Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs Is Amazing!

I've been looking forward to trying the enormous cookies at Gideon's Bakehouse for ages. Each cookie is loaded with yummy ingredients and weighs nearly half a pound! When I arrived, I got in the Virtual Queue by talking to one of the employees beneath the gargoyle. 

I'd been waiting about an hour when I received a text message telling me it was time to enter. I checked in and was given a menu card listing the various cookie and cake flavors and a qr code with a link to a list of merchandise that was available that day.

Then, it was time to head inside. Gideon's Bakehouse is filled with wonderfully bizarre artwork and is rather dark and Gothic. I loved it! 

I chose three cookies: Peanut Butter Crunch, Pistachio Toffee, and Cookies & Cream. 

After they were boxed up, I couldn't resist buying a few stickers: the holographic gargoyle, a white vinyl Gideon's Bakehouse logo, and the adorably odd Signore Pipistrello, their latest character artwork. 

The cookies are huge and cost $6 each. The stickers were $2 for the logo sticker and $4 each for the other stickers. It was definitely worth it. 

The cookies are delicious! Not too sweet and loaded with oreos or peanut butter chips or candied pistachios. Yum!

Gideon's Bakehouse is located across from Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar in Disney Springs. I highly recommend taking the time to visit.

Marvel's Shang-Chi Is Nearly Here

Marvel

There are just 4 days left before Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters. I can't wait to see it!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters this Friday, September 3rd.

Quote of the Week

Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.

- Mark Twain, Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World

Photo of the Week

Huey, Dewey and Louie are adorable on this artwork hidden inside the Murphy bed at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.

Hocus Pocus Cookie Cutters

I found the coolest thing at JoAnn's yesterday. It's a tiny set of four Hocus Pocus themed cookie cutters! Each cutter is less than 2 inches tall, so they'll make the perfect one-bite sugar cookies or maybe even shortbread. The four shapes include: Winifred's spell book, the black flame candle, the Sanderson Sisters' cauldron, and Binx's head. So cute! I can't wait to make cookies!

Spider-Man: No Way Home Teaser

Marvel

The first teaser trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home has arrived and it looks amazing. In this movie, Peter Parker is dealing with the aftermath of Mysterio leaking his real identity to the world. When he approaches Doctor Strange in hope of erasing the knowledge from the world, he discovers life is never that easy.

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

Oo-De-Lally Golly What A Day!

All images: BoxLunch

Robin Hood is one of my favorite classic Disney movies. I've probably watched it 100 times and I still enjoy watching that rascally fox outwit silly old Prince John every time. If you love Robin Hood as much as I do, you might be interested in this new mug coming this December to BoxLunch.

It features Alan-A-Dale on one side and Robin Hood himself on the other. The ceramic mug is currently available for pre-order and costs $16.90.

Does He Look Like He Can Fight?

Marvel

Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings looks better and better. In the latest clip, Katy discovers that her friend is not as average as he appears.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters on September 3rd. 

Quote of the Week

As in a game of cards, so in the game of life, we must play what is dealt to us, and the glory consists, not so much in winning, as in playing a poor hand well.

- Josh Billings, Josh Billings on Ice and Other Things

Photo of the Week

New LEGO sets are one of my favorite things. I can't wait to get started on Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper from Marvel's What If...?.

The Final Eternals Trailer Is Here

Entertainment Weekly

The final trailer for Marvel's Eternals has arrived and it looks incredible! For 7,000 years, the Eternals have protected humans from the Deviants. Now, they must come together once again to save our world. 

"When you love something, you protect it."

Marvel

Marvel's Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5.

A New Episode Of Marvel's What If...? Has Arrived

Marvel

The second episode of Marvel's What If...? has arrived on DisneyPlus. This time, the question is "What if... T'Challa became a Star-Lord?" If Yondu had kidnapped T'Challa to join the Ravagers, how would the story have changed? This episode will likely be rather bittersweet as it marks the final performance of Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa. New episodes of What If...? arrive each Wednesday on DisneyPlus. 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Clip

Marvel

Marvel has released a clip of one of the fight scenes in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and it looks fantastic. 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters on September 3rd. 

The Harmonious Soundtrack Sounds Incredible

Disney

EPCOT's next nighttime show looks like it's going to be fantastic. "Harmonious" brings together Disney music beloved worldwide with a whole new twist. This time, the songs will be performed by famous names and rising stars from around the world in more than a dozen languages and representing many cultures. As Disney recently shared, "'Harmonious' celebrates the music of Disney and its ability to unite us all, bridging cultures and generations to unlock the magic of possibility."

