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There’s a lot happening in Disneyland! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The 70th anniversary is coming up soon, and a lot of new things are coming with it! If you’re headed to the resort soon, you don’t want to miss out on these hotel deals before they’re gone. We have all of the details right here. Disneyland’s 70th anniversary begins in a little over a month on May 16th, 2025! We can’t wait for all of the celebrations to kick off, and if you’re headed to the park and looking for a deal, we’ve got you covered. You’d better act quickly, though; these deals are wrapping up sooner rather than later! Disneyland Hotel First up, you can save 20% on your stay Sunday through Thursday night! This deal runs until May 15th, 2025, but needs to be booked by May 12th, 2025. This is a great offer for anyone heading on a last-minute vacation. Disney’s Grand Californian Next up, if you’re heading to the park for the big festivities, you can save up to 30% on your hotel room! This deal allows you to plan ahead of the celebrations for stays of 4 nights or more. The discount is valid for stays beginning on May 16th through September 26, 2025, and it must be booked by May 15th, 2025. Pixar Place Hotel Are you a Magic Key Holder? You can get in on the discounts, too! Disneyland’s annual ticket holders can get up to 25% off on their hotel stays on select nights Sunday through Thursday nights. This deal ends on May 15th before the 70th starts, and must be booked by May 12th. Pixar Place Hotel Room Finally, the most exclusive offer is for Disney Visa Cardmembers! Cardmembers can save up to 30% on select premium rooms for Sunday through Thursday night stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel. The offer is valid for stays from March 23rd through May 15th, 2025. Similar to the other deals, this offer must be booked before May 12th. ©Disney For the Disney Visa deal, you can book online through the Disney Rewards website or call 1-844-604-0201 to book with your Disney Visa Card. If you’re staying at Disneyland any time soon, make sure these deals don’t pass you by! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney deals. Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration 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 Have you ever stayed at a Disneyland hotel? Tell us what you thought in the comments! The post 4 HUGE Disney Deals Are Ending Soon, And Disney Visa Cardmembers Better Act Fast! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Donaldo senses you’re feeling… hungry. Is it true? 🔮View the full article

It is an exciting week as a popular Disney World hotel’s food court is officially fully open! We have been watching the progress closely, and last week, the refurbishment was completed. Disney’s Pop Century Resort While the food court is no longer under refurbishment, there are numerous things in Disney World that will be closed for refurbishment next week. We have all the details on the food court’s reopening, plus what will be closed next week, keep reading! Everything Pop Shopping and Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort has officially fully reopened! This food court and shopping area has been undergoing renovations since July 29th, 2024. The refurbishment was initially supposed to end on September 29th, 2024; however, it was extended to being under refurbishment until April 2025. We have been waiting awhile, but the area is now completely open! Ice Cream Truck Sundae The grand reveal for the end of refurbishment includes a brand-new window that offers coffee, cocktails, ice cream treats, and more! You can even get an ice cream sundae in an adorable Mickey Ice Cream Truck. Pop Century debuted 8 NEW menu items with the opening of this last window. While this area has finally reopened, there are still quite a few things that will be closed in Disney World this week. Keep reading below to see what other attractions and locations will be closed this week, April 5th through April 12th! Magic Kingdom Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground is closed, the ride is still open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky! Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th. The Hall of Presidents The attraction will be closed until later in 2025, though Disney has not shared a specific date. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change the current president, as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening. Astro Orbiter If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter is dismantled currently! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney. The ride has currently been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! 5 Things Magic Kingdom Cast Members Want To Tell You But Won’t Because They’re Too Nice Big Thunder Mountain Railroad On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it! Tortuga Tavern Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we have seen it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! Disney Adults NEED to STOP Breaking this Magic Kingdom Rule EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Test Track Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was just announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh Occasionally, we’ll see it open as a lounge or Kidcot Fun Stop. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen! Heads Up! Your EPCOT Drinking Around the World Plans Might Need to Change! Animal Kingdom It’s Tough to Be a Bug It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invited you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now officially closed to make way for a new show. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is closed! It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th. The show is permanently closed to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” expected to debut in winter 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur. The new logo! It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show officially has an opening date! The show will debut on May 27th, 2025. We also recently saw that they have begun to dismantle the outdoor exhibits from Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Voyage of the Little Mermaid As well, Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. A bit ago we saw that the iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed! So far, it is still missing, but we are curious what, if anything, will take its place. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and will be debuting on May 27th, 2025. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” Hollywood Studios’ Most Unexpected Rules Disney Springs Starbucks on the West Side The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd, and it is expected to reopen in mid-summer. Starbucks is undergoing refurbishment Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs! The Viral Disney Springs Duck Cocktail Has Some SERIOUS Competition Now! Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach officially welcomed guests back on November 4th, 2024! That same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed its gates for the season. Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon will be reopening on May 1st, 2025. When it reopens, Blizzard Beach will be temporarily closing. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020, but that is changing this year. BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time from May 21st through September 7th, 2025. Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach! Disney World Hotels Boat Transportation — Disney’s Old Key West Resort From February 10th until early April 2025, boat transportation from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs will be unavailable. The resort will offer buses to take you to Disney Springs during this time. Old Key West While it can be frustrating if you are looking forward to using the boat to get to Disney Springs, Disney always ensures you have a way to get where you need to go. The bus may not be quite as fun of a way to get there, but you will still reach your destination! Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that they were hard at work at Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay Construction This pool area will be closed for refurbishment until June. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. During the refurbishment, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay will also be closed. Fantasia Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort From January 1st through April 30th, the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed. Fantasia Pool While this pool is closed, you can swim at the Duck Pond Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort if you’re staying here. Merchandise Locations — Disney’s BoardWalk The merchandise locations along Disney’s BoardWalk will be closing for refurbishment in phases. The closures will last until May 2025, but two merchandise locations will always be available during the refurbishment. Screen Door General Store The Character Carnival is currently closed. While they are working on the Character Carnival, you can shop at Screen Door General Store and Thimbles & Threads. 8 Disney World Hotels That Will ALWAYS Crack Down on the Parking Rules 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 determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025 Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post After More Than 8 Months, This Disney World Hotel Food Court Is FULLY Open! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tucker, the newborn giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has made his public debut on the theme park’s savanna, mingling with other creatures and having new experiences, including puddle splashing. The calf, born Feb. 13, joined his mother and other giraffes for a first stroll Monday. Park visitors may spot him as they ride through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Walt Disney World. He’s the short one, relatively speaking, now standing at about 6 feet tall. Day One was about exploration. “We want him to see the whole savanna. We want him to see the barriers and everything,” said Jenn Hernandez, animal care manager. “I always laugh when they see elephants for the first time because it’s like watching TV for them. They’re like, ‘What is this?’” Tucker pokes his head out from behind a palm tree as he makes his public debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)He’s also learning from other giraffes where their food is stashed and how to get back to the barn. After a bit of wandering, the group moved toward a gate on the edge of the savanna. “This is actually something we do want to see … that he knows where to go back home,” Hernandez said. Cast members monitored Tucker’s actions with other savanna residents such as zebras, sable antelopes and springbok. “He realized there are animals smaller than him today, so all of a sudden he’s like ‘Oh, hello,” Hernandez said. “He’s always been the small one, and now he has someone smaller.” Everyday occurrences are fresh ones to Tucker, the first giraffe born at Animal Kingdom since 2021. “You saw him going up the hill. That was his first time, so he’s still learning,” said Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Disney’s Animals, Sciences and Environment. “He got his feet wet. … He was shaking his leg like a cat, which is really interesting. He has all these new sensations,” Penning said. Animal Kingdom visitors ride through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction and past some of the theme park’s giraffes on Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Disney had people stationed across the savanna for Tucker’s protection. Burlap fencing divided him from the neighboring elephant habitat. That will remain in place for a couple of weeks, Penning said. “We’re trying to help him not get too excited because if he gets too excited and he goes rushing off, he could get himself in trouble,” he said. Since birth, Tucker has been backstage bonding with his mother Mara, who has given birth twice previously. The addition of Disney’s new calf was made in conjunction with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and its Species Survival Plan. He has been “gaining strength and confidence and also building a relationship with the keepers,” Hernandez said. The arrival of Tucker is “a reminder for us to continue the work that we’ve been doing for so long. Conservation originated with Walt Disney, way back in the beginning. He was a big conservationist. said Claire Martin, senior manager of nature strategy and integration, corporate environmental sustainability “He cared about animals and sharing stories of the natural world,” she said. “And this, you get to drive through a story of the natural world.” Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

As a child growing up in Tampa, Joshua Bailey was just outside the shadow of Walt Disney World. But that didn’t stop him from falling for the magic. “It was very enticing from a young age,” he says. “I’ve always been a theme park aficionado.” But as an adult, he learned that even pixie dust can have a dark side. The result is his documentary “Stolen Kingdom,” which will open the annual Florida Film Festival on Friday night. Bailey will attend and talk about his film. It’s the logical, perhaps inevitable, convergence of Bailey’s interests: Theme parks, movie-making and urban exploring — the practice of roaming around buildings and other areas not usually accessible to the public. “Stolen Kingdom” looks at the urban explorers of Disney parks — those who sneak into backstage areas and shuttered attractions — and then dives even deeper into those who parlay the practice into financial gain by selling Disney “artifacts” — stolen props, costumes, manuals and other paraphernalia — on the theme-park black market. “I don’t think there was anyone more suited to make this film than my team and me,” he says. Disneyana collector Joel Magee shows off his treasures in a scene from “Stolen Kingdom.” (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)So far, “Stolen Kingdom” has been screened at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Montana and the Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles. It also has been selected for the Independent Film Festival Boston later this month. For Bailey, who now lives in Winter Park and has a full-time gig as a graphic designer, the film is a culmination of a journey that began in childhood. “All kids are imaginative, but I was really trying to run around and make movies in my head,” Bailey says. “I was into film even before the parks.” As soon as he graduated from high school, Bailey headed to Orlando to combine his passions: He would study film at Valencia College and work at Disney World. The reality was a lot different than the movie in his mind. “I’d had this dream for years, all through high school … and then I hated it,” says Bailey, who turns 30 this year. After working four months as an attractions attendant at Epcot’s now-demolished Innoventions, he left Disney. (He did spend two years working for Universal Orlando, though, with much more enjoyment.) And he left Valencia, too. “I had all these ideas for films, and I wanted to make them instead of working on someone else’s set,” he says. “Stolen Kingdom” was nudged into production after the infamous “Buzzy” scandal. An animatronic figure in the long-closed Cranium Command attraction at Epcot, Buzzy was reported stolen in 2018. The figure — life-size and weighing several hundred pounds — has never been found. The saga of the theft of Walt Disney World’s “Buzzy” animatronic, seen in an image from the “Stolen Kingdom,” is at the center of the documentary. It’s the opening-night film for this year’s Florida Film Festival. (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)Through social media, Bailey already had gotten to know multiple theme-park “urban explorers” and had dabbled in urban exploring himself, though “not at Disney,” he says. He also had met Patrick Spikes, a one-time Disney employee who would later plead no contest to charges of stealing a wide array of items from Walt Disney World, although he has never admitted to taking Buzzy. It was Spikes who opened Bailey’s eyes to the market for illegally obtained Disney curiosities. When news of Buzzy’s disappearance broke, Bailey rounded up his filmmaker friends with an urgent message: “Remember that idea we had for a Disney black-market movie? We should probably really get on this!” “Stolen Kingdom” documents how this specialized form of urban exploring — some would call it breaking and entering — developed and how a small community formed through blogs, YouTube videos and other social media. Some of the happenings referenced in the film received widespread media attention: People trespassing on Disney’s Discovery Island, infiltrating the Seven Seas Lagoon outside Magic Kingdom, or sneaking into River Country, a closed water park. Other anecdotes — a near-death experience in an off-limits area of the old Horizons ride at Epcot, for example — are shocking to those of us not familiar with this world. “I think everyone interviewed, with the exception of the journalists, is on some level a criminal,” Bailey says. Contributing Central Florida journalists include my former Orlando Sentinel colleague Gabrielle Russon, who covered theme parks for the newspaper, and Seth Kubersky, who writes park guidebooks and contributes to the Orlando Weekly. Bailey says “Stolen Kingdom” is not meant to encourage bad behavior. “I don’t think you should go stomping around Big Thunder Mountain,” Bailey says. “I didn’t want to glorify anything, but it still is very fascinating.” Patrick Spikes, pictured in a scene from “Stolen Kingdom,” pleaded no contest to dealing in stolen property and avoided jail time after being arrested in connection with missing Walt Disney World property. (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)Perhaps the engrossing and entertaining film can be seen as a cautionary tale: Most of the explorers interviewed have been banned from Disney World for life. And although he avoided jail time, Spikes was ordered to pay restitution as part of his no-contest plea. In “Stolen Kingdom,” Spikes talks about making $25,000 in one transaction involving stolen goods. And he says he was offered tens of thousands if he could procure the famous Redhead female animatronic from Pirates of the Caribbean. (He declined the offer.) Bailey says he was intrigued by these shadowy collectors who obviously don’t let morality stand in the way of adding to their spoils. “They know these things aren’t for sale,” he says. “It’s just confirming that these people don’t care if an item was stolen or not.” He observes that Disney has woven itself so well into the fabric of society that perhaps Americans today feel a proprietary right to the theme parks. That notion is another layer to the title “Stolen Kingdom.” “Disney is being stolen by the culture of America,” Bailey says. “It doesn’t feel like Disney owns it all, it’s part of the people now.” As for himself, Bailey did return to Disney employment for a spell after that first, ill-fated, four-month stint. But today he says he’s “Disney’d out.” In this image from the documentary “Stolen Kingdom,” Patrick Spikes examines what appears to be a figure from the Disney attraction “it’s a small world.” (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)“I will always love Disney,” he says, “but I think I love it more on a historical level. The corporate entertainment world these days is so creatively bankrupt and exhausting — I just can’t care about IP [intellectual property] and franchises.” There is one thing that could lure him back into the fold, though: The mystery of what happened to Buzzy. “I wanted to solve it, and thought we could,” Bailey says. “I went a little crazy digging through everything, there were a lot of sleepless nights where I was chasing leads but they all led to dead ends. I have to consciously tell myself to let it go.” But what if someone confesses, or Buzzy miraculously turns up all these years later? “If I’m really being honest, I would love that,” he says. “I’d be turning the camera on immediately. If someone finds it in a crate somewhere, I hope we’re there.” Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our emailed weekly Entertainment newsletter. ‘Stolen Kingdom’ When: 6 p.m. April 11, with a 5:15 p.m. preshow reception (Note other festival screenings of the film are sold out) Where: Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland Cost: $125, includes the festival’s opening-night party after the screening Info: floridafilmfestival.com View the full article

