Category Archives: Disney World

Stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for Virtual Backgrounds

Leave a reply

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney PhotoPass Studio located in the Disney Springs Marketplace is a favorite among princesses and knights who have visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but you don’t have to be on your way to the ball to have your photo taken here!

You can take a classic – or goofy – family or individual portrait on one of our standard backdrops.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for a slightly more specialized photo experience, this studio also offers those of all ages the opportunity to pose in front of virtual backdrops using a green-screen technique.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are just a few of the numerous virtual backdrop themes currently available: “Aladdin;” “Beauty and the Beast;” “Brave;” “Cars;” “Cinderella;” “Elena of Avalor;” “Inside Out;” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates;” “The Lion Guard;” “The Little Mermaid;” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers;” “Moana;” “Monsters, Inc.;” “Mulan;” “Peter Pan;” “Pirates of the Caribbean;” “The Princess and the Frog;” “Sleeping Beauty;” “Snow White;” Star Wars; “Tangled;” “Toy Story” and more!

So smile and say cheese, arrr, Agrabah, McQueen or Mickey – the choices are endless! Your photographer will make sure you have the best backdrop for your photo.

These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement or purchased individually.

If you’re looking for an even more customized offering that allows your little princess to step right into a classic Disney story, be sure to ask a photographer at the studio about a Personalized Storybook!

No reservations are needed to visit the studio, so stop by for your photo shoot whenever it fits into your day at Disney Springs!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: 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. 

10 Unique Experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Leave a reply

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As many of you know, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back in 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. With seminars, workshops, and more planned, we wanted to highlight ten unique experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are many seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists but here are a few you don’t want to miss:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries you see here on the Disney Parks Blog. After this seminar, you’ll be inspired to create Disney sculptures at home to amaze your neighbors.

Watermelon Carving – You need to see this to believe it. A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at your next party. This seminar is hosted by the National Watermelon Promotion Board and will be something to talk about!

Magic with Water – The same Disney Photo Imaging team you read about here on the Disney Parks Blog will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You’ll also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.

Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators. Drop by this seminar and watch your drawings come to life!

Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make your own food photography shine.

Inspiring Floral – Over the years, the Disney Parks Blog has covered some of the amazing work created by Disney Floral Designers. This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.

Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill.

Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit your photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.

Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.

What sounds good to you? Let us know in the comments below.

And to book any of these experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, call 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687 or ask your travel agent for assistance.

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. 

Five Fun Facts about Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Leave a reply

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Perhaps one of the lesser known characters at Walt Disney World Resort is Sonny Eclipse, Magic Kingdom Park’s resident lounge singer, at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

The “biggest little star in the galaxy” has been entertaining guests at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park since 1995. Guests can catch his 27-minute set of tunes – and wisecracks – multiple times a day while they dine.

Here are five fun facts about the one and only Sonny Eclipse:

1. Sonny’s instrument is an Astro-Organ – The “out-of-this world” instrument he uses for accompaniment is a glowing keyboard-like creation called an Astro-Organ.
2. His hometown is Yew Nork City on Planet Zork – Sonny describes his hometown as a “topsy-turvy town where the subways are up and the streets are down.”
3. Sonny’s repertoire features only original songs – Sonny’s set includes eight original songs, including “Planetary Boogie,” “Bright Little Star,” “Space Angels” “Gravity Blues” and more. The songs were co-created by Walt Disney Imagineering and composer George Wilkens, who had previously written and arranged music for the Food Rocks attraction at Epcot and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” pre-show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4. Sonny loves jokes – Sonny incorporates many jokes into his act – the cornier the better! (“You know, I recently heard the universe was expanding. Guess it’s time to loosen the asteroid belt!”).
5. Sonny has three backup singers – Sonny is backed by an invisible trio known as the Space Angels.

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. 

Black Friday Disney World Deal to Spend Christmas at Disney World

Leave a reply

Black Friday Disney World Deal: Wrap Up the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package for Exclusive Holiday Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort
You can celebrate the magic of the holidays in The Most Magical Place on Earth with the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World® Resort. With this exclusive vacation package, you will arrive on December 21 and depart on December 26, 2017 and enjoy an itinerary full of magic, including special experiences just for Guests on this package! Take a look at all the unique Yuletide offerings included in this festive offer:
  • December 21, 2017- One ticket per Guest in your party to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
  • December 22, 2017- Access to special nighttime Extra Magic Hours at Pandora- The World of Avatar within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • December 23, 2017- A special holiday Character experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • December 24, 2017- An invitation to a special Christmas Eve dinner celebration at Epcot
  • December 25, 2017- A special holiday gift delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room

This special holiday vacation package also includes a 5-night stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels plus 4-day Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper option. These exclusive packages start at $139 per person, per night, for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Hurry, this offer is only available to book through December 10, 2017 and is subject to availability.

Plus, if you book with Siera at Destinations in Florida by Monday, November 27, 2017, every child in your family will also receive a FREE pair of Mickey ears! Contact Siera today to start planning your magical holiday vacation.

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 International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

Leave a reply

(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 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

Leave a reply

(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

Leave a reply

(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

Leave a reply

(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. 

Three New Experiences at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Leave a reply

(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

Leave a reply

(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.