Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Completed, Almost Ready to Delight Guests with Holiday Cheer
The beloved gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has reached completion, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s holiday transformation. This year’s creation is a masterpiece of festive architecture, featuring intricate details, whimsical characters, and a touch of Disney magic.
The gingerbread house is adorned with an array of delightful features, including:
Character-themed Trees: Small tree-shaped figures decorated to resemble beloved Disney characters, including Pluto, Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, stand front and center on the balcony.
Hidden Mickeys: Hidden Mickeys, a classic Disney tradition, are scattered throughout the gingerbread house. This year, there are reportedly 25 hidden Mickeys to discover, one for each year of the gingerbread house’s existence.
Santa Claus: The iconic 88-pound white chocolate Santa Claus figure has taken his place on the balcony, overseeing the festive scene.
Edible Ingredients: As always, the entire gingerbread house is crafted from edible ingredients like sugar, flour, and spices, though guests are reminded to admire it with their eyes, not their teeth.
House Number: The house number proudly displays “1999,” commemorating the year of the first Grand Floridian gingerbread house.
Opening Day and Anniversary Sticker
While the gingerbread house is complete, it won’t officially open until Wednesday, November 6th. Guests who visit the gingerbread house will receive a special 25th-anniversary sticker as a memento of their experience.
Disney has also announced the opening dates for other gingerbread displays across Walt Disney World Resort hotels. These festive creations add to the magic of the holiday season, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas.
Get ready to feast and be merry because two brand-new Holiday Kitchens are making their debut at the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! Running from November 29 to December 30, this year’s festival, presented by AdventHealth, is packed with holiday spirit and flavors from around the world, and these new kitchens add even more festive flair to the lineup at CommuniCore Hall.
The first new addition, Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow, is set to bring sweet innovation to holiday treats. True to its futuristic name, this Holiday Kitchen will serve up a creative selection of cookies with a distinctly EPCOT twist. Among the lineup is a unique Spaceship Earth gingerbread triangle decorating kit, allowing guests to personalize their very own cookie inspired by the park’s iconic geodesic sphere. It’s the perfect hands-on treat to enjoy with family and friends while wandering through the holiday festivities.
Just outside CommuniCore Hall, you’ll find Favorites of Festivals Past, a kitchen dedicated to beloved bites from past holiday festivals. While we’re still waiting on the full menu, this new addition promises to be a nostalgic celebration of seasonal flavors that guests have loved over the years.
But these new kitchens are only the beginning! EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is a one-stop holiday experience, inviting guests to enjoy sights, sounds, and tastes that celebrate traditions from all over the globe. Seasonal classics like the Candlelight Processional return, where celebrity narrators and a mass choir tell the story of Christmas with beautiful music and fanfare. Also back is JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, blending Gospel, R&B, and holiday tunes to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Santa Claus himself will also be at EPCOT, greeting guests in the Odyssey Pavilion, making it easy to snag a festive family photo. And, of course, there are plenty of Holiday Kitchens across the park, each serving up unique, globally-inspired treats and drinks that capture the flavors of the season.
With its blend of culinary delights, festive entertainment, and heartwarming traditions, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is the perfect place to make lasting holiday memories. Whether you’re decorating a Spaceship Earth cookie or savoring past festival favorites, this year’s festival is sure to be a celebration you won’t forget!
The holiday season is right around the corner, and Walt Disney World Resorts are decking the halls – and the dessert cases – with an array of festive food and drinks that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. From cupcakes and cookies to decadent drinks, every Disney Resort has something special in store to add a touch of sweetness to your stay. Here’s a rundown of the delightful treats and sips you can enjoy from November 1 to January 1 at Disney World Resorts.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Mara is rolling out a brand-new Festive Tart. This beautiful vanilla tart shell filled with banana cake, caramel sauce, and chai mousse is topped with holiday lights and an animal-print Mickey, making it as wild as it is delicious. And if you’re in the mood for something adventurous, Disney’s Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors serves up a Deer Holly Day Cupcake, a chocolate delight filled with ganache and topped with peanut butter-cream cheese buttercream.
