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Are you planning a cruise? Mount Rustmore at Castaway Cay Cruising has become even more popular than ever, and cruise lines are betting BIG on new cruise ships (including Disney Cruise Line, which recently announcing it’s expanding its fleet with four MORE ships). Island destinations are popular with cruisers, and other vacationers, too, but if you’re planning on visiting Turks and Caicos Islands, we’ve got a warning: the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for that destination. The new Level 2 travel advisory was issued on March 4th, 2025, for Turks and Caicos Island. Level 2 means that travelers visiting this destination need to “Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime.” The travel advisory summary states: “Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited investigatory resources. U.S. Embassy Nassau, located in The Bahamas, provides consular services (including assistance to victims of crime) for U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” ©Wiki Commons/James Willamor Turks and Caicos is a popular cruise port and is visited by many major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and more. Grand Turk, in particular, is often part of Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries. ©Carnival The advisory also notes that law enforcement resources are limited in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, provides services for American citizens in Turks and Caicos. Visitors are also encouraged to avoid walking alone at night, do not answer the door at a hotel or residence until they know who it is, and not resist any robbery attempts. ©U.S. Department of State The advisory also updated its warning to travelers about the country’s strict firearms laws, which could result in severe penalties for visitors. Something as small as a single bullet could result in immediate arrest and a potential jail sentence of 12 years or more. According to the advisory, “Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release.” Stay tuned to DFB for more. 44 Government Travel Advisories Announced for Disney Destinations 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 Would a travel advisory like this change your travel plans? Let us know in the comments! The post U.S. Department of State Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for a Popular Cruise Destination first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We talk a lot about Disney World — the food, the hotels, the rides, and everything in between. Magic Kingdom We try to tell you things that will make your Disney vacation better and this tip is not about trying to get everything done. It’s the opposite actually and our fearless leader, AJ, allowed us to share this story with you to teach you a very valuable lesson. When AJ’s son was younger, his favorite Disney ride was the bus. If you’re a parent you know that sometimes our kids are obsessed with something that seems so mundane and silly. Well, a theme park is no different, honestly, probably similar to how we are obsessed with the Disney ducks. But when he was younger, on one of their break days while on vacation, they just rode the bus… over and over. Disney World Bus They rode it to the parks, to Disney Springs, and to some of the resorts. They listened to the music change for each new destination and got excited when they overhead narrator who’d tell them “You’ll be home soon.” Disney Bus Her son was able to get one of those transportation cards from one of the bus drivers — which is a FREE little momento that you collect from EACH of Disney’s complimentary transportation service. He LOVED that too. Cast Members really do make the magic, people! Disney bus The moral of the story here is not the fact that you NEED to ride the Disney bus for hours straight during your next trip. The point is that your kids are young once. Even if they want to go to Disney World in the future when they’re all grown up, they’re not gonna want to do the same things then that they want to do when they’re little. So take advantage of this time, even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, and hot. Hey, Mickey! Now is the time to build those memories that are BIG while our kids are still so small. So don’t let those opportunities pass you by. For all of your Disney news, stories, and tips, follow us at DFB. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is something at Disney World that either you or your kids love that might be a little unique? Tell us in the comments below. The post The True Story of Why AJ Rode the Bus 1,736,936 Times on a Disney World Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You can never be too prepared for a trip to the Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom Our team has been to the Magic Kingdom hundreds of times collectively, and there are some items that we never leave behind. However, that wasn’t always the case. These are some essential items that we wish we would have known about much earlier. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Have a Free Trial: FuelRod FuelRod What else can we say about FuelRods? If you’ve been to Walt Disney World in the last decade, you know these chargers. They’re small, portable, and have interchangeable ports to charge any brand of phone. And, the biggest bonus of all, you can exchange them for fully powered ones at kiosks across Walt Disney World property so you’ll never need to charge it while on your trip. Of course, there is a drawback to Fuelrods: Specifically, they hold less of a charge than many other chargers, so you’ll probably need to exchange your rod a few time during the day in order to keep your phone fully charged. VIEW ON AMAZON Silicone Shoe Covers Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers Available in multiple colors, these silicone shoe covers will do a fantastic job of keeping your feet nice and dry even in the midst of one of Central Florida’s near-daily rain storms, as well as other activities including going to the beach, camping, hiking, fishing, traveling, cycling, shooting and hiking. VIEW ON AMAZON Frogg Toggs Frogg Toggs Poncho We have tried A LOT of ponchos at Walt Disney World over the years, and this is BY FAR our favorite. This poncho – – available on Amazon in multiple colors, including this striking hot pink – – had several features that we simply adored. The material allowed the rain to slip right off, and between that and the lack of sleeves, we didn’t feel steamed or hot underneath. On top of the that, the pinch was large enough that our backpack was able to fit underneath it comfortably, while still keeping the bag and out back completely covered from the rain. VIEW ON AMAZON Loop Switch Ear Plugs ©Amazon These adjustable, noise-cancelling ear plugs are great for watching the fireworks without blowing out your eardrums. They feature “three levels of noise reduction in one convenient earplug.” They feature Quiet, Engage and Experience Modes for “instant, in-the-moment relief.” According to the manufacturer, “the redesigned Loop Switch 2 Ear Tips come in four sizes (XS, S, M, L), ensuring a great seal and secure fit, no matter your ear size.” VIEW ON AMAZON Autograph Book ©Amazon For decades, autograph books have been a central souvenir at the heart of the Disney theme park experience as kids – – and even some adult collectors – – use them to gather signatures from all their favorite Disney character performers. However, the cold truth is that you should never buy one at the parks thanks to the prices. You can find one on Amazon for over 50% less. VIEW ON AMAZON Every single one of these items is integral for a day at the Magic Kingdom, and you should definitely grab them before your next trip. Stay tuned to DFB for more Magic Kingdom tips! Looking for even more Magic Kingdom Essentials? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post We Wish We Would Have Bought These For Magic Kingdom Sooner first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve visited EPCOT recently, you’ve no doubt visited the Mexico pavilion (if only to grab a drink at La Cava del Tequila, as one does). Mexico Pavilion Of course, you’ve probably also checked in on the classic ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. Well, we were recently surprised a few months ago when we learned that the ride would be closing for two months for refurbishment. Well, Gran Fiesta Tour has reopened — and let’s just say, Disney made a TON of updates to the ride that have left us VERY impressed. This ride probably needed a little extra TLC, and we were excited to ride it to see what had changed. Turns out, Disney did a lot to refresh the ride. We spoke with a Cast Member there to get ALL the details about what’s new. Let’s go for a ride! Although the story and scenes are the same, the projections were switched to digital screens. Digital screens have replaced the projections Another HUGE change made to the ride is that it now has a completely new sound system with new speakers and a new sound design for the FIRST TIME since 1982, bringing the original audio tracks from when the ride first opened and then updated in 2007. It even sounds better! According to the Cast Member we spoke with, some of the sounds had been lost over time because of how the old sound system isolated different tracks. Now, that’s been restored. This includes the fireworks track in the finale, which is working again and sounds FANTASTIC on the new speakers. The finale sounds even BETTER There’s also a bird chirping in the loading area that adds such a pretty extra dimension before you ever even step foot onto the boat. You’ll hear a bird chirping in the loading area One thing we noticed is that the digital screens and lightning look so vibrant now, which makes scenes on the ride really pop. It’s so VIBRANT The Cast Member also told us that the Marionetta animatronic was refurbished and returned to the ride after a lengthy absence — she made her return in December 2024 right before the ride closed for refurbishment. She’s back! Disney has really made an effort to upgrade this ride, perhaps for the first time in a LONG time. It just looks SO good now! If you’ll be visiting EPCOT, be sure to pop into the Mexico pavilion to check out the ride updates — you won’t be disappointed! And stay tuned to DFB for more! Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. 3 EPCOT Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book 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 ride Gran Fiesta Tour when visiting EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post The Gran Fiesta Tour Has Reopened in EPCOT – Here’s What Changed first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Now that two Disney World attractions, Gran Fiesta Tour and Kali River Rapids, are finally open again, apparently, that means another attraction needs to close. Kali River Rapids An iconic Disney World attraction is closing THIS week! While many people may not actually miss this attraction, seeing it close for good is still bittersweet. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closing for good! This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invites you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. The show doesn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, but you only have a few days to see one last show if you are hoping to! It’s Tough to be a Bug! It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be closing on March 17th, so your last day to watch the show will be March 16th. The show will close to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” expected to debut in winter 2025. ©Disney Keep reading below to see what other attractions and locations will be closed this week, March 15th through 22nd! Magic Kingdom Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground will be closed, the ride will still be open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky! Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th. The Hall of Presidents The attraction is closed until later in 2025, though a specific date has not been shared by Disney. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change out the current president as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening. Astro Orbiter If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter will be temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter is dismantled currently! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney. The ride has currently been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! I Would Pay a Ridiculous Amount of Money for THIS Restaurant To Come to Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad We’ve been anticipating this ride closure for a while now, and on January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. Big Thunder Mountain Construction The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade On June 23rd, we had to say goodbye to an opening-day attraction that had been around for generations and provided simple fun to all who played. Now, the attraction has closed to make room for a new Disney Vacation Club lounge. Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade This lounge will be the third in Disney World, joining one in EPCOT and one at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney has not yet announced when the new lounge will open. Disney recently filed a new permit for the new DVC lounge, McKim’s Mile House, to install signage. We have been eagerly waiting to see if we can see the signage outside, but so far, we have had no luck. Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it! Tortuga Tavern Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we have seen it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern Shrubs However, there are now shrubs up around the dining area of the restaurant, and work is being done. When we stopped by recently, some of the shrubs had been taken down, and it looked like work had been done on the ground. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! We also wouldn’t be shocked if this ends up being the location for the new Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge. These $270 Disney World Hotel Rooms Can Get You Extra Hours in Magic Kingdom EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Test Track Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was just announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh Occasionally, we’ll see it open as a lounge or Kidcot Fun Stop. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen! It’s Been 3 Years Since EPCOT Took Away This ICONIC Snack and It’s Finally Returned Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show is supposed to debut in the summer of 2025. We’re always watching for more details about the new show, and we recently spotted a casting call for Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent! Voyage of the Little Mermaid Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. A bit ago we spotted that the iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed! So far, it is still missing, but we are curious what, if anything, will take its place. Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and it is now coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2025. It’s gone! Disney still hasn’t announced an official opening date for the new show, but it has been postponed from its Fall 2024 opening timeline. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” These 10 Tricks Will Change the Way You Do Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Bat Exhibit at Maharajah Jungle Trek The bat exhibit on the Maharajah Jungle Trek closed for refurbishment on February 17th, 2025. While this portion of the trail is closed, the rest of the Maharajah Jungle Trek is open! You could even spot baby tiger Bakso, who recently made his debut in the tiger exhibit. However, be prepared to wait to see this adorable addition, and plan on arriving early. Maharajah Jungle Trek The bat exhibit is expected to reopen in early March 2025, so it should be anytime now! But don’t let its closure keep you from making the trek — there is still so much to see! TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur. DinoLand, U.S.A. It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” 3 Hints That a MAJOR Animal Kingdom Announcement Is Coming Disney Springs Starbucks on the West Side The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd but is expected to reopen in mid-summer. Starbucks is temporarily closed Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs! The Secret to Make Your Disney Springs Day 10X More Ooey, Gooey, and Delicious Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach officially welcomed guests back on November 4th, 2024! That same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed its gates for the season. Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon will be reopening on May 1st, 2025. When it reopens, Blizzard Beach will be temporarily closing. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020. In the meantime, you can enjoy the slopes at Blizzard Beach this winter! Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach! Disney World Hotels Boat Transportation — Disney’s Old Key West Resort From February 10th until early April 2025, boat transportation from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs will be unavailable. The resort will offer buses to take you to Disney Springs during this time. Old Key West While it can be frustrating if you are looking forward to using the boat to get to Disney Springs, Disney always ensures you have a way to get where you need to go. The bus may not be quite as fun of a way to get there, but you will still reach your destination! Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that they were hard at work at Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay Closure This pool area will be closed for refurbishment until June. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. During the refurbishment, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay will also be closed. This Is the Best New Disney World Hotel News We’ve Seen All Month Fantasia Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort From January 1st through April 30th, the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed. Fantasia Pool While this pool is closed, you can swim at the Duck Pond Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort if you’re staying here. Everything POP Shopping & Dining — Disney’s Pop Century Resort The Everything Pop Food Court still remains on Disney World’s refurbishment list. However, the area looks open except for one food window! Since July 29th, Everything Pop has been getting some work done. The refurbishment was supposed to end on September 29th. However, it was extended to being under refurbishment until April 2025. Currently, it is still under refurbishment, but the full food court and dining area are available; guests just might see or hear construction work being done. Pop Century’s new food court When we stopped by a few weeks back, it looked like all the walls were down. A Cast Member said the food court and gift shop are pretty much done, but some behind-the-scenes work is still being done. The only thing we noticed was one food window still closed off. Merchandise Locations — Disney’s BoardWalk The merchandise locations along Disney’s BoardWalk will be closing for refurbishment in phases. The closures will last until May 2025, but two merchandise locations will always be available during the refurbishment. Disney’s BoardWalk The Character Carnival is currently closed. While they are working on the Character Carnival, you can shop at Screen Door General Store and Thimbles & Threads. 4 Splurges at Disney World Hotels That Experts Say Are 100% Worth It Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025 Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post Whether You Love It or Hate It – This Animal Kingdom Attraction Is About to Close for Good! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the weekend, and that means we’ve got to talk about those Disney-themed items you’ve been eyeing! ©Amazon We’ve rounded up some of the best Disney-themed items that are on sale on Amazon right now. But as always, these deals don’t last forever, so let’s dive in! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check Out These Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Mismatched Stud Earrings for 60% OFF ©Amazon First up, if you’re looking for a new pair of Disney-themed earrings, have a look at these Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Mismatched Stud Earrings. The best part about this pair is that you can show off how much you love both Mickey and Minnie at the same time! They’re simply perfect for wearing at home or to the parks. Get them here! Check Out These Disney Princess Wet Brushes ©Amazon These Disney Princess Wet Brushes are great for detangling your hair. They’re designed to glide through any knots without breakage and pain, and their design is based on your favorite Disney princesses! Stock up before they disappear. Get them here! Check Out This Disney Princess Ultimate Sticker Collection for 50% OFF ©Amazon Next, if you’ve got little ones who are obsessed with Disney Princesses, you’ve got to check out this Disney Princess Ultimate Sticker Collection. It comes with hundreds of stickers and fun activities, which makes it perfect for keeping them entertained at home or while waiting in line at the parks. And at half off, it’s a steal you won’t want to miss. Get it here! Check Out This Mattel Disney Princess Ready for The Ball Closet Playset for 60% OFF ©Amazon Next, if your little princess wants to get her dolls ready for the ball, then you’ll want to check out this Mattel Disney Princess Ready for The Ball Closet Playset. It includes a vanity with a two-sided mirror, a dressing room with a curtain, a runway for showing off their looks, and plenty of accessories. Get it here! Check Out This Disney The Incredibles Logo T-Shirt for 55% OFF ©Amazon Next, channel your inner superhero with this Disney The Incredibles Logo Costume T-Shirt. Whether you’re heading lounging at home or park hopping, this shirt is the one for you. Get it here! Check Out These Disney Stud Earrings & Fishhook Drop Earrings Sets for 50% OFF ©Amazon Lastly, if you’re looking for a different set of earrings, check out these Disney Stud Earrings & Fishhook Drop Earrings Sets. They’re great if Minnie’s your girl and you’re looking for comfortable fashion at home or the parks. Get them here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest deals on Disney products, so stay tuned for more. Did you know we have a Disney-themed Amazon Storefront? Check it out!The post 6 Disney Items ON SALE for Over 50% Off Right Now on Amazon! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Magic Kingdom Disney World’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind continued to see their new standby queues change the fabric of Disney World’s wait times. In fact, the latter Marvel attraction took the top spot this week, being the only Disney World ride to break the 80-minute barrier. Don’t believe us? Take a look at this week’s average wait times! Magic Kingdom Wait Times This week at the Magic Kingdom, most ride times ticked up slightly this week, with TRON in the lead as (almost) always. TRON Lightcycle / Run ©Disney TRON Lightcycle / Run — 79 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 61 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 49 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 48 minutes Space Mountain — 45 minutes Jungle Cruise — 42 minutes Haunted Mansion — 33 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 31 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 27 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 22 minutes Barnstormer Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 21 minutes “it’s a small world” — 20 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 19 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 19 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 18 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 15 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 15 minutes Mad Tea Party Mad Tea Party — 13 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 12 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 9 minutes Country Bear Musical Jamboree — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Enchanted Tiki Room — 8 minutes Liberty Square Riverboat — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 6 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 5 minutes This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in Magic Kingdom, and You Can’t Change My Mind EPCOT Wait Times EPCOT EPCOT was, once again, dominated by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind this week, as the ride’s new standby queue was the park’s busiest by over 20 minutes. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – – 83 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – – 60 minutes Frozen Ever After — 56 minutes Soarin’ — 34 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 19 minutes EPCOT Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 16 minutes Spaceship Earth — 15 minutes Living with the Land — 14 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Test Track and Gran Fiesta Tour are both currently closed for refurbishment. Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times Flight of Passage continued to dominate Animal Kingdom’s wait times this week, even as overall wait times at the park generally ticked in a downward direction. Flight of Passage Avatar Flight of Passage — 74 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 49 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 42 minutes Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest — 30 minutes Dinosaur — 24 minutes It’s Tough to Be a Bug — 10 minutes The Boneyard — 0 These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Over in Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance TIED for busiest ride at Hollywood Studios this week. Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios Slinky Dog Dash — 72 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 72 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 66 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 47 minutes Tower of Terror — 46 minutes Toy Story Mania — 43 minutes DONT USE THIS ONE Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 41 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 29 minutes Star Tours — 11 minutes Muppet*Vision 3D — 10 minutes Walt Disney Presents — -0 minutes Disney Just Dropped 6 HUGE Announcements Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! We Need NEW RULES for Driving to 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 How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post Can You Guess the Ride With the Longest Wait Time in Each Disney World Park?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are many ways to get to Disney World after you’ve finished planning your vacation. Although many Disney World visitors fly into Orlando International Airport, others choose to drive to the resort from their home or rent a car from the airport to drive to the resort. Driving to Disney World? Now, we’ve already talked about renting a car to drive around Disney World, as well as keeping you updated on what it’s like driving around the resort, as well as the parking situation. But according to NPR, there’s a scam you might need to know about if you ARE driving to Disney World, and it’s called “smishing.” “Smishing” is when you get spam texts that get your attention by telling you things like “you’ve won a gift card,” or that you have a surprise refund from the IRS waiting for you, or in this case, you owe toll charges, even if it’s in a state you’ve never driven in. Scammers are using SMS texts in this way to get your data and to get you to pay up. And these texts are becoming more common every day. Spam texts are getting worse In February 2025 alone, Americans received over 19 billion spam texts. Spammers are also now increasingly impersonating everything from gas and electric companies to municipal ticket payment agencies, including those who collect tolls. Now, if you’ve ever driven to Disney World or around Florida, you’ll know there are toll roads. However, if you get a text about not paying a toll in Florida, don’t respond to it. Florida has toll roads Teresa Murray, director of the consumer watchdog program at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), said, “In some cases, the texts are trying to get people to provide payment information. In other cases, the texts aim to get people to open links with viruses,” per NPR. So, how can you protect yourself from spam texts? The first thing you can do is register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Also, be skeptical of any texts, calls, or emails requesting your username or password. Look carefully at the URL or email address these messages come from, too: many will have typos or other differences from the official websites of that business. Always be skeptical of unsolicited text messages. Never EVER click on links in an unsolicited text message, even if it’s telling you it’s a way to opt out or unsubscribe from future messages. If you aren’t sure whether a message is legitimate, look up the company’s phone number on your own and call the company to ask about it. Also, REPORT spam texts by clicking on Report Junk or Report Spam on your phone. You can also forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM). Once reported, delete the text (and if your phone has the capability, mark it as spam and block it before that). Stay tuned to DFB for more. SCAM ALERT: Florida Officially Shuts Down Hundreds of Fake SunPass Toll Sites 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 seen this scam pop up on your phone? Let us know in the comments! The post If You’re Driving to Disney World, Beware New “Smishing” Scams first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As much as I want to be calm, cool, and collected…I’m not. One day, I’m bouncing around all day in Disney World, jumping from place to place to cram in as much as possible. The next, I’m taking it slow and spending the whole day getting snacks and riding the PeopleMover. I’m getting out of line at the bus stop when I get impatient. I’m searching around for dining reservations on the My Disney Experience app constantly. To sum it up? Things can get a little chaotic inside my mind. It keeps things interesting, right? Magic Kingdom I hope I’m not alone here, but I have a confession: my chaotic brain has approved some risky decisions in Disney World. I may not be breaking any rules, but I have done some chaotic things with MagicBands in Disney World, and it’s time to tell my story. For all you Disney fans out there who are constantly running late to your next reservation, can’t keep track of the park hours to save your life, and go HARD on vacation, this one’s for YOU. OK, let’s start with the basics. Today, we’re talking about Disney World MagicBands. What do they do? A whole lot! Your MagicBand acts as a park ticket, a credit card, a Lightning Lane Pass, a room key, and a PhotoPass card! Basically, it’s like your key to everything associated with your My Disney Experience account. MagicBand+ These days, Disney has moved on to MagicBand Version Three (ish): the MagicBand+. These have a few added features compared to the standard MagicBands, but the catch is that they’re a little more expensive than the old ones. Sneaky, sneaky! Star Wars Resistance Magicband+ On the whole, it comes in handy to have a MagicBand+. Sure, your phone does a lot of the same things as your MagicBand, but if you want to quickly and easily scan into a Disney hotel room, you might be better off just buying a MagicBand. It’s super annoying trying to find the “Unlock my door” button in the My Disney Experience app — trust us. ©Disney OK, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the fun stuff. It turns out there are some ways you can really push the limit with your MagicBand. Here are the two most chaotic things you can do. Turn it into a credit card and give it to your kids Yes, really! We even double-checked with a Cast Member — there’s NO age limit! Anyone with a MagicBand can set up a special PIN and connect their debit or credit card to a band as long as they stay at a Disney Resort hotel. Here’s how it works! Bonjour! Village Gifts in Magic Kingdom You can link your payment card to your room account in two ways: online or at the front desk. A Cast Member will help you set up a PIN code, and then all you have to do is tap your band on the MagicBand readers to pay at Disney stores and restaurants! All purchases will be charged to your room account. Everything Pop So, yes, if you have a little one who likes to do things on their own, children can pay for things in Disney World with a MagicBand! (As long as you set up their permissions at the front desk, anyway.) 3 Big Reasons MagicBand+ Will Be More Useful in Disney World in 2025 Walked around with a DEAD MagicBand+ Remember how we said Disney is on V3 of MagicBand designs? Well, the newest MagicBand+ requires a charger. The good news is that new MagicBands come with a charging cord, but the bad news is that if you lose it, you can’t buy the charging cable separately. (And yes, I’m not ashamed to admit it. I lost that dumb charging cord. If you see one lying around in Disney World, let me know!) MagicBands! The good news is that even if your MagicBand runs out of charge, it isn’t completely useless. Even if your MagicBand is dead, it can still be used to scan into a room or the parks! Have I walked around Disney World with a dead MagicBand? Yes, yes, I have. Who has the time and mental capacity to keep track of your MagicBand+’s charge?! Not me. MagicBand+ Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations So, there ya have it. I hope these little tips help you as you’re planning your next trip to Disney World! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The Number 1 Reason Why You Need TSA PreCheck in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you done these things with your MagicBand? Let us know in the comments! The post The Most Chaotic Thing I've Done With a MagicBand in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We finally know what is going on with the abandoned NBA Experience building in Disney Springs! Future home of LEVEL99 In case you missed it, the former home of both DisneyQuest and the NBA Experience will soon be home to a new tenant, LEVEL99! Previously, a permit was filed for demolition of the building, but we are so happy to hear something new will be taking up residence. LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience known for its challenge rooms, and the location at Disney Springs will be its fifth location and first in Florida. We are so excited about this new addition that we went to another LEVEL99 location to try some of their menu items before their opening at Disney World! We don’t know exactly when the Disney Springs location will open, but we do know that it will be the largest LEVEL99 to date, with over 60 challenge rooms and duels. It will occupy over 45,000 square feet in a two-story space and will feature dining with a chef-crafted menu — including LEVEL99’s award-winning, Detroit-style pizza. We went to LEVEL99’s Natick, Massachusetts, to check out the place for ourselves! LEVEL99 Menu While the menu may be tweaked a bit when it opens at Disney Springs, here is a look at the current menu for the Massachusetts location. You can order an array of snacks, small boats, Detroit-style pizza, handhelds, salads, and more! ©LEVEL99 They also have a drink menu that features signature cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee. ©LEVEL99 Drinks and Eats To start off, we ordered the Chartreuse or Dare cocktail for $14, which mixes house-infused pineapple rum, green chartreuse, amaretto, passion fruit, lime, and torched rosemary. We thought of this cocktail as a “smooth operator.” The green chartreuse and torched rosemary brought just enough herbal depth to keep things interesting without turning it into a full-on garden party. The pineapple rum is super low-key—you’d never guess it’s a rum drink, but it adds just the right boozy backbone. Amaretto hangs out in the background, keeping everything warm and balanced without going full nutty. It’s not tart, not overly citrusy—just fresh, bright, and dangerously easy to sip. It is perfect for cocktail lovers who want something layered and complex but totally approachable. Chartreuse or Dare Cocktail Of course, we had to order a slice of Detroit-style pizza! We went with The Godfather, which was $19. It came topped with coppa, a wagyu meatball, smoked provolone, and eggplant caponata. The crust was thick, a bit spongey, and crisp on the edges. There is some serious chew to this from edge to middle pieces. The coppa and wagyu meatball brings deep, rich, and slightly salty flavors that contrast the sharp bite of provolone—this is not a mozzarella-heavy pizza, friends. The eggplant is subtle, with no tough skin pieces, and adds a nice mellow balance to the bold flavors of the cheese and meat. This is definitely an adult pizza choice, and picky eaters may want to order something different. PIZZA! Next, we ordered the Hand-breaded Crispy Chicken Dunks for $13. These were crispy and delicious. The chicken pieces are on the smaller side, which we liked because they maximize dunking without risking a double dip. The breading is rice flour (gluten-free peeps rejoice!) with notes of black pepper and a hefty crunch. The chicken is buttermilk-brined, moist, and juicy. The smaller pieces mean more crust-to-meat ratio, which we prefer. Out of everything we ordered, this was our favorite! Hand-breaded Chicken Dunks You also get one choice of sauce with your dunks, but we decided to try them all! Each additional sauce is $0.75. Sauces Great Hill Blue Cheese Ranch: Great Hill is a dairy farm in Massachusetts, so this sauce might not be available in Disney Springs. The blue cheese chunks were present but not rock-hard like so many blue dips can be. They are soft and tangy, more like a Gorgonzola than a traditional blue cheese. The ranch base didn’t feel overwhelmingly ranch, just a well-seasoned creamy sauce to go alongside those melt-in-your-mouth cheese nuggets. Buffalo: This straight-up reminded us of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. It was a classic buffalo-style sauce that paired well with the blue cheese and chive ranch. Chive Ranch: This herby ranch has a bit of a tang. It is not so different from a regular ranch that it would turn off a ranch lover, but the chive has a nice bite that cuts through the creaminess. It is a lot like the Satu’li Canteen Creamy Herb dressing. Garlic Aioli: Normally, this sauce is served alongside the Parmesan Fries. This dipping sauce is a perfect match for the peppery, crispy chicken. It’s boldly garlic-forward, but the rich fattiness of the aioli smooths everything out, keeping it balanced rather than overpowering. Even after tasting it straight, the garlic lingered just enough without leaving that dreaded harsh aftertaste. IPA Honey Mustard: This is not your typical creamy honey mustard—it’s thinner, punchier, and delivers a bold, tangy bite with a heavy mustard-seed flavor. This sauce is typically served with their pretzel; it pairs well with the hearty, doughy texture of that dish. But for nuggets? It wasn’t our favorite. Mustard lovers might appreciate the complexity of this take on honey mustard, but we tend to prefer the sweeter, mayo-heavy version for dunking. Coffee Stout BBQ: Our reporter who did this review is usually not a BBQ sauce-on-nuggets person, but this one might have changed their mind. The sauce is thick and deeply flavored; it leans into rich, warm notes of coffee and molasses, bringing a bold sweetness that’s balanced by a tangy vinegar finish. The dark, glossy sauce packs a punch without feeling cloyingly sugary. Sauces! Next up, we ordered the Hand-cut French Fries. You can choose between Sea Salt and Black Pepper for $7 or Truffle Parm and Fresh Herb for $8. We splurged for one more dollar and ordered the Truffle Parm and Fresh Herb fries! These were fantastic—tender inside with a light, delicate crisp on the outside—so layering on nutty Parmesan, earthy truffle, and that punchy garlic aioli just makes them soar. You definitely don’t feel cheated on the truffle flavor, and there is enough topping to get you to the bottom of the fry pile. You can’t go wrong with the hand-cut fries! Although it was not on the menu, we wanted to order something sweet and found out we could get the Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread. Sadly, this was the ultimate disappointment. We have actually ordered this before, and what was once an ooey-gooey pile of soft, caramel-drizzled bread has clearly seen a major menu change and is now closer to a stack of Hawaiian rolls with apple slices and a sugar-cinnamon simple syrup. The bread was on the tough side, and the pull-apart pieces were awkwardly large. A nice whipped butter came on the side, but it didn’t do much to enhance the flavor. Overall, it lacked the rich, indulgent quality that made the original so good. Bring back the old recipe! Overall For the most part, we really enjoyed what we ordered! The only real letdown was our off-menu dessert choice. We are curious to see how the Disney Springs menu will differ from this location. We feel that LEVEL99 will be a solid addition to Disney Springs and can’t wait for both Disney and LEVEL99 to release more details about their fifth location! Full spread To stay up to date on all the lates Disney news and for more food reviews, make sure to continue to follow along with us here at the Disney Food Blog! What Is LEVEL99, and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location? 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 is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments!The post REVIEW and PHOTOS: Is This What We Can Expect When LEVEL99 Comes to Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Looking to impress you’re friends and family during your next Disney World vacation? You’ve come to the right place! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Disney World is all about having and enjoying yourself, but it’s not without some competitive opportunities. Some rides like Magic Kingdom’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin pit riders against each other in pursuit of the high score and the coveted status of Galactic Hero. If you’re looking for tips to improve your score, you won’t want to miss this advice! We have several former Disney World Cast Members on the DFB team, and they’ve let us know the secret to improving your Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin tenfold! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin The most obvious trick is to find the targets that give you the most points and spam them. This tip really only comes into play when your ride vehicle is stopped for whatever reason. However, we do have advice on how to conquer each room! Room 1 The robots on the left have a target on each hand. Shoot the left, as it’s worth 100,000 points! And remember our spam tip? Shoot it, shoot it again, and again, and again, and again, and again, etc. It is harder to hit when you get closer to it, so we recommend lining up your shot with your space gun as soon as you see the robot. You will also need to pilot your ship toward the robot — otherwise it’ll try to spin away. Shoot the target in the left hand OVER AND OVER! Additionally, The Claw on the ceiling on the right side of this room is another 100,000 point target! OoOoOoOh…it’s THE CLAW You’ll need to spin around so you are facing backward to hit this one AFTER you pass the robot. Room 2 When you enter the second room, turn the spaceship around and look at the wall on the right where you’ll see a volcano with two targets. The TOP target is worth 50,000 points AND it makes the volcano erupt. You can hit this as soon as you enter the room and you’ll get a chance to hit it again when you go around the corner. Aim for the top target! Keep piloting your spaceship so you can hit this target over and over again! Zurg The last big point target is ZURG. Located on the right side of the room, look directly under him for the word “Pitiful” — there’s a target just under it and it’s worth 100,000 points. You can NOT hit it if you are directly in front of it, so it’s best to shoot before and after you pass it. This is the target you want to hit on Zurg! Remember, spamming targets isn’t cheating — it’s simply good strategy! After Zurg, you will go through a tunnel where you can still shoot at moving targets around you, and they’ll still rack you up points, so shoot away! Keep firing in the tunnel! The Photo Room is also an ideal spot for points. You no longer have control of piloting your spaceship, but you can still keep shooting at any targets you see! Photo Room — smile and keep shooting! If you’re skilled (and lucky) enough to hit 999,999 points, YOU are a true Galactic Hero! We did it! Be sure to pick up your Galactic Hero sticker from the Cast Member in the gift shop at the exit and never miss an opportunity to brag — you earned it! We are Galactic Heroes! Good luck during your next space adventure! In the meantime, continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World coverage! We’ve Ridden EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride. These Are the BEST. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your high score on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Let us know in the comments! The post A Former Disney Cast Member Reveals the SECRET Way to WIN at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When sweet treat o’clock hits, we’re running to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Disney’s BoardWalk Inn The BoardWalk has some of our favorite restaurants, like Trattoria al Forno and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, but it’s also home to some of the best cake slices on Disney property. Just a short walk from EPCOT is The Cake Bake Shop Bakery, but instead of trying cake, we decided to switch it up and try some PIE! The Cake Bake Shop has two locations next to each other, one, a sit-down restaurant, and the other, a counter-service bakery. Both buildings are covered in pink and gold accents with a whole bunch of glitter, and you can feel the brightness as soon as you walk in. We picked up the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie Cup for $15. The Cake Bake Shop Bakery This pie was made with a Callebaut Belgian chocolate cookie crust filled with a creamy peanut butter mousse. It’s topped with a chocolate ganache and freshly roasted chopped peanuts. It reminded us of a big version of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup but with way more filling, and we’re obsessed! Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie Cup We loved the texture of the filling, which was perfectly gooey but had more structure, making it easy to eat. It came in a cup, so we could dive right in with our forks and not have to worry about making a mess. It has more of a whipped mousse-like feel than a normal cake slice, which we really appreciated. Yum! Of course, the top had edible gold glitter! This added a bit of magic to the dessert and made us feel like we were eating at Disney. UGH — this is what a peanut butter lover’s DREAMS are made of — we’re in love! Look at the glitter! The only part of this pie we weren’t obsessed with was the price. We thought $15 was a little steep, but besides that, the cup was utter perfection. It was decadent and rich, and we’ll definitely be back to try it again. We wish we could get them all If you love chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll want to head to The Cake Bake Shop Bakery to try this one out for yourself! You can easily get there by walking past the France and UK Pavilions in EPCOT to the International Gateway entrance. In the meantime, follow Disney Food Blog for all of our best restaurant and snack reviews. Check out our complete guide to eating at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you tried The Cake Bake Shop? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Only Need 2 Words To Describe This Cake Bake Shop Treat: TRUE. LOVE. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

