Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Fireworks and More Coming to Disney Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom!

Via Disney Destinations

Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” begins. The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration coincides with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” We can’t wait to unwrap all that festive fun!

Event dates are:

November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30

December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21

We are so excited to let you know that “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!

Tickets for the festive 4-hour “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will grant admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m., giving Guests more time to enjoy some of their favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. They can also take in some of the EARidescent magic that will be part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” from the brand-new fireworks spectacular “Disney Enchantment” to the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “Beacon of Magic,” all in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. And, yes! That means Guests could be able to experience two different and unique fireworks shows in one night!

That’s not all that it’s in store. Here are additional details of what Guests can experience during this limited-capacity, separately ticketed event:

  • Holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season.
  • After the park closes to day Guests, event Guests can enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
  • Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best.
  • While Guests are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. they should be sure to look up to the sky, they might catch some magical snowfall!
  • Guests can dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
  • Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
  • Specialty holiday food and drinks will be also be available for purchase.
  • Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20, 2021 and can be purchased online via the Disney Travel Agents website, or by calling 407-939-7947. Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17 (online via the Disney Travel Agents website, or by calling 407-939-7947). Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

In order for you to book tickets during the early purchase window, your Clients MUST have a valid reservation at a Disney Resort hotel, Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin or Shades of Green. While the ticket system will not automatically verify that each transaction is connected to a valid hotel reservation, we are trusting you as our valued clients to follow this policy. Please note all transactions are subject to audit

Please check our Know Before You Go page for the most up-to-date information regarding our health and safety measures.

Stay tuned for more holiday news coming soon.

Happy early holidays!

Family Time this Holiday Season with a Kidcot Fun Stop Activity and New Recipe

Via DisneyLists.com

Looking for a fun holiday activity for the family? Disney has released a new Kidcot holiday coloring sheet and family-friendly recipe!

From a Disney Cast Member;

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to share some stay-at-home fun activities that will be perfect for any family get-together!

For starters, you may know that at EPCOT, kids are invited to join Mickey and friends on an adventure around World Showcase. Each of the countries has a Kidcot Fun Stop presented by Ziploc Brand, a place where kids can collect a special traveler’s card that features a special fact about that country and a corresponding coloring sheet.

Today, we are bringing one of our favorite Kidcot Fun Stops right into your home!

Did you know that in Germany, if you want to find a bakery, you just have to look for a pretzel hanging above the shop door – the emblem of the bakers guild? From the looks of this coloring activity, it looks like Chip & Dale have found their new favorite treat that is famous in Germany – you guessed it, a pretzel!

Click here to download this Kidcot Fun Stop coloring activity to finish at home!

Speaking of bakeries, we also have a special treat you can make at home!

From the pastry chefs over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this recipe is one of my favorites for two reasons – it’s EASY to make, and it combines two of my favorite things – chocolate and peanut butter!

If you have been following our #DisneyMagicMoments recipes, you know that Ava, a 13-year-old junior chef and daughter of Disney photographer Matt Stroshane, has been making “how-to” videos for some of these recipes in her home kitchen with the help of her personal sous chefs (mom and dad) and official taste tester (her 11-year-old brother, Adam). Check out the recipe and Ava’s video below.

No-Bake Granola Treats from Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery
Makes 12 (2×2-inch) treats

Ingredients: 

  • 3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granola
  • 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions: 

  1. Melt marshmallows and butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Add peanut butter, stirring to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in granola.
  2. Spoon mixture into 8×8-inch baking dish. Lightly press mixture into pan.
  3. Sprinkle top of mixture with chocolate chips, lightly pressing the chocolate chips into mixture.
  4. Set aside at room temperature to cool for 30 minutes. Cut into 12 pieces.
  5. Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature.

Cook’s Note: This recipe can easily be doubled if you like thicker treats!

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

Santa’s Favorite Resort! Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

Via DisneyTips.com

Who’s ready to experience Santa’s favorite resort?! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is brimming with daily holiday cheer with classic Christmas movies, musical performances and more. Plus, special room rates are available for this festive time of year.

IT’S OFFICIAL! Santa has again voted the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin his all-time favorite resort! It’s been a busy year for Santa and his elves preparing for the upcoming holiday season, so he and Mrs. Claus have decided to take a little vacation during the month of December and chill out at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin!

Of course, they are looking forward to making some special guest appearances while here! Local guests as well as guests from anywhere around the Walt Disney World Resort are invited to join Mrs. Claus and her special Elf Kandy Kane on select nights in their special Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool, as they wait for Santa to arrive. There’s going to be lots of photo opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, so bring your cameras and get ready to party Florida style with Santa and Mrs. Claus!!!!

Holiday Activities: ‘Tis the season to plan your holiday travel! Local guests as well as guests from anywhere around the Walt Disney World Resort are invited to experience Disney magic with dazzling light displays, special Christmas theme park events, holiday parades and more! Plus, your family will get the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they soak up some Florida sunshine before heading back to the North Pole. And don’t miss our chocolate Santa display at the Swan made from over 1,286 pounds of chocolate!

Santa and Mrs. Claus: Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their special Elf, Kandy Kane, will entertain guests at Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool 6pm – 8pm on select nights. Get ready for big laughs and photo opportunities you will not see anywhere else. Due to physical distancing restrictions this event is only available to on-site guests. Pre-registration is required. Guests must present their room key for admittance to the event.

