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The holidays are here and I don’t know about your house, but the holiday baking is well underway in my home making all kinds of wintery treats. And speaking of winter treats, we recently stopped by the Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs to learn how to make one of their most adorable candy apples – Olaf! Here’s what you’ll need: one Granny Smith apple, one candy apple stick, melted caramel, melted white chocolate, a small amount of melted dark chocolate, two chocolate candies, orange sugar, and one funnel-shaped corn chip. Check out the video above for step-by-step directions from Confectioner Matt. For more DIY holiday treat ideas, check out the list below: Holiday How-To: Make Snowman Candy Apples Holiday How-To: Making Olaf Marshmallow Treats View the full article

So many tastes, so little time. But you have until Jan. 8 to try the new Festive Foods Marketplace Kiosks at Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park. Diverse tastes take guests around the globe – we counted 40 different small bites in 14 marketplaces, and that doesn’t include classic sweets treats like peppermint bark and walnut fudge. We took the challenge of choosing our Top 5: 1) The braised beef short rib with smashed potatoes and sauerbraten sauce at Heritage Cottage, a nod to the traditional German dish with a classic sauerbraten sauce – a little bit of zing to the rich gravy. 2) Asian flavors at Good Fortune’s Feast include a refreshing chilled papaya shrimp salad with crispy noodles and a chili-garlic vinaigrette to kick up the crunch. We paired it with the smoked duck & vegetable spring roll. 3) For true comfort food, stop at Abuelita’s Kitchen for the chicken cilantro tamale with roasted tomatillo salsa verde. Sip the pomegranate margarita for a perfect pairing of savory and sweet indulgence. 4) We had to pick a drink (so many cocktails, beers and wines to choose from), and ours is the holiday eggnog cocktail with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg at Mistletoe Morsels. ‘Tis the season! 5) And a favorite sweet? Has to be the praline & bourbon whoopie pie at Winter Sliderland. A close second: the frozen chocolate milk with whipped cream and sprinkles at Yuletide Yummies. Enjoy the holidays! View the full article

The cast of Disney’s upcoming “DuckTales” reboot has been announced. David Tennant, Danny Pudi, Ben Schwartz, Bobby Moynihan, Beck Bennett, Toks Olagundoye and Kate Micucci were assembled for a video reveal with the stars of the new series singing the fan-favorite “DuckTales” theme song. Tennant... View the full article

According to the Orlando Sentinel, four more Magic Kingdom restaurants will begin serving wine and beer starting December 23, 2016. Cinderella Castle Starting next week, guests dining at Tony’s Town Square, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Skipper Canteen, and Liberty Tree Tavern will be able to indulge while dining. Magic Kingdom made headlines in 2012 when Be Our Guest Restaurant, home to the Beast and continually one of Disney World’s toughest reservations to book, became the first location ever to serve alcohol in the park. Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant Why such a big deal? Walt Disney himself famously prohibited alcohol in his original park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California (which is still a dry park, save for the ultra-exclusive. members-only Club 33); and it was his wish to not serve alcohol in the Magic Kingdom, either. So many Disney traditionalists protest the addition of beer and wine to the menus in these parks. Cinderella’s Royal Table As was the case with Be Our Guest, Disney will introduce alcohol that suits the themed menus in the four no-longer-dry Magic Kingdom restaurants. Tony’s Town Square will offer Italian wines and beers to complement its Italian menu; Liberty Tree Tavern will showcase American products like New England lagers, ciders, and domestically-produced wines; Skipper Canteen sticks to its explorer-themed menu with wines and beers from around the world; and Cinderella’s Royal Table stays regal with champagne and sparkling wines. Jungle Skipper Canteen Sign According to Disney, beer and wine will be sold only in these table-service restaurants for lunch and dinner, and will not be sold at any pop-up or external locations in the parks. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about this unprecedented expansion of alcohol options in the Magic Kingdom. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen Now Accepting Full Advance Dining Reservations Our Favorite Magic Kingdom Restaurants News: Same-Day Dining Reservations for Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

A new Star Wars Guided Tour, perfect for the ultimate Star Wars fan, is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting January 2. And reservations open now! This brand-new, seven-hour tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” guide and will include: reserved viewing for “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,”; a journey on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (for guests age 4-12); a guided exploration and character greetings at Star Wars Launch Bay; dinner at a quick-service restaurant featuring Star Wars-themed items; the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; fireworks viewing and more. The tour costs $129 per person (tax & gratuity included), Tours will be offered Mondays and Saturdays. Reserve your spot by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Star Wars Guided Tour is another magical addition to our Enchanting Extras Collection at Walt Disney World Resort. You can learn more by visiting this link. View the full article