“Bags fly free…” That has been the slogan for Southwest Airlines for several decades, but that’s about to change in just a few short months. Bags will no longer fly free Southwest Airlines has been announcing a ton of changes to how it operates, including getting rid of its controversial open boarding process in exchange for assigned seating, offering premium seating options, and changing its rewards program. After Southwest announced that it would be getting rid of its “bags fly free” policy, though, the Internet has a LOT to say…and most of it isn’t pretty. Instagram user @kyneumann wrote: “This is going to be a great case study for communications AND business majors in like 10 years when Southwest doesn’t exist anymore.” Southwest Cabin User @ecodisneybudget commented: “I wasn’t happy about open seating going away. However, I thought, ‘at least my bags are still free and changes can be made easily if anything comes up.’ Well, now those are going away so, once I use up the points I’ve earned, it’s goodbye.” @shaymone wrote: “Read the room southwest…. this was a horrible decision.” Regarding the Instagram post where Southwest tried to joke about the changes, @bronwyndower commented, “Y’all PAID someone for this?? Looks like those budget cuts should’ve been directed at the marketing department…” ©Southwest Airlines Additionally, @vince48t replied, “There’s only one thing getting checked and it’s not my bags.” OUCH. While @kris.helou wrote, “Not sure who’s doing your social media, but this ain’t it.” If you want to read all the comments for yourself, head on over to Southwest’s Instagram to check it out. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more. HUGE Changes Are Coming to Southwest Airlines SOON 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 Southwest Airlines’ post? Let us know in the comments! The post “Read the Room, Southwest.” The Internet ROASTS Southwest Airlines Over Its New Bag Policy first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I’m going to take you on a tour of my personal favorite Disney World hotel room that I cannot get enough of. Wilderness Lodge I do not feel that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge gets enough love when Disney fans talk about hotels. I love the dining options here, the proximity to Magic Kingdom, and the overall vibe. You feel like you’re in the woods at a nice retreat, but really you’re in the Disney bubble. My favorite hotel room is here, and I’m giving you the full tour. I recently stayed in the 1-bedroom villa at Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge. This was not my family’s first time staying here and honestly, it won’t be our last. We traveled as a party of 3 including our toddler, which is to say we were looking for a larger room and we were not disappointed with the space. The Lobby at Wilderness Lodge When you use your phone or MagicBand to unlock your villa, you’ll find a full-size kitchen. It includes a microwave, oven, stove top, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator. You also have some small appliances like a coffee pot and toaster. As well as plates, cups, bowls, utensils, pots and pans, and silverware. Kitchen They even give you soap, sponges, and dish towels to wash your dishes while staying here. The cabinets offer plenty of storage for any food and drinks you bring with you or even have delivered to the hotel. This is a great option if you are looking to make your own meals while on your trip. Kitchen Next is a large dining room table that seats 6. It’s a great place to share a meal together from Roaring Fork or even play a board game like my family did. While every party might not need the table, it’s a great place to even use to put your park bags. Living Room and Dining Area The living room area comes with a pullout couch, coffee table, end table, TV, and a sitting chair. This is where if you are traveling with larger parties, you can use the pullout couch to sleep 2. The pullout was not as comfortable as a bed, but for kids, it’s a good option. Pull out couch This next perk is what sells it for us every time… the laundry in the unit. That’s right, you get a washer, dryer, and laundry detergent. This is so helpful when you are traveling with a large party or staying on vacation for a long time. Laundry There is one bathroom in the villa but it’s broken up into two sections. The first includes a sink, toilet, and a shower. Bathroom The shower is large and has the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash attached inside. The bathroom is stocked with towels. Shower There is a bathtub that has jets in the bottom. You can relax in this after a long day of walking in the parks. Word of warning — it is LOUD when it runs. There is also a sink in this area as well. The two sections of the bathroom are divided with a pocket door allowing for privacy. Bathtub The bedroom has a king bed with storage space underneath which is perfect for storing suitcases or extra shoes. Both side tables have USB ports and outlets and a cabinet for even more storage. Bedroom You can find a wardrobe for hanging clothes as well as a dresser under the TV. There is a TON of storage in this room — perfect for large traveling parties. The King bed There is a balcony accessible from the living room and bedroom. Our view overlooked the middle of the resort which was very peaceful. View from Balcony The resort pipes in the music for Happily Ever After and the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake. Our view was obstructed from actually seeing those, but you could get a different view. Views If you are traveling with a large party, for a longer period of time, or just want extra space on your Disney vacation, this could be the right room for you. You don’t have to own Disney Vacation Club in order to stay here. You can book this room directly through Disney or you could rent DVC points through a website like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Wilderness Lodge Keep following us at DFB as we bring you all the Disney news, tips, and tricks. NEW Deals and Discounts Announced by Disney 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 What is your favorite Disney World hotel room? Tell us in the comments below. The post FULL TOUR: There's a Reason We Keep Coming Back to This Iconic Disney World Hotel Room first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Magic Kingdom Epic Universe single-day tickets are on sale NOW, we got sneak peeks at NEW ride technology coming to Disney theme parks and MORE! All the latest Disney Parks news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Epic Universe Single Day Tickets on Sale, Disney SXSW Announcements & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Alright, Disney World — we have some notes. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to some incredible — and wildly popular — attractions, including the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. Featuring a few launches to entice thrill-seekers but no big drops or inversions, this coaster is a fan-favorite (and its Toy Story theming is top-notch). However, we do have some minor complaints and suggestions on how to make the ride even better. First and foremost, we have to talk about Slinky Dog Dash’s big queue problem — the lack of shade. Toy Story Land The queue is fun, but on hot days where the sun is really out, it can get miserable. Queue for Slinky Dog Dash We would love for Disney World to add more shade to this line, which can get pretty long (so you’re really standing out there for a while). The majority of the wait is also outside in the sun. By adding more shade, we think the wait for this ride would be 10 times better. The Slinky Dog Dash queue is mostly outside in the sun! Speaking of long waits (which can be some of the longest in all of Hollywood Studios), we’d like Slinky Dog Dash to introduce anything that would speed up the wait times or increase capacity (which in turn would shorten waits). Slinky Dog Dash By adding more capacity to the ride vehicles, more people could board at one time, and (naturally) the line would move along quicker. Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios This is a tough ask, though, as it would require some severe rethinking of the ride and its functions. Adding coaster cars to the track or redesigning current vehicles changes the science and safety protocols, essentially making it a different ride experience. We get it if Disney can’t accommodate this suggestion, but, wow, can those long waits be off-putting. Slinky Dog Dash during the busy season Finally, we’d like to see maybe a little more high-quality theming on the ride. The whole experience theming is very charming, with plenty of images calling back to the Toy Story franchise and Andy’s toy box. Slinky Dog Dash The audio-animatronic of Wheezy is also super adorable, so we can’t complain. Wheezy at Slinky Dog Dash We just wish that after waiting 100+ hours, you get just a little more interactive elements or cool animatronics here and there. Overall, the theming is very fun on this ride, and we’re nitpicking a bit…but hey, the payoff would make the wait that much more worthwhile. Slinky Dog Dash Do you agree with our suggestions? What could Slinky Dog Dash do better? Share your thoughts in the comments below and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World coverage! NEW RULES for Slinky Dog Dash that Disney Adults Are Begging For 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 would you do to make Slinky Dog Dash better? Let us know in the comments! The post This Simple Change Would Make Disney's Slinky Dog Dash 10X BETTER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are losing our minds over here! Isle of Berk If you’ve been following along with all the latest updates on Epic Universe, the brand new park coming to Universal Orlando, then you know how amazing the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk area looks, but what if we told you it’s about to become even cooler? We’re so curious about which dragons we’ll see and how often they’ll be flying around, but we’re excited no matter what! NEWS: Universal Reveals NEW Epic Universe Secrets, Including “A Very Ridiculously Pink Place Full of Cats” There are some pretty incredible rides and shows coming to the land, too, including Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This will be a family thrill coaster where guests get a chance to try Hiccup’s newest glider contraption. ©Universal The Untrainable Dragon show will also debut with characters like Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid. The gang comes to life with musical numbers, breathtaking sets, and life-sized dragons soaring overhead! ©Universal Another ride will be called Fyre Drill, in which Ruffnut and