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When you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you need a few key items. One: your phone. Duh! Two: your wallet. Three: a trusty bag. You simply can’t travel without a reliable bag! Disney World Recently, we spotted a bag that’s available on Amazon now, and it’s a total game-changer for travel pros. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The UNDERSEAT PRO doubles as a backpack AND a large packing cube! ©Amazon This is GENIUS! If you’re flying on a budget airline, you might want to pack light and avoid paying extra to check a bag. But, often, backpacks just don’t have the space for your outfits, Minnie ears, and other travel essentials. The Underseat Pro backpack is actually a hybrid packing cube/backpack, though, so you have plenty of room for your necessities! ©Amazon It also complies with several major airlines while still taking full advantage of its size. Features include a luggage sleeve, adjustable sternum strap, internal mesh pockets, a large water bottle pocket that can hold an entire one-liter water bottle, and two zipper pockets on the right side of the backpack, which is ideal for quick and easy access. ©Amazon Just look at all that interior space! You can fit shoes, shorts, and t-shirts in there — and stick it right under the seat in front of you on the airplane. That means you could potentially skip baggage claim altogether! It’s available on Amazon in two different colors. View on Amazon We have to mention this Loungefly Haunted Mansion Crossbody Purse for $30, too! ©Amazon It’s not too often we find a Disney Loungefly bag for under $40! This one is a brand-new Haunted Mansion-inspired bag with credit card slots and a clear slot to hold your ID. View on Amazon In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney deals, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items!!The post Why Everyone Needs to Buy These Bags for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so a LOT is going on in Magic Kingdom now, and we get it — our heads are spinning, too, trying to keep up with all of it. Jungle Cruise Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened. Country Bear Jamboree reopened with a new show. A WHOLE new Cars land is coming that will replace Tom Saywer Island and Rivers of America (and we’re still not sure HOW to feel about that). PLUS a Villains land is on the way. So in all that chaos, you might have missed an important announcement about a classic ride in Magic Kingdom. So we’re filling you in: Jungle Cruise will temporarily close as of tomorrow. Yes, if you head over to Adventureland tomorrow, you’ll see that Jungle Cruise will be closed for refurbishment. This is usually just a case of Disney doing some general maintenance on the ride, and the good news is that it will reopen on October 17th. But if you’re visiting Disney World between tomorrow and then, this classic attraction won’t be available. Jungle Cruise A few years ago, the Jungle Cruise had some HUGE changes introduced to the ride with brand new scenes and storylines. Disney hasn’t said that anything will change with that, but we’ll see if Disney announces any actual changes to the ride. In the meantime, if you’re missing out on those bad dad jokes and puns, you can get a bit of a Jungle Cruise experience at Skipper Canteen, which is a restaurant themed around the Jungle Cruise. Skipper Canteen Jungle Cruise will eventually get a holiday overlay to become Jingle Cruise — this usually happens at the end of November. We always recommend checking out the holiday overlay because it comes with new holiday-themed jokes, too. Jingle Cruise! If Jungle Cruise reopens before its scheduled reopening date, we’ll be sure to let you know, so stay tuned to DFB for more. How the Frontierland Change Is Really Going to Impact the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be missing out on the Jungle Cruise during your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: A CLASSIC Magic Kingdom Ride Closes Tomorrow in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You know if we come across something that’s going to help you have a better Disney World vacation, we’re going to share it with you, right? Don’t go to Disney World without THIS essential That includes just about everything, from great park bag options to ponchos to mobile chargers. We also try a lot of these products out before we recommend them so we can give you the best advice we can about what you’ll need. Well, we’ve got one product from Amazon (Amazon is our go-to shopping site for a lot of Disney essentials!) that has changed how we drink in Disney World forever. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First, do you have Amazon Prime? Well, if you don’t, you can sign up for a free trial below to score free shipping: Okay, so here’s the thing: Disney World straws are…well, we’re not big fans. Disney World has been doing away with plastic straws and the cardboard/paper straws don’t always cut it. Then there are the agave straws that kind of give drinks a weird taste. So we like to bring our OWN straws to the park and this is a set we swear by! Get the Reusable Silicone Straws Silicone straw set Okay, this set of 12 straws (that come in their own carry pouch) is a game changer for us. One thing we love about them is that they’re easy to clean. We also prefer them over steel or collapsible reusable straws because these hold their form when you use them, but also after they’ve been bent and stored in their containers. They’re bendy but don’t lose their shape We also like that we can get them in different colors, which is great for groups (so everyone can know which straws are theirs). These even work well with frozen drinks, which impressed us. They work great in all your Disney drinks These are now in our “must-have” category of things to take to Disney World. Get this Straw Set on Amazon If you’re looking for more Disney essentials and souvenirs, be sure to check out our Amazon Shop. Shop Our Amazon StoreThe post We Will Never Drink In Disney World the Same Thanks to This Upgrade first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s no secret that EPCOT is home to some of the best restaurants and snacks you can find in Disney World EPCOT The Pretzel Bread Pudding from Germany, the School Bread from Norway (that one’s a little controversial if you don’t like coconut), and The Croque Glaces from France — the list seriously goes on and on. We’re suckers for all the food EPCOT has to offer, but we just recently found out that there’s a SECRET menu item at one of our favorite spots that everyone, especially those with allergies, NEED to know about! You can try some classic German snacks at Sommerfest, a small quick-service location in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT. Now, be careful — this spot is almost hidden behind the beautiful archways in the pavilion. If you don’t read what’s written on said archways, you may totally miss it, but just follow the smell of sauerkraut! Sommerfest Here you’ll find some classic German favorites — giant pretzels, bratwurst, and German wines and beers. While mobile order is available for this spot, we found out that if you order in person from a Cast Member, you can get a secret menu item — a Plant-Based Brat on an allergy-friendly pretzel bun! Plant-Based Brat! Our reporter has also tried the plant-based brat over at Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom and said that the pretzel roll used in this one FAR outshines its Magic Kingdom counterpart! This roll has a chewy yet firm consistency that we absolutely loved despite it being a bit longer than the brat (similar to the one at Friar’s Nook). Our only gripe was that the bottom was already split when we got it, but overall, this is such a great little snack! Look at all this! The sauerkraut here (which they give you a very generous portion of) is more flavorful than Friar’s Nook’s, though the mustard is the same. We kept trying to pinpoint why this meal was so much better and realized it was simply more flavorful overall! Every bite of this meal was packed with flavor, unlike the similar offering at Friar’s Nook, which often falls flat and feels bland. We also were big fans of the seasoned potato chips versus the potato barrels. SO good! To say we’re excited about this new option is an understatement! We love that this is a truly delicious option for those with allergies or who are plant-based eaters, and we highly recommend checking it out the next time you’re in EPCOT if your diet has restrictions! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: It’s Practically a Scavenger Hunt To Find This Snack in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion (but It’s WORTH IT!)REVIEW: 2 NEW Halloween Treats Surprised Us in DisneylandREVIEW: Come Try a NEW Disney World Hotel Snack Spot with Us!We Tested the Viral Rain Shoe Covers in Disney World — Here’s What We Learned About ThemREVIEW: We Ate a $250 Meal in EPCOT and We’d Do It Again Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World reviews and news! REVIEW: We Tried TONS of Treats at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World 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’s your favorite thing to eat in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: It’s Practically a Scavenger Hunt To Find This Snack in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion (but It’s WORTH IT!) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We often talk about things that annoy us in Disney World — now, don’t get us wrong, we’re still feeling pretty magical in the Most Magical Place on Earth, even when we are a little annoyed. Magic Kingdom But sometimes, it’s just TOO hot and muggy in Florida, y’all. Sometimes, there are BUGS. Random rainstorms still catch us by surprise (but we have learned to pack rain gear, even on sunny days). Sometimes, our favorite ride is closed. Sometimes, we’re annoyed at what other people do in Disney World. That’s okay, though, because we recently asked YOU, our DFB readers, about some things that annoy you on Haunted Mansion. There was one thing, though, that some of you mentioned: we think it deserves its own spotlight, and we HOPE this trend stops soon. So this thing that our readers mentioned that annoyed you annoys us, too. It’s also something that isn’t just specific to the Haunted Mansion but for any dark ride in Disney World. Basically, it’s when we’re inside the mansion, whether we’re enjoying the pre-show or actually on the ride, and an adult has let the children in the party plan on iPads or other devices in the dark. It lights up the whole scene and ruins a lot of the whole experience of a dark ride, which is supposed to be, well, “dark.” It’s dark in here for a reason Of course, some children may have special needs and may prefer the iPad or tablet over the ride. Cast Members may recommend using the rider switch option on dark rides. If you’ve got a kid who would rather be involved with something on a screen, one parent can wait with the child in a specified area while the rest of the party enjoys the ride. Then, when that first parent gets off the ride, the two parents can swap places, and the parent who waited can then ride without having to wait in the regular standby line. You can check with a Cast Member at each ride to see if this is an option (and it is for many rides). Rider Switch at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure However, this