Kandy Kane’s Holiday Movie Marathon: We are pleased to offer 24 hours of continuous holiday favorites. Simply tune to Channel 49 in the Swan or Channel 50 in the Dolphin on your in-room television and enjoy a collection of holiday classics.

Pastry Decorating: Children can create their own masterpiece as our cast members help them decorate and create festive holiday cookies. Located at Santa’s Holiday Hangout area at the Swan pool on select nights from 6pm – 8pm. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance.

Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular: Join us on the causeway located between the hotels as dancing lighted palms come alive every 10 minutes in a musical & light display designed to delight!

Santa’s Magic Key: How is Santa going to be able to deliver presents for your children? Easy! Just stop by the Concierge desk on Christmas Eve (December 24) and pick up a copy of Santa’s magic key to hang on your hotel room door on Christmas Eve. (Don’t worry – it only works for Santa!) Supplies are limited.

Deck the Halls: Our elves are filled with holiday spirit and want to add some North Pole magic to your stay. Whether it’s a bedtime story with cookies and milk or a Christmas tree and some special Holiday gifts to celebrate with. They will be spreading joy and cheer throughout the resort this year. Reservations required. Fees apply.

Chocolate Santa Display: Stop by the entrance to the Swan near Il Mulino New York Trattoria to marvel at a spectacular chocolate Santa sculpture hand-crafted by our two-time World Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard. Everything you see is made from chocolate!

Holiday Eats & Treats at Disney Springs!

Excuse us while we fill your screen with mouthwatering goodness! Disney has released Disney Springs eats and treats for this holiday seasons and yes, we’re drooling! Check out the scrumptious images and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at your favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. Ready to plan your culinary adventure? I’ve curated all the flavorful details for you and where to find them below: 

Black Forest Parfait, Holiday Mickey Mousse, Holiday Petit Cake, Mickey Santa Dome Cake, Peppermint Crème Brûlée, Spiced Yule Log, at Amorette’s Patisserie

Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)

  • Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
  • Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur 
  • Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
  • Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie 
  • Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer
Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle, AristoCrepes

AristoCrepes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
  • Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
  • Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)
Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish
1871 Chili, City Works Eatery & Pour House

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • 1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin

The Daily Poutine (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds
Holiday Turkey Sandwich, Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich 

  • Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and  mayonnaise
Mickey Santa Piñata, The Ganachery

The Ganachery (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Eggnog Ganache Square – Creamy bourbon eggnog covered in dark chocolate
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square – Gingerbread spices combined with creamy milk chocolate
  • Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer and Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)

  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs 

  • Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)
Milk and Cookies by the Fireside, C9 Light Deviled Eggs, Papa Noel’s Churrasco, Mistletoe Mule and Very Berry Margarita, Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
  • Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
  • C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
  • Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
  • Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
  • Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
  • Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped  with ginger beer
  • Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice
Varietal blends, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

  • Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set
Fried Mac and Cheese, Mac & Cheese Disney Food Truck

Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)

  • Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)
Jolly Holiday Float, Marketplace Snacks

Marketplace Snacks

  • Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
  • Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup 

Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
  • Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
  • Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
  • Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
  • Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
  • Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
  • Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour, The Polite Pig

The Polite Pig

  • Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.
Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread, Splitsville

Splitsville (All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro
  • Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise
Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Cannoli Cupcakes, Sprinkles

Sprinkles 

  • Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
  • Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
  • Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
  • Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
  • Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Tiramisù Push Pop, Vivoli il Gelato

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
  • Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy
Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Tortellini, Heirloom Apple Salad, Fall Spiced Sangria, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)

  • Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Cardamom cream, spiced pumpkin seeds
  • Butternut Tortellini – Delicate Squash, cranberries, pumpkin butter
  • Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
  • Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon
Saganaki On Fire, Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George 

  • Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
  • Hooten Young American Whiskey –  Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.
Santa’s White Christmas Cookie, Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie,  Gideon’s Bakehouse

I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, I’m excited to share two of their limited-time cookies that will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:  

  • Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
  • Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging. 

Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few of our table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at disneysprings.com or opentable.com. 

Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination when traveling to Disney Springs and be sure to follow @disneysprings on social media for more delicious happenings across property. 

3.3 Million Lights Borrowed from Walt Disney World for Kissimmee’s Give Kids The World Light Display

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: The fantastical 89-acre vacation village of Kissimmee’s Give Kids The World — normally off-limits to the public — is opening its gates for seven weeks this holiday season for what promises to be one of the most extravagant light displays in the nation.

The event, Night of a Million Lights, will actually have 3.3 million lights, borrowed from Walt Disney World Resort, and run from Nov. 13 to Jan. 3. In that time, the charity hopes ticket sales to some 50,000 visitors will help it raise thousands of dollars for its mission.

With help from Disney, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Hasbro, the Kennedy Space Center, some three dozen other sponsors and a small army of volunteers, in recent weeks the village has been slowly transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland — with a glittering 150-foot tunnel, 50 holiday-themed structures up to several stories high, a massive gingerbread arch and 45 villas decorated in various themes.

Visitors will be able to stroll among more than a mile of light displays, eat ice cream or drink hot cocoa and ride carousels and other open-air mechanical attractions. Tickets for the event start at $15 for kids and $25 for adults. For more information, go to gktw.org/lights/.