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We could spend hours upon hours at Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe (and in fact, we have)! But, it’s not just the theme park we’re busy exploring, because three brand-new hotels have opened their doors along with the new park. Look at that VIEW! Of course, we’re mostly excited about all the FOOD! We stopped by Flora Taverna at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel to see what they’re serving up for dinner. Let’s dive into everything you need to know! Atmosphere Flora Taverna offers “a full breakfast buffet and Mediterranean comfort foods” as well as “an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills, and a gyros station.” It has a “light and airy atmosphere” and stunning views of Epic Universe. It really feels like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean when you’re here! Flora Taverna But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu During dinner service, Flora Taverna serves up a wide variety of dishes inspired by Mediterranean classics. There are starters like calamari and eggplant, plus salads, wood-fired pizzas, pastas, entrees, and more. Flora Taverna menu You’ll also find plenty of sides, a few desserts, and a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. More menu items And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We kicked things off with the Crispy Pita Salad for $21. This comes with crispy pita chips, chilled baby gem lettuce, shaved onion, avocado, tomato, radish, sumac, and vinaigrette. The first thing we noticed was how good this smelled when it came out — it was really acidic and bright. The sumac reminded us of cinnamon without being too strong. It was a bit odd at first, but it wasn’t bad, and we ended up enjoying the flavors after a while. As far as the crispy pita goes, we could eat an entire bowl full of them. The salad itself was fresh and had good flavors, but we don’t know that it was worth $21. Crispy Pita Salad For our first entree, we ordered the Rigatoni. This is made with cream of prosecco, pesto, spinach, and shaved reggiano for $28. This is definitely going to be a safe option for most people who might not want to be too adventurous with their meal. It was pretty basic, but it was a solid dish. The pasta was cooked well, and the pesto wasn’t too overpowering — the main flavor we got was from the cheese. Rigatoni We ordered the Florida Water Red Snapper Whole Fish, which comes at Market Price, and in our case, was $52. This, along with the other fish option on the menu, comes with house-made sauces to complement your whole fish. You get a choice of two out of: ladolemono (olive oil and lemon juice), chimichurri, zhug, and tahini sauce. We opted for the tahini and ladolemono. This was excellent, and we LOVED the salt crust on the outside of the fish. The salt was a larger kernel, which was rad and made for a fun textural experience. The fish was super fresh but not fishy at all; it was just light and flaky. The skin had a nice texture, and it all pulled apart very easily. The tahini was nutty and creamy, but the ladolemono was bright and fresh. Both were excellent. Florida Snapper We were accidentally served the Mediterranean Branzino Whole Fish, and so we just had to review it, too. Normally, this is also served at Market Price, which was $62 at the time we dined. This was also very flaky. The skin did not pull apart as easily as the snapper’s did, but it was still nice. It wasn’t chewy, and it wasn’t very fishy, which was appreciated. Both fish had the same sauces on the side, and they were both, again, excellent with the branzino. Mediterranean Branzino Next up, we tried the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin Kebab for $43. This comes with gremolata, confit tomato, and a choice of side (we chose the server’s recommended whipped potatoes). The meat was charred really nicely without being bitter or burnt, and there was salt on the outside, which balanced the rest of the spices really well. It was super tender and juicy and pink on the inside, and was a generous portion — definitely enough to share. The gremolata was fresh and herbaceous and paired really well with the charred meat. Angus Beef Kebab We LOVED the potatoes and probably ate way too much. We could have only eaten these and been happy. They were creamy and had a great texture, even when they were cold. Cheesy. Very garlicky. Garlic and herbs on top. 10/10 so good. Order the potatoes. No regrets. On the side For dessert, we picked up the Baklava, which is served with a Labneh & Apricot Gelato for $14. This was very crunchy and tough, but SO good. Very nutty. We enjoyed the honey coming through, and it was sweet but not overly so. It was a good balance. The ice cream was made with labneh, a yogurt, and it reminded me more of a cream cheese ice cream, if that makes sense. Baklava We also tried the Olive Oil Cake for $14, which comes with mascarpone cream, lemon sorbet, basil coulis, and citrus salad. This was our favorite of the desserts we tried for dinner. The olive oil was not super in your face — it was incredibly light. It was a really good balance — bright and lemony, and then with the lemon sorbet, it was really good. The cake was soft and fluffy. A little dense since it’s olive oil, but super easy to eat. We loved it. Olive Oil Cake Last, but certainly not least, we grabbed the Pistachio & Raspberry Cheesecake with crushed nuts for $14. This was a pretty traditional cheesecake with a great texture. It held up well on our fork without losing any structural integrity. The raspberry was mild and not overly tart, and also very nutty with the pistachio and crushed nuts. We liked the crunchy layer on top, which was also really pretty. Pistachio & Raspberry Cheesecake That’s a lot of food! Now, onto the drinks. Drinks To drink, we had the Basil Bees Knees for $17. This is made with Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, basil, and orange bitters. WOO! This was very strong. It’s VERY good when you get a whiff of the basil with the drink. We enjoyed it once we smooshed up the basil in the drink. It mellowed out and made it more balanced. It was very acidic originally, so the smashed basil helped balance things out. It was sweet, tart, and herby. Basil Bee’s Knees The Athens Sour is made with Angel’s Envy Helios Barrel Selection, lemon juice, grapefruit, and pinot noir cordial, egg white, and orange bitters for $17. This was very citrus-forward. It had a dried orange slice and lemon peel on top, so you got a ton of that on the nose as you tasted it. That citrus-forward taste continued with a lemon, grapefruit, and Pinot Noir cordial that is a house-made syrup for this drink. There were some orange bitters there as well, so you’re getting the picture — a whole citrus explosion here with the bourbon and then egg white for some slip. This was pretty sweet for a bourbon drink, but not overly sweet. Athens Sour We also grabbed the Uvo Anana for $18. This comes with Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, lemon and pineapple cordial, and white grape juice. This was a very mild drink. Great for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol or are new to drinking. The pineapple tasted very fresh and sweet — not artificial pineapple at all. The pineapple’s sweetness cut the alcohol taste — it almost reminded us of DOLE Whip. It was sweet but not too sweet, and had a bit of tartness from the lemon and Cointreau. Uvo Anana Flora Taverna, you’ve done it again. Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for an elevated meal served in a gorgeous atmosphere. You enjoy Mediterranean flavors or are interested in branching out. You’re a seafood fan or just a fan of really excellent dishes. You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You’re looking for something quick and simple. You have picky eaters in your group. You don’t want to spend a whole lot of money. Flora Taverna Overall Well, we’re certainly not surprised considering how much we enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Flora Taverna, but dinner was no different. The cocktails were standouts, and the food here is so fresh and of such good quality that it’s hard to not enjoy everything that’s served to you. Our favorites were the snapper and kebab, but those whipped potatoes will be dancing around our dreams forever. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe, Universal Orlando, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! See Our Flora Taverna Lunch Review HERE Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be checking out this new restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried Flora Taverna for Dinner at Universal's Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s newest hotel, Helios Grand Hotel, is open now, and we’re checking out everything there is to offer! Universal Helios Grand Hotel That includes the rooms, the view into Epic Universe, and, of course, the dining! One of the dining spots inside this new location is a table-service restaurant called Flora Taverna, and we’re checking out what breakfast is like (and if it’s worth the reservation)! Atmosphere Flora Taverna offers “a full breakfast buffet and Mediterranean comfort foods” as well as “an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills, and a gyros station.” It’s described as having a “light and airy atmosphere” and stunning views of Epic Universe, and after seeing it for ourselves, we do agree with that! Flora Taverna But what’s on the menu here? We’re about to find out! Menu For breakfast, you will find a buffet option available for $36. The Sunrise Buffet includes artisanal pastries, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, fruit salads, charcuterie, scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted vegetables, and the buffet also includes your drink — coffee, tea, and juice. We think this is a good deal for those who really love a lot of fruit in their breakfast or whoa are looking to drink juice especially, because in comparing prices, coffee is $6 and juice is $8, so making the leap to the buffet price with drink included is a good deal compared to an entree and a beverage. Breakfast Menu Additionally, you’ll find options like the Morning Indulgence, egg dishes, healthier options, and more. Now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Baklava French Toast for $25. This is made with Crushed Pistachio and Dried Roses, and we chose this one because it seemed the most unusual and out of the box. This was presented beautifully and wasn’t overly sweet, and the real star here was the addition of the pistachios. Baklava French Toast Not only did they add a sweet, nutty flavor and aroma, but they also added a crunchy texture that went very well with the creamier texture of the baklava French toast. We also appreciated the serving size of this, and feel that if you like a sweet breakfast, this will be a dish you enjoy. Our reporter isn’t usually a sweet breakfast fan, but felt that if they were in the right mood, they could eat a whole plate of this. So overall, we were impressed! Delicious! We also tried the Helios Grand Breakfast for $27, which comes with two cage-free eggs prepared to your liking, artisanal toast, your choice of applewood smoked bacon, country pork sausage or apple chicken sausage, and your choice of breakfast potatoes or seasonal fruit. Helios Grand Breakfast This was a traditional American breakfast, but we particularly appreciated that fruit was available as a side here without an additional cost. We did decide to opt for the potatoes, though. They were cooked with red and green bell peppers, and they were fantastically done — crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Potatoes We picked up on the black pepper flavor the most, but in the best way, because we did feel they were seasoned very well. Since the bell peppers are cut so large, they are easy to pick out, which we appreciated. We ordered our eggs to be over medium, and they came out perfect! Eggs For our meat, we chose the Apple Chicken Sausage, and while we didn’t dislike it, it was very heavy on the sausage flavor and lacked the sweetness from the apple that we had hoped to taste. Apple Chicken Sausage We also ordered Sourdough Toast, but as it was the first day the restaurant was open to the public, we were informed they didn’t have it available just yet, and were instead brought English Muffins. These were tasty, and overall, we enjoyed the whole plate, but we do feel it was a bit overpriced and would sit better