Just as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story officially opens in theaters today, several exciting offerings inspired by this new film will also debut to the delight of guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today! First, AWR Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a new scene in the park’s existing “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show. AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor, and serve as the bodyguards and enforcers of Director Krennic of the AWR division of the Empire. The park’s Star Wars Launch Bay was also updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-wing gunship and more. Making-of footage has also been added to the the behind-the-scenes film in Launch Bay Theater. Guests visiting Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland park in California on December 16 and until supplies last only may receive a complimentary Rogue One: A Star Wars Story button. Starting tonight, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to the park. (The show will join the nightly holiday “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park now through December 31). Please check the park entertainment schedule for showtimes during your visit for more information on any of these offerings. View the full article

Four more restaurants at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will begin serving wine and beer Dec. 23. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner. They will join... View the full article

Four more restaurants at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will begin serving wine and beer Dec. 19. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner. They will join... View the full article

We are stopping into Amorette’s Patisserie today to see what’s new! Learn About: Amorette's Patisserie Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants The high-end pastry shop has showcased classy pastries from the beginning. Combining classic flavors with new and creating some of the most beautiful sugary confections we’ve ever seen, Amorette’s has been an interesting addition to Disney Springs. Why “interesting?” Well, the DFB team is split on whether or not we love this place. Some of us think it’s great; others aren’t impressed. While the eats are extraordinarily beautiful, I, personally, am not necessarily sure that they’re worth the extraordinarily high price tag. But on a recent visit we simply had to try out the brand new — and gorgeous — Mickey mousse, introduced in honor of Mickey Mouse’s birthday, and the holiday Snowball. Mickey Mousse and a Snowball When Mickey Mouse celebrated his most recent birthday, some pretty awesome treats debuted in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. But this Petit Mickey Domed Cake at Amorette’s was a showstopper. Originally the cake was reported to feature Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Milk Chocolate Mousse, and Orange Blossom Pâte de Fruit. Mini Mickey Dome Cake ©Disney I was a bit afraid that the sweet little treat would disappear soon, since it was a special offering for Mickey’s special day. But the cast members told us that the cake is here to stay! Oh — and since we first told you about it, the cake has received an updated name, and a slightly simpler ingredient. Behold: The Mickey Mousse. Pretty much the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, yes? Mickey Mousse Inside, we found a slightly different ingredient line up: Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Dark Chocolate Mousse, and White Chocolate Mousse. There was no Pate de Fruit in sight. But since I’m not a huge fan, I’m totally fine with that. We really enjoyed the two different mousses. The consistency was nice and creamy, and the flavors of the chocolate came through nicely in contrast to one another. Mickey Mousse — Cross Section This one’s a winner, and even I think it’s worth your while (and your wallet). We also couldn’t pass up the chance to try the Snowball. It’s one of the seasonal offerings you’ll find at Amorette’s right now, in addition to a Christmas Ornament Dome Cake and the seasonal Petit Cake. (We’ll be showing you pics of those selections soon, when Wendy shares her “What’s New” December post.) This one proved irresistible though, when I found out the filling was Red Velvet Cake and Cream Cheese Mousse! Snowball And that’s just what we found when we cut into it. While it doesn’t look all that interesting, again, the flavors were lovely and delicate, and we really enjoyed this fun twist on one of my favorite cake combos. Snowball — Cross Section I do have to say, however — we had a little trouble distinguishing much of a flavor difference between the White Chocolate Mousse in the Mickey Mousse and the the Cream Cheese Mousse in the Snowball. I’d like to have tasted a little more of that characteristic cream cheese tang. Still, we enjoyed both. The treats will set you back $8 a piece, the same as Amorette’s other poetically-named specialty desserts, like 49th and Broadway (NY Cheesecake) or Viennese Waltz (a Sacher Torte). And while there are other great dessert options in Disney Springs, if you’re looking for a classy, high-end option, I’d say these are good choices. Amorette’s Announcements… Now, for a little housekeeping when it comes to Amorette’s. When we visited last month, we were surprised to see that the spot wasn’t opening until 3:00PM. That may not be the case every day, but we wanted to let you know about it, just as a heads up. Also, the menu has undergone some changes. Recently, we told you about the move at Amorette’s relatively nearby neighbor, AristoCrepes, to expand their menu in some ways, and contract it in others. Signs point to the possibility of AristoCrepes closing after the holidays, but we’ll just have to wait and see. What does this have to do with Amorette’s? Well, in addition to the patisserie’s whimsical pastry creations, the kitchen is also cranking out a few crepes now as well. Crepe Menu Find a couple of hearty savory option here, like the Caprese and Ham & Cheese Crepes. Of course, there’s a sweet version offered as well, and a combo of Banana, Nutella, and Salted Caramel fit the treat bill nicely. Now, let’s hear from you! Will you be making a stop into Amorette’s this holiday season? Tell us which treat you look forward to trying the most! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Fall Petit Cake and Mickey Pumpkin Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs Review: Parfait aux Fruits and Duo Mousse Cake at Epcot’s Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie First Look and Review: Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs View the full article

