Happy New Year's Eve

Disney

Well, another year is nearly over and a new one is about to begin. Here's hoping next year brings peace, joy, health, and happiness. Let's ring out the old year, with a nod to my Scottish roots, with Pentatonix's version of "Auld Lang Syne".

More Snow?!

Okay, the snow was fun on Christmas day. It was even fun for a few days afterwards. But now I'm starting to get a little bit of cabin fever and it just keeps falling. How long do you suppose it will last?

Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett Has Arrived

The wait is finally over. The first episode of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett has arrived.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

Episode one of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett is now available on DisneyPlus. New episodes will debut each Wednesday.

Photo of the Week

I am totally craving the cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse today. When you just can't choose from all of the delicious flavors, try the Bites, quartered cookies dipped in dark chocolate. They're fantastic! 

Are You Ready For The Book of Boba Fett?

Lucasfilm

Just two more days until the first episode of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett arrives on DisneyPlus!

Quote of the Week

Despite all I have seen and experienced, I still get the same simple thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow. 

– Sir Edmund Hillary

Merry Christmas

I hope your Christmas is a wonderful one.

Merry Christmas!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful." 

- Norman Vincent Peale

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix's latest Christmas album may be my favorite. I've listened to it over a dozen times already and it always makes me happy. So, on this Christmas Eve, I'd like to share their delightful version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Enjoy!

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Looks Fascinating

Marvel

The first trailer and poster for Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have arrived and they look amazing. I think we're in for quite a mind-bending adventure. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters on May 6, 2022.

Beauty and the Beast Funko POPs

All images: Funko

Can you believe it has been 30 years since Beauty and the Beast first made its debut in theaters? The tale of the kind and clever girl who melts the heart of the gruff and beastly prince has always been my favorite fairy tale and Disney’s animated version is truly wonderful. To celebrate its enduring success, Funko has created a new collection of seven POPVinyl figures and two variants.

There are 2 Belle figures. In one, she's wearing the blue village dress and holding the enchanted mirror with the Beast's image. In the other, she's wearing the pink winter dress and click and holding a bird. An Amazon exclusive Diamond Edition is also available. Beast appears as he was preparing for the ball, with his silly curled hair. He looks suitably disgusted. Lumiere is ready to burst into the chorus for "Be Our Guest", wearing his candle snuffer as a top hat.

Gaston has come a'courtin' in his finest, much to Belle's dismay. Cogsworth appears as his usual stuffy self in the first figure. The second is a Funko.com exclusive and features Cogsworth when he landed in the pie during "Be Our Guest". The Chase is mostly in shades of grey. 

These figures, which are currently scheduled to be released sometime in March, would make a delightful addition to any Beauty and the Beast fan's collection. The are available for pre-order from Amazon and other retailers now.

Let's "Ring In The Season"!

Disney

I absolutely adore Olaf's Frozen Adventure. It's so sweet how Olaf tries to help Anna and Elsa discover their special holiday tradition, while learning that all holiday traditions are special. In this song from the beginning of the short, Anna and Elsa are preparing to "Ring in the Season" with the Yule Bell.

Chocolate Peppermint Shake Recipe From Twinings

Disney

Twinings always has the most delightful tea-based beverages at the various EPCOT festivals. They're always a hit with my family. This year, they have a Chocolate Peppermint Shake at the Holiday Sweets and Treats Holiday Kitchen in the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It sounds delicious. If you can't make it to this year's festival, here is a recipe from Disney and Twinings to make it at home. 

Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea

3 oz boiled water

2 Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea bags

16 oz chocolate ice cream

1 tbsp candy cane bits

Pour freshly boiled water into a heat proof container.Open tea envelopes and remove tea bags from packets. Steep the two tea bags for three minutes or until desired strength; remove tea bags and discard. Chill tea.

In a blender, add ice cream and chilled tea and blend until smooth and creamy. For an adult twist: Add three ounces of whipped cream vodka into the blended mixture.

Pour into glasses and top with candy cane bits.

Quote of the Week

CBS

Give freely and you will enjoy abundance.

- Saint Nicholas,

Santa and Pete

Photo of the Week

I love the Christmas decorations in Animal Kingdom. The beautiful animals lit up from the inside and natural decorations are gorgeous. 

