This Baked French Toast Recipe Lets You Host a Stress-Free Brunch

If you’re looking to host your pals for brunch with minimal effort, consider this baked French toast. Throw it together in minutes; toss it in the oven; and use your extra time to whip up a killer pitcher of Bloody Marys (or maybe even catch a few extra zzz’s!). You and your guests will enjoy a warm, custard-laced dish that tastes even better than it looks. We brightened up our version with a pile of fresh berries, but you can easily sub in any other fruit of your choice. Serve with warmed maple syrup and — voila! You have a no-fuss, seriously delicious dish.

EASY BAKED FRENCH TOAST RECIPE

Recipe Note: This recipe can be easily doubled; use a 9 x 13-inch pan or equivalent.

(Serves 6-8 )

Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, plus more for preparing the pan
  • 1 (1 pound) loaf of challah bread, preferably a few days old
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon flaked almonds, toasted (optional)
  • 1 heaping cup berries or sliced fruit
  • powdered sugar, for garnish
  • maple syrup, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish and set aside.

2. Slice the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Spread over a rimmed sheet pan or in a large bowl and toss with melted butter. Pack the bread into the prepared baking dish.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together half and half, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest. Pour over the bread and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

4. Bake until custard is set and the top is golden brown and nicely puffed, approximately 40 minutes.

5. Cool 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted almonds (if using), fresh fruit, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Looking for more easy summer recipes? Check out our DIY Recipes!

(Photos and recipe via Jessica Smith / Brit+Co)

Halloween isn't until next month, But if you’re still at a loss for a costume, don’t wig out — er, actually, that’s exactly what we want you to do! Because basic wigs are all it takes to build out an Insta-worthy costume on the fly.

Once you have the rainbow-colored hairpiece in your hold (chances are, you own one from Halloweens past, but even if not, you can grab the real deal from any costume shop for as cheap as $10), it’s all about pairing it with easy-to-find pieces that will round out your look.

DIY Costume Wig Ideas

Brit + Co

your closet or athrift store, or order from Amazon Prime to get just in time for the big day. With just a little pop culture brainstorming, you won’t believe all the ways you can wow in these wigs from head to toe.

Blue Wigs

Brit + Co

First up, my personal favorite, the bold blue wig. Here are our versions of Cookie Monster, Katy Perry, Sailor Mercury and Sexy Marge Simpson.

1. Cookie Monster Costume

An all-time classic and the best possible outfit for the gal who wants to have an excuse to pretty much wear a snuggie out for the evening.

Brit + Co

2. Katy Perry Costume

A beauty that has inspired SO many Halloween costumes over the past several years. We chose to veer away from the infamous cupcake bra version and tap into a more sophisticated look that’s still obviously the one and only KP.

Brit + Co

3. Sailor Mercury Costume

If you’ve never seen the TV show Sailor Moon before but love this look, here’s the 411: you’ll pretty much be dressed up as a badass anime cartoon who’s in a girl gang of other ladies similarly named after planets who take over the world and also happen to be really hot!

What You Need:

  • Sailor costume
  • Boots
  • Teal ribbon
  • Gold head piece
  • Blue gem
  • Hot glue

This little lady is easy to recreate with a simple basic classic costume you can find anywhere and by simply adding a few embellishments. For the headband, I used a gold necklace that has a solid structure (you could even use a gold ribbon if you wanted to) that has a blue gem hot glued to it. The ribbon is just an added piece to tie around your neck.

Brit + Co

4. Sexy Marge Simpson Costume

The sexy Marge! You know the episodes where she decides to let her hair down? The tall beehive hair is obvious but this is SO much more fun, not to mention easier to manage all night.

What You Need:

  • 1 yard of green spandex fabric
  • Sewing machine
  • Red beaded necklace
  • Heels

The dress, seriously the easiest thing to make EVER. Simply get a yard or two of the lime green stretch spandex fabric, measure around your body, sew inside out and voila, you are her! The beaded necklace you can make in a pinch if you can't find one — we scored and found this one at Goodwill!

Now, moving onto our yellow wig costumes. We tapped into a couple more Pop Stars: Miss Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, an Angry Bird and a crazy Pop Art Comic Book Gal.

