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Y’ALL. WE DID IT. 2025 is nearly here! Magic Kingdom It’s been quite the year for Disney, but they aren’t slowing down any time soon. Whether you’re a long-time fan or planning your first trip, there’s something new to look forward to across the parks. From ride closures to EPCOT festivals (hooray!) and beyond, here’s a look at what will be different at Disney World in the first month of 2025! If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing! Check out what you can look forward to in January at Disney World! Say Goodbye to 5 Disney World Rides (For Now) January is FULL of closures, both temporary and permanent. The following are the temporary closures so if your eyes skipped ahead to read “Big Thunder…” and you freaked out, don’t worry! We’re starting with the refurbishments. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Starting in Magic Kingdom, we’ll have to say farewell to “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” for at least one year. The ride is scheduled to close on January 6th, 2025, and won’t reopen until 2026. Sigh… Big Thunder Mountain Railroad About this closure, Disney says that the ride will reopen “with a little bit of new magic in 2026.” It’s unclear exactly what that means at this time — will there be new special effects like the Disneyland version? Something totally different? We’ll have to wait and see. The PROBLEM with the Year-Long Closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Astro Orbiter On the same day, another ride will shut down temporarily. That’s Astro Orbiter over in Tomorrowland! Astro Orbiter The closure is not quite as long as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, however, it will still last several months. Disney says they expect it to be back up in summer of 2025. Yes, the park will be down at least two rides! Lengthy Magic Kingdom Ride Closure Just Announced Kali River Rapids As expected, Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will temporarily close for routine maintenance on January 6th, 2025. Kali River Rapids Each year around this time, the water rides close for some TLC. There aren’t many people trying to ride them while it’s cold! A Disney World Ride Is Temporarily CLOSING in January Gran Fiesta Tour The Three Caballeros will be taking a 2-month siesta starting on January 6th as well! The iconic Mexico pavilion boat ride is also receiving some refurbishment work. Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros Luckily Disney has already given us a reopening date of March 15th, 2025. These are subject to change but it shows us the light at the end of the tunnel! Iconic EPCOT Ride Announces 2-Month Closure Hall of Presidents And finally, the Hall of Presidents will be closing on January 20th. This closure happens each time a new President of the United States is elected. Hall of Presidents There is no reopening date on the Disney World calendar just yet. Closure Announced For Yet Another Magic Kingdom Attraction Say Goodbye to DinoLand (Forever) We’re sorry…but it’s time to move onto the permanent closures. January marks the end of an era because part of DinoLand will be closing forever. It’s almost time to say goodbye This closure includes TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. You have through January 12th to say your final goodbyes to this area of the park. Disney confirmed that the land’s main attraction, DINOSAUR, will remain open through 2025 so you’ve got a bit more time to process its inevitable closure. Dr. Grant Seeker will be unemployed soon In case you missed it, DinoLand is being replaced with a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The land will feature attractions around Indiana Jones and Encanto! It’s expected to open in 2027 so expect a LOT of construction walls in this area of the park until then. Close-Up Look At NEW Encanto Ride Announced for Disney World! Festival of the Arts EPCOT’s first festival of 2025 is, of course, the iconic Festival of the Arts! This festival is a fan-favorite and although it is short, so much is packed into it. It’s a must-do! EPCOT Festival of the Arts This event will run from January 17th to February 14th, 2025 and you can expect everything you know and love about EPCOT festivals. Food booths (including this new booth that was recently announced), a food crawl with a free prize, the Figment scavenger hunt, photo ops, interactive art experiences, entertainment, and so much more. Everything You Need to Know for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts After Hours Events Are Back! Have you ever wanted to stay inside a Disney World park AFTER is closes? Soon you can! In January, Disney World is bringing back the popular After Hours events to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! Cinderella Castle at night Magic Kingdom’s events begin on January 6th and are available on select nights through May 19th. More interested in Hollywood Studios? You can buy tickets for events happening from January 22nd to September 3rd. Minnie Mouse at Hollywood Studios After Hours Tickets are on sale now and there are many perks to going. Some people even purchase After Hours tickets in lieu of a regular park ticket! That’s because lines are super short at popular rides due to the limited capacity. You can also meet rare characters and get complimentary snacks! Prices vary but if you haven’t tried these before, 2025 might be the year to try it out. The 2 BEST Dates to Buy After Hours Tickets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Disney World’s biggest runDisney event of the year is happening from January 8th-12th! Each day, there will be a new race from a 5K all the way to the main event — the marathon! Marathon Weekend Crowds (2023) Thousands of people come to Disney World to do this event, but it can be fun even if you decide to watch. It’s also important to note that these events can impact the park hours. For example, on January 11th and 12th, EPCOT will open at 10AM instead of the typical 9AM. ©Disney This race has been sold out since tickets went on sale. However, if you’ve ever wanted to see Disney World in a totally different way, we recommend doing a runDisney race in the future! FIRST LOOK at the Walt Disney World 2025 Marathon Weekend Merchandise Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! 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 Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in January! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! 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 visiting Disney World in January? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! The post 9 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in January first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Uh oh! You’ve forgotten to make a reservation for a restaurant in EPCOT, and now you’re scrambling to find a decent place to enjoy a nice meal. EPCOT While it’s true that most restaurants around EPCOT can fill up quickly with reservations, especially during heavier seasons like when special dining packages might be offered, there are a few tried and true restaurants we like to turn to when we’re feeling a bit spontaneous. We recently set out for a meal at one of these options that has a bit of a divisive reputation for its quirky menu, and we’ve got to admit its newest offerings probably aren’t going to bring unity. As you find yourself making your way around EPCOT’s World Showcase, you’ve probably stopped to marvel at this massive restaurant. It’s hard to ignore the Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion. Nine Dragons Restaurant But, this restaurant does offer more than meets the eye! The menu offers a mix of Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan and Kiangche-style eats. Its a lovely restaurant to dine in, but it certainly seems to have created mixed reviews for itself within its most recent menu updates. Atmosphere This is a HUGE restaurant to walk up to, and it really looks very ornate with a commanding presence. We think it was also dealt a pretty sweet hand with its location as it’s very easily viewable by those who are strolling by around the World Showcase. Nine Dragons Restaurant sign The outside doesn’t overdo the decor though, and there is a condensed version of the menu highlights featured outside for curious passersby. Highlight menu outside As you walk in, you’ll find the host stand in the waiting room with its jade colored walls and columns. This is also where you’ll find the connecting door to the bathrooms for the restaurant (which are shared with the neighboring Lotus Blossom Café. Waiting area and bathrooms When it was our turn to be seated, we were welcomed and walked through the main dining room that was enveloped with the natural sunlight beaming into the windows on the backside of the restaurant. It was a little bit overcast this particular day, so it wasn’t too much sunlight to be blinded or annoy us during our meal, but just enough to really give it a nice touch to the lively dining area. Dining room The restaurant’s dining rooms are sectioned off with a main room… Main dining room small tables …a slimmer dining area divided by an interesting wall divider… Smaller dining area …and a back room with a more intimate feel. Back of the restaurant Along the wall closest to where the Cast Members entered and exited from the kitchen you’ll find 9 small windows, each decorated with a single colorful glass dragon inside! These are very neat to look at, and we’d encourage you at some point to get up and see all of their tiny details up-close! Dragons! For as large of a space as the dining room is, it wasn’t very loud inside — even with the restaurant playing light orchestral music overhead. Menu When we were seated at our table, our server presented us with a double-sided paper menu. The front side features selections of appetizers, entrées, and the restaurant’s kids menu… Appetizers, entrées, kids