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is such a magical time – even moreso after dark. I love this view of Buena Vista Street, quiet and serene after all of our guests have left for the night to dream of sugar plums and maybe the adventures that await them the following day in the parks. I hope your holiday season is as beautiful, bright and peaceful as this photo! View the full article

Last night, Disneyland Resort made its debut in the 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with our Main Street Electrical Parade-inspired boat. Appearing nightly during the Southern California holiday tradition through Dec. 18 in Newport Harbor, Calif., this specially decorated boat brings the magic of the parade to the water! See for yourself in the video below. Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Disneyland park for a limited engagement beginning Jan. 20. View the full article

New Restaurant Inspired By ‘Princess and the Frog’ | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

If ever there was a reason for runners to turn to the dark side, this is it. Our friends at Star Wars recently revealed the 2017 runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side at Walt Disney World Resort medals. The medals were unveiled on the “The Star Wars Show” – which also featured the cast of Rogue One! Here’s a closer look for our Disney Parks Blog fans! runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go: Star Wars 5K & Star Wars 10K: Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – & Dark Side Challenge: Those who run the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side and the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side will be awarded the Kessel Run Challenge medal: Register now to earn one of the medals, coming April 20-23, 2017, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Let us know which race you are participating in using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf and make sure to follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram as we share more about this exciting event. View the full article

When the weather outside is frightful, Red Mint Marshmallows in a piping hot cup of hot chocolate are so delightful! Today, I’m sharing the second recipe in our Bring Home the Magic: Holiday Edition series, a sweet treat from Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park. You can find these homemade marshmallows in the white hot chocolate at the Treats for Santa Marketplace, but at home you serve them with your favorite kind of hot chocolate. These minty marshmallows are perfect for treat swaps, a hot cocoa bar at a holiday party or a great gift (package up a few to give with hot cocoa). View the full article

With its typically simple ingredients, slight char to the crust and chewiness, Neapolitan pizza is a hard style to beat. It’s the main event at Epcot's Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. Executive Chef Charlie Restivo walked us through firing up a few of the pizzas in the restaurant’s huge 900-degree... View the full article

After a robust transformation of the ship from bow to stern, Disney Wonder cruisers are having a blast checking out all that’s new for kids, adults and families. And as Cruise Director, I’m having a blast, too! Take a look at this video too see some of the fun you can expect on your next Disney Wonder cruise. One of the coolest parts of a Disney Cruise Line vacation is that you don’t even have to step off the ship to make incredible memories with your family. The ship itself is a fun-filled destination with so much to enjoy for guests of all ages, and that’s one of the reasons we’re constantly adding new spaces and experiences to all of our ships. Tell us, which Disney ship is your favorite? View the full article

Today our countdown to Christmas continues with another holiday graphic produced by Disney artist Simone Miranda and team. In it, Lady, Tramp, Bolt, Zero and more Disney’s pups celebrate together. There may be “Ten Dogs a Barking,” but we wouldn’t mind, as long as it’s this cute bunch. Click below to see previous ‘countdown’ posts: – Holiday Countdown: Eleven Epcot Countries – Holiday Countdown: Twelve Monorail Trains View the full article

Celebrating the season at a Disney Park this month? Keep an eye out for our Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. These cards come in four different designs featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, accompanied with coordinating mitten-shaped Disney Trading Pins. All four of these Disney Gift Card designs are loaded with $75 and include a mitten-shaped Disney Trading Pin featuring the same character as the card. Treated with a special glitter layer, these pins can only be purchased as part of this limited-edition Disney Gift Card holiday series. Give the gift of Disney with a Disney Gift Card that is simple for you and perfect for them. It can be used for practically all things Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney PhotoPass, Disney Store locations in the US and online at DisneyStore.com. For more information on the Disney Gift Card and for more holiday designs, please visit DisneyGiftCard.com. View the full article

