The Scottish call the last day of the year Hogmanay. They celebrate the end of the old year and the coming of the new with parties and feasting, dancing and fireworks. And, of course, as the clock strikes midnight, the singing of "Auld Land Syne".
After a four month delay, Dune: Part Two is finally headed to theaters. This film tells of the further exploits of Paul Atreides on the planet Arrakis, also called Dune. I've enjoyed the saga of Dune for years, so I'm really looking forward to the second film in this latest incarnation.
Here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers:
"Dune: Part Two" will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Dune: Part Two arrives in theaters on March 1, 2024.
So far, this new Percy Jacksonseries is fantastic. It's funny, and magical, and very entertaining. And, it seems to be following the books fairly closely, which I love.
The first three episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians are now available on DisneyPlus. New episodes will debut each Tuesday.
I quite enjoyed the Multiversal possibilities of season one of Marvel's animated series What If...? And, so far, season two has been just as fun and intriguing. Here's a clip from episode 5, "What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?"
The first five episodes of What If...? Season 2 have arrived on DisneyPlus. The remaining four episodes will be released daily through December 30th.
All of the trees on the Disney SpringsChristmas Tree Stroll were amazing this year. But, I think the Guardians of the Galaxy Tree with its cassette tapes and stars, Walkman and Baby Groot was my favorite.
It's been a year and this crazy Christmas song from The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special still makes me laugh every time. Though it does make me wonder, how confused and zany would our holiday traditions seem when passed on to others like that old game of telephone? This song may just be the answer.
TheGuardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is available on DisneyPlus.
Take a glimpse behind the story of Disney's new Percy Jackson and the Olympiansseries. What began as a bedtime story for author Rick Riordan's son has become a series of books beloved by millions. And now, the story is getting a proper retelling as a series on DisneyPlus.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians arrived a day early on December 19 with the first two episodes on DisneyPlus, but just episode one on Hulu. New episodes will debut each Tuesday evening on DisneyPlus.
I always look forward to Pentatonix's next Christmas album. This year's, The Greatest Christmas Hits, features 23 previously released songs and 8 new songs. Its quite a Christmas delight! "Children Go Where I Send Thee" is one of the new songs, and while I've never heard these particular lyrics before, they are a lot of fun.
I love the unique Christmas decor that can be found throughout Disney Springs. From zany to rather elegant, there are so many sculptures to discover. Such as this little penguin family. So cute!
Admittedly, there are quite a few reindeer, in one form or another, but it's fun to find a new sculpture hiding around the next corner.
These rather steampunk reindeer made up of metal and gears are surprisingly elegant.
Or maybe you prefer your reindeer sparkling with bling, like this one.
This snowman couple made of fishing bobbers always makes me smile.
And this nutty reindeer family made up of peanuts,walnuts, pasta, and more is good for a chuckle or two.
I especially like the wire antlers and tinsel garlands.
It's time for another roundup of sappy, happy Christmascommercials. There were so many good ones this year! I do love the creativity that goes into these holidays advertisements.
Lidl always has cute Christmas commercials. This one features a raccoon who goes to extraordinary lengths to save one little boy's Christmas.
The Marks & Spencer fairy (Dawn French) is back again this year. This time, she's rescued a pair of very familiar sounding mittens from the snow. (Yes, that's Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.)
Amazon's "Joy Ride" ad shows three old friends who decide to revisit their youth.
This year's Barbour ad stars Shaun the Sheep and his pals as they try to fix up the Farmer's coat for Christmas.
This John Lewis ad is quite unique. It's the story of Snapper, a most unusual, and unexpected, Christmas tree.
Two different ads this year have kids who wonder what Santa would like for Christmas. The first is from Macy's.
And this hilarious adventure is from Boots.
This Tesco ad is a bit crazy, but I guess that's one way to "become more Christmas."
Aldi brought back Kevin the Carrot this year, but with a special Willy Wonka-esque twist.
Coca-Cola reminds us that anyone can be Santa Claus.
And finally, John Travolta appears as Santa Claus in this holiday spin on Saturday Night Fever from Capital One.
Ryan Reynolds newest movie has a cute premise: what if everything you believed as a kid was real? Introducing the IFs, Imaginary Friends. These real creatures are seeking help because their kids have grown up. This looks like one adorable adventure.
Can you believe there's going to be another Kung Fu Pandamovie? I love this DreamWorks series and Dragon Warrior Po and his friends and family. And, once again, Po is asked to be something unexpected, which should lead to some hilarious moments and a grand adventure. I can't wait!
Here's the official synopsis from DreamWorks:
This spring, for the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4.
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position.
Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.
The film features the voice talent of returning stars Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father, Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Ke Huy Quan joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.
