Looking for some fun holiday treats? Look no further, Big Thunder Ranch is currently hosting the Jingle Jangle Jamboree; a one stop shop for fun games, cookie decorating, special snacks & SANTA!
The menu here is simple, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cob, “Candy Cane” Cotton Candy, Apple Burritos, Cookie Decorating Kits and various beverages.
Our visit included the “Candy Cane” Cotton Candy & some Cookie Decorating. Let me break the sad news to you first. The cotton candy here DOES NOT taste like candy canes, it’s just “candy cane striped.” Even the cast member that I bought it from thought that it was peppermint flavored, but alas, that is a rumor. It’s still pretty though!
It’s dark and light pink swirled and still
tastes delicious, but oh how I wish it was actually Candy Cane flavored…
The cotton candy was a bit of a let down, but I highly recommend the Cookie Decorating Kit. It’s generously sized, and for $6, it’s a fun activity with no line to wait in.
Another perk? The first lady of Christmas is actually on hand to supervise!
The Cookie Decorating Kit comes with your choice of a Mickey Snowman or Mickey Gingerbread Man shaped sugar cookie. It has 3 cups of frosting in red, green & white; mini M&M’s; red sugar; and nonpareils sprinkles in red, green & white.
All packed up neatly in a box with a stick for spreading, the kit is a fun way to spend some time enjoying the Jingle Jangle Jamboree.
There are plenty of decorating tables and the box can be opened to make a perfect little work space. Here’s my friend Bella showing us how it’s done!
After all that hard work, the masterpiece is ready and it’s time for at tasty treat!
I think Bella did a great job, how about you?
If you prefer to have a little meal before decorating a cookie, you can grab a Hot Dog & some Chips.
Or if you feel like you need something a little more on the healthy side, order yourself an ear of Corn on the Cob!
I however, prefer the delicious Fried Apple Burrito that has been invited back after debuting at Halloween time.
The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is open daily, 9:30am to 6:00pm through January 6th, 2014. In addition to the food offerings, there are special character appearances (including Santa!), free carnival type games, free crafts, and Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies perform throughout the day.
Also, a little secret: If you hit the Jingle Jangle Jamboree early in the day, it’s very light on crowds. I’ve seen Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy & the Country Bears roaming around with zero lines at all.
ANNNND they won’t be out of Apple Burritos just yet! So, what are you waiting for? Head on over! Mickey’s there all dressed up in his holiday best waiting for you!!!
Have you been to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree this holiday season? Did you try any of the food offerings, or did you go for the company?
Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!
Sue says
Although I appreciate the post — really — it also breaks my heart a little bit. Why? 1) I am not near DIsneyland right now; 2) that cotton candy *should* be candy cane flavored and I feel tricked; 3) I want a Mickey snowman cookie cutter of my very own, even if my cookies would not turn out as wonderful as Bella’s. (I bet she makes a mean chocolate dipped rice krispie treat.) If only I had an apple burrito in which to drown my sorrows . . .
Essie says
Well, I’m nowhere near Disneyland either, but boy, does that look like fun. It’s so nice to know that they have free games and crafts available; other than the EPCOT kidcot fun spots, it’s hard to find things that are free in Disney world (although they have nice free fun at the resorts). Thanks for a very enjoyable report.
Essie says
I’d be fine with the regular flavored cotton candy as I like it plain without fruity or any other extra flavors added.
Heather Sievers says
@Sue – A fried apple burrito would make everything better!
@Essie – I prefer regular flavor cotton candy too!
Kerry says
We were just there in November! We had so much fun! It was relaxing … Not crowded at all … And we were able to see Mickey, Minnie, etc. all in their Christmas attire (without waiting in long lines). I actually enjoyed the cotton candy! It’s still very pretty AND it’s in Disneyland! The cookie kit was adorable and lots of fun.
orljustin says
The cotton candy thing makes no sense at all.
Heather Sievers says
@Kerry – It’s such a great place to see the characters!
Angelina says
i agree that this place is one of my new favorites ever since they started adding these interactive options. I was there in October and got to play Harvest carnival games and after conjuring up the evil queen from snow white had about a 10 minute conversation with her because there was no one else in line. Love it when I find new things!!
Heather Sievers says
@Angelina – It’s totally a hidden gem!
East Coast Mermaid USA says
Hi Heather,
since you do this food blog – which by the way is terrific, I’m hoping that you can possibly answer me and pass along these suggestions. Why don’t any of the character breakfast’s offer
any Gluten free breads and sweet pastries along with the Gluten free waffles and pancakes?
That is our number one reason why we never do breakfast in the park. Lunch and dinners are great. Thanks,
East Coast Mermaid USA
Heather Sievers says
@East Coast Mermaid – I would definitely ask the chef or call in advance to ask. They are very helpful and can often accommodate you. This is a good site with lots of GF food info from Disneyland. We often touch on it here on the DFB, but don’t go into depth like this site. Hope this helps: http://disney-eats.blogspot.com/p/disneyland-parks-gluten-free-list.html