Disney4me

Okay, so who gets excited every week to see the upcoming Aldi finds? ©ALDI We sure do! We love seeing if we can spot some Disney essentials, like things we need to pack for our Disney trips (and let’s face it — those Aldi prices are NICE). We also love finding Disney souvenirs at Aldi, especially when we need to find gifts for the Disney lovers in our lives. So another week has passed, and now we’ve got a new look at what Aldi will have next week! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Do you have an Amazon Prime membership? If not, you can sign up for a free trial by clicking on the banner below: Okay, let’s check out the three must-haves you’ll find at Aldi from August 28th through September 3rd. Squishmallows Slippers ©Aldi Okay, we know this isn’t Disney, but y’all, we HAD to show you these Squishmallows slippers you can get from Aldi next week for under $9. Several different ones are available, too, and, honestly, we might grab EVERY SINGLE pair. Adventuridge 40 oz Thirst Crusher 2.0 Tumbler ©Aldi This tumbler is just $10, but it’s everything you need to stay hydrated through your day. Plus you can get it in lots of fun colors and designs. Zak Hot Beverage Tumblers ©Aldi Keep your hot beverages hot with these fun tumblers — you get four in a pack for just under $7 — say what? These tumblers will also let you show off your love for Marvel, Mickey and Minnie, Nightmare Before Christmas, and more! If for some reason you can’t get to Aldi next week, we found similar items on Amazon. Get the Squishmallows Slippers ©Amazon Yes, we found Squishmallows Slippers on Amazon and they look super squishy and comfortable. You can get Fifi the Fox, Lola the Unicorn, Cam the Cat, and Winston the Owl. These fun slippers look so warm, so they’re perfect for winter. Buy on Amazon Buy the Osse 40 oz. Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid ©Amazon We also found similar tumblers on Amazon so you can make sure you take your water with you everywhere (or whatever else you’re drinking). These steel insulated tumblers will keep your beverages cold for up to 30 hours and hot for up to 8 hours. Buy on Amazon Get the Zak Mickey Mouse Tumbler Set ©Aldi If you like the Zak designs of the Aldi cups, you can get a Mickey Mouse set of two, although there are also other styles you can choose from, including Bluey, Lilo and Stitch, Spider-Man, and more. These durable tumblers are also leak-proof, so they’re great for kids. Buy on Amazon Happy shopping! Visit our Amazon shop for more Disney souvenirs and essentialsThe post Why Disney Fans Are RUNNING to Aldi Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

After months and months of waiting, Disney finally dropped some exciting news about the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! We’ve got festival menus, people. We’ve got merchandise previews. We’ve even got the full Eat to the Beat concert lineup! We’re all set, right? Well…yes, and no. EPCOT Food & Wine Festival This year’s festival runs from August 29th to November 23rd, 2024. We know that some of the most popular food booths will return, along with the Eat to the Beat Concerts each evening. But the announcement we have been most eagerly anticipating? Well, it didn’t happen. Hey, Disney? We’re here to gently poke you. Pssst. Can you bring back this classic EPCOT Food and Wine Festival event? OK, it’s time for a little history lesson with DFB. Before the pandemic-related closures in Disney World in 2020, there were months of special programming that were part of EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival. Almost daily, you could attend a wine, beer, or cheese seminar. Additionally, celebrity chefs came in to host special meals, book signings, and cooking demonstrations. For example, in 2019, you could have brunch and a meet-and-greet with celebrity chefs like Cat Cora, Carla Hall, Buddy Valastro (yep, the Cake Boss guy), or Andrew Zimmern. Buddy Valastro Demo at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival When the Food and Wine Festival returned in 2020, seminars and demos were not on the calendar, and the festival has continued without them ever since. Seminars and demos were an amazing part of the festival, and we miss them dearly. Demonstrations available in 2019 Why are we bringing this up? Well, it seemed to us like EPCOT had a prime opportunity to bring back seminars and demonstrations this year. CommuniCore Hall was originally billed as EPCOT’s new dedicated Festival area. Disney called the new “home base” for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals and live events. CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are located in EPCOT’s World Celebration and were supposed to bring EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World,” according to Disney. CommuniCore Hall…there’s nothing here. But, according to the Disney World website, those live Eat to the Beat concerts will NOT take place at CommuniCore Hall, and we haven’t heard a peep about seminars and demos returning this year. In fact, there’s not even a section for seminars and demonstrations on the Food and Wine Festival website! That seems like a bad sign, right? ©Disney CommuniCore Hall is basically a big, open seating area right now, and Disney hasn’t made any announcements about updating the space. But hey– if you like airport lounges and air-conditioned buildings, come on in! At least there’s plenty of seating. CommuniCore Hall Perhaps Disney is saving this space as a place to eat your Food and Wine Festival snacks? It might be a bit of a long walk from the World Showcase festival booths to CommuniCore Hall, but if you’re determined to sit at a table in the A.C., this could be a new option for ya. Char & Chop Booth 2023 We’ll be sure to keep our eyes out for updates. Who knows! Maybe Disney still has some tricks up its sleeves. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. FULL MENUS Announced for the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you looking forward to trying during the festival? Let us know in the comments! The post We’ve Got a BAD Feeling About the Fate of This Classic EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Offering first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Can you believe it?! It’s almost time for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival It starts on August 29th and runs through November 23rd, 2024. As you can imagine, we’re going to get the opportunity to go ham on a TON of food and drink all over the World Showcase! We’ll also get to rock out during the Eat to the Beat concert series, and so much more. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we should seriously address how the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival has CHANGED as we know it! So, let’s cut right to the chase. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival has always been about celebrating diverse cuisines from around the world, right? But we noticed that this year, some of our beloved booths are disappearing. Yup, you heard that right. They’re gone, but…not forgotten? Food and Wine Take the Ireland booth, for example. It made its debut at the festival way back in 2001 and now it hasn’t made the list of booths at the festival this year. Ireland booth But before you start crying into your Guinness, there is a silver lining (kinda). With the recently opened CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, Disney opened up a new food spot called Festival Favorites. It’s a quick service spot that’s open year-round and serves some of the best food from EPCOT’s many festivals. Festival Favorites! Now, bringing it back to the Ireland booth, there was a Guinness Baileys Coffee Shake, now known as the Irish Milk Shake, and Disney will be offering it at Festival Favorites! So, even though the booth won’t be here anymore, at least we’re still getting one nostalgic piece of it. Guinness Baileys Coffee Shake Now, onto the questions that are forefront of our mind: Is this going to be a trend we’re going to see more of? Will more of our favorite booths vanish, only to be “enshrined” at the Festival Favorites booth like they’re inductees into an EPCOT festival Hall of Fame? Festival Favorites To be honest, it’s a possibility. Disney is always evolving and trying to keep things fresh while also leaning into our nostalgia. But it does seem like nothing is off-limits, and that could very well include our favorite festival booths. 2023 Kenya Booth In the meantime, it means we’ve got to be ready to roll with the punches. Maybe more booths might disappear, and maybe they won’t. So, here’s to new tastes, old favorites, and whatever else Disney has up its sleeve next! EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest from the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and more Disney news! 7 Top Secret Tips for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 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 going to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival this year? Let us know in the comments! The post The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Has CHANGED as We Know It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Halloween season is just around the corner, which also means the return of fall treats! McDonald’s Some of the best snacks each year are rolled out in the fall, whether it be at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or in your own neighborhood. If you’re like us and are always ready to try Halloween and fall-inspired treats — GOOD NEWS! McDonald’s is bringing back an autumn-inspired dessert! Per several reports and the official McDonald’s website, the Pumpkin and Creme Pie is BACK at participating McDonald’s locations! ©McDonald’s The dessert is available now at some locations, appearing earlier than expected this year in anticipation of the fall season. In 2023, the pie didn’t appear on the menu until mid-September. Made with spiced pumpkin puree and vanilla-flavored crème filling wrapped in McDonald’s signature pastry crust, the Pumpkin and Creme Pie features dual layers of autumnal sweetness in 280 calories. Having first debuted in 2015, this treat has quickly become a fan favorite and is something we always keep an eye out for once summer starts winding down. McDonald’s The Pumpkin and Creme Pie is not the only new thing at McDonald’s right now. This dessert is joining a menu that recently rolled out the very-in-demand Collector’s Meal as well as the Yu-Gi-Oh x Hello Kitty and Friends Happy Meal. The Collector’s Meal comes with a limited-edition cup themed after Beanie Babies, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Shrek, Jurassic Park, or Minions — but be advised, as many of these have already sold out at several locations. ©McDonald’s Meanwhile, the Yu-Gi-Oh x Hello Kitty and Friends Happy Meal includes one of nine different plush Hello Kitty and friends dressed up in Yu-Gi-Oh character costumes, as well as printable coloring and activity sheets. ©McDonald’s Are you going to trek over to your nearest McDonald’s and snag this limited-time dessert? Let us know and continue to follow us here at the Disney Food Blog for more fall treat news and updates! McDonald’s Just Released NEW Happy Meal Toys and It’s the Mash-Up We Never Expected Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you tried the Pumpkin and Creme Pie at McDonald’s before? Share your review in the comments below! The post THIS IS NOT A DRILL! A Popular Menu Item Has Arrived EARLY at McDonald's! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gourd vibes are in the air because it’s officially pumpkin spice season! Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations Pumpkins have taken over Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom as early as the first week of August so it’s officially fall in our book (because why wait when you can just celebrate?). Not only that, but Halloween merch has also stocked the shelves inside AND outside Disney World. So of course, we have to check out some of the decor available now and show you our pick of the pumpkin patch! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when bright orange pumpkins are on display to bring about the fall season. Our favorite pumpkins, however, have to be Mickey-shaped ones, much like the iconic pumpkin wreaths you can find on certain lamp posts at the Magic Kingdom. Halloween in Disney World This year, you could even purchase your own Mickey Wreath to display in your home through the official Disney Store website as well as in stores inside Disney property. Unfortunately, the wreaths sold out online and have yet to restock, but they continue to be sold at souvenir stores (although they do fly off the shelves as soon as they hit them so make sure to grab one ASAP before they officially sell out). Mickey pumpkin wreath But if you’re unable to stop by a Disney World shop in person, don’t think that the wreaths are the only way to bring a Mickey pumpkin home for the season. Spotted at Sam’s Club is this adorable Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkin pillow! Mickey Pumpkin Pillow from Sam’s Club This pumpkin pillow is absolutely gourd-geous (my pun-kins cannot be stopped!) and gives off the same spooky fun vibes that the Mickey wreaths do. And a big pro to the pillows is that you can snuggle up to them, which, maybe you can do with the wreaths if you want, but it definitely won’t feel as soft or cozy! SHOP IT ONLINE This pumpkin pillow is available at Sam’s Club, so we recommend checking out a local one near you. We’re sure this fall-tastic pillow will be as popular as the Mickey wreaths. ©Sam’s Club Orange you glad we told you about this? Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest in Disney merchandise. 9 Disney Halloween Decorations From Amazon For Under $20 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning on scouring this Mickey pumpkin find? We’d love to read about it in the comments! The post Everyone Else Can Sit Down. Sam's Club Just Won the Disney Souvenir Game! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Here at DFB, we’re a team of Disney experts. This doesn’t just mean we go to the parks and hotels every single day for the fun of it, but we make it our mission to report on any and all changes, discounts, menu updates, and closures happening in Disney World so that you can be prepared for your vacation. Disney World One of the biggest recent changes we’ve covered is Disney’s new paid skip-the-line service. Now, you can plan ahead and book timed reservations to visit your favorite Disney World attractions! While this concept isn’t necessarily brand-new, there are a lot of little details and tricks you should know before your next trip to Disney World. In fact, we just noticed a strange trend, and we need to talk about it! Let’s get into it. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional paid service available on the My Disney Experience app, which allows you to skip standby lines (the free lines) and enter the Lightning Lane (previously known as the FastPass line). This service works at select attractions in the parks, and you can pay one base price for multiple attractions. (This is the new option that replaced Disney Genie+.) Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival When purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to three Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a park before your visit. Then, during your park day, you can choose available times after you use a Lightning Lane reservation and can continue to hold up to three Lighting Lane Multi Pass selections at a time. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane sign One of the biggest new perks is that those staying at a Disney World Resort hotel (and select other hotels) can purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Multi Passes up to seven days in advance of their check-in day for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Multi Passes three days in advance. Phew! OK, got all that? Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disney World We track the price of Lightning Lane Multi Pass EVERY DAY. Why? Well, the price changes from day to day thanks to Disney’s “surge pricing” method. While we’re a little skeptical about the crowd-to-price ratio (especially this summer when the crowds were relatively low), it does seem like the price tends to increase around holidays and special events. Crowds in Liberty Square Recently, though, we noticed an odd trend with Disney’s upcoming Lightning Lane prices. For the first week of September, the prices are fairly consistent. On Sunday, September 1st, the highest Lightning Lane price of the day (the cost for the Magic Kingdom option) is $25. Then, on Labor Day, the price decreases by a few dollars to $23. But here’s where things get weird. On Wednesday, September 4th, the price drops all the way to $20 — just two days after the Labor Day holiday! This is an interesting trend! The very next day, the price jumps back up to $23 and hits that max. price of $25 by the weekend. So, what’s up with that one singular discounted day? It’s hard to say for certain! It could be due to the fact that most people taking a Labor Day weekend trip will be back home by Wednesday? Either way, we’re not complaining! Any time we can pay a little less for those Lightning Lanes is a good day in our book. Hollywood Studios Oh, and we checked the data. The Lightning Lane price does not drop every Wednesday, so this is not a common weekday occurrence. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party does not happen that day, either. Magic Kingdom closes at 10PM for most guests, with a second 12AM closure for those staying at a Deluxe Resort, so it’s not like the price is lower due to an early closure, either! Magic Kingdom If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, it’s a good idea to look at those Lighting Lane prices as far in advance as possible. That way, you know how much to budget for this additional expense! Of course, it is totally optional, but if you want to ride as many attractions as possible (with much shorter lines), this is the way to go. Magic Kingdom Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Why Everyone Is Buying This $14 Poncho for Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Well, This Is Odd. Disney World’s New Lightning Lane Trend Is Downright CONFUSING! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ever been caught in the rain at Disney World? Rainy day in Disney World Florida is certainly known for it’s rainy afternoons, especially in the summer time. But you can run into rain any time of the year at Disney World. That’s why we recommend bringing rain gear with you to the parks so you’re prepared if (or when) it begins to downpour on you. Umbrellas are great, but we found a rain poncho that we would totally buy again! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We found these rain ponchos on Amazon and knew we had to grab one to try. We tossed it in our park bag and headed to the parks to test it out, and boy did it deliver! This awesome rain poncho is available on Amazon, so remember, you can get free, fast shipping with an Amazon Prime membership. Sign up for a FREE trial below! Grab the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Poncho FROGG TOGGS Poncho We noticed that the poncho is made of a material that is similar to a rain tarp, which we took as a good sign that it was going to hold up against a Florida rain shower. When we put it on, the rain rolled right off thanks to this great material. It was also large enough that we were able to fit our backpack under it on our back and still felt comfortable — that’s a HUGE win! We felt protected under it but not too hot. After the rain stopped, we were able to pack it in the waterproof pouch that comes with it and slip it back into our backpack without anything else getting wet. Packing bag We liked it so much during our test run that we packed it again the very next day! The only downside that we noticed may be that you have to pull this over your head, but that might not be a big deal to you. It was a great addition to our park bag, and we’re glad we got it. For being inexpensive, it was certainly durable and effective at keeping us dry. You can grab it now for only $14! Get It Here! However, if you’re looking for a two pack that you don’t have to pull over your head, then check out these alternative rain ponchos! Grab a 2 Pack of Rain Ponchos ©Amazon Instead of pulling these over your head, you just simply put it on like a jacket and snap the buttons shut down the front. If we had to pick, we would grab the Frogg Togg, but these are great alternatives! Get It Here! We’re always testing out new park essentials, so keep following DFB for more Disney packing tips and tricks! Don’t miss out on more Disney souvenirs on our Amazon storefront!The post Why Everyone Is Buying This Poncho for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

