Baking with Mickey

I've had my collection of Disney Cakes & Sweets Magazine for a while now; yes, they finally created a magazine that combines two of my favourite things, Disney AND Baking! Pour me a freshly brewed coffee while I browse magical recipes, and I really am in heaven.

So I thought I'd start at the beginning and try out a recipe from Issue 1, and seeing as I'm a bit of a brownie connoisseur (or at least, eat A LOT of them) it only seemed right that I put Bullseye's best-ever brownies to the test. 

The recipe includes raspberries, and I have to admit I was sceptical as I don't usually like fruity brownies, but these were the perfect blend of chocolatey gooeyness with a raspberry tang that is ridiculously good. 

BULLSEYE'S BEST-EVER BROWNIES

200g butter, plus extra for greasing 
200g dark chocolate
3 eggs
300g caster sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
125g plain flour
1/4 tsp salt
75g walnuts
125g raspberries or blueberries (I used raspberries)

1. Preheat the oven to 180c. Grease and line a 34 x 20cm baking tin with baking parchment. 

2. Break chocolate in to small pieces and melt it with the butter in a bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water.

3. Put the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and whisk together until thick and creamy. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and then sift in the flour and salt and add the nuts. Fold in the raspberries very carefully so that the fruit doesn't break up too much.

4. Scrape the mixture in to the prepared tin and bake for about 25 minutes. The top should be cracked but the inside should have a fudgy texture. Start to test at around 20 minutes as all ovens vary; use a cocktail stick or skewer and insert in in the centre - a few moist crumbs should adhere to the skewer when the brownies are done. Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes before cutting in to squares. Store, wrapped in baking parchment, in an airtight tin. 

These taste so good served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. (Special shout out to The Very Lovely Sauce Company's Salted Caramel Sauce, trust me you'll thank me for it once you've tried it!) 

Now, go and bake these yourself, they are way too good not to try!

The Happiest Coffee on Earth

Coffee time is a bit of a daily ritual in my house and it's no different when I'm in Orlando! So I've taken it upon myself to sample endless cappuccinos across the Disney Parks (all in the name of research, of course!) to help coffee lovers everywhere find the happiest coffee on earth.

So after narrowing my extensive list down, here it is,
my Fab Five Coffee Guide…

5. Writers Stop, Hollywood Studios

This little gem has all the charm of your local neighbourhood book store, the perfect blend of literature and lattes. The homely and familiar atmosphere, book lined walls, and the sweet lingering smell of home baking, makes it the perfect place to sink in to the comfy sofas and relax with a frothy coffee. I rarely leave Writers Stop empty handed as it sells my top three merchandise must haves… bakeware, coffee mugs and a huge selection of books.

4. Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery, Animal Kingdom

Set amongst the hustle & bustle of the Mombasa marketplace, near Kilimanjaro Safaris, this is the perfect place to get coffee on the go. What makes this place special is the experience that goes with it. If you time it right, you can sip your coffee to the backdrop of the Burudika band or Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. These vibrant African musicians play the sounds of the Congo region with such passion and enthusiasm that its completely captivating to watch…and you can’t help but dance along to the rhythm!

3. Main Street Bakery, Magic Kingdom Park.

My entire wedding party made a quick stop at the Main Street Bakery for cappuccinos and cinnamon buns before heading to ride the Teacups! The cast members at the bakery made it extra special, bringing out a beautifully hand decorated wedding cake, wedding gifts, and some obligatory bride & groom Mickey ears. Needless to say, this coffee spot holds a very special place in my heart.

Main Street Bakery has since become a Starbucks location but it hasn’t lost its Main Street charm or familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon buns. There are now four Starbucks locations throughout the Disney Parks, plus one at Disney Springs. Fountain View at Epcot, Creature Comforts at Animal Kingdom, Trolley Car Café at Hollywood Studios and Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side. A coffee mug from each of these Starbucks park locations is on my must-have-merchandise list for my next visit!

2. Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

The relaxed, tropical ambience of the Polynesian makes for an exotic setting to enjoy the 100% Kona coffee and treats. The Kona Café is quick service, so the seating area isn’t anything extraordinary, but take your coffee and cake out to the sun loungers on the white sand beach, sit back and soak up the views across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
On my last visit I tried the much raved about French Press coffee, with the pumpkin pancake stack, which was incredible.
 Like all of the Disney Resort hotels, this one is beautiful and uniquely themed so it’s definitely worth a visit. Even if you aren’t staying on Disney property, you can still jump on the Monorail and explore the resorts.

1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion, Epcot

Stepping inside this Norwegian Castle, with soaring cathedral ceilings and regal archways, I can see why it’s a popular choice for dining with the Princesses. This medieval setting, with a Norwegian-American inspired menu, is also home to my absolute favourite Disney Coffee… The Viking. A rich Columbian coffee infused with kamora coffee liqueur and baileys irish cream. Even better when you indulge in The Royal Chefs Dessert Plate to go with it. Maybe a little much for your morning cup of Joe, but hey, you’re on vacation;-)

If you want The Viking, without the Princesses, grab a cup to go at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion.

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios

Two Parks, Double the magic!

Christmas is my favourite time of year to visit Disneyland Resort in Paris. Thousands of sparkling lights adorn the resort & light up the sky, festively dressed cast members & characters share the holiday cheer and the Parisien winter sunshine creates a stunning backdrop, making it the perfect place to make some magical merry memories.

But whatever time of year you visit, the Walt Disney vision of delivering a seamless magical experience to all guests can be felt throughout the park. Although, in my opinion, it doesn't sparkle quite as brightly as Walt Disney World in Florida, it never fails to capture hearts & inspire imagination through a whole host of parades, attractions, themed hotels, fireworks, shows and delicious Mickey shaped treats. 

Disneyland Park

Adventurous Attractions

Best for...

Smiles: Madhatter’s Teacups

Screams: Phantom Manor

Character Spots: Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland

Tiny Tots: Le Pays des Contes de Fees in Fantasyland

Resting tired legs: Disneyland Railroad in Discoveryland

Waking sleepy heads: Space Mountain: Mission 2

The whole gang: It’s a Small World

Ending the night with a bang: Disney Dreams Nighttime Spectacular

Disney Dining

Breakfast: Auberge de Cendrillon (dine with the Princesses)

Lunch: Market House Deli on Main Street

Dinner: Rainforest Café in Disney Village

Coffee & Cake: Starbucks on Main Street

Quick Bites: Casey’s Corner Hotdogs on Main Street (Walt’s favourite food!)

Little Bundles

The Baby Care Centre (located by Plaza Gardens Restaurant) has a fully equipped baby care room with bottle warming facilities, feeding & baby change area. There are items to purchase, including

nappies, wipes, and baby food.

Discovery Arcade & Liberty Arcade- These are undercover walkways that run parallel either side of Main Street so if you're looking

for a quiet seat with your bambino or need to shelter from the rain

then this is the place to be! You can still access the shops and 

restaurants from inside the walkway.

A little extra magic

Don’t miss the Disney Magic on Parade at 17:30 daily in Disneyland Park. The best Parade viewing area is outside the Pizzeria Bella Notte in Fantasyland, it’s much quieter than on Main Street so you’ll get a much better view!

Walt Disney Studios Park

Where the wonders of cinema, television and animation are brought to life in Spellbinding Shows and Rides!

Adventurous Attractions

Best for...

Smiles: Stitch Live

Screams: Tower of Terror

Character Spots: Outside the Blockbuster Cafe

Tiny Tots: Place de Remy

Resting tired legs: Animagique Show

Waking sleepy heads: Rockin’ Rollercoaster

The Whole Family: Les Tapis Volants

Disney Culture & History: The Art of Disney Animation

Disney Dining

Breakfast: Earl of Sandwich at Disney Village

Lunch: Restaurant Des Stars

Dinner: Bistrot Chez Remy

Coffee & Cake: Blockbuster Cafe

Quick Bites: Restaurant en Coulisse

Disney Village

A magical mix of restaurants, live shows, street performers, bars and shops,definitely worth a visit!

