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#DisneyMagicMoments: Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort –The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Treat

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Wed, May 6, 2020

#DisneyMagicMoments: Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort –The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Treat

by , Food & Beverage Content Relations Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Tonga Toast from Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.

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.

Tonga Toast from Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Serves 4

Ingredients:

Sugar-Cinnamon

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Batter

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Tonga Toast

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
  • 2 large bananas, peeled

Directions:

For Sugar-Cinnamon:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside.

For Batter:

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

For Tonga Toast:

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.

NoteThis 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.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

Keep checking back on the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments that include delicious Disney recipes. And be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

A Message about Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Tue, May 5, 2020

A Message about Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel

by , Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer

A Message about Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel

Dear Guests,

As you may have heard at Disney’s Q2 FY20 Earnings Results Webcast, our CEO Bob Chapek announced that Shanghai Disney Resort will begin the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11 – an encouraging sign for Disney parks and retail locations all over the world. After so much time at home, I know many of you are eager to enjoy the magic of a Disney parks visit, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.

I’m fortunate to work with Disney’s extraordinarily talented team of health and safety experts who are some of the most experienced in the industry. Together, with our colleagues in operations, and local health and government authorities, we’re evaluating several new and enhanced safety measures to do our part towards helping us stay well while we work, stay, and play at a Disney resort and a Disney store. I’m also working closely with the US Travel Association on a set of guidelines the travel industry may tailor to their individual businesses to help demonstrate that safety of travelers is a top focus.

To that end, I want to share an update with you about our plans and considerations as we prepare for the reopening of our parks, resorts and stores. At Disney, we’re exploring:

  • Phased reopening: We’re looking at all of our locations and how best to begin the reopening process, including a gradual reopening and/or partial reopening of certain locations. For example, the opening of retail and dining locations prior to the opening of our theme parks.
  • Physical distancing and capacity measures: As you can imagine, managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort is a major focus, as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. This will likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines. We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
  • Cleanliness and sanitization: We’re planning increased cleaning and disinfection, determining where that should take place (for example, in high-traffic areas), and the cleaning products and processes we’ll use.
  • Screening and prevention support: We’ll follow guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including those related to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings. Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across our resorts, have already been implemented.
  • Cast training: We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety amongst our cast members, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we get closer to reopening.

These are just a few examples of the many areas we are developing plans for, so please keep an eye on our online channels, where we’ll provide more details as we confirm and begin to implement our plans. Given the constantly changing global health environment, these practices may evolve as we consider the latest guidance, but we will share more information with you as we look towards reopening.

In the meantime, our focus remains on the health and safety of the entire Disney community – including the wellbeing of the Cast Members who are caring for and securing our parks and resorts during the closure. We have already implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures, such as increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in work areas, adjusting practices to promote physical distancing, and providing Cast with access to necessary PPE, including face coverings. We continue to learn from these experiences and will carry these lessons into reopening and beyond.

Finally, I want to recognize the medical professionals working to bring care and comfort in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to do what we can to help support the medical community and our local communities during this time.

We’re looking forward to welcoming all of you back to our Disney parks, resorts and stores. Until we are together once again, we wish you and your families health, hope, and happiness.

Thank you,

signature of Dr. Pamela Hymel

 

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

It’s Time For Magic: Shanghai Disneyland Begins Phased Reopening on May 11

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Tue, May 5, 2020

It’s Time For Magic: Shanghai Disneyland Begins Phased Reopening on May 11

by , President and General Manager, Shanghai Disney Resort

Over the past few months, all of our lives have been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. But even in the midst of uncertainty, it has been heartwarming to see people and communities around the world show compassion and support for one another.

At Shanghai Disney Resort, where I’m fortunate to serve as President and General Manager, we’ve been deeply touched by the kind words of care and courage shared with us as we navigated the longest park closures in the history of the Disney company. In Shanghai, we took the first measured steps towards reopening in early March, with the opening of some retail, dining, and entertainment experiences at Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel.

Today, as residents in Shanghai and its neighboring provinces have returned to more normal life – including at workplaces, schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations – I’m excited to share that Shanghai Disneyland will also be reopening to the public on May 11.

