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We love snacking our way through Disney World! Can’t go wrong with a Mickey Pretzel! There are obviously your classic Disney snacks like churros, Mickey waffles, DOLE Whip, Mickey Pretzels, and Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars. These are the snacks that people have come to know and love and are often a must-get during their Disney World vacations, but other snacks fly under the radar that also deserve the hype, and we are sharing one of our favorites! To get this snack, you will want to head to the Magic Kingdom’s Confectionary located on Main Street, U.S.A. Towards the back of the Confectionary, you will find a small room where you can create your own popcorn! Main Street Confectionary This small room is known as the Kernel Kitchen and was added to the Confectionary a few years ago. First things first, when it is your time to order, you can choose between two toppings and syrup for $12.99 or three toppings and syrup for $13.99. All additional toppings are a $1 upcharge. Kernel Kitchen You will then choose from a few popcorn flavors. Most of the time, there is butter, caramel, and cheddar, and from time to time, there is a specialty candied flavor (like colorful popcorn). You get two big scoops of popcorn, and the Cast Member makes sure to layer the popcorn with your toppings and syrup. Popcorn Options Next, you will choose a syrup. There is White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate. And then it is time for toppings! Most of the time, you can choose from M&Ms Milk Chocolate, M&Ms Peanut, M&Ms Peanut Butter, M&Ms Almond, Snickers Bar, Twix Bar, Skittles Original, Skittles Sour, Crushed Chocolate Cookies, Pretzel Pieces, and Mini Marshmallows. Since the Kernel Kitchen is sponsored by Mars, candy and topping options can rotate out depending on the season. What toppings would you add? Then you take your creation over to the dedicated Kernel Kitchen register, and viola! You have your masterpiece to munch on! Some Disney Discounts, like Annual Pass discount, can even be applied to your total! Beautiful! We love to stop by the Kernel Kitchen on our way out of the park to take our creation back to our hotel room with us to snack on as you get a to-go lid to transport your confection. Now, we know we are always preaching to use Mobile Order, but this is going to be a rare case when we tell you to actually wait in line and not use Mobile Order. Mobile Order at the Confectionary only has a few popcorn mix options, and you can not make any modifications! If you like the pre-selected mixes that are offered, then, by all means, feel free to order ahead. Otherwise, it is worth it to wait in line and create your own! It is worth the wait to create your own! There are specialty mixes that you can order from time to time, like around different holidays. For example, during the Valentine’s Day season, they have pink and red popcorn along with Valentine’s Day M&Ms. We have seen mixes for Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and even the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Sweetheart Popcorn for Valentine’s Day The above picture is of the Sweetheart Popcorn Mix, which was available for a limited time at the Kernel Kitchen for $13.99. This Valentine’s Day-inspired treat consisted of strawberry-flavored candy popcorn, M&Ms, crushed chocolate cookies, mini marshmallows, dark chocolate drizzle, and white chocolate drizzle. This mix really required a sweet tooth, and it reminded us of a s’more with a bit of a strawberry taste. If you are worried that the seasonal mixes are too sweet for you, remember that you can always make your own! Haunted Mansion popcorn from 2023 We love this snack and feel like it often gets overlooked since it is in the corner of the Confectionary. The next time you are in Magic Kingdom, consider checking out the Kernel Kitchen! For more Disney tips and to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog! I Hate To Say It, But I’m Pretty Sure This Is the WORST Snack at Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever made your own popcorn and Kernel Kitchen? Tell us your go-to mix in the comments!The post REVIEW: Why is NO ONE Talking About This Snack in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Details We Dig Aboard The Disney Treasure | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

Disney shared some behind-the-scenes looks at a few projects in the works at Disney World! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park expansions, ride rethemes, and much more are coming to Disney World in the coming years, and Disney gave us a closer look at a few of those changes with some recent behind-the-scene updates! The video showed Carleigh as she worked on-site, attended meetings, and showed viewers a quick look of the attraction’s queue area and possible unloading area. @WaltDisneyImagineering Instagram Work began on this project last June and the new version will “take inspiration” from World of Motion, the original EPCOT attraction that “took visitors on a time travel journey through the history of transportation”. This latest iteration will celebrate the “past, present, and future of automation.” Disney Shares SNEAK PEEK at the Transformation of Test Track at EPCOT For all the latest Disney World updates, stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog! NEWS: Permit APPROVED for Tropical Americas-Themed Land at Animal Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which new Disney World project are you most excited to see come to fruition? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Shares 3 SNEAK PEEKS Behind Its Construction Walls first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been professionally eating Disney World food for over 15 years now, but even still, every once in a while we discover a snack that we wish we had known about sooner. The Edison And that, Dear Reader, brings us to where we are today. We stopped by an underrated restaurant at Disney Springs to grab a bite to eat the other day and we certainly won’t be forgetting this meal anytime soon. Come with us to The Edison to try a grilled cheese that’s bigger than a small pomeranian! We stopped by The Edison recently for lunch, located in The Landing area of Disney Springs — and man, are we glad we did. We wanted something simple, so we ordered the Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese for $22.00. The grilled cheese is made with white cheddar, fontina, alpine Swiss, and muenster on grilled sourdough bread. Y’all, they probably should have called this the Utterly Massive Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup on the side, because this thing was MASSIVE. Tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese We were shocked by how HUGE this grilled cheese was. It’s probably the biggest grilled cheese we’ve ever seen and definitely the biggest grilled cheese you can get in Disney World! And the best part is that this wasn’t just a gimmick — it was amazing. The bread was perfectly toasted and buttery and the cheeses were gooey just as advertised. . Would you look at this thing?! The selection of cheeses used also gave it this really nice sweetness that paired perfectly with the tomato soup, which by the way, was some of the best tomato soup we’ve had — especially throughout Disney World. The soup is made in-house daily and it certainly tastes like it. It’s very robust, very savory, and spectacular. This grilled cheese should go down in history if you ask us. And, if you’re a grilled cheese lover, you definitely need to head over to The Edison to check this one out! Seriously, y’all… Well, what are you waiting for?! If you need us, we’ll be breaking about this grilled cheese for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more eats to review for you. