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We’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort! ©Universal This BRAND-NEW theme park will officially be opening on May 22nd, 2025, and will be home to five different themed lands including Dark Universe. We’ve been keeping an eye out for any potential news ahead of the park’s opening, and we got the chance to peek inside Dark Universe at Epic Universe — here’s what you need to know. We were able to experience Epic Universe during the previews, and now we’re ranking everything you can do at Dark Universe! Dark Universe draws on Universal’s rich history with horror. There are plenty of monsters and spooky vibes to really set the mood, so be prepared for a wild time. ©Universal Once visitors step through the Dark Universe portal, they’ll step into a place full of dark energy — the village of Darkmoor: “Once guests make their way through the cemetery, they will find themselves in the village proper, where misbegotten scientific experiments scar the land and unnatural creations lurk in the shadows. This is Darkmoor, home to monsters, monster makers, monster hunters and the welcoming villagers who are just trying to survive.” 1. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment The ride that we were most excited to ride in this land was Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This ride has 14 animatronics, but they aren’t your average animatronics. These things are SO REALISTIC that we could have sworn it was a real werewolf coming at us. ©Universal Located in the facade of Frankenstein Manor, this ride follows Dr. Victoria Frankenstein as she continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. ©Universal This ride is unbelievable. Once you go up through the manor — which looks exactly like the concept art — you’ll go through a set of rooms there with laboratory equipment, then you’ll go up through the center staircases into what we’re calling the blue electricity room. Then, you’ll see a little bit more lab work like concept drawings and then you’ll go into the “first” pre-show. This ride is unique because it has a couple different pre-shows that you go through before the actual ride — and the pre-shows are just as incredible as the rest! There are so many cool animatronics (that we don’t want to spoil!) but just know that this ride is incredible. ©Universal This ride was SO incredible — but that’s not the only thing to do in this new land! 2. Meet and Greets We also got to meet with the Invisible Man as we were walking through Darkmoor — the Dark Universe land. He was asking us about our time at Darkmoor and reassured the kiddos in our group. He had a great interaction with them and referred to himself as Jack, telling them that they could blame anything going wrong on him back at home. This meet and greet was incredible and we can’t wait for more! ©Universal This land is so beautiful and dark and immaculate and we’re having a LOT of feelings. We got to meet the Bride of Frankenstein as well, and she was just incredible. She had quick, jarring head movements like you would expect her to have from the movie. 3. Curse of the Werewolf The land’s second attraction is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man. It’s called Curse of the Werewolf, and you’re gonna want to RACE to escape the werewolves before you become one. You’ll enter the Guild of Mystics and be “greeted by Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf.” ©Universal It’s kind of slow-moving, but it doesn’t seem to need a super-fast thrill ride for it. It sort of moves in a pattern — left and right, left and right, back and forth. There are a few barn scenes that have you sliding all around, too. This is a good introductory coaster for those who don’t need a whole lot of speed and may just be in for the thrill — and, we won’t spoil anything, but the end is really cool. 4. Das Stakehaus and Burning Blade Tavern Das Stakehaus is a quick-service restaurant within Dark Universe themed around an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs,” and The Burning Blade Tavern is an additional quick-service restaurant that pays homage to the iconic windmill from Universal’s 1931 classic Frankenstein! The Burning Blade Tavern will allow diners to eat in an “old mill which Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters [The Hounds] have transformed into their hangout.” ©Universal We got to step inside Burning Blade Tavern, and both of these are incredible. We could die here quite literally and be super happy. The Burning Blade flame is not going right now, but it’s really more so just beer and drinks, so think along the lines of the Hog’s Head Tavern. There’s hardly any seating on the inside — it’s mainly on the outside, but it is super immersive. ©Universal Das Stakehaus was also incredible — we absolutely love the theming. It is like you’re stepping into Dracula’s castle. There are a couple of statues of Dracula with a bunch of stakes in his chest, along with one of his brides on the opposite side. We’d describe this as looking like Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom, just Gothic, and there are several portraits all along the walls. 5. Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience At Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, Dr. Pretorius’ old lab has been converted into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments. Here, skilled artisans use their talents to experiment on customers and release their inner love of Universal Monsters – be they werewolves, vampires, mummies, or something even more fashionably monstrous. Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal We didn’t actually do the experience, but when we stopped by, each of the team members there had a costume that looked like a lab coat, just like Dr. Frankenstein would wear. We think this is going to be a super fun experience for kiddos and monster fans alike! ©Universal We can’t wait for Epic Universe to officially open so we can explore more! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest Epic Universe updates and more! Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more theme park news! EVERYTHING We Know About Dark Universe at Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited about the opening of Dark Universe at Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments. The post A Definitive Ranking of Everything To Do in Dark Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who says it’s ever a bad time for new Loungefly bags? We certainly don’t! Loungefly bags are great park bags! Any time we see Disney has dropped new Loungefly bags online, we rush to tell you all immediately, because we know one of them could be perfect for your next vacation! If you’ve been in the market for a new one, be sure you check out these new bags before they’re gone. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Baymax Lovers, This Is PERFECT ©Disney If you’re a big fan of Big Hero 6, but more specifically Baymax, then you’ll LOVE this Baymax and Mochi Loungefly Mini Backpack! We love that Mochi is included here, because we love that little fluffball, and we love that the backpack itself is puffy like Baymax is. Add it to your cart! Back To The Classics ©Disney If you love a good, classic Disney look, then the Mickey Mouse Loungefly Mini Backpack is totally for you. With it being black and white, it goes with nearly any outfit, and we love that it has all the different classic Mickey faces! Check it out! Scarlet Witch is BACK! ©Disney For fans of Scarlet Witch, you’ll adore the new Scarlet Witch Loungefly Mini Backpack! The entire bag is her signature color and there’s an outline of her on the front pocket. She truly does look so powerful, and we’re here for it! Grab it online! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite Disney merchandise!The post 3 New Disney Loungeflys Were Just Released Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is celebrating! EPCOT There’s a lot happening in the parks right now like the new Spaceship Earth Lounge coming this year, It’s Tough To Be A Bug permanently closing, and more! As the spring break crowds kick in and the parks get busier, lines are inevitably getting longer but the longest line in EPCOT has us surprised. EPCOT is a busy park! It has rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the Flower and Garden festival is underway, and who can resist drinking around the world? Spring Break crowds are starting to hit the parks so we knew the lines would get longer but we were super surprised to see one of the longest lines was in the UK pavilion at the UK Beer Cart for a special beverage today! This a long line! In case you missed it, March 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day and EPCOT celebrates this holiday every year with a few specialty drinks! Over in the UK, you can grab the famous green beer to sip on for the festivities. They’ve been doing this for several years and we understand why they bring it back year after year. Green Beer The beer isn’t any special flavor so it’s really just for the fun of the experience. If beer isn’t your thing you can also grab a green beverage over in the France Pavilion! This year we tried out the Citron Green Slush for our celebrations and to get in on the fun. How green! You can grab this one at Les Vins des Chefs de France which was also sporting a nice little line! To be fair though, this spot almost always has a hefty line thanks to the cold and sweet slushes at this spot. The line! If you’re not in EPCOT today, you can also grab a green drink over at Ragland Road in Disney Springs! We hope everyone is wearing their green to avoid getting pinched and enjoying the festivities no matter where you are. As always, keep following DFB for all of your Disney Parks news and updates. Drinking Around the World in EPCOT 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 Tell us if you’re celebrating in the comments! The post One of Longest Lines in EPCOT Today Is NOT for a Ride first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As Disney reporters, we’re in the parks literally every day, so we know a thing or two about park essentials. Magic Kingdom Here are five essentials we can’t live without, and once you start bringing them to the parks, you won’t go back! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. INIU Portable Charger Portable Charger This is the slimmest portable charger we’ve found. We love that we can tuck it into the pockets of our backpack and leave the cord hanging or hold it with our phone and not feel the thickness. We’re always taking photos and videos everywhere we go, so this is a must! SHOP ON AMAZON Mini Backpack Organizer Insert Loungefly Organizer We love our Loungefly bags as much as anyone, but when you’re constantly changing out your bag to match a different park or outfit, switching out all of those essentials can get annoying. We love this organizer, where we keep all of our standard supplies, and we can just switch out the insert for each bag. Game changer! SHOP ON AMAZON Ultra-Lite Waterproof Breathable Rain Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Even as Florida locals, we don’t always understand the weather, but we do understand that afternoon rain showers during the summer are no joke. This poncho folds up super small to fit in our backpacks and is still lightweight, so we aren’t bogged down with the heat. When the storm is over, we fold it back up and tuck it back in our bags! SHOP ON AMAZON 4 Pack Cooling Towel The 4-pack of cooling towels On top of the rain, Orlando is known for the heat, but these are a real life saver. All you need to do is dip them in cold water (we like using ice water we get for free at quick-service restaurants) and place them around your neck or waist. When you’re waiting in one of those gnarly outdoor queues, you’ll be thanking yourself for throwing these in your bag last minute. SHOP ON AMAZON HOKA Women’s Bondi 9 Sneaker ©Amazon Because we’re on our feet all day, we know the best park shoes and HOKAs are always our go-tos. We love the cushion on the soles and how we can get a basic color to match our outfits while still providing maximum comfort. Trust us, we’ve tried every shoe out there, and HOKAs remain in our top. SHOP ON AMAZON Having a full park day on vacation can be overwhelming but these five items make those long days so much easier! Keep following Disney Food Blog for all of our favorite Disney essentials. Like what you’re seeing and looking for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront for all of our tried-and-true favorites! What’s your go-to park essential? Let us know in the comments! The post I'm a Disney Food Blog Reporter Living in Orlando -- Here's What Every Person Needs to Bring for a Trip to the Theme Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be honest, we can never get enough of Bluey! Well, we have some EXCITING news for all the Bluey fans out there. ©Disney There are a ton of NEW Bluey toys, available NOW on the Disney Store! It’s time for all the Bluey lovers to expand their collection of memorabilia. Let’s take a look at all the cute options available! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out the Bluey Hide & Seek Game ©Disney Store Who doesn’t love a good game of hide and seek?! With the Bluey Hide & Seek Game, this adorable Bluey figure plays with her best friends (YOU!). Pick a hiding spot for Bluey, press her nose to start the timer, and the game begins. Bluey will talk and giggle every few seconds, to help give hints as to where she is. Once she’s found, press her nose again to activate “Dance Mode”, and Bluey will play her theme song to celebrate your win (HOORAY)! Get it here! Check out the Bluey Turtleboy Play Set ©Disney Store Who can forget about Bluey’s little sister, Bingo! Recreate the Bluey: Turtleboy episode with the Bluey Turtleboy Play Set! This toy is inspired by the cute episode when Bingo finds Turtleboy at the playground (Season 3, Episode 30). This toy features an adorable Bingo figure, a Turtleboy figure, and a moveable swing set and spinning ride! Get it here! Check out Bluey’s Play Date Plush Surprise – Mystery Plush ©Disney Store Which Bluey plush is waiting for you? When you open up Bluey’s Play Date Plush Surprise, you have the chance to pull two options! Either Bluey wearing a crown or Bluey in a (very cute) zebra costume. It’s a surprise, so you won’t know until the playhouse is opened. The toy comes with stickers, so decorate the cute little house any way you want! Get it here! Check out Bluey “Family Trip” Figure Play Set ©Disney Store What fun adventures are you sending the Heeler family on? Get these four Bluey figurines featuring Chili, Bluey, Bingo, and Bandit (left to right), with the Bluey Family Trip Set! It looks like Bluey and Bingo could use a spa day, they appear to have towels around their heads! Get it here! Check out this Bluey Wooden Tea Party Set ©Disney Store The Bluey Tea Set features 20 pieces, including a tray with character art of Bluey and Bingo dressed up for the royal tea party, a sugar bowl, creamer, tea bags, wafer cookies, and biscuits! We love the cute artwork and unique design of the set! The lids of the pots even have little butterflies on them. It also comes with a notepad and a pencil so you can take orders. Would you like any tea? Get it here! Check out this Bluey “My Wooden Creation Station” Play Set ©Disney Store Use the Bluey Wooden Creation Station to open up creativity and imagination! Create scenes on the whiteboard using 100 cute magnets of Bluey characters, furniture, and more! The set will also include coloring sheets, and its very easy to store and move around with its foldable legs. Get it here! Check out this Bluey Cash Register Play Set ©Disney Store This cute little Bluey Cash Register will be perfect for opening your own little shop! This set has some fun functions, making beeping sounds, playing music, and saying phrases. The set comes with play dollar bills, a play credit card, and a play scanner. You can get your little shop started with the play boxes of tea and cereal that are included as well! Get it here! Check out this Bluey Dump Truck Play Set ©Disney Store Help Bluey and Bingo load and dump things with this Bluey Dump Truck Set. The set comes with a dump truck, a Bluey and Bingo figurine, two road signs, and mud boulders. Bluey is hard at work, with her hard hat on, and it looks like Bingo has been too, with her dirty hands! CAUTION, fun is happening in the area! Get it here! Lots of fun to be had! Make sure to follow Disney Food Blog for the latest, on Disney merchandise and products! Have you seen our Amazon Storefront? Check it out here!The post Disney Just Released New Bluey Toys Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Nobody panic, but we are getting a brand new lounge in EPCOT! EPCOT While the EPCOT Transformation may be over, two new projects are still coming to the park in 2025. This summer, Test Track 2.0 closed to make way for Test Track 3.0, which will be inspired by the ride’s predecessor, World of Motion. Not only will we be getting a new version of Test Track, but a brand new lounge will open in 2025, and we finally have more details! It was announced at D23 this past August that EPCOT would be getting a new Spaceship Earth Lounge! ©Disney This new lounge will be a tribute to the park’s icon and will feature “stories, shapes, and enduring legacy.” The decor takes inspiration from Spaceship Earth’s geometric sphere and aims to offer a “zen space” to visitors, filled with “rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.” Spaceship Earth at night It was also announced that the lounge would open in 2025 but other than the date and one piece of concept art we did not know much until now! Today Disney revealed even more details about this new lounge! Disney has finally revealed that the name of the new lounge will be GEO-82! While they didn’t give details on why that is the name, it’s safe to assume the 82 comes from the park’s opening year 1982. ©Disney In a post online, they also shared that the lounge, which is expected to open later this year, will require reservations and will be for guests 21 years or older. The lounge will feature drinks and small plates with the website noting that Disney Dining Plans are not accepted at the location as of now. ©Disney This is one of two new lounges coming to Disney World this year with the other being the new Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern in Magic Kingdom. We don’t have an expected opening date for either lounge. ©Disney EPCOT is already home to so many great dining locations and lounges and we can’t wait for GEO-82 to open! As always, keep following along with Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, tips, and updates! We’ve Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. These Are the BEST. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to dine at this new lounge? Let us know in the comments!The post NAME REVEALED for Adults-Only Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t breathe while thinking about this new Epic Universe ride and we technically haven’t even been on it yet. ©Universal Epic Universe consists of five themed lands: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. We recently got the chance to explore the park before it opens, and now we’re telling you all about the incredible queue — yes, the queue — of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The NEW Ministry of Magic is the third Harry Potter-themed land at Universal Orlando! It joins Hogsmeade (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (located in Universal Studios) as a unique land adding another chapter to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. ©Universal Of course, one of the biggest parts of this new land is the new ride! It’s called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and has a height requirement of 40 inches. ©Universal Unfortunately, this ride is not open just yet, but we were able to walk through the lower portion of the queue and we probably said, “Oh my God” about 17 different times with our mouths agape the whole time. Before you experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, you’ll travel by the Floo Network (via the Métro-Floo) from wizarding Paris in the 1920s to the British Ministry of Magic set in the 1990s for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. ©Universal — Ministry of Magic You do travel by floo, so you’ll see smoke come up from the floor along with the flashes of green (just like in the movie!!!) and you pass through several rooms — it’s just massive and truly hard to believe. It is so tall, so wide, so immersive. Even the flags that are hanging from the ceiling in that center, you can see the backside of them too — there’s never just a one-sided projection. ©Universal We did get to see Dolores Umbridge’s former office, the Pink Room with all the cats, and Higgeldy, the house-elf animatronic, was incredible. It has such fluid movements and so many well-versed sayings to it, and the cats are everywhere on the little plates. It’s gorgeous, simply gorgeous, and we can’t wait to ride that one. ©Universal While we didn’t get to experience the ride just yet, we can’t wait to join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Higgledy to chase down Umbridge. You’ll be propelled up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more on Ministry lifts through the Ministry to race to capture Umbridge… ©Universal …but you’ll also need to dodge Death Eaters, monstrous creatures, and more! Settings and sights you’ll encounter in the queue and along the ride include the Magical Archives, the Department of Magical Creatures, and the iconic Time Room. We can’t WAIT to experience it! ©Universal WHEW — what an ADVENTURE! We’re already dreaming about the next time we can return. Stay tuned for more — we’ll let you know about ALL the updates, tips, tricks, and secrets of Epic Universe! And remember, we’ll be updating the post below as we explore more of Epic Universe throughout the day, so make sure you check back for the latest news! We Just Visited Epic Universe and Have SO Much To Tell You! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> The post We're Spilling the Tea About the Queue for the NEW Harry Potter Ride at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Southwest Airlines recently announced some major changes to their seating and baggage policies, much to the dismay of travelers across the United States. ©Southwest Airlines Still, it remains one of the most popular domestic airlines due to the number of destinations they fly to — especially when it comes to flying to Disney World. If you’re booking a trip anytime soon, you need to know why travel experts keep avoiding Row 30 on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines remains a popular airline for many travelers, and despite recent changes, that probably won’t change anytime soon. If you’re flying with Southwest soon, you might want to try and avoid Row 30! As you might have guessed, this is the very last row on two of the three different types of aircraft Southwest flies — the Boeing 737 Max 8 and the Boeing 737-800. On the Boeing 737-700, you’ll want to avoid Row 24. ©Southwest Airlines On the smaller of the three planes, the 700, Row 24 is directly in front of the galley, which is where the flight attendants prepare drinks and snacks and whatnot. It’s also near the bathroom at the back of the plane, which means you may have people hanging out all up in your grill when you’re just trying to chill. There’s plenty of traffic between the galley and the bathroom, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re flying Southwest. ©Southwest Airlines With the Max 8 and the 800 aircraft, the problem is similar, but instead of being directly in front of the galley when you’re seated in Row 30, you’re directly in front of the bathrooms this time. Don’t worry, though, the galley isn’t too far behind that — located behind the bathrooms at the back of these planes. So, when it comes to choosing your seat on Southwest — you might want to avoid these rows! Southwest Airplane at MCO Southwest Airlines previously revealed some important information about their business plans along with an update on their assigned seating policy — which they’re going to “evolve.” In addition to the new seating policy, Southwest will continue to focus on operational efficiency. In a statement, the company said, “The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier’s most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board.” Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport But, you won’t have to worry about dealing with this new system — whether you’re excited about it or not — until it begins to roll out in 2026. Southwest has said that passengers can book reserved seating beginning in late 2025, with those seats being available for flights in early 2026. ©Southwest Airlines In addition to the seating changes, Southwest Airlines has decided to adjust its well-loved checked bag policy for flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025. When the change takes effect, ONLY Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select® fares will receive TWO free checked bags. A-List Members and other select Customers will receive ONE free checked bag. Also, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Southwest Airlines However, all other customers will be charged to check their first and second checked bags. Southwest’s generous baggage policy is a huge positive for many travelers, so we are curious to see how this will affect the airline. In a press release, Southwest stated that they are aiming to “deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers” and “create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else.” Southwest Airlines In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more travel hacks and updates you need to know about. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel and theme park news! I’ve Tried Every Orlando Airport Hack, and I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time 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 What rows do you avoid when you fly? Tell us in the comments. The post Why Travel Experts (Including Me) Keep Avoiding Row 30 on Southwest Airlines first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve been thinking of booking a stay at the beautiful Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort but have been wary due to the current construction, we’ve got great news for you! Bay Lake Tower We’ve got an update that a large number of the rooms at Bay Lake Tower have completed their construction and can now be booked once again! If you’ve got a trip planned soon, don’t worry — here’s everything you need to know. Now, it’s important to note that construction on this hotel is far from being complete as a whole. On the Disney World website, it currently lists that from September 2024 through Summer 2025 construction will be taking place that could intermittently close the Skyway Bridge, and that you may see and hear construction during your stay. Additionally, from January 26th, 2026 through early May 2026 the Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower will be closed for refurbishment. ©Disney However, we chatted to a Cast Member recently about the status of the room refurbishments going on at Bay Lake Tower, and they explained to us that on the south side of the building, rooms 24 to 44 on floors 7 to 16 are all complete! Below you can see a map of those rooms — they can be booked by requesting a south room on a higher floor. The map! However, it’s important to note that when you make a hotel request while you’re making your reservation, it’s never guaranteed. While Disney won’t place you in a room that’s under refurbishment, of course, and they’ll do everything they can to accommodate your request, it’s entirely possible that it won’t be able to happen. Therefore if the ONLY reason you want to stay here is to stay in the refurbished rooms, it may be best to wait until they’re all complete. Contemporary Resort with Bay Lake Tower Looking for more recent Disney World hotel news? Check out our posts below! More Recent WDW Hotel News! You Can Now Stay in the NEW Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort…But There’s a CatchUsing This Value Hotel Trick in Disney World Feels Illegal, But It’s Not!5 Things Disney World Hotel Cast Members Want To Tell You But Won’t Cause They’re Too Nice6 Unfortunate Things That Happen Every Time We Stay at Disney’s Port Orleans HotelWARNING: Power Outage Planned for This Disney World Hotel Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news to prepare you for your upcoming trip! A Word of Warning for the Last Day at Your Disney World Hotel DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What’s your favorite Disney World hotel? Tell us in the comments! The post You Can Now Stay in the NEW Rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort...But There's a Catch first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new Florida bill seeks to crack down on automatic gratuity and service charges at restaurants. Yak & Yeti Restaurant full spread HB 535 is currently making its way through the State House and passed its first committee approval on March 12th, according to WKMG. The bill’s overall goal is to make it easier for restaurants or hotels to remove someone who is not paying their bill. Despite the main points of this bill, committee members have added an amendment to the bill that would “ban automatic gratuity and service charges for parties of fewer than six guests at restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments.” For parties of more than six guests, an automatic gratuity would not be required if someone in the party complains to a manager about the quality of service. Our first course! In addition, information on the gratuity must be clearly labeled on menus, and on receipts, the business would be required to explain who is receiving the gratuity — and how much of it they’re actually getting. State Rep. Demi Busatta, R-Coral Gables, proposed the amendment after she received a bill at a Miami restaurant in March that had both a service fee and an automatic gratuity. New menu items “In Miami, we’ve seen a growing circumstance where all the restaurants are automatically including a 20% gratuity, or they’re calling it gratuity or service charge or service fee or tip, not just on regular sitdown meals but on take-out as well at fast-casual establishments,” Busatta said. Full spread of food “While we understand consumer fatigue surrounding service charges at businesses where it does not make sense for there to be gratuity, many restaurants in Florida and across the U.S. use service charges as a key tool for ensuring service and success,” said Samantha Padgett, FRLA’s vice president for government relations and general counsel. HB 535 will now move to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee for voting next. Meal at Nine Dragons As far as Disney World is concerned, if this bill were passed, it could impact dining with large groups at table service restaurants. For now, tipping practices are still happening normally around the parks and more. Tipping practices vary slightly, but the general US custom is that tips should be 15-25% of your pretax bill. The suggested tip level at Walt Disney World is 18%. Full spread In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates regarding this bill and how it could potentially impact your Disney World trip. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates from Disney and more. These Are the ONLY Spots You Should Go to for CHEAP EATS in Magic Kingdom 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 do you think of this bill? Tell us in the comments. The post A New Florida Bill Could Impact Automatic Gratuity at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, WHOA. Hold ON. How are YOU planning on spending your money at Disney World? Or, better question — are the things you’re about to purchase actually gonna be WORTH it, or are they gonna feel like a waste once you buy them? PUT THE CREDIT CARD DOWN! Today, we’re showing you the things you should NEVER buy at Disney World. We’re here to SAVE YOUR MONEY, people! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Listen, we understand that every trip is different and may call for one of these purchases regardless of what we say about it today. That said, if you can avoid purchasing these things inside the parks, you’ll be better off in the long run. Trust us! Now, here are some things you should NEVER buy at Disney World. The Disney Merch You Could Get ANYWHERE We KNOW those Disney plushies are staring you down with those big cartoony eyes. And we KNOW that Disney mug would be an absolutely PERFECT fit in your assorted mug collection. And we KNOOOOOW that pack of Disney Lorcana trading cards is calling your NAME. Loungefly Backpacks are tempting, we know! But before you buy a specific piece of merch inside the Disney World bubble, HOLD OFF and ask yourself these two questions. FIRST: Can I get the same thing (or something super similar) on the Disney Store website, Amazon, or even at my local Target? If that answer is “yes,” then you can move on to the second question: Can I get this item for less money at those other locations? You can probably find these online! More often than not, the answer to your question is gonna be “Yes.”Yes, you absolutely CAN. It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of a Disney vacation to the point where you accidentally spend your souvenir money on items that aren’t all that unique to the Disney bubble. So double-check and SEE if the item your heart is set on can be purchased for less money elsewhere. That way, you can focus your energy on the more Disney World-specific stuff. Behold the infamous Disney plush wall Now granted, we know that the younger kiddos in your group won’t always grasp that logic. They see a toy on the Disney World gift shop shelf, and that’s the one they’re determined to buy. If that’s the case — and you’ve already made it clear to them that they’ve got a little spending money that they can use to purchase whatever souvenirs they want to buy — you really gotta pick and choose your battles, y’know? If a little Munchings plushie is what’s gonna make them happy, then let ‘em pick up the little Munchlings plushy with their allotted souvenir money. Donald Popcorn Munchlings Plush However, if you already KNOW those are the kinds of items your kid will gravitate towards at the shops, then it’s not a bad idea to pre-purchase these toys for less money from your big box store ahead of time and just have them on hand. That way, when your kiddo starts begging for one of those blind box munchlings, TA-DAAAAA! You’ve already got it purchased and tucked away in your park bag (and you don’t have to pay top dollar for it)! Portable Chargers We get it. Sometimes, you’re in a pinch, and you REALLY need to purchase a FuelRod while you’re in the parks. In case you’re not familiar with ‘em, FuelRods are these small, portable chargers with interchangeable ports so that you can charge any brand of phone. And, the biggest bonus of all is you can exchange them for fully powered ones at kiosks across Disney World property, so you’ll never need to charge it while you’re on your trip. FuelRod The initial FuelRod purchase will cost you $38 for one charger. But after that — you can swap out your FuelRods for fully charged ones for FREE all around the parks. Sounds nifty, right? Well… here’s the thing. They ARE