens, the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, and Paris – the “City of Lights.”

Plus, Adventures by Disney guests can extend their Seine river cruise vacation with a three-day, two-night Paris Escape. From spectacular views of the “City of Lights” to a private walking culinary tour and an immersive visit to the Louvre Museum guided by a local expert, you won’t want to miss this pre-cruise package.

Specialty, Seasonal and Themed Departures 

The 2023 Adventures by Disney river cruise lineup includes a variety of specialty sailings that feature themed offerings onboard and onshore, in addition to the excursions and entertainment already built into each itinerary.

Special adult-only vacations include themed Oktoberfest sailings on the Danube River and Food and Wine cruises on the Rhine River, each offering an extra serving of refinement and fun for culinary connoisseurs and “foodies” alike. Also on the Danube and Rhine, families can discover the spirit of the holiday season during festive Christmas Market cruises.

2023 Adventures by Disney river cruise bookings will open to the public on January 28, 2022.

If you’re interested in booking a vacation on 2023 Adventures by Disney river cruise sailings, you can take advantage of Adventure by Disney’s Early Booking Offer savings of $500 per person. You can also sail into summer with Adventures by Disney’s 2022 River Cruise Offer savings of $500 per person on select Rhine or Danube river cruises. Availability for these offers is limited.

To learn more about Adventures by Disney or to book a vacation, call Siera at (734) 771-1290 or email siera@destinationstoexplore.com.

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Let’s Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day 2022

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Happy National Plan for Vacation Day!

National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), celebrated on the last Tuesday in January, is a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the start of the year— and inspire them to use those days to travel to and within the United States. Since 2015, when the travel industry and partners began tracking American vacation usage, survey findings have continuously shown that vacation days are not being used, negatively affecting mental health, personal relationships and job performance. National Plan for Vacation Day helps highlight the importance of taking time off to travel—both for our personal health and wellbeing and for the overall economic prosperity of our nation. This year’s National Plan for Vacation Day is on January 25, 2022. Together, using #PlanForVacation, we are reminding Americans to commit—and take—their days off. How will you celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day 2022?

National Plan for Vacation Day
Image: U.S. Travel Association

After two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are feeling burned out and ready for a change of scenery. However, COVID-19 related health and safety concerns and increased workloads have prevented many American workers from using their hard earned time off. Americans are STILL not using all of their vacation days.

American workers left an average of more than four days or 29% of their paid time off on the table last year, but the majority of Americans (64%) say they desperately need a vacation.

Planning Vacations Reduces Burnout

National Plan for Vacation Day
Image: U.S. Travel Association
  • More than two-thirds (68%) of American workers feel at least moderately burned out and 13% are extremely burned out
  • More than half (53%) of remote workers are working MORE hours now than they were in the office and 61% now find it more difficult to unplug from work
  • COVID-19 related concerns followed by work related barriers such as heavy workloads and lack of coverage are top reasons preventing Americans from using their paid time off
  • Just one-quarter of Americans used ALL of their earned time off in 2021
  • Nearly eight in 10 (79%) believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being
  • Avoiding burnout was the top-rated motivator to book a trip in the next six months—ranked even higher than travel discounts/deals

Travel Remains a Top Priority

  • More than nine in 10 (91%) Americans say it is important to use their paid time off to travel
  • Nearly eight in 10 (79%) believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being
  • Nearly six in 10 (59%) agree that travel is more important than ever and 61% plan to make travel a top budget priority in 2022

Vacation Planning WORKS!

  • The three-quarters of Americans who planned out their paid time off for the year were more likely to use their paid time off to travel in 2021
  • 53% of planners anticipate traveling more in 2022 versus 27% of non-planners
  • More than nine in ten (91%) Americans say it is important to use their paid time off to travel
  • Close to eight in ten (79%) of Americans believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being

The Impact of Planning

National Plan for Vacation Day
  • Americans who plan out their time off take more time off to travel—but one-quarter (24%) of American households don’t do this simple step. As a result, they lose or have to forfeit these days
  • Planners prioritize traveling with their paid time off, a trend that is expected to continue to rise in 2022 where 53% of planners anticipate traveling more than previous years versus 27% of non-planners
  • And planners actually do travel more than non-planners. More than half (56%) of Americans who typically planned their time off took an overnight vacation in 2021 compared to 33% of non-planners
  • Anticipating and planning travel makes Americans happy. Close to three-quarters (74%) of planners reported being extremely or very happy anticipating and planning vacations in the next year versus just four in 10 of non-planners
  • Avoiding burnout is an even greater motivator to book a trip for non-planners than planners—62% of non-planners rated avoiding burnout as a top motivator compared to 53% of planners

Planning: A Key to Happiness

National Plan for Vacation Day
Image: U.S. Travel Association

Those who plan for vacations are happier in general—with everything from their personal relationships to their work/life balance, health and well-being and even their job.

