A Blog About Disney Stuff

National
Gingerbread Day is tomorrow, 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 Dec. 1 through Jan. 2.

Interested
in more tasty holiday treats at Disney? Check out our food and beverage Holiday
Highlights
and the Foodie Guide
to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival for the Holidays. 

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:

1. 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.
2. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and lemon juice and mix until smooth.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 3 days, until ready to use.

FOR GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE
MUFFINS:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 liners and set
   aside.
2. Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking
   soda, and salt into medium bowl and set aside.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 3/4 full.
6. 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.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top of muffin is firm when touched.
8. 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.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Stay
connected with Disney Parks
Blog for
more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney
fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, Recipe, WDW

The countdown to Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Most of my family and friends have started decorating early adding those nostalgic holiday touches at home along with kicking off their holiday shopping. I have to admit I’m a little behind this year, but Disney Springs always saves me especially when I need to shop for everyone. For foodies, kids, stocking stuffers and gifts for him and her, there’s always a store that fits my shopping needs. Of course, if you have a Disney Fan or two on your list, World of Disney is your one-stop-destination for Disney fans of all ages and starting next week, we’ll be kicking off holiday shopping with a few magical releases.

On Monday, Nov. 23, get your paws on the new Disney Parks Reigning Cats & Dogs Dooney & Bourke totes at World of Disney! Whether you’re a dog-person or a cat-person there’s something “purrfect” in this collection for every Disney dog or cat-loving fan. If you look closely, you’ll spot some familiar favorites like Thomas O’Malley, Yzma as a Cat, Lucifer, Nana, Pongo and Perdita, Max, and so many others on the front and back. See how many you can name!

We’re also releasing the Tangled Dooney & Bourke collection in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Tangled. I’ve always loved the glow of the lanterns from this film which are beautifully illustrated in the collection along with Rapunzel’s flowing hair and her best side-kick, Pascal. 

You’ll find both of these collections at World of Disney at Disney Springs in addition to Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park, Legends of Hollywood and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park while supplies last.

If new Disney accessories weren’t exciting enough, we’ll also be featuring specially-priced items at several of our Disney retail stores November 23 through December 7 (some only available at Disney Springs!). This is the perfect opportunity to start shopping for some of those Disney-loving fans on your list. As an added bonus, Disney Annual Passholders can stack their discount for even more savings! See what’s in-store:

• Disney’s Days of Christmas & World of Disney- Receive 25% off a select holiday tote with any merchandise purchase*  
• Goofy’s Candy Co. – Receive (1) complimentary select consumable with the purchase of (1) select consumable*
• Marketplace Co-Op – Receive 25% off a Loungefly Unicorn Backpack*
• Once Upon a Toy – Receive 25% off Classic Disney Princess Dolls*
• Star Wars Galactic Outpost – Receive 29% off Talking Yoda*

Beginning on November 24, two additional offers join the mix. I love a good “BOGO” so the thought of a free Loungefly Wristlet with the purchase of a qualifying Loungefly Backpack puts a huge smile on my face! Check ‘em out:

• DisneyStyle – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Pastel Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Pastel Backpack* 
• Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Minnie Bow Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Minnie Bow Backpack*

Be sure to take advantage of additional shopping promotions and discounts at many retailers as early as Nov. 23 across Disney Springs. See details below: 