Yellow Wig

Brit + Co

5. Lady Gaga Costume

This crazy lady is definitely among the leaders in sporting brightly colored hair as a fashion statement. For this costume, we went with an actual Gaga dress and topped it off with a pair of shoes that are NO JOKE!

What You Need:

The shoes! This is not a necessity, but with the dress being so inexpensive, we decided it may be worth the splurge to commit to the investment in the shoes. The dress comes with eyewear, but these glasses truly take this costume to a more glam look that seems less out of the bag.

Brit + Co

6. Nicki Minaj Costume

We went with yellow-haired Nicki, but in all honesty you could literally wear any of these wigs for this chick — she wears 'em all! The key is exuding her sex appeal in combination with her sometimes crazy eyeball face topped off with not taking yourself too seriously. But this jam packs more punch if you go for being funny rather than sexy.

What You Need:

  • Tight leopard print dress or leotard
  • Black eyeliner
  • Heels
  • Gold bling

Definitely go with a dress size slightly smaller than what you would ordinarily wear. Then, feel free to stuff your bra with a little tissue paper to get those signature Nicki curves. Throw on a few gold chains and heels, and have a friend draw on her arm tattoo with eyeliner. I have to give it up to Miss Minaj, trying to copy her crazy eye look is REALLY hard.

Brit + Co

7. Angry Bird Costume

We've seen this costume before, but this look is still too dang cute to pass up. Especially when the list of what you need to make it happen is this simple!

What You Need:

  • Yellow outfit
  • Red, white, yellow and black felt
  • Black Sharpie
  • Hot glue
  • Headband
  • Flash tape

You could go with any shade of yellow really, I happened to have this little getup in my closet (just for the record, the shirt and skirt are from H&M and the sweater is from Target). Draw out the face onto the proper colored felt and cut it out. Glue the head piece to the headband. Everything else can be taped to the wig.

Brit + Co

8. Pop Art Comic Gal Costume

There are SO many versions of this look out there in the cyber world to choose from. Here is our take, where the outfit is pretty simple and it really comes down to the makeup.

What You Need:

  • Comic leggings
  • Graphic t-shirt
  • Ben Nye Color Creme Pods in a blue, white, yellow and purple
  • Electric Pallete by Urban Decay
  • Black gel liner
  • Fine-pointed synthetic makeup brush

Pop on the leggings and the top and then all that's left to tackle is the makeup. And once you have the right makeup on hand, it's not all that hard to achieve this head-turning look. The dots are all about precision — use a pencil eraser or tip of a makeup brush to apply the cream dots consistently all over your face.

Now for our orange wig costumes. We went with Leeloo Dallas (the hottie from The Fifth Element), a pumpkin, Fraggle Rock and the Mad Hatter.

Orange Wig

Brit + Co

9. Leeloo Dallas Costume

Channeling this sci-fi film icon is a really fun way to tap into a more sexy look while maintaining a quirkiness that keeps it fun. Truth: this teeny tiny outfit has indeed been my Halloween costume in the past — join the ranks this year!

Brit + Co

10. Pumpkin Costume

Okay, this may be really, really basic, but it is a Halloween staple. Plus, it’s the one time of year you can wear all orange all the time. #goGIANTS

What You Need:

  • Orange top
  • Orange bottom
  • Black felt
  • Hot glue
  • Green foam
  • Orange fabric

This look is all about orange everything! Orange leggings, an orange pumpkin t-shirt and that orange wig. Turn yourself into a pumpkin by pairing a green cone with an orange doily, and you're good to go.

Brit + Co

11. Red Fraggle Costume

One of the leading faces from the kooky '80s TV series can surely help bring back the nostalgia this Halloween. It's sure to put a BIG muppet-style smile on your face in this getup.

What You Need:

  • Red turtleneck
  • Nude leggings
  • Orange yarn
  • Bobby pins
  • Tail

Score a turtleneck from your local thrift store like we did. For the headpiece, grab a skein of orange yarn, cut it in half, tie each side off and attach to either side of your head with bobby pins. Grab any tail (this is from a lion costume kit) and add orange yarn to it too.

Brit + Co

12. Mad Hatter Costume

We're going with the Johnny Depp version, obviously!