Be Merry In Merino

Aardman Animation

Aardman Animation, in collaboration with the Woolmark Company, have created an adorable Shaun the Sheep short celebrating knitting wool Christmas gifts. I love knitting with wool so this short really appeals to me.

Poor Shirley! At least things turn out well in the end.

It's Easy To Make Mickey Cupcakes At Home

Disney

Yesterday was National Cupcake Day. To celebrate, Minnie and one of the Disney chefs created adorable Mickey Mouse cupcakes. Just follow along to make your own cupcakes at home. All you'll need are unfrosted cupcakes, your favorite frosting tinted red, yellow m&ms or other small yellow candies for buttons, and Oreos for ears.

"My Heart With You" - Pentatonix

Pentatonix 

Pentatonix have the loveliest sound! Here's a recent performance of "My Heart With You."

So beautiful. Pentatonix latest Christmas album, Evergreen, is available now.

DIY Ornaments From Disney Parks

The Disney Parks Blog has created several amazing Paper Parks printables in the past. From full park models to adorable Christmas ornaments, there's something for everyone. This year, they have a set of 12 ornaments representing each of the Disney Parks around the world. To download your set, just visit the Disney Parks Blog here.

When We're Together

Disney

Olaf's Frozen Adventure is such an adorable Christmas short. It's one of my favorites. And it has wonderful music, such as this song, "When We're Together."

Quote of the Week

Hallmark

When you set out to find goodness,

goodness finds you.

Marcus, 

Cherished Memories: A Gift To Remember 2

Photo of the Week

The Christmas Tree lampposts in Disneyland Paris were quite pretty. They were even decorated with little Mickey ornaments.

The Nutcracker

Royal Opera House

I'm on my way to a performance of The Nutcracker this morning. I haven't had the chance to see it live in years and I'm really looking forward to it. It's my favorite ballet and I think everyone should experience it. Here's a video of the beautiful "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from the Royal Opera House. It's simply delightful. 

Just One More Christmas Commercial

Homebase

Escape to the Château is one of my favorite home decorating shows. I especially look forward to seeing the Christmas episodes every year. This year, Dick and Angel Strawbridge, the couple behind the fabulous show, are part of a hilarious ad for Homebase, a British home goods store. 

They make decorating for Christmas look so easy!

Robin Robin Is Adorable

Aardman Animation

Aardman Animation always makes the cutest, although frequently rather peculiar, movies and series. I've loved Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep for years. This year, they created two delightful Christmas specials for Netflix: Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas and Robin Robin. 

Robin Robin is the sweet story of a cheerful little bird who has been raised by a family of mice. Of course, minor catastrophe ensues every time Robin attempts to be a good mouse, but it's rather adorable.

Robin Robin is now available on Netflix.

Over the River - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix new Christmas album, Evergreen, is an absolute delight. Every time I listen to it, it just makes my heart happy. One of the songs, "Over the River", is a collaboration with another of my favorite artists, Lindsey Stirling. It's fantastic! 

Evergreen is available as a CD or download from several retailers. The Target CD includes an extra song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas Has Arrived

Aardman Animation

I adore Shaun the Sheep! There's just something delightful in the ridiculous antics he and his fleecy pals get up to around the farm. This year, the sheep are heading out for a new holiday adventure and it looks like it's going to be a wild ride.

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas is available now on Netflix. 

Quote of the Week

Illumination

And the Grinch raised his glass, and led the Whos in a toast, “To kindness and love, the things we need most!”

Photo of the Week

I love shopping for Christmas ornaments, especially when I travel. There were so many delightful ornaments when I was in Edinburgh in 2019 that it was impossible to choose.

As Long As There's Christmas

Disney

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is still one of my favorite Disney Christmas stories. And this song, "As Long As There's Christmas," is the most beautiful one in the movie.

More Delightful Christmas Commercials

Erste Group

I am ridiculously fond of super sappy Christmas commercials that tug at the heartstrings, even when they don't say a word. Here are a few more lovely commercials from this holiday season. 

The Erste Group reminds us to "believe in tomorrow" in this sweet commercial.

You're never too old for an imaginary friend, as the girl in this UK McDonald's commercial learns.

Accidents happen, but maybe we should see them as unexpected opportunities.

That's what two young girls discover in this Chik-Fil-A ad.

In this ad from Boots, Joy discovers the delight of a Mary Poppins style bag of practically perfect presents to share.

And finally, one more sweet ad from 2018 from Erste Group, "What would Christmas be without love?"