in the $23–$25 range. English Muffins Finally, we tried the Shawarma Spiced Beef Hash for $29. This is made with a poached cage-free egg, locally grown tomato, charred onion, roasted potatoes, and zhug. This is one of the restaurant’s specialty breakfast items, and we understand why! The egg was poached perfectly, and the beef (which tasted like tenderloin to us) was tender, and along with the shawarma pieces, it was all very warm and comforting. Shawarma Spiced Beef Hash We also loved the roasted potatoes, which were different than our other breakfast potatoes as these were more like baby potatoes, but they were brilliantly done all the same. The combination of them with the tomato and charred onion was a fantastic mix of sweet and savory flavors. Perfectly poached egg! We honestly would consider coming over here just to eat before heading into the park if we were staying at the hotel! We think it’s a really solid option and would highly recommend it for those looking for a great breakfast option, especially if you lean more towards a savory breakfast. Nosh or Not This Universal restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re staying at Helios Grand Hotel You’re looking for a great breakfast option that will start your day off on the right foot You love savory breakfast options You should skip this Universal spot if… You prefer really sweet breakfast options You’re looking for a quick meal before jumping into the parks and having a full day You’re planning on going to an attraction within half an hour after (the food is heavier than in other places!) Overall What really stood out to us about this experience, more than just the food (which we really did enjoy!), was just how excited the staff is for the opening of Epic Universe and for guests to experience the park. They’re full of recommendations, both for dishes in the restaurant and for what’s in the park, as all of them have experienced Team Member previews. Flora Taverna The staff was also extremely accommodating, going above and beyond multiple times. Our server came over to tell us that the kitchen was a little backed up and our food would take a few minutes longer, which was completely fine, but she offered us a complimentary cappuccino and continued to ask if there was anything she could bring to the table while we waited. It’s clear that everyone here has been well-trained, and overall, the experience at the restaurant far exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s beautiful in here! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Universal Orlando and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news! REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Burning Blade Tavern at Universal’s Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What would you grab from this restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Ate Breakfast at the NEW Flora Taverna Restaurant in the Universal Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Whether or not you’re a Disney World expert, it’s never a bad idea to get caught up with the latest trends and tips! Welcome to Disney World! We visit Disney World every day, and sometimes we even spend the night! We’ve gotten pretty familiar with all of the Disney World hotels over the years, and that’s led us to accumulate some pretty great tips — including ways to save money during your stay! Depending on the length of your stay, you should be ready to shell out some serious dough when it comes to staying at a Disney World hotel. With that said, there are actually several ways you can save a few bucks and — in some cases — hundreds of dollars. Grand Floridian Stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel While Disney owns MANY hotels on property, they also partner with local hotels in the area. These hotels are lovingly referred to as Good Neighbor Hotels. ©Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando These hotels will generally be much more inexpensive than the Disney-owned ones, and many of them still give you park perks like Early Entry and transportation. Swan and Dolphin Hotels One of our absolute favorites is the Swan and Dolphin Resort, which offers a prime location near the parks, fantastic dining options, park perks, and a lovely stay overall. Apply Deals After Purchasing You’ve locked in your vacation package and now you’re done planning, right? Not so fast, my friends! Cinderella Castle If you have an existing Disney World reservation, you can still add on new deals, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on what’s being offered. First, check the check the special offers on the Disney World website regarding places to stay. Review the offers and make sure your stay qualifies, and then follow the prompts to apply the offer to your reservation. You will likely need to log into your My Disney Experience account to modify the reservation. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Island Tower Be advised that adding a deal could affect what you initially wanted to do with your reservation. Some deals apply to certain rooms or hotels. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues, give Disney World a call and a Cast Member can assist you. Stay Close to the Parks Before selecting a hotel, do a little bit of homework and see which hotels are close to the theme parks. Disney World is spread out, so each hotel will have ideal proximity to certain parks and unfortunate distance to others. Fireworks deck at California Grill You should also get familiar with the transportation offered at each resort. We recommend staying at hotels that are closer or more accessible to parks you plan on spending the most time at. Monorail at the Contemporary Resort Why? Time is money, and you will get the most out of your vacation if you’re not spending an uncomfortable amount of time traveling. Take Advantage of the Disney Visa If you’re a Disney Visa Cardmember, you can get hotel deals! Cardmembers can use the Disney Rewards Redemption Card at select restaurants, retail and hotel locations at Disney Resorts all over the country. ©Disney Disney Visa Cardmembers can also get several hotel perks such as discounts on room rates in addition to savings on dining and merch. ©Disney At Disney World, Cardmembers can save up to 30-35% on select rooms. At Disneyland, they can save 30% on select premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel during specific booking periods. Cardmembers can also save 35% off select rooms at the Aulani Resort & Spa. Rent DVC Points If you’ve ever wanted to live like a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member without paying DVC prices, you can rent points! DVC Villa at Wilderness Lodge Many Disney hotels have DVC villas that are essentially timeshares that you can rent if you’re a member or buy points. You can book rooms at DVC hotels directly through Disney, or rent points through a service like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Renting points can help you save money and you might end up spending 30-50% LESS than it would cost you to book the room directly through Disney, especially when it comes to studios. ©Disney Essentially, you’re paying the DVC member to use their points, so you’re costs will naturally be less. Know When to Go While Disney World no longer has a true off-season, there are times of the year where it is cheaper to visit. Empty Hollywood Studios Typically, you may see lower prices in January, early February, and September. As always, monitor discounts and travel trends to truly stay in the know regarding the best times to visit Disney World. Main Street, U.S.A. What are some ways you save money on your Disney World hotel stays? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney World tips! CONFESSION TIME: Two of My Favorite Disney Hotels AREN’T Disney Hotels Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What methods would you recommend for folks looking to cut Disney World hotel costs? Let us know in the comments! The post Only Expert-Level Disney Adults Know About This Secret Trick to Cut Hotel Costs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bluey fans, get ready — because something brand new just dropped, and if you’ve got little ones who can’t get enough of the Heeler family, you’re gonna want to jump on this. ©Bluey There are five brand-new Bluey LEGO sets up on Amazon RIGHT NOW. They’re all available for pre-order, and honestly, they’re super cute. If you’ve got a Bluey lover at home (or you’re like us and kind of obsessed yourself), these sets are going to be the perfect way to bring the show to life. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. All of these sets can be purchased now but won’t ship until June 1! Check out this Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip LEGO Set ©Amazon First up, let’s talk about this Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip set. This one screams summer fun. It comes with Bluey, Bingo, and Mum (Chilli), and they’re all packed into their iconic car with two surfboards on top and a trunk loaded up for the beach. We’re talking sandcastles, a palm tree, beach umbrella, a crab (yes, a crab!), and even a sand-mermaid tail you can put a character into. There’s even a flip-open roof so you can pop the characters in and out easily, and a cooler in the back because, you know, snacks are essential. Get it here! Check out this Bluey’s Family House LEGO Set ©Amazon Next, you’ve got to check out this Bluey’s Family House set. This one is stacked with details, and it comes with all four family members — Bluey, Bingo, Mum (Chilli), and Dad (Bandit). The house is modular, meaning you can move the rooms around to play in different ways. Inside, you’ll find everything from a piano and dollhouse to a full kitchen setup and even a Chattermax in the kids’ attic room. There’s also a garden complete with a hot dog, pizza, and Jeremy the gnome — yes, they really included Jeremy. Get it here! Check out this Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe LEGO Set ©Amazon Next, let’s talk about this Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe set. This one is a smaller set, but it’s packed with bright colors and playground energy. It features Bluey and Chloe at the park with a jungle gym, slide, seesaw, and even a spinning pelican ride. There’s also a tower with a telescope and a picnic area. Get it here! Check out this Ice Cream Trip with Bluey LEGO DUPLO Set ©Amazon This Ice Cream Trip with Bluey set is for the younger crew, and it’s adorable. Bluey and her dad are off to get ice cream, and the car is just big enough for both of them to ride in. Kids can stack the scoops to match numbers, sort by color, and work on fine motor skills while pretending they’re off on a treat run. Plus, who doesn’t love a LEGO ice cream cone? Get it here! Check out this Bluey’s Family House with Memory Game LEGO DUPLO Set ©Amazon Lastly, we’ve got this Bluey’s Family House with Memory Game set. Okay, so this one is kind of genius. Not only do you get a DUPLO version of Bluey’s family house and three characters (Bluey, Bingo, and Mum), but there’s also a built-in memory game. Parents hide pieces behind the house windows, then toddlers spin a wheel to figure out what they need to find. It’s a mix of imaginative play and a matching game — great for keeping little ones engaged and developing skills. Get it here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest deals on Disney products, so stay tuned for more. Did you know we have a Disney-themed Amazon Storefront? Check it out!The post 5 NEW Bluey LEGO Toys are Available on Amazon NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably figure out the basics like your budget, how long you’re staying, where you’re staying, what theme park tickets you need, and maybe even where to eat (so important, that last one!). MCO Airport But you’ll still have to figure out HOW to get to Disney World. For many, that means flying into Orlando International Airport. The good news is that new flights are added to Orlando International Airport today, and most recently seven new flights have been announced for the airport. So we’ve told you about a lot of these flights, but we wanted to give you the full rundown in case you missed any. Now, let’s get started. We’ll start with Breeze Airways, which will be starting service to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, on May 9th, as well as service to Greensboro, North Carolina, on June 6th and service to Key West on June 12th. Yep, Breeze is betting BIG on Orlando International Airport. ©Breeze Airways If you’re wanting to get away from Orlando and head to Disneyland Paris, you might want to know that Air France is starting service to Paris, France, on May 21st. ©Air France Spirit Airlines has announced two new flights to and from Orlando International Airport. You’ll be able to fly from Chattanooga, TN, beginning on June 4th, and from Columbia, SC, from June 5th. Spirit Airlines at Orlando Airport Southwest Airlines (which is currently undergoing some MAJOR changes) will be flying to Orlando from Sarasota, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach, FL on August 5th. ©Southwest Airlines This fall, Iberia will fly to and from Madrid, Spain, beginning on October 26th, pending government approval. Likewise, LATAM will be starting service to and from Lima, Peru, on October 26th, also pending government approval. ©Iberia Airlines So why are there so many new flights to Orlando? Well, some airlines pulled planes from their inventory during the COVID-19 pandemic and were waiting for new planes. The new planes are now being added back to fleets and allowing airlines to expand their routes. Stay tuned to DFB for more. 5 Changes Announced for Orlando Airport DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What do you think? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 NEW Flights Are Coming to Orlando International Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Unless you’ve been living under a pretty large rock for the last 8 months when it comes to Disney World news, you’re aware that Hollywood Studios is about to go through some MASSIVE changes. ©Disney The entire Grand Avenue area of the park, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose, is going to close to make way for a brand new land based around Monsters, Inc. While we’re ecstatic for Monstropolis – – seriously, we’ve been daydreaming about that door coaster since 2001 — we’re going to miss the original Muppets area of the park. Before saying goodbye to area known as Muppet Courtyard forever, we decided to take a look at some of the magnificently manic Muppet easter eggs hidden throughout the area. Our first stop is at the marquee attraction, Muppet*Vision 3D. The queue for this classic film — the final Muppets project that creator Jim Henson worked on during his lifetime — is full of small references and in-jokes and Muppet-style gags. ©The Jim Henson Company For instance, when you enter the building, look to your left and you’ll see a security window with a sign reading “Back in 5 minutes — key is under the mat.” Sure enough, there’s a mat on the floor, and if you lift it, you’ll find a key embedded in the floor. A more niche Disney in-joke can be found in the queue. When you reach the pre-show room featuring the video screens and props, look above you’re head. You’ll see a net holding crates of Jell-O hangs from up above, AKA“A net full of Jello” AKA a reference to legendary Mouseketeer and 1960s Disney actress Annette Funicello. Wocka Wocka Indeed ©The Muppets Moving over to PizzeRizzo, the eatery “owned” by Rizzo the Rat, we can find a massive example of Muppet-style humor outside the building. Right above the outdoor balcony seating area, you can see a sign pointing to the restaurant that says, “This City’s Top Rated Pizza” in neon yellow lettering… but when NIGHT rolls around, some of the letters flash on and off. And whenever they’re off, the sign instead reads “it’s rat pizza”! PizzeRizzo In addition, the restaurant features a slew of Muppet references and decorations adorning its walls, including in the upstairs “party room.” If you want to catch any of these references in person though, you’ll need to act fast as Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will both be closing on June 8th, meaning the VERY LAST DAY you can experience them will be June 7th. Looking for the perfect tee to wear when you say goodbye to Muppet*Vision and PizzeRizzo? We have the PERFECT shirt! Rat Pizza! However, another of the area’s mainstays is closing even sooner. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has an EARLIER expiration date, closing forever on May 10th. While this family Italian restaurant may not officially Muppet-themed, we’re still counting it thanks to the earliest blue sky plans for the restaurant. See, back in the early 1990s, Disney was planning to build an entire Muppet Land in the then Disney-MGM Studios, including a Rizzo-themed Italian restaurant (some ideas never die it seems) that would feature basic animatronic versions of Rizzo and his brethren delivering patrons’ food. After Henson’s passing, the restaurant lost the Muppet theme and became Mama Melrose, though a long-running theme park urban legend claims that the tracks for the delivery rats is still visible in the restaurant’s ceiling. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano While the tracks may or may not exist, what Mama Melrose does have is a large collection of vintage photos lining its walls, many from the park’s earliest days, including celebrities who visited the park and interacted with characters including the long-gone Roger Rabbit. We’re hoping some of these photos can find new homes around the park, but just in case they can’t, you still have just about a month left to catch a glimpse of them at the restaurant. Tables and chairs While the Muppets will still be part of Hollywood Studios thanks to their upcoming ”takeover” of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (hopefully including a new larger are chock-full of Muppet easter eggs) the original Muppet area of the park — and all its history — is set to disappear forever in the next few months. Stay tuned to DFB for more looks at Disney history. 4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these Muppets easter eggs will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below. The post 6 Muppets Secrets To Find in Disney World BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A brand-new Disney Loungefly collection is making our Tangled dreams come true! ©Disney The latest Disney Loungefly collaboration celebrates the 15th anniversary of Tangled with a new collection featuring iconic characters from the film, including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Pascal. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out the NEW Rapunzel Loungefly ©Loungefly First up, we have this classic Loungefly featuring Rapunzel and Pascal along with a large pile of books. The Loungefly-exclusive bag features adjustable shoulder straps, a front zipper pocket, an enamel zipper charm, side drop pockets, and shiny gold hardware. SHOP HERE We LOVE this Rapunzel and Flynn Lantern Loungefly ©Loungefly This Loungefly celebrates one of the romantic scenes in any Disney film: Flynn and Rapunzel sailing through the lantern festival. In addition to the typical Loungefly accouterments, the bag features LED lights to allow the lanterns to glow! SHOP HERE Behold the new Lantern Drawstring Mini-Backpack ©Loungefly If you want to celebrate the Lantern Festival in a bit more understated way, there’s also this drawstring bag, which captures the design essence of the lantern, complete with the same decorative details. SHOP HERE This Snuggly Ducking Crossbody is so fun! ©Loungefly The next piece recreates the Snuggly Ducking sign in intricate, faux-wood design detail. Bonus points if you wear this while visiting the real Snuggly Ducking at Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs. SHOP HERE Grab the matching Pascal Wristlet! ©Loungefly This wristlet features Pascal backed by a belt of flowers, and comes equipped with faux leather construction, a detachable wrist strap, zippered closure, shiny gold hardware, 7 card slot, die-cut ID window, appliqué, embossed, and printed details, and coordinating inside lining. SHOP HERE If you’re a Tangled fan, you should hop over to Loungefly’s website ASAP to check out the EXCLUSIVE collection! Stay tuned to DFB for more coverage of Disney’s latest offerings. Looking for more Disney essentials? Head to our Amazon Storefront.The post Loungefly’s EXCLUSIVE New ‘Tangled’ Collection Is ONLINE Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A lot just dropped in the world of Disney news — and if you blinked, you probably missed something. Disney World We’ve got a wild mix of updates from free food deals to major ride changes, new bars, and one surprisingly cheap hotel deal for Disney+ subscribers. Whether you’re booking a trip from the UK, a die-hard fan of villains, or just want to sip cocktails in a Victorian birdcage, there’s something here that could totally change your Disney World plans. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the seven big updates Disney just dropped. Here’s what’s going on: FREE Dining Plan is Coming Back…But There’s a Catch Yes, you read that right — FREE Disney Dining is back! But before you start packing your bags, here’s the catch: this particular deal is only for UK and Ireland visitors booking 2026 vacations. Animal Kingdom Lodge If that’s you, congrats — you’re in for a serious perk. When you book a qualifying Disney Resort Hotel + Ticket Package for dates between January 7th and December 19th, 2026, everyone in your party gets a free Disney Dining Plan. That includes meals, drinks (yep, alcohol if you’re 21+), and access to over 170+ dining locations across the resort — from quick snacks to character meals. This deal opens for bookings on April 29th, 2025, and includes other perks like: A 14-Day Ticket for the price of a 7-Day Park Hopper included Memory Maker ($210 value) Savings up to €300 on select packages €65 deposit to lock it in This is a HUGE value (Disney claims it’s worth €1,273 per adult), but remember — it’s only for UK/Ireland guests and only for 2026 arrivals. Hotel Rooms from $99 for Disney+ Subscribers Yep, Disney+ subscribers just got another perk: special summer hotel rates starting at $99 per night. This deal applies to select Disney World resorts for stays between June 29th and July 31st, 2025, and it’s kind of wild how good some of these prices are: $99 for All-Star Sports $169 for Port Orleans – Riverside (Woods View Rooms) $229 for Cars Family Suites at Art of Animation $249 for Deluxe Studios at Saratoga Springs $339 for Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Pop Century Resort To book, you need to show proof of your Disney+ subscription and meet the 2-night minimum. Some room types are excluded, and this deal is super limited, so if this sounds like your summer vacay — jump on it fast. Test Track is Getting a Glow-Up Disney Imagineering just shared a sneak peek at the new Test Track…and it’s definitely getting a whole new vibe. ©Disney The ride vehicles are getting a darker, sleeker look to match the updated theme, along with new interiors — including updated seats and graphics. And according to Imagineering, this is just the beginning of the transformation. ©Disney || New vehicle wraps No word yet on the exact date when the full overhaul will debut other than late this summer, but we’re officially hyped. Skyliner Closure Confirmed for January 2026 The Skyliner is going down for its usual annual maintenance — but not until January 25th to the 31st, 2026. This is pretty standard (although it skipped 2025), so it’s not a shock, but if you’re staying at a Skyliner resort like Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera, this might affect your plans. Skyliner During this window, Disney will offer bus transportation, but keep in mind: travel times may be longer, and buses will likely be more crowded. If having easy park access is a priority for you (especially to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios), consider alternative resorts or be ready for some extra travel time. Villains Take Center Stage at Hollywood Studios Disney shared a close-up look at some of the stars of the brand-new show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — and it officially opens May 27th, 2025. ©Disney The show stars Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Cruella De Vil, and it’s all about them pleading their case on why they were wronged in their stories. You, the audience, get to decide who got the worst deal. Expect surprise appearances from other villains and plenty of dramatic flair. ©Disney It’s replacing the Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy on Sunset Boulevard, so if you’re a villain fan or just love live entertainment, this is definitely worth checking out. New Lobby Bar at Grand Floridian The Grand Floridian is getting a brand-new lobby bar, and it’s looking super classy. Inspired by the hotel’s iconic birdcage design, the bar will feature intricate Victorian-style details — stained glass, brass accents, murals of birds — and yes, you’ll be able to sip your cocktail while listening to the live pianist in the lobby. ©Disney Based on the concept art, the new bar is replacing the existing birdcage area. Disney hasn’t shared the drink menu yet, but you can expect an elevated, relaxing vibe. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Goodbye Shula’s, Hello Bourbon Steak After nearly 30 years, Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is closing — but it’s making way for something very exciting. Shula’s Steakhouse Coming mid-summer 2025: Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. If you’re into elevated steakhouse experiences, this is a big deal. Michael Mina is a James Beard Award-winning chef with a serious culinary rep, and this new spot promises to bring a more modern, luxe vibe to the Dolphin’s already impressive food scene. ©The Mina Group Shula’s will take reservations through June 14th, so if you want one last dinner there, make it happen soon. That’s the latest—and yeah, it was a lot. Between limited-time deals, permanent closures, and brand-new entertainment, Disney’s clearly making some moves heading into 2025 and 2026. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. NEWS: Destination D23 Tickets Are On Sale NOW Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What announcement are you most excited (or shocked) about? Let us know in the comments! The post Heads Up! Disney Just Made 7 NEW Announcements first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Helios Grand Hotel has officially opened! Look at that VIEW! This brand-new resort is the third resort that was built specifically for the Epic Universe expansion. Both Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resort opened a bit earlier. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat at Helios Grand Hotel, and we are taking you along for a meal at Lotus Lagoon! Atmosphere Universal Helios Grand Hotel is “Mediterranean-inspired” and offers stunning views of Universal’s new park, Epic Universe. If you are hanging out near the hotel’s pool, you can grab a drink and a bite to eat at Lotus Lagoon. Lotus Lagoon bar This pool bar serves frozen cocktails, cold beer, and fountain drinks. The menu also includes snacks and appetizers that you can eat either at the open-air restaurant or right from your pool chair! Menu As we mentioned, Lotus Lagoon isn’t just a pool bar — you can order from quite a large dining menu here too. There are appetizers, salads, handhelds, and specialty entrees… Lotus Lagoon menu …in addition to a fun lineup of signature cocktails and mocktails… Plenty of cocktails …plus seltzers, wine, and beer. Beer and wine Now that we know what’s on the menu, let’s see what we’re noshing on today. Eats First up, we ordered the Chips and Dip for $19. This comes with smashed avocado, Aleppo pepper, sunflower seeds, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, served with pita chips. This is a vegan item on the menu and was recommended by our server. It’s essentially kind of a guacamole, but a Mediterranean guacamole, almost. But it is essentially a guacamole dip, and this was very, very good. If we were looking for a light bite, we could just make a meal of this, especially at lunchtime. It came with pita chips that were toasted, so these were not your teeny tiny pita chips. These were triangles that had been cut out of a pita, and they were pretty sizable. They are seasoned, and that is that’s delightful because it adds so much flavor to what you’re eating here. Chips and Dip They are well seasoned with some Mediterranean spices, but there’s nothing spicy about this. There is some Aleppo in the form of dried red pepper flakes on top, but they’re not super hot. The smashed avocado cools that down very well. This was not blended smoothly, and there were chunks of avocado in it. So, if you like a blended dip or you have a textural thing where that’s what you want to eat, you might have a little bit of an issue. A tasty snack For the main event, we picked up The Goddess Burger for $25. This comes with a double black angus beef patty, herb mayo, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, tomato, bibb lettuce, and bacon. We couldn’t leave Helios Grand without trying a burger here — you know, burgers are our life, and we’ve got to try them everywhere. This was recommended by our server as one of the favorite things on the menu. The Goddess Burger is made with two thin patties, not quite smashed, like where they’re crispy from being smashed on the grill, but pretty thin patties — so a double burger. The Goddess Burger We were wowed by this burger! We found the herb mayo to be pretty garlic-forward, but also pretty fresh and very flavorful, which, along with the caramelized onions and the bacon, contributed most of the flavor here. We probably would have liked a little sharper cheese because these patties are thin, and they are pretty much cooked to well done. We would say ours were more of a medium well. There was a little bit of pink in the middle of the patties, but it’s not a burger cooked to order temperature. Goddess Burger It was a brioche bun, and we always enjoy that on a restaurant burger, since it’s slightly sweet and soft. The burger came with your choice of sweet potato fries or regular fries. We opted for sweet potato because we hadn’t seen those on another menu. They were good. They were standard. We wouldn’t say there was anything special about them, but they were good. We would say this at $25 is decent for what you’re getting. You’re obviously getting quality meat, and that’s no different than you would have at another resort, and we love that it’s a decent-sized burger, which would make it shareable for a light lunch. Sweet potato fries Drinks The Wild Berry Sour cocktail is $19 and comes with Grey Goose Vodka, lemon sour, passion fruit, blackberries, and club soda. This one was recommended by our bartender along with a couple of others, but this one stood out to us as being different than what we’ve tasted here at the hotel so far. It starts with the bartender muddling a couple of fresh blackberries, which added great flavor throughout the cocktail. There is lemon sour, which adds some nice acid along with passion fruit, for some more sweet here and then it’s topped off with some club soda, so there’s a little fizz to go along with it that makes it a nice sip for sitting outside. It was $19, which is probably a little steep for a cocktail, but no different than the prices that you might pay other places, especially because this one was hand-mixed and muddled and all those good things. Wild Berry Sour We also tried the Prosecco Popsicle ($19). This is made with Lunetta Prosecco and a La Palette Gourmet Popsicle with your choice of flavors, including mango, strawberry, pineapple, raspberry basil, wild berry, and more. We got raspberry basil. This was so fun! It’s a glass of prosecco with a popsicle upended in it. You stir it, let the popsicle kind of melt and drip into your prosecco, flavoring the prosecco. It kind of has that mimosa vibe, where you’ve got a fruit juice and the prosecco by the time that you’re done. The popsicles here are a standout — we were told they’re made locally by a small business here in the Orlando area. The drink is served in a white wine glass because you have to have room for the popsicle and you can’t do that with a champagne flute. That can mean that your bubbles might expire a little sooner than they would in a champagne flute, but we didn’t have any qualms about that or problems with that. Prosecco Popsicle So, is Lotus Lagoon worth a stop at the Helios Grand Hotel? Nosh or Not You should stop by Lotus Lagoon if… You’re hanging out at the pool and are looking for some delicious drinks and eats You want to enjoy being outside with nice views while you dine You should skip Lotus Lagoon if… You don’t want to eat outside near the pool You’re looking for a more formal meal Overall This pool bar is nice and shaded, and a pleasant place to be overlooking the pool, but not right in line with the pool. It’s up a little level. There are tables and chairs to sit in, as well as quite a bit of space at the round bar in the center of the structure. It is all under a roof, which is great and makes it nice and shady and cooler. We’re very impressed with the beverage development and cocktails. Even the pool bar has its own cocktail menu, not repeating the cocktail scene at the Flora Taverna Bar or at Bar Helios. There are about 10 handcrafted, hand-mixed cocktails here, and we will definitely be back to try more! Welcome to Helios Grand Hotel We’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Helios Grand Hotel and Epic Universe. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! See Which 2 Universal Hotels Beat Out Disney as the Best in Orlando! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Do you have a trip planned to visit Universal Orlando this year? Let us know in the comments!The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Lotus Lagoon Restaurant at Universal's Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Easter is this weekend, and Disney World, for lack of a better term, is hopping! Hollywood Studios Crowds There are tons of special treats to try out when you’re in the parks this weekend to celebrate. You can enjoy the Easter Parade and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom, and don’t forget to check out the Easter Egg displays around Disney World Hotels! However, if you were hoping to save some time in line this weekend, we’ve got some bad news. Lightning Lane Premier Pass is one of the most expensive ways to skip the lines in Disney World, but people seem to be loving it all the same. Unlike Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, which require you to select specific attractions and return times in advance, Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows you to skip the lines at almost every single attraction in ONE park at any time you’d like. ©Disney This means that if you purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Magic Kingdom, you can skip the line for nearly every attraction in the park once without needing to make any reservation ahead of time. If you were thinking of utilizing this for your trip this weekend over the Easter holiday, your plans may need to change. Galaxy’s Edge Lightning Lane Premier Pass is completely sold out today, Friday, April 18th, and is very limited in the near future. ©Disney As for Saturday, April 19th, only EPCOT is still available for a whopping $249 per person. ©Disney Following that, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios are available from April 20th–22nd, but Magic Kingdom is entirely sold out. ©Disney This likely also means that Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass will be in high demand as well, so keep that in mind as you’re looking to book them. Your best bet will be booking as far in advance as you can (3 days prior to your trip for non-hotel guests, 7 days in advance for hotel guests), so set those alarms! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news to help you plan your vacation! Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes in Disney World DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Do you use Lightning Lane in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney World's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Is SOLD OUT For The Easter Holiday first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re always on the hunt for the best Disney essentials we can get for a smoking deal. We found the best seven Disney finds you’re going to love. We always love finding Disney merch! All of these items are on sale, as much as 69% off! Let’s check them out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Cra-Z-Art Disney Crystal Surprise Series 1 ©Amazon For less than $3, you can get this adorable mystery collection with different Disney figurines inside. There are twelve different characters to collect, and they come with slime or play sand. SHOP ON AMAZON FOR $2 Disney Munchlings Squeeze-A-Munch Large Lemon Sceneted Winnie ©Amazon Eek! We love Munchlings, and this Winnie the Pooh is a lemon-scented dessert. It’s 10 inches tall and the perfect size to cuddle. SHOP ON AMAZON LESS THAN $5 Wet Brush Disney Belle ©Amazon Beauty and the Beast lovers will need this super cute brush. It has Belle and her books and is great for wet or damaged hair. SHOP ON AMAZON FOR 50% OFF Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Bowdazzling Dress-Up and Pretend Play Trunk ©Amazon This dress-up set includes four tops, three skirts, one headband, two bows, two hair ribbons, one necklace, three rings, three bracelets, one sticker sheet, and a reusable cardboard trunk. There’s so much to play with! SHOP ON AMAZON FOR LESS THAN $10 Small Sling Bag Crossbody We love this bag This is one of our favorite bags, and we can’t believe it’s less than $9 right now! It fits our essentials for heading to Disney World, and everything is close by when we need it. SHOP ON AMAZON FOR LESS THAN $10 INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest Power Bank INIU Portable Charger Another one of our favorites is one sale! We use these every day in the parks, and we love how small they are to fit in our bags. SHOP ON AMAZON FOR 36% OFF Loungefly Princess Leia Star Wars Bag ©Amazon A Loungefly bag at 50% off? Say less! This Princess Leia bag would look so cute at Galaxy’s Edge, and you truly can’t beat the price. SHOP ON AMAZON FOR 50% OFF These are our favorite on-sale items right now, and we’re obsessed with them. Follow the Disney Food Blog to stay up to date and find the best Disney deals for your next trip. Like what you’re seeing and looking for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront with all of our favorite finds!The post The 7 Absolute Best Disney Amazon Deals to Shop in April -- Starting at first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Marvel Studios has released a NEW trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, and it introduces a version of an iconic Marvel character who has never appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — the Silver Surfer. ©Marvel According to the film’s official synopsis, Fantastic Four: First Steps is “set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world.” The story is centered around Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm as they face a daunting challenge. The group must balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond and defend Earth from a space god. Watch the NEW trailer below! The new trailer puts the world of the film – – a 1960s-flavored alternate Earth in the MCU Multiverse — on full display, depicting the titular heroes as a mixture of superheroes and celebrities. However, all is not well for Marvel’s “First Family” in the trailer. A large amount of the clip is dedicated to the coming threat of Galactus, the “Eater of Worlds”, and his herald, the Silver Surfer, and the world’s reliance on the Fantastic Four to save them from destruction. In addition, the clip reveals that Susan Storm is pregnant with her and Reed’s first child, who Marvel Comics fans know as the near-omnipotent Franklin Richards. ©Marvel Overall, the clip’s tone seems to imply that the optimistic world of the team may not survive the end of the film, which would put it in line with some fan theories regarding how Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel Secret Wars may play out. The film, which is directed by Matt Shakman, stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the heroes, Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards, Susan “The Invisible Woman” Storm, Johnny “The Human Torch” Storm, and Ben “The Thing” Grimm respectively. Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner also star as Galactus and the Shalla-Bal version of the Silver Surfer. ©Disney Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25th. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of the upcoming MCU film. Disney Shares Behind-the-Scenes Look at 3 NEW Marvel Attractions Opening This December Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for Fantastic Four: First Steps? Let us know in the comments below! The post NEWS: Marvel Just Debuted NEW Silver Surfer in ‘Fantastic Four’ Trailer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando has set an opening day for its Arctic-based Expedition Odyssey attraction and the public debut of the Pacific walrus calf rescued in Alaska. The ride and orphaned animal named Uki will join the theme park lineup on May 1, SeaWorld announced Friday. Expedition Odyssey is a flying-theater type ride that will virtually transport visitors through glaciers, over the tundra and into the depths of the Arctic Ocean. The exclusive footage — shown on a curved screen 50 feet in diameter — includes encounters with orcas, beluga whales, polar bears, seals and walruses. The scenes were filmed in three two-week excursions spread over a year. The new attraction, located in the former Wild Arctic space, is “an adventure unlike anything our guests have experienced before, combining thrilling, immersive storytelling with powerful, real-world animal connections,” Jon Peterson, park president, said in a news release. “The newest addition to our park is unlike anything we have ever done before and brings to life the wonder of the Arctic in a way only SeaWorld can do.” Ride previews for SeaWorld annual passholders will begin April 26, starting with the platinum level cardholders. More levels are added daily through April 30, leading up to the grand opening. The height requirement will be 39 inches, SeaWorld said. SeaWorld worked with Mack Rides, a German company, for the flying theater, which is a style called Airific. For the film, it worked with UK-based Mousetrap Media and Norway-based PolarX. The post-show experience for the new ride will feature an Arctic-animal habitat, including Uki, the walrus calf rescued by the Alaska SeaLife Center and declared non-releasable. She has been under the care of SeaWorld’s animal-care experts since September. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

There is so much happening in Magic Kingdom! Cinderella Castle The Villains are getting ready to move in, Lightning McQueen is revving his engine, and now, a favorite of ours has changed again! Let’s snack on something sweet while we wait for construction to start over in the theme park. Over at The Friar’s Nook, you can get some classic hot dogs, loaded tater tots, hand pies, and some delicious sweet treats! It’s a great quick stop for picky eaters themed to the Disney classic Robin Hood (although a lot of people don’t know that). The Friar’s Nook One of our favorite items is the Apple Cider Doughnuts with caramel sauce for $6.49! These donuts were just added to the menu earlier this month, and they looked… intriguing. The donuts when they first launched! While we enjoyed the taste, it was just a bit hard to get past that interesting shade of green, and it seems other people agreed. Luckily for us, they’ve changed these sweet treats already! The green is gone. The new donuts! They are so much more appetizing without the green! They smelled like a fresh apple pie once we picked them up. Our reporter said the smell made her mouth water! They were nice and fluffy with a great crunch on the outside. The inside! We really enjoyed the bits of apple baked into the dough, which added a great textural element to the donuts. The sauce was still delicious, but we do wish there were more. We would love to see an additional side of caramel. We also think grabbing a side of vanilla ice cream from Storybook Treats next-door would make this even better, almost like an apple pie a la mode. A bit of ice cream! Overall, we really enjoyed these even more without the green coloring. While we love an attempt at creativity, we think the green coloring needs to stick with Halloween! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! DFB Guides We can’t wait to try even more treats throughout the Disney parks, so be sure to keep following DFB for more reviews and snack hacks. Best Snacks at Magic Kingdom in Disney World for 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your favorite Magic Kingdom dessert? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: "My Mouth Was Watering" A Magic Kingdom Snack Just Got Even Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s certainly no secret that there’s plenty to see, eat, drink, and do at the brand-new Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Burning Blade Tavern We’ve made our way around the five themed lands, and Dark Universe might just be our favorite of them all. Here, visitors will “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” And that includes checking out the Burning Blade Tavern! Atmosphere Found in Dark Universe, The Burning Blade Tavern is a quick-service restaurant that pays homage to the iconic windmill from Universal’s 1931 classic, Frankenstein! The Tavern gives diners the chance to eat in an “old mill which Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters have transformed into their hangout.” Burning Blade Tavern But don’t be SCARED… Instead of monsters being portrayed as heroes (as will be the case at Das Stakehaus), The Burning Blade Tavern shines the spotlight on hunters who protect regular folk from these legendary beasts. Entrance Since this is a quick-service restaurant, you can order from the bartenders or Epic Universe team members stationed at the counters, but you can also mobile order and pick up your food from a nearby pickup window. It’s dark in here! Surrounded by trophy heads of conquered monsters, diners will be able to enjoy a menu of burgers, pretzels (including the “Hunter’s Garlic Stake”), and specialty beverages while they listen to tales of victory from the hunters themselves! Inside seating In addition to indoor seating, there’s also a section of outside seating should you prefer being able to actually see what you’re eating! Outside seating But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu At the Burning Blade Tavern, you’ll find a selection of specialty drinks (like the Monocane and the Pure of Heart) and draft beer (like the Reaper’s Reserve brown ale and the Darkthorne Mead). But, you can also get some enticing eats like a burger, loaded potato, grilled chicken, and some other fun bites. Burning Blade Tavern menu And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats To kick things off, we grabbed the Hunter’s Garlic Stake for $8.99. This is a crispy garlic butter pretzel with garlic dipping sauce — which is essentially music to our ears. We had high hopes for the garlic stake, but it was a little too tame for us. It’s definitely got garlic on it — but not as much as you might expect. The garlic was strong in flavor, but there was less of it than what you might get on garlic knots from your local pizza joint. Same goes for the butter — it was there, but there could have been more. The pretzel itself had a decent flavor, but it was a bit on the tough side — we would have liked it to be more pillowy. Hunter’s Garlic Stake The garlic dipping sauce was tangy and buttery and definitely helped elevate this snack a bit. We also grabbed the Burning Cheddar Bites for $11.99, which are described as crispy fried poppers with sriracha ranch. Burning Cheddar Bites These cheddar cheese bites are incredible and definitely shareable. If you love Taco Bell, this is your dish. The burnt cheddar bites have a cheddar cheese consistency similar to what Taco Bell uses in their quesadillas, or at least that’s what it reminded us of. There’s definitely some heat to these that sneaks up on you if you’re not careful. The perfect dip The sriracha ranch sauce is also reminiscent of what Taco Bell uses in their quesadillas. These were warm, cheesy, and poppable. We could have eaten 300 of them, probably Look at that cheese! For the main event, we picked up the Burning Blade Burger made from a 4-oz. black angus patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeño bacon on a potato bun for $12.99. Burning Blade Burger This wasn’t the best burger we’ve ever had — even by theme park standards. This one was more of a medium or medium-well consistency, and it had some charred or grilled flavor going on with the patty, which we really enjoyed. The cheese was great — nice and melty, and the bacon had a crunchy consistency while still having some chew to it. Not super big The onions were nice and caramelized, but there weren’t many of them. The black bun was a bit hard to get over at first, but it kind of looked purple on the inside when you actually cut into it. Luckily, it was a normal potato bun that wasn’t anything to write home about. The chips served on the side were also quite familiar; they tasted like Lays Potato Chips (and probably were) so they weren’t too exciting, but they did the job. A solid