2023 Disney World Gingerbread Displays & Treats Information Released

Posted on November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

The holiday season is almost here at Disney Parks! Decorations are going up, and soon, the holiday season will officially kick-off. One of our favorite traditions is visiting the different resort Gingerbread Displays at select resorts! We’ve got the details on what you can expect this year, as well as the treats you can purchase!

Are you ready for some mind-blowing Disney gingerbread displays? I sure hope so because that’s exactly what you can expect to find at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and even aboard the high seas on Disney Cruise Line during the holiday season. A true staple of both locations’ holiday festivities, these gingerbread displays are truly amazing. After months of hard work and creativity from the talented culinary teams, these displays are brought to life before our very eyes and are well worth the visit.

Some of these displays have returned for the holidays for more than 20 years, like the Gingerbread House found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Gingerbread House found within (yes, within) Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park, while others are making their dazzling debut for the very first time this year, like the Lighthouse coming to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. It’s no surprise visiting these works of art has become a tradition for both guests and cast members alike. With plenty of hidden details, and maybe even some hidden Mickeys, you can easily come back again and again to experience these gingerbread creations.

What do you say? Shall we unwrap all the gingerbread fun coming this holiday season? I think so!

At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re stopping by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for their life-sized Gingerbread House! This beloved tradition is back again for its 24^th year from Nov. 8 through Jan. 1, 2024, and is filled with plenty of sweet delights and decorations. All across this house, you’ll find white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread. Not to mention the 85 lb. chocolate Santa (yes, you heard that right), nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that are all hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team led by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Kristine Farmer. The 500 hours spent baking gingerbread and 480 hours spent decorating are well worth it. Be on the lookout for the 24 hidden Mickeys found throughout the entire display to see if you can find them all.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Menu

If you’re looking to take a taste of gingerbread and the holidays home with you, you’re in luck because this display has quite the lineup of treats available for purchase that will dazzle your taste buds, including:

Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Gingersnap Cookies
House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge
Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the cookies n’ cream Christmas Tree, exclusive to this box
Plant-based, no sugar added, and gluten-friendly options

Joining this impressive lineup this year is the Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This brand-new creation was created by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Michael Craig who used the actual blueprints from the real lighthouse located outside the resort along Crescent Lake. This sweet version is not to be missed on your gingerbread festivities this year. Also, available for purchase are some sweet delights sold at the Holiday Pop Up Shop, including the new Lighthouse Fudge, which is a nod to this new offering.

Just next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we’ve got the classic Holiday Carousel gingerbread display. The life-size creation has been at the resort for 22 years and it actually moves – how cool! This year, this gingerbread offering is inspired by Ducktales, with the horses themed after Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie. To celebrate all the years of tradition, there are 22 hidden Mickeys to find throughout the display, as well as 434 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of spices, 200 pounds of icing, and a whole lot of creativity and talent from the culinary team!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

Some of the holiday treats available at this location include:

Signature Stollen Bread
Lighthouse Fudge
Mickey Snowman Pop
Crispy Rice Treat
Peppermint Bark
Gingerbread Shingle
Hot Chocolate Flight
Hot Chocolate

As we keep going around Crescent Lake, we get to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn where their display is shore to impress from Nov. 17 through Dec. 27. This creation is a miniature version of some of your favorite spots found along the BoardWalk itself, including the BoardWalk Deli, which is home to none other than the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team led by Pastry Chef Alex Vacher.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread Display Menu

Before leaving, be sure to check out some of the treats made by the team, like:

Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies
Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
Christmas Tree Pop
Peppermint Bark
Gingerbread Shingles
Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly and Plant-based Gingerbread Shingles

Next up, let’s go on a tasty adventure to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where you’ll find one of the most adorable giraffes and zebras around. In the Jambo House lobby from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, the Animal Kingdom Lodge bakery led by Pastry Chef Lexy Ross has continued the tradition with the Life-Size Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Baby Zebra. This can’t-miss giraffe, or should we say ginger-affe, named Ginger and baby zebra, Debra, are made with a combination of gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. In fact, the giraffe stands near 7 feet tall. You’ll also be able to pick up some tasty treats to take with you, like the Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and beer, wine, and cocktails!