Disney's New Make-A-Wish Story Really Tugs At The Heartstrings

All images: Disney

Last year, Disney created the most beautiful short film about the importance of family at Christmas. Lola and her granddaughter Nicole shared many Christmas traditions through the years, culminating in one very special Christmas. This year, Nicole is grown up with two children of her own, Max and Ella, and her new husband, Mike, is discovering how to be a stepdad. Have your handkerchief ready!

A Skating Minnie Mouse plush in a book-shaped box, inspired by the short, is available exclusively at shopDisney.com.

There is also a journal that looks like young Max's storybook. These collectibles, from Disney's From Our Family To Yours campaign, support Make-A-Wish.

Sing 2 Looks Amazing

Illumination

The final trailer for Illumination's Sing 2 has arrived and it looks just as magical as the original. 

Sing 2 arrives in theaters on December 22nd.

A Legend Returns This December

Star Wars

Are you ready for more adventures from the Star Wars universe? It's time to return to Tatooine one more time.

Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett arrives on DisneyPlus on December 29th.

Quote of the Week

Yaroslav

Kindness is like snow -

It beautifies everything it covers.

- Kahlil Gibran

Photo of the Week

The Tower of Terror looks delightful as a gingerbread house in the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show at Hollywood Studios. 

We Don't Talk About Bruno!

Disney

The latest clip from Disney's Encanto is most intriguing. Do you suppose Bruno will be important to the story? Maybe he can help Mirabel save the Casa Madrigal. 

Encanto is now playing in theaters.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Disney

I am grateful for what I am and have.

My thanksgiving is perpetual. 

- Henry David Thoreau

Happy Thanksgiving!

The First Two Episodes of Hawkeye Are on DisneyPlus

Marvel

The wait is finally over and the adventure can begin. The first two episodes of Hawkeye arrive on DisneyPlus today. It looks like it's going to be hilarious. Here's a sneak peek of Clint Barton and Kate Bishop taking on the Tracksuit Mafia.

Marvel's Hawkeye is now on DisneyPlus. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

Gingerbread Avengers From Funko

Funko

Funko has created a most adorable set of Christmas POPVinyl figures this year. The set features gingerbread figures of eight Avengers: Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Hulk, Thor, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, Captain America, and Spider-Man. I love how the bobbleheads look like they are decorated with candy and icing. So sweet! They can be pre-ordered from several retailers, including Amazon, although they will likely be delayed until late December or even January. 

The Child Balloon Is So Cute!

Funko

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I love the performances, the floats, and especially the balloons. This year, the Mandalorian's Grogu is making his first parade appearance as a balloon inspired by Funko. He's even chasing after his favorite toy, a control knob from Din Djarin's ship. I can't wait to see it! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs at 9 AM Thanksgiving morning on NBC.

Quote of the Week

Who, being loved, is poor?

- Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance

Photo of the Week

The 2019 Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail was an absolute delight. The Beauty and the Beast tree was my favorite. I loved mosaic stained glass ornaments of Mrs. Potts, Chip, Cogsworth, and Lumiere.

Hawkeye Just Can't Win

Marvel

It looks like Clint Barton is going to get more than he bargained for when he meets Kate Bishop. I expect it to be hilarious!

The first two episodes of Marvel's Hawkeye arrive on DisneyPlus on November 24th. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

It's Gonna Be Mei!

Pixar

The first full trailer for Pixar's Turning Red has arrived and it is a riot! Poor Mei Lee. As if being a teenager isn't hard enough.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!

Turning Red arrives on DisneyPlus on March 11, 2022.

This Spider-Man: No Way Home Trailer Looks Intense

Marvel

A new poster and trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home have arrived and they look intense! With villains from other universes breaking into the MCU, it looks like Peter Parker and Doctor Strange are in for one overwhelming battle. I can see how this will lead to Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home arrives in theaters on December 17th.

Sweets and Treats at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

All images: Disney

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is returning on November 26th with sweets and treats to tantalize your taste buds. There are 14 Holiday Kitchens throughout the World Showcase, each featuring holiday dishes and festive beverages. Here are a few of the delights you can expect to find.