menu …while the back side features the non-alcoholic beverages, hot drinks, and wines. Beverages, hot drinks, and wine Another smaller tabletop menu folded out in an A-frame to detail the dessert options on one side… Desserts …along with the cocktail and beer selections on the opposite side. Cocktails and beer But since we’d been following the latest menu updates to hit Disney World, we knew exactly what we planned to order. Eats We couldn’t wait to show you everything we ordered all at once, so here it is! We ended up opting for the Chicken Pot Stickers, the new Glazed Prawns with Pistachios, the also new Smoked Duck Fried Rice, and a Strawberry Crepe Cake to top it all off. Our entire meal But let’s not get ahead of ourselves — let’s start with our appetizer! The Chicken Pot Stickers are made of pan-fried chicken dumplings, cabbage, and dumpling sauce and will cost you $10. Chicken Pot Stickers The dumplings were well cooked which resulted in some of the outside being a bit crispier, for the most part the dumpling was chewy and soft enough to cut into easily without compromising the rest of the dumpling’s structure. Inside of the pot sticker The overall flavor leaned a bit toward the bland side from the chewier chicken packed inside along with the crunch of the cabbage, but where this dish made up for it was in the drizzle of the tangy dumpling sauce with sesame seeds. While it wasn’t anything we’re raving about, it was a decent start to meal with something comfortable and familiar to our taste buds, we just wish they had kicked that flavor up another notch. Solid appetizer Next up, we tried a new menu item. The Glazed Prawns with Pistachios is made of lightly-fried glazed prawn, roasted pistachio, honey mustard sauce and this dish will cost you $32. Glazed Prawns with Pistachio and a side of white rice At first glance dish is BIG and those prawns aren’t your average scrawny shrimp either. They’re tossed in a glaze that’s very thin and a bit on the runny side, but its flavor is what intrigued us most about it. It reminded us of a honey mustard glaze. The prawns themselves are gigantic, and you get a hefty portion of them! They’re plump while still giving that hint of seafood brine when you dig into them, and with the glaze they’re really enjoyable. Just the prawns This dish is also served with a side of white rice which comes in its own cup. While we could appreciate the separation for someone who’s not a fan of mixing their food flavors together, it felt a little weird separating them. Served with a side of white rice We would have ideally liked to have seen the glazed prawns sitting on a bed of white rice, rather than having to dip into the rice, then grab a prawn. So plump! Overall though, we really liked this meal and the extra crunch of the crushed pistachios weren’t super helpful in terms of flavor but added a nice texture to the prawns. Another look The Smoked Duck Fried Rice was next up on our list of “new” to try! This dish is made of smoked ducked breast, egg fried rice, hoisin sauce and costs a whopping $35! Smoked Duck Fried Rice Yeah, it’s a huge bowl and honestly what struck us first is how this should have been listed as a shareable entree option. However, that fried rice smelled so good wafting in our direction, and we were so ready to try it out! Very gamey This one was a big disappointment for us. We realize it’s going to take a special kind of palate to appreciate duck in general but this gamey, smoked duck breast really didn’t please us. It was extra chewy, and there wasn’t a whole lot of hoisin sauce. We recommend asking for extra because without it, this meal feels dry and lacking in flavor. We’re sure there’s a target customer base for this dish, but on this day at least, we weren’t it. To round out our meal, we chose the Strawberry Crepe Cake for dessert. This slice is made of layers of light and soft crepes with strawberry cream — it costs $13. Strawberry Crepe Cake It’s on the tinier side for a $13 dessert, but we were hopeful that it would make up for it in flavor. As you take a bite into this piece of cake you can almost taste the ridges of each crepe layer that makes up the cake. It has a soft, sweet strawberry taste, and there’s a dollop of strawberry sauce spread on the side of the slice that we found ourselves dipping our fork into before grabbing a new bite. Just a bite! Overall it was a unique dessert that we’re glad to have had the opportunity to try, but we also could see those who are texture-averse having a hard time enjoying it. But for us, at the end of the day, cake was cake and while it was dry in parts, the strawberry flavor kept things light enough that we didn’t mind. Overall Overall for this meal we walked away full but not entirely satisfied. Another dragon The newer dishes couldn’t have been more different from each other, and we’re not certain the combo of the two back to back worked for our tastebuds. We were also disappointed to hear that a few other menu offerings were retired to make way for these new eats and found the dessert menu pretty basic with just 3 options. Nosh or Not? We’d recommend you stop by for a meal at Nine Dragons Restaurant if… You’re feeling adventurous and want to try a few newer menu items. Several of the dishes we tried during this review were new to the menu so if you’re looking to switch your your typical EPCOT eats, this might be just the change you’re craving. You’re really into Chinese food. If you’re experiencing a hankering that only a Chinese dish can satisfy, then this is certainly the better China restaurant of the two in EPCOT to choose. You’re looking for a meal with a view. The backside of the restaurant features giant cascading windows large enough to see the World Showcase Lagoon through. This makes it a pretty popular restaurant for late evening meals and an even more popular option to request when dining here for a chance to view the nightly fireworks from your seat. We wouldn’t recommend you visit Nine Dragons Restaurant if… Well…you’re just not into Chinese food. The menu here is entirely made of Chinese-inspired eats and drinks. If that doesn’t sound appealing you’ll have a hard time finding an alternative to eat here. You’re not a fan of gamey rice dishes. Yes, this restaurant does serve some gamer dishes, take the Smoked Duck Fried Rice we tried today for example. If you’re not into to meats that align with this taste, then you’ll probably end up with a dish that’s pretty basic that you could have paid a lot less for elsewhere. You’re BIG on variety. Now, don’t get us wrong here. Nine Dragons Restaurant certainly has variety to their menu but admittedly their menu offerings aren’t terribly extensive. We’re constantly updating our views and trying out the newest snacks, eats, drinks and more around Disney World! Make sure you’re following along with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest. REVIEW: NEW Menu Items Have Landed at a Controversial Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurant Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are you ordering on your next visit to Nine Dragons Restaurant? Tell us in the comments below! The post REVIEW: This EPCOT Restaurant Has a Flashy Location and a New Menu, But We Still Can't Recommend It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one thing we know about The Walt Disney Company, it’s that they like to keep us on our toes. You never know what Disney might announce! Who would have guessed that a Villains show is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?! From Magic Kingdom to EPCOT to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, every single Disney park will change in 2025. What does that mean for you? Well, your trips will change, too! Cinderella Castle If you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2025, you’re going to want to listen carefully. Three of the four parks – Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios – are about to become complete construction zones. In a few years, these big changes will totally enhance Disney World. But for the next few months…it’s going to be, well, a mess. These are the biggest news drops that will change your trips to Disney World in 2025. Hollywood Studios Monsters, Inc. Land Let’s start with the park we’re expecting the most…chaos. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be undergoing a major transformation. The Muppets Courtyard is closing permanently (sad!) to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. Land. ©Disney We still don’t have an exact closing date, but construction on this new land is planned to start in 2025. This means at least several parts, but more likely ALL, of Muppets Courtyard will close in 2025. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Re-theme But wait; there’s more! Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is getting re-themed into a Muppets-themed coaster. Yes, really. The Muppets may be getting kicked out of the Muppets Courtyard, but they are not getting evicted from Hollywood Studios altogether. Disney didn’t share a timeline for this one either, but construction could start in 2025. For now, we will just have to wait and see! ©Disney While this park is under construction, we expect the park to feel a little more crowded and anticipate some bottlenecks. Let’s just say we are excited for all the new projects to come to an end (before they even begin!). Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Back in October, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy permanently closed. This area will soon be used for a brand-new Disney Villains stage show called “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” Villains are taking over Disney’s Hollywood Studios! ©Disney We don’t know much about this show yet, but Disney did hint that the show is set to feature some of your favorite Disney Villains, like Captain Hook, Maleficent, and Cruella De Vil. They will transform the stage into the “mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror” and perform live music and dances. ©Disney We cannot WAIT to see this! The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Waaay back when Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened after the pandemic, Voyage of the Little Mermaid did not reopen. Eventually, Disney announced that a NEW show would take its place. The new show will be titled “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and after a slight edit to the original timeline, the show will officially open this summer! The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure This show will use a combination of live actors, puppets, digital animation, and live motion capture to replicate the show’s underwater setting. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure Plus, the show will have two NEW songs that weren’t part of the previous show: “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.” Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dinoland U.S.A. Closing Say goodbye to the dinosaurs! Dinoland U.S.A. is officially closing, and the phased closures start on January 13th, 2025. This area is closing to make way for a brand-new Tropical Americas land called Pueblo Esperanza. There will be a new Encanto ride, set inside the enchanted Casita… ©Disney …an Indiana Jones attraction, which will have a brand new story… ©Disney …a carousel attraction for little ones, and so much more. We can’t wait to see how Disney is able to transform this space. Pueblo Esperanza Carousel Concept Art ©Disney It’s Tough to Be a Bug Closure That’s not the only part of the park getting an update, though! Over on Discovery Island, a new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show will replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug at the Tree of Life Theater. While we don’t have an exact date, Dsiney hinted this should be ready by winter 2025. ©Disney The good news is that there are some FUN additions on the horizon. The bad news is that Animal Kingdom will feel smaller and busier than ever while Dinoland is under construction. Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom will see some of the BIGGEST changes, so be prepared for a total construction zone. First, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close on January 6th, 2025. This ride will be down for refurbishment for over a year. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Speaking of Big Thunder, a HUGE new Villains Land is coming “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” We’ve spotted some cranes in the area, so this could be under construction as we speak. See the crane? Villains Land will feature fan-favorite Disney Villains from popular Walt Disney Animation Studios films and two new attractions. TWO new rides! ©Disney Oh, and there’s more. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are permanently closing. These areas will be replaced by a new Cars-themed area. This new expansion in Magic Kingdom will include the addition of two Cars attractions. The first one will have you racing through the mountains and along wild terrains, all while trying to dodge geysers and splashing through mud holes. While the second attraction will be more family-friendly and geared for smaller racers. ‘Cars’ area in Magic Kingdom ©Disney Get ready for a new DVC lounge, too. This one will take over the old Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. ©Disney Phew! That’s a LOT. Be prepared for big crowds, ride closures, and lots and lots of construction walls. We suggest being super strategic about how you spend your days in the parks — and if you want to avoid construction, go to EPCOT! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. FULL LIST of What’s OPENING in Disney World in 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 Will you be visiting Disney World in 2025? Let us know in the comments! The post The BIGGEST News Drops That Will Change Your 2025 Disney World Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s ready to build? ©Shutterstock Heads up, LEGO fans, if you’re in the market for some new Disney builds, head over to Amazon ASAP. Currently, the E-tailer has several Disney sets on sale, some near 40% off! Are any of them for you? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Have a free trial: Mickey & Minnie LEGO Dots ©Amazon This 6-in-1 back-to-school supplies crafts set features a 2-drawer chest desk organizer, picture frame, note holder, 2 bag tags, and a sticker patch. The DIY creative set allows builders to “express unique style thanks to lots of colored tiles and 10 exclusive Disney’s Mickey and Minnie-decorated tiles.” VIEW ON AMAZON Ariel’s Royal Clamshell ©Amazon Next up, this Little Mermaid set channels back to several sequences from the 1989 film. This 1,808-piece set creates “3 distinct areas inside the open shell: King Triton’s throne rock, Ariel’s treasure hideout and Ursula’s mysterious lair” VIEW ON AMAZON Simba ©Amazon This 222-piece building set features a single buildable Simba figure standing over 4 in. tall and includes a rotating head and movable legs and tail, and it can be posed either standing up or sitting down. VIEW ON AMAZON UP! House ©Amazon This 598-piece set includes a partial house built with balloons, different rooms and functions, mini-figures of Carl and Russel, and a LEGO animal figure of Dug. VIEW ON AMAZON Encanto Photo Frame & Jewelry Box ©Amazon This 334-piece set includes a small jewelry box, a photo frame with a stand and extra clips, a wearable bracelet, and a Mirabel LEGO Disney Encanto mini-figure. VIEW ON AMAZON Stitch! ©Amazon This 750-piece Stitch sees Experiment 626 decked out in a Hawaiian shirt and features ears that can move up or down, a turning head with space for a decorative flower, and a hand that can hold the brick-built ice cream cone. VIEW ON AMAZON Maleficent Dragon ©Amazon This 50+ piece set recreates the climax of Sleeping Beauty, and includes a posable and buildable dragon toy with folding wings, a bridge and tower section, Prince Phillip, Aurora, and a horse figure, as well as a spinning wheel that moves the vines when turned, and a suit of armor. VIEW ON AMAZON If any of these LEGO sets tickle your fancy, you NEED to get to Amazon ASAP to take advantage of these sales. Stay tuned to DFB for more major Disney sales. Looking for More Disney Essentials? Check Out Our Amazon Storefront!The post 7 LEGO Sets On Sale on Amazon for Up To 38% Off first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I am an Orlando local who LOVES theme parks. In fact, it is one of the reasons that I moved to Orlando in the first place. While Disney World holds a super special place in my heart, there are way too many people who are sleeping on Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando I know, I know, this is the Disney Food Blog site, and Universal has nothing to do with Disney food. But hear me out, I really think you should add a day or two to check out Universal Orlando the next time you are visiting Disney World. I am not saying you should completely avoid Disney World and only go to Universal Orlando, but I really think you should consider making some room for a trip to Universal Orlando during your vacation. First of all, if you haven’t been to Universal yet, that means you get to experience TWO NEW theme parks for the first time. Universal Orlando has two theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. They are right next to each other, and they are connected by Universal CityWalk (think of CityWalk as like a mini-Disney Springs) and the Hogwarts Express. Universal Studios While Universal Orlando definitely has more of a focus on thrill rides, even if thrill rides aren’t your thing, I think you will find yourself enjoying their theme parks. I could probably write all day about some of the reasons I find myself renewing my Universal Orlando Annual Pass each year, but I am not sure anybody would actually read it all. So instead, I am going to go over 5 reasons that I think you should stop by Universal Orlando. Universal’s Islands of Adventure 1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: If you are a sucker for amazing theming and/or a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, this should be reason enough for you to stop by Universal Orlando. The details inside of two Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas are INCREDIBLE. You feel so immersed in the Harry Potter world and there is so much to explore. From shopping for your wand to drinking the famous Butterbeer, and checking out the attractions, I have definitely gone to Universal Orlando just to walk around Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade 2. Get strapped in for some great thrill rides: Universal has a variety of great rides, but I think they especially excel in offering some fantastic thrill rides. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT still probably takes the number one spot, but Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy are right up there in my favorite thrill rides. Gringotts 3. Experience some of your favorite movies in new ways: Disney owns some pretty iconic movies, but Universal has also made quite the impact on the movie industry. Just like Disney, Universal likes to take advantage of their IP and use it in their parks. Which means, you get to experience your favorite movies in new ways. You can take a ride on a bicycle while traveling through the world of E.T., take a spin on a humorous ride in the world of The Simpsons, splash your way through Jurassic Park, and more. Jurassic Park River Adventure 4. Check out some awesome entertainment: One of my all-time favorite shows is at Universal Studios and while I wouldn’t pay JUST to go see it, it is a must-see while you are there! The Bourne Stuntacular is a stunt show on steroids, and it is fantastic. I have seen it so many times, but I am still so impressed by it! Additionally, I love watching the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show and Animal Actors on Location! Plus, the Universal Mega Movie Parade is super impressive. The floats are so well done, and it is such a blast seeing some classic movies being represented in a parade. There are also a variety of performers throughout the park and don’t forget to stop by The Knight Bus or The Mystic Fountain if you are looking for a laugh. Universal Mega Movie Parade 5. Add some variety to your trip: As an Orlando local, I find myself switching up which theme park I go to on a regular basis. It keeps things more interesting, and I love the variety that all of the parks have. Universal Orlando has a different vibe than Disney World and I love getting to experience both places! I have a feeling you will find some new favorite things to do at the Universal parks and you will be sad that you are just now finding out about them. Universal Studios This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons, just some of my top reasons! The details in the parks are wonderful and the attractions are top tier. Like I said, I could go on and on about why I think you should check out Universal Orlando. Don’t even get me started on some of their special events such as Mardi Gras, Christmas, and Halloween Horror Nights. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all of your Disney news (and the occasional posts about Universal Orlando!) Read ALL about Universal Orlando’s new theme park, 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 Do you make a stop at Universal Orlando on your Disney World vacations? Let us know in the comments! The post I’m an Orlando Local, and I’m Begging You To STOP Sleeping on Universal Orlando. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

MagicBands can make your trip to Disney World a breeze! MagicBand+ They act as your park ticket, hotel room key, and credit card. Plus, the latest version of MagicBands, MagicBand+, are interactive! They light up and vibrate during stage shows, nighttime entertainment, and when you pass by certain things in the parks and around the resort, like the character statues throughout all four parks. The only downside of these new MagicBands is that they need to be charged, and if you have multiple MagicBands that need to be charged at once, it can be hard to remember to switch each one to be charged once you return to your hotel room after a long day in the park. Well, we found the perfect solution to the charging problem on Amazon, and the best part? It is on sale! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Before we continue, do you have Amazon Prime yet? If not, go ahead and grab a free trial by clicking the button below! When you get back to your hotel room, the last thing you want to think about is remembering to rotate each MagicBand+ off the charger to make sure they are ready to go for another day in the parks. That is why we love to use this MagicBand+ multi-charger! MultiCharger for MagicBand+ You can charge up to three MagicBand+ at once! MultiCharger for MagicBand+ The 2-pack is currently on sale at 23% off making it the lowest price in 30 days. Talk about a steal! Shop on Amazon! We are always on the lookout for the best hacks and Disney World essentials to help make your vacation easier, so make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! Shop Our Amazon Store Front!The post We Found a Disney MagicBand Accessory On Sale On Amazon (And It's 23% Off!) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Start getting trip-ready! ©Getty Images With 2024 almost over, it’s time to start looking forward to 2025…including trips to Walt Disney World next year! It’s never too early to start preparing, and if you head over to Amazon right now, you can find some ESSENTIAL Disney items for $15 and under! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Check out a FREE TRIAL: Disney Parks Cookbook ©Amazon Before you go, you can start preparing with this official Walt Disney World cookbook. The book features recipes for “appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even joyful libations from fine-dining and quick-service establishments at the Disneyland Resort; Walt Disney World Resort; Disney Cruise Line ships; and Disney Vacation Club resorts.” VIEW ON AMAZON Autograph Book ©Amazon From one book to another, we have this classic. No trip to Disney World for a youngster (or someone young at heart) is complete without an autograph book to capture the signatures of all the company’s iconic characters. VIEW ON AMAZON Bicycle Cards ©Amazon Kill time on the plane ride, or simply at home, with this fell deck of bicycle playing cards. The deck features custom-designed artwork of Mickey and Minnie on the court cards. VIEW ON AMAZON Disney Uno ©Amazon If traditional playing cards aren’t your bag, how about a special Disney version of the iconic game UNO where players “try to match colors and numbers in classic fashion — there’s even a special ‘Mickey’s Movie Madness’ rule that will test each player’s knowledge of Disney movies through the years!” Each edition features a random foil card. VIEW ON AMAZON Disney No-Show Socks ©Amazon The perfect accessory for a day at Disney World, the officially licensed socks feature designs based on some of Disney’s most famous characters. VIEW ON AMAZON Apple Watch Bands AppleWatch Bands We’ve had these watch bands for a while, and we’re big fans of their design and the colorful pop they use to accentuate any Disney World outfit. Grab a pair of them to match with your travel companion! VIEW ON AMAZON If you’re starting to prep for a 2025 Disney trip, make sure to head over to Amazon and get a jump on these essentials now! Stay tuned to DFB for more deal alerts! Looking for More Disney Essentials? Head to Our Amazon Storefront!The post 6 Disney Finds Under On Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Heading to Disney World over the holidays? Magic Kingdom If you’re flying into Orlando and heading to the parks, you’ll need a plan to get to the resort from the airport! There are lots of options for doing this, including a ride share, renting a car, a taxi, or, what might be the most festive option, a ride on a Mears Connect bus. Book a spot on a Mears Connect bus and cross your fingers that you get the famous bus driver Jean Jean the Dancing Machine! Mears Connect recently added a reel to Instagram that definitely makes us want to DANCE! Their bus driver, Jean, is spreading some holiday cheer, and we are here for it. He hears that Christmas music, grabs his festive hat, and boogies to spread tons of holiday cheer! Check out the adorable video below. Mears Connect is the bus service that replaced the (free) Magic Express bus. It will pick you up and drop you off at the Orlando International Airport to and from Disney World. The service is not free, and the cost depends on which option you select. But if we’re going to hop on a Mears bus, we HOPE we get Jean as our bus driver! After Using 2 VASTLY Different Disney World Magical Express Replacements, I’m Shocked at the One I Liked Best Mears Connect Having fun bus drivers or Cast Members at Disney World can make a huge difference in your trip. It’s so much fun seeing Jean and others spreading holiday cheer and smiles to the customers and guests. Talk about a fun way to celebrate the holidays while you’re visiting Disney World! Happy holidays and Merry Christmas form us at DisneyFoodBlog! For more fun Disney news, keep following DFB! 5 Big Reasons EPCOT Will Be More Crowded in 2025 DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you celebrating the holidays at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is the Kind of Holiday Cheer We Needed Today at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is magical and almost anything can happen — even the most unlikely events! Magic Kingdom We asked our readers to tell us some of the most ridiculously unlikely things that actually happened to them in Disney World, and their answers will bring you some laughter and maybe a few tears. We want to thank our readers for sharing their stories with us so that we can share them with you! So let’s get into it! Unexpected Jam Session at Animal Kingdom Rebecca shared that she went to an Animal Kingdom After Hours event and saw the Pandora drummers out. With basically no crowd around, she just started to dance to the music. The drummers gave her a pair of their painted drumsticks in return! What a special and unique souvenir to keep from your trip. Pandora: World of Avatar Magical Mail We all know that Cast Members are the magic at Disney World and this story further proves it. Sarah H told us that on her first trip to Disney World ever, she and her husband bought matching Tiki Room shirts, however somewhere along the way that day, they lost their merchandise bag. They filled a report with Lost and Found, but on their trip, it was never located. When they arrived home, they received an email from a Cast Member saying that new shirts were on their way for free. Magic Kingdom Mailbox Back-to-Back Rides on Kali River Rapids In the early 2000s, Anna M and her cousin loved Kali River Rapids at Disney World. They were able to ride it 9 times in a row without getting off because there was no one else in line. The Cast Member would yell out “Do you want to go again?” and would send them on their way. Kali River Rapids Solo Jungle Cruise During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it was raining on and off and while most people were seeking shelter, Lucy S did not let the rain stop her fun! She headed over to the Jungle Cruise where there was no wait and the Cast Members welcomed her aboard a special edition of the cruise where she was the only one on board. The Skipper shared some unique stories that are not told on normal cruises! What a special moment! Jungle Cruise Alone in the Haunted Mansion Lauren M shared that while waiting in line for the Haunted Mansion, she and her husband were called into the stretching room, alone. The Cast Member held the line behind them and they were the only 2 people in the stretching room. It was a fun memory she still holds close to this day! Haunted Mansion Running into Celebrities Bethany L shared that she got to meet Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, as she was exiting Space Mountain in the gift shop! It’s Josh D’Amaro! Heidi Ann was leaving Cinderella’s Royal Table after a late dinner and came out to an empty park. They walked up to the partners’ statue of Walt and Mickey to take a photo when Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney, came over and introduced himself. How neat! Michael Eisner (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) Disney World is a magical place, and you never really know what can happen while you’re there. Thank you readers for sharing with us! For more Disney stories and news, follow us at DFB. 