Author: Francine Brokaw

Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn are adorable in ‘Foul Play’ now on 4K HD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

 

The delightful 1978 rom-com Foul Play, is now available in a 4K + Blu-ray combo pack, remastered for optimum viewing.  Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase star in this story of drama, intrigue, and plenty of laughs, courtesy of Chase.

This is the story of Gloria Mundy (Hawn), a single woman working at a San Francisco library, who suddenly finds herself entangled in a conspiracy of murder. One day she meets a man and accepts a date to join him at a movie theater. In the middle of the film she discovers he is dead. From there the story takes off as the body disappears and she cannot prove her story. He did leave her with one piece of advice before dying. “Beware of the dwarf” is what he told her. What dwarf??

Then Gloria is attacked and witnesses another murder, but once again cannot prove her story. The police detectives assigned to her case, Tony Carlson (Chase) and Detective Sergeant “Fergie” Ferguson (Brian Dennehy) find her story a bit far fetched. 

After some bizarre incidents, Tony Carlson realizes she has been telling the truth and is in danger from an unknown group. He takes it upon himself to be her personal bodyguard and their relationship blurs the boundary between professional and romantic. 

The story is filled with some fun antics and comments from Tony as he not only woos Gloria, but also tries to save her life. When the culprits are discovered, it is a chase – literally – through the streets of San Francisco, with Tony and Gloria on their way to stop a political assassination.

Burgess Meredith is adorable as Gloria’s landlord Mr. Hennessey, who joins in the antics trying to save Gloria while also thwarting the assassination. Dudley Moore plays a fun character who unwittingly get involved in Gloria’s life and finds himself in the middle of the caper, providing plenty of laughs for viewers. And Billy Barty plays a bible salesman who Gloria thinks is the dwarf she was warned about, however he is an innocent man. 

This is a true romantic comedy in every sense of the phrase. The romance between Tony and Gloria heats up the screen, while Tony and the other characters add plenty of comedy to this story of danger, intrigue, murder, and chaos.

The 4K  UHD as well as the Blu-ray are newly mastered, giving viewers a sharp, crisp, beautiful video. There are no bonus featurettes included.

This is a truly delightful film, which introduced a new song by Barry Manilow, “Ready to Take A Chance Again.” With that song, the soundtrack by Charles Fox, the comedy of Chevy Chase, and the cuteness of Goldie Hawn, this is a fun rom-com both men and women have enjoyed through the years.

Foul Play is rated PG.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Sabrina’ shines on 4K Ultra HD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The 1954 classic black and white film Sabrina is now available in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo pack. With Audrey Hepburn in her second starring role, Humphrey Bogart in a romantic lead, and William Holden, the story is a classic  Billy Wilder film that has stood the test of time. It was remade in 1995. That remake is good, as far as remakes go, however there is no substitute for the original.

Sabrina (Hepburn) has lived her entire life with her father in an apartment above the garage of the Larrabee mansion on Long Island. Her father Thomas Fairchild (John Williams) is the chauffeur for the entire Larrabee family. Sabrina has been in love with the youngest son David (Holden) since she was a child.

After being sent to Paris to cooking school, Sabrina returns to Long Island a completely different and confident young woman. Not only is she more mature, but she has undergone a complete makeover. Her beauty and charm now intrigues ladies-man David who is engaged to another woman but finds his attraction to Sabrina more intense than his relationship with his fiancé.

The Larrabee family is not happy with David’s attraction and attentiveness to Sabrina. His older brother Linus (Bogart), takes it upon himself to charm Sabrina with the intent of squelching her love for David. Unfortunately, he never considered what would happen if he were successful in his endeavors.

It might seem odd for viewers to see Bogart in the role of suitor. Holden is the quintessential ladies man on and off screen, but Bogart is the one that gets the girl this time. At least, he gains her love, but who will ultimately end up with Sabrina? David or Linus? Or neither? Of course, since this is a classic that has been around 70 years most people know the ending. Yes, Linus is the winner of Sabrina’s heart and mind.

The bonus features are wonderful. 

There is a featurette focusing on Audrey Hepburn’s style. She is a style icon and some of her outfits are discussed with people from the Otis College of Art and Design. This is an intriguing look at the way Hepburn changed the styles in Hollywood. She basically had simple clothes but her accessories are what elevated her style.

Another bonus feature looks at the world of Sabrina on the North Shore of Long Island. It is referred to as the “Gold Coast” of Long Island due to the oppulant mansions and the rich residents that created the tone and atmosphere of the area. Their lavish parties brought the “who’s who” of high society. 