Get ready, get set, and GO because the NEW Disney x Brooks collection has officially dropped online! runDisney x Brooks This new collection celebrates the love of Disney characters and runDisney races all while looking cute and comfy as you’re racing to the finish line. There are four different styles — each one with its own special theme — and you’re going to want to HURRY because the collection has already sold out once. This restock won’t last long, so grab a pair (or two!) while you can! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go, go, go! This collection has already sold out once, so if you’re trying to snag some of these shoes during this restock — you’re going to want to hurry! Get the Springtime Surprise shoes! Special Springtime Surprise shoe Commemorate the 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend with this limited edition Ghost Max 2. Bold colors representing different race themes come together to make you feel like a superhero crossing the finish line. Plus, you can customize your laces with the included themed race badges. Get Them HERE We love these Minnie Mouse shoes, too ©Disney Red-and-white polka dots and a bow detail on the heel highlight Minnie Mouse’s iconic style on this limited-edition Ghost Max 2. We love this design and it looks just like Minnie’s iconic outfit! Get Them HERE Or, you can grab these Mickey shoes! Mickey-themed shoes Oh boy! Bold pops of color paired with hidden Mickey Mouse details make this limited-edition Ghost Max 2 fit for even the world’s most famous mouse. Get Them HERE And finally, get the runDisney-themed shoes It’s got Mickey on it! Bring a bit of magic to every mile in this limited-edition Adrenaline GTS 24, featuring an iconic Mickey Mouse detail and eye-catching colors that match with the rest of the Brooks x runDisney core collection. Get Them HERE We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post The NEW Brooks x Disney Shoe Collection Is Available NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, offers 500 rooms for overnight guests in a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired escape that sits right on the edge of Universal Epic Universe. The new accommodation overlooks the theme park and provides a dedicated entrance for hotel guests, plus an expansive outdoor pool and a 10th-floor bar with great views. View the full article

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Disney World’s free Dining Plan deal is BACK! Chef Mickey’s spread For select dates in 2025, people who book at least a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney World package with Park Hopper tickets and a Disney Resort stay can get a FREE Disney Dining Plan with their package. This deal could be a big help for many people, but for others, it’s simply not worth it. Here are the 6 times that Disney’s free Dining Plan is a bad deal. You Have to Change Your Hotel The first thing you need to know about this deal is that it’s split into two categories. People who are staying in one group of Disney Resorts will get the higher-end Disney Dining Plan, while people staying in the other group of resorts will get the cheaper Quick Service Dining Plan. Riviera Resort To get the Disney Dining Plan, which comes with a table service credit, a quick service credit, and a snack credit per day, you’ll need to book your package for one of the following hotels: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (Disney Vacation Club) Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Island Tower The following hotels will get the Quick Service Dining Plan with this deal, which comes with two quick service credits and one snack credit per day: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort So one of the ways that the free Dining Plan deal may not be worth it is if you need to CHANGE hotels in order to get the plan that you want. If you end up jumping from a stay at a value resort to a stay at a deluxe resort, you’ll be paying a lot more for your package overall, and it might not balance out the cost of the Dining Plan. Click Here to See the List of Restaurants on the Dining Plan! You Have to Change Your Travel Dates One of the caveats for the free Dining Plan deal is that it’s only available for certain travel dates. It applies to most nights from June 29th to September 30th, October 20th-November 1st, and December 6th-December 22nd, 2025. Our meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table If you end up having to change your travel dates to fit this offer and it increases your overall cost significantly (because Disney World’s prices are date-based), then it might offset the cost of just paying for the Dining Plan outright. You’re Visiting an EPCOT Festival Specifically If you’re heading to Disney World simply to “eat around the world” at an EPCOT festival, then this Dining Plan deal might not be your best bet. While many of the items at the festival booths can count as Dining Plan snack credits, you only get one snack credit per day, per person on each Dining Plan. That’s probably not enough to try everything you want! 2025 France Full Spread Also, many items at the festivals are not quite “worth” using a snack credit because they’re not expensive enough. You have to do some math to make sure the value works out for you! Want to See Which Festival Items ARE Worth a Snack Credit? Check Here! You Typically Snack Around the Parks If you’re the kind of person who prefers to snack their way through Disney World instead of stopping to eat meals at a table, then the Dining Plan is probably not your jam. With those credits, you’d have to commit to eating two traditional meals each day. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar And with only one snack credit per person, per day…how will you decide what to eat? If you have to spend extra money on a bunch of snacks, then you’ll not really be getting the best use of the Dining Plan. Click Here for the Best Value Snack Credits in 2025! You Don’t Plan to Park Hop One of the requirements of the free Dining Plan deal is that you purchase a package with Park Hopper tickets. Park Hopper tickets are more expensive than regular theme park tickets, and if you’re not planning to actually hop between parks each day, then it might be a waste of money. Tree of Life Park Hopping is a pretty big commitment because it can take an hour or more to travel between theme parks in Disney World, and that takes a hefty chunk out of your valuable park time. Paying extra for those Park Hopper tickets is also money that might be able to be used towards purchasing a Dining Plan instead of using the free deal. Click Here to See Our Guide to Park Hopping! You Have to Make Your Vacation Longer Finally, this might not be worth it for you if you have to make your vacation longer for the deal to apply. To get the free Dining Plan, you have to purchase minimum 4 days of tickets and have a minimum 4-night hotel stay. If you were planning a shorter trip, staying the extra days will definitely drive up your overall cost. Cinderella Castle Once again, this is about finding the balance of “is the cost worth it for you?” You’ll likely need to crunch the numbers before you book to see if it works for your budget. How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost in 2025? Click Here. So if you want to book the free Dining Plan offer, make sure you do your research first! Taking a moment to reason things out will help you save money in the long run. We highly suggest contacting our friends at Small World Vacations to book your trip — they can crunch the numbers for you and help you decide if this offer is right for you! Check out our video below to learn more about this special free Dining Plan offer! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from Disney World. 5 Ways Disney World Will Cost You Thousands More in 2025 — Click Here! 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 considering booking this deal for your 2025 trip? Tell us in the comments! The post 6 Times Disney's FREE Dining Plan Is A Bad Deal first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to spend some money, y’all! Loungefly wall It’s a new season, and that means that it’s time to plan some new spring park outfits. If you’re on the lookout for some new park Loungefly bags you can get without breaking the bank, we’ve got some great bag suggestions right here. You’ll want to grab them quick though 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. Prepare MONTHS Ahead! ©Amazon If you’re already planning ahead to your winter outfits, or you know you’re traveling that time of year and don’t want to miss out on a great deal, grab yourself the Disney Mickey and Friends Winter Wonderland Loungefly now while it’s on sale! Buy on Amazon Something TRULY Unique ©Amazon Looking for something truly unique that will really be a blast to the past? Grab yourself the Disney MOUSERCISE Mini Loungefly Backpack! It features Mickey, Minnie, and Donald on the front, but Pluto is the adorable zipper, which is a big bonus in our eyes. Buy on Amazon Straight On Till Morning! ©Amazon For fans of Peter Pan, you won’t want to miss saving big on the Peter Pan Second Star Loungefly Backpack! We love that the London skyline is on the front pocket with the iconic quote “Second star to the right and straight on till morning,” and Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John fly by the moon at the top! Buy on Amazon Could Pooh Get Any Cuter? ©Amazon Winnie The Pooh fans, get your wallets ready, because you won’t be able to resist the Winnie the Pooh Rainy Day Puffer Jacket Loungefly Backpack since it’s on sale. We never thought we’d be obsessed with Pooh in a puffer jacket, but this is just proof that we CAN be majorly wrong about things every now and then. Buy on Amazon Fly Like Dumbo! ©Amazon If you’re a big fan of the classics, especially the classic attractions or animated films, you’ll want to grab yourself the Dumbo Flying Circus Tent Loungefly Backpack. We especially love that this one has more muted colors, as we know there are a lot of fans out there who prefer for their Loungefly backpacks to not be super bright. Buy on Amazon Villain Representation! ©Amazon Villain fans, don’t worry, we’re not leaving you out! You can save on the Disney Villains Iridescent Mini Loungefly Backpack right now, which also means you can carry Hades, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, and more iconic villains wherever you go. Buy on Amazon Back to The Classics! ©Amazon Finally, if you’re looking to save on one of the most iconic backpack designs, that ALSO happens to come with ears, you’ll want to snag the deal on the Mickey and Friends Classic Ear Holder Mini Backpack right now! Trust us, we don’t think you’ll regret it in the slightest. Buy on Amazon Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorites!The post 7 Disney Loungefly Bags Are ON SALE Up to 41% Off on