Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is now OPEN! It does not feel like the Holidays down here at the Parks until the Gingerbread house opens at the Grand Floridian Resort, and today is the day that the festive spirit has come! You can now venture over to the resort and see the house in all it’s yummy, amazing-smelling goodness.
Beginning November 9, you can view clouds of cinnamon billowing out of the chimney of this life-sized storybook gingerbread house made from a classic Austrian recipe. This house is adorned with white chocolate, candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and 25 – yes, 25 – hidden Mickeys! Along the porches, you’ll find an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that have all been hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team.
As the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort continues, this year’s displays will feature colors and accents inspired by the signature EARidescent look. You can even get limited edition pins, mugs, holiday ornaments, and treats! Some of the goodies you can purchase from the Gingerbread House include:
Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Chocolate Peppermint Bark
House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
New items like the Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie and Hot Cocoa Bombs
Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Caramel Pecan Fudge Bar
Gluten-friendly, plant-based, and no sugar added treats
Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the Chocolate Mickey Ornament, exclusive to the Combo Box
Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney World Closing Today due to Tropical Storm Nicole
This just in Disney World will be closing today due to Tropical Storm Nicole!
Read on for the full details:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, we are planning to make the following operational adjustments as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Cast Members and Guests during the storm:
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will have a phased closure today, Nov. 9, beginning at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10. Resort Guests are encouraged to enjoy food and beverage options at the theme parks prior to returning to their Disney Resort hotel. Theme parks will likely not reopen at their regularly scheduled time tomorrow, Nov. 10.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with last dining reservations at 5 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. with last dining reservations at 6 p.m.
Magic Kingdom Park: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Be Our Guest, Liberty Tree Tavern, Diamond Horseshoe, and Cinderella’s Royal Table will be at 6 p.m., and the last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
EPCOT: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. The last dining reservations for Monsieur Paul, Space 220 Restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Garden Grill Restaurant will be at 6 p.m., and the last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
As previously shared, extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be canceled today, Nov. 9.
To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be canceled today, Nov. 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed.)
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10.
Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be required to depart by 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternate accommodations.
Guests staying at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be required to depart by today, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternative accommodations.
At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10, so we can accommodate more Resort Guests staying at these locations for breakfast.
For Guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans.
Other Walt Disney World Experiences
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin tomorrow, November 10 will be canceled. We are contacting Guests with reservations.
Dining and Enchanting Extras
Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be canceled and refunded to the original form of payment.
Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have been canceled for Wednesday, November 9.
Fairytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise has been canceled for Wednesday, November 9.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations at 6:30 p.m. Disney Springs will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.
Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will operate until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 9.
This is the second time Disney World is closing due to weather in 2022. The last time was Hurricane Ian this past summer.
Mickey Mouse The Main Attraction The Haunted Mansion Collection Has Materialized On ShopDisney!
This is the 10th collection of the Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction series inspired in the spooky attraction at Walt Disney World. The colors of this collection are reminiscent to the costume cast members wear at the attraction plus we can also see details from the ride like the famous purple wallpaper, bat eyes and Madame Leota.
The collection includes a backpack, ear headband, a Mickey plus, pin and collectible key! They are all stunning, let’s take a look:
Pack-up the troubles of mortal life in this limited release mini backpack by Loungefly. Each release in the Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction series honors a different, beloved Disney World attraction. Here, Mickey immortalizes The Haunted Mansion and its 999 resident spirits.
Join our 999 happy haunts in this collectible, limited release ear headband with a top hat-topped adornment that will ease your eternal rest in The Haunted Mansion.
Mickey Mouse is in the house for this collectible, limited release plush, dressed for a formal affair, Mickey makes a visit to The Haunted Mansion, greeting all 999 happy haunts!
Ghostly host Mickey Mouse welcomes foolish mortals to uncover this collectible, limited release pin. Here, he invites wayward visitors on an otherworldly trip through The Haunted Mansion ”Hurry back…!”
Memorialize Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration with our Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction collectible key. It’s designed to unlock all the sinister secrets and sociable spirits of The Haunted Mansion. Use it at your own discretion.
The whole collection is available now at shopDisney and we hope to see it soon at Walt Disney World!
Here is a current look at things being canceled around the Walt Disney World Theme Parks:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks
Walt Disney World Theme Parks are currently operating under normal conditions. Please continue to monitor news outlets for the latest weather information.
The Extended Evening Hours scheduled at Magic Kingdom Park have been canceled for Wednesday, November 9.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic! has been canceled for Wednesday, November 9.
