2012 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney World!

As we look forward to the holiday season in Walt Disney World, let’s take a look at when to expect the artful (and edible) decor to go on display this year! Several Disney deluxe resorts showcase massive holiday gingerbread displays, and we’ve got info and photos about where and when to see them below!

And if you’re really craving all there is to know about the holidays in Walt Disney World, it’s time to treat yourself (or a friend!) to the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2012 e-Book! We’ve included all of the gingerbread displays, when to visit them, and more!

The gingerbread displays at Disney’s deluxe resorts are created by the Walt Disney World Food and Beverage team. Sometimes you can even watch the chefs put on the finishing touches! In addition to the beautiful displays, storefronts at each display sell yummy treats, and 2012 limited edition Gingerbread Display pins!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

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 Grand Floridian Resort. Stop by November 19th – December 31st!

Grand Floridian 2010 Gingerbread House

It takes over 400 hours to bake the 10,000+ pieces of gingerbread! Look closely and you may even see puffs of smoke coming from the chimney!

Looking Down on the Gingerbread House

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…]

Disneyland Paris: Souvenir Chocolat!

By Heather 13 Comments

While in Disneyland Paris I unfortunately did not have a lot of time to shop. With only one day to cover both parks, we focused on doing and seeing as much as we could, but bypassed pretty much every store. It killed me to walk by so many amazing “looking” places, but hey, we were lucky to be there at all!

On the way out at park’s close, we did hit one store where I had about 15 minutes to fill a bag full of goodies. It felt like being on Supermarket Sweep (and yes I know how that feels, my husband and I were on that game show 9 years ago, and WON!).

One of the items I tossed in the bag was a box of cute little chocolates. I didn’t really inspect them until we got home, but when I did, I wished I’d grabbed a few of them.

Buyer's Remorse: Should've Purchased More!

The box was filled with about 80-100 chocolate squares. I think it was around $10 US, which really isn’t a bad deal. I’ve been passing them out as treats to friends and family, and they’ve been a big hit. I’m down to my last handful, so I thought I’d share them with you too, before they are gone!

There are four different designs in this lovely little variety pack, each one featuring a popular Disneyland Paris attraction: The Tower of Terror with Stitch as a bellhop, Pirates of the Caribbean with Peter Pan, Minnie with Le Carrousel De Lancelot, and my favorite The [Read more…]

Review: Pollo Campero at Downtown Disney Orlando

By AJ 14 Comments

We’ve got a review of a slightly under-the-radar spot in Disney World’s Downtown Disney today!

Learn About:Pollo Campero

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

So far, you’ve heard about both breakfast, lunch and fun beverage options at Pollo Campero, but I haven’t ever posted my own personal review! It’s about time, don’t you think?

Join me for a visit to the Latin-inspired chicken restaurant that provides an interesting change of pace for Downtown Disney Guests!

Atmosphere

Located in what used to be the cavernous McDonald’s at the end of Downtown Disney’s Marketplace, counter-service location Pollo Campero shares space with two other foodstops: Bodie’s All-American (formerly Fresh A-Peel) and Babycakes NYC. On this visit, we were in the mood for chicken, so Pollo Campero it was.

Outside Pollo Campero

Once inside, you’ll approach the restaurant like most other counter service stops. Choose your food at the counter, and then proceed to a central bank of registers that’s shared with Bodie’s All-American.

Ordering Area

The general set up here is a bit “food-courtish,” but it does [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern

By AJ 39 Comments

Sometimes I find a dessert in Disney World that takes my breath away (‘Ohana Bread Pudding, I’m looking at YOU!). And I’ll be honest with you — I really didn’t expect it to be this one!

Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake

When I first saw the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake on the lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern several years ago, I ordered something else thinking I didn’t really want “cake.” Man-oh-man did I learn my lesson on the next visit, when I ordered it only because it was the dessert I hadn’t had before. (I know! I can’t believe it, either!) Now, the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake is included in Liberty Tree Tavern’s all-you-care-to-enjoy menu and you’ll be glad it is!

[Read more…]

The “DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012” Grand Launch and Discount!

By AJ 8 Comments

I am SO excited about this e-Book. After years of research, it’s finally time for the Grand Launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2012 e-Book!

With 230 pages of detailed information and multiple bonus extras, it WILL save you time and money during the busiest season in Walt Disney World! And it’s here just in time!

And since we want you to save some cash right NOW, we have a steep discount for DFB readers (as always!). Get the brand new guide today for $3 off the regular purchase price for the next 7 days! How? Use code HOLIDAY at the check-out!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012 e-Book

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012 e-Book

features 230 pages of all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 200 photos, and an informative FAQ section. It includes:

Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting!
A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants.
A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you.
Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays
Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season.
A section dedicated to all “New for 2012” events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and the Epcot Candlelight Processional.
And more!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!

You’re probably paying a lot of money for your Disney holiday vacation…and we’re here to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck! And with the holiday season already here, the time is now!

Booking early for holiday events and dining is critical, and our exclusive holiday dining and event information is the most efficient way to plan your holiday strategy. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars stretch all around Disney World.

As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience. It’s easily installed on your mobile devices. And this guide is guaranteed to [Read more…]

News! New Cupcakes Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 13 Comments

I’m pretty excited that when I visit Disney World soon, I’ll have a chance to taste two brand new seasonal cupcakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Also, coming in January, is an extravagant cupcake experience that’s worthy of a certain charismatic Captain we all know and love…;-) And judging from the descriptions, these are going to taste just as incredible as they look!

Pumpkin Mickey Cupcake

First up: a fun homage to fall with this cheerful Pumpkin Mickey Cupcake!

Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Frosting, Candied Pecans, and Mickey Ears

Featuring a — what else? — pumpkin cake(!), this is topped with maple icing and garnished with sugared pecans.

Disney Christmas Cupcake

Once we’re done with the pumpkins, it will be time for Santa hats and such — and this fun Mickey Mouse-topped Christmas Cupcake!

Gingerbread Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Minnie Santa Ears

Decorated with traditional red and green sprinkles, the beautiful treat will [Read more…]

Review: Electric Umbrella at Epcot

By AJ 17 Comments

You may have run right by it dozens of times in a rush to get those all-important Soarin’ Fast Passes or en route to World Showcase for something more exotic.

Learn About:Electric Umbrella

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

But if you’re starving (or have picky, non-experimental eaters to feed), that neon sign over the Electric Umbrella in Epcot can be a very welcome sight.

But should you keep walking? Or is there anything of interest here? It had been a while since we had last taken in a lunch at the Future World counter service stop, so I thought it was time to pop in and see if I could find anything new! (Oh, and please forgive any fuzzy pictures; I was using a new camera lens and I couldn’t quite get the hang of it! ;-D)

Atmosphere

Located adjacent to both the Innoventions Fountains and Mouse Gear, you can’t miss this restaurant. It anchors the plaza in Epcot’s Future World to the left, as you peer toward World Showcase.

Outside View and Patio Seating

There is a ton of shaded seating here, so finding a table and a place to take a break is rarely a problem. And inside, you’ll find a fun, futuristic, neon-weather vibe. This is early Epcot at its best, IMHO.

Neon Sign

Weather Motif and Theming

And of course, true to the name of the restaurant, you’ll find “electric umbrellas” in bright, primary colors lighting up the inside. (If you are a late 70’s early 80’s baby, you are required to love this.)

Electric Umbrellas!

Now, should you seek seating that’s a bit quieter than that outside or underneath the giant umbrellas, here’s a feature that many people don’t even know about: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 11, 2012

By AJ 2 Comments

After much speculation, we now know where the first two Disney World Starbucks locations will be!

In Summer 2013, guests will be able to get their “sbux” at Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom, and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot!

Other big news? We had our first lunch review from Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland earlier this week. Here’s another informed Be Our Guest Restaurant lunch review, too!

Disney Food News

Interesting food news this week. Read on!

The first two Disney World Starbucks locations have been announced — Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom, and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot.
New fudge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Hurry! There’s a sale at DisneyStore.com! Time to get shopping!
Earl of Sandwich opened in Downtown Disney Anaheim at the Disneyland Resort!
If you plan to be in London through the holidays, be sure to visit Disney at Harrods and Disney Cafe by Harrods, two new experiences opened at the famed department store in the United Kingdom! (Oh, and take me with you!)
This is the LAST WEEKEND of the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Catch our updates and reviews here!

We’ve got additional food news (including Via Napoli Pizza Window opened in Epcot, restaurant closure updates, and LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food in or from Disney, share a photo with us so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds!

Suzannah DiMarzio from Zannaland shared a unique find – limited edition cupcakes from the Festival of the Masters art festival in Downtown Disney this weekend.

Festival of the Masters Cupcakes

Brett Young sent us this delicious photo collage of eats from Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival!

Food and Wine Festival Pics

Abby Millsaps tweeted this pictures of a holiday dessert she found at Disneyland’s French Quarter. Abby says it has the “texture of a zebra Dome”! Yum!

Holiday Dessert at French Market in Disneyland

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups

hangs out at the Trout Pass Pool Bar outside the Wilderness Lodge.

Daveland visits Disney California Adventure and heads to Flo’s V-8 Cafe.

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World visits the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Main Street Gazette shares the recipe for Pumpkin Mousse Trifle from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

The Disney Post interviews a Disney Food Scientist!

Disney by Mark shares Disney Aulani’s Food and Wine Festival details in Hawaii!

Disney Parks Blog makes a pit stop at the Cozy Cone Motel at Disney California Adventure.

News! Disney Café Opens at Harrods Department Store in London for the Holidays

By AJ 18 Comments

Are you heading to the UK for the Christmas season — or do you just wish you were? Me too! The “wish I were” part, I mean!

Well, if you actually are there, DFB reader Lynn has pointed out an opulent Disney experience right in the heart of London: A pop-up Disney Store and Disney Cafe at Harrod’s Department Store in Knightsbridge, London! (Scroll down for the full menu!!)

Disney at Harrods

Just in time for the winter holidays, the famous London department store has opened a pop-up boutique and Cafe on its fourth floor. The store features [Read more…]

First Disney World Starbucks Locations Announced!

By AJ 101 Comments

The news is finally here! Disney has officially announced that Starbucks will take over the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot in 2013.

Note the Mickeys on the Cup Sleeve

Main Street Bakery and Fountain View Cafe to become Starbucks

We’ve been wondering for nearly a year now where the Starbucks would be located at the Magic Kingdom. And as it turns out, the Main Street Bakery will be completely revamped to hold the new java shop.

According to Disney, the Bakery will close in January 2013 with Starbucks opening in early summer. At Epcot, Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer.

As we saw with Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in Disney California Adventure, the Starbucks locations will adhere as much as possible to the theme of the parks where they’re located.

For example, Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks will have an early 20th century theme to fit in with Main Street USA. Baristas will be costumed in period wear. In Epcot, the look and feel will represent the modern feel of Future World.

Starbucks Stuff in Current Disneyland Location

Also as we saw at Fiddler in DCA, the locations will offer Starbucks signature beverages along with sandwiches and baked goods.

Bakery Case at Starbucks in Disney California Adventure

If the sandwiches are anything like they are in Disneyland’s location, this means another [Read more…]

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