Cinderella Castle is re-created on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with an “it’s a small world” backdrop depicting Cinderella and Prince Charming greeting guests in the castle forecourt. The 18-foot display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks, 80 pounds of rolled fondant and 155 pounds of modeling chocolate, and includes 18 Hidden Mickeys for guests to discover. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
Wide-eyed wonderment will wash over Disney guests this holiday season when they see gingerbread displays at select Disney theme parks and Disney resort hotels, as well as the ships of Disney Cruise Line.
So magical is the aroma of gingerbread at holiday-time that National Gingerbread Day is celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 21. In the spirit of the season, Disney chefs decked the halls (roofs, doorways and windows, too) to create life-sized, gingerbread houses yummy enough to eat.
Here’s a look at storybook houses, carousels and other confections baked with love by Disney chefs, with savory sweets for sale in most locations:
UPDATE: We’re excited to share that you can start booking reservations for at Gran Destino Tower beginning Nov. 27, 2018.
Earlier this fall, we shared renderings of the exciting expansion that’s underway at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Last week Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled more about the reimagining, including the name of the new 15-story centerpiece of the resort, the Gran Destino Tower, and the opening month of July 2019.
Gran Destino Tower will serve as the new main entrance point for guests visiting the resort, and will add a total of 545 new guest rooms (including 50 suites) to the resort, as well as feature a gorgeous two-story lobby. A themed table-service restaurant is also planned for the top of Gran Destino Tower, which will serve up delicious food and incredible views of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
An oasis set on the shore of Lago Dorado, the reimagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrates the daring spirit of the great Spanish explorers, artists, writers and architects. Throughout the resort, you will discover a blend of classic Spanish influences, imaginative Disney touches and modern comforts both inside and out. The resort’s more than 1,800 existing rooms have also been fully updated with new fixtures, furnishings and lighting. A second new restaurant is planned to open on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, Lago Dorado, with new walkways stretching across the water, making it convenient no matter where guests stay at the resort. And a fresh color palette will tie the entire resort experience together, blending the new and the newly reimagined.
Stay tuned for future updates!
Now, more than ever is a great time for you to stay in the middle of the magic with great Florida resident rates valid for travel January 1 through April 27, 2019.
For example, as a Florida resident, they can take advantage of rates as low as $79 per night, plus tax in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort most Monday through Wednesday nights January 7 through February 13, 2019.
Staying at a uniquely themed Disney Resort hotel will help them make the most of their trip by giving them the opportunity to enjoy convenient benefits like early access to FastPass+ planning, Extra Magic Hour and a variety of complimentary transportation options.
Book this room offer now through April 27, 2019.
Sample Prices
These sample prices are valid for stays most Monday through Wednesday nights in a standard room or room with a standard view during the dates specified in the chart below. See all Disney Resort hotels included in this offer on the Offer Details tab.
|
Resorts |
Sample Prices |
Sample Prices |
Sample Prices |
| Disney’s All-Star Resort hotels (Standard Room) |
$79 per night, |
$102 per night, |
$102 per night, |
| Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Standard Room) |
$139 per night, |
$161 per night, |
$161 per night, |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Standard View) |
$243 per night, |
$284 per night, |
$284 per night, |
Important Details:
Earlier this fall, we shared renderings of the exciting expansion that’s currently underway at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Just moments ago, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled more about the reimagining, including the name of the new 15-story centerpiece of the resort, the Gran Destino Tower.
The tower, which will be completed in July 2019, will serve as the new main entrance point for Guests visiting the resort, and will add a total of 545 new Guest rooms (including 50 suites) to the resort, as well as feature a gorgeous two-story lobby. A themed table-service restaurant is also planned for the top of Gran Destino Tower, which will serve up delicious food and incredible views of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
An oasis set on the shore of Lago Dorado, the reimagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrates the daring spirit of the great Spanish explorers, artists, writers and architects. Throughout the resort, Guests will discover a blend of classic Spanish influences, imaginative Disney touches and modern comforts both inside and out. The resort’s more than 1,800 existing rooms have also been fully updated with new fixtures, furnishings and lighting. A second new restaurant is planned to open on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, Lago Dorado, with new walkways stretching across the water, making it convenient no matter where guests stay at the resort. And a fresh color palette will tie the entire resort experience together, blending the new and the newly reimagined.
Reservations are now available for the Fort Wilderness Beach Dessert Party. At this New Year’s Eve celebration, you can delight in delectable sweets and specialty beverages as they savor scenic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The evening will kick off with an assortment of desserts, seasonal fruits, cheeses and refreshments- including beer and wine. You will also have the opportunity to watch the stunning Magic Kingdom® fireworks display and raise a glass to exciting things to come in 2019!
