Disney News

Category: Disney Parks

  • Disney Shared The Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Used At One Of Its Resorts and it’s Delicious

    Disney Shared The Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Used At One Of Its Resorts and it’s Delicious

    To help bring the Magic of Disney home, Disney has been sharing recipes for some of its most iconic treats from the parks, like churro bites and Dole whips, and now there is a Disney resort-inspired chocolate chip cookie recipe that you can make at home and save some dough.

    Chocolate chip cookies get their very own holiday coming up on May 15 and the chefs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have shared their recipe for The quintessential all-American treat

    Below you’ll find Chef Erich’s chocolate chip cookie recipe – a delicious and easy sweet you can make at home for memories of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Makes about 3 dozen medium, or 18 large cookies

    2 1/2 cups flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks butter), softened
    1 cup packed brown sugar
    3/4 cup powdered sugar
    2 eggs
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

    1. Preheat oven to 330°F.
    2. Sift flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl and set aside.
    3. Combine butter, brown sugar and powdered sugar in a separate bowl and cream with electric mixer until fluffy.
    4. With mixer running, add eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix until combined, scraping sides of bowl.
    5. Slowly add flour mixture, scraping sides of bowl. Stir in chocolate chips.
    6. Scoop 1 tablespoon dough for medium cookies and 2 tablespoons for large onto ungreased baking sheet.
    7. Bake until light golden, 10 to 12 minutes for medium cookies, 12 to 14 minutes for large.
  • Temperature Screenings For Guests May Be Instituted When Disney Parks Reopen After Coronavirus Pandemic

    Temperature Screenings For Guests May Be Instituted When Disney Parks Reopen After Coronavirus Pandemic

    As the world remains shuddered in their homes waiting for the global health crisis to end, Disney fans are looking forward to the day that Disney parks reopen and they can return to their happy place. This begs the question, what does returning to normal look like at Disney Parks?

    Barron’s recently spoke with Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger about meeting the challenge of the virus, and how the entertainment industry might be left changed.

    Take a look below at what he had to say:

    “We’re studying very carefully what China has been trying to do in terms of their return to normalcy” Iger said. “And one of the things that’s obvious is they’ve conscripted a large segment of their population to monitor others in terms of their health. You can’t get on a bus or a subway or a train or enter a high-rise building there—and I’m sure this will be the case when their schools reopen—without having your temperature taken.”

    Iger continued, “So we’ve asked ourselves the question, let’s prepare for a world where our customers demand that we scrutinize everybody. Even if it creates a little bit of hardship, like it takes a little bit longer for people to get in. Just as the case after 9/11 where people ultimately lived with the notion that in order for them to enter a building, if you’re in an office building you have to show a picture ID or get your picture taken and be screened. Or in order to enter a park you have to put your bags out there to be checked and you go through some kind of metal detector. Or certainly what’s going on in airports with the TSA.”

    So if you’re looking to return “home” after your allowed back into the world again, be prepared for longer lines. It’s a small price to pay to get back to the magic and to keep everyone safe.

  • Delicious Disney Churro Bites Home Recipe

    Delicious Disney Churro Bites Home Recipe

    The parks are temporarily closed, but if your looking for a new way to bring the Magic of Disney home you can still enjoy a delicious Disney churro with this DIY recipe!

    This recipe is inspired by the delicious snack that can be found at all of Disney’s parks across the globe. The recipe serves four people and is a perfect snack!

    Take look at the ingredients and instructions below:

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup water
    • 8 tablespoons butter
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
    • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil
    • ½ cup sugar

    Instructions

    1. Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil.
    2. Reduce heat to low.
    3. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min.
    4. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside.
    5. Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚.
    6. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. 
    7. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer.
    8. Drain churro bites on paper towel.
    9. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce.
  • Disney Parks Donate 100,000 N95 Face Masks to Hospitals

    Disney Parks Donate 100,000 N95 Face Masks to Hospitals

    Since taking the unprecedented steps of closing U.S. Disney theme parks and stores and suspending cruises, Disney has continued to focus on ways they can make a difference during this time.