Extremely or Very HappyPlannersNon-Planners
On Vacation86%67%
Personal Relationships with Family and Friends80%58%
Work/Life Balance72%54%
Job Flexibility72%53%
Anticipating and Planning Vacations74%40%
Physical Health and Well-Being72%46%
Company Where You Work68%53%
Job68%50%
Source: Destination Analysts, 2021 & U.S. Travel Association

Ready to start planning your next vacation? Here are a few ideas to help get you started…

Walt Disney World Resort

National Plan for Vacation Day
Image: Disney

It’s always a magical time to plan a visit to the most magical place on earth, but 2022 is extra special with the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. We recently shared 22 reasons why you should plan to visit Disney World in 2022! Plus, you may be able to take advantage of a special offer for additional savings when you travel March 6- July 7, 2022.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort

There’s never been a better time to start planning your epic trip to Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando Resort features incredible theme park adventures that allow you to let go and live in the moment with those you care about most. There’s plenty to explore at Universal Orlando Resort – home to three theme parks featuring more than 60 world-class attractions combined, eight magnificently-themed resort hotels, destination-wide entertainment and Universal CityWalk.

We have customizable vacation package options perfect for any visitor. Learn more about Universal Orlando Resort’s new offer for 2 days free or the Exclusive Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package.

Perfect Day at CocoCay with Royal Caribbean

This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. You can conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with their own floating cabana. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay — only on Royal Caribbean®

You can learn more about why your family will love a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation or 10 reasons to spend a perfect day at CocoCay.

All Inclusive Resorts

Ready to just unplug and recharge? Don’t want to have to worry about cooking or anything while you’re on vacation? Maybe an all inclusive getaway is the best fit for you. There are resorts available for for couples and families. You can find some of our favorite all inclusive resorts for families here.

National Plan for Vacation Day

Special thanks to the U.S. Travel Association for sharing these statistics with us!

22 Reasons to Visit Disney World in 2022

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It’s always an exciting time to plan a visit to the most magical place on Earth! But, 2022 is looking like an extra magical year at the Walt Disney World Resort! Today, we are sharing 22 reasons why you should plan to visit Disney World in 2022!

1. The World’s Most Magical Celebration

Cinderella Castle

The World’s Most Magical Celebration, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, began October 1, 2021 and will continue for 18 months so you can enjoy this celebration throughout all of 2022!

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are hosting “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” while decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale are also sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks. You can see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom Park several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”

These eight friends are even featured in special golden character sculptures at Magic Kingdom Park. There are 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that are displayed across all four theme parks.

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” features icons at each of the four parks transforming into Beacons of Magic at night, exclusive merchandise, new food and beverage offerings and even an update look for the iconic Cinderella Castle.

2. Typhoon Lagoon is Now Open

Typhoon Lagoon

Surf’s up! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is open once again for guests to experience their favorite thrilling water attractions and tropical family fun. You can build your own tropical flavor DOLE Whip combinations at Snack Shack, body surf in America’s largest outdoor wave pool, plunge down Humunga Kowabunga, relax in Castaway Creek, and take a journey with friends and family down Miss Adventure Falls. 

Whether it’s the topsy-turvy architecture, storm-strewn treasures scattered around the park, or the stranded ship, Missy Tilly’s, perched upon the summit of Mount Mayday, each detail immerses guests into the magical legend of Typhoon Lagoon every time they visit the park.

3. New Nighttime Spectaculars at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

Disney Enchantment

“Disney Enchantment,” the new nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park, will take you on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” features music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

“Harmonious,” at EPCOT, is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show brings the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. “Harmonious” will invite you to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

4. Character Meet and Greets Are BACK!

Meet Mickey Mouse

You can once again have individualized time with some of your favorite Disney characters, by getting to visit with them in a themed location and snap a photo or two. You will find the Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park, Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams and the stars of Disney Junior in Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And, when you stop in to see Mickey Mouse backstage at Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., he’ll be sporting his all-new EARidescent look designed just for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!

5. Select Behind the Scenes Tours Returning February 6, 2022

Enchanting Extras Collection at Disney World
Image: Disney

For those of you with a love of animals, adventure and the outdoors – and those seeking to discover how Walt Disney’s vision, innovation and creativity brought Magic Kingdom Park to life – things are about to get a lot more exciting with the return of some fan-favorite tours from the Enchanting Extras Collection!

Guests who want to get even closer to the magic of nature and Disney now can book one of the following tours returning beginning Feb. 6, 2022:

  • Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom
  • Caring for Giants
  • Wild Africa Trek
  • Up Close with Rhinos
  • Savor the Savanna

6. Disney Genie Service

Disney Genie Service
Image: Disney

Available for all guests right in the My Disney Experience app, the new complimentary Disney Genie service offers new features that let you create your best Disney day. These features include a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things you love – helping you make the most of your park time so you can have more fun. 