isn’t specifically a problem with kids. A lot of adults are also using their phones during the ride pre-show and on the ride, lighting up scenes in a way no one wants. You can send that text when the ride is done; thank you very much. Folks are also using flash photography (which the Ghost Host says NOT TO DO) or even using their phone’s flashlight to record video. This spoils the ride experience for others, and it’s just really not a nice thing to do. Keep the Haunted Mansion dark! Anyway, we’re hoping this is a trend that comes to an end. Maybe by mentioning it, we can at least make people more aware of it, just in case they’re just not thinking when they do these things. So, please, don’t light up dark rides with your devices, for the love of Mickey! In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more. Six Words: DON’T DO THIS IN DISNEY WORLD Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been on a dark ride and had this problem in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post OH NO, NOT TODAY. We Need to STOP THIS in Disney World Before It Becomes a Trend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, Disney, what are you trying to do to us? We’ve been on an emotional roller coaster over all the disappearing snacks happening in your parks and then some returning (but others remaining, and yes, we’re still bitter about Sleepy Hollow’s waffles in Magic Kingdom). Avengers Campus One snack that we were particularly surprised that went away, though, was on the West Coast. It’s a snack that has been available at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure since that land opened, but it recently went away, and we MISSED IT. However, we have some great news: this snack has made its glorious (sort of like Loki) return. Late last year, the Celestial-sized Candy Bar: Choco Smash Candy Bar at Pym Test Kitchen was replaced by a different dessert, the Choco Smash Cake. Now, don’t get us wrong — we LOVED that cake, almost more than the candy bar, but that candy bar was ICONIC because it was SO HUGE (those Pym Particles made it that way). Well, you can now get the Choco Smash Bar again! Choco Smash Candy Bar The Choco Smash bar is made with dark chocolate, peanuts, caramel, nougat, and chocolate brownie! We think it’s like a Snickers, Three Musketeers, and a Reese’s all combined into one candy bar, and yes, that is a VERY good thing. Not to mention, it’s a good value considering it’s massive size for $8.49. YUM If you were a fan of the cake, though — don’t worry. It’s still available. It’s made with layers of brownie, white chocolate peanut butter ganache with crunch pearls, white cake, dark chocolate truffle mousse, and white chocolate caramel bavarian cream, all coated in chocolate ganache and topped with roasted peanuts. So, yes, it’s basically the candy bar in cake form and you can grab it for $8.99. Choco Smash Cake Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either of these snacks. We’re so happy the bar is back! So welcome back, Choco Smash Bar! Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: 2 NEW Halloween Treats Surprised Us in Disneyland Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you ever tried the Choco Smash Candy Bar? Let us know what you think about it in the comments! The post NEWS: A MISSING Disney Snack Is BACK! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars fans may be some of the most dedicated fans of all time. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Since 1977, fans of the Star Wars franchise have spent millions of dollars on movies, streaming subscriptions to watch new Star Wars TV shows, Star Wars Celebration, and visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disney World and Disneyland. However, we just recently attended a VERY special Star Wars event that you might not even know about, and it’s all about lighting up the night with lightsabers. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Every ‘Star Wars’ Fan Is Buying This NEW Disney Board Game at Target 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 lightsaber meetup in Disney World? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post The SECRET Reason ‘Star Wars’ Fans Flocked to Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are DAYS away from the return of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and we are getting excited! Food and Wine 2023 All the booths and menus for the 2024 Food and Wine Festival were just recently released, and we have been making our game plans for when we visit the festival on August 29th. This year, there are five new booths and so many new menu items! And, of course, fan-favorite booths and items will also make their return this year. If you are like us, though, you may be looking for a place to cool off in EPCOT, and this newly re-opened space is the perfect place to do so! Morocco Pavilion in the World Showcase was home to the Annual Passholder Lounge during V.I. Passholder Days over the summer. This lounge has now closed, and if you have walked by the Morocco Pavilion recently, you may have noticed that it is somewhat quiet. However, if you head towards the back of Morocco, Restaurant Marrakesh has recently re-opened its doors! Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh has been temporarily closed, and last year, it re-opened as a lounge space for the Food and Wine Festival. This year, it is once again open, but for a different reason. Restaurant Marrakesh Although Kidcot has changed over the years, it is still a great activity for kids and kids at heart to learn more about the countries in the World Showcase. Kidcot Fun Stops are typically located at small tables in each pavilion, with a Cast Member stationed there. Those participating get to collect activity cards from each country that include activities and facts about the cultures and traditions of each country. You even get a fun-themed baggie to carry all your cards in! Kidcot Morocco’s Kidcot Fun Stop used to be located at the Marketplace in the Medina, and the Disney World website is still showing that this is the current location, but when we stopped by, it was actually inside of the abandoned Restaurant Marrakesh! Morocco Kidcot We are not sure how long this area will stay open, but we have our fingers crossed that it will be open for the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which is just around the corner. This location is a great place to chill out and get some air conditioning to help you power through trying all the fun and booths around EPCOT! Restaurant Marrakesh open as an indoor seating area Last year, Restaurant Marrakesh was used as the Florida Blue Medicare Lounge, which offered free drinks, henna tattoos, and sometimes special seating for certain Eat to the Beat concerts. There has been no word of whether this lounge will make its return for the 2024 festival, as it is Morocco’s current Kidcot location. Kidcot If you are looking for other fun activities to do around EPCOT during the Food and Wine Festival, you can participate in a cheese crawl! Emile’s Fromage Montage is a cheese crawl where you can sample different cheese items all around the festival and get your Festival Passport stamped to redeem it for a prize. We got all of our stamps last year! If you want to do a more classic scavenger hunt, Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt will also make its return. This scavenger hunt is fun for all ages, and once you purchase your map, you can either redeem it for your Festival prize right then and there or complete the scavenger hunt and look for Remy first. 2023 Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt Map Of course, it is Halloween time at Disney World, so if you are looking for another fun scavenger hunt, you can participate in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. This hunt works the same way as Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt, but there is a different map and prize for finding all the pumpkins. This scavenger hunt is not offered the entire duration of the festival and is available from September 29th to November 1st, or while supplies last. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit (2023) We are looking forward to trying all the food offerings at all of the global marketplaces/booths during the Food and Wine Festival this year and hope that Morocco’s Kidcot Fun Stop in Restaurant Marrakesh keeps its doors open during the Festival. How to Tackle EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival with Kids IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be visiting this once abandoned location of the park to enjoy some AC? Let us know in the comments!The post Why Disney Fans Are Going Nuts Over This Once-Ignored EPCOT Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Figuring out what to pack in your Disney parks bag can be a challenge. Stickers Loungefly You want to be prepared for everything from warm weather to phone batteries dying. We go to Disney World every day, so we thought we would show you the six items we always carry in our park bag so that you will have no regrets! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. After visiting the parks every day, we have learned what is absolutely a necessity to carry with us and hopefully these six items can help your days in the parks go smoother on your next visit to Disney World! Loungefly Wall at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Get this Super Reliable Poncho It is no secret that it rains quite a bit in Central Florida, especially during the summertime. While the parks do sell ponchos, they are pricey and do not always cover you completely. We love this Frogg Toggs poncho because not only is it reliable but covers our backpack, is breathable, and easy to put back in its bag. FROGG TOGGS Poncho Shop Here Is a Loungefly Your Choice Park Bag? Then You Need this Organizer. Loungefly backpacks are super popular in the parks. There are so many cute and fun Disney designs and they are a great sized park bag. While certain Loungefly bags have different pockets, if you want to keep your bag organized, we love this backpack organizer that fits perfectly in a Loungefly backpack and other mini backpacks. Loungefly Bag Organizer Get Yours Here Protect Yourself from the Sun with this UV Umbrella It can get hot in the parks, especially when the sun is beating down on you. We love this UV umbrella because it not only protects us from the sun, but it also keeps us cool. As an added bonus it can keep you dry during a light storm. UV Umbrella View Here Conquer EPCOT Festivals with this Reusable Utensil Set The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner and if you are like us, you are going to want to try all the yummy new foods that the festival has to offer. If you forget to grab plastic utensils or want a more environmentally friendly solution, we love to carry this reusable travel utensil set. It comes in different colors and includes a case, fork, knife, and spoon. It is also easy to clean. Reusable Utensils Buy Them Here Save Money and Buy FuelRods Ahead of Time You will be using your phone a lot at Disney World, especially to use the My Disney Experience app. To avoid your phone running out of battery, there are FuelRod stations throughout the parks and resorts. FuelRods at Disney World are a one time fee and then have unlimited swaps, but you can save money beforehand by ordering them online ahead of time! Plus they come in a two pack which saves you even more money. The parks currently are using new FuelRods, but you are still able to switch out the old FuelRods for the new ones free of charge in the parks. FuelRod Keep Your Water Cool and Stay Hydrated with this Owala Water Bottle Water bottles in the parks can be pricey, but you can actually bring your own water bottle into the parks and this water bottle is our favorite one! There are refill stations throughout the parks that can be found on the My Disney Experience app. You can even get cold ice water to fill your bottle with at quick-service locations. As a tip, we love to have characters sign this specific Owala water bottle so it can double as an autograph book and a way to stay hydrated! Jack Sparrow with our Owala Make sure to add these six items to your park bag before your vacation to Disney World as they have helped make our park days so much easier! Looking for more Disney World essentials? Shop our Amazon Storefront!The post 6 Things You'll Regret Not Putting in Your Disney Parks Bag first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

