Wow Your Valentine With This Gluten-Free Treat from Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on February 10th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. We keep this recipe just for special occasions – an old favorite from The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t find it on the menu right now, but we’re sharing in case you’re home for Valentine’s Day dinner with your sweetheart. (And if your Valentine’s Day includes dinner at the Derby, try the Chocolate Three Ways dessert they’re starring now.)
We don’t bother with frou frou garnishes, but it’s delish with fresh raspberries or strawberries. And you can make it a day ahead. Just add a flute of bubbly – or a glass of ice-cold milk, whichever your sweetheart fancies.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Makes 12 individual cakes
Flourless Chocolate Cakes
1 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons freshly brewed espresso or instant espresso
2 tablespoons hot water
6 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons rum
Ganache
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup dark chocolate chips
For cakes:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease two 6-cup silicone muffin molds.
- Combine butter and chocolate chips in a glass bowl and microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir until smooth. If not melted completely, return to microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring between each until melted. Set aside.
- Combine cocoa powder, espresso and water in a separate bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Combine eggs, sugar, and rum in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly. Add cocoa-espresso mixture to egg mixture, then stir in melted chocolate mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour batter into prepared muffin molds and bake until cakes puff slightly and surfaces are set, about 22-25 minutes.
- Cool, then refrigerate for at least three hours.
For ganache:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips; whisk until smooth.
To serve:
- Remove cooled cakes from molds.
- Set a wire rack over a large bowl, and one cake at a time, place on wire rack and coat with ganache, making sure to cover sides.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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First Look at Merchandise for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on February 9th, 2012 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
When I saw the artwork pictured above, I knew that February 10 would be the perfect day to give a first look at some merchandise we are creating for Star Wars Weekends 2012. I couldn’t get over the dramatically awesome pose of Donald Duck playing the role of Darth Maul from “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” I discovered that Tyler Dumas and Casey Jones from Disney Design Group were the artists behind this main merchandise poster artwork. I recently spoke with Tyler about its creation one afternoon while in his office.
“Designing the main poster artwork is a collaborative process that starts with talking to LucasFilm,” explained Tyler. “With the release of ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ in 3D, we wanted Donald Duck to play one of the coolest characters from that film – Darth Maul. We combed over a variety poses for Donald before finding the striking image that was used.”
Tyler told me that there will be two posters this year – one like the image above and one will be a smaller lenticular poster which makes Donald Duck look like he is leaping off the page. Tyler said they incorporated a key learning from Star Wars Weekends 2011 into this year’s poster design.
“The character image will be printed on a white background,” continued Tyler. “Last year, we printed on white as a way to make the image stand out. We noticed that some fans were using the poster to collect autographs. We thought that was a great idea, so we kept the white background.”
The main poster artwork served as inspiration for several new items that will be introduced this year. My Rebel spies were able to obtain samples of three items from Lindsay Voigt, Product Developer for Star Wars Weekends merchandise. One of my favorite items is a sculpted mug designed by Disney artist Brian Blackmore and features Donald Duck. The mug reminded me of a sculpted Chewbacca mug I had growing up.
These three items are only a handful of things we developed. I can’t wait to share additional looks in the coming months (three words – “Look sir, Droids!”). Star Wars Weekends will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning on May 18 and will run through June 10.
Exploring Walt Disney World Resort VIP-Style on a Disney Cruise Line Vacation
posted on January 20th, 2012 by Arnaldo Zanonato, Port Adventures Manager
Hi Disney Parks Blog fans! I’m Arnaldo Zanonato, better known as Arny, Port Adventures Manager and the newest Disney Parks Blog author for Disney Cruise Line. With all of our new itineraries and homeports this year, we’ll be introducing plenty of exciting new Port Adventures for Disney Cruise Line guests, and I’m excited to give you a sneak peek at some of my favorites.
This summer the Disney Magic will set sail on 8-night voyages from New York to the Bahamas. The cruise includes a full day stop in Port Canaveral, Florida, with roundtrip transportation and a ticket to nearby Walt Disney World Resort, giving guests a chance to visit all four theme parks!
Because it is impossible to experience all that the resort has to offer in one day, we worked closely with the Walt Disney World VIP Tour Services to develop day tours that would help our guests to see some of the major attractions across all theme parks. The result? Check it out:
Best of Walt Disney World Resort for Young Families, a VIP Tour – Created with the young members of the family in mind, this VIP tour will take guests to favorite attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom Park and Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Thrills of Walt Disney World Resort, a VIP Tour – Are you a thrill seeker? Then this VIP tour is for you! Experience the most thrilling attractions, both classic and new, like Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park!
During both VIP tours guests will have access to Disney’s FASTPASS lines, always accompanied by a VIP Tour Guide, an expert to help maximize your day at this magical place! Now if you had one day only at Walt Disney World Resort, what attractions would be on your list?
Our Hollywood Yard of Fame at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on January 16th, 2012 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
A virtual Who’s Who of entertainment history lies just outside the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and I believe thousands of guests walk right by (and over) it each day without realizing that it is completely authentic.
Between 1989 and 1995, some of the most iconic and legendary entertainment celebrities of all time took time out to place hand and foot prints (even a nose) into the wet concrete squares in the Great Movie Ride courtyard, signing their names with a wooden stick.
These legends of stage, screen and television were celebrated with great fanfare, usually riding down Hollywood Boulevard in a convertible, often seated next to either Mickey or Minnie and accompanied by a marching band, ending up in the ceremonial courtyard to the delight of our park guests. There was always the ceremonial picture, and I was often lucky enough to be the photographer. Ah, yes – Hooray for Hollywood…
Vintage Walt Disney World: The Force Lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on January 12th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
The grand opening and dedication for the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios took place Jan. 13, 1990. Back in August 1989, the entrance and queue area for the attraction were still under construction, as seen below.