Walt Disney World Water Parks and Miniature Golf locations are temporarily closed on Thursday, November 10:
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
At 700 AM EST (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Nicole was about 60 miles (100 km) east-northeast of Great Abaco Island. Nicole is moving toward the west-southwest near 13 mph (20 km/h). A turn toward the west is expected today, followed by a turn toward the northwest on Thursday, and north or north-northeast on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Nicole will approach the
northwestern Bahamas this morning, move near or over those islands by midday, and approach the east coast of Florida within the hurricane warning area tonight. Nicole’s center is then expected to move across central and northern Florida into southern Georgia Thursday and Thursday night, and then across the Carolinas Friday and Friday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected today, and Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane near the northwestern Bahamas and remain a hurricane when it reaches the east coast of Florida tonight. Nicole is expected to weaken while moving across Florida and the southeastern United States Thursday through Friday, and it is likely to become a post-tropical cyclone by Friday night over the Mid-Atlantic states.
Nicole is a large tropical storm. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 460 miles (740 km), especially to the north of the center. During the past few hours, a National Ocean Service station at the Lake Worth Pier, Florida, reported sustained winds of 44 mph (71 km/h) and a wind gust of 55 mph (89 km/h).
Disney News Round-Up: Rainy Christmas Party, Closures and Warnings at Disney World, MCO Airport Closing Ahead of Nicole Tropical Storm, Holiday Offerings at Disneyland. Hurricane Nicole is expected to form off the Atlantic Coast and move inland towards Walt Disney World, then move north, which is causing major headaches in the area. Furthermore, it pretty much ruined the first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Free Commemorative Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party Poster Handed Out to Guests
Guests attending the very wet first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party received not 1 but 2 free items for attending. Those attending received a super cute Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Receive Holiday Ornament when coming into the sold-out event and then when leaving they received a Free Commemorative Poster!
Cast Members were handing out these beautiful posters to guests (1 each) as we were leaving last night. We are so glad it was sealed due to all of the rain…
2022 Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
Watch the very first Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show of 2022 from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Get in the Christmas spirit as your host—Minnie Mouse—invites you to take in a sparkling, yuletide fireworks display. Watch as the sky becomes alight with festive colors to the tune of some of your favorite carols like Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
This merry display can be thoroughly enjoyed from most locations throughout Magic Kingdom park—including Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show will be presented as part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party––offered select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2022.
Watch the very first Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade of 2022 from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Wave to some beloved pals as they float by in this yuletide parade.
Gather around the parade route––with viewing spots in Frontierland, Liberty Square and Main Street, U.S.A.––to see gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney Characters.
Black Panther Wakanda Forever releasing worldwide in theaters on November 11 will be the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Wakanda Forever is the sequel to the billion-dollar Black Pather Film from 2018. Directed by Ryan Coogler; with an ensemble cast featuring Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Basset as Queen Ramonda, Winston Duke as M’Baku, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, and Danai Gurira as Okoye. The film is the final installment in Phase 4 for the MCU, with expectations running high for Coogler’s return to the fictional African nation-state of Wakanda.
In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. When Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, alerts them to a global threat and his disturbing plan to thwart it, the Wakandans band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.
The most important aspect of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not who would play the role of the “Black Panther” moving forward in the MCU, but how would this film pay tribute to its late star, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman tragically died of cancer in 2020. The film handled the loss of its fallen hero almost immediately; and while not a part of the film, Boseman’s presence could be felt at every turn.
When Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020, the filmmakers had to take a big step back and really consider what this next story could be. King T’Challa was the heart of “Black Panther”—and Boseman remains in the hearts of everyone who worked alongside him.
“Chad’s passing affected filmmakers and the actors in a way that was incredibly profound,” says Coogler. “Chad was very much our artistic partner in this project, in this franchise and in this storytelling. I would spend time with him, just he and I, talking about where we wanted to see the character go, where we wanted to see the story go, how much he admired the other characters and the actors that portrayed them.
We realized that it would only be right for us to continue the story.” Adds Moore, “We didn’t think Chad would have wanted the world of Wakanda—and the effect that movie had on kids—to go away. Emotionally, it felt like letting it go would be the easier thing to do, but I don’t think it would’ve been the right thing to do. I think to do right by the legacy of the man you have to continue to do right by the legacy of the movie.”
The film tackled the very tough emotions of loss and grief in a mature and respectful way, never forgetting where this franchise found its roots. We have come to know MCU films as theatrical spectacles. Customarily Marvel films are known more for their assault on the senses, rather than being rooted in deep and mature themes like loss and grief. At its very heart, this film is a tribute, in the best possible sense.
The film remains decidedly focused on the legacy left by Chadwick all the way up to the last frame of the film. One feels the weight of the mantle of the Black Panther, and director Ryan Coogler reminds us all of just how big the shoes are that he needed to fill.
The film itself was visually stunning, every bit as beautiful as I had hoped from the jaw-dropping trailers. Both Wakanda and the underwater city of Talokan (Ruled by the film’s nemesis Namor) provided gorgeous backdrops for the events of the film.
It took the creative team nearly two years to develop the fictional underwater empire of Talokan; which was steeped in Mayan architectural colors and icons. Talokan is a gorgeous reimagined comic book depiction of Atlantis and presents a sizeable foe to the powerhouse nation of Wakanda.