The Fort Wilderness Beach Dessert Party takes place on Dec. 31, 2018 from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Clementine’s Beach at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The cost is $99 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 to 9) plus tax. Gratuity is not included or required. Reservations can be made by calling 407-939-3463 or visiting Disneyworld.com/dining.
Last year, we announced a massive expansion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort set to debut next summer at Walt Disney World® Resort. Today, we’re excited to share more details about the reimagining of this popular resort hotel, including some new renderings that show off how beautiful it’s going to look when completed.
The centerpiece of this expansion is a new 15-story tower, which you can see in the rendering above. It will add 545 guest rooms (including 50 suites!) to the resort. The tower will be the new main entry point when visiting the resort; in the rendering below, you can see the tower’s gorgeous two-story lobby where your Clients can check in and find some cozy places to relax. Atop the tower, your Clients can look forward to dining in a themed and unique table-service restaurant that will provide incredible views of Walt Disney World Resort.
The rest of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is being refreshed, as well. All 1,800-plus existing rooms have been fully updated with new fixtures, furnishings and lighting. Another new restaurant will be located on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, Lago Dorado, with new walkways stretching across the water allowing for quick and convenient walks to and from all parts of the resort. And a fresh, sophisticated color palette will tie the entire experience together, blending the new and the newly reimagined.
We’re looking forward to sharing new details about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as they become available. Keep checking back here for more information!
A new recreational activity is now available at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where Guests ages 10 to 16 are invited aboard an evening adventure cruise on Barefoot Bay to investigate the mysteries of pirates of the past. During ‘The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay,’ Guests will experience an evening of immersive storytelling during this interactive boating scavenger hunt. They will embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of Captain Calico’s disappearance by solving puzzles and collecting clues.
This experience is available on Thursdays from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM to Guests ages 10 to 16. Book this experience by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Advance reservations are recommended. The cost is $39 per person, plus tax. A snack is provided.
Two hotel fast-casual food spots are getting spruced up at the Disneyland® Resort, also adding gorgeous new bar seating for pool goers and hotel Guests.
Tangaroa Terrace, the South Seas hideaway at the Disneyland Hotel, is closing soon and will re-open in early 2019 as Tangaroa Terrace Bar & Grill. The restaurant’s ‘50s Tiki-inspired design, however, will remain the perfect tropical complement to the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel. Guests can expect a new outdoor bar and refreshed patio, serving island cocktails and Asian-inspired fare. New details will also be added to the interior space, including light fixtures made of colorful fishing floats and netting, a tropical mural and bamboo accents. Guests will also be delighted to find a dedicated service window for various coffee selections in the morning and the popular Dole Whip throughout the day, perfect while enjoying time at the pools. The grill will offer options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an open-air marketplace for quick bites. While Tangaroa Terrace is under refurbishment, menu offerings will be available at The Coffee House, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Steakhouse 55.
White Water Snacks at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also close soon and re-open later this year with a fresh new look. In the meantime, Hearthstone Lounge will offer grab-and-go food and beverage options.
Guests of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also be able to lounge in even more luxury, poolside, with a new pool bar opening in spring 2019. As you can see in the artwork above, the new pool bar area will keep with the hotel’s signature Arts and Crafts design with natural boulder stonework and clinker bricks. A custom tile mural at the back bar will also set the craftsman tone in the new space. In addition, a trellis structure will provide shade and a perfect respite to enjoy sipping beverages and snacking on appetizers. A variety of new lounge and table seating will also be available.
Stay tuned for more details!
When Old Port Royale reopens at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort this fall, you will be able to check in and embark on their island-inspired vacation with new places to gather, dine and relax, including the newly expanded Centertown Market. Designed as an indoor street market-style quick service restaurant, Centertown Market is full of colors and details from the Caribbean.
Imagineers researched the variety of festivals found throughout the Caribbean islands and these celebrations served as the inspiration for the colorful, hand-painted mural found at the heart of Centertown Market. We caught up with some of the Imagineers as they were bringing this mural to life.
According to Walt Disney Imagineering, you may find a mural like this in a local marketplace building in the Caribbean. The mural depicts a street parade complete with music, dance and lavish costume pieces made from feathers and colorful hand-cut and fringed crepe paper.
Don’t forget to visit the all-new table service restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro, for additional colorful details, including a screen of hand-painted fishing floats at the restaurant’s entrance.
Stay tuned for more details about Old Port Royale and the new food and beverage menus as we get closer to opening!
