Attractions Start Cycling at Disneyland Resort as the Resort Prepares for Reopening

The Disney Parks TikTok account has released a video showing that rides at Disneyland have started to cycle! @disneyparks Our excitement as we get closer to reopening day for Disneyland 📈📈📈 #Disney #DisneyParks #Disneyland #CastMember #Attraction #CaliforniaAdventure ♬ original sound – Disney Parks What’s Happening: The Disneyland Resort announced a reopening date of April 30 [
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The post Attractions Start Cycling at Disneyland Resort as the Resort Prepares for Reopening appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 3/25/21 (Pavement Work Continues, Scaffolding Added To Innoventions East Breezeway, New Youth “Frozen” Dress Set, and More)

spaceship-earth-entrance-fountain-featured-image-hero-epcot-03252021-9732132

Hello from a hot but beautiful day here at EPCOT! We came to check in on the many construction projects here, and see what new updates we could find. Let’s get started! Pavement work continues on the right side as you enter the park and pass under Spaceship Earth. With a tarp covering the area, it’s hard to see what stage of the process this area is currently at, but judging by the fact that it’s level all the way [
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The post PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 3/25/21 (Pavement Work Continues, Scaffolding Added To Innoventions East Breezeway, New Youth “Frozen” Dress Set, and More) appeared first on WDW News Today.

PHOTOS: Take a Peek Inside the Room of an Exclusive Disney Vacation Club Villa!

One of the hardest choices is picking which Disney Resort you’re going to stay at during your vacation to Disney World! If you’re spending a ton of time in the parks, you might opt for a Value Resort. But, if you’re looking to relax and enjoy all the amenities your hotel has to offer, then you may be looking to splurge on a Deluxe Resort.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Then
there’s the top-tier Disney Villas! We love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort for its rustic appearance, fantastic restaurants, and tranquil environment. And get this, the Wilderness Lodge is also home to the Copper Creek Villas, which happens to be a Disney Vacation Club Resort. 

And, we’re taking you with us on a full tour inside the rooms at the Copper Creek Villas! Get ready to kick back and relax as we show you the amenities and layout you can find in the DVC-exclusive rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Bedroom

Copper Creek has more of a clean-cut, modern feel compared to the country cabin vibe that the other rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have. The deluxe studio villas include seating areas, bathroom, kitchenette, TV and dresser set, and a patio.

Copper Creek Room

The bed has a wooden headboard and bright white sheets that pop against the dark color of the wood.

Bed

You can find wilderness-themed art pieces placed around the room with references to all the exciting restaurants, entertainment, and even exhibits you can find at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Copper Creek Decor

Two bedside stands on either side have a charging station


Bedside Table and Charging Station


as well as a phone to call the front desk or maybe even order a box of Disney pizza straight to your room!

Bedside Table and Phone

The TV remote is covered in plastic as a health and safety precaution. Disney switches out the plastic when new guests enter the room as a cleaning procedure between parties!

Remote Control

The “living room” is a super cozy area next to the bed with a sofa you can stretch out on after a long day hitting the pool or restaurant hopping


Seating Area


or even sleep on as it extends out into a pull-out bed for additional guests in your party!

Pull-Out Bed

The table also extends outward so you can place your shoes or souvenirs inside for safekeeping. Plus, you can even use the extended tabletop as a place to set your food while you watch TV so you don’t spill anything on the beige and brown rug.

Pull-Out Table

The dressing area layout of the room comes with a mini seat with a drawer


Dressing Area Layout


as well as a dresser with multiple compartments with various sizes that can fit your clothes and Minnie Ears with ease.

Dresser

Right above the dresser, you can tune into Disney movies and cartoons on the flat-screen television. Plus, you can also check out park hours, as well as the weather forecast for the day!

Flat Screen TV

There’s a dining area with a mini table and chairs across from the bed as well, so you can get your favorite food to-go for a night in!

Dining Chairs and Tables

As you’re unpacking your suitcase, you can hang all your delicates inside the closet that is stocked full of amenities you’ll need for your vacation


Closet


including an extra pillow and blanket for the pull-out


Extra Pillow and Blanket


hangers


Hangers


a clothing iron


Iron


and a safe to lock up your important items!

