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.

Holiday Treats at Disneyland

All images: Disney

Christmassy sweets and tasty treats have arrived at Disneyland as part of their holiday celebration. They look delicious! Here are a few of the culinary delights you can find throughout the parks and resorts. 

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill

• Holiday Mickey Donut
• Holiday Minnie Donut

Holiday Cart

• Mickey Poinsettia Cookie
• Mickey Snowman Cookie
• Mickey Christmas Cookie
• Mickey Gingerbread
• Mickey Peppermint Crisped Rice Treat
• Cookie Christmas Box
• Gingerbread Stout Cake
• Holiday Hot Chocolate
• Holiday Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Holiday Hot Cider

Disneyland Hotel

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill

• Snowball Cookies
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

The Coffee House

• Flaky Napoleon – Layered puff pastry with chantilly cream
• Apple-Cinnamon Muffin
• Egg Nog Latte
• Hot Apple Cider

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

• Holiday Cocktail – Spiced liqueur, coffee liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, and coconut cream available in a Nutcracker Tiki Mug

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet

• Chicken Parmesan Pizza – Chicken breast tossed in zesty marinara sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan topped with sun-dried tomato drizzle, seasoned breadcrumbs, and basil
• Tomato Cream Pasta – Italian sausage and bell peppers served on chef’s choice of pasta tossed with blush sauce
• Green Alien Holiday Macaron – Macaron filled with marshmallow crème and chocolate ganache

Blue Bayou Restaurant

• Cookie Butter Crème Brûlée with cookie crumbles and chocolate brownie

Café Orleans

• Hot Cocoa Crème Brûlée topped with marshmallow chantilly and served with sugar cookies

Churro Carts

• Castle Hub - Chocolate-Cinnamon Churro – Traditional cinnamon-sugar churro rolled in hot chocolate powder
• Critter Country - Groom Churro – Classic churro dressed in a duo of dark and milk chocolate
• New Orleans Square - Bride Churro – Elegantly dressed churro in a bouquet of vanilla and sugar
• Tomorrowland - Pink Coconut Churro with chocolate marshmallow crème dipping sauce
• Town Square - Holiday Cookie Churro topped with crushed ginger snaps and holiday spices with vanilla dipping sauce

French Market

• Smothered Beef with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, caramelized onions and roasted garlic au jus
• Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Cookie
• Wedding Cake – Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, sour cherries, cream cheese filling, finished with a splatter of cherry sauce

Galactic Grill

• Peppermint-Mocha Frappé – Frozen coffee beverage with peppermint and chocolate, topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies
• Caramel Pecan Brownie Parfait – Layers of devil’s food cake, chocolate brownie, caramel pecans and vanilla chantilly

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

• Peppermint Holiday Sundae – Two scoops of peppermint ice cream with fudge topping, crushed peppermint, whipped cream, and a cherry

Golden Horseshoe

• Churro Funnel Cake à la Mode – House-made funnel cake topped with dulce de leche gelato, cinnamon sugar, toffee candy and caramel

Harbour Galley

• Seafood Boil for Two – Shareable experience with Cajun-buttered shrimp with red potatoes, corn, and andouille sausage with rustic bread

Hungry Bear Restaurant

• Spicy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger – 1/3 lb. Angus chuck patty with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, onion ring, pickled jalapeños, and BBQ sauce served with Cuties Mandarin oranges or french fries
• Honey Cream Cold Brew – Cold brew sweetened with honey cream served over ice
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake

Ice Cream and Vending Carts

• Cinnamon Cotton Candy

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

• Turkey Noodle Soup
• Holiday Brownie with white chocolate mousse, holiday sprinkles, and decorations
• Chocolate-Mint Macaron with white peppermint cream filling and rich chocolate ganache
• Holiday Sandwich – Roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce on rustic bread served with house-made chips
• Maple Walnut Cheesecake – Maple cheesecake with walnut-graham cracker crust, vanilla chantilly, and candied walnuts
• Mickey Gingerbread – Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie

Market House

• Mickey Gingerbread – Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie

Mint Julep Bar

• Peppermint Beignets – 3- or 6-pack beignets dusted with peppermint powdered sugar

Plaza Inn

• Chocolate Chip-Red Velvet Bundt Cake filled with cheesecake, cream cheese glaze, and holiday sprinkles
• Holiday Cake – Devil’s food cake with swirled chocolate mousse filling, buttercream frosting, and holiday sprinkles
• A Christmas Fantasy Parade Dining Package – Roasted New York strip loin and house-made mac and cheese with autumn vegetables and chocolate bread pudding.