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! REVIEW: We Have a Lot of Thoughts About This NEW Disney Burger and None of Them Are Good 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 Edison at Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments. The post REVIEW: I Don't Mean To Alarm You, But This Is the Biggest Grilled Cheese I've Ever Seen first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We love to keep all Disney fans updated on what’s happening in Disney World. And for all you water ride lovers, it’s time to get soaked — AGAIN! Kali River Rapids The Kali River Rapids ride is re-opening! After a closure that lasted multiple months, it’s finally coming back, and we have all the information here. Kali River Rapids closed on January 6th. However, its refurbishment period doesn’t come as a surprise. Disney has often closed the water ride around this time of year because of the colder weather in Florida during the winter (yes it does get chilly here). We’ve got a bad feeling about this. The closure time is up though, and it is expected to be up and running on March 14th. Just in time for spring break and warmer weather! Kali River Rapids is a thrilling water adventure, where you travel through a jungle in the heart of Asia. Crashing through the water until you eventually reach the 20 foot plunge. And, we caution you…you WILL get wet! Uh Oh With the ride re-opening, it should help balance out the wait times at Animal Kingdom a little more. It will also give you one more thing to do on your next Disney trip! We’re excited for the return of this raft adventure, and we’re sure you are too. Too stay up to date with all the latest news surrounding Disney World and more, make sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog! 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 going to be taking on the rapids when it opens back up? Let us know in the comments! The post Kali River Rapids Is Finally Reopening in Animal Kingdom After A Lengthy Closure first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready to do some shopping? Well, you better be because Target Circle Week is returning SOON. Circle Week 2023 In just a little less than two weeks, the big event will kick off with special discounts, deals, and more. If you were looking to buy yourself a little something nice, Disney souvenirs, or more, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of sales on those items. So mark this day in your calendar: March 23rd because that’s the first day of Target Circle Week. Yep, that’s right. Target Circle Week will return on March 23rd and run through the following week. To take advantage of these deals, you’ll need to make sure you download the Target Circle app and join Target Circle, Target’s free loyalty program. By doing so, you’ll get special discounts and earn rewards you can use on future Target purchases. ©Target Target Circle Week is a seasonal one-week sale that happens a few times every year. This year’s spring event will feature deals on everything from clothing to home and kitchen items to groceries and more. In addition to these discounts, Target will also have one-day-only flash sales throughout Circle Week. Target Circle Week is almost here! Some of the deals for this event include a $10 Target gift card when you spend $40 on select beauty and healthcare items, 30% off select clothing items, 25% off select Threshold & Casaluna bedding, up to 40% off select kitchen items, BOGO select grocery essentials, up to 30% off LEGO sets, and more. Let’s go shopping! These deals will only be available for one week, so you’ll want to take advantage of them while they’re available. Stay tuned to DFB for more. 4 Disney Loungefly Bags You Can Get at Target NOW for Disney’s Riviera 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 Will you be checking out Target Circle Week this year? Let us know in the comments! The post DATES Revealed for Target Circle Week in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Since you’re working on your Disney World trip plans, and you’re in need of a new water bottle so you can stay hydrated, we’ve got you covered! ©Amazon We’ve tried and tested all kinds of reusable water bottles on our trips to Disney World, and one of the brands that just keeps delivering on the hype is Owala. Their bottles are super sturdy, well-insulated, and a breeze to clean. We can’t recommend them enough! We’ve rounded up some of the best ones you can buy on Amazon based on their ratings, so let’s check them out now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check Out This Grayt Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ©Amazon First up, let’s talk about the Grayt Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. It’s made with a stainless steel exterior and that incredible FreeSip spout that has a built-in straw which lets you sip or swig. It even comes with a built-in carry loop which makes carrying your water bottle even easier! Get it here! Check Out This Retro Boardwalk Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ©Amazon Next, if you feel the Grayt one just doesn’t quick match your vibe (color wise), then you’ve got to check out this Retro Boardwalk Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. It’s made with the same stainless steel exterior, FreeSip spout, and built-in carry loop, AND it’s got the retro color way that should have you smiling. Get it here! Check Out This Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle and Silicone Water Bottle Boot ©Amazon Now, what if you’d like a bit more color than the Grayt, but not as much as the Retro Boardwalk, AND you’re concerned about protecting the bottom of your bottle, then this Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle and Silicone Water Bottle Boot might just be the perfect combo for you. Everything is still true about the water bottle and it comes with the bottle boot which will protect it from dents and scratches. So go ahead and sling it around while you’re at the parks. It’ll keep you hydrated and still stay in perfect condition. Get it here! Check Out This Whimsical Daydream Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler with Spill Resistant Lid, Straw, and Carry Handle ©Amazon Lastly, if those 24 oz water bottles just don’t have enough water to keep you going all day, we’ve got the Whimsical Daydream Owala Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler for you to check out. At 40 oz, it holds almost double what the other bottles can, and it’ll keep that water safe and cool for hours. Get it here! We love taking our Owala into the parks and having the characters sign it. Here’s what ours looks like! Our signed water bottle! 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 Yes, An Owala Water Bottle Really Is Worth the Hype…Here Are the Best Ones to Buy first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This might throw a wrench in your next cruise! ©Princess Cruises Norovirus outbreaks have been hitting many cruise lines, and 85 people got sick on a recent Princess Cruise. According to CBS News, 69 passengers and 16 crew members fell ill during a 16-night cruise aboard the Coral Princess from Los Angeles, California, through the Panama Canal. A spokesperson for Princess Cruises told CBS News that the cases were “mild” and “at the earliest signs of illness, we promptly enacted enhanced sanitation protocols, including comprehensive disinfection, isolating affected guests, and offering health guidance to everyone on board.” ©Princess Cruises The cruise started in Los Angeles on February 21st and returned to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 9th. Norovirus is a type of stomach bug, and symptoms can last between one and three days. However, they can also be transferable to others for two weeks or longer. This is the second outbreak on the Coral Princess in 2025 where 128 passengers and 20 crew members got sick before. ©Princess Cruises To keep yourself as safe as possible on your text cruise, make sure you wash your hands. It’s important to wash up before and after eating, using the bathroom, changing diapers, or taking medication. Hand sanitizer does not work as well for the norovirus, so use soap and water as often as you can. We’re keeping you informed about everything that can affect your upcoming vacation, so follow Disney Food Blog to stay in the know. Heading on a cruise soon? Learn more about protecting yourself from norovirus here! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe The post NEWS: Another Norovirus Outbreak Hits Princess Cruises first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The airport experience is stressful enough – long security lines, the scramble to remove shoes, the hustle to pull out your laptops, and the constant fear of missing your flight. But what if you could skip most of that hassle? MCO Airport TSA PreCheck makes your airport experience smoother, faster, and way less chaotic. Let’s talk about why it’s a must-have, for Disney World or anywhere else in 2025. Shorter Security Lines We all know the dreaded feeling of walking into the airport and seeing an endless security line. With TSA PreCheck, 99% of travelers wait less than 10 minutes to get through security. That’s it. Security lines! While everyone else is stuck in a slow-moving line, you’re breezing through in minutes. This is especially crucial if you’re flying during peak travel times when security lines can be brutal. No More Hassles Ever get to the front of the security line only to realize you’re wearing lace-up boots that take forever to take off? Or maybe you forgot that water bottle in your bag and now you’re fumbling to toss it before TSA flags you? Orlando International Airport With TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Plus, your laptop and 3-1-1 liquids stay in your bag. That means fewer things to juggle and less stress as you make your way through security. Less Stress, More Time The airport can be chaotic, but PreCheck takes away a huge chunk of that stress. You don’t have to arrive extra early just to account for long security lines. You don’t have to sprint to your gate at the last minute. Orlando International Airport shopping Instead, you can actually enjoy your time at the airport – whether that means grabbing a coffee, browsing duty-free, or just relaxing before your flight. And if you’re traveling with kids, the time saved means fewer meltdowns (for them and for you). It’s Available Almost Everywhere TSA PreCheck isn’t some exclusive perk only available at a handful of airports. It works at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines. Orlando International Airport So whether you’re flying from a major hub like Orlando International (MCO) or a smaller regional airport, chances are, you’ll be able to take advantage of it. If you travel even a few times a year, it’s a game-changer. The Cost Is Surprisingly Low For the amount of time and stress it saves, TSA PreCheck is quite affordable. It costs about $78 for five years, which works out to less than $16 a year. ©AP Also, if you have a travel credit card, check to see if it covers the fee (as some do). When you think about how much easier it makes every trip, it’s one of the best travel investments you can make. Holiday Travel Just Got Less Miserable If you’ve ever flown during peak travel times – think Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer vacation, or spring break – you know how bad airport security can get. The lines are longer, the stress levels are higher, and the chance of delays increases. TSA PreCheck helps you avoid the worst of it, getting you through security quickly so you can focus on actually enjoying your trip. Orlando International Airport TSA PreCheck is of one the best travel hacks for 2025. Whether you’re heading to Disney or just taking a weekend getaway, it’s a small investment that makes a huge difference. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in a long security line wishing you had it – get it now and thank yourself later. Are you flying to Disney World? If you’re looking for help planning your next Disney trip, our ultimate tip we can give is to use Small World Vacations! Small World Vacations has so many experienced agents who are here to help you with whatever you need for your Disney vacation. These agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings and compare discounts to figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest travel updates that can impact your trip to Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news! Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Will you be flying to Disney World in 2025? Share with us in the comments! The post The Number 1 Reason Why You Need TSA PreCheck in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This year, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has a new addition, and we may be slightly obsessed with it. While it is hard to beat all the delicious food and gorgeous flowers, this new addition is definitely making us smile! 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival The 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially kicked off on March 5th and runs through June 2nd. While you enjoy the food and admire the flowers, make sure you keep an eye out for the very special new addition! We are incredibly excited to introduce the 2025 Flower & Garden TRASH CANS! Yes, we are VERY excited about some new trash cans. Not only are trash cans the unofficial table of EPCOT festivals year-round, but these new Flower & Garden trash cans are absolutely adorable! Look at how cute! When we spotted them on the opening day of Flower & Garden, we knew they deserved their very own photo shoot. They are shiny and colorful and feature two of our favorite Flower & Garden mascots: Orange Bird and Spike the Bee. There is also a Spike the Bee trash can Each character has their very own trash can, and we think we might be in love. You can spot them for yourself outside the Creations Shop. The trash can is decorated on all three sides. We assume the fourth side is also, but they are currently pushed against a wall, so you can only see three sides. We are obsessed. The Orange Bird trash can is covered in LOTS of orange — big surprise, right? The flap is bright yellow, and you can spot lots of oranges and orange blossoms all over the trash can. So bright and colorful! The Spike the Bee trash can is bright yellow, featuring pretty flowers and Spike the Bee. There he is! Does this mean we will get themed trash cans for all the festivals? As much as we love these new trash cans, can we also throw in our request for more actual tables? Spike the Bee trash can You can catch all the Flower & Garden festivities now through June 2nd! If you are wondering about the best food and drinks, we’ve got you covered because we tried EVERYTHING and rounded up our festival favorites. 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival While the food is yummy, there is so much else to discover at the festival! You can admire the beautiful topiaries, check out the Butterfly House, go on a scavenger hunt, jam out at a concert, purchase exclusive merchandise, or stop by CommuniCore Hall to see a special exhibit. Trio of Dips and Chips from Yacht Grub Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news! EVERYTHING You Need to Eat and Drink at the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS DFB's Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest. It includes all the must-have information for navigating this one of the most BEAUTIFUL festivals at Disney World, including: Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations! The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!) All the details on special events, topiaries, festival exclusive merchandise, and more! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Click HERE for All of the Latest News and Details About the Flower & Garden Festival! What do you think of these new themed trash cans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post Who Would Have Thought We Would Be This Excited About Disney World Trash Cans? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re only a few months away from the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s third theme park, Epic Universe. Super Nintendo World merchandise Epic Universe will bring five NEW themed lands to the resort, with a ton of new rides, restaurants, entertainment, and more. We can’t WAIT. Well, if you’re planning on visiting Epic Universe, you’re also probably wanting to know more about the souvenirs you’ll be able to buy there. Well, we’ve got some great news! Universal just dropped a sneak peek at its Epic Universe merchandise! When you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, you’ll find a wide variety of souvenirs inspired by 1920s wizarding Paris, the Fantastic Beast movies, the British Ministry of Magic, and more. Here’s a peek at some of the Ministry of Magic merchandise. ©Universal Here’s even more! ©Universal Be sure to stop by Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique to choose from a selection of new interactive wands. ©Universal You’ll be able to find wizarding apparel and memorabilia at Les Galeries Mirifiques. ©Universal The Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo, will offer Time Turners, wand accessories, and more. You’ll be able to grab sweet treats at K. Rammelle. ©Universal Over in Super Nintendo World, celebrate your favorite Nintendo characters at The 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors. ©Universal At Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, you’ll be able to get