Coogler’s juxtaposition of the film’s fictional nation-states fighting for autonomy amongst world powers offered thought-provoking insights into the global legacy of colonialism and modern-day infringement on national sovereignty.
This film was heavy and dark in a way that no other MCU film has been to date. Many of the signature Marvel tropes have been tossed aside, leaving us with a film that feels fresh and unique despite having 29 superhero films preceding it.
The performances of Angela Bassett and Letitia Wright stand out, and it would not surprise me to hear their names again during awards season. Bassett specifically dominates every single one of her scenes in the film. These characters experience tremendous growth individually and collectively, and one can see that the tragedy befallen the cast has left them forever changed.
The film is filled with tender and intimate moments to balance the action sequences that are the hallmarks of the genre. These performances have risen to the occasion, and this cast has been through something transformative.
Ultimately, this is a comic book movie. The action sequences, special effects, music, and cinematography are top-notch. The film’s run time (2hr 41m), while long moved at a decent pace and didn’t drag.
Namor Actor Tenoch Huerta was menacing as the film’s protagonist, offering a powerful foe to the Wakandans. First appearing as the Sub-Mariner in Marvel Comics #1 in 1939, Namor is among Marvel’s oldest characters, acting both as hero and villain in the years to follow.
Riri Williams (Ironheart) played by Dominique Thorne offered comic relief when most needed, but more importantly, gave the audience a glimpse ahead at the future of Stark Tech, which is in good hands.
This film left me in deep thought following the end credits. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever sat in reflection following a superhero movie. I learned something as a result of my viewing. This film showed me how intimately love and grief exist in the same space; and that while we hold someone in our hearts, they are never truly gone.
This film at its very core was a beautiful tribute to a fallen friend. Chadwick Boseman understood that his role as a fictional superhero could inspire millions of children around the world. While the mantle of the Black Panther is passed in this sequel we are reminded that while gone, Chadwick remains with us in our hearts and minds. Ultimately, Wakanda Forever is Marvel’s most poignant and thoughtful film to date. It is a work of love and triumph. (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
Full list of Prices for the 2022 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
The 2022 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House has arrived at Walt Disney World! It officially opens today, November 9, and we’ve got a look at the menu board and prices of the treats that will be served in this iconic holiday setting!
The treats guests can find for sale at the gingerbread house include:
Marshmallow Lollipop – $4
M&M Sugar Cookie – $4
Gingerbread Man Lollipop – $5.75
50th Celebration Cookie Pop – $5.75
Brownie Tree Pop – $7.25
Gingerbread Cookie Man – $7.50
Happy Holidays Mickey Face Lollipop – $8
Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie – $8.50
Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge Bar – $10
Gingerbread Shingle with Dark Chocolate – $11
Gingerbread Mickey Ears with Earidescent Chocolate – $11.50
Gingerbread Sweetheart Ornament – $13
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bag – $14
Gingersnap Cookie Bag – $15
Peppermint Bark Bag – $15
Imported Gingerbread Cookie Bag – $16
Hot Cocoa Bomb Gift Set – $20
Signature Stollen Bread with Marzipan – $25
Grand Gift Box – $60
50th Gingerbread House – $85
Guests can purchase their treats at the back of the gingerbread house. There’s even a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary welcome mat. The shop will be open from 9:30 am to 9 pm daily.
There are so many different options for treats! Which one(s) do you have your eye on?
If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at Disney World, 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!
Santa Meet & Greet in Disney Springs to use Virtual Queue system
A Santa meet & greet is coming to Disney Springs and will be using a virtual queue. The meet & greet will take place at Once Upon a Toy in The Marketplace.
Guests can meet Santa from November 11 through December 24. You’ll need to be in Disney Springs in order to access the virtual queue. The virtual queue can be entered via the My Disney Experience app at:
9 am
12 pm
3 pm
6 pm
A push notification will be sent to your mobile device when it’s time for your group to return. The notification will also present a link to a digital entry code. There is a maximum size of 10 people per group.
There won’t be a standby line for this meet & greet.
If you’d like to meet Santa at Disney Springs, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
New Holiday Magic Shots are now available at Epcot! Guests wanting to celebrate the holidays with a little extra magic in their photos will enjoy these festive Magic Shots.
The Magic Shots include snowflakes, Tinker Bell in a holiday outfit, mistletoe, and putting guests into a snow globe! Disney PhotoPass Service shared the news about the Magic Shots on Facebook:
“The holidays have arrived at EPCOT! 🎄 You can enjoy these holly jolly Magic Shots now through January 7. 📸 Be sure to stay tuned to our page for even more holiday Magic Shots coming to EPCOT at the end of the month!”
Which holiday Magic Shot do you like best?
If you’d like to visit Epcot this holiday season, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
