Minnie Wreath Cronut at Disneyland Looks Good Enough to Hang or Eat

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December 17, 2018

Minnie Wreath Cronut at Disneyland Looks Good Enough to Hang or Eat

There’s nothing I like writing about more than delicious treats at Disney parks. As there are constant additions to enjoy that accompany the sweet fair that Disney cooks up, it makes my mouth water. However, there is no greater time to be a Disney food nut than during the holidays. Disney parks really go all out and offer interesting and beautiful options to guests. Well, they’ve done it again…this time at Disneyland with their Minnie Wreath Cronut!

Don’t know what a cronut is? It’s a donut, but not just any donut. Made of croissant-like dough and usually filled with creamy goodness, they are definitely a step up from your normal breakfast pastry. This one, however, comes covered in green icing, crushed peppermint, a bow, and of course Mickey shaped candy. Take a closer look:

We know, right? It’s pretty enough to hang on your door as a warm invite for those friends and family who will be visiting this Christmas. But we won’t be hanging this beauty…we’ll be devouring it this holiday season! Once we’re done wiping the chocolate-peppermint ganache filling from our faces, you can probably find us ordering a second!

With the Festival of the Holidays going on at Disney’s California Adventure, now is the time to get your hands on this giant special! At $8.99 a piece, you can pick up a couple and not feel too guilty! As with many Disney treats, it’s also a beauty and makes a for a great Instagram photo, especially as it’s topped with a polka-dot bow! Not us though, we’ll be bathing in its flaky goodness!

Santa Mickey Holiday Milkshake Debuts at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 17, 2018

Santa Mickey Holiday Milkshake Debuts at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Kick your holiday into high gear with the new Santa Mickey Holiday Milkshake at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort! This new colossal specialty milkshake will have you wishing it was Christmas every day.

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This holly jolly milkshake is made with cookies and cream ice cream, topped with a chocolate chip whoopie pie and milk chocolate Mickey Santa hat. To make it even more festive, the souvenir glass mug has a rim of crushed candy canes, and Christmas colored sprinkles decorating the whoopie pie. I am a cookies and cream fanatic. This milkshake is FANTASTICALLY FESTIVE cue my Inner Buddy the Elf! Instead of syrup as one of my main food groups, this Santa Mickey Holiday milkshake is now one of my staples. This is my new favorite shake at Beaches & Cream. Grab yours through January 5th for only $14.

Let’s just say if you left Santa Claus one of these milkshakes on Christmas Eve, you are guaranteed to be on the nice list! You can feel the holiday cheer in the air at the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Will you and your family be stopping by this December? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends.

Disney Convention Participants Can Save with a New “Show Your Badge” Program

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 16, 2018

Now, at Disney Springs attendees of conventions held at Disney will benefit from special discounts at participating Disney Springs locations. With the busy schedules that come with conferences held at Walt Dinsey World Resorts in Orlando, attendees want to make the most time of their time and budget.

The new “Show Your Badge” program allows convention groups to enjoy discounts and free gifts with purchase around a variety of Disney Springs locations. The discounts are valid on food and drink as well! There is no cost to participate in the program and there is no minimum required.

To participate, your attendees simply need to provide their meeting/conference credential (typically a name tag with both the guest and conference names printed on it) to any of the participating organizations and request the incentive being offered. Offer valid only during dates of the conference. For questions about program eligibility, please contact Disney Springs Sales Strategy Manager Kurt Steinfeldt by phone at (407) 934-5322 or by email at [email protected]. Group leaders are encouraged to share their plans to visit Disney Springs in advance to ensure an optimal Guest experience.

See below for a list of the discounts and benefits currently being offered across Disney Springs. Current list of offers is good through June 30, 2019, but all are subject to change without notice:

The World of Disney store was recently transformed into a distinctly Disney retail environment that is a contemporary, immersive, and fun place to shop for this year’s Disney Parks Holiday collection. Familiar favorites such as playful headwear, accessories and even “ugly” sweaters will join new products that offer a dose of Disney holiday magic. For home entertaining, new dinnerware, including serving dishes, dinner plates and bowls, will make a splash during holiday meals.

With over 60 dining locations to choose from, you won’t go hungry during your shopping spree! And, if you’re looking for limited-time holiday sips, sweets, and snacks during your shopping adventure, check out this list as your festive Foodie Guide!