some SWEET Donkey Kong merchandise. Meanwhile, Power-Up Bands will be available throughout Super Nintendo World to take your Super Nintendo World experience up a notch so you can play your way through the land. ©Universal You’ll also find food and beverage souvenirs like a light-up Super Star Popcorn Bucket… ©Universal …and a 1-Up Mushroom Sipper, and Super Mushroom Sipper. ©Universal Itsa’ Mario! ©Universal If you visit How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, you’ll find merchandise with Viking vibes throughout the land. ©Universal In Toothless’ Treasures, you’ll find blind-box collectible dragon toys, clothing, plushes, and more all dedicated to the dragons of Berk. ©Universal Y’all…seriously…LOOK AT THIS DRAGON MERCH! ©Universal Viking Traders and Hiccup’s Workshop will feature a variety of Viking cosplay attire. There’s even a sweets shop with mystery chocolate dragon eggs and sheep marshmallows. You’ll also find LOADS of Toothless merchandise. ©Universal Dark Universe will pay homage to Universal’s classic monsters, so you’ll be able to find clothes, accessories, home decor, toys, and collectibles themed to those classic monsters. ©Universal Just look at how CUTE some of these souvenirs are. ©Universal You can become monstrous yourself at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and find cosplay attire in Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities. You’ll also find the Bitty Monsters collection throughout the land, as well as collections inspired by the restaurants and rides of Dark Universe, including at The Manor Storehouse and Guild of Mystics. ©Universal Let’s just say, you’ll have plenty of monstrous gear to choose from. ©Universal Of course, you’ll also find Epic Universe merchandise in Celestial Park, including in Other Worlds Mercantile. There’s also a sweets shop, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, as well as Variosu Emporia, which will have a variety of souvenirs. The Nintendo Super Star Store is also in Celestial Park. Celestial Park merchandise We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Epic Universe news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 3 Curfews Epic Universe Is Enforcing in 2025 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think of the merchandise so far? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK At EXCLUSIVE Universal Epic Universe Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is anyone else obsessed with Disney plushes? ©Disney Store They are a great way to show off your favorite characters, they are awesome gifts, and the perfect cuddle buddies! We thought we couldn’t be more in love with them until we saw the newest international Disney plush collection online and now we are basically throwing our wallet at Disney to get our hands on these. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Disney Japan Store is finally feeding Disney plush lovers what we want! There is just something special about merchandise from the international parks and we are ready to snatch up anything we can get our hands on. In the newest drop, there are 4 friends to cuddle with and we need them all! Lotso Plush ©Disney Store The sleeping Lotso looks so cute you almost forget he was the villain in Toy Story 3! (Although, we understand he was just hurting inside, poor guy.) He will certainly live up to the name Lots-0-Huggin’ Bear with his pastel hues and embroidered detailing. SHOP HERE Marie Plush ©Disney Store If you’re looking for an even sweeter friend, Marie from The Aristocats is perfect! She’s snoozing sweetly with her perfectly pink bow. With her fluffy fur and slightly pink cheeks, we think there is no better friend to snuggle up with. VIEW HERE Dumbo Plush ©Disney Store Sticking with the classic characters, Dumbo is joining the plush character lineup. His hat is plush, his collar is fabric, and his ears are extra big and ready to take flight (after his name of course!) This plush seems like the perfect addition to a nursery if you ask us. SHOP HERE Donald Duck Plush ©Disney Store Wrapping up the collection is Donald Duck! The typically angry duck looks so peaceful as he rests with his sailor uniform and hat on. He is the perfect friend for all ages. VIEW HERE After all of this shopping, we think we’re ready to curl up for a nap! Luckily, we have four new plushes to cuddle with for extra comfort. Don’t forget to keep shopping with DFB for all of the best Disney merchandise. Check out our Amazon Storefront here!The post Disney Has Heard Our Cries! New International Souvenirs Just Dropped Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There is no shortage of good eats at Disney Springs! Disney Springs One of our favorite places to grab a sweet treat is Gideon’s Bakehouse, located in the Landing. Gideon’s serves up loaded nearly half-pound cookies, cake slices, and specialty coffees. This flagship location can draw quite the line (and for good reason!) While Gideon’s baked goods are amazing at all times of the day, there are two special hours each day that will elevate your Gideon’s experience. Here is what you need to know! Each day, Gideon’s hosts TWO Hot Cookie Hours (and this is big since they used to offer only one hot cookie hour, but this changed in 2021). From 2 PM to 3 PM and again from 7 PM to 8 PM, you can get a gooey, warm chocolate chip cookie topped with local artisan ice cream. YUM! Hot Cookie Hour! While we are glad that we have two chances to grab this delicious treat, it can be hard to time when to get into line as the line to enter Gideon’s can be pretty long for the majority of the day. Don’t worry; we have some tips to help you snag a hot cookie and ice cream! Hot Cookie Hour Arrive Early Disney Springs does not open until 10 AM most days. If you want to have one of the shorter waits and do not care about getting a hot cookie, we suggest showing up at Gideon’s as soon as Disney Springs opens. Otherwise, we would suggest making your first stop when you arrive to Springs to see how long the wait time is or if there is a Virtual Queue. Do not show up right at the start or during Hot Cookie Hour as chances are you will not make it into the store in time to order. Gideon’s Bakehouse Line Join the Virtual Queue While Disney World attractions may not have any current Virtual Queues, Gideon’s uses a similar system to help manage your wait in line. In order to join the Virtual Queue, you will have to visit the bakehouse in person, and an employee will add you to the list. When it is your turn, you will receive a text message telling you to return to the line. It is a good idea to ask for the average wait time to help improve your visit time. Virtual Queue is not always offered. Line at Gideon’s Tell Employees That You Are Trying to Visit During Hot Cookie Hour When you arrive at Gideon’s, it is a good idea to tell employees that you are trying to catch Hot Cookie Hour. While they may not be able to give you an exact estimated time that you should return or be in line, they can help you figure out the best plan based on the crowds and demand that they have seen during the day. Inside Gideon’s Bakehouse Visit on a Weekday While it can seem like there is no “slow” period at Disney World, in general, Disney Springs is less crowded earlier in the day, especially on weekdays. If you are hoping to avoid dealing with as big a crowd, we suggest trying to plan your Hot Cookie Hour visit outside of the weekend, holidays, and the occasional Monday. Those visiting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays can usually skip out on the Virtual Queue. Gideon’s Bakehouse What DAY You Should Visit Gideon’s Bakehouse To AVOID The Wait in Disney Springs Plan a Disney Springs Day Waiting around can be boring, (even if it is for delicious warm cookies and ice cream!). There is so much to see and do at Disney Springs, so to help fill your time while you wait for Hot Cookie Hour to roll around or for you to be called from Virtual Queue, consider checking out all the shopping and dining offerings around Disney Springs. Don’t Be Discouraged! It can be tough to get to Gideon’s in time for Hot Cookie Hour while also gauging the crowds. Things happen; sometimes there is traffic, sometimes it can be hard to find a parking spot, or you are just running behind. If you miss the first Hot Cookie Hour, remember you have a second chance between 7 PM and 8 PM. If you happen to miss this one as well, there are plenty of other treat offerings at Swirls on the Water, Ghirardelli, Salt & Straw, Vivoli il Gelato, and Marketplace Snacks. Plus, that just means you have another excuse to come back to Disney World to try again! Swirls on the Water If you are a fan of Disney snacks like we are, check out the DFB store. We have tons of cute shirts and other merchandise, like this “Go to Disney, Eat Snacks, Be Happy” shirt! It comes in multiple colors! Get it Here! For more Disney tips and to stay up to date on all the latest theme park news, make sure to follow along with us here at the Disney Food Blog! 12 Desserts in Disney Springs that Make Skipping the Parks WORTH IT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever made it to Hot Cookie Hour? Let us know in the comments!The post The Secret to Make Your Disney Springs Day 10X More Ooey, Gooey, and Delicious first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has announced a change to how payment plans work for its Annual Passholder program. Disney World Annual Pass While the prices of all four tiers of Annual Passes have not increased, Disney lowered the down payment and increased the monthly payment. And, as is typical any time Disney makes these sorts of changes — fans have THOUGHTS. As it stands now, there are currently four tiers of Disney World Annual Passes. Florida residents can purchase all four tiers, including Pixie, Pirate, Sorcerer, and Incredi-Pass. Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase the Sorcerer Pass, and all guests can purchase the Incredi-Pass, which is the most expensive pass that offers the most flexibility. Florida residents have the option of purchasing their passes by making a lower down payment and then making monthly payments on the pass. Annual Pass But recently, Disney lowered the down payment price and increased the monthly payment prices on all its passes. Here is a breakdown: Pixie Pass Old Down Payment: $205 New Down Payment: $99 Old Monthly Payment: $25 New Monthly Payment: $34 Pirate Pass Old Down Payment: $205 New Down Payment: $99 Old Monthly Payment: $57 New Monthly Payment: $66 Sorcerer Pass Old Down Payment: $205 New Down Payment: $99 Old Monthly Payment: $79 New Monthly Payment: $88 Incredi-Pass Old Down Payment: $205 New Down Payment: $99 Old Monthly Payment: $121 New Monthly Payment: $130 Scanning into a Lightning Lane at Disney World It seems like this is a way to help Disney increase Annual Pass sales by making all passes just $99, but how do fans feel about this new system? We headed over to our Facebook page to find out. Like It While there were plenty of negative reactions to this news, not all fans felt that way. One reader said, “I think this is a good thing. The down payment being lower will help people that couldn’t afford it before,” which is likely one of the reasons Disney made this switch. Annual Pass sales have not been in as high demand as they have been in the past, so this could be Disney’s way of trying to change that. Cinderella Castle Others seemed to agree, with the caveat that they wished Disney would make the payment plan an option for out-of-state folks as well, since as of now, only Florida residents qualify for the payment plans. One reader said, “If they really wanted to increase pass sales, they would end their discrimination against [out-of-state] guests and open up more tiers and payment plans to those of us not as fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it) to live in Florida who prefer short trips.” EVERY SINGLE Disney World Annual Passholder Perk…And How To Use Them To Your ADVANTAGE Don’t Like It Of course, there were plenty of our readers who weren’t so happy about this change. Quite a few folks said they didn’t plan on renewing their Annual Passes, and this was just another contributing factor. A reader replied and said, “Honestly 90% sure I’m not renewing this year. I don’t go enough and I’m finding it less enjoyable when I do go. Florida resident discount on regular tickets would probably be cheaper. For [sic] the 2-3 times a year I might want to go.” EPCOT Similarly, one person commented, “Crowds are insane. No long [sic] a fun place to go. Skipping parks for the next 18 months,” while another said, “I think we are done with our AP’s. [sic] We had ours for 10 years but it’s not the same at the parks anymore. The magic isn’t what it was.” This certainly isn’t a new sentiment among Disney fans, but it seems this change has only added fuel to the fire. Disney World Annual Passholder Dining Discounts No matter how you feel, it’s clear that Disney World is going through quite a bit of changes right now — and we’ll be here for them all! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates about Disney World’s Annual Pass program and the latest news from Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the new changes to Disney’s Annual Pass program? Tell us in the comments. The post "I Think We Are Done with Our APs" -- Disney Adults Have THOUGHTS on Annual Pass Changes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

New look at the Monsters, Inc. door coaster vertical lift coming to #WaltDisneyWorld! 🚪🎢 #SXSWView the full article

The sun is shining, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. It is almost Summer! You know what that means: Summer is right around the corner! To celebrate the return of the warm season, Disney released an adorable collection just in time! Let’s do some online shopping! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This new collection will have you ready to take a dip in the pool, a trip to the spa, and spend endless days in your chaise (see what we did there?!). Snag this Mickey and Friends Tumbler Set! ©DisneyStore.com This four-pack of plastic tumblers features Goofy, Mickey, Donald, and Minnie relaxing in their pool floats. Since they are plastic, they are safe to use poolside. Shop Here! Get this Sand Bucket Set! ©DisneyStore.com This sand bucket set includes a collapsible castle bucket and five tools, including a castle, Mickey Mouse, and Mickey glove mold. It also includes a Minnie Mouse shovel and a Mickey Mouse rake. View Here! Slide into Summer with these Mickey Mouse Slides! @DisneyStore.com These adult Mickey Mouse slides have floral Mickey outlines and feature Mickey Mouse chilling on his pool towel. They are lightweight, slip-resistant, and have non-marking soles. Shop Here! This Tote Bag makes for the perfect beach bag! ©DisneyStore.com Tote bags are super popular, and you can grab this Chillin’ Out Tote Bag! The text and flowers are embroidered and has Mickey and Minnie “chillin’ out” on the beach. There is an interior slip pocket and two types of straps, including carrying handles and fixed shoulder straps. View Here! Keep your drinks cool with this Stainless Steel Tumbler! @DisneyStore.com It gets hot in the Summertime, and to help keep your drinks ice cold, you can grab this Mickey Mouse Sun, Surf, Repeat Tumbler. It comes with a translucent lid and coordinating straw. Shop Here! Your kiddos will love to cool off with this Mickey Mouse Pool Set! ©DisneyStore.com This Mickey Mouse Pool Set includes an inflatable pool with three sections. The large section holds water and features Mickey’s face. One section of his ears features a basketball hoop and two inflatable balls. View Here! We can’t wait for the summer season to roll around! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney merchandise and essentials, make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog! Shop our Amazon Storefront!The post A New Disney Summer Collection Was Just Released Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Bluey theme song might be stuck in your head after checking out these new toys on Amazon! Bluey and Bingo! If you love Bluey as much as we do, check out these new LEGO sets for your kiddos (or for you!). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip ©Amazon Join Bluey, Bingo, and Mum on the beach! This set includes a car, sand castles, and beach essentials like an umbrella and surfboard. We think it’s perfect for preparing for the beach and imagining a beach vacation. SHOP ON AMAZON LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Family House ©Amazon No Bluey episode is complete without the house! This set comes with Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Bandit, and the house has different rooms inside. There are plenty of details inside, making this great for pretend play. SHOP ON AMAZON LEGO Bluey: Playground Fun with Blue and Chloe ©Amazon Let’s go to the playground! Bluey and Chloe are at the park with a slide, jungle gym, seesaw, and more. We love all the additions, like the plants, telescope, and snacks at the picnic area. SHOP ON AMAZON LEGO DUPLO Bluey: Bluey’s Family House ©Amazon If your little one isn’t quite ready for the big Bluey house, this house is simpler to build and has bigger pieces to use. One neat thing about this house is that there’s a memory game built into it! While you can play inside the house with Bluey, Bingo, and Mum, you can also play the memory game with the included spinner. SHOP ON AMAZON LEGO DUPLO Bluey: Ice Cream Trip ©Amazon This is a great first LEGO set! It has limited pieces and a big car that’s easy to grab. Bluey and Dad come with different ice cream flavors, cones, and a small register. We have a feeling this car with moving tires will be a favorite! SHOP ON AMAZON We’re going to run to get all of these new LEGO sets, but in the meantime, make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog for your next favorite Disney find! If you like what you’re seeing and are looking for more, check out our Amazon storefront, which has all of our favorite products!The post 5 New Bluey LEGO Sets Are Now Available for Pre-Order On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one store we truly trust to find the best deals on must-have Disney essentials, it’s definitely ALDI. ©ALDI And the best part is that new deals are offered weekly! Here’s a look at what’s hitting the shelves the week of March 19th-25th, 2025. Spring may be just around the corner, but warm clothes are still a must here in Florida. These ALDI pullovers are sure to keep you nice and warm during the chillier days at the parks. ©ALDI We love repping our love for ALDI, and thankfully these pullovers also come in women’s sizes. The design is fun and sleek, great for putting together the perfect park outfit. ©ALDI And to add some extra comfort, these ALDI joggers will keep you cozy all day thanks to their soft fabric and relaxed fit! ©ALDI Arguably the most important essential for any Disney trip is the shoes of your choice, and these ALDI sneakers look like a great option for getting your steps in at the parks. ©ALDI And if sneakers aren’t your thing, or you’re looking for something to wear while unwinding at your hotel, these ALDI slides are sure to do the job! ©ALDI And to carry all your park essentials, this ALDI tote is the perfect fit, along with cute keychains to add as a fun accessory. ©ALDI If you ever daydreamed about how to make your home feel like the parks, these seed packets will bring Living with the Land to your own backyard! A fun way to hold you off till you’re back on those boats listening to that iconic music. And if you’re craving a pretzel from the Germany Pavilion over at EPCOT, these ALDI pretzels are the next best thing! ©ALDI And these ALDI macarons are as close to the France Pavilion as you can get without leaving your kitchen — très délicieux! ©ALDI We’re always on the lookout for the best essentials that could help you out during your Disney trip, so stay tuned to us here on DFB for more! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which essential is a must for you to pack when planning your Disney World trip? We’d love to read about it in the comments! The post Disney Fans! ALDI Is Dropping NEW Shoes Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are so many perks when you choose to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel. Saratoga Springs These perks include free transportation, a free water park visit on your day of check-in, Early Theme Park Entry, and the ability to book Lighting Lanes 7 days in advance. These perks are offered to all guests, regardless of whether they stay at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort. If you are looking for even more perks, those who stay at a Deluxe Resort can participate in Extended Evening Hours. Extended Evening Hours are not offered each day, like Early Theme Park Entry. This special and free event starts as soon as the park closes for the general public and lasts for two hours. This means that for two hours, the only guests allowed in the park are those who stay at a Disney World Deluxe Resort and other select hotels. During these two hours, there tend to be fewer crowds, which means shorter ride wait times! TRON Lightcycle / Run at night While this perk is great and can help you squeeze in more park time and rides into your day, as we mentioned, in order to participate, you have to be staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort (or other select hotels), which is the most expensive of the three hotel tiers. But don’t worry; we found six of the most budget-friendly Deluxe Resorts that you can stay at in order to take advantage of the Extended Evening Hours perk! Old Key West Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort While Disney may not own the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, it is a fantastic resort as it gets all the benefits of a Deluxe Resort for a fraction of the cost! Plus, it is close to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and you can get to the parks by walking, taking a Friendship Boat, or even the Skyliner! On average, you can get a room here for about $270 a night. Dolphin Resort Walt Disney World Swan Resort The same deal from above goes for the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. The room rate here is just a bit higher, around $287 a night. You can choose to upgrade your room and view for a bit more, but still, the price is easier on your budget compared to other Deluxe resorts. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin If you are looking to stay at a Disney-owned hotel in the Deluxe category, you may want to consider these four hotels. The Disney Vacation Club Cabins at Fort Wilderness Although the new cabins are Disney Vacation Club cabins, anyone can book them, even if they are not a Disney Vacation Club Member! These brand-new cabins offer the perks of a Deluxe Resort guest. The average cabin price is about $453 a night. New Fort Wilderness Cabins Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo from Animal Kingdom Lodge! This resort offers stunning views of the Animal Kingdom savannah. You can book a studio in the Disney Vacation Club Villas in Jambo House for about $492 a night. Once again, giving you access to Extended Evening Hours. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Old Key West Resort You can stay at the OG Disney Vacation Club Resort, Old Key West for about $486 a night in a Studio. This resort even offers transportation to Disney Springs via the Sassagoula River. Old Key West Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Saratoga Springs is also a Disney Vacation Club Resort, but once again, it is open to anyone to book. It is within walking distance of Disney Springs and also offers boat transportation via the Sassagoula River. On average, you can book a Studio here for about $480 a night. Saratoga Springs Lobby It is important to remember that room rates can fluctuate based on demand and the time of year. Still, these six resorts are generally the most budget-friendly for those looking to stay at a Deluxe Resort and enjoy extra perks like Extended Evening Hours in the Magic Kingdom. For more Disney tips and to stay up to date on all the latest theme park news, make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog! Literally No One on the DFB Team Agrees With My Controversial Hotel Take, so I Need Backup Need help planning your dream Disney World vacation? Our friends at Small World Vacation would be more than happy to assist you! You can fill out a Disney World interest and quote form here! 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 perk? In the comments, let us know what makes staying at a Disney World hotel worth it for you!The post These 0 Disney World Hotel Rooms Can Get You Extra Hours in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World’s employees (AKA: CAST MEMBERS) have to follow a specific set of rules while on the job, just like any other gig. 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney World But THESE rules… aren’t your AVERAGE rules. In fact, some of them might even impact YOU as a GUEST. Check out our video below: 11 Unbreakable Rules Disney Employees MUST FOLLOW  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which rule were you most surprised by? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: 11 Unbreakable Rules Disney Employees MUST FOLLOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Southwest Airlines has been making A LOT of changes recently! If you haven’t had a chance to read up on the changes yet, or you want all of their big announcements rounded up, keep on reading. Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport We are covering ALL the changes announced by Southwest Airlines so you are prepared and know what to expect in the coming months. Southwest Airlines has long been known for its open seating policy and generous two free checked bags policy for all passengers. However, these things are about to change! Changes are coming to Southwest! Let’s start with Southwest’s open seating policy. If you have ever flown Southwest, you are probably used to checking in 24 hours before your flight to secure the best boarding group. On the day of your flight, you are allowed to board based on your boarding group and can select whatever open seat your heart desires once you get on board. Southwest Cabin However, in July 2024, Southwest Airlines said it would end the open seating policy. Instead, passengers will be assigned seats on the plane, and passengers can choose to pay to reserve specific seats. Southwest has said it will continue to board using position numbers, but passengers can no longer pick their seats when boarding. Southwest Passengers can book reserved seats beginning in late 2025, and the first flights with assigned seats will begin in early 2026. In addition to offering the option to reserve seats, Southwest will also introduce premium seating, which will offer up to five additional inches of legroom. Premium Seating ©Southwest Airlines While the checked bag policy survived the first round of announcements in July 2024, Southwest Airlines also recently announced an update to this policy. The airline has adjusted the checked bag policy for flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025. Sunset on a Southwest plane Once the change takes effect, only Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select® fares will receive TWO free checked bags. A-List Members and other select Customers will receive ONE free checked bag. Also, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. ©Southwest Airlines All other customers will need to pay to check their bags. Southwest Airlines’ generous checked bag policy has long been well loved, and many passengers choose to travel on Southwest because of it. We will be curious to see if this change and the change to the open seating policy will impact their passenger numbers. ©Southwest Airlines There is still one more change we need to discuss, though! Southwest Airlines will also adjust the number of Rapid Rewards points customers earn. Customers will earn more when booking Business Select fares and less on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. Southwest Airlines There are A LOT of changes coming to Southwest Airlines in the future. When announcing these changes, Southwest has stated that they aim to “deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers” and “create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else.” ©Southwest Airlines Stay tuned to DFB for all your travel news that could affect your next Disney vacation! The BEST airlines for Disney World fans 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 What do you think about all these changes Southwest Airlines has announced? Let us know in the comments! The post HUGE Changes Are Coming to Southwest Airlines SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Studios is building a brand-new theme park in Frisco, Texas and we just got a major update! ©Universal The Universal Kids Resort is a first-of-its-kind theme park designed for families of young kids, and it will feature lands themed around some iconic kids’ franchises including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, Gabby’s Dollhouse, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, and Jurassic World. Universal Kids Resort is expected to open sometime in 2026, and while we don’t have a ton of details about the park just yet, we did just spot what we think is a huge update online. Universal has filed a new trademark application for something called “Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster.” ©Universal Now, we don’t know about you, but since we know that this kid-focused theme park will include theming from Jurassic World, it certainly sounds like this might be the official name of a brand-new roller coaster coming to Universal Kids Resort! As of now, the trademark application is still being processed, but this is an exciting step forward in the opening of this first-of-its-kind park! ©US Trademark Office As far as other rides at this park go, we know that kids will get to visit a playground themed around Shrek’s swamp where they can “stomp, ride, laugh, and play.” SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks, and Squidward will show kids around their neighborhood under the sea. From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights.” Patrick at Universal Orlando Kids can then join Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito at a kitty adoption drive “with fabulous decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food.” There’s also a sensory garden for those who need a rest. ©Universal Universal Kids Resort will also have a central hub with “shady lawns and interactive play areas that give kids and their families plenty of space to rest and play.” A “unique immersive retail experience” will also feature characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. ©Universal Universal also released concept art of the 300-room hotel that will complete the resort. This site will also be the entrance to Univeral Kids Resort. ©Universal In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates about Universal Kids Resort coming to Texas! Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Universal, Disney and theme park news. When Will Universal’s New Texas Theme Park Open? Here’s What We Know! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think of the new Universal Kids Resort coming to Texas? Tell us in the comments. The post NEWS: Universal Files Trademark for NEW Jurassic World Coaster first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Driving to Disney World or renting a car during your vacation can make it easier. Driving into the Magic Kingdom It can be so nice not to have to rely on Disney World transportation. Although it is free and relaxing to have a Cast Member help take you where you need to go, it also has its downsides. Having your own car can give you greater flexibility to explore all that Disney World has to offer. While this is true for most of the year, what we just said can become a pain during these six dates in 2025. There are a few times of the year when the roads around Disney World can be a bit crowded or even closed, which can be a pain for drivers who bring their own car to get around Disney World. While Disney World transportation can be a bit annoying, it has a huge benefit, and that is getting to avoid/not really think about traffic. Monorails travel on “highways in the sky.” The Skyliner soars above traffic-filled roads. Boats have their own waterways. And yes, even Disney buses have special bus lanes to help speed up their journey. The Highway in the Sky Certain roads around Disney World can be backed up each day during rush hour because, believe it or not, many Florida residents use Disney World roads to get home after work. In addition to the usual daily traffic, the roads around Disney World could be even more backed up on these six dates this year. Driving to Disney World runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend From April 16th to the 19th, runners will flock to Disney World to run a variety of races during the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. To accommodate and keep runners safe, certain roads around Disney World will close the morning of the race and reopen later in the afternoon. This is important to think about when planning your route to get to the parks so you are not surprised by a detour. Runners will also head to the parks to celebrate their achievements, and you may see more people on the Monday following the race to celebrate “Medal Monday” in the parks. runDisney collection runDisney: Disney Races and Events Schedule Cheerleading Worlds and Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships The Cheerleading Worlds will take place from April 25th to the 28th, and in between that, the Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships will take place from April 26th to the 28th. These events are held over at ESPN Wide World of Sports, but you can expect to see more traffic during this weekend as cheerleaders will be traveling around the resort to and from their hotels to ESPN Wide World of Sports. This also means that more families will also add to the traffic as they will want to come out and support their cheerleader. ESPN Wide World of Sports The Summit Championship Springtime is cheerleading time at Disney World, and from May 1st to the 4th, another cheer competition will be coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports. To add to the information above, the All-Star Resorts are a popular choice for cheerleaders and their families to stay at, which could mean a bit more noise at these resorts as cheerleaders often practice in open areas. ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World WARNING: Don’t Book a Stay at Disney World’s All-Stars Hotels in 2025 Until You Read This! The D2 Summit Another cheer event will take place from May 9th to the 11th. The same information from above applies as cheerleaders will compete over the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports. ESPN Wide World of Sports Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Rounding off the runDisney season is the Wine & Dine Half Marathon from October 23rd to the 26th. Just like the Springtime Surprise Weekend, you can expect road closures early in the morning into the afternoon, as well as more crowds around the resort, as runners and their families will spend time at Disney World before, during, and after the races. ©runDisney THEMES Revealed for the 2025 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Holiday Weekends The holidays can be a popular time to visit Disney World as schools have holiday breaks. We are starting to approach many holidays, including Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. While it can be so fun to visit the parks during the holiday season, the parks and roads tend to be more crowded. Christmas decor at the Magic Kingdom The Holiday Season in Walt Disney World — Dining, Special Events, and MORE! As we said, we are huge fans of bringing your own car to Disney World (especially if you already know your way around the resort), but if you want to avoid traffic, you may want to avoid these six dates. For more Disney tips and to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog! What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World in 2025? Do you need help navigating the best time to visit Disney World? Our friends at Small World Vacations are more than happy to help you plan your vacation for free! You can fill out a Disney World quote and interest form here! 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 Do you like to bring or rent a car when you vacation at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!The post You May Want to Avoid Driving to Disney World on These 6 Dates in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is that a dog? He’s blue, so that doesn’t make sense. He must be an alien, right? Well, whatever he is, he’s pretty cute. Stitch is totally having a moment right now — everyone is talking about him! What’s with all the Stitch discourse? Stitch! We’re glad you asked! The animated Lilo & Stitch movie premiered waaay back in 2002, but a brand-new live-action version of the film is coming soon. And we finally got our first official movie trailer! We have a lot of thoughts, so be prepared to talk about it. First of all, we’re happy to report that the iconic Elvis soundtrack is BACK! Thank goodness. As soon as we heard You’re the Devil in Disguise, we were transported back to all the times we watched the original Lilo & Stitch movie in the early 2000s. Ah, good times! Stitch LOVES Elvis! We also got a good look at several live-action characters, including Maia Kealoha as Lilo… ©Disney …Sydney Agudong as Nani… ©Disney …Kaipo Dudoit as David Kawena… ©Disney …Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles (coolest name EVER!)… ©Disney … andBilly Magnussen as Pleakley. Oh, and Chris Sanders is BACK to play the voice of Stitch again. ©Disney We saw some familiar scenes, like the one where Lilo attends a hula lesson and surfs with her sister, but we can’t wait to see more. It looks like this is going to be a pretty faithful recreation of the animated film! ©Disney OK, now that you have a taste of what to expect, it’s time to mark your calendars! The new Lilo & Stitch movie will premiere in theaters on May 23rd! That’s just a few short months away! We can’t wait to see all the hijinks Lilo and Stitch will get into on the big screen. Fingers crossed that Disney debuts a matching popcorn bucket to celebrate the movie in theaters! Movie theater Disney has seriously been leaning into the live-action remakes lately. Back in December, a live-action (well…does it count as live-action if they were all CGI lions?) Mufasa: The Lion King movie premiered, and a live-action Snow White film debuts on March 21st. Plus, look out for a live-action Moana movie that is currently in the works! ©Disney There’s a lot going on in Hollywood, so grab your popcorn and get ready for a BUNCH of new movies! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. A Disney Animated Show Is Getting A LIVE-ACTION REMAKE on 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 What do you think about this new movie? Let us know in the comments! The post “Stitch Is SO Back!” NEW LOOK at the Live-Action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Disney Movie first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort! ©Universal | Epic Universe Concept Art This BRAND-NEW theme park will officially be opening on May 22nd, 2025, and will be home to five different themed lands: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. We’ve been keeping an eye out for any potential news ahead of the park’s opening, and now we’ve got an update on single-day tickets! When tickets for Epic Universe were first announced, they were only available as part of a multi-day package deal, with no single-day ticket options. Universal shared that single-day tickets would eventually be available, though, and we’ve been waiting for that time to come. Well, friends, it’s finally here because single-day tickets for Epic Universe are ON SALE NOW! ©Universal Previously, the only way to purchase a single-day ticket was through an Annual Passholder presale, but that has since changed and single-day tickets are now open to the general public. At time of publication, single-day tickets are available as of June 1st — so if you want to visit the park before that, you’ll still need to purchase a multi-day package. ©Universal Single-day ticket prices start at $139 per person, but so far that price only applies to select weekdays in early September. Throughout June, July, and August, ticket prices range from $164 to $189 per person, per day. ©Universal As of now, the highest single-day ticket price is listed at $199 during the holidays. ©Universal An Epic Universe vacation is one that everyone is going to want to experience! The new park has many (MANY!) attractions and experiences across its five lands. You’ll get to explore Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and of course, Super Nintendo World! ©Universal Universal has called Epic Universe “its most ambitious theme park yet.” In a press release, the company announced, “Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.” ©bioreconstruct The new theme park will include five themed lands with new attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more. We’ve scoped out the newest updates on the construction of the park and have already stayed in one of the newest Universal hotels to put us as close to the action as possible! We’re just over two months away from the official opening of Epic Universe, which means that team member previews have begun AND the park has been added to the Universal Orlando app! ©Bioreconstruct In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more Epic Universe updates. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Universal Orlando news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be planning a trip to Epic Universe when it opens? Tell us in the comments. The post BREAKING: Epic Universe Single-Day Tickets Now ON SALE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article