Yet another bonus looks at the supporting cast in the film. There are many recognizable faces among the help at the Larrabee mansion, not to mention the Larrabees and their friends. 

William Holden is the focus of another interesting feature. His long and successful career put him in “The Golden Circle” of Paramount contract actors. This is a deep dive into his career which included many classic films. His casual style of acting created the persona he represented on screen.

Paramount in the 1950s was a center of the film industry. Another bonus feature looks at the films and actors that were part of making Paramount a major studio.

And finally, there is a documentary about Sabrina, the movie and the character.

With plenty of bonus features as well as a delightful film, this 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo pack from Kino Lorber is a great addition to any film collection. Although it is old, the visuals are clear and the scenes are crisp and clean. Both the 4K and the Blu-ray Discs are remastered for the ultimate viewing experience.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Christmas Above the Clouds’ retells ‘A Christmas Carol’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In the most recent retelling of the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol, Christmas Above the Clouds brings a fresh look at the tale that has inspired generations to make changes in their lives for the better. Erin Krakow stars as Ella Neezer, a high-octane CEO workaholic whose mentor once explained that “distractions are the enemy of success.” And Ella took these words to heart. She wanted with all her heart to be a big success, and she is.

This woman who could be described as as The Devil Wears Business Suits, is no-nonsense, bottom line, get it done at all costs, providing the costs are low. On Christmas Eve she tells her employees they must work through the holiday to finish their job. Bah Humbug.

To skip Christmas, a holiday she used to love but that now she finds sad and unnecessary, she books herself on a non-stop flight from New York to Sydney, Australia, thus, with the time/date change, skipping December 25th all together. It is fortuitous that on the same flight is her ex-fiancé Jake (Tyler Haynes), the man she still loves but who she threw over in exchange for the job of her dreams. But dream jobs come with consequences, as Ella soon finds out.

While on the flight Ella is visited by three spirits, and that does not refer to the alcoholic kind. She is taken to her past where she learns about people and circumstances that helped create the woman she is today. Then when she is taken to the present and when she learns how others think of her, she is flabbergasted. How did she end up where she is?  Yes, she has the dream job, but that is all. She has nothing else in her life.

Finally, when she is taken to the future Ella sees the light. She is told “It’s never too late to change.” After seeing what might be, she immediately decides to do just that – change. She finally gets the Christmas spirit back that she lost so long ago.

For a woman who was “the antithesis of Christmas,” Ella Neezer finally welcomes the joys of the holiday, friends, and family.

There have been so many retelling of the classic Christmas tale. It seems like every year there is a new version. So, what makes one more interesting than another? The actors and situations. Hallmark stars Krakow and Hynes are among the most beloved in their stable of regulars. They have been part of the Hallmark family for years and continue to shine in the many films in which they star. The pairing of these two is a delight, and one their fans will enjoy.

Christmas Above the Clouds is now streaming on Hallmark+. 


 
About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark/Crown Media

PBS celebrates the life and career of Dick Van Dyke

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Dick Van Dyke is 100 years old, or as some people might see him, 100 years young. American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke on PBS is an in-depth look at the career of this man who has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Julie Andrews calls him the “consummate” performer.

With comments from Van Dyke himself, along with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Steve martin, Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Jim Carrey and more, this documentary is filled with plenty of videos from the long history of Van Dyke’s career. His early years are somewhat forgotten, yet he had several attempts to build his career, only to have each one fade out.

His big break came with his role in the Broadway play Bye Bye Birdie, which he later reprised in the film version. That role led producer Sheldon Leonard to cast him in the iconic role of Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show, which is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. 

After that show ended, Van Dyke built a film career as well as continued with television. His role as Bert in the beloved Disney classic Mary Poppins won him fame with not only his TV fans but younger fans around the world. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was yet another of his legendary film roles.

There is so much included in this documentary that delves into the long and legendary career of Van Dyke. It is amazing to see his rise to fame, his continued standing in the entertainment industry, and his zest for life at his age. 

Comedy, drama, singing and dancing are all wrapped up in the talents of Dick Van Dyke. Not only is Dick Van Dyke an iconic entertainer and a six-time Emmy Award winner, he is also an inspiration to many.

American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke premieres December 12, 2025 on PBS and the PBS app.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image credit: Calvada Productions, Paul Brownstein, Media Icons
Supplied courtesy PBS

Wayne and Lanny return in a new film ‘Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

They’re back! Those fun and bumbling elves, Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) and Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) are back for their fourth escapade. They first gave viewers a thrill in 2009 when they were teamed together for Prep & Landing. They returned in 2010 for Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa, then again in 2011 for Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. There were some shorts in the popular franchise as well: Prep & Landing: Tiny’s Big Adventure and Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice: Kringle County Fair. This year the two lovable elves are back for their most entertaining show yet, Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol.