Restaurants include Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Café, Annette’s Diner & Billy Bob’s Country Saloon. There’s also a Mcdonalds, Starbucks and Earl of Sandwich for quick bites.

You can access the village without Disney Park tickets, so it’s the perfect place to visit in the evenings for a wander round the shops and indulge in a little Disney magic!

There’s also an air balloon ride by the lake; it’s tethered and doesn’t go very high so is perfect for all the family.

Festive Fun

The Holiday Season is well underway at Disneyland Paris, with the merry magic running from 7th November 2015- 7th January 2016. 

Here are our favourite Christmas festivities taking place across the resort:

Christmas Parade- a merry musical procession featuring your favourite characters and of course Santa on his sleigh! 

Disney Dreams of Christmas- A seasonal twist to the nighttime fireworks spectacular, with appearances from Frozen characters! Takes place daily at Park closing time. 

Frozen Sing-along and Royal welcome. Anna & Elsa will be rolling through the streets of Disneyland Park in a horse drawn carriage. Check times when you arrive. 

Disney village will be covered in a blanket of snow and twinkling fairy lights while hosting festive street entertainment, live concerts & sparkling surprises. 

And a few final thoughts…

Park Ticket Prices (correct as of Winter 2015):

£69 per adult or £64 per child for a 1 day/2 Parks Pass

Download the free Disneyland Paris App for your phone to access information about show times, plus wait times for rides and any ride closures.

Photopass- Let the professionals take photos of the whole family as you make your way around the park and on rides. You can purchase in advance on the website or any of the main shops when you arrive at the park.

Transportation is so easy; the Eurostar takes you directly from London to Disneyland, so you're amidst the magic from the moment you step off the train. Most of the hotels nearby provide shuttle service to & from the parks so there's no need to worry about driving.

Disney's EPCOT Park

Step in to a World of imagination and innovation!

EPCOT will always be the only other park, after Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, which was the brain child of Walt Disney himself… partly. Its genesis goes back a long way and that is perhaps for another day, and while Walt may not have necessarily had a theme park in mind, his vision, imagination and passion for innovation and community lives on through EPCOT – his Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow.

We are welcomed to the park by its distinctive and iconic geodesic centrepiece, Spaceship Earth, which houses the recently reimagined journey through time and space - the perfect scene setter for what to expect in this remarkable park which will excite, entertain and educate in equal measure.

The park is then split in to two areas. The first, Future World, a nod to the evolution of technology and the exploration of space, science, the seas, the land and our Imagination. 

The second area is a feast for the eyes, ears and pallets of all culture vultures. A huge World’s Fair, the picturesque World Showcase is a 2.3 mile stroll around the world, through eleven pavilions of countries (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Morocco, USA, Japan, France, UK and Canada) all showcasing the finest each has to offer in shopping, dining, entertainment and history.

Like Magic Kingdom families may want to set aside two days for EPCOT for one early start to enjoy the attractions, and another day starting a bit later to take advantage of what World Showcase has to offer and enjoy the spectacular fireworks. 

EPCOT is the most spacious and exposed of all the parks so, while there is lots of open space to enjoy, wear comfortable shoes, keep hydrated and keep the sun screen handy.

Adventurous Attractions

Best rides for: 

Seeking thrills: Mission:Space, Future World East

Time to chill: Innoventions East and West

Character spots: Character Spot, Future World. 

Tiny tots: Turtle Talk with Crush – The Seas with Nemo Pavilion, Future World West

Smiles: The Seas With Nemo – future world west

Screams: Test Track – Future World East

Culture and history: Where do you start? Each pavilion in the World Showcase has its own enchanting story to tell, take some time to explore what each has to offer, trying out the attractions, the stores and sampling the food and drink of each for the ultimate inter-national experience. 

Tours and vips: Illuminations Sparkling Desert Party

The whole gang: Soarin’, The Land. Future World West.