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 something crazy that has happened to you at Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post 6 Ridiculously Unlikely Things That Actually Happened in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has changed so much over the years. If you ask, some would say for the better, while some are nostalgic for previous stages of the parks. Magic Kingdom One of the biggest shifts came from COVID-19 in 2020 when the parks were closed for an extended time. Since Disney World’s reopening after its historic closure, we’ve seen limited capacity come and go, park pass reservations get introduced, entertainment slowly coming back, and other changes. While most of the parks are operating as normal, one very popular thing is missing, and we want answers! Since 2020, Disney Springs has seen many changes, including several new restaurants, like Summer House on the Lake and eet by Maneet Chauhan. We’ve seen some stores leave and new ones come. But, we’ve noticed that something is still missing from here — Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs There are THREE Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salons in Disney World, where kids can go to be transformed into their favorite Disney princess, Encanto character, knight, and more. However, only ONE location has reopened over the past three years — the location in Magic Kingdom. It’s open! The other two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations are still closed — including the location in Disney Springs AND the location in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Grand Floridian The boutique is an experience for kids where they can receive a princess or knight makeover, complete with a new outfit, hairstyle, makeup, and more. It’s a great way for you to get your kid all ready and grab those castle photos right after the makeover, making for truly magical photos. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique princess dresses At Magic Kingdom, the most basic package, which includes hairstyling, sparkly makeup and a face gem, a princess sash and cinch snack, nail polish, and a shirt is $99.95. The most expensive option is $450, which includes a Signature Disney Princess gown, tiara, garment bag, satin hanger, hairstyling, nail polish, shimmering makeup, face gem, a sash, and a clutch. There’s also a special Encanto package for $179.95. Inside the boutique A Knight Package is also available, though, and it’s just $19.95. It includes hairstyling with gel and a sword and shield. SWEET. A Deluxe Knight Package goes for $79.95 and also includes a knight costume. Bibbidi Bobbidi Menu Reservations are usually hard to get at the Magic Kingdom location, and this could be due to it being the only one open. However, a few times, we’ve seen some walk-up availability, so be sure to check on your next trip if you weren’t able to score that reservation. Be on the lookout for this sign! We honestly aren’t sure why Disney has not reopened the other locations. It could be due to staffing issues, or maybe there are other big plans for these locations, but that is all just speculation. But it does have us begging Disney World to give us an update on them! We do know that there is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Disney’s newest cruise ship, Treasure. This tells us they are still committed to this idea, so maybe we could see both of these locations reopen in the future at Disney World. Disney Springs Location Be sure to keep up with all Disney World news by following us at DFB. 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 Disney World thing are you missing most that has disappeared in recent years? Tell us in the comments below. The post Why Disney, WHY?! Disney World Refuses to Re-open This Disney Springs Favorite first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Cruise ships AND underground super tips? Aladdin and Jasmine on the Disney Treasure Today’s ULTIMATE Disney Cruise Line video just might be our BEST ONE YET! Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Disney Cruise Line in 2025 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! 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 Disney cruise ship? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to Disney Cruise Line in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If we haven’t told you lately, we LOVE Disney food! EPCOT We are always down to try the newest snacks, review Disney restaurants, and hit all the booths at any EPCOT festival. We do this not only for our love of food but because we want to share that love with all of you, our readers! So we had to share where in Disney World you can get one of our favorite festival snacks year-round. During EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, you can find Pão de Queijo at the Brazil booth. This Brazilian cheese bread is super chewy, cheesy, and just the right amount of greasy. We love it every time it returns to the festival and hope to see it back again next year. Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread It is one of the eligible items for Emile’s Fromage Montage Cheese Crawl and in 2024, it was $5. But of course, the festival ends so we are always sad to see these go. That’s unless you know where you can find it all year round at another place in Disney World. Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread That’s right! You can head over to Magic Kingdom to Skipper Canteen to find these delicious cheesy bites. Yes, you will find Pao de Quiejo here, just not on the menu! Jungle Navigation Co., LTD Skipper Canteen This plate costs $15, but there’s a lot of these yummy cheese bread bites served. Just remember, this isn’t going to be printed anywhere for you to see on the menu, so to order it, you’ll have to ask your server about it. It’s served with a side of poblano cream with red pepper flakes and chimichurri sauce. Pao de Quiejo Now, while it is $15 here instead of $5 at the festival, you get a decent amount! We think it’s enough to share, that’s if you want to, with the rest of your party. You also get the sauce with it at Skipper Canteen that is missing from the booth so that really adds flavor and value to the dish! ALL THE SAUCE So, now that we’ve shared our secret with you, be sure to follow DFB for more tips and tricks to make your Disney vacation even better! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are your favorite Disney World secret menu items? Let us know below! The post This SUPER CHEESY BREAD Has Disappeared in EPCOT, But There's a Secret Place You Can Order It Every Day in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Merry Christmas Eve! We’ve been celebrating the holidays in Disney World for WEEKS now, but the busiest weeks of the year have now arrived. The parks are decked out in decor, there’s gingerbread everywhere, and you can hear Christmas music pretty much everywhere you go. But just how crowded are things in the parks the day before Christmas? We’re about to find out! We headed into Magic Kingdom this morning to see what crowds are like on Christmas Eve, and if you’re planning a holiday trip in the future, you’ll definitely want to check this out! We first arrived at the Magic Kingdom parking lot at 8:28AM, and the line of cars was backed up. We made it through the parking booth at 8:40AM and were parked by 8:44. It took less than 20 minutes to get in line and to be parked. So, while it was busy, we have seen worse lines for parking over the holidays. Line for parking at Magic Kingdom Our next stop was the Transportation & Ticket Center! There were lots of trams running from the parking lot to the TTC, so if you’re parking, you will likely be able to easily hop on one to get to the TTC. We got to security and made it through in 3 minutes!! TTC security on Christmas Eve 5 minutes later, we were hopping on the Monorail! It was certainly busy, and there were lots of people, but we made great time considering that. Getting in the Monorail Next stop — the Magic Kingdom! The park opened at 8AM, and we arrived there by 9:10AM. By then, the line wasn’t super backed up, but it did move fairly slowly, mostly due to scanning in issues. We still made it through the line in 8 minutes! Entrance lines Thanks for coming along with us to Magic Kingdom on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, however you’re celebrating this year. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World. Click Here to See Our Reviews of All the Holiday Season Snacks! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to Disney World this holiday season? Tell us in the comments! The post PHOTOS! You Won't Believe the Christmas Eve Crowds at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Merry Christmas to all! Finally, all the shopping and preparation for Christmas is over. All the presents have been opened and the kids are enjoying all of their new toys. This is traditionally (based on my historical traffic numbers) the time that Mom and Dad start to plan for next year’s vacation. To help you, […] The post Planning Your 2025 Disney Vacation for Military Families appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

