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What if I told you there was a way to get a FREE Disney souvenir AND get the answer to a question that has haunted Disney fans for decades? Magic Kingdom Well, Disney just announced a NEW Disney deal, but you only have a limited time to take advantage of the exclusive perk! Let’s dive in! OK, D23 members, this one is for YOU! Disney is offering a deal where D23 Members can receive Weird But True! Disney Edition for free (!!) when they become one-year National Geographic print and digital magazine subscribers at an exclusive D23 member discounted price. Disney+ has TONS of National Geographic content! This new offer is available to both D23 Gold and General Members. That means you don’t even need to have a paid subscription to get the deal! To activate the discount, visit the D23 website. You must be signed in as a D23 Gold or General Member to access the offer. ‘National Geographic’ Photo Spot Remember how I said you can get the answer to a question that has haunted fans for decades? Well, that free Weird But True! Disney Edition souvenir is PACKED with obscure Disney facts and secrets. One of our favorites addresses the long-held question among Disney fans: why was Cinderella Castle transformed into a pink birthday cake?? FINALLY! All will be revealed. ©Disney The souvenir also shares information about the Animal Care team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus an in-depth look at the Tree of Life and all the FUN details you might normally miss. Animal Kingdom Disney’s exclusive new offer is only good for a limited time! In fact, the promotion expires on October 31st, so RUN to the D23 website! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a D23 membership? Let us know in the comments! The post HURRY! Disney’s Exclusive NEW Souvenir Deal Is Only Available Until October 31st! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re an Amazon shopper, we’ve got some BIG news about a huge sale that’s coming up soon. Amazon envelope Amazon Prime Big Deal Days will be here on October 8th and 9th, and the good news is that early deals are already available on the site. However, an even better deal is waiting for you and Amazon and it could score you a free $15 to spend on Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. Free money? Okay, we’re in!!! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Wait…what do you mean you don’t have Amazon Prime? Well, no worries because you can sign up for a FREE trial of Amazon Prime RIGHT NOW! So here’s the thing: you can get a FREE $15 to make on Amazon Prime Big Deal Days just by using Amazon’s Unlimited Photo Storage with Prime. Get your FREE $15 To Spend on Amazon ©Amazon All you have to do is download the Amazon Photos app, upload your photos, and turn on Auto-Save to automatically back up your photos. Within four days, you’ll get an email with a $15 Amazon credit. SWEET. Free money just for uploading your photos. Get That Amazon Credit Of course, we’ll be letting you know about all the great Amazon Prime Big Deal Days discounts we find on Disney souvenirs and essentials, so you’ll want to stay tuned to DFB for more. Shop our Amazon StoreThe post How to Get a Free for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you looking for a way to incorporate Disney into your everyday style? Breea wearing one of our DFB shirts If you are like us, you are probably thinking about your next trip to Disney World and planning all the cute outfits you will wear while you are on vacation. We have so many great Disney-inspired designs for you to wear to the parks or just wear in your everyday life. If you have ever wondered what your favorite character might wear as street clothes, we have some inspiration for you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Our online store has so many character, park, and festival-inspired shirts, sweatshirts, phone cases, and other fun items. Today, we are showcasing five different styles inspired by some of our favorite Disney characters! Jack and Sally What would Jack and Sally wear? Snag a This is Halloween Shirt! It is officially spooky season! This Jack and Sally shirt features Jack, Sally, and Zero in pumpkin form. It is great to wear to a pumpkin patch, while you binge Disney Halloween movies, or for an evening at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party! This is Halloween Tee You can snag this shirt in different colors and fits which means the whole family can match! This is Halloween Tee View Here What would Jessie the Cowgirl wear? Check out this Rootin Tootin Crewneck! Yee Haw! This Jessie the Cowgirl inspired crewneck is great to wear both at home and in Toy Story Land. There are subtle touches like Jessie’s Boot and Hat that make it perfect for the that inconspicuous look outside of Disney World. Rootin Tootin Crewneck You can get this crewneck in a variety of colors as well as different fits. Rootin Tootin Crewneck Shop Here What would a Disney Princess wear? This shirt is fit for royalty! Bows are super popular right now and we designed a shirt that is inspired by the bow trend as well as our favorite Disney Princesses! This shirt features nine of our favorite Princesses and each bow has different defining details to represent each Princess. Bibbidi Bobbidi Bow Tee Since the bow trend is so popular, this shirt is great to wear outside of Disney World. It is also cute to wear for a day spent in Fantasyland! Bibbidi Bobbidi Bow Tee Get Yours Here What would Remy wear? Shop this EPCOT Festival inspired shirt! The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival has officially started! If you are having FOMO about missing the festival or want something to wear to the festival, this Remy shirt is a great fit! I’m Just Here for the Food Remy Tee Remy is the face of the Food and Wine Festival so it is only fitting he gets his own shirt. If you are a fan of his brother, Emile, you can participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage in the parks or have your own cheese crawl at home! I’m Just Here for the Food Emile Tee Shop Here What would Princess Jasmine wear? Shop this crewneck inspired by her pet! If you are a fan of the film Aladdin, you know that Princess Jasmine has her very own pet tiger named Rajah. This crewneck is a play on the phrase “Easy Tiger”, and features Rajah. Easy Tiger Crewneck If you are looking for a subtle Disney look to add to your wardrobe then this crewneck is it! You can even wear it to take a spin on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. It even comes in a variety of colors! Easy Tiger Crewneck View Here All of these shirts and crewnecks can add a touch of Disney magic to your everyday wardrobe and double as park outfits! Shop Our Amazon Storefront! The post Five Disney Looks that Are Perfect to Wear at Home and at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In case you haven’t heard, a brand-new theme park is coming to Universal Orlando next year. ©Universal | Epic Universe Concept Art Epic Universe will feature lands dedicated to 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, and it will also include three new hotels. Universal recently shared a ton of new details about the in-park Helios Grand Hotel…and it led us down a confusing rabbit hole — only to be saved by Carol in the chat. The Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be Universal’s first in-park hotel — meaning it will have a dedicated and exclusive entrance straight into Epic Universe. Universal recently shared a ton of new details about the Helios hotel, including what kind of restaurants and bars will be available, plus the types of rooms, recreation, and more. Universal Helios Grand Hotel ©Universal Studios We’ve known about the hotel’s projected 2025 opening for a while, but when Universal dropped all these new details they also updated their web page for the Helios Grand Hotel — and it led us into a frenzy. You see, when they updated the website they also included a number to call for reservations — so we did! But, our excitement was short-lived once we spoke to Linda on the phone. Linda checked the inventory and couldn’t find any available dates for the Helios hotel in 2025 yet. ©Universal So, we thanked Linda for her time and decided it must be a website fluke. An oversight. Still, we were determined to get to the bottom of things so we called again and spoke to Steve — who essentially told us the exact same thing that Linda did. The website had not yet been updated and was still showing a number to call for reservations, though. We did what any responsible theme park journalists would do, and decided to reach out via chat on the Universal website to see if the people behind the computer screen could help us out. ©Universal And, they did! Carol in the chat was extremely helpful — but she still told us the exact same thing that Linda and Steve had previously told us. There was no inventory showing for the Helios Grand Hotel in 2025 just yet. Carol in the chat told us to continue checking the website for updated information, and word must have gotten around about our efforts (or there were hundreds of other people calling and asking the same thing) because soon enough, the website was updated to show that reservations would be available at a later date. ©Universal So, you still can’t book reservations for the Helios hotel just yet. But, the good news is that you can book reservations for the other two new hotels coming to Epic Universe — Stella Nova and Terra Luna. ©Loews Hotels & Co While we may not be able to make reservations just yet or even know when this hotel will officially be opening, we do know one thing — we’ll be on the hunt for the latest updates. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing! EVERYTHING We Know About Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited about Epic Universe at Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments. The post We Tried To Decode This Confusing Hotel Mystery and Here's What Carol in the Chat Told Us. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