This adorable film has the two screw-ups bumbling through some misadventures. First, they completely mess up their latest assignment, but Wayne insists on keeping it a secret from everyone. He invokes the duo’s code, “The Snowball Protocol,” which is their way of keeping a secret.

Then, the two are tasked by their boss Magee (voiced by Sarah Chalke) to babysit her pet baby seal named Nog. He steals the show! 

While they are looking out for this little pup, Nog takes off to explore the wonders of the building with its many areas of fun. With Wayne and Lanny on the hunt for this little fellow, he manages to find the fruitcake factory but does not know that this seasonal dessert does not agree with his sensitive stomach.  

Wayne and Lanny manage to retrieve him before Magee returns, just in the nick of time. But watching Nog’s adventure is just one of the highlights of the film.

Finally, there are the shenanigans from their time on the island where Magee has everything planned out for a wonderful vacation. This type-A boss is more than bossy, but when she sees Renato, the laid-back hunk that steals her heart, she leaves the plans in the not-so-capable hands of Wayne and Lanny. Wayne, of course, hands it all off to Lanny. Chaos ensues but all with fun and a little craziness.

The finale scene is heartwarming as Santa’s special message to Wayne finally becomes clear to him.

This is a delightful show for the entire family. It has all the ingredients for a memorable Christmas story that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol will premiere on Disney Channel November 27, 2025, on ABC November 30, 2025, and will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning November 28, 2025 and on Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas beginning December 13, 2025.

Gather your family for an enjoyable and entertaining experience with the beloved Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne as they continue with their mayhem but mostly discover the love of friendship. Toys are fun, but friendship is truly a wonderful gift.

Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol is rated G. Enjoy!

And there’s more!

  • New “Prep & Landing”-focused “Chibi Tiny Tales” and “How Not To Draw” shorts will join YouTube, Disney Channel and Disney+. “Prep & Landing: As Told By Chibi” premieres Saturday, Nov. 15 (YouTube and Disney Channel), and streams Nov. 26. “How Not to Draw” short “Lanny and Wayne” premieres Saturday, Nov. 29 (YouTube and Disney Channel), and will stream in February 2026.
  • An official single from the special, “Where Would We Be Without Magee,” will be available on digital platforms Nov. 21.
  • A limited-edition merchandise collection from Toddland, inspired by the new holiday special, will be available for purchase.

All of the Prep and Landing films are available to stream on Disney+. This makes a fun family night of viewing pleasure. Grab some hot chocolate and settle in for a marathon of Lanny and Wayne.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Disney

‘Christmas North of Nashville’ is part of Great American Christmas

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

One of the holiday films adding sparkle this year to the 5th Anniversary of “Great American Christmas” on Great American Family and GFAM+, Christmas North of Nashville, brings together family, love, and the spirit of Christmas. Emily Alatalo and Jonathan Stoddard star in this holiday story that takes place in Tennessee, however the movie was actually filmed in North Carolina, which often substitutes for Nashville in many films.

Jules (Alatalo) is a tough, businesswoman who has no time for Christmas. She is a go-getter, in the true sense of the word. When she oversteps the line, she is fired from her high-powered Nashville marketing job.

Jules goes home to her mother and father and tries to figure out what to do next. Well, fate interferes when her mother is injured and cannot fulfill her job organizing the town’s Christmas Carnival, which she was going to make the biggest and best in the 25 year history. Jules cannot understand why the carnival is so important to her mother. Sure, it is for charity, but for over two decades she has seen her mom pour her heart and soul into this annual project.

Once back in her hometown, Jules is reacquainted with her old friend Nick (Stoddard). No sparks fly because they are just good friends. But wait. Yes, you know things are going to heat up. After all, this is a feel-good Christmas story from the folks at Great American Media, and besides the joy of the holiday season, they are also great at bringing love matches to their movies.

So, with her mother incapacitated, Jules takes over the job of heading the carnival committee, albeit reluctantly. With the help of Nick, they dive in to breathe life into what could be the final blow to the carnival. But with Jules’ business acumen and determination, things just might turn out for the better.

Jules rediscovers the joy and spirit of Christmas. When she began she was more scrooge-like but through this experience, Christmas once again sparkles in her life, along with her relationship with her parents, and of course, with Nick.

The rediscovery of family, community, and Christmas is just what she needed to get her life back on track. 