    In response to requests from hospitals that are in need of additional protective garments and medical-related supplies, Disney Parks has donated 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed. 

    “The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Charles Redding, MedShare CEO and President. “We have to find ways to pool our resources and work together to help the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to treat patients and contain COVID-19. We appreciate Disney partnering with us to support hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.”

    Disney Parks also recently donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida, and is finding additional ways to give back.

    These efforts follow the recent donation of more than 270 tons of food to local food banks from Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3M in in-kind donations benefitting communities around the globe. 

    Disney Parks has a longstanding history of helping hospitals and communities, dating back to the 1930s, when Walt, himself, took Disney characters and animators on outreach visits. Sharing the magic of Disney continues today through contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts and employee volunteerism. These are some of the ways Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

  • Disneyland and Disney World Donating Excess Food During Temporary Closure

    Disneyland and Disney World Donating Excess Food During Temporary Closure

    Disney Parks has an ongoing commitment to reducing food waste, and during the temporary closure of Disneyland and Disney World will be donating excess food inventory to Second Harvest Food Bank.

    While closely following food safety guidelines, excess inventory of dairy, fruit, vegetables, packaged goods and banquet meals is being donated to Second Harvest Food Bank, whose mission is to end hunger.

    Since 2014, the Disneyland Resort has operated a food donation program through which prepared, unserved food from select locations is regularly donated to support those in need within the local community. This program is in addition to the food scraps diversion program, which also supports our environmental efforts in reducing food waste.

    Last year, the Disneyland Resort donated over 20,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County through the food donation program, and Disney VoluntEARS regularly volunteer there, supporting the mission of ending hunger.

    Launched in 1991, Disney Harvest collects excess and unserved food from locations throughout Walt Disney World, delivering it to feeding programs across Central Florida.  

    What you might not know…the Disney Harvest Program at Walt Disney World Resort collects and distributes more than 823,000 pounds of prepared, unserved food annually and supports Second Harvest’s work serving more than 40 Orlando-area nonprofits.  In the last year alone, these donations provided one million meals to people in need.

  • Disney Parks is ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Coronavirus Outbreak

    Disney Parks is ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Coronavirus Outbreak

    Walt Disney World and Disneyland currently remain open for business, however; the chief medical officer for Disney Parks has confirmed that officials are “carefully monitoring” the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, commonly known as coronavirus.

    Theme park authorities are closely following the viral outbreak and remain in communication with health agencies as COVID-19 becomes a more “widespread concern,” according to Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer for Disney Parks’ Experiences and Products.

    “As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast, guests and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance,” Hymel said in a statement shared by Disney Parks Blog. “Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.”

    Walt Disney World, Disneyland and their parks and resorts around the world have high standards of cleanliness, which assists with illness prevention, and they have health and safety protocols in place, such as:

    • Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
    • Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
    • Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
    • Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
    • End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
    • Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

    In addition, onsite health teams and officials at various Disney properties will continue to keep cast members updated with the latest in illness prevention, per guidance from the CDC, Hymel said.

    On Monday, the Associated Press reported that face masks will be distributed to both patient and paramedic if a Disney visitor appears symptomatic or a first responder suspects they have the flu, said Tim Stromsnes, president of the local union for firefighters at Disney World.

    Moving forward, extra hand sanitizers are also being placed throughout Disney World’s four parks and two dozen-plus hotels, officials said.

  • New Reversible Sequin ‘The Little Mermaid’ Minnie Ears Making a Splash at Disney Parks

    New Reversible Sequin ‘The Little Mermaid’ Minnie Ears Making a Splash at Disney Parks

    Disney is releasing new pair of Minnie Ears inspired by “The Little Mermaid” as part of a collection by Betsey Johnson set to debut this Friday and you may have whozits and whatzits galore, but your going to want these to be part of your world!

