There’s nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich to raise your spirits. The unique three-cheese sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box is a favorite of many and now we can enjoy this sandwich at home.
From a Disney Cast Member;
In [honor of] National Grilled Cheese Day, we’re sharing a delicious grilled three-cheese sandwich recipe. This yummy recipe comes from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Serves 4
This is a great article from DisDining.com about bullying and its effects.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, making this the perfect time for a viral video from 2019 to resurface and finally get the response it deserves. The video in question was recorded and posted online by @mcgui, whose real name is Guilherme Kaue Castanheira Alves. He’s a Brazilian social media star and singer with nearly 8 million followers to his, um, credit. He was 21 years old when he took the video.
He has reportedly risen to fame by creating and stirring controversy, seemingly just for the sake of controversy and shock value.
It’s repulsive.
And the optimism within me wants to believe that there are some things that are strictly off-limits when it comes to teasing, poking fun, and pointing out. However, this particular social media “personality” sees no boundaries when it comes to being hateful toward other humans and causing pain for them, even those who are very young, defenseless, and dealing with really big-time stuff in their tiny little lives.
No one deserves to be bullied. Ever.
But especially not children. For any reason.
@mcgui was aboard the monorail at Disney World when he apparently spotted a young girl who was dressed up as Boo from Monsters, Inc. The young Disney fan is the focal point of the video and is clearly wearing a wig styled like Boo’s hair. It appears that under her wig, she has lost her hair, presumably from treatments for cancer or other serious illness.
In the video, @mcgui whistles at her to get her attention (rude), and the child looks over at the camera before becoming visibly uncomfortable and adjusting her wig, then looking back and forth from the camera to the window to her right.
Then @mcgui utters the words, “It looks like a horror movie.”
I’ve included the video so that our readers can see how truly heartless this man’s actions were. Bullying is real. And bullying causes real pain.
Let’s recap: Social media “star” hones in on a young child–and one who’s clearly been fighting for her life up to that point–then whistles at her and proceeds to bully her and make fun of her publicly–and then posts the video for millions to see.
Disgusting.
Since the video has resurfaced, Disney fans of all ages have shown up in droves to show their support for the little girl and to take a stand against bullying. Disney should be a safe space for people of all ages, but especially for children.
A man named Justin Wren saw the video and was also disgusted by it. You may have heard of him before; he’s an MMA fighter who goes by the name of “The Big Pygmy.” Wren came across the video and took it upon himself to raise awareness about @mcgui’s behavior and about standing up for those being bullied.
Wren is the founder of FightfortheForgotten.org and the “Heroes in Waiting” anti-bullying initiative. After seeing the viral video of @mcgui singling out the young girl and bullying her, he took to social media to stand up for her and against the behavior of the one he calls “a coward.”
On Wren’s Instagram account, he talks about the video and then calls out @mcgui for his actions, telling him not to “ruin his apology with an excuse.” You can read it here:
“This is what bullying a child with cancer at [Disney World] looks like. For me, this was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking to watch. Please stay with me… Why am I posting it? It’s National #bullying prevention month. Hopefully, this will encourage anyone who ever finds themselves as a bystander to do the right thing. I’ll put in the comments the most powerful thing you can do if you ever find yourself in this situation in real life.
This man in the goofy hat is an internet “celebrity” from Brazil. He has 7.8 million followers. He has become “famous” after creating controversy after controversy in Brazilian media, some of which, were also at amusement parks.
In the video, he whistles to get her attention, zooms in, and says, “It looks like a horror movie.” She is obviously wearing a wig, she is visibly uncomfortable. It’s disgusting to make fun of a child while your goonies laugh with you, but it’s in a whole other stratosphere to make fun of a child going thru the biggest fight of their life… And post it on the internet to millions.
I’ve spent time as an official volunteer at @childrenscolo hospital. I’ve been bedside before & after surgery of a girl this age with bone cancer. I’ve pushed children in their wheelchairs. I’ve organized visits from MMA and UFC world champions to go room to room to encourage these little warriors that are more brave than anyone who’s ever stepped foot in the cage.”
f you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast option, look no further than the beloved Tonga Toast, served at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
From a Disney Cast Member;
When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.