THIS IS NOT A DRILL! It’s open! After waiting what seems like ages for the iconic Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs to open on Disney’s BoardWalk, the time has FINALLY come. That’s right — the Disneyland snack spot has officially opened a location at Disney World and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We’ve got that (corn) dog in us and we’re ready for more — so come with us to try the BRAND-NEW Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs at Disney World! Have you ever rope-dropped a corn dog stand? Because we have — and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is now open at Disney’s BoardWalk and we’re bringing you along as we check it out! There are plenty of dogs to choose from — some fancy and some classic. You’ll also find drinks like lemonade and fresh cotton candy on the menu as well! Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Menu First up, we had to get the viral Pickle Dog. Yep, you read that correctly. The Pickle Dog is an all-beef hot dog, wrapped in a pickle, fried in cornmeal batter, and Panko crusted. It’s served with a bag of chips and peanut butter for dipping — and you can get it for $15.50. Pickle Dog! We’ve tried this dog at Disneyland, but we were excited to check it out on the East Coast, too! We’re happy to report it’s just as delicious as we remember. Our reporter who tried this out was worried that as much as they love both ingredients individually, it wouldn’t be the best pairing due to one overwhelming the other. But thankfully that wasn’t the case! The pickle is more refreshing than tangy and the hot dog still had a nice pop to it. Together they made a salty and sour combination that was really unique. It very much has a “boardwalk snack” vibe going for it so it’s fitting that it’s at the BoardWalk Inn! The batter is perfectly crispy thanks to the panko bread crumbs and you can taste the freshness. It’s definitely not something we could see ourselves eating often, but we’d definitely get it again as a fun snack. Pickle dog We also grabbed the Mexican Street Dog for $15.50. This is a jalapeño cheddar sausage fried in cornmeal batter topped with garlic mayo, corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro. It’s served with a lime wedge and a bag of chips, too. Ain’t she a beaut? This is such a unique twist on a typical corn dog and yet still very authentic to what you would expect elotes to taste like! The cotija cheese, the garlic mayo, the corn, and the cilantro all come together and make this little dog delicious. It’s nice to see all the classic ingredients represented in this dish and prepared so well. The interesting thing about this item, to us, is the jalapeño cheddar sausage instead of a regular hot dog — so it’s not just a regular corn dog with unique toppings, but is unique down to its core. Every ingredient is combined to make a mind-blowing combination. The corn dog comes with a side of lime and we definitely recommend squeezing that over the corn dog. We did think it had quite a kick, however, so it might not be the best option for someone who doesn’t enjoy spice or can’t tolerate much of it. Check this bad boy out To wash everything down, we grabbed one of the fresh-squeezed lemonades as well. You can get lemon or strawberry or specialty flavors — a regular size is $7 and a large is $9. We opted for the Hibiscus Agave and Raspberry Apricot! The Hibiscus Agave was SUPER delicious. It was sweet without that overly sugar taste — really refreshing and perfect on a hot day. As for the Raspberry Apricot, you can definitely taste both the raspberry and apricot flavors in this one. It was very fruity. This one was definitely sweet in a “there’s a lot of sugar in here” kind of way, but it was still balanced due to the tartness of the raspberry and lemon. Strawberry and regular lemonades Unfortunately, as of now, there are no vegan or vegetarian corn dog options here, but we did confirm that the lemonade and cotton candy are both vegan. Luckily, there are plenty of other spots to grab a bite to eat at Disney’s BoardWalk — but we think Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is a great addition! It’s corn dog time! We are SO excited that Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is finally open on Disney’s BoardWalk. It’s just a short skip away from EPCOT, so consider stopping by to check it out on your next visit! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest and greatest snacks and news from Disney World — so make sure you stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more. REVIEW: We Tried 2 NEW FALL Treats at Starbucks 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! The post REVIEW: Come Try a NEW Disney World Hotel Snack Spot with Us! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

They say a rainy day at Disney World is better than a day at home, but it can put a damper on your plans…and shoes. Did we just find the ULTIMATE rainy day solution? We’re constantly searching for tips, tricks, and fixes to help some of the most common problems we face when visiting Disney World. So when we ran across these contraptions, we have to admit, we knew we had to put them to the ultimate test! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. One of the biggest ways to put an immediate damper to our day is to walk around Disney World’s parks and back to our hotels with completely soaked shoes and socks. If that thought just sent shivers down your spine, you’ve probably done that squish squelchy walk a time or two. Rainy day at Magic Kingdom So color us shocked when we happened up something that toted itself as an instant solution to this madness! Immediately we were intrigued and couldn’t click “add to cart” fast enough! When they arrived, we have to admit we had a few good laughs and told a few quick witted jokes at their expense. I mean, they look pretty comical at first glance. ©Amazon We chose this vibrant color combination but these Shiwely Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers we ordered from Amazon also come in some quieter colors, too. The shoe covers are pretty basic as they are made of a stretchy silicon material that grooved at the bottom for extra grip support and are secured around your shoe when you zip them up. Copy our look HERE! And although we had a good laugh at them OFF of our feet we had yet to actually test them out. So, we waited for a perfect specimen of a rainy day to take these puppies on their first test out! We arrived to Magic Kingdom on a drizzly day and decided when the rain picked up a bit, it was time to slip them on and hopefully, save our feet from their impending doom of blisters! Here we go! We found them to be quick simple to slip on! You’ll make sure the zipper is unzipped while fitting your shoe into the cover and pulling it out and around the button sole. We found it easiest to do when we stuck the toe section of our shoe in first and guided our hands pulling the cover out firmly as we made our way around the back of the heel and up towards our ankle. Admittedly, the first time we slipped them on they were new to us (and unworn) so it took some readjusting to get the fitting just right where the grooves were secured around the sides and bottom of the shoe. Easy does it! Then we zipped up the shoe cover and checked our fit! Perfect! Round two! Our reporter who tried these shoe covers wears a size 8 in women’s shoes and the Large size left a bit of the silicon cover towards the front toe area of the shoe. Another reporter that also tried them out said she wore a size 9, but ran into an issue with the top of the zipper hitting around the shoe’s tongue and rubbing her ankle on occasion. All that to say, if you’re wondering about the size and are unsure, especially if you’re in the top half of the size recommendation, you might find a comfier fit by ordering a size up! A little extra material at the top of the toe When we say we were skeptical that such a thin layer could really keep our shoes protected all day, we really mean it! We wore these things ALL.DAY.LONG. and we have to proudly admit defeat in the end. Not only did they protect us from the falling rain, but we also encountered puddles that we quite literally jumped into to splash and had no trouble at all with the water getting into our shoe. In the end, these comical looking shoe covers won our ever thankful hearts over (and we had a few folks stop us in the parks already asking about their coverage and durability). A complete look! If you’re wondering how well they held up on slick surfaces we tested that too! The grooved bottoms helped keep us from sliding in typically slick areas where we otherwise know we would have been looking like a newborn baby giraffe. In the end, the only trouble we really had in the rain was when we were walking against the rain blowing in and we determined that any water that got into our shoe cover came from where it was hitting our legs and running down into the tops of our shoe and socks, but we mostly remained dry even under those circumstances! Ok, YOU’VE CONVINCED ME! Our reporter was very thankful that after a full day in multiple Disney World parks testing these shoe covers out in the pouring rain, they were able to get home and slip them off with ease, air dry them, and not have to spend hours drying out their completely soggy shoes and socks! Wondering what else we pack in our bags for Disney World? Click below to see everything we’ve rounded up in our storefront and stay tuned with us to see more deals and steals we spot! Check out what else we’re packing in our park bags from Amazon HERE!The post We Tested the Viral Rain Shoe Covers in Disney World -- Here's What We Learned About Them first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One thing that we LOVE about Disneyland is the fun after hours events (seriously, Disney World needs to get on board). Our minds are still blown by the fact that we got to attend an event about ALL things Disney Channel — that’s our childhood, right there! But there are also Star Wars Nite, Pride Nite, and more. Well, now, it seems like Universal Hollywood is trying to get on the special after-hours event train. Universal is set to host its first EVER Fan Fest Nights SOON. That’s right, Universal Hollywood is introducing its own after-hours event. For the first time ever, you’ll get to go to Universal Fan Fest Nights on select evenings at Universal Hollywood. The events are