Stoddard and Alatalo are also currently starring in Great American Media’s Crossroad Springs series. They are both part of the Great American Media’s stable of actors who continually bring wholesome entertainment to viewers.

Christmas North of Nashville premieres November 23, 2025 on Great American Family and GFAM+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Great American Media 2025

‘Murder at the Embassy’ brings back Miranda Green

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 2023 Mischa Barton brought the character of Miranda Green to the screen in Invitation to a Murder. Now, in 2025, Green returns in a new murder mystery, Murder at the Embassy.

The story takes place in Cairo where a murder has been committed inside the British Embassy. The Embassy is the property of Great Britain so the Ambassador decides not to bring in the police and instead invites Miranda Green to investigate. It just happened that Green was traveling in Egypt at that time. What luck!

The era of this story is the time when Hitler was making his mark around the globe. With Hitler sympathizers all around, there could be a fly in the ointment, so to speak.

The murder happened at night and as Green suspects, the culprit is still in the building. With only a few people staying in the Embassy the list of suspects is very short. The Ambassador, his daughter, an embassy staff member, a gardener, a security man, a photographer, and an American actress are all under suspicion. 

As Green begins to investigate, her instincts lead down different avenues. And when the security officer Mamoud (Mido Hamada) is ruled out, Green has someone she can trust to help with the investigation. In the beginning, Mamoud is not happy about having this outsider running the investigation, but as he sees her uncover one clue after another, he is pleased to work alongside her. His allegiance is to the Ambassador and the Embassy.

There are several surprises throughout the story. Some people who look suspicious are actually on the side of good, while others who are friendly are in reality, the enemy. The puzzle keeps intensifying, but with Miranda Green on the case, there is no doubt the murder will be solved. The finale, however, is something that will surprise most viewers.

Whether there will be a third Miranda Green murder mystery film is not certain. Fans of Barton will undoubtedly enjoy watching her as she bravely puts the pieces of the puzzle together one bit at a time until the conclusion reveals some astonishing results.

Murder at the Embassy opens in theaters and on digital on demand November 14, 2025. It is rated R for some violent content.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Lionsgate

‘A Royal Christmas Manor’ airs on UP TV and streams on UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In yet another holiday film about a royal prince finding love, A Royal Christmas Manor adds additional fun and cuteness into the story. Prince Alexander (Kirk Barker) of Fredonia is getting a little tired of being waited on and having everything done for him. He needs an escape, just for a little while, to experience life as a regular man.

Alexander persuades his parents, King Jeffrey and Queen Sophia (Andrew Forbes and Julie Fox), into letting him take time away from his royal life and go to America. Having heard of an inn in New York state called the Fredonia Inn, he insists that is where he wants to go. 

His parents agree to his plan but the caveat that he takes his friend Jackson (Jake Bryan-Amaning) with him, otherwise he will not be able to go. Alexander agrees and soon he and Jackson are off to experience a normal American Christmas. From now on he will be simply Alex with no one knowing his true identity.

Katie (Brianna Cohen) has been left in charge of her family’s business, The Fredonia Inn, for a couple weeks. This is a test to see if she can manage taking care of the property without her parents. She is more than happy to prove she is up to the task.

When Alex and Jackson arrive, they discover there is only one bed in their suite. Not a problem. Alex, wanting to be just a regular guy, insists on sleeping on the sofa. Problem solved. 

While he is experiencing this new freedom from royal constraints, he goes out of his way to help out wherever he can. The inn is small with only a few guests, giving Alex the opportunity to stretch his knowledge of cooking and baking (surprise – he really can do this), and carpentry. Having volunteered to build a bookcase for Katie, he discovers he has absolutely no ability to build anything other than good relations between people. 

True to form for a royal Christmas film, Alex and Katie fall in love. But what happens from start to finish is what makes this story appealing and entertaining. It is a fresh look at a prince coming to America to experience life as a normal man. 

There are some cute scenes in the film as Alex tries his best to fit in and learn about American life and living in a snowy environment. Learning how to walk with snowshoes is only the start!

A Royal Christmas Manor premieres November 9, 2025 on UP and begins streaming November 14, 2025 on UP Faith and Family. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy UP TV

‘The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films’ – book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most beloved filmmakers in Japan. His anime movies have topped the charts both in Japan and America. The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films by Nicolas Rapold delves into the history of the iconic anime filmmaker and looks at what his inspiration has been throughout his life, that combined to create the movies.

Miyazaki’s films are pure fantasy. His subjects are often dark and disturbing, yet he has managed to capture the imaginations of viewers around the globe. Some actual locations were the inspiration for the settings in many of his stories.

