Holiday Drinks at Disney

Holiday Season Drinks of 2012
The holiday season just wouldn't be the same without enjoying a Hot Buttered Rum, Baileys with Hot Chocolate or a Tom & Jerry. But when you're at the parks, what holiday-inspired drinks will fit the bill? Here you'll find special holiday drink menus along with some year-round favorites that just taste better during the holiday season.

Epcot
The Disney park known for it's wide variety of drinks doesn't disappoint during the holidays. You can enjoy a hot traditional German wine, or enjoy a specialty coffee in Morocco. 

Germany
During the holiday months, the wine room keeps a hot kettle brewing with their Christkindles Glühwein (Glow wine) behind the counter. This is a very popular and traditional alcoholic drink in Germany during Christmas. It is a red wine served piping hot with deep rich flavors of cinnamon, cloves and light citrus. A stop in Epcot during the holidays is not complete for us unless we get a glass of this. It's served in a plastic cup with a handle, just slightly larger than the typical wine glasses, for $6. You can also purchase a bottle to take home to your own festivities for $12.95 (which we did!)
It tastes like you took a savory sangria and heated it up. If this doesn't heat you up on a cold FL night (yes, it does get cold sometimes), nothing will. The bottle also recommends trying it over ice, but that just seems wrong.

The Tannenbaum (Christmas tree) shaped bottle holds "Baden Pinot Noir" and sells for $21. You'll also find a fun assortment of every adult's favorite chocolate - the liquor-filled kind! Chocolates are available in boxes or single serving, you know, for those emergencies...

Along with the regular Glühwein, you'll find Albrecht Dürer Glühwein aus Weisswein which is a white wine sweetened with honey and other spices. We didn't see this one available by the glass, but if you're there it doesn't hurt to ask.


Holiday Beer Garden
Germany's Beer Garden from Food & Wine has been transformed for the seasons with a holiday theme. Here you'll find beer, wine and tasty treats from the Werther's store.
 
Drinks:
Gluhwein - 6oz. - $5.63  |  Bottle $10.95
Winter Dream William's Punch - 6oz. - $6.57  |  Bottle $27.95
Radeberger Beer - 12oz. - $5.50
Schonauer Apfel (Apple Liqueur) - 1.5oz. shot - $2.50

Review: The Winter Dream William's Punch is a special twist on your typical eggnog - a creamy, white wine with savory spices. Served hot with a heap of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, this beverage will really warm you up for the holidays. Even if you're not a big eggnog fan, you may still want to give this a try - it's very different from your typical cold 'nog from the grocery store. Typical eggnogs are made with a hard liquor, this one has wine as its base which makes it unique.
 

Morocco
So maybe these coffee drinks are available year-round, but who really wants to drink hot coffee in 90 degree weather? This is the time of year when we order these tasty concoctions again. Kasbah and Casablanca are our favorites. Even the non-coffee drinker here loves these drinks! How can you go wrong with a little coffee, some flavored liqueur topped with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg?
Tangierine Coffee - with orange liqueur - $6.99
Kasbah Coffee - with hazelnut liqueur - $6.99
Casablanca Coffee - with vanilla liqueur - $6.99 (pictured)

Hollywood Studios
Good news! We've got some holiday cocktail imbibery to be done at the Studios again this year! These delicious decadences can be found at High Octane Refreshments. Through diligent research we've also found the talented mixologists at the Tune-In Lounge are also fully capable of pouring a glass of cheer. The temporary bar next to Sci-Fi is not pouring these Holiday concoctions this year, but they do have hard liquor, beer and wine available.
Sleigh Ride & SnowballMerry Margarita - $10.75
Sauza Gold tequila, blue curacao, sweet & sour, lime juice and a souvenir glow cube.

Sleigh Ride - $10.75
Myers's Platinum rum, Beefeaters gin, SKYY vodka, triple sec, sweet & sour and cranberry juice with a souvenir glow cube.

Snowball - $8.75
Kahlua coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, Amaretto, half & half and whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon nutmeg.