At Disney’s All-Star Resorts, you can grab a Minnie Gingerbread Bundt Cake topped with cream cheese icing at the End Zone, Intermission, and World Premiere Food Courts. This bundt cake brings a cozy gingerbread twist to your day, perfect after a day at the parks!
For fans of classic Disney characters, check out the Holiday Mickey Cupcake at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts, or the Festive Shake at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. This cookie butter shake with a Christmas tree cupcake on top is almost too cute to drink – almost!
Next, head to Disney’s BoardWalk for some winter wonders. The BoardWalk Deli’s Candy Cane Cheesecake Brownie combines peppermint cheesecake with brownie goodness, topped with a dark chocolate ‘sleigh bell’ truffle. And for a simpler delight, there’s the Snowflake Cinnamon Roll, adorned with fondant icing and a delicate snowflake design.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa always brings elegance to the holidays, and this year is no exception. Gasparilla Island Grill is serving up the Let It Snow Cube, a delectable almond-praline mousse with apricot and orange chiffon. There’s also the Present Peppermint Brownie Pop, a brownie with a homemade peppermint patty center enrobed in white chocolate.
For a touch of nostalgia, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Capt. Cook’s is offering a Festive Cupcake – a chocolate cupcake with peppermint mousse and chocolate décor, while Pineapple Lanai has the fun and fruity Olu Mel Holiday Float, made with Dole Whip Lime, pineapple juice, and strawberry popping candy.
At Disney’s Riviera Resort, stop by Le Petit Cafe for a new Gingerbread Eggnog Entremet, featuring gingerbread financier, eggnog panna cotta, and raspberry gel. For those who love a classic gingerbread treat, the Gingerbread Cookie at both Le Petit Cafe and Primo Piatto is a must-try.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge gets into the spirit with a Peppermint Igloo at Roaring Fork. This adorable white chocolate igloo filled with white chocolate-peppermint mousse and dark chocolate cake is a holiday must. Pair it with a Holiday Mickey Cupcake for an extra sweet treat!
For quick treats on the go, various Disney resorts are offering Candy Cane Lattes, Minnie Holiday Sundaes, and Snowflake Cupcakes at multiple locations. The snowflake cupcake, in particular, is a plant-based chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and delicate snowflake sprinkles – perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Finally, let’s talk festive sips! Across Disney’s resort lounges and bars, you’ll find holiday-themed drinks like the Gingerbread Martini, a blend of Grey Goose Vodka, RumChata, and gingerbread spice with a gingerbread rim. The Holiday Fruitcake Old Fashioned and Holiday Fruitcake Mule bring a twist on holiday classics, with flavors of cranberry, lemon, and rosemary to put you in the holiday spirit.
So whether you’re craving something sweet, something rich, or something a little spirited, the holiday treats at Disney World Resorts are here to make your season merry and magical. With a treat around every corner, it’s like a Christmas stocking come to life – full of Disney magic, one delicious bite at a time!
Thanksgiving Dinner for Four Returns to Homecomin’ from Art Smith in Disney Springs
If the idea of a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner sounds like a dream, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs has you covered! The famous Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner-for-Four Meal is back, bringing all the comfort of a Southern Thanksgiving to your table without the hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those staying on Disney property or locals who’d rather relax than baste and bake, this to-go feast makes Turkey Day deliciously easy!
For just $200 plus tax, you’ll get a feast that’ll make your taste buds dance. Here’s the lineup: succulent smoked turkey with rich gravy, andouille sausage cornbread stuffing, whipped mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, and Southern green beans. And we can’t forget the fan-favorite cheddar drop biscuits with fig jam – flaky, cheesy, and perfect for scooping up every last bit of gravy! For dessert, dig into four slices of Hummingbird Cake, a moist and fruity delight that’s become a Homecomin’ staple.
Ordering is simple – place your order online and choose your pickup day for November 26 or 27. And because Chef Art knows the true spirit of hospitality, pickup is a breeze: just roll up to the Disney Springs Orange Garage, and they’ll bring your meal right to your car. Plus, they’ve included easy reheating instructions so your meal will be served hot and delicious without any fuss.