nifty. And the fact that they’re so lightweight and easy to stow away in your bag is an added bonus, too! But FuelRods definitely aren’t gonna give you the best charge ever before they run out of juice. So if you’re down to 10% on your phone, you MIGHT be able to get your phone charged up to 70-85% using one of these little doodads before you need to swap out FuelRods again. FuelRods There are several much more reliable chargers out there that you can purchase BEFORE your trip that’ll not only hold a charge better, but are also CHEAPER than FuelRods, too, like the INIU Portable Charger, for instance. INIU Portable Charger This wired charger is packed with power but thin enough to fit in a pocket, wallet, or fanny pack, which makes carrying it around the park much easier than some other bulky charger alternatives. It also comes in several different colors and will only cost ya about $18. View Online! If you’re still on Team FuelRod and you want these little guys handy during your park day, I’d STILL recommend NOT buying them directly in the parks — just because you’re gonna pay more for a FuelRod charger when you’re on property versus purchasing one from Amazon before your trip. While one FuelRod in Disney will cost ya $38, you can get a 2-count of FuelRods for the SAME PRICE online. So, really, you’ll be paying around $20 per FuelRod instead! A Meal You Know NOTHING About We see this all. the. time. We have friends and relatives reach out and message us about Disney restaurants they were disappointed by, and every time we ask why they chose to eat there, we get the same response: “I didn’t know much about it.” READ THOSE MENUS, PEOPLE! We’re not trying to put our friends in the hot seat here. But we just wanted to show you how EASY it is to get sucked into a Disney dining pitfall. Studying up on menus and price ranges and the overall dining experiences is SO CRUCIAL to your vacation as a whole — ESPECIALLY since you’ll more than likely be paying a good chunk of money to dine at each location. Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas And that’s EXACTLY why the 2025 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is SO IMPORTANT to us. Because we wanna set you up for SUCCESS and keep you INFORMED no matter WHICH restaurant you decide to dine at on property. You can pick up this multi-part guide over on the DFB Store website and gain access to a TON of dining tips, budgeting advice, DFB recommended dishes, GORGEOUS food pictures (compliments of our AWESOME reporter team), and SO MUCH MORE. Gift Cards WHOA, WHOA, WHOA — HOLD ON. We’re not saying DON’T get Disney World gift cards! Those things are GREAT. What we are saying is DON’T resort to buying them in the parks if you can help it. Because, much like we mentioned in the PREVIOUS point, you can often find Disney-specific gift cards CHEAPER when you pay for them off-property. Sam’s Club has discounted gift cards! You can reasonably expect to save between 5% and 10% on your trip just by using discounted Disney gift cards when you purchase them at stores like BJ’s Wholesale, Target, and Sam’s Club. BJ’s offers a variety of discounts on Disney gift cards of different amounts, but members can typically get a $500 gift card for $480, or 4% off) For Target’s “RedCard” membership program, you can make purchases and get 5% off While this discount excludes purchases of Target gift cards, it does NOT exclude purchases of Disney gift cards Sam’s Club discounts also tend to vary, but members can typically get a $200 gift card for $185, or 7.5% off ©Target So, basically, you’re paying LESS money to gain MORE Disney money — which you can use to pay for things like your resort stay, food, merch, festival booth items, and even Lightning Lanes! BUT, if you pay for your Disney gift cards onsite, you’re not gonna receive the same savings opportunities. Basic Snacks It’s nice to know that Disney has things like Cuties Oranges, Babybel Cheese circles, Lays potato chips, and other familiar munchy items for sale at MULTIPLE quick services and snack kiosks — just in case that’s ALL your kiddo wants to eat while you’re inside the parks. But — once again — you can PRE-PURCHASE THESE THINGS AHEAD OF TIME for less money and just bring ‘em to the park with ya! Cuties So, again, if you already know your kiddo is gonna be BEGGING you for a piece of fruit from the Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom, just BUY some fruit ahead of time. Cast Members don’t care. As long as it’s not kept in a glass container, then you’re free to bring in whatever snacks you wanna munch on throughout the day. Don’t waste your money! You can set yourself up for snack food SUCCESS in the following ways: Make a grocery run to your store back home and pack it up with ya (IF you’re taking your car) Make a grocery run to the closest grocery store to your hotel on the day you arrive (which’ll be a much BETTER option if you’re catching a flight) Use a grocery delivery app — like Kroger Delivery — to make the grocery run FOR you so YOU don’t have to worry about leaving the Disney bubble once you arrive We actually have a step-by-step guide to ordering Kroger Delivery when you’re in the Disney World bubble! (Spoiler alert: It’s REALLY easy — and Kroger Delivery’s app will hold your hand pretty much every step of the way!) Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Kroger Grocery Delivery to Disney World Phew! Who knew there were so many ways to waste money in Disney World? (This is a joke — everyone knows Disney is expensive.) In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The Secret to Make Your Disney Springs Day 10X More Ooey, Gooey, and Delicious 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 have any money-saving tips? Let us know in the comments! The post I Wouldn't Be Caught Dead Buying This in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is going through a lot right now! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios is working on bringing Monsters Inc. to life, a Cars land is in the works right now, and the Disney Villains are getting their own land too! We cover every Disney change from big to small and now we’ve found another update over in Animal Kingdom that’s bigger than it may seem. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is going through some major changes right now! DinoLand U.S.A., is in the process of a phased permanent closure to make way for Pueblo Esperanza and It’s Tough To Be A Bug permanently closed on March 17th, 2025. Construction walls have gone up and we spotted another subtle, but big change on the map for this park. The new map! The new guide map features a kid looking through binoculars in Animal Kingdom and while the kiddo is super cute, the real changes are inside! With the closing of It’s Tough To Be A Bug, Disney has wasted no time in removing the attraction from the map. The show, which was in Discovery Island, has been removed from the attraction list and the map itself. The inside of the map! Here’s a closer look at the map without the show! This change was an expected one but it’s always strange to see something so subtle mean so much. The show opened with the park back in 1998 so this is a big update for the park. A closer look! The show is being replaced with a brand-new show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The show will be based off of the Disney film Zootopia and it will take guests through all of the different biomes you see in the film. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from the film will be the hosts with Gennifer Goodwin returning to voice Judy. ©Disney Disney has already shared a sneak peek of Gennifer recording her lines for the new attraction which is slated to open in winter 2025. You can see the full video here! Not only did the park map change, Disney removed signage for the attraction and put up construction walls overnight signaling that Flik and his friends are really gone forever. The sign is gone! These construction updates as to the walls in Animal Kingdom since this park was already under construction thanks to the phased closure of DinoLand U.S.A.! While we love the idea of getting new attractions and shows, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any less difficult. As always, make sure to keep following DFB for all of your Disney news and updates. 3 Hints That a MAJOR Animal Kingdom Announcement Is Coming Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for these updates? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney's Animal Kingdom Has A New Map And It's Got One Major Change first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Anticipation is reaching EPIC levels!!!! @Bioreconstruct With the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe just about two months away — and preview days for Universal team members beginning — detailed photos of the park’s interior are FINALLY here. Perhaps to get a jump on things, Universal has realized some breathtaking new photos from inside the park and some of its portals. First up, is a highly detailed look at the park’s iconic Chronos Tower. It says “Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.” ©Universal From there, Universal dropped beauty shots of each of the park’s four main Intelectual Property portals: A grand vista shot of the entrance to the How to Train Your Dragon-themed Isle of Berk… ©Universal … an overview of Epic Universe’s version of Super Nintendo World… ©Universal … the Parisian streetscape of the latest Wizarding World of Harry Potter installment, Ministry of Magic… ©Universal …and the breathtaking visage of Victoria Frankenstein’s Manor, which towers over the Universal Monsters-themed Dark Universe. ©Universal These new images only have us salivating even further about the upcoming Epic Universe. Universal Orlando’s newest park is scheduled to open to the public on May 22nd, 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe! 5 Surprising Takeaways From My First Stay at the New Epic Universe Hotel 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 these photos get you even more excited for Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below! The post NEW PHOTOS: Take a CLOSER LOOK Inside All 5 Lands of Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, here we are, folks. Another day, another closure at Disney World — and this time, it’s permanent. SAD We’ve been dreading this day for a while, especially since the date of this attraction’s demise was officially announced. And, now that It’s Tough To Be a Bug is officially GONE from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, parts of this park look completely different — and those dreaded Disney World construction walls are back. It is sad to see an opening day Animal Kingdom attraction close, but we are so excited to see what the new Zootopia show has to offer! Our fingers are crossed that it does not involve getting stung! We will miss the iconic bug glasses along with the inspired Broadway posters. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Animal Kingdom and the rest of Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney 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 do you think of these changes? Tell us in the comments. The post A Disney World Attraction Is Officially CLOSED and Construction Walls Have Already Popped Up first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Haunted Mansion at Disney World is an iconic Disney parks attraction. Haunted Mansion Nestled in Liberty Square, this attraction invites riders to step inside and ride a Doombuggy as you get to explore inside the mansion as well as the mansion’s grounds. The 999 Happy Haunts are excited to welcome you in because, as they say, “There’s always room for one more!” It is no surprise that, just like many attractions in Disney World, the Haunted Mansion has tons of hidden details. Have you ever noticed that some of the stone turrets of Disney World’s Haunted Mansion resemble chess pieces?! Well, besides having the potential to be the mansion’s 1,000th resident, you can actually step inside the story in a big way by becoming a detective! That’s right! You become more than just a rider getting to tour the mansion; you can become a DETECTIVE to solve the murder mystery of the Haunted Mansion. When you’re in the queue for the attraction, check out the Dread Family busts. They can be found in the outdoor portion of the queue (which by the way, the outdoor part of the queue has tons of fun surprises!). Once you find the family’s busts, you’ll find a riddle. Each riddle will take you one step closer to what weapon was used to pull off the heinous crime. And once you use your detective skills to find the correct weapon, it will point you to the killer! Dread Family Here’s what is engraved on each of the family’s epitaphs: Uncle Jacob “Greed was the poison he had swallowed. He went first, the others followed. His killer’s face he surely knew. Now try to discover who killed who.” Bertie “Avid hunter and expert shot, in the end, that’s what he got.” His also features a bottle with a skull and crossbones. Aunt Florence Her plaque features a revolver with the following riddle: “Never did a dishonorable deed, yet found face down in canary seed.” The Twins- Wellington & Forsythia Dread Their headstone features a bird laying on its back with the text “Departed life while in their beds, with identical bumps on their heads.” Cousin Maude Finally, Cousin Maude’s has a hammer engraved above the riddle, which reads, “Our sleeping beauty, who never awoke the night her dreams went up in smoke.” Who do you think committed the crime? So, who do you think did it? You can save the solving for the next time you are in line for the Haunted Mansion because we don’t want to spoil the fun. Besides, you’re the detective, and it can make waiting in line more fun! Can you SOLVE the mystery? If you can’t wait for the next time you’re in line to ride the attraction, you can always pick up our FREE and BRAND-NEW DFB Guide – Winning at Disney! Not only does this guide have the answer to this murder mystery, but it also has the BEST TIPS for other Disney World rides, too! Get the Guide Here! For more Disney World secrets and tips and to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with us here at DFB! I’ve Been Going to Disney World for 30 Years, and I JUST Discovered These Shortcuts Want to find out even more Disney World secrets? Check out the video below! Need help booking your dream Disney World vacation? Our friends at Small World Vacations would be more than happy to help you plan! You can fill out a Disney World interest form here! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What is your favorite Disney World attraction? Tell us in the comments!The post We're Spilling a HUGE SECRET About the Haunted Mansion in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Southwest Airlines has majorly shaken things up with the announcement that they would do away with their open seating policy by later this year, but they recently announced that on top of that, they would be doing away with their “two free checked bags” allowance for all customers. ©Southwest Airlines In response to this most recent announcement, many customers have been publicly stating that they’ll be looking to fly with other airlines, and do you know who’s ready to capitalize on that? None other than Spirit Airlines, even though they’re just barely back from bankruptcy. According to CNBC, Spirit Airlines hit their first quarter target for 2025 after a crippling few years falling short that led them towards bankruptcy, but now they’re back on track and ready to take on Southwest Airlines. CEO Ted Christie was quoted saying that he thinks “it’s going to be painful for a little bit as they [Southwest] find their footing, and we’re going to take advantage of that.” ©Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines was the pioneer of a la carte pricing in the United States, where customers can pay to select a seat ahead of time if they don’t want to be randomly assigned one (which is free), each checked bag is an additional fee, and additional add-ons are also an extra cost, but they’re easy for many passengers to do without (things like wifi, on-flight snacks and drinks, etc.). Many other airlines (except Southwest) have copied this model in some way over the years, however, now that Southwest’s changes will start charging bags for all customers that aren’t A-List members or credit card holders, and is introducing their first basic economy class that doesn’t include a seat assignment or a checked bag, it’s possible that Spirit could win those customers over. ©Spirit Airlines CEO Christie pointed out that there was a large group of people out there who chose to fly with Southwest solely because they knew they were getting two free checked bags, and now that that’s no longer the case, it’s safe to assume “that they’re going to widen their aperture and they’re now going to look around.” While Spirit is smaller than Southwest as a whole, they do compete in multiple markets such as Kansas City, Nashville, Columbus, and Milwaukee. Spirit Airlines However, Spirit isn’t the only airline planning on capitalizing on Southwest’s controversial decision — Delta Airlines has also recognized that a portion of Southwest’s customers are up for grabs, but it is important to consider the sizable price difference often found between Delta and Southwest’s average ticket prices. While Spirit is focused on restabilizing after its bankruptcy scare, it did successfully reduce its debt by about $795 million. It’s possible taking some of Southwest Airlines’ customer base could propel them higher in the aviation world. ©Spirit Airlines Looking for more recent travel news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Travel News! “We’re Going to Take Advantage of That” — Spirit Airlines CEO Targets Southwest After Controversial AnnouncementNEWS: Over 500 Flights DELAYED at Orlando International Airport“Read the Room, Southwest.” The Internet ROASTS Southwest Airlines Over Its New Bag PolicyIn 2.5 Months, Flying on Southwest Airlines Will Be Totally DifferentNEWS: American Airlines Passengers Evacuated After Plane Engine Catches Fire at Denver Airport Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest travel news! 5 Most Important Rules for Orlando Airport Transportation to Disney World 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 How do you feel about these changes? Tell us in the comments! The post “We’re Going to Take Advantage of That” -- Spirit Airlines CEO Targets Southwest After Controversial Announcement first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

How can you get on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with the shortest waits possible? Which Magic Kingdom rides are better to prioritize in the morning VS which ones are better at night? Magic Kingdom And how many Magic Kingdom rides are holding SECRETS that could make your ride-through ten times better? We’re stocking you up with ALL the Magic Kingdom ride hacks that ACTUALLY work, today on DFB Guide! Check out our video below: Magic Kingdom Ride Hacks That Really Work  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 Magic Kingdom ride? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Magic Kingdom Ride Hacks That Really Work first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hot take ahead! Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of the BEST rides in all of Disney World. Tower of Terror? 10/10. Toy Story Mania? A classic! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway? We know — a lot of you have some animosity toward this ride — but we still love this attraction. But the one ride that everyone seems to agree on? The BEST ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios What’s so great about this ride? Where to start?! First of all, it’s a trackless ride, so you never really know where you’re going next. Plus, it’s jam-packed with action from start to finish, and the level of detail is INSANE. Let’s just say that this ride is popular for a reason, okay? And after riding this attraction HUNDREDS of times, we’ve come up with some tips. Let’s talk about it! Beware — we’ve got some Rise of the Resistance spoilers ahead! Ever wondered which seat/row combination gets you the best seat in the house when you’re jumping into your ride vehicle? Well, after LOTS and LOTS of Rise of the Resistance ride-throughs, we have come to our conclusion. Yes, there are TWO different versions of Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios. And, yes, there is a version we like BETTER. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance If you’re brave enough to confront those evil First Order troops, you can make a seat request when you’re being placed into an interrogation group. Remember when the Cast Member tells you to memorize the color you’re standing on before you’re sent into the interrogation holding chamber? That’s basically your seating chart for the ride! Now, in our humble opinion, the best Rise of the Resistance vehicle is the one with the red and blue rows. If you’re placed in the red or blue group, congratulations! You’ve got the BEST ride-through experience. Blue and red go to the front vehicle, while orange and white go to the back. You can’t resist While both experiences are still gonna give you a MIND-BLOWING ride-through, here are the THREE reasons we like the FRONT vehicle version BEST. REASON #1: The Probe Droid targets YOU. Hmm. That didn’t sound great. Let us explain. Rise of the Resistance Towards the beginning of the ride, the front car will see the FIRST animatronic of the experience — the Probe Droid — up close and personal. Meanwhile, the back car just passes on by it when the droid is lowered. REASON #2: The AT-AT room Once you’re inside the AT-AT room (trust us, you CAN’T miss it), the front car goes through the AT-ATs and turns left, backing into the elevator with a view of Finn in his Stormtrooper gear against a wall. Then, after rising up, the front car is face-to-face with two stormtroopers inside the head of the AT-AT (on a screen) with a red digital haze. Rise of the Resistance Meanwhile, the back car moves through the AT-ATs and looks like it might actually escape the room through a large door, but the door closes, and the car is whisked backward. This car also sees a Finn animatronic, but he’s sitting behind some crates, avoiding fire from the blasters. When your transport vehicle rises up, you’ll be looking at the side of the AT-AT instead of straight on. REASON #3: Kylo Ren Encounters The final difference happens both times that the riders encounter Kylo Ren. In both Kylo scenes, on the bridge and where the ship gets hit near the end, the front car is to Kylo’s left while the back car is to his right. Kylo and Hux The experience differs here because Kylo turns in different directions when addressing the riders. But he’ll always speak DIRECTLY to the front-car riders versus the back-car ones. EEP! It’s a thrill! Rise of the Resistance In short, when you’re in the blue and red car, you really feel like you are part of the action from start to finish. The back car is following the blue and red one, so while still thrilling, it’s not the same as making direct eye contact with Kylo Ren. Trust us. WOO! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. NEW Deals and Discounts Announced by Disney Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Expert Reveals the Seat You MUST REQUEST on Rise of the Resistance first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Theme park fans have been waiting for this day for years. We’ve been right there with you — poring over every piece of concept art, analyzing every press release, and daydreaming about new rides. And at long last, the time has come. We went INSIDE Universal’s brand-new theme park in Orlando, Epic Universe. We stepped through the portals and dared to go on the biggest, wildest, most innovative new attractions in Orlando. And now? We’re sharing it ALL. ©Universal Alright. Here’s the lowdown. Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe officially opens on May 22nd, 2025. This park has been heralded as Universal’s “most ambitious theme park yet,” with theme park immersion and innovation we’ve never seen. There are over 50 new attractions. There are new restaurants. New gift shops. New shows. New stories! There’s a lot (like, a lot) to see and do, but we’re taking you along for the ride. We’ll be updating this post as we explore more of Epic Universe throughout the day, so make sure you check back for the latest news! Before we get into it, we need to note that while we were able to experience Epic Universe as part of a preview, photos and videos are still not currently allowed in the park. But, we will get to experience Epic Universe again before it opens and will be able to take photos and videos then, so make sure you stay tuned for that! Epic Universe consists of five themed lands: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. People are really excited about Dark Universe (and for good reason! more on that later). Below is a handy map! ©Universal Entering the park works the same way as Universal’s other two theme parks. Prepare for some long lines to get in — this is a new park with a lot of excited fans. We’re going to take you land by land through the park, so settle in, get comfortable, and let’s go. Epic Universe Before you officially enter the park, you’ll have to park in the parking lot (unless you’re taking Universal transportation or a rideshare service) and the sections are: Gamer, Hero, Monster, Viking, and Explorer. Oddly enough, the parking lot itself is quite pretty! There are flowers and other landscaping that keep the area looking nice. View from Stella Nova Resort You’ll also find a ticket office near security when you get to the gate, and a handy-dandy height chart for all the rides in the park so you can check your kiddo’s height for every ride all at once. Celestial Park New theme park lore just dropped! We love a good story, and Celestial Park is filled with unique elements that really transport you to another world. Here, you’ll find lush living gardens, shimmering waters, and stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. ©Universal Inscribed on the Chronos Tower, which is the large, main tower entrance to the park, it reads, “Beyond this gate, find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.” The Chronos is decorated with references to each of the lands in the park. ©Universal Also, as we went through the Chronos, it had lots of gears and all the different layers underneath it similar to walking through Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom ©bioreconstruct Celestial Park has TWO new rides — Stardust Racers (a dual-launch racing coaster) and Constellation Carousel. We’ve been hearing a LOT of buzz about the new Stardust Racers coaster, and from the looks of it, we can see why. ©Universal There’s a play area called Astronomica, which is a wet-play area that — fun fact! — doubles as a compass. ©Universal Another highly-anticipated addition is the new full-service “surf and turf” restaurant called Atlantic. Additionally, you can stop by The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, which features an Asian-style menu with authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai meals. ©Universal There are also multiple new quick-serve restaurants, including The Oak & Star Tavern (serving barbecue) and Pizza Moon (serving a variety of pizza.) Finally, there’s also a cute little sweets shop called Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets. @bioreconstruct We could spend HOURS in this part of the park, but there’s so much more to see and do, and we’ve only got one day here. After exploring Celestial Park, we traveled through a portal to visit the next land. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Oui oui! We’re in Paris! More specifically, we’re in the NEW Ministry of Magic land at Epic Universe, which is Universal’s third Harry Potter-themed land. @bioreconstruct This land really transports you to another place and time. We’re in the 1920s wizarding world of Paris, but you might recognize some elements from the British Ministry of Magic from the original Harry Potter series. ©Universal Forget the Marais! We’ve got something even better. Yep, there’s a cute little shopping district called Place Cachée, which is filled with shops, sidewalk cafés, and even a Butterbeer stand (YESS!). ©Universal — Ministry of Magic Of course, one of the biggest parts of this new land is the new ride! It’s called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and has a height requirement of 40 inches. ©Universal If you want something to eat (perhaps a croissant?), you can visit Café L’Air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir, Bar Moonshine, and a French confectionery shop, K. Rammelle. ©Universal Orlando Resort We’re not gonna lie. We were VERY excited about this. Universal has a new full-scale theatre experience called Le Cirque Arcanus. There are fantastic beasts. There are aerialists. There are special effects. It’s AMAZING! ©Universal Whew! Now, that was fun. We hate to say goodbye, but we’re off to our next stop! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Classic video games are so last year. We’re leveling up with a REAL LIFE SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. ©Bioreconstruct Once you enter through the portal, you’ll find yourself in the world of Super Mario! Super Nintendo World is divided into two areas: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. One thing that’s different about this version of the land versus the one in Hollywood is that once you go through the portal, you are immediately met by some escalators and that’s where it will take you up to the main floor. ©Universal OK, we’ve got two attractions in Super Mario Land to talk about here. Number one is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (previously seen at Super Nintendo World lands in Universal Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood). We’ve experienced this ride at Universal Hollywood, but we loved it just the same when we got to experience it as part of this preview! Concept Art for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ©Universal There’s also Yoshi’s Adventure, with a minimum height requirement of 34 inches. ©Universal Also in this land is Bowser’s Castle, which was only a 10-minute wait. We loved all the fun elements that you can choose and pick out from the game and the kids with us especially loved spotting all the hidden ghosts throughout the queue line. But the real excitement is over at Donkey Kong Country, where you’ll find Mine-Cart Madness. We’re anticipating some long-line madness here, too. This is going to be a POPULAR new attraction. ©Universal All that gaming might make you hungry, so stop by Toadstool Cafe, The Bubbly Barrel, Yoshi’s Snack Island, or Turbo Boost Treats for a little Super Mario-themed snack. Inside Toadstool Cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood The Epic Universe version of Super Nintendo World has a lot of familiar food options that you might recognize from the Hollywood and Japanese versions of this land. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk One word: DRAGONS. Need we say more? We didn’t step through this portal. We GALLOPED to How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. ©bioreconstruct There is a LOT to do in this new land. We’re talking LIVE DRAGON meet-and-greets. A new show. A play area for little Vikings. Three dining locations. And, most importantly, THREE new attractions. Where to start?! ©bioreconstruct Let’s kick things off with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family thrill coaster where we join Hiccup to test out “his latest glider contraption” that he’s invented! That Hiccup — he’s a tricky one! ©Universal You can also check out a cute little attraction called Fyre Drill, an interactive boat battle where you should be prepared to get WET. ©Universal Finally, there’s the new Dragon Racer’s Rally, which is a mind-boggling attraction that sends you up to 67 feet in the air. Hope you don’t mind heights! ©Universal Food time! You can stop by the grand Mead Hall… ©Universal | Mead Hall …Spit Fyre Grill (which overlooks the Fyre Drill water attraction)… ©Universal …or the racing-themed Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel food stand. Throughout your day on the Isle of Berk, be on the lookout for characters! You can meet Hiccup and the beloved Toothless at Haddock Paddock, but we also spotted some other friends wandering the area. ©Universal Finally, there’s the epic live show called The Untrainable Dragon. This show is based on the Untrainable show in Universal Beijing Resort. From the set to the characters, this is truly an incredible show. ©Universal Will we ever get over the fact that we met a REAL DRAGON? No. No, we won’t. Dark Universe Alright, it’s time. We’re putting on a brave face for this. We’re going to Dark Universe… ©bioreconstruct Dark Universe draws on Universal’s rich history with horror. There are plenty of monsters and spooky vibes to really set the mood, so be prepared for a wild time. This land is home to two attractions, including the MAJOR new ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This ride has 14 animatronics, but they aren’t your average animatronics. These things are SO REALISTIC that we could have sworn it was a real werewolf coming at us. ©Universal The land’s second attraction is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man. It’s called Curse of the Werewolf, and you’re gonna want to RACE to escape the werewolves before you become one. ©Universal All that screaming can really work up your appetite! Luckily, there are plenty of places to eat, like Das Stakehaus (a quick-service restaurant)… ©Universal …The Burning Blade Tavern (another quick-service restaurant) with a BURNING WINDMILL… ©Universal …and De Lacey’s Cottage (serves ice cream, cinnamon bread, twisted taters, and more). ©Universal If you have time, we highly recommend you stop by for a monster character meet-and-greet while you’re here… Dark Universe ©Universal …along with a Universal Horror Monster Makeup experience! ©Universal WHEW — what an ADVENTURE! We had SO much fun at Epic Universe, and we’re already dreaming about the next time we can return. Stay tuned for more — we’ll let you know about ALL the updates, tips, tricks, and secrets of Epic Universe! And remember, we’ll be updating this post as we explore more of Epic Universe throughout the day, so make sure you check back for the latest news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> The post We Just Visited Epic Universe for the First Time EVER and We Have So Much to Tell You! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s having a clover-the-top amazing #SaintPatricksDay?! ✨🍀 #DisneyParks #Pluto #ShortsView the full article