After a long day running around the Disney World parks or when you’re just ready to feel fancy, it’s nice to have a few options of where you plan to turn. So what do you do when all of those amazing table service restaurants are all booked up but you’re still hungry? You try out their lounge, of course! Citricos Lounge seating After dining at several great lounges recently we decided to up the ante a little bit. Disney World hotels are typically known for great meals when dining at signature restaurants, but how well do their lounges hold up against those same odds? We knew the perfect place to find out! If this restaurant lounge doesn’t leave you feeling like upper crust, we don’t know what will! Citricos Lounge is located on the outskirts of Citricos inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort which is known to be one of the largest per capita Disney World hotels noted for its signature dining restaurants and experiences. If you though that you’d escape that fancy feeling by scooting on by to the lounge, guess again because you’re in for the same treatment even if you choose to dine “just at the lounge.” On our way to Citricos Lounge! In the past we’ve called this little slice of heaven a “best kept signature dining secret” so we’ve ventured out once again to see if it can once again defend that title and come out smelling like a rose. Atmosphere As you step through the entranceway and make your way down to the shared central host stand, you’ll pass several framed photos, the bathrooms, and a few other restaurant entrances like Victoria and Albert’s. The lounge is just down the hall! After checking in with the host, they’ll escort you over to the lounge area just outside of the Citricos main seating for the restaurant and we were able to pick the most enticing available seating for ourselves. Check-in stand Waiting by the cascading windows that allowed for lots of natural lighting that shone right through the side of the building were plush couch-like seats covered in statement solid shades or fitting floral patterns that felt very victorian. Several of the seats were arranged around each other circling a central shared table where the server placed our menus before us to review. Found our seats! Across from the seating area is an extensive bar… Bar …befitting the entire establishment that extends well into the area beyond what you might consider the lounge and across from the main seating of the restaurant. It was well stocked and had we opted to be seated at the bar we would have been able to enjoy the view through the windows behind us overlooking the hotel’s grounds and a semi-view of the Seven Seas Lagoon area. Menu While there’s not a ton of space for the lounge beyond a few seated areas and a nearby marble-topped bar, don’t let that throw your sense of the menu here. The dining menu here is quite robust sporting first course dishes, entrées, and a few enhancements. Dinner menu In addition to the dining menu you’ll also find two menus for beverages. One will contain the restaurant’s list of specialty cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, hard ciders and beer… Beverage menu …while the other will start of the vast list of red, white, and rosé wines, sparkling wines, champagne… Wines …and a few others on the back which will also include a few cabernet, pinot noir, and Disney family of wines. A few more to choose from After we finished selecting our main courses for the evening, we were also presented with a dessert menu for later! Dessert menu Who says you can’t eat a full meal here at the lounge? Ok, we get it there’s a lot to drink, eat, and be merry here so that made our decision on what to order even more challenging! Drinks When we were ready to place our order the choice was quite clear. After looking around at the surrounding tables which were all full of bustling conversation and laughter, we noticed a popular choice of drink — we decided to follow suite. We opted for the Passion Margarita which cost us $18. It’s made of Don Julio Repsado Tequila, house made orange reduction, passion fruit, and passion fruit pearls. Isn’t she a beauty?! Passion Margarita True to its form, it’s like a standard passion fruit flavored margarita with flavored passion fruit popping pearls that burst in your mouth when you bite down. It’s a solid, fairly standard margarita with fruity yet distinctly passion fruit notes enveloping the entire drink however, you’ll still be able to taste the well-blended tequila in it (even if it’s sat awhile through a photo shoot). It was like drinking a boozy fruit juice drink and we have zero complaints about it (other than the hefty price, of course). Eats As for the rest of our meal, we were treated to a bread service before our food arrived to our table. The slices of ciabatta and olive bread are served with guava butter that contains basil salt and just the smell of the warm bread and fresh butter had our mouths watering instantly! Bread Service The butter was so smooth to spread over the bread slices and when we bit into it we definitely got the fruitier guava flavor from the buttery spread (like what’s served at Sebastian’s Bistro)… Guava butter with basil salt …however, this one had basil salt accompanying it and that gave it a more commanding presence with the sweet and salty mixture of the two. It was delicious on both types of bread and we’ll be spending all our free time from here on out learning how to make such creamy guava butter. We wanted more! After we’d sampled a few (read that as completely inhaled almost all of our bread and butter) our food started to arrive to the table. For this meal, we decided to order something of each category to help give us a well-rounded review of everything you can order here. We ended up settling on the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon, Clam Chowder, and as an enhancement, the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese. The whole meal! We started things off slowly with the Clam Chowder. This dish was more of an appetizer made St. Augustine style (which gave it more of a bisque feel) out of Cedar Key clams, purple potato, and applewood bacon for $17. Clam Chowder Ahh, the smell alone was enough to have put us in a food coma on the spot — but alas, we had a job to do! This clam chowder was excellent, and its ingredients were accented in all the best ways. In terms of texture it was creamy without being super thin, but you’ll want to be careful when this is first brought out to your table because it is extremely warm on the bottom of the bowl. The fresh veggies, potato, and applewood bacon pieces crunch a bit on your back teeth when you sink them into your bite but they’re delicious and well-cooked. There’s also what tasted like a few pepper shavings that are worked into the dish that give it that extra flash of heated spice at time. A spoonful of clam chowder While it might look like a little redder-tinted butternut squash, its distinctly clam flavored and a tad briny when you take a sip. It’s not overly smelly of fishy seafood or anything of that caliber, so even someone who may not be a super fan of seafood could still take a chance on this dish the way its prepared and stand good odds of enjoying it. Alright already, we’ll get to the main feature of the show — the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon! This dish is made of potato purée, seasonal vegetables, and guajillo beef jus accompanying the filet mignon steak for $59. Oak-grilled Filet Mignon There’s no skirting around it this plate carries a hefty price tag but we promise you’ll forget all about it when you put that first bite in your mouth! The steak was so tender and cooked to a perfect medium temperature as we had requested. We probably could have cut this well-prepared, perfectly seasoned steak with a butter knife! Inside of the filet As we cut into it, we could see the juices flowing out of the sides and out on to the nearby veggies and potato purée. Speaking of which, the veggies were well cooked and just fine, but the potato was buttery and made into that softer purée which we agreed was an excellent choice to accompany such a thick filet along with sitting in the savory beef jus. Delicious! Then we turned our attentions to the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese. This enhancement is comprised of a house-made gnocchetti, black truffle, sottocenere al tartufo, and tarragon for $23. Truffle Mac & Cheese Just like the clam chowder the smell alone will make your mouth water in anticipation! The gnocchetti is covered in creamy cheese and the entire serving size is layered with black truffles in between each one. Dare we go as far to say its one of the best jazzed up mac & cheese’s we eaten at Disney World and we would revisit time and time again for this alone. It’s just beautiful We hope you saved (some) room because we’ve still got dessert to get through and round us out. After taking a few minutes to browse their dessert selections, we settled on the Macchiato. This treat is made of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur coffee creameux, espresso veil, coffee sponge, mascarpone ice cream, and warm morita chile chocolate sauce and cost us $14. Machiatto This one is quite the ringer of a coffee-inspired dessert. The truffle bottom is coated in chocolate and almost like a chewy cookie with a gooey center piece that flows out when you break the ring apart. The mascarpone ice cream has a gelato consistency to it and has a light vanilla flavor to the dollop that’s included in the presentation. Cross section of the dessert The chocolate syrup is drizzled over the dessert at the table as it’s presented to you making it even richer and working to liven up those coffee flavors especially in the sponge pieces. The mousse piece that tops the truffle ring is where the majority of the coffee flavor is stored in the treat and it’s thick but light in the center once you break past it’s gummier outer coating holding it all together. Overall Overall we were very impressed with everything from start to finish about this restaurant and experience it aims to deliver. The service from the Cast Members was attentive and when we were browsing the menu they were happy to offer an opinion on varying food and drink choices when asked. While it was easy to pick the side of the lounge out from the restaurant seating, we didn’t feel any less attended to and we found our options to choose from more than we expected for a place where most people who were stopping by were interested in a couple of drinks and a shared appetizer. Up for some dessert? After talking with several of our “neighbors” who were repeat visitors to the lounge, it became clear that the reason why so many were opting to return time after time (or try it out for a first time) was due the atmosphere Citricos Lounge has worked so hard to establish. Nosh or Not? Round the path to the grandiose Citricos Lounge if… You’re ready to dine like royalty. Seriously, this restaurant’s service was top notch and we felt pampered while enjoying a great meal. You’re looking for secret hideout with friends for a quick minute. If you’re looking for a place to unwind after a long day or take in the incredible views as the sun sets, this could be just the spot you’re looking for! You didn’t make reservations and don’t want or have time enough to get too gussied up. Ok, maybe gussied up isn’t quite the words we’re searching for but typically when dining at a signature restaurant at Disney World there’s a bit of a dress code to keep aligned with. At the lounge, this is a bit more lax making it a great alternative if you’re craving a good meal but don’t want to go through all the trouble to look fancy. Blaze your trail in