Doctor Who has been a favorite in our house for years, so I was very excited to see David Tennant's Doctor return for three new specials. The specials were fantastic and also featured the return of Donna Noble, which was great. But now, there's a new Doctor and a new Christmas special is on the way. It's time to meet the new Doctor and his Companion, Ruby Sunday.
Here's the official synopsis from the BBC:
Long ago, on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, goblins, stolen babies, and perhaps, the secret of her birth.
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road arrives on DisneyPlus on December 25th.
The new Connections Café at EPCOT is an unexpected delight. It's bright and spacious and it has a special bakery where they make baumkuchen. Baumkuchen, also known as tree cake, originated in Germany.
It is a multi-layered cake that is made in a special rotisserie oven. The cake is slightly sweet and delicious.
If you order a slice in the Connections Eatery, it comes Black Forest style, with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. It is surprisingly light and absolutely scrummy.
Holiday Minnie Bundt Cake: Spice cake rolled in cinnamon-sugar with apple pie filling topped with spiced maple buttercream and salted caramel icing
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 🧋
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Backlot Express
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkles
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 🧋
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Hollywood Scoops
Candy Cane Milkshake: Chocolate cake doughnut, mint doughnut icing, and candy cane sprinkles
PizzeRizzo
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with red and green sugar, white chocolate, marshmallow, dark chocolate top hat, raspberry-chocolate twigs, orange sprinkle, and chocolate-covered cocoa nibs
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 🧋
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Rosie’s All-American Café
Santa Mickey Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with mocha fudge and topped with red almond buttercream, white chocolate, and dark chocolate Mickey ears
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 🧋
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
The Trolley Car Café
Mickey Gingerbread Cookie
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkle
Woody’s Lunch Box
Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot chocolate-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows
Dockside Diner and Outdoor Vending Carts Near Grand Avenue, the Tip Board, and the Main Entrance
Holiday Mickey Brownie: Mickey-shaped chocolate brownie with holiday sprinkles
Animal Kingdom
Creature Comforts (Dec. 22-31)
Mickey Holiday Mousse Dome: Amaretto-chocolate mousse, cherry-cranberry coulis, orange-chocolate cake, white chocolate glaçage, and chocolate Mickey ears
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Dec. 1-29)
Merry Menagerie Cupcake: Gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese filling and frosting
Berry Fizz Fragolino Red Sparkling Wine Float with vanilla soft-serve 🎄
Sunshine Seasons
Jingle Sugar Cookie made with M&M’S chocolate candies 🍪
Refreshment Port
Turkey Poutine: Sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions
Gingerbread Milk Shake 🧋
Eggnog 🧋
Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider 🎄
Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine
Gingerbread Milk Shake with Whipped Cream Vodka
Firenog: Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Yukon Holiday Kitchen
Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée, maple-bourbon glaze, and fennel-arugula salad 🎄
Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes
Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces 🍪
Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee 🧋
81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale
Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter
Regional Icewine
Regional Red Wine
Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
Beer Flight
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen
Crème de Saumon Fumé en Brioche à l’Aneth, Concombre: Cream of smoked salmon in house-made dill brioche bread with cucumber 🎄
Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Patate Douce Rôties: Roasted ham with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, mustard sauce, and roasted sweet potatoes
Bûche de Noël au Pain D’Épices, Ganache Chocolat au Lait et Noisettes: Gingerbread Christmas log with milk chocolate and hazelnut ganache 🎄
Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream
Le Joyeux de Noël: Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, cold brew coffee, sea salt caramel toffee, and peppermint 🎄
Blood Orange Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, orange juice, and blood orange 🎄
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
Pastrami on Rye with house-made pickles and deli mustard
Smoked Salmon Potato Latke
Potato Latkes 🥕
Rugalach: Pastry filled with raspberry jam, walnuts, and cinnamon 🎄
Black and White Cookie 🥕🍪
Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA
Frozen New York Whiskey Sour featuring Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli
Lamb Kefta
Chermoula Chicken
Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and zhoug dips 🥕
Bold Rock Orchard Frost Hard Cider 🎄
Gulf Stream Brewing Company Holiday Snakebite 🎄
Woodchuck Winter Chill Hard Cider
Fig Cocktail with fig vodka and white cranberry juice
Hard Cider Flight
Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen
Sushi Tree: Sushi roll with krab meat and cream cheese topped with Aonori seaweed, Ikura salmon roe, and spicy mayonnaise