set to start in the spring of 2025. So, what exactly is Fan Fest Nights about? Well, Universal is calling it a celebration of the best sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime fandoms. Okay, the nerds in us just went WOW. Mario and Luigi This all-new after hours events will bring fans into the worlds of Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, and more with “immersive experiences, celebratory moments, themed food, and exclusive merchandise that takes fandom to a whole new level.” What can we say? Color us intrigued! ©Universal The official Star Trek website has a bit more information: “Universal Fan Fest Nights will be a limited-time, after-hours experience, exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood that will showcase a dynamic line-up of captivating, immersive in-world experiences along with engaging celebratory activations throughout the theme park, from live entertainment to cosplay, inviting guests to embrace their favorite characters and share their enthusiasm with like-minded fans.” Did you catch that? Cosplay? So this might be an event where you can dress up! Universal also says its lineup is expanding with “more to be revealed.” Okay, now we’re REALLY curious. We expect to get more details soon, and when we do, we’ll be sure to fill you in! In the meantime, you can fulfill your gaming fantasy at Universal’s Super Nintendo World, which opened in 2023, which will take you into the world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and more. We had a chance to visit when it first opened, and let’s just say, we felt powered up! Stay tuned to DFB for more. UPDATE On Universal’s New Theme Park in the UK Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of this? Is it an event you’d like to attend? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Universal Studios Just Announced NEW After Hours Events first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to Disney World for vacation, you may only be spending one day in each park. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT While some people get the chance to stay longer and visit each park multiple times, many tourists aren’t getting that hefty of a schedule. And that can be a particular challenge when you’ve got a special limited-time event happening in the parks that you want to check out! So what happens when you go to EPCOT with only ONE day to conquer the International Food & Wine Festival? The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is the park’s biggest festival of the year. With dozens of food booths including eats from around the world, special activities, unique merchandise, and exclusive entertainment, it would take DAYS to do everything if you’re just one person (or even a family of people). Food & Wine Festival So how on earth do you know what to prioritize? How do you know which food items are worth your time and which ones you should skip? Well, we’ve got good news! Here at DFB, we go to the first day of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival every single year, and we do all the research so you don’t have to! Hawaii Booth Full Spread We review every single food booth each year with photos and detailed taste notes so you know what to expect from the food items. We cover all the merchandise, entertainment, and activities so that you know where to find those must-have souvenirs and how to fill your time during the day. We even keep tabs on the crowds at the festival so that you know the best days and times to visit! Brew-Wing Full Spread And then when we gather all that information, what do we do? We put it in our handy-dandy Food & Wine Festival DFB Guidebook! That book is complete with maps, menus, pictures, and even game plans so that you can get the MOST out of the festival. You’ll be able to use our guide to carefully budget and plan your day so that you don’t miss out on any of the important offerings. If you’d like to snag this awesome guide, it’s available for pre-order on our DFB Store now! After the first day of the festival, it’ll be officially published with all the information we gather so that you can have the most successful festival trip possible. It’s an incredible all-in-one resource, and you can access it digitally right on your phone! 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival And if you want to SAVE, then you can snag the DFB Food & Wine Bundle! It comes with our acclaimed DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining AND our guide to Food & Wine Festival. That way, you’re prepared for not just your EPCOT day but your entire trip! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the Food & Wine Festival! We’ve got you covered with the latest! Click Here to Shop the DFB Bundle Online! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to the festival this year? Tell us in the comments! The post You Have ONE DAY To Conquer the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, and You Shall Prevail! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve had some pricey meals in Disney World — because, hey, Disney food is our JOB! Japan Pavilion in EPCOT We once spent $300 on a sushi boat in EPCOT, and we have ZERO regrets. We’ve also dined at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is the FANCIEST restaurant in all of Disney World. Again, that was a case of YOLO. We’ve done the tasting menu at Monsieur Paul at EPCOT, and it honestly blew our minds. Well, we recently revisited another EPCOT favorite, Takumi-Tei, and this one set us back about $250, and it was worth every penny. Takumi-Tei recently announced that it would undergo a “significant transformation” with all the restaurant’s courses being redesigned. So of course, we needed to check the restaurant out to make sure it still met all our expectations (it’s been a favorite in the past). Atmosphere Takumi-Tei may be a little hidden inside the Japan Pavilion, but you’ll find it if you look for a banner marking it to the right of Mitsukoshi. Takumi-Tei From the second you step inside, you might just have to pick your jaw up because the interior is simply gorgeous. There is no mistake that you’ve arrived here for a signature dining experience, and that shows in the restaurant’s interior and its immaculate service. Inside Takumi-Tei means “House of the Artisan” in Japanese, so inside, you’ll find five beautiful rooms, each inspired by a natural element: water, wood, earth, stone, or washi paper. We were seated in the wood room, which has some nods to the other elements in it. Each room is a beautiful ode to Japanese craftsmanship. Wood Room There are no windows, but once you’ve stepped inside, it’s like you’ve left EPCOT and were magically transported to Japan. It’s completely stunning Menu As we previously mentioned, the menus here have been overhauled, including the names of the two meals you can order. Omnivorous is now Kiku and costs $250 per adult and $100 per child (ages 8-12). The plant-based menu is now called Hasu and is the same price. Menu The dining here is “Omakase” meaning it’s a special multi-course experience where the entire meal has been curated by the chef. Omokase The Kiku meal includes include Sushimi, Soups, a Wagyu Beef Roll, a selection of desserts, and more. Kiku The Hasu meal includes plant-based plates like flesh yuba and pickled daikon, bamboo shoot tempura, nigiri sushi, plant-based desserts, and more. Hasu Beverages available include a variety of Sake, which can be ordered by the bottle or glass. Sake flights are also available. Sake menu You can also order Wine and Japanese Whisky. Wine and liquor menu A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. Eats We decided to dive into the Kiku menu, so let’s take a look at what we ate. After we washed our hands with a hand towel that smelled of refreshing eucalyptus, we dug into the menu and started by getting a drink. We were offered the Shochu Shisho Fashion, which is not yet on the menu. This beautiful drink is a delicious spin on an Old-Fashioned. Shochu Shisho Fashion The Shochu is so delightfully heady and shines in the shrank as the main ingredient. The Shiso acts sort of like bitters and balances the drink’s flavor profile. It has the perfect amount of sweetness that makes it like a traditional Old-Fashioned, but with these elevated flavors. There’s an earthiness to it that reminds us of green tea. Even the crystal clear ice is amazing and melts in a beautiful way. Now, let’s get to the food. Course 1: Ichijyu-Sansai This course is served one-soup-two-dishes style and comes with sea urchin chirashi sushi; deep-fried tofu with white miso soup; and tuna, avocado, and zucchini with ponzu jelly. Our server recommended that we start with the soup and then eat clockwise around the plate, so that’s what we did. Ichijyu-Sansai The soup turned out to be our favorite thing on the plate. Miso soup is typically made with red miso, but this one is made with white miso, which makes it creamier. It still has the savory complex qualities of miso, and the tofu soaks up those flavors nicely. This was one of those things that was good on the first bite. We also liked the paper -thin breading on the deep-ried tofu, plus the added touch of wasabi. This was an amazing way to kick off our meal. Deep-fried tofu with white miso soup The sea urchin in the sea urchin chirashi sushi is a standout ingredient. It has a unique quality with a buttery texture and flavor, but then the flavor also has an aggressive smoky fishiness to it. We might compare it to smoked salmon, but it was way WAY more than that. That being said, not everyone might not like it because you need to love sushi. This piece fell apart in the mouth in a pleasantly gooey texture, and that might be too much for people who know they’re eating fish. Sea urchin chirashi sushi Then it was onto the tuna, avocado, and zucchini with ponzu jelly. We enjoyed this tuna salad. We will say this is a more familiar fish flavor, so if you’ve eaten a spicy tuna roll, you might recognize the taste of this and be more comfortable with it. It has the minerality of tuna. We liked how the textures varied: you’ve got the crunch from the zucchini, the fatty structure of the avocado mixed with the tuna, and the gelatinous ponzu jelly. Tuna, avocado, and zucchini with ponzu jelly Again, our favorite thing on the plate was the miso soup, but the entire course was a delicious start to the meal. Our server shared that the chef wanted a sort of soup, salad, and rice traditional start to the meal to warm the belly up for eating all the delicious food yet to come. Course 2: Sashimi The Sashimi course is four kinds of seasonal sashimi, with assorted garnish. Ours consisted of scallop, Japanese seabream, skipjack, and a fatty tuna. It’s served with soy sauce, albeit a milder version than what we’re used to. Wasabi is also served with the sashimi, and this is the real deal. We’ve found that true wasabi is less like a paste and a little grainier with a flavor that’s less likely to shoot up through your head. Both elevate the flavors of the fish. Sashimi The scallop had a mild flavor that was clean with a bright aftertaste. It’s deliciously light but still has an exciting complexity. Scallop The Japanese seabream is a bit meatier in texture and carries the flavor of the soy sauce with a mild umami flavor. Japanese seabream The skipjack had the thickest texture of the four but was softer away from the skin. It tasted bright and buttery with a savory aftertaste. Skipjack The fatty tuna just MELTS