D23 Goes D-Tech with Exclusive Personalized Phone Case!

December 14, 2016

By Tyler Slater

’Tis the season! During our Disney Springs Holiday Celebration, we debuted the brand-new D23 D-Tech on Demand phone case at the Marketplace Co-Op at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Official Disney Fan Club is excited to announce that now through February 14, 2017, all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will be able to purchase this phone case not only at Marketplace Co-Op, but also at D Street at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort.

Simply head to either shopping location and present your D23 Membership ID to start creating the personalized phone case.

Unwrapping the Holidays on Disney Cruise Line

December 14, 2016January 6, 2017

By Jeffrey Epstein

Guests who have sailed on one of Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises know that these voyages have an extra sprinkling of pixie dust (or perhaps it’s snow!) that take an already incredible vacation experience and make it even more, well, merry. The ships offer a tree-lighting event with Mickey Mouse, Dickens-inspired carolers singing through the voyage, visits with Santa, gingerbread house building, a “Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party,” and much more. “Our cast and crew members are dedicated to creating unforgettable vacation experiences for our guests year round, and the holidays are no exception,” Lisa Borotkanics, manager of Holiday Services, says. “It’s an exciting and festive time aboard each of our ships.” We got the scoop from Lisa, whose team helps ensure the holidays are a flurry of fun, to discover how Disney Cruise Line makes the sea-son bright on its fleet.

Making Merry
The holiday season on the ships may last from just early November through the New Year, but for the creative team who puts together the magical festivities, the work starts anew as soon as the trimmings are off the tree. It’s a year-round process to plan, design, create, and install the holly jolly fun.

Overnight Magic
Speaking of installing, Disney’s Holiday Services—Disney Cruise Line’s answer to Santa’s Elves—makes each ship a winter wonderland with timing that would impress Santa himself. “We’re able to ‘deck the halls’ and make yuletide magic for our Very Merrytime Cruises aboard our ships in approximately seven hours, while the ship is in port and before we welcome our first guests onboard,” says Lisa. Pretty amazing when you…

…Count It Down
All together, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream have a workshop full of seasonal sprigs. By the numbers?

402 garlands totaling 3,768 feet
126 wreaths ranging from 24 to 60 inches
130 trees ranging from 24 inches to 8 feet
Four 20-foot lobby trees
(And a partridge in a pear…)

A Castaway Holiday
In order to “deck the beach balls” on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—including “snow flurries,” a tricked-out Christmas tree, and special holiday character meet-and-greets—the Holiday Services team camps out on the beautiful island for four days and three nights.

Unique Trimmings from Sea to Shining Sea
Each of the four ships’ three-deck-tall trees—located in the main atrium lobbies—is uniquely decorated to complement the existing colors and overall theme of each lobby, including a custom star that is as unique as the ship. “It’s important for our team to create a magical setting,” Lisa explains. The lobby is also the site for holiday carolers, the lighting of the tree, and special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

While you may have your holiday plans set for the season, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you’d like to find under your tree next Christmas… And wouldn’t a little sea, sun, and sand make the perfect gift? Seasons Sailings!

Feel the Force at Disney Parks and Resorts

December 13, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is flying into theaters just a few days from now, and we’re sure we’ll be in a Force frenzy once we see the film Thursday night! If you’re looking to get your Star Wars fix at Disney Parks and Resorts, look no further––Here are just a few ways to experience the galaxy far, far away.

Star Tours—The Adventures Continue
The iconic attraction, celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, takes travelers on a thrilling and sometimes turbulent voyage through the Star Wars galaxy. The fearful C-3PO is your involuntary pilot on this unique adventure –– the many story combinations ensure that almost every voyage is different than the last! Just make sure you get the rebel spy to safety—and who knows? That could be you! You can experience this attraction at Disneyland park, Tokyo Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and soon at Disneyland Paris, during its 25th anniversary celebration, beginning March 26, 2017.

Star Wars Day at Sea
Sailing on the Disney Fantasy? Experience a Force-filled day on 15 sailings from early January through mid-April 2017. Meet favorite characters, learn the ways of the Jedi, enjoy a Star Wars deck party (complete with fireworks), and more.

Launch into Hyperspace
The wildest ride in the galaxy is feeling the force with Hyperspace Mountain. The iconic score immediately immerses you in the Star Wars universe as you learn (from Admiral Ackbar, no less) that the Rebel Alliance needs your help! Blast through space and avoid those Imperial TIE fighters––it’s a trap! You can launch into hyperspace at Disneyland park, and at Disneyland Paris during its 25th anniversary celebration.

