Have you ever made a wish in the wishing well near Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom? Or maybe you’ve tossed a coin in the “it’s a small world” water? Walt Disney World gathers up those coins periodically and donates them. Their most recent donation was $20,000 for a local homeless charity.
As shared by WESH.com: Some $20,000 in coins that tourists tossed into Walt Disney World’s wishing wells and fountains became a Thanksgiving gift for Central Florida’s largest homeless shelter.
Allison Krall is the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. She says she’s thankful, especially with everything Disney has gone through during the coronavirus pandemic.
The coins were dropped in the wishing well at Cinderella’s Castle, along the waterways of the “It’s a Small World” ride, and in fountains throughout the local parks.
We’re seeing progress is being made as more and more restaurants and experiences reopen at Walt Disney World. One of the most recent restaurants scheduled to reopen in the near future is the beloved Crystal Palace restaurant located at Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, the dining experience will not include characters upon reopening.
As shared by DisneyParksBlog: “On Dec. 13, The Crystal Palace will reopen its doors, and while our friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood will be taking a break from greeting guests, the restaurant will now be offering a family-style dining experience. There will be new individually plated entrées including crispy fried chicken with honey pot drizzle, fire-roasted prime rib of beef, fried cauliflower and more. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting rumbly in my tumbly just thinking about it! For more information, and to book a reservation beginning Dec. 1, visit DisneyWorld.com.”
Over the last several months Disney has shared many recipes from the Disney Parks for us to enjoy at home. Disney recently shared a gingerbread recipe that is sure to please everyone.
National Gingerbread Day is November 21, and we have a delicious recipe to celebrate the day and gear us up for the holiday season – Gingerbread-Cream Cheese Muffins!
Let’s face it, the scent and taste of freshly baked gingerbread screams HOLIDAY and this spiced gingerbread muffin with cream cheese filling is the perfect bundle of holiday goodness! Want to enjoy this gingerbread treat in our parks? Head on over to Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting December 1 through January 2.
GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS
Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Makes 12
CREAM CHEESE FILLING
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
GINGERBREAD MUFFINS
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canola oil (1/4 cup butter, softened, may be substituted)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
3 tablespoons honey
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Reserved cream cheese filling
FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
Combine sugar and butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat on low speed until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes, until smooth.
Reduce speed to low. Add egg and lemon juice and mix until smooth.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 3 days, until ready to use.
FOR GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 liners and set aside.
Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into medium bowl and set aside.
Combine oil or butter, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and egg in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined. Reduce speed to low and add buttermilk until incorporated.
Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape sides of mixer and mix an additional 30 seconds. Batter will be slightly lumpy.
Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 3/4 full.
Place reserved cream cheese filling in piping bag fitted with large round tip. Insert piping tip into the center of each muffin, piping about 1 tablespoon into the center, then pipe a swirl around the top of the muffin.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top of muffin is firm when touched.
Cool before serving.
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.
Walt Disney World has been opened to guests now for a few months, but not all experiences are exactly the same as they were before. One of the great experiences guests can choose to have at Walt Disney World is character dining; however, this is one encounter that has been slightly adjusted since reopening. We look at what you need to know about charactering dining now at Walt Disney World.
Disney has brought characters to guests in a variety of ways through dining experiences. From the iconic Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary to new, unique experiences at Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera, character dining has become a staple for many when visiting Walt Disney World and it can still be one even today.
What is Available?
The first thing to know is that not all character dining experiences are open at Walt Disney World currently. Luckily Disney seems to be constantly updating and changing these options. Each week it seems they are opening more options, but make sure to check the Know Before You Go guide from Disney to get the latest update.
Right now, guests have a few great options when it comes to dining. Garden Grille at Epcot, Chef Mickey’s opening soon with characters at the Contemporary Resort, Topolino’s Terrace (breakfast) at Riviera as well as Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What Characters Do I See?
Right now, at Walt Disney World most character dining experiences are focused on what they call “fur” characters. This unfortunately meals no princesses at the moment. At Garden Grille, those crazy chipmunks can be seen as well as Mickey and Pluto. Chef Mickey’s hasn’t officially opened yet, but previously this was a great spot for the Fab Five and we don’t expect that to change. At Topolino’s, guests can enjoy some adorable costumes with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald. Finally, at Minnie’s Halloween and Dine, guests get to see Minnie and friends in their fantastic Halloween costumes. Even though the princesses aren’t currently out, guests have a lot of options to meet the main mouse and friends.
Modified Interactions
In order to keep guests and our favorite pals safe, Disney has modified how guests interact with characters during these meals. Characters will now parade around the dining area multiple times allowing guests to take photos, videos, blow kisses and interact all from a distance. Characters won’t stop at each table for a 1:1 interaction, but instead do more of a wave and walk as they pass by. The good thing is they do this multiple times which allows guests to have multiple opportunities to take pictures.
Food Options
Another thing that has been adjusted during character meals is how food is presented. Those meals that used to be buffets have been modified into a family style meal or other option. Know ahead of time that buffets aren’t happening right now in Disney.
Checking-in
Guests are also being asked to use mobile check-in for most dining experiences in Disney. Guests can sign into their dining experience through the My Disney Experience app on their phone. This is a great way to prevent guests from gathering at the host stand. Guests can instead chill until being notified their table is ready for them. It is fun to see how Disney is using technology to help keep guests and cast members safe.
Character dining is a must for many guests when heading to Walt Disney World and it still can be something that is on your list when visiting. There are many great options that allow you to see and interact with your favorite characters from a distance. Don’t hesitate to try out these character meals during your next visit to Walt Disney World, they are sure to be magical.
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!
