DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Full Festival of the Holidays Menus; Tons of Holiday Treats Around the World; First Look at New Nighttime Spectacular; More Holiday News; Tons of Food News & More
The holiday season has officially started at Disney World, and we love it! Disney has released full menus for the upcoming Festival of the Holidays as EPCOT, along with revealing a ton of special holiday treats available all over Walt Disney World parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. We have a review and some tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the brand new seasonal offering, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, will debut this week. There is a lot of festive cheer to enjoy this year, and we have an overview of everything. We also got a first look at the new nighttime fireworks spectacular coming to EPCOT, a ton of other food news, Disney Cruise news, and more below in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – Disney Releases Menus for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2023
The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is just a few weeks away. This week Disney has announced the full menus for the festival’s Holiday Kitchens. Get out those planners and check out all of the amazing items coming to the festival at the link below.
Click here for menus for the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
2 – The Holiday Season Begins at Walt Disney World
The holiday season has begun at Walt Disney World. This week, the new projections show Frozen Holiday Surprise debuted, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicked off. The new special event, Disney Jollywood Nights, debuted on Saturday night. There is so much to see and do during the holiday season. There are offerings at each of the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resort hotels. Learn more about all there is to do at the link below.
Click here for an overview of the holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
3 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns – Our Updated Review
We were there at the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and had a fantastic time. This popular special event at Magic Kingdom is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World. Read our review at the link below, including 16 tips and tricks for a fantastic night.
4 – Disney Reveals Tons of Holiday Treats Available for a Limited Time Around Walt Disney World
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the wide variety of food and beverage items available throughout the resort. Disney recently released the full listing of holiday treats available for a limited time. Learn more at the link below.
5 – 2023 Gingerbread Displays and Treats Information Released
One of our favorite holiday traditions is to visit the Gingerbread Displays at select Disney Resort hotels. Every year, we are amazed at the complexity and work that goes into them. We also enjoy getting treats at the displays! Catch all the details on this year’s displays at the link below.
Click here for all the details on the 2023 Gingerbread Displays and Treats at select Disney Resorts.
6 – Disney Reveals First Look at ‘Luminious The Symphony of Us’ Coming Soon to EPCOT
The reimagination of EPCOT is almost complete with the final projects coming in December. One of those is the debut of a new nighttime spectacular, “Luminious The Symphony of Us.” The show is set to debut on December 5. Recently, Disney shared new details about the upcoming show. Learn more at the link below.
7 – runDisney Announces 2024-25 Race Season and New Disneyland Races
runDisney has announced its 2024-25 race season, including a new Disneyland race! Registration dates for races were also announced. Learn more below.
Click here for all the details on the 2024-25 runDisney race season!
8 – Pin Trading with Cast Members Returns to Disney Springs
Guests visiting select merchandise locations at Disney Springs can once again experience their favorite ways to trade Disney pins directly with cast members! Keep an eye out for cast with accessories such as lanyards and pin boards, and ask them how you can join in the Disney pin trading fun. Look for cast member trading to come back to even more merchandise locations across Walt Disney World in 2024.
9 – Disney Cruise Line Wins Awards & How Disney Brings Award-Winning Cruises to the Whole Family
Disney Cruise Line has won more awards for its terrific cruises. Disney Cruise Line offers so much for the whole family while also offering different age groups their own options. There really is so much to do on a Disney Cruise. Learn more at the link below.
10 – New Details Released for Disney Cruise Line’s New Island Destination Lookout Cay
2024 is going to be a very exciting year for Disney Cruise Line. In addition to the sixth ship setting sail in December 2024, Lookout Cay, a new private island destination is coming in summer 2024. Recently, we learned more about what guests can expect! Learn more at the link below.
Click here for more details on Disney Cruise Line’s New Island Destination Lookout Cay!
11 – Disney Ultimate Toy Drive Supporting Toys for Tots Now Underway
The Walt Disney Company launched its annual Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Program to help deliver toys to children in need this holiday season.
Disney’s relationship with Toys for Tots dates back to 1947, when Walt Disney and his team of animators designed the Toys for Tots logo that is still used today. Since then, The Walt Disney Company has continued to strengthen this relationship, engaging volunteers and providing charitable support to help Toys for Tots deliver toys to children in need nationwide. Since its founding, Toys for Tots Marines and volunteers have distributed 652 million toys to over 291 million children. Last year the organization set a record of distributing more than 24 million toys to nearly 10 million children, thanks in part to the collaboration with the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.