Rancho del Zocolo

• Pork Pozole – Traditional Mexican stew of hominy, shredded pork and guajillo peppers garnished with lime, cabbage, onion, and radish
• Mexican Hot Chocolate with cinnamon flavor
• Cinnamon Crisps with Dipping Sauce – Caramel, honey-vanilla, or chocolate
• Dessert Nachos – Cinnamon crisps topped with berry compote, whipped cream, and honey crème anglaise
• Horchata – Sweet creamy cinnamon, rice, and milk beverage served over ice

Pretzel Carts – Tomorrowland

• Toffee Pretzel – Cream cheese-filled pretzel sprinkled with toffee sugar and chocolate marshmallow crème dipping sauce

Red Rose Taverne

• Eggnog Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee and eggnog topped with whipped cream and holiday spices
• Holiday Grey Stuff with holiday sprinkles and a white chocolate star
• Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie

River Belle Terrace

• Hummingbird Cake – Pineapple-banana spice cake with cream cheese frosting and candied pecans
• Country Ham Cubano – Pulled pork, Havarti cheese, and picklesSeasonal Monkey Bread

Royal Street Veranda

• Pumpkin Fritters with cream cheese dipping sauce

Stage Door Café

• Churro Funnel Cake – House-made funnel cake topped with cinnamon sugar, caramel, toffee candy, and whipped cream
• Classic Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and snowflake sprinkles

Tropical Hideaway

• Holiday DOLE Whip Sundae – A swirl of DOLE Whip Cherry and Lime topped with festive decorations

Disney California Adventure Park

Award Wieners

• Pastrami Reuben – Thinly-sliced pastrami with caramelized onions, pickled cabbage, Thousand Island dressing, spicy mustard, provolone, and pickle spears on a toasted baguette served with Cuties Mandarin oranges or filmstrip fries
• Chocolate-Marshmallow Funnel Cake Fries topped with cinnamon-cocoa, marshmallow drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Boudin Bread Cart

• Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough
• Christmas Tree Pull-Apart
• Snowman-shaped Sourdough

Churro Cart – Goofy’s

• Dusted Gingerbread Churro with sweet gingerbread crumbles drizzled with vanilla frosting and finished with Christmas chocolates

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

• Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae – Scoops of chocolate and peppermint ice cream in a candy cane premium waffle cup topped with whipped cream, chocolate-dipped cookies, and crushed peppermint
• Chocolate-Peppermint Bar – Choice of ice cream bar dipped in chocolate drizzled in peppermint icing and topped with crushed peppermint
• Mickey Gingerbread

Cozy Cone Motel 1

• Cherry-Chocolate Churro – Classic churro rolled in crushed chocolate cookies and topped with cherry glaze and chocolate chips

Cozy Cone Motel 2

• Peppermint Ice Cream (cone or cup) decorated with holiday sprinkles and topped with a sugar star

Cozy Cone Motel 3

• Creamy Pesto Alfredo Cone – Creamy pesto alfredo pasta, marinated chicken, balsamic reduction, diced tomatoes, and Romano cheese served in a bread cone

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical

• Mickey Gingerbread

Hollywood Lounge

• Holiday Lemonade – Butterfly pea tea, orange juice, and lemonade
• Holiday Limeade – Lemon-lime soda with grenadine garnished with a cherry

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

• Holiday Martini – Vanilla vodka paired with peppermint, chocolate liqueur, and hazelnut liqueur with a rim of chocolate and peppermint

Lamplight Lounge

• Stout-braised Winter Short Ribs served atop creamy spiced butternut squash risotto with glazed baby carrots finished with short rib jus reduction, bourbon-cranberry sauce, toasted pepitas, and pea-shoot greens
• Peppermint-Hot Cocoa Donuts – Hot cocoa-dusted donuts with toasted marshmallow creme and peppermint-chocolate dipping sauces

Mortimer’s Market

• Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
• Snowman-shaped Sourdough

Outdoor Ventures

• Blue and White Swirl Cotton Candy in Snowflake Bag

Pacific Wharf Café

• Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough
• Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
• Snowman-shaped Sourdough
• Mickey-shaped Gingerbread

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart

• Mickey-shaped Gingerbread

Schmoozies!

• Peppermint Shake – Peppermint shake topped with whipped cream and chocolate crème cookies
• Holiday Affogato – Peppermint ice cream with a shot of espresso
• Mocha Almond Affogato – Mocha almond ice cream with a shot of espresso
• Mocha Almond Fudge Shake with a chocolate peanut rim topped with whipped cream

Smokejumpers Grill

• Cranberry Turkey Burger – Grilled turkey burger, cranberry BBQ sauce, seasoned sweet potato fries, and fried onion strings served with choice of waffle-cut fries or onion rings
• Apple Whiskey Cocktail – Whiskey with apple cider, apple juice, and hints of vanilla

All of these amazing dishes will be available until January 9, 2022. Which one will you be trying first?

Quote of the Week

Netflix

All memories are not sweet,

To make life complete 

We must make the most of them all

We are the keeper of memories

The good, bad, the big and the small

- Carl, Christmas on the Square

Photo of the Week

These peanut reindeer could be found in Disney Springs at Christmastime in 2019. So cute!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Is On DisneyPlus

Marvel

Today's the day. Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has arrived on DisneyPlus as part of the DisneyPlus day lineup. I can't wait to finally see it!

Christmas Commercials

Aldi

It's that time of year again! Time for weird and wonderful Christmas commercials, mostly from the UK.

Aldi has another tale starring Kevin the Carrot. This time he's taking on Ebanana Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. 

John Lewis has an interesting take on Christmas this year. Young Nathan discovers Skye has unexpectedly crashed landed on Earth, so of course he has to teach her about Christmas. 

Barbour is celebrating Christmas with the ever adorable Paddington Bear.

Coca-Cola has a delightful commercial about the magic of chimneys.

I'm sure there will be more wonderful commercials before Christmas this year, but at least we're off to a good start.