Disney Genie puts guests at the center of the experience by prioritizing ways to:

  • Reduce time in lines while keeping in mind your top picks
  • Pace your day with experiences you’ll enjoy – and haven’t already done yet
  • Build around your existing plans like dining reservations and Park Hopper preferences 

7. Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Image: Disney

This annual festival, running January 14 through February 21, 2022, invites you to explore an expansive collection of visual, performance and culinary arts throughout the park. The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is also returning for this year’s festival, where you can see some of your favorite entertainers perform Disney songs live at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

During the festival, art lovers of all ages can enjoy inspirational experiences, such as:

  • Culinary delights from Food Studios around World Showcase
  • The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – a fun food stroll featuring five delicious sweet and savory treats
  • Chalk artists turning walkways into stunning landscapes and portraits
  • Photo ops where you can step into famous artwork
  • A paint-by-number mural
  • Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt
  • Performance and visual artists
  • Special festival merchandise

8. Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser to Welcome Guests Beginning March 1, 2022

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Image: Disney

The inaugural voyage of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort will depart March, 1, 2022! General bookings for this immersive adventure in a galaxy far, far away are now available.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a first-of-its-kind vacation experience that goes beyond anything Disney has created before. You’ll become the hero of your own Star Wars story during this two-night adventure, traveling the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon starcruiser and eventually making your way to the Outer Rim for a planetside excursion to Batuu. You choose how to make your way in the galaxy – maybe as a member of the Resistance, or by learning the ancient ways of the Jedi lightsaber. Maybe you prefer loyalty to the First Order or the excitement of living life like a smuggler? The decisions are up to you. 

9. EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival springs to life March 2 and runs through July 4, offering 125 days to enjoy fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.

Gardeners will marvel at thousands of blooms forming colorful, living panoramas all around EPCOT, and the entire family can experience the Health Full Trail presented by AdventHealth along the Imagination walkway to learn tips for staying well.

Fresh flavors are on the menu at the festival’s 18 Outdoor Kitchens as well as other food and beverage locations around EPCOT, offering a fresh selection of springtime fruits, vegetables, desserts and more.

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is planned to return, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre.

You’ll also find blooming keepsakes including vibrant apparel, drinkware, accessories and more with new merchandise collections launching just in time for the event.

10. Disney’s All Star Sports Resort Reopens March 31, 2022

Disney's All Star Sports Resort
Photo: Disney

Put them in, coach! Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will welcome Guests back beginning March 31, 2022. The whole family can get in the game at this Walt Disney World Resort hotel that salutes the world of competitive sports, including baseball, basketball, football, surfing and tennis. Go the distance and don’t be afraid to celebrate your inner fan amid sporty décor starring some of your favorite Disney characters.

11. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond to Premiere at Animal Kingdom

Finding Nemo: The Musical
Photo: Disney

A reimagined version of “Finding Nemo: The Musical”, based on the same beloved characters, will debut at Theater in the Wild  in 2022.

The musical retelling of this underwater tale of family, friendship and kindness will feature new story material, as well as fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.” This new show is set in the timeline of the movie “Finding Dory.” When you take a seat in the theater, you’ll find yourself at the Marine Life Institute.

12. Festival of Fantasy Parade Returns to Magic Kingdom

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade

This year will welcome the return of the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. This vibrant and joyous celebration of Fantasyland brings to the streets of Magic Kingdom Park dozens of beloved Disney characters and stories, from the Disney Princess Garden to a carnival of color presided over by none other than Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

13. Adventure Friends Cavalcade

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Image: Disney

2022 will also introduce a new character cavalcade, the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, with an exciting lineup of characters all embarking on a great journey through the park. The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade will feature the most characters of any cavalcade to date, including Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and so many more!

14. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire

Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire
Image: Disney

Live entertainment is returning to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage with a show newly enhanced for the 50th Anniversary celebration. “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will incorporate favorite scenes from the previous version of the show – with sequences inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and all his friends in their sparkling, EARidescent fashions. The show will also include an all-new, original song entitled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”

15. MagicBand+ to Debut

MagicBand+
Image: Disney

MagicBand+ will retain popular features of the original MagicBand and add functionality that unlocks new moments of magic for you. After you enter a theme park, MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition. The wearable will allow you to engage with favorite Disney moments in new ways, including:

  • Play like a bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away and find virtual bounties throughout Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 
  • Interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection,” the golden sculptures spread throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks.
  • Experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as you see your band light up and complement the magic in the skies, including the new “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park.

16. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Open at EPCOT This Summer

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
Image: Disney

Cue up your mixtape and prepare for something awesome … because it’s about to be save the galaxy time!  Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open at EPCOT this summer. This thrilling new family-friendly coaster matches the “grandosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films in what will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world. 

17. 40th Anniversary of EPCOT

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

EPCOT will celebrate its 40th anniversary on October 1, 2022! The park has been undergoing an historic transformation and we hope to see more new openings here in 2022, like Journey of Water, inspired by “Moana” where guests will have the opportunity to meet and play with magical, living water. You can also enjoy new dining options like Space 220 and the Creperie while awaiting the opening of a new quick service dining option, Connections Cafe, near the new Creations shop.

18. Fantasmic! Will Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Fantasmic returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Image: Disney

“Fantasmic!” will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022. When this incredible spectacular reopens, it will incorporate an all-new sequence featuring more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunts, stunning special effects, dazzling pyrotechnics, rousing music and more!

19. Disney KiteTails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney KiteTails

 “Disney KiteTails” takes the magic of nature and Disney storytelling to new heights, immersing everyone in a gala performance of color and movement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

This new show happens several times daily at the Discovery River Theater, near DinoLand U.S.A. As you make your way into the space, you’ll be joined by a team of performers bringing with them a colorful collection of oversized props and kites adorned with Disney animal friends from “The Little Mermaid,” “a bug’s life” and “Finding Nemo.” Original arrangements of favorite Disney tunes fill the air, and the excitement builds toward the launch of an impressive show of kites over the lagoon.