Ending the night with a bang: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. World Showcase Lagoon

Disney Dining

Lunch – Tangerine Café, Moroccan Pavilion

Dinner – Le Cellier, Candaian Pavilion

Coffee and cake – The Joy of Tea at the Chinese Pavilion

Cocktail hour – Margaritas at the Mexican Pavilion 

Picnic area – Showcase Plaza

Quick bites – Promenade Refreshments, World Showcase

A Little extra magic

Epcot’s seasonal festivals add an extra splash of colour, music and flavour with the spring time Flower and Garden festival, autumn’s Food and Wine Festival and Holidays Around The World during the festive period, when one of the highlights is when stars turn out as guest narrators for the enchanting Candlelight Processional, not to be missed if visiting around the holidays.

For something a bit different The best way to see EPCOT is to travel to the park by monorail, which will give you a fantastic view of all areas of the park in futuristic style. Similarly a short walk or boat ride from the International Gateway will take you to EPCOT resorts and Boardwalk, which is well worth taking time out your day to explore, or as an alternative option for evening entertainment if you would like to escape the crowds of the park.

Future dreams

Great news for all Soarin’ fans as the attraction will soon be reimagined to not only cover the sights, sounds and smells of California but will take in some of the greatest natural and manmade wonders of the world, to debut at Disney’s Californian Adventure before making its way to EPCOT later in 2016. Soarin’ will close for refurbishment at EPCOT in January 2016. 

The Norway Pavilion where Maelstrom was previously located will be transformed in to Ardenelle for a Winter Festival in Summer in this new ‘Frozen’ themed area where there will be a meet and greet with a host of characters from the movie, and a new attraction, set to open in the Summer of 2016.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Every one loves Halloween, and every one loves Magic Kingdom, right? So why not go along to the most magical ' not so scary' party in town?

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the Magic Kingdom's annual nod to all things spooktacular and is a fantastic night for the whole family to experience something that little bit different.

As a ticketed event, partygoers have exclusive use of the park on one of the many selected nights throughout the Halloween season.  

Guests with out a ticket must vacate the park by 7pm so a useful tip for those too frightened to attend is to check the schedules while planning your itinerary, as your day is cut short and there is therefore no evening parade or Wishes.

The park is transformed in to a smoke filled and colourfully ghoulish place fit for only the spookiest and most devilish of our favourite frightful and nasty Disney villains, many of whom only come out on these special evenings.  So for the keen meet and greeters out there this is a once a year chance to meet some special and seldom seen characters, the most special of which for me is a photo opportunity with all seven dwarfs, and others such as Jack Skellington and the witch from Snow White, as well as all your favourite classic characters dressed in their Halloween costumes-after all, it's their party too!

Upon entering the park be sure to collect your party specific map and time guide and plan your evening out.  The crowds are busy and not every attraction and dining location is open, so another reason to plan out your night, you only have 5 hours to squeeze it all in!

This is a unique opportunity for guests to dress up in the park and at times it can be tough to distinguish the guests from the various parades and shows that take place throughout the night, such is the effort that guests put in for this seasonal treat that has become a staple in the WDW calendar.

There is the exclusive Mickey's Boo to You Halloween parade, with a frightful combination of haunting figures and the worst of Disney's villains on the floats and interacting with the crowd, but don't get too close, would you trust Cruella, Captain Hook or Jafar?  There are two parades on the night, so beat the crowds by planning what to do during one of them.

There may be no Wishes, but party guests are instead treated to an exclusive Hallo-wishes fireworks display, a near 360 degrees extravaganza set to the themes of all Disney villains from through the years.  This is a real treat and well worth the entry alone.  If you are lucky enough to be around any of the resorts at MK then you'll be in for a treat seeing this from distance, but it is most definitely best seen, heard and felt inside the park.

Party goers young and old can also follow the trick or treat treasure hunts throughout the park, found on your park map these provide a great opportunity to see the full park in its exclusive Halloween glory and pick up some tasty treats Along the way!

Tickets for the party are around $75 per person so it can make for an expensive evening, especially for large families having already splashed out on theme park tickets.  That said, if both Halloween is a special time for the family, or you fancy something a bit different from your Disney holiday it is absolutely worth doing. 