As we welcome guests back to the park, we will draw on the learnings from the reopening of Disneytown and Wishing Star Park, and we will implement new and enhanced health and safety measures reflecting the guidance of our local health and government authorities. While some things will look a little different, know that that a magical experience awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland. Now, more than ever, Shanghai Disney Resort is a special place for families and fans to create joyful memories and celebrate being together once again.

As Shanghai Disney Resort embarks on the first Disney park reopening, the rest of the Disney family at our other parks around the world also are busy preparing for reopening. When the time is right, they will be able to once again welcome guests – to explore and play, and to enjoy the lands of adventure, fantasy, tomorrow and imagination together.

Until then, stay safe, keep dreaming and stay tuned for more Disney Parks news and stories from Shanghai Disneyland!

And remember, you can always experience the magic of Disney wherever you may be on DisneyMagicMoments.com, and use #DisneyMagicMoments on social media to share your stories.

See you real soon!

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Disney News Other

All-New Droid Depot App Brings Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life at Home

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

All-New Droid Depot App Brings Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life at Home

by , Communications Specialist, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products

It’s that time of year again! The day that Star Wars fans from across the galaxy come together and celebrate May the 4th, a.k.a. Star Wars Day. You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far, away this year, as your very own Star Wars stories can now come to life at home with the all-new Droid Depot mobile app.

Droid Depot products

The out-of-this-world app, available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, brings your BB-series or R-series astromech droid unit from Droid Depot at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life for a galactic experience at home. While these droids can interact with elements in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now your droids can interact with you at home. For those of you who haven’t built an astromech droid unit yet, you’re in luck! You can also channel your inner droid builder in an all-new virtual experience where you can build a digital droid and create a whole new virtual collection of droids!

  • screenshot of new Driod Depot App
  • screenshot of new Driod Depot App

Join the Resistance when you sync up with your Droid Depot astromech unit. Every Jedi, Sith Lord and Rebel alike will be able to program their droids, customize them by name, see their profiles, and pilot them on a virtual path around their home activating sounds and maneuvers using the app.

You’ll also be able to choose some favorite galactic jams by DJ R3X straight from Oga’s Cantina and choreograph your droid to dance its way through your home, check it out:

From the youngest Padawan to the most knowledgeable Jedi, there are also adventures that await you in strategy mode! Here you will be able to play a game of tic-tac-toe with your droid in both easy and difficult modes.

What are you waiting for? The Droid Depot app is available in the U.S. and Canada and can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play. For the very first time, direct from a galaxy far, far, away, pre-built versions of BB-8 and R2-D2 interactive remote control droids from Droid Depot at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are available for a limited time, while supplies last, on shopDisney.com – they’ll arrive at your home, ready to play as soon as you sync them with the app.

Who’s ready to celebrate May the 4th droid style? I know I am!

Available for iPhone® and AndroidTM smartphones.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android TM and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Disney News Disney Parks Disney Recipes Other

#DisneyMagicMoments: Recipe for Popular Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT — First-Time Release on Disney Parks Blog

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Sun, May 3, 2020

#DisneyMagicMoments: Recipe for Popular Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT — First-Time Release on Disney Parks Blog

by , Food & Beverage Communications Coordinator

You won’t have to travel around World Showcase to try the famous Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from EPCOT – you can now make it at HOME!

Although featured in many Disney cookbooks, for the first time on Disney Parks Blog, we’re releasing the recipe for this classic soup you’ll find on the menu at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. It’s one of our most popular recipes and also a favorite of mine (of course, I love anything that involves cheese!) It serves as a great appetizer or even a warm dish for a cozy afternoon and you can pair it with pretzel bread for dipping for a magical meal!

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier
Steakhouse at EPCOT

Serves 10

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup warm Canadian golden lager or any pale lager-style beer
  • Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  2. Add red onion, celery, and butter and sauté until onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat.  Whisk in chicken stock and bring to boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after milk is added.
  5. Remove from heat and add cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend with immersion blender until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer.  If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

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.

From our Disney family to yours, we hope you enjoy this popular Disney 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!