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Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella

By Christina Thomas Leave a Comment

Easy Paella Recipe using leftover ingredients perfect for Spanish Theme Party and National Paella Day

Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com

How do you use get creative in the kitchen? I’m a big fan of “Everything But The Kitchen Sink” recipes where you use whatever mishmash of ingredients you find in your fridge or pantry. (Here’s my epic ‘Kitchen Sink” cookies.)

Tapa Toro, my favorite Spanish restaurant in Orlando, shared their Paella recipe just in time to celebrate National Paella Day on March 27th and I was inspired to #MakeSomedayHappen. I’ve never made paella before but it’s been on my ‘someday list’. The results were surprisingly easy and delicious! This Kitchen Sink Paella recipe is perfect to use all those leftovers and random items I’ve re-discovered in my kitchen as a result of kitchen renovations.

Grab your leftovers proteins, veggies that have been rolling around in the produce drawer, and any canned or frozen veggies you stocked up for the last big storm. Throw them all together in a pan with some rice and create your very own, “Everything But The Kitchen Sink” Paella recipe.

Pair with your favorite crisp white wine (I opened a bottle of CK Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc) or make a fruity sangria. Add some tapas including my citrus fennel olives and you got yourself an easy Spanish night at home!

Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com

Travel Inspiration: Spain

Paella is a classic and traditional dish from Spain, primarily from Valencia. I loved traveling through Spain, from Barcelona to San Sebastian, and can’t wait to return.We had a delicious paella in Barcelona, just a few steps away from the Sagrada Familia.

Until my next visit, I travel to Spain through food by visiting Tapa Toro. Chef Frank Galiano’s menu and the combination of fun cocktails, and live Flamenco dancers every night is transporting.

Photo courtesy of Tapa Toro

Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe Ingredients

Paella is a very versatile dish. You can add just about anything. It’s believed Paella was introduced to Spain by Arab conquerors as a delicious solution to leftovers. Depending on where you lived, you would utilize ingredients available in that region. It could be seafood paella in coastal towns like Valencia, meaty or vegetarian elsewhere. Every house has its own recipe and there is no right and wrong to what you can add to your paella.

Paella is a rice dish, so rice is important. Saffron is a must. Same for smoked paprika. From there, add your favorite protein: chicken, pork, seafood, sausage, tofu. You can even add a combo as I did or keep it all vegetarian. Then, add at least three to five vegetables. Peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, peas, you name it.

Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com
These were the ingredients I had available for this Kitchen Sink Paella!

For the rice, Tapa Toro uses calasparra rice. You can get it on Amazon but since I’m using pantry ingredients, I used Arborio medium grain rice. You can use Jasmin or Basmati also.

Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com

As much as I love the look of a paella pan, you don’t need to rush to buy one. I used my cast iron skillet and it worked out great. You want a shallow pan with a hard bottom to help cook the rice evenly.

Tips To Make an Epic Paella

Here’s a few things I learned about making Paella:

  1. If you’re not using leftovers, cook your proteins first before cooking your rice. I used a leftover chicken breast, sauteed 1 cajun style chicken andouille sausage and 4 large shrimps.
  2. Soak the rice in water before using to help it cook more evenly.
  3. Don’t skip the saffron. It’s a must for a true paella. Smoked paprika is also an important component to give it a nice smoky flavor. Both will give your rice that beautiful yellow color.
  4. Cook the rice covered with a lid that has been wrapped in a paper towel or kitchen towel. This helps absorb the liquid from the steam and ensures you get that signature crispy bottom.
  5. Monitor the rice after 15 minutes of cooking and make sure it hasn’t dried out completely. If it did, add a little bit of chicken stock continue to cook on low heat and covered.
  6. Be patient to get the ‘socarrat’ – that crusty rice layer on the bottom of the pan. It takes a watchful eye to avoid burning it.
Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com
Don’t skip the saffron and smoked paprika
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com
Print
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 

This easy paella recipe is perfect for casual and quick dinner at home or a Spanish themed party that will transport you to Spain. Recipe courtesy of Tapa Toro Restaurant in Orlando. 

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish
Keyword: Paella, Spanish Food
Servings: 4
Author: Christina Thomas
Ingredients
Ingredients:
  • 1 small or ½ large sweet or yellow onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic (I used 3 large garlic cloves)
  • 1 bell pepper chopped (I used fresh red and yellow peppers and half a jar of roasted red pepper)
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice (I used Arborio)
  • 2 cups veggies (I used broccoli florets. Asparagus, green beans and peas are good options too)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast chopped
  • 4 Shrimp, large
  • 1 Andouille Sausage (or Spanish chorizo)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads crushed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add diced fresh peppers and onions, cook for five minutes, stirring as needed.

  3. Stir in chicken broth, garlic, saffron, and bring to a boil.

  4. Add rice, salt, pepper, paprika, stir and reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  5. Add broccoli florets and other veggies, tomatoes, cooked chicken, and sausage and mix to combine. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste,

  7. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.

  8. For those who prefer the socarrat layer, continue moving the pan while cooking after the broth is absorbed. Take the pan off of heat if the rice begins to burn. Once the crust has formed on the bottom, take the pan off of the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Easy Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella Recipe perfect for Spanish theme party or dinner main dish uses leftovers and a variety of ingredients you'll find in our pantry. Recipe by Tapa Toro Orlando and GoEpicurista.com
PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Celebrate National Paella Day!

If you’re in Orlando, head over to Tapa Toro, located on International Drive next to the colorful Icon 360 Orlando Eye. Grab a seat at their Paella Pit and watch the masters prepare this specialty before your very eyes.

All day on March 27, 2019 to celebrate National Paella Day, guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of house wine per paella purchase, and their always fun, foot-stomping flamenco performances at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Are you inspired to make your own Kitchen Sink Paella? Or will you go out to celebrate National Paella Day at your favorite Spanish restaurant? Go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time!

Is there a dish or recipe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make? I crossed off Beef Wellington from my list and now Paella! How about you? Let me know in the comments.

Share your paella creations with me on Facebook and Instagram, and tag @goepicurista #GOepicRecipe. I love to see your #MakeSomedayHappen moments.

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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🍾 Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday offering half-priced bubbles, craft beers and floats from 7pm-9pm.
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☘️ FLUFFY LEMON CLOUDS: Intense lemon curd tart with fluffy meringue
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Sláinte!
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✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
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✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
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✨ Signature Popovers
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✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
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✨Roasted BeetSalad
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Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
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Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
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📍 The Wall / Section 24
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📍 Section 30
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📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
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📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
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🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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