    The sequin-filled Minnie Mouse ear headband from the Disney Parks Designer Collection features reversible sequins and a bedazzled Flounder and Sebastian along with my favorite hair styling tool, a dinglehopper! Which sequined look will you pick, teal or coral?!

    Now, over 30 years after the film’s release, Betsey Johnson has collaborated with Disney Parks blending these beloved characters with her whimsical and bold aesthetic to create a splash-tastic collection inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid.” Take a look below at the rest of the collection:

    Want to be the girl who has everything? Then check out the matching jewelry collection featuring bedazzled characters including Flounder and Sebastian along with thingamabobs aplenty! Whether you are looking for a nautical necklace or bold bracelet, you’re sure to find something you like.

    Life truly is the bubbles under the sea, and you can celebrate the collection in the world above by meeting Betsey Johnson herself at the Disneyland Resort this Friday, Feb. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet Betsey and have her sign some of your favorite products from the collection at The Disney Dress Shop at Downtown Disney District.

    From a variety of jewelry in the Disney Parks Collection x Betsey Johnson to an all-new headband in the Disney Parks Designer Collection as seen above, you won’t want to miss out on these limited release items coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this Friday, Feb. 21 and coming in March to shopDisney.com!

  • New Patent Filing Could Shake Up Disney Parks Attractions in a Big Way

    New Patent Filing Could Shake Up Disney Parks Attractions in a Big Way

    According to a patent filed by Disney Enterprises, Inc. in October with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Disney Parks may be looking to shake things up on their attractions in a big way with a new invention that would create momentary earthquakes under the feet of park guests, whenever a character stomped or pounded on the ground.

    The patent, dubbed “Haptic Floor System with Quake Plate Assemblies Producing Large Vibration Effects,” appears to be looking at how these large-scale earth-trembling features can be simulated in a setting to add another level of immersion for a viewer.

    A drawing included in the filing shows a person pounding on the floor with what appear to be Hulk hands as you can see in the picture below:

    “There are many applications where it is desirable to provide people with new and surprising entertainment experiences,” says the patent application. “For example, there is a demand for a physical world environment to be designed and built that can selectively provide people in that environment with haptic feedback in the form of a vibrating floor or ground.”

    “The special effect delivered by the haptic floor system,” says the application, can create “ground trembling and vibrations similar to that felt in an earthquake or when a super strong fictional character strikes the floor nearby or a large animal or robot walks or runs by the person.”

  • New Star Wars Pandora Charm Coming to Disney Parks

    New Star Wars Pandora Charm Coming to Disney Parks

    If you love Pandora Jewelry then this is the charm you’re looking for! On February 5, Pandora is releasing a new Star Wars charm featuring the legendary Millennium Falcon!

    The double-dangle charm features a beautifully intricate design of the iconic ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs – with a cubic zirconia on the bezel.

    This galactic charm is the perfect keepsake to commemorate your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and your journey on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

    The charm launches first for Disney Parks guests on February 5 at the following in-park locations: Legends of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, La Mascarade d’Orleans in Disneyland park, and New Century Jewelers in the Emporium at Disneyland Park. On February 7, the charm can be found at participating Pandora Jewelry locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as well as on shopDisney.com. On March 5, the charm will become available at the Pandora Disney Springs store.

  • New Mickey Waffle Phone Case Coming to Disney Parks and shopDisney

    New Mickey Waffle Phone Case Coming to Disney Parks and shopDisney

    As part of the Disney Eats collection, Disney will be releasing a new Mickey Waffle Phone Case thats just perfect for showing off your Disney Foodie side!

    Mickey Waffles are a fan favorite for breakfast at Disney parks and resorts and a phone case honoring the yummy breakfast treat has a nice ring to it don’t you think?

    The new case has two Mickey Waffles complete with a pat of butter on top adorning a protective red phone case. There is no word yet on when ot will be released, but it should be available on shopDisney soon as well as Disneyland and Disney World.