During a recent visit to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, we spotted a closure that may impact transportation. Fort Wilderness Entrance Every once in a while, we run into transportation detours, delays, and cancelations. Back in the spring, all boat transportation to Disney Springs was temporarily closed due to low water levels and construction. Even special events like runDisney races can cause transportation disruptions, so we often recommend reading up on any ongoing construction or road closures before your trip. You don’t want to be caught off guard on your way to an important reservation, after all! Recently, we spotted a detour at Fort Wilderness Resort. Part of the road was closed near the 600-1,000 loop of campsites, and orange cones were blocking the street. We noticed a detour in the road! According to a Disney World Cast Member, this was a multi-day closure, and there was no clear reopening date at the time of our visit. The issue appeared to be due to a leak of some kind, and we spotted several large puddles of water along the route. This area is CLOSED Cars, golf carts, and those walking to their campsites were directed to take an alternate pathway. According to Cast Member speculation, this closure may be related to a water main break, though Disney has not released any official comment about the detour. The nearby pathway is closed, too! For now, it seems like those staying on or near the campsites on Sunny Sage Way will need to take an alternate route. The internal bus has also been rerouted to accommodate this temporary closure. Keep this in mind! The good news is that during our visit, there were no apparent odor or safety concerns, so we’re hoping this issue will be fixed quickly! The bus is still dropping people off! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. “This Is the Most Ridiculous Concept Art I Have Ever Seen.” Disney Just Made Some BOLD Promises, but Can They Keep Them? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been impacted by this closure? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Potential Leak Causes Multi-Day Closure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you thinking about taking a trip to Universal Orlando? Universal Studios Florida Now may be the perfect time to visit. Things seem to be a little quiet, especially now that we’ve seen all the hype around the five new lands coming to Universal’s third theme Park, Epic Universe. So many folks are waiting until 2025 to visit the parks now, so they can see the new park, which is why NOW could be the time to visit. If you are considering it, you could actually enter to win a Universal Orlando vacation for FREE — we’ll tell you how. Brightline is giving away a FREE Universal Orlando vacation package. Yep, that’s the train that goes from Miami to Orlando International Airport and it’s giving away a 3-night trip to Universal for up to four people! The trip includes a three-night stay at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort (yep, that’s the fun retro hotel). You’ll also get Brightline PREMIUM round trip tickets to Orlando from a Brightline station for you and up to three people. Brightline train You’ll also get ground transportation to and from the station and your hotel in Orlando, as well as 3-park 3-day park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay for you and up to three guests. Islands of Adventure So how can you enter? You’ll want to visit the Brightline website and sign up here. You must be 18 or older to enter and a resident of Florida with a Florida ID. It ends August 28th, 2024, so don’t wait! If you don’t win and still want to visit Universal, you can also now get a free dining deal. Right now, you can book select hotel and ticket packages and receive up to $1,000 to spend on food and beverages across the entire Universal Orlando Resort! The Food and Beverage Card can be used at the parks, hotels, and Citywalk. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be visiting Universal Orlando soon? Let us know in the comments! The post Brightline Is Giving Away a FREE Universal Orlando Vacation (and It Only Takes SECONDS to Enter) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Imagine you’re the CEO of The Walt Disney Company. You’ve got a lot on your plate. There’s the ever-precarious state of Disney+, which gains and loses subscribers on a quarterly basis. There’s the Parks and Experiences division, with rising costs and a passionate fanbase. And then there’s your competition, who is building a brand-new theme park in your backyard, and no one will let you forget it. They don’t pay you the big bucks for nothing! Disney World But since you’re an excellent CEO, you put on a brave face and try your best to give the people what they want. What do the people want? An answer to Epic Universe. A place for the Disney Villains. New attractions that are innovative yet nostalgic yet creative yet timeless. Easy, right? At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney did its best to cater to fans. They unveiled a Monsters, INC. coaster that fans have been talking about for years. They announced a new nighttime parade to assuage the live entertainment fans. They even confirmed that a Villains Land will, in fact, be built “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” in Magic Kingdom. But despite the news, fans were quick to voice their concerns. Is it fair to judge so soon? So far, we have just one dramatic, sweeping concept image of the proposed Villains Land. At first glance, it looks like something out of a movie. The artwork is stunning. But, realistically, is it possible? Villains Land Concept Art ©Disney Disney assured fans, “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be,” promising two “major” attractions, dining, and shopping “on an incredibly twisted grand scale.” Those are some bold words to match some daring concept art. The question is, how much leeway can we give Disney with this grand concept art? Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom ©Disney Between the dramatic, sharp facades and huge cavern-like structure in the concept art, this looks ambitious. There are water features, a giant castle, and a potential coaster zooming through the art. (It’s pretty convenient that the attraction in this image is in motion; it’s hard to tell exactly what the ride will look like when it’s blurry.) ©Disney It’s safe to say that this project will not be ready any time soon. Although Disney confirmed that “plans are drawn” and “dirt is moving,” this space behind Big Thunder Mountain has a long way to go before opening. That leaves a lot of time for things to change, budgets to shrink, and CEOs to change. ©Disney The closer you look at the new concept art, the more there is to speculate about. Are we hopeful? Yes. Are we, at the same time, cautiously optimistic? Yes. ©Disney Looking back at Disney’s old park expansions proves that some visions can faithfully come to life. Look at the concept art for Toy Story Land. Aside from a few missing facades and a potential Al’s Toy Barn shop (?), this land ended up looking pretty similar to what Disney initially promised. Toy Story Land Concept ©Disney Of course, this land was never intended to work on the “grand scale” of the new Villains Land; Imagineers were limited to a rather small, awkward space in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When the sky’s the limit, will Imagineers be able to run with their vision? Toy Story Land On the other hand, the original concept art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ended up being completely scrapped. While Disney’s first promotional image featured a huge “centerpiece” above the drop, the end result was much smaller. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney In reality, this attraction opened to mixed reviews, with many fans lamenting the lack of detail both inside and outside the ride. If Disney had waited to share its plans until the design was finalized, it could have avoided these kinds of comparisons. But with a vocal fanbase and constant pressure to show off “what’s next,” perhaps Disney rushed to throw together an idea with internal plans to make big conceptual changes. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Then, there was the infamous Star Wars Hotel, one of the biggest recent examples of Disney’s grand plans falling short. This project failed, closing only 18 months after it debuted. There’s been a lot of discourse about what went wrong here, but ultimately, it can be chalked up to a disconnect between fantasy and reality. ©Disney Sure, it sounds like a cool idea to build an “immersive Star Wars experience.” But when you take away the slick concept art and Disney jargon, what was this, really? The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser was an expensive experiment with a small target audience. Outside the Hotel So, can Disney learn from its past mistakes? Will the Villains Land live up to expectations? Disney previously shared that the company is investing $60 billion in the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products segment over the next ten years. Compared to the previous decade, this is nearly double the amount of investment. Disney’s statement read, in part, that it plans to “prioritize projects anticipated to generate strong returns, consistent with the Company’s continuing approach to allocate capital in a disciplined and balanced manner.” NEWS: Disney Announces Plans for $60 BILLION Expansion At the end of the day, we expect the Villains Land concept art to change. We expect cuts. We expect modifications. But, at the same time, we want to believe in this thing when Josh D’Amaro tells us to “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls.” We want to believe in the fantasy. We just need Disney to actually make it a reality. What Disney’s Bold, Exciting Hotel Experiment Was Missing Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this Villains Land concept? Let us know in the comments! The post “This Is the Most Ridiculous Concept Art I Have Ever Seen.” Disney Just Made Some BOLD Promises, but Can They Keep Them? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We have a PSL ALERT! Connections Cafe in EPCOT Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season is almost here! The seasonal fall drinks offered at Starbucks are legendary. We wait all year just so we can sip on our favorite fall drinks once again. This year, Starbucks has been doing A LOT of teasing for their most popular seasonal drinks, and it has certainly worked on us as we’ve sat by impatiently waiting till the day we can get our PSL. Luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer! For the past week, Starbucks has been adding reels to its Instagram account showcasing various fall items such as leaves, pumpkins, candy corn, and apples. The videos have made us wonder what new and returning items we’ll be seeing this year at the coffee shops. Will there be a new candy corn item? When can we get a Pumpkin Spice Latte? Do we get another apple-flavored drink? There are so many questions, but our biggest one has been: When do we get to order our PSL?! Starbucks at Disney Springs But don’t worry, the company has FINALLY announced the date that their fall items will be landing in stores, and y’all, it’s SOON. The latest post lets you know that pumpkin is calling, and we gotta call it back on August 22nd! In their official menu release, August 22nd is confirmed as the day we’ll all get to enjoy our favorite fall drinks. ©Starbucks As for all our other questions, Starbucks has also delivered those answers, too! Returning this year is the highly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Ice Pumpkin Cream Chai, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, and the Ice Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso! NEW this year is the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, and available in the Starbucks app only are the Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte and the Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White. ©Starbucks You know where you’ll be able to catch us tomorrow! We’ll be cozied up in our nearest Starbucks sipping on fall. Many consider the day Starbucks drops its fall drinks as the unofficial first day of fall, and we can’t argue with that logic. If you’re ready to get your PSL, hurry into Starbucks starting August 22nd! Creature Comforts Each Disney World park has a Starbucks as well as Disney Springs. You’ll find tasty caffeinated beverages at Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom, Connections Cafe in EPCOT, Trolley Car Cafe in Hollywood Studios, and the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom! For more delicious Starbucks news, keep following DFB! Disney Reveals NEW Nightmare Before Christmas Starbucks Tumbler 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 fall Starbucks drink? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Everyone Will Be Running to Starbucks on August 22nd first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

From time to time, we see Disney rides get updates! Disneyland Many times, rides will close for refurbishment and just get general touch-ups and technology updates, but sometimes Disney takes that chance to change some scenes. (We saw this happen with rides like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean in the past!) Recently, Disney World made some interesting modifications to its version of Peter Pan’s Flight, and now it looks like that change will come to the West Coast as well. Not too long ago, Peter Pan’s Flight reopened in Magic Kingdom after a brief closure. During that closure, Disney took the time to update the Tiger Lily scene on the ride to make it more up-to-date with modern depictions. Tiger Lily and her grandmother dancing Now, the Orange County Register reports that a similar update is coming to Peter Pan’s Flight in Disneyland Park. The timeline of this change has not yet been confirmed, but the update is an effort to “remove insensitive racial stereotypes and caricatures of indigenous people.” The new scene in Disney World We’ll be on the lookout for any information about a closing timeline for the ride in Disneyland, and any information about what the changes will be. Orange County Register notes that the new scene on the West Coast will be similar, but Disney hasn’t yet stated if it will be the exact same as the new Magic Kingdom one. Peter Pan’s Flight As we mentioned above, this won’t be the first time Disney has updated rides to fit more with the times. Insensitive scenes were removed from Pirates of the Caribbean on both coasts several years ago, and after the pandemic, Disney took the time to change some depictions in Jungle Cruise as well. Jungle Cruise We’ll be on the lookout for any more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest! We’ve got you covered! All the New Rides and Attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure — Click Here! 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 been on Peter Pan’s Flight in Disneyland? Tell us in the comments. The post NEWS: Disneyland Will Update Popular Ride to “Remove Insensitive Racial Stereotypes” first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Were you ready for all those announcements at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that Disney dropped?? D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event We were blown away with all the updates and brand new announcements that we got on future films, the things coming to the theme parks, and Disney Cruise Line! Even though we definitely got more than we thought was coming, there one specific thing we didn’t get ANY information about! So let’s talk about it! So, as we were saying, Disney dumped a whole heap of new projects and updates on us during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and we were here for it all! To be honest, most of us are still buzzing from all the news and excitement. That being said, there was one thing that we were hoping for some kind of news about (really anything at all). We’re talking about the Galactic Starcruiser, aka the Star Wars hotel. You know, the one that shut down last year (September 30th, 2023). But guess what? There wasn’t a single peep. Not even a hint. So, what gives? D23 Let’s rewind a bit just in case you’re not familiar with the story (or living under the same rock that I’ve been under too). The Galactic Starcruiser was supposed to be an epic, immersive Star Wars experience that would be unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser You can imagine living in a galaxy far, far away, mingling with characters, and maybe even joining the Resistance or the First Order (no judgement here). Characters on the Starcruiser But in reality, it turned out to be a bit more complicated than that. It’s probably fair to say that high prices and mixed reviews led Disney to make the decision to close it down not too long after it opened. Starcruiser cabin Now, when Disney decided to pull the plug, they left us with a lot more questions than answers. For instance, what’s going to happen to that space? Will it be reimagined into something new? Or, maybe, they’ll bring the Starcruiser back after making some much-needed tweaks? Well, we’d been waiting and holding onto the hope that Disney would clue us in at D23. Instead, we got nothing. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event I mean, on one hand I get it. At the moment, Disney has a lot on its plate. With all the new movies, park expansions, and more, it’s easy for a project like the Starcruiser to slip through the cracks. ©Disney So yeah, we’ll continue to wait for any info and hopefully it won’t be another 2+ years before we hear any updates from Disney about it. Galactic Starcruiser We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest. NEWS! Close-Up Look At NEW Monsters Inc. Coaster Announced for Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What announcement do you wish Disney would have made about the Star Wars hotel? Tell us in the comments! The post So...Does This Mean We Have To Wait 2+ Years for Disney to Talk About This Glaring Hotel Problem? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We LOVE a good sale. Spirit Jersey sale? We’re there. Loungefly sale? Obsessed. A sale on airline tickets? We’re packing our bags and going on vacation! Southwest Plane If you’re planning on jetting off to Disney World soon, then this sale on flights is definitely one you’ll want to check out. There’s truly nothing better than going on vacation and saving those big bucks (in case there really is a spirit jersey or Loungefly sale!). Southwest Airlines has come to sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust on your trip with a new sale on flights taking off from September 2024 to October 2024. This deal offers one-way trips as low as $59, or redeemable for 3,800 Rapid Rewards points. ©Southwest Airlines To be eligible for this offer, your flight has to be booked by August 22 with a 21-day advance purchase required. Seats and days are limited for this deal; and if you use Rapid Reward points to purchase your flight, it does not include government fees that start from $5.60. Southwest And if you’re thinking about using this deal for a flight to Disney World but don’t know whether it’s a good time to visit, then we got you covered, because fall at Disney is one of the best times of the year! It’s fall! Spooky season is in full effect at Magic Kingdom with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as well as fall decor peppered throughout Main Street, U.S.A. Seasonal treats can be found all throughout the Disney World Resort and the popular EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival is kicking off at the end of this month. With so many can-miss offerings happening in the fall, a Disney trip during this season is a major must-do! 2023 Passport No matter what time of the year you go to Disney World, there’s always something magical happening, but a discounted flight ticket is definitely a good reason to go. Make sure to get your tickets before the sale ends on August 22nd on the Southwest Airlines official website. Stay tuned as we bring you even more news on deals and sales to make your trip even better! HARSH TRUTHS You Don’t Want To Hear About Your 2025 Disney World Trip DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning on taking advantage of this offer? Let us know in the comments! The post 🚨 Southwest Airlines Announces NEW Sale With Flights to Disney World 🚨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re ABANDONING the Disney World theme parks today and trading them in for a shopping spree around Disney Springs (which you WON’T need a park ticket to experience)! Disney Springs Whether you’re trying to find out the best gameplan for this shopping district — or you’re out searching for the best things to do while you’re here — we’ve got all the Disney Springs must dos gathered up to share with ya TODAY, here on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: 15 Things You Should Always Do in Disney Springs  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you like to spend your vacation in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post DFB Video: 15 Things You Should Always Do in Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The magic of Disney World is real. From the moment you step foot into the parks, you can feel it come alive around you. Magic Kingdom When it’s time to go home, leaving that magic can be very difficult. We know we have a hard time leaving the parks, and we’re there every day! For Disney lovers, the time to go home can be sad, indeed. That’s why we created our line of Disney accessories! We want you to be able to keep living in the Disney magic every day, even when you’re not in the parks. Grab Yourself a Magical Glass Sipper Bibbidy Bobbidy Bow Glass Sipper Want to sip on something sweet while also reliving the magic you felt in the parks? Check