in the mouth. It has a very light tuna flavor but is mostly decadent and buttery. The texture is soft and as we said melts in your mouth the way you dream of food melting in your mouth. It carries the soy sauce and wasabi so well. Fatty tuna We will say that the last time we came here, the Sashimi was our favorite course, and for good reason. This redefines what you think sushi tastes like. The fish is all high quality and the preparation is perfect. Course 3: Hassun The third course is Hassun, which is seven kinds of seasonal small plates tailored by the chef. Our plate had yuba and salmon roe, shitake and spinach with tofu paste, egg cake, eel tail with a fermented paste made with rice vinegar, konnyaku with miso dengako, eel sushi, and salmon with seaweed broth and lime. This is a super interesting course and where you start to get into the more traditional, yet also experimental, elements of the meal. At this point, Americans may find the gelatinous textures a little overwhelming at this point. But you do get a variety of flavors and textures. Hassun The yuba, aka tofu skin, is very creamy and tastes like tofu with that silken meatiness to it. It’s topped with salmon roe, which kind of burst open with a sea salt flavor. We liked this more than we expected as these aren’t two ingredients we usually like on their own. However, together, it’s almost like a creamy meaty pudding. Very hard to describe, but tasty. Yuba and salmon roe We loved the spinach and shiitake with tofu paste. It’s almost like a bite of cold stewed veggies with a peanut sauce on top (although it’s actually a tofu paste, but it still tastes a bit nutty). Spinach and shiitake with tofu paste Egg cake is very common in Japan. It’s super soft and a little sweet. It sort of reminds us of a moist angel food cake. Egg cake The next thing was the eel tail with a fermented paste made with rice vinegar (there was a word for the paste that we couldn’t quite make out). This has a nice and much-needed texture mixup. It’s firm and chewy with a sweet and fruity garnish. There’s a slight fishy taste, so we’d say it’s kinda’ like a less chewy fish jerky. Eel tail with a fermented paste made with rice vinegar The texture of the konnyaku with miso dengako was so unique and we’re struggling to find a word to describe it. Maybe it’s bouncy? It’s like a soft gummy. Flavorwise, we got an explosion of salty savory flavor from the topping. But that texture is…challenging. Konnyaku with miso dengaku We were VERY excited to see eel sushi on the plate because we like eel sushi. It’s got a nice meaty texture and an amazing umami that kind of just sits in your nose. Honestly, this was a perfect piece of sushi. Eel sushi The salmon with seaweed broth and lime was a super weird mix of flavors for us. The lime almost created a bitter flavor profile, which did round out the plate well, but it cut through the buttery salmon and made us miss the flavor from the fish. Salmon with seaweed broth and lime It’s still a good bite, but the flavors just mixed strangely. Course 4: Shiizakana The Shiizakana course features Deep-Fried Japanese Wagyu Beef Shiso leaf Roll, Original Yellow Vinegar, Shiso flowers, Yuzu salt, key lime, Baked Flounder with Saikyo Miso, and Pickled celery. Yep, this is basically a surf and turf platter. Shiizakana The flounder is made in a white miso paste and we were STOKED because we love miso, but you couldn’t taste much of it. The skin of the fish had a lot of the flavor, but once the skin was gone, this was a regular white fish. It was still delicious and cooked well. We’ll also say this was a nice break from the raw textures we had in previous courses. Baked Flounder with Saikyo Miso The wagyu was amazing and we loved the yuzu salt that’s on the plate. It’s housemade, and it’s a lot like a citrus salt. The lime and that yuzu salt change the flavor of the wagyu, too, so you’re encouraged to try it with and without the salt. Deep-Fried Japanese Wagyu Beef Shiso leaf Roll Overall, this course is the heaviest and richest we’ve had so far and the first we couldn’t finish. We also think this is the course that would please pickier eaters. Course 5: Onmono This course offers you a choice of Japanese wagyu beef and bamboo shoots with tortoiseshell sauce, maitake mushrooms, chopped myoga and chives, dew ginger or Spiny Lobster and bamboo shoots with tortoiseshell starchy sauce, maitake mushroom, chopped myoga, chives and dew ginger. We chose the wagyu. Onmono: Japanese wagyu beef and bamboo shoots with tortoiseshell sauce, maitake mushrooms, chopped myoga and chives This was the standout element of the entire meal. Again, the wagyu is amazing. Here, it’s cut super thin and perfectly cooked and served in a luxurious decadent sauce. The sauce is sticky and is a combo of soy and corn syrup. You would think it would be too sweet, but it’s more savory. The meat is incredible and goes perfectly with the ginger on top. This is like beef stew, but way more bougie. That wagyu is incredible The mushroom and bamboo shoots are also perfectly cooked and oddly enough, those bamboo shoots almost tasted like potatoes more than bamboo shoots. DELISH, y’all. This dish is a real winner. Course 6: Gohanmono The next course is getting us ready to wind down the savory part of the meal with cooked conger eel nigirizushi with simmered sauce, wasabi, gari, and red miso soup. This course surprised us because it took us back into seafood territory. This eel is a lot like what we had earlier with a nice meaty texture but a light flavor. So it’s a transition from the heavier food we had transitioning into the next course, which is dessert. Gohanmono Even if you’re on the fence about sushi, we will recommend eel, especially cooked eel because it has this nice texture between tuna and chicken, making it more approachable than some other fish. This is good with the soy and pickled ginger. The Japanese black pepper on the eel also adds an incredible flavor. It’s not as overwhelming as an American black pepper. Cooked conger eel nigirizushi The soup is aggressively flavorful — it’s miso, but it’s AGGRESSIVELY miso. It’s delicious and we even think it helped with our digestion, which we NEEDED at this point in the meal. Whew. Course 7: Macha and Kanmi We did it! We made it to the dessert course. Here, you’re given a choice of homemade green tea cake, vanilla ice cream, whipped, blackstrap molasses, mint or Japanese pumpkin blancmange with blackstrap molasses, whipped, mint or Florida orange jelly with strawberry sorbet, whipped mint. We went with the pumpkin blancmange. Japanese pumpkin blancmange with blackstrap molasses, whipped, mint or Florida orange jelly with strawberry sorbet, whipped mint Okay, this was INCREDIBLE. It was a lot like a creme brulee but without the caramelized top. It’s very close to a custard. Imagine a less sweet pumpkin pie: loads of pumpkin flavor. It even had that bit of graininess of a pumpkin pie. The caramel sauce and whipped cream added the right amount of sweetness. Our server recommended this, and we are FOREVER grateful. This is the perfect light end for a very happy meal, but it’s also a super satisfying dessert. So pumpkiny But we aren’t COMPLETELY done because a traditional Japanese tea service is also served with dessert. This is the kind of tea service where they whisk the matcha into the cup right on your table from their tea cart. Now, our reporter is not a big fan of matcha, mostly because it has a powdery texture, but the way they whisked it here was so fast (like superhuman fast!) and that powdered texture goes completely away. Traditional Japanese tea service So you just get a nice smooth cup of matcha tea. What a great way to end the meal! Tea One of the things we also loved about our meal was the level of service. You do not get this kind of attentive service anywhere else in Disney World. The servers here go above and BEYOND to make your meal perfect. For example, we just ordered the one drink, but our server brought out some samples of her favorite sakes just because she wanted us to try them. It’s almost like having dinner with a super polite friend. At the end of the meal, the servers also make handmade origami parting gifts, and ours had a personalized note. Y’all — we can’t even. Nosh or Not Visit Takumi-Tei if: You love Japanese food. What you get here is a truly authentic Japanese food experience that you can’t find just anywhere. You want an elevated and spectacular dining experience. Many DFB reporters have said that the meals they’ve had here are some of their favorites of all time. If you’ve not been here before, it will surprise you. Is it pricey? Yes, but we’d argue it’s worth every penny for the experience and stellar service. You’re an adventurous eater. Now, you’ll need an adventurous palate to really appreciate the food here, and if you’re looking to try new things and don’t mind eating something you might not regularly eat, this is the place to do it. Skip Takumi-Tei if: You’re on a budget. This isn’t where you’ll get an inexpensive meal in Disney World, particularly if you’re feeding a family of four. This is a place where you go to splurge without worrying about how much it’s going to set you back. You’re a picky eater or have picky eaters in your party. Takumi-Tei is for those with an adventurous palate. The food served here is probably unlike anything you’ve had before and you have to go in with the idea that you’ll be eating adventurous foods prepared in unique ways. You don’t want to spend a lot of time on a meal. This is a seven-course meal, so you can expect to spend at least a few hours throughout the course of the experience. If you’re tight on time or just don’t want to commit your EPCOT park time to this experience, you should probably eat somewhere else. Overall We’ll say it again: this is almost ALWAYS one of the best meals we’ve ever had in Disney World, and even with the changed menu, it did not disappoint. The service is impeccable, some of the best you’ll get in Disney World, and every course feels like it was put together with a lot of special thought. Is it expensive? Well, again, the answer is yes. You not only get food with quality ingredients that have been carefully curated, but you also get incredible service. If you love Japanese food and want an experience that’s as authentic as you can get without going to Japan, Takumi-Tei is a must. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. I Go to Disney World Every Week and I REFUSE to Eat at These Restaurants (But Not for the Reason You Think) 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 dined at Takumi-Tei? What was your experience like? Share with us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Ate a 0 Meal in EPCOT and We'd Do It Again first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When we visit Disney World, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the crowds, wait times, prices, and amount of walking you’ll have to do. However, while those variables can change, one obstacle remains a constant: the sun. A sunny day in Magic Kingdom! Sunxiety, or the fear of the sun or damage from the sun, is absolutely a real thing. Plenty of folks feel obligated to completely cover up when outdoors or avoid the outdoors altogether. We get it. Our reporters visit the Disney World parks every day and with that have come some gnarly burns on occasion and the fear of skin damage. As we learn more and more about both the positive and harmful effects of prolonged sunlight exposure, we’ve become more mindful of how we prepare for park days. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. When overcoming sunxiety, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Sun safety requires cognitive awareness about things like the time of day, the sunscreen products you’re using, when to apply them, and other skin care methods. Let’s get into some tips and tricks that will help YOU overcome sunxiety so that your next Disney World trip can be the best one yet! Umbrellas can be your best friend Useful for more than just blocking rainfall, an umbrella can be a saving grace when shade is impossible to find. On those busy days when all the shade is taken or lines saddle you out in the open, a UV-blocking umbrella can save your skin. UV Umbrella in Hollywood Studios A mini UV-blocking umbrella like this one that you can buy on Amazon is ideal for park days. Mini travel umbrellas like this are perfect for when you’re on the go as they are incredibly lightweight and collapsable. UV Umbrella As for the purpose of the umbrella, this one in particular includes an inside layer made from a black glue fabric that reflects most UV rays. The coating on the underside of the canopy absorbs any remaining UV rays which gives this umbrella an overall UPF rating of 50-plus. Ultimately, something like this is a wise investment if you’re looking to combat harmful UV rays. Buy on Amazon Throw in some anti-aging benefits with your sunscreen Indulging in sun safety can also have some serious anti-aging benefits. With the right kind of sunscreen, you can protect your skin and even look younger! ©Amazon One sunscreen we can recommend is Supergoop!’s Daily Dose Sunscreen Serum with SPF 40 and vitamin C. The vitamin C in the sunscreen is extra effective when worn with SPF and helps brighten the skin. The hydrating, oil-free formula helps filter out UV and blue light — two major causes of dark spots. Additionally, this serum goes really well with any other SPF-infused moisturizer, primer, or cream you might already be using! Buy on Amazon Worried about for face? This sunscreen has you covered! Sometimes when we visit Disney World, we forget that our face needs protection too. Hats and sunglasses are absolute essentials, but so is the right facial sunscreen. ©Amazon If you have sensitive skin, Amazon will have several options for you, such as this La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen. This face sunscreen is made with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection SPF 50 with iron oxides and tinted mineral with no white cast. It’s billed as non-greasy, fast-absorbing, having a matte finish, water resistant for up to 40 minutes, and suitable for under-makeup-use. Buy on Amazon If the goal is to avoid sunlight, don’t forget to take your vitamins It’s true that the sun can be harmful, but it also provides a ton of benefits, such as vitamin D, which is vital for better moods, sleep cycles, and general well-being. If sunxiety keeps you out of the sun completely, one of the best things you can do to soften the blow is take some supplements. ©Amazon Over on Amazon, this NatureWise Vitamin D3 pack is ideal for picking up the nutrients you might be missing. These dietary supplements help bolster your immune support, muscle function, and bone health, especially if you might be vitamin D-deficient and suffer from sunxiety. Great for every season, these supplements could be useful for people who aren’t sunxious and just want the extra boost. Disney World can be demanding, after all, and you want to be as healthy as possible before taking it on. Buy on Amazon Get ready to conquer the Disney World sun before your next visit and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney World tips and tricks! For more Disney World essentials, check out our Amazon storefront!The post I Struggle with ‘Sunxiety’ in Disney World and I Know I’m Not Alone first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s so much to love about a Disney vacation, and whether you’re setting sail with Disney Cruise Line or heading to Walt Disney World Resort for the ultimate theme park experience, you’re bound to have an amazing time. Why not double the fun and enjoy the best of both worlds? Port Canaveral is just an hour away from Disney World, making it easy to adventure by land and sea – all in one trip. Here are some helpful tips to add a Disney World visit to your next Disney cruise. Pack your best Disney fits – including a MagicBand+. When combining a park visit with a cruise, you’ll want to pack an array of outfits, like a snazzy bathing suit, walking shoes, attire for any themed nights, comfy shorts and maybe even matching shirts for your group. My top tip for your Disney fit though is to bring along a MagicBand+. Your Walt Disney World Resort MagicBand+ can be used onboard all Disney Cruise Line ships, allowing you to unlock the door to your room, enter our park gates, easily make purchases and enjoy special interactive experiences – all with a quick tap. Stay in “vacation mode” and leave the driving to us. Whether you’re visiting the parks pre- or post-cruise, traveling between the cruise port and our parks is a breeze. Disney can add a transfer to and from Port Canaveral, Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport to your itinerary for an additional fee. Once at Walt Disney World, you can easily zip around our parks and resorts thanks to the many fun, quick and complimentary transportation offerings available. My personal favorite is a ride aboard the Disney Skyliner. Turn your cruise into a full-week trip with a Disney Resort stay. Turn your trip into a full-week vacation by adding a few nights at a Disney Resort to your three- or four-night cruise on the Disney Wish. This gives you plenty of time to explore the parks, relax by the pool and enjoy the same legendary detail, service and storytelling of a Disney cruise at the resort of your choice. Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select resorts for the rest of the summer and early fall. Store your bags as soon as you arrive and hit the parks. No matter the length of your stay at Walt Disney World, make the most of your day by starting early. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you get early entry to the parks and you can store your luggage with Bell Services before your room is ready. They’ll even deliver your bags to your room later in the day so you can focus on your park adventure. Don’t miss out on the great entertainment options on land and sea. One of the best parts of a Disney trip is that there’s no shortage of great entertainment options. With a land and sea vacation, you have double the opportunities to catch a spectacular Disney production – or multiple! Between live music, Broadway-caliber shows, fireworks, parades and more, there is something for everyone. My top recommendation at Walt Disney World is “Festival of the Lion King,” where you can catch dancing, acrobatic hijinks and classic tunes from “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Sit down and dive into a delicious meal at a Disney restaurant. If you’re a foodie like me, your vacations always revolve around what you’re going to eat. I especially love to grab a meal at a sit-down restaurant, trying new ones on every trip. Disney has some of the best restaurants out there, like themed, rotational dining included in your cruise fare, and adult favorites like Palo and Remy on the high seas. There are many incredible options at Walt Disney World too – including immersive picks that put you inside Beast’s enchanted castle, a Harambe marketplace, along Sunset Boulevard and even amongst toys in Andy’s Backyard. Use the My Disney Experience app to view dining availability at any given Disney World restaurant for multiple days at a time in one single search. Take lots of pictures – including with your favorite Disney pals. Photos are a great way to turn special moments into timeless memories, but sometimes it’s too easy to forget to snap a picture when you’re on the go and having a blast. This is your reminder to take lots of pictures on your next trip – including with your favorite pals. There are tons of opportunities to meet many different Disney characters on a land and sea vacation, and if you want to stay focused on the fun, we’ll handle the photos. With Disney PhotoPass Service at Walt Disney World and professional photo packages on Disney Cruise Line sailings, we’ll capture every hug, high-five and smile for you. Ready to set sail for the ultimate Disney vacation? Combine high-seas adventure with theme park magic by booking a Disney cruise and a visit to Walt Disney World. These tips above can help you get the best of both worlds on your next trip. Bon voyage and “sea” you real soon! The post Helpful Tips to Add Disney World to Your Next Disney Cruise appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Time to get SPOOKY! Magic Kingdom Head over to Disney’s online store ASAP, as they currently have one of their most IN-DEMAND Halloween season items in stock NOW! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering an Amazon Prime subscription? Check out a free trial here: Get Your Medium-Sized Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Now! ©Disney The perfect Halloween decoration doesn’t exis…okay, yes, it does, because this is it. These Light-Up Mickey Jack-o’-Lanterns are VERY popular for a reason — just look at it. It has a switch that you can use to turn it on, but it also has a solid color light setting and pulsing setting. It even has a six-hour timer. Buy at The Disney Store There are few better spooky season Disney decorations than this adorable pumpkin. Looking for more Disney Essentials? Check Out Our Amazon Storefront! The post WOAH. A Mega Popular Disney Halloween Souvenir Just Dropped Online. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to food, we see changes ALL the time all over Disney World and Disneyland. Starbucks in Downtown Disney We’ve seen entire menus change (and sometimes NOT for the better…yes, Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom, we’re looking at you). We’ve seen some of our favorite foods disappear (although, in one case, one of our fave snacks DID actually return). We also see a ton of price increases, especially around this time of year. Speaking of which, we’re sorry to report that we just noticed a TON of price increases at Starbucks locations in Disneyland. Yes, if you’re visiting Disneyland and need to feed your Starbucks addiction, it’s about to get a bit pricier. These price increases have happened at EVERY Starbucks location, too, including the Downtown Disney Starbucks, Market House in Disneyland, and Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in Disney California Adventure. It’s not just coffee that’s going up in price, though. Some food items are also now more expensive. Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe Almost everything is going up in price, so we’re going to give you a few examples. Here are a few of the Frappucino increases: Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Grande changed from $6.29 to $6.49 Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Venti changed from $6.79 to $6.99 Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Tall changed from $5.79 to $6.29 Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Venti changed from $6.79 to $7.29 Caramel Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Tall changed from $5.79 to $6.29 Caramel Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Grande changed from $6.29 to $6.79 Caramel Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Venti changed from $6.79 to $7.29 Here are a few changes with Espresso and Coffee: Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso – Tall changed from $5.49 to $5.99 Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso – Grande changed from $5.99 to $6.49 Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut – Grande changed from $5.99 to $6.49 Disney California Adventure Starbucks Mug Refreshers are also more expensive now. Here are a few examples: Pineapple Passionfruit Starbucks Refreshers – Tall changed from $4.79 to $5.29 Pineapple Passionfruit Starbucks Refreshers – Grande changed from $5.29 to $5.79 Pineapple Passionfruit Starbucks Refreshers – Venti changed from $5.79 to $6.29 Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers – Tall changed from $5.49 to $5.99 Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers – Grande changed from $5.99 to $6.49 Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers – Venti changed from $6.49 to $6.99 Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers – Trenta changed from $6.99 to $7.49 Downtown Disney Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches and Wraps also saw increases: Double Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Sandwich changed from $5.99 to $6.49 Sausage, Cheddar, and Egg Breakfast Sandwich changed from $4.99 to $5.29 Ham & Swiss Croissant changed from $4.99 to $5.29 Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap changed from $5.49 to $5.99 Bacon, Gouda & Egg Sandwich changed from $5.49 to $5.99 Under “Assorted Pastries,” the Petite Vanilla Bean Scone Trio changed from $6.29 to $8.29 — an increase of $2! There were also other price increases with pastries, snacks, and desserts. So, if you’re visiting Disneyland, we don’t want you to be surprised by these price increases. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Disneyland Is Getting 6 New Rides! 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 What do you think about these price increases? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT: (!!!) Price Increase Hits Disney’s Starbucks Locations first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We still don’t believe it, but it’s really happening: A Monsters, Inc. land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art ©Disney We’ll admit this was one announcement we totally did NOT expect from D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, but we are STOKED. That’s because Disney also announced that we were finally getting the ride we’ve been wanting since 2001, when Monsters, Inc. landed in movie theaters: a ride based on the doors scene in the movie — and y’all, IT IS HAPPENING! Seriously, just go ahead and pinch us because we think we’re dreaming. Anyway, we’ve actually been hunting down some more details about the new ride and we think we found some clues about it. The first thing we need to tell you is that Disney has confirmed that the new Monsters, Inc. ride will be the first suspended roller coaster EVER in a Disney Park. Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman said, “Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.” Disney also shared the ride concept art below: ©Disney We also know something else: the company Vekoma Rides could very well be the company helping Disney construct the coaster part of the attraction. Why do we think this? Well, they’ve worked on some of Disney’s most recent coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run. The company also helped Disney construct Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Train at Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as Expedition Everest in Disney World. This is the company Disney usually goes to when it’s creating a roller coaster. TRON Lightcycle / Run In looking at the Vekoma Rides website, it seems the company specializes in suspended family coasters. What will the Monsters, Inc. ride be? A suspended family coaster. Here’s what Vekoma’s website says: “Our Suspended Family Coaster line offers the excitement of a true suspended coaster in a family-friendly design that fits all age groups. These suspended coasters offer a unique open design seat and restraint system, providing optimal fit and security, and a sensational experience of freedom with your feet dangling free in mid-air. The fully unobstructed view of the ride and surroundings add to the fun.” ©Vekoma In particular, the description of Vekoma’s “Suspended Family Coaster Mistral Dark Ride” could very well give us a lot of hints about how the Monsters, Inc. ride will work. The website reads: “The train departs into the darkness. Feet dangle in mid-air. The riders climb and without warning plummet down the first drop. They fly through the underground tunnel into a high-speed turnaround pulling 3-G. A twisted drop. A final U-turn. A surprise bunny hop back into the station. The Mistral is a true storytelling coaster, combining a unique dark ride with the roaring winds of a thrilling gravity layout.” Here’s the concept art: ©Vekoma Well, that sounds a lot like that scene in Monsters, Inc., right? Also, the bit about storytelling is very on-brand for a Disney coaster. It also makes us think this could fit the Monsters, Inc. ride model we saw at D23: Monsters, Inc. roller coaster So we think Vekoma’s description of its family suspended coasters could give us an idea of just how thrilling this ride might end up being. Of course, we won’t know anything until Disney shares more about the new ride. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more clues, though, and we’ll share them when we can, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney World Is Getting 8 New Rides! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Does this sound like a fun ride to you? Let us know in the comments! The post What Will Disney's NEW Monsters, Inc. Roller Coaster Be Like? We Found Some CLUES first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Haunted Mansion Ghosts Watch-Along at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Parade!View the full article

Our favorite feathered friend is getting ready to take on the hottest challenge yet. Even Donald is happy about this change The “show with hot questions, and even hotter wings” has announced their special guest for this week’s episode and we are quacking up! First We Feast, the popular YouTube channel, has announced that the next guest featured on their hit talk show Hot Ones will be Donald Duck! This announcement was made in a post on X/Twitter where they shared a video of Donald himself inside the studio, stating that he is the guest for this upcoming episode. This announcement has come as a surprise to many, as Donald will be the first animated guest featured in an episode of Hot Ones. Not only is he solidifying his status as a total A-List celebrity (we know he loves the limelight), but he will also be making history as well! @seanseaevans Hot Ones is a talk show hosted by Sean Evans where he interviews celebrities, all while they eat spicy chicken wings. The catch, however, is that the spice level of the wings intensifies as they go through each of the hot sauces on the gauntlet. Many notable celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and more have been featured on the show, so we know Donald is definitely living his best life — and we have confirmation that he will be eating cauliflower wings! An icon just being an icon and doing icon things It’s been a big year for Donald as he has been celebrating his 90th birthday. And even though that was technically back in June, he is an icon and can celebrate it for the rest of the year if he wants to (icons do iconic things)! We are definitely more than happy to join in on the festivities. For the celebration, Disney released a Donald Duck 90th Anniversary collection which featured merchandise inspired by the famous duck, a popcorn bucket, a Joffrey’s Anniversary Blend, and so much more. Donald 90th Anniversary Ears We’re glad to see that Donald is still getting the recognition he deserves with a guest spot on Hot Ones and we’re definitely rooting for him to complete the gauntlet. This episode of Hot Ones will be available to stream on YouTube on August 23. Stay tuned with us here as we bring you the latest in Disney news! Everything NEW Coming to Disney+ This September Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this episode of Hot Ones? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Donald Duck Will Appear in a SPICY New Interview Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are lots of restaurants in Disney World, but there’s one that offers a unique experience! Hoop Dee Doo If you’re hoping to dine with an interactive dinner show filled with music, dancing, and over-the-top crowd participation, there’s really only one option for you — Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! This spot is a fan-favorite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and we stopped by recently to enjoy a meal there. Let’s talk about it! Atmosphere As we mentioned above, Hoop-Dee-Doo is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. You’ll find it in the Settlement Trading Post area, along with the other main dining locations and a gift shop. If you take the boat from Magic Kingdom, you’ll be dropped off at the Settlement Trading Post, but if you park at the resort or bus in, you may need to take the internal bus shuttle to get to your destination. Inside Hoop Dee Doo The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday each week and offers three dinner shows per night. The shows have some incredible entertainment with singing and dancing, and of course, plenty of fun jokes and gags! The show! Pricing for the show varies depending on where you choose to sit, and goes as follows: Category 1: $74 for adults/$44 for Children ages 3 to 9 Category 2: $69 for adults/$40 for Children ages 3 to 9 Category 3: $66 for adults/$39 for Children ages 3 to 9 ©Disney You’ll get breaks throughout the show to eat your food, which is served family-style. This experience has been open for 50 years, and many people come back year after year with their families! Menu As we mentioned, the meal is served family-style, which means everyone at the table will get the same eats. However, if you have someone in your party with allergies or a special diet, you can get alternate options. The regular menu features the Hoop salad, house-made cornbread, smoked barbecued pork ribs, creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cowboy beans, cornbread-crusted macaroni & cheese, crispy-fried chicken, and strawberry shortcake. Menu Beverages are included with your meal, including your choice from a small list of alcoholic options or from a selection of non-alcoholic soft drinks, teas, juices, etc. There are also a few specialty beverages that you can add on for an extra cost. Eats We kicked our meal off with the traditional Hoop Salad, which was creamy and tart. It’s an incredibly tasty salad if you like the sharpness of a vinaigrette. However, if you’re more of a Caesar or ranch fan, it might be a little too tangy for you to eat more than one serving. Hoop Salad After that, we dove into the House-made Cornbread, which is simply phenomenal! It’s moist, fluffy, and pairs excellently with the sweet honey butter. For those who love a bread service, you’ll be incredibly happy here! We