“For over 75 years, Disney has been proud to work with Toys for Tots to help deliver joy to children in need,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “From VoluntEARS opportunities to integrations into shows across our networks, our employees and cast members in every part of the company love supporting Toys for Tots and giving back at this special time of year in ways that only Disney can.”
“It’s amazing how this relationship started with a logo and has now transformed into an annual nationwide campaign supporting children in need. Toys for Tots is grateful to have the continued support of Disney to help bring their stories to children for the holidays and deliver joy during this season of giving,” said Lieutenant General Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.disney.com/toydrive.
12 – Space 220 Restaurant Announces New Set of Culinary-Inspired Cards
Space 220 Restaurant, the out-of-this-world dining experience at EPCOT, is pleased to announce the release of a brand new set of culinary-inspired cards. The limited-edition collectible items celebrate food and beverage innovation with artful illustrations paired with insightful space trivia. They are designed to educate and entertain guests of all ages from around the world.
The cards will be personally delivered intermittently to guests by Space 220 Restaurant’s Executive Chef Marc Kusche during his daily table visits. This is the only way to acquire these rare souvenirs. Guests will be selected at random to receive a card in honor of their time spent suspended in orbit 220 miles directly above Earth’s surface aboard the Centauri Space Station. This is the first in a multipart release of the limited run series that Space 220 will be distributing over the next year. New artwork and trivia will be included on each additional card set.
Chef Marc has led the culinary team at Space 220 since the restaurant opened in 2021. An industry leader, Disney enthusiast, and father, he enjoys having the opportunity to come out of the kitchen and into the dining room to spend time with the guests during tableside chats. He is very invested in the guest experience and personally chose the topics on each collectible card to ensure a whimsical and informative final product of the highest quality.
“The culinary cards have been developed as another surprise and delight to further enhance the guest experience at Space 220 at Epcot. From exemplary service and chef-led menus to bold flavors, inventive beverages, and stunning interior design, a visit to any of Patina Restaurant Group’s venues should be a fully immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. Acting as a symbol of our team’s gratitude for our guests choosing to dine with us, these cards are hand selected gifts by Executive Chef Marc exclusively made for Space 220 Restaurant. We take pride in the exceptional level of detail and care that has gone into creating these cards as we know they are worthy of our Disney guests,” said Patina Restaurant Group Marketing Director, Kyle Collins.
13 – Planet Hollywood Serves up Thanksgiving Meal
Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs is a great place to celebrate Thanksgiving 2023 with a traditional turkey (or prime rib) feast to enjoy in a family-friendly atmosphere decked out in holiday décor throughout the four floors.
Thanksgiving Feast: Sliced, oven-roasted, all white meat turkey topped with gravy & served with homemade garlic mashed potatoes, southern-style cornbread stuffing, green bean blend & cranberry sauce ($34.99). Guests may upgrade to Prime Rib ($48.99)
Priority seating reservations can be made here: https://www.planethollywoodintl.com/reservations/
14 – Winter Holiday Dining Specials and Festive Events Across Central Florida
This December, some of Orlando’s most popular restaurants will offer a variety of options for guests to celebrate the spirit of the season, from festive cocktails to impressive decor and mouth watering meals. Plus, destinations will offer can’t miss events for getting into the holiday spirit with the whole family.
Food and Beverage Options
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips ICON Park
Banana Toffee Shake – $6.99
Gordon Ramsay is introducing the ultimate holiday indulgence: the Banana Toffee Shake. Creamy banana custard, rich toffee sauce drizzle, velvety whipped cream, and toffee sprinkes make this shake a dessert lover’s dream.
Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs
Breakfast with Santa: Breakfast with Santa is an enchanting experience that will include a delicious breakfast spread of classic menu items, a visit with Santa Claus and his merry band of elves, family-friendly holiday activities, take-home treats, and a keepsake photo.
