Denise's Corner

Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Opens on November 16th, 2016: Photos of Building Progress

Denise

Hi everyone!

One of the highlights of the season for me each year is the opening of Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House. Now in its 18th year, it has long been an iconic symbol of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. I always look forward to seeing what characters are represented in the design! Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House will be open from 10 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. beginning November 16th, 2016 and will close January 1st, 2017. Here are some photos from yesterday of the progress, as well as video from last year of the ribbon cutting ceremony (and a look at the house itself).

Follow Mousesteps on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram!

Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek and his team put in a lot of time to create the beautiful house. If the same as last year, it would include over 2 months with 840 hours of labor and 5089 shingles.

Ingredients include 1050 pounds of honey, 140 pints of egg whites, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour and 700 pounds of chocolate!

Gingerbread samples were being given out, here is a look at my sample along with a brochure featuring recipes on making a gingerbread ornament and house. The gingerbread is a European recipe from Herbitschek, a firmer recipe than others I’ve had.

Here is our video of the grand opening in 2015, with Alice helping cut the ribbon with Erich Herbitschek. And you can find my article from last year here. Keep reading for more photos and information from yesterday!

The pastry team put up shingles quickly yesterday, with the gingerbread house taking shape.

For the first time, an established date (Established 1999) was added to the front of the house.

Here is a closer look at the sign.

Shingles are on this chimney.

Here is a look at the front of the house, where guests will be able to purchase gingerbread goodies and more. I recommend the gingerbread shingle with chocolate.

There should be steam rising from the chimney soon.

Gifts always are set here.

The crane will be used this week for the final dusting from Herbitschek.

Traditionally a pastry chef is out here at set times during the week once the house opens, handing out samples and demonstrating how to decorate a gingerbread house.

Will you be visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House this year?