OK, we’re gonna be honest with you. When you’re popping all around Magic Kingdom, you really don’t need to pack that much stuff. Sure, you need a good park bag and maybe a stroller if you have kids. But everyone knows to bring that sort of thing to Disney World. What ELSE should you bring on vacation, though? Magic Kingdom After YEARS of Disney World hotel stays, there are two items we keep using on every trip. In fact, they’ve vastly improved our vacations! If you’re planning a trip to Disney World and need some packing inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First, you need a quality set of Packing Cubes ©Amazon Too many people still don’t know the value of a packing cube or aren’t using it properly. These things are SO handy to bring to Disney World because, let’s face it, Disney doesn’t give you a lot of room to unpack your clothing. These are great because you can take the packing cubes out of your suitcase while still keeping your clothing and outfits organized. This set comes with bags for clothing, toiletries, accessories, AND your laundry. We like to line up the packing cubes on the counter by the TV in our hotel room, unzip each one, and leave our clothing in nice, neat stacks. View on Amazon This VENTY Original Portable Fan provides a cool breeze AND some white noise ©Amazon This portable fan is a serious game changer. We love using this in our hotel room! The fan is rechargeable, foldable, and extendable. It oscillates 120°, rotates 180°, and makes a nice sound that will put us right to sleep. If you like to sleep with a fan by your side, this one is perfect. It can stand anywhere from three inches to three FEET tall. View on Amazon In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney essentials, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items!! The post 2 Game-Changing Essentials For Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The busiest travel season of the year is among us, and even if you’re not traveling now, there are still lots of months to fly to and from your destinations in 2025! Southwest There are a lot of changes coming for Southwest in particular in the new year, most notably that they’re doing away with their open seating policy and their boarding process will be changing. However, there are also more nonstop routes being added to their lineup almost every month, and they’ve just added another one that will be a huge help to many travelers! Southwest has just added a new nonstop route between Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)! Travelers can begin traveling on this route on February 13th, with daily service beginning on March 6th. Let’s go flying! It’ll fly on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from February 13th to March 5th, departing LAS at 8:30AM and arriving DCA at 3:55PM, then departing DCA at 4:35PM and arriving at LAS at 7:05PM. Southwest Counter at MCO However, the service will become daily starting on March 6th, arriving and departing at similar times listed above every day. Weekends may have slight variations though, so keep that in mind if you’re planning travel! Let’s take a flight! Check out more recent travel news below! More Recent Travel News! Southwest Airlines Announces NEW Nonstop Route!FLESH-EATING Bacteria Cases Have Increased in Florida, and the Reason May Surprise YouThe Big Changes Coming to Florida and Disney World Travel in 2025Do You Know the Absolute Busiest Flight From Orlando? You Might Be on It!NEWS: Over 230 Flights Are DELAYED at Orlando International Airport Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest travel news to help you prepare for your 2025 trips! “Now They’ll Just Be Like Every Other Airline” — Travelers Have THOUGHTS on Southwest Boarding Process Change 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 Where are you traveling to in 2025? Tell us in the comments! The post Southwest Airlines Announces NEW Nonstop Route! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney and coffee are just two of our favorite things, but when they come together, now that’s the perfect recipe for pure happiness! See the joy on their faces? And that’s why Disney and Starbucks merch collabs are always at the top of our list—and their upcoming drop is no exception. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to the Disney Store! (P.S. We LOVE it!) DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Starbucks Tumbler is giving Minnie Mouse Chic! ©Disney Carrying this fabulous tumbler turns it into more than just a cup for your morning joe—it’s a stylish accessory you’ll love showing off! Featuring a shiny red base with Minnie Mouse herself, along with her iconic bow and polka dots, this is the perfect tumbler for anyone wishing they were sipping their coffee at Disney World. This tumbler will be available for sale on the Disney Store website on January 6th. Shop current Starbucks finds at the Disney Store Also available soon is this sweet-looking Mickey and Minnie Tumbler! ©Disney As we previously saw, this pink tumbler looks straight from a Valentine’s Day fantasy. Mickey and Minnie both share the spotlight here, with their cute little faces inside of pink hearts. Our own eyes even turned into hearts when we saw the pink straw charm, which is simply the cherry on top of this adorable cup. Reminder that this tumbler will be available on the Disney Store website on January 13th. Shop current Starbucks finds the Disney Store We seriously think Disney is personally after our wallets because we need BOTH of these tumblers. We’re sure it’ll keep us at bay until the next time we can grab a cup of coffee over at the most magical place on earth. Stay tuned as we continue to update you on all the best Disney merch drops! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront!The post First Look at the New Disney Starbucks Tumbler Dropping January 6th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We LOVE sailing with the Disney Cruise Line, but there’s still one aspect of the voyage that can be kind of confusing. Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay Disney’s Castaway Cay is a private island in The Bahamas owned by Disney that serves as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line. Castaway Cay is rich with clear-blue waters ideal for swimming, boasts plenty of fun activities for the whole family, and is home to the adult-exclusive Serenity Bay, a tropical oasis reserved for guests 18 years of age and older. Featuring dedicated dining and private cabanas, this spot is a popular getaway area for adults and parents looking for some quiet and relaxing alone time away from the kiddos. However, getting to Serenity Bay can be a little complicated. Castaway Cay utilizes a tram system to navigate the island and there are four tram stops in total. On paper, it’s pretty straightforward, but those who have experienced Castaway Cay know it’s not that simple, especially if your destination is Serenity Bay. Castaway Cay tram stop If you plan on getting on a tram and taking it all the way to Serenity Bay, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Serenity Bay sign To get to Serenity Bay via tram, you actually have to get off at the stop at Pelican Point. From there, you’ll then wait for a specific tram with a sign that reads Serenity Bay. Adult-only beach at Castaway Cay You’ll still experience four stops with this free tram, but definitely be advised that this specific transfer is necessary to reach Serenity Bay. This transfer is often confusing for guests and this tip is super helpful to know before your visit. We’ve been confused about it in the past and now that it’s all cleared up, we want you to know about it so you can make the most out of your time at Castaway Cay! Relax on a beach! Castaway Cay offers visitors premium family leisure, including sprawling beaches, lagoons teeming with sea life, water play areas, walking trails, open-air BBQ dining locations serving complimentary meals, gift shops, and even appearances by popular Disney characters! ©Disney Some fun activities on the island in addition to Serenity Bay include Castaway Family Beach, the Snorkeling Lagoon, the twisting water slides of Pelican Plunge, Teen Hideout, the In Da Shade Game Pavilion, the Sports Beach, boat and water sport rentals, and more Disney fun! Pelican Plunge Have you been to Serenity Bay? Share your impressions with us and continue to follow us here at DFB for Disney Cruise Line tips, updates, reviews, and so much more! FULL TOUR: Aladdin and Pocahontas-Themed Staterooms on the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you been confused by this Castaway Cay tram transfer? Share your experience in the comments below! The post Hands Down, This Is the Most CONFUSING Part of Disney's Private Island first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The latest treats at Disney World seem to be fit for a king! Regal meal! With all of the latest buzz surrounding Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King feature film in theaters, we figured it was only a matter of time until we saw the movie reflected in the Disney World parks. We knew to anticipate a few new treats coming (with one we already were raving about) but no one could have prepared us for the tasty journey we were about to embark on! An exclusive line of eats and treats has taken Disney World with a thunderous roar! We recently ventured out across Disney World to hunt down and try these newest snacks. Most of these snacks can be found at several restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney’s Animal Kingdom So, we set out on a mid-day adventure to sample these latest additions to the menus and see if they’ll be worth your time to pick up, too! When we arrived we couldn’t ignore