I know you’re working on your Disney World trip plans, which means we’ve got to talk about what you’ll be wearing on your feet! Magic Kingdom We’ve rounded up some of the best shoes with 4.5 stars on Amazon that would be perfect for Disney World, and as a bonus, they’re on sale on Amazon right now. Since deals like these don’t last forever, let’s check them out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check Out These HOKA Women’s Bondi 9 Sneakers ©Amazon First up, let’s talk about these HOKA Women’s Bondi 9 Sneakers. If you’re looking for max comfort, these sneakers are where it’s at. These are perfect for pounding the pavement from rope drop to fireworks. Plus, they’re stylish enough to blend in with your Disney fit. Get them here! Check Out These Adidas Women’s Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes ©Amazon Next, you’ve got to check out these Adidas Women’s Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes. These are technically tennis shoes, but hear us out. These sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and provide great arch support, which is ideal for clocking 20,000 steps in the parks. Also, they’ll keep your feet cool during those hot Florida afternoons. Get them here! Check Out These Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoes ©Amazon Next, let’s talk about these Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoes. With soft cushioning and great shock absorption, these will keep your feet happy whether you’re power-walking to your next Lightning Lane or standing in line for Space Mountain. Get them here! Check Out These New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainers ©Amazon These New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainers are lightweight, super comfy, and perfect for a long day at the parks. They offer great support which is exactly what you need for all those long parks days. Get them here! Check Out These Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes ©Amazon Next, these Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes are a solid pick. The cushioned midsole absorbs impact while keeping your feet supported, which is perfect for those long treks from Frontierland all the way to Galaxy’s Edge. Get them here! Check Out These Skechers Men’s Hands Free Slip-ins Summits High Range Sneakers ©Amazon Lastly, we’ve got these Skechers Men’s Hands Free Slip-ins Summits High Range Sneakers. If you want something easy to slip on and off while still being super supportive, these sneakers will be your new go-tos. With memory foam insoles and a lightweight design, they’re perfect for casual park strolling or quick sprints to snag that last Jungle Cruise Lightning Lane. Get them 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 6 Shoes With 4.5 Stars on Amazon That Would Be Perfect for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s so much happening at Disneyland Resort this summer, including the 70th Anniversary Celebration. Disneyland Hotel If you’re planning on going to Disneyland in the summer, check out these exclusive new discounts before booking. We’ve got a GREAT deal for Disney Visa cardholders! Book a hotel at Disneyland Resort for a stay between May 16th and August 14th with your Disney Visa Card, and you can save up to 30% on select premium rooms! Disneyland Hotel You need to book your room between now and July 31st for stays Sunday to Thursday nights. These discounts apply to Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Grand California Hotel This discount is specifically meant to invite guests to celebrate Disney’s 70th Anniversary, which will run from May 16th, 2025, to summer 2026. There will be exclusive merchandise, special food and beverages, limited-time entertainment, the return of favorite shows, and new additions to classic attractions. ©Disney Are you a D23 member? We found another discount you’re going to love! Members can get 23% off their Disney Store orders through March 30th. Ensure you’re logged in with the same account as your D23 membership, and add the discount code “D23SHOP” as a promotion code at checkout. Disneyland With these two discount codes, you can get your favorite Disney essentials online before heading to Disneyland this summer! Sounds like a win-win in our book. Disneyland Hotel Remember to use the D23 discount before March 30th and book your Disneyland Hotel stay with your Disney Visa Card for rooms between May 16th and August 14th. Stay up to date with the Disney Food Blog to learn everything you need to know before your next Disney trip. Heading to Disneyland soon and planning on using Lightning Lanes? Check out our full guide to learn everything about Lightning Lanes before you go! 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 heading to Disneyland to celebrate the 70th anniversary? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Just Dropped 2 NEW Discounts for 2025, and Visa Cardholders Need To Listen Up! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is booked and busy right now! Magic Kingdom! There are major land expansions coming, rides closing permanently very soon, and so much more! While things are constantly changing, we are always watching for all of the news, big and small. Let’s chat about the three biggest Disney news stories from this week. We’re going to dive right in with our news from this week from the latest drop! If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you might get to try some limited-time snacks and sweets while enjoying some special festivities. Disney World is bringing back its Easter celebrations with several desserts to enjoy during the holiday. ©Disney Not only will there be several snacks and sweets, but there will be a new adorable popcorn bucket and the return of the classic Easter Egg Displays at 4 of the Disney World resorts! We are suddenly craving chocolate, anyone else? ©Disney We can’t wait to see what the new Easter Eggs look like and see how these tasty treats will be. If you want to see the full list of snacks and where to get them you can check out the link below. Every Snack Coming To Disney World For Easter 2025 Next up, Disney gave us a behind-the-scenes look at some major ride updates coming! This year, we are expecting construction to start on the brand-new Cars land coming to Magic Kingdom! The new area will see Lightning McQueen, Mater, and their car friends leaving Radiator Springs to find new adventures and will bring 2 new attractions to Magic Kingdom. Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions including an off-road race. This week, Disney shared some behind-the-scenes looks at the test track they’ve built for the attraction to begin testing the layout and terrain for the larger of the two attractions! They also shared the first looks at the vehicles for the attraction which is an off-road racing attraction. ©Disney We can’t wait to see more of this attraction which doesn’t have an expected opening date. Permits have been filed to begin work on the area, however, they haven’t broken ground just yet inside the park. That is expected to happen sometime in 2025! See more of the vehicles and test track for the new Cars Land! Finally, we got another first look at one of the new parade floats coming to the brand-new Magic Kingdom nighttime parade! This summer, Disney Starlight – A Nighttime Parade is debuting in Magic Kingdom and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ve seen the concept art for several of the floats but now we got a glimpse at the Coco-inspired float and the official parade poster! ©Disney The poster features several of the parade’s characters like Elsa, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Miguel, Moana, Peter Pan, and the Blue Fairy. It also has stars falling down the poster which were cast by the Blue Fairy who will be bringing the parade to life each time it runs. Miguel is also the star of his own float which Disney also released. ©Disney The Coco float features Miguel, Dante, and Pepita! You can see them on the marigold bridge which leads to the land of the dead. The float will also feature mariachi music as they head down the parade route. Learn more about Disney Starlight here! While it might be a week of sneak peeks and desserts, it doesn’t make it any less exciting! Not every week can be world-changing Disney news (and Disney let’s be clear, this isn’t a challenge!) As always, keep following DFB for all of your Disney news and updates. The Best Restaurants 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 What are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Dropped 3 BIG Announcements About the NEW Additions Coming to the Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a FLURRY of change right now. Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, U.S.A. has already started its phased closure to make room for a new land, Pueblo Esperanza (but don’t worry, Dinosaur should be open throughout 2025). Over at the Tree of Life, it’s the FINAL day for the It’s Tough To Be A Bug attraction, which is moving out to make room for Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Well, we decided to pay our final respects to this Animal Kingdom opening day attraction and see what things look like on its last day. It’s been fun, It’s Tough To Be A Bug, but it’s time for something new! We’re looking forward to seeing Zootopia! Better Zoogether when it opens this winter. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything We Know About Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 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 Did you always make time for It’s Tough To Be A Bug in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post This Ride Is Permanently Closing in Disney World – Here’s What Crowds Were Like on the LAST DAY of Operation first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hello from (sometimes) sunny Florida! We’ve been at Disney World all week just checking up on things and eating all the food (so normal week for us). Cheers! That includes a new treat from The Cake Bake Shop, getting ready to eat ALL the Easter snacks that will be hitting Disney World soon, revisiting one of our favorite restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and trying three Disney Springs restaurants AT ONCE (because that’s how we roll). We also kept an eye on Disney World restaurant menus this week, and we’ve got some changes to report. Magic Kingdom Cinderella’s Royal Table Beer ADDED: Saison Dupont Belgian Farmhouse Ale, Belgium for $12.50 Cinderella’s Royal Table Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Create Your Own Steamed Tamale description changed from “Steamed Green Chili-Cheese Tamale with Stewed Pinto Beans, Queso Fresco, and Pico de Gallo” to “Steamed Green Chile-Cheese Tamale with Stewed Pinto Beans, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Queso Fresco, and Pico de Gallo” Pecos Bill EPCOT Sunshine Seasons Snacks ADDED: Banana Loaf for $5.29 Mini Babybel Snack Cheese changed from $3.29 to $3.49 Pickle-in-a-Pouch changed from $2.29 to $2.50 Allergy-Friendly Entrées REMOVED: Vegetable Korma Allergy-Friendly Snacks REMOVED: Chocolate Candy Bar, Mango Parfait and Açai Parfait Beverages with Alcohol Bloody Mary changed from $11.50 to $12 White Claw Black Cherry Hard Seltzer changed from $12 to $10.75 Sunshine Seasons Garden Grill Restaurant Chip ‘n’ Dale Harvest Feast REMOVED: Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with Zesty Rémoulade Garden Grill feast Joy of Tea Tea and Bottled Drinks REMOVED: Bubble Milk Tea ADDED: Peach Bubble Milk Tea — (Iced and Sweetened) Assam Black Tea, Whole Milk, Peach Syrup with Tapioca Boba for $7.75 Joy of Tea Nine Dragons Appetizers ADDED: General Tso’s Chicken Shumai — Dumplings filled with chicken, potato, onion and water chestnut with General Tso’s sauce for $14 Desserts REMOVED: Strawberry Crepe Cake and Ube Cheesecake ADDED: Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake –Nine layers of light and soft crepes interlaced with delicate whipped cream for $13 Kid’s Menu Dessert description changed from “Choice of ice cream (strawberry-red bean or caramel-ginger)” to “Choice of soft-serve ice cream (strawberry-red bean, Ube or Swirl)” and price changed from $5 to $6.95 Soft Drinks Hot Jasmine Tea changed from $4.95 to $5.95 Hot Oolong Tea changed from $4.95 to $5.95 ADDED: Dragon Well Green Tea for $5.95 Specialty Cocktails & Beer REMOVED: Ginger Zinger ADDED: Passion Old Fashioned — Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Orange Bitter, Passion Fruit Puree for $18 Rosé REMOVED: Pinot Noir Rosé Rainstorm, “Silver Linings”, OREGON