honestly could’ve eaten this whole thing solo — too bad we had to share with the table. Cornbread Then it was time for the main course! Let’s eat! Let’s dig in! The Creamy Coleslaw was strongly flavored and definitely creamy. If you’re a big coleslaw fan, it’s quite good, but for those who only gravitate toward it as a topping, it might not be your cup of tea. Coleslaw The Pecan-smoked BBQ Pork Ribs were fatty and a little bit basic. We wish the barbecue had a little more of a kick and that the meat was more savory. Not bad ribs if you live outside of barbecue country, but if you’re from somewhere like Texas or the Carolinas, you might have better options back home. The Fried Chicken had perfect texture, but it wasn’t as juicy as we wanted. There was a nice crispy exterior, but the flavor was just fine and not quite as memorable as some other fried chicken options we’ve had in Disney World. Definitely passable, though! Fried chicken & ribs The Cowboy Beans were one of the highlights for us, and we even went back for seconds! They were rich and smooth with a nice texture. Cowboy Beans Of course, you can’t have a good southern meal without Macaroni & Cheese. This version was a HUGE hit with some members of our party, and not as big of a hit with others. It’s creamy and cheesy, but not as decadent as some others we’d had in Disney World. It needed just a smiiiidge more richness in our opinion. Macaroni and Cheese The Mashed Potatoes were creamy and buttery with the perfect fluffy texture. If you like a little bit of skin in your potatoes, you’ll be quite pleased with these, and we would definitely get seconds of this one! Mashed Potatoes And last but not least, we had the iconic Strawberry Shortcake. It was SO fluffy and moist and soaked in strawberry goodness. We were actually worried we wouldn’t get enough of it! There’s a tiny bit of tartness to combat the sweetness of the cake and whipped cream, and all the ingredients pair perfectly together. Strawberry Shortcake So how did Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue fare? Overall All in all, we think that the main reason you’re probably coming to this restaurant is for the entertainment! The show is absolutely spectacular and entertaining, and we’d watch it over and over again. The food was yummy, and some items definitely stood out more than others, but it’s a pretty basic comfort meal. Our loaded plate! The point of Hoop-Dee-Doo is that it offers a unique experience, and we would keep going back for that hootin’ and hollerin’ good time over and over again! Nosh or Not? Plan for a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time at Hoop-Dee-Doo if… You’ve got an evening during your vacation with time to dine here. This isn’t a short meal experience, since it’s a dinner show, so you might want to mark this entire evening off if you want to head to this restaurant. If you have the time for the meal and the transportation to and from the resort, we definitely recommend it! You want to attend a dinner show. While you can find entertainment at many Disney World restaurants, this is technically the only dinner show still available around the resort. It’s a unique experience that we suggest you check out if you love entertainment while you dine! Your family loves comfort food. As far as Southern comfort food goes, this restaurant hits the nail on the head! You’ll enjoy plenty of delicious classics and you can get as much food as you’d like. Skip Pioneer Hall and head elsewhere for dinner if… You’re on a tight budget. This certainly isn’t one of Disney World’s most budget-friendly dining options, so keep that in mind when you’re considering it for your vacation. You don’t have a free evening or you’re in the parks every day. Since Hoop-Dee-Doo is a time-consuming experience and it can take quite a while to actually get TO the restaurant, we might not recommend this if you’re trying to squeeze it into a short trip where you don’t have the free time. You want adventurous eats. If you’re hoping to try food that’s unique and out of your comfort zone, you probably won’t find that here. This is a crowd-pleasing menu! Hoop-Dee-Doo Thanks for coming along with us to Hoop-Dee-Doo! Stay tuned to DFB for more dining reviews from Disney World. Click Here to Check Out Another Restaurant Review From Fort Wilderness! 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 been to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Is Disney World's Classic Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Still WORTH the Price Tag?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s head to the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT! Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT If you head left around World Showcase, you’re first stop will be at the Mexico pavilion. This is one of our favorite pavilions. There is delicious food, great shopping, and a fun little boat ride featuring the three Caballeros (Donald, Panchito, and José Carioca). You’ll find La Cantina de San Angel, San Angel Inn, La Hacienda de San Angel, Choza de Margarita, and La Cava del Tequila as food and drink locations in and around this pavilion. La Cava del Tequila is located inside the building at the pavilion and is a small bar with great cocktails. The bar is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, and one of our favorite cocktails is now available TO SHARE! La Cava del Tequila will frequently offer new specialty drinks, and this year they’ve come up with some extra special ones to celebrate their big milestone, like La Quinceañera Margarita! via La Cava Del Tequila on Instagram We also sometimes see them partnering with drink connoisseurs or celebrities to create fun new drinks, which is exactly what is going on right now! La Cava del Tequila had previously partnered with model Lily Aldridge to create “The Lily,” which happens to be one of our favorite drinks in the park! Lily Aldridge with her Lily Margarita The Lily is made of Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, cranberry-lime juice, Combier rose petal liqueur, and shimmering violet essence with a rose-hibiscus salt rim. The drink is $33 at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion. But now, it’s available to share! The new Lily Margarita serves three and you can order it now. ©La Cava del Tequila La Cava features a rich and warm atmosphere decorated authentically, over 200 tequilas and unique margaritas, as well as a few appetizing ‘tapas style’ snacks! There is limited seating in this cozy cave; however, you can get your drinks to go if you’re unable to secure a table. There is pretty much ALWAYS a long line extending into the indoor Mexico pavilion for this beloved bar, but since a visit to La Cava is practically a rite of passage for of-age guests in EPCOT, you may as well join in! La Cava del Tequila We’re excited to be celebrating this milestone with La Cava del Tequila! For more Disney news, keep following DFB! Why Everyone Will Be Running to Starbucks on August 22nd Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite drink at La Cava del Tequila? Let us know in the comments! The post One of Our FAVORITE Drinks Has a NEW LOOK in EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you are looking for shirts for you and the whole family to wear the next time you visit Toy Story Land, we’ve got you covered! Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land In Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, you get to shrink down to the size of a Toy and hang out in Andy’s backyard with all of his best pals. Of course, you want to dress to impress, and we have two Toy Story-themed shirts that are perfect for the entire family! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Over at our store, we have so many fun Disney themed-shirts and other merchandise and one of our newest collections features two of our favorite toy pals! Rootin Tootin and Howdy Folks Collection Saddle Up for Adventure and Get this Jessie Themed Shirt Yodel-Lay-Hee-Hoo! Show your love for Jessie the Cowgirl with this ‘Rootin Tootin’ shirt! It features Jessie’s iconic red hat, yellow bow, and cow print boots! Rootin Tootin Shirt Get Yours Here Become Woody’s Favorite Deputy and Snag this Howdy Folks Shirt Reach for the sky when you sport this Woody-themed shirt! It has Woody’s hat, sheriff badge, and boots with spurs. And of course, the boot features Andy’s signature! Howdy Folks Shirt Shop Here When you visit Toy Story Land make sure to visit Woody and Jessie outside of Toy Story Mania and show off your shirts! Howdy Folks and Rootin Tootin Shirts As always keep following along with Disney Food Blog for more Disney-themed merchandise, tips, and news! Shop Our Amazon Storefront!The post The ONLY New Shirts You Need for Toy Story Land in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Park bags have definitely changed over the years. Loungefly bags And we don’t just mean style, although that has changed too. But the bags people take to the parks are so much more than just a way to carry all their essentials around! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The best part about shopping on Amazon is the free shipping you can get on any order with an Amazon Prime Membership. Don’t have one? Click below to start your free trial today! Bags have become an accessory to elevate outfits and express oneself. With character-themed styles to trendy designs and so much more, there is no limit to what your bag can represent, especially when styling it along your park outfit. But if you’re not so sure what you’re looking for, we decided to check out some bags available to purchase online. We tested one that caught our eye to see if it could make a great bag to take on a trip to Disney! We looked through Amazon and checked out several bags before spotting this adorable rattan crossbody purse and we could not miss out on getting it! Rattan Purse Although it’s advertised as a ‘Panda’ shaped bag, we definitely think it holds a strong resemblance to our favorite mouse pal, which makes it such a cute bag to take to any of the Disney parks and even Disney Springs. The bag is made out of rattan and sports a faux brown leather strap, giving us total fall vibes that is perfect for the season. Featuring a compact internal pocket, suitable for storing any essentials safely, as well as a customizable strap for easy fitting, this bag has many features that make it great for all your travel needs. We are also a fan of how it’s made with vegan-friendly materials and that it’s handmade. We can honestly see this bag as part of a cute look for EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Rattan Purse Shop on Amazon We definitely think this bag is worth the price, with its cute and unique design, different than anything we’ve seen sold at the parks. However, we do wish the bag was bigger so it could hold more of our essentials, but given its incredible quality, we have to say that this is a purchase we’re pretty satisfied with. This might be a great bag if you looking for something that’s stylish and lowkey and maybe more of an aesthetic accessory that compliments your outfit. It’s perfect if you’re just needing to bring a few smaller items to the parks. Or if it’s just in addition to another park bag! Stay tuned as we bring you even more of our Disney park style tips! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront! The post OK. This Is Literally the Cutest Park Bag for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article