What You Need:

  • Top hat with ribbon added
  • Jacket
  • Cream colored blouse
  • Spools of thread
  • Scarves
  • Gloves
  • Pants

As you can see, I purposely left out super descriptive details from each garment. The thing is, as long as you get the gist of the color scheme down and the general silhouette, this costume is so easy to replicate. Every clothing item is from my closet. I made the thread holster by stringing thread spools onto yarn and draping it over my shoulder. The makeup is a an understated version inspired from the original, but really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes as eyebrows!

Last we have our costume picks using a pink wig. These were our selects: Strawberry Shortcake, a unicorn, Jem and Frenchie from Grease.

Pink Wigs

Brit + Co

13. Strawberry Shortcake Costume

Another '80s classic that can be played down with a pair of white sneakers or sexified by wearing a pair of t-strap pumps.

What You Need:

If there is an option to wear flats, I say TAKE IT! How cute are these gifts to carry around as a fun accent piece? This costume definitely errs on the quick and easy side of the spectrum, so the hand-wrapped gifts make it feel a little more DIY! For your makeup just add some freckles using either black or brown eyeliner.

Brit + Co

14. Unicorn Costume

Real talk: I just wanted an excuse to dress up like a unicorn. The pink wig is just a bonus.

What You Need:

This costume is so comfortable and super cute! You can also add glitter or do your makeup really crazy if you want to take it to the next level.

Brit + Co

15. Jem Costume

Clearly, we are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must!

Brit + Co

16. Frenchie From 'Grease' Costume

“Beauty school drop out, go back to high school” — the tune never gets old. Typically the go-to Grease costume is the lovely Sandy, but let’s think outside the box and use this opportunity to channel the sweetest pink lady and her accidental pink hair. If only she knew how trendsetting she was back in the day!

Follow us on Pinterest for more Halloween ideas!

IDK about you, but I love getting cozy on a chilly fall day — and I especially love getting cozy with a bunch of goodies I scored for free! Suddenly that blanket feels extra snuggly if it was a gift, doesn't it? All jokes aside, you can actually win a LOT of amazing stuff in our Cozy Gatherings Giveaway! From what you wear to the air you breathe, we're here to help you embrace the cozy lifestyle to the fullest. Read on to check out what you can win!

Sign Up For The Cozy Gatherings Giveaway Here!

What You'll Win:

  • $500 M.M.LaFleur Shopping Spree
  • $500 LAFCO New York Gift Card
  • $450 Solawave Gift Card
  • $400 Bloomist Gift Card
  • $350 Visa Gift Card
  • $312 L'Occitane Package
  • $300 FabFitFun Gift Card
  • $250 Visa Gift Card

M.M.LaFleur

$500 M.M.LaFleur Shopping Spree

Need some new clothes? We've got your back. Sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $500 M.M.LaFleur shopping spree!

LAFCO

$500 LAFCO New York Gift Card

Nothing says "cozy" like candles, TBH. And while I could personally spend my whole paycheck on new seasonal scents, this gift card could come in and save the day! Sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $500 LAFCO New York gift card to get all the candles you could ever want!

Solawave

$450 Solawave Gift Card

Solawave really is That Girl when it comes to skincare devices! If you've been dying to try one, now's your chance! Sign up for this giveaway to get a chance to win this amazing all-in-one skincare wand!

Bloomist

$400 Bloomist Gift Card

Natural, woodsy, warm decor can really add a cozy vibe to your space. Since redecorating can be expensive, sign up for this giveaway to get a chance to win a $400 Bloomist gift card. You'll be able to snag some stunning seasonal decor that'll make your favorite room shine.

$350 Visa Gift Card

Free money? Enough said. You definitely wanna sign up for this giveaway!

L'Occitane

$312 L'Occitane Package

We're big on skincare here — especially when it's French. Looking to add some L'Occitane to your vanity without breaking the bank? Sign up for this giveaway to get over $300 worth of their products!

FabFitFun

$300 FabFitFun Gift Card

Getting a box filled with fun surprises is seriously such a good way to lift your spirits when the sun starts setting earlier and earlier each day. Sign up for this giveawayto get a $300 FabFitFun gift card, so you can make that dream a reality!

$250 Visa Gift Card

MORE free money?! Alright, if you haven't signed up for the giveaway yet, what are you doing?!

Seriously, sign up for the Cozy Gatherings Giveaway ASAP — you'll thank me later!