Credit Disney Meetings

Marketplaces at Caribbean Beach Resort Now Closed

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2018

Last year Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort began the lengthy refurbishment that caused serious disruptions around the resort. Among those disruptions was the closure of Centertown Market, the resorts quick service location. To compensate for the inconvenience several makeshift marketplaces popped up around the resort offering grab and go items.

We were there in early December and noticed that those marketplaces, which were located in Martinique, Aruba, and Jamaica are now closed.

In October 2018 the construction wound down and the brand new Port Royale opened to guests. That included a newly reimagined Centertown Market that is amazing! We got to check it out at the beginning of December and were highly impressed.

Additionally, Spyglass Grill opened in the Trinidad section and while we didn’t get to try it, we can tell you it smelled amazing!

Though guests staying at in Jamacia, Aruba and Martinique may lament the extra steps to get to the food location now that the pop-up locations is closed, we are sure once they experience the amazing food all will be forgiven. We had a beef and chorizo blend burger and it was phenomenal!

December 16th Chip and Co Weekend Roundup

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 16, 2018

It’s been a busy week in news here at Chip and Co! Take a look back on what we have brought to you.

1). Carnival Cruise Does the Unthinkable: A Rollercoaster On A Ship

Photo: Carnival Cruise Lines

Just when you thought cruise ships couldn’t get more fun…Carnival Cruise Lines thought otherwise! “How?” you might be wondering! Well, the cruise line just ordered a new, giant ship with a deck big enough to house its very own rollercoaster.

Your mind is blown, right? We’ll give you a second as you’re most definitely trying to imagine this! It’s not possible, it’s unimaginable, it’s inconceivable! Well, according to Carnival president, Christine Duffy…it’s happening! As part of a new cruise line (which will feature larger than life vessels), the line is planning a 5,200 passenger ship called the Carnival Mardi Gras. Rolling out in 2020, the new line will feature this ship which will include a complete roller coaster on board! Incredible! As you’ve probably guessed, it’ll be the first of its kind. At 800 feet long, BOLT: The Ulitmate Sea Coaster will feature all the twists and turns of a coaster you might find in a theme park…the difference, it’s on a ship (I know we keep saying it, but it’s just amazing).

2). New Guest Experience Team at Magic Kingdom Park

New tools are coming to make your trip to Walt Disney World even more magical. From December 16 to mid-January, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome the Guest Experience Team to the Magic Kingdom Park as part of a test. This team will help Guests make the most of their day by proactively assisting them with:

Booking, modifying and recovering FastPass+ selections
Navigating the My Disney Experience app
Deactivating and reactivating MagicBands

Additionally, just as Cast Members throughout the park already do, the Guest Experience Team will provide recommendations, help Guests view attraction wait times, and give tips on how to best navigate the park.

Cast Members on the Guest Experience Team can be easily identified by their blue shirts with the Guest Experience Team logo. They will roam the park, but can also be found in the following locations until 11 p.m. daily:

Main Street, U.S.A. – Castle Hub
Tomorrowland – Near Stitch’s Great Escape
Fantasyland – Along the castle wall, near Enchanted Tales with Belle
Frontierland – The porch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café

3). Check Out the New Food Items at Disneyland Parks and Hotels.

New food at Disneyland Hungrybear

I would like to talk about the Honey-spiced chicken sandwich because that would be at the top of my list to try. This sandwich features that magical twist with the sweet and spicy spread that gives it a good kick then topped off with lettuce. Complete with fries, this sandwich sounds so good!! In addition to the sandwiches guests can choose from the classic cheeseburger, the BBQ Double Cheeseburger, or the Messy Melvin’s Vegan Specialty Burger. The BBQ Double Cheeseburger sounds amazing! The BBQ Burger comes with BBQ Sauce, an onion ring, and jalapeno pickle relish.

New food at Disneyland Hungrybear

All this food talk is making my mouth water!! After reading some of the new items at Disneyworld – you can find the article here if you missed it – and reading about some of the new items at Disneyland, which would you like to try? I mean it all sounds so tasty, but I think my first stop will be to Boatwright’s Dining Hall for that Chef’s platter. MMM, MMMM! Next, the crispy fish sandwich. This sandwich also has a special twist with its sweet and spicy slaw and lemon-citrus mayonnaise on a bun. I personally am not a slaw fan, but I still want to try it!! Recently Hungry Bear Restaurant recently implemented a whole new menu! This is so exciting! There is a plethora of food here to fill anyone’s hungry stomach! Apparently, there are two new sandwiches that are on the can’t miss list! These new can’t miss sandwiches are the Honey-spiced chicken sandwich and the Crispy Fish Sandwich.

