Review: Candy Cane and Gingerbread Gelato at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

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One of my favorite parts of this time of year is seeing all of the Gingerbread House Displays at the Disney World Resort Hotels! Better yet, I love spying all of the new festive sweets available at the displays. And this year, The Boardwalk Inn is hosting not only an updated display, but a few new treats as well… .

For the past few years, the BoardWalk Inn has returned to celebrating its turn-of-the-century Atlantic seashore theme with its gingerbread display.

Ginger’s Bread and Cookie Shoppe

Ginger’s Bread and Cookie Shoppe

For 2015, the simultaneous display and shop (a la the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House) has been reimagined as Ginger’s Bread and Cookie Shoppe. [Read more…]

Review: Winter Specialty Drinks at Joffrey’s Disney Kiosks

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Happy Holidays form Disney World! The trees are up. The lights are lit. And even Disney coffee is getting a festive makeover! In fact, the Joffrey’s Espresso & Pastries kiosks found all over Disney World property now have their 2015 Winter Specialty Drinks available.

Rudolph's Favorite at Joffrey's Espresso & Pastries

Rudolph’s Favorite at Joffrey’s Espresso & Pastries

Whether you know them by their proper name or not, you’ve likely strolled by many a Joffrey’s kiosk at Disney World. They are typically themed so well to their surroundings that you may not take notice of them (you can take a tour of several of the kiosks by clicking here). But it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled, since the theming of some of the beverages themselves changes with the seasons. [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Cookie Decorating at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree

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We just told you about the awesome new S’mores Bake in Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland, and now we’ve got another awesome treat to share!

The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is proving to be a super fun, and not to mention, delicious place to spend some time.  We’ve already shared the amazing Monte Cristo Bites, and now we’re back to tempt you more because it’s cookie decorating time!

Cookie Decorating!

For just $6.00, you can choose one of three different sugar cookie kits to decorate.  Options include a Mickey Gingerbread Man, Santa’s Stocking, and a Snow Mickey.

Jingle Jangle Jamboree Menu

The kit includes the cookie of your choice (we went with Mickey); 3 cups of colored frosting in green, red & white; mini M&M’s; a cup of red, green & white nonpareils; white crystal sugar sprinkles; and a spreading stick.

Unveiling Our Cookie Decorating Kit

I was quite impressed with the amount of supplies that came with the kit. The portions were [Read more…]

Review: Christmas Cookies at Magic Kingdom!

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Christmas cupcakes are awesome, but what are the holidays without a few cookies?

Learn About:
Main Street Bakery
Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

In Disney, there are dozens of types of holiday cookies to choose from, but I  always head straight to the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom to find the really creative ones!

And this visit was no different. Every year I find different options, and they’re all as festive and fun and can be. Let’s take a look at the 2012 editions of the Main Street Bakery holiday cookies!

Santa Mickey Sugar Cookies

I am a sugar cookie fiend — especially when they’re iced (you’re not surprised, are you?!) — and these ones absolutely stole my heart when I saw them in the bakery case!

Santa Mickey Sugar Cookie

This simple design represents Santa himself — complete with his little belt and belt buckle! Later in the week I saw these cookies made with a much larger belt and belt buckle, so there may be a few different versions out there depending on who’s manning the icing counter at the Bakery! ;-)

But it’s not always what’s on top that counts! These soft, chewy butter cookies are always worth getting at the bakery. They’re delicious, and have a rich, sweet taste that’s [Read more…]

Snack Series: Hot Salted Caramel and More at Prost! Kiosk in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion

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It’s baaaack!! As expected, and for third year in a row, the Epcot Germany kiosk selling warm, spicy glühwein for the 2012 holiday season. But this year it’s bigger and better than ever!

In the past, it’s been a great little place to grab a glühwein (mulled red wine) or Radeburger Pilsner. This year, the offerings have been expanded and the kiosk has a brand new name: Prost!

Atmosphere

Situated on the edge of the Germany Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, you’ll find Prost across the walkway from the World Showcase Lagoon, set back in the same area where the German Marketplace was located this year for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Prost! Holiday Kiosk in Epcot's Germany Pavilion

To the left of the kiosk is a seating area, and to the left of that is the Glaskugel selling hand-made glass ornaments!

This seating area (over by the giant nutcracker) is also where the Germany storyteller shares fun and historical holiday tales throughout the season.

Prost! Seating Area

Glaskugel -- German Glass Christmas Ornaments For Sale Next Door

But I was really interested to see what Prost was offering this year besides mulled wine and beer! Just walking up to the kiosk I knew it was going to be good!

Eats and Sips

Turns out, there was a much expanded offering here this year. With a wine bar menu as well a nice assortment of sweets from Karamelle-Küche, there are also a couple of new drink treats that I had never seen before. More about that in a minute. ;-)

We sampled three of the brand new offerings on the menu!

Prost! Menu -- Click to Enlarge

And here’s the awesome news: if you like any of the spirits offered here — Nürnberger Markt Glühwein, Schonauer Apfel Schnapps, or William’s Punch — you can take a bottle home!