It was quite the feat to bring this all together with more than 100 recording sessions in 9 countries and 5 states. And the list of performers looks amazing, and includes two of my favorite violinists: Máiréad Nesbitt from Celtic Woman and Lindsey Stirling. "Harmonious" arrives in EPCOT on October 1st as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Disney World. 

Shaun the Sheep Pancakes

Aardman Animation

I absolutely adore Aardman Animation's Shaun the Sheep. The characters make me laugh every episode without ever saying a word. I love watching old and new episodes on Netflix and am always of the lookout for a Shaun the Sheep craft to do. For even more Shaun the Sheep inspired fun, how about trying these recipes for Shaun and Bitzer pancakes.

Shaun looks delicious covered in Nutella and whipped cream with banana and chocolate disc eyes.

Bitzer like equally delicious with Nutella nose, whipped cream hat, & banana-blueberry features, all on a pumpkin pancake.

I don't know which one to make first, I'm sure they'll both be delightful!

Quote of the Week

Alone we can do so little;

together we can do so much.

- Helen Keller

Photo of the Week

This mischievous kitty has claimed my Pirates of the Caribbean blanket for her own. Apparently I'm not the only one who loves Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner.

Learning To Cook With Goofy

Disney

Disney's latest silly Goofy shorts are all about How To Stay At Home. The three animated shorts include things I think we've all experienced in the last year and a half: "How to Wear a Mask", "Binge Watching", and "Learning to Cook". They remind me so much of the old classic Goofy how-to shorts I watched growing up. So funny! Disney's How To Stay At Home shorts are available now on DisneyPlus.

Marvel's What If...? Clip

Marvel

It looks like Captain Carter is really enjoying the perks of the super soldier serum in this clip from Marvel's What If...?

The first episode of Marvel's What If...? is available on DisneyPlus. New episodes will be added each Wednesday. 

Halloween Treats Have Arrived At Disney World

Halloween is my favorite time of year in the Disney Parks. Fun and spooky pumpkins pop up everywhere, characters appear dressed up in their Halloween best, and delicious treats can be found throughout the parks. Halloween treats that can now be found in the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.

In the Magic Kingdom, many of the treats are exclusive to the Disney After Hours Boo Bash. Here are a few sweet treats I can't wait to try.

Tomorrowland:

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Prince John Sucker – Tart green apple lemonade slush topped with whipped cream and a ring pop

Frontierland:

Golden Oak Outpost

• Mocha Chocolate Chip – Frozen mocha topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a sugar acorn
• Apple Ginger Dale – Frozen apple cider mixed with ginger ale topped with whipped cream and chopped TWIX cookies bars

Main Street:

Outdoor Vending Carts

• Maleficent Churro – Churro covered in chocolate cookie crumble drizzled with purple icing topped with green and purple sugar

Fantasyland:

Storybook Treats

• Five Dozen Egg Slush – Frozen custard with brown sugar topped with whipped cream garnished with a cinnamon stick

Liberty Square:

Sleepy Hollow

• Foolish Mortal Funnel Cake – Funnel cake topped with chocolate cookie crumbles, purple vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and M&M’s milk chocolate Ghoul’s Mix

Hollywood Studios has even more spooky treats to taste.

ABC Commissary

• Caramel Apple Tart – Spiced caramel cheesecake mousse apple served atop a cinnamon apple tart
• Chocolate Mousse – Raspberry dark chocolate mousse, chocolate almond cake, a layer of hazelnut crunch, and whipped chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake
• Frozen Apple Cider

Backlot Express

• Spooky Ghost Cupcake – Fudge-filled chocolate cupcake topped with cookies & cream buttercream, spooky sprinkles, and vanilla meringue ghost
• Frozen Apple Cider – Frozen apple cider topped with green apple boba balls

PizzeRizzo

• Pumpkin Cannoli – Spooky cannoli filled with whipped pumpkin cheesecake
• Frozen Apple Cider

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Halloween Lunch Box Tart – Chocolate-hazelnut filled lunch box tart frosted with spooky vanilla icing, Halloween sprinkles, and candy corn

Fairfax Fare and Catalina Eddie’s

• Pumpkin Spice Cookie – Pumpkin spice shortbread cookie covered in white chocolate

