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Ever felt like you’re forgetting something crucial as you rush out the door for a day at Disney World? You’re not alone! Magic Kingdom Between managing excited kids, navigating crowds, and trying to make the most of your expensive park tickets, it’s easy to overlook essential items that could make or break your day. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Enter a fanny pack that fits all of your essentials inside — now you’re conquering the parks like a pro. Our team put this 10-piece wonder through its paces, and spoiler alert: it’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into why this kit might just be the unsung hero of your next Disney adventure. Theme park essentials fanny pack The Swiss Army Knife of Disney World Prep Imagine having everything you need for a perfect day at Disney World, all neatly packed in a water-resistant bag fits on your waist. That’s exactly what the Maxie Nova Essentials kit delivers. Our team was unanimously impressed, with one member exclaiming, “It’s so convenient, and I loved the size of each product!” This kit is perfect for families who want to maximize their park time without lugging around a bag that feels like it’s full of bricks. Everything you need for a magical day, all in one place! Buy Yours Here Your New Favorite Carry-All The water-resistant neoprene bag is a standout feature, with three zippered compartments and a built-in key clip. It’s like a magical bag, but sized for the real world. One team member raved, “It made my trip easier, absolutely without a doubt!” The bag’s design allows you to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, whether you’re in line for Space Mountain or grabbing a quick snack. It comes with so many items! While it’s not big enough to replace a full-size backpack for larger families, it’s perfect for carrying the essentials and complementing your existing park bag. View Here Beat the Heat (and Stay Hydrated) The collapsible silicone water bottle is a space-saving marvel. When empty, it takes up barely any room, but it’s ready to keep you hydrated during those long, sunny Florida days. Pair it with the included cooling towel, and you’ve got a dynamic duo for temperature control. Just wet the towel, snap it, and drape it around your neck for instant relief as you trek from Frontierland to Tomorrowland. The reusable silicone straw (with case and cleaner) is perfect for enjoying your favorite Disney beverages without having to deal with paper straws. Stay hydrated without the bulk Buy Here Your Personal Oasis in the Crowds The personal fan with USB charger is a lifesaver when you’re waiting in those infamous Disney World queues. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to make a difference. One team member noted, “I need this for my trip 1000%!” The fan’s rechargeable design means you won’t be scrambling for batteries halfway through your vacation. While it may not replace larger fans for some users, its portability and ease of use make it a valuable addition to your park essentials. Fan View on Amazon Weather the Storms (Literally) The emergency poncho in a sphere keychain (with 2 refills) is a brilliant addition. Florida weather can change faster than you can say “it’s a small world,” and this compact poncho ensures you’re always prepared. It’s perfect for those sudden afternoon showers or water rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. You’ll stay dry without having to lug around bulky rain gear all day. While the poncho isn’t designed for heavy, prolonged rain, it’s ideal for most park scenarios and can be a real day-saver. Just pack it away Buy Yours Here Wrap Up: Your Ticket to a Smoother Disney Day After putting the Maxie Nova Essentials kit through its paces, our team’s verdict was clear: this is a must-have for Disney World visitors. All of the items are less then $50 and it’s literally a bag full of essentials. So you can’t really go wrong. It addresses so many common park challenges in one compact package. From staying cool and hydrated to being prepared for sudden weather changes, this kit has you covered. It’s like having a Disney pro in your pocket, anticipating your needs before you even realize them. While it may not replace all your park gear, especially for larger families or longer stays, it’s an excellent foundation that will significantly enhance your Disney experience. As one team member summed it up, “Is it worth the money? YES!” We’re always on the lookout for products that make your Disney World adventures more magical and less stressful. Stay tuned to our site for more theme park merchandise reviews and deals! Want to see more of our favorite Disney World essentials? Check out our Amazon storefront for a curated selection of must-have items for your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth! Shop our Amazon Storefront HEREThe post We Spent On a Bag Full of Disney World Essentials -- Was it Worth It? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been eagerly awaiting more news about Universal Orlando’s new park coming in 2025 — Epic Universe — and now we’ve got some MAJOR updates! ©Universal We’ve checked out the park’s preview center, kept track of the updates about the themed lands (including Dark Universe!), and been looking at the construction. But Universal has just released more exciting news about tickets for the new park you won’t want to miss! Universal has launched the next phase of tickets for Epic Universe! As of now, Florida residents can purchase specially priced three-day tickets that include one day of access to Universal Epic Universe. Florida residents can also purchase Universal Epic Universe inclusive vacation packages like the Create Your Own Vacation Package or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package starting now. ©Bioreconstruct Plus, active duty and retired U.S. military members with an active 2025 Military Freedom Pass can now purchase a 1-Park, 1-Day ticket to Universal Epic Universe as a Pass add-on. ©Bioreconstruct Universal also shared that additional ticket options for Universal Epic Universe – including Single-Day Tickets for the general public – will go on sale in the weeks ahead. We don’t have an official date yet, but we’ll be keeping an eye out! ©Universal Here’s a breakdown of all the new ticket and vacation package types: Three-Day Florida Resident Epic Universe-Inclusive Tickets Includes one day admission to Universal Epic Universe and one separate day admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Volcano Bay. Specially priced tickets and availability will vary by day of visit. 2-Park, 2-Day Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket: enjoy two days of access to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. 2-Park, 2-Day Park-to-Park Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket: enjoy two days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. 3-Park, 2-Day Park-to-Park Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket: enjoy three days of access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay, plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe. Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal Epic-Inclusive Florida Resident Create Your Own Vacation Package Florida residents can now create their own vacation package to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer, including Universal Epic Universe. The vacation package includes: 4-Night Hotel Accommodations 3-Park, 2-Day Park-to-Park Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket $25 Bundle and Save Discount Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of Universal Orlando’s theme parks up to one hour before park opening Concept Art for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ©Universal Epic-Inclusive The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Florida Resident Vacation Package Florida residents can now create the ultimate vacation package for Harry Potter fans with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package which includes: 4-Night Hotel Accommodations 2-Park, 2-Day Park-to-Park Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket $25 Bundle and Save Discount Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to an hour before park opening Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Flight in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, featuring four flavors of the guests’ choosing and one Honeydukes Cooler Tote Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios Florida Breakfast at Café L’air De La Sirene in Universal Epic Universe One Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley ©Universal — Ministry of Magic Epic Military Freedom Pass Add-On Active duty and retired U.S. military members with an active 2025 Military Freedom Pass have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a 1-Park, 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket, as an entitlement add-on to their Pass. Military Freedom Pass Holders can purchase the 1-Park, 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket via their Universal Orlando Account. ©Universal Epic Universe is set to open on May 22nd, 2025, which will be here sooner than you know it! Within Epic Universe, you’ll find areas themed to Harry Potter… ©Universal …Nintendo… Super Nintendo World photo op in the preview center …How to Train Your Dragon… ©Universal …the Universal monsters… ©Universal …and even astronomy and mythology (Celestial Park). ©Universal There will also be the Grand Helios Hotel with direct access TO the park… ©Universal Studios …and even more hotels to enjoy (Stella Nova and Terra Luna). Stella Nova on opening day! We’ll be sharing ALL of the latest Epic Universe information as it’s revealed, so stay tuned for more. Check out our posts below for additional updates. More Epic Universe News! BREAKING: NEW Universal Epic Universe Tickets Are On Sale NOW!2025 Is the Year of Disney World Ride Closures. Here’s How To Cope.DRAGONS Are Coming to Epic Universe and We Can’t Stop Watching This Behind-the-Scenes Video of Them!Top Restaurants in Universal Orlando For 2025Stop Everything and Check Out This First Look at an Epic Universe Restaurant Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Epic Universe news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What are you most looking forward to experiencing in Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments! The post BREAKING: NEW Universal Epic Universe Tickets Are On Sale NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things change in Disney World ALL the time. That’s kind of the fun (and sometimes frustrating) thing about being a Disney fan. Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now a LOT is changing in the parks, including in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’re getting an entirely new show inside the Tree of Life AND a completely new land. But let’s talk about food…now, we LOVE the food in Animal Kingdom, but a recent change was made to a popular drink, and we have some honest thoughts we’d like to share about it. The drink in question is the Pandoran Sunrise at Satu’li Canteen, and a KEY ingredient of that drink is now different. You’ll find Satu’li Canteen in Pandora, so as you can imagine, the Pandoran Sunrise is a special Avatar-themed drink. The drink was originally made with a balance of tropical juices blended with Powerade Melon. Pandoran Sunrise The drink’s recipe changed in 2023 to a mix of Simply Pineapple Juice and Simply Limeade with Powerade Melon. Well, the drink has changed AGAIN, and a Cast Member told us the old version of the drink looked way too similar to the alcoholic Ilu Splash Margarita, and you can see just how much they look alike. Honestly, we’d be hard-pressed to tell the two drinks apart. Below is a photo of the margarita, and the Pandoran Sunrise can be seen above. Ilu Splash Margarita So the recipe for the Pandoran Sunrise has changed again to give it a different color. Now, the drink is made with Dole Pineapple Juice and Minute Maid Limeade blended with Powerade Melon and Powerade Fruit Punch. So now, it looks a lot different. New version of the Pandoran Sunrise But how does it taste? Well, we liked the original version of the drink, but the Powerade really came through, so it felt like we were drinking an electrolyte drink. However, we think the new version is pretty tasty, and the fruit punch adds a bit of sweetness (although the pineapple adds some tartness to the overall flavors). The flavors seem to blend really well. It’s tasty While we were visiting Satu’li Canteen, we looked around and noticed that a lot of folks had ordered this drink and their cups were nearly empty, so it seems like this version of the Pandoran Sunrise coud be a big hit. Be sure to try it out the next time you visit Pandora. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and food reviews.  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 drink change? Let us know in the comments! The post An Iconic Treat Just CHANGED, and This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Getting from the airport to Disney World can be a lot more complicated than you’d expect. MCO Airport There are a ton of options, and picking the wrong one could mean wasted time, extra stress, or way too much money spent before your vacation even begins. We’ve tried them all, from budget-friendly to high-end luxury, and one option always comes out on top. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a group, or feeling fancy, we’ve got the best picks for every kind of Disney traveler, so let’s break it all down! All the Ways to Get to Disney World from the Airport When you land at Orlando International Airport (MCO), you have several options for getting to Walt Disney World. Orlando International Airport You can take a shared shuttle like Mears Connect, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, opt for a luxury private car or limo service, rent a car, hop on the Lynx bus for the cheapest fare, or check if your hotel offers a shuttle service. Here’s the full list: Mears Connect – The closest thing to Disney’s old Magical Express Uber/Lyft – A quick, easy, and often affordable rideshare option Limo or Private Car Service – The VIP way to start your trip Rental Car – Ideal if you plan on exploring outside of Disney World Lynx Bus – The absolute cheapest way to go, but not the easiest Hotel Shuttles – Some third-party Disney-area hotels offer free or paid shuttle service Now, let’s get into the best choice depending on how you’re traveling. Traveling Solo? Mears Connect Is Your Best Bet If you’re heading to Disney solo, Mears Connect is the most stress-free, cost-effective way to get there. Mears Connect is basically the replacement for Disney’s Magical Express, which (sadly) disappeared in 2022. It’s a shared shuttle service that runs between MCO and Disney resorts, and while it’s not free, it’s still a good deal compared to other options. Mears Connect bus Mears Connect has two service levels: Standard and Express. The Standard service is a shared ride that may stop at multiple resorts, while the Express service is a more direct route to your hotel. ©Mears Prices vary, but it’s often cheaper than taking an Uber or Lyft solo, especially if you’re traveling at peak times when rideshare prices surge. Traveling With a Group? Uber or Lyft Wins If you’re rolling with a crew, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are often the best option. Splitting the fare between multiple people makes it pretty affordable, and you get the convenience of going directly to your hotel without waiting for a shuttle to fill up. ©Uber Uber and Lyft have a few different service options to consider: UberX/Lyft – Best for small groups of 3-4 people with minimal luggage UberXXL/Lyft XL – Great for groups of 5-6 or those with a lot of bags Uber Comfort/Lyft Extra Comfort – A slightly more luxurious and spacious ride ©Lyft Make sure you check prices on both Uber and Lyft before booking, as they can fluctuate wildly depending on demand. And if you’re traveling during peak times (think early morning or late at night), expect to pay a little extra. Feeling Bougie? Go for a Limo or Private Car Service Want to start your Disney trip in style? A limo or private car service might be the way to go. This is the ultimate VIP experience. You get a dedicated driver waiting for you at baggage claim, a super comfortable ride, and sometimes even fun extras like a stop at a grocery store before heading to Disney. Orlando Airport Baggage Claim There are a few different options in this category: Mears Connect Express – The premium version of the Mears shuttle that gets you to your hotel faster Luxury Rideshare – Uber Black and Lyft Black provide high-end vehicles with professional drivers Limo Services – If you really want to go all out, there are several limo companies in Orlando that cater to Disney travelers Yes, this option costs more, but if you want to kick off your trip with a little extra magic (or just love avoiding the chaos of crowded airport transportation), it might be worth the splurge. What About the Other Options? If you’re considering a rental car, you’re in luck as overnight self-parking is complimentary to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort. However, unless you’re planning to visit Universal or other Orlando attractions, you might find that you won’t really need a car once you’re at Disney World, thanks to Disney’s extensive (and free) transportation system. Disney World’s Skyliner The Lynx bus is by far the cheapest option, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re truly on a strict budget and don’t mind a long, multi-stop ride. It costs just a few dollars, but you’ll need to navigate transfers and deal with extra travel time which is probably not how you want to start your Disney World vacation. So, Which One Wins Every Time? At the end of the day, the best choice really depends on your travel style, budget, and group size. But no matter which option you choose, the most important thing is getting to Disney World as smoothly as possible because let’s be honest, that’s where the real fun begins! Until then, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news! Orlando Airport’s Free Security Service Might Save You From Missing Your Flight 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 will you be traveling from the airport to Disney World on your next trip? Tell us in the comments. The post I've Used Every Airport Transportation Service to Disney World -- This One Wins Every Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney often takes the time to highlight and support its Cast Members, and this month, it held a special event for veteran Cast Members! American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT In The American Adventure at EPCOT, a special guest visited Cast Members to celebrate their achievements and service! We’re so glad Jenna Bush Hager came to EPCOT with her family to participate in this unique event! Stay up to date with Disney Food Blog to learn more about what’s happening at Disney World. Ready to plan your next trip to EPCOT? Learn more about our favorite food stops along the World Showcase! 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 met Mickey in his red, white, and blue attire? Let us know in the comments! The post Celebrity SPOTTED! You Won’t Believe Who Visited Cast Members in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has a lot of projects in the works right now. We’ve already seen permits filed for construction on the Cars expansion for Magic Kingdom, as well as the new Villains Land. Spaceship Earth We’ve also seen permits related to the new Villains show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as permits to help transform DinoLand, U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom into Pueblo Esperanza. Now, we’ve spotted two NEW permits, including one for EPCOT, presumably for the new Spaceship Earth Lounge, as well as for Ye Olde Christmas Tree Shoppe in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. Both permits are for signage. The first permit is for 1424 Magic Kingdom Drive, which is the location of Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe to “install signage.” Now this shop got a bit of an upgrade recently so it’s likely that this will be the final part of that upgrade — installing a new sign for the shop. ©Orange County, Florida The other permit is for 2060 Avenue of the Stars, which places the location around Spaceship Earth. This permit is also for signage, and it could potentially be for the new Spaceship Earth Lounge. Disney hasn’t revealed many details about the lounge, except that its design will be inspired by EPCOT’s icon. ©Orange County, Florida The location for the new lounge is going to be the structure at the exit of the Spaceship Earth attraction, so we’re feeling fairly confident this permit could be for the lounge. Disney said that its new lounge will offer a“zen space” for guests, filled with “rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.” Disney also promised the lounge would feature “delicious culinary creations” created just for the location. The lounge’s opening timeline is late spring 2025. ©Disney The contractor for both projects is Design Communications, Ltd., which has done some work for Disney before. Of course, we won’t know for sure what these permits are for until we spot construction and the new signage, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for it and keep you updated. So stay tuned to DFB for more. “If They Don’t Have Rome Burning I Will Cry.” Disney Fans Have 6 Demands for EPCOT’s New Spaceship Earth Lounge 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 news? Let us know in the comments! The post Is This a Sign That Disney Imagineers Are Working on the NEW Spaceship Earth Lounge Soon? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, Disney fans, we can finally hit snooze on that 6:55 AM alarm! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom For years, 7 AM has been the make-or-break moment for all of us Disney World guests hoping to secure a spot in the Virtual Queue for rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. If you weren’t up and ready to go, your shot at riding some of Disney’s biggest attractions without a long standby wait could be gone in seconds. But very soon that early morning stress will be officially over. Starting February 25, 2025, Disney World is officially doing away with Virtual Queues (for the time being), meaning you can roll out of bed whenever you want and still have a chance to ride. Let’s break down what this change means for your next Disney World trip. Virtual Queues (A Quick History Lesson) Disney World introduced Virtual Queues as a way to manage crowds on its most popular new attractions. Instead of standing in line for hours, guests could snag a boarding pass through the My Disney Experience app at specific times (usually 7 AM and 1 PM) and be called back to ride later in the day. This system helped control congestion and allowed Disney to test new crowd-management strategies. Virtual Queue Some rides only used Virtual Queues temporarily – like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which eventually switched to a standby queue. Others, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, held onto Virtual Queues for an impressively long time. But now, Disney is hitting the pause button on Virtual Queues across the board, with all attractions shifting to standby lines starting February 25, 2025. What This Means for Your Park Strategy Without Virtual Queues, the way you plan your Disney day is about to change. Here’s what you need to know: No more 7 AM wake-up calls – The days of setting multiple alarms, refreshing the app frantically, and hoping for a boarding group are over. You can wake up, enjoy your resort breakfast, and head to the parks whenever you want. Standby lines for everyone – Every ride, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will now operate with a regular standby queue. If you want to ride, you’ll just hop in line like the good ol’ days. Longer waits? Maybe. – Some of us loved Virtual Queues because they guaranteed a spot on popular rides without physically waiting in a long line. Now, expect standby lines to swell, especially for newer attractions. Rope drop strategies and late-night ride hacks are about to become even more important. Lightning Lane still exists – While Virtual Queues are going away, Disney hasn’t changed its Lightning Lane options. You can still purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes to skip standby lines on select attractions, so if you’re not up for a long wait, that might be your best bet. Lightning Lanes! Will Virtual Queues Ever Come Back? Honestly? They probably will. Disney has a history of bringing back Virtual Queues when brand-new attractions open. They help Disney manage demand and keep wait times reasonable when a ride is still fresh and overwhelmingly popular. Tron virtual queue sign So, while Virtual Queues are disappearing for now, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them return whenever Disney debuts its next big ride, like Test Track this summer. But as of February 25, 2025, there won’t be any available. Final Thoughts Again, this change is a huge relief a long time in the coming. No more setting alarms. No more scrambling to refresh the app at exactly 7:00:00 AM. No more crossing your fingers and hoping you made it in time. Instead, you’ll have the freedom to decide when and how you experience Disney’s top rides. Sure, standby lines might be longer, but at least you won’t have to stress about missing your chance before your day even starts. Cosmic Rewind We’ll continue to be on the lookout for even more details about these Virtual Queue changes from Disney as they’re released, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news! The One Ride Rule We Wish Disney World Would Finally Slash 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 With Virtual Queues going away, how will you plan your Disney World days differently? Tell us in the comments. The post Why 7 AM Doesn't Matter in Disney World Anymore first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Studios hasn’t just been busy with completing its new Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando. ©Universal Universal is also busy building other experiences across the country, including a new year-round horror experience in Las Vegas. We’ve also previously reported that Universal was building a kids-oriented theme park in Frisco, Texas, and now we’ve got more details about that theme park, as well as its opening timeline: 2026. Universal Kids Resort is a first-of-its-kind theme park designed for families with young kids. It will feature lands themed around some of young kids’ favorite shows and movies, including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, Gabby’s Dollhouse, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, and Jurassic World. The theme park is expected to open in 2026. ©Universal Universal also dropped some details about some of the attractions in the park. 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.” ©Universal The Minions will be overruning a vacation retreat with some water-soaked fun. Kids will discover new facts about the dinosaurs of Jurassic World in an interactive way. Then there’s a music festival with Trolls, a “colorful, joy-filled, of course, glittery fest, guests of all sizes get to join Poppy, Branch and the rest of the gang to bring their voices together in harmony while shining brightly.” ©Universal 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 We’ll be keeping an eye out for more details about Universal Kids Resort, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Top Restaurants in Universal Orlando For 2025 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be interested in visiting Universal Kids Resort? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING: Universal Just Dropped 8 NEW Announcements About Its Texas Theme Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all Bluey fans! Bluey and Bingo! We are huge Bluey fans here at DisneyFoodBlog! From the original show to the new movies and even the LEGO playsets, we are all about our favorite Blue Heeler puppy. Now we’ve found a perfect way to match with your favorite Bluey-loving kiddo. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you want to try out Amazon Prime, you can get a free trial here! Over on Amazon, we found the perfect pair of matching Crocs for fans of the children’s show, Bluey! The show follows an Australian puppy named Bluey and all of her adventures. While it might be a kids’ show, we think some of the lessons are for everyone and we’ve fallen in love with this puppy. That’s why we’re so excited to find these shoes! Bluey Childrens Crocs ©Amazon These are the kid’s version of the Crocs. They feature Bluey, Bingo, Mom, and Dad! You can find a bright red balloon that stands out on top of the shoes. The charms aren’t removable which is great if you have any kiddos who like to pick. Kids Bluey Crocs Bluey Adult Crocs ©Amazon If you’re an adult and want the entire family to match, Amazon has you covered! You can find the exact same Crocs in a larger size with the characters and red balloon! The strap also says Bluey across the back of both to really solidify your love of the show. Adults Bluey Crocs We can’t wait to see all of the families rocking these matching shoes when Bluey and her friends hit the Disney theme parks soon! As always, don’t forget to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your merchandise needs! Want to shop for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post Amazon Just Dropped Family Bluey Crocs And We Need Them Immediately first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to shake off the seasonal depression — spring is just around the corner! It’s already looking spring-y in Disney World! Although March 20th can’t come soon enough, we’ve got Daylight Savings coming up on March 9th — yay for more sunlight! If that wasn’t enough good news, Disney World is seeing some exciting changes in March and we’re going to take you through the biggest ones now. Let’s go! Heading to Disney World soon? Be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing! Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in March at Disney World! EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Begins While the birds sing words and the flowers bloom in Magic Kingdom (5 gold stars for you if you got the Tiki Room reference), EPCOT is blooming with the Flower and Garden Festival! In 2025, it will run from March 5th to June 2nd, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Bambi The festival will feature the same things we’ve always loved — the butterfly garden, fun character topiaries, and delicious food — but there will also be some new food booths to check out! Beach Grub and Yacht Grub pays homage to the neighboring Yacht and Beach Club hotels and will serve some seafood bites. Flower & Garden Festival (2024) Disney has not yet released full details for the festival so stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates. We have seen a sneak peek at the merchandise AND the full lineup has been announced for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Check it out below! FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCED for the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Magic Kingdom Fireworks Change The Disney World fireworks shows are so incredible, that many people plan their entire days around catching them! That’s especially true for the fan-favorite Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom. But if you want to catch the show in March, you need to be aware of this change! Happily Ever After As of Monday, March 10th, the showtime for Happily Ever After will change from 8 PM to 8:30 PM. You can always find the most up-to-date times in the My Disney Experience app while you’re in the parks, but if you’re planning around it, be sure to note this update! A Former Cast Member Reveals the SECRET Way to Get the BEST Magic Kingdom Fireworks View Gran Fiesta Tour Reopens in EPCOT Something has been missing from EPCOT for a little while now…and that’s the magic that is Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros! This slow-moving boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion has been closed since January but is set to reopen on March 15th, 2025. Gran Fiesta Tour It’s expected that water rides see maintenance from time to time, so we’re not expecting any major changes to the ride itself. However, we’ll be there for its reopening to check it all out and say hello to Donald, José, and Panchito! We’re Spilling BACKSTAGE SECRETS of a Popular EPCOT Ride It’s Tough to Be a Bug Permanently Closes Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already looking very different with the partial closure of DinoLand U.S.A., but there’s about to be even more construction. On March 17th, It’s Tough to Be a Bug will permanently close at the Tree of Life Theater meaning March 16th is the last day to experience it. It’s Tough to Be a Bug This attraction opened with the park on April 22nd, 1998, and has been welcoming “honorary bugs” ever since. However, this winter, a brand new Zootopia-themed attraction will debut in this space! ©Disney It’s called “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” and will feature your favorite characters from the movie. Disney officially announced that a Zootopia retheme was in the works in September 2023. And in August 2024, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared the official name for the new show. There’s no exact opening date just yet, but we’re looking forward to learning more about it! These 3 Maps Show What Disney’s Animal Kingdom Will Look Like for the Next Several Years! Popular Hotel Restaurant Closes for Refurbishment Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has become one of our favorite all-you-care-to-eat deals in Disney World. In March, though, some guests will not be able to dine here due to a planned closure. Sebastian’s Bistro On March 24th, 2025, the restaurant will close for some refurbishment work. Don’t get too worried — it is expected to be a quick closure and reopen by the end of March. There’s no exact date listed on the website, but we see reservations start to pop back up on Saturday, March 29th. House-made Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce So if you want to dine here or try to walk up, make a note of this closure so you don’t have to go out of your way for no reason! If you are staying at this hotel, you can still grab food from Centertown Market or Spyglass Grill. The Unexpected Disney World Hotel Closure You Need to Know About If you’re booking a trip to Disney World soon, we’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in March! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you visiting Disney World in March? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in March first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you are planning a Disneyland vacation soon and you have a Disney Visa card, you need to know about this exclusive offer! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The only thing we like more than planning our next Disney vacation is being able to plan it AND save money while doing it. That is why we are so excited about this new offer for Disney Visa cardmembers. Disney Visa cardmembers can save up to 30% on select premium rooms for Sunday-Thursday night stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel. The offer is valid for stays from March 23rd through May 15th, 2025. Disneyland Hotel Select rooms are eligible for the discount at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. You can book this offer RIGHT NOW through May 12th, 2025. You can book online through the Disney Rewards website or call 1 844-604-0201 to book with your Disney Visa Card. Disney’s Grand Californian While enjoying Disneyland with your discounted room rate, don’t forget to check out the other Disney Visa cardmember’s perks, such as exclusive photo opportunities with your favorite Disney characters and discounts on merchandise and dining. You can also enjoy 15% off select guided tours. ©Disney If you want FREE help getting the best deals for your Disneyland vacation, look no further than Small World Vacations. They have YEARS of experience booking Disney vacations, and their services are complimentary. They help take the stress away, and you aren’t paying anything extra! Also, what better way to spend time at Disneyland Resort than grabbing lots and lots of snacks? We have you covered on the best Disneyland snacks for 2025, so you aren’t wasting your money on subpar treats: Stay tuned to DFB for more news about discounts on your Disney vacation! We want to ensure that you are prepared for your vacation and are saving the most money possible. Check out everything that will be closed in Disneyland in 2025! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What Disneyland hotel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Hotel Discount Was Just Announced for Disney Visa Cardmembers first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando Resorts’ Military Sales Office just reached out to me with this awesome new offer! Many of my readers have been asking about this for months! Starting today (20 February 2025), active duty and retired U.S. military members with an active 2025 Military Freedom Pass can now purchase a 1-Park, 1-Day ticket to Universal […] The post Epic Universe 1-Day Add-On for the 2025 Military Freedom Pass appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

We’re in the Disney World parks pretty often (and by that, we mean every single day!) which means we definitely have our favorite spots that are must-visits nearly every time we go. La Cava del Tequila For many of us on the DFB team, at EPCOT, that place is La Cava del Tequila! This tequila cave hidden inside the Mexico Pavilion pyramid is the absolute best place to be to get — what else?! Tequila! We recently paid a visit to La Cava del Tequila (you know, for old time’s sake) and we’re bringing you along to check it out! Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or are just dipping your toes into the water, La Cava del Tequila is a great place to do so! In addition to the iconic cocktails and margaritas on the menu — like the Avocado Margarita — you can find hundreds of different types of tequila, mezcal, reposado, and añejo here. And, even if you don’t know what you want, they have a few different solutions for that, too! Avocado Margarita First of all, the bartenders and staff here are SO knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions you might have about different drinks and tequila types. You can tell a bartender you want a reposado that’s not too expensive, or just ask them for their recommendations and tell them your price point. You can even tell them that you don’t know anything about tequila but want to learn more, and they’ll take you on a journey! La Cava del Tequila These guys are super on their game, so it’s a great way to learn more about the spirit and try new things if you’re up for it! And, of course, there’s always a tequila flight that lets you try multiple different types of tequilas so you can get a feel for what you like before getting a drink. If you’re not in the mood for a full drink, you can always order a shot here too! This is another great way to try out different tequilas. The shots here are served with salt, lime, and tomato juice for a chaser. We highly recommend trying new tequilas when you’re here! Reposado shot Depending on when you visit La Cava, there may or may not be a pretty significant line — this place gets POPULAR. But, sometimes they’ll have a Cast Member walking around with this handy dandy flow chart that can help you decide what you should order to drink! La Cava flow chart On our most recent visit, we used the flowchart that took us from Mezcal to On the Rocks to Spicy, and that gave us the Crystal Inferno! This drink is made with Dos Hombres Espadín Mezcal, Alma Finca orange liqueur, clarified lemon juice, and spiced nectar with a pepper on the side. Crystal Inferno This was a really delicious cocktail. It’s one we’ve had before, but we forget how good it is! Despite being unassuming, it had a lot of sweetness to it that landed right on your palette when you first sipped it. It was pretty spicy on the back end, but the spiciness was all in your throat and not on your tongue or lips, so it didn’t leave your mouth burning. There was still a really pleasant spiciness as it went down. And then because of the mezcal, you also had a smokiness on the nose. This drink was like a complex, very full experience without being unfamiliar flavor-wise. SPOICY! Okay, that’s enough of this love letter to La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT. Happy drinking! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from EPCOT and the rest of Disney World. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! Shhh!!! There’s a Secret Menu Hiding at This Disney World Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments. The post This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT and You Can't Change My Mind first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is your next Disney vacation at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Pop Century Resort We found the best Loungeflys you’re going to NEED for your trip! Pop Century has the best retro vibes and plenty of great photo ops throughout the resort! With colorful walls and iconic items from throughout the years, we can never resist a walk to admire all of the neat details. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Mickey and Friends Classic Mini Backpack ©Target With the bold, primary colors, Mickey just pops — and that’s what Pop Century is all about! It gives off The Mickey Mouse Club vibes, and the rest of the gang is on the inside of the bag. SHOP ON TARGET Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Jabba’s Palace Mini Backpack ©Target Were the 80s when you first fell in love with Star Wars? Celebrate your love for episode VI with this backpack! This Loungefly features the iconic scene of Luke Skywalker fighting in the dungeon under Jabba! We love how detailed the artwork is, and it even has Han Solo in carbonite as the keychain. SHOP ON TARGET Minnie Mouse Checkered Texture Mini Backpack ©Target If your room is in the 50s section of Pop, you’ll need this simple but bright Loungefly. It has a subtle checkerboard pattern and a big Minnie bow right on the front—exactly how it should be! We love this bag for the big ears up top, and it truly looks like a classic Loungefly. SHOP ON TARGET Lisa Frank Rainbow — Heart Mini Backpack with Waist Bag ©Target 90s kids, listen up! If you were just as obsessed with Lisa Frank as we were, you should grab the rainbow-filled bag! The front heart pouch unclips, so you have a full belt bag, too! The bright rainbow colors have us nostalgic for our early days and make us wish we had kept our Lisa Frank notebooks. SHOP ON TARGET Pop Century is such a fun resort, and with each section being so different, we have a blast finding new outfits for each part. Stay up to date with DisneyFoodBlog to find your next favorite Loungefly! Love Disney merch as much as we do? Check out our Amazon storefront for more of our favorite finds! Are you a Loungefly collector? What’s your favorite Loungefly you own? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Disney Loungefly Bags You Can Get at Target NOW if You're Staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