Tuffnut take guests on a dragon-headed boat and blast water from cannons at flame-like targets. Your goal is to outscore and out-soak each other! ©Universal Dragon Racer’s Rally will allow new Vikings to practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls in the sky. Guests can control how “wild” or “mild” their experience is with heights reaching up to 67 feet in the air. ©Universal The last area is the Viking Training Camp, a fun playground for the littlest Vikings. There will be slides, climbing areas, and plenty of interactive areas. ©Universal We are so excited for the Isle of Berk to open on May 22nd. Stay up to date with everything happening at Epic Universe by following Disney Food Blog! Ready to buy your ticket for Epic Universe? Learn more about tickets here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited for Isle of Berk? Let us know in the comments! The post ‼️This Is the BEST New Epic Universe Addition Universal Has Announced So Far‼️ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Remember when Disney Springs was just a casual shopping area where we could wander aimlessly, maybe grab some food at Earl of Sandwich, and call it a day? Those simpler times are long gone. Today’s Disney Springs has evolved into a destination that might require almost as much strategic planning as a park day — and many people don’t realize this until they’re already caught in the chaos. Disney Springs I’ve watched countless families waste precious vacation hours because they didn’t understand how dramatically Disney Springs has changed. Heck, I’ve been insanely late for a dining reservation myself because I didn’t realize the sheer madness of the Disney Springs parking garages on the weekends! Locals and regular visitors navigate the complex with an entirely different approach, armed with insider knowledge that visitors simply don’t have. Let’s bridge that gap with some essential new rules you absolutely need to follow. The “Hour Before” Rule Here’s a counterintuitive truth: Arriving on time for your Disney Springs dining reservation is actually a rookie mistake. You need a full hour buffer before any reservation, and I’m not exaggerating. Disney Springs Why? First, parking can be surprisingly difficult to find, especially on weekends when the garages fill up quickly. (And don’t get me started on the traffic jams to even get INTO the garages.) Then, you’ll need to navigate security checkpoints (which can have unexpected lines). Finally, the sheer size of Disney Springs means you could be walking 15-20 minutes from your parking spot to your destination. This is a triple threat that many folks who are new to Disney Springs – or who haven’t been here in a while – don’t anticipate! And it can easily mean you miss your dining reservation. It’s a big complex! If you do find yourself running late: Try modifying your reservation through the My Disney Experience app (this should be possible up to 2 hours before your scheduled time) If that doesn’t work, call the restaurant directly to alert them about your delay. You should be able to Google the restaurant phone number easily enough. And if you booked through OpenTable rather than Disney, use their app to modify or cancel. Remember: If you no-show for an OpenTable reservation too many times, they’ll basically ban you from using the service; so definitely cancel if you can! The difference between arriving an hour early versus “just on time” is often the difference between a relaxed meal and a stressful sprint through crowds, potentially missing your reservation entirely. The “Parking Problems” Rule Disney Springs’ parking situation might be the most confusing element for first-time visitors. The garages aren’t created equal, and choosing the wrong one could add half a mile to your journey. The best thing about the parking situation at Disney Springs is that parking is free. Security checkpoints exist only on the second floors of each garage, which might not be anywhere near where you parked. And while your instinct might be to follow standard parking garage logic (bottom floor, park close to the entrance, right?), this often backfires at Disney Springs. Since security isn’t on the bottom floor of the garages, you can’t even get outside the garage from the bottom floor! Disney Springs Parking The Orange Garage is generally better for accessing locations on the West Side of the shopping district, like AMC Theaters and Cirque du Soleil, but be aware that the Orange Garage has two entrances – on either side of the AMC Theater, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to which end of the garage you parked on. Orange Parking Garage The Lime garage provides more convenient access to many popular restaurants in the Town Center, Landing, and Marketplace sections of Disney Springs. Disney Springs parking There are also little-known surface lots that can save you significant walking time during peak periods over on the West Side of the district. They are known as the Watermelon and Strawberry lots, and their security line and entrance is near Cirque du Soleil. Road signs leading you to the lots are labeled “Surface Parking.” There’s also the Grapefruit Garage, which is across the street and has an elevated pedestrian bridge to Disney Springs. Except for peak traffic times, it’s usually limited to Cast Member parking only. Surface Parking for Disney Springs By the way: It’s a good idea to look at the map in your My Disney Experience App, or on your preferred mapping app like Google Maps or Apple Maps, to determine the best location to park before you go. Many visitors discover they chose the wrong parking location only after a long, hot walk with tired children in tow. The “Too Many Restaurants” Rule It might surprise you to learn that some Disney Springs restaurants now have more competitive reservations than dining options inside the actual parks. Places like Summer House on the Lake, Homecomin‘, Morimoto Asia, and Wine Bar George can be extraordinarily difficult to book, especially on weekends. Cookies from Summer House on the Lake The 60-day reservation rule applies here just like in the parks, but many visitors forget this detail when planning their Disney Springs visits. One insider hack that we briefly alluded to earlier: Several restaurants use OpenTable rather than or in addition to Disney’s system, essentially creating a “backdoor” reservation option when Disney shows no availability. Some of these restaurants can also be booked 90 days in advance instead of 60. Homecomin’ If you’re looking for advance planning priorities, definitely lock in Homecomin’ (especially for weekend brunch), Morimoto Asia, and Wine Bar George for date nights. If you find yourself without reservations, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Raglan Road, and Jaleo are excellent restaurants that often have same-day availability. The “Crowds” Rule Disney Springs crowd patterns operate on completely different logic than the parks. While park crowds typically follow predictable vacation patterns, Disney Springs experiences a massive evening and weekend local influx that catches vacationers by surprise. Friday and Saturday evenings can feel like navigating through a packed concert venue, with lines forming outside popular shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, weekday mornings—when many tourists are rushing to the parks and locals are at work—can be blissfully quiet. Don’t let the crowds get to you! We’ve learned to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings if we want a peaceful shopping experience, or to embrace the lively atmosphere on weekend evenings (building in plenty of cushion time to get to our reservations) if we’re in the mood for energy and entertainment. The “Virtual Queue” Rule Several Disney Springs locations have adopted virtual queue systems that operate separately from the main Disney app, catching many visitors off guard. Gideon’s Bakehouse, with its half-pound cookies and drool-worthy cake slices, regularly implements a virtual queue system that works similarly to popular rides. During busy periods, you’ll need to check in early and then return when you receive a text — showing up without understanding this system could mean missing out entirely – especially on their clandestine hot cookie hour, which only activates for two hours per day – from 2-3 PM and 7-8 PM. She’s a beaut. Lining up your visit and navigating the virtual queue in order to coincide with hot cookie hour is a feat in and of itself! But if you can accomplish it, you’re rewarded with a warm, gooey cookie that you can buy with or without a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. If you arrive and a virtual queue is not being used, know that a “full” line at Gideon’s usually means about a 30-minute wait. And on the weekends, the virtual queue wait can be between two and five hours. Waiting for Cookies! The World of Disney store implements a similar system during major merchandise releases, and even the LEGO Store has a reservation system for custom minifigures that many visitors don’t discover until they’ve already promised their kids this experience. The tricky part? These virtual queues aren’t always visible on the main Disney app, so checking social media or calling ahead is crucial if you want to experience some of this stuff. You usually have to go to the location in person to join the virtual queue. The “No Bus to the Park” Rule Disney has intentionally designed their transportation system to prevent guests from using Disney Springs as free theme park parking, so there are no direct buses from Disney Springs to any of the four parks — a detail that confuses many first-time visitors, and even veterans who aren’t used to popping out of the parks to visit Disney Springs for the afternoon. You can’t take a bus from Disney Springs to Magic Kingdom! If you need to get from Disney Springs to a park, you’ll need to transfer through a Disney resort hotel. Some resorts offer quicker connections to certain parks than others. While some folks just grab the first hotel bus they see (which can save time depending on where you’re going), here are a few short-cuts: Magic Kingdom: Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian Resort offer quick walk-ways to Magic Kingdom that will keep you from having to wait on a second bus. EPCOT: Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Boardwalk Inn will give you a 10-15 minute walk directly to EPCOT’s International Gateway (the entrance in the “back” of the park). Hollywood Studios: Again, Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn will drop you off right by the Disney Skyliner for a quick trip into Hollywood Studios; but since you will have to transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort’s skyliner station, it may be faster to walk or take a Friendship Boat. Either way, you won’t have to wait on another bus. Animal Kingdom: Sorry Charlie! No easy way out here. You will have to board a second bus to get to Animal Kingdom from Disney Springs as there are no non-bus transportation options to this park. Rideshare services add another layer of complexity, with two separate pickup locations that even experienced visitors sometimes mix up. Rideshares can pick up behind the Cirque du Soleil building on the West Side of the complex, or across Disney Springs near the Wonderful World of Memories store in the Marketplace section. Be sure that you set your pick-up location to the right spot! Lyft And if you’re considering the Sassagoula River Cruise water taxi system that operates between Disney Springs, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and the Port Orleans resorts, be aware it follows completely different operating hours than Disney buses or the Skyliner – and may randomly shut down if water levels are low (this doesn’t happen often, but it is possible – especially during Florida’s dry season in the spring). The “Everything Changes” Rule Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Disney Springs is its rapid evolution. The turnover rate of shops and restaurants means that advice from even a year ago might be completely outdated. Recent closures – including stores from trendy brands like Ugg and Alex and Ani – have shocked returning visitors, while upcoming additions like Level 99 (a “challenge-based” entertainment venue with Escape Rooms, a full-service restaurant, and more) coming to the former NBA Experience location) will once again change traffic patterns and crowd distribution. Level99 is said to have capacity for 1,000 people at a time. ©LEVEL99 But if you want to make sure you’re up to date without having to do constant research, we’ve gotchu!! Just join the DFB Newsletter for FREE and we’ll keep you posted on all of the Disney Springs updates, closures, changes, and transportation concerns! Mastering the New Disney Springs Reality These rules will continue to evolve as Disney Springs grows and changes, but understanding them transforms what could be a frustrating experience into a vacation highlight. The complex offers some of the best dining and shopping on Disney property. World of Disney in Disney Springs Disney Springs isn’t the casual afterthought it once was — it’s a destination requiring its own strategy. But with these rules in mind, you’ll navigate it like a pro while everyone else is still circling the parking garage. Disney Springs Restaurants — The Ultimate Guide 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 The New Rules You HAVE To Follow In Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re going to spend it the best way we know how — with some Disney magic! Moana! Check out this new Disney summer collection that just dropped at Target! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Cars Beach Towel ©Target Ka-chow! This Cars towel is perfect for pool days. Its bright, bold colors will be easy to spot across the pool deck. SHOP ON TARGET Moana and Pua Beach Towel ©Target Look how adorable Moana and Pua are together! There are bright flowers, and it just screams summer. SHOP ON TARGET Disney Ariel Basic Goggles ©Target Little swimmers are going to love this! These pink and blue goggles feature Ariel and Flounder. SHOP ON TARGET Boys’ Miles Morales Hooded Rash Guard ©Target Perfect for Spider-Man lovers! This rash guard protects from the bright sun and even has a Spider-Man hood. SHOP ON TARGET Girls’ Moana Swimsuit Set ©Target This swimsuit’s skirt comes off, so you can hop right into the pool. It has a super cute Moana graphic on the front and ruffles on the top. We’re a little jealous that this doesn’t come in adult sizes, TBH. SHOP ON TARGET Disney Summer Ducks ©Target Quack quack! You need this trio of Disney ducks dressed up as Minnie, Mickey, and Stitch for the pool. SHOP ON TARGET Disney Moana Pool Lounger ©Target This is another one for the Moana fans! This kiddie pool features Moana, her friends, and flowers along the sides in fun summer colors. SHOP ON TARGET We’re obsessed with this Disney summer collection! Keep following Disney Food Blog to find the best Disney merchandise for your next trip. Like what you’re seeing and looking for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorites!The post A New Disney Summer Collection Just Launched at Target first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In 1977, the world changed with the release of the first Star Wars movie, simply known as Star Wars at the time. That movie was followed by two more hit films, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. ©Disney Now, this was long before Disney owned Lucasfilm, but Disney has had a longtime relationship with Star Wars thanks to partnerships with Lucasfilm to create rides based on the franchise. Star Tours, anyone? Now, Star Wars has become SO much more than those three movies, with many more movies having been made, as well as TV shows, novels, and comic books. But let’s talk about one particular movie…Revenge of the Jedi. Yep — you read that right. I said Revenge of the Jedi. Now, yes, I know that the movie is actually Return of the Jedi, but that wasn’t always its name. Although Return of the Jedi was officially announced in 1980, movie posters were made with the title Revenge of the Jedi. Don’t believe me? Here’s proof: ©MoviePosters.com By the way, if you want to get your hands on one of these RARE posters, it will cost you THOUSANDS of dollars. So here’s the deal, the original title was Return of the Jedi, but some business-type person in a suit at Lucasfilm thought the title sounded weak, so for a brief period of time, it was known as Revenge of the Jedi. ©Lucasfilm Other marketing materials were released with the Revenge of the Jedi, including this movie trailer. Yep, they were already marketing the film with the changed name.  Star Wars creator George Lucas wasn’t having it, though. Lucas fought for the original title, stating that revenge would not be something a Jedi would seek (okay, that makes sense). Apparently, he really stuck his heels in until the suits came around. It’s an interesting story about the battles creative types have to face all the time. But these were HIS characters, and yes, he understood them best. ©Lucasfilm Interestingly enough, this whole idea of Jedi not seeking revenge leads into the prequel movies, which is basically about Anakin Skywalker turning from the Light Side to the Dark Side because he DOES seek revenge. It seems Lucas was adamant about how that determined Light from Dark. Whatever the case, I’m glad Lucas stood up to those suits because the title Return of the Jedi fits this film so perfectly. It’s also one of the best final chapters in all of the Star Wars sagas (no, I won’t be taking arguments otherwise), and the title encapsulates part of what makes it special. The word “return” reminds us of hope, which is basically the entire premise of the original trilogy. Stay tuned to DFB for more. We Just Discovered How To Get SECRET Disney Snacks at Your Wedding, Including EPIC ‘Star Wars’ Treats 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? Which title do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! The post Why LucasFilm Had To Change The Title Of This 'Star Wars' Movie first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The new sequel to Disney’s iconic Freaky Friday movie, Freakier Friday, just dropped, and OMG, you need to see this! @Disney It feels like a flashback from 2003, but Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back and ready to continue this freaky storyline. Freakier Friday is in theaters on August 8th, and Disney just dropped the first trailer. Be prepared — it’s bringing back allllll the nostalgia! Watch below! OK, did you watch it? We need to talk. First of all, WOW! We forgot how much we LOVE these two together in a movie. ©Disney Looks like Tess and Anna switch bodies again, just like in the original movie. ©Disney But here’s where things get interesting! It looks like the whole family is involved this time! We know the storyline takes place after Freaky Friday, but it looks like everyone has grown up, and we’ll be introduced to new characters along the way. ©Disney Disney also teased some iconic scenes that remind us of the original film, like the band scene from the first movie. She’s still got it! ©Disney We are SO excited about this movie, and we are going STRAIGHT to the theaters on August 8th to see it. We hope there’s a cool popcorn bucket to do along with it, too! We’re going to catch it at the AMC at Disney Springs for the full Disney experience. After getting a trailer for Shrek 5, it only feels right that all of our favorites return to the screen years later! Stay up to date with Disney Food Blog to be in the know of everything Disney! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about Freakier Friday? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Every Disney Millennial Is Rejoicing at This Disney Movie Announcement first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It is hard to believe, but MagicBands have been a staple of a Disney World vacation for over a decade! MagicBand+ These handy helpers are available to help make your vacation even easier! Sadly, Disney World no longer sends you free MagicBands ahead of your Disney World vacation, and now the latest version of MagicBands, MagicBand+, can run upwards of $60 depending on which style you choose. Here are four things you should know before splurging on one! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. As we mentioned before, the newest MagicBand model is called MagicBand+. MagicBand+ works the same as old MagicBands, as it can act as your hotel room key, your park ticket, your credit card, and so much more! So why the price jump? Well, MagicBand+ lights up, vibrates, and interacts with different elements around Disney World. NEW MagicBand+ Features Rolled Out at Disney World (And We Think You’ll Love Them!) MagicBand+ MagicBand+ is priced at $34.99, $44.99, $49.99, and up to $60. Certain bands are more expensive depending on their design and limited edition. Here are four things you should keep in mind before splurging on one! MagicBand+ You Can Get a Discount on MagicBand+ If you have a Disney World hotel reservation, you can order your MagicBand+ ahead of time online. Hotel guests get MagicBands at a discounted price, but they must be ordered ahead of your trip to use the discount! MagicBand+ Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can apply their merchandise discount to MagicBands in person at Disney World gift shops. Black Cauldron MagicBand+ You can often find cheaper MagicBands online as well. Don’t Worry. This Disney World MagicBand Hack Feels Illegal, But It Isn’t! You Don’t Need a New Band for Every Trip Reduce, reuse, recycle is the theme of this portion of the post! Your old MagicBands may still work at Disney World. As long as they are still linked to your My Disney Experience account, it is worth a shot to see if the battery still works in them. Plus, if you recently purchased a MagicBand+, you should be in really good shape to reuse your band! MagicBand 2.0 Your Phone Can Act as a MagicBand You will want to make sure you have the My Disney Experience app downloaded before your trip. This app can also act as your park ticket, room key, map, and so much more! You can also use your phone to add your ticket and credit card to your wallet to be able to tap to pay. ©Disney New Additions to the My Disney Experience App Only guests of a Disney World hotel can use their MagicBand to pay, so keep that in mind when deciding if a MagicBand is worth it for you, as your phone can do pretty much everything that a MagicBand can. They Need to be Charged The new MagicBand+ comes with a charger to power the lighting and vibrating function. If your MagicBand+ “dies,” it will still be able to scan you into the park and do other basic functions; it just won’t interact. MagicBand+ Sadly, MagicBands sometimes have to go to MagicBand+ Heaven as they can eventually stop performing their unique functions. We purchased a MagicBand+, and a year and a half later, it no longer lights up or vibrates, but we can still use it to access the parks. It is just something to keep in mind as you are investing in something that could potentially stop working. Ahsoka MagicBand+ This is the MagicBand charger we prefer to use. It can also charge your phone. MultiCharger for MagicBand+ As MagicBands continue to be updated and new designs are released, we will make sure to keep you in the loop. For all the latest Disney news, stay tuned with us here at the Disney Food Blog! 10 Essentials You Need to Buy Now for Your Disney World Trip Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you on Team MagicBand when you visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!The post 4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Paying