the call of our raging sweet tooth so it was off to Creature Comforts first! Creature Comforts is the resident Starbucks inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom and in addition to their familiar coffees and decorative drinks, they’re known to be a popular location for limited-time snacks and seasonal sweets. Creature Comforts Here is where we picked up the Mufasa Pride Rock Profiterole for $4.79. It’s a small treat made of cream puff filled with chocolate cream and whipped coffee ganache. Mufasa Pride Rock Profiterole Don’t let its tiny size fool you — this treat knows just how to be the leader of the pack! Sure it’s smaller than we would have liked but the inside of the profiterole is what really made this puffy treat. When you cut it open, the chocolate cream bursts out of the puff pastry casing and it is delicious! So goopy on the inside It doesn’t have a very heavy chocolate flavor to it and almost was more whipped than mousse-like in consistency. This flavor was complimented well by the light coffee-flavored whipped ganache that felt more like a whipped icing. The chocolate crisp pearls also helped provide a fun crunch to the bite and the white chocolate medallion was printed with the iconic Pride Rock where The Lion King roars from. You’ll want to eat it with a fork The only fault we could find with this treat was that we wanted it to be larger so its sweetness lasted longer than a few bites but we think it will be a hit with adults and kids alike. As we went about our day we decided we really should treat ourselves to something of a little more sustenance for lunchtime. Our search led us to Harambe Market! You can either wait in line to order at the window or place a mobile order for your meal and come to the middle window once the app shows your order is ready. Harambe Market We couldn’t get past how beautiful the Sunrise Of The Kingdom looked put together. It’s made of a blend of Freshly Brewed Green Tea, Strawberry, and Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade topped with Passion Fruit Boba Pearls for $6.49. Sunrise Of The Kingdom Honestly, it really wasn’t anything super special but the mixture of the ingredients in this one really worked for what they wanted to achieve for this drink. We were able to pick up the subtle notes of the green tea but most of the drink held strong to the strawberry and lemonade flavors. The passion fruit boba pearls were a fun fruity addition to the top but we’d recommend either swirling your drink around if you want a popping surprise every now and then with your sip or scooping them up with a spoon for a flavor explosion in your mouth! The Savory Tanzanian Pie was next up on our list! This dish was made of African-spiced beef and lamb stuffed in naan, drizzled with spicy ketchup, and served with house-made chips for $13.29. Savory Tanzanian Pie The entree itself seemed a bit pricy to us until we took our first bite! The meat pie was a hearty mixture of sauce, spices, and chewy bits of beef and lamb made all the better by the spicy ketchup drizzled on top! Just the pie We were shocked at how well it held its form and the naan bread was perfectly toasted to give it a taste and consistency like pizza crust surrounding the pie’s contents. Half of the pie It’s served with a side of house-made chips which tasted a bit stale but their saving grace was that they were tossed in spices which gave the chips a salty yet spiced zing to them! Spiced house-made chips It truly was almost a perfect movie-themed lunch! With critics already singing the praises of Disney’s newest film it’s clear that the choices made for its accompanying snacks and treats needed to be of the same quality. While there was a little room for improvement, we would totally have reordered everything we tried today time and time again. We’re always watching out for (and reviewing) the latest eats and treats popping up around Disney World! Be sure to stay with us at Disney Food Blog for more. REVIEW: You Should LEAVE Magic Kingdom To Visit Disney World’s NEWEST Restaurant Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be trying any of these Mufasa: The Lion King snacks around Disney World? Tell us which ones you’re most interested to try in the comments below! The post REVIEW: There's Only ONE Fault in Disney World's Newest Menu Items first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are only a couple of days left until Christmas! Did you get everything on your Christmas list? ©Getty Images If you’re still looking for the perfect backpack to wear at Disney World, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals we could find from Amazon! Let’s not waste another minute! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check Out These Loungefly Disney Hercules MUSES Clouds Mini Backpack for 47% OFF ©Amazon First up, if you’re a fan of Hercules, we’d highly recommend checking out this Loungefly Disney Hercules MUSES Clouds Mini Backpack. The muses are a vibe and you will be too when you rock this backpack on your next Disney World trip! Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Disney Mickey Mouse Marching Band Mini Backpack for 40% OFF ©Amazon Or maybe you’re looking to rep the OG Disney characters. Well, how about checking out this Loungefly Disney Mickey Mouse Marching Band Mini Backpack? It’s got the fab 5 front an center in their very best marching band fit. Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Disney Winnie The Pooh Bees & Honey Mini Backpack for 21% OFF ©Amazon Now this Loungefly Disney Winnie The Pooh Bees & Honey Mini Backpack, might just be the cutest backpack on this list. Now, excuse us while we go settle this rumbly in our tumbly’s with a spot of hunny in honor of our favorite bear. Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Disney Lilo and Stitch Snow Cone Date Night Mini Backpack for 14% OFF ©Amazon Now speaking of cute backpacks, this Loungefly Disney Lilo and Stitch Snow Cone Date Night Mini Backpack is definitely a winner. And if you’re a fan of Stitch, is there really any other backpack to get? Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Pixar Toy Story Andy’s Room Mini Backpack for 30% OFF ©Amazon Well hey there partner! How about checking out this Loungefly Pixar Toy Story Andy’s Room Mini Backpack? There might not be a better backpack to rock when you hit up Hollywood Studios on your next Disney World trip! Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Disney Snow White Evil Queen Throne Mini Backpack for 36% OFF ©Amazon If you’re feeling the need to showcase your villainous side, then look no further than this Loungefly Disney Snow White Evil Queen Throne Mini Backpack. And with the new live-action movie coming out in a couple of months, this might just be the perfect backpack to wear to the premier. Get it here! Check Out This Loungefly Disney The Little Mermaid 35th Anniversary Life is the Bubbles Mini Backpack for 15% OFF ©Amazon Lastly, if you’re looking for a backpack to rep your under-the-sea BFF, then this Loungefly Disney The Little Mermaid 35th Anniversary Life is the Bubbles Mini Backpack is the one! Also, just looking at this one makes you want to break out in the chorus of “Life is the Bubbles” which is absolutely the best. 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 7 Disney Loungefly Bags Are ON SALE Up to 47% Off on Amazon Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s a Christmas miracle! Magic Kingdom The hugely popular Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket is now available in Magic Kingdom during the daytime! At the beginning of the season, it was only available at Disneyland, but then it became available at Magic Kingdom ONLY during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Then it was available in limited quantities at some of the Disney World hotels with gingerbread displays. However, today, we spotted it in Magic Kingdom during the DAY! No party ticket is required, and no need to travel to Disney’s Grand Floridian or another hotel to grab it. We found the Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket at the Popcorn Cart in front of Cinderella Castle. Gingerbread Popcorn Bucket in Magic Kingdom You can snag this popcorn bucket for $29.25, including the bucket and popcorn. It is a limit of two per person while supplies last. We are sure lots of people will be heading to grab this popcorn bucket, so stop by soon if you want to get your hands on one. It is available during the day! The last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the season took place on December 20th, and now it appears you can grab some of the exclusive merchandise during the day. As well, some of the exclusive holiday entertainment from the party is available at Magic Kingdom during the day. You can catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at 12PM and 3PM through December 31st. That is not all, though; you can also watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8PM through December 29th. Once Upon a Christmastime Parade On December 30th and December 31st, you can watch the Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks at 6:50PM and 11:50PM to celebrate the start of a new year. Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! Check out 17 MAJOR changes coming to Disney World in 2025! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which Magic Kingdom fireworks show is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post We've Got NEWS About Disney's Most Popular Popcorn Bucket of the Year! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new shop has been on its way to Disneyland, and today is finally the day that we can see inside! Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion This new store is inspired by a very famous character from Disney’s Haunted Mansion — can you guess who? She reaches the spirits beyond and calls them forth. There’s much to learn from this bodiless character, so let’s step inside the new store to see what we can find! Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond has officially opened at Disneyland! You’ll find this new Madame Leota store at New Orleans Square, so let’s check it out. ©Disney “A ghostly retreat, so enter if you dare, For apparel, accessories, plush, and headwear. Where home goods lurk and collectibles drop, The perfect gift dwells in this very shop.” Enter the world of the beyond, but beware those who dwell here! You’ll find goods themed for Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. ©Disney The inside of this shop looks ghastly amazing, with many treasures and details to spot. Is that a floating trumpet we see? ©Disney Madame Leota is the star of this store, but we can’t wait to see what items we can get our hands on. We’ve been anticipating the opening of this shop, and now the time has finally come! If you’re hoping to grab a last-minute holiday gift from inside the park, this may be the place to stop. Remember, there’s always room for one more… ©Disney The shop looks like a place we want to explore! ©Disney Are those spell books we see? Candles, decor, and floating percussion — all things we expect to see at a retreat put on by Madame Leota! ©Disney But don’t forget the tambourine! ©Disney Next time you’re at Disneyland, be sure to drop into the world beyond at Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond for a retreat to another realm and grab yourself some fun collectibles! You can also see the brand new queue additions over at the Haunted Mansion, so don’t miss out on all the fun inside the park. For more Disney news, keep following DFB! NEW Hotel Discount Dropped for Disneyland Resort in 2025! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you excited to shop at Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond? Let us know in the comments! The post Surprise! Disney's NEW Haunted Mansion Store Is NOW OPEN! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Traveling is stressful enough. Orlando International Airport Between booking your trip, getting to the airport, checking your bags, going through security, and boarding your flight, you are already exhausted by the time you get on the plane. You are probably just ready to watch a movie, read a good book, and maybe even take a nap, but when you get to your assigned seat, you are surprised to find someone already sitting in it. This is a brand new trend that is hitting airplanes, and it is called “seat squatting.” When booking air travel, more desirable seats, such as seats in first class, business class, or aisle and window seats, are much more sought after and often cost more. This is especially the case for seats towards the front of the plane. In some cases, there are even upcharges for seats with extra legroom, and depending on the airline you fly, some seats may even include alcohol. All of this costs an additional fee, and if you plan ahead and fork over the extra cash for these perks, you should be able to enjoy them. Let’s fly! “Seat squatting” is a new trend that has started to take over social media, and those affected by it have taken to Reddit to share their experiences. “Seat squatting” is when a person who has a less desirable seat, like a middle seat, chooses to sit in a more desirable seat, like an aisle seat with extra legroom, in the hopes that no one has booked the seat. Inside an airplane These “seat squatters” hope that they can have a better seat without having to pay the price, but sometimes, it does not go according to plan. One user on Reddit shared that they received a first-class upgrade and were shocked that a “seat squatter” had already tried to claim the first-class seat and the flight attendant had already served them a drink. Airplane Other times, “seat squatters” can try to make a deal with you to stay in your seat. This is entirely up to your discretion as to whether or not you wish to switch seats with them, as it should at least be a fair enough trade, especially if you planned ahead and paid extra for the seat. Window seat Airlines are shifting toward premium seating offerings as Southwest, which was known for its no-frills fares and open seating policy, will soon start offering extra legroom seats along with assigned seats. Southwest This new trend can add stress to a traveler’s day, as they should not have to worry about someone squatting in their seat. Air travel For more travel news and tips and to stay up to date on all things Disney, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog. The Best Airlines for Disney World Fans in 2025 Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Will you be flying to Disney World in 2025? Let us know in the comments!The post "Seat Squatters" Are the New Gate Lice at Airports first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas! It’s officially the week of Christmas, and we’re hitting the parks to enjoy all the festive activities. Christmas at Magic Kingdom The week of Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year. Many people enjoy spending the holidays with friends and family at the Disney World resort. It truly is one of the most magical places on Earth to celebrate Christmas. You can celebrate at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. You can enjoy special holiday treats and the jolliest holiday atmosphere ever. But when we say that this time of year is BUSY, we really mean it. Here’s a bit of proof for ya! We stopped by Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom on the Monday before Christmas, December 23rd, and what do you think we found at both of these parks? Why, crowds of people, of course! Magic Kingdom is usually the busiest park out of all four, but we saw TONS of people enjoying their wild side at Animal Kingdom. The line to get into the park was VERY long this morning when we got there! Animal Kingdom entrance crowds As we walked into the park, the crowds dispersed a bit, but we could tell the park was definitely on the busier side. Crowds at Animal Kingdom When we wandered over to Pandora, there was a very long line for Flight of Passage! The wait time showed 150 minutes, and there were two different sections where Cast Members were ushering and holding crowds to pass through the line. It was a lot of people! Line for Flight of Passage in Pandora Then, up in the Africa section of the park, the line for Kilimanjaro Safaris wrapped around Tusker House (which is not very close to the entrance of the ride). A wait time of 70 minutes was listed, but we would bet it was probably more based on where the line began. Line for Kilimanjaro Safaris Animal Kingdom was busy, for sure! But what were things like over at Magic Kingdom? Well, when we got there, the lines for the Monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) were REALLY long! Cast Members had placed ropes outside of the queue for the extended line. Line for the Monorail It took us about 11 minutes to get through security, and then it took about 36 minutes to get on the Monorail and get to Magic Kingdom. Monorail line Once we were inside Magic Kingdom, the crowds were definitely there. We aren’t surprised by the amount of people in the park, but it’s definitely a busy day, similar to what a busy weekend looks like at the park. Main Street, U.S.A. crowds As the week continues, we expect these crowds to continue to increase. Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve will likely be the busiest days of the year, as Magic Kingdom often fills to capacity on these days. Lightning Lane Premier Pass has also sold out for most of the days in the upcoming week at Magic Kingdom, so that may be an indication of how busy these parks are likely to be. 2 Days till Christmas! We’ll be at the parks over the holidays to check out crowds and more, so keep following DFB for more Christmas updates! Magic Kingdom Is Already SOLD OUT for 3 Dates in 2025! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you heading to Disney World for Christmas? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is Why We Warn You About Holiday Weeks in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Say it ain’t so! A Guinness The holiday season might be a bit less enjoyable for revelers in the U.K. — and maybe further — thanks to a shortage of the iconic beer Guinness. According to various reports, a surprise “surge in demand” has left many of the United Kingdom’s pubs in short supply of the iconic spirit as the busy holiday season looms. Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that Diageo is tapping into their Irish “security stocks” and putting shipments initially bound for North America on standby for potential distribution to the U.K. A Guinness mug For their part, the company released a statement that read, “We are producing more Guinness today than we ever have in our 265-year history, and we continue to work closely with customers across our network to manage Guinness distribution as efficiently as possible, ensuring we maximize supply and minimize disruptions for pubs and retailers.” Don’t Forget to Order a Pint! However, there are some who believe that the shortage may be a calculated move to further improve the buzz around the brand, which has benefitted greatly from social media exposure in recent years. In fact, some have attributed Guinness becoming the best-selling beer in Britain in recent years to the viral “splitting the G” challenge, where drinkers attempt to down enough Guinness in a single gulp so that the beer sits halfway “across the G” on a branded glass. Beer mug Guinness appears to be dealing with a shortage of their iconic beer in the United Kingdom, just as the Holiday season looms. Stay tuned to DFB for more! Paddy’s Bar at Raglan Road; Disney Springs 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 Guinness fan? Let us know in the comments below. The post OH NO! A Guinness Shortage Is Striking at the WORST Possible Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article