Safe

Guests also have access to the kitchenette in villas so they can heat up their leftovers from their favorite restaurants or maybe even mix up a little something of their own!

Kitchen

The kitchenette isn’t a FULL kitchen since there isn’t a regularly sized refrigerator, stove, or oven


Kitchenette


BUT you can find a mini fridge that you can stock up with water bottles or treats from the parks


Mini Fridge


silverware wrapped in plastic as well as towels and a can opener


Silverware


a toaster, cups, and plates to use.

Cups, Plates, and Toaster

The cabinet pulls out to reveal additional drawers


Drawers


and a trash can hidden away.

Trash Can

The kitchen sink has hand and dish soap on top of a scrubber for any dishes.

Dish Toiletries

Guests can also use Joffrey’s Coffee packets and creamer to brew inside the coffee pot


Joffrey’s Coffee


so you can head out the door in the morning and straight onto your favorite attractions!

Coffee Maker

The bathroom also has a more modern appeal that reminds us of other contemporary resorts and villas.

Bathroom

The vanity area comes with hanging light fixtures and a pull-out makeup mirror on the wall


Bathroom


to pair with the granite countertops and wooden drawers.

Bathroom Counter

The bathroom comes with various amenities for guests to use, including a hairdryer


Hair Dryer


body lotion, facial soap


H2O Bath Products


and extra toilet paper just below the sink.

Extra Toilet Paper

The bathroom has a shower and bathtub combination with a sliding glass door. The speckled tile has a rock-like appearance that matches the granite countertops.

Shower and Toilet

And there’s an array of H2O shower products inside. We’ve previously seen the resorts switch from plastic bottles to reusable canisters, but Copper Creek is still using the plastic bottles.

H2O Shower Products

And, there’s one last special feature inside the Copper Creek villas that you don’t want to miss!

Patio

The sliding doors open to a patio outside where you can sit and take in the fresh air, watch the people go by, or maybe even enjoy a glass of wine.

Copper Creek Villas Patio

If you’re someone who likes to really admire the resort they are staying at, then the Copper Creek Villas might be worth the extra splurge for you! As we give you a look at the other Disney Resorts as they welcome guests back, we’ll be sure to tell you everything you need to know before planning your next trip. Stay tuned with DFB for more Disney news!

Take a look inside the newly reopened Disney’s All-Stars Movies Resort!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

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Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

What’s your favorite Disney Resort to visit? Let us know in the comments below!

The post PHOTOS: Take a Peek Inside the Room of an Exclusive Disney Vacation Club Villa! first appeared on the disney food blog.

‘Frozen’ Fans! Get a HUGE Deal Online TODAY ONLY!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Can you believe it’s almost the end of March? How did that even happen? Wasn’t it just Christmas like yesterday?

©shopDisney

So, yes, it’s day 27 (!!!) of March Magic on shopDisney. We’ve already seen some pretty great deals, including FREE Baby Yoda stuff (with purchase), Collectible Keys, Masks, Loungefly bags, and more!

Today’s deal is for you Frozen fans, and you won’t want to “let it go!” You can now score a whopping 40% off select Frozen merchandise! And that includes a LOT of costumes, including an Elsa Costume For Kids.

©shopDisney

This is the dress from the first Frozen movie — it’s a detailed gown glittering with icicles and sequins, complete with a sparkly cape. And it’s available now for $29.97.

Click Here To Buy The Elsa Costume for Kids

Of course, you’ve got to have Anna, too — so the Anna Costume For Kids is on sale, too!

©shopDisney

This one is also from the first Frozen movie and includes Anna’s signature shimmery dress, along with a fur-trimmed cape. And it’s available now for $26.97 through $29.97 (depending on size).

Click Here To Buy the Anna Costume For Kids

Frozen dolls are included in the sale, like the Disney Animators’ Collection Elsa Doll — how cute is she with her little stuffed Olaf?

©shopDisney

We bet he’s dreaming about summer! This doll is now $17.97.

Click Here To Buy The Disney Animators’ Collection Elsa Doll

And the Disney Animator’s Collection Anna Doll is also on sale! At these prices, might as well nab BOTH sisters, right?