This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic.
Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Serves 4
Ingredients:
Sugar-Cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Batter
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Tonga Toast
1 quart canola oil, for frying
1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
2 large bananas, peeled
Directions:
For Sugar-Cinnamon:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
For Batter:
Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
For Tonga Toast:
Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.
Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
It’s an exciting time to be at Walt Disney World! Disney has recently kicked off their big 50th Anniversary celebration called “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, honoring 50 years of magic. As Disney pulls themselves out of the COVID pandemic phased reopenings and invites Guests to join them in the Parks for the 50th experience, the need for more Cast Members is of the utmost importance. Disney Parks Blog recently shared the news that “Walt Disney World Resort is proud to have returned more than 50,000 Cast Members to work. Now, more than 65,000 are working across the Resort, and we are hiring hundreds more each week as we continue to open more resorts and Guest locations.” The massive hiring and re-hiring is the reason Disney Park entertainment is making a comeback with new announcements like the soon-to-be returning Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and even the October 1 return of favorites like “Let the Magic Begin” at Magic Kingdom Park. Now, Disney Cast Members have even more to celebrate, as they receive a minimum wage increase!
As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “Disney and its unions agreed in 2014 to increase the minimum salary from $8.03 to $10 an hour by 2016. In 2017, the Service Trades Council Union — Disney’s largest — engaged in negotiations for another increase, and in September 2018 union workers approved the most recent contract that raised the minimum to $11 that December and outlined the path to $15.” Now, reports show that the Service Trades Council Union, a coalition of local unions representing Disney workers, struck a deal with the company to gradually increase wages to $15 an hour by October 1, 2021.
Currently, both Walt Disney World employees, as well as Universal employees, are now receiving increasing wages of $15 an hour. OrlandoSentinel reports that with this increase “Florida’s minimum wage rising to the same level by 2026 — many workers are experiencing new economic mobility, potentially signaling a positive shift in Central Florida’s low-wage, tourism-dependent economy.”
As crowds continue to return to the Orlando Theme Park, Disney plans to continue to hire Cast Members at this higher wage through the end of the year at a rate of hundreds of new employees weekly.
Time to head back into the kitchen because Disney is sharing another fabulous recipe.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Hiya, foodies! Can you believe “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of the 50thAnniversary at Walt Disney World Resort begins next week?! The 18 months of festivities will spotlight what’s made Walt Disney World so special for the past five decades, along with the magic of the future. Of course, Walt Disney World food, from the past and present, are key parts of the celebration. Starting next week, you’ll be able to cook up the magic from your own kitchen, with Delicious Disney: Recipes & Stories from the Most Magical Place on Earth by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and The Disney Chefs.
Today we’re giving you a sneak peek at one recipe you can find in the cookbook: the Empress Lilly au Gratin Potatoes. The Empress Lilly Riverboat, moored on the shores of what is now Disney Springs, was named for Walt’s wife Lillian, affectionately known as Lilly. The Riverboat welcomed guests for the first time on May 1, 1977, and Lilly attended the location’s dedication with five of her and Walt’s grandchildren. The Empress Lilly included three restaurants and a jazz lounge, with the Empress Room being the most elegant dining experience at Walt Disney World at the time. The Empress Lilly closed on April 22, 1995, and is now home to Paddlefish at Disney Springs.
Enjoy some of this fine dining from your home with the signature Empress Lilly Au Gratin Potatoes from Delicious Disney.
EMPRESS LILLY AU GRATIN POTATOES Serves 4
2 large baking potatoes
1 cup half and half
½ teaspoon coarse salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon finely grated onion, optional
3 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake potatoes 50 to 60 minutes, or until soft enough to pierce with a fork. Refrigerate to cool, then peel and coarsely grate.
Bring half and half almost to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, celery salt, and onion. Mix in grated potatoes.
Reduce oven heat to 350°F. Spoon potatoes into buttered 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned and bubbly.
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects. 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.
Delicious Disney: Recipes & Stories from the Most Magical Place on Earth will be available exclusively at shopDisney.com and Walt Disney World beginning Sept. 28, 2021, just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” And be sure to share any recipes you make at home on social with #DisneyWorld50.