We're still waiting to feel a crisp fall breeze in the air, but that's okay! It's still time for some hearty brunch recipes to spice up the upcoming cozy season. We know you'll gladly take *all* the pumpkin recipes, but while you're shopping at your local farmers' market this fall, arm yourself with some apples, squashes, corn, and sweet potatoes in anticipation of the weekend's best meal. Read on for some brunch recipes to cure your fall fever quicker than the color on leaves can change.

Vikalinka

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

No meal is complete with tasty rolls, especially if they're cinnamon. However, this recipe makes baking them a little easier because it uses puff pastries. They take a little over 30 minutes to make which means you won't have to wait long to sink your teeth into their ooey goodness!

The Original Dish

The Ultimate Scrambled Egg Breakfast

Skipped breakfast and need to eat a hearty meal because you're starving. Of course you'll eat your classic scrambled eggs, but there's also delectable bacon, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and a secret herb sauce that'll make your tastebuds explode.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Collard Green Shakshuka

Rethink what you know about collard greens and shakshuka because this is one brunch meal you'll love cooking. You'll need ingredients like cayenne pepper, ground nutmeg, collard greens, and garlic cloves to help create this flavorful dish that takes less than 30 minutes to cook.

Julie's Jazz

Butternut Squash Waffles With Cashew Butter

We're going to squash this right here and right now: Butternut squash is just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner. Just look at the ooey gooeyness.

Baker by Nature

Morning Glory Muffins

Wake up on the right side of the bed with these scrumptious muffins. If you've never tasted these before, think about how tasty a spiced apple cake mixed with a carrot cake would be baked in one muffin. Yeah, it's that good.

Kitchen Confidante

Baked Oatmeal Stuffed Acorn Squash

Whether you're hosting a family brunch or just looking to switch things up, you absolutely need this recipe in your life. Plump prunes and brown sugar sweeten the baked oatmeal, which is perfect with the cranberry sauce served on the side.

The Almond Eater

Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl

Don't think for a minute that this bowl is going to leave you hangry in one hour. It's made with pumpkin puree, almond milk, and banana, making it *super* filling. For added nutrients, it's topped with apples, chia seeds, and walnuts, leaving no room for hunger attacks.

Macheesmo

Sweet Potato Hatch Chile Hash

There's just something about a sweet and spicy mixture that drives our taste buds insane. This recipe adds to the craziness with roasted hatch chiles, chili powder, and crispy sweet potatoes.

Little Spice Jar

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls always taste the best when they're homemade. Add some caramel and apples to the mix and it blows the socks off of store-bought options any day.

Cotter Crunch

Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake

If you're not drooling over this gluten-free and vegan recipe already, we're not sure if we can be friends. Seriously. We want to scoop the cranberry, apple, pears, and pineapple mixture over vanilla yogurt and lick the bowl clean.

Savory Nothings

Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast

Creamy pumpkin is sandwiched between crispy bread coated in pecans and drizzled in maple syrup. You'll taste a satisfying, warm, and sweet crunch in between each bite.

Glue Sticks and Gumdrops

Apple Cider Donuts

Is it really fall without grabbing a bottle of apple cider? We don't think so either and that's why these donuts are extra special.

Diethood

Very Berry Baked Oatmeal

Here's a hearty recipe to stick to your bones for those chilly days. Covered in berries and toasted nuts, this oatmeal can be prepared the night before.

Belle Vie

Pumpkin Brown Sugar Pecan Pancakes

Whether you eat your flapjacks cut in triangles or squares, you're going to love how this recipe shapes up. Caramelized pecans and brown sugar sweeten the deal, but a drizzle of maple sugar is non-negotiable.

The Original Dish

Autumn Hash with Homemade Turkey Sausage & Fried Eggs

Red potatoes, acorn squash, and turkey sausage are seasoned with rosemary and thyme. Kale is also wilted in it with sage to add some good old earthy flavors.

Well Plated

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pecan adds a nutty flavor to this slow cooked recipe. Unsweetened almond milk makes it a creamy bowl of goodness.

Cozy Cravings

Maple Pumpkin Bread

Let the warm, sweet smell of maple pumpkin bread fill your home with this scrumptious recipe. Combined with the tasty glaze, this is a comfort loaf you'll have no problem making throughout fall.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes

For an alternative to pumpkin bread, try making fluffy sweet potato pancakes for a more traditional fall brunch. Pair it with decadent omelets for a well-rounded breakfast.

