Mousesteps Weekly #125 – Epcot Holiday Preview; Launchpad McQuack; Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread Displays w/Interviews; Orlando Eye

In Mousesteps Weekly #125, we talk about:

Holiday decorations at Epcot. Christmas trees have appeared, as have decorations around the World Showcase countries. More will be coming as Epcot kicks off its “Holidays Around the World” seasonal celebration on November 28th, 2014. There are some new decorations to be found in World Showcase, including decorative Moose in Canada and a new, large, Spode Christmas teapot in the United Kingdom pavilion. We love to begin our walk around World Showcase very early in the morning to Les Halles Boulangerie in France (which opens at 9:00 a.m.), continuing on at 11:00 a.m. around the rest of World Showcase when it opens.

We had a surprise meet and greet with Launchpad McQuack! The Disney Afternoon star rarely makes appearances at Walt Disney World, and we thought we’d be seeing Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws that morning – but we were delighted to meet Launchpad! He showed us his flying moves.

Next, we head over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to interview Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes about the new “Frozen” gingerbread display that still works within the “its a small world” framework begun by the resort about 5 years ago. We look at the display details and decadent holiday treats while Pastry Chef Barnes explains how it came about. We recommend the “Frozen” gelato!

Next, we head to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to interview Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek about the iconic gingerbread house. Now marking 16 years, the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House has never looked more grand. We show the final dusting, which is a holiday tradition for us. The opening date is Friday, November 21st, 2014 and they will offer 30 different treats for sale.

Gaylord Palms ICE! is also a tradition for us, and we had a preview before it opened to the public. The theme this year is “The Nutcracker”. Jeff was able to take a ride down the ice slide! We will share more about Gaylord Palms ICE! next week.

Our final segment is an interview with LEGOLAND Master Model Builder Jason Miller about the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium heading to International Drive. He built the model that stands behind him of the Orlando Eye, which will be a 400 foot wheel. 

Recorded 11/19/14 Featuring Commentary from Denise Preskitt and Jeff Lange.

Show Notes / Links

Theme Park Connection: Official Sponsor of MouseSteps Weekly – http://www.themeparkconnection.com/

ARTICLE: Epcot Preparing for Holidays Around the World as Decorations, Trees Start Appearing –http://preview.tinyurl.com/o2jn66a

VIDEO: Epcot Christmas Displays and Decorations 2014 Including Future World & World Showcase –http://youtu.be/wgjx6Y9e5ug

VIDEO: Launchpad McQuack Makes Rare Appearance at Epcot; Shows Us How to Fly – Walt Disney World – http://youtu.be/KfA1-S0Omd4

ARTICLE: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Goes “Frozen” With 2014 Gingerbread Display –http://preview.tinyurl.com/ndtgskp

VIDEO: FROZEN Gingerbread Display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort w/Character Treats, Hidden Olafs – http://youtu.be/3qVd0VnA4G8

ARTICLE: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House Receives Final Dusting of “Snow”; Opens November 21, 2014 – http://preview.tinyurl.com/nfduxpg

VIDEO: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House Overview 2014 and Final “Snow” Dusting –http://youtu.be/vOcwXNUVKQ8

ARTICLE: Gaylord Palms Resort ICE! Featuring The Nutcracker Readies for November 15th, 2014 Opening – http://preview.tinyurl.com/ne5q7sj

VIDEO: ICE! Featuring The Nutcracker at Gaylord Palms Resort – 2014 Holiday Season Teaser –http://youtu.be/R6TuNn9ocbs