Watercraft zoom into view, pulling with them dynamic kite trains and enormous, three-dimensional kites depicting familiar characters from “The Lion King” or “The Jungle Book.” From one performance to another, you may see Baloo the bear dancing in the sky or Zazu the red-billed hornbill chasing after Simba. These remarkable kites, some as large as 30 feet in length, are inflated by moving through the air, allowing characters like King Louie or Timon and Pumbaa to soar like never before!

20. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT is Now Open

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

You can see everyone’s favorite “Little Chef” when you ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the newest attraction at EPCOT! In this delicious new attraction, you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy as you scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant on a wild adventure for the whole family (no height requirement!).

21. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is Back at Hollywood Studios

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Photo: Disney

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular has recently restarted daily shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This live show, featuring Indy and Marion, allows you to watch as the daring duo dodges deadly traps, battles bad guys, leaps from tall buildings and makes thrilling escapes straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The edge-of-your-seat suspense ends with a dynamite finale!

Along the way, you’ll also get an inside look at how stunts are done in movies with demonstrations that reveal how to safely throw and take punches, fall from tall buildings, and even wield whips in the midst of complex action sequences.

22. Celebrate Animation with Cirque du Soleil’s New Show, Drawn to Life

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, is a new show inside the iconic white theatre at Disney Springs. Drawn to Life is the first theatrical collaboration between three creative icons: Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Drawn to Life celebrates Disney’s extraordinary legacy in the art of animation, from the earliest pencil sketches to the feature films of today. The classic characters and moments from Disney Animation are reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography and creative costuming alongside an original score inspired by timeless Disney music.

22 reasons to visit Disney World in 2022

Are you planning to visit Disney World in 2022? You can receive free vacation planning assistance and book your trip here!

10 Ways to Celebrate a Disney Christmas at Home

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you are spending the holidays at home or traveling to be with your loved ones, we have some fun ways to celebrate a Disney Christmas, even if you can’t be at the most magical place on Earth for the holidays. You can make some Disney Christmas recipes, watch Disney Christmas specials and movies, and more.

Disney Christmas

Disney Christmas Recipes

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

chocolate crinkle cookies
Photo: Disney

These rich, fudgy chocolate cookies from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays are coated with confectioners’ sugar that cracks — or crinkles — when they bake, giving them a snow-capped, wintry look.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating the cookies)

Directions:

1. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl until combined; set aside.

2. Add granulated sugar and oil in bowl of stand mixer. Beat on medium-low until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beating on medium-high until combined. Gradually add flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed until combined. (Note: The consistency will be similar to a brownie batter but will firm up with chilling.)

3. Tightly seal bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 24 hours) until dough is completely chilled through and able to be rolled into balls.

4. After dough is completely chilled and ready to be baked, preheat oven to 350°F.

5. Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Fill small bowl with confectioners’ sugar; set aside.

6. Remove and unwrap dough. Using medium cookie scoop to measure out dough, roll into round balls. Roll dough ball in confectioners’ sugar until completely covered on all sides. Place cookie balls at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes – do not overbake. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes.  Transfer cookies to wire rack, and let them cool until they reach room temperature.

8. Store in sealed container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Peppermint Marshmallow Wand Recipes

peppermint marshmallow wands
Photo: Disney

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

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

As a sweet gift to our Disney Parks Blog readers, we asked the candy makers to give us their recipe for Peppermint Marshmallow Wands, an easy (and yummy) holiday recipe the entire family can make and enjoy at home.  

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

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

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

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

Watch Disney Christmas Specials

Disney Christmas

Magical Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

ABC and Disney Parks will bring the magic of the holiday season into our homes with holiday specials hosted from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California! Derek and Julianne Hough will host the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade,” from Walt Disney World Resort, alongside Freeform’s Trevor Jackson (“grown-ish”) and Sherry Cola (“Good Trouble”) from the Disneyland Resort, Saturday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET/PT. Be sure to mark your calendars to watch on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic

The Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resorts truly turn into winter wonderlands when the theme parks and resorts are decorated for the holidays. Larger-than-life themed Christmas trees, miles of lights, garland and wreaths really bring the spirit of the season alive for guests visiting this time of year.

Want to take a peek behind the scenes to see how the magic is made? “Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic,” hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, is available anytime on Disney+. With special co-hosts Disney Channel’s “Descendants” star Sofia Carson and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Jordan Fisher, the festive one-hour event will reveal how the holiday magic comes alive at the Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resorts.

Noelle

One of my daughter’s favorite Christmas movies is Noelle, the Disney+ holiday film. In the Disney+ holiday comedy “Noelle,” Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.

Make Disney Inspired Gingerbread Houses or Creations

Disney World gingerbread creations

One of my favorite holiday decorations is the incredible gingerbread displays throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. From the life size gingerbread house inside the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the spinning gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, there are so many amazing displays to inspire your family’s creation!

Disney Christmas Shopping

You can add a little Disney Christmas to your home with decorations, gifts and more. We have created a 2021 holiday gift guide for the Disney fan in your life or 25 Disney gifts under $25 to help make your shopping this year a little easier!