Now, let’s blast off to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where their gingerbread display is back once again for its 12th year led by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes! Found on the fourth floor of the resort from Nov. 10 through Jan. 6, 2024, this year’s Mary Blair-inspired 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers for this momentous occasion for The Walt Disney Company. It stands over 17 feet tall with 612 pounds of sugar, 1012 pounds of flour, 112 pounds of gingerbread spice, over 4000 castle gingerbread bricks, and 12 sprinklings of magical pixie dust! And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled with the 12 hidden five-legged goats.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

For those wanting a sweet treat, the following will also be available for purchase:

Gingerbread Castle Brick
Paint Your Own Cookie Box
Hot Chocolate Caramel Fudge
Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
Pistachio Linzer Cookie
5-Legged Goat Cookie
Gluten/Wheat Friendly Gingerbread Cookie
Gingerbread Latte Cupcake
Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
Frozen Hot Chocolate (Also available with Peppermint Schnapps)
Frozen Apple Cider (Also available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky floater)

Last but certainly not least for Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve got quite the impressive display at The American Adventure in EPCOT. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, this unique display recreates some classic monuments in America and EPCOT alike with gingerbread versions of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The American Adventure building with Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, and even a Festival Marketplace. There are also 6 hidden Mickeys found within. See how many you can find on your next visit to EPCOT.

Starting Nov. 10, the Disneyland Resort will have a display to get you in the holiday spirit – the Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The lobby will be home once again to one of its best holiday classics – the “Grand” Gingerbread House. This giant gingerbread replica of the hotel is a holiday highlight and a can’t-miss stop in the lobby. Standing 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide, the structure is created from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 250 pounds of fondant, one pound of pixie dust, and features 25 hidden Mickeys!

Grand Californian Great Hall Cart Menu

If you want a sweet treat to commemorate your experience, you can enjoy one (or multiple) of the following:

Mickey Mouse-shaped Poinsettia Cookie
Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie
Christmas Cookie
Holiday Cookie Box: will include two milk chocolate-dipped Mickey-shaped cookies, two raspberry-filled cookies and two sugar cookies with festive sprinkles
Assorted Macarons: Assorted macaron box will include two gingerbread, two peppermint and two Mexican hot chocolate
Kwanzaa Sweet Potato Loaf
Crisped Rice Treat
Holiday Cinnamon Buns (New)
Hot Cocoa Cookies (New)
Coffee with Liqueur (Available with Amaretto, Butterscotch, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal Apple, Godiva Chocolate, Grand Marnier, Jameson Whiskey, Peppermint Schnapps, Rumchata, Rumple Minz, Skrewball Whiskey) (New)
Eggnog with Baileys
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot with Milk
Gingerbread Cookie Shot with Milk (New)
Red Velvet Cookie Shot with Milk (New)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot with Liqueur (Available with Amaretto, Butterscotch, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal Apple, Godiva Chocolate, Grand Marnier, Jameson Whiskey, Peppermint Schnapps, Rumchata, Rumple Minz, Skrewball Whiskey)
Cookie shot with Louis XIII Cognac
Cookie shot with Clase Azul Ultra Anejo

Welcome foolish mortals to a gingerbread display unlike any seen before. Found within the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park, a few ghosts have made room for a dazzling display this season. The Haunted Mansion Gingerbread House has been materializing for guests of the attraction for more than 20 years from Halloween to the holidays. Jack Skellington, or should we say “Sandy Claws,” and his friends have transformed this beloved attraction into Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and this display is a welcomed addition. With three moving elements and nearly 300 pounds, this display took over 20 days to build and decorate with 13 cast members. Don’t forget to take a ride to see it for yourself before Jan. 8, 2024.

The gingerbread displays are not just found on land – they’re also taking to the high seas with the Disney Cruise Line fleet! The Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and Disney Magic will continue the yearly tradition of having the pastry teams onboard each ship build a dazzling, oversized gingerbread creation that will be on display in the atrium of the ships. Each festive creation is unique and the themes are up to the individual ship’s team to decide what theirs will look like this year.

What an incredible (and tasty) lineup the talented culinary teams have put together for us this year. Throughout this holiday season, grab your loved ones and get ready to see some gingerbread! There’s truly no limit to the ways you can celebrate the holidays at Disney Parks.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Disney Makes High-Stakes Hulu Gamble

Posted on November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney+, Uncategorized

Amid ongoing criticism and profitability challenges with its streaming services, The Walt Disney Company has taken a bold but expected step by announcing its acquisition of Comcast Corporation’s NBC Universal’s 33% stake in Hulu, LLC.

The move has solidified Disney’s commitment to turning its fortunes around in the cutthroat streaming industry, even as critics question the sustainability of its endeavors.

