NEWS: Halfway to the Holiday Treats Coming to Disney Parks in June

It’s hard to believe we’re just six months away from Christmas. This week, Disney Parks is celebrating Halfway to the Holidays and late this week at Disney Parks, limited-time treats will be available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Catch all the details below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore:

If you love the holidays and can’t wait for the winter months to come, don’t worry, because it’s time for Halfway to the Holidays! Whatever way you celebrate with loved ones, you can get in the spirit early with festive happenings going on at Disney Parks and across our social channels. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled starting June 23 to make sure you don’t miss a second of the fun festivities coming up this week.

One of the best ways to celebrate is the tasty way, and we’ve got a few eats, sips, and novelties for you to get your fix until the winter comes around. From the Peppermint Churro at California Churro over at Downtown Disney District to the Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, both coasts are serving up the dishes to get you feeling in the spirit to celebrate!

Let’s see all the exciting treats making their way to Disney Parks in honor of Halfway to the Holidays.

At Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll also find some delightful options to choose from. At Gasparilla’s Island Grill, found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the pastry team has brought back one of their sweet treats. From June 23 through 26, you can get a festive favorite, the Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake. It’s a chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache-dipped buttercream, cookie ears, and a chocolate holiday bow. That sure does sound delicious!

If peppermint is one of your favorite flavors, then you need to take a trip over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where The Mara is also joining in on the fun. This team has whipped up the brand-new Peppermint Bark Cheesecake, a peppermint cheesecake with a chocolate cookie and peppermint crust and whipped vanilla panna cotta. This delicious treat is also available June 23 through 26.

Are you wanting to bring the holidays home with you? If so, there’s a novelty that’s coming to Disney Springs! The Gold Christmas Tree Popcorn Buckets are back for the festivities. If you weren’t able to get your hands on them during the holidays previously, no need to fret because all across Disney Springs at outdoor vending carts, you’ll be able to find these buckets. Not to mention, popcorn is included with the purchase – what a treat! But don’t wait too long because these are only available while supplies last.

Also at Disney Springs, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company will be serving up not one, but two special items. From June 23 through 26, you can get the Peppermint Mocha with dark chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream or the White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte, a delicious combination of white chocolate sauce and gingerbread syrup topped with whipped cream. What could be better than a little touch of the season in your coffee? These delights are also available hot or iced and can have some spirits added for those over 21.

For a limited time at Downtown Disney District, you’ll find two delicious eats to enjoy for this exciting occasion. First up, we have the Christmas Dinner Corn Dog from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. Beginning June 23 through 30, this twist on a classic features a corn dog made with a turkey hot dog, hand-dipped in batter, rolled in panko crumbs, and served with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. It’s like a holiday feast on the go!

For those with more of a sweet tooth, from June 23 through 30, California Churro has the Peppermint Churro, a churro rolled in crushed peppermint and drizzled with a mint frosting topped with peppermint candy pieces. Few things give you the feeling of the season more than peppermint, and this churro sure does the trick.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Things to Know Before You Visit Disney World in the Winter

by Matt and Kim

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Winter for many of us means cold weather, snow, and a lack of Vitamin D. Forget all that and make this winter one to remember by visiting Disney! Walt knew what he was doing when he decided to place Walt Disney World in the heart of Florida. He knew it would be that perfect place to visit year-round – and boy, are we thankful for that. As you start to plan your winter season vacation (between December 21 and March 20), check out these ten things to know before you visit Disney World in the winter.

1 – It Does Get Chilly

All the northerners are laughing at us southerners, but it does, in fact, get chilly even at Disney World. There have been some visits where we had to wear hats, mittens, and scarfs as Elsa froze things in the Sunshine State. Sure, it might not be as cold as wherever back home is for you, but typically jackets, pants, and maybe a hat are essential to have just in case. Now, let’s turn that around and let you know that we’ve also visited during winter when it feels like Hades is breathing down our necks. Tank tops, shorts, and bathing suits aren’t out of the question. We also must mention that Disney’s pools are heated! The bottom line is to check the weather in advance. Average temperatures can range between the low 40s and go into the upper 70s, and even in the low 80s.