Disney Christmas Crafts and Printables

Gingerbread Mickey Ornaments

gingerbread Mickey
Photo: Disney

With this Gingerbread Mickey template from the Disney Parks Blog, puffy paint and a few other materials, you are on your way to making an ornament that will make even Scrooge smile! Leslie Brignac, the mom behind Minnie Van Mom, is the creator of this holiday keepsake that will no doubt become a family treasure. Inspired by her daughter’s Disney themed tree, this can be created at home in six easy steps! 

Create a Disney Christmas Wreath

You can make a Disney inspired wreath to decorate your front door or home this season. We recommend one of these DIY wreaths from Disney Rewards or this Frozen 2 holiday wreath.

Disney Christmas Holiday Playlist

Disney Holiday Playlist
Photo: Disney

You can download the Disney Christmas Holiday Playlist to rock out to some Disney inspired holiday tunes. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Do you plan to have a Disney Christmas at home this year?

Magical Activities, Decor and More for the 2021 Holiday Season at Disney World

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Are you ready for the most magical time of the year during the 2021 holiday season at Disney World? The 2021 holiday season marks the return of Candlelight Processional at EPCOT and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. Learn all about the 2021 holiday season at Disney World below.

Holidays at Magic Kingdom at Disney World

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Main Street, U.S.A. is decked for the holidays with holly jolly seasonal décor and themed menu items at select locations.
  • On select evenings, special holiday projections will beam onto Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically throughout the night with the Castle transforming into a Beacon of Magic as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
  • Wave hello to Jolly Old St. Nick during special appearances through December 24
  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade returns daily from December 22-31

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • The Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel twinkles anew at the end of Sunset Boulevard during Sunset Seasons Greetings. Projection effects magically transform the park icon into snowy Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” This holiday show also alternates with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic.
  • “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” features a festive finale starring Olaf.
  • Santa Claus brings some North Pole cheer to a Merry Motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard through Dec. 24 of this year.
  • Minnie Mouse hosts a meal at Hollywood & Vine, joined by her pals in their holiday finest – and Santa, too!
  • Cheerful holiday décor throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios honors the spirit of the season.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Discovery Island springs to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals in the form of playful, life-sized artisan-sculpted puppets interacting with guests.
  • The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration. During the holiday season, there will be even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.
  • Accompanied by joyful songs of the season, Disney characters set sail down Discovery River, including limited-time voyages featuring Santa Claus through Dec. 24 of this year.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
  • The Walt Disney World shopping, dining and entertainment district transforms into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises, offering a wide array of Disney holiday merchandise, including ornaments, matching family pajamas, Spirit Jerseys and more.
  • The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth features 20 elaborately decorated themed trees, including some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
  • In the evening, guests visiting Town Center experience a magical snowfall, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Central Florida.
  • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar becomes Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
  • Santa Claus will visit Disney Springs, where guests have the opportunity to wave hello and pose for a photo through December 24 of this year.

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney World gingerbread displays
  • Iconic trees and other seasonal touches turn Disney Resort hotels into holiday hideaways.
  • Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, feature incredible gingerbread displays perfect for holiday photographs … and inspiration for holiday treats.
  • Select resorts offer holiday menus at restaurants, as well as other specialty food and drinks.

EPCOT

  • The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return November 26 through December 30 with special live entertainment, Holiday Kitchens throughout the World Showcase, a Holiday Cookie Stroll and more.
  • Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, a beloved holiday performance and Disney Parks tradition dating back to 1958 at Disneyland park, returns with a lineup of celebrity narrators telling the Christmas story, a choir of Disney Cast Members and a live orchestra.
  • Guests of all ages can take part in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt to search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world – and lost along the way!
  • A stirring and uplifting performance of music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” returns to the Showcase Plaza Stage.
  • Holiday traditions of the world come to life once again around World Showcase with unique presentations such as Las Posadasat the Mexico pavilion, the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion, a Chinese Lion Dance celebrating the new year in the China pavilion, a Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade and delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom.
  • Santa Claus will appear at EPCOT through December 24 of this year, giving guests the opportunity to wave hello and pose for a photo.

The 2021 holiday season at Disney World is an extra magical time of the year. Are you planning a visit to Disney World for the holidays?

15 Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise Line Vacation

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Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise

We absolutely love Disney cruises! They are such a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and Disney magic! We’ve taken four Disney cruises just within the last 18 months and have found that there are some items that can be really helpful to have with you to make your experience even more enjoyable! So, today, we wanted to share with you 15 things to bring on a Disney cruise!

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise for Onboard Fun

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise

Pirate Night Attire: One of my favorite parts of a Disney cruise is Pirate Night! (almost) Every Disney Cruise Line sailing offers a pirate night with a deck party, late night buffet, and fireworks at sea. Your dinner menu will even be themed to celebrate. You’ll receive bandanas from your stateroom host or hostess, but our kids always love glow sticks, costumes, eye patches, and tattoos.

Autograph Book or Photo Mat: You will have the opportunity to meet a number of Disney characters throughout your sailing! Many guests ask the characters to sign an autograph book so they can keep the signatures all together in one place. We also love these photo mats so that we can display our favorite vacation memory inside when we return home.