After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa. Children can share their holiday wishes with him and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. The event runs select dates Nov. 24-Dec. 24, and tickets are $45 for children and $69 for adults. Book HERE
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
Holiday Cocktails – running now through Dec. 31
- Yokai – $19 – Morimoto Knob Creek Bourbon, Monin Caramel Apple Butter, Chambord, MSG, Prosecco
- Kyuri and Spicy – $18 – Cucumber-Infused Espolon Blanco Tequila, Jalapeno, Ginger Liqueur, Ancho Reyes, Velvet Falernum, Lime, Monin Agave
- Toji Moon – $16 – Absolut Mandarin Vodka, Sake, Monin Habanero-Lime, Lemongrass, Yuzu, Celery Bitters
- After Midnight – $17 – Courvoisier vs Cognac, Legent Bourbon, Ginger, Orgeat, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cinnamon Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters
- Forever Young – $18 – Barrel Aged for 2 Weeks- Aviation Gin, Aperol, Carpano Antica, Blood Orange Liqueur, Mole Bitters
- Maker Mark Flight – $36 – Makers Cask Strength, Makers 46, Morimoto Maker’s Mark Private Select – From Chef to Bar, Morimoto Maker’s Mark Private Select – A5 – Spring Staves
On Christmas Day, Jaleo at Disney Springs will offer a limited-time menu of festive Spanish recipes:
- Sopa de lentejas – $14 – Stewed lentils with chorizo, butifarra and vegetables
- Canelones de rabo de toro y foie – $24 – Pasta stuffed with oxtail with a foie gras and bechamel sauce
- Carrilleras de cerdo con puré de patatas – $24 – Braised pork cheeks with wild mushrooms and potato puree
- Pollo a la Catalana – $36 –Half roasted Catalan style chicken with prunes, raisins, pine nuts and Oloroso wine
- Lubina al “Pil Pil” – $56 – Mediterranean Seabass with classical “Pil-Pil” sauce
Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs
Earl of Sandwich will provide its fan-favorite seasonal offerings this year, including its Holiday Ham and Holiday Turkey. See full details below.
- Holiday Ham – Ham, cinnamon sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce & cheddar
- Holiday Turkey – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce & mayonnaise
Chicken Guy! Winter Park & Disney Springs
This Nov. 21, Chicken Guy! is launching two new flavors of deliciously hand-spun milkshakes available throughout the holiday season. Shakes are $6.49 for a regular and $6.99 for a large at Winter Park, and one size for $6.99 at the Disney Springs location.
- Frozen Peppermint Cocoa Shake – Vanilla soft serve, hot cocoa mix, peppermint and crushed candy cane pieces, topped with marshmallow whipped cream, mini marshmallows and a chocolate drizzle.
- Holiday Cookie Shake-Vanilla soft serve, blended with sugar cookies, marshmallow whipped cream, mini m&m’s & holiday sprinkles, topped with a special holiday cookie.
Event Options
HoliNights: Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for their annual Holinights Celebration, featuring Santa Claus, mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, live music, and the nightly lighting of their 42-foot animated Holinights Christmas tree! Plus, climb aboard the all-new Pearl Express Train Tour and experience the Promenade at Sunset Walk. Fun for all ages, the train departs from the Promenade’s “North Pole Roundabout” throughout the day. FREE admission and parking.
Holiday Chocolate Wonderland: Wondrous joy awaits as Central Florida’s premier family vacation destination, located just minutes from Walt Disney World, debuts a holiday wonderland created entirely out of chocolate. The resort’s lobby will be home to The Caribe Royale North Pole Express, a 32-foot-long locomotive train; and “Santa’s Magical Flight” featuring Santa and his reindeer, all made completely out of chocolate. The displays are surrounded by festive decor, an illuminated tree, and plenty of yuletide cheer. While viewing the artful displays, guests will also have an opportunity to participate in various themed experiences for the entire family, including merry movies under the stars, specialty meals and menus, visits from Santa, and more.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through November 18 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for the full menu lineup for this year’s Food & Wine Festival.
Click here for photos of all of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning!
Click here to view our Instagram Story with photos of our time in Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey.
Now Through December 31, 2023 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for an overview of the holiday offerings at Walt Disney World in 2023 – What You Don’t Want to Miss!
Click here to view the full menus for the Holiday Kitchens at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Click here for new details on the new Jollywood Nights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Gingerbread Displays and Treats at Disney Resorts.
Now Through December 31, 2023 – Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT
Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT.
Now Open – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – EPCOT
Click here for what you need to know about Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Now Open – Tron Lightcycle Run – Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and what you need to know about TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for everything you need to know about the story behind TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for the first look at TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise.
Now Open – Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here for our Instagram Story highlight showing the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here to see the menu items at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here to learn about the story behind Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Late 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Itineraries in 2023-2025
Click here to learn more about 2023 offerings on Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Early 2024 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Coming Spring of 2024
Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line Early 2025 Itineraries.
The Disney Treasure – Sailing December 2024
Click here to learn about the new Haunted Mansion-themed lounge coming to the Disney Treasure!
Click here to learn about the new and exclusive Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure!
The Disney Wish
Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.
Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!
Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!
Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy – Spring 2024
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 1
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 2
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.