another direction if… You’re looking to lounge with a lot of friends and family. This lounge isn’t terribly big, so unless you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or intimate group (like 6 or less), this place will feel very cramped to you based on the lounge seating and you may have to split up. You’re sticking to a tight budget. While you might not have to stick to any strict dress codes, the pricing here is still aligned with the signature dining price ranges. If you’re looking for cheaper eats, you might do best to visit some of the other restaurants at the hotel like 1900 Park Fare of Gasparilla Island Grill downstairs. You like some elbow room. Admittedly for this review we weren’t in a group, however, after observing a few other groups that had a few people sitting at them, there wasn’t too much room left beyond a plate or two. Like what you saw here? There’s plenty more of Disney World’s lounges to explore! We’re updating our restaurant reviews all the time so be sure to check out a few below while you’re here and stay tuned with us for more right here at DFB! REVIEW: We Literally LOL’d When This Disney World Restaurant Served Our Food 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! Do you prefer to eat at the bar, in the lounge, or in the restaurant when you dine at Disney World hotels? Leave your thoughts for us in the comments below! The post REVIEW: We're Spilling the Tea on the Best Kept Signature Dining Secret in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s the secret to a stylish theme park outfit? How can you show off your love of Disney in a chic, stylish way? It’s simple! All you need is a nice bag. And luckily, we know just where to shop to complete your look. Loungefly Wall at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Recently, the Disney Store website dropped a popular collection of designer bags. These bags are SO fun and special, and we can’t wait to show you the designs. Prepare to be wowed. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out the Disney Sketch Crossbody Bag by Dooney & Bourke ©Disney The SUPER popular bag designer, Doone & Bourke, has done it again! This colorful design features Disney Parks icons like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, Chip ‘n Dale, Dumbo, Cheshire Cat and more. We love this small, compact bag for easy everyday use! View on Disney Store Shop the new Disney Sketch Barrel Bag by Dooney & Bourke ©Disney Looking for a Disney bag with a little more space while still keeping a relatively small profile? Look no further! This bag has classic stitched leather trim, a sturdy zip top closure, and both interior and exterior zip pockets. There’s plenty of storage! View on Disney Store How cute is this Disney Sketch Satchel Bag by Dooney & Bourke?! ©Disney OK, this bag is gonna be popular. It’s got a magnetic snap closure, TONS of pockets (including a dedicated cell phone pocket), and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. This is the purse for the Disney fan who comes prepared. View on Disney Store This Disney Sketch Baguette Bag by Dooney & Bourke is so precious. ©Disney The baguette bag is SUPER trendy right now — and for good reason! This shape is both stylish and practical, making it the perfect option for someone looking for a timeless, yet fun and functional bag. View on Disney Store Check out the Disney Sketch Tote Bag by Dooney & Bourke ©Disney Finally, we have to talk about the new tote bag! This one really shows off that adorable Disney print; there are just so many fun details. This tote bag will hold ALL your daily essentials (with room to spare!), making it a great option for a trip to Disney World. Check it out before it’s gone! View on Disney Store In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney merchandise, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items! The post 5 NEW Designer Disney Bags Are Online Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We often share news about our favorite restaurants in Disney World, and if you’ve been reading us for a while, you know that includes places like Homecomin’, Nomad Lounge, Wine Bar George, and several others. Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs But you probably also know we have a few restaurants we’re NOT that fond of, and one in particular, has several locations in Disney World. Sure, it’s a “tourist trap” type place, but kids LOVE it, so maybe it makes sense that it’s coming to the top of the Empire State Building in New York. But still, this feels like such a weird flex. We will note that this is ONLY temporary — it’s a pop-up version of Rainforest Cafe that will be on the Empire State Building’s 86th floor Observatory on October 3rd through 6th from 10AM to 8PM. So if you’ve ever wanted to visit a Rainforest Cafe at the top of one of New York’s tallest buildings, here’s your chance. Rainforest Cafe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now, if you DO want to visit this pop-up location, you will need to purchase tickets — you can get those here. That will get you access to the 86th floor Observatory to check out the Rainforest Cafe pop-up, which will have Rainforest Cafe x Empire State Building merchandise and special food offerings for an additional cost. What’s really funny is that it all started out as an April Fool’s Day joke when the Empire State Building announced on its social media accounts that a Rainforest Cafe would open at the top of the building. It seems like there was enough REAL interest that they just decided to do it. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: A Robot Gorilla Was More Interesting Than the Food at Rainforest Cafe in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments! The post “I Have No Words.” Discover Which Disney World Restaurant Will Take Over the Top of the Empire State Building first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Pour one out for DinoLand, U.S.A. DinoLand U.S.A. We don’t know when our final stroll through this roadside carnival-themed land will be, but we know that it will be too soon no matter what. That’s right, DinoLand is being replaced by a new Tropical Americas land, and while we’re thrilled to have new rides, restaurants, and more, it does mean we’ll have to say goodbye to DinoLand — and three Disney World restaurants. DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to change in a major way — as in, it will no longer exist. Instead, a new Tropical Americas land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones will take its place. Not only does this mean we’ll be losing two attractions, but it means we’ll also have to say goodbye to three restaurants in this section. DinoLand, U.S.A. Restaurantosaurus is a quick service spot that serves up your typical theme park fare like burgers, salads, and chicken nuggets, but it’s a great option for a bite to eat on this side of the park. What really makes Restaurantosaurus unique is its theming and backstory, though! Restaurantosaurus The story goes that paleontology students turned their home base into a restaurant — with the help of Chester and Hester, who run DinoLand — once they were done using it, and now you get to peruse all the cool props and equipment (including lots of sight gags and punny humor) while you eat. There are so many different props and cool references that make this spot a hit for many. Restaurantosaurus We’ll also have to say goodbye to Trilo-Bites, a cute little snack stand that serves up those delicious Buffalo Chicken Chips we love so much. They’re made with kettle chips, buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and sauce — and they are a seriously underrated snack! You can also find ice cream and milkshakes over here Trilo-Bites And, of course, there’s also Dino-Bite Snacks. This diner-inspired kiosk features ice cream, cookies, churros, and cold drinks. There’s nothing particularly unique about this spot — aside from the occasional seasonal ice cream sandwich — but we’ll still miss it all the same. Dino-Bite Snacks While we still may not know when we’ll have to say goodbye to DinoLand, we know it will still be too soon. We’ll be on the lookout for any potential updates, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog if you don’t want to miss a thing! EVERYTHING We Know About the NEW Tropical Americas Land Coming to Animal Kingdom 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! Which part of DinoLand will you miss the most? Tell us in the comments. The post 3 Restaurants Are PERMANENTLY CLOSING at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s all about the little things. Disneyland Since Disneyland first opened in 1955, the small details have been a big part of the company’s theme parks. When done right, the “Disney magic” encompasses everything in its themed environment, creating an immersive atmosphere even with the most mundane things like pavement, plants, and — in this case — a drinking fountain. Recently, a new Alice in Wonderland water fountain/refilling station debuted at Disneyland. Located in Fantasyland near the King and Queen Restrooms, the station has a regal purple color scheme and features a spot to refill a water bottle, as well as two water fountains, including one at a child’s height. The Alice Fountain At the top of the fountain is a best of Alice herself, emblazoned with the phrase “Drink Me” from Lewis Carrol’s iconic stories. “Drink Me” Of course, the fountain isn’t the only representation of Alice in Fantasyland. The fountain is located close to the Disneyland-exclusive Alice in Wonderland dark ride. It’s also not too far from the Alice-based Mad Tea Party, arguably the most recognizable ride vehicle at the “Happiest Place on Earth” (or at least up there with Dumbo’s flying elephant vehicles). Alice in Wonderland Psst. We have one more tip. If you search “bottle-filling stations” on the Disneyland app, you’ll find a map of ALL the places you can refill your water bottle! ©Disney The new Alice drinking fountain and water bottle refilling station has added a fun new whimsical touch to Disneyland’s Fantasyland. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disneyland updates. These 7 LEGO Sets From Amazon Will Turn Your House Into a Mini Disneyland! 