Act fast, though, because these dinners are available in limited quantities on a first-paid, first-served basis. No substitutions, just all the classics you crave for an unforgettable Thanksgiving, Homecomin’ style! 🍗🍂
Get ready to say, “Oh, ginger-snap!” because Walt Disney World is bringing back its incredible holiday gingerbread displays, each one more magical and delicious than ever! These sugary masterpieces are crafted by Disney’s talented pastry teams, who have spent countless hours designing, baking, and decorating. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or just want to marvel at these edible works of art, each display offers its own twist on holiday cheer. And trust us – these displays are worth a visit, if only to breathe in the aroma of Christmas!
Starting with a galaxy of gingerbread, EPCOT debuts its Gingerbread Spaceship Earth on November 29. This sweet spin on the iconic attraction is packed with nearly a thousand handcrafted gingerbread triangles and a magical light display. As you stroll through CommuniCore Hall, see if you can spot the 11 hidden Mickeys, representing the 11 countries of World Showcase. Weighing in with 240 pounds of honey dough and 55 pounds of dark chocolate, this eight-foot-tall gingerbread globe is truly “out of this world!”
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s back to the wild with life-sized gingerbread sculptures of baby animals. Ginger, the “ginger-affe,” and her sidekick, Debra the baby zebra, return to charm guests in the lobby starting November 24. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, these creations are made from gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. Don’t miss out on themed treats like the Gingeraffe Cookie – it’s a perfect snack to enjoy on your holiday safari! And if you want a keepsake, you’ll find limited-edition pins, cookie jars, and ornaments inspired by these adorable creations.
Meanwhile, over at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, we’re celebrating 25 years of gingerbread goodness! This beloved gingerbread house opens on November 6 and features 1050 pounds of honey, 800 pounds of flour, and 600 pounds of sugar. The decorations are equally grand, with white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, and an 88-pound white chocolate Santa. Scattered throughout the display are 25 hidden Mickeys, each one a tribute to the gingerbread house’s 25-year history. From gingerbread shingles to a Santa Gnome Hot Cocoa Surprise, the treats here are sure to make your holiday season “grand!”
For a carousel that actually spins, Disney’s Beach Club Resort brings back its iconic Holiday Carousel. This year’s theme is Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and the display is adorned with hand-painted characters and snowflakes, adding an extra dash of nostalgia. Each of the 24 golden Mickeys hidden in the carousel pays homage to the tradition’s 24-year legacy. Treats like Linzer Cookies, Gingerbread Macarons, and Stollen will keep your holiday spirit merry and bright.
Around Crescent Lake, the BoardWalk Deli has a new twist with its miniature gingerbread version of BoardWalk itself! Starting November 12, the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team will showcase an enchanting, scaled-down seaside escape crafted in gingerbread. Before you leave, grab holiday goodies like the Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie or a classic Gingerbread Shingle to savor at home.
Not to be outdone, the Contemporary Resort is bringing back its 13-foot gingerbread castle display, paying tribute to Cinderella Castle’s Dream Lights. With over 4,000 gingerbread bricks, 51 pounds of chocolate, and a dash of pixie dust, this display is a must-see! Seek out the 13 hidden Mickeys and the famous 5-legged goat for a fun Disney scavenger hunt. And, of course, festive treats like Linzer Cookies and Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tarts will make this a stop worth your time.
If you’re in the mood for more rustic vibes, Wilderness Lodge has its own sweet selection starting November 21. This cozy lodge offers treats like the Molasses Crackle Cookie and a Dark Chocolate Bar – perfect for warming up on a cool winter day.
Each gingerbread display at Walt Disney World captures a bit of Disney magic and holiday cheer. From the gingerbread “land” of EPCOT to the “merry menagerie” at Animal Kingdom Lodge, every resort has its own theme, treats, and hidden surprises. So grab your holiday spirit (and maybe a gingerbread snack or two) and prepare to be wowed. As Disney likes to say, “Baking dreams come true!”
