This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Spotting Sweet Seasonal Treats at Disney Parks

This week on the Disney Parks Blog, we celebrated the return of one of our favorite parts of the season – holiday treats!

Michelle Harker shared photos of a handful of the sweets you can now find at the Disneyland Resort, including gourmet candy apples that are covered in dark chocolate and peppermint, snowman-inspired cake pops, Santa Mickey caramel apples and Mickey Mouse Ornament apples.

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is also now serving up holiday spirits like the Red-Nosed Zebra, Gorilla Nog and more. Be sure to check out Pam’s post for more details.

National Cake Day also took place this week, with Korri McFann of Disney Weddings serving up a look at some of her favorite Disney wedding cakes. Check out the full gallery below. Do you have a favorite?

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Sweet! It’s National Cake Day at Walt Disney World Resort

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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Spotting Sweet Seasonal Treats at Disney Parks by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Speed Into Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park For Your Holiday Merchandise

Get in gear, Disney•Pixar “Cars” enthusiasts! This year’s Cars Land-inspired holiday collection is full of good tidings and season’s speedings and is guaranteed to get your motor running.

Here are a few of my top picks:

The Snow Car! Words can’t express how cute it is. See for yourself!

If you became an instant fan of the Snow Car, like me, keep an eye out for the Snow Car fleece blanket as well (available now at Radiator Springs Curios).

For kids, kids at heart or car collecting enthusiasts, our holiday-themed die-cast collection featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc Hudson and Ramone are only available at Disney Parks.

Other great gift ideas include the Mack Truck Hauler with 15 Die-Cast Cars, a Piston Cup Award and Star Wars-themed “Cars” die-cast vehicles. If the last item left you saying “what?”… It’s okay! I had to see it for my own eyes as well, but now there’s no turning back. Sally as Princess Leia, Mater as Darth Vader, Lightning McQueen as Luke Skywalker, Fillmore as Yoda, Tractors as StormTroopers and Luigi & Guido as C-3P0 and R2-D2. Enough said!

Have you picked out this year’s greeting cards to send to your family and friends? If you answered no, and are a fan of Disney and “Cars,” take note, because this might be exactly what you’re looking for. The set of 12 cards feature four different designs: Tow Mater, Lightning McQueen, Sally and Ramone! Each card includes a cleverly themed holiday message such as Happy New Gear, Dashing Through the Snow, Fueltide Cheer and Feliz Navidad.

So where can you find all of these items? In Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park of course! But specifically, look for toys and stocking stuffers for the kids at Sarge’s Surplus Hut. For your ‘big kid’ (a.k.a. Dad), Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios are probably your best bet.

One final thing … but I’ll warn you, it will take you on a trip down memory lane. How many of you remember having a Name Plate Keychain that you may have picked up on your own trips over time. I know I can remember having one (or two) when I was little, and I’m pretty sure you’ll remember getting one too. Well, a Cars Land-inspired version just hit store shelves at Radiator Springs Curios, so stop in to see if you can find one with your name on it or perhaps a clever phrase.

So hit the road and stop in to our Cars Land stores the next time you’re cruising through town.

Speed Into Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park For Your Holiday Merchandise by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Top Five Behind-The-Scenes Looks at Walt Disney World Resort Holidays

We love sharing behind-the-scenes looks with you here on the Disney Parks Blog. Some of our most interesting holiday content from years past have included backstage glimpses of how Walt Disney World Resort readies for the holiday season, whether it’s decorating overnight or building larger-than-life gingerbread structures.

Here are some of our best behind-the-scenes looks at the holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Did you know that some departments work year-round to plan holiday fun? John Graham takes you behind the scenes at our Holiday Services department and Holiday Merchandise showroom to sneak a peek at how we start planning months in advance.

Did you know that Magic Kingdom Park is decorated for the holidays just a few days after Halloween is over? Check out this timelapse video to see how our “elves” transform the park from “Halloween Spooky” to “Holiday Sparkle” in a matter of hours.

Cinderella’s Holiday Wish and Castle Dream Lights lights up Magic Kingdom Park throughout the season. Check out this video with Entertainment’s Reed Jones on what it takes to string lights on Cinderella Castle.

Are you a fan of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Check out this video, in which Entertainment’s John Phelan tells the story of how this holiday spectacle came to be.

Have you seen the creative gingerbread houses (and other sugary structures) that decorate our resorts each season? Check out this behind-the-scenes timelapse of the gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Top Five Behind-The-Scenes Looks at Walt Disney World Resort Holidays by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Limited Time Magic’ Spotlight on Toys for Tots Promotion at Walt Disney World Resort and Holiday Headwear at Disney Parks

With the holidays returning to Disney Parks, I’m excited to share this week’s “Limited Time Magic” spotlight on a special Toys for Tots promotion at Walt Disney World Resort and holiday headwear at Disney Parks.

From December 2-8, 2013, you can take part in a limited-time opportunity to help support Toys for Tots by donating a Duffy the Disney Bear. When you visit Once Upon a Toy or World of Disney Store at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, Disney will donate a 17-inch Duffy the Disney Bear plush to Toys for Tots for $5.00*. This holiday season, Disney is joining in the spirit of giving and will also donate $200,000 to Toys for Tots.