2 – Watch the Crowd Levels

Winter holds four major holidays, including Christmas, New Year, Martin Luther King Jr., and Valentine’s Day. You’ll want to know that anytime there is a holiday, Disney gets flooded with people. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the two busiest times to visit Disney World with regular park closures due to max capacity. If you are planning to visit during these holidays, you can expect mass crowds. If you are interested in lower crowd levels, late January, early February, and early March are ideal times!

3 – Holiday Themed Event at Magic Kingdom

Editor’s Note: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was canceled in 2021. An all-new, “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” event took place instead. While no announcement has been made for 2022, with the return of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall, we fully expect the Christmas party to return in 2022.

After winter rolls in and Christmas is in full force, Magic Kingdom flourishes with Christmas decorations and music around every corner. It’s really a beautiful time to see the park! The best way to get the most out of Christmas at Magic Kingdom is by purchasing a special event ticket. Events are held on select nights after Halloween through Christmas. This is a great way to get the early start to your winter season rolling!

4 – Epcot Is the Place to Be!

While Magic Kingdom rocks the Christmas season, winter at Epcot is amazing! During the winter season, Epcot has two memorable festivals. The first one that starts to wrap up in early winter is the Epcot International Festival of Holidays. Stroll around the World Showcase to experience what holidays are like in multiple different countries by hearing storytellers, tasting holiday food, and drinking special holiday beverages. You’ll also want to catch the Candlelight Processional. Once this festival is over after the Christmas season, Epcot launches the International Festival of Arts. This is the perfect winter season festival with artistry everywhere, including visuals, entertainment, music, and tastings.

5 – Hollywood Studios Gets in the Spirit

Editor’s Note: At this time, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! was not offered in 2020 or 2021, but we hope it does return.

Hollywood Studios also gets in the spirit in the early part of winter and through the Christmas Season. Guests will have a chance to watch special fireworks and projection display on the Chinese Theater known as Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Sunset Blvd comes alive with Sunset Seasons Greetings, where it snows on Sunset Blvd, and there is a fantastic projection show on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

6 – Disney Springs Fun

No admission or park ticket needed! Disney Springs has more shopping, dining, and entertainment now than ever. This is a great place to visit anytime, but we especially enjoy the winter season here. The weather is perfect, so you aren’t melting as you move from shop to shop. Plus, in the early winter season (Christmas Season), you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Christmas Tree Trail, which has numerous Disney-themed Christmas trees on display. You can also meet Santa Claus! After the year wraps up, some of the shops offer discounted merchandise, particularly if it’s Christmas-themed or has the old year on it.

7 – Resort Hop

One of our favorite things to do in the winter season is to resort hop! Disney Resorts have their Christmas decorations up until roughly a week after the New Year. Take the Monorail loop and visit resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian with the massive gingerbread house and Contemporary’s large outdoor tree. Take a boat ride over to the Wilderness Lodge Resort to see their lovely Christmas decorations. It’s an experience not to be missed!

8 – Make it a Memorable Valentine’s Day

What better way to celebrate your sweetie than to take him or her on a memorable Valentine’s weekend to Disney World! There are so many excellent places to spoil your loved one. Dine at one of Disney’s many signature dining restaurants, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, set sail on a fireworks Cruise, taste your way through a dessert party, or simply act like kids again and ride all the rides until your heart is content. Keep in mind that you’ll want to book any special reservations for dining and/or events well before arrival as restaurants do sell out for the special holiday.

9 – runDisney Events

The winter season holds not only one but two special runDisney events! This is especially great because the weather is perfect for a run. If you’re the running type or just want to try out your running/walking legs, sign up to take part in one of the races within either Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (usually the second week in January) and/or Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (late February). Both are extremely fun experiences. Plus, this is a great way to keep that New Year’s Resolution alive and well!

10 – Seasonal Goodies

Last but not least, Disney’s winter season offers the chance to check out their seasonal goodies! It all starts with their winter and Christmas season merchandise, which changes from year to year. From special Minnie ear headbands to that perfect t-shirt, there is winter merchandise available for just about all your needs. And of course, you don’t want to forget about your taste buds! Try one of the many seasonal treats located in the different parks, Disney resorts, and even Disney Springs. From that perfect Christmas beverage to the Festival of Arts pop treats, and sweet Valentine’s inspired chocolate-covered strawberries… enjoy until your appetite is content!

So, who’s up for a winter visit to Disney World?! We’ll see you there!