out our collection of glass sippers (not to be confused with glass slippers!). These sippers come with a lid straw and fun graphics. There are witty quotes from favorite Disney movies (like the Hocus Pocus sippers below), original designs that we’ve created featuring favorite Disney characters, and cute bows that represent both Princesses and Villains (like the one above)! Hocus Pocus Glass Sippers You’ll certainly enjoy your iced coffee, iced tea, or any other beverage of choice in these adorable mugs that help you keep reliving the magic! You can grab one of our many designs at the DFB Store. Visit the DFB Store Grab a New Magic Phone Case Bibbidy Bobbidy Bow Pink Phone Case Another great way to keep reliving the magic is by carrying it around everywhere you go! These phone cases are seriously ADORABLE. They also come in several different designs like the Bibbidy Bobbidy Bow Princess designs… Bibbidy Bobbidy Bow Blue Phone Case …and the Home Sweet Home Cinderella Castle design! There are cases for nearly all phone types. Whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or Google phone, we have a fun Disney case for you. You’ll find similar designs on the cases as on the glass sippers such as bows, Disney characters, Disney quotes, and more. Plus, we have Dole Whip phone cases! Home Sweet Home Cinderella Castle Phone Case It’s no fun having to leave Disney World, but having these accessories makes it a little easier to be at home. Be sure to check out the DFB Store! Visit the DFB Store We’re always adding new designs to our souvenir collections. From t-shirts to glass sippers, phone cases, and more, there’s something for everyone to wear in the parks or to help keep living the magic at home. For more Disney souvenir ideas, keep following DFB! Check Out the DFB Store for Even More Fun Disney Souvenirs!The post 7 Accessories That Keep Us Living in the Magic first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Um, hold up a sec. HOW did we get here?! It’s time to talk about what’s going on in September at Disney World. Yes. SEPTEMBER. Hollywood Studios It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming the Disney Dining Plan back, saying goodbye to the previous version of Country Bear Jamboree, and (not so) patiently waiting for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to open in Magic Kingdom. It’s been quite the year with so much to look forward to over the next several years after the recent D23 announcements…but if you’re traveling to Disney World in September 2024, here are some changes to look out for! If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing! Take a peek at what you can look forward to in September at Disney World! Construction Starts at Bay Lake Tower We’ve been watching the construction on the new Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for months now. In September, more construction is coming to the Monorail resorts — work begins on the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Disney’s Bay Lake Tower While there is no specific date for the start of this project, Disney confirmed on their website that it will begin in September 2024 and last until September 2025. The interruption is to do a room refurbishment and Disney warns you may see and hear construction work or have to take an alternate path to your destination. We’ve seen many room refurbishments in recent years at Disney World so it will be interesting to see the finished look! ©Disney We’d recommend choosing a different Disney World hotel if you plan to visit anytime up to next September. Sometimes the timelines change depending on how construction is going, but we’ll be on the lookout for any changes! Two Warnings For Your 2025 Disney World Hotel Stay Exclusive Discount Disappears from EPCOT Restaurant Being a Disney World Annual Passholder comes with its perks like freebies, exclusive merchandise and lounges, and special discounts. However, we have some bad news… Takumi-Tei One of these discounts is ENDING. As of September 1st, the Annual Passholder discount is no longer accepted at Takumi Tei in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion. This comes after the restaurant raised the price of the plant-based menu from $150 to $250. Fried Tofu Takumi Tei is one of the fanciest restaurants in all of Disney World with a price tag of $250 per person. The restaurant is inspired by Japan’s natural beauty and is a gorgeous spot with an impressive menu. It’s quite the experience, but it will no longer be cheaper for Passholders in September. You Might Want to AVOID EPCOT on October 22nd, 2024 Lightning Lane Multi Pass Hits Record-LOW Price Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass debuted on July 24th and we completed every experiment we could possibly think of to answer ALL of your questions! The new system is a hybrid between FastPass+ and Genie+ allowing visitors to pre-book Lightning Lanes. It still costs extra on top of the ticket to get into the parks, but the price will hit a record LOW in September 2024! Lightning Lane With the pre-planning option, we can now see prices for Lightning Lanes ahead of time. And on September 4th, 2024, Lightning Lane Multi Pass will only cost $20 in Magic Kingdom! We haven’t seen the price this low in MONTHS and it’s the first time we’ve seen it like this since the new Multi Pass system debuted. Here’s a full breakdown of the prices for the 4th: Magic Kingdom: $20 EPCOT: $15 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $20 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $15 Goodbye Genie+ In the days after, the service goes back up to $23 and then $25. Don’t Worry. This Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Hack Feels Illegal, But It Isn’t! Firework Times Change in Magic Kingdom Who doesn’t love ending a night in Magic Kingdom by watching Happily Ever After?! Well, if you want to watch the show in September, don’t get caught off guard by this time change. Happily Ever After Currently, Happily Ever After plays at 9PM except on nights with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. That changes on September 9th, 2024 when the show begins at 8:30PM! This start time remains as far out as the calendar goes as of this writing. This is expected as the long summer days dwindle out and it gets darker earlier in the day. So if you want to catch the show, be sure to double-check the time in the My Disney Experience app! Full List of Showtimes for the Parades, Fireworks, and Castle Shows in Magic Kingdom Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in September! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you visiting Disney World in September? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in September first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

planDisney has been a trusted resource since 2008, helping millions of guests plan their dream Disney vacation. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve, answering guest questions about Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Vacation Club. Today we’re excited to announce that you can now also ask planDisney your vacation planning questions about Disneyland Paris and Disney Beach Resorts (including Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida). Visiting Disneyland Paris and looking for dining recommendations? Want to know what the can’t-miss activities are at your Disney Beach Resort? planDisney has got you covered! The Ultimate Disney Vacation Planning Tool planDisney.com is the official digital resource for personalized Disney vacation advice. Our panel of experts are real guests who can answer your planning questions based on their own experiences. Think of it like asking a friend for advice! As mentioned, the planDisney panelists answer questions about six Disney destinations: Walt Disney World Resort Disneyland Resort Disney Cruise Line Disney Vacation Club Disneyland Paris Disney Beach Resorts They can even answer your questions in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Not only can you ask our knowledgeable panelists your questions and receive tailor-made responses, but you can also browse our site for thousands of recently answered questions for additional planning advice. Bonus planDisney Resources But wait, there’s more! Visit our Panel Extras page on planDisney.com for even more Disney vacation planning content, including recommendation lists, trip reports, and pocket guides just to name a few. The planDisney Video Library also houses a collection of quick and informative videos packed with tips and tricks. Beyond planDisney.com, be sure to follow @planDisneypanel on Instagram for the panelists’ top suggestions to help you make the most out of your next Disney trip. Thank A Panelist Once the planDisney panelists have helped you plan your Disney vacation, you now have the opportunity to personally thank them! Through our new Thank A Panelist message box, you’ll have the option to express your appreciation directly to the panelist who has answered your question. Visit us today at planDisney.com; the panelists look forward to sharing their Disney planning advice with you! Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney. The post More Destinations Now Available on planDisney appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