©shopDisney

She’s got a little stuffed Olaf, too! You can also get her for $17.97.

Click Here To Buy The Disney Animator’s Collection Anna Doll

There are plenty of other Frozen goodies to choose from, too — costume jewelry, shoes, clothes, and more! So be sure to head over to shopDisney ASAP — this sale is only for today! We’ll let you know if we find any other sales on Disney merch!

Check Out This Frozen Mug We Found at Disney World!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

Are you a Frozen fan? Let us know in the comments!

The post ‘Frozen’ Fans! Get a HUGE Deal Online TODAY ONLY! first appeared on the disney food blog.

DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Disneyland is Expanding, Disney World Tests Facial Recognition Tech & MORE!

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news!

Boozy Bourbon Bunny

Disney World is launching some wild new technology and Easter snacks are everywhere. We also swung by the freshly reopened All-Star Movies Resort and found out a little bit more about the changes coming to the Jungle Cruise. Oh, yeah and Disneyland is expanding?!

Check out all of the latest Disney news below!

 

And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode!

subscribe

So check out the video and then let us know: What Disney news from this week are you the most excited about?

The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Disneyland is Expanding, Disney World Tests Facial Recognition Tech & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Walt Disney World is Hiring a Principal Fireworks Designer

The Walt Disney Company is hiring a Principal Fireworks Designer at Walt Disney World. A job listing for the role was posted on disneycareers.com. With fireworks and nighttime spectaculars hopefully continuing later this year in some capacity (we’re especially looking at you, Harmonious), Walt Disney World is looking for a leader to direct all the special effects designs, including pyrotechnics, for live shows and facility infrastructure when required. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years of experience in the [
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The post Walt Disney World is Hiring a Principal Fireworks Designer appeared first on WDW News Today.

“Soul of a Nation” Returns to ABC on Tuesday Examining the Role of Sports in America’s Racial Reckoning

“Soul of a Nation” returns to ABC this Tuesday, March 30, with a new episode examining the role sports have played in America’s racial reckoning, hosted by Jemele Hill. What’s Happening: ABC has announced the next episode of “Soul of a Nation” airing on Tuesday, March 30. The episode will focus on the role of [
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The post “Soul of a Nation” Returns to ABC on Tuesday Examining the Role of Sports in America’s Racial Reckoning appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

Saturday Snacks: Let’s Make Turf Club Bar and Grill’s Decadent Chocolate Torte!

Sometimes, at the end of certain special weeks, you and I need to simply make something over-the-top chocolatey and take a fork to it. Friends, I find myself at the end of such a week, and, in the chance that you find yourself at the end of one, too, this recipe’s for you.

It’s with all things rich and decadent chocolate in mind that we turn to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort‘s table service restaurant, The Turf Club Bar and Grill. While Turf Club is temporarily closed we will usher a bit of its Disney magic into our kitchens as we whip up and enjoy their classic Chocolate Torte recipe.

The Chocolate Torte recipe is found in Kitchen Magic with Mickey: Favorite Recipes from the Disney Parks and Cruise Ships. I picked up a used copy of the cookbook on Amazon, and it has a very broad range of recipes. I’m sure that everyone will find a few of their in-park or Disney Cruise Line favorites represented.

Our list of ingredients is mercifully short, however, I must tell you that, with this recipe, as in life, patience is a virtue. This decadent Saturday Snacks recipe must be made in steps, with the first step requiring us to allow the torte to hang out in the fridge for a minimum of 8 hours. Yes, eight hours. We will band together and get through this as a team, mmmkay? We can do it.

The first step is to preheat the oven to 300 degrees and allow 3/4 cup of butter to soften on the counter. Make sure that a rack is in the center of the oven, and, since boiling hot water is needed in a bit, I placed a tea kettle on the stove to boil. You’ll also need to locate your roasting pan because we’ll be filling it with water and submerging a springform pan in it.

Speaking of a springform pan, this little baby will be the most exotic of tools needed for this recipe. After she passed years ago, I adopted my husband’s grandmother’s springform pan. And, as you might guess, that springform pan is currently nowhere to be found. I fear that Saturday Snacks is fast becoming the Ode to All Lost Pans, but nonetheless, Nana’s springform pan is gone.