Half Baked Harvest

Salted Bourbon Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

This is one cake you can have and eat without anyone challenging your decision. This fall brunch recipe is simple and full of the taste of an unforgettable spiced bourbon and apple blend.

Check out our B+C online cooking classes for more brunch recipe inspiration all year round!

This post has been updated.

There's no other place I'd rather vacation than Disney. I know, that might be a controversial statement, but I love visiting the Disney theme parks on my own, with family, friends, and basically anyone else who will join me. As an annual pass holder and self-proclaimed Disney adult, I seriously frequent Walt Disney World multiple times a week — and it's absolutely on my bucket list to visit all of the other parks around the world in my lifetime.

I've been to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure — and I'll be able to check Disneyland Paris off my list soon — but until then, I've come up with a list of the parks I've already visited (and want to visit) in order of priority. Here are all Disney theme parks around the world you should visit, ranked.

TL;DR

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Epcot
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Animal Kingdom
  5. Disneyland
  6. Disney California Adventure Park
  7. Disneyland Paris
  8. Walt Disney Studios Park
  9. Tokyo Disneyland
  10. Tokyo DisneySea
  11. Shanghai Disneyland
  12. Hong Kong Disneyland

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

Disney World

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

Disney World

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

Disney World

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

Disney World

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

Disneyland

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

Disney California Adventure Park

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

Joan Costa

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

Walt Disney Studios Park

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

Tokyo Disneyland

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

Tokyo DisneySea

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

Disney

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

Hong Kong Disneyland

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!

Looking for more travel recs? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

In case you missed it, a new rom-com following a pair that bears a great resemblance to the internet's favorite “It” couple is coming to Lifetime for the holidays! Although the film isn’t technically inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story per se, the story line is quite uncanny to their high profile romance (but more on that later). From the release date to the plot, here's everything we know about Lifetime’s Christmas in the Spotlight. Read up on Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown — and the Kelce who joined the cast!

  • Lifetime's Christmas in the Spotlight is a new holiday movie premiering this November.
  • The movie follows a popstar who starts dating a pro football player after they meet at one of her concerts.
  • The film stars Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai, and Haley Kalil.

What is Christmas in the Spotlight about?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Plot

Set to be a part of the network's “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which officially starts November 16, Christmas in the Spotlight follows a famous pop star named Bowyn (Jessica Lord), who always sings about falling in love, but has yet to find The One. Right when she's given up on finding Prince Charming, sparks fly when she meets a handsome professional football player named Drew (Laith Wallschleger) after one of her shows. However, they don’t start dating until after Drew publicly declares his feelings for Bowyn. Sound familiar?

The movie synopsis continues, “With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger…but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family.” I need this on my screen now!!!

Is there a trailer for Christmas in the Spotlight?

Well, no. (At least, not yet). But there is a preview teaser for Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which features numerous clips from the upcoming Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-esque holiday film Christmas in the Spotlight. In the first few seconds of the teaser, co-stars Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger can be seen gleefully walking side by side while surrounded by holiday decor. Meanwhile, another clip shows Lord’s Bowyn wearing a blue football jersey. Now, if that’s not TayVis-coded, then I don’t know what is.

When is Christmas in the Spotlight coming out?

Christmas in the Spotlight Release Date

Be sure to mark your calendars because Christmas in the Spotlight is scheduled to debut on Lifetime November 23, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT. Let the countdown begin!

Where can I watch Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

If you can’t catch the premiere on Lifetime, then don’t worry because we have you covered! After the movie premieres on the Lifetime channel, Christmas in the Spotlight will be available to watch on TVE/VOD in addition to the Lifetime Movie Club.

Who’s in the cast of Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Cast

Aside from Lord and Wallschleger, Christmas in the Spotlight stars former The Real talk show host Jeannie Mai, who will portray Bowyn’s manager. But she won’t be the only familiar face in the ensemble cast. And if you’re constantly on TikTok, then you may recognize TikTok influencer Haley Kalil, who, according to People, is set to make her onscreen debut as Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole.

Stay tuned for more updates about Christmas in the Spotlight and 2024 Christmas movies — & follow us on Facebook and Instagram!