 

For families with memory makers this is an opportunity to get even more value for money with all of the exclusive and unlimited one time only snaps you will get of characters and of areas of the park you will never see like that on a normal day.  Visit Haunted Mansion for some really spooky photo bombers you won't even know were there until you check your photos later.  

Too scared to give it a go? Don't be, it's magically spooktacular! 

Disney's Hollywood Studios Park

On with the Show!

Hollywood Studios is where my heart is, as it’s where my Disney adventure as a Cast Member began! It’s home to my favourite ride, The Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster 

and also my favourite restaurant, Mama Melrose.

The park is dedicated to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden age, where the magic of the movies comes to life on stage, screen, shows & rides. From the moment you enter the park, you’ll feel like you’re on a movie set taking a starring role in your own show. We would recommend a full day to explore this park, but two if you have the time to experience all that Hollywood has to offer!

Adventurous Attractions

Best rides for...

Seeking thrills: Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith

Time to chill: Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Character Spots: Pixar Place

Tiny Tots: Disney Junior – Live on stage!

Smiles: For the first time in forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration

Screams: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Culture & History: Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

Tours & VIPs: Fantasmic Dining Experience

The whole gang: Muppet Vision 3D

Ending the night with a bang: Fantasmic!

DisneyDining

Breakfast: Starring Rolls Cafe

Lunch: Sci-Fi Dine-in theatre restaurant

Dinner: Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

Coffee & Cake: The Writers Stop

Cocktail Hour: High Octane Refreshments

Picnic Area: Picnic tables by Echo Lake

Quick Bites: ABC Commissary 

A little extra magic

The Citizens of Hollywood cavalcade of stars – 10.30am daily

Fantasmic nighttime show is not to be missed! Featuring a whole host of Disney characters, fireworks and theatrics set to a magical musical background.

Fantasmic Dining Package- Combine a magical meal at selected Hollywood Studios restaurants and get VIP reserved seating at the Fantasmic Show.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. November 6^th 2015 – January 3^rd 2016.

Star Wars Weekends- selected dates in Summer 2016

Future Dreams

Hollywood Studios is an imagineers dream! There are lots of exciting plans taking shape, including a Star Wars Land and a Toy Story Land; you can feel the creativity buzzing through the air as you walk around the park.

  

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park

Have a Wild Adventure!

This park is unique in the way it reflects Walt Disney's passion for animals, nature and conservation. A creative blend of continents, cultures, tastes, sights and sounds which is home to over 250 different species from the animal kingdom. This park could be covered in a day but to get really immersed in all the magic we would recommend setting aside two days to schedule in all the shows and character spots. 

Although, unfortunately, Walt Disney was not involved in the conception of this park his vision and imagination are clearly observed throughout. 

Adventurous Attractions

Best rides for...

Seeking thrills: Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Time to chill: Flights of Wonder

Character Spots: Adventurers Outpost

Tiny Tots: Dino Land

Smiles: It's Tough to be a Bug

Screams: Dinosaur

Culture & History: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Tours & VIPs: Wild Africa Trek

The whole gang: Kilimanjaro Safaris 

Disneylicious Dining

Breakfast: Tusker House Restaurant 

Lunch: Pizzafari

Dinner: Yak & Yeti Restaurant 

Coffee & Cake: Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery 

Cocktail Hour: Rainforest Cafe 

Picnic Area: Africa and Asia 

Quick Bites: Harambe Market 

A little extra magic

A trip to this park would not be complete without experiencing 'Festival of The Lion King' and 'Finding Nemo - The Musical'. Both are Broadway style shows which are fantastic for all the family to experience! It's also a great way to gain some shade from the mid-day sun! 

Ending the night with a bang:  To protect the wonderful animals within the park there are no fireworks, and currently Disney's Animal Kingdom does not have an evening offering. However this makes for a great excuse to visit The Rainforest Cafe situated just outside the park entrance or head over to another park for fireworks!

Disney Imagineers are currently creating "Rivers of Light"- an exciting nighttime extravaganza which is set to feature water, lights and music! 

Parade: Currently there is not a parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom due to expansion within the park. This is to make way for the exciting Avatar inspired land due to be completed in 2016.