burger! Enough about the food, we’ve gotta wash it all down with something right?! Drinks To wash everything down, we grabbed the Darkthorne Mead for $14. This is a blackcurrant-boysenberry session mead infused with pink peppercorn. Darkthorne Mead The Darkthorne Mead might be our new favorite drink of all time — for real! We almost wish it wasn’t alcoholic because we could chug this stuff, no joke. It’s got a grape-like flavor, and it’s kind of a fluorescent bluish purple, like an indigo. It’s got a great presentation and is served to you cold. This drink is a 10 out of 10, and we wish we could give it way, way, way more points. This is our new favorite drink Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You love all things Universal Monsters and want to experience all of Dark Universe. You’re looking for specialty drinks or beers. You’re in the mood for a snack while you’re in Darkmoor. You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You’re looking for a sit-down meal. You’re really hungry and want a wide selection of eats. You want to be able to see what you’re eating while still being inside. Overall We were really impressed with Burning Blade Tavern! To us, this seems like a spot that is best for drinks and light bites while you’re still making your way around Epic Universe. It’s relatively quick — at least when we visited — which makes it a great pit stop for sustenance before you continue your day. We didn’t love the burger, but the mead, cheddar bites, and garlic stake were worth making another trip! Full spread at Burning Blade Tavern In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! A Definitive Ranking of Everything To Do in Dark Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you eaten at this Epic Universe restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Burning Blade Tavern at Universal's Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s so much more to Mobile Order than just skipping the line. Mobile Order pickup We’ve tested pretty much every Mobile Order trick in the book during our Disney World visits — and let me tell you, some of these hacks have totally changed how we eat in the parks. Whether you’re a park open-to-close kind of person or someone who takes mid-day breaks back at the resort, there’s a Mobile Order strategy that can save you time, stress, and maybe even your sanity. Here are five of our absolute favorite Mobile Order tips that we swear by. Hit “I’m Here” Before You’re Actually There Look, we’re not saying to lie to the app… but if you hit “I’m Here” about five minutes before you actually walk up to the restaurant, it can make a huge difference. By the time you are there, your food’s probably already being prepped or ready to grab. Mobile Order window It might not sound like much, but five minutes here and there adds up — especially on those days when your whole schedule is go-go-go. Just make sure you’re close enough that you’re not leaving your food sitting too long. No one likes soggy fries. Order Early and Schedule Like a Pro This one is a game changer if you’re someone who doesn’t like leaving things up to chance. Instead of trying to order food right when you’re hungry (along with the rest of the park), hop on the My Disney Experience app earlier in the day and place a Mobile Order for your lunch or dinner in advance. ©Disney You’ll be able to scroll through available pickup windows and choose one that works for you. We’ve locked in popular times at places like Columbia Harbour House or Woody’s Lunch Box hours in advance, then strolled up at mealtime with zero stress. No scrambling, no hangry vibes. Mobile Order Takeout From Table Service Spots Yep, a few table service restaurants at Disney World now let you order their food to go — and honestly, we’re shocked more people aren’t using this. You can Mobile Order from places like Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Kona Café at the Polynesian, pick it up, and eat wherever you want. ©Disney Want to have a little picnic outside? Cool. Want to bring your food back to your room in your pajamas? Even better. This is a solid option for anyone who doesn’t want to lock into a full sit-down dining experience but still wants something a step above standard quick service. Use the Filters (Seriously, Just Do It) When you first go to place a Mobile Order, the list of options can be… overwhelming. The app will usually default to what’s nearby or sort things by location, but here’s the key: use the filters. There’s a little “Filters” button in the top left corner of the Mobile Order screen, and it’s a small but mighty feature. ©Disney || The filters button is in the top left corner You can filter by location, but the real MVPs are “Nearby” and “Available Now.” These are lifesavers when you’re trying to grab something quickly without endlessly scrolling through every restaurant on property. ©Disney || Mobile Order page is now refined to show what is available to order now We use these filters constantly when we’re hopping between parks or just trying to find a snack we don’t have to wait 45 minutes to pick up. End Your Day With a Sweet Exit Strategy After a long day at Magic Kingdom, the last thing most people want to do is wait in another line for snacks. But what if we told you that you could Mobile Order from the Main Street Confectionery on your way out? It’s true — and it’s one of our favorite under-the-radar tricks. You can schedule an order ahead of time and just pop in to pick up your treats as you leave the park. This is especially clutch if you’re trying to catch the fireworks from Main Street — just order right before or during the show, then grab your goodies and go. We love the Main Street Confectionery! Mobile Order at Disney World isn’t just about skipping a line — it’s about knowing how to use the system to work for you. These five hacks are the ones we come back to again and again, and they’ve helped us eat better, save time, and avoid more than a few hangry meltdowns. Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned passholder, there’s something here that can make your trip a little smoother. For more Disney hacks like these, make sure to continue to follow along with DFB! This Disney World Snack Trick Feels Illegal Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your best tips and tricks for using Mobile Order at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post I've Tried Every Mobile Order Hack for Disney World, and I'm Sharing My 5 Favorites first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something BIG is changing in Disney World, and it could affect your upcoming Disney World hotel stay. Typhoon Lagoon As you may know, Disney World hotel guests get some pretty good perks. That includes Early Theme Park Entry for those staying at ALL Disney World hotels, as well as Extended Evening Hours for those staying in Deluxe hotels. However, there’s a new perk that just started this year, which guests can also take advantage of for FREE. Heads up; that perk is changing a little on May 1st. Let’s talk about it. Disney World hotel guests can currently get free tickets to Disney World’s water parks on the day of their arrival. Right now, that means that hotel guests can visit Blizzard Beach water park. Although Disney World has TWO water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), we haven’t seen both open at the same time since 2020. Generally, Disney will close one water park for refurbishment while the other is open. Blizzard Beach On May 1st, though, Blizzard Beach will be closing for refurbishment, while Typhoon Lagoon will reopen. If you’re visiting Disney World on May 1st, the water park perk will be available at Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon HOWEVER, that will change on May 21st when Blizzard Beach will reopen, while Typhoon Lagoon remains open, making it the first time in six years that both water parks will be open at the same time. That means if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel on May 21st or later, you’ll be able to choose which water park you want to visit for FREE on the day of check-in. Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon You’ll probably want to go ahead and start thinking over which water park you’ll want to visit before you head to Disney World if you’re going to be staying at a Disney World hotel. For the first time since this new perk was announced, you’ll have options. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which water park do you prefer? Share with us in the comments! The post ALERT! HUGE Hotel Perk Change Coming SOON to Disney World (and You’re Gonna LOVE It!) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning your first trip to Disney World — DON’T WORRY! We’re here to help! Magic Kingdom Planning a trip to Disney World can be tricky, whether or not it’s your first visit. Perhaps the hardest part of planning is making the money work. Let’s face the facts: a Disney World vacation is never going to be cheap, especially if you’re covering costs for more than just yourself. While the cost anxiety of a Disney World vacation is very real, we’re here to provide some advice that might ease your worries. When it comes to evaluating Disney World costs, there are some things you can’t really cut around, like park tickets. However, you actually have a lot more control of cost than you might realize… Budget The first tip is simple: Budget. ©Disney Figure out what you want to do at Disney World. Figure out where you want to stay, where you want to eat, what kind of upgrades you want to pay for, how much money you want to spend on souvenirs, etc. Your intended itinerary will yield estimated costs, and you can start tailoring down what you’re willing to spend on. Main Street USA Understand your financial limitations and go from there. Disney World can be done on all sorts of budgets, so don’t be discouraged if you have to cut down your ideal itinerary a bit. Columbia Harbour House For example, you don’t need to eat at the most expensive restaurants every night and still find really great quality at more affordable restaurants. Look for Airfare Deals Depending on where you’re traveling from, airfare can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re traveling with a family. We recommend keeping an eye out year-round for deals. Let’s fly! Airlines will have deals all throughout the year. Keep on eye on consumer-friendly seasons like summer deals in the spring and Black Friday from all kinds of airlines, such as budget airlines like Spirit or favorites like Southwest. Orlando International Airport According to experts, to get the best rates, you should book your airfare within 2-3 months of departure for domestic flights and over 90 days out for international travel. Alter Length of Stay You may have heard this before: You can’t do everything in Disney World in one trip. Not only is that true, but it may take you several trips to do everything on your to-do list, let alone everything. Because of this, you might be tempted to do a longer stay. Disney’s Contemporary Resort With longer stays and park visits, ticket prices will decrease, so in the long run you’ll be saving cash — but only if you’re going to the parks for basically a week-plus. And this can only really be considered a true savings if you’re a local. The longer the stay, the more you’ll pay in the parks and the more you’ll pay for your hotel (which will likely be super pricey) and food. Art of Animation If you’re worried about costs to the point of anxiety, consider a shorter trip. You can also return to Disney World when you have more money to play with and you’ll still have an amazing experience, regardless of the length of stay. Stay at Universal or Off-Property Disney World hotels can be incredibly expensive. Even the cheapest hotels you’re looking at around $200-300 per night if you’re lucky. If you want any semblance of luxury, those numbers skyrocket. Universal Stella Nova Universal Orlando’s hotels are operated by Loews and are all much more cost-effective than Disney World’s. The bottom tier of Universal hotels are also pretty nice despite the lower price point, and if you plan on visiting the Universal parks, they’re conveniently located with their own set of Universal perks. If not, you’re still a reasonable drive or rideshare to the Disney Parks. Swan and Dolphin Hotels Similarly, Good Neighbor hotels are local hotels that partner with Disney and are usually much more affordable. These hotels also have their own transportation and many include the same perks you’d get at one of