Encounter Favorite Characters
Meet Chewbacca and Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay and see Captain Phasma lead the March of the First Order at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On the west coast, you may find Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett awaiting your arrival in Star Wars Launch Bay at Disneyland park.

Become a Jedi
You may have joined the rebellion on Star Tours—The Adventures Continue, but it takes time and training to become a Jedi. Watch as young Padawans learn the ways of the Force, and even fight evil Sith like the Seventh Sister and Darth Vader at Disneyland park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. You can even get inspiration from Luke Skywalker’s journey in Star Wars: Path of the Jedi at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Princesses, Politicians, Jedi, Rebels: Meet the Women of Star Wars!

December 13, 2016December 13, 2016

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story blasts into theaters in only three days, and with it comes the debut of leading lady Jyn Erso, a young rebel played by Felicity Jones. She is just one in a long line of girls from the galaxy far, far away that we have admired and looked up to throughout the years. If you’re in search of a new hero, look no further. This list of leading ladies will inspire you to take on the Empire or defeat the Dark side.

1. Padmé Amidala
What were you doing when you were 14 years old (besides rewatching all your favorite Star Wars movies, of course)? Could you imagine ruling an entire planet? Elected queen of the peaceful paradise Naboo when she was still a teenager, Padmé Amidala believed at a young age in protecting the innocent and upholding democracy. She made her mark on the galaxy in many ways: her work as a member of the galactic senate, her iconic gowns and dramatic hairstyles, and her star-crossed romance with the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Although she tragically died just moments after giving birth to twins, her spirit of justice and love live on through her children, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa.

2. Ahsoka Tano
What do you think it would be like to be an apprentice to the man who becomes Darth Vader? Ahsoka Tano was Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice during the Clone Wars, but she left the Jedi Order after becoming disillusioned with how it was being run. She chose to instead work for the Rebel Alliance alongside Bail Organa, establishing a network of rebels against the Galactic Empire. Additionally, as one of the few surviving people with Jedi training, Ahsoka strives to protect those who use the Light side of the Force from the destructive forces of the Empire, including fighting her former master, now reborn as Darth Vader.

3. Jyn Erso
This rebel girl was never one to follow the rules, and she won’t back down in the face of Imperial domination. With the help of Captain Cassian Andor, she leads a team on the iconic mission mentioned in Star Wars: A New Hope’s opening crawl—stealing the plans of the Death Star. In the face of the Empire’s immeasurable power, Jyn may be our only hope.

4. Leia Organa
When you think of a princess, you may picture tiaras and singing animals. Well, this princess of Alderaan would rather go toe-to-toe with deadly Sith lords and run headfirst into a battle against Stormtroopers. Leia Organa is the opposite of her mother, Padmé, when it comes to personality, but when it comes to bringing justice to the galaxy, Leia is truly her mother’s daughter. And not only that: As the adopted daughter of Viceroy Bail Organa and Queen Breha Organa, Leia learned to be brave in the face of Imperial Moffs, Dark Lords of the Sith, and worse. Even with her discovery of her Force powers (she is, after all, genetically the daughter of Darth Vader), Leia still remains committed to the fight for the forces of good as a general in the Resistance against the First Order.

5. Aphra
Not every leading lady in the Star Wars universe is on the Light side. Doctor Aphra, fan favorite from the Star Wars: Darth Vader comics and now headlining her own series of comics, was an archaeologist recruited by Darth Vader to complete several missions, including personal missions for the Dark Lord of the Sith that went against the Galactic Empire’s mission. Working with her two assassin droids, Beetee and Triple Zero, Aphra continues her adventures in Star Wars: Aphra comics, causing trouble across the galaxy.

6. Hera Syndulla
Daughter of famous Twi’lek resistance leader Cham Syndulla, Hera was raised in the horrors of Imperial control and knew that the galaxy needed a rebellion. As the captain of the light freighter Ghost, Hera leads a team of rebels across the galaxy to fight the Empire and spread freedom, setting the groundwork for the Rebel Alliance of the Star Wars original trilogy.