• Coach (Nov. 20 & 27): Save 50% off select styles every Friday in November.
• Coca-Cola Store (Nov. 27-29) Save $10 off a purchase of $50 or more and $25 off a purchase of $100 or more.
• Columbia Sportswear (Nov. 23-Dec.1): Pillows $19.99, Select outerwear starting at 40% off, Pint Glasses $24.99, 30% off, All Ski Goggles, Graphic T-Shirts 2 for $25. 
• Lilly Pulitzer (Nov. 26-28): Celebrate Lilly’s favorite things this holiday season with (1) one complimentary original, printed ornament with each $75 purchase. 
• Melissa Shoes (Nov. 26-30): Take 60% off all regular priced items and an extra 60% off all sale items. 
• Ron Jon Surf Shop (Nov. 23-29): Get the classic Ron Jon Trusty Badge T-Shirt on sale up to 50% off. (Limited time offer. Available colors and sizes may vary.)
• Shop for Ireland (Nov. 27-29): Enjoy 25% off all jewelry and up to 70% off select clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.
• Sperry (Nov.24-30): Enjoy $54.99 doorbuster boots and up to 50% select styles while supplies last.
• UGG (Nov. 27-Dec.31): Enjoy 30% off select styles while supplies last.
• UNOde50 (Nov. 19-30): Enjoy 50% off select styles.
• Vera Bradley (Nov. 19-Dec. 1): $20 Medium Cosmetic (reg. $40) from the Mickey’s Paisley Celebration Collection with your purchase of $75 or more. Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.
• Take a quick snack break and check out the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck now located at Disney Springs West Side with a brand-new menu. On Nov. 27, 2020 enjoy complimentary queso and chips with any entree purchase.

(All offers subject to change. Not to be combined with other offers. While supplies last. See each location for more details.)

Don’t forget the Disney Springs Virtual Gift Guide is always at your fingertips if you need a little gift-giving inspiration while you’re shopping. Visit us at @disneysprings on Instagram and scroll through our highlight buttons for popular gift categories.

As a friendly tip, we recommend shopping in the morning and early afternoon as parking may be more available earlier in the day. Planning to join us for Thanksgiving? Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your dining reservation. 

(*Discounts taken off at register. Not valid on previous purchases. Price adjustment made at register.  Not valid on previous purchases.  Complimentary item is valid on lower priced item. Regular prices apply when purchasing a single item or purchasing in odd-numbered quantities.  Complimentary item must be returned if the qualifying purchase is returned. No other discounts apply to promotional items.  Promotion does not apply to the purchase of tickets, passes, Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Cards. Valid while supplies last. Offer subject to change without notice.  In store purchase only.)

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Merchandise, WDW

It’s hard to believe that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have been closed since March 14. While Disneyland remains completely closed, Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street (as well as portions of Hollywood Land and Grizzly Peak) reopened today for shopping and outdoor dining. In this post we’ll go over what’s available and share our experience from today’s reopening.

Starting off with this sight for sore eyes. The Storytellers statue with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse has been restored (aka cleaned and polished) just in time for the opening of Buena Vista Street.

Looking good!

Entry in to DCA/Buena Vista Street is via the gate on the far right of the entrance (when coming from Downtown Disney). If the park is at capacity you can join a virtual queue and wait for your turn to enter. Getting in this morning is pretty painless for me. I parked my car in the Downtown Disney parking lot at 9:15 and got in line to enter. By 9:30 Disney started to let people in for temperature check and security screening. We then walked through Downtown Disney and entered DCA around 9:45. I saw that Buena Vista Street was at capacity shortly after 10 a.m.

Upon entering Buena Vista Street we were greeted by waving cast members.

You’ll see these signs everywhere reminding visitors of the safety rules. From my observations the facemask and social distancing rules are strictly enforced by cast members.

Most people got in line to make a reservation for Carthay Circle Lounge, which features an expanded outdoor seating area.

The outdoor seating area is partially located in the extended queue for the Disney Junior Dance Party.

Speaking of outdoor seating, a ton of extra tables and chairs have been added in the areas that reopened today.

The park’s usual Christmas tree was not installed this year. We assume it’s because Disney is afraid of guests crowding around it for pictures.

Thankfully there are other Christmas decorations around the land, including garland, bows, and wreaths.

Speaking of Christmas decorations, the shops on Buena Vista Street are adorned with some nice ones.

Plenty of Christmas items are available.

Ding ding!