New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodles in a hot dashi soup with yuzu, shrimp tempura, and chopped green onion
Sweet Potato Mochi Cake: Gooey sweet potato mochi cake with purple sweet potato cream, strawberry, black sugary syrup, and sesame seeds 🎄
Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and yuzu cream drink featuring Japanese calpico soft drink and popping strawberry boba pearls 🧋
Japanese Christmas Punch: Shōchū, plum wine, cranberry, and lemon
Choya Sparkling Plum Wine 🎄
Sapporo Premium Beer
Funnel Cake
Holiday Cinnamon Celebration Funnel Cake topped with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon cookie crunch, cream cheese whipped cream, and gold dust inspired by the culinary treasures of the Kingdom of Rosas in Disney’s all-new animated musical film, “Wish” 🎄
American Holiday Table
Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce
Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and comeback sauce
Gingerbread Cookie 🍪
Crooked Can Brewing Company Bah HOPbug IPA 🎄
3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout
Beer Flight
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen
Montanara: Fried house-made pizza dough with pomodoro sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil 🎄
Farfalle Salmone Affumicato: Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and cream sauce 🎄
Torta Caprese: Flourless chocolate torta with chocolate sauce and vanilla cream 🎄
Dolce Pizza: Fried house-made pizza dough with sugar and cinnamon 🎄
Prosecco
Moscato
Chianti
Italian Sangria (Red or White)
Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello
Peroni Pilsner
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
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 🍪
Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider
The Tank Brewing Co. Prost! Festbier
Köstritzer Schwarzbier Bitburger 🎄
Regional Riesling
Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine
Beer Flight
Refreshment Outpost
Peanut stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens, and roasted peanuts 🥕
DOLE Whip Raspberry
Ciderboys Caramel Apple Hard Cider 🎄
81Bay Brewing Co. Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Ale 🎄
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Gingerbread White Stout 🎄
Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with slow-braised beef shank, green onion, and house-made chili oil
Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce
Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba pearls
Brew Hub Year of the Dragon – Dragon Fruit Lager
Butterfly Lantern with butterfly pea blossom gin, vodka, prickly pear, lychee, soda water, and boba 🎄
Kung Fu Master with vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
The Lucky Mo with citrus vodka, peach schnapps, piña colada mix, orange juice, and soda water
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen
Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, ground chorizo, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema Mexicana, and pickled onions 🎄
Tamale de Barbacoa: Shredded barbacoa beef in a corn masa topped with mole negro, queso cotija, crema Mexicana, and pickled onions 🎄
Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar
Apple Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, apple purée, black tea-cinnamon cordial, and Nixta Corn Liqueur topped with whipped cream and holiday salt 🎄
Horchata Margarita: Cinnamon-infused Ilegal Mezcal, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Agua de Horchata, and cinnamon-horchata rum
Holiday Cerveza: Mexican Artisanal Craft Lager with black currant liqueur 🎄
Wine & Wedge
Assorted Artisanal Cheeses and Accompaniments 🎄
Boursin Fig & Balsamic Soufflé with fig tapenade 🎄
Southern Pimento Cheese with bread-and-butter pickled vegetables and grilled bread 🎄
Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Assorted artisanal cheeses and accompaniments paired with Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Hartley Apple Brandy, and Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port 🎄
Bloody Mary with Seaside Grown Bloody Mary Mix and Kurvball Barbecue Whiskey
Beer Flight
Holiday Hearth Desserts
Mint Chocolate Mousse Wreath 🎄
Apple Caramel Crumb Cake 🎄
Chocolate-covered Toffee Brittle 🎄
Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
Mouse Crunch made with M&M’S chocolate candies
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie 🍪
Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee 🧋
Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate with TWIX cookie bar pieces and whipped cream 🎄🧋
Wicked Weed Brewing Jack Frost IPA 🎄
BrewDog It’s a Beaut Stout 🎄
Wicked Weed Brewing Milk & Cookies Imperial Milk Stout
Peppermint Cocoa: Hot cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with peppermint schnapps
Beer Flight
Nochebuena Cocina
Tamale with chorizo, plant-based cotija cheese and spicy red chile sauce 🥕
Pernil: Mojo pork with tostones and ketchup-mayonnaise
Spiced Chocolate Cookie 🍪
Ponche Navideño: Mexican Christmas punch with apples, pears, guava, oranges, dried hibiscus, brown sugar, tamarind, cinnamon sticks, and clove 🎄🧋
81Bay Brewing Co. Horchata Beer
Connections Café
Holiday Sugar Cookie 🍪
Connections Eatery
So Many Wishes: Pomegranate-green tea, hibiscus, lemon, and a dash of stardust 🧋
Coquito Milk Shake 🧋
Coquito Milk Shake with Bacardí Superior Rum
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Horchata Cold Brew: A holly jolly blend of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew and horchata topped with whipped cream and cinnamon 🧋 (Spirited version available with Creamy Spiced Rum)