One of my favorite parts of a Disney vacation is the food! At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy a variety of delicious foods and beverages at one of the many dining locations. Our partners at Aulani shared the Mickey Mouse-shaped Musubi recipe from Ulu Cafe with us today so you can experience some of the magic of Aulani at home! If you like savory foods with just a little bit of sweetness, this is the perfect dish for you! The homemade sauce adds the perfect amount of sweet to the recipe and the furikake seasoning adds just enough crunch to the musubi. Now that I’ve talked about this delicious treat, it’s time to share the recipe! The Mickey Mouse-shaped Musubi can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated for an easy meal or snack. If you are serving a crowd, the recipe is easily doubled. MICKEY MOUSE-SHAPED MUSUBI Ulu Cafe Aulani, A DisneyÒResort & Spa Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 2 cups steamed sushi rice, at room temperature 4 ounces SPAM 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup shoyu soy sauce 1 sheet nori, cut into 3/4-inch wide strips 4 teaspoons furikake seasoning DIRECTIONS Fill a 3 1/2 inch Mickey Mouse-shaped cookie cutter with 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice. Carefully unmold rice onto a plate. Repeat with remaining rice. Set aside. Slice SPAM into 1/4-inch pieces. Heat sauté pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Cook SPAM for 3 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove from pan. Add sugar and shoyu soy sauce in pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Return SPAMto shoyu-sugar sauce and cook for 4 minutes, turning after 2 minutes. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Place SPAMhorizontally across Mickey Mouse-shaped rice. Wrap with nori strip. Garnish ears with furikake. Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. If you make this treat at home, show us your culinary creations with #DisneyEats. For more recipes to make some Disney magic at home, check out the Disney Eats topic page and follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook! (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) The post Disney Eats: Mickey Mouse-shaped Musubi from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Welcome to a tropical hideaway, you lovely people! We recently had the chance to visit one of the most popular lounges around Disney World’s hotels, and we’re here to tell you alllll about our experience! A Zombie and a Hippopotomai-Tai Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of the most talked about spots when people mention unique experiences to be had at Disney World, and it seems to stand the test of time. Admittedly though, it had been a while since our last visit here, so we were due a trip to see if it still is as good as it once was! If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto or were intrigued but never could quite time your visit just right, we feel sorry for you. Visiting this exclusive lounge is more like an entire experience at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and feels more like a right of passage when visiting Disney World than a decision about where to eat. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Trader Sam, who you might know as the famous Head Salesman of the Jungle Cruise ride, has spent his years collecting artifacts from his travels around the world and is welcoming you to his happy hideaway to see them all. This lounge is a similar location to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, which you can experience in Disneyland. Atmosphere This tropical-themed hideaway is one of the hidden lounges around this hotel. You can find this restaurant tucked in the same wing as the neighboring quick-service restaurant, Capt. Cook’s. This place might not look like much at first glance because all you’re able to spot from the outside is a tan door with a few wooden planks lining the entranceway, but we promise you there’s so much more than meets the eye. Entrance By day, from 3PM to 8PM, this lounge space is family-friendly, but at night, you’ll need to be 21 and older to step inside and enjoy the atmosphere, lounge, food, and drinks from 8PM until closing time at midnight daily. You’ll want to plan to arrive early because most of the time it can get full quickly. In fact, most parties have so much fun that you might find it hard to get seating for a few hours if you’re not checked in for a spot early! Don’t ignore these important signs Once you’ve passed the threshold, you’re greeted by a Cast Member at a small check-in stand. Right away it’s apparent this restaurant knows how to not take itself so seriously. You might notice small details like the lamp with multiple pairs of swim goggles… Check-in …and shelves of character mugs lining the walls on display. If you’re a repeat visitor here (or just like to keep up with this restaurant’s latest mug releases on social media) you might spot a few that easily catch your eye, and then find yourself taking a harder look for some that might not stand out at first glance! Behind the counter When it’s time, the Cast Member will escort you over to your seat at either a table or booth,… A room with a view …shared long table,… Dining area …bar, or standing room area which is just a small area right next to the bar. So many details everywhere Throughout the night, when you notice orders being brought out to different tables, you’ll quickly learn that most of the alcoholic drinks in this restaurant have a backstory to them that are full of vibrant light tricks, sounds, and over-the-top reactions from the bartenders and servers presenting them. It’s fun to listen in on each of the stories of all the different types of drinks, and it certainly helps make this a visit one you won’t easily forget! Menu Once we were seated at the bar (since that was the only open seating available when we checked in — told ya it goes quick!) our server presented us with a full menu. The front side introduces the restaurant with a fun story from Skip (a founding Skipper) welcoming you to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. It will also fill you in on a fun backstory about the skippers from the Jungle Navigation Company LTD, which you might be more familiar with from Magic Kingdom‘s Jungle Cruise ride and Jungle Navigation Company, LTD Skipper Canteen restaurant. Trader Sam’s menu Opening up the menu reveals a spirited (pun intended) array of various alcoholic beverages available for order and a short description of how they came to be (meaning what they’re made of). A closer inspection of a few items with some interesting mugs and cups will reveal the price it will cost you to make claim to those mugs and cups as your own treasure (ah hem, take the souvenirs home with you). Booze isn’t the only drink on the menu though! There are also a few of Sam’s No Booze Brews and Zero-Proof cocktails to boot, too! Inside the menu The 9th wonder of the world — the backside of your menu — reveals the restaurant’s flair for even more boozy concoctions in the forms of individual beer, wines, and beer flights. The 9th wonder of the world The bottom section of the menu also lists a few appetizers, because they’ve gotta offer you some kind of sustenance to keep you going, right? Drinks Do you know what’s better than just one drink? TWO! And that’s exactly what we did (more on this later). This restaurant has a policy where you can only have two drinks in front of you at a time, so we decided for the sake of research, two it would be! We ordered a Hippopotomai-Tai and a Zombie to start things off. Drinks! Aren’t they just too cute together?! Let’s talk about the “head” honcho of this duo, the Zombie first! This drink is made of Gosling’s 151 Black Seal Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi 8 yr Rum, Tropical Juices, Falernum, and Cinnamon and will set you back $18 for just the drink. You can also opt to take home your own Zombie mug by ordering that version for $31. ZOMBIE! This drink is brought out to you when the entire lounge’s lights are dimmed and you hear a voice overhead advertising Zombie brains as recommended by your doctor. Wait, are we sure they’re not a witch doctor? Look how it lights up under the black-lights This drink isn’t very sweet, but it has a heavier liquor flavor to it that gives a taste of something similar to bubblegum. It’s definitely rum-heavy but that’s exactly why we loved the taste of this one so much because it was meant to come on really strong (kinda like one of those undead bodies you just can’t seem to shake). Once we’d had our fill of our first drink we turned our attention to the adorable Hippopotomai-Tai. This drink is made of Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice and costs $18 for just the drink or $28.50 if you want a souvenir to take with you! This one is presented with a few loud bangs that will be thundered from overhead with “*boom* *boom* TWO SHOTS of rum.” Hippopotomai-Tai This is a very well-made Mai Tai drink! It’s sweet, and you’ll immediately be able to pick up the hints of lime in it, but it all works together wonderfully. If it wasn’t for the orange flavor as the undertone to carry it, we could have almost sworn this was a margarita. It’s a nice spin on a classic drink where the sweetness will be just right (you know, like how Goldilocks would have liked), and its little hippo-face mug is adorable! Remember when we said we’d come back around to the two-drink rule (unless you don’t have the long-term memory of an elephant)? Wellllll… if you thought we were finished, we had one more drink we really wanted to try out! We powered through and decided we were ready for the theatrics of the Uh-oa! Uh-oa! Yes, there’s a HUGE production put on throughout the entire lounge when you order this drink. It’s set afire while your server recounts the story of how the mortals have upset the mighty Uh-oa and how they’re offering up this sacrifice to them. From this point, you’ll join them in chanting “Uh-oa” while they set the “sacrificial flames” ablaze and put on a full performance right in front of you before extinguishing it. Trust us when we say you’re put front and center of the show for this drink when it’s presented and your participation is completely mandatory. Yes, it’s on FIRE! This drink is made of Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice and will cost you $26.50. It’s a rather hefty drink and size, so it is recommended for two or more people to enjoy it in a sitting. This is why we didn’t initially order it when we ordered the first two drinks. Made for multiple people The glazed mug it’s served in is so ornate that you could spend some time ogling over all its details. As for the drink’s taste, well, it’s kind of like a mix of the first two we already had. It’s sweet like rock candy but also had a smooth rum tone to it that was very noticeable. It also had a hint of grapefruit juice that gave it a fruity vibe, and we thought it was delicious! Butttt, aside from its incredible theatrics, it’s a big, flavorful drink and certainly built for multiple people to enjoy (and it didn’t take us too long to figure that out by taste alone). You’re asked to pinch cinnamon to throw into the drink which gave it more of a Christmasy- rum flavor and tapered down the incredibly fun fruitier side! Eats After all those drinks you’ve gotta be thinking “Gosh we hope they had some food with that!” and you’d be correct! With the drinks, we also opted to order the Thai Chicken Flatbread and Kalua Pork Tacos. When it comes to food, the last call for something to munch on while you enjoy your drinks is at 10PM so you’ll want to be aware of when you’re arriving AND seated when planning your visit. Full spread Let’s talk about this massive flatbread first! The Thai Chicken Flatbread is made with Bacon and Peanut Sauce and will cost you $12.50. Thai Chicken Flatbread This flatbread was divine, and we could confidently say it has one of the best flavors we’ve ever had in all of Disney World. You’ll taste that peanut sauce drizzled on top of it right away but the bacon that accompanies the toppings are thick and chewy. Your tastebuds may want to initially liken it to a