The queue area was inspired by Return of the Jedi, with Imperial forces invading the Ewok village on the forest moon of Endor. Most impressive is the towering 35-foot Imperial All-Terrain Armored Transport Walker (AT-AT) near the attraction’s entrance. (Don’t be too impressed with my Star Wars vehicle knowledge. I cheated and looked it up … and I was pronouncing it A-T A-T by mistake.)
If you haven’t had a chance to experience the new Star Tours –The Adventures Continue in 3-D, you need to make your way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a fun adventure. Of course, if you’re going to arrive by AT-AT, just be careful while parking…
(Disclaimer: The above composite was used to promote Star Wars Weekends in 2010. Dates for the 2012 event can be found here).
Sticking to Healthful Eating at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on January 10th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
It’s time for New Year’s resolutions and vacation can be the worst time to stick to healthful eating – but you can forego the funnel cakes, sundaes and oversized burgers and eat with delicious satisfaction in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.
Here are some of our favorite healthful eats – tell us yours!
Magic Kingdom Park – The grilled salmon with fresh steamed broccoli and couscous at Columbia Harbor House is our go-to option when we’re in a hurry. With more time, we head to The Crystal Palace to fill up, not out, with edamame salad; shrimp, mango and black bean salad; turkey vegetable soup; beet salad; papaya and arugula salad; Thai curry mussels, and roast turkey.
Epcot – The options seem endless as we stroll World Showcase. Sushi in the Japan Pavilion; grilled veggie tacos at La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion (ask for the vegetarian menu); the Chinese chicken salad at Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion; the lemon chicken or kebabs at Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion; the vegetable curry with lentil bread at Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom Pavilion, and the jumbo shrimp with cannellini beans, olive oil and lemon juice at Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The grilled veggie sandwich at Backlot Express (forego the fries and eat the carrot sticks) for a quick lunch. For dinner, we head to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano for a bowl of the whole-wheat campanelle pasta (shaped like a little bell) served with broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and sweet onions.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – We head straight to Flame Tree Barbecue for the house-smoked half chicken (we splurge and eat the baked beans and corn muffin, but say no to the onion rings). For a bigger feast, it’s Tusker House Restaurant, where you can pick and choose from all sorts of salads; spiced tandoori tofu; couscous with roasted veggies; salmon, and curry chicken.
Our super-fast fave? Grab a piece of fresh fruit from one of the carts in the parks and join the guests who consume more than 20 TONS of fresh fruits and veggies each year at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
Happy New Year!
Brazil’s Costa Establishes New Streak at Dramatic Walt Disney World Marathon
posted on January 8th, 2012 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Brazilian runner Fredison Costa did it again, holding off his heavily-favored countryman Adriano Bastos on Sunday to win his second straight Walt Disney World Marathon.
Costa waged a fierce battle with the 7-time champion Bastos throughout the 26.2 mile race through Disney’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – before narrowly winning. Costa crossed the finish line in 2:19:01 – just 14 seconds ahead of Bastos (2:19:15).
Renee High of Virginia Beach, Va., was the first woman to cross the line. High, who is scheduled to run the marathon at the US Olympic Trials next week in Houston, completed the race Sunday in 2:48:33.
In all, runners from all 50 states and 60 other countries took part in a variety of Disney Marathon Weekend events, such as the Family Fiesta 5K, Kids Races and the Disney Half-Marathon in addition to the Disney Marathon. And once again more than 6,500 runners put themselves to the ultimate test – Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – by running the half-marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday.
Registration for the 2013 Disney Marathon Weekend opens this spring. To register or for more information on all runDisney events, visit runDisney.com.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Gets Off to a Running Start with ‘Survivor’ Winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca
posted on January 6th, 2012 by Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor
If you were in Disney’s Hollywood Studios bright and early this morning, you might have spotted a glimpse of Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, two former winners from the hit TV show “Survivor” and past competitors on “The Amazing Race.” Avid runners and athletes, the real-life couple came to Walt Disney World Resort to take part in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA. They are both running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon tomorrow to raise awareness for the “Survivor Stand Up 2 Cancer” project. The couple also greeted athletes and guests today in the runDisney booth at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the event’s annual Health & Fitness Expo.
And what better way to start the weekend than with a training run through the park and a chance to high-five Mickey Mouse himself?
We’d love to hear which Disney character you’d most like to high-five in a runDisney event. Let us know in the comments.
Vintage Walt Disney World: Under the Sea for 20 Years at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on January 5th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
This Saturday, Jan. 7, will mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of Voyage of The Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 17-minute show invites guests to travel with Ariel underwater for the retelling of the Walt Disney Pictures classic animated movie, “The Little Mermaid.”
Below is a photograph from the grand opening of the attraction with former Walt Disney World Ambassador Dawn Brogan and then Chief of Walt Disney Attractions Dick Nunis.
No matter how many times I’ve seen this show, I still can’t help but to smile and tap my toes when Sebastian and all his friends perform the Academy Award-winning Best Song “Under the Sea.” Plus, while they sing, the entire auditorium is filled with bubbles. And who doesn’t love bubbles?
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on January 4th, 2012 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
What a deal – we’ve got some great office space for rent to begin 2012 somewhere at Disney Parks but where? Yes, it’s our first Walt Disney World Resort mystery puzzler of the new year and if you’ve ever seen this sign, you’re in luck. Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
