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Let’s just say this weekend has been…EPIC. We finally got a chance to explore Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Epic Universe. We’ve been running all over Super Nintendo World, as well as How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. We also got to get our first really good look at Dark Universe, including the INCREDIBLE Monsters Unchained ride. Well, there was something about that ride that REALLY impressed us that we haven’t talked about yet: the lockers. So, if you’ve ever visited Universal Orlando, you’ll know that most rides require you to put your items in lockers. You’ll also know that the lockers are kinda small — there just isn’t a lot of space in them. Look at these tiny things — you can barely fit a Loungefly in there (and it’s going to get squished if you do manage to stuff it in there): Lockers at Universal Well, the lockers at Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment are a LOT bigger! And y’all — that made us so happy. Because you can stuff a Loungefly OR TWO (OR THREE) in there without any problem. We also like that these lockers could fit stuff from multiple people, which certainly makes keeping track of everyone’s things a bit easier. HUGE lockers! So shout out to Monsters Unchained for its big lockers — we would love to see this become the norm across Universal (yeah, we know we’re dreaming, but if this could be what lockers for all new rides look like, we’d be happy). Also, we hope other theme parks are paying attention. We often bring a park bag with a lot of STUFF — we need better places to store them when on rides. No room for bags on this ride! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Epic Universe news, so stay tuned for more. FIRST LOOK Inside Dark Universe at Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think about these lockers? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post CONFIRMED: These New Lockers RULE in Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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We’re HYPED for this upcoming event coming to EPCOT! EPCOT EPCOT is home to several events — like festivals — each year, and they can be massive draws. However, there’s one non-Disney hosted event coming up at EPCOT that will have many Disney Adults flocking to the famous Disney World theme park! Disney Dapper Day is an event that lets you “dress up a little, or a lot” during a visit to Disney World. The event celebrates “fun, refined style from vintage classics to chic, contemporary looks! Active and retired service members are encouraged to wear your dress uniforms if you like,” according to the official Dapper Day website. Pictured: @alange_realtor @mtorres1119 @saylortremaroli @rayrad This Dapper Day Spring Outing is coming to Disney World on April 26th and 27th, 2025, with a fun meet-up coming to EPCOT on the 26th. DAPPER DAY® On Saturday, April 26th, Dapper Day is hosting “Dapper Aperitivo”, starting at 5 PM at the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT. The official description reads: “Say ‘Ciao’ to friends new and old while savoring the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Italy Pavilion.” Italy Pavilion in EPCOT The fun doesn’t stop there. The next day, on the 27th, Dapper Day moves to Magic Kingdom with the “Liberty Belle Farewell”. This event starts around 2 PM at Liberty Square and will consist of “one final riverboat voyage before this 51-year-old attraction permanently closes. (If you miss the first departure, or it fills to capacity – just hop on the next one.)” Liberty Square Riverboat The Dapper Day brand doesn’t anticipate having a Pop-Up shop at the event but does hope to return to Disney World in the fall in case you miss this outing. As a reminder, Dapper Day is not associated with The Walt Disney Company. Pictured: @stormy_trooper24 @nurselisab1981 Do you plan on attending? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World updates! EVERY Dapper Day Event Announced For Disney World and Disneyland in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever attended a Dapper Day? Share your experiences in the comments below! The post Why Disney Adults Will Be Running to EPCOT at 5PM on April 26th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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If you travel as often as I do, you know the airport security struggle all too well. Between juggling your carry-on, digging out your laptop, and making sure you haven’t left a water bottle in your bag (we’ve all been there), the last thing you want is to fumble with complicated shoes at TSA. MCO Airport (and this is a GOOD crowd) I used to be one of those people who wore sneakers that required lacing and unlacing (rookie mistake), but I’ve since learned my lesson. Now, I opt for lightweight, slip-on shoes that let me breeze through TSA without missing a beat. If you’re looking to upgrade your airport shoe game, here are some top picks that make security a total breeze. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out these Women’s Penny Loafers by DREAM PAIRS ©Amazon Listen, loafers are the ultimate travel hack. They’re sleek, stylish, and—most importantly—easy to slip on and off. These Women’s Penny Loafers from DREAM PAIRS are a perfect example of form meets function. The supple PU upper and soft insole keep your feet comfy, while the lightweight outsole makes them ideal for airport sprints (because let’s be real, we’ve all had a gate change at the last minute). Plus, the metallic accent gives them a polished touch, so you can go straight from the plane to a nice dinner without skipping a beat. View on Amazon Check out these Women’s Sylvia Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flats with Memory Foam Insole by Universal Thread ©Target If you’re a fan of ballet flats, these Women’s Sylvia Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flats are a must-have. They feature a cushioned memory foam insole (perfect for long travel days), a closed pointed toe for a little extra sophistication, and an adjustable ankle strap to keep them secure. They’re a great option if you want something cute and breathable that won’t slow you down at security. View on Target Check out these Women’s Ballet Flats by FRACORA ©Amazon These Women’s Ballet Flats are 100% a travel essential. Made with breathable PU leather and featuring a memory foam insole, they offer all-day comfort without the bulk. The round-toe design makes them a great fit for all foot shapes, and the lightweight sole means you can easily pack them in your carry-on for a backup option. Whether you’re running errands at the airport or need something easy to slip into on the plane, these flats are a great choice. View on Amazon We’re always looking out for those essentials you’ll need on your next Disney trip, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post I Go To the Airport Many Times a Year, and This Shoe Trend That Makes Security a Breeze first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park
Disney4me posted a topic in Disney News
Potterheads may well lose their minds when Epic Universe opens next month. Universal Orlando’s next theme park features a “Harry Potter”-inspired attraction that’s exhilarating, imaginative, and, at times, jaw-dropping. The ride, dubbed Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, is one of the noteworthy Epic offerings that folks are experiencing as the park moves through its previews for key audiences, including Universal employees and, on Saturday, members of the media. The attractions remain in “technical rehearsal” before Epic Universe opens to the public May 22. Without being too terrible of a spoiler, here are initial impressions of upcoming attractions. The queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry features Delores Umbridge, whose trial is the focal point of the ride. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Taking Umbridge The storyline of Battle at the Ministry (part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic) revolves around the trial of Dolores Umbridge, a villainess in the “Potter” series, and riders see a lot of her (actress Imelda Staunton). They also see Harry, Hermione and Ron more than they do in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride at Universal Studios theme park. A trial is an unlikely setting for a park ride, so it’s fortuitous that there’s an escape attempt and pursuit. Riders, situated in 16-passenger “magical lifts,” follow the action in parallel lifts that move up, down and while bumping around in the depths of the Ministry of Magic. The movement is unpredictable and while we want to believe good will win out … Will it? Also in the mix is a formidable erumpent, a horned magical creature, reportedly Universal’s largest animatronic figure. But before all that is the long, winding queue through the Ministry. The pathway is lux if bureaucratic, and mixes grand, high-ceilinged spaces featuring golden statues with small spaces, including Umbridge’s very pink, very kitty office. Linking it all: miles of tiles. There are more than 200,000 of them lining the walls leading to the ride, Universal says. Stardust Racers rolls in Celestial Park during a preview day for Epic Universe on Saturday. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Sky highs “Don’t underestimate Stardust Racers,” I was advised about Epic’s unassuming-looking roller coaster running in Celestial Park. But as I crested the first big hill after that wicked first launch I realized I had underestimated Stardust Racers anyway. The coaster has rollicking maneuvers that keep coming despite a string of profanities and pleas to my sainted mother in heaven to save us. The racing coaster aspect of Stardust practically forces Universal veterans to recall the late, great Dueling Dragons, a staple of the early days of Islands of Adventure. But just as I was thinking the near-misses weren’t as plentiful as they were in Dragons days, they flooded in on Stardust. Another fair IOA comparison would be with Jurassic World VelociCoaster. I’d rate their intensities as similar, but Stardust felt like a longer experience. Plus, the new ride has two similar — but not identical — rails. So now there are two of them. A quibble: At the top of the hills, I was distracted by non-Epic elements in the distance and nearby construction units. But it was nice on the descents to see grassy areas, something many coasters do without. Epic features three additional coasters: the also-surprising Hiccup’s Wing Gliders in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; the family-friendly Curse of the Werewolf spinning, spinning, spinning coaster in Dark Universe; and close call-heavy Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World. A 9-foot-figure of Frankenstein and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein are focal points of the pre-show leading up to Monsters Unchained. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Monster musings Future Epic Universe debate: Ministry or Monsters — which is better? Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, the centerpiece ride of Dark Universe, has a lot going for it, including multiple animatronics in unusual positions, effective robotic arm technology and a story that’s easy to follow with a girl power element to it. (Wait, what’s up with barefoot Dracula?) I’d also argue that there’s more humor in Monsters Unchained and a slightly less jerky ride. Its queue isn’t as fab as the one for Ministry, but it’s fitting, has grand staircases and starts the story effectively (and visually) before the ride begins. (Wait, what’s up with all the stairs all over Epic?) Perhaps I was more entertained by Monsters, but maybe Ministry is more impressive? Ministry or Monsters — which is better? There is no wrong answer. A portal leads the way to How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, one of the worlds of Epic Universe theme park, which officially opens to the public May 22. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Making an entrance Each themed land’s entrance is a tunnel-like portal connecting from the Celestial Park area. They’re several yards deep and have distinct designs that build anticipation. Each is topped with elaborate spires with symbols representing the upcoming world. The other side of the portal isn’t an a-ha moment with a whole new land spread before you. Each gateway delays its big reveals a little, usually a shift in direction or a visual surprise such as a tile wall or twin escalators. There’s a method to this madness. When leaving the lands for your next stops, you’re unlikely to exit via the portal. Side exits naturally flow back to Celestial Park, so there is just one-way traffic through the tube. The portals also help with immersion, a major theme-park buzzword for the past umpteen years. The trend got a jumpstart with the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure in 2010. The idea, of course, is to move visitors figuratively to another world, realm, fictional setting, or, in Epic’s case, a videogame. And to do this without hints of the outside world. Epic Universe is like building four Wizarding Worlds side-by-side. Its themed lands are distinct and stand-alone with few distractions. When standing on the lowest level of Super Nintendo World, the only real life seen was the blue sky above. In the latest Wizarding World, visitors stroll through a worn-looking 1920s Paris before traveling into a 1990s setting for its signature ride. The wide expanse of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk goes big and wooden. In only a couple of instances does a neighboring land creep into sight. One involved the Grand Helios hotel, which stands in Celestial Park between two other lands, peeking over the top of scenery. In another spot, it feels like the landscape will grow in and provide separation. The Mario character and spinning gold coins decorate a fountain at Epic Universe theme park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)If you please So many details of note all over Epic Universe, but let’s wrap up with five moments that we expect to be crowd-pleasers. • The 9-foot-tall animatronic of Frankenstein’s new monster in the pre-show of Monsters Unchained. • The Mario water fixture with spinning gold coins just outside Super Nintendo World. • The flying dragon above “The Untamable Dragon” stage show at Isle of Berk. • The rooftop bar at Helios Grand — and not just for the park views. • All the reading there to be done on the walls of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article -
Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s first new theme park since the late 1990s, offers five worlds including How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe. The park, which has been open in preview mode for certain guests to ride coasters, see shows and explore immersive worlds, will open to the public on May 22. View the full article
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We’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort! Super Nintendo World is HERE! This BRAND-NEW theme park will officially be opening on May 22nd and will be home to five different themed lands including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. We’ve been keeping an eye out for any potential news ahead of the park’s opening, and now we’ve gotten to step inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe for the first time! Having made its debut at Universal Studios Japan followed by Universal Hollywood, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is coming to Orlando, too! We just got to step into this land for the first time — along with a look at Donkey Kong Country, too and we’re bringing you everything you need to know. Let’s go inside! Like the other lands at Epic Universe, you’ll enter through the “portal” — in this case, the iconic green pipe from Super Mario World! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is actually divided into two areas — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Universal promises “vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, Blocks and more.” Look at all this detail!! Super Mario Land will present adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters; Donkey Kong Country is where you can encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other members of the Kong family. Wow! Not only that, but Super Mario Land will be home to two attractions, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure. While we didn’t get a chance to ride Yoshi’s Adventure today, we did get to take a spin on Bowser’s Challenge! Bowser’s Challenge! Bowser’s Challenge is essentially the exact same ride we got to experience over at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, and we loved it just as much. We think this ride is incredibly immersive and so much fun for people of all ages, but those who love Mario Kart will have the time of their lives. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Universal Studios Hollywood And again, while we didn’t get to ride it today, here’s where you’ll enter to check out Yoshi’s Adventure on your visit. Yoshi’s Adventure This attraction is fantastic for younger ones, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for special easter eggs along your ride! It’s also a great way to see more of the land from a higher vantage point, which is beautiful. Yoshi’s Adventure Before we headed over to Donkey Kong Country, we also got a chance to pop into one of the main shopping locations here, which is Mario Motors! We love all the colors and the design of this location, especially all the nods and details that fans of the universe will recognize and love. Mario Motors Just take a look at some of the apparel you’ll be able to grab here in just over a month! A peek at some merchandise Then we headed over to Donkey Kong Country, which has one attraction — Mine-Cart Madness. Mine-Cart Madness We love the way this entire land looks, and it really feels like our favorite Donkey Kong games have been brought to life. The track for this ride brings you around the land a little bit, and the technology makes you feel like you’re truly jumping the track! Just look at this detailing! While this ride is friendly for families, keep in mind that it will be a bit more intense than Yoshi’s Adventure thanks to those jumping parts, so it might catch some riders off guard! You must be a minimum height of 40” to ride this attraction. The ride vehicles You can also check out The Bubbly Barrel in Donkey Kong Country, which is home to some sweet treats and refreshing drinks. The Bubbly Barrel As we were leaving the land, we got a chance to walk by the 1Up Factory, which is another merchandise location here in the land. 1Up Factory It’s also one of the places you can grab a Power-Up Band to enhance your experience in the land, if you so choose — be sure to grab one if you’re interested in seeing just how immersive this land can get! Our Power-Up Band! We’re getting a chance to check out the WHOLE park today, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more theme park news! EVERYTHING We Know About SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited about the opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Donkey Kong Country? Tell us in the comments. Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post FIRST LOOK Inside Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. 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Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Magic Kingdom With Spring Break crowds petering out slightly in the weeks before Easter, knowing what the weekly average waits are for rides can make or break your upcoming trip. If you’re heading to the parks soon, we’ve got all the info you need to know! Don’t believe us? Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! Magic Kingdom Wait Times TRON Lightcycle/Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 82 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 56 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 52 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 43 minutes Space Mountain — 38 minutes Jungle Cruise — 36 minutes Haunted Mansion — 28 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 28 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 24 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 20 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 18 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 17 minutes Barnstormer “it’s a small world” — 16 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 16 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 16 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 12 minutes Philharmagic Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 14 minutes Mad Tea Party — 11 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 10 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 9 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress Liberty Square Riverboat — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 4 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 4 minutes Country Bear Jamboree had no waits this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in Magic Kingdom, and You Can’t Change My Mind EPCOT Wait Times Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 87 minutes Frozen Ever After — 50 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 49 minutes Soarin’ — 27 minutes Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes EPCOT Living with the Land — 16 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 14 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 13 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 13 minutes Spaceship Earth — 12 minutes Journey into Imagination — 10 minutes Test Track is closed for refurbishment. Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times Pandora – The World of Avatar at night Avatar Flight of Passage — 53 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 45 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 37 minutes Expedition Everest — 27 minutes We got DRENCHED to get this photo. Kali River Rapids — 27 minutes Dinosaur — 16 minutes It’s Tough To Be a Bug closed permanently and The Boneyard had no wait times this week. These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Slinky Dog Dash — 64 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 50 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 47 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 40 minutes Tower of Terror — 37 minutes Toy Story Mania — 37 minutes Hollywood Studios Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 36 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 26 minutes Muppet*Vision 3D — 10 minutes Star Tours — 8 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. So Are We Just Going to Ignore the Hollywood Studios Ride Elephant in the Room?? Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! ‘Menu Sleuths’ Are Taking Over Disney World 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 How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post The Battle for the Most POPULAR Disney World Ride Continues first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Updated: April 3rd, 2025 Heading to Disney World in April? We don’t blame you! The Monorail at EPCOT If you’re looking to skip the lines on your upcoming trip, you might consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass! This new paid service allows you to skip the long standby lines at rides and use the shorter Lightning Lanes instead. And, we’re bringing you a look at Lightning Lane prices for April 2025. Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass allow you to select up to three rides in advance for specific times up to seven days in advance if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel and up to three days if you’re staying somewhere else. Lightning Lane at MuppetVision*3D Disney also debuted Lightning Lane Premier Pass last year, a pricier version that lets you choose Lightning Lane selections and enter them at any time. This service costs anywhere from $129-$449 per person per day, depending on park and date. The biggest difference between Multi Pass and Single Pass is that you don’t have to pre-book Lightning Lanes for specific times — you can enter a ride’s Lightning Lane at any time you choose for the date and park you’ve purchased Premier for. Winnie the Pooh Lightning Lane Here are the prices for all three Lightning Lane options in the month of April: April 1st Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $35 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $329 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 April 2nd Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $35 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad April 3rd Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $26 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $29 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $429 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 4th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $429 EPCOT: $329 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $309 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 April 5th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster April 6th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $35 EPCOT: $26 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 April 7th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $32 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $19 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $159 April 8th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $32 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $19 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $429 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $159 April 9th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $32 EPCOT: $21 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $19 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $159 Slinky Dog Dash April 10th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $32 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $19 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $209 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 11th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $26 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $29 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 April 12th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $429 EPCOT: $239 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 13th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 April 14th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 Haunted Mansion April 15th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 April 16th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 April 17th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 April 18th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 April 19th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $39 EPCOT: $32 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $35 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $29 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $19 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $25 Avatar Flight of Passage: $18 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $249 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $349 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $199 Space Mountain April 20th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $22 Avatar Flight of Passage: $17 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $429 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $329 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 21st Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $35 EPCOT: $28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $32 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $25 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $229 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $329 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 22nd Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $27 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $13 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $209 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $329 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 April 23rd Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $37 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $27 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $449 EPCOT: $209 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $309 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $189 April 24th Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass Magic Kingdom: $35 EPCOT: $24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $27 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $22 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $21 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $18 Star Wars Rise of the Resistance: $24 Avatar Flight of Passage: $16 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Magic Kingdom: $419 EPCOT: $209 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $309 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $179 We’ll be on the lookout for the latest Lightning Lane updates from Disney World. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! Updated List of EVERYTHING Included In Your Disney World Lightning Lane Multi Pass Purchase 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 out the Lightning Lane system at Disney World yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments. The post April Prices CONFIRMED for Disney World’s Lightning Lane System first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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FIRST LOOK Inside Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Disney4me posted a topic in Disney Food/Restaurants