Hollywood Scoops

• Halloween Shake – Candy corn ice cream shake topped with a vanilla cake donut, whipped cream, spooky sprinkles, and candy corn

Rosie’s All-American Café

• Witch’s Hat Mousse – Whipped blackberry panna cotta sitting on green apple mousse with salted caramel crispy pearls and chocolate shortbread cookie
• Frozen Apple Cider

The Trolley Car Café

• Pumpkin Mousse – Milk chocolate chai mousse filled with pumpkin bread set atop a chocolate shortbread cookie and vanilla buttercream
• Spooky Ghost Cupcake

Outdoor Carts

• Halloween Brownie – Chocolate Mickey brownie with fun Halloween sprinkles
• Halloween Popcorn Mix

So far, EPCOT only has one Halloween treat, but hopefully there will be more to come. 

Canada Popcorn Cart

• Spooky Caramel-Apple Cider in a Poison Apple Sipper

Which spooky Halloween treats will you be trying first?

Marvel Reimagines The MCU In What If...?

All images: Marvel

Marvel's What If...? animated series makes its debut tomorrow. The first episode will deal with what would have happened if Peggy Carter received the super soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers. 

I can't wait! 

Marvel's What If...? arrives on DisneyPlus tomorrow, August 11, with new episodes every Wednesday. 

Trenette Al Pesto Recipe From Pixar's Luca

Pixar

Luca and Alberto help to cook their favorite land dish, Trenette al Pesto, in this adorable video from Pixar.

Quote of the Week

BBC

Books! The best weapons in the world!

- The 10th Doctor, Doctor Who: Tooth and Claw

Photo of the Week

Constance’s For Better Or For Worse Wedding Cake is one of the best treats at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I'm hoping it returns this year.

Shang-Chi Mixes Action And Fun

All images: Marvel

The previous trailers for Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings have shown a little about his past and some action scenes. This latest trailer shows more of the humorous side.

Marvel also released six new character posters for the film.

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi

Awkwafina as Katy

Tony Leung as Wenwu

Meng'er Zhang as Xialing

Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan

And an unknown actor as the Death Dealer

Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters on September 3.

Steve The Hydra Stomper

Marvel

The first clip from Marvel's What If...? is here and it looks amazing. This glimpse of how Steve Rogers adapted when he didn't receive the super soldier serum takes the story in a while new direction. 

Marvel's What If...? arrives on DisneyPlus on August 11.

Marvel's What If...? Changes Everything

Marvel

What if the familiar Marvel stories were turned on their heads? What if the characters you thought you knew had chosen a different path? This is the premise for Marvel's latest animated series, What If...?

Marvel's What If...? arrives on DisneyPlus on August 11.

Naan and Cucumber Raita Recipe From Sanaa

Disney

If you're craving a new Disney recipe you can make at home, why not try this Naan and Cucumber Raita from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It looks delicious!

Naan Bread 

Makes 5 (8-inch) naan

3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp coarse salt

1/2 Tbsp baking soda

1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup warm water

1 Tbsp canola oil

4 Tbsp butter, melted

Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; stir to combine. Combine milk, water, and oil in a medium bowl; whisk to combine. With mixer running, pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. As soon as mixture comes together, switch attachment to a dough hook and mix until dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Do not over-mix.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour. Place a pizza stone on a top rack of oven, positioned approximately 6 inches below the broiler. Preheat oven to 500°F for at least 30 minutes. Divide dough evenly into 5 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into an 8-inch circle. Turn oven to broil. Carefully slide one circle of dough onto the preheated pizza stone, and broil until bread is bubbled and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully, as the bread can burn very quickly. Repeat with remaining dough rounds.

Brush the warm bread with melted butter and serve immediately.

Cucumber Raita

Makes 2 cups

1 1/2 cups Greek-style plain yogurt

1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced into small pieces

1/2 small jalapeño pepper, seeds and stem removed, minced

1/2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and freshly ground

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp coarse salt 

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Chill before serving. 

Shang-Chi Can't Escape His Destiny

Marvel

It all began when Tony Stark first encountered the Ten Rings. That was the start of Marvel's next super hero movie: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi has run away to find a new life and avoid his past, but you can't escape your destiny. 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters on September 3rd.

Quote of the Week

You can never get a cup of tea large enough

or a book long enough to suit me.

- C.S. Lewis