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 small touches like a themed water fountain matter to you? Let us know in the comments below. The post NEWS: Disney Debuts Something NEW for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Fans first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a surprising number of things you can do in Disney World for free! Disney Springs You can visit Disney Springs and walk around, you can use resort transportation like the Monorail or Skyliner, you can do plenty of hotel activities, and you can even get some small souvenirs for free. And even if you paid to be on your vacation, there are often many free bonuses included with services you already paid for…bonuses you may not know about! Have you ever purchased the Memory Maker for your Disney World trip? Memory Maker is Disney’s PhotoPass package, where you can get unlimited downloads of all the pictures taken by PhotoPass Cast Members and on-ride cameras during your trip. Paying for Memory Maker is a great way to ensure everyone in your group gets to be in the picture. PhotoPass Cast Members But if you buy Memory Maker, there’s another Disney World service that comes along with it — the Disney PhotoPass Studio! You’ll find this studio at Disney Springs in The Marketplace, and many people don’t even know it exists. It’s like a fun little free photoshoot opportunity for you and your family! PhotoPass Studio And I say free because yes, you don’t technically have to pay for it at all! You can go and do the photoshoot without purchasing the pictures or having Memory Maker, and then the photos will be available in your My Disney Experience account if you decide to pay and download them. But throughout the year, Disney changes the theme of the photoshoot setup so you can get a different experience every time. Inside the studio Recently, Disney just updated the PhotoPass Studio with a new fall theme, and it’s adorable! This would be a great spot to get some family pictures done during your next visit. Check it out! ©Disney During the fall season, you can pose with pumpkins, Mickey wreaths, hay bales, and a generally cozy barn background. This is a great spot to grab couples’ pictures or even a photoshoot with your little one. ©Disney No reservations are required for this experience, though you may have to wait a few minutes in line if it’s a busy day. The PhotoPass studio is located between Arribas Bros. and Marketplace Co-op. ©Disney So the next time you head to Disney Springs, don’t forget about this free experience! We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any more news from Disney World. 49 Free Things to Do in Disney World in 2024 — 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 Do you usually get Memory Maker when you go to Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: This Free Disney Springs Service Just Got A Big Change -- And We Love It! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We have a love/hate relationship with Starbucks in Disney World. On the one hand, we do like having Starbucks ready to serve us a shot of caffeine when we need it (which comes up a lot when traipsing all over Disney World). Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom However, we also hate the long lines we often see at Starbucks in Disney World because everyone has the same idea. We DO, though, get excited when the new drink menu hits, and we recently reunited with Pumpkin Spice Latte, as well as some NEW fall drinks. Well, Starbucks just released ANOTHER new seasonal drink, so we had to try it. We’ll be reviewing more new foods and drinks in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! REVIEW: We Tried 6 NEW Disney World Snacks and We’re Revealing the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 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 tried this new Starbucks drink yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! The post “Hm. That’s a Little Off-Putting.” Starbucks Just Released a NEW Drink in Disney World, and We Have Thoughts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Prepare for liftoff… Space 220 in EPCOT EPCOT’s Space 220, the restaurant that allows the park’s guests to “dine among the stars” — recently held an event celebrating its third anniversary, and WE WERE THERE! Come check out our review of NEW menu items debuting at Space 220 soon. Space 220 is debuting several new menu items soon to celebrate the restaurant’s THIRD (!!!) anniversary — and we got to try them out! We started with the Neptuna Tartare made with Bluefin tuna, wasabi-avocado, pineapple, and mango panipuri. This was such an interesting presentation and one we’ve never seen! It was a little pod of tartare which made for easy eating. The tartare didn’t wow us but it was flavorful and firm, not overly mushy like you sometimes get with this dish. The wasabi avocado puree was a nice touch and helped add a little more flavor to the mix. Neptuna Tartare Next up for appetizers, we had the Grow Zone Sprouts Salad. This is a salad made with roasted Brussels sprouts, friseé, whipped ricotta, pickled onion, orange, pumpkin seeds, and a maple-dijon vinaigrette. This was such a fall flavor-forward salad — and we mean that in the best way! At first, all you can taste are the Brussels sprouts, but as you eat more the citrus from the orange and the sweetness of the dressing work really well together. The whipped ricotta was a nice, creamy addition that helped bring everything together. Grow Zone Sprouts Salad For entreés, the Nebula Grouper is pan-seared and comes with roasted parsnip pureé, swiss chard, and walnut butter. We thoroughly enjoyed this grouper, which was served blackened and gave it a Cajun-style vibe. The fish was flaky and light, and when paired with the walnut butter there was a warm, nutty thing going on. The parsnip pureé reminded us of mashed potatoes, and the swiss chard was good, but nothing to write home about. Nebula Grouper We also tried the new Mangala Roasted Chicken, which is Indian-inspired. It’s a spiced, marinated chicken with red pepper, carrot, and tomato served with coconut rice. We loved the spiced flavor of this chicken, it reminded us of a Tandoori chicken. The skin was crispy and the chicken was a bit overcooked, but still had great flavor. The coconut rice was a great addition — it was creamy and light without being sweet. When paired with the spices from the chicken it helped bring out an almost spicy and fruity situation that we really appreciated. Mangala Roasted Chicken The Capella is a maple mousse with orange curd, cranberry orange blondie, and chai cream. This was our favorite dessert we tried! The chai cream and cranberry orange blondie mixed together reminded us of those holiday flavors you’d expect to see around Christmas and it was definitely something we’ll be thinking about for a while. SO pretty! We tried the Sol dessert — it’s a chocolate tart, coffee sponge, hazelnut crunch, coffee mousse, and a cherry gel. If you like chocolate and coffee, this is the dessert for you! It was rich from the chocolate and nutty from the hazelnuts, which all paired very well together. The cherry gel also added a nice tartness, too. Like works of art The Bode’s Swirl is a lemon chiffon cake with berry compote and marshmallow meringue. The lemon and berry paired so well together in this light, moist cake. The marshmallow meringue was an interesting touch that added a bit more sweetness to the dessert. It definitely wins an award for how pretty it is. More dessert The new Cosmic Cheesecake is a chocolate cheesecake with chocolate crumbs, raspberry gel, and a chocolate dome. It had a nice chocolatey flavor, but we thought it was more of a mousse consistency and flavor rather than a cheesecake. The crumbles were a nice touch! ANOTHA ONE The Lunar Carrot Cake is totally plant-based and is a carrot cake with cream cheese and candied pistachios. The top part sort of mimics whipped cream but has a bit of a tang as well, and the carrot cake was well-spiced and not too sweet. You’re gonna want to try this new menu For drinks, we tried the new Key Lime Mule. It wasn’t anything too different from your run-of-the-mill Moscow Mule, but it was quite ginger-forward, so if you’re averse to that keep it in mind. Key Lime Mule We also got the P²OG, which is essentially the same as it has been — but it’s been switched to a Jamaican rum! It’s made with passionfruit, tangerine, guava, and pineapple. It’s incredibly refreshing and tastes like you’re on the beach rather than in space. P Squared OG In addition to the new menu items, Space 220 is also introducing a new series of collectible trading cards! You can check some of them out below. When you order a mocktail or something from the kids’ menu, you’ll get trading cards that are unique to Space 220 — you can’t get them anywhere else in EPCOT. Make sure you stop by Space 220 after October 14th if you want to try these new menu items and get some new trading cards! NEW trading cards! EPCOT Space 220 restaurant is introducing a revamped menu and some new trading cards in honor of its third anniversary, and we got a first look at them. Stay tuned to DFB for further EPCOT coverage. The Sneaky Reason You Should Book an 8PM Reservation for These EPCOT Restaurants 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 been to Space 220? Let us know in the comments below. 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 Disney World to attend their media preview of Space 220. 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 REVIEW: Could This NEW Menu Fix One of Disney World’s Most DIVISIVE Restaurants? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It is no secret that you do a lot of walking while on vacation at Disney World! Walking down Main Street Getting those steps in is just part of the Disney World experience. Since you are on your feet so much, you must find a comfortable pair of walking shoes. We go to Disney World every day, so we have learned what works best for us, but there is a major Disney World shoe debate. Are you Team Crocs or Team Sneakers? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Finding a good pair of walking shoes is so important, as you want to avoid getting blisters on your feet. It also rains a lot in Central Florida, especially in the summer, so you also want to wear shoes that will dry quickly, like Crocs. It can be tough to decide what shoe is best to get you through a long park day. So we reached out to you all, our lovely readers, to settle the sneakers vs. Crocs debate once and for all! Crocs The results don’t lie; 90% of our readers said that they are Team Sneakers, whereas only 10% are Team Crocs. Expect to do a lot of walking in Disney World. One reader said, “As someone who has worn both… I will NEVER wear Crocs to the parks again. Ever. Soooo many blisters. Tennis shoes are life!” Another reader shared their park shoe strategy and said, “I pack two different pairs of sneakers and rotate them every other day. Both worn in and already loved.” Also, on Team Sneakers, a reader said, “Sneakers all the way!” People walking in Magic Kingdom If you want to join Team Sneakers or are looking for a new pair of walking shoes for the park, we love these Hoka sneakers! They come in so many different colors, making it easy to find a pair to match your park outfits. ©Amazon Join Team Sneakers Here As we said, it does rain quite a bit at Disney World. While the rainy season in Orlando is considered to be the summertime, Orlando can still see rain throughout the year, and it is not always ideal to get stuck in a rainstorm when you are wearing sneakers. While Team Crocs might be in the minority when it comes to the best Disney World shoe, they do have a point that they are the ideal shoe to wear when it rains, as you do not have to walk in squishy sneakers with wet socks. Rainy Day A Team Croc reader said, “Team Crocs. I bought my first pair in a rainstorm a few years back, and I’m hooked.” A reader on both teams said that they were sneakers for sunny weather and Crocs during rainy weather. Crocs Wall While Crocs can give you blisters, you can break them in, and they are a solid choice of shoe when it rains. If you want to join Team Crocs, you can do so here! Just like the Hoka sneakers, there are so many colors to choose from! ©Amazon Join Team Crocs If you want the best of both worlds and want to wear your sneakers while it rains, our reporters love these waterproof shoe covers! They are easy to keep in your park bag and pull out when it starts to storm. Our reporters love them! Shop Here And there it is, it is settled: 90% of Disney fans (our readers) are Team Sneakers when it comes to the best shoe to wear at Disney World. Shop DFB’s Favorite Shoes for 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 Team Sneakers or Team Crocs? Tell us in the comments!The post 90% of Disney Fans Said WHAT? RESULTS ARE IN on This HUGE Disney World Shoe Debate! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you ask anyone what the biggest event in October is, they’d probably respond with “Halloween, of course!” Halloween in Magic Kingdom But if you’re talking to a Disney fan, it might be a more complicated answer. That’s because there are so many exciting changes happening in the parks every month and October 2024 is no exception! So let’s check out the biggest changes and events you can expect at Disney World during the spookiest month of the year! 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 October at Disney World! Hollywood Studios and EPCOT Attractions Permantly CLOSE We have to say goodbye to some popular attractions in October. First up is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The last day of operation is October 7th, 2024. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Taking the place of the Cars-themed show is a brand new Disney Villains show set to debut in the park in the summer of 2025. Disney will transform the current Sunset Showcase into the “mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror” and teased that it will feature appearances from Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent each “breaking through the glass” where they will take the stage to perform live! ©Disney If you’re wondering why Villains are coming to Hollywood Studios when a new Villains Land has been announced for Magic Kingdom…you’re not alone. Nevertheless, the show will be a nice tease and welcome more villain experiences to Disney World well before the land opens! ©Disney Then, over in EPCOT, two tours are disappearing — one temporarily and one permanently. On September 10th, Disney announced that one manatee and three dolphins would be permanently moved out of their The Seas with Nemo & Friends habitats in EPCOT. Dolphins in EPCOT Due to these changes, Disney is permanently ending the EPCOT Seas Adventures — Dolphins in Depth tour. The last tour will take place on October 19th, 2024. ©Disney The temporary closure comes to EPCOT Seas Adventures — DiveQuest — a two-hour backstage tour and scuba experience that allows you to get up close with aquatic life like sea turtles, reef fish, stingrays, and sharks. It also closes on October 19th, 2024, however, Disney confirmed that it will return sometime in 2025. Diver Time is running out to experience these attractions! A NEW Villains Show Is Coming to Disney World Extended Evening Hours Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Extended Evening Hours are one of the biggest perks to staying at a Deluxe Disney World hotel…and in October, that perk will get even better! The offering is returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on October 11th and will reoccur on certain dates afterward. P:andora was MEANT to be seen at night With Extending Evening Hours, you’ll be able to stay in the park from 6PM-8PM after the park closes. Yep — without the crowds or wait times of a regular park day! And with a park like Animal Kingdom, you should be able to get nearly everything in the park done in that time! Here’s the list of rides that are set to be open during this time: Avatar Flight of Passage DINOSAUR Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain It’s Tough to be a Bug! Na’vi River Journey TriceraTop Spin Animal Kingdom at night Want to know if you’re eligible? Check out the list of hotels that include the Extended Evening Hours perk here. The Pink River Is GONE From Disney’s Animal Kingdom Expansion Concept Art, and We Want Vindication Say Goodbye to Encanto in EPCOT ¡Celebración Encanto! has been entertaining guests since it debuted at EPCOT in June. But in October, we’ll likely be saying goodbye to the show… ¡Celebración Encanto! There is hope for an extension, though! Originally, the show was set to run through September 6th of this year. Then it was extended to help celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month through October 15th. There’s been no word since what the fate of the show is, but it seems to be a big hit in the park! Bruno and Mirabel It’s also possible that this may go away to make room for a holiday show during EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. We’ll just have to wait and see to know for sure! I’ve Been a Disney World Fan for 30 Years. This Is My Ultimate Ritual at EPCOT Jungle Cruise Reopens! We’ve seen several Disney World rides close for refurbishment over the past few months and one of the most recent was Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. The opening day attraction temporarily closed on August 26th, 2024, but it’s getting ready to reopen in October! Walls are up at Jungle Cruise On the Disney World refurbishment calendar, Jungle Cruise is listed through October 17th. Then, on October 18th, it disappears! So if you’re dying to ride the punniest ride in all of Disney World, try to schedule your Magic Kingdom visit for the 18th or later. Jungle Cruise These dates are subject to change and may be earlier or later than Disney originally thought. Earlier this year Peter Pan’s Flight surprise reopened a few days early so while it’s not expected, it’s possible! Is This Hotel Restaurant Permanently Closed in Disney World? EPCOT Closes EARLY Beware! Every once in a while, the park hours are drastically different than usual…but you’ve got to be paying attention to spot that! On October 22nd, that happens at EPCOT where the park will close EARLY at 5PM. EPCOT The park typically closes at 9PM…so what gives? Well, we did some digging and found that it’s because a company has bought out the park for the evening! The Gartner Group has bought out EPCOT for the evening to have their IT SYMPOSIUM|Xpo from 8-11PM. That means all attractions and restaurants in EPCOT will close for guests at 5PM (but, as usual, if you get in line for a ride before 5PM, they’ll allow you to ride), giving the park time to empty out before the event members come in a few hours later. ©Gartner Group This can either be a blessing or a curse depending on the type of ticket you have and your priorities. A lot of people tend to avoid the park altogether on days like that, and we highly recommend that option if you have a ticket that only allows you in ONE park per day. However, if you have a park hopper, you might be able to take advantage of some shorter wait times and then hop to another park. It’s ultimately up to you, but don’t say we didn’t warn ya! 2 Dates You Might Want to AVOID the Disney Skyliner 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 October! 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 October? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in October first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The UNITE HERE Local 737 union held a press conference on September 18th, 2024, to talk about the working conditions of Disney Springs subcontracted restaurant workers. Disney Springs The press conference included numerous Disney Springs subcontracted workers sharing personal statements, and the release of a report done by the union about working conditions. The Local 737 union already represents more than 19,000 Disney World Cast Members who work in Food & Beverage and Housekeeping, as well as workers in the Orlando tourism corridor. Local 737 While you might think that the Disney Springs restaurants are operated by Disney, a large majority of them have other owners and operators. There are 56 restaurants at Disney Springs which are not owned by Disney, and the employees there are subconstractors employed by the restaurant owners, rather than by Disney World. The meeting Jeremy Haicken, President of UNITE HERE Local 737, led the press conference where he reviewed the findings of their report on the working conditions for subcontracted Disney Springs restaurant workers. Disney Springs You can read a full copy of the report right here. The report combined data from 69 subcontracted Disney Springs restaurant workers to give a look at working conditions in some of the restaurants. Disney Springs The union says these workers deserve higher wages, full-time jobs, access to health insurance, and paid vacation and sick time. Local 737 Press Conference Numerous Disney Springs restaurant workers also shared personal statements about their experiences. Julie, who works at Pizza Ponte, said that “wage is so low I am unable to afford an apartment. I am living in the living room without any privacy.” Julie also said that she “can’t afford a car to even get to work.” Pizza Ponte Kristen, who is a server at Maria & Enzo’s spoke about how the lack of health insurance has affected her. She has a chronic health condition and ends up paying almost $500 a month to have health insurance since her current job does not provide it. Maria & Enzo’s Other workers from Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s also shared statements. They spoke about the lower wages they are paid compared to Disney Cast Members in similar jobs. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Two Disney Cast Members also spoke, saying they believe these subcontracted workers should be treated equally to their Cast Member counterparts. Disney Springs Patina Restaurant Group (which owns Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Pizza Ponte, and Morimoto Asia) did not respod to our request for comment. Disney Springs Local 737 said it will assist these workers in efforts to unionize. Stay tuned to DFB for continued coverage of this story. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post "I Am Living in the Living Room Without Any Privacy” -- Disney Springs Restaurant Workers Detail Lower Pay, Lack of Benefits first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ll just say it: the Brightline train at Orlando International Airport was a real game changer for it when it first opened in 2023. Brightline train We took the train from Orlando to Miami and we were SHOCKED at how nice of an experience it was and how it was SO much less stressful than driving or taking a plane. Since then, Brightline has continued to expand, not just in Florida, but even so far as over to the West Coast. Well, Brightline isn’t done getting better because even more changes are coming to the passenger rail service. According to The Orlando Business Journal, Brightline will soon be adding new offerings to passengers due to the Miami route being so successful. The rail service provided a total of 1.21 million rides (!!!) between Orlando International Airport and South Florida between September 23rd, 2023 (the first day of the route) and July 2024. That is a LOT of rides!!! Brightline station in Miami As a result, Brightline will be expanding its current fleet of eight trains with 30 NEW coaches over the next year. This will include 20 Smart Class cars, as well as 10 premium cars. You’ll see the first new coaches this fall, though. This will help increase capacity on routes and allow for even MORE trips per month. Brightline Orlando station Brightline is also starting a loyalty program in early 2025. So you’ll be able to earn and use rewards just for riding the train. COOL, right? We’re ready to sign up! Brightline will also start a new program that will allow its riders to order food, beverages, and other items directly from their train seat via a website. Okay, we are all about convenience, so that sounds BRILLIANT. Inside the train Brightline’s current goal is to reach 400,000 passengers per month with a future goal of 650,000 per month by 2026. That’s 8 million riders PER YEAR. At the rate the service is going, we think it’s totally doable. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Brightline updates, and we’ll be sure to let you know when that new loyalty program launches because we bet a lot of Florida folks would be interested in it. So stay tuned to DFB for more. Orlando Brightline Train Announces Partnership That Will Make Cruising EASIER! 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 taken the Brightline train yet? Let us know what your experience was like in the comments! The post Brightline Just Confirmed TWO Big Changes Coming Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s almost October, and that means Halloween is ACTUALLY almost here! The TTC in Disney World We’ve been loving seeing the Halloween decorations and festivities over at Disney World and Disneyland Resort, and we’re excited for the cool fall weather to continue rolling in. If you’re visiting Disney World this upcoming month, we do need to warn you that there are two rides that won’t be open at different times throughout the 31 days. Sorry to all you Jungle Cruise fans, but Jungle Cruise will be closed until October 18th in Magic Kingdom. The ride has been undergoing maintenance for weeks now, and while we’re excited to see this classic Disney attraction open again, we are bummed it’ll be closed for the majority of the month. Jungle Cruise However, if you’ll be in the park the second half of the month, you’ll be able to see the backside of water once again. Jungle Cruise The only other planned closure this month is over in EPCOT. Yep, that’s right, it’s Test Track. Test Track This beloved attraction is undergoing a MASSIVE retheme that will bring it closer to its original version, World of Motion. Many Disney fans are extremely excited about this change, and we are too! While we don’t have an official reopening timeline for Test Track just yet, we do know it’s planned to open in 2025, so we have at LEAST a few more months without this popular ride. A re-imaged version of Test Track attraction will open at EPCOT in 2025. Looking for more recent Disney World news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Disney World News! Why Disney Adults (Including Me) Keep Asking for Row 15 on Big Thunder Mountain RailroadHow Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost in 2025?Is Anyone Going to Disney World Right Now? This Data Point to an Interesting Trend!2 New Problems Disney Adults Are Talking About, and Why They Need to Relax.Tickets for Disney Springs’ Hottest Attraction are ON SALE for 2025 Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! NEW Concept Art Released for Disney’s Residential Community 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 When is your next trip to Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post 2 Disney World Rides Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in October 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s Halloween season, and Disney World is in the spooky swing of things! Halloween in Magic Kingdom We’ve already been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and shopped a plethora of seasonal merchandise in the stores, and we’ve even tried several spooky snacks in the past several weeks. But Disney will be continuing these celebrations until Halloween! And today, we got a NEW Halloween collectible in the parks. During our most recent visit to EPCOT, we spotted this Mickey and friends Halloween popcorn bucket at the popcorn cart in World Celebration. How cute is this?! It’s so cute! It features several Disney Halloween icons, including the Headless Horseman and Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters. There are little jack-o-lanterns spread throughout the design. The Haunted Mansion is even featured! Huey, Dewey, and Louie After our visit to EPCOT, we also spotted this new bucket at Magic Kingdom. It’s available for $13, which is the same price as the other basic buckets. (Much cheaper than those specially-shaped ones!) Who else loves popcorn buckets? Popcorn buckets have been a popular souvenir for years! With these buckets, you can take them to any popcorn cart and get a popcorn “refill” for a cheaper price than if you bought the popcorn outright every time. They’re a great investment for people who come to the parks often or who love Disney popcorn. World Celebration Popcorn Stand If you’re interested in more Disney Halloween souvenirs, they’ve got the seasonal collection in several gift shops around the property as well as online at the Disney Store! If you make it out of Disney World without going over your souvenir budget this time of year, you deserve a pat on the back. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates! We’ll keep you in the loop. Click Here to Check Out Another NEW Disney Popcorn Bucket! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Would you get this popcorn bucket? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World Just Dropped a NEW Halloween Souvenir! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one thing that Disney World does well, it’s a themed dining location! Grand Floridian Lobby From lightly-themed lounges to restaurants that feel like you’ve walked straight into your favorite movie franchise, there are SO many themed places to dine around Disney World. And some of them are located in unexpected places! If you’re a Beauty and the Beast fan, you may know all about the dining offerings like Be Our Guest and Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom, but did you know about a stunningly themed spot just outside of the park? Atmosphere Recently, we headed to Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for a light bite and a few drinks, and we want to take you along with us! This Beauty and the Beast-themed bar and lounge is located on the second floor of the resort’s main building. Let’s go inside! There are lots of stunning decor elements and subtle nods to the live-action Beauty and the Beast film in here. For example, this beautiful chandelier in the bar area is made to be a reference to Belle’s ball gown. Bar area Outside of the bar room, there are a few places to sit in this lounge. Perhaps the most popular is the library room, which features ample seating in the form of cozy chairs or high-top tables. The Library There are shelves upon shelves of books all around, and if you look closely, you may find some hidden details within those shelves. Seating They’ve also got some of their more expensive wines on display in this room, and there are a few tables for slightly larger parties. More Library On the other side of the bar, you’ll find a room inspired by the enchanted forest. This one is painted in shades of green and has large pieces of detailed artwork on the walls. Forest room If you’d prefer to sit outside, there’s a small balcony area off of the enchanted forest room. There are a few lounge-style places to sit out here. Balcony And remember those hidden details we told you about? Well, we won’t spoil their locations, but the next time you’re visiting Enchanted Rose, make sure to look out for some familiar faces…or pieces of furniture, maybe we should say. Does this look like someone you know? Cogsworth Some favorite friends like Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and more are hiding throughout the lounge area. See who you can find! Mrs. Potts! Now on to the food! Menu Let’s take a look at the menu for Enchanted Rose! Here, they serve light snacks starting at 3:30PM when they open, but the kitchen opens to serve the full list of appetizers at 5PM. Since it’s a lounge, these will be smaller plates — great for ordering multiple and sharing with friends. ©Disney There are a number of featured cocktails inspired by Beauty and the Beast that Enchanted Rose is known for. ©Disney They also serve a selection of grand cocktails, which are the lounge’s take on several classic drinks. ©Disney For other beverages, check out the martini menu, or the extensive list of wines, champagnes, beers, and ciders. ©Disney Prefer mocktails over cocktails? They’ve got a list for you too! The beverages without alcohol menu includes a few mocktails as well as some coffee and tea options. ©Disney Now that we’ve got the full scope of the menu, let’s dive into what we ordered! Eats We just took a quick visit to the lounge, so we ended up with two beverages and a snack. Starting out, we got the Manhattan for $26.50. This is made with Whistle Pig 10yr Straight Rye Whiskey, Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Manhattan For the price, we think you can find other Manhattans in Disney World that are better. This is quite strong and you get that punch of orange flavor from the bitters. It’s a good drink for someone who wants a heavy whiskey flavor, but for nearly $27, this might not be worth the cost. Manhattan We also tried the Espresso Martini for $16 made with Stoli Vanil Vodka, espresso, and Crème de Cacao. She’s a pretty one! Espresso Martini We thought this was definitely not the sweetest espresso martini, but it was really robust and had a great coffee flavor. If you want this sweeter and creamier, you can get them to add Bailey’s to it, but if you don’t need that extra, it’s great without it. Espresso Martini We arrived at Enchanted Rose shortly after they opened, so we were only able to order from the menu of light snacks. We got the Warm Marinated Olives for $9. Olives Unfortunately, these were fairly disappointing. Not bad flavor-wise with some punchiness, but a LOT of oil that made us feel unusually greasy and uncomfortable. Olives So what did we think of our visit to Enchanted Rose? Overall The BIG thing you need to know about visiting Enchanted Rose is the timing! We’re tempted to say that you shouldn’t bother coming here before 5PM because those snack options (literally just nuts, olives, and beef jerky) are kinda lame compared to the eats they serve here for dinnertime. The drinks here are pricier than some other places around Disney World as well. Enchanted Rose So while the dinner eats are typically pretty good and we’ve generally enjoyed the drinks, you should just be prepared to spend more $$$ here overall. It’s not a cheap lounge! Nosh or Not? Be a part of the tale as old as time and dine here if… You’re a HUGE fan of Beauty and the Beast. If you really appreciate the movie and love a themed restaurant, we definitely think you should check this place out! The atmosphere is elegant and beautiful, and if you’re going to be in the area it’s a great stop. You want to try some of their signature drinks or food items. The menu here is unique and different, and some of the items they offer can’t be ordered elsewhere in Disney World. You’re going to be at the Grand Floridian and you want to unwind for a minute. This is a lovely bar stop if you’re doing a Monorail bar crawl or you’re visiting the Grand Flo and just want to unwind with a drink and some food. Be our guest somewhere else if… You’re on a tight budget. Depending on what you order, dining here can be more expensive than ordering at a full-scale table service restaurant. Those small plates aren’t huge, and the drinks are pretty pricey. It’s before 5PM and you want food. If you come here before 5, you’ll only be able to get your choice of three snacks, which is disappointing. Wait until 5PM and order from the small plates menu instead or if you don’t have your heart set on this spot, check out Gasparilla Island Grill for a quick bite. You just want a basic drink. They serve all the basics here, but as we mentioned, they can be more expensive than other bars in Disney World. Save yourself some money and try a different spot. Enchanted Rose Stay tuned to DFB for more food reviews from Disney World! We’ve got you covered with the latest. Click Here to See ALL the Dining Options at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort! 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! Have you ever been to this lounge? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Trust Me — You Don’t Want to Go to This Disney World Restaurant Before 5PM first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT is a beautiful theme park with lots of outdoor green space. EPCOT You’ll find flowers, bushes, trees, and open grass areas. It’s a really neat theme park in that way. This also means that you might find cute wildlife like ducks and other bird species, geckos, and more (and, of course, the sea creatures in the aquarium!). We love all the outdoor spaces most of the time, but there is one problem with all these plants being here that we can’t stop thinking about, and it directly affects all of EPCOT’s festivals. The other day, we were reviewing a specialty Joffrey’s beverage for the Food and Wine Festival. We stopped by the Joffrey’s near Disney Traders to grab the PB & J Latte. PB&J Latte While we were going in for our first sip of the latte, we sipped up and immediately spit out our drink! As our reporter was taking a drink, they sipped up a DEAD BEE! There was a dead bee in our latte, and it went into our reporter’s mouth. They were traumatized and couldn’t stop thinking about it the rest of the day. The Cast Members at the Joffrey’s stand were great and made a new one for free, but the reporter went to a different stand to review their second drink. The DEAD BEE in our drink! When they got to the next Joffrey’s stand, they noticed a sign out front that said, “Syrups & sauces are temporarily unavailable to reduce the attraction of bees to this location.” Warning about bees Bees are a real issue around EPCOT, especially during the festivals. EPCOT has four festivals throughout the year — the Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Holidays, Flower and Garden Festival, and Festival of the Arts. Each of these festivals showcases outdoor food stands, and you’ll likely end up eating your food outside. All the food, syrups, and plants around EPCOT during these festivals can draw these important insects to the area. Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk While we need bees to keep EPCOT and other outdoor areas functioning and looking beautiful, they can be a problem for those allergic to them and for those of us who don’t really want to eat them with our food and drinks. So, while you’re enjoying your festival food, BEE-WARE that bees may be nearby! Schöfferhofer Lemon Zest Hefeweizen from the Germany Festival Booth We always enjoy EPCOT’s festivals and highly recommend checking them out! They are offered seasonally, and right now, you can visit the 2024 Food and Wine Festival until November 23rd. Explore food and drinks from around the world, exclusive entertainment, and some fun scavenger hunts around EPCOT. The festival is included with your park tickets, but we suggest using a gift card to help budget your spending on food and drinks! For more Disney news, keep following DFB! A HUGE Change at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival…Was A Disappointment IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you had a wild experience like this at Disney World? Tell us about it in the comments! The post "Mentally I Can't Stop Thinking About It" The Most Bizarre Problem You'll Face at the EPCOT Festivals first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Isn’t it great when you can access Disney World right at your fingertips? Magic Kingdom The My Disney Experience app has been an absolute must when visiting Disney World over the past several years. It’s a hub for tickets, hotel reservations, dining reservations, mobile orders, Lightning Lane passes, Disney PhotoPass, maps, wait times, showtimes, and so much more information. The app is crucial, which is why we’re happy that the latest iPhone update just made it easier to access My Disney Experience! Apple recently released the iOS 18 update for the iPhone, which will now allow you to add the My Disney Experience app to your iPhone Lock Screen! © Disney || My Disney Experience To do this, first make sure you have the iOS 18 update installed. You can find this option by going into your Settings, tapping General, and then tapping Software Update. Once you’re up-to-date, touch and hold the Lock Screen until the Customize and “+” buttons appear at the bottom of the screen. If they don’t appear, touch and hold your Lock Screen again and then enter your passcode. Step 1: Find the Lock Screen and Home Screen Customizations From there, tap Customize and then go into your Lock Screen options. Step 2: Select the Lock Screen Here’s where the caveat kicks in. You’ll have to tap the “-” on one of the widgets at the bottom, such as the Flashlight or Camera to remove one. Step 3: Remove an existing widget Once you do that, tap the “+” option to open the controls gallery. Step 4: Add the new widget You’ll find a plethora of replacement widgets. Step 5: Find “Open App” Choose Open App, where you can select the replacement app. Step 6: Select “Open App” In the search box, type “Disney World” to find the My Disney Experience app and select it. Step 7: Search for the My Disney Experience app by typing “Disney World” Tap outside the Open App box to make this your new shortcut. Step 8: Add the widget to your Lock Screen Finally, select “Done” in the upper right corner. Step 9: Select “Done” Once you tap the Lock Screen, that will be your new layout. To have access to the My Disney Experience app, simply touch and hold the app icon on your Lock Screen and voilà! Step 10: ENJOY! If you were hoping this works for the Disneyland app as well, you’re in luck! This new iOS feature lets you customize your Lock Screen with a plethora of apps, including the Disneyland app! ©Disney According to Apple, the new update is as follows: “iOS 18 brings new ways to customize the iPhone experience, relive special moments, and stay connected. Customize your iPhone further by arranging your Home Screen, your Lock Screen, and Control Center in all-new ways. Photos delivers the biggest redesign ever to make it even easier to relive your special moments. Staying connected with friends and family is even better with new ways to express yourself in Messages. A new hiking experience in Maps and updates to Wallet enable you to explore the world further. iOS 18 also brings new features to Safari, Journal, Notes, Phone, and so much more.” Home Sweet Home Phone Case Is this a phone feature you plan on using during your next Disney World trip? Let us know and continue to follow us here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney Parks news, reviews, tips, and more! Do NOT Make This EXPENSIVE Disney World Restaurant 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 How often do you use the My Disney Experience app? Will this new update be helpful for you? Let us know in the comments! The post The Newest iPhone Update Just CHANGED How You Use the Disney World App...and We Love It! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Act fast Annual Passholders! ©Disney Disney World often rolled out limited-time offerings for their Annual Passholders (APs), including everything from exclusive merchandise and food options to experiences in the resort’s theme parks. This past summer, the company offered three perks at Animal Kingdom in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King. However, time is running out to enjoy them, as all three perks expire on September 22nd. Back in August, Disney released a brand new Annual Passholder exclusive magnet featuring Timon and Pumbaa. Annual Passholder magnet The popular free souvenir — early lines were LONG — is available at Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures to any AP who presents their valid Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand, MagicBand+, or Disney MagicMobile pass, along with a government-issued photo ID. Only one magnet is available per Passholder, and they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The magnet line! The magnet wasn’t the only special offering to be made available to Annual Passholders in August. A special treat, the Rafiki Wildberry and DOLE Whip Orange Float was made available at Trilo-Bites on August 14th. The concoction features wildberry syrup, Fanta Orange, and orange-flavored DOLE Whip. Rafiki Wildberry and DOLE Whip Orange Float Once again, Passholders are required to present their valid Annual Pass ID from the My Disney Experience app and a government-issued photo ID to purchase the treat. REVIEW: A NEW Dole Whip Treat Is Available NOW in Disney World, but There’s a Catch! Finally, an exclusive Magic Shot was made available near the Discovery River between Africa and Asia. In the set’s final photo, Timon and Pumbaa magically appear. To download the photos, Passholders need to have a valid Annual Pass with the Disney PhotoPass Downloads Add-On Option. Photos can also be purchased separately. Disney’s Animal Kingdom If you’re an Annual Passholder looking to take advantage of these exclusive perks, head to Animal Kingdom ASAP as they are all scheduled to disappear on September 22nd. Stay tuned to DFB for further news on Disney World perks. The Pink River Is GONE From Disney’s Animal Kingdom Expansion Concept Art, and We Want Vindication 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 taken advantage of these AP perks? Let us know in the comments below. The post 3 Disney World Perks Are ENDING Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This decades-old Disney ride is being replaced. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (Disneyland) Change is a fact of life at Disney theme parks. Over the years — for better or worse — many rides, shows, attractions, and even whole lands have been shuttered after decades to be replaced by new and updated ones. Next month, one of the core attractions of Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland will fall victim to this progress. On October 31st, the Tokyo Disneyland version of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters will close permanently. The attraction, which opened in 2004, is a variant of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin attraction which opened at Walt Disney World in 1998. Buzz’s face when he learned Ralph was moving in… The Star Command Space Ranger is being evicted to make room for a new attraction based on the 2012 animated film Wreck-It-Ralph. ©Disney According to Disney, the attraction — which is scheduled to open in 2026 — will “allow guests to “enter the candy-themed racing game Sugar Rush, which is being attacked by Sugar Bugs – glitches created by King Candy. Guests team up with the beloved film characters Ralph and Vanellope to transform the Sugar Bugs back to their original “kawaii” confectionery such as cookies and cakes.” Judging by the attraction’s concept art, the Buzz Lightyear ride system will be directly reused, with guests using the former blasters to “transform the Sugar Bugs.” ©Disney Meanwhile, very similar variants of the Buzz Lightyear attraction still exist at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Shanghai Disneyland. A version had previously been in operation at Hong Kong Disneyland as well, however it was closed in 2017 and replaced by an Ant-Man and the Wasp attraction. Help Buzz defeat Zurg! The Tokyo Disneyland version of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters will be closing at the end of October to make room for a new Wreck-It Ralph attraction. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on Disney ride closures around the world. If Disney’s Magic Kingdom Expansion Doesn’t Include This Ride We’re Not Going 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 object to Wreck-It-Ralph replacing the Buzz Lightyear attractions at Disney World and Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below. The post This Disney Ride Will Permanently CLOSE in October to Make Way For Wreck-It Ralph Replacement! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The executive team at The Walt Disney Company has been changing quite a bit since Bob Iger returned to his role as the company’s CEO in 2022. ©Disney This is actually fairly normal for a company, especially when priorities begin to shift, and executives go on to other roles in the company or find other opportunities outside of the company. Several executives have left over the past few years, but one Disney executive recently chose to step down to focus on her other priorities within the company: making sequels to the popular Frozen franchise of films. According to Deadline, Jennifer Lee, who has been the Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation since 2018 is stepping down from that role so she can focus on directing and writing the two Frozen sequels currently in the works, Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 with Marc Smith. ©Disney She will be replaced, effective immediately, by Oscar-winning Encanto filmmaker Jared Bush. He will report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman. ©Disney Lee said, “I am so grateful to Bob and Alan for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full time. Every day working with them is a master class in creativity, business, community, and integrity. I’ve always believed in Jared’s incredible talent and can’t wait to see, with his passion and dedication to animation, what he brings to the CCO role. For me, getting to collaborate with this studio of artists, animators, and storytellers is such a privilege, and I look forward to all we will create together.” Frozen 3 is expected to release in November 2027. We saw some concept art for the movie back in August at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. At that same event, Disney also announced that the Frozen Broadway musical will premiere on Disney+ in 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for more! FULL Ride-Through of the NEWEST ‘Frozen’ Ride — It May Be Disney’s Best Ride EVER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this news? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Exec Is Stepping Down To Work on "Frozen' Sequels first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort during the Halloween season, you’ve come to the right place. The planDisney panelists are sharing 8 hauntingly great tips for experiencing frightfully fun offerings across the resort – from the theme parks to Disney Springs, and even at your Disney Resort hotel! Walt Disney World Theme Parks Panelist LeAndra L. loves heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with her little ones for a Halloween-inspired character dining experience at Hollywood & Vine. “Minnie and her friends come out to play in their Halloween best while your family enjoys a yummy, buffet-style meal. Not only will your kiddos love giggling with Cowboy Goofy and a not-so-scary Vampire Mickey, but little ones under the age of 3 eat for free at All-You-Care-To-Enjoy dining experiences!” Did you know you can embark on a seasonal scavenger hunt around EPCOT? Panelist Kristi R. says, “Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is a fun addition to your visit that the whole family will enjoy! Simply purchase a game board and stickers, then keep an eye out for hidden character pumpkins around the park.  At the end of your day, you can return your game board for a spooky surprise that makes for a wonderful keepsake!” You can join the hunt now through November 1 while supplies last. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party If you’re heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with little ones, panelist Jennifer S. has some advice for making the most of your evening at this separately ticketed event. “Eat an early dinner and arrive at 4 p.m. to start taking advantage of your time at Magic Kingdom Park. Most little ones won’t make it to midnight (they turn into pumpkins!), so get your family photos taken as soon as you arrive and plan to watch the earlier Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade at 8:15 p.m.” Panelist Lizzie B. wants to let you in on a little secret. “Adults are allowed to visit Magic Kingdom Park in costume during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This makes it the practically perfect opportunity to get the entire family in on the magic by choosing a group costume that’s themed to your little one’s favorite Disney character! Whether you transform together into Andy’s favorite toys or a crew of Never Land locals, be sure to review the event’s official costume guidelines before your visit.” Disney Springs Panelist Heather S. says Disney Springs is the best place for the whole family to get into the Halloween spirit! “As you stroll through Disney Springs, you’ll find seasonal décor, Halloween merchandise, and delicious treats with a dash of Halloween cheer. In the evening, you’ll experience eerie entertainment like dance parties, street performers, and DJs spinning spooky tunes!” Looking for a unique way to commemorate your family’s visit to Walt Disney World during the Halloween season? Panelist Alison S. recommends stopping by the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for a seasonal photo session. “The Disney PhotoPass photographers will be as happy as a grim-grinning ghost to capture your Halloween memories! There’s no cost for the photo experience and no reservations are required. Your downloads are available for viewing and purchase on the My Disney Experience mobile app (and included with your purchase of Memory Maker!)” Disney Resorts Collection After a long day at the theme parks, panelist Betsy S. and her family love to head back to their Disney Resort hotel to catch a movie under the stars. “As Halloween creeps closer, be sure to check the recreation schedule to see which slightly spooky flicks are showing during your stay. Stop by your resort’s quick-service dining location to pick up some seasonal treats and set up for a frightfully fun evening!” If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel on Halloween night, panelist Lauren H. recommends visiting the front desk or checking out the special activities board to see what Halloween-inspired activities your resort has planned. “One year, my kids got to put on their Halloween costumes and join a parade in the lobby. You might also find trick-or-treat trails, haunted scavenger hunts, ghoulish pool parties, and more!” Well, there you have it! If you have any Disney vacation planning questions, stop by planDisney.com to ask one of our fang-tastic panelists! You can also follow along @planDisneyPanel on Instagram for more vacation planning tips and insights. Happy haunting! Panelists are compensated for their participation on planDisney. The post 8 Hauntingly Great Tips for Celebrating Halloween at Walt Disney World appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article