Amazon Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World can be overwhelming. Sure, it is a pretty magical place, too, but if you are an introvert, it can be A LOT to spend your vacation at a very crowded theme park. As a fellow introvert, I completely understand. EPCOT As much as I love Disney World, I also know it can be overwhelming and draining. However, if you know the right spots to take a breather, you can really enjoy your trip. That is why I am sharing some of my favorite places to hide out in EPCOT! Morocco Pavilion There are a couple of great places to hide out in Morocco. If you head toward the back of the pavilion, there are usually very few people. You can also head into the Race Against the Sun Exhibit if you are looking for some good air conditioning. Race Against the Sun Exhibit Plus, this pavilion has lots of beautiful details to explore while you are hiding out! There aren’t many attractions in this pavilion besides a meet and greet, so there aren’t usually too many people wandering around. American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure Pavilion The American Heritage Gallery is the main building at The American Adventure Pavilion. It is where you will find The American Adventure Show, but it is also home to a great place to hide out. You can admire the art exhibit or just grab a seat and enjoy the air conditioning. Occasionally, you will catch the Voices of Liberty here, and you can also head into The American Adventure show! It is like the perfect combination of things to do and a great place to hide out. American Heritage Gallery While it does get a bit busy when the Voices of Liberty are performing, or it is almost time for a showing of The American Adventure, I love hiding out in the gallery for a bit. Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion While you can’t exactly “hide” in here as people will be looking over you, I still think this is a great place to come when you need a bit of a break. There is LOTS of seating available, and you don’t need to purchase anything to use the seats. Although, who can say no to a small treat while you are taking a quick break? Sunshine Seasons Once you have taken your break, you can always head over to one of the attractions that are nearby: Soarin’ Around the World or Living with the Land. Living with the Land is also a great attraction to hop on for a relaxing boat ride. Spaceship Earth Take a lap on this attraction for a bit of a break from the crowds and the weather. It is relaxing, dark, and if you choose a language you can’t speak, I always feel like you can zone out a bit more (or maybe pick up a few words in a different language!) Spaceship Earth Ride It doesn’t usually have a super long wait, which makes it perfect for having a break on. If it does have a long wait, I might recommend heading to a different spot to hide out! World Celebration Gardens There is lots and lots of seating in this area, and not a lot of people use the seating. You can find a nice hidden-away spot and even take advantage of the plugs while you are taking a quick break. World Celebration Gardens There is a variety of spaces and seating options throughout, so take a quick peek to find the area that works best for you. Honorable Mentions There are truly a lot of great places to hide out in EPCOT, so I also wanted to include some honorable mentions. You can head to the gardens in the United Kingdom Pavilion, take a ride on Living with the Land – it is hard to beat a relaxing journey on this boat ride, or even take a walk over to one of the EPCOT resorts and chill in the lobby — or grab a bite to eat! Lobby at the Yacht Club While EPCOT can feel draining as an introvert, you can have a fantastic time if you know the right places to hide out! I have been going to Disney World for years, and as an introvert, I have scoped out a lot of the best places to take a quick breather. Always make sure you are listening to your body and take breaks when you need them! You will have such a better experience if you are actually enjoying EPCOT versus trying to fit in as much as humanly possible. Living with the Land Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news! The Introvert’s Guide to Packing for Disney World – 5 Things You AREN’T Bringing (But Totally Should) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Where is your favorite place to hide in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is the Best Place to Hide in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Some NEW menu items just arrived at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and of course, we had to stop by to try them out! You may be wondering to yourself, didn’t the Flower & Garden Festival start back on March 5th? 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival You would be correct, but some new menu items have arrived at the festival because one of the festival’s booths has a rotating menu featuring ingredients that are currently in season. When the festival first kicked off, the booth had its Early Bloom Menu, and now its Springtime Menu is in the spotlight! The Farmers Feast Outdoor Kitchen at the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival debuted a new menu on April 6th, and you know we can’t say no to trying some Disney food! The Springtime Menu is available at Farmers Feast through May 3rd, after which the booth will switch to its Summer Solstice Menu. You can find this booth inside CommuniCore Hall. Springtime Menu at Farmers Feast Menu The beverage menu remains the same throughout the festival, so we are just interested in the food today. If you want to learn more about the drinks or the Early Bloom Menu, we have a full review right here! The Springtime Menu features Grilled Peaches and Burrata, Seared Pork Tenderloin, and a Warm Corn Cookie. The Seared Pork Tenderloin is a returning item, while the other two are new. However, we grabbed them all to review for you! Springtime Menu at Farmers Feast Eats Let’s start off with the Grilled Peaches and Burrata that you can get for $5.50. The dish also features prosciutto, petite lettuce, micro mint, and sweet tea-lemon gastrique. This dish definitely deserves the top slot on the menu as it is spring in a dish. Grilled Peaches and Burrata The peaches were fresh, juicy, and sweet. The burrata was creamy and fluffy. While the prosciutto was salty, it complimented all the other elements of the dish well. The sweet tea lemon sauce added a great sweetness, and the mint was the finishing touch that created an explosion of flavor in this dish. If you want spring flavors, look no further! Grilled Peaches and Burrata Next up, we are trying the Seared Pork Tenderloin with corn risotto featuring Ben’s Original International Grains Arborio Rice and roasted red pepper sauce. You can get this dish for $7.25. Seared Pork Tenderloin We thought this dish was delicious. The pork was tender, with some char around the edges, and it tasted great. We also really enjoyed the risotto. It was wonderfully creamy, and the red pepper sauce added a lovely, robust flavor. We would definitely get this dish again! Seared Pork Tenderloin Finally, we grabbed the Warm Corn Cookie with Sweet Corn Soft-Serve for $5.25. It features brûléed corn, lime zest, and white chocolate. While we were really intrigued by this dessert, it fell flat for us. The corn soft-serve just tasted like vanilla ice cream. It did have pieces of corn in it, but it didn’t add much flavor, just an odd texture. Warm Corn Cookie with Sweet Corn Soft-Serve The cookie was also disappointing. It tasted like a sugar cookie from the grocery store with maybe a tad bit of lemon zest. The cookie was also on the crunchier side, which made it hard to eat with the soft-serve. We didn’t taste any lime zest or white chocolate in this dish, so we were overall just very disappointed with it. Warm Corn Cookie with Sweet Corn Soft-Serve OVERALL We were huge fans of the Grilled Peaches and Burrata, and we think that dish is perfect for the Springtime Menu. It was an explosion of flavor and all the ingredients were fresh and worked well together. We also really enjoyed the Seared Pork Tenderloin. The pork was tender, the risotto was creamy, and it tasted lovely. However, we were very disappointed in the Warm Corn Cookie. It tasted like vanilla ice cream with a crunchy sugar cookie, and we were really hoping for more unique flavors. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World food news! EVERYTHING You Need To Eat and Drink at the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS DFB's Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest. It includes all the must-have information for navigating this one of the most BEAUTIFUL festivals at Disney World, including: Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations! The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!) All the details on special events, topiaries, festival exclusive merchandise, and more! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Click HERE for All of the Latest News and Details About the Flower & Garden Festival! What do you think of the new Springtime Menu? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: The Good, The Great, and The Ugly of This Flower & Garden Booth’s NEW Menu first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, as one of his aunts hovers nearby, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara, left, and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests pass by in a safari truck as Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara, right, and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, as one of his aunts checks up on him, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara, left, and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut as animal keepers watch in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara, left, and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, pokes his head out from behind a palm tree as he makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with mom Mara, right, and other members of the herd, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 13Tucker, the baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Feb. 13, makes his debut in the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, as one of his aunts hovers nearby, Monday, April 7, 2025. Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World since 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