Get ready to feel the jolly side of the Force! Santa Claus is making a stop at Disney Springs this holiday season with a brand-new meet-and-greet experience located in the former Star Wars Trading Post. The transformation brings holiday cheer and a bit of the galaxy far, far away to Walt Disney World as Santa prepares to take his seat where Jedi, smugglers, and Wookiees once shopped.
The newly festive space, filled with holiday décor that’s a mix of Hoth-like coziness and Endor’s woodland warmth, will be the perfect setting to make your wishes known to the Big Man himself. PhotoPass photographers will be ready to capture magical moments, so be sure to bring your best holiday sweater – even if it’s knitted in Wookiee fur!
But if you’re worried about Yoda-long lines, don’t fret! Santa’s meet-and-greet will likely utilize the virtual queue system on the My Disney Experience app to help manage the crowds. Just like Luke waiting for his call to train, you’ll be able to reserve your spot in line and spend your time enjoying the other holiday delights around Disney Springs while you wait.
Although the Star Wars Trading Post has now retired from active duty, fear not, young Padawan shoppers! The Galactic Outpost on the West Side of Disney Springs remains open, fully stocked with all the Star Wars merchandise you could wish for, from lightsabers to droids. So, while Santa’s sleigh takes over one outpost, the galaxy’s finest finds are just a short hop away.
On Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant will be serving up a festive feast featuring classic holiday favorites like Herb-Roasted Turkey and Slow-roasted Prime Rib. Kids can also enjoy a special Roasted Turkey option. All meals come with traditional Thanksgiving sides, and guests can add on dessert for a complete holiday dining experience.
Whether you’re looking to gather with loved ones or catch the big game on one of their 17 TVs, City Works provides a comfortable and festive atmosphere for your Thanksgiving celebration. With no bad seat in the house, you can enjoy your meal and cheer on your favorite team in style.
City Works will be open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, and reservations are highly encouraged to secure your spot for this popular dining event.
Dine-in for Thanksgiving Dinner
Feast on City Works’ Thanksgiving dinner featuring Herb-Roasted Turkey, Slow-roasted Prime Rib, and a special Roasted Turkey option for the kids, all accompanied by classic Thanksgiving sides. You can also add on your favorite desserts for a perfect holiday meal.
Secure your place at our table today and make this Thanksgiving a memorable one at City Works.
Reservations are available starting at 11 am.
Entrees
Herb-Roasted Turkey $34.95 hand-carved, creamy mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon lardons, corn casserole, gravy
Slow-Roasted Prime Rib $49.95 hand-carved, creamy mashed potatoes, marinated broccolini, horseradish cream, au jus
Kids Roasted Turkey $19.95 (10 yrs and under) hand-carved, creamy mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, corn casserole, gravy
Additional Sides
Corn Casserole $8 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardons $8 Traditional Stuffing $8
Desserts
Peanut Butter Snickers Pie $12 Oreo cookie crust, peanut butter mousse, snickers, whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to Utilize Virtual Queue Upon Opening at Disneyland
Get ready to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park! To manage crowds, Disney will implement a Virtual Queue system when the ride opens later this month.
Upon its grand opening, joining the complimentary virtual queue, accessible only via the Disneyland app, is required to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. A standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days.
The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. PT. More information and how-to details on the virtual queue system is available at Disneyland.com.
You may also get quicker entry to this attraction by booking an arrival window and using the Lightning Lane entrance with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, subject to availability.
Digital downloads of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction photos will be free at the ride’s opening. Photos are also included with Lightning Lane Multi Pass or PhotoPass+ One Day purchases.
Ready to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland? Let’s get your trip booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary. I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Air France will launch direct flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on May 21, 2025. The airline will offer service four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Passengers will travel on an Airbus A350-900, featuring 34 Business, 24 Premium Economy, and 266 Economy seats.
This is the flight schedule, in local time (remains subject to government approval):
AF096: departs Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 5:05 pm, arriving in Orlando at 8:45 pm;
AF097: departs Orlando at 11:00 pm, arriving in Paris at 1:30 pm (next day).