Fish Extender Holder: A popular experience for many Disney Cruise Line guests is the fish extender gift exchange. This gift exchange is generally organized through your cruise’s Facebook group prior to sailing. It is a fun way to exchange gifts with fellow cruisers. Some guests will also leave “pixie dust” gifts for fellow cruises without any type of organized exchange. To participate, you’ll need a fish extender holder for your gifts to hang outside of your stateroom.

Candy or Snacks for Movies & Shows: One of the few things not included in your cruise fare is the popcorn and candy available outside of the theaters. We can’t help you resist the fresh buttered popcorn smell, but you can bring prepackaged candy and snacks to enjoy during the evening Broadway style shows and movies onboard.

Magnets: Disney Cruise staterooms doors are magnetic so you can decorate your door. Show off your Disney side with magnets that can be customized with your family name, ship, sail date, and more! We also love this port hole Mickey that fits around your stateroom door’s port hole.

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise to Use In Your Stateroom

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise

Laundry Bag: Space is limited in a cruise stateroom so it can be nice to have a dedicated location for dirty clothes. Although your suitcases fit under your bed, you probably won’t want to have to pull them out to put dirty clothes away. We recommend packing a laundry bag or pop up hamper to save space and keep all of your dirty clothes easily together in one place.

Shoe Rack: As you may know, space is often at a premium in cruise staterooms. Although Disney does offer some of the largest staterooms, you can maximize your space with a shoe rack. It can be a great way to store toiletries in the bathroom or even drink cups and kids toys in the stateroom.

Clothes Pins: Clothes pins can be really useful to have in your stateroom with wet swim suits. There is a clothes line that can be hung across your bath tub. You can fit more on the line and not have to worry about anything falling off when you can secure them with clothes pins.

Night Light: If you’re in an inside stateroom, it can be pretty dark in there at night. If you are traveling with little ones or just want to be able to easily find your way around the room at night, we recommend packing a night light.

Dry Erase Board: Many guests hang a dry erase board on their (magnetic) stateroom door. This way, your fellow cruisers can leave messages or artwork. You never know who might leave you a message. It’s also especially helpful if you are traveling with any family and friends.

Magnetic Hooks: You may also find a magnetic hook helpful for hanging your lanyard inside your stateroom. These can also be used for jackets, wet swim suits, and more.

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise to Make Travel Easier

Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise

Tumblers/Cups/Water Bottles: Soft drinks are included with your cruise fare. They are readily available up on the pool deck during your Disney cruise. Although Disney provides small paper cups, we enjoy bringing something bigger and more portable like these water bottles. We especially love our stainless steel Mickey Tervis for both hot and cold beverages!

Sea Band or Non-Drowsy Dramamine: If you are concerned about motion sickness, we highly recommend packing sea bands and/or non-drowsy dramamine. It’s always better to be prepared. We’ve found rougher seas going in and out of port so you may want something to help relieve discomfort before the gift shops have opened. You can even order some dramamine for kids.

Reusable Straws: In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, Disney has eliminated plastic straws on board. Although you can request paper straws, we find that they are difficult for small children. They don’t hold up very well so we prefer to bring reusable straws like these metal straws or these silicone straws. The silicone straws even come with a cleaning brush and portable case.

Lanyards: You will receive a plastic Key to the World card for your room key and all purchases onboard. We find it convenient to wear a lanyard to easily access (and remember) our Key to the World card. We recommend one of these fun Mickey and friends lanyards.

What items have you found most useful to bring on a Disney cruise?

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Experience the 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Nov 26- Dec 30

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EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Disney chefs and mixologists are busy as elves creating tasty holiday dishes for the upcoming 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. I am so excited to share every delicious detail!

This year’s festival runs November 26 through December 30, 2021, and celebrates cherished holiday traditions from around the globe, with a variety of yuletide decorations, family-friendly activities, and the return of the beloved long-standing tradition of “Candlelight Processional.”

And what makes this festival even more magical is the added EARidescent shimmer of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort found throughout the park. Be sure to check out the named neighborhoods as part of the EPCOT transformation, including World Discovery, World Nature, World Celebration, and World Showcase.

Of course, what are holidays without delicious food and drink? The 14 Holiday Kitchens are scattered throughout all 11 World Showcase pavilions and beyond offering returning fan-favorites and delicious classic holiday dishes and festive beverages.

The fun Holiday Cookie Stroll is back this year with a sweet cookie scavenger hunt. The Festival Passport lists the five official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations, and each stop will offer a delicious cookie for purchase and a stamp for your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected all five stamps, bring your Festival Passport to the Holiday Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive a 50th anniversary celebration cookie! Complete your Holiday Cookie Stroll at your leisure – you can even bring back your stamped Festival Passport to EPCOT at any time during the festival to complete your stroll. 

And don’t forget to stop by The American Adventure rotunda, where the EPCOT pastry chefs have recreated the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and The American Adventure building in miniature gingerbread versions.

So, without any further delay, here is the Foodie Guide to the 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. Happy Holidays! 

