Whether it’s watching soothing clouds drift above the mountainous landscape of Aulani or enjoying the sight of a sunny day at the beach, these magically peaceful moments-in-time can help you find your Zen!
#DisneyMagicMoments: Try this New Easy At-Home Grey Stuff Recipe, It’s Delicious!
by Karen McClintock, Food & Beverage Content Relations Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
It’s time to tie your napkin ‘round your neck while we provide a new easy at-home recipe inspired by the ultimate “Grey Stuff” found at Disney Parks around the world. Being one of our most sought-after recipes, our chefs got together to create this simple version the entire family will enjoy making and eating! Why not make it a “Beauty and the Beast”-themed evening and serve while watching the animated classic or live-action version (or both!) on Disney+?
And now we invite you to relax, pull up a chair as we proudly present –the Grey Stuff!
Simple At-Home Grey Stuff Recipe Inspired by the Ultimate “Grey Stuff” at Disney Parks Makes 12
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
15 chocolate sandwich cookies
1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
3 tablespoons instant chocolate pudding mix
12 scalloped sugar cookies
Edible sugar pearls
Directions:
Pour milk into large mixing bowl. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until firm.
Place chocolate sandwich cookies in food processor and pulse until puréed.
Fold puréed cookies into pudding mix. Stir until fully mixed.
Add whipped topping and instant chocolate pudding. Stir until fully mixed.
Place in refrigerator and chill for one hour.
Spoon grey stuff into piping bag fitted with desired tip. Pipe grey stuff onto cookies. Top with sugar pearls.
Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
Ava, a 13-year-old budding chef and Disney fan, made this recipe in her home kitchen – with the help of her personal sous chefs (mom and dad). Adam, Ava’s brother, was the official taste tester and agrees, “It’s delicious!” Check out her video.
From our Disney family to yours, we hope you enjoy this yummy recipe! And be sure to share the fun with Disney fans all over the world using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for even more #DisneyMagicMoments and more magical recipes. Happy snacking, Disney fans!
On Mother’s Day, Disney Dreamers Academy Alumni Give Thanks to Their Moms
by Annette Gibbs, Public Relations Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Mother’s Day is always a special occasion for Disney Dreamers Academy alumni Casey Carter of Columbia, South Carolina, and Anthony Juba-Richardson of Montverde, Florida. Their close bonds with their mothers has been instrumental in their success stories.
No Challenge Too Big
As soon as Casey, a 2018 Disney Dreamer Academy participant, was born she faced big obstacles. Three months premature, she immediately dealt with serious medical issues. As she achieved positive milestones during her infancy, Tara knew Casey was born with a fighting spirit.
Tara fostered that spirt, ensuring Casey never felt she had any limitations on what she could achieve.
So, years later, it was no surprise to Tara when Casey presented her with an ambitious high school science fair project idea. Casey wanted to tackle one of sport’s most prevailing health issues – concussions in football players. Tara committed to provide Casey whatever she needed to make the project a success.
With Tara’s support, Casey’s project won numerous national awards. She is now filing patents for the device she developed with the hopes of helping football players across the country.
“We are a mother and a daughter, but she’s also my best friend,” said Tara. “Casey is one of the most honest, compassionate, creative and intelligent people. You couldn’t ask for a better human being.”
Teaming Up to Help Others
Anthony was voted Disney Dreamer of the Year at the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy, thanks to his big personality and kind heart.
The moment caught him by surprise, but not his mother, Donar Juba-Johnson.
Since he was a child, Donar nurtured Anthony’s giving spirit and witnessed the impact it had on others.
As a teen, Anthony was inspired to help the elderly and went to Donar with an idea. Together they made and donated blankets to nursing homes, and when Anthony realized he could use his musical talents to help dementia patients, they incorporated this unique aspect into their mission. Ultimately, they co-founded the non-profit organization, One Beat Away, where they do everything as a team.
After Disney Dreamers Academy, they were inspired to dream even bigger, and formalized their charity and ramped up fundraising.
“I wanted my children to grow up in a world knowing that it’s not just about them,” said Donar. “The work they do matters. Even if one life is changed, that’s all that really matters.”
Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE is a four-day, transformational mentoring program for 100 teens that takes place annually at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Teens are encouraged to “Be100”, to be positive and “all in,” and to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.
#DisneyMagicMoments: Surprise Mom with ‘Happy Mother’s Tray’ of Disney Magic
by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks
With the arrival of Mother’s Day weekend, we’re bringing more #DisneyMagicMoments to everyone at home with a special roundup of Disney magic to celebrate mom like never before!
Our “Happy Mother’s Tray” features a variety of Disney DIY surprises, including how-to instructions for a Mickey bouquet, steps to create an inspiring Disney Mother’s Day card as well as heartwarming Disney coupons. And to make Mother’s Day extra special, we’re including the recipe for our famous Tonga Toast – the ultimate in decadent breakfast dishes.
This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect Mother’s Day treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic. Click here to see our video and recipe on how to make this treat for mom.
In just a few easy steps, you can also create a magical pop-up Disney balloon card to show your appreciation for mom. Click here to download the template for a Disney balloon card.
And with paper squares as flowers, you can make one of the most unique Disney bouquets your mom has ever received. Click here to download the template for a one-of-a-kind Mickey bouquet.
Also, we’re sharing a downloadable gift of special Disney coupons that includes free warm hugs, story time sessions and more. They’re guaranteed to make mom smile and can even be turned into a fun magic moment by cutting and putting the pages together as an activity.
From our Disney family to yours, we hope our “Happy Mother’s Tray” adds a dose of Disney magic to your Mother’s Day weekend! And be sure to share your tray with Disney fans all over the world using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments.
#DisneyMagicMoments: Wish Grace from the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Gorilla Family a Happy 1st Birthday!
by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
Every mom cherishes her child’s first birthday, so with Mother’s Day approaching this weekend our team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would like to share a recent celebration we held for Grace, a beautiful western lowland gorilla.
It was just over a year ago now that Grace was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And while the park is temporarily closed, our team was able to throw her a special princess-themed birthday party!
The team created a cardboard princess carriage attached to plastic horses by paper chains for Grace and her family to play with. There was also a cardboard castle and colorful piñata. The materials we used in the decorations are enrichment items we give the gorillas as a special treat – perfect for a birthday surprise!
Grace’s birthday “cake” was made of three layers of ice treats – blocks of ice with berries and currants for the gorillas to pick out as the ice melts. We also froze pureed sweet potatoes and kiwis and cut them into shapes for another birthday surprise.
Grace was born May 1, 2019, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to mother Kashata and father Gino, who were selected to breed as part of the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The plan ensures responsible breeding of endangered species so they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.
Grace is named after the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), a gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching. Our animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have spent more than a decade helping the GRACE team and local community rehabilitate orphan gorillas and protect the species in the wild.
We’re thrilled to watch Grace every day as she matures and develops magnificent new skills. She likes walking upright and hanging upside down, for example. She’s also very energetic, inquisitive and social, and loves to play – especially with her three older siblings.
It was a wonderful time celebrating Grace’s big day, and we’re looking forward to the time you can come see her and her family again on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!