Fast-forward to last Saturday morning when my mom-in-law texted me to let me know that a package had just been delivered to my door. My amazing mom-in-law, knowing my missing springform pan plight, surprised me by ordering me a brand-new springform pan. She is so, so kind.

Since we’re going to end up placing the springform pan holding our precious chocolate torte into a roasting pan water bath, we need to try to get our springform pan as close to watertight as possible. What makes a springform pan unique is that the bottom of the pan fits into a ridge at the bottom of the ring that forms the sides of the pan. The side of the pan is hinged, thus allowing the bottom to fall away from the sides when everything’s said and done. If we don’t seal up the sides of the pan, water will seep into our torte, and we’ll end up with a water-logged chocolate sponge. Eww.

The recipe asks us to first wrap the pan in plastic wrap and then heavy duty foil. I missed the “heavy duty” part of the description when checking the supply list, and knew that since I didn’t have a roll of that oversized heavy duty foil, I’d have to do a couple of layers of regular foil and pray that it works to keep the water out of my snack.

I started by wrapping the bottom in plastic wrap and then I wrapped the sides in an overlapping fashion so that the wrap had something to cling to. I followed up with two layers of foil. The recipe tells us to carry the wrap and foil up the sides of the pan, and I tried my best to do just that.

Our next step is to give the inside of the pan a generous coating of butter and then coat it with granulated sugar. Toss a quarter cup or so of sugar into that pan and roll it around (preferably over the sink if you’re messy like me), and allow that sweet sugar to encrust the entire thing. And try not to lick the pan. Ahem.

We’ll next need a small saucepan for our next step as we make espresso syrup for the torte. Read that again: espresso syrup. Yummm. For the needed espresso, I grabbed my ever-faithful, ever-present jar of instant espresso and whipped up a cup.

Place 3/4 cup of granulated sugar into the saucepan along with half of a cup of brewed espresso.

Let the two get nice and toasty over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, and then pull the pan off of the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

While the espresso syrup is cooling, grab another small saucepan out of the cabinet, fill it halfway with water, and place a small-ish glass bowl on top. We’re going to create a double boiler to melt the chocolate as we’ve done in weeks past. It’s a simple and very gentle way to melt chocolate, and any technique that ends without scalded chocolate is a good one in my book.

Let the water in the pan come to a simmering boil, and place 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate in the glass bowl on top of the pot of simmering water. The recipe calls for us to finely chop the chocolate, but it’s Saturday and you and I don’t need any extra work to do this weekend, thankyouverymuch. Toss those chocolate squares into the glass bowl as is. It might take a couple of extra minutes, but they’ll melt just fine.

Cut the softened 3/4 cup of butter into tablespoons, and, once the chocolate has melted, toss the butter in by the tablespoonful and stir to combine. And stand there and marvel at what you’re working with: ton of chocolate and a ton of butter. Yes, I’d say that the weekend’s off to a good start.

Once the butter’s melted and combined with the chocolate, add in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the espresso syrup, and pull the glass bowl off of the saucepan to cool for 4 to 5 minutes. After the time is up, add in the five beaten eggs and stir them gently to incorporate. And don’t do as I did and forget to beat the eggs before you toss them into the chocolate mixture and then frantically fish them back out to beat them after you realized what you’ve done. Goodness. Gracious.

Once the beaten eggs are worked into the chocolate mixture, pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Place the pan into the roasting pan and pour boiling hot water into the roasting pan, being careful to not get any H2O into the springform pan. If your batter-filled pan is like mine, your pan will begin floating on the water well before you’re able to fill the water to 3/4 of the way up the side of it. I just poured a bit more in and declared it good enough.

Place the whole roasting pan/springform pan combo into the oven, and give it a good 45 to 50 minutes or until the center of the torte is just about set.

Once the torte is ready to emerge from the oven, pull it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. I also ended up unwrapping the outside of the pan at this point. While unwrapping the springform pan, a bit of water came out of the pan, and I feared that I’d have a soggy torte on my hands. But I wouldn’t know until the next day, because, once the torte has completely cooled, we need leave it in the springform pan, cover it with foil, and leave it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Goodnight, sweet torte. May you not be soggy on the ‘morrow.