for a MagicBand in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Spring has sprung around Disney World and that means new menu items have started to roll out at some of our favorite restaurants. Hollywood Brown Derby We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for all the fresh and fruity eats popping up around the parks — which is why we RAN to check out the new menu items that recently debuted at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Should you do the same, or is this new menu better left in the dirt? Let’s find out! Atmosphere Step back in time to one of the most delicious and historic dining experiences at Walt Disney World. The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios meets all expectations. Hollywood Brown Derby While it’s only a replica of the famous Hollywood landmark restaurant, the food and service are just as good at this Signature Restaurant. Reservations go quickly as this is a popular spot for many — whether it’s their first time at Disney World or their fiftieth. In the lobby, make sure you check out all of the different celebrity caricatures that line the walls. Lobby The dining room is similarly impressive, with cavernous ceilings and opulent chandeliers. There are a few different sections of varying levels, and it does get quite loud in here — so keep that in mind if you want to book a reservation here! Those with sensory issues or who are sensitive to loud noises may want to dine elsewhere. Large dining room Despite this, the dark wood accents and red leather chairs and booths help make this restaurant still feel cozy — like you’re in a tucked-away, secret space. Menu The menu here is definitely on the upscale side compared to what you’re probably used to seeing in a theme park, but Brown Derby does it well. You’ll find a selection of appetizers like escargot, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie, and a creamy corn bisque, plus entrées including filet mignon, shepherd’s pie, grilled salmon, and the famous Cobb Salad. Food menu Of course, there’s plenty to drink here too — you’ll find a selection of handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, plus beer and other spirits as well. Drink menu We know, we know, you’re ready for the FOOD! Let’s see what’s on the menu this time around. Eats Like any good Signature Restaurant at Disney should, your meal here starts off with Bread Service, which in this case means warm rolls and butter with sea salt. Bread The Bread Service here is great! It’s more than just your standard butter with that extra sea salt sprinkled on top of it, but it was creamy enough, light enough, and it didn’t stick to the roof of your mouth. This is a really nice start to your meal. The rolls themselves were nice and crunchy on the outside, but they were still soft on the inside. These are very, very soft — you can pull them apart. They were pliable on the inside and it all melted in your mouth. It was good, not earth-shattering, but it was just a nice kind of upscale feel to have that sea salt added onto the butter. How could you go wrong? We also ordered the new Grand Marnier Liqueur-macerated Seasonal Fruit Burrata, made with lollo rosso, frisée, caramelized spiced pine nuts, and citrus vinaigrette. This was really nice — we enjoyed the cheese on it and the strawberries were a nice touch. You can definitely taste the caramelized pine nuts, but they do have more of a spice to them that definitely stands out. The vinaigrette was nice and light, and the Grand Marnier is definitely present in this dish. This was more of a regular salad with burrata on top of it instead of a burrata-based dish. It was nice and light, but we’d order the Cobb Salad over this any day! Grand Marnier Macerated Seasonal Fruit Salad We ordered the Au Gratin Potatoes made with black diamond cheddar as an enhancement, and OH BABY were they good. Potatoes au gratin They’re definitely worth the enhancement. These are incredibly cheesy and rich, and just really, really nice. The sauce isn’t anything super heavy or thick, and that crunchy layer at the top was really easy to crack through and the crunch was such a nice addition. The potatoes themselves were soft without being mushy, and there was a really nice, hereby flavor going on as well. Cheeeeeesy The Sake-braised Pork Belly comes with apple-ginger purée, shiitake mushrooms, tasso ham, and shiso. Sake-braised pork belly While we enjoyed the pork belly itself, the apple ginger puree was not our favorite, and we would have loved to have had a little bit more maybe apple to it — the ginger was definitely the more prominent flavor there. The tasso ham, the shiso, and the shiitake mushrooms were all good, but they were kind of at the bottom and not prominently featured. The pork belly was perfectly cooked and had a nice layer of fat before the actual layer of meat which pulled apart very, very nicely. Overall, this was delicious. YUM For our final entrée, we ordered the new Lamb Shank. This comes with a quinoa-pea salad, paneer paratha chips, and mint yogurt. Lamb Shank The lamb is nice and tender and pulls apart very, very well. It still has that nice flavor to it on its own, but there’s a deliciously spiced sauce that really makes it pop, especially when mixed with that mint yogurt. The quinoa pea salad is fine — you really have to like quinoa, but, man, the flavor is good. This is a really great option if you are already in the park and you don’t feel like going out to another resort or spending as much for that particular meal. The lamb literally melted off the bone when we got our fork in the vicinity of it. This was excellent! Nosh or Not You should make a reservation at the Hollywood Brown Derby if… You’re looking to celebrate something special while you’re at Hollywood Studios. You want a more upscale lunch or dinner. You want somewhere that provides a nice, relaxing atmosphere for a break from the parks. You should skip the Brown Derby if… You aren’t really that hungry — the portions here are rather large! You don’t have time for a full, sit-down meal during your park day. You’re looking to stick to a budget — this restaurant is NOT cheap. Overall These new menu items were a HIT for us overall. That lamb shank was tender and delicious, while those potatoes will be invading our dreams for the foreseeable future. The pork belly was a solid option and while we did enjoy the burrata salad, we think we’ll stick with our beloved Cobb from now on! Make a stop at the Hollywood Brown Derby if you want to try these new eats! New menu items In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more new menu items popping up around Disney World and beyond! Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more. REVIEW: And the Award for Most Improved Magic Kingdom Restaurant Goes to… Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you been to the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post REVIEW: There's a Reason Why This Hollywood Studios Restaurant Isn't Easy To Get Into first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World always has something going on! Magic Kingdom There are major expansions in the works, some sad goodbyes coming soon, and so much more! We love how Disney keeps us on our toes, sometimes in the most exciting ways! Now we finally know the returning date for one of our favorite Disney World traditions and we are hopping with joy. The Disney World Easter Egg Displays are back in 2025 and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’ve never seen these eggs, you might be wondering what the big deal is! Well, these are no ordinary Easter Eggs! These giant eggs are hand-crafted by Cast Members on the Disney World pastry teams that help bring characters and stories to life throughout some of the resorts at Disney. Well, the displays are coming back soon! Beach Club display in 2024 Starting on March 18th, 2025, you can see the Grand Floridian’s Easter Egg display! It will be up until Easter Day on April 20th, 2025. We can’t wait to see what designs the culinary team comes up with for this resort. Don’t tell the others but the Grand Floridian’s egg display might be our favorite. The 2023 display! The other resorts that will have Easter Egg Displays are Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Yacht and Beach Club! These displays will be ready for guests from April 1st until April 20th. 2024 Yacht Club display We are always so impressed with how the Cast Members are able to create these amazing displays and we hope it isn’t weird when we say we’re suddenly craving chocolate. Not only are the Egg displays returning, but Disney also shared there will be several limited-time treats to help you enjoy the Spring Holiday. ©Disney Different resorts, parks, and Disney Springs will start sporting treats and desserts that are sure to give Easter a sweet touch. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny also tend to make an appearance in the parks around this time so there will be lots to enjoy at the end of this month going into April! There is nothing like holiday celebrations in Disney World in our opinion. Make sure you keep following DisneyFoodBlog for a full review of all of these limited-time goodies. The BEST Eats at Disney World for 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us about the best Easter Egg display you’ve seen in Disney World in the comments! The post BREAKING: DATES REVEALED for NEW Easter Egg Displays Coming Soon to 4 Disney Hotels first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Picture this: it’s a bright, sunny morning, and you’re about to drive through the gates to Disney World. How exciting! But — oh no! — you forgot to pack something pretty important: a portable charger. How will your phone survive a full day in the parks?! Welcome to Disney World! Listen, we’ve been to Disney World a LOT. We know all the essential items you need for a successful trip, and we’re here to help! Whatever you do, do NOT go to Disney World without these essential items. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Score a free trial of Amazon Prime by clicking the button below! Get the INIU Portable Charger for less than $20! INIU Portable Charger This is a tried-and-true DFB favorite portable charger. It’s a must-have for a long day in the parks! Even if your phone can normally last on a full charge of battery on a typical day, things are different in Disney World. You’ll be taking tons of photos throughout the day, using the My Disney Experience app, and (inevitably) calling and texting your friends and family to ask, “Where are you?”. View on Amazon This Twin Stroller Connector is a must for parents! ©Amazon Attention, parents! We have just the thing for you. Skip the big, bulky double stroller and try some stroller connectors instead! These are great because it gives you WAY more flexibility. You can walk around the parks with two single strollers or connect them to become a double stroller. This makes packing a lot easier, too! View on Amazon We love the MultiCharger for MagicBand+ MultiCharger for MagicBand+ This is a must-have for Disney fans! In our experience, Disney World hotels NEVER have enough outlets to charge all of our devices. This thing lets you charge a ton of devices at once, including your MagicBand+. View on Amazon Or, you can grab Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotics Shoe Inserts ©Amazon Dr. Scholl’s is a household name for a reason! These shoe inserts provide 5-in-1 clinically proven pain relief for feet, knees, lower back, heels, and plantar fasciitis, tailored specifically to your arch type, body weight, and shoe size. After a long day of standing in Disney World, your feet will thank you if you take care of them with a pair of shoe inserts. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post The Item You Can't Forget for Disney World This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article