7. Sabine Wren
Everything about Sabine is made to stand out, from the bright colors she dyes her hair to her customized pink Mandalorian armor! While she started off as a recruit for the Imperial Academy and even had a brief career as a bounty hunter, Sabine truly found her calling after she teamed up with Hera and the crew of the Ghost to help fight the Empire. She serves as the team’s weapons specialist, but she also considers herself an artist, creating graffiti art to protest Imperial rule.

8. Rey
Who’s the girl? Well, we still don’t know who her family is, but what we do know is that the lonely girl from Jakku stole our heart from her very first moment in The Force Awakens. Left to live as a lonely scavenger, Rey bravely gave up everything to go on an adventure with her new friend Finn to help deliver BB-8 to the Resistance. The adventure that ensued revealed that there is so much more to her than just a girl living in the desert—she is strong in the Force—so strong that Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber calls out to her from the depths of Maz Kanata’s castle. She rejects the call at first, but we know how it ends. Who could forget her lightsaber fight against Kylo Ren in the snow? With her heart-melting smile and her raw Force ability, there is so much to love about Rey—and so much more we want to learn about her when Episode VIII comes to theaters in 2017.

Jessica Rabbit’s Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

December 13, 2016January 12, 2017

You’ll love this red velvet hot chocolate as much as Roger Rabbit loves Jessica.

Ingredients

For the cream cheese whipped cream:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the red velvet hot chocolate:

4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp. red food coloring
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

To make the cream cheese whipped cream:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer and using the whisk attachment, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form (this will take between five and 10 minutes). Start on low speed and gradually increase speed to high. Place whipped cream in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer and using the paddle attachment, mix cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract on low speed until well combined.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the red velvet hot chocolate:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring milk and sugar to simmer on medium-low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate chips until melted.
3. Stir in food coloring and vanilla extract.
4. Pour into mugs and top with cream cheese whipped cream, then put in a candy cane as a stirrer for a sweet finishing touch.

Create a Winter Wonderland for your Holiday Table

December 12, 2016January 3, 2017

Make your feast extra festive with this charming centerpiece!

Materials

Silver charger
Fake snow
Three Disney figurines (your choice)
Three wine glasses—two for white wine, one for red wine
Two votive candles
One pillar candle
Various holiday decorations: holly, mini Christmas trees, ornaments, fake flowers, pinecones, etc.

Directions
1. Generously sprinkle fake snow onto the charger.
2. Position your figurines on the plate and place the wine glasses upside down so each glass covers a toy. For visual interest, we suggest placing the red wine glass in the middle and placing the white wine glasses on either side of it.
3. Place a votive candle on top of each white wine glass, and place the pillar candle on top of the red wine glass.
4. Place the various holiday decorations around the rest of the centerpiece. There’s no wrong way to arrange them so feel free to decorate as you please!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort

December 12, 2016January 6, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

While the holiday season may be all about giving, we think it’s important to treat yourself, too! We’ve rounded up some of the most tempting eats from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, should you care to indulge in something sweet. Happy Snacking!

Candy Apples and Cupcakes
Two iconic Disney parks treats get a merry makeover for the holidays.

Mickey and Minnie Santa Candy Apples – Candy Palace and Pooh’s Corner in Disneyland park, Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park, and Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District.
Snowmen and Snowflake Candy Apples – Candy Palace and Pooh’s Corner in Disneyland park, Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park, and Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District.
Dark Chocolate with Peppermint Crunch Candy Apple – Candy Palace and Pooh’s Corner in Disneyland park, Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park, and Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District.
Peppermint Cupcake and Holiday Wish Cupcake – Main Street Bakery, during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake – Fountain View, Epcot

Perfectly Peppermint
A quintessential holiday taste, there’s a plethora of peppermint awaiting at Disney parks.

Crushed crushed candy cane toppings – Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, Disney California Adventure
Peppermint Ice Cream, Crushed Candy Cane Cone – Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Disneyland
Candy Cane Beignets – Café Orleans, Mint Julep Bar, Disneyland
Chocolate Peppermint Funnel Cake – Stage Door Café, Disneyland
Iced Peppermint Malibu Mocha – Schmoozies, Disney California Adventure
Peppermint Mocha – Available at multiple locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and at each Disneyland Resort Hotel.
Cocoa Candy Cane – American Holiday Table, Epcot
Peppermint Bark Cookie – The Lunching Pad, during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Gingerbread Treats
Another classic holiday flavor, you can find classic gingerbread cookies and other gingerbread sweets at the following eateries:

Gingerbread Ice Cream – France pavilion, Epcot
Gingerbread Pop – Sunshine Day Café, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Gingerbread Man Cookie – Available at multiple locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Market House in Disneyland park, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure park, and at each Disneyland Resort Hotel.
Gingerbread Houses – these might not be for your snacking pleasure, but they’re sure sweet to look at!