After a minimum of 8 hours have passed, it’s time to get the party rolling again by making the chocolate ganache for the top of the torte. You’ll need to grab another saucepan out of the cabinet (so sorry for the dishes that’ll need to be washed), and fill it halfway with water. Get that water to a simmering boil, and top it with a glass bowl. And, yep, you guessed it: toss in the remaining 4 ounces of semisweet chocolate. Stir it as it melts, and once it has melted, pull it off of the heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

After those few minutes, toss in the remaining half of a cup of butter and stir until the chocolate mixture is the beautiful, glossy ganache that it’s meant to be.

It’s now time for the moment of truth, and we need to move quickly ’cause warm ganache waits for no one. I pulled my torte out of the fridge and slid a knife around the edge to help loosen it a bit from the ring. I popped open the ring on the outside of the springform pan, and the most lovely thing happened: my torte looked like it should. I was afraid that it had taken on water during the baking process, but my fears were *thankfully* unfounded.

I left the torte on the base of the springform pan (no need to tempt fate by trying to move it off of the base), and poured the warm ganache onto the top, allowing the chocolatey goodness to drip over the sides.

The recipe for the ganache makes the perfect amount to cover the torte with a thick coating. After getting everything nice and covered, I sat the torte -springform pan base and all – onto a baking pan and placed it in the fridge to set for two additional hours. I was so hoping that my patience would pay off in the end.

After two hours, the ganache had set completely and had taken on more of a matte finish. I carefully lifted the torte off of the baking pan and placed it (still on the springform pan base) onto a plate.

The moment of truth came when I sunk my cake cutter into the torte. Would it be everything that I’d hoped it would be? Short answer? Yes. And then some.

Friends, the most rich and decadent slice of chocolate torte lifted off of that plate. The recipe recommends that the torte be served with vanilla ice cream, so you had better believe that I had my carton of Breyer’s and ice cream scoop ready to go.

If you’re looking for a chocolate snack/dessert/breakfast this weekend, look no further. It’s the one you’ve been dreaming of. The torte is dense and I likened it to eating fudge, except it’s even better than that. It’s not a cake-like consistency; it is it’s own unique, flavorful, rich treat. And, as I sit here and write these words, it’s 8:37am and I’ve already had a little slice this morning. That’s adulting at its finest, my friends.

While The Turf Club Bar and Grill might be currently closed, we can appreciate and re-create one of its’ classic recipes for the glorious delight that it is. Turf Club and your cast members: we raise a slice in your honor. Thank you for making this Saturday a bit sweeter.

I hope that this weekend is a lovely one. No matter what your week held – the good, the bad, and the ugly – may you and I stop and smell a rose or two. And, of course, may we also eat a bite or two or twenty-three of something yummy along the way.

Thank you so very much for stopping by and reading. Take good care.

p.s. I filmed a Saturday Snacks vlog of me making Food & Wine Festival’s PĂŁo de queijo that aired last week. If you’re like to virtually join me in my kitchen via video and make some yummy bread and cheese goodness, the video is below. 🙂

Ready to invite the most rich, chocolatey treat in town to the party? The recipe for Turf Club’s Chocolate Torte is below:

Chocolate Torte (makes one 9-inch torte)

Torte

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened, plus additional soften butter for greasing pan
  • 3/4 cup sugar, plus additional sugar for dusting pan
  • 1/2 cup prepared espresso
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 eggs, at room temperature, beaten

Chocolate ganache

  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving, optional
  1. Preheat oven to 300° with oven rack in middle position. Rack outside of a 9 inch spring form pan and plastic wrap then wrapped tightly with a layer of heavy duty foil. Generously butter inside of pan. Dust pan with sugar, tapping out access. Place prepared pan in roasting pan; set aside.
  2. Combine sugar and espresso in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Place chocolate in a large bowl set over a large sauce pan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Stir occasionally until just melted. Add butter by the tablespoonful, stirring until combined. Stir in espresso syrup and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Gently stir in eggs until combined.
  4. Pour batter into prepared springform pan. Pour boiling-hot water into roasting pan until it reaches three-quarters up the side of the springform pan. Bake until center of torte is almost set, but still wobbles just slightly, 45-50 minutes.
  5. Transfer torte to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate, covered, for 8 hours or overnight.