Disney’s journey into the streaming landscape has been well-documented, marked by the launch of Disney+ and its existing ownership of Hulu. However, the financial results from these services have fallen short of expectations. Yet, the company’s decision to fully control Hulu suggests a deeper strategy is at play.

The deal has been valued at around $8.61 billion. This shows that Disney is still determined to become a strong player in the streaming market and believes in Hulu’s potential.

The $8.61 billion represents the share of the total value of Hulu. When Disney and Comcast made their deal in 2019, they agreed that Hulu was worth at least $27.5 billion. Comcast’s share of that amount, minus some money they owe Disney, adds up to $8.61 billion.

To ensure this price is fair, an evaluation of Hulu’s value will be done as of September 30, 2023. If the evaluated value exceeds the agreed $27.5 billion, Disney will pay Comcast the extra amount. The exact timing for this evaluation isn’t known yet, but it’s expected to happen in 2024.

It is no secret that Disney’s streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, have struggled to turn a significant profit. High content production costs and intense competition have contributed to the financial challenges.

Furthermore, the company has oversaturated its audience with too much content that critics say lacks quality. However, Disney’s response has been to double down on its streaming efforts.

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One of the most notable aspects of Disney’s recent streaming strategy has been its introduction of several major price hikes to the cost of its streaming subscriptions.

Disney+ initially entered the market with a competitive pricing structure, attracting subscribers with its vast library of beloved content. However, the company has since implemented multiple price increases.

Disney’s move to raise subscription prices on Disney+ hasn’t been met with enthusiasm. This is especially true as CEO Bob Iger indicated less content in the pipeline for popular franchises like Marvel and Star Wars to improve quality.

While these price hikes have drawn criticism from all quarters, Disney seems unfazed and determined to continue its pricing trajectory.

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In the face of streaming losses, Disney’s strategic vision revolves around harnessing its current assets. By gaining full control of Hulu, Disney secures creative and operational authority over the platform.

The company can fully integrate Hulu’s assets into its broader streaming strategy, optimizing content production, advertising opportunities, and service bundling.

This acquisition isn’t just about immediate profitability; it’s about future-proofing Disney’s streaming ecosystem. By owning Hulu outright, Disney is positioning itself to compete more effectively with industry giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Critics may question Disney’s strategy and the subscription price hikes. Still, the company’s substantial investment in content creation, the acquisition of Hulu, and the introduction of ad-based tiers to its platforms indicate a long-term vision.

Disney’s willingness to invest further in its streaming future while adjusting pricing structures demonstrates its resolve to thrive in the competitive streaming market. It remains to be seen if it can actually fulfill these desires via this Disney Hulu purchase.

Walt Disney World Legend Tragically Passes Away

Posted on November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

The recent death of a true Disney icon has rattled the theme park community.

Stephan Mikes, one of Disney’s talented performers, has sadly passed away. His contributions to the magical world of Disney will forever be cherished and remembered. With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Stephan Mikes was not just a name but a person who dedicated his life to bringing joy and enchantment to people of all ages. His passion for performance was unparalleled, and he strived to create unforgettable experiences for Guests at Walt Disney World and beyond.

Born in 1954, Stephan was a man with so much talent. If you have ever had the pleasure of roaming around Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s a chance that you may have caught a performance by Mikes. Mikes performed regularly at the Anandapur, Asia stage within the Park. A talented sitarist, Mikes’ dazzled and awed millions of tourists in his lifetime.

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Mikes’ performance, which was called Chakranadi, has been a staple piece of entertainment in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for many years; this 20-minute-long show features;

“…the simmering sounds of traditional Indian melodies, performed by a talented musician playing the sitar.”

This exotic performance was incredibly unique, and it is a highlight for many visitors coming to the Park. One of the reasons that fans love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is because of all the incredibly immersive entertainment offerings. It goes without saying that Mikes’ was one of the strongest performers in the theme park’s history.

In addition to his performing, Stephan Mikes was also a dedicated composer and teacher. He has numerous musical projects available for listening on CD, including his recent release, Serenity, Ragas for Meditation and Yoga.

Just last week, the news of Stephan Mikes’ death was announced by his wife, Bonnie Pedicord Mikes. She announced his passing to hundreds of heartbroken friends and fans on her Facebook the afternoon of October 22, 2023.