Christmas Cookies
Santa’s not the only cookie connoisseur! Disney Parks are filled with cute cookies this time of year:

Gingerbread Almond Cookie – Sunshine Day Café, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Holiday Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Snickerdoodle Cookie, Gingersnap Molasses Cookie, Snowman Sugar Cookie, Peppermint Bark Cookie – available in select locations during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, click here for details.
Snowman Shortbread Cookie – Available at multiple locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Market House in Disneyland park, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure park, and at each Disneyland Resort Hotel.

Sweet Sips
Complement these tasty treats with one of the many seasonal beverages available throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland:

Hot Chocolate, Eggnog, Snow Cone, Spiced Apple Cider – available in select locations during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, click here for details.
Shipyard Eggnog White Porter Aged on Bourbon, Firenog (eggnog with Fireball Whisky) – American Holiday Table, Epcot
Frozen S’Mores – Seasonal Southern Delights, Epcot
Frozen Winter Spice Hot Chocolate featuring Twinings of London Tea – Alpine Haus, Epcot
Eggnog Latte – Available at multiple locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Evergeen Spritz, Winterberry Cooler, Bailey’s Salted Caramel Cocoa – Sunshine Day Café, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Poinsettia Cocktail – Carthay Circle Restaurant & Lounge, Disney California Adventure
Red-nosed Zebra Cocktail, Jungle Bells Cocktail, Tropical Snowstorm Cocktail – Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland Hotel

See Which Disney Films and TV Shows Are Golden Globe Nominees

December 12, 2016December 12, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

While we’re still decking our halls for the holidays, we already have something to look forward to in the new year! The 2017 Golden Globe® nominations were just announced this morning, and Disney films and TV shows are nominated in several categories. We can’t wait to see who takes home the awards, which are being presented on January 8, 2017. See the full list of Disney nominees below.

Best Animated Film
Moana
Zootopia

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“How Far I’ll Go”—Moana

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
black-ish

Best Television Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
American Crime

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series—Musical or Comedy
Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series—Musical or Comedy
Anthony Anderson, black-ish

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
American Crime

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Felicity Huffman, American Crime

Donald’s Wintertime Popcorn

December 11, 2016January 12, 2017

No need to fight over this tasty treat, there’s plenty for all. Grab a bowl of Donald’s Wintertime Popcorn and watch the classic wintertime animated short Corn Chips.

Ingredients

7 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup melted white chocolate
1/4 cup blue and white candy sprinkles
1/4 cup round blue candy-coated chocolate pieces

Directions
1. Place popcorn into a large bowl and pour white chocolate over the top. Immediately toss the popcorn mixture to coat as much of the popcorn as possible with chocolate.
2. Pour chocolate-covered popcorn onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and quickly toss the sprinkles and chocolate candies on top before the chocolate hardens.
3. Shake the cookie sheet a few times to help the sprinkles and candy stick to the popcorn.
4. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator at least 15 minutes, allowing the chocolate to completely harden and cool.
5. Remove from refrigerator and break up into bite-sized portions before serving.

The Country Bears’ Lemon Blueberry Holiday Pie

December 10, 2016January 12, 2017

Treat your friends and family to some southern hospitality with this Country Bears-inspired lemon blueberry pie.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 rolls 9-inch store-bought pie dough (typically comes in one package)
1 egg
1 tbsp. whole milk
Optional: vanilla ice cream

Special Materials

Snowflake-shaped cookie cutters
9 1/2-inch pie plate

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Carefully place a roll of pie dough onto a pie plate, making sure not to stretch the dough (or else it might shrink as the pie is baking). If there is any excess dough at the edge of the pie plate, cut off with a sharp knife.
4. Spoon the blueberry mixture onto the pie plate.
5. Carefully roll out the second roll of pie dough onto a cutting board. Use the cookie cutters to cut out snowflake-shaped dough.
6. Place snowflake dough pieces on top of the blueberry mixture.
7. Beat egg and milk together to make the egg wash. Brush snowflake dough pieces with the egg wash.
8. Bake for about 40 minutes until the snowflake crust is golden brown. Let pie cool completely and serve at room temperature. Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.