Baileys Coffee - $7.50
Baileys Irish Cream, fresh-brewed coffee, topped with whipped cream.

Captain's Hot Cider - $6.75
Hot apple cider with Captain Morgan Original spiced rum.

Snowball Recipe
Due to popular demand, here's the Snowball Drink Recipe!

2 parts Amaretto, 1 part Kahlua, 1 part Baileys, 4 parts half & half. "Roll" to combine and top with whipped cream and a dash of ground nutmeg. "Rolling" a drink is simply pouring it from one glass to another; it's similar to shaking but doesn't cause the bubbles you'd get by shaking this creamy drink.

Review: You should know by now that we are no fans of glow cubes or flashy cups in general. We don't need to pay an extra $2-3 bucks for a worthless blinky cube. Here's the insider's tip, you can ask for the drinks without the glow cube. In fact, these "holiday" drinks are simply (and unfortunately) rebadged regular drinks with a holiday name. I asked if I could order the Sleigh Ride without a cube and the bartender asked if I meant I'd like a "Long Beach" hint-hint - same drink sans glow cube profit. The "Sleigh Ride" was delicious with a great juniper bite from the gin and the tart, tang of cranberry and sour mix. Simply put, crisp and refreshing but maybe better suited to the gin lover in the party.

Ever wonder what a Snowball tastes like? I'm happy to report it's completely different than the white-washes I remember as a kid (northerner joke - Whoo!!!) Disney's Snowball is like a rich, creamy vanilla shake on ice. The amaretto provides a sweet almond backdrop and is beautifully complimented by Kahlua and Bailey's adding that Je ne sai quoi of depth and intricacy to the always perfect cream. Top this with whipped cream and plenty of nutmeg and you've got Christmas in a glass. So, is this one good for you? Well, it's the perfect cocktail to get you feeling a little like ol' Saint Nick himself. Two or three and you may end up looking like him as well. As with all good things, moderation is key!

The Merry Margarita did not stand up to its name. The worst drink we tried. It tasted like we were drinking a cup of sweet and sour mix with blue curacao. No discernable tequila taste at all whatsoever. Maybe we just got a bad pour, but for $7.50 (or $11!!) I'd better be able to tell that I'm getting my top shelf tequila. What's that you say? They don't even claim it's got the good stuff in it? Obviously, steer clear on this one.
 

Osborne Lights Area
Beverages
Spiced Eggnog - $7.25
Bottled Beer - $6
Sutter Home Wine (Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio) - $7.50
Sparkling Wine - $7.50
If you would like a beer or wine and don't want to leave the lights, there's a stand selling beverages, along with some popcorn, cookies and other treats.



Big River Grille
Winter's Nip, a special holiday brew, is available November 13 - December 23, 2012 at Big River Grille on Disney's Boardwalk. This dark colored Bock comes served in a special holiday mug. While very dark in color, the flavor is not like your typical dark beer. Winter's Nip has a surprising sweet finish with hints of caramel and toffee. This is definitely for someone who enjoys a sweet beer, and it's on the verge of a bit much for those that do. A glass half the size would be much more enjoyable.


Crew's Cup Lounge at Yacht & Beach Club Resort
You'll find a special Holiday Themed Drink at the Crew's Cup this year.

Santa's Little Helper
Gold schnapps, Butterscotch, Baileys, half & half, grenadine and topped with whipped cream.


Downtown Disney

Portobello Restaurant
While at Downtown Disney, don't miss their specialty cocktail this season, Cranberry Bog. "A mix of vodka, amaretto and freshly squeezed orange juice."
View their full Holiday Menu here.


Fulton's Crab House
Make at stop at Fulton's for their 2 specialty holiday cocktails:
Chocolate Raspberry Martini - A blend of Harlem, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, Chambord and cream.
Hazelnut Mocha Fusion - Bailey's Hazelnut, Chocolate, Malibu and Milk topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
View their full Holiday Menu here.



Any holiday favorites that we left out? Let us know in the comments.
It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas...