It’s about to get DARK. Really, really dark. We’re talking cursed monsters. Experiments gone wrong. Fire. Evil laughter. Scary stuff! Can you handle it? Good, because we need a friend. We’re going to Dark Universe, the spooky new land in Epic Universe at Universal Orlando. Prepare for jaw-dropping, heart-pounding, scream-inducing moments all over the place. Dark Universe Portal You might be thinking, “How did you get in there? Epic Universe isn’t open yet!” and you’d be correct. Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe Park officially opens on May 22nd, 2025, but we got a special invite to preview the park before it opens to the public. We went through every land and every attraction, and now we’ve made it to Dark Universe. Do you hear that? Someone’s giving us a warning. “It’s alive! It’s alive!” Well, with that, let’s head through the portal… Even the smallest details — like the bathrooms — have a dark, twisted feel. After all that time in Darkmoor, you might start feeling like you are part of the story. Well, you’re in luck! You can check out the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where artists will transform you into a werewolf, vampire, mummy, and more. Each team member wears a lab coat-like costume, just like Dr. Frankenstein would wear. ©Universal Wow! We MADE it! We survived Dark Universe and lived to tell the tale. There is SO MUCH more to say about this land, so stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and secrets. Darkmoor We’ll be updating you as we explore more of Epic Universe throughout the day, so make sure you check back for the latest news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What are YOU most excited to see at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post FIRST LOOK Inside Dark Universe at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article -
There’s A LOT going on at the Disneyland Resort this year, including a couple of fan-favorite shows returning to the parks. That’s got us wondering what else could eventually return. Main Street Electrical Parade when it returned for its anniversary at Disneyland Beginning May 16th, Disneyland will start its year-long celebration honoring its 70th anniversary, which will run into the summer of 2026. The anniversary will see some new offerings like shows and ride overlays arrive at the resort, as well as the return of some fan-favorite shows. This had me thinking — could we ever see the uber-popular Main Street Electrical Parade come back to Disneyland? The Main Street Electrical Parade is/was a nighttime parade that first premiered in Disneyland Park in 1972 and eventually made its way to Disney Parks worldwide. The parade featured luminous floats and live performers that were adorned with over 600,000 electronically controlled LED lights, while the joyous Baroque Hoedown played as the background soundtrack. Such a fun parade! The original parade at Disneyland ran from 1972 to 1996, but would later return in 2017, 2019, and 2022. Disney California Adventure also hosted the parade between 2001 and 2010, while Magic Kingdom had its own version from 1977 to 1991 and again from 1999 to 2001 and 2010 to 2016. Main Street Electrical Parade At Disneyland, Paint the Night Parade became the Main Street Electrical Parade’s successor, running from 2015 to 2017 and then again at California Adventure in 2018. This parade utilizes over 1.5 million LED lights in addition to several special effects, live performances, and a musical arrangement featuring Baroque Hoedown and Owl City’s When Can I See You Again?. Best of all, IT’S BACK AT DISNEYLAND STARTING MAY 16TH AS PART OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY. ©Disney I’m so excited to see Paint the Night come back, as it is a worthy successor to the Main Street Electrical Parade, but I can’t help asking, “When Can I See You (The Main Street Electrical Parade) Again?” The answer is complicated. Disneyland brought it back for its 60th anniversary, so it would’ve made sense to bring it back again, but it also makes sense to bring back Paint the Night, which won over tons of fans during its run. The Main Street Electrical Parade However, it’s more than likely Paint the Night’s run will once again come to an end eventually, leaving Disneyland without a nighttime parade. So could we see the Main Street Electrical Parade eventually take its place? Probably, but that’s speculation at this point. From my local perspective, I have to express how beloved the parade is here among Disneylanders (and myself). Demand has elongated its run before, and whenever it comes back, Disney uses it as its main selling point during commercials. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the commercial where Disney shows a large warehouse with sitting floats from the parade and, then all of a sudden, the lights turn on and the parade’s return is hyped up. A pirate ship is coming! Disneyland summers and the Main Street Electrical Parade were synonymous for quite some time. The Main Street Electrical Parade is one of my earliest memories and Disney fans both young and old take the time to check out the parade, whether or not they’re regular parade-watchers. The demand is ALWAYS there, so I’d venture to predict that Disneyland likely brings it back in a limited-run capacity at some point in the future. Hello there! When could it return? We might have to wait for another anniversary or special celebration — or there’s a chance they just pick a random summer. At this point, we think it’s coming back eventually in some capacity, but when and where (it could be at California Adventure) remains to be seen. Main Street Electrical Parade Finale If and when the parade returns, you can count on us at DFB to fill you in and keep you updated! In the meantime, stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest Disneyland news, tips, reviews, and more! Disney Announces NEW Additions for 70th Anniversary — Including Dessert Parties! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Do you prefer Paint the Night or the Main Street Electrical Parade? Let us know which side you’re choosing in the comments below! The post Will Disneyland Ever Bring Back the Main Street Electrical Parade? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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With Epic Universe opening on May 22nd, the team here at Disney Food Blog has been waiting to try all of the new food! WELCOME to EPIC UNIVERSE! And now the day has arrived and we have finally gotten the chance to try out some of the yummy eats from The Oak & Star Tavern! Let’s take a look! We love that the restaurant has it’s own unique flavor dedicated to the land! Celestial Spritz The Oak & Star Tavern is a quick-service restaurant where guests can walk right up to the counters and order their meals. The Oak & Star Tavern The menu features breakfast and lunch/dinner options, as well as a draft beer menu. Prices for entrées range from $11.99 to $19.99. Here’s a full look at the menus! Oak and Star Tavern Menu The restaurant’s atmosphere is absolutely stunning, with stained-glass decor that feels mystical and enchanting. The Oak & Star Tavern The restaurant features multiple dining rooms and distinct seating areas, each thoughtfully designed to bring its story to life. We had a great time trying out some of the dishes from The Oak & Star Tavern and can’t wait to continue on our quest to try all the new and exciting food Epic Universe has to offer! Stay tuned to us here on DFB for all the latest Epic Universe updates and news. Excited for Epic Universe like us? Check out everything we know about Epic Universe here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What food item are you most excited to try at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post MENUS and PRICING Revealed for The Oak and Star Tavern at Epic Universe! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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To travel to a new universe, one must first go out of this world. WELCOME to EPIC UNIVERSE! We’re just a few months away from the opening of Epic Universe, the Universal Orlando Resort’s revolutionary, years-in-the-making new theme park. This game-changing theme park is going to include portals based on major franchises, including Universal’s Monsters, Nintendo, The Wizarding World, and How to Train Your Dragon. However, to reach those lands, you’ll need to cross through another… The central hub of Epic Universe will be Celestial Park. Universal says this land is “the cosmic heart of Universal Epic Universe, where wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways, and dancing fountains. Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together.” Atmosphere You’ll meet Luna and her bunny Lepus when you first walk in! Celestial Park When we first entered the land, we were taken aback by how beautiful the area looked all around us. There are gorgeous water features, plants, and flowers everywhere. Celestial Park This area is so big, and we loved the large walkways. The flowers are blooming, and we can smell them as we walk in. It put us in such a good mood, and since this is the main hub, it prepared us for whatever else Epic Universe is going to bring us. What a great central hub! Constellation Carousel This ride has no height requirement, making it a perfect option for families. It is also Universal Express Pass eligible if you want to skip the standby line. Constellation Carousel This carousel was one of the most beautiful we’ve seen. The animals all look like shiny artwork. Beautiful We love the constellations and stars on top that you can look at while you spin or look out into the land and see the beauty of Celestial Park. They look like glass animals! We will continue to update this post as we learn more about this land! We’re sharing all the details about Epic Universe so stay tuned to DFB for more on the NEW park! We GASPED When We Saw These Epic Universe Souvenirs at Universal’s NEWEST Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which Epic Universe portal are you most excited for? 