Island Hotel’s gingerbread display does Willy Wonka proud

The Island Hotel’s annual gingerbread house is complete and in its lobby location, welcoming visitors to the Newport Beach establishment.

This year’s chocolatey theme reflects the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The hotel’s pastry chef, Andy De La Cruz, said it was an appropriate choice this year, honoring actor Gene Wilder, who played the film’s title character. Wilder died in August at age 83 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

De La Cruz said that as a young boy, he dreamed of becoming Willy Wonka and creating his own “world of pure imagination” with sweet treats.

The chef and his team started the baking weeks ago.

The display will be up through Dec. 25. The hotel is at 690 Newport Center Drive.