After a lengthy closure, we finally know when Jolly Holiday Bakery Café will reopen in Disneyland! Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe This iconic Disneyland restaurant is beloved for its many sweet treats and delectable eats, but it has been closed for refurbishment since January. At first, Disney didn’t indicate when this restaurant would potentially reopen, but after sleuthing our way around the Disneyland calendar, we think we know when that might be! We took a peek at the Disneyland calendar, and it looks like Jolly Holiday is scheduled to reopen after its lengthy closure on March 22nd! Right now, operating hours are listed as 8 AM to 12:15 AM. After that, the calendar continues to show regular hours for the restaurant. Pear Blackberry Cheesecake Crostata Jolly Holiday Bakery Café is a Mary Poppins-themed quick-service restaurant that serves up pastries, specialty coffees, and tea in the early mornings. A little later on you can stop here for a fresh salad, specialty sandwich, soup and quiche selections, and more (like the Matterhorn Macaroon or a cupcake, for instance!). YUM There are quite a few different closures you might want to know about at Disneyland! The Disneyland monorail is currently closed, and so are Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, “it’s a small world,” the Disneyland Railroad, and a whole lot more. You can check out all the current closures at Disneyland Resort here! Matterhorn Macaroon We’ll continue to keep an eye on Jolly Holiday to watch for any potential changes to this reopening schedule. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disneyland, Disney World, and more. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! Check out ALL our reviews of Jolly Holiday Bakery Café here! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe The post DATE REVEALED for the Reopening of This Iconic Disney Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, we know how much our readers love a good secret menu — we’re big fans, too. Territory Lounge But here’s the thing — when we find a secret menu item in Disney World, we are ALWAYS going to share it with you because we think EVERYONE should enjoy those items. That’s why we’ve told you about the Cheese Bread at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom, as well as the secret cocktails at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs. Well, we’ve got MORE secret menu items to share, and these are all available at Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. You’ll find Territory Lounge just outside of Storybook Dining at Artist Point. So you might expect that you might be able to get a menu item from Storybook Dining at Artist Point there. Well, you can! You can order that delicious Mushroom Bisque for $12 in the lounge. Now, that sure beats booking the full dining experience, right? We know that soup is a winner for a lot of folks, so to quote Maui, “you’re welcome!” Mushroom Bisque from Storybook Dining at Artist Point Looking for something a bit…meatier? You can also order an item available at ANOTHER popular restaurant. Yep, you can order the Barbecue Pork Ribs that you can get at Whispering Canyon Cafe with The Pig Signature Skillet. You’ll get 3 ribs for $15. And again, you can grab that WITHOUT needing a dining reservation. Ribs from Whispering Canyon Cafe You can also grab a Whispering Canyon Cafe dessert at Territory Lounge: the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake is available for $15. You get a warm flourless chocolate cake served a la mode with two scoops vanilla ice cream on the side. This is a deliciously dense spongey cake with ganache on top, so it’s rich and decadent. Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake It just goes to show that you don’t need a dining reservation for a table service restaurant when you get some of your favorite table service menu items at the lounge! So next time you visit Wilderness Lodge, keep that in mind. And stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: Why We Would Travel All the Way to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a Sandwich Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to Territory Lounge? Let us know in the comments! The post Shhh!!! There's A Secret Menu Hiding At This Disney World Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Yes, Disney World is undergoing… a lot… in 2025 that will result in tons of closures. No, it’s not the end of the world. Magic Kingdom We’re seeing A TON of ride closures at Disney World this year. From a growing list of refurbishments, to a year-long (maybe more) closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, to waiting for the new version of Test Track to open, to saying goodbye to some Disney’s Animal Kingdoms attractions forever — there’s a lot to digest. If you’re feeling pretty down about all these closures, we get it, but we also want to remind you that there are ways you can cope. Alright, we’re going to start you off with something spooky…a list of what’s closed. Better to rip the Band-Aid off quickly and get to the feeling good part. Astro Orbiter currently The Disney World attraction closures so far are as follows: Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has closed for a lengthy refurbishment that started on January 6th, 2025, and will not reopen until 2026. Astro Orbiter closed for a lengthy refurbishment on January 13th, 2025, and will not reopen until the Summer of 2025. The Hall of Presidents closed on January 20th, 2025, and a reopening date is yet to be known. EPCOT Test Track closed on June 17th, 2024, and is set to reopen as a third version of the attraction in late summer 2025. The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros closed for refurbishment on January 6th, 2025, and is set to reopen on March 15th, 2025. Disney’s Hollywood Studios “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2025. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy closed permanently to make way Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, which is set to debut in the summer of 2025. MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close permanently on June 7th, 2025. Disney has confirmed that the entire Muppets Courtyard area will be walled off on June 8th, 2025, for Monsters, Inc. Land construction to begin in earnest. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids closed for its annual seasonal refurbishment on January 6th, 2025. It is expected to reopen sometime in March. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Animal Kingdom have closed for good on January 13th, 2025. It’s Tough to Be a Bug closes permanently on March 17th, 2025 as it makes way for the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Parts of DinoLand are now closed Okay, yeah, it’s not great…but there are five ways to get by. Get Your Final Rides In Some rides are already closed for the long haul, but others have announced closing dates, such as Muppet*Vision 3D and It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, giving you enough time to catch some final experiences. Muppet*Vision 3D Similarly, we know that rides like Dinosaur and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are about to undergo some serious changes, with Dinosaur being permanently discontinued while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster gets a Muppets retheme. Dinosaur, at the very least, will be around through the end of the year, so get in as many rides as possible! Dinosaur Pack in the fun like there’s no tomorrow — because for some rides, tomorrow really doesn’t exist! Plan Around Closures Several attractions like Kali River Rapids will be closed for early-year routine maintenance. Others, like Test Track, are waiting to open later in the year. If your favorite ride or most anticipated attraction or show isn’t open now or will close later in the year, the next best thing to do is to plan your trip around the closures. Kali River Rapids Simply put, if you’re trip is going to be soured because your favorite ride isn’t open, don’t visit. Wait or expedite your vacation to create your ideal itinerary. Test Track A word of caution if you plan around closures: Closing timelines can be announced last-minute on occasion, and even if a ride is open, breakdowns happen so you’re NEVER actually guaranteed to experience everything on your to-do list. Find New Favorite Rides When one door closes, another opens. Is your favorite ride closed? Maybe it’s time to find another favorite attraction! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Do you LOVE Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? At Magic Kingdom alone, you can find suitable replacements like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, TRON Lightcycle/Run, and Space Mountain to get your roller coaster thrills. The point is, instead of giving up, substitutions are abundant and you can still have a great time with other rides. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train If you want to look on the even brighter side, the time you would’ve spent waiting in line to ride your other favorite attraction can now be allocated to discovering new and familiar things at Disney World. When Disney gives you lemons, make lemonade! Go to Disneyland or Epic Universe Instead Look, if the closures are putting you off to the point you’re debating whether or not to go, we get it. If that’s the case, maybe travel to Disneyland Resort in California or Universal Orlando Resort to check out the new Epic Universe theme park instead! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Both resorts have TONS to offer guests, and if you’re craving your Disney fix, Disneyland is a fantastic replacement that even surpasses Disney World in some ways. Epic Universe looks…well…epic…and is promising to be one of the most innovative theme parks in the world when it opens to the public on May 22nd, 2025. ©Universal As a heads up, Epic Universe is going to be super in-demand this year and into the foreseeable future, so keep that in mind if you decide to sub out your Disney World vacation. Practice Patience Finally, the last way to cope is to practice patience. Disney is closing all these rides this year, whether you like it or not. You can either curse the darkness or light a candle and make the best of it. Construction Remember all the times you complained about ride maintenance or lack of new attractions? Disney is rectifying those issues and that process takes time. Just remember: good things come to those who wait. Also, Disney World isn’t made up of one ride or one experience. What makes Disney World so special is its collection of fantastic offerings. Construction Walls Be patient when visiting. Remember that developing new attractions, fixing up old ones, and creating new lands and experiences takes time, and that’s okay. You can’t possibly do everything in Disney World in one trip, so at the very least, these closures give you the chance to explore new Disney World offerings you might not have in years past. Change is good. We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the changes coming to Disney World, so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest updates! 3 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios 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 How are you coping with all the closures in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 2025 Is the Year of Disney World Ride Closures. Here's How To Cope. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve not had the pleasure yet of spending an evening out at Three Bridges Bar, you’re truly missing out on something special. We’re huge fans of grabbing a quick bite to eat and taking in the evening sunset over the lake with some incredible views that get even better as the sun sets. Sangria Flight So when the opportunity presented itself for a nice evening out, taking in an alternate version of the atmosphere that Disney World has to offer, you didn’t have to twist our arms too much! You’ll find one of the best-kept bars around Disney World at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. If you’re already impressed with the ornate details of Gran Destino Tower and the expansive Spanish influence found throughout the hotel’s grounds, you’ve got to see one of its best features! Three Bridges Bar & Grill Three Bridges Bar & Grill will be found hovering right over the water of Villa del Lago where (you guessed it) three separate bridges around the hotel’s grounds meet. It’s an open atmosphere bar that’s meant to allow you to savor some delicious dishes and sip on a few cocktails while you allow your cares to drift away like the way water ripples. For this visit though we had a new mission and it was time to trade out our usual favorite dishes in favor of their Sangria Flight sampling four unique flavors. Sangria Flight The Espumoso or sparkling sangria was the top of the tower and first on our list to try. With it being the top glass, that also implies that it was the lightest wine of the four to try out. There are two different sparkling wines (Freixenent blanc de blancs and Brut cava) that make up the drink making the bubbly mixture very delicate. Espumoso There’s also some lemon and peach liquor which we could definitely taste as we sipped. We really appreciated the acid in the lemon to help balance out an overly sweet taste to the peach counterpart. The next wine to try out was the Blanco or white wine sangria. It’s made with Macabeo Wine, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, St. Germain Elderflower, Passion Fruit, Lemon. Blanco We didn’t get a whole lot of the passion fruit that we felt like was being masked by the delicious orange liquor and elderflower liquor along with the balancing lemon notes. This is certainly more along the lines of a juicy, citrus flavor than the other espomoso flavor. Moving right along we tried the Rosado or rosé sangria, next! We’re suckers for a pretty drink and this is certainly a gorgeous hot pink tint, brighter than a typical rosé color. It contains Garnacha Rosé Wine, Cruzan Mango Rum, SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka, and Desert Pear which is probably helping to create that vibrant pink color that drew us in. Rosado We liked this one but the finish on it was fairly soft as opposed to an acidic wine like the former two we tasted, which we found a little less refreshing. Since this is an outdoor bar and in a climate that’s more inclined to warmer weather, we couldn’t see it being our top pick given the choice, however, it was a nice addition to include in the flight. Bringing up the rear our last glass of the flight to taste was the Tinto or red sangria. This one has Garnacha Wine, and Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo. It also was served with an orange slice included in the drink as its garnishment. Tinto This sangria is the closest to what you would expect to find if you were looking for a sangria that’s closely mimicking a bottled Spanish sangria; not overly sweet and semi-dry. We think this is the best option for anyone who’s looking for a more traditional tasting sangria. A lovely mix of sangria Overall, this was a GREAT value and it’s fun! One glass of sangria would have cost us $15.50, with two glasses costing us over $30. The flight split up over 4 different sangrias essentially gave us the same 2 glasses for $23, resulting in a fairly decent savings. It’s also easily sharable whether you’re tasting them all or choosing to divide them among yourselves. It was fun to taste, and pretty to look at, and we had a great time talking to our server about each of them and discussing which one we liked the best and how to taste them. We’re also BIG fans of the vegan Roasted Corn Dip and the creamy White Queso Dip you can snag while you’re stopping by for light bites, and this would be a fantastic addition to grab to enhance your meal at a great value. White Queso Looking for more great eats and sips around Disney World? Check out a few more of our reviews below and stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest!  REVIEW: This NEW Disney Treat Gets a 10/10 for Taste and 1000/1000 for Cool Factor 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! Which of Disney World’s drink flights is your favorite? Tell us which ones we should consider reviewing next in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Drink Flight Is One of the Best Disney World Hotel Restaurant Deals first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Does anyone else find themselves wishing they could bottle up the scents of Disney World and bring them home with them? Because I would love that. Main Street Confectionery We are always looking for ways to bring the magic home to us after our vacation. We just found 6 candles that might just do that. These candles could add some delicious smells to your home while also bringing back the memories of Disney World. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Candle That Smells Like Warm Churros? Sign Us Up! ©Bath&BodyWorks You can have your house that smells just like the churros on Main Street? The Sugared Churro Candle has fragrance notes of glazed crumble, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This candle is perfect for us Disney Foodies! Shop on Bath & Body Works Can You Smell the Disney Treats Now? ©Bath&BodyWorks Fill your home with the smells of Main Street Bakery just like on Main Street U.S.A with this candle. It has notes of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and cinnamon sugar. Shop on Bath & Body Works Anyone Else Love The Smell From Pirates of the Caribbean? Check This Candle Out! ©Bath&BodyWorks Real Disney fans will tell you that the water on Pirates of the Caribbean smells amazing and now you can add that into your house. This Sea Salt Caribbean Candle has notes of salted driftwood, lime, and ocean breeze. Shop on Bath & Body Works Bring Disney’s Polynesian Hotel To Your Home With This Candle! ©Bath&BodyWorks Speaking of Tropical scents, this Fiji White Sands Candle has notes of fresh cut sugarcane, white nectarine, and sandalwood. It reminds us of Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Shop on Bath & Body Works You Can Have Your Home Smell Like France — the EPCOT France That Is! ©Bath&BodyWorks The France pavilion at EPCOT is home to one of our favorite bakeries, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. This Almond Croissant Candle will fill your home with the smell of toasted almonds, vanilla glaze, and flakey croissant. Shop on Bath & Body Works Our Favorite Carrot Cake Cookie in Your Home! ©Bath&BodyWorks It’s no secret we love the Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie found at Hollywood Studios so this Sweet Carrot Cake Candle caught our eye! It smells like sweet cream cheese frosting, fluffy carrot cake, and cinnamon spice. Shop on Bath & Body Works If you want more home decor items to add a Disney touch, be sure to check out our Amazon Storefront where we update it daily. Looking for more Disney finds? Check Out Our Amazon Storefront Here!The post 6 Bath and Body Works Candles To Make Your House Smell Like Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We all know that the international Disney parks have the best merch, but now we get to have it for ourselves! ©Disney The Disney Store just released these unique plushes online, not to be dramatic, but you NEED them. Sakura Plushes from the Disney Store Japan are finally available online in the U.S.! Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, and these plushes are in full bloom for us. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Winnie the Pooh Sakura Plush ©Disney This Pooh Bear is covered in cherry blossoms and is about 9 and 1/2 inches tall, making it the perfect huggable size. The entire bear is in pink pastels, and he’s even holding a flower! SHOP ON DISNEY STORE Piglet Sakura Plush ©Disney Like Pooh, Piglet is covered in flowers and even has a cherry blossom in his ear. The plushes are incredibly soft and make you want to snuggle up with them! SHOP ON DISNEY STORE Eeyore Sakura Plush ©Disney Eeyore doesn’t look too sad when he’s covered in pink cherry blossoms and holding a flower in his hands! His cream-colored features match perfectly with the aesthetic, and it will make you want the whole set of Winnie the Pooh friends! SHOP ON DISNEY STORE Stitch Sakura Plush ©Disney With his ears hanging low and that big cherry blossom in his hands, you’ll want to cuddle with this 10-inch plush. How can you resist the adorable pinks and Stitch’s cute nose? SHOP ON DISNEY STORE Baymax Sakura Plush ©Disney At 13 and 1/2 inches, Baymax is here to be your next favorite plush. We don’t know how Disney keeps on making Baymax as cute as they do, but covered in cherry blossoms, we need him for our collection. He has a few cherry blossoms on him, and he’s eating an ice cream cone! SHOP ON DISNEY STORE Disney merchandise like this usually sells out fast, so if you want to add any of these adorable plushes to your collection, we recommend doing so quickly! Stay up to date with the Disney Food Blog for all of the best Disney merch! Want to find more Disney essentials? Check out our Amazon storefront for all of our favorite products! Are you going to grab a Sakura plush for your collection? Let us know which one in the comments! The post A New Tokyo Disney Souvenir Collection Has Officially Dropped for Everyone Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Being a Disney Adult certainly has its perks, but what happens when your fellow adults start doing things that are out of control?! Disney’s Hollywood Studios We’re constantly trying to hack Disney World between its pricing, menus, souvenirs, and more. Disney Adults are die-hard Disney fans who will do just about anything to put their years of training, planning, and researching to good use. While most of the time, those come with good intentions, we’re learning that sometimes the plan on paper is better than when it’s put into action. Disney Adults could probably take on the Disney World parks blindfolded and with their hands tied behind their backs and still find a way to beat you at Toy Story Mania every single ride — they’ve just done the hard work to know all the ins and outs of the parks. But, as they say, all magic comes with a price, and sometimes these Disney World hacks result in some unintended consequences. Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land We’ve rounded up a list of Disney Adult hacks we’ve seen most recently used at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to help these consequences keep from getting too out of control. Rope Dropping Rise of the Resistance “We’re all in this together…” no seriously, it’s truly as if everyone that entered the park with us at rope drop beelined it straight for arguably the most popular ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Crowds at rope drop in Hollywood Studios It’s exciting to plan out your day in whatever order you want to get everything accomplished, but when everyone that’s waiting for the clock to strike opening hour heads straight for the same ride, chaos probably isn’t too far behind. Disney Adults are notorious for wanting to show off their incredible knowledge of how quickly they can get through some of the park’s highest wait times, and while rope drop is a good plan, we’ve got a few alternatives to offer. Rise of the Resistance IF riding Rise of the Resistance really is a non-negotiable for you with the shortest wait time possible, consider buying a Lightning Lane Single Pass for the day. This will allow you to skip the standby line for one ride through the day reserved in the app at a specific time block. Otherwise, your better alternative is to wait until later in the park’s day, close to closing or during Fantasmic! there’s plenty of us here who would also argue that riding at night is an even cooler experience than during the daytime. Lounges > Restaurants We’re calling our own selves out for this one with 100% transparency. Disney Adults as of late are showing a trending preference for a restaurant’s lounge over their proper restaurant setting. And, it’s a hack we’re quite fond of using on the regular, too. Brown Derby Lounge seating We love the open feel that comes with visiting a restaurant’s lounge and most of the time we’ve had good success with minimal wait time to dine at some of the hardest Disney World restaurants to get into. Historically, a seat at the restaurant’s lounge affords you a place at the bar or a small seated area where you’re able to order off the same full menu as if you had a reservation. What’s the problem with this hack? Well, everyone’s figured out our secret and share the same affinity for these lounges! T.V.’s over the bar Since it is such an easier process, we’re finding it harder to get into our favorite lounges with the same minimal time as we used too. As these lounges have grown in popularity, your chances of getting in around the same time as when you walk up has drastically decreased. If you’re really looking to use this hack at Disney World, we recommend you plan to visit just as the lounge opens to have the best chances at the shortest wait possible. The Famed Table Service Restaurant Walk-Up Disney Adults talk about Disney “magic” constantly, and with so many stories floating around about what that looks like, they sometimes have a hard time realizing its exists when it happens to them. So, if you’ve ever walked up to a fan-favorite restaurant without a reservation and the Cast Members were able to accommodate you, then you need to recognize this as a magical moment. It was quite the spread! Disney World does their best to stress the importance of making reservations for their table service restaurants up to 60 days in advance. Is that always possible for everyone? No, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t keep trying to snag a reservation even up until a few hours before the reservation. Sci-Fi Dine In No Cast Member wants to turn you away from a restaurant you really want to dine at. If they have to ask you to check for reservations, they’re truly at capacity for the restaurant and are giving their best advice possible to you to get you in the quickest. Sure, grabbing a last minute reservation doesn’t always work, but there’s also no guarantee they’ve got room to accommodate you whenever you decide to walk up without a reservation, even if you’ve been successful doing this in the past. Single Rider Lines This one gets me in a singing mood, “All the single riders! (all the single riders)”, sorry Beyonce, don’t come for me with copy-writes, but it’s true. The single rider line is a coveted hack for Disney Adults and we’ll skillfully use it to our advantage. Look out for the sign! The single rider line exists for its intended purpose — to mix a single rider with other riders and fill the ride vehicles to their maximum capacity. Doing this, they’re able to accommodate those that might have had a chance to ride sooner, rather than waiting in the full standby line alone. Disney Adults have been known to use this one as a hack for the normal standby line and decrease their wait time. This is a great tactic to use IF you truly understand it is for solo riders. If you’re splitting up your riding party in hopes of getting through quicker, don’t be upset when the Cast Member ends up having to assign each member of your crew with an entirely different ride vehicle — they’re just doing their jobs, we promise! The Skyliner Sprint Yeah, this one is so apparent we’re giving it a nickname! You know just what we meant too by just 3 little words. It’s late at night and the park is closed following an incredible performance you and 14,000 of your Disney-loving neighbors just experienced together. And of course you start to see the trail form as folks run to the Skyliner. Disney Skyliner at Hollywood Studios We’re with you — it’s late and you’re tired after a long (dare we include humid) day at Disney World. We’re all running on a one-track hive mind of wanting nothing more than to get our heads on our pillows back at the hotel as quickly as possible. HOWEVER, sometimes this is just a by-product of choosing to close down the park at night. Who’s up for a ride on the Skyliner? If your plan back to your hotel includes a ride on the Skyliner at park close, consider hanging out for a while. Everyone is doing their best to be one of the first to catch the next gondola outta there and too many people all gathered at the same time in the Skyliner line is pure chaos. Take your time exiting the theater and the park, stop for a photo with your family if there’s still PhotoPass photographers around, or have a look in the shops for one last glance before you call it a night. This is much better use of your time than standing around on already tired feet in one spot wishing for the line to move faster. By the time you’ve meandered for a bit, chances are the line has dramatically decreased and you’ll find a more tame line to the Skyliner than you would have before. We’re bringing you the the latest Disney news, updates, trends, and more! Stay tuned with us right here at DFB. We’ve Got Some Good News For Those 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 What other Disney Adult hacks for Disney World do you think are becoming out of control? Tell us in the comments below! The post These Disney Adult Hollywood Studios Hacks Are Getting Out of Control first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney FINALLY announced what will be replacing the former NBA experience at Disney Springs — LEVEL99! Future home of LEVEL99 We know what you might be thinking, “A what now?” which is why we’re here to share everything we know about this interactive, social entertainment experience. The Disney Springs location will be LEVEL99’s fifth, but first in Florida — and we’re pretty darn excited about it! LEVEL99 is a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults featuring over 50 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. It’s essentially a giant, futuristic arcade and entertainment center. ©LEVEL99 The Disney Springs location 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 (which we’re assuming is the former NBA Experience) and will feature dining with a chef-crafted menu — including LEVEL99’s award-winning, Detroit-style pizza. ©LEVEL99 While we don’t know a ton of details about the Disney Springs location specifically — like whether there will be any Disney theming or kid-friendly games — we’ve taken a look at what some of the current locations are like to get an idea of what we might be in store for, and we think we’re going to like it! What is LEVEL99? According to LEVEL99‘s website, the goal of your experience is to “work with your friends to discover new challenges, collect all the stars, find digital treasure and master new experiences.” Think of it like an escape room, an obstacle course, and an arcade all wrapped into one — with hand-crafted food and drinks to boot. What kind of games are there? There are three different types of games at the existing LEVEL99 locations: Rooms, Duels, and Art Hunts. You can see a little about each type below: Rooms are cooperative games to be explored, played, and conquered by teams of 2-6 players. Each room is a unique experience, falling into our PHYSICAL, SKILL, or MENTAL categories. Physical rooms will test your strength, balance, and flexibility. Skill rooms will test your accuracy, timing, and reflexes. Mental rooms will test your memory, problem-solving, spatial thinking… and more! Duels are head-to-head challenges found throughout the Arena. Challenge a friend and lay it all on the line in one of our 7 (rather public) competitive challenges. Art Hunts are a low-key scavenger hunt involving the playful art found all throughout the space. Each piece of art contains a hidden Glyph. Completing Art Hunts is the surest way of seeing and exploring every inch of our bright and whimsical wonderland, so make sure to complete them while you’re “rehydrating” in your downtime between games. ©LEVEL99 How do you play? When you go to get your tickets, you’ll create an account that will eventually be linked to a wristband that will give you access to all of the games. You’ll tap your “Veloband” anywhere you see the LEVEL99 logo to get started. The rooms are designed to be played again and again, and they’re challenging — so if you get stumped at first, don’t worry. ©LEVEL99 Team performance impacts the rewards you earn, and you can level up your account, and earn fragments which can be redeemed for snacks, perks, Emblem customizations, swag, and more! Top players get featured on the Leaderboards for all to see. LEVEL99 is designed to keep you coming back, so hardly anyone is able to play through the over 50 challenges available in each venue. Do you need reservations? Reservations aren’t required for the existing LEVEL99 locations, though buying your tickets in advance is strongly encouraged. It’s possible the Disney Springs location will be a bit busier and therefore more strict about reservations, but only time will tell. What ages is LEVEL99 for? Technically, there is no age restriction for LEVEL99, but it is billed as an “adult playground” on their website. We’re not sure if this might change since this location will be in Disney World, but according to LEVEL99, many of the games are physically and mentally demanding, and younger children may struggle to complete them. ©LEVEL99 The current LEVEL99 locations are recommended for ages 10 and up, with those younger needing to be accompanied by an adult. Kids ages 11 to 15 will need to have an adult present in the venue and reachable by cell phone, but they don’t need to stay with them at all times. What else should you know? LEVEL99 recommends wearing comfortable clothing including closed-toed shoes and athletic wear, since some of the challenges can be pretty physically demanding. The website suggests to wear something you can run, jump, crawl, and climb in” and that baggy clothes will only slow you down. ©LEVEL99 In addition, over half of the games at the current LEVEL99 locations are accessible and have been built specifically to accommodate wheelchairs. And, there is also accessibility information at the entrance to each room that gives guidance for players with hearing, vision, or mobility impairment, so that those players can choose the best experiences for them. ©LEVEL99 As of now, an official opening date or timeline has not been announced, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for more. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates about LEVEL99. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! 