Holidays Around The World & Candlelight Processional at Epcot

November 23, 2012 - December 30, 2012
©DisneyDuring the Christmas season, Epcot celebrates with "Holidays Around The World", where you learn how each country celebrates at this time of the year, and the "Candlelight Processional", a 50-piece orchestra and massive choir perform Christmas favorites inbetween a guest celebrity narrator retelling the story of Christmas.

Candlelight Processional is held in the outdoor theater in the America pavilion and seats go quickly. People begin lining up hours ahead, depending on the narrator. There are dinner packages with reserved seating available.

Schedule & Narrators
American Gardens Theatre (5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.)
November 23 to November 25, 2012 — Geena Davis
November 26 to November 29, 2012 — Neil Patrick Harris
November 30 to December 1, 2012 — Whoopi Goldberg
December 2 to December 4, 2012 — Andy Garcia
December 5 to December 7, 2012 — Blair Underwood
December 8 to December 10, 2012 — James Denton
December 11 to December 13, 2012 — Jodi Benson
December 14 to December 16, 2012 — Lea Salonga
December 17 to December 19, 2012 — Alfre Woodard
December 20 to December 22, 2012 — Trace Adkins
December 23 to December 25, 2012 — Gary Sinise
December 26 to December 28, 2012 — Amy Grant
December 29 to December 30, 2012 — Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason
(narrators subject to change)

These events are included with your regular park admission. Dinner packages are extra.

New Year's Eve at Disney World Resort

©bdeshamOur tips for New Year's Eve survival is similar to 4th of July tips: If you want to celebrate in the Magic Kingdom or Epcot get there early and find a comfortable bench because you're staying til the end. If you leave the park in the afternoon/dinner time there is a very good chance the park will reach capacity and you won't be allowed back in. Don't think that just because you have a dining reservation that you'll be allowed in either. Prepare for a full, long day at your park of choice for the night.

New Year's Eve December 31, 2012 Park Hours:
Magic Kingdom - 9am-12am (EMH 8am-9am)
Epcot - 9am-1am
Hollywood Studios - 9am-12am (EMH til 3am)
Animal Kingdom - 9am-8pm (EMH 8am-9am)


Special New Year's Parties:

Animal Kingdom - Ok, we can pretty much throw Animal Kingdom out as an option. We love the park, but it closes at 8. Pity. Such a pretty park at night.

Magic Kingdom - This is where EVERYONE and their mother wants to be, so prepare yourself for the ungodly masses that will squeeze into this park today. And remember - No beer. No adult drinks. No champagne toast at midnight. That doesn't sound like a good New Year's party to us. Moving on. If you do decide to stay here, they usually do a special version of Wishes, although this is the only park where nothing official has been released yet. More information coming soon.

Epcot - Given this park has the most amount of space you'd assume it would be more manageable with the crowds. It is - ever so slightly. More space just means to Disney more room to cram in more people. They even bring those trailer port-a-potties out in World Showcase. Now, they do have the best entertainment and party scene of the parks, in our opinion. Several of the countries do their own mini-parties (don't miss China), and there usually is one DJ booth set up near the fountains for one big dance party. Plus, there are 2 showings of Illuminations scheduled at 7pm and 11:40pm.

New this year is a buffet dining experience inspired by Disney’s classic animated films Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 which will take place at the World ShowPlace facility, with reservations available from 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Priced at $68.67 for adults and $44.37 for children. (Park admission required)

Expect crazy long lines for drinks out in the park - worse than the worst lines for Food & Wine. I've included a video from YouTube that shows the range of entertainment. This is our pick for most exciting, party-atmosphere Disney park to ring in the New Year. Do arrive early and plan to stay all day, they may hit capacity later in the afternoon/evening. Hey, if I'm going to be crammed in like sardines there at least better be poundin' beats, dancin' and drinks available! We partied here once and it was a blast. A messy, crowded, dancing blast.

(Video from YouTube user: "Milkdidmybodygood")

Hollywood Studios - This is the overlooked park when considering where to celebrate on New Year's. Because of that, the crowds are slightly more manageable than the other big 2 parks.

