The holiday season at Disney’s theme parks and resorts is filled with delights for food fans!
New for 2012 — our 230-page DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012! We’ve compiled many years of Disney holiday experience so that you don’t miss a single treat, holiday meal, event, or activity. It even includes NEW events and holiday happenings for 2012, over 200 photos, an events calendar, and an informative FAQ section!
As the resorts turn visions of gingerbread houses into life-size creations, guests walking into the hotels are greeted first by the memorable aroma that conjures up memories of long-ago Christmas mornings. Then there’s chocolate and icing decor to be admired too!
The Disney shops tempt us with seasonal merchandise and treats previously only seen in our candied dreams. When the Main Street Confectionery begins to offer Peppermint Fudge, it’s time to linger even longer — to watch and to indulge!
On this fourth Disney Food Blog Christmas, we strive to capture the spirit of the holiday:
Life-size Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort!
Walt Disney World Dining Planning for the Holidays
There are plenty of Disney holiday events and details for the food lover in Disney World. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, guests can expect specialty menus and holiday meals at many Disney restaurants.
Here’s what you can expect for Christmas Options in Disney World:
- Restaurants that are often closed will be open during this busy season. For example, look for Tomorrowland Terrace in the Magic Kingdom to be serving.
- Buffets such as the Biergarten in Epcot will have holiday menu options.
- Many restaurants will have holiday meals on the menu. For example, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Hollywood Brown Derby will add a special entree to the regular menu.
For information on every single Disney World restaurant holiday option, treat yourself to the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012!
For more ideas, check out our reader-suggested restaurants for Christmas in Disney World! Plus our readers have chimed in on their favorite spots for Thanksgiving meals in WDW!
Holiday Treats at Walt Disney Word
Here’s our first look at some holiday-themed treats popping up on Disney Property.
Yule Log
Served at Disney’s Cape May Cafe and Yachtsman Steakhouse (usually) for just two days during the Christmas season!
Holiday-Flavored Fudge: For a glimpse at some Candy Cane Fudge, head over to this Fudge Primer post. Also, check out our updated fudge information.
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa and more treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Try out some of the new holiday treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World this year — including Seasonal Cupcakes!
These delicious stops are likely to return this year:
Holiday Ice Cream Cone in Magic Kingdom: Stop by Storybook Treats in Fantasyland for a treat with a seasonal twist!
Nuts About the Holidays: Get cinnamon-glazed pecans and almonds at kiosks in Epcot, on the Boardwalk, and in Magic Kingdom.
Boardwalk Bakery: Peppermint cupcake crowned with a candy cane, and more holiday treats.
Contempo Cafe: Look for holiday-themed cupcakes in the bakery case. Chocolate Peppermint cupcake features candy cane sprinkles. This year brings the Cool Mint Cupcake, too!
Seasonal Beverages: The Crew Cup’s Lounge at the Yacht Club usually unveils a holiday adult beverage – Santa’s Little Helper.
Make your own seasonal drink inspired by the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
The Christmas Market has returned in Epcot’s Germany pavilion. Try the Gluhwein by the glass for some warm holiday cheer!
Here’s some more treats from 2011 that we may see return this year!
Holiday Treats and Merchandise in Disney World and Disneyland
Disney World Gingerbread Displays and Activities
There are wonderfully aromatic and gorgeous gingerbread displays under construction this year at the Contemporary Resort, Boardwalk Resort, Beach Club Resort, Grand Floridian, Epcot, and more!
Gingerbread Cupcake Ornament
Don’t forget that you can actually purchase pre-made gingerbread houses and other gingerbread and holiday treats at many of the gingerbread displays! Look for – QR codes to scan with your smartphone to learn more about the displays!
Collectible Gingerbread House Pins: Every year, Disney releases trading pins commemorating their Gingerbread House displays. You can see this year’s limited edition gingerbread house pins here!
Events and Experiences
There are lots of incredible events for food lovers that take place in Disney parks during the festive season. Be sure to check out our DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012!
Here are a few of the magical experiences you can expect while in Disney during the holidays:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This exciting event is absolutely memorable! Join Mickey and all his friends for a magical evening in the Magic Kingdom! Indulge in sugar cookies and hot chocolate to your heart’s content, then watch as Santa parades down Main Street in his beautiful sleigh while the snow (yes, SNOW!) comes down all around you. Take a look at this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party treats!
This is a hard-ticket event, which means Disney only sells about 20,000 tickets per party. In 2012, it’s offered on select dates November 9 – December 21. Tickets range from $58.95 to $67.95 plus tax. Buy your tickets in advance for the best savings!
Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional Dining Packages
This is one of the most incredible events of the year, and the Dining Packages make it easy for you to get reserved seating!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
With a cup of hot cocoa or spiked egg nog, stroll slowly through this impressive display of holiday lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Set to music, the lights appear to dance while snow magically falls!
Holiday Options at On-Property Hotels
These non-Disney owned hotels are on Walt Disney World property and have an assortment of holiday options.
Featuring an entire calendar filled with holiday activities, The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel celebrates the season with two special guest hosts – Santa and Mrs. Claus! Holiday happenings are also taking place at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Santa's Tiki Hut
Kosher Hotel and Events
The beloved Cohen’s Deli has partnered with the WorldGate resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Check out the year-round Kosher Hotel!
Tables in Wonderland
Keep an eye out for holiday events for Tables in Wonderland members!
Disney Foodie Gift Ideas:
Just like last year, we’ll be bringing you inspiring gift ideas for the Disney foodies on your list! For example, Disney snowflake beverage charms will brighten up your holiday drinks! Stay tuned for more suggestions every week until the Christmas Holiday!
Additional Resources
2012 Holiday Dining Experiences at Disneyland page
Click Here For a full list of Disney World Restaurants, Dining Reviews, and Official Menus
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