3 New Rules Disney Is Enforcing in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be checking out LEVEL99 when it opens in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments. The post What Is LEVEL99 and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s go to Disney World! Magic Kingdom There are so many things to splurge on when you’re in Disney World! From different hotels to table-service dining, there’s no shortage of ways to spend money. One splurge in Disney World is booking a Disney VIP tour! Getting your own guide can feel like the height of Disney spending but it might not be the hack you think it is. Disney VIP Tours are what lots of Disney fans consider a bucket list goal! Private VIP Tours offer guests the opportunity to get a tour guide who takes you through Disney and walks you to the front of the lines of the most popular rides in Disney World. These trips are customizable around the parks with groups of up to 10 people. VIP Tour Guides The tour comes with private transportation, a choice of what park (or parks) you want to go to, pre-arrival planning including a start time chosen by the guest, front-of-the-line access, and information provided by your tour guide! Now this all sounds great but it does come at a pretty price. VIP Tours The tours are booked at a 7-hour minimum, with prices ranging from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the date. This doesn’t include your park ticket which you will need in addition to your VIP tour. Our team has experienced VIP tours before and it does feel like the height of Disney luxury when you get snacks delivered to you after you’ve just hopped off of your favorite ride. Via @joshgad on Instagram There is one thing that people think is a hack but we’re here to say it’s not! If you park hop while you’re on your VIP tour, it’s going to suck up a lot of your time. You have to travel between parks, walk from ride to ride, and navigate the parks with your tour guide which can add up to quite a bit of time. Crowds at Magic Kingdom Many people consider park hopping a hack on your VIP tour because you can get to the front of the lines for the most popular rides in Disney World but once you add up all of the time spent between rides, it can feel like a loss of money. If you’re looking to maximize what you can accomplish in the parks, you might be better off buying Lightning Lane MultiPass! ©Disney Lightning Lane MultiPass is one of Disney’s newest skip-the-line offerings that allows you to skip a minimum of three lines per day! With MuliPass, you can select 3 attractions before your park day begins and you can continue to book lightning lanes throughout your park day. So far, the highest price we’ve seen is $39 per person per day. Lightning Lane We’ve tested Multi Pass many times and have found that you can get many more than just the guaranteed 3 lightning lane skips. It’s much more budget-friendly than the private VIP tours, however, you do have to book the lightning lanes and nothing is guaranteed outside of the initial three you book. Lightning Lane VIP tours can still be such a nice splurge if you want to do something special in Disney World, but if you want to use it as a hack to maximize, maybe consider grabbing Lightning Lane MultiPass instead. Either way, do what you to do with your Disney vacation! As always, keep following DFB for all of your Disney tips and tricks! Everything You NEED to Know About VIP Tours in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you ever do a VIP tour? Tell us in the comments! The post The One Confidential Reason Disney VIP Tours Aren’t the Hack You Think They Are first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hello from Italy! OK, this isn’t the real Italy…it’s the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT. But this place has authentic handmade pizza, Italian designer bags, and Italian margaritas; what more could you need? Ciao! Speaking of Italian cocktails — it turns out there are a lot. In fact, the DFB team went on a DEEP DIVE into the drinks at this pavilion, and after all that work, we simply had to show it off. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work for a food blog, this is it. If you’re new here, one of the main things you should know about us is that we are Disney World EXPERTS. We go to Disney World every single day (even holidays!). We eat EVERYTHING around the parks and hotels so that you know what’s worth your money. We even tracked down the official pillows used at Disney World hotels so we could buy them for ourselves. Dole Whip from Aloha Isle at Disney World While you already KNOW we’re among the first to visit all of Disney’s brand-new restaurants, we also like to check in on the old ones every once in a while. You never know when a restaurant might surprise you! (Lookin’ at you, Tony’s Town Square. That garlic bread was a SHOCK!) In fact, it’s time to check in on the drinks at the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT, more specifically, one popular drink: the Italian Margarita. You’d be AMAZED by the number of iterations of this simple drink. Gelateria Toscana OK, let’s start with the current Italian Margarita from the Granita Smoothies menu at Gelateria Toscana. It is described as “Frozen Limoncello, Tequila, and Margarita” and costs $12. As you can probably gather, it’s tart, icy, and lemony. Italian Margarita But this wasn’t our first Italian Margarita in EPCOT. Not by a long shot. Back in 2021, for example, this drink was a MUCH darker shade of yellow — more lemon flavoring? Less ice? Clearly, even though this is the same drink, it’s not the same drink. Italian Margarita in 2021 Then, there are all the Italian Margaritas at the seasonal EPCOT festivals. In 2024, during the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, we tried the Italian Margarita at the Primavera Kitchen food booth. This one was made with limoncello and tequila and priced at $12. Like the Italian Margarita from Gelateria Toscana in 2021, this one is a darker shade of yellow with a lot less ice than what we’re seeing in 2025. Italian Margarita at the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival There was also a similar version at the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival food booth. Clearly, the Italy Pavilion loves to sell Italian Margaritas. Italian Margarita at the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival See that unsightly portal — er, Harmoinuous barge — in the middle of the lagoon? That means we’re throwing it back to 2022! Our 2022 Italian Margarita had a little more ice, but still wasn’t quite the same as the version we tried in 2025. Italian Margarita at the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival We’re still going, people! Here is the Italian Margarita served at the 2020 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. This one looks pretty close to the 2025 iteration, and back when we tried it, we noted that it had a semi-frozen consistency. This one was also made with limoncello and tequila. Italian Margarita at the 2020 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Alright, we’ll admit it. Our visit to EPCOT during the 2020 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival did not produce the best photos, but shhh — that was a long time ago. We’ve come a long way since then! Either way, we have proof that in 2020, EPCOT’s Italian Margarita was a darker shade of yellow and was served semi-frozen. Italian Margarita at the 2020 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Up next, you can see the Italian Margarita we got during the 2019 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Clearly, this drink is not exclusive to any one EPCOT Festival — Disney serves it all the time! Italian Margarita at the 2019 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays The Italian Margarita at the 2014 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival (yes, 2014!!!) was also served semi-frozen. People have been cooling off with this refreshing drink for over a decade! Italian Margarita at the 2014 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Now, this is interesting! The Italian Margarita at the 2012 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival actually looks the closest to the present-day Italian Margarita at Gelateria Toscana. It’s a pale shade of yellow and is served frozen. Italian Margarita at the 2012 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Oh, and if you want to throw it WAY back, Via Napoli served an Italian Margarita in 2010. This one came with a lemon wedge and looks a lot more liquidy than the frozen drinks served outdoors. Italian Margarita at Via Napoli in 2010 Via Napoli does not currently offer an Italian Margarita, but you can get a variety of limoncello drinks and even a Lemon Drop cocktail with vodka and limoncello over shaved ice. If you’re asking us what we’d order at Via Napoli if we were in the mood for a citrusy lemon drink, we’d go with the Lemon Drop for $16. (Though the Limoncello Mule with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, limoncello, peach purée, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger beer also sounds delightful.) Via Napoli in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion Phew! As you can see, we know a lot about Disney food. This may sound like a super niche, super random menu item to explore, but it just goes to show you that we leave NO stone unturned when it comes to Disney snacks and drinks. Oh, you want to know all about the best places to get water at Disney World? We’ve got you. Want to know where to find the best bread on property? We’ve got a full list! Trust us — no snack or drink is too small for us skip. FREE Cups of Water at Disney World WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The Best $50 You’ll Spend at Homecomin’ in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite drink in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is the Weird Conversation Going on Today at DFB Headquarters first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We don’t know about you, but we’ve basically been doing ALL of our pre-Disney World shopping at ALDI these days. ALDI It’s our one-stop shop for everything we might need on our trip — snacks, souvenirs, park essentials, and more. And, if you’ve got an ALDI near you, we’ve rounded up some of the best finds coming to stores next week. But don’t worry if there isn’t an ALDI near you, because we’ve also found some similar items online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out some of the Disney essentials and merchandise you can find at ALDI next week! These ALDI finds will be available in stores from February 26th to March 4th. And, while you unfortunately can’t shop ALDI online, we did find some similar items on Amazon — just in case you don’t have an ALDI near you! Keep an eye out for these Serra 2-pack soft leggings in stores… ©ALDI …and there’s even a new pair of ALDI casual sneakers! We recently tested a pair out in the parks and LOVED them. ©ALDI This crossbody bag would look great with plenty of different character DisneyBounds! ©ALDI We LOVE these little puzzle boxes! They come with multiple wooden puzzles in designs like Bluey… ©ALDI …and The Little Mermaid! ©ALDI And, while you can’t shop these specific items online from ALDI, we did find some similar items available on Amazon. Check them out below! Get the Bluey wooden puzzle box online now! ©Amazon You can find the same exact Bluey wooden puzzle box on Amazon right now! The set comes with one large puzzle and four smaller puzzles. It’s perfect for ages 3 and up! View on Amazon Don’t forget this Disney Princess puzzle box ©Amazon This Disney Princess puzzle box comes with seven (!!!) different puzzles in varying sizes that feature Aurora, Moana, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Mulan, and Ariel. 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 A 'Bluey' Souvenir Is Coming to ALDI Next Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article