"Rock in the New Year with resident family of landscapers/rock and roll musicians, Mulch, Sweat, and Shears! “The Mulch, Sweat, and Shears New Years Eve Spectacular” blasts off on a specially built stage in front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios signature Sorcerer Hat icon and includes contemporary rock, funk, and classic rock and roll favorites. The four concert sets will feature pyrotechnics and special effects and lead up to ringing in the New Year with Mulch, Sweat, and Shears playing live accompaniment to a full scale fireworks spectacular in order to welcome the start of 2013 properly!"   

There will also be two showings of Fantasmic! tonight, at 6:30pm and again at 8pm.

Extra magic hours til 3am make this the park to be if you want to party late, and even if you are not staying at the resort, they will not kick you out of the park. However you CANNOT go on any attractions - they require your Key to the World Card to get on rides during EMH. But you can still hang out in the park and party!

We've never partied here for the holiday, so check out what Matt has to say about this choice of park for New Year's over at StudiosCentral.com

Atlantic Dance Hall - Over at the Boardwalk, the usually empty Dance Hall will be throwing a party. I have heard that some people have partied here and actually had a great time. They will be open 8pm-2am. For a cover charge (with limited tickets available), you get access to the main floor where you'll find a DJ spinning, people dancing, and a giant screen showing a video of the song playing. More details to come. Last year they also had a VIP area as well. Dress is business casual or formal. Think club-trendy. Hey, it's a holiday, have fun with it! For photos and a review of previous year's event check out Save Pleasure Island. For advanced tickets, call 407-934-7639. General Admission is $39, VIP which allows you upstairs with desserts and a limited view of Epcot's fireworks is $85.

DisneyQuest - There is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Guests are entertained with a DJ Dance Party, character meet and greets, plus unlimited access to games and DisneyQuest attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a quick service entrée, side and drink. Tickets go on sale soon at 407-934-7639.

Splitsville Bowling Alley - The brand-new bowling alley, bar & restaurant at Downtown Disney is having a New Year's party. This ages 21 & up party features food, beverages, a DJ, dancing, pool tables and more. The Special Bowling packages cost $175 per person (minimum 4 people) and includes 3.5 hours of bowling, shoe rental, choice of one appetizer and one entree per person, two drink tickets, one bottle of champagne or wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. For more information, visit the website or call 407-938-PINS.

Disney Cruise Line - Is offering a New Year’s Party complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown to guests sailing on select cruises departing in late December. For booking, call 888-325-2500 

Rix Lounge - No word yet on a special New Year's party, though they will be open regular hours.


Jellyrolls -No word yet on a special New Year's party, though they will be open regular hours.


Party a little too much? No worries - taxis are available at the main entrance of each park.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios

November 9, 2012 – January 4, 2013
©DisneyA dazzling display of millions of lights that dance to holiday music. Back on the Streets of America section of Hollywood Studios (right in front of Lights! Motor! Action! area) the buildings down the street are completely covered with lights. About every 10 minutes, they start flickering and flashing to the beat of the holiday music. You'll find all kinds of other decorations on the street, in the air and on the buildings. The lights turn on at "sunset", which is usually around 6pm. Snowflakes even fall from the sky to add an extra touch of holiday spirit.

Our thoughts from previous years: This street becomes unbearably crowded at first lighting. Literally shoulder-to-shoulder, everyone meandering up then down the jam-packed street. We came on a night with 2 showings of Fantasmic and during the time of the first show the Osborne lights area wasn't quite as crowded as it has been in the past. If you've already seen Fantasmic or don't want to, that is an excellent time to come and see the lights.

It's definitely worth seeing, but it's more of an event to see, rather than something you can enjoy on your own time like Epcot's Holidays Around the World. The crowds in early November are much better more manageable than the dates closer to Christmas. It would be nice if you could grab a bench, hot cocoa and just sit and enjoy the atmosphere, but the masses of people make it more of a 'get in, see it, get out' kind of event. Given the slightly more manageable crowds the night we went, we actually were able to spend some time here and really take in some of the detail.

Check out photos over in the gallery, including a creepy police santa.

This event is included with your regular park admission.