For ganache:

  1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Stir occasionally until melted.
  2. Set aside to cool slightly, 3-4 minutes. Add butter by the tablespoonful, stirring until combined and glossy. Use immediately.

To serve:

  1. Run a thin knife along the inside of the springform pan, and remove pan ring.
  2. Place torte on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Pour ganache over torte, a bit at a time, spreading with a rubber or offset spatula to cover top. Allow excess to drip down, if desired.
  3. Place torte on a platter or sheet pan lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom & Disney Springs 3/26/21 (Swiss Family Treehouse Reopens, Two New Ear Headbands, New Everglazed Peeps Donut, and More)

cinderella-castle-featured-image-hero-magic-kingdom-03262021-6226620

Hello from another lovely but hot day at the Magic Kingdom! We had a quiet day overall, but still found some fun things to show you. Let’s get started! A bit more progress has been made on the Cinderella Castle Stage since our last update. The left side has been completely covered in metal grate, and now has what appears to be metal and wood strips on top of that. The right side is now completely covered in metal tubing. [
]

The post PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom & Disney Springs 3/26/21 (Swiss Family Treehouse Reopens, Two New Ear Headbands, New Everglazed Peeps Donut, and More) appeared first on WDW News Today.

Only Super Fans Know About These 6 Bizarre Disney Holidays

Get ready to mark your calendars for some special days that only the BIGGEST Disney fans know about!

Mickey Mouse

Sure, there are plenty of ways to celebrate holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day in the Disney parks. But there are some holidays that only Disney superfans know about! Here are some special Disney days that you won’t find pre-printed on your planner.

Disneyland’s Opening Day Anniversary — July 17th

Disneyland first welcomed guests on July 17th, 1955. And thus, Disney’s pioneering of the theme park industry began!

Disneyland Entrance

Believe it or not, the grand opening was actually a bit of a disaster (Seriously. It’s often referred to as “Black Sunday!”). Several iconic attractions weren’t ready in time for the opening, water fountains around the park weren’t working yet due to a plumber’s strike, fresh asphalt and scorching temperatures turned Main Street, U.S.A. into a mess with women’s heels sinking into the street, and counterfeit tickets packed the park with uninvited guests.

Holding Disneyland’s Very 1st Entrance Ticket #000001

But luckily Walt and his team persevered, ironing out the initial blunders and surpassing one million visitors within the first seven weeks of operation.

Disneyland

There are several ways guests can mark this special moment in Disney history. Milestone anniversaries are often celebrated with special snacks, merchandise, and decor.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Decorated for the Disneyland 60th Anniversary ©Disney

Since Disneyland is a “locals park,” with much of the attendance coming from guests who live nearby, marking the anniversary with a trip to the park is a special occasion for many Disneyland fans!

The Snow White Attraction Has New Scenes and a NEW NAME in Disneyland!

Walt Disney World Opening Day Anniversary– October 1st

Walt Disney World celebrates its opening day on October 1st, as Magic Kingdom first welcomed guests on October 1st, 1971.

Main Street Train Station

Eleven years later, this date became even more significant, as EPCOT first opened on October 1st, 1982.

Spaceship Earth

Similar to Disneyland, Disney World milestone anniversaries are celebrated with special snacks, merchandise, decor, and entertainment. And these goodies have definitely been at the top of our minds lately, as Disney World prepares for its 50th-anniversary celebration later this year!

Cinderella Castle 50th Decor

The celebration, which Disney is calling “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” is set to kick-off on October 1st, 2021. But if you can’t make it right away, don’t worry — it’s slated to run for 18-months following the anniversary!

©Disney

There are a TON of festivities that have been announced for the celebration, including makeovers for the park icons


Spaceship Earth Transformation ©Disney


the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT


©Disney


 and new costumes for Minnie and Mickey!