It was confirmed by Mikes’s obituary that he passed away on October 21, 2023. To honor his memory, the page is asking that friends, family, and friends consider purchasing a memorial tree to honor him. Other suggested options include making a donation to a charitable cause.

It is always tragic to hear of the death of someone so beloved, but it is equally important to remember just how much he contributed to the world while he was here. Because of Stephan’s music, millions of lucky fans were able to be inspired and entertained in such a unique way. While Disney has not made many announcements about what will become of the Chakranadi attraction at Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom, many fans hope that Disney does something to honor such an incredible man.

Disney Releases Special Pricing for 2024 Park Tickets

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is among the most popular vacation destinations for travelers worldwide, but high ticket prices can catch you off guard as you plan your trip. Disney recently announced reduced ticket prices for select park guests visiting the theme parks in 2024.

Disney offers reduced tickets to various guests, including Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and U.S. Military Members. For 2024, Disney has announced reduced ticket prices for eligible U.S. Military Members. Disney also offers reduced hotel rates for U.S. Military Members.

According to Disney’s site, “‘Eligible Service Members’ are active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they are able to present valid and active US Military IDs in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members.”

Disney Military Salute Ticket

Disney has recently released reduced ticket rates for U.S. Military Members for 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus options for 2024. All tickets are now available for purchase; find the rates below:

6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 15, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $409 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $439 plus tax

5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 16, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $389 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $419 plus tax

4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 17, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax

The Disney Military Salute Tickets are valid for park admission from January 1, 2024, through December 20, 2024. All tickets are subject to blackout dates, including March 24, 2024, through April 6, 2024, and November 24, 2024, through November 30, 2024.

Tickets may be purchased at participating US military sales outlets by Eligible Service Members (see above). All guests using Disney Military Salute Tickets are still required to have daily park reservations to use tickets for valid theme park entry. Guests are also subject to Disney Park Hopper restrictions.

Memory Maker Magic

U.S. Military Members also qualify for a special Memory Maker price when added to a 2024 theme park ticket. Disney’s Memory Maker gives you access to unique photo locations throughout the Walt Disney World parks and resorts, with themed magic shots taken by talented Disney Photopass Photographer Cast Members.

Memory Maker also allows you to download all the photos and videos taken during your Walt Disney World vacation. This way, you can focus on the fun, and the memories await you when you return home. U.S. Military Members can add Memory Maker to a Disney Military Salute Ticket for $98 through December 20, 2024.

Disney Announces Dates for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

As we head into fall, the Disney parks are ready to celebrate, and for EPCOT, that means new festivals. Disney has just announced the dates for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for 2024!

EPCOT celebrates four featured festivals throughout the year: EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival.

Each festival features unique dining, entertainment, and merchandise, all offered only during that festival’s time in EPCOT. While the festivals are celebrated throughout the parks, the booths and entertainment are predominately featured throughout the World Showcase. EPCOT’s World Showcase is home to 11 pavilions, each representing a country: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As we head toward the new year, excitement is building around EPCOT’s festival lineup for 2024. The dates were recently released for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on November 24, 2023 ,and continuing through December 30, 2023. This year’s festival will feature the annual Candlelight Processional with celebrity storytellers, Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, and Holiday Kitchens found throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase and World Discovery.

Following the International Festival of the Holidays, Disney just announced that EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts will begin on January 12, 2024. The festival will continue through February 19, 2024. Though Disney has not released all the festival’s details yet, we know that the Food Studios will be returning along with the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. We are excited for more details on specific booths and menus to be shared soon!

In addition to colorful eats and treats, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series will return to this year’s festival! Guests will be able to enjoy shows featuring their favorite songs from DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows in EPCOT’s World Showcase. The series is presented by AT&T and will be hosted once again in the America Gardens Theatre located in The American Adventure pavilion.

This year, guests can enjoy the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series in a new way with a Dining Package. The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages will include a dinner at your choice from select EPCOT restaurants and reserved seating in the America Gardens Theatre, where you will enjoy the show. Disney will release more details about the select restaurants and reservation dates soon.

This year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will also feature live musical performances, Art Defying Gravity performances, and visual art performances throughout World Showcase. Watch in amazement as visual and performing arts come to life all around you throughout the park.

As Disney releases more details about this year’s festival, we will be sharing them with you here at DisneyDining.com. If you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World to experience this 2024 EPCOTfestival, don’t forget to make theme park reservations during the festival’s dates, January 12 to February 19, 2024.