ADDED: Pinot Noir Longevity, “Debra’s Cuvee”, CALIFORNIA for $46 per bottle and $12 per glass Nine Dragons Fife and Drum Tavern REMOVED: American Dream, Fanta Blue Raspberry Frozen Slushy, and Fanta Wild Cherry Frozen Slushy American Dream Le Cellier Appetizers Canadian Cove P.E.I. Mussels description changed from “Moosehead Beer, Charred Onion Cream, Chorizo, Herb Pesto, Basil Croutons” to “Moosehead Pale Ale, Charred Onion Cream, Chorizo, Herb Pesto, Basil Croutons” Steakhouse Wedge Salad description changed from “Tomatoes, Bacon Lardons, Edamame, Ranch Dressing, Caveman Blue Cheese, Crispy Onions” to “Tomatoes, Bacon Lardons, Edamame, Ranch Dressing, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Crispy Onions Desserts Boutique Collection description changed from “Artisanal Chocolates, Almond Cookies, Macarons” to “Artisanal Chocolates, Maple Cookies, Macarons” Profiterole description changed from “Craquelin, Pistachio Gelato, Amarena Cherries” to “Craquelin, Pistachio Gelato, Luxardo Cherries” Le Cellier Connections Eatery Dessert REMOVED: Chocolate-Matcha Baumkuchen Connections Eatery Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood and Vine Breakfast Offerings ADDED: Pancakes topped with Seasonal Fruit Lunch REMOVED: Salmon Miso Wasabi, Oven-roasted Turkey Breast, Spice-rubbed Pork Loin with Sauerkraut Slaw and Apple Gastrique, Seafood Pasta, and Roasted Beef Strip Loin with Horseradish Cream ADDED: Lemon Garlic Herb Baked Salmon ADDED: Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce and Ribbon Pasta ADDED: Shepard’s Pie with Ground Beef ADDED: Sauteed Green Beans ADDED: Smoked Ham ADDED: Flank Steak with Chimichurri ADDED: Seafood Rice Hollywood & Vine Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market Dessert Mango-Passion Fruit Cheesecake changed from $6.49 to $5.99 Mango-Passion Fruit Cheesecake Caravan Road Alcoholic Offerings Piña Colada description changed from “Shaved Ice with Pina Colada Syrup and Snow Leopard Vodka” to “Shaved Ice with Piña Colada Syrup and Coconut Rum” Caravan Road Drinkwallah Snacks REMOVED: Hand-dipped Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar Drinkwallah Warung Outpost Snacks REMOVED: Simba Paw Cookie Warung Outpost Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Whispering Canyon Cafe Desserts Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake changed from $8.50 to $9 White and Red Wines ADDED: In Sheep’s Clothing Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington ADDED: Penner-Ash Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Whispering Canyon Cafe Storybook Dining at Artist Point Wines ADDED: Brown Estate ‘House of Brown’ Rosé, California Sorceress Spell of “Tricken” Chicken at Storybook Dining Disney’s Saratoga Springs The Artist’s Palette Bakery ADDED: Croissant for $4.29 Snacks ADDED: Allergy-friendly Cookies for $6.99 ADDED: Cuties Mandarins for $4.19 ADDED: Mixed Fruit Cup for $3.99 ADDED: Vegetable Cup for $3.99 ADDED: Pickle-in-a-Pouch for $2.29 Desserts ADDED: Derby Day Pie — Pie Shell with Chocolate-Nut Filling topped with Buttercream and Horseshoe Décor for $6.29 ADDED: The Artist’s Palette Cookie — Sugar Cookie with Icing ‘Paint’ and Strawberry Biscuit Stick ‘Paintbrush’ for $5.99 ADDED: Chocolate Chunk Cookie for $5.49 Beverages ADDED: Barqs Root Beer Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Diet Coke Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Sprite Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Gold Peak Sweet Iced Tea Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Fanta Orange Bottle for $5.29 ADDED: Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew for $4.49 The Artist’s Palette Beverages With Alcohol ADDED: Social Hour Cocktails Whiskey Mule — Vodka, Yuzu, Peach, Key Lime, and Jasmine for $12 ADDED: RAMONA Blood Orange Wine Spritz –Lightly sparkling organic Sicilian wine made with Zibibbo grapes and mixed with organic lemon juice for $11.50 ADDED: Truly Wild Berry Hard Seltzer – Boston, MA for $10.75 Beer and Hard Cider ADDED: Yuengling Lager – Pottsville, PA for $9.75 ADDED: Bud Light – St. Louis, MO for $9.25 ADDED: Miller Lite Lager – Milwaukee, WI for $9.50 Wine – Bottle ADDED: Martini and Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine, Italy for $23 ADDED: Kenwood White Zinfandel, California for $20 ADDED: Parker Station Pinot Noir, California for $24 Wine – Glass ADDED: Copa di Vino Chardonnay, Oregon for $11 ADDED: Copa di Vino Pinot Grigio, Oregon for $11 Allergy-Friendly Breakfast ADDED: Allergy-Friendly Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich for $8.99 ADDED: Kids’ Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles for $7.59 ADDED: Kids’ Plant-based Egg Scramble – Egg Allergy-Friendly for $7.29 ADDED: Allergy-Friendly Steel-cut Oatmeal for $5.49 ADDED: Allergy-Friendly Hash Brown Casserole for $4.99 Allergy-Friendly Lunch and Dinner ADDED: Hot Italian Panini — Sliced Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Sweet-and-Spicy Pepper Relish on an Allergy-Friendly Roll served with Allergy-Friendly Chips for $13.49 ADDED: Saratoga Salad with Chicken — Mixed Field Greens, Feta, Dried Cranberries, Apples, Spiced Walnuts, and Lemon-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette for $11.99 ADDED: Allergy-Friendly Hot Ham and Cheese Panini — Sliced Ham, Smoked Gouda, and Dijon Mustard on Allergy-Friendly Bread served with Chips for $11.29 ADDED: Kids’ Allergy-Friendly Chicken Strips (2 Strips) — Served with choice of two Sides and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water for $8.49 ADDED: Kids’ Rice Noodle Macaroni & Cheese — Served with choice of two Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water for $7.29 ADDED: Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich — Ham, Cheddar, Provolone, and Mozzarella on Brioche Bread served with Allergy-Friendly Chips for $11.99 The Artist’s Palette Turf Club Bar & Grill Wines REMOVED: Viarae Prosecco D.O.C., Veneto Turf Club Bar & Grill Turf Club Lounge Wine REMOVED: Viarae Prosecco D.O.C., Veneto Turf Club Lounge Disney’s Contemporary Resort California Grill Market Inspirations Farmer’s Market Salad description changed from “Roasted Baby Beets, Chocolate Biscotti, Vanilla “Pudding,” Petit Greens, Poached Pears, Pear Gel, Citrus Vinaigrette” to “Petite Lettuce, Almond Sponge, Strawberries, Whipped Goat Cheese, Champagne-Strawberry Vinaigrette” Chef’s Journey Oak-grilled Filet of Beef description changed from “Oak-grilled Filet, Roasted Baby Carrots, Carrot Purée, Carrot Top Pistou, Dukkah, Mulled Cabernet Demi” to “Grilled Jumbo Asparagus, Roasted Garlic Potato Purée, Cognac-Truffle Sauce” REMOVED: Seared Lamb Tenderloin, Squash Gnocchi, and Halibut ADDED: Domestic Lamb –English Peas, Marinated Artichokes, Vegetable Samosa, Golden Hummus, Date Gel, Lemon-Pepper Jus ADDED: Potato Pierogi — Roasted Mushrooms, Pickled Ramps, Onion Rings, Snow Peas, Ramp Beurre Blanc ADDED: Seared Market Fish — Poached White Asparagus, Fava Beans, White Asparagus Purée, Warm Lentil Salad, Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette Sweet Creations REMOVED: Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil-Poppy Seed Cake, White Chocolate and Vanilla Bean “Mousse”, Caramel Mousse and Apple Spiced Cake, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart ADDED: Pistachio-Chocolate Mousse — White Chocolate Crunch, Pistachio Croutons, Cacao Nib Tuile ADDED: Seasonal Panna Cotta — Shortbread Cookie, Seasonal Fruit, Strawberry Gel, Hibiscus ADDED: Caramel Cappuccino Cake — Caramel Crémeux, Espresso Cake, Honeycomb Candy, Caramelized Chocolate “Soil,” Caramel Tuile ADDED: Yuzu Meringue Tart — Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake Mousse, Blueberry Meringue, Raspberry Coulis, Vanilla Chantilly California Grill Disney’s BoardWalk Inn AbracadaBar Champagne, Sparkling, and White Wine REMOVED: Vietti Moscato d’Asti Rosé and Red Wines REMOVED: Figuière Rosé and Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon ADDED: Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France for $19 Drafts and Beer Selections REMOVED: Lexington Bourbon Barrel Strong Ale and Orignal Sin Dry Rosé Cider Draft ADDED: Samuel Adams Seasonal, Boston for $11.50 ADDED: Strongbow Gold Apple Cider, England for $10.25 AbracadaBar Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Citricos First Course REMOVED: Spring Pea and Citrus Arancini and Braised Pork Belly Baerii Sturgeon Caviar description changed from “Egg Yolk Spread, Crème Fraîche, Caper Berries, Toasted Brioche” to “Egg Yolk Spread, Crème Fraîche, Caperberries, Toasted Brioche, Cornbread” Royal Osetra Caviar description changed from “Egg Yolk Spread, Crème Fraîche, Caper Berries, Toasted Brioche” to “Egg Yolk Spread, Crème Fraîche, Caperberries, Toasted Brioche, Cornbread” ADDED: Key West Pink Shrimp and Octopus in Huancaína — Poblano Cachapa Cake, Ají Panca Aïoli, Chupe Broth for $21 Entrees REMOVED: Domestic Sustainable Fish, Coriander-spiced Cobia, and Grilled Pear Char Siu Porcelet Chop ADDED: Crispy Garlic-crusted Domestic Fish — Boniato Confit, Fennel, Annatto-Seafood Velouté for $48 ADDED: Togarashi-spiced Cobia — Seaweed Rice Cake, Cashew Purée, Mushroom Dashi for $50 ADDED: Grilled Porcelet in Al Pastor Marinade — Marcona Almond Mole, Braised Cabbage, Green Onion Soubise for $49 Citricos Narcoossee’s Soups and Salads Prosciutto e Melone Salad description changed from “Basil-infused Compressed Melon, Butter Lettuce, Barrel-aged Feta, Prosciutto Feuilles de Brick, Marcona Almonds, Watermelon Dressing” to “Basil-infused Compressed Melon, Tiny Lettuce, Barrel-aged Feta, Prosciutto Feuilles de Brick, Marcona Almonds, Watermelon Dressing” Entrees Plancha-Seared Scallops & Parisian Gnocchi description dhanged from “English Peas, Tasso Ham, Truffled Meyer Lemon Cream” to “Trumpet Mushroom, Asparagus, Tasso Ham, Truffled Meyer Lemon Cream” Narcoossees Gasparilla Island Grill Snacks ADDED: Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread for $1 ADDED: Vanilla Greek Yogurt for $3.19 Beer ADDED: Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen for $11.75 Gasparilla Island Grill Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Sebastian’s Bistro Enhancements REMOVED: Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with Zesty Rémoulade Sebastian’s Bistro Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort World Premiere Food Court Dessert ADDED: I Have Been Chosen Cupcake — Sprinkle Cake with Cotton Candy Filling and Buttercream Frosting for $6.29 ADDED: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake — Available seasonally for $6.29 Bakery ADDED: Mickey Everything Chocolate Chip Cookie for $5.99 ADDED: Loaded Sugar Cookie for $5.29 World Premiere Food Court Disney Springs B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Entrees REMOVED: Hawaiian Island Dog B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. eet by Maneet Chauhan Shareables Walking Taco description changed from “crunchy indian puff snacks, spicy pork chili, indian pico de gallo, tamarind chutney, cotija cheese” to “crunchy Frito chips, spicy pork chili, indian pico de gallo, tamarind chutney, cotija cheese ” and price changed from $14.95 to $12.95 Samosas changed from $9.95 to $11.95 Pizza & Breads Garlic Naan changed from $6.95 to $5.95 eet by Maneet Chauhan Disney World menus change ALL the time, so you might want to keep an eye on menus ahead of your next trip. You can do that on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated on changes. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. REVIEW: There’s a Reason Why This Hollywood Studios Restaurant Isn’t Easy To Get Into 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 restaurant change have you liked the most? Let us know in the comments! The post Um...A TON of Disney World Restaurants Just Quietly Changed Their Menus first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article