There’s nothing like making classic Disney World snacks at home. I love to do it because it seriously helps me get over those Disney blues! It’s as big as Gaston’s muscles! One of my favorite things to make (although they do take quite a bit of time) are the GIANT cinnamon rolls from Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Now, we took our inspiration for this recipe from The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook. I use this cookbook often and have always been impressed with the recipes. Not only are they pretty darn accurate to what the items taste like in the parks but they are simple and make really good food! There are 4 parts to this recipe and it makes 8 servings! The 4 parts are the dough, the filling, the cream cheese frosting, and the butterscotch frosting! Dough Ingredient 1/2 cup salted butter, melted 1 1/2 cups whole milk 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2 (1/4 ounce) packets active dry yeast 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup room temperature- water 2 large eggs Dough Recipe Grease a 9″ x 13″ pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter and milk. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 2 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add water, eggs, and butter mixture. Using the flat beater attachment, mix until well combined. Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time while mixing until dough starts to form a ball. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead dough on low speed for 5 minutes. Remove dough from bowl, sprinkle some flour in bowl, and place dough back in the same bowl. Let rise for 10 minutes in a warm place. Filling Ingredients 2 cups light brown sugar 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 cup salted butter, softened 1/4 cup salted butter, melted Filling Recipe In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Set aside. Roll out dough into a long rectangle, about 3’x2′. Spread filling evenly across the whole surface of the dough. Starting at the short end, roll dough like a jelly roll. Make a cut in the center of the roll, and then cute about 6″ from the center on either side to make two giant rolls. Place both rolls swirl-edge down in prepared pan. Drizzle melted butter over rolls. Allow rolls to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat over to 375F. Bake rolls 20 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and bake another 10 minutes. Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese 1/4 cup salted butter, softened 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons heavy cream 1/8 teaspoon salt Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add cream cheese and butter. Combine and heat until melted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in confectioners’ sugar. Add vanilla. cream, and salt. Stir, then set aside. Butterscotch Topping Ingredients 1/2 cup light brown sugar 4 table spoons salted butter, softened 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Butterscotch Topping Recipe In a separate medium saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to a boil and boil 5 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from head. Add salt and vanilla. Set aside. To serve, place each giant roll on a large plate. Drizzle cream cheese frosting in one direction along each roll’s swirl, then drizzle with butterscotch topping in the other direction. Try these out and let us know your thoughts!! The post RECIPE: Gaston's Cinnamon Roll From Gaston's Tavern in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While some of the DFB team lives in Orlando and heads to the Disney World parks every day for research purposes, the majority of the team actually lives all over the country! Luggage However, that means trips to Disney World are pretty frequent when you combine the whole team together, and we all know the struggle of finding the best luggage that will not only be perfect for your one trip, but for a LARGE number of the trips you take afterward (luggage isn’t cheap!). We asked our team what the BEST luggage brands out there are, and we’ve got three that you’ll 100% want to look into if you’re in the market for new luggage. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. BÉIS For The Win! ©BÉIS The number one response we got from our team was practically anything from BÉIS! Specifically, it’s known for being extremely helpful for overpackers thanks to its design! For those looking for a smaller bag, you’ll want to look at the BÉIS Carry-On Roller. In addition to all its helpful pockets, this bag also comes with 360 degree wheels, a retractable bag strap, compression straps, it’s expandable, a pocket for your air tag, and one of the biggest perks is the weight indicator and lock! It’s a little more on the expensive side, but this is a bag that will last you a long time Check it out! No, Seriously, We Love BÉIS ©BÉIS Need something a little larger? Not to worry, they’ve also got the The Medium Check-In Roller in Black, which also comes in 10 other colors to find what you love most. This bag is intended to be checked, but it’s a great medium size if you’re traveling for longer than a few days, but don’t need a massive bag. Again, it’s great for overpackers! Check it out! Away is Also A Fan Favorite ©Away Another favorite brand by a lot of our team, especially those who aren’t as worried about overpacking, is Away! Specifically, for those of us that travel a lot or need to pack lots of outfits, The Large is a great choice. There are 10 regular colors available, and three limited time colors, so if you’re eying one of those, be sure to grab it before it’s gone. Check it out! Away Has You Covered For Smaller Sizes Too! ©Away If you need to carry on a bag but need to make sure you have plenty of room, you’ll want to grab The Bigger Carry-On in one of its 10 regular colors, or one of its four limited time colors. These are durable and lightweight, which are some of their biggest draws. Check it out! Great For Being on A Budget ©Amazon Finally, if you’re on a budget or you’re looking for an entirely new set of luggage but don’t want to spend a fortune, we highly recommend Samsonite. Specifically, a set like the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage! It comes in 15 different colors, and you can get either 2-piece or 3-piece sets, often for the same price as ONE suitcase from one of the above brands. Talk about a great deal! Check it out! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest deals and discounts to help you on your next vacation! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite deals!The post The 3 Best Luggage Brands, Tested By Travel Experts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Why, Disney…why? Seriously, we need answers over this latest menu change, as you’ve taken yet another beloved FAVORITE snack away! They’re GONE Disney World is known to be ever-changing, and we’re used to seeing things come and go in its restaurants around the parks. However, when Disney World recently released a whole slew of loaded fries in various flavors, we had no idea what we’d done to hit the jackpot, and hunting them all down proved to be quite the challenge! But if you’ve had your heart set on trying one of these latest creations on your next trip, we’ve got some disappointing news to share. If you’ve been following our snack-filled adventures around Disney World for any length of time you’ve probably come to find we have an obsession with french fries. We get especially excited when we find spots to share with you where you can get Disney World fries loaded, or topped, with some of our other favorite foods like plastic cheese sauce, chili, pulled pork, and more. So, when Disney announced last October that they would be introducing new loaded fries around the Disney World parks, we let out a resounding howl that probably was heard ’round the world (at least the World Showcase). Disney’s Animal Kingdom That’s embarrassing, but anyways…while we made it our mission to try them all as quickly as we could, we learned the hard way they couldn’t all be winners in our book (we can’t believe we’re even saying that). There were some that definitely outshined the rest, and we’ve grown quite fond of their presence. Flame Tree Barbecue The A-Maize-ing Munch Fries could be found a few places around Disney’s Animal Kingdom like Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus. These tasty creations were made of crispy, golden french fries topped with sweet corn, chipotle mayonnaise, chili-lime-spiced Cotija cheese, and popcorn. You’ve gotta believe us when we say these were like a fiesta of flavors for the french fry lover! A-Maize-ing Munch Fries Truly, we knew Disney had cracked the code on something special with this, and while we knew they may be around for a limited time, the longer they stayed the more we hoped they would be around permanently. One of the BEST However, they certainly weren’t our only favorite of the new loaded fry lineup. We were also BIG fans of the Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries you could pick up at several restaurants inside Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. These were also very good and had a separately unique flavor about them that seems to have rocketed their popularity around Disney World’s parks. Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries It seems that Disney World’s latest change to its menus has crowned one of these loaded fries as its champion. Recently, Disney abruptly removed the A-Maize-ing Munch Fries from the menus and have since replaced them with the Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries. Next up! While we do love the latter’s flavors, we’re saddened to see such an “a-maize-ing” flavor combo leave so abruptly without notice from Disney World. When we spoke to Cast Members around the restaurants, they were just as surprised to learn about the overnight change, and a few expressed that they, too, enjoyed the street corn-style loaded fries. Topped with popcorn! If this goes to reinforce anything to us, it’s that any of our beloved snacks around Disney World could potentially change or disappear completely overnight on any given day. So, if you spot us around the park indulging on a few of our favorites soon, we’re just trying to do our part to ensure they stay on the menu as long as possible! We’re always talking about the latest menu updates, changes, and additions to Disney World’s restaurants. Be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB, so you don’t miss a thing! 4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book  Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you miss this snack at Disney World? Tell us why or why not in the comments below! The post FREAKY FRENCH FRY NEWS: Disney World Has REMOVED One of Our Favorite Menu Items! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While they have been spotted out and about in the Disney Parks, this brand-new collection of Disney Starbucks tumblers is now officially available on the Disney Store! New EPCOT tumblers! These awesome tumblers come in a different design for each park. Not only are they so much fun with stickers all over the tumbler, but each one also comes with 2 pins! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. These have been getting lots of attention on the internet, and the mystery pins add an additional exciting element. There are six new tumblers: EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure. Disneyland Starbucks Tumblers Each tumbler features two pins from a mystery set of 8. Each park has 8 unique pins, so there are 48 new pins to search for. We will be amassing quite the tumbler collection, looking for our favorite pins! Let’s take a closer look at these tumblers! Get this Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler! Magic Kingdom Tumbler This Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler features lots of iconic elements from the park. You can see Dumbo, the monorail, DOLE Whip, Space Mountain, and more. There are also eight pins to collect, featuring designs such as Cinderella Castle and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Grab this tumbler here! Grab a Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks Tumbler! ©Disney Store If you are more of a Hollywood Studios person, then you can pick up the Hollywood Studios Tumbler. The Tower of Terror is front and center, and you can also spot Gertie and the Muppets! There are similarly eight pins available with designs featuring the Millenium Falcon and Lightning McQueen. Grab this tumbler here! Snag this EPCOT Starbucks Tumbler! EPCOT Tumbler You can also display your love for EPCOT with this EPCOT Starbucks Tumbler. Around the tumbler, you will spot Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Figment, and more. Plus, the pins feature Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Libing with the Land, and the World Showcase. Grab this tumbler here! Pick up this Disney’s Animal Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler! ©Disney Store There is also a tumbler available for Animal Kingdom! Of course, you will see the Tree of Life, and the tumbler also features Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and Pandora. You will find pins that represent Kilimanjaro Safaris, The Lion King, and more. Grab this tumbler here! Grab a Disneyland Park Starbucks Tumbler! ©Disney Store But it isn’t just Disney World tumblers! You will also find a Disneyland Park Tumbler. This tumbler has stickers for “it’s a small world,”Jungle Cruise, and the King Arthur Carrousel. And you can collect pins for Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and more. Grab this tumbler here! Snag this Disney California Adventure Starbucks Tumbler! ©Disney Store Finally, you can also grab a Disney California Adventure Tumbler. You will find Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and more represented around the tumbler. Just like all the other tumblers, there are also eight pins to collect for Disney California Adventure, with pins for Grizzly River Run, Carthay Circle, and more. Grab this tumbler here! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news! Shop our favorite Disney essentials on our Amazon storefront!The post New Disney Starbucks Tumblers Dropped Online — See Them All Here first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has released NEW INFO about ticket sales for the sure-to-sell out Destination D23 fan event this year! ©Disney Destination D23 will be held in Disney World August 29th through 31st, 2025! Disney just announced ticket pricing and that tickets will go on sale April 14th! There’s a catch, though… Ticket sales start April 14th for D23 GOLD members only. Gold memberships start at $49.99 per year (and you can grab more info and sign up here). Destination D23 ticket prices start at $299, and sales will begin at 10AM PT / 1PM ET! Cinderella Castle Preferred ($549) and Premier ($799) seating will also be available, with dedicated queues for those seating areas. Here’s a look at the seating chart for the panels and presentations: ©d23 Disney is promising to give fans more of what they love at D23 events this year — a weeklong celebration with nightly events. It will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. If you’re planning on heading to this fan event, Disney has shared that there is a room block already available to book at Coronado Springs for the fan event. Members can reserve their rooms by clicking this link or calling 407.939.4686. Coronado Springs Destination D23, not to be confused with D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, is the smaller of the annual Disney conventions hosted by D23. The theme is “A journey around the world of Disney.” Disney also shared that the 2025 convention will be doubling in size! Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Josh D’Amaro at the 2023 Destination D23 fan convention. Some of the programming just announced for the 2025 Destination D23 includes: Panels celebrating the attractions, entertainment and experiences that define Disney theme parks and cruise ships Announcements about upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Studio Disney archivists, historians, Imagineers, cast members, filmmakers, Disney Legends and luminaries in two days of programming spanning all the worlds of Disney Weird Disney panel at the 2023 Destination D23 The Walt Disney Archives will offer a couple of special programs: Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives, featuring interstitial programming focusing on Disney’s vast connections and history to locales around the globe, including a special 80th anniversary celebration of all things south of the border with The Three Caballeros. Go down the rabbit hole to discover the “Disney you didn’t know” as the Walt Disney Archives shares more of the most astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—or at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe. This is an all-new and updated outing. A previous D23 event! And there will be added evening events, too! First up is D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon: Saturday, August 30 — This after-hours exclusive celebration of the cult classic at Typhoon Lagoon will include special tributes to Disney’s water parks, complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment. ©d23 Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert will cap off the weekend. Disney promises “the ultimate throwback experience showcasing the very best hits of these fan-favorite decades.” Broadway and Disney Animation stars will perform musical moments from: Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Lion King, The Disney Afternoon and more. ©d23 An all-new Walt Disney Archives exhibit –– The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories & Inspirations — will celebrate the global influence on Disney storytelling “by exploring how the world around us sparks creativity. Through a thoughtfully curated selection of photography, artwork, and dimensional artifacts, we follow Disney creatives on an artistic journey.” ©d23 With your Destination d23 ticket and reservation, you’ll also have access to specially priced Disney Parks tickets 7 days before and 7 days after the event. They include: Special partial-day theme park tickets, not available at the gate. Advance Purchase Savings up to 20% off* single and multi-day theme park tickets Spaceship Earth at Night during the EPCOT Festival of the Arts And there are a couple of other events that we’ll get more details on soon! A Goofy Movie Throwback Premiere will be Thursday, August 28th. This will be a separately ticketed event, and D23 says tickets will be on sale at a later date. D23 Nights at Disney Springs will include special activities and offers! Stay tuned for more information at a later date. And Disney is promising a “SPOOKTACULAR EVENT” on August 29th?!!! We’ll be waiting for more details on that for sure! ©d23 Everyone with a Destination D23 ticket will have access to the following photo opportunities, gift bag pick-up, exhibits and shopping starting Friday, August 29, 2025, including: D23 Member-exclusive The Walt Disney Company Store pop-up shop D23 Member-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop D23 Member-exclusive Disney Studio Store Hollywood pop-up shop D23 Member-exclusive Ink & Paint Marketplace A special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives Guaranteed General seats at all Destination D23 2025 panels and presentations on Saturday, August 30th, and Sunday, August 31st, 2025 Access to D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturday, August 30th Commemorative gifts, including a Lug bag, event-exclusive pin, lanyard, credential, and shopping bag created exclusively for the event At the last Destination D23 in 2023, we got the first glimpse of the DinoLand retheme, lots of “blue sky ideas”, panels featuring the voices of Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, sneak peeks at new Disney shows, the news that Figment’s meet-and-greet was coming to EPCOT, and so much more. ©Disney DFB will be there to cover all the announcements, all the celebrity appearances and all the fun at Destination D23 this year! Keep following us for all the Destination D23 updates! Disney Adults Need to Stop Breaking This Magic Kingdom Rule 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 about Destination D23 in 2025? Are you planning to go? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Just Dropped a HUGE Announcement about Destination D23 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The EPCOT Resort Area at Disney World is full of interesting dining options — especially because you can easily get to FIVE different resorts by just walking in a circle. Disney’s BoardWalk This area is located just minutes from EPCOT by foot, and while you can take a Friendship Boat to travel to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, The Walt Disney World Swan Resort, The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, AND Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you can also walk to each one relatively quickly. While there are a few different places to grab ice cream, the one that may stick out the most to you is Beaches and Cream, specifically the To-Go window if you don’t have a reservation for the restaurant. But are these shakes and treats really worth the trip over? We found out! Now, for those who appreciate boozy milkshakes, you’ll love to know you can grab drinks with alcohol, such as the Tropical Sunrise Float for $14.50 — made with Pineapple Hard Cider and Rainbow Sherbet. Tropical Sunrise Float While this certainly wasn’t the prettiest, especially as the sherbet continued to melt, this interesting combination may work for some people. The sherbet compliments the pineapple hard cider really well, but we think the slightly hoppy flavor of the cider makes the combination a bit odd tasting. After we had a few more sips, we decided we definitely weren’t fans, unfortunately. If you really like hard cider you may enjoy this one, but the sherbet and cider combination likely won’t be a favorite otherwise. It ends up looking a little…gross Then it was time for the S’mores Shake, which you can get with alcohol, but it can also be made without it as well! With alcohol it’s $16, and without it’s $9.75. Normally (with alcohol) this is Amarula Cream and Bols de Creme de Cacao Brown Liqueurs blended with chocolate and vanilla ice cream and topped with marshmallows, chocolate sauce, and graham crackers, and the non-alcoholic version just takes out the liqueurs. S’mores Shake We have a feeling the alcoholic version of this shake would likely taste much more like a s’mores as it includes some flavorful liqueurs. Non-alcoholic it really just tastes like a vanilla and chocolate shake, and we would say chocolate is the main flavor. We don’t think we would run to get this shake unless you are wanting just a chocolate shake, but you can also find plenty of those around Disney World as a whole and this one isn’t really anything special. However, again, if you’re into getting the alcoholic version, we have a feeling that will be better and more intriguing! It looks pretty though! Finally, we grabbed ourselves an Ice Cream Sandwich for $8.75. For this, you can choose your favorite ice cream flavor to go between two chocolate chip cookies, and we’re sad to say that this ALSO disappointed us, although we never thought we could be sad while eating an ice cream sandwich. Ice Cream Sandwich The cookies were on the hard side and we weren’t a fan of that — they were so hard in fact that we ended up having to eat the ice cream and cookies separately. For our ice cream we got butter pecan ice cream and it was the saving grace of the duo. It was creamy with lots of buttery goodness and pieces of pecan mixed throughout. It wasn’t enough to save the sandwich, but it was tasty ice cream! These cookies were HARD Overall, we wanted to love this spot, but it just fell flat for us. Now, you may find something on the menu you absolutely love, and the Everything But The Kitchen Sink sundae you can have inside Beaches and Cream will always be iconic. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World reviews! There’s a Reason It’s Hard To Snag a Reservation at This Disney World Restaurant Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Iconic Disney World Hotel Restaurant Left Us Wanting WAY More first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe is almost open! WELCOME to EPIC UNIVERSE! The brand new Universal theme park opens on May 22nd, 2025, but we recently got a full preview inside, and we are still speechless! We are still going over every detail in our minds, specifically for Dark Universe and its main attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. We’re breaking down the attraction here! To get on the ride, there is a moving platform similar to Kali River Rapids in Disney World. It was a bit more difficult to board than Forbidden Journey, in our opinion. This ride vehicle is similar to the technology used for Forbidden Journey, but with the top of the ride vehicle removed to make it less of a closed-off experience. Ride Vehicle During the ride, Dracula frees all of the monsters to cause chaos! There are so many famous monsters throughout the ride, including Dracula’s Brides, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and more. All of the monsters come after you as you race through the catacombs of the manor. There are monsters coming at you almost every second of the ride, and we were surprised by how quickly the animatronics move. Frankenstein’s Monster from the pre-show The number of animatronics throughout the ride blew us away, as well as their design. We had a few jaw-dropping moments throughout the attraction, mainly when we saw the Dracula animatronics! Another amazing moment is when you’re close up with The Mummy as he tries to grab you from the vehicle. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment There is so much going on throughout the ride that we barely noticed how the attraction made us feel physically, however, we definitely got motion sick. From a scare perspective, it’s not Halloween Horror Nights scary. There aren’t many jump scares, and we wouldn’t equate it to a horror film. Outside of Monsters Unchained! The storyline is thrilling, and there is a scare from the “being chased” sensation. If you’re bringing a kid along who fits the height requirement but is still young enough to have difficulty with distinguishing what is real and what isn’t, they should probably skip this attraction. If you’re scared of scary movies or HHN, you will probably be okay to enjoy this attraction. We would argue it’s as scary as Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. The preshow! While we did get motion sick, we personally felt it was worth it as monster fans, but that doesn’t mean it will be for everyone. If you want to avoid any feelings of dizziness or nausea, this ride should be skipped. We absolutely loved this ride and can’t wait to hop back on again. Dark Universe Portal We are still overwhelmed by how much there is to see, do, and try inside the new park! Be sure to keep following DFB for more Universal news, takes, and updates. FIRST LOOK Inside Dark Universe at Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you try out this attraction? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post We Just Rode the NEW Monsters Unchained Ride at Epic Universe -- And It Was Worth The Motion Sickness first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes navigating Disney World can feel like trying to find your way through a maze with a map drawn by a toddler. ©Disney Even if you’ve been to the parks a dozen times, you can still find yourself wandering around, trying to remember how to get to that one snack stand everyone keeps talking about. That’s why we NEED to talk about a seriously underrated feature in the My Disney Experience app, how it works, and why you’ll want to start using it ASAP. As we were saying, inside the My Disney Experience app is a seriously underrated feature: the “Get Directions” function. This little tool can save you SO much time, especially when you’re trying to find something specific in one of the four massive Disney World parks or a sprawling Disney hotel. Let’s go over how it works and why you’ll want to start using it immediately. How to Use the “Get Directions” Feature The My Disney Experience app is already packed with useful tools, but if you’re not using “Get Directions,” you’re missing out on one of the best time-savers. Here’s how easy it is: Search for Your Destination – Whether you’re looking for a specific ride, restaurant, store, or even a bathroom, just type the name into the search bar in the app. ©Disney Tap “Get Directions” – Once you find the spot you’re trying to reach, select it and hit the “Get Directions” button. ©Disney Choose Your Starting Point – You can either set your current location or manually pick where you’re starting from. ©Disney Click “See Walking Directions” – The app will generate a step-by-step route to your destination, making it easy to get exactly where you need to go without wandering aimlessly. ©Disney Why This Feature Is a Game-Changer If you’ve ever wasted precious Disney time searching for a bar in a resort, trekking across a park looking for that one snack stand, or looping around the same spot because you just can’t find the entrance, this function is for you. Here’s why it’s such a lifesaver: No More Guesswork – Disney parks are HUGE. And while signs are helpful, they don’t always get you exactly where you need to go. With this tool, you get precise directions tailored to your location. Perfect for Resorts – Some Disney resorts are so spread out they might as well be their own small towns. If you’ve ever tried to find the quick-service restaurant in your hotel after a long park day, you know the struggle. This tool makes it effortless. Great for Big Groups – If you’re traveling with a large group, splitting up is inevitable. Instead of texting back and forth trying to explain where you are, you can just send them directions straight from the app. Saves You Time – Every minute you spend wandering around is a minute you’re not on a ride, eating a churro, or watching a show. Using “Get Directions” helps you maximize your time in the parks. ©Disney When You Should Absolutely Use It If you’re still not convinced, here are some example scenarios where this function will be your best friend: You’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you need to get from Expedition Everest to Flame Tree Barbecue before your mobile order window closes. You’re at EPCOT and can’t remember exactly where to find that new booth everyone is raving about. You just checked into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and need to find the Skyliner station. You’re at Magic Kingdom and need to get to a Lightning Lane reservation across the park—fast. You’re looking for the closest bathroom and don’t want to waste time wandering around. We see so many guests wandering aimlessly or asking Cast Members for directions when this tool could get them where they need to go in seconds. The “Get Directions” feature in the My Disney Experience app is one of the most underused but incredibly helpful tools for navigating the parks and resorts. ©Disney So next time you’re trying to find that hidden snack stand or trek across a resort, let your phone do the work for you. Trust us, your feet (and your patience) will thank you. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney. Here’s What Really Happens When You Don’t Plan Ahead for a Disney World Trip. 