Imagine spending the holidays surrounded by the magic and wonder of Disney Parks—right in your very own kitchen. If that sounds like a dream come true, The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook by Ashley Craft is your ticket to making it a reality. In fact, this latest addition to Craft’s beloved series is designed to enhance your holiday celebrations with Disney’s festive flavors and joyful spirit, creating unforgettable moments with every dish.
Ashley Craft’s New Unofficial Disney Cookbook
If you’re new to Ashley Craft’s cookbooks, you might think this one is just for the winter holidays. But here’s the fun part—it’s designed to bring a bit of Disney magic to holidays all year long. From St. Patrick’s Day to the Fourth of July, and of course, Halloween and Thanksgiving, this cookbook has you covered. And of course, it does feature those classic winter holidays as well, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. What makes it even more special is how it highlights recipes from different sections of Disney theme parks in the U.S., such as Magic Kingdom and Disney California Adventure, as well as resort hotels and Downtown Disney.
Capturing the Essence of Disney’s Holiday Magic
At the heart of The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook is the spirit of Disney theme park holiday celebrations. With over 100 recipes inspired by dishes that delight visitors during the holiday season, this cookbook is like a passport to the flavors of Disney. Whether you’re in the mood to bake some tasty Christmas cookies, create Halloween-inspired treats, or cozy up with a seasonal drink, there’s something here for every occasion.
Organized for Ease: Navigating the Holidays
One of the things I appreciate most about this cookbook is its thoughtful organization. The recipes are neatly categorized by the various holidays celebrated at Disney Parks—Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and beyond. This makes it incredibly easy to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific Disney treat or an entire holiday-themed meal. What’s more, the clear, detailed instructions mean you don’t have to be a seasoned chef to pull off these magical dishes. Most of the ingredients are everyday pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt down anything unusual to bring the Disney experience to life in your own home.
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Exploring the Cookbook: A Journey Through Disney’s Festive Seasons
Christmas Delights: Embracing the Festive Spirit
Christmas at Disney Parks is truly something special, and Ashley Craft’s cookbook captures that magic beautifully. The Christmas section is packed with recipes like Gingerbread Mickey Cookies—fun to make and even more delightful to enjoy. If you’re looking for something warm and cozy, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate is perfect for those chilly winter nights. And for a show-stopping dessert, the Minnie Mouse Bundt Cakes can serve as the centerpiece of your holiday table, adding both visual flair and deliciousness to your celebrations.
Halloween Treats: A Spooky and Sweet Adventure
Halloween at Disney is all about extraordinary spooky treats, and this cookbook doesn’t disappoint. The Halloween section invites you to get playful with recipes like Pumpkin Churro Funnel Cakes, which put a Disney twist on classic fall flavors. You’ll also find eerie yet delightful drinks, such as the Not-So-Poison Apple Pie Milkshake—a nod to the Evil Queen from Snow White. These recipes will turn your kitchen into a Halloween wonderland, especially when paired with your festive decorations.
Thanksgiving: Crafting a Disney-Inspired Feast
As Thanksgiving approaches, this cookbook guides you to creating a feast worthy of Disney’s most popular theme parks and attractions. For instance, the Turkey Poutine, a popular dish from EPCOT’s Refreshment Port, brings a savory twist to the table. And the Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich offers a comforting take on post-holiday meals, infused with a bit of Disney magic. For dessert, the Pumpkin Pie Shake from Disney Beach Club Resort provides a fun spin on a traditional favorite. These dishes are perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering where you want to showcase the rich, hearty flavors of the season.
New Year’s Eve: Welcoming the New Year with Disney Flair
As the holiday season winds down, this cookbook can help you ring in the New Year with style and flair. For instance, you’ll find recipes perfect for a festive New Year’s Eve party, from appetizers to desserts. Start your celebration with Champagne Beignets—a dish that’s both sweet and savory, ideal for a party snack. Then, cap the night on a high note with Millionaire Shortbread Bars, a dessert that perfectly captures the excitement of Disney’s year-end celebrations.
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Tips for Making the Most of Your Disney Holiday Experience
Planning Ahead: Creating a Disney-Style Holiday Menu
To truly embrace the magic of The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook, planning ahead is key. Decide which recipes you want to include in your holiday celebrations, and gather your ingredients in advance. This way, you can enjoy the cooking process and fully immerse yourself in the Disney experience without the stress of last-minute preparations.
Involving the Whole Family
This cookbook is also a fantastic way to involve your whole family. Many of the recipes are simple enough for everyone to participate in, transforming your kitchen into a place of shared joy and creativity. Whether it’s decorating cookies or making holiday-themed churros, cooking together adds another layer of magic to your celebrations.
Adding Your Personal Disney Touch
And while the recipes are designed to recreate Disney’s magic, don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Maybe incorporate a favorite Disney character into your decorations or give a dish your own twist. These little additions will make the experience even more special and uniquely yours.
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Embark on a Magical Culinary Journey
The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook by Ashley Craft is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s your gateway to bringing the joy and wonder of Disney’s holiday celebrations into your home. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or simply looking to add some festive fun to your holiday season, this cookbook has something for everyone. Each recipe offers a new opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends. So, put on your Mickey ears, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your holidays truly magical.
Purchase The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook
Mark your calendars! The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook will be available on September 3, 2024, but you can preorder it now. You can find it at Simon & Schuster, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Books-A-Million (BAM!). While the list price is $22.99, prices may vary depending on the retailer.
(credit: Ashley Crafted)
About Ashley Craft
Ashley Craft is a passionate Disney fan and talented author who has made it her mission to bring the flavors of Disney Parks into homes worldwide. Growing up in Anaheim, the home of the original Disneyland, she spent countless days at the Happiest Place on Earth. With two internships at Walt Disney World, Ashley has become a leading expert on all things related to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Her cookbooks are not just about recipes—they’re about preserving and sharing the joy, nostalgia, and magic that Disney brings to so many lives. If you’re eager to add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your holiday season, Ashley Craft’s cookbooks are the perfect place to start. The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook is her latest publication and seventh overall. As of this writing, more than one million copies of Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks have been sold.
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About the Story’s Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University.