4). Booking for Garden Rocks Dining Packages at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Now Open

December 16th Chip and Co Weekend Roundup

Garden Rocks Dining Packages are the best way to get a fabulous meal and enjoy primary seating for one of the concerts going on at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. You can now book your dining packages! You can book your packages here or contact your travel agent this week. Last month we shared that the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival dates were announced and now we have more news about the event. New this year, the Garden Rocks Concert Series will expand to seven days a week! This means over 270 concerts spanning over the entire 90-day event. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers outdoor kitchens and beautiful flower and topiaries all around the park. There have been a limited number of artists announced and more will come as weeks go on. Keep checking back as we add to this list.

December 16th Chip and Co Weekend Roundup

March 9-10: Glass Tiger “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
March 17-20: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away”
March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops”
April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing”
April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family”
April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You”
April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella”
April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements”
April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed”
April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”

5). Disney World Worker Fired After Stealing $49K From the Company

December 16th Chip and Co Weekend Roundup

Monday, a man was arrested for stealing nearly $50,000 from Walt Disney World. WFTV 9 Orlando is reporting that Orange County Sherrif’s arrested Jamaica Hall of Kissimmee, Florida. Between April and December of 2016 Hall issued fraudulent credit card refunds to hotel guests which he then transferred to his own personal checking account.

Hall worked the front desk at several Walt Disney World Resorts throughout the time of the theft. Hall has admitted to taking the money and has been arrested, investigators say. There were not any hotel guests affected by the $48,531 in fraudulent refunds to Halls personal account. Walt Disney World has since fired him and filed charges.

6). Actor Gary Sinise Sends Hundreds of Children of Fallen Military Heroes to Walt Disney World

December 16th Chip and Co Weekend Roundup

Gary Sinise is taking a total of 1750 people to Walt Disney World this December as part of his “Snowball Express” program through the Gary Sinise Foundation. He chartered flights and with the help of American Airlines and they took flight from LAX. Gary started his foundation as a way to give back to children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian. This week they left on a five day adventure to Walt Disney World as a way to enjoy a stress-free environment making lasting memories with new friends.

Now Available: Caramel Mocha Cupcake at Animal Kingdom Starbucks

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2018

Caramel Mocha Cupcake at Animak Kingdom — Caramel Mocha Cupcake at Animal Kingdom Starbucks Location

Coffee lovers are in for a treat at Animal Kingdom! The Starbucks location in the Park has a selectable new cupcake offering and we are wild about it!

These Caramel Mocha Cupcakes are made with a mocha flavored cupcake, caramel frosting and caramel drizzled on top! Finishing it off are coffee flavored crunchies that really make it stand out! It’s my favorite coffee treat in dessert form!

Wait… Starbucks at Animal Kingdom? I know! I’d never noticed it either. It is well themed and blends in well with the rest of the Park. You’ll find it on Discovery Island on the West side of the Tree of Life under the name Creature Comforts. This amazingly indulgent treat is $5.99 or a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan!

We aren’t sure if it is here to stay or just around for the holidays, so if you love your Caramel much as like I do, you’ll want to get one while you can…just in case! You won’t be sorry that you did. The Caramel Mocha Cupcake at Animal Kingdom is one of my new favorite delights!

Universal’s Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley Brings Real Life Experiences to Youth Musicians

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2018

Universal's Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley Brings Real Life Experiences to Youth Musicians

We’ve recently brought you a couple of write-ups about Universal and their vast resources in aiding young, aspiring students to learn and accomplish their goals. Covering a wide range of arts, giving back to youth through creative experiences seems to be a central theme.

One of those arts included in the vast array of youth programs focuses on music. But not just music in general. Music and sound effects used in today’s film industry! One of the biggest and most important parts of a film has to be the accompanying soundtrack and sound effects. Music can indeed convey a message of joy, fear, suspense, and sadness. This makes it one of the most valuable parts of production in major films and television. This thought isn’t lost on Universal and they understand the need to utilize today’s inspired and brilliant youth to continue with their movie success! Enter the STARS Performance Program!

Much like other programs run by Universal, Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley (part of the STARS Performance Program) offers an opportunity through the use of workshops for today’s choral and band groups. The experience offers choirs, bands, or orchestras the chance to take a peek inside what it is like to work as an actual movie musician. Through the use of real movies scenes, Foley and digital sound effects, and syncing of music…youth can look forward to diving into the world of sound production utilized for big screen features!