The beloved Disney churros are once again available to Disneyland fans. Popcorn is also available at other carts.

Moving on to Grizzly Peak, Smokejumpers Grill is open.

The menu is limited, but at least there’s mobile ordering and plenty of available seating.

Seating in front of Soarin’.

The restrooms in Grizzly Peak are also open.

Over on Hollywood Blvd. Award Wieners is open, serving Disneyland’s famous corndogs.

The Red Car Trolley is available as a photo opportunity, but it’s about 20 feet away.

Moving back to Buena Vista Street, here’s the posted wait times for the park

Taking a look over the construction wall in to Avengers Campus.

A new gate behind has appeared behind Carthay Circle.

Before we wrap this up it’s worth mentioning there are more Christmas decorations scattered around Downtown Disney.

Buena Vista Street and Downtown Disney are open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Demand will be high through the entire holiday season and capacity is limited.

Are you excited for the reopening of Buena Vista Street? Are you excited to be reunited with a Disney corn dog and churro? Let us know in the comments below.  

The post PHOTOS: Buena Vista Street Reopens at Disney California Adventure appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Downtown Disney, California Adventure

As Hong Kong Disneyland kicks off its 15^th Anniversary celebrations, today it unveiled the spectacular transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle into the dazzling Castle of Magical Dreams. Inspired by 13 stories of beloved Disney Princesses and Queens, the Castle of Magical Dreams offers something special for every guest with its many towers and spires – embracing iconic patterns, textures, colors unique to each heroine’s story. This is the first time at any Disney theme park that a castle has shifted from being representative of only one princess to featuring multiple heroines – highlighting the diversity of our unique characters and their stories.

With heroines hailing from all over the world, this castle serves as a mosaic of different cultures with architectural inspirations from Europe, China, and even Southeast Asia. While guests will not see a complete depiction of the princess or queen’s image, interpretations of each can be found in various architectural elements.

Looking closely at the lofty towers, you might spot Snow White’s apple, Abu, Mushu, and Merida’s bow and arrow. Additionally, murals depicting each princess and queen pursuing their passions can be found around the area, each reflecting deep research on the time periods that the heroines hail from. For example, Cinderella can be seen taking a hot air balloon ride over her kingdom, Aurora is dabbling in falconry, and Ariel is braving the seas on a sailboat to visit her underwater family.

• 

• 

As part of the castle’s magical transformation, the resort invited guests, cast members, community partners and Disney friends, including Mickey Mouse, to share their own dreams and wishes on “magical dream cards.” These cards were collected in a treasure chest, and lifted to the top of the tallest tower in the castle – ensuring that the heart of the resort will always be filled with hopes and dreams.

As a tribute to the original Sleeping Beauty Castle, Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather can now be seen spreading fairy dust across the castle’s breezeway, casting light into the chandeliers, and leading the way to a new rotunda featuring 9,000 points of dancing light. 

The Castle of Magical Dreams stands today as the centerpiece of Hong Kong Disneyland – a shining beacon of courage, hope and possibility to all guests. 

To learn more about Hong Kong Disneyland’s 15^th Anniversary celebrations, visit https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/happily-ever-after/.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Hong Kong Disneyland, Video

As the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort continues, we are nearing another exciting milestone we know many guests have been looking forward to: the return of the Park Hopper option! Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of our ongoing focus on health and safety.

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

Additionally, we will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.

These modifications are designed to help us continue managing attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect, including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

As a reminder, guests with a ticket or pass that includes Park Hopper benefits get the chance to see and do more during their visit, which could mean a morning on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and an evening stroll by Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park or starting the day living your Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before an afternoon traveling around the world at EPCOT. Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

If you have any questions, you may visit our Know Before You Go page on DisneyWorld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center, contact your travel professional or reach out to planDisney to get helpful tips and information on your upcoming Disney vacation. 

We look forward to starting the new year with the return of this guest favorite option!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW