Disney’s gingerbread houses and displays are a huge part of the holiday experience at Disney Parks and resorts. I can even smell the giant gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian just thinking about it. Well did you know after the holidays they provide a sweet treat to many?
That’s right, Disney cast members disassemble the gingerbread displays and put them to good use. The culinary confections then become like a Christmas treat for the bees!
Disassembly Process
First, the cast members set to work disassembling the gingerbread structures. “Each year, we remove all edible items and place them in food waste bins that are then sent for composting,” said Chef Kristine Farmer, a pastry chef at the Grand Floridian resort.
Then the remaining gingerbread pieces are then cleared away from the wooden frames leaving behind an iced coating of sugary goodness. The structures are then taken over to the tree farm. The bees come in and get to fuel up before going off to make pollinate and make honey, or should I say hunny? What would Pooh do without his smackerel of hunny?
After the bees have finished their snack the wooden frames are cleaned and stored away for next year.
“Seeing how bees respond to the gingerbread displays is such a spectacular example of the impact an individual can have on the behavior of bees and wildlife,” said Dr. Zak Gezon, Conservation Manager for Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment. “You can even recreate something like this at home in a way that’s beneficial to native pollinators by creating your own pollinator garden using beautiful flowering plants.”
I will never look at a gingerbread house the same again! What a wonderful way to help the environment and recycle.
What do you think of Disney recycling the gingerbread displays? If you have any good ideas for helping the environment by recycling please share them with us in the comments below.
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EPCOT Renames Parking Lots After Disney Characters
Disney has just shared word that the EPCOT Parking Lots will be receiving new names! The news was shared this morning on the Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram.
Beginning this week, guests will be welcomed to EPCOT in a brand new way. As part of the continued transformation of EPCOT, we have made updates to the guest parking lot to introduce new lot names with familiar faces and refreshed paint.
In addition to the new “Space” and “Earth” sides of the lot, a redesigned auto plaza marquee will be installed in the coming weeks to welcome our guests to the park!
California Grill will soon be offering a new three-course selection menu that will replace their current 50th Anniversary offerings.
The new menu will be in effect starting April 1st, 2023. You will be able to start booking reservations as soon as January 31st.
Pricing
The new menu will offer a 3-course selection menu featuring contemporary, market-inspired cuisine. No pricing is yet announced but the current pricing for their 50th Anniversary selection is $89 for adults and $39 for children.
Dining at the California Grill is a spectacular way to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks while enjoying top-notch cuisine.
Disney describes the atmosphere as such.”Via private elevator, ascend to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll discover exquisite panoramic views of the shimmering lagoon, Floridian woodland, and Cinderella Castle. Inside, enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of the lively onstage kitchen, where chefs combine global flavors in deliciously inventive new ways.”
Dining at the California Grill is an experience unlike any other on property. I can’t wait to see the complete new menu.
Have you ever dined at the California Grill? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below.
Be sure to check back with Chip and Company to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news.
Celebrate Gospel and More Returning to Disneyland for Black History Month
The Disneyland Resort will be celebrating Black History Month next month with the return of ‘Celebrate Gospel’ and more! Throughout the year, you can enjoy Celebrate Soulfully experiences including, the “Tale of the Lion King” stage show, African-inspired cuisine at Troubadour Tavern and training sessions with the Dora Milaje. In February, the celebration expands with more, limited-time offerings you can discover across the resort.
‘Celebrate Gospel’ returns to Disneyland Park – Feb. 18 and 25
A resort tradition for more than a decade, “Celebrate Gospel” returns to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. PT! This powerful tribute to Gospel music showcases uplifting performances by award-winning Gospel music stars, recording artists and community choirs – each sharing their own distinctive style. If you’re at Disneyland park, you can stick around for the day’s lineup or drop by for a few songs!
Recording artist Jekalyn Carr takes the stage on Feb. 18, with special guest, singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell, III, and a cappella group Sacred Groove. On Feb. 25, “Celebrate Gospel” features GRAMMY® Award-winning singer and radio host Erica Campbell, with special guest DOE and powerhouse vocal ensemble The Singers of Soul. On both Saturdays, you can also admire the amazing talents of community choirs from across Southern California.
In addition to its African-inspired menu items available year-round, Troubadour Tavern will offer a special honey-glazed fried chicken bowl and red velvet Bundt cake during “Celebrate Gospel.”
Special Offerings During Black History Month During the month of February, the Downtown Disney District will offer family crafts, live music and special offerings in honor of Black History Month. Kids and families can express their creativity with crafts inspired by Black heritage.
Lovepop will feature two cards designed in collaboration with talented artist Anthony Conley for Black History Month. Artists Ryan Riller and Larissa Marantz will be featured in artist showcases and signings from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. PT at Disneyana in Disneyland park on Feb. 25 and the WonderGround Gallery pop-up location in the Downtown Disney District on Feb. 26.
Each evening in February, you can dance and groove along to live musical performances highlighting genres such as R&B, Reggae, Funk, Motown, Jazz, Doo-Wop and Gospel. The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage will host live bands nightly, with scheduled acts including LALA Brass, Forward Motion Band, The Rhythm & Blues Brothas and others. On select weekend days, the festivities start in the afternoon with inspiring Gospel music performances by Sacred Groove and The Singers of Soul.
The Mood Indigo Group will fill the Great Hall of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with beautiful and energetic live Jazz each evening in February. At the Disneyland Hotel, overnight guests can paint an animation cel, with artwork of Princess Tiana from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”
Restaurants at the Disneyland Resort will celebrate Black History Month with limited-time menu items that are sure to feed the soul. From Feb. 9 through March 5, Black-owned food truck Wings ‘N Waffles will serve up delicious sandwiches, plates and more near the building adjacent to Star Wars Trading Post in the Downtown Disney District. Soon, we’ll share the Foodie Guide to all the Celebrate Soulfully goodness!
Celebrate Soulfully Year-Round
All year long, you can discover culturally rich experiences and offerings across the Disneyland Resort that are inspired by Black history and culture.
A new video, produced in collaboration with National Geographic, will debut in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park, outside of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” bringing to life the story of the historic relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Beginning Jan. 27, the video will be played between the busts and portraits of these two giants, recognizing their work together in the fight against slavery. The special presentation is narrated by Robin Roberts and features expert testimonials and the family of Douglass, an American advocate for freedom, justice and democracy.
For a limited time beginning in mid-February at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, you may encounter Moon Girl from the Disney Branded Television and Disney+ series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” which debuts on Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and Feb. 15 on Disney+. The series follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, whom she accidentally brings through a portal into present-day New York City. They team up to make a difference and protect Lunella’s Lower East Side neighborhood from danger.
At both theme parks, you can celebrate the stories of Black characters from favorite Disney films. Presented on select days at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, the live stage production “Tale of the Lion King,” sweeps you away with the rhythm of the Pride Lands, with every aspect of the show drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of this timeless story. In New Orleans Square, Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets offers home goods, apparel and more in a shop inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.” At Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park, Super Heroes such as Black Panther, the Dora Milaje and Captain America can often be found greeting and training with recruits.
Which Celebrate Soulfully experience or offering are you most excited for?
If you’d like to visit the Disneyland Resort during Black History Month, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Disney Offering $700 Off Hotel Stays Before or After Your Starcruiser Voyage
Disney is offering guests who book a Galactic Starcruiser voyage a discount on hotel stays before or after their cruise. If you are looking to book a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage and add-on a Disney World stay, you’ll want to take advantage of this offer!
Guests can save up to $700 on a 2-night stay at a select Disney Resort hotel when they book a select Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage from February 5 through October 2, 2023 – valid for Resort hotel stays immediately before or after the voyage.
With this special offer, guests can extend their adventure—and pair the magic of a Disney Resort hotel stay with a legendary experience that’s truly out of this galaxy.
Savings
Resorts
Save $350 Per Night
Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Save $250 Per Night
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Save $150 Per Night
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Purchase of a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser vacation package is required. The number of Resort hotel rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Offer not valid on select voyages—including those on the following dates: February 16, 18 and 22; March 12 and 14; April 3, 7, 9, 11 and 13; May 3 and 17; June 12 and 16; July 24; and August 9, 15, 19, 21 and 23, 2023. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same Resort hotel room. Resort hotel stay must occur on dates immediately before or after the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage, but does not need to be on consecutive nights. A maximum of 2 nights in a Resort hotel room maybe be booked with this offer. Cancelling the reservation for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will result in the cancellation of the Resort hotel stay and any applicable cancellation fees will apply. All Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser package components are only valid during the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage and cannot be redeemed during the Resort hotel stay.
If you’d like help with taking advantage of this offer, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency, and my services are complimentary.
Marvel Character Dinner Returns to Universal Orlando
The Marvel Character Dinner is returning to the Universal Orlando Resort! Guests visiting Universal’s Islands of Adventure can dine with some of their favorite Marvel characters once again starting February 9, 2023.
Team-up with your favorite Super Heroes after a day of adventures and defeat the most formidable foe of all—your empty stomach. You’re dining at Cafe 4 when in walk Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue. This is no ordinary dinner. This is an experience that no true believer can miss.
This character buffet is offered Thursday-Sunday starting at 5 pm. One non-alcoholic beverage and one digital download of a photo with a character is included. Pricing is $52.99 per adult (ages 10+) and $29.99 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Are you excited for the Marvel Character Dinner to return?
If you’d like to visit Universal Orlando, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!
It looks like the following dates have been canceled: July 4, 12, 17; August 1, 7, 15, 27; September 4, 12. Guests who were booked on those voyages are being contacted by Disney and offered to move to other cruises at up to a 50% discount.
There’s no exact reason being given for the cancellations. Some speculate it is because Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser bookings have stalled and the summer months aren’t selling out. Disney might prefer to only have full cruises and cancel the ones with fewer guests.
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a first-of-its-kind, two-night immersive Star Wars experience. Guests can live their own Star Wars story for a larger price tag. Cabins start at almost $5000 and sleep 4-8 guests. The experience includes an excursion to Batuu, themed meals, and live entertainment, but fewer guests seem to be booking.
Have you experienced the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
If you love Star Wars and want to book a stay on the Galactic Starcruiser, I can help! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a wonderful vacation. Email me today!
Ortensia Making Rare Appearance with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at Lunar New Year Festival in California Adventure
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is being joined by Ortensia the Cat at Disney California Adventure for the Lunar New Year Festival. The Festival runs from January 20 to February 15, 2023.
Oswald’s companion, Ortensia, has never appeared at a US Disney theme park before!
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit in China and Korea so it makes sense to have Oswald the Lucky Rabbit appear during the Lunar New Year Festival. However, in Vietnam 2023 is the Year of the Cat! So, Ortensia is the perfect addition to the celebration.
The Orange County Register is reporting that Oswald will wear custom embroidered shorts in rich golds with an ocean wave motif and a matching hat. Ortensia will wear a golden skirt with lotus, apricot and peach flowers inspired by the traditional Vietnamese ao dai gown and a matching Vietnamese khan dong headpiece embroidered in reds, pinks and golds.
The two rare characters will appear in the Paradise Gardens gazebo. They will take turns taking photos, signing autographs, and interacting with guests.
Are you excited to see these two rare Disney characters?
If you’d like to experience the Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip & Co and my services are free. I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
The Costume Design and Development team engineered a “trainsformable” costume with fully reversible features, allowing cast members to switch their costume to adapt to the scene at a moment’s notice. The costumes feature vibrant colors, eye-catching textures, hidden Mickeys and other elements that connect to the attraction.
“The artwork that’s on the vest is designed by Joseph Holt, who’s [an] animator and artist who works on all of the cartoon shorts,” said Yonit Olshan, costume designer. “Our cast members and their costumes are completely in line with the vision for the entire attraction; they really are a part of the show.”
Cast members who have been a part of the development process are excited about the immersion aspect. “I think that the nature of the attraction, where it’s moving from one environment into the next, is mirrored in the costume,” said Tyler Girdner, entertainment character host. “It allows for the guests to feel transported by seeing a completely different look.”
Dressed in their best for the El CapiTOON Theater, cast members are now one stop closer to the big premiere!
If you’d like to experience Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland, contact me today! I am the preferred travel partner with Chip and Co and my services are complimentary.
Experience a New Way to Play with a Power-Up Band at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band™, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land.
With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality.
These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.
With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.
When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.
The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
While meet-and-greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.
The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