The workshop was designed by Robert W. Smith, a Troy University graduate from Alabama who also attend the University of Miami, and includes familiar tunes from blockbuster films such as Despicable Me and the Lorax.

We marvel at large corporation’s ability to create and foster a creative environment dedicated to unique learning experiences for youth, and Universal is no different. As a former (self-proclaimed) musician myself, I can absolutely appreciate how cool and unique the experience would be. We can only hope that these types of programs continue as they aid in the flourishing creative spirit of our youth!

For more information, or to find out how to apply for your band, choir, or orchestra, click here.

Courtesy of Universal Orlando.com

Construction Begins on New Disney Internships & Programs Housing

By

Kaitlyn

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December 16, 2018

Construction Begins on New Disney Internships & Programs Housing. Walt Disney World Resort and American Campus Communities (ACC) have celebrated the beginning of construction for a huge housing expansion for participants of the Disney Internships & Programs, previously known as the Disney College Program.

“The college students who have been part of our college and internship programs have helped make magic for millions of our Guests for more than three decades,” said Kristi Breen, Vice President of Disney International Campus Programs. “We are pleased to join our friends at American Campus Communities to break ground on this new residential community for our future participants.”

This highly anticipated project will bring an additional 10,400 beds to the currently available housing, which contains four complexes: The Commons, Vista Way, Chatham Square, and Patterson Court. With the expansion will come two new complexes that will contain 25,000 square-foot community centers, resort-styled swimming pools, event and recreation lawns, social lounges and fitness centers for amenities, that will be for the exclusive use of the internship and program participants.

The complexes will also include a Disney Education Center and clubhouse where residents will be able to participate in ‘uniquely Disney’ social activities and learning experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to use group or private study rooms, have access to computers and free printing, as well as wi-fi.

“Collaborating with Walt Disney World on this project and serving the DIP participants is an incredible honor,” said Bill Bayless, ACC CEO. “When we first launched American Campus Communities, we traveled around the country with four poster boards, sharing our vision for the student experience. One of them was titled, ‘The Disney Way.’ It was our goal to emulate Disney’s best-in-class customer service from day one. To celebrate this partnership with Disney and the ACC team during our 25^th anniversary year is a dream come true.”

American Campus Communities (ACC) is the largest owner, manager, and developer of high-quality student housing communities in the United States.

The first use of the new facilities is slated for May 2020 and the project is expected to be completed and ready for use for Disney Internships & Programs Walt Disney World participants by May 2023.

Nebula Herself Hints At Possible Major Plot In 2019’s Avengers: End Game

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2018

Nebula, Gamora, and Thanos…what a picture-perfect family! Okay, maybe the term “picture perfect” is a stretch, to say the least. Maybe “weird, unnerving, and dysfunctional” are better. So what can we expect from this rather sad family in the coming months? As we all know the fate of Gamora in Infinity War, this leaves room for further development of Nebula and Thanos, and it would seem that Avengers: End Game will do just that.

Nebula, was one of the 50% that didn’t get turned into “space dust” at the snap of Thanos’ finger, and recently Karen Gillan (Nebula) hinted at an intriguing storyline involving her character and her daddy issues! In a recent round of interviews, Gillan let slip some interesting details related to her character and what we can expect moving forward to the culminated of the Avengers films which is set to premiere later in 2019.

In an interview with People magazine, she had this to say “What can I say? Thanos is her dad and she is definitely going to confront some serious daddy issues. That’s for sure.”

She was also quoted as telling Fandango, “I don’t know about any frenemies. She is on a clear mission, as everybody is, to deal with someone with a glove, and I think that is the most important issue. So I think people are grouping together to take care of this task.”

Does this hint at possible alliances in the upcoming film? With characters such as Tony Stark and Rocket still hanging around, it’s a very realistic possibility. Especially given her “sure-to-be” internal struggle to seek revenge for the death of her sister Gamora.

“I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but I definitely think that all of what we’ve been building towards, with all the backstories between Nebula and Thanos, is definitely going to come to a head in the Avengers film, and she’s definitely going to confront all of those traumatic memories,” Gillan said last December. “I definitely think she is going to have her moment.”

As the approaching date creeps closer for the final Avengers film, there is sure to be tons and tons of future speculation as to what Nebula’s role will be moving forward. We can guarantee one thing, we wouldn’t want an angry, revenge-seeking Nebula hot on our tails!