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Kālua Pork with Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes and Mango Salad
  • Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu-Mayonnaise, and Yucca Chips (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut

Beverages:

  • Hawaiian Pale Wheat Ale (New Item)
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Melon Breeze with Spiced Rum

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

  • Cinnamon-glazed Almonds (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; (New Item)
  • Cinnamon-glazed Cashews (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Cinnamon-glazed Pecans (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Fire-roasted Chestnuts (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)

Beverages:

  • AMERICAN HERITAGE Gourmet Hot Cocoa (Non-alcoholic; New Item)
  • T.G. Lee Eggnog (nonalcoholic)
  • Sweet Nutty Stout, Orlando (New Item)
  • AMERICAN HERITAGE Gourmet Hot Cocoa with Peanut Butter Whiskey, Whipped Cream, and Candied Nuts (New Item)
  • T.G. Lee Eggnog with Peanut Butter Whiskey (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Near Port of Entry):

Food Items:

  • Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Exclusive Redemption Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (nonalcoholic)
  • Eggnog White Porter
  • Coquito Beer (New Item)
  • S’mores Black Lager (New Item)
  • Hot Cocoa with assorted alcoholic cordials
  • Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
  • Beer Flight
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Holiday Hearth Desserts (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
  • Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
  • Snowball Cookies 
  • Peppermint Bark(Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Mouse Crunch 
  • Gingerbread Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
  • Cinnamon Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic; New Item)
  • Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

  • Coquito Soft-Serve Waffle Cone (New Item)
  • Turkey Poutine – French fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions

Beverages:

  • Cranberry Hard Cider (New Item)
  • Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cocktail (New Item)
  • Coquito Soft-serve with Spiced Rum (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Scallops with Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney, and Hazelnut Croquant
  • Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes
  • Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple mousse and cranberry rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake
  • SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces (Holiday Cookie Stroll; New Item)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Coffee (nonalcoholic)
  • Maple Cinnamon Coffee Beer
  • Maple Cookie Blonde Ale (New Item)
  • Peanut Butter & Banana Porter (New Item)
  • Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Red Wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Frozen Coffee with Whisky
  • Beer Flight

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
  • Smoked Salmon Potato Latke (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Potato Latkes (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; Plant-based)  
  • Sufganiyot: Mini jelly-filled donuts
  • Black and White Cookie (Plant-based; Holiday Cookie Stroll)  

Beverages:

  • Hanukkah Beer
  • Blue Cosmo Cocktail
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Food Items:

  • Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli (New Item)
    • Lamb Kefta (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
    • Harissa Chicken (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Fig Tapenade, and Zhoug Dip
  • Almond-spiced Cake with Ginger Mousse, Orange Ganache, and Sesame Tuile (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Lavender Apple Hard Cider (New Item)
    • Ginger Tumeric Hard Cider
    • Spicy Nutmeg Hard Cider
    • Fig Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Fig Vodka, and Cranberry Juice (New Item)
    • Cider Flight
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

American Holiday Table

Food Items:

  • Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Cranberry Sauce
  • Holiday Pot Pie with Jackfruit, Mushrooms, Carrots, Peas, Onions, and Puff Pastry (Plant-based)
  • Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake with Cranberry Whipped Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds   
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE Dark Chocolate (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Bright White Ale
  • Eggnog White Porter
  • Peppermint Chocolate Stout
  • Regional White Wine
  • Regional Red Wine
  • Beer Flight

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

Food Items:

  • Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle, and Braised Red Cabbage
  • Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
  • Linzer Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hard Apple Cider
  • German-style Gold Lager (New Item)
  • Doppelbock Beer
  • Regional Riesling
  • Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine
  • Beer Flight

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Refreshment Outpost:

Food Items:

  • Coconut-Pineapple Cake with DOLE Whip (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Midnight Lager (New Item)
  • Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

The Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items

  • Pumpkin Cake Donut with Pumpkin Spice Icing (New Item)
  • Holiday Donut with Coconut and Crisp Pearls (New Item)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Donut (New Item)
  • Eggnog-Cream-filled Donut with Cinnamon Icing and Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Gingerbread Milkshake (nonalcoholic)
  • Gingerbread Stout (New Item)
  • Gingerbread Milkshake with Whipped Cream Vodka
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)

Food Items:

  • Napoleon de Saumon Fumé en Brioche: Smoked salmon napoleon with layers of smoked salmon, dill mousse, and crème fraîche mousse served in brioche (New Item)
  • Dinde Forestière, Patates Douces Rôties: Turkey with bacon, mushrooms, and onions in a mustard cream sauce served with roasted sweet potatoes (New Item)
  • Bûche de Noël Chocolat Blanc, Framboise: Chocolate Christmas log with chocolate biscuit, white chocolate mousse, raspberry cream, and chocolate fudge coating (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Vanilla vodka, vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Rosé Sparkling Wine
  • Cranberry Mimosa: Sparkling wine with orange juice and cranberry syrup
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy half-moon breaded mozzarella-filled ravioli with pomodoro sauce  (New Item)
  • Ravioli: Shrimp ravioli in scampi sauce with white wine, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley (New Item)
  • Bomboloni alla Cioccolato-Nocciola: Chocolate-filled Italian doughnut with chocolate-hazelnut spread and powdered sugar (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Sparkling Red Wine
  • Moscato
  • Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
  • Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
  • Pilsner
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Lotus Blossom Café (China) Food Items:

  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Beverages:

  • Fireworks: Tequila gold, vodka, orange juice, and mango syrup
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

Food Items:

  • Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, ikura, and yellowtail with vegetables decorated on an artistic bed of rice to celebrate the holidays
  • New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodle in a hot dashi soup with shrimp tempura, fish cake, shiitake mushrooms, and chopped green onion
  • Mont Blanc Tart: Matcha mousse tart with a sweet red bean center sprinkled with konpeito sugar candy

Beverages:

  • Chocolate Banana Boba: Cocoa, Japanese milky drink, banana syrup, and strawberry popping boba pearls (nonalcoholic; New Item)
  • Sparkling Plum Wine (New Item)
  • Chocolate Tokyo Banana: Cocoa, Japanese milky drink, banana syrup, and vodka (New Item)
  • Pomegranate Draft Lager: Rice lager with hints of pomegranate and lemon (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Chorizo served on a giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema mexicana, and pickled onion
  • Tamal de Barbacoa: Shredded barbacoa beef in a corn masa topped with ranchera salsa, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Dulce de Leche Churros sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar

Beverages:

  • Cranberry-Cinnamon Margarita: Apple-cinnamon infused mezcal, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice with a cinnamon-sugar rim (New Item)
  • Horchata Margarita: Tequila blanco, corn whiskey, horchata, and cinnamon horchata rum
  • Mistletoe Cerveza: Lager with blackcurrant liqueur (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Funnel Cake

Food Item:

  • Mini Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake:  Pumpkin funnel cake topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles (New Item)
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Photo: Disney

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Beverage:

  • Carolers’ Cold Brew – Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew with brown butter toffee, swiss chocolate syrup, and sweet cream topped with whipped cream and TWIX bar pieces (New Item)

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. For more information, visit EPCOTHolidays.com. Don’t forget to share your favorite festival dishes on social media using #EPCOTHoliday or #DisneyWorld50

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises to the Arctic, Antarctica & Galapagos in 2023

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Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise
Photo: Disney

Calling all adventurers! Have you heard the news?

Adventures by Disney has announced an all-new expedition cruise experience to the northernmost region of the earth: the Arctic! Plus, families will also have opportunities to explore Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands with additional sailings to both destinations in 2023.

Traveling aboard intimate, purpose-built ships that are specially designed to access remote destinations, guests will experience pristine natural wonders and diverse wildlife during these unforgettable adventures. A team of expert naturalists and Adventure Guides will bring the stories and cultures of these regions to life both on land and at sea during a broad range of excursions that every member of the family will enjoy.

Here’s a look at what guests will discover during an Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise in 2023.

Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise
©PONANT

New Family Expedition Cruises to the Arctic

Sailing on a chartered adventure with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions, this adventure is scheduled for two departures in June and July 2023. Families will discover the distinctive landscapes and unique wildlife of this region during special 10-day, nine-night itineraries.

On board the Le Boreal, guests will travel to the Norwegian Arctic. From exploring in Longyearbyen, the largest town of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago and the northernmost settlement on the planet with a permanent population of more than 1,000, to viewing the breathtaking glaciers of this region’s most beautiful fjord, Kongsfjorden, adventurers will embark on daily boat excursions where they may spot unique wildlife including polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes and walruses.

Plus, as an extra sprinkle of pixie dust, former Imagineer Joe Rohde will join travelers on the July itinerary to delight them with amazing tales from his impressive Disney career and share his passion for nature and conservation. He’ll also host interactive sketching sessions for guests with all levels of artistic experience.

Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise
©PONANT

Family Expedition Cruises to Antarctica

Adventures by Disney has added three new departures for the 12-day, 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises which depart in December 2022 and early 2023.

This spectacular adventure will take travelers to the southernmost tip of Argentine Patagonia to visit the resort town of Ushuaia before boarding a vessel to travel through the Drake Passage. Guests will be immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica during daily boat excursions and hikes along the continent’s shorelines. And there will be plenty of opportunities to catch glimpses of wildlife like whales, seabirds, penguins and seals in their natural habitats.

Guests booked on an Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises can learn how to dance the Tango and channel their inner cowboy while also exploring the cosmopolitan culture of Argentina’s capital by adding the four-day, three-night Buenos Aires Escape to their adventure.

Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise
©PONANT

Family Expedition Cruises in the Galápagos Islands

On board the Galápagos Legend, travelers will depart for nine-day, eight-night itineraries that explore the diverse islands and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. With five new sailings that are led by naturalists, adventurers will discover the archipelago’s spectacular vistas and remarkable diversity of plant and animal species. Trip highlights include snorkeling in turquoise waters inhabited by sea lions, reef fish and sea turtles; hiking across the islands’ diverse terrain; and paddling in transparent kayaks along sheltered coves.

The Adventures by Disney Amazon Escape allows guests to add even more fun to a Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise. Following an overnight stay in Quito, travelers will spend three or four nights on the Anakonda river boat as they explore the Amazon rainforest up close. Guests will traverse the Napo River by motorized canoe in search of the elusive pink river dolphin and enjoy a guided nocturnal rainforest walk to witness animals that would go unseen during daylight among other adventures.

Bookings for 2023 Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise itineraries are now open. 

Want to learn more about an Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise? Call Siera today at (734) 771-1290 or email siera@destinationstoexplore.com.

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!