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 Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post FIRST LOOK Inside Celestial Park at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Going to Disney World means you’ll be doing a LOT of walking — and you might need a comfy pair of shoes to do that in! ©Disney While we don’t recommend wearing a brand-new pair of shoes to the parks, we do recommend upping your shoe game if you’re in the market for a new pair — just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to break them in before your vacation. We’ve tested out a TON of different shoes in the parks and Hokas are some of our favorites — which is why we’ve found all these on SALE! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Score a free trial of Amazon Prime by clicking the button below! Get the Hoka ONE Gaviota Shoes ©Amazon This pair of shoes delivers “inherent stability without compromising cushioning” thanks to Hoka’s H-Frame base. There’s a breathable creel jacquard upper with ultra-plush collar, and Bondi-level cushioning for that classic Hoka feel. View on Amazon This Hoka Arahi running shoe is on sale ©Amazon This shoe features more stability with the same streamlined support. There’s also a supportive flat-knit upper with dual gusset midsole support. There are plenty of different colorways and this shoe comes in both men’s and women’s sizing. View on Amazon We love the Hoka One Bondi 8 shoes ©Amazon This pair of Hokas is one of their best sellers and it’s easy to see why! The Bondi takes a bold step forward this season reworked with softer, lighter foams and a brand-new extended heel geometry. Taking on a billowed effect, the rear crash pad affords an incredibly soft and balanced ride from heel strike to forefoot transaction. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this chic-colored pair ©Amazon Hokas come in plenty of bright colors, but if bright colors aren’t really your style — consider opting for this version of the Bondi 8 in these sandstone colors instead. View on Amazon Don’t forget these Hoka Cliftons ©Amazon The new Clifton 9 delivers a revitalized underfoot experience with a responsive new foam and improved outsole design. Removing overlays and hotmelts, the stripped-back upper has been consciously crafted with a plusher heel, reflective heel panel, and streamlined tongue with single side medial gusset. View on Amazon And finally, grab this pair of Hokas on sale too ©Amazon This pair features water-resistant leather, a slip-resistant outsole, and an EVA midsole to ensure an all-day cushion, this workplace warrior features an ultra-grippy, full-ground contact rubber that stands up to the demands of the service industry and medical field alike. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post The Best Deals on Hokas for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Choosing which Disney World restaurants to visit during your trip can be a tall order, but, fortunately, we’re here to provide some recommendations. Homecomin’ When it comes to brunch at Disney World, it’s tough to beat Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs. This restaurant is the definition of consistent quality and keeps us coming back for more. Homecomin’ serves The Rise ‘n Shine Brunch, a special Southern-style brunch, every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and you’ll find all sorts of delicious offerings, such as fried chicken and house-made sugar doughnuts, as well as white peach sangria and mimosas. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Some of these brunch items are so good that we can’t stop talking about them! So, if you are heading to Homecomin’ for brunch, here are our recommendations. Homecomin’ Hash The Homecomin’ Hash is served with two sunny-side-up eggs over fire-roasted tomatoes, diced potatoes, chopped bacon, sautéed red peppers, and onion. It also comes with potato gratin mash and a cheddar drop biscuit to finish it off. You can grab this for $24. New Homecomin’ Hash! This is a newer dish that we recently tried and we swapped the side with cheesy potatoes. Needless to say, we were blown away. The eggs were cooked perfectly, the hash is seasoned with tomato juices and spices that bring the flavors to life, and the cheddar cheese biscuit just ties everything together. A peek at the hash! We were also fans of the potatoes, which were heavy and well-seasoned. Altogether, this is a spectacular offering! Moonshine Flight Another newer offering, the Moonshine Flight is $36 and comes with five different moonshine-based cocktails. The drinks all together! The Mountain Shine is a berry drink with a hint of citrus emanating from an orange peel and found it to be quite pleasant. Mountain Shine! The Moonshine Margarita is pretty light an quite reminiscent of a traditional margarita, so if that’s what you’re looking for this could be your go-to drink. The Moonshine Margarita! The Blue Hooch is most like a cocktail, featuring nice depth depth and fruitiness compared to other moonshine drinks. The Blue Hooch The Strawberry Lemonade is another drink highlighting fruity flavors. It’s super smooth and akin to a strawberry lemonade. This one is the most dangerous, since you can’t tell the moonshine is even present. It’s easy to drink several of these and forget you’re downing alcohol. The Strawberry Lemonade! The Sweet Tea is actually sweet and very well balanced, not too dissimilar to the Strawberry Lemonade. Sweet Tea Overall, some of these drinks hide the moonshine well, making them great brunch beverages. You can also order these drinks individually. Everglazed Doughnuts What’s brunch/breakfast without doughnuts?! The wall of doughnuts The Everglazed Doughnuts come from the nearby Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew and they make for a fun brunch treat. Look. How. Fluffy. You can get the mini glazed doughnuts for $10 and get them topped with pecans and bacon for an extra $2. Bee Haven Bay Fried Green Tomatoes The Bee Haven Bay Fried Green Tomatoes are absolutely irresistible. These beauties are served with shaved ham, a rémoulade sauce, and dressed local greens. Bee Haven Bay Fried Green Tomatoes The flavor combo is fantastic and after all these years they’re STILL a must whenever we dine at Homecomin’ for brunch. Short Rib Hash It’s so hard to top the Short Rib Hash, which is served with two sunny side up eggs over, grilled corn succotash, potatoes, onions, red bell, Fresno peppers, a cheddar cheese drop biscuit, and a choice of side for $26. Short Rib Hash This is ridiculously tender and packed with flavor. If you want a bit of a kick and long for the breakfast version of pot roast, this option should be on your radar. Cheddar Drop Biscuits Doing brunch at Homecomin’ without getting Cheddar Drop Biscuits seems wrong. Homecomin’ Cheddar Biscuits These delicious biscuits are served with your choice of blackberry fig jam or sawmill gravy for $10. Seriously, these famous biscuits are sooo buttery and cheesy that if we just had a bunch of them and nothing else, we’d be satisfied. Fried Chicken & Doughnuts If you’re going to Homecomin’ you HAVE to try the fried chicken AT LEAST once. Fried Chicken & Doughnuts The Fried Chicken & Doughnuts come with two pieces of Chef Art’s famous fried chicken served with house-made sugar doughnuts and your choice of a side item. It costs $32. Friend Chicken and Doughnuts This dish is a nice combination of sweet and salty and should fill you up. We absolutely LOVE this dish and find the boneless chicken to be well-salted and seasoned, with plenty of crunch. The buttery and creamy mashed potatoes are delicious and the soft and sweet glazed doughnuts bring the whole meal together, keeping us coming back for more. This dish is seriously amazing Have you tried brunch at Homecomin’? Share your review below and continue to follow us at DFB for Disney Springs reviews, tips, updates, and more! REVIEW: Homecomin’ in Disney Springs Literally Never Misses — And We Are OBSESSED with These NEW Menu Items Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are your favorite brunch items at Homecomin’? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Homecomin' Brunch Is Always a Good Idea in Disney World -- and What to Order While You're There first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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The brand-new, insanely innovative, and thrilling Epic Universe park opens on May 22nd, but we’re reporting LIVE from the park a little early for an exclusive sneak peek! We are getting to explore what this park has to offer, and we are taking you all along with us. EPIC UNIVERSE! We have gotten to step through the portals, watch the new How to Train Your Dragon show, and now we are exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. We are headed to the main attraction in this land, and we can’t wait! Like we said before, we weren’t able to take pictures during the ride, but we are still giving you all the details and sharing our thoughts! There will be spoilers! You start in the magic elevator, and you are seeing other wizards going to the trial of Dolores Umbridge. You see Harry, Hermione, Ron, and a house-elf named Higgledy, and they are all going to the trial. Then you turn a corner to see Dolores Umbridge being transported to her trial. Ministry Room However, things take a turn as a Death Eater helps free Dolores and she casts a spell at you, goes into her pink dress, and the ride really gets going! Seats on the attraction The elevator you are in starts falling, but then you are saved by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Then you are taken through the ministry, and you see the Death Eaters fighting. While the Death Eaters are animatronics, we were AMAZED by how realistic they looked. We definitely did a double take a couple of times thinking they were real. Dolores Umbridge’s Office The Death Eaters are casting spells and fighting with Harry and Hermione. The graphics are fantastic, and you don’t even have to wear 3D glasses to feel like you are in the middle of it all. Everything blends seamlessly together, where it is hard to even distinguish what is a screen vs. an animatronic. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Queue As the Death Eaters are fighting, your elevator ends up getting shot off into the Department of Magical Creatures. You come face to face with a huge Erumpent, and it starts chasing you. You continue making your way through the Department of Magical Creatures seeing various creatures. Queue You learn that Dolores Umbridge is heading to the time room to try to use a time turner to go back to the time of Voldemort. Next, you move into the time room and Umbridge is there with Higgledy who she has captured. As Umbridge is using the time turner, Higgledy asks her why she is using a broken time turner. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Umbridge casts the Reparo spell, and it explodes and all the glass in the room and breaks all the time turners. You end up in a time void that is full of magic swirling all around you, and you see Umbridge getting whisked off. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry As you move into the next room, you see that Harry and Ron have Umbridge at her trial. Of course, the story ends on a good note, as Kingsley Shacklebolt convicts Umbridge and justice is served! Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Overall, we were super impressed with this ride. It is jaw-droppingly good and so immersive. We loved that it was a long ride, the seats you are in really get moving, and the graphics are super crisp. You feel like you are right in the middle of all the action without having to wear 3D glasses. While the ride does have a lot of screens, there is a good mix of screens and animatronics. You will spot lots of nods for Harry Potter fans as well. The story is an original story, but we felt like it fit into the world, and it was just a really enjoyable experience. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Epic Universe is opening on May 22nd, and tickets are already on sale. From the new attractions, restaurants, meet-and-greets, snacks, and merch, we don’t know where to look, but we are so excited about all of it! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic Portal We can’t wait to try all of the new food at Epic! Stay up to date with Disney Food Blog for details on everything in Epic Universe. Excited for Epic Universe like us? Check out everything we know about Epic Universe here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What are you most excited to see at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post We Just Rode the NEW Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry -- And Our Jaws Are Still on The Floor first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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When you’re headed to Disney World, it’s IMPERATIVE that you have a good water bottle to help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Water bottles are VERY important! The sun is brutal in Disney World, and sweating so much due to those high temperatures means you’re almost always losing hydration fast. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new one to bring to the parks, or if you need one for your everyday life, there are some great options on sale right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Star Wars Fans Will Love This One! ©Amazon For Star Wars fans looking for the perfect way to highlight their love for the franchise while staying hydrated, the JoyJolt Stainless Steel Star Wars Water Bottle is perfect. Not only is it stylish, it’s 22 oz, which is a great amount of water for your busy park day. Grab it on Amazon For the Cars-Loving Kiddos ©Amazon If you’ve got a little one who loves the Cars films, we highly recommend the Simple Modern Disney Pixar Lightning McQueen Kids Water Bottle! It’s a great size for young ones, and it’ll keep drinks cold for hours. Grab it on Amazon Prepare For The Upcoming Film! ©Amazon Excited about the upcoming live action Lilo & Stitch or love the original? Then the Silver Buffalo Disney Lilo and Stitch “Aloha” Stainless Steel Water Bottle is calling your name and is perfect for this summer! It features Stitch front and center — what else could we ask for? Grab it on Amazon Toy Story Fans, Unite! ©Amazon If your kiddo loves Toy Story, the Simple Modern Disney Pixar Toy Story Kids Water Bottle is a great choice for them! It’s easy for them to drink out of, features all their favorite characters from all four films (and remember, number five is in the works too!), and will keep drinks cold for hours. Grab it on Amazon Can’t Forget Corkcicles! ©Amazon Corkcicles are known for keeping drinks cold for up to 25 hours, or hot for up to 12 hours, and are great for the theme parks. If you love Minnie Mouse, then we think there’s no better fit than the Corkcicle Disney Minnie Mouse Insulated Canteen Travel Water Bottle! Grab it on Amazon Villain Representation! ©Amazon Finally, if you love Disney Villains and want them represented as you walk around the park, the Tervis Disney Villains Not Sorry Triple Walled Insulated Tumbler Travel Cup is right up your alley. All your favorite villains are represented — Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Ursula, Hades, Jafar, Captain Hook, and so many more! Grab it on Amazon The Best Way to Carry Your Water! ©Amazon Carrying your water bottle around the parks can be a hassle, but it’s SO important. That’s why we recommend using something like the Corkcicle x Disney Minnie Mickey Mouse Ears Crossbody Water Bottle Sling Bag — ESPECIALLY when it’s on sale like it is right now! Not only can you get it on sale, but there’s an additional coupon you can add for an extra 25% off. Grab it on Amazon Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news before your next trip! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more deals you can’t miss!The post 6 Water Bottles Perfect for Disney World Are Up to 38% Off On Amazon Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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We love casting spells at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, but we’ve been twiddling our wands waiting for more details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe to drop. Ever since Universal Studios Orlando announced a brand new third gate, they’ve been slowly releasing information about what to expect inside the park. We finally have an insider look into the Ministry of Magic, and we have so much to share! The ride itself is WILD and we will be covering it in a separate post because there is SO much to tell you about. For now, though, here’s more Higgledy. WE LOVE HIM. Higgledy! At Le Cirque Arcanus, guests can watch a full theater show with performers, puppets, and special effects! This show will feature our Fantastic Beasts friends as they take over the circus and need to be rescued before the end. ©Universal This area of Epic Universe will also have five eateries, from quick cafes to longer dining experiences, and, of course, plenty of spaces to shop and practice your spell-casting skills! You can even pick up your new wand at the Parisian wand store Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. They’ll have a new collection of interactive wands that you can use within the land to learn new spells! Epic Universe’s opening date, May 22nd, 2025, can’t come soon enough, and the DFB team will be there on opening day to get you the best coverage! Stay up to date with Disney Food Blog to learn more about Universal’s newest park! Check out our full tour of Universal Orlando’s newest resort while we wait for Epic Universe to open! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What part of Epic Universe are you most excited about to explore? Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post FIRST LOOK Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Disney World never stays static, and in 2025, it’s about to get even more exciting! Magic Kingdom From major refurbishments to entirely new lands and experiences, there’s a ton to look forward to in the parks. Let’s break down all the new rides and attractions coming to Disney World in the next few years, including revamped fan favorites and brand-new experiences you won’t want to miss. Test Track 3.0 (2025) If you’re a fan of Test Track, you’re probably aware that the ride has been closed since mid-2024 for a major refurbishment. The new version, Test Track 3.0, is slated to open in late summer 2025. Test Track Not much is confirmed yet about the ride’s new look, but we know it’s going to be a complete overhaul. Disney has hinted at a “joy ride” through scenes featuring technology, customization, and personalization. And don’t worry—there will be some nods to the original World of Motion attraction that Test Track replaced back in the day. While the wait might feel like a test of its own, once this iconic attraction opens, it’s going to be an incredible new experience for EPCOT fans. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade (2025) Magic Kingdom fans, rejoice—Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a brand-new nighttime parade, is coming this summer! ©Disney This parade will feature some of Disney’s most beloved characters, including Elsa, Miguel, Moana, and Peter Pan. The Coco-inspired float, which will have Miguel, Dante, and Pepita crossing a marigold bridge, is already a fan favorite, and it’s set to bring mariachi music to the streets of Magic Kingdom. ©Disney This parade is definitely going to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Cars Expansion & Villains Land at Magic Kingdom (Beyond) Disney is bringing two all-new Cars attractions and Villains Land to Magic Kingdom. The Cars expansion is taking over Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, adding two thrilling new rides. ©Disney One will have guests racing through mountainous terrain, dodging geysers and splashing through mud holes. The second will be geared toward younger riders, offering a more family-friendly experience. Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions including an off-road race. But that’s not all—Villains Land, located just beyond Big Thunder Mountain, will feature two major new attractions. This all-new land will be dedicated to the wicked Disney villains you love to hate, with creative designs from Walt Disney Imagineering that promise to push the boundaries of theming and storytelling. Plus, there will be new shopping and dining options to complete the experience. ©Disney Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom (2025) Animal Kingdom is also getting a new show in winter 2025! Zootopia: Better Zoogether will feature Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, who will guide guests through the biomes seen in the popular film. ©Disney This new attraction is taking over the spot previously occupied by It’s Tough to Be a Bug, marking a fresh direction for Animal Kingdom’s offerings. Zootopia fans are sure to love the new immersive experience when it debuts. Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (Beyond) Not only will Animal Kingdom get a Zootopia attraction, but it’s also getting a major new land: Tropical Americas. This area will bring Encanto to life with a magical dark ride through the Madrigal family’s Casita, as well as an Indiana Jones Adventure ride that promises all the thrills you’d expect from the iconic archaeologist. There will also be a new carousel! @Disney It’s shaping up to be a must-see addition to the park, blending culture, adventure, and Disney magic seamlessly. Mandalorian and Baby Yoda Missions on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (2026) If you’ve been to Galaxy’s Edge, you know that Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a fan favorite. Starting on May 22, 2026, the ride is getting a major update that will bring the characters from The Mandalorian and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) into the action. Disney has teased two new missions: one based on the movie and another that will be incorporated directly into the ride. New missions on Smuggler’s Run ©Disney The updated ride will let guests fly alongside Mando and Grogu on some thrilling missions, and it will also take them to exciting new places, including Cloud City and the ruins of the Death Star. This new version is sure to be a hit with Star Wars fans and anyone who loves an epic adventure. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure & Villains Unfairly Ever After (2025) Get ready for two new shows at Hollywood Studios in 2025! First up is Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, where your favorite villains—think Captain Hook, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent—will try to convince the audience that they were treated unfairly in their stories. This new show is replacing Lightning McQueen Racing Academy and is sure to be a hit with fans of Disney’s darker side. ©Disney The second show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, will be a revamped version of the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid show, complete with live performers, puppetry, and new songs like “Kiss the Girl.” ©Disney These two shows will be opening on May 27, 2025, so you’ll have plenty of entertainment options to choose from when you visit Hollywood Studios. Monsters, Inc. Land (Beyond) Fans of Monsters, Inc. will have a new place to explore in Disney World: Monsters, Inc. Land. ©Disney This new area will feature Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, where you’ll zoom through the building just like Sulley and Mike Wazowski. ©Disney In addition to the roller coaster, Monsters, Inc. Land will also feature a brand-new theater show. We can’t wait to see what new antics Sulley and Mike will be up to! Muppets Take Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Last but certainly not least, the Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! The new storyline will have the Muppets teaming up with some of the biggest names in music for a rockin’ music festival. ©Disney It’s going to be a hilarious and zany addition to Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios. The exact closure date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the Muppets takeover is expected to start happening sometime in 2025. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney. Everything Included in the $175 Ticket for After Hours in EPCOT 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 new ride or attraction are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! The post ALL the New Rides and Attractions Coming to Disney World in 2025 and Beyond first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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It’s finally happening — we are here at Epic Universe! Epic Universe — The Chronos Tower The park will open to the public on May 22nd, but we are here for a special sneak peek! Universal gave us a preview inside the How To Train Your Dragon area called How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. These are the BEST hidden details we noticed. Let’s head in to How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk for an exclusive look! Let’s head in! The huge Viking and the dragon statue will greet you over the water, giving the land a picturesque backdrop. For more on Epic Universe, stay with us at DFB! We’re Inside Epic Universe for an EXCLUSIVE Tour and We Have So Much To Show You! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are you most excited about at Epic Universe? Tell us 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 Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post We’re Spilling the Tea About the Hidden Details You Can See INSIDE Isle of Berk at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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Some rules at Disney World make perfect sense… and then there are the ones that make you do a double take. Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you’ve been to Disney’s Hollywood Studios before, you probably know the basics—no cutting in line, no costumes for adults, and no running (even when you’re speed-walking to Slinky Dog Dash at rope drop). But Disney also has some lesser-known rules that might surprise you. Here are 4 unexpected rules you’ll need to know before heading to Hollywood Studios. Tower of Terror’s Ride Experience Might Not Be the Same Twice Most thrill rides follow the same predictable pattern every time you ride them, but The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror? Not so much. The drop sequence is randomized, meaning you’ll never know exactly when—or how many times—you’re going to plummet. Tower of Terror So if you’re hoping for a mild ride experience, there’s no way to guarantee it. Every time you step into that elevator, you’re rolling the dice on whether it’ll be a few small drops… or an all-out free-fall festival. If you’re someone who likes to mentally prepare for big thrills, well… good luck with that! Yelling “Andy’s Coming!” Won’t Make the Toy Story Characters Drop A long-time Disney urban legend claimed that if you yelled “Andy’s coming!” near the Toy Story characters, they’d drop to the ground and “play dead.” Sounds fun, right? Well, Disney shut that down years ago. Hey, Woody! While the characters do interact with guests in fun ways, don’t expect Woody or Buzz to dive to the pavement—it’s just not safe for them (or the guests around them). Instead, enjoy their actual meet-and-greet moments, because they’re still some of the most fun in the park. And if you really want a fun interaction, try asking Woody if he’s seen Bo Peep lately! Galaxy’s Edge Won’t Call Things By Their Real-World Names When you step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’re not just in a theme park—you’re on Batuu. And that means Disney takes immersion seriously, down to the way Cast Members talk about… well, everything. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Don’t expect them to call it a gift shop—it’s a market stall. A Coke? That’s a Thermal Detonator drink. It’s all part of the experience, so just roll with it and embrace your inner Star Wars nerd. If you really want to impress the locals, try greeting them with a “Bright suns” in the morning or “Rising moons” at night! You Can Build a Lightsaber—But You Can’t Use It in the Park Building a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop is a bucket-list experience for Star Wars fans, but before you go full Obi-Wan Kenobi, know this: you can’t actually use it in the park. Savi’s Workshop lightsaber pieces Disney doesn’t allow guests to swing or engage in pretend battles, even though you’ll see plenty of Jedi-in-training trying to pose with their sabers. Security will step in if you get too enthusiastic, so save the dueling for home. You can carry it around, though, and you’ll probably get some fun interactions from Batuu’s Cast Members along the way. Power and Control pieces Disney’s Hollywood Studios is packed with exciting experiences, but there are a few unexpected rules you might not have known about before your visit. Now that you do, you can avoid any surprises and focus on having the best day possible! We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney World news and tips to help you have the best vacation, so stay tuned to DFB! EPCOT’s 4 Most Unexpected Rules 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 other rule have you noticed in Hollywood Studios that you would add here? Tell us in the comments! The post Hollywood Studios' 4 Most Unexpected Rules first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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If you’re planning to drive to Disney World, you might need to update your budget! Driving to Disney World For some Disney World travelers, driving to the resort offers them a way to save money on airfare and put that extra cash towards other parts of their vacation budget. But if you’ve been counting on driving to Disney World to cut your transportation costs, it might not actually save you as much as you initially planned. Back in 2023, Florida introduced the Toll Relief Program, which provided credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state. The program automatically gave Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account. Driving to Magic Kingdom After over two