Coutesy of Comicbook.com

Owl Post Packaging Straight from the Wizarding World at Universal

By

Jessica Jones

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December 16, 2018

Owl Post Packaging Straight from the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando.

This Holiday season at Universal Orlando guests can now send their loved ones a bit of magic straight from the Wizarding World with Owl Post Packaging! The packaging station can be found located in front of Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. How cool is this! I would love to receive a package that feels as if it came via Owl service. I am sure your loved ones would too!

With this special holiday service guests can now ship merchandise within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be careful though not all merchandise is available to ship with the owl post packaging. In addition, Harry Potter collectibles, oversized Wizarding World Items, food and drink items, personal items, and any merchandise outside of the Wizarding World at Universal cannot be packaged. For specific details on what can be shipped, ask the shopkeeper.

Once your merchandise has been purchased guests should head over to the Owl Post & Owlery station to pick out their packaging details. Once you have decided your items are ready to ship, by you, to your loved ones.

Option 1: Guests can select twine and stamps to decorate the exterior crisp packaging.

Option 2: A more detailed option, guests can select twine and a wax seal stamp to finish off their package.

That’s it! Once your package is complete you will have a magical package to send to your loved ones that will feel as if it came straight from our favorite Wizarding world.

Source: Universal Orlando Resorts Close Up

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Disney Resorts Wreath Decorating Contest – Cast Member Creations

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 16, 2018

Disney Resorts Wreath Decorating Contest – Cast Member Creations Take a look at the creative creations of cast members. A great display of all things Disney with a Christmas twist. The festive wreaths are on display at several Walt Disney World Resorts including All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort.

Let’s take a look at some of the cast member imagination at work;

Place your votes by texting the number to (321)348-7065 Please note: Standard text message rates apply. One vote per guest.

So many great designs! Can you name the inspiration for each one? Vote for your favorite by texting the number to (937)971-2203 Please note: Standard text message rates apply. One vote per guest.

Combining a holiday and adored Disney movies are great. The decorations don’t always need to be red and green to add a festive touch. Here are some more! You can vote for the design you love the most at bit.ly/artwreath

And the wreaths keep coming!! Here is the last set of designs to vote on. bit.ly/popwreath

If you are looking for a way to change up your holiday decor or find an unusual gift for a hostess, perhaps a specially designed wreath is just the ticket! We hope you find joy this holiday season, where ever you may be. Have you created a holiday display that incorporates your love of all things Disney? We would love to have a look! Share your images and ideas with fellow fans of the Mouse, her at Chip and Co

Ear-Resistable Disney DIY Treats You Can Make Right at Home

By

Jessica Jones

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December 16, 2018

Ear-Resistable Disney DIY Treats You Can Make Right at Home.

Hey there everyone! Surprise, Surprise, I am back with more Disney food options! How about some ear-resistable Disney DIY treats you can make at home? Yesterday we talked a lot about new food items at Disney World, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Parks. Today we are bringing you something different.

Since this year marks Mickey’s 90^th Birthday there have been a lot of fun festive treats. These Mickey Rice Crispy Ice Cream sandwiches will fit right in with this theme. Ice cream sandwiches would also make easy treats for a child’s birthday party! Or, if you are like me, just because you want to!

Here is how to make these ear-resistable Disney DIY treats:

Mickey Rice Crispy Ice Cream Sandwiches

Serves: 7

Materials:

9 x 13” baking pan
Parchment Paper
Mickey cookie cutter *Helpful Tip* Purchase a cookie cutter with a rounded plastic top to provide a better grip to cut through ice cream. Another option, cut treats then add ice cream.

Ingredients:

1 (10-oz) bag mini marshmallows
3 Tbsps butter
6 Cups rice crisp cereal
1 Gallon Vanilla Ice Cream
Sprinkles

Directions:

Line baking pan with parchment paper
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in-between, until marshmallows are fully melted.
Mix in cereal and stir until evenly coated.
Divide mixture in half. Press half evenly to for a thin layer on lined baking pan. Remove from pan, line pan with more parchment paper, complete step with other half of mixture.
Spread thick layer of ice cream over mixture in pan. Place second layer of mixture on top, parchment paper should be on top. Freeze for 1 hour or overnight.
Use cutter to cut out shapes. *Pro-tip: You may need to soak the cutter in hot water to make cutting easier*.
Roll in sprinkles.
Enjoy!

Source: Disney Family

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.