buffalo chicken flatbread until you really get that peanut sauce flavor to kick in and show you what it’s all about. A slice There’s no surprise spicy kick to this one, so if you’re not a fan of flatbreads for this reason alone, we’d recommend you give this one a try. The price for the size of the appetizer you get is hard to beat! We also opted to grab the Kalua Pork Tacos for $10.50. They’re served as 3 pork tacos topped with peppers and pickled veggies with a lime wedge. Kalua Pork Tacos The pork in the tacos is so sweet and juicy that you might think they’re honey-glazed at first taste. Adding that sweet flavor against the creamier tones of the shredded cheese and the crunch of the fresh veggies creates a flavor explosion! So delicious! We thought ours were delicious and had a robust flavor between the combination. Again, this is another dish that we’re finding a hard time beating out with other versions of pork tacos found at other restaurants around Disney World. Overall Overall, this place is a hoot — literally and figuratively! If you’re not full belly laughing while you’re here, we’re not sure this is the crowd for you. Everyone from the Cast Members to the diners seemed to be in great spirits and went along with the puns, jokes, and theatrics throughout our entire experience. We packed up our leftovers! Neither the food nor the drinks here disappointed us in the slightest, and we would highly recommend you make it a goal to visit at least once during your next Disney World trip! Nosh or Not? Set your course to sail in this direction if… You’re up for a one-of-a-kind experience at Disney World. There’s really nothing quite like it. Everything we experienced here from the food to the drinks to the service, and even the theming was exceptional, and we can’t seem to recommend it enough. Your kids have outgrown some of the younger things to do around the hotels and parks. This is a place where, if you’re timing your visit just right, the whole family can attend with you and enjoy! If you’re looking for something to do to wow even your bored middle children, this could be the cure for something fun with a more mature vibe. You’re BIG fans of the Skippers at the Jungle Cruise! Seriously, spend some time talking to your server and asking them about everything that’s inside the lounge. They’re happy to share stories with you about how it all ties together with their experience as a skipper and may teach you where to look for some of the more hidden details! Maybe you’re being pulled in another direction if… Loud ruckusy places just aren’t your vibe. It’s pretty loud in here on its own, but add in a few extra voices laughing and engaging in typical group banter, and it can be a bit overwhelming. If this isn’t quite what you had in mind for a good time, then this might not be your best option for a lounge. The humor misses the mark for you here. The Cast Members here are meant to be an extension of the skippers working the other Jungle Navigation Company locations we mentioned earlier. If their kind of punny jokes just aren’t for you, then you might find as much value they’re attempting to create here. You’re looking for a hearty meal at this hotel. All you’re going to find here are small plates like appetizers and starters (even though admittedly that flatbread is HUGE), so if you’re looking for a multi-course meal, you’ll do better at one of the other surrounding restaurants (with the exception of the Tambu Lounge upstairs). Did you think this Disney World restaurant looks like a ton of fun with great food and even more laughs? While you’re here, check out a few more of our most recent reviews, and be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for even more! REVIEW: We Tried NEW Menu Items in Disney Springs and Honestly, We Can’t Wait to Eat Them Again 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 drink to order when visiting Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto? Tell us why it’s your favorite in the comments below! The post We're Pretty Sure This Disney World Hotel Bar Could NEVER Disappoint Us! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gear up for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! Food and Wine The 2024 edition of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is set to launch in just a few weeks, and we have the PERFECT shirt for you to wear while chomping down on the festival’s delicious food offerings. Our latest collection features the slogan, “Go to Disney. Eat Snacks. Be Happy!” with a DOLE Whip and a Mickey pretzel added in for good measure! Food & Wine Tee! These designs are perfect for “Disney lovers who know that the best moments are filled with magic, treats, and joy.” YAY! We’ve got plenty of options including baseball tees… Baseball Tee … v-necks… V-Neck …sweatshirts… A perfect way to keep warm this fall … and even kids-wear and onesies. Adorable Plus, if you’re not in the market for new clothes, how about a baseball cap… Play ball! …or a coffee mug! Mug! Our latest Food & Wine-themed merchandise collection is the perfect look for heading to EPCOT’s premiere festival this fall! SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE We have your next park outfit ready to go at the DFB Store! Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney souvenir ideas. Check Out All of Our Disney Merchandise and Guidebooks at the DFB Store! 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 The post Search No More: We Have the PERFECT Shirt for This Year's Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It is no secret that Loungefly backpacks, bags, and wallets are a Disney adult’s version of a designer bag for park days. Loungefly Wall at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Well if you were looking to add either your first Loungefly or your 100th Loungefly to your collection, now is the perfect time because Loungefly is currently having a HUGE sale! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We don’t want you to miss out on this sale because you can seriously save some money! Here are some of our favorite bags and wallets that are discounted right now! Get This Spooky Mickey Pumpkin Wallet for Only $12! ©Loungefly If you are looking for a new wallet for spooky season, look no further than this adorable Mickey pumpkin wallet! The best part is that is 50% off! Not only is this a great wallet for a visit to the parks during Halloween time, but it is also a great way to stay festive at home as well! Shop Here Snag This Classic Disney Books Crossbody for 30% Off! ©Loungefly Calling all Disney and book lovers, this crossbody is for you! We love how unique this bag is, and it features some of our favorite classic Disney stories like Dumbo and Peter Pan! Get Yours Here Make this Backpack Materialize to Your Closet ©Loungefly Just in time for spooky season, this Constance Hatchway Loungefly is perfect for a day spent riding the Haunted Mansion or attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. When you turn the bag, Constance’s poor groom’s head disappears. Shop Here Get This Classic Mickey and Minnie Crossbody for 30% Off! ©Loungefly This bag gives us Stoney Clover Lane Vibes in all the best ways! This crossbody is adorable and features Mickey and Minnie patches. It is great for all four parks or even just for everyday life to bring a touch of Disney with you! Get Yours Here Look How Cute This Vintage Mickey Watch Bag Is ©Loungefly Consider us obsessed! This bag takes two classic Disney souvenirs and combines them into one. We are already thinking about how many cute park outfits this bag can be paired with. Mickey’s hands even move to mimic a real watch! Shop Here If you want to add any of these bags or the wallet to your collection, we suggest doing so soon as items are already selling out, and the sale won’t last long! Shop Our Amazon StorefrontThe post You Can Get a Disney Loungefly for Today! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While it might not seem obvious, a Disney World vacation can be very demure, very mindful. So peaceful We often write about how hectic a Disney World vacation can be, but that doesn’t mean a trip can’t be practical and relaxing. Planning a Disney World trip can be chaotic and stressful, so we’re coming to the rescue with some tips on hotels that are quintessentially demure! “Demure”, in this context, is more open to interpretation. Trending online this month, the term and its usage were made viral by beauty influencer Jools Lebron in a TikTok video about how her makeup for work was “very demure, very mindful. I’m very mindful while I’m at work. See how I look? Very presentable.” The video spawned a cultural trend that celebrities have even jumped in on. Videos of folks talking about their demure daily routines are making waves online and people have been able to give their interpretations of the word. Having its roots in modesty, this version of “demure” relates to appearances in a sense, but is more so about self-awareness and confidence and how each individual defines those qualities. Very demure, very mindful “We’re all in this; we’re unified, nothing has to be so serious. Nothing has to be so aggressive. Everything could just be very cute. Where, you know, we don’t do too much. We only do a little bit. I’m not crazy with it. I’m very demure,” said Jools. So playing around with the demure concept, our team thought it would be fun to come up with Disney World hotels that fit our understanding of “demure”. These seven stood out — let’s take a look! Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside The Louisiana-inspired hospitality of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside absolutely meets our criteria for being very demure, very mindful. Port Orleans Resort — Riverside This Moderate Resort nestled along the Sassagoula River “evokes the romance of rural Louisiana” in a classy fashion for a more affordable price than Deluxe Resorts. It’s also a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs. Very mindful. Port Orleans Resorts Charmingly rustic, cutesy, peaceful, and elegant, Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is very demure. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a classy Deluxe Resort that is known for its relaxing pools, refined aesthetics, and rustic elegance. Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is majestic in its own right but offers guests peace and seclusion all while being close to Magic Kingdom. Very demure, very mindful. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge The Lodge brings aspects of the Great Outdoors to the comfort of indoors, making it practical, charming, and a place where you wouldn’t mind curling up next to a fire…but you may want to avoid Whispering Canyon Cafe if you’re looking for a 100% demure stay. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney World’s flagship hotel is indeed grand, but Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is also very demure. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This Deluxe Resort is modeled after Victorian elegance and is packed with a modern sophistication that not only impresses but proves convenient, as well. Luxurious, yet tasteful, the Grand Floridian offers evening views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks without needing to be in the park. Also, by sitting along the Resort Monorail route, it provides yet another useful amenity. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Quiet, practical, and stylish, our list would not be complete without including the demure Grand Floridian! Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Disney World and sink into a classy retreat? Check out Disney’s demure Yacht Club Resort and Beach Club Resort! Disney’s Yacht Club Located near EPCOT, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a Deluxe Resort that offers a ton of amenities, unique recreational activities, several dining options, and a pool that is like a hidden water park. This New England-style Resort isn’t very boisterous and is a fantastic classy hideaway. Beach Club The Yacht Club’s sister resort is Disney’s Beach Club Resort and it offers its own demure charm. Steps away from EPCOT, guests can take a quick stroll from the Beach Club to EPCOT’s International Gateway and thrive in the convenience of this resort. Very mindful, indeed. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are very mindful Deluxe Resorts with more affordable pricing. Swan and Dolphin Hotels Offering complimentary water taxi service to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in addition to complimentary bus transportation to the entirety of Disney World, these resorts are extra mindful of accessibility. Stylish without venturing into the tacky realm, these hotels are cutesy and oh-so demure. It’s a beautiful resort! Gorgeous, sophisticated, and packed with refined restaurants and award-winning accommodations, the Swan and Dolphin hotels give you everything you could ever need without throwing too much Disney in your face. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa completely avoids going over the top, capturing the essence of demure. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Inspired by the historic Saratoga Springs — a New York retreat from the late 1800s that was famous for its spas and horse racing — Saratoga Springs is a Deluxe Resort known for its DVC offerings and spacious accommodations. This charming Victorian-style Resort sits between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista, allowing guests to just sit back and take it all in. High Rock Springs Pool Scenic with studios and multi-bedroom villas that offer ample space in addition to wonderful amenities, Saratoga Springs blends simplicity with luxury beautifully. Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort The Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the final entry on our Demure Disney World Hotels list. Lauded as romantic and relaxing, this tower is prime demure. Coronado Springs Coronado Springs is a Moderate Resort and therefore a bit friendlier on your wallet than some of the other hotels on our list. Styled with a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, this lakeside resort is billed as an oasis at Disney World. Gran Destino Great for couples of folks looking to escape a loud Disney World, the Gran Destino Tower provides luxury and relaxation without breaking the bank. How mindful. To learn more about the Disney World hotels and their unique offerings, click the link below! Which Disney World Resort Hotel is Best for YOU? Did we get it right? Which Disney World hotels would you say are demure? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for all things Disney World! The Disappointing Truth About Disney World’s Moderate Hotels 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 is the most demure Disney World hotel? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 Disney World Hotels That Are Very Demure, Very Mindful first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re headed to Disney’s Beach Club Resort to try out some NEW spooky snacks! Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney is already celebrating Halloween, and we’re working our way around the resort trying all the new spooky treats! We taste-tested TONS of new items at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on the first party day of the year, but now we’re stopping by the Disney hotels to continue eating and drinking the Halloween specialties. Next on our list is Hurricane Hanna’s at Disney’s Beach Club! Hurricane Hanna’s is located by Stormalong Bay, the pool shared between Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. You’ll find some small snacks here along with tons of drink options. Hurricane Hanna’s This year, Hurricane Hanna’s has two specialty Halloween cocktails available — the NEW Seawitch Brew and the returning Doom-ela South African Margarita! These two drinks look pretty similar but have very different flavors. Doom-ela South African Margarita and the Seawitch Brew The Seawitch Brew is $16 and is made with Lunazul Reposado tequila, Cointreau liqueur, blackberry puree, and sour mix all topped with fresh blackberries. Seawitch Brew The Seawitch Brew is a pretty drink and the black rim salt is a cool touch! But it’s mostly a sweet blackberry margarita with a bit of tartness from the sour mix. We enjoyed the drink, but it wasn’t anything too special and we’ve had better drinks for the price point. It’s a pretty drink! The Doom-ela South African Margarita is $17 and is made with Patrón Silver Tequila, Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Cointreau Liqueur, Triple Sec Liqueur, sour mix, lime juice, Black Cyprus salt, and lime. Doom-ela South African Margarita This one is definitely leaning toward the sour side in the initial sip, but it leaves a bit of a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. We liked the flavors, but the Cabernet Sauvignon is very mild and that’s probably where the dry and bitter aftertaste comes from. It’s the stronger of the two drinks but still keeps a true margarita taste even with the Cabernet. It’s a good drink, but probably wouldn’t be our first choice. It’s good, but not great While both of these Halloween drinks didn’t spook us off, we don’t think we would make a special trip back to Hurricane Hanna’s to get them again. If you like flavorful margaritas you may enjoy either of these drinks! Just beware that the Doom-ela margarita does have a dry and bitter aftertaste. We’ll be trying more Halloween treats around Disney World this fall, so keep following DFB for more snack reviews! EVERYONE Is Going to Be Wearing Disney’s New Halloween Souvenir This Year IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to try all the Halloween snacks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: Should You Be SCARED of These NEW Disney Halloween Drinks? We Found Out! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are so many perks when you decide to stay at a Disney World hotel! Grand Floridian Lobby Those who stay at a Disney World hotel get to take advantage of complimentary transportation across the resort, which includes buses, watercraft, monorails, and even the Skyliner. Guests of these hotels also can enjoy Early Theme Park Entry, where each day, they can enter the theme parks 30 minutes before the general public. Starting in 2025, all Disney World hotel guests will receive FREE admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park on their day of check-in. There is also a big perk for those hotel guests who stay at a Deluxe Resort. There are three tiers of resorts at Disney World: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts. Each of these resorts has its own benefits, but Deluxe Resorts have the most benefits as they are the most expensive. Besides more amenities like better hotel locations and bigger rooms, those staying at Deluxe Resorts can partake in Extended Evening Hours. Spaceship Earth crowds during EPCOT’s Extended Evening park hours On select days each week, one of the four theme parks is open after the park closes for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and other participating hotels. Over the summer, the two parks that were open for this perk were Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but soon, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will also be offering Extended Evening Hours. Click Here to See the Extended Evening Hours Schedule For two additional hours after the park closes, guests of Deluxe Resorts and other participating hotels can access the parks with lower crowds and shorter wait times. This is a huge benefit of staying at a Deluxe Resort, as it grants you more time in the parks. Those wishing to participate in Extended Evening Hours must have a valid park ticket and Theme Park Reservation, depending on their ticket type, along with proof that they are staying at a participating resort. This proof could be a Magic Band or hotel room key. Animal Kingdom during Extended Evening Hours As mentioned before, both Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will soon start offering Extended Evening Hours. However, not all the rides in the park run during these hours. Let’s take a look at what rides will be available in these parks. Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours! Hollywood Studios Alien Swirling Saucers Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Muppet*Vision 3D Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Slinky Dog Dash Star Tours – The Adventures Continue The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Toy Story Mania! Tower of Terror Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage DINOSAUR Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain It’s Tough to be a Bug! Na’vi River Journey TriceraTop Spin Pandora – The World of Avatar at night If you are staying at a Deluxe Resort on your upcoming trip, we highly recommend planning a park day around Extended Evening Hours. You can ride a lot more attractions with fewer crowds and beat the heat after the sun goes down! As always, stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, tips, and updates! Comparing After Hours Events and Extended Evening Hours 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 Do you stay at Deluxe Resorts for Extended Evening Hours? Let us know in the comments?The post CONFIRMED: All the Attractions Open During Extended Evening Hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article