Books, fairytales, stories, and personal experiences all made their way into the films, and, as readers will understand while going through the pages of the book, his mind and creativity are born of history and representations that affected his life.

While this is a book filled with background about Miyazaki, there are also plenty of images that show his inspiration as well as his films. Whether Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz, Miyazaki has found characters, places, and events that inspired his unique films. 

While his films look like pure delight on the outside, there are many dark and disturbing layers that bear the stamp of this man and his message to the world. 

Myazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli, which has produced several notable films and award-winners.

The sense of magic and awe are evident throughout his films. Reading about his inspirations and history adds more depth to the background of not only the stories but also the films themselves.

The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Castle in the Sky (1986)

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Porco Rosso (1992)

Whispers of the Heart (1995)

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Spirited Away (2001)

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Ponyo (2008)

Arrietty (2010)

From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

The Wind Rises (2013)

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

For fans of the filmmaker, this book is a great addition to their library. It delves deep into the creative talent and although many dark sides of life are shown in the stories, it adds insight into the man and his films. This exploration of Miyazaki and his films is a well-rounded deep dive into the iconic Japanese filmmaker.

  • <i>The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films</i>
  • Author: Nicolas Rapold
  • Publisher<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>Frances Lincoln
  • Publication date<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>September 16, 2025
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • ISBN-10<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>1836004818
  • ISBN-13<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>978-1836004813</ins><ins datetime=”2025-11-06T21:01:17+00:00″>

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

To read reviews of some of his films, check out the following:

The Cat Returns and Spirited Away


My Neighbor Totoro

Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro

Disneyland Resort has some great new food offerings for the 2025 holiday season

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 14, 2025, through Jan. 7, 2026. And, as Disneyland aficionados know, Disneyland + holidays = great food.

The Festive Foods Marketplaces are once again up and ready to serve. And there is a Sip and Savor Pass available to purchase for the Festival of Holidays. The Sip and Savor passes are designed for guests to enjoy sampling a variety of different food and beverages and the easy ordering makes it fast and friendly.

Here are some of the new options this year:

  • Tacos dorados de camarón: Two shrimp tacos fried to a golden brown topped with zesty slaw, salsa roja, salsa macha, and crema served with Spanish rice and refried beans (available at the Paradise Gardens Grill)
  • Spicy Cajun loaded fries: Cajun fries topped with hot links, cheddar cheese, corn, and bell peppers (available at the Smokejumpers Grill)
  • Holiday duet: Half portion of each Mac & Cheese: Al pastor mac and cheese with tortilla crumble and cilantro, and savory kugel mac and cheese with herb breadcrumbs, sour cream and chives (available at Holiday Duets)
  • Holiday Turkey Leg with cranberry sauce (available at A Twist on Tradition)
  • Irish Hot Cocoa Cocktail: Irish whiskey, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. hot chocolate with cookies and cream flavors, melted chocolate, hazelnut purée, and Irish cream syrup garnished with whipped cream (available at Brews & Bites)
  • Philly Cheese Potato: Baked potato filled with Italian sausage, thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, pepperoncini, cheese sauce, and cherry pepper spread (available at the Refreshment Corner)
  • Holiday Butter Cake Sundae: Warm chocolate butter cake, peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint (available at the Red Rose Taverne)
  • Yuletide Carnitas Torta: Warm telera bread with carnitas, chorizo beans, cotija, lettuce, pickled onions & jalapeños, and guacamole spread served with filmstrip fries (available at Award Wieners)
  • Milk & Cookies: Battered and fried crème-filled cookies with whipped topping, chocolate drizzle, and crushed peppermint candy (available at Award Wieners)
  • Mushroom & Swiss Burger: Angus beef & vegetable patty, roasted herb mushrooms, caramelized & fried onions, Swiss cheese, and blue cheese sauce served on a toasted brioche bun (available at the Galactic Grill)

Philly Cheese Potato from Refreshment Corner in Disneyland park

Holiday Butter Cake Sundae from Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland park

…Don’t forget the Milk & Cookies from Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure park –

Irish Hot Cocoa Cocktail from Brews & Bites –

Holiday Turkey Leg from A Twist on Tradition

’Tis the season to enjoy not only the Disneyland Resort (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney), but also the mouth-watering new foods created just for the Festival of Holidays 2025. Can you say “yummmm?”

For more about the food offerings this season, check out the holiday Foodie Guide here.

(I don’t know about you, but that Holiday Butter Cake Sundae is at the top of my list!)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years, including products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County.

Food photo credit David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort

Foodie Guide credit: Copyright Disney