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 Have you ever used this feature in the My Disney Experience app? Let us know in the comments! The post This Part of the Disney World App Is a Game-Changer and You Need to Know About It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you a fan of Bluey? Bluey and Bingo! Bluey is the kids’ show that has taken the world by storm! The blue heeler puppy, along with her Mom, Dad, and sister Bingo, gets up to tons of antics that delight kids and tug at the heartstrings of adults. We can’t help it that we’ve fallen in love and now need all of the merch! Luckily, Target is coming through with just what we’ve been looking for, and it’s on sale. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Before we dive in, don’t forget to test out an Amazon Prime trial for free right here! If you’re a Bluey fan, this deal is for you! Target is running a Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off deal, and we are obsessed. Bluey Hooray! It’s Easter Book! ©Target This “Lift-the-Flap” book is the perfect way to get into the upcoming holiday spirit. In this book, readers can help Bluey and Bingo find hidden easter eggs that the Easter Bunny has left behind. Hooray! It’s Easter Book! Hide and Seek Talking Figure Game ©Target Bluey helps bring this hide-and-seek game to life with this talking figure! Place the Bluey figure anywhere and press her nose to start the game. The first person to find the figure wins, but will you do it before the timer runs out? It also features a dance mode to enhance the fun! Hide and Seek Talking Figure Game Bluey Family Fun Board Book ©Target Want everyone to get in on the fun? This is the book for you! This book includes a rainbow LCD screen with a stylus so you can design whatever you want. The book provides prompts throughout the story so you can draw along. Family Fun Board Book Scavenger Hunt Game ©Target Finally, everyone can get in on the fun with the Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game! This game focuses on finding, playing, and collecting with Bluey and her family. Everyone works together to collect all 12 tokens to win the game! Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game We love that all of this Bluey merchandise can bring everyone together, especially with the holidays coming up! It’s even better knowing you can get it on sale! We can’t wait to head to Target to grab them all ASAP! Don’t forget to keep following DFB for more Disney souvenirs. Want to shop for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront! The post A Secret Sale Is Happening on Bluey Souvenirs at Target Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney giveth, and Disney taketh away. In this case, we’re talking about SNACKS! Friar’s Nook Up until recently, you could get Tiana’s Beignets at Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom, but they have officially been replaced by a new sweet treat! Don’t worry, you can still get those famous beignets at Golden Oak Outpost, but for now, we’re heading to Friar’s Nook for a new snack! We stopped by the Friar’s Nook at Magic Kingdom to grab the NEW Apple Cider Doughnuts with caramel sauce for $6.49. You’ll get an order of five apple cider-spiced doughnut holes covered in green sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce — and we must admit, they don’t look that appetizing thanks to the green. But how do they taste? Let’s hope they taste better than they look These doughnuts are more like cake doughnuts so they are a bit more dense than some doughnuts. However, they have a great texture and are nice and fluffy on the inside. We wish they had a bit more crispiness on the outside, but we have a feeling if you ate them right away they would have been more crispy. The doughnut holes themselves have small, tender apple pieces mixed in and have a really nice spiced flavor. The dough isn’t overly sweet, but the green sugar on top definitely adds some sweetness. We think the sugar might have a bit of apple flavor to it too, but it is hard to tell if it is actually the sugar or not. Apple Cider Doughnuts The caramel sauce is the perfect finishing powder touch. The flavor is reminiscent of apple cider or apple pie. We probably lean more towards an apple pie flavor with the apple chunks and the spices are a little more muted than an apple cider. However, there is definitely a great apple flavor with lots of spice flavor (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). You get five doughnuts for $6.49, so it’s not a bad price. It could definitely be shared with someone else for a snack. Apple Cider Doughnut cross-section We’ll be on the lookout for more new Disney World snacks to try throughout the parks and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest food reviews and theme park news! The BEST Disney World Snacks for 2025 — And No, We Won’t Be Taking Any Questions Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be trying these new donuts at Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments. The post REVIEW: It's a Good Thing This NEW Disney World Snack Tastes Better Than It Looks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ll be the first to admit that ride closures can put a damper on your Disney World vacation, but sometimes they are NECESSARY. Magic Kingdom When some attractions have been open upwards of 50 years, it’s pretty necessary for Disney to close them occasionally for technological, structural, and safety updates. Even the newer rides need help sometimes, too! So when it was announced that a Magic Kingdom ride was closing for refurbishment to get some much-needed changes, we were actually fairly excited. Disney World recently announced that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland will be closing to get some updates. The ride has been open since 1998, so it’s definitely due for some new technology. Now, it’s set to close in August 2025 and reopen sometime in 2026. During its closure, Imagineers will add a new show scene, update the ride vehicles, and make some gameplay advancements. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin With these changes, the ride will start with a new show scene where riders are greeted by a friendly robot named Buddy. This new character was “created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios to play a key role on the Star Command team.” Buddy will make sure that departing Space Rangers are ready for their mission, allowing them to “hone their blaster aim” by checking out the new interactive targets before they take off to the main part of the ride. ©Disney As for the ride vehicles, the Star Cruisers will receive an update inspired by Buzz Lightyear and featuring his signature colors. They’ll also be equipped with video monitors so you can see real-time score updates and other “exciting features.” ©Disney Perhaps one of the most exciting changes is the handheld blasters, similar to the models on Disneyland’s version of this ride! You’ll be able to pick up the blasters and aim more directly — the better to get Galactic Hero status. They’re designed to be easier to use, especially for younger riders. They’ll have an always-on laser with two different colors per vehicle, so you know exactly where you’re aiming. ©Disney Finally, we’ve got to mention those new interactive targets. The static ‘Z’ targets will now light up and react when hit. Disney has said that this change “opens the door for a few other ideas Imagineers have in mind.” Color us intrigued! ©Disney Imagineers have already been able to complete playtests for these changes, so they’re working on improvements, and we’ll be able to try out the changes ourselves when the ride reopens next year. We can’t wait to see how it works! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin If you want to know more about what has changed in Disney World in the past few years, check out this video from our YouTube channel. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on everything coming to Disney World in the future! We’ve got you covered. 16 Disney World Rides Will Be Closed in 2025 — Click Here! 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 the changes coming to this ride? Tell us in the comments! The post NEW Details Revealed: A Long-Neglected Magic Kingdom Ride Is Set for a Major Overhaul first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a lot of change coming its way! Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, U.S.A. is permanently closing in phases, Zootopia: Better Zoogether is coming later this year, and so much more! Starting today, April 7th, 2025, guests can now see another adorable change over on the safari, and we have the pictures right here. Is there anything cuter than a Disney baby? Starting April 7th, 2025, guests can see the newest Disney baby, Tucker! Tucker is the son of Masai giraffe Mara, and both appeared together on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, and we think we might be falling in love. ©Disney Tucker is the first giraffe calf to be born at Disney World since 2021! Mara joined the savanna in 2015 and has given birth three times, including Tucker! Her first call, Jabari, was born in 2019. Tucker’s first day on the savanna is a big one for Disney’s conservation efforts. ©Disney The Masai giraffe is endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only 30,000 remaining around the world. Tucker represents Disney’s continued efforts to protect this species. Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment, said, “Tucker’s birth is really important for us. It’s a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation and our incredible partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Species Survival Plan. This plan focuses on maintaining genetic diversity of the giraffe population and helping to prevent giraffes from becoming extinct.” ©Disney This is just another sweet baby to love after Animal Kingdom’s newest tiger Cub, Basko, had fans in a tizzy. We can’t wait to see Tucker, Mara, and all of the other giraffes on the safari on our next trip to Animal Kingdom! Remember, it isn’t a guarantee that you will see the newest Disney baby on your next safari, but you can keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse. This is one of the most exciting changes coming to the park (and thankfully, nothing had to close for it to happen!) Don’t forget to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. 3 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom 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 what you think of Baby Tucker in the comments! The post Disney's Newest Announcement Has Us RUNNING to Kilimanjaro Safaris! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article