Disney’s hotels. Consider the Disney Dining Plan We briefly talked about food, and that’s fair considering it’ll take up a huge portion of your budget. That’s where the Disney Dining Plan can help. The Disney Dining Plan is back! There are two plans: Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following: 2 Quick-Service Meals (per night of stay) 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay) 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Disney Dining Plan Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following: 1 Quick-Service Meal (per night of stay) 1 Table-Service Meal (per night of stay) 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay) 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Coral Reef Restaurant The Disney Dining Plan isn’t for everyone, so you’ll have to do your homework to see if it’s right for you and your family. However, Disney World often offers a promotion where you can get the plan FOR FREE with select hotel and ticket packages. In 2025, the dates where this offer qualified are June 29th through September 30th, October 20th through November 1st, and December 6th through the 22nd. To see which hotels qualify for which plan, refer to the Disney Dining Plan website. Plan Where are you going to eat? How much are you willing to spend? Do you need souvenirs? Are you shelling out on Lightning Lanes and other upgrades? What kind of essentials might you need to purchase during the trip? Planning it all out takes away from the magic, but if you’re like the rest us and don’t have unlimited money, it’s crucial. Create a budget for food, goodies, and perks and you’ll give yourself so much more control of your vacation. Cinderella Castle A Disney World vacation will never be “cheap”, but you can have a full understanding of the costs by planning ahead and staying up-to-date on all the latest Resort developments. We’re happy to keep you in the know and help you get the most out of your vacation, so be sure to stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog! 9 ESSENTIAL Rules You Need To Know For Your First Trip to Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are some tips you have for saving money at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The New First Timer Travel Anxiety in Disney World: "Can I Afford a Trip?" first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to planning your trips, how you get there is important! Let’s fly! Southwest has gone through some big changes, experts are expecting prices to drop, and it’s hard to decide which airline is the best to travel with. Luckily, someone else has done the math for us, and we finally know which airlines are the best in 2025! WalletHub has released its rankings for the best airlines in 2025, and these results might surprise you! When it comes to picking a flight, cost, safety, reliability, and comfort all play a part in which airline is getting your money. Flight costs went up last year, and the number of people traveling dipped in the first quarter of 2025. Southwest Cabin As people become more particular about how and when they travel, choosing an airline to trust is becoming more and more important. To help you choose your airline based on what matters most to you, this year’s Best of 2025 list is broken down into 6 categories. Starting off, Spirit Airlines snatched the spot for Best Overall! ©Spirit Airlines Spirit scored a 69.12 overall score out of 100, thanks to an overall combination of comfort, affordability, safety, reliability, and even the age of their fleet. Spirit also took the number one spot for affordability (which wasn’t a huge surprise to us!). Spirit Airlines at Orlando Airport When it comes to the most reliable airline, Delta Air Lines is number one! This airline has the “lowest rate of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage, and denied boardings.” That can be a huge factor when it comes to booking with confidence. ©Getty Images Looking for the most comfortable airline? JetBlue Airways and Hawaiian Airlines tied in the number one spot! Both of these airlines offer “free amenities such as Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages.” Are you traveling with your furry friend? They covered that too! ©JetBlue The most pet-friendly airline was a three-way tie between SkyWest Airlines, United Airlines, and Envoy Air! None of these airlines had any pet-related incidents. (It’s important to note Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit don’t transport pets.) Southwest Airlines Finally, Spirit brought it home again by being the safest airline of 2025! Frontier Airlines was the runner-up in this category. If planning sounds stressful, consider using a travel agent! Small World Vacations finds the best deals, handles the stress, and makes your trip even better, all free of charge! As far as choosing an airline goes, if you’re looking for safety and affordability, Spirit is the way to go. If you need extra legroom or amenities, though, this airline might be a skip. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news and updates! Experts Predict Prices Will Drop SOON on Flights to Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which airline is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post You'll Never Guess Which Airline Was Voted #1 for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This year, cast members at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World, are celebrating the honor of retaining their status as a MICHELIN star restaurant! For over 20 years cast have provided a signature dining experience known for its lavish setting, offering a multi-course dining experience that features carefully curated menus with premium and sustainable ingredients sourced from around the world. Maître d’Hôtel and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Israel Perez showcases the current Victoria & Albert’s seasonal menu “The ingredients drive the menu,” Chef de Cuisine and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Matthew Sowers explains. “We use the freshest seafood and highest quality meat from across the globe as the base of our dishes. For example, the Glacier 51 Toothfish on the current menu can only be found in the Arctic more than one mile under the ocean’s surface.” Creating an experience where timeless traditions seamlessly blend with modern culinary artistry takes teamwork, and there’s no shortage of it in the Victoria & Albert’s kitchen. Guests are served a wide range of small courses inspired by the culinary team’s travels, cultural backgrounds and personal stories. “The Miyazaki A-5 Wagyu on the current menu is inspired by Chef Miguel’s Venezuelan roots. During the winter months, beef and cabbage are staple ingredients in his family’s meals,” shares Sharon, a cast member who has served at the restaurant for over 20 years. “And the Norwegian King Crab is a nod to Chef Gabriella’s home country of Norway. We have Chefs from all over the world bringing their stories to life in every dish – curating a fine dining experience in a way only Disney can.” Sharon, a 22-year cast member at Victoria & Albert’s showing the plated wagyu with a celebratory pour Always evolving, the menu of Disney’s MICHELIN star restaurant shifts with the season, delighting returning guests with new and unique flavors every time every visit. With a world-class wine collection boasting over 500 selections, each course is thoughtfully paired to enhance the experience from start to finish. But ask the team what they believe is the secret to their success, and you won’t hear them talk about stars or awards. “It’s because we’re a family. We all really do care for the restaurant and each other,” says Chef Nathan, who moved from Pennsylvania to Florida to join the Victoria & Albert’s culinary team due to its strong reputation. “Every single one of us goes above and beyond. We have a shared vision of excellence.” Victoria & Albert’s remains the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star. The cast are an incredible example of how Walt Disney World continues to raise the bar for exceptional dining – from iconic Disney-themed snacks and immersive restaurants in the parks, to unforgettable fine dining experiences like this one. Congratulations to the cast of Victoria & Albert’s on this extraordinary distinction! The post Disney’s MICHELIN Star Restaurant: Victoria & Albert’s Retains MICHELIN Star Rating in 2025 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you’re headed to Disney World this summer, you might be faced with a problem! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Staying at a Disney hotel comes with a lot of great perks like free transportation, Disney theming, and extra time in the parks. In 2025, free water park access was added to those perks! This year, Disney hotel guests are getting access to the water parks on the day that they check in to their hotel for free. But, for some guests, this might cause an issue. On your day of check-in, you and the party linked to your hotel reservation will each receive FREE admission to one of Disney World’s water parks! Disney states in there that tickets are based on availability, which means that if the park is closed for refurbishment or cold weather, you may not be able to use this perk. However, your choices just doubled for the water parks. Blizzard Beach It’s been a long time since we’ve seen both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open at the same time, but from May 21 to September 7, 2025, they’ll both be up and running. This hasn’t happened since 2019, and if you’re a water park fan, this is huge. So, what’s the problem? Typhoon Lagoon Well, your free water park ticket is only good for ONE park — you cannot visit both on check-in day. Guests will have to choose which park to visit. While this is a good problem to face, it’s still another thing guests will need to plan for this summer when heading to Disney World. Blizzard Beach If you need help planning your Disney World vacation, our friends over at Small World Vacations can do a great job. Their planners will answer your questions and help you plan one magical trip. Reach out to them for a FREE quote. For more Disney World news, make sure you follow along with us at DFB! Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Which Disney World water park would you choose and why? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. The post The New Problem That's Suddenly Plaguing Disney World Hotel Guests first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has shared the progress on visual elements of its Disney Destiny ship, particularly the Marvel characters that will be found on – and just outside – the vessel. “We are actively in construction right now. All the blocks of the ship have been assembled, so we’re now moving to the interior of the ship, starting to install finishes,” Beth Burkhardt, principal interior designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said during a showcase about Destiny while aboard the docked Disney Wish ship at Port Canaveral. “Each day these spaces are starting to come to life, which is very exciting,” she said. The new ship, set to sail in November, is currently still at the manufacturer in Germany. Disney is overlaying a “heroes and villains” theme throughout the Destiny. That starts/ends out the back with Spider-Man clinging to Destiny, much like Goofy bringing up the rear for Disney Magic, Dumbo with Disney Fantasy and Rapunzel on Disney Wish. “It’s our first-ever Marvel stern character,” Burkhardt said. “And, as always, we love to have a fun, whimsical twist to all of them.” In this case, the stern character ensemble will include Spider-Bots. “Some of the spider-bots have a snorkel mask or a life preserver around their waist. They’re having a great time,” Burkhardt said. She shared a making-of video for Spidey and friends, and she said the figures were en route to Germany to be installed on the ship. The Grand Hall of Destiny will have multiple “Black Panther” touches. “Another Marvel first on board Disney Cruise Line is our Grand Hall character T’Challa,” Burkhardt said. “He actually has a black panther that’s standing next to him, which is symbolic of all of the different Black Panthers.” Like on other DCL ships, the T’Challa is a bronze sculpture, but it has a darker patina that brings out silver accents in his suit. There are purple accents, too, representing vibranium, an energy-absorbing ore that’s part of the Marvel Universe. “You can see the vibranium activating his suit. … So he’s powering up and ready to have an adventure,” Burkhardt said. A recently released rendering of Destiny’s Grand Hall – which features a vibranium-powered chandelier – includes the character of Loki, villainous brother of Thor. It’s a signal that good and evil may lurk in that space thanks to special effects. “Lighting is used in a completely new way. … So if you see a hero or villain in the space, it’ll feel completely different,” Burkhardt said. The Sanctum is inspired by the sorcerers and mystical artifacts of Doctor Strange. The parlor offer an array of cocktails, mocktails and coffees. (Walt Disney Co.)Elsewhere, the ship’s Sanctum Lounge is inspired by the Doctor Strange character. “There are some great design details from the Chamber of Relics. We really leaned into that space in the film to inspire the look and feel of the space,” Burkhardt said. “We also have those suspended books on the bookshelves like where Doctor Strange goes to study at Kamar-Taj and have the books with all the sorcery in them.” There’s more superhero action with an Iron Man-inspired suite and the Marvel Super Hero Academy area for young passengers. Other character touches on the 4,000-passenger ship include a piano lounge with Cruella De Vil, “Hercules” and “Frozen” stage shows and themed dining called Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. Among the tunes the ship’s horns can play are “Captain America March” and “The Glory Days” from “The Incredibles.” And Disney revealed a superhero costume, complete with cape, for Minnie Mouse. A new costume will help Minnie Mouse get into the "heroes and villains" spirit of Disney Destiny ship. (Kent Phillips/Walt Disney Co.)Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