To get into the festive spirit, Disney Theme Park Merchandise is again offering a selection of holiday headwear. There are a few returning favorites including the Disney ear hat inspired by Santa Claus. New this year, the headwear team added a Minnie Mouse ear hat covered in sequins.

These special spotlight ears and the rest of the holiday ear hat collection can be found at select locations throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. You can also find select hats on the Disney Parks online store.

*This offer available while supplies last and is subject to change without notice. Discounts do not apply to the Promotional Duffy the Disney Bear. Please note that your $5.00 purchase does not qualify as a personal charitable donation and is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution for US tax purposes.

‘Limited Time Magic’ Spotlight on Toys for Tots Promotion at Walt Disney World Resort and Holiday Headwear at Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

From Wonderful Waffles to a French Ice Cream Treat, New Eats at Epcot

Holidays Around the World at Epcot brings some delicious treats through January 4, 2014, at Promenade Refreshments (the Dessert and Champagne Marketplace during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival) in the entrance area to World Showcase.

Two waffles, one savory, one sweet, are the stars of this culinary show: a savory turkey waffle made with stuffing batter and topped with turkey, gravy and cranberry relish ($6.39); and a sweet potato waffle made with sweet potato batter and topped with caramel, toasted pecans and marshmallows. ($5.99). Waffles aren’t on the Disney Dining Plan.

Along with the waffles, there’s Twining’s tea (Chai, spice pumpkin, Christmas and peppermint flavors); hot chocolate flavored with toasted marshmallow, salted caramel and peanut butter, and cider flavored with toasted marshmallow, hazelnut and spiced cider with Frangelico.

At the France Pavilion, L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream shop features an over-the-top version of an ice-cream sandwich made with rich brioche and served with chocolate or raspberry sauce ($6.10). The French call it croque glacé, and it’s a warm, chewy pressed sandwich (how do they keep the ice cream from melting in the middle?) that starts with fresh brioche from the bakery next door. You pick the ice cream flavor, then add the sauce before it goes in the press. Voila! It’s genius. And just for the holidays they’ve added glace au pain d’épice (gingerbread ice cream).

And just for fun, check out the new Test Track cone cups at Coolwash – they come with a frozen Coca-Cola or Minute Maid raspberry lemonade for $9.50. A sippable souvenir.

From Wonderful Waffles to a French Ice Cream Treat, New Eats at Epcot by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Merchandise Event Snapshot – December 2013

Check out what’s happening in the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise at the Walt Disney World Resort this December!

December 1: Meet Disney Traditions artisan Jim Shore from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, where he will be on hand to sign some of the newest releases in his collection. Learn more.

December 4 – 8: Make sure you stop by Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to meet Disney inspired artist Greg McCullough, who will appear daily. Look for additional appearances by Greg, December 11 – 15 and 18 – 22 at Art of Disney in Epcot. Learn more.

December 6 -7: Meet artist Jackie Geiger of Department 56 who will be on hand for a special signing from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., each day at Heritage Manor in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot, as we celebrate the release of some of Department 56’s latest items, including the Mickey’s Christmas Village series. Learn more.

December 7: Stop by Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the limited edition release of Last Resort featuring retro Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto on a holiday gone awry. Tip: Ink & Paint artists associated with this piece will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Not able to make it? No problem. Pre-order The Last Resort cel, now through December 6, 2013 here.

December 9 – 15: Fan favorite and Disney inspired artist, Larry Dotson will be appearing daily at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for an additional appearance by Larry, December 19 – 22 at Main Street Cinema in Magic Kingdom Park. Learn more.

Now – December 29: The holiday collection from Precious Moments doll maker Linda Rick is now available at Once Upon A Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace and Heritage Manor at the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot. Representatives will be on hand daily at both locations, so be sure to stop by and find new ones to add to your collection, or pick one up for someone on your holiday list Learn more.

December 16 – 23: Artist David E. Doss is back! David will be appearing daily at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace, and will return later in the month from December 27 – 30. Learn more.

December 17: Calling all Traders! Disney Trading Night will take place December 17 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. So if you are looking to meet avid and novice traders, make friends, or share stories about your collections, then this is the place for you.

Reminders: The specific location of Trading Night will be in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill Restaurant area, adjacent to the lobby. Space is extremely limited. Please limit the number of items that you choose to bring. Learn more.

December 20: Be among the first to pick up Animation Series 4 at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side. Disney Design Group artists Maria Clapsis, Ron Cohee and Caley Hicks will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 5 p.m. – 7p.m., so don’t miss out! Learn more.

December 20 – 21: Join us for a special Chamilia Trunk Show at Tren-D in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Representatives will be on hand throughout the day. Learn more.

December 21: Meet representatives from Ne’Qwa from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Pipka from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. Learn more.

There’s so much more in store for you this month, including special artist appearances as part of Holidays around the World at Epcot and other special product releases, so keep an eye on www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

Walt Disney World Merchandise Event Snapshot – December 2013 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks After Dark: Prince Eric’s Castle in New Fantasyland at Dusk

Have you visited New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park yet?

That’s where tonight’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image was taken, specifically at Prince Eric’s castle, which serves as the exterior of the Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction.

Is this one of your favorite nighttime sights in New Fantasyland?

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Disney Parks After Dark

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Disney Parks After Dark: Prince Eric’s Castle in New Fantasyland at Dusk by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog