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We’re just about a month away from the most wonderful time of the year at the Most Magical, Merriest Place On Earth, and I’m going to present you with some holly jolly news to add to your “Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World For The Holidays Starting November 12” list. In fact, we’re going to gift you totally tinsel tidbits all week long! Meet Santa Claus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Over the last few years, you may have seen Kris Kringle waving to guests as he sailed around the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holiday cavalcades. This year, you can meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. As the guest of honor himself, Santa’s checked his list twice and invited everyone to join him in this festive new location as the students and faculty of the Dino Institute celebrate the season in (pre)-historic fashion from November 12-December 24. Bring the whole family, because a Santa sighting is perfect for the little ones! Other Wild Ways to Celebrate the Holidays After stopping by Restaurantosaurus to say “ho ho ho” to Santa, be sure to hoof it back to Discovery Island for the return of the happiest little animal herd around – the Merry Menagerie. These enchanting puppets feature winter animals of all sorts … and I need to boop each creature gently on the nose to start my holidays off right. You can also meet the holiday hosts with the most, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their festive finest together at Adventurers Outpost. And, after a full day of shopping for your gift list (Merry Menagerie merch, anyone?) and sampling delicious goodies (stay tuned for a holiday Foodie Guide coming soon!), stop by after dark for sensational, seasonal Tree of Life Awakenings that bring the spirits of winter animals to life. Fresh Festive Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios We all know Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a festive place to be with the cutest retro holiday decorations – and this year, there are three new entertainment acts to fill the whole family with joy, all starting November 12! Be sure to check My Disney Experience for days and showtimes to catch the new acts. Marvel at the skills of Juggling Elves – these holiday helpers deliver festive cheer with a side of shenanigans as they show off their skills of juggling, comedy and more! Catch the jaunty jolly tunes of the Holiday Spirit Band. This dynamic brass group will make everyone in your party want to join in the fun and stroll into Santa’s good graces. And pick up your feet and march along with Seasons Jukebox as they bring all the performance and pep of a collegiate marching band. Hard-hitting horns, rocking drummers, and dazzling dancers will bring to life everyone’s favorite holiday classics and more. Of course, other beloved Disney’s Hollywood Studios holiday fun also begins on November 12 – like the holiday overlay to For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration; another fabulous place to find Santa greeting guests at It’s A Wonderful Shop; and Sunset Seasons Greetings – with festive projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel and magical snowfall – all along Sunset Boulevard once the sun sets on Tinsel Town. And you get all of that with your park ticket to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! If you’re looking for even more razzle dazzle in your holiday celebrations, don’t forget about all the extra entertainment and festive fun at the separately ticketed event, Disney Jollywood Nights. Make Your List, Check It Twice As we count down to the start of holidays at Walt Disney World, I hope you’re making plans to visit with the whole family for some holly jolly memory making. Stay tuned for even more reasons to visit during the holidays all week! The post New Holiday Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to look way different than you last remembered it! ©Disney Between Disney World’s latest closure of an attraction to make way for a divisive villains show, adding a whole new rollercoaster centered around the Monstropolis world of Monster’s Inc., and teasing a revised beloved show in the works for this park, things are about to get very busy here. But, we recently spotted one more update to a change that we thought had kind of gone dormant until now! If you visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the 90s or early 2000s chances are you probably stopped in to see the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show (even if it was JUST for the AC). This dimly lit stage show captivated audiences with the familiar storyline from the Disney animated classic movie for decades before shutting its theater doors for the pandemic closures. Voyage of the Little Mermaid will soon become “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” Unfortunately, time was not kind to this attraction, and when we started to see the parks reopen this was one that just didn’t quite make the cut. However, not all hope was lost for this space because, in December 2023, Disney World broke the news of plans to bring a revised version of the show back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It once again garnered quite the attention sitting inside Animation Courtyard. The new show titled The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure was originally set to debut in Fall 2024. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure However, since the original timeline was announced to debut the show in Fall 2024, Disney most recently has delayed that debut. But all is not lost there, we recently discovered a newly filed permit to replace the sign at the theater. New permit filed! On October 15th, 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering filed the permit upcoming work to be performed by Design Communications LTD. The permit doesn’t specify a specific timeline for the new sign to be installed however, these kinds of permits usually allow for a year from filing for the work to be completed. So it’s possible we may not see any immediate action to remove the current sign and Disney World could certainly take their time installing the next. Either way, it’s an exciting update that we’ll be sure to keep watch over as it progresses. For all the latest Disney World news, updates, and more be sure you’re following along with us at Disney Food Blog! What a YEARLONG CLOSURE Means for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to see this new version of a classic Disney World show come back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! The post BREAKING: Disney Files Permit for NEW Hollywood Studios Attraction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ashton Montgomery, Costume Designer with Disney Live Entertainment, got the call of a lifetime shortly after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort was announced. She was selected to help create a new costume collection for cast members that will bring the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras to life on the bayou just in time for the transformation to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15, 2024. Ashton’s #DisneyCastLife spans a wide range of experiences across both coasts. Starting with a summer job at Walt Disney World in food & beverage in 2011, she later found her passion for attractions during her Disney College Program in 2014. After gaining hands-on experience in various roles and receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from the University of California, Irvine, she returned to Disney as a professional intern with Disney Live Entertainment. Ashton eventually transitioned into her dream role as a full-time costume designer. Ashton when she worked in Housekeeping, posing with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, 2014. Ashton when she worked in Housekeeping, posing with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, 2014. Ashton when she worked in Housekeeping, posing with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, 2014. When Ashton became a full-time costume designer, she joined the project team tasked with bringing Princess Tiana’s dream to life. Her involvement in this project deepened her connection to the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, a connection that she channeled into her costume designs for Disneyland Resort. Her designs go beyond mere uniforms; they are integral to the storytelling, setting the stage for guests as they step into Bayou Country. Each costume is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the lively culture and spirit of New Orleans, transforming the cast into true storytellers. The inspiration for the costumes comes from a blend of period authenticity, New Orleans culture and creative imagination. Ashton began her design process by researching period photos from farmer’s markets, envisioning what Tiana’s friends and coworkers might wear in real life. “We incorporated historical references, such as men’s workwear from the period, but with modern updates for durability and comfort,” Ashton said. A vibrant palette inspired by “Mardi Gras vegetables” as Ashton likes to call it, was developed, mixing classic Mardi Gras hues with earthy tones. From prints mimicking flour sacks repurposed into clothing to playful motifs, each piece weaves a part of Tiana’s story, inviting guests to discover magic in every detail. Attractions Cast Costumes Attractions cast members proudly don their new costumes during a special reveal and fitting for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Bayou Country. Attractions cast members proudly don their new costumes during a special reveal and fitting for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Bayou Country. Attractions cast members proudly don their new costumes during a special reveal and fitting for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Bayou Country. The design process was a collaborative effort, evolving over several years. “We engaged in frequent discussions with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), refining the designs to ensure they suited both the attraction and cast members’ roles,” she said. The team conducted fit tests with cast members who would eventually work at the attraction, fine-tuning costumes to balance functionality with immersion in Tiana’s story. The costumes are designed to be mix-and-matched, allowing cast members flexibility, and are made from breathable fabric to ensure they stay comfortable throughout the day. Ashton shared her excitement for the next phase, eager to see her designs come to life with the opening team. “[Cast members] are hopefully going to fall in love with these outfits. I really want it to be something they feel comfortable in and like they are a part of the story of Bayou Country.” She looks forward to seeing how they’ll mix and match the pieces, bringing their own creativity and personal style to the costumes. Entertainment Cast Costumes Custodial Cast Costumes Ashton’s connection to the Bayou Country reimagination feels like a storybook come true. She fondly recalls her days working in attractions, where she would dream about one day becoming a costume designer for Disney. Fast forward to today, and Ashton’s vision has become a reality. Her designs don’t just outfit cast members; they breathe life into the entire area of the park. “I take costumes to heart because I was the cast member wearing them day in and day out,” she said. Ashton working in Frontierland attractions at Walt Disney World, 2015/2016 Ashton working in Frontierland attractions at Walt Disney World, 2015/2016 Ashton working in Frontierland attractions at Walt Disney World, 2015/2016 Retail Cast Costumes Food and Beverage Cast Costumes The new Bayou Country cast costumes are about more than just clothes— they’re about creating a deeper connection between the cast and the story. Ashton believes these new looks will not only elevate the cast members’ roles but also bring a vibrancy to Bayou Country. Guided by her creativity and passion, Ashton, along with a collective talent of costumers, buyers, pattern makers, sewers and more come together to bring these designs to life– ensuring that every costume is not just an outfit, but an invitation to experience Disney storytelling in a new and meaningful way. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in Walt Disney World on June 28, 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Bayou Country on November 15, 2024 at Disneyland Resort. The post Cast Member Brings Bayou Country to Life with New Cast Costumes appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Attention! ©Amazon As always, we’ve scored Amazon to find the BEST deals on Disney-related products right now. From toys and games to fashion and accessories, this list runs the gamut across essentials for yourself or the Disney fan in your life. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Have a free trial: Pretend Play Food Counter for 30% Off ©Amazon You can bring Disney World to your little ones with this adorable pretend foot counter playlet. The set features “wooden versions of Disney treats and drinks from the wooden snack counter with awning, magnetic menu, reach-in “freezer,” popcorn popper, and butter pump; features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other Disney characters” and includes “snack counter, menu board and magnets, wooden ice creams, cookie, cupcake, and pretzel, 4 popcorn kernels, scooper, container, cup with 2 double-sided drink inserts, ID on lanyard, play money.” VIEW ON AMAZON Lead the Parade With this Loungefly for 38% Off ©Amazon This bag features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy leading a joyous parade. The bag features faux Leather with applique, embroidered, and printed details, a zipper charm pull, adjustable shoulder straps, a top carry handle, and printed Fabric internal lining. VIEW ON AMAZON Disney 100 UNO for 40% Off ©Amazon This special Disney 100 version of the iconic UNO card game features a randomized collectible foil card in every pack, and “a special ‘Mickey’s Movie Madness’ rule that will test each player’s knowledge of Disney movies through the years!” VIEW ON AMAZON Ultimate Disney Princess Dollhouse for 13% Off ©Amazon This dollhouse can be used with Disney Princess Fashion Dolls as well as other dolls of similar height. The 4-foot-tall castle includes 10 play areas, each themed to a different Disney Princess character, a clock featuring magical lights and sounds, including a fireworks show, a slide, a pool, a spinning magic carpet, a staircase and balcony, 28 furniture and accessory pieces, including a table and chairs, bathtub, bed and blanket, and kitchen play pieces, and a “beautiful chandelier and firefly light that kids can move around the dollhouse, hook into the ceiling and spin for an extra touch of magic.” VIEW ON AMAZON Travel in Style With this Minnie Mouse Luggage for 55% Off ©Amazon This luggage features the red, white, and black polka dot design you would associate with Minnie Mouse, and “maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light.” VIEW ON AMAZON Speaking of Minnie, Accessorize in Style with these Headbands Styla Hair 3PC Set This set features a Minnie Mouse sequin headband, a Minnie velvet scrunchie, and a Minnie hair clip. VIEW ON AMAZON If any of these items strikes your fancy, head over to Amazon ASAP. Looking for More Disney Essentials? Head Over to Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Get Up to 55% Off Of Disney Souvenirs From Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s snack time! Amazon Snacks and treats are one of the most important parts of a Disney trip. From Mickey Pretzels and popcorn to DOLE Whip and ice cream, these snacks have come to symbolize the parks for many, especially young kids. Now, you can bring this magic home for your youngster! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Check Out a Free Trial: Have a Look at the Disney Pretend Play Food Counter ©Amazon Currently on sale on Amazon, this adorable set features “wooden versions of Disney treats and drinks” and allows kids to replay their favorite Disney World memories again and again while creating new ones through play. ©Amazon The wooden snack counter comes complete with an awning, magnetic menu, reach-in “freezer,” a “working” popcorn popper, and a butter pump. ©Amazon It also features artwork of Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as a snack counter and a menu board complete with magnets to display what foods are “available.” ©Amazon Speaking of foods, the set comes with wooden ice cream, a cookie, a cupcake, pretzels, and 4 popcorn kernels. ©Amazon Additional accessories include an ice cream scooper, a container, a cup with 2 double-sided drink inserts, an ID on a lanyard, and play money. VIEW ON AMAZON This Play Food Counter is the perfect gift for any child who wants to revisit a Walt Disney World trip, or imagine being there for the first time! For more Disney souvenir updates, stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog! Searching for More Disney Essentials? Head Over to Our Amazon Storefront!The post You Can Get Your Own Disney Snack Stand On Amazon (And It's On SALE) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Can you ever really have enough Disney mugs and water bottles? Disney Mugs We are firm believers that the answer is “no,” so we are here with some amazing NEW Disney mugs that we think need to be added to your collection! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We are rounding up five newly released Disney cups that we think deserve a spot on your shelf. They are adorable and full of Disney charm. Let’s take a look! Grab this 85th Anniversary Fantasia Mug! ©Disney First up is this Fantasia 85th Anniversary Mug! The mug has full color graphics with some of your favorite characters from the film. The mug also comes with a molded spoon that is in the shape of a magical broom. This mug is perfect for fans of Fantasia or anyone looking to add a beautiful mug to their collection. Get this mug here! Get this Grape Soda Water Bottle! ©Disney Next up is this adorable Grape Soda Water Bottle. The water bottle is inspired by the movie Up and Ellie’s treasured Grape Soda bottle cap memento. The lid features a reusable straw and the translucent purple color of the water bottle will have your water looking just like grape soda! Get this water bottle here! Snag this Dapper Dan Mug with Adorable Hat Lid! ©Disney You can also grab this Dapper Dan Mug with Lid! We can’t get over how cute this mug is! The mug is designed to look like the Dapper Dan’s costume, and even features a bowtie and a nametag. The mug comes with a lid that looks just like their iconic hats. We can almost hear them singing their way down Main Street, U.S.A.! Get this mug here! Pick up this Mickey Mouse Icon Mug! ©Disney If you are hoping to get a more classic-looking Disney mug, then this new mug is perfect! This Mickey Mouse Icon Mug is in the shape of everyone’s favorite mouse. The mug is simple, yet you can easily tell what the mug is supposed to be. The bottom features the classic Mickey red, and the mug has Mickey’s ears. The handle even looks like a mouse’s tail! Get this mug here! Grab this The Little Mermaid 35th Anniversary Mug! ©Disney Last but not least is this The Little Mermaid 35th Anniversary Mug! This mug is in the shape of a shell and is a gorgeous pearl color. On the mug, you can spot Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian. The mug even comes with your very own “dinglehopper” spoon. This is a great mug to celebrate 35 years of The Little Mermaid! Get this mug here! These new mugs are wonderful! We will be adding a lot of new mugs to our already huge mug collection, but you can’t really have enough mugs. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news! Find all of our favorite Disney essentials on our Amazon Storefront!The post 5 Brand New Disney Souvenirs We're Adding to Our Carts Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big changes are coming for the “wildest ride in the wilderness”! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Since it opened in 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been one of the most popular rides at Disney World. Despite many attractions and even full theme parks that have opened since this Magic Kingdom staple has remained one of the resort’s busiest rides consistently over the last 40+ years. However, things are about to change. In October 2024, Disney announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be closing for a massive, year-long refurbishment beginning in early 2025. According to Disney, “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.” ©Disney This timeline roughly matches up with a permit we discovered earlier this year. Back in June, Disney filed a permit for “general construction” of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The permit names Coastal Steel, Inc. — the same group currently working on the ongoing Test Track refurbishment — as the firm scheduled to complete the work. At the time we noted that the permit stretched longer than usual, running to August of 2025. However, this jives with Disney’s 2026 reopening timeline. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad So, what changes are coming to Big Thunder Mountain during its year-long downtime? Well, while we’re not sure, clues can perhaps be found in its West Coast counterpart at Disneyland. While Big Thunder Mountain was first conceptualized for Disney World — as part of Marc Davis’s legendary unbuilt Thunder Mesa/Western River Expedition complex — the first version of the Tony Baxter-designed attraction actually opened at Disneyland in 1979. Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Following a major refurbishment of its own about a decade ago, the Disneyland Big Thunder currently provides a much smoother ride than its Walt Disney World sibling thanks to a brand new track and features a slew of special effects that Florida’s is lacking, including the “explosive” finale segment involving faux dynamite. Could a new track, or at least clones of these special effects, be coming to Disney World during this year-long refurbishment? As for now, Disney hasn’t shared too many details about what all this refurbishment will entail, so we’ll have to keep a close eye on things while we wait for more news. Keep checking back here for the latest announcements! Big Thunder Mountain Big Thunder Mountain, one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides, is going down for a year-long refurbishment this coming January. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on this refurbishment. 75% of Fans Are Desperate for Disney World to Bring Back This Ticket Option Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you hoping to see come to Big Thunder Mountain during this refurbishment? Let us know in the comments below. The post What a YEARLONG CLOSURE Means for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve been dazzled by the dancing display of lights twinkling around the Boardwalk lately, or dreaming of when you’ll finally be able to taste one of those fluffy cake slices from Disney World’s upcoming restaurant, we just got one step closer! The Cake Bake Shop sign We’ve been tracking the progress of a highly anticipated addition to Disney World since before its construction began and this latest visual update may suggest an opening date announcement could be coming soon! Since there’s been a little movement happening around Disney’s Boardwalk Inn lately, we decided to hop on by and see if there had been any further updates to some of the upcoming features. One place we’ve been particularly invested in for a while has been The Cake Bake Shop. The Cake Bake Shop We’ve been eagerly anticipating this latest addition to Disney World as its construction appears to be nearing its end. Most recently we’d gotten a peek at the menu, a few twinkling lights around its signs, and even seen more of the hedges surrounding it removed. More hedges removed However, on this latest visit out, we spotted a few things that may suggest an opening may be happening sooner than we thought! New seating has been placed outside with a few tables and chairs on the side of the restaurant… Seating outside! …as well as a few between the restaurant and bakery. More towards the center We also noticed there’s just a sliver of shrubbery surrounding the outside of the building which could suggest that work’s dwindling down to the final touches! As we approached the restaurant, we also noticed a sign that read a private event was in progress. Closed for a private event Due to this, it would stand to reason that the majority of the inside of the restaurant is presumably finished! While neither The Cake Bake Shop nor Disney World has officially made an announcement about the upcoming restaurant’s official opening date, you can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye out for it when it does happen! Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest news and more. Disney World’s New Hotel Rooms Open in 2 Months — See the Latest Construction Updates! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you plan to visit Cake Bake Shop after it officially opens at Disney World? Tell us why or why not in the comments below! The post This NEW Disney World Restaurant Just Took a HUGE Step Toward Opening first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hang the garland and turn on Mariah Carey — it’s time to celebrate the holidays! Magic Kingdom We know what you’re saying — “It’s too soon!” — and we get it. But as soon as November 1st hits, it’s officially the winter holidays…at least according to Disney World! Heck, there are ALREADY loads of festive souvenirs making their way into the parks in mid-October. No matter where you stand on this debate, some pretty big changes are coming to Disney World in November, so let’s get into it! If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing! Check out what you can look forward to in November at Disney World! Holiday Parties Return Tis the season! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom on November 8th, 2024! The popular event runs on select nights until December 2oth and we’re PUMPED. Fireworks Show Included in the price of a ticket, you’ll be able to experience Magic Kingdom with smaller crowd levels, exclusive entertainment like the famous Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and special snacks and drinks. Don’t forget the complimentary cookies and hot cocoa! Tickets cost between $169 to $219. Christmas Parade Additionally, Disney is bringing back its new (and slightly controversial) Jollywood Nights event to Hollywood Studios. The event debuted last year with a lot of criticism, and although it will include some of the same things, Disney is changing it up a bit. We have to say, we’re pretty darn excited to see the new ice skating spectacular show! José and Panchito You can currently purchase tickets (from $159 to $179) for the event which runs on certain nights between November 9th and December 21st, 2024. We’re eager to see how it compares to last year so tune in on November 9th to see our thoughts! Sugar Cookie Martini Also, if you do NOT want to attend these parties, watch out for early park closures! On party nights, the parks will close earlier than usual. Check the Disney World calendar for the latest updates. FULL LIST of PRICES Announced for Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World EPCOT Festival of the Holidays We’re DEEP into the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival right now, but before you know it, we’ll be at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! This year’s event runs from November 29th to December 30th, 2024 and so many fan-favorites are returning! Gingerbread Milk Shake Not only will you have the food booths, but the Cookie Stroll, the storytellers around World Showcase, and the Candlelight Processional will all return for you to enjoy. EPCOT tends to keep a lot of the same menu items so check out our review of everything at the 2023 festival below. You already know we’ll be covering EVERYTHING at the festival when it kicks off in late November so follow along or sign up for our newsletter to get updates delivered right to your inbox! Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Typhoon Lagoon Is Closing For the past several years, you may have noticed an odd trend with Disney World’s water parks. Only ONE of them is open at a time! That trend continues in November because Typhoon Lagoon’s last day of operation will be November 3rd. Typhoon Lagoon On November 4th, it will be closed and Blizzard Beach will reopen! No major changes have been announced for Blizzard Beach, so it was likely receiving a routine refurbishment while it was closed. Summit Plummet Don’t forget — on January 1st, 2025 a new hotel perk starts that allows hotel guests to get into a Disney water park for FREE on their check-in day. Because of the timing of those reopening, Blizzard Beach will likely be the first water park where you get to use this perk! 2 NEW Perks For Your 2025 Disney World Hotel Stay Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Heading to Disney World during the first weekend of November? Get ready for some crowds. That’s when the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend will take place! ©Disney Disney hosts several races weekends throughout the year and from October 31st to November 3rd, runners will flock to Disney World to complete races. There are two things you should know: The first is that we typically see crowd levels increase during this time in the parks so prepare for longer wait times and potentially higher prices for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. runDisney Finish Line in 2022 The second is that sometimes these races can cause temporary road closures, so drivers may have to take a different route than they originally thought. It’s super fun to see the runners around the parks with their medals so be sure to say congrats! Or if you’re running in the races, good luck! ALERT: We’re Expecting Some HUGE Disney News on November 14th Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Speaking of wine and dining, the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is returning this November! The dates for 2024 are November 15th and 16th and it runs from 5:30PM-9:30PM on both evenings. The 2023 event’s booths You have to purchase tickets to this event and it allows you to try tons of different food items from the incredible restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort! It’s a dream for any foodie and it’s definitely a must for us each year! See this year’s menus for the event right here! Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in November! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you visiting Disney World in November? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in November first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney dropped A LOT of news on us! There is a lot happening in Disney World, and we have some updates for you. Magic Kingdom From closure dates for some attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the opening date for Jingle Cruise in Magic Kingdom, we are rounding up ALL the announcements Disney made on October 14th, 2024, so you are up to date with the latest Disney World news. First off, Disney announced dates for the first DinoLand U.S.A. closures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These closures will mark the beginning of construction for the new Tropical Americas themed land coming to Animal Kingdom, Pueblo Esperanza. Disney announced that the last day for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will be January 12th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin Construction walls will go up around these areas on January 13th. For now, DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will stay open, but these attractions will eventually be closing to make way for Pueblo Esperanza. Dinosaur Additionally, Disney announced a YEARLONG closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom. Not only is Magic Kingdom getting a Villains Land and new Cars attractions, but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be undergoing refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for refurbishment on January 6th, 2025, and won’t re-open until 2026! It is time to mentally prepare ourselves for a very extended closure. However, Disney did also note that the ride will be opening “with a little bit of new magic.” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad As well, the reimagined The Little Mermaid show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been delayed. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a reimagining of the stage show “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” which hasn’t opened since the parks closed due to the pandemic. Voyage of the Little Mermaid The reimagined show was supposed to debut in the fall of 2024. However, it looks like we will have to wait a bit longer now. The opening date has now been pushed back to summer 2025. We will just have to wait a bit longer to go under the sea with Ariel again! ©Disney The Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing refurbishment but will reopen to guests on October 16th, 2024. Shortly after its reopening, it will be revamped with its annual holiday ride overlay! The Jingle Cruise In addition to special outfits, holiday boat names, and punny holiday jokes, the ride will also temporarily be named Jingle Cruise! We are less than a month away from some good ol’ holiday shenanigans on the Jingle Cruise. Jingle Cruise It was DEFINITELY a news-filled day, and we are excited to be getting some concrete dates for happenings in Disney World. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! Check out 8 things Disney World is doing for the first time 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 Which announcement surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 MAJOR Announcements Disney Just Dropped first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It may sound wild to say that there are some days when it may not be worth it to purchase a full-day Disney World parks ticket, but when you sit and think about it for a moment, there are plenty of instances where a full-day ticket isn’t needed. Magic Kingdom For example, if you’re flying in that morning and won’t be in the parks until 1PM, you’re flying/driving out that afternoon and won’t be in the parks past 1PM, or you just prefer to arrive at the park halfway through the day and stay as late as you can. Right now, there’s no way to purchase a half-day ticket, so you’ll need to pay for a whole day even if you’re not using it (unless you’d like to head to a water park or Disney Springs instead). But did you know there USED to be a half-day ticket option that we, along with many Disney fans, deeply miss? Back in 2019, there was an offering called Mid-Day Magic Tickets that allowed guests access into the parks after 12PM. They could be used at any time in any of the four parks, as park pass reservations didn’t exist yet, and was available from mid-August through right around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we haven’t seen them return. Expedition Everest We asked our readers on Facebook what they thought about these tickets, and many of them said while they didn’t use them themselves because they weren’t traveling to Disney at that time, they would absolutely love to have the option now. Many readers shared that they’re locals who would take advantage of them, or are a family who hates getting up early, so they often don’t get into the parks until later anyway. Others told us they used them a lot and DO miss them! Hollywood Studios Not to mention that these tickets came at quite the discount. At the time of their debut (August 2019), they cost: Two-day ticket from $88 a day, plus tax (from $176 total, plus tax) Three-day ticket from $84 a day, plus tax (from $252 total, plus tax) Four-day ticket from $79 a day, plus tax (from $316 total, plus tax) Millennium Falcon So will Disney World ever bring these back? Well, we don’t know for sure! However, if you’re visiting Disney World as part of a convention (and there are many that happen throughout the year), these conventions often have special ticket deals that allow their participants to get into the park halfway through the day, usually around 1PM. Magic Kingdom We hope to see Disney bring back these half-day tickets soon, since there are so many uses for them, and we’ll keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB! The ULTIMATE Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you want these tickets to return? Tell us in the comments! The post 75% of Fans Are Desperate for Disney World to Bring Back This Ticket Option first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

High-end restaurants, exclusive amenities, and the very best pools, rooms, and lobbies — is there anything NOT to love about Disney’s Deluxe Resorts? ……Well, actually, yeah. Disney’s Riviera Resort Yeah, there is. But we’ll cover that TODAY during this ULTIMATE GUIDE (so you can decide for yourself whether the deluxe resort pros outweigh the cons). Check out our video below: The Ultimate Guide to Deluxe Resorts at Disney World  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your favorite thing to do at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post DFB Video: The Ultimate Guide to Deluxe Resorts at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things are about to get EPIC! This new theme park is huge! After YEARS of rumors, anticipation, construction photos, and land reveals, we FINALLY know more details OPENING DAY OF EPIC UNIVERSE! That’s right, we now have a better idea for when guests will be able to experience Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. According to The Wall Street Journal, Epic Universe is expected to be fully open as early as Memorial Day weekend of next year. Memorial Day will take place on May 26th, 2025. Universal hasn’t confirmed an opening date yet, but The Wall Street Journal got their information from people familiar with the matter. Additionally, tickets could go on sale as soon as this month. ©Universal While we hope this opening timeline is accurate, we won’t know for sure until Universal confirms an opening date. The new Epic Universe theme park will include five themed lands with more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences. The five lands that make up Epic Universe include: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. This new theme park will also feature three brand-new hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort by Loews Hotels. Terra Luna Resort We can’t wait to be able to experience Universal BRAND NEW theme park! A full opening by Memorial Day weekend would mean that guests could check out Epic Universe all summer long. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates about Epic Universe and more Universal news. Read all about what to expect at Universal’s Epic Universe right 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 planning to visit Epic Universe opening year? Let us know in the comments below. The post BREAKING: Potential OPENING TIMELINE ANNOUNCED for Epic Universe at Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s Epic Universe is officially opening its gates in 2025, and we can’t wait! ©Universal | Epic Universe Concept Art Five themed lands that will make up Epic Universe: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. We’re looking forward to exploring them all — and now we might know when we can buy tickets! Universal has called Epic Universe “its most ambitious theme park yet,” which has only added to our excitement. We know that the park will officially be opening in 2025, and we have a clue that tickets for Epic Universe will go on sale later this month! While Universal has not confirmed this directly, a Wall Street Journal article cited sources close to the matter that revealed tickets could go on sale “as soon as this month, according to people familiar with the matter.” It’s happening! The company promises that “Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.” Universal Parks – Epic Universe ©Universal As for now, we don’t have any details on who will be able to purchase tickets, how much they’ll cost, or what date they may actually go on sale. As soon as we know something, you’ll know something! Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to bring you more news about the opening of Epic Universe! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be buying tickets to Universal Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments. The post TIMELINE REVEALED: Epic Universe Tickets Could Potentially Go on Sale THIS MONTH first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just a few weeks away from the return of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which means that the holiday season is just around the corner! This year’s Parade will feature a brand-new Disney Cruise Line float, “Magic Meets the Seas,” along with a new, specially choregraphed performance starring beloved characters from Disney Animation, Pixar, and more. This year’s float design features the bows of eight Disney Cruise Line ships, with the focal point being the highly anticipated Disney Treasure which will sail on its Maiden Voyage in December! The float celebrates the growing Disney Cruise Fleet, including the five ships currently sailing and the three set to debut this year and next – Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure. It also showcases the unprecedented growth of Disney Cruise Line, which recently announced that the fleet will expand to 13 ships by 2031! Leading the way atop the float will be Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse. The famous duo will be joined by a number of special guests who represent the stories and experiences that will be brought to life onboard the Disney Treasure, including Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Miguel, and Moana. Known for the Broadway style shows on board its ships, it’s only fitting for Disney Cruise Line to bring a taste of its magical entertainment to the streets of New York. Spectators at the Parade and those tuning in at home will be treated to a toe-tapping number starring Mickey, Minnie and their pals from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast” and more. The melody of memories from favorite Disney films will build to a confetti-filled finale set to the magnetic new Disney Treasure anthem, “Live the Adventure.” Be sure to snuggle up with your family on Thanksgiving morning and tune in to spot Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets the Seas”! The post FIRST LOOK! New Disney Cruise Line Float to Debut at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

So, your plane just landed at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and you’re beyond excited to get to Disney World. Quick question: How are you getting there? Orlando International Airport You’ve definitely got your transport options like taxis, Uber/Lyft, or even renting a car. But you’ve got another option to consider, granted it hasn’t been getting the greatest reviews, but we didn’t let that stop us from using it to get to Disney World from the airport. So, now let’s talk about it! So what’s this other transport that will bring us from the Orlando International Airport to Disney World? Glad you asked! Let’s talk about Mears Connect. Mears Connect Bus It’s a shuttle service that takes you from Orlando International Airport to Disney World (and back). Now I know that this service hasn’t exactly been getting rave reviews online. But here’s the twist: We used Mears Connect on our recent Disney World trip and had a pretty awesome experience. So, despite what you might hear or read, we’re here to share why it worked out great for us! Mears Connect bus First Impressions Matter From the get-go, we were pleasantly surprised. The buses were clean, modern, and that A/C was glorious, which is a huge plus after stepping out of the airport into lovely, humid Florida. If you’ve ever experienced the Orlando heat and humidity, you know what we’re talking about. But stepping onto a cool, comfy bus was just what we needed to get into vacation mode. There was a bathroom on board. Now get this: The first bus we rode even had a bathroom on board! That’s not something you’d typically expect from an airport shuttle, but we were grateful for it after a long flight. Disney Trivia The bus was also equipped with TVs that played cute little shorts and Disney/Orlando trivia, which immediately set the magical Disney mood. Punctuality Mears Connect impressed us with its punctuality. We didn’t have to wait around forever at the airport, which was one of the complaints we saw in reviews. In fact, our bus arrived right on time, and we were off to Disney World in no time. Mears Connect bus Plus, we didn’t make a bunch of random stops, which was another win in our book. We had heard stories about buses making endless stops at every hotel, but we were pleasantly surprised by how efficient the route was. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to our Disney World resort, ready to start the magic! The Early Airport Pickup Conundrum Okay, even though we loved the service overall, there was one thing that wasn’t ideal — the super early pick-up for the return trip. Mears Connect picked us up for our flight way earlier than what we expected. We ended up being at the airport about two hours too early. Mears Connect bus I get it. They need to make sure everyone makes their flight with plenty of time to spare, especially when dealing with unpredictable Orlando traffic. But, sitting at the airport with nothing to do for that long wasn’t exactly the most fun. Who knows? Maybe we could’ve squeezed in an extra ride or maybe grabbed one last snack at the parks. Instead, we spent our extra time just hanging out at the gate. Mears Connect That being said, if you’re someone who likes to have everything set up in advance and would rather be too early than stressing about making your flight on time, this might not be a deal-breaker for you. It’s just something to keep in mind. Was It Worth the Money? For us, honestly yes. Despite the early pick-up on our return trip, the overall experience was pretty stress-free, comfortable, and worth the money we spent. We didn’t have to worry about dragging our bags to an Uber or navigating rental cars. It was simple and easy, which is exactly what you want on a Disney World vacation. Inside a Mears Connect bus So, as you’re planning your Disney World trip, give the Mears Connect bus a thought. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest Disney news and travel tips. Step-by-Step Guide: How To Get to Disney World from the Orlando Airport Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What’s your go-to way to get from the Orlando airport to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post This Airport Shuttle Service Gets Bad Reviews, But We're Using it to Get To Disney World Anyway first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It is almost Halloween, which means Disney World is about to transform into a winter wonderland as it prepares for the holiday season. Christmas is almost here! There is so much to experience during the holiday season at Disney World. On select nights, Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Jollywood Nights is returning once again this year on select nights in Hollywood Studios. Plus, you can experience the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. There is so much to see and do, and if you are planning to visit for the holidays, we have tips on when you should start booking your holiday trip to Orlando! Previously, we told our readers to wait until October to book holiday travel, and now the time has finally come to start thinking about booking your airfare to Orlando! According to Google’s travel trends, Orlando is the number one destination for Thanksgiving, and it falls second behind Tokyo for Christmas. It is no secret that many people want to travel to Orlando for the holiday season as visitors want to experience all the holiday decor across the Central Florida theme parks, and many schools are out on winter break. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 2023 There is so much to consider when booking a flight, and cost is a huge factor. By purchasing your plane ticket at the right time, you can save money on your trip! That means you can budget more for festive food and souvenirs! Christmas in Magic Kingdom According to Google’s travel trends, for domestic travel during Thanksgiving, prices tend to be at their lowest 45 days prior to departure, with a range of 26 to 59 days out. If you want to travel to Disney World for Thanksgiving, it is best to start looking at flights NOW. You can have a Thanksgiving feast year-round at Liberty Tree Tavern For Christmas, it is better to start looking ahead. Historically, flights are at their lowest 58 days before departure, and the low price range is about 36 to 72 days out. It is best to find a cheap Christmas flight in the latter part of October. Christmas in Hollywood Studios It is a bit different for international flights. You should plan on booking your flight as early as possible, as the low price range is 50 days or more before departure. In most cases, prices are at their lowest 101 days before departure, so you won’t see a significant price decrease by waiting to book your travel closer to your departure date. Christmas in Magic Kingdom There is so much to see and do during the holiday season at Disney World, and we are impatiently waiting to start seeing Christmas decor go up all across the resort, including the famous gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. Grand Floridian Gingerbread House While the holiday season is one of Disney World’s busiest times, it also happens to be one of the most magical and special times to visit the resort. If you want to experience the magic of the holidays at Disney World, make sure to plan your travel soon to take advantage of the cheapest flight fares. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at the Holidays For more travel tips like this one, continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be visiting Disney World during the holiday season? Have you booked your travel? Let us know in the comments!The post HEADS UP! You Might Want To Book Your Holiday Flights to Disney World NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It can be an extreme challenge to “wing it” when it comes to a Disney World vacation. Spaceship Earth With things like Lightning Lanes and virtual queues, scheduled ride refurbishments, dining reservations, and Disney Park Passes, it’s hard to just “go with the flow” during a Disney World vacation or even plan one super last minute. There’s just so much information to know before you travel! And if you’re visiting EPCOT soon, there’s an update you need to know about. EPCOT will be opening one hour later on Sunday, November 3rd. The park typically opens at 9AM, but on that day, it won’t open until 10AM for regular guests. EPCOT is still set to close at its usual time of 9PM that day. ‘Walt the Dreamer’ Statue in World Celebration If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, Early Theme Park Entry on November 3rd will start at 9:30AM. You must have a confirmed resort reservation to take advantage of this perk and get the extra park time in the morning. Early Entry Sign So why is the park opening late? Disney hasn’t shared any details, but it could be related to the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon that takes place that morning. The runDisney races often have routes through the theme parks, and while they start early in the morning, the longer races can take a while to get through. ©runDisney If you’re heading to the park that weekend, just know that crowds may be heavier because of the runDisney festivities. This race weekend in particular makes EPCOT a popular park to visit, and crowds can get extra heavy during lunch and dinnertime as people hit the International Food & Wine Festival booths. World Showcase crowds during a runDisney race We’ll be in the parks that weekend, and we’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any important crowd updates. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest. Click Here to Learn More About the Race Weekend! 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 heading to EPCOT in November? Tell us in the comments! The post Why You WON'T Want To Be at EPCOT on November 3rd first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A trend has been taking Disney World by storm and it seems to only be getting more popular. Pirna Prix Mocktail at EPCOT in Disney World Mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more prevalent, especially as data shifts and shows younger generations aren’t drinking as much alcohol as previous generations. Plenty of celebrities are living sober lives these days, too, and it looks like a Marvel star is launching a new brand for folks who do the same! Calling all fans of Tom Holland and people who don’t drink alcohol! The Marvel icon and friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is launching a new non-alcoholic beer called BERO. ©Bero The actor shared a post on Instagram along with the caption, “Something’s brewing…Launching 10.16.24…Berobrewing.com LINK IN BIO.” The link goes to the BERO Brewing website, which still looks like it’s password-protected for now. We expect it will likely be updated and available to order on October 16th, the official launch date noted in Holland’s post. ©Bero Tom Holland has spoken openly about his sobriety journey, which began after the actor decided to participate in “Dry January” in 2022, he shared on an episode of the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast. He then decided to stay sober for another month, and ultimately quit drinking altogether in June 2022. ©Bero If you’re looking for some nonalcoholic Disney World drink recommendations, check out our DFB Mocktail Crawl here! You can typically find plenty of nonalcoholic drinks around the parks, but zero-alcohol beer can be hard to come by. We’ll let you know if we ever see BERO at Disney World! In the meantime, we’ll be on the hunt for the latest theme park news from Disney World and more, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! REVIEW: This Is Our Official Petition to Make This New Disney World Burger a Permanent Menu Item 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 Would you try this new beer? Tell us in the comments. The post A Disney Celebrity Is Launching a NEW Non-Alcoholic Beer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to some pretty fantastic snacks and meals, and you don’t have to look very far to find them. Animal Kingdom A lot of our favorite restaurants and snacks are located in Animal Kingdom, which means that sometimes it’s hard for us to decide where we want to eat! However, a new sandwich dropped at Restaurantosaurus recently so we knew we had to try it out, and we were NOT disappointed! Restaurantosaurus will be going away with the DinoLand U.S.A. retheme into the Tropical Americas soon, so we’re soaking in the menu items while we can. For Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, the restaurant added a burger…but it’s only scheduled to be around through October 15th! Restaurantosaurus We’re talking about the Cuban Burger for $15.29! And let us tell you, it was DIVINE. This is a Seared Angus Burger with all the traditional flavors of a Cuban Sandwich including Mojo Pork, Swiss Cheese, Pickles, and Creamy Mustard Sauce topped with Potato Strings. Cuban Sandwich meal We love how the potato strings are so crunchy and contrast beautifully with the melted Swiss cheese, and we adored how the pork was just lightly seasoned. The meat is certainly pork, but it almost reminded us of pulled pork or a pot roast, but we loved it! It was incredible! Y’ALL. This mustard sauce! We loved it and how it went with all the flavors, which overall blended beautifully. It was all portioned very well and was just a delight to eat. If you like Cuban sandwiches, this is a must-try for sure! A look inside It also comes with a fried pickle on the side, which we also really enjoyed! While the breading around it took some of the snap of the bite away, it does still have a crunch to it. Fried Pickle! The meal also comes with fries, which are regular Disney World fries. They’re nothing special — they’re not bad, but they won’t blow your socks off. Fries We’re so excited about this new offering, and we hope you all love it as much as we did! As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World dining news! “It’s Kind of Weird.” McDonald’s NEWEST Sandwich Is Here, and We’re Not Holding Back. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite meal in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Is Our Official Petition to Make This New Disney World Burger a Permanent Menu Item first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means Disney World is about to start getting into full Christmas mode! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 2023 Disney World usually begins decorating the resort before the end of October, so we’re expecting to start seeing signs that the winter holidays are near sometime soon. Little things have already started popping up, such as Christmas merchandise in the stores! But now, we’ve got more evidence that Disney has Christmas on the brain. According to Scott Gustin on X, the Jungle Cruise will be revamped into the annual Jingle Cruise beginning November 2nd! The Jingle Cruise is an annual ride overlay that comes to Magic Kingdom each year for the holidays. The boats get renamed with fun holiday names, some of the animal don Christmas outfits, and the Skippers start telling punny holiday jokes instead of their usual ones. It’s a jolly and merry ride for sure! Jingle Cruise Currently, the Jungle Cruise has been undergoing a refurbishment since August 26th, but it will reopen on October 16th. Then in less than a month, we’ll see the Christmas theming come aboard the cruise! The Jingle Cruise This is a big sign that Christmas is on its way to Disney World! We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for holiday decorations to make their appearance in the parks and at the hotels and for more holiday news. You sure don’t want to miss the holidays at Disney World! You can grab your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney’s Jollywood Nights tickets now for some extra holiday fun in the parks. For more Disney news, keep following DFB! BREAKING: Lengthy CLOSURE Announced for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited for the return of the Jingle Cruise? Let us know in the comments! The post A Popular Ride Overlay Is Coming Back to Magic Kingdom Next Month! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new attraction is coming to Disney World! ©Disney After Voyage of the Little Mermaid failed to reopen at Hollywood Studios after the pandemic-related closures, we were left wondering (for a WHILE) about what the fate of this show might be. Eventually, Disney shared that a new, reimagined show inspired by The Little Mermaid would take its place in the fall of this year. But, it doesn’t look like that will be the case any longer. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a reimagining of the stage show “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” which hasn’t opened since the parks closed in 2020. The theater had been left sitting empty for years, but in late 2023, Disney finally shared that this new show would be opening in the fall of 2024. Now, it looks like that opening date has been pushed back. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure We had previously seen a casting call for this show on the Disney Jobs website, and even recently explored whether or not we thought this timeline was feasible at this point based on what we had observed in the parks. It looks like our hunch was right, as the timeline has been pushed from fall 2024 to summer 2025. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure Disney hasn’t shared why this change has been made and they likely won’t, but it isn’t the only update in store for Hollywood Studios. A massive overhaul is coming to the park when the new Monsters Inc. coaster and land arrive — we just don’t quite know where yet. Whether the changes to “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” are related to this upcoming retheme remains to be seen, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on any additional changes. A new land themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Taking place after the events of the film, Monstropolis need humans’ laughter to power the city. Guests can even ride on a door like Mike and Sully in the iconic scene from the film with Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! FULL Timeline of Major Additions Coming to Disney World 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 Will you be checking out this new show? Tell us in the comments. The post BREAKING: Disney DELAYS Opening of New Hollywood Studios Attraction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

BIG changes are coming to Magic Kingdom! Magic Kingdom Disney announced earlier this year that a new Villains Land and new Cars attractions will be coming to the park. Villains Land is expected to be going in the area beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, while the new Cars attractions will be replacing Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat. But now, a new announcement has just been made for a LONG closure coming soon to Magic Kingdom. Disney announced on the Disney World website that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closing for an extended closure. The site shares that the ride will close on January 6th, 2025, and won’t open again until 2026! ©Disney The message also notes that it will be reopening “with a little bit of new magic.” We’re not sure what that might entail as of now, but we’ll be watching for more information from Disney! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fan-favorite roller coaster in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. It takes you through the Wild West on a wild ride! We’ll be watching for more information about this upcoming closure, but in the meantime, keep following DFB! WHOOPS! Don’t Waste Your Time Making This Magic Kingdom Ride Mistake Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING: YEAR LONG Closure Announced for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Pueblo Esperanza is the NEW Tropical Americas-themed land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. ©Disney This new land will feature details from the Tropical Americas as well as Encanto and Indiana Jones rides. We’ll see the beautiful and bountiful life from these areas of the world while enjoying aspects of some fun Disney movies! The new land will be replacing what is currently DinoLand, U.S.A., at Animal Kingdom, and construction will be beginning soon. In fact, Disney just made a HUGE announcement about the first phase of the creation of this new land. Disney had previously announced that it would begin work on Pueblo Esperanza sometime in the fall of 2024. However, they mentioned that you still had time to ride the popular ride Dinosaur before it, and the other DinoLand rides would go away forever. “Get that dino!” Well, now we know exactly when the first phase of DinoLand attractions will be closing to make room for the new land. Disney announced that the last day for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Animal Kingdom is January 12th, 2025. Construction walls will go up around these areas on January 13th. It seems as though DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will stay open for now. TriceraTop Spin This means that we only have a limited time left to enjoy these DinoLand attractions! Hurry over to Animal Kingdom before they’re gone forever. When the new land is done, there will be a ride through Casa Madrigal, an Indiana Jones ride, and a carved wooden carousel featuring tropical animals. There will also be at least one restaurant and other attractions, including a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers. The Tropical Americas are home to the largest biodiversity on Earth, so it’s likely we’ll see some amazing details from these areas. Madrigal’s Casita While DinoLand is leaving Animal Kingdom, a new, exciting land is yet to come. The new land is set to open in 2027! We’ll be watching for more updates, so keep following DFB! When Is Disney’s New Animal Kingdom Land Opening? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new land to open in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post DATE ANNOUNCED for First DinoLand CLOSURES at Disney's Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It was a Disney Channel reunion! ©Disney Celebrities have been visiting Disney Parks since Disneyland first opened in 1955, with the nearly 70 years since seeing everyone from dignitaries and actors to sports stars and musicians making documented visits to the parks. Recently a former Disney Channel star shared some snaps from a recent visit to Disneyland Paris. Spouse’s post also included images of the actor (looking purposely disaffected, as is his image) with Mickey Mouse, Pluto… @ColeSprouse Instagram … and Cinderella. @ColeSprouse Instagram Sprouse and his brother starred in the Disney Channel smash hit Suite Life of Zack and Cody as well as its spinoff Suite Life on Deck from 2005-2011. He went on to even greater success in the role of Jughead Jones on the long-running Archie Comics adaptation Riverdale. According to People, Sprouse was in Paris for Fashion Week when he visited the park. ©Disney Former Disney Channel star Cole Sprouse recently paid a visit to Disneyland Paris. Stay tuned to DFB for more coverage of celebrity sightings at Disney Parks. NEWS: Disney Just Announced A NEW Marvel Ride Starring Spider-Man! 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 seen a celebrity at the parks? Let us know in the comments below! The post "Was Good Seeing You Again" -- Popular Disney Channel Celebrity SPOTTED With Mickey Mouse! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article