Bottles of Holiday Drinks For Sale

Fans of the stand’s original offering [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Gingerbread House Workshop at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

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After a super successful Haunted House Building Workshop with my family in October, I knew that we’d be back in December for the Gingerbread House Workshop…

Note: If you are in the Disneyland area, you still have time to register for the December 17th & 18th (THIS WEEKEND) Gingerbread House Workshops. Call Bruno Duarte asap at 714.776.5200 from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday. These workshops WILL SELL OUT.

Gingerbread House Workshop Information

Since this was not our first gingerbread rodeo, we were overly prepared for this workshop (after being under prepared at Halloween).  I had stocked up on supplies from Michael’s Arts & Crafts as well as Target. We knew going in that we were going to be making a serious masterpiece!

Some of our "extra" supplies!

Atmosphere and Haunted House Prep

Arriving right on time, we had just a few minutes to get organized and check out the set up. The room was once again arranged with large tables and reserved seating. We also had fun jingle bell necklaces waiting for us on our chairs!

Gingerbread House Workshop Seating

Ralph Brennan Jingle Bell Necklace

Our place settings included the Gingerbread House pieces and a gingerbread man, tree, and snowman along with a bag of white frosting. Cups of candy included [Read more…]

WDW Swan and Dolphin Restaurants Offer Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Dining

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Il Mulino in the Swan Resort

The fabulous restaurants at the WDW Swan and Dolphin have released Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas dining options. From buffets, to regular menus to specialized offerings, the holidays are sure to be delicious at any of these restaurants!

Thanksgiving, November 24

Il Mulino 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu
Specialty menu option will include: Braised Stuffed Turkey Breast, “Italian” Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato Parsnip Puree, Brussel Sprout Leaves, and Warm Cranberry Sauce.

Garden Grove 1-9:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Adults $35.95, Kids 3-9 $15.95
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Turkey, Herb Crusted Grouper, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato with Marshmallow Brulee, Green Apple and Chestnut Stuffing, and more! There will also be salads, and of course, an assortment of pastries. Kids can dine on familiar foods – nuggets, corn dog, mac & cheese – too!

Fresh Mediterranean Market 12-6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Stations will include Salads, deli meats and cheeses, soup and more! The griddle will serve up Seared Salmon. Traditional food will include Cider Glazed Virginia Ham, Roasted Organic Tom Turkey, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, and Bread Stuffing. A selection of desserts will be offered.

bluezoo 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu
Specialty menu option will include: [Read more…]

Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays for 2011

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Holiday Chef at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney World, anyway! And it will be looking even more so very soon!

As we look forward to the holidays in our favorite Disney parks, let’s take a look at when to expect the artful decor to go on display this year. And we’ll look back to the gingerbread displays from past holidays to warm our spirits (and appetites) for now!

These displays will be created by the WDW Food and Beverage team. Sometimes you can even watch the chefs put on the finishing touches! And don’t forget to check out the limited edition Gingerbread Display pins coming out this year!

Please note that information is subject to change.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

(Gingerbread House was scheduled to open on November 14th)

As your eyes try to take in the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby, your sense of smell will lead you toward the 16 foot tall Gingerbread House located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort.

Grand Floridian 2010 Gingerbread House

It takes over 400 hours to bake the 10,000+ pieces of gingerbread! Last year’s house was amazing, and one of our colleagues snapped some pics of the construction this year! Thanks to Carla at Hoperatives for these!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Construction 2011

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Construction 2011

Don’t forget that you can purchase a treat made from a classic Austrian gingerbread recipe right inside the Gingerbread House!! Freshly baked items will include [Read more…]

Guest Review: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

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I’m excited to welcome Guest Reviewer Holly Burtchaell from Random Cravings Blog with a fun review of treats found at this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World! Warning: This read is sugar-sweet!

Party signage

Although Mr. Random and I have clocked too many trips to Disney World to count, somehow, neither of us has ever experienced Christmas at the Happiest Place on Earth. Luckily, that all changed last week, when we spent an entire week immersed in Disney Christmas happiness. In fact, this year’s very first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) was also our very first time at that event!

I quickly learned that in addition to being about the Christmas parade, the special fireworks, and the rare character appearances, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also filled with yummy holiday treats!

Free Eats at MVMCP

Included with your ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, along with healthier options of apple slices and apple juice. These treats were handed out at several locations around the Magic Kingdom…just follow the signs!

Signage at Cosmic Ray's

Signage at Columbia Harbor House

This year’s cookies were big, soft, delicious snickerdoodles. The apple slices were [Read more…]

Fourth of July Themed Snacks at Walt Disney World

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Thanks to Rikki Niblett of the Be Our Guest podcast for spotting these decorative treats commemorating our nation’s upcoming holiday!

While the wonderful World of Disney can be absolutely jam-packed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, grabbing one of these treats might help the crowd-packed park seem just a bit more sweet. Or the sugar high will at least give you a boost for the next line that you encounter. ;-)

Check out these cute red, white, and blue holiday caramel apples! I like the giant star decorations at the top.

An apple a day...

And it looks like these patriotic cupcakes might actually be layered red, white, and blue! (I wonder if the blue is a different flavor! If anyone’s in the World and [Read more…]