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Near Port of Entry)

• Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy 🥖 
• Exclusive Redemption Cookie 🍪
• Hot Cocoa
• Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea

Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)

• Kālua Pork with Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes and Mango Salad
• Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu-Mayonnaise, and Yucca Chips 🥖
• Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut

Holiday Hearth Desserts (Near Port of Entry)

• Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
• Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
• Snowball Cookies Peppermint Bark 🥖
• Mouse Crunch Gingerbread Cookie 🍪
• Hot Cocoa
• Cinnamon Apple Cider

Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen (Near Disney Traders)

• Cinnamon-glazed Almonds 🥖
• Cinnamon-glazed Cashews 🥖
• Cinnamon-glazed Pecans 🥖
• Fire-roasted Chestnuts 🥖
• AMERICAN HERITAGE Gourmet Hot Cocoa
• T.G. Lee Eggnog

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

• Coquito Soft-Serve Waffle Cone
• Turkey Poutine – French fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

• Seared Scallops with Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney, and Hazelnut Croquant
• Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes
• Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple mousse and cranberry rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake
• SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces 🍪
• Frozen Coffee

Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)

• Napoleon de Saumon Fumé en Brioche: Smoked salmon napoleon with layers of smoked salmon, dill mousse, and crème fraîche mousse served in brioche
• Dinde Forestière, Patates Douces Rôties: Turkey with bacon, mushrooms, and onions in a mustard cream sauce served with roasted sweet potatoes
• Bûche de Noël Chocolat Blanc, Framboise: Chocolate Christmas log with chocolate biscuit, white chocolate mousse, raspberry cream, and chocolate fudge coating

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)

• Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
• Smoked Salmon Potato Latke 🥖
• Potato Latkes 🥖
• Sufganiyot: Mini jelly-filled donuts
• Black and White Cookie 🥕🍪

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

• Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli
• Lamb Kefta 🥖
• Harissa Chicken 🥖
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Fig Tapenade, and Zhoug Dip
• Almond-spiced Cake with Ginger Mousse, Orange Ganache, and Sesame Tuile

Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

• Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, ikura, and yellowtail with vegetables decorated on an artistic bed of rice to celebrate the holidays
• New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodle in a hot dashi soup with shrimp tempura, fish cake, shiitake mushrooms, and chopped green onion
• Mont Blanc Tart: Matcha mousse tart with a sweet red bean center sprinkled with konpeito sugar candy
• Chocolate Banana Boba: Cocoa, Japanese milky drink, banana syrup, and strawberry popping boba pearls

American Holiday Table

• Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Cranberry Sauce
• Holiday Pot Pie with Jackfruit, Mushrooms, Carrots, Peas, Onions, and Puff Pastry 🥕
• Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake with Cranberry Whipped Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE Dark Chocolate 🍪

And don't forget to check out the gingerbread replicas of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial, and American Adventure Pavilion in the Rotunda.

Funnel Cake

• Mini Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake:  Pumpkin funnel cake topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

• Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy half-moon breaded mozzarella-filled ravioli with pomodoro sauce
• Ravioli: Shrimp ravioli in scampi sauce with white wine, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley 
• Bomboloni alla Cioccolato-Nocciola: Chocolate-filled Italian doughnut with chocolate-hazelnut spread and powdered sugar

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

• Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle, and Braised Red Cabbage
• Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
• Linzer Cookie 🍪

Refreshment Outpost:

• Coconut-Pineapple Cake with DOLE Whip

Lotus Blossom Café (China)

• House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

• Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Chorizo served on a giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema mexicana, and pickled onion
• Tamal de Barbacoa: Shredded barbacoa beef in a corn masa topped with ranchera salsa, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana 🥖 
• Dulce de Leche Churros sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar

The Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

• Pumpkin Cake Donut with Pumpkin Spice Icing
• Holiday Donut with Coconut and Crisp Pearls 
• Chocolate Peppermint Donut
• Eggnog-Cream-filled Donut with Cinnamon Icing and Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies
• Gingerbread Milkshake

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• Carolers’ Cold Brew – Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew with brown butter toffee, swiss chocolate syrup, and sweet cream topped with whipped cream and TWIX bar pieces

🥖 = Gluten/Wheat Friendly

🥕 = Plant-based

🍪 = Holiday Cookie Stroll

The Holiday Cookie Stroll is returning this year with a special 50th Anniversary Celebration cookie as the prize. Guests can collect a stamp in their Festival Passport for each purchase of one of the five cookies from a Holiday Cookie Stroll location. Once all five stamps have been collected, guests should head to the Holiday Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive the prize. The Festival runs from November 26 - December 30.