years, the Toll Relief Program ended earlier this week, which means those driving to Disney World from Florida may be in for a more expensive transportation cost. Driving around Disney World Budget hearings are currently underway, so it’s possible that state lawmakers could decide to reinstate the rebate program. But at this point, there’s been no movement on the issue, so Florida drivers who previously qualified for the discount will have to pay full price at the toll booths. Disney Springs Parking We’ll continue to be on the lookout for more news that could impact your Disney World budget, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates. You May Want to Avoid Driving to Disney World on These 6 Dates in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will this news impact your Disney World travel plans for an upcoming trip? Let us know in the comments! The post It Just Got More Expensive To Drive to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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The grand opening of Universal Orlando’s third theme park, Epic Universe, is coming up soon. Let’s head in! On May 22nd, we’ll finally see ALL of Epic Universe for the first time, and we cannot wait. The new park will be bringing five NEW themed lands to Universal, including a land dedicated to How To Train Your Dragon called How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. Well, ahead of Epic Universe’s opening, Universal gave us a FIRST LOOK inside the land AND we have all the details! We’re so excited for you to see How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk for yourself in May, and you can bet we’ll be bringing you all the details you need to know for Epic Universe, so stay tuned to DFB for more. FIRST LOOK at the FOOD Coming to Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think of this land so far? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post FIRST LOOK Inside How To Train Your Dragon -- Isle of Berk at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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If you live in Florida and you’re looking for a European getaway, or you live in Europe and you’re looking for an easier way to get to Disney World, we’ve got great news for you. TSA lines at MCO We keep an eye on all the new nonstop flights added to Orlando International Airport (MCO) to help you better understand your options for your upcoming trip, and we’ve got great news for those looking for nonstop flights between Orlando and Europe — new options are on the way! The Orlando Sentinel reported that the Orlando Airport will soon have new nonstop routes between Orlando and Madrid, Munich, and Paris, and they’re also seeking a direct route to South Korea, which will be the airport’s first nonstop route to east Asia. Terminal C at MCO The more flights you have to choose from, the better! These new flights will help give you more options when you’re planning a trip to Europe. Below is a breakdown of the new flights coming soon. Orlando International Airport On March 5th, Discover Airlines introduced a nonstop flight to Munich, Germany that happens three times a week year-round. Additionally, we now know that on May 21st, Air France will resume direct flights between Paris and Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The airport stopped service to Paris in 2012. Disney Store at MCO Finally, on October 26th, Iberia will launch four weekly flights to Madrid, Spain, which will be scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Currently, you can also experience nonstop flights from Orlando to Dublin, Ireland; Reykjavík, Iceland, Edinburgh, London, and Manchester in the United Kingdom. Orlando International Airport In January, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and Osceola County signed a partnership with Incheon International Airport in hopes of securing a direct route between Orlando and South Korea, and we’re hoping to see that flight arrive later in the year. More Recent Travel News! NEWS: U.S. State Department Will Reconsider Travel Advisory for Disney Cruise Destination4 Unspoken Rules For Disney Adults At The Orlando AirportDisney Expert Reveals the ONLY Airport They Use When Flying to Disneyland – And It’s Not What You ThinkDisney World’s “Other” Airport Could Be Getting a MAJOR UpgradeU.S. Department of State Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory for a Popular Destination Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Orlando Airport news, so stay tuned to DFB! I Wish I Knew About This Free Orlando Airport Perk Before Spending $8 on Amazon Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What nonstop flight would you like to see here? Tell us in the comments! The post Three NEW Nonstop Flight Routes Are Coming to Orlando International Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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President Trump recently announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods in a move he claims will revive manufacturing and generate revenue in the U.S., and while we don’t know for sure how — or if — they will impact Disney World, all signs point to potential price increases in the parks. ©Disney It seems as though we aren’t the only ones concerned about the impact of these tariffs, either. Disney CEO Bob Iger made a surprise appearance at ABC News’ daily editorial meeting on Thursday, April 3rd, and voiced his worries. According to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter, Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed concern about the impact a potential trade war would have not just on his company, but on the American economy as a whole. CEO Bob Iger ©Disney He emphasized that relocating international manufacturing to the United States “speedily” would be impossible, along with indicating that most people “don’t really understand how tariffs work.” Anonymous ABC staffers who were at the meeting shared that Iger’s second comment seemed to be his instruction for ABC News to connect the dots for its readers and viewers. Cinderella Castle As the conversation continued, Iger was described as continuously jumping into the conversation to share his “unfiltered views” — especially as it relates to Disney Cruise Line’s two new ships that rely on steel for construction. Iger shared that many major companies rely on thousands of specialized overseas workers who would need to be replaced and trained on U.S. soil. ©Disney As a refresher, a tariff is a government surcharge on products imported from other countries, and they’re paid by the companies that import goods into a country. The costs of these tariffs can be passed around depending on how countries and companies react, but the New York Times says that trade policy experts agree that “American consumers will most likely bear the cost of the new U.S. tariffs,” notably, as they did during Trump’s first term. To offset the costs of these tariffs, retailers often increase prices — and manufacturers face higher costs. EPCOT Food analyst experts have said that most Americans are likely to feel the impact of these tariffs at grocery stores first — and soon, potentially before April is over. But, it’s not just the grocery store as restaurants and other food vendors will likely have to increase prices to offset the import costs as well. Hollywood Brown Derby spread In addition to potential price increases on Disney World food, we could see increases in souvenirs — especially those manufactured in countries like China. Under the new tariffs, China will have a 34 percent tariff on top of a previous blanket import tax that was imposed on goods from the country earlier this year. Imports from Vietnam are to be taxed at an additional 50 percent. Disney merch We’ll continue to be on the lookout for more updates that could impact your Disney World vacation. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news. Why Disney World Could Be Empty in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will tariffs impact your Disney World plans? Tell us in the comments. The post NEWS: Disney CEO Bob Iger Comments on New Tariffs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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When traveling in an airport, you want to have things to make your trip easier for you! MCO Airport Flying is already stressful enough. You have to arrive on time at the airport, get through security, and find your gate — don’t forget to breathe! You want something to make all of this easier for you, and that’s why you will see so many passengers now using belt bags. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you can try one for free by clicking the link below! Belt bags allow you to have all of your essentials you need easy access right at your finger tips. You don’t want to dig through your backpack or carry on looking for chapstick, your passport, or your phone while in the airport. These can help you keep all of your items together and allow you to make one part of your travels better. Orlando International Airport Grab This Belt Bag for Under $13! ©Amazon This ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag has an adjustable strap for comfortable use. It comes in over 40 colors making it easy to pair with your airport outfit. It has three interior pockets to help you organize your wallet, chapstick, and more. Shop on Amazon Ok, We’re Obsessed With This Mickey Mouse Belt Bag ©Amazon If you are heading to Disney or are a Disney adult, this Loungefly Mickey Mouse Belt Bag is for you! It is made of nylon material and has an adjustable and detachable strap with a print of Mickey Mouse’s ears. It comes with a detachable reversible coin purse with an embroidered Mickey on it. Shop on Amazon For more travel essentials, be sure to check out our Amazon Storefront. We update it daily with our favorite finds! Looking for more Disney or travel finds? View Our Amazon Storefront Here! The post Is It Just Me, or Is Every Travel Expert Wearing This Accessory to the Airport Right Now? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article