Day-long celebrations thrill both Jedi-in-training and Jedi Masters of the family CELEBRATION, Fla. – In 2017, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day-long celebration aboard 15 special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea. Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other. Occurring one day during each of 15 Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, encounters with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include: Force-filled Fun for Everyone Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Sabine, Ezra and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for interactions and photos. Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, putting their knowledge of the film and television sagas to the test. Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and cosplay and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium. Guests can watch “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of standalone Star Wars films, as well as all seven films in the Star Wars Younglings Use Their Power In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and put their skills to the test in a final face-off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister. In “Padawan Mind Challenge,” Younglings participate in a fun, brain-bending battle of wits and trivia to become mind challenge masters. “Star Wars Saga: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away” is a guest participation show featuring retelling of favorite Star Wars stories, with the help of props and special effects. Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in all youth spaces. Star Wars Deck Celebration Spectacular The day concludes with more intergalactic fun when the “Summon the Force” deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games. The “Summon the Force” deck show is accompanied by John Williams’ epic score, now including theme music from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The party culminates as Star Wars characters converge for a celebration of the saga in an epic show, complete with fireworks finale. In 2017, there is a new story, with more pyrotechnics, special effects and stunts. Merchandise, Food and Beverage Event merchandise exclusive to Star Wars Day at Sea is available on each sailing, including a range of collectible items, customizable nametags and 11 special trading pins. An epic day is not complete without a feast for the palate, so the dinner menu includes creative fare such as Sand People salad, Bantha steak empanadas, Opee Sea Killer shrimp cocktail and Qui-Gon’s crisp chicken. Sweet endings complete the meal with Calrissian velvet cake, Cloud City macarons and a frozen carbonite sundae. Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages include the colorful Galaxy in a Glass made with rum, coconut, mango and strawberry and a non-alcoholic Planetoid Punch. For sipping, there are non-alcoholic beverages in collectible cups like a BB-8 sipper and Chewbacca stein, and for snacking, popcorn is served in containers themed to Darth Vader’s helmet or a tie fighter. Film Screenings Guests can watch all seven films in the Star Wars saga and follow Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Rey and Finn along their epic journey. Enjoy the latest Star Wars installment, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Also showing are episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels. Star Wars Day at Sea will be on 15 Disney Fantasy seven-night cruises sailing from Port Canaveral. Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. View the full article

An 81-year-old Disneyland employee celebrated his 60th anniversary of working at the California theme park. KABC-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2hR6D54) Oscar Martinez works at Carnation Cafe along the park's Main Street, U.S.A. He came to work at Disneyland as a busboy only a year after the park's... View the full article

An 81-year-old Disneyland employee celebrated his 60th anniversary of working at the California theme park. KABC-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2hR6D54) Oscar Martinez works at Carnation Cafe along the park's Main Street, U.S.A. He came to work at Disneyland as a busboy only a year after the park's... View the full article

‘Modern Family’ Star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons at Walt Disney World View the full article

I’m taking some extra time this week to share with you some exciting news from Disneynature! Last week, The Walt Disney Studios debuted the first look at the poster for Disneynature “Born in China” and announced that actor John Krasinksi would narrate the English version of the film, in theaters April 21, 2017, for Earth Day. All of us in Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment are excited for the release of the film, and to celebrate, I would like to share with you an additional sneak peek with this look at the animals appearing in the the film. This gorgeous banner art is truly representative of the film, showcasing the wilds of China where few people have ventured. “Born in China” follows the stories of three animal families, transporting audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to meet some amazing characters. A doting giant panda mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, or golden monkey, feels displaced by his new baby sister and joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard – an elusive animal rarely caught on camera – faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet. Other species make cameo appearances as well, in what must be the most beautiful nature film yet! “Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman. You can get more exclusive peeks into “Born in China” by downloading your free copy of the Disneynature “Born in China” Educator’s Guide and Activity Packet, available online at disney.com/nature. This film carries forward a legacy of conservation, core to our efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas, and the work of the Disney Conservation Fund. You, too, can make a difference for wildlife and wild places. If you see “Born in China” during its opening week, Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to World Wildlife Fund to help protect wild panda populations and establish new conservation programs for snow leopards in China. View the full article

One of the most rewarding parts of debuting a new show in the Walt Disney Theatre is seeing the reaction of our guests. For many, it is their first Broadway-style show, and we often hear that seeing a musical on a Disney cruise is what sparked their love for theater. There’s no greater feeling for our creative team and cast than seeing both adults and kids walk out of the theater with a huge smile on their face! We captured some of those reactions when we debuted “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” aboard the Disney Wonder, and it came as no surprise that there were smiles all around. Check out this video to hear what guests loved most about this awesome production… View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle focuses on our favorite elves from “Prep & Landing” – Wayne and Lanny! If this dynamic duo of tech-savvy elves had a chance to visit a Disney Park on their free time, where would they head first? According to artist Ashley Taylor, it would have to be Innoventions. “They love gadgets,” she said. “It seemed fitting to draw them at Epcot’s Innoventions! View the full article