Summer is heating up — and so is Disney World. EPCOT If you’ve got a trip planned in the next few months, you’re gonna want to know about a few key changes coming to the parks and resorts. We’re talking new parades, water park perks, early access surprises, and even a sweet luggage deal for Southwest flyers. Whether you’re staying on-site or just popping in for the day, these updates could totally shift how you plan your Disney days. Here’s what’s new (and what you need to know). A Brand-New Nighttime Parade Is Headed to Magic Kingdom Later this summer, Magic Kingdom is getting a serious nighttime glow-up. The brand-new “Disney Starlight” parade will light up the streets, and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio is the one bringing it all to life. Expect to see characters from Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan, too. Disney hasn’t shared the full lineup yet, but let’s just say… if you’re hanging around after dark, this could be your new favorite parade. ©Disney We’ll keep you posted on the official debut date, but for now — plan to stick around after the fireworks. BOTH Water Parks Will Be Open (Yep, Both) This is big. For the first time since 2019, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time — from May 21st through September 7th. So if you’ve been flip-flopping between wave pool or lazy river, you no longer have to choose. Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach And get this: Starting in 2025, all Disney Resort hotel guests will get free water park admission on their check-in day. That’s not a typo. Just show your hotel reservation, and each person registered to the room gets free access to one of the water parks. It’s a solid way to start your trip off without burning a full park ticket. Early Entry Just Got an Upgrade If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you already get Early Theme Park Entry, meaning you can enter any park 30 minutes before it officially opens. But now? That 30 minutes might be more powerful than ever. Early entry sign! Over at Magic Kingdom, you can now get in line for rides that don’t even open until regular park hours. For example, TRON Lightcycle / Run doesn’t open until 9 AM, but you can queue up during that early entry window at 8:30 AM. Bonus: they’re even letting guests store their gear in lockers starting around 8:45 AM. So if you’re strategic, you could be one of the first on TRON — without sprinting at rope drop. TRON Lightcycle / Run opens at 9 AM Also worth noting: characters are starting to appear earlier, too. During early entry, you might catch a few meet-and-greets before the park officially opens, especially in Magic Kingdom. New Airport Luggage Transfer (for Some Guests) This next perk is still in testing, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you’re flying Southwest and staying at a Value Resort. NEW PERK! Here’s how it works: if you’re staying at one of the five participating Value Resorts — Pop Century, Art of Animation, or any of the All-Stars — you can drop off your checked baggage with Luggage Assistance at your hotel. Disney will then deliver your bags straight to Orlando International Airport and check them in for your Southwest flight. You skip the airline counter and head straight to security. The luggage assistance desk! It’s ONLY for Southwest flyers and only for certain hotels, and you’ll need to follow the check-in timing exactly. But if you qualify, this could save a ton of time and hassle on departure day. Summer Just Got More Kid-Friendly From May 27 to September 1, Disney’s adding some limited-time “kid zones” to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT — and they’re actually pretty cool. Stitch In Magic Kingdom, Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland will have new areas for kids to run around, meet characters (Stitch is confirmed!), and burn off some energy without standing in a line. And over at EPCOT, Goofy is hosting a game party in the air-conditioned CommuniCore Hall once Flower & Garden wraps up. Hiya Goofy! The best part? These are super low-effort ways to let your kids play while you take a breather — and some character interactions might happen during early entry, too. Disney+ Subscribers Get Hotel Deals (But Gotta Act Fast) If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, don’t sleep on this one. You can get discounted hotel rooms this summer for stays between June 29 and July 31, 2025, as long as you book at least two nights. Here’s a peek at some of the rates: $99/night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort $169/night for Woods View at Port Orleans – Riverside $229/night for a Cars Family Suite at Art of Animation $249/night for a Deluxe Studio at Saratoga Springs $339/night for Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge The catch? These rooms are limited, and they will sell out fast. You’ll need to show proof of your Disney+ subscription, and the deal doesn’t apply to certain room types (like 3-bedroom villas or some standard views). So if you’re interested, move quickly. So… What’s the Move? If you’re planning a Disney World trip this summer or into 2025, you’ll definitely want to keep these updates in mind. Free water park admission, earlier ride access, character time before park open, and new stuff for kids? These changes could seriously level up your trip — or at least help you skip some lines and save a few bucks. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. I’m Using This Free Disney Hotel Perk for the WRONG Reasons, and I Have Zero Regrets. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be at Disney World this summer 2025? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 NEW Summer Procedures Will Go Into Effect in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Kids and kids at heart, look away, another Disney classic is being turned into a horror movie! ©Disney Over the past few years we have seen popular Disney characters get thrown into, to put it bluntly, interesting horror movies. Characters like Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have made their way into the horror genre, and now another Disney fan-favorite is next. STOP RUINING OUR CHILDHOODS! It looks like the cave of wonders will become the cave of horrors, as Deadline reports a new horror movie inspired by the Disney classic Aladdin is now in the works. The film will be called Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, and production has already begun — so no there’s no going back now. ©Deadline The movie will be a dark, twisted, and supernatural reimagining of the story of Aladdin. Empire Studios, Every Entertainment, and 8th Law Pictures will be producing the film. The filming will start in late May of 2025, and it will take place in the UK. ©Disney (Our honest reaction) Let’s take a look at the film synopsis as a whole: “A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made.” ©Disney Producer of the film, Charley McDougall, stated, “We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes.” He also went on to say, “This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.” ©Disney It’s pretty obvious that this will not be anything like the Disney animated movie! As production continues, we’ll start to hear more about the film (although we don’t know if we want to). Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, you never know who will fall victim to the horror genre next! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be watching this new Aladdin horror movie? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is No Cave Of Wonders -- 'Aladdin' Horror Movie In The Works first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Even more movies and TV shows are headed to Disney+ next month! ©Disney In honor of May 4th, Disney+ is celebrating with all-new releases of “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld.” Plus, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available to stream starting in May! Let’s take a look at everything that you can stream this month! Thursday, May 1 Rise Up, Sing Out (Shorts) (Season 2, 7 episodes) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Friday, May 2 Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols (Season one, 6 episodes) Saturday, May 3 Doctor Who (Season 2, Episode 4) Sunday, May 4 Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld (All episodes streaming) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Disneyland Resort Celebrate 70 years of imagination and unforgettable storytelling at Disneyland Park by journeying through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive P.O.V. experience invites you to explore Batuu after hours, where droids work diligently, heroes emerge, and the First Order looms around almost every corner. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Disneyland Resort Celebrate 70 years of Disneyland imagination with a cinematic ride-along through Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This P.O.V. journey shows how seven decades of innovation can bring science fiction to life! Your mission begins on Batuu and quickly escalates into a daring escape from the clutches of the First Order. Do you have what it takes to rise with the Resistance? ©Disney Tuesday, May 6 Andor (Season 2) Three new episodes at 6 PM PT Wednesday, May 7 Broken Karaoke (Season 3, 2 episodes) Firebuds (Season 2, 2 episodes) Hamster & Gretel (Season 2, 12 episodes) Big City Greens (Season 4, 1 episode) 100th Episode Friday, May 9 History’s Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning (Season 1, 8 episodes) The Toys That Built America (Season 3, 12 episodes) The UnXplained (Season 7, 6 episodes) WWE Rivals (Season 2, 10 episodes) WWE Rivals (Season 4, 6 episodes) Saturday, May 10 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 5 Tuesday, May 13 Andor (Season 2) Season Finale at 6 PM PT ©Disney Saturday, May 17 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 6 Monday, May 19 Tucci in Italy — Premiere – All Episodes Streaming Tuesday, May 20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Pet Hotel (S1, 5 episodes) Premiere – New Short-Form Series Saturday, May 24 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 7 Wednesday, May 28 Me & Winnie the Pooh (S2, 6 episodes) Playdate with Winnie the Pooh (S2, 5 episodes) Saturday, May 31 How Not to Draw (S3, 4 episodes) Doctor Who (Season 2) Season Finale at 11am PT We are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so make sure to continue to follow along with us here at the Disney Food Blog!! When Will the Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Be on Disney+? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a Disney+ subscriber? Let us know in the comments!The post Everything Coming to Disney+ in May 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article