The new route will offer a convenient connection between Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris. Air France last served this route in 2012. Currently, travelers must make at least one stop, typically in London or a major U.S. city. This will be Air France’s 18th U.S. destination and its 25th in North America.
Will you be taking advantage of this new one-way service between Orlando and Paris?
Festive Fashion Find: Mickey and Minnie Mouse Holiday Cardigan!
Get ready to jingle all the way in style with the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Holiday Cardigan. This cozy and cute cardigan is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. Priced at $79.99, it’s available at Magic Kingdom and online at the Disney Store.
Dressed in a cheerful red hue, the cardigan features a woven design of Mickey and Minnie Mouse decked out in their holiday finest. Gold Mickey icon buttons add a touch of magic, while glittery embroidered packages and sparkling trim bring a festive flair.
Say goodbye to those dreaded ugly Christmas sweaters! This cardigan is the epitome of holiday chic, combining comfort and style. Whether you’re attending a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this cardigan is sure to bring holiday cheer.
Mickey Mouse Holiday Baseball Cap: A Festive Twist on a Classic
‘Tis the season for festive fashion, and Disney Parks has the perfect accessory to add a touch of holiday cheer to your outfit. The Mickey Mouse Holiday Baseball Cap is a fun and stylish way to celebrate the holiday season.
At just $34.99, it’s a great way to add a little extra magic to your holiday season. Find it at Magic Kingdom and online at the Disney Store.
This unique cap combines two classic holiday symbols: Mickey Mouse and Santa. The green velour Santa hat, adorned with holly, sits atop a classic green twill baseball cap featuring 3D Mickey ears. It’s a playful and whimsical design that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom or shopping online at the Disney Store, this holiday cap is a must-have for any Disney fan.
Get ready to Drop in on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland
Disney has shared official photos and planning tips for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before its opening at Disneyland. With a lighthearted story and catchy music, this water-based journey has the recipe for a fun first “big kid ride.”
Located in the newly renamed Bayou Country in Disneyland park, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a whimsical water ride that’s fun for the family! Along the way, you’ll encounter Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, gator pal Louis and many adorable new critters. The ensemble of familiar and new friends – plus a lighthearted story and catchy music throughout – create the recipe for a fun first “big kid ride.”
Parties with guests that do not meet the minimum 40-inch height requirement can ask a cast member about the complimentary Rider Switch feature, which allows adult guests to take turns experiencing the attraction.
The storytelling starts before you board
The attraction’s story picks up after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog,” as Tiana is preparing to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season honoring her employee-owned business, Tiana’s Foods. On the ride, you’ll join her search for the party’s missing ingredient: the band!
But keep an eye out – you’re immersed in the story upon stepping into the queue. Inside the queue, you’ll find mementos of Tiana and her family’s culinary prowess, including newspaper clippings detailing Tiana’s story and the family gumbo recipe. The Tiana’s Foods truck located outside the attraction is missing a license plate, which is being used by a critter as a musical instrument.
You may get wet!
You’ll board a log flume that twists, turns and splashes through the bayou before culminating to a thrilling 50-foot drop. For any items you wish to protect from getting wet, consider placing them in a locker rental on Main Street, U.S.A., leaving them with a non-riding member of your party or placing them in a resealable plastic bag prior to boarding.
Waterproof ponchos are available for purchase at various retail locations across Disneyland park. You can also find a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure-themed waterproof phone pouch and souvenir towel available for purchase at Louis’ Critter Club in Bayou Country.
How to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when it opens
Upon its grand opening, joining the complimentary virtual queue, accessible only via the Disneyland app, is required to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. A standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days.
The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. PT.
You may also get quicker entry to this attraction by booking an arrival window and using the Lightning Lane entrance with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, subject to availability.
How to download your attraction photo with Disney PhotoPass service
As you descend down the drop, don’t forget to smile for the camera! At this time, you can receive complimentary digital downloads of your Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction photo with Disney PhotoPass service. Attraction photos are also included with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or PhotoPass+ One Day. Both packages provide unlimited digital photo downloads from the entire day, so you can take even more memories home!
Are you ready to experience the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland? Contact me today to start planning your next visit! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