©Disney

And it’s already shaping up to be a BUSY day in the parks on October 1st — Disney Park Passes for Magic Kingdom are currently completely booked up, although it is possible that Disney may release more availability closer to the date as they have in the past.

Cinderella Castle

We’ll be on the lookout for any additional details and announcements about the upcoming festivities as the 50th-anniversary approaches, so stay tuned for all of the latest info!

Here’s Your Guide to the Walt Disney World 50th-Anniversary Celebration!

Opening Day of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Anniversary — April 22nd

It’s significant that Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on the same day as another holiday — Earth Day. The park’s opening date of April 22nd, 1998 ties into its goal of conservation.

Animal Kingdom Entrance

Typically, Animal Kingdom’s anniversary is celebrated with the annual Party for the Planet, which has featured talks from Disney Imagineers, special character experiences, unique photo ops, and more.

Special Characters for Party for the Planet

And as with the other anniversary events, special snacks and merchandise have also been known to pop up in the park in honor of the “holiday.”

“Up” Cake Push Pop

Even though April 22nd might stick out already as a holiday, it takes on a whole new meaning to Disney fans!

12 Things You Never Knew About Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

Dapper Day

When Disneyland first opened, it was commonplace to see women in dresses and petticoats and men in their Sunday best. Today, it might look a little odd to see folks dressed to the nines on a hot day in Disney World, but it happens! Dapper Day is a celebration of fun, vintage style, and it’s a great excuse for Disney fashionistas to get all dressed up for a trip to the parks!

Dapper Day in Hollywood Studios

There is typically a spring and fall outing in both Disney World and Disneyland, although the exact dates and parks can change from year to year.

Dapper Day

If you’re in need of an outfit to celebrate, you might even be able to find the occasional Dapper Day pop-up shop for all your fashion needs!

Dapper Day Sunglasses

So, if you happen to spot a group of impeccably dressed guests strolling through the parks on your trip, you may have just stumbled upon a Dapper Day outing!

What’s It REALLY Like to Wear Minnie Ears ALL Day in Disney World?

Mickey Mouse’s Birthday — November 18th

Walt Disney himself once said, “I hope we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” And Disney fans around the world have continued to recognize Mickey’s legacy by celebrating his “birthday” on November 18th.

Happy Birthday Button for Mickey!

The Disney parks make it easy to celebrate the main mouse’s birthday, with special snacks, merchandise, and promotions.

Mickey Birthday Treats

And there’s an extra-special Imagineering detail in the queue for Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom that only reveals itself on Mickey’s birthday.

Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid

Part of the rock formation in the queue is carved so that the sun will shine through onto the base of a wall at the perfect angle to form Mickey’s head ONLY on November 18th each year at noon. Now that’s an elusive Hidden Mickey!

How Many of You Have Walked Under This HUGE Hidden Mickey in Disney World?

Adventureland Day — First Sunday in March

Looking for an excuse to dress up in your best Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, or Tarzan attire? Well then, Adventureland Day is the holiday for you!

Adventureland

On the first Sunday in March, Adventureland Day participants dress up in garb inspired by their favorite attraction from the land to celebrate the magic it inspires. Since this event is a fan-made tradition, it still have a very fun home-grown feel to it. Scavenger hunts are often created, as well as planned meet-ups and photo ops.

Jungle Cruise Minnie Ears

From colorful Tiki Room birds to treasure hunting explorers, there’s definitely plenty of inspiration to pull from! If you want to follow when the next day rolls around, you can check out their Facebook page here!

Everything We Know About the Changes Coming to Disney’s Jungle Cruise Attraction

Just because these “holidays” don’t come pre-loaded on your average calendar doesn’t make them any less important for Disney superfans! These holidays are a great excuse to show some love to your favorite character, attraction, or entire park. Plus, you might even get to enjoy a special treat, new merch, or exclusive entertainment as part of the celebration. Now that’s REALLY something to get excited about!

How Do They Do That? Secrets Behind Some of Your Favorite Disney Rides

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Which of these Disney holidays have you celebrated? Let us know in the comments!

The post Only Super Fans Know About These 6 Bizarre Disney Holidays first appeared on the disney food blog.