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We have some favorite Disney products that we will ALWAYS tell you about. Crystal Arts You know we’ll be telling you all about our favorite cooling fans, cooling towels, and water bottles. We’ll also keep you updated on things like Loungefly bags — especially when they go on sale. But there’s one Disney souvenir that we’ve been talking about FOREVER that’s been available on Amazon for a little while now. You know what we’re talking about, right? Those awesome JoyJolt cups? Well, we just found those in…Disney World! Yes, you can now get those viral cups in the parks. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Don’t have Amazon Prime? Get a free trial right now! So, yes, we found the JoyJolt cups at Crystal Arts in Magic Kingdom. We found the Mickey Pants and Minnie Skirt Glasses for $35. Mickey Pants and Minnie Skirt Cups You can also get the Mickey 3D Coffee Cups we absolutely love for $40. These are the 10 oz. (large) cups. Large Coffee Cups We also spotted the small 5.4 oz. version of these cups, too — these are perfect for espresso. Small Coffee Cups There’s even a Mickey Stemless Wine Glass Set for $40. Stemless wine glasses The Mickey Champagne Flute Glass Set is $55. Champagne flutes If you prefer your wine glasses with stems, you can get the Mickey Wine Glass Set for $60. Wine glasses Check out this Mickey Martini Glass Set for $60. For martinis! There’s a fun Mickey and Minnie 3D Short Glass Set for $40. Cute Mickey and Minnie glasses We love the Mickey and Minnie Tall Glass Set. It’s $45. Tall glasses However, don’t worry if you can’t get to Disney World to grab these cups — JoyJolt has a variety of cups available online! Get the 10 0z. JoyJolt Mickey Mouse 3D Coffee Cups ©Amazon Okay, so these are our FAVORITE of the JoyJolt cups because when you pour your coffee in them, you get a Mickey shape on top! That’s sure to brighten up your morning, right? So these are now available in Disney World, but you can get them online, too. Buy on Amazon Buy the JoyJolt Water Bottle ©Amazon Yes, we’re going to throw in a water bottle here, too, because it’s SO important to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on visiting Disney World. JoyJolt makes water bottles in fun colors, too! Buy on Amazon Buy the JoyJolt Star Wars Glasses Star Wars Glasses JoyJolt also has a fun Star Wars set of cups that features Darth Vader, R2D2, Yoda, Chewbacca, Red Leader, and a Jawa. SO fun, right? This would also make a great gift for that Star Wars fan in your life. Buy on Amazon Get the JoyJolt Mickey 3D Espresso Cups JoyJolt Espresso Cups You can also get the Mickey 3D cups in espresso size, so you can see a Mickey shape every time you fill up your cup. These cups hold 5.4 oz. of liquid. Both designs have double-walled insulation so your warm drinks stay warm much longer. Buy on Amazon We love these cups and are so happy to see them turning up in Disney World, too. Stay tuned to DFB for more! Visit our Amazon Store!The post This Is Not a Drill! RUN to Magic Kingdom for These TikTok-FAMOUS Disney Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival We’ve got the full menus for the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Universal just announced a HUGE dining deal, a classic Magic Kingdom attraction has reopened with a NEW SCENE and more. All the latest theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. All the latest Disney Parks news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Food & Wine Menus, Peter Pan Reopen & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We often tell you to check the Disney World park hours the week leading up to and even every single day of your trip. EPCOT Why? Well, because if you’ve booked your trip a year in advance, things may happen between the time you booked your trip and your actual travel dates. In fact, Disney is known to adjust its park hours all the time. Sometimes, it’s due to after-hours testing, or more often, a company may rent out a park for a special event (or the parks can close early for one of Disney’s special events like their Halloween and holiday parties or after-hours events). If you’re heading to EPCOT in October, it’s imperative you know that the park will be closing EARLY one day! On October 22nd, EPCOT will be closing at 5PM, which is WILD since the park is typically open until around 9PM. We did a little digging and found that this early closure is because a company has bought out the park for the evening! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure The Gartner Group has bought out EPCOT for the evening to have their IT SYMPOSIUM|Xpo from 8-11PM. This is a private event that the general public will not be able to attend. All attractions and restaurants in EPCOT will close for guests at 5PM (but of course, as usual, if you get in line for a ride one minute before 5PM, they’ll allow you to ride), giving the park time to empty out before the event members come in a few hours later. ©Gartner Group So, what does this mean for your day? Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. Oftentimes, when a park closes early, a lot of guests prefer to visit other parks to have a full day there instead of having their day cut short and then having to park hop in the late afternoon. This means that crowds could be pretty low in EPCOT for the whole day! The bad news is that if you don’t have a Park Hopper ticket, you’re not really getting the full value of your park ticket. 5PM is EARLY, and you’re missing out on several hours of your park day. Walt The Dreamer in EPCOT We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Move Over, Taylor Swift! Disney Is About To Drop the HOTTEST Album of the Year 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 When a park closes early, do you head TO that park or stay away? Tell us in the comments! The post You Might Want to AVOID EPCOT on October 22nd, 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We all love EPCOT in Disney World, right? EPCOT And there are some strong reasons to love EPCOT. It’s home to some iconic rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and Soarin’ Around the World and we haven’t even brought up any of the festivals. That being said, there are some hard truths you need to know about this park. Let’s talk about some of the hard truths about EPCOT. They may cause you a bit of frustration, but we’ve got your back! We are here to help make sure your EPCOT trip is the best ever! Soarin’ is amazing, but it’s also a cruel reminder of all the places you haven’t been. Let’s start with Soarin’. This is the ride that takes you on a journey above some of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s hard not to be in awe of the world’s beauty as you glide over the Eiffel Tower, swoop through the Great Wall of China, and soar above the plains of Africa. Soarin’ Around the World But as the ride ends and you’re gently lowered back into reality, there’s a nagging feeling that starts to creep in — “Why haven’t I been to any of these places in real life?” Soarin’ Around the World Seating Sure, it’s incredible to experience these wonders from the comfort of a theme park seat, but it’s also a not-so-subtle reminder of all the stamps missing from your passport. Of course we love Disney, but there’s a part of us that wishes we were boarding a real flight to these destinations instead of having to step back out into the Florida heat. The Land So while Soarin’ is definitely a must-do, just be prepared for a side of existential dread as you exit the ride. NEWS: Iconic EPCOT Ride Now CLOSED; Construction Walls Are UP Too Many Good Choices, Not Enough Stomach Space We love all the eats you can get at EPCOT, especially during the various festivals that dot the calendar. Whether you’re talking about the Food & Wine Festival, Flower & Garden, or any of the others, the park turns into a veritable smorgasbord of just delectable options. And THAT’S where the problem really begins — there are just TOO many good choices. DELISH Should you grab tacos in Mexico, sushi in Japan, or head to France for some delicious pastries? The FOMO is real. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending half your day debating where to eat next. We all think we can pace ourselves, but let’s be honest, more likely than not, we’re going to try everything that catches our eyes. Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese from Wine & Wedge Booth But the truth is that there’s only so much space in your tummy. You’ll hit a point where you simply can’t fit another bite and that’s when the regret starts to set in, especially as you pass by a food booth with other dishes you were excited about. NEW EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trends We Expect to See in 2024 The World Showcase is beautiful, but it’s also really big. The World Showcase is definitely the crown jewel of EPCOT. It gives guests the chance to experience the culture, cuisine, and architecture of 11 different countries. It’s stunning, immersive, and it’s also 1.2 miles around! That might not sound like much at first, but after a few laps, your feet will be telling you otherwise. Italy Pavilion in EPCOT What usually starts as a leisurely stroll through the pavilions quickly turns into a test of endurance. Let’s say you start the day sipping on a glass of wine in Italy, then marveling at the intricate details of the Moroccan architecture, but by the time you hit the UK pavilion, you’re just looking for a place to sit down. UK Pavilion at EPCOT The “good” thing is that by the end of the day, your Fitbit will be celebrating you, but your feet will be telling you a different tale. We’re Getting Worried About This Practically ABANDONED Building in EPCOT Spaceship Earth: A Journey Through Time…That’s Still Stuck in the Past Is there anything more iconic about EPCOT than Spaceship Earth? It’s a ride that takes you through the history of human communication. It’s nostalgic, educational, and, let’s be real, it’s a little outdated. Spaceship Earth The last major update to Spaceship Earth was in 2007, and it’s showing a bit. The animatronics are charming in a retro kind of way, but there’s no denying that the ride could definitely need a refresh. Spaceship Earth never got updated Now, Disney had plans to give it a much-needed refurbishment, but those plans have been shelved indefinitely. So, for now, we’ve got a ride that ends its journey through time somewhere in the early 2000s, but it’s kind of painful how much has changed since then. Spaceship Earth We still love Spaceship Earth and it’s undeniably a classic, but it’s a classic that absolutely needs to catch up with the times. EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth FIRST LOOK: NEW Spaceship Earth Lounge Is Coming to EPCOT These are just a few of the tips we have for your EPCOT trip. We know there is a lot to know about planning a trip to EPCOT, so make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide to EPCOT for 2024: We are in the parks every day to make sure you have the best Disney vacation. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, updates, and reviews! 50 AMAZING Things You Never Knew Were in EPCOT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your must-do ride in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 EPCOT Truths that Hit Hard and Make You Regret Your Decisions first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There just might not be anything better than staying at a Disney World hotel! Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort I mean, there are so many reasons to want to stay right on the Disney World property like accessibility, immersion, and even food! But truthfully there are quite a few to choose from, so we wouldn’t blame you if you developed a bit of a headache trying to decide where to stay. Never fear. That’s why we’re here! So while you’re in the thick of it trying to choose your hotel, let’s talk about the moderate hotels and the disappointing truth about them! As we were saying, when you’re planning a trip to Disney World, trying to choose where to stay can be a bit of a headache. Do you go all out and book a deluxe resort, splurge a little less on a moderate, or save your pennies and opt for a value hotel like Pop Century? Now, the moderate resorts often seem like the perfect middle ground, but are they really worth the extra cash? Let’s get right to the disappointing truth about Disney World’s moderate hotels. You’re Going to Pay More Let’s go ahead and rip the bandaid right off and talk money. The moderate hotels like Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and Port Orleans are definitely a step up in price when compared to the value resorts. Caribbean Beach To be fair, they’re not AS expensive as the deluxe options, but you’re still shelling out more than you would for a stay at Pop Century or Art of Animation. The question is, do you get enough bang for your buck? They’re Massive and Have None of the Deluxe Perks Next, we can’t forget the sheer size of these resorts. You’ll find that resorts like Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach are enormous (think bigger than Magic Kingdom big), and that could mean a lot of walking just to get to your room, the pool, or even the bus stop. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Speaking of buses, don’t even get us started on the internal bus loops which just might have you stuck on the bus for large swaths of time both coming and going from the resort. Bus Stop Also, even though you’re paying more than you would at a value resort, you don’t get any of the perks that come with a deluxe stay —no extended evening theme park hours, no special proximity to the parks, and some have no monorail or Skyliner access. You’ll Have a Bit More Space Now, one of the selling points of moderate resorts is that the rooms are a bit larger than what you’d find at a value resort. That extra square footage can be nice, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends. Living area But, you do have to ask yourself, how much time are you actually going to spend in your room? If you’re not planning on taking a lot of midday naps with the whole crew or spreading out all your Disney merch on the floor, the size difference might not feel all that significant. There are Pool “Perks” If you’re a pool person, then the moderates do have an edge. You’ll see that the pools are definitely more elaborate than what you’ll find at a value resort. We’re talking waterslides, fun designs, and a generally more “themed” experience. Caribbean Beach Resort Pool It’s a step up, for sure. If lounging by the pool is a big part of your vacation plans, then maybe it’s worth the extra cost. Now, if you’re more of a “I’m gonna be in the parks from rope-drop to fireworks” kind of Disney person, you might not get to notice the difference. They Can Be Quieter Another one of the perks of staying at a moderate resort is the quieter atmosphere (generally speaking). You’re less likely to be sharing your hotel with giant tour groups or experiencing the non-stop energy that can sometimes make the value resorts feel a little chaotic. Port Orleans Resort — Riverside But on the flip side, you might find that quieter vibe to sometimes feel a bit too quiet. By that I mean, if you’re looking for Disney magic and excitement around every corner, you might find the moderates a bit calmer in that department. You’ll Have More Dining Options The moderate resorts boast at least one table-service restaurant, which is a definite plus if you’re not in the mood to battle the crowds at a quick-service or cafeteria-style spot. Look at all the pretty colors More dining options are always a good thing, but again, it comes at a cost, and if you’re planning on spending most of your time at the parks, you might not be able to take advantage of those on-site dining perks. Inside Sebastian’s Bistro! So, are Disney World’s moderate hotels worth it? Well, we’ll leave that up to you. But the disappointing truth is that sometimes it can feel like you’re better off going all in on a deluxe or saving your money with a value resort and using the extra cash on a few more Mickey pretzels. Either way, we’ll let you decide. Main dining area In the meantime, you can find us here with our ears to the ground for all the updates on what’s happening with the various Disney World hotel projects, merch, dining, and more so stay tuned to DFB for the latest! FIRST LOOK at a NEW Disney World Hotel Restaurant 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 Moderate Hotel at Disney World? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post The Disappointing Truth About Disney World’s Moderate Hotels first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Listen, we don’t have time to get behind on the sales! Let’s go! Loungeflys! That’s why we’re here. So, let’s make sure you don’t miss out on any of the sales or discounts on your favorite pieces of Disney merch. With that, in preparation for your next trip to Disney World, we’ve got a list of the best deals on Disney Loungefly Bags we’ve just found on sale right now at Amazon for you to enjoy! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Remember, you can get free, fast shipping with an Amazon Prime membership, so sign up for a FREE trial below. Shop this Loungefly Aristocats Convertible Crossbody Bag for 35% OFF ©Amazon First up, if you’re looking for a new crossbody bag and you’re a massive Aristocats fan, this could be the one for you. It has that book feel and even has quotes from the movie on it! Is there anything better than that?! View on Amazon Shop this Loungefly Snow White Mini Backpack for 38% OFF ©Amazon Hey, Snow White fans, this backpack is the one for you! It’s got the room you need for your essentials. Plus, there just might not be a better backpack for your Snow White DisneyBound. View on Amazon Shop this Loungefly Minnie Mouse Rocks the Dots Mini Backpack for 26% OFF ©Amazon If classic Minnie is the vibe you’re going for when you’re heading to Disney World, then look no further. It’s got the looks you want and the room for any essential you could bring. View on Amazon Shop this Loungefly Nightmare Before Christmas Mini Backpack for 29% OFF ©Amazon Next, you love Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, right? So, there really is only one choice to make when looking for your next backpack to take to the parks — just popping this one in the cart! It’s also going to look great while you’re at the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom. View on Amazon Shop this Loungefly Exclusive Minnie Backpack with Three Interchangeable Scented Bows for 33% OFF ©Amazon Here’s the bag with a different bow: ©Amazon Here’s it with the third bow: ©Amazon Next, if you’re heading to the Christmas party at Magic Kingdom and you’re looking for the perfect Minnie backpack, then this is the one! Never mind that it has all the room you need for essentials, it comes with three interchangeable bows. And they’re scented!! View on Amazon Shop this Loungefly Mickey Backpack for 33% OFF ©Amazon Lastly, we’ve got just the one that Mickey fans will just love especially if blue is your favorite color! It’s got the design on the front that’s reminiscent of Mickey’s pants and an incredible holographic colorway. View on Amazon We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Click here to view our Amazon Storefront The post 6 Disney Loungefly Bags Are ON SALE up to 38% Off on Amazon Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Extra, extra, read all about it! Seriously, we’re sure Disney World hasn’t had a wink of sleep because they’ve dropped so many new updates this week (including some for spooky season!). If you’ve missed out, this is your chance to catch up! EPCOT I’m back again with another round of WHAT’S NEW UPDATES AT DISNEY WORLD, a rundown on all the epic news and updates that happened at Disney World this past week. This week we got the 4-1-1 on a classic attraction opening up with CHANGES, a NEW land coming to the Magic Kingdom, and big REVEALS for EPCOT’S 2024 International Food and Wine Festival. Are y’all ready? Okay, let’s go! Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic Disney ride — the one in Disney World is based on the ride that first opened in Disneyland on that park’s opening day in 1955. The original ride was based on Disney’s animated film Peter Pan, which released in 1953, based on the book by J.M. Barrie. Disney World’s version of Peter Pan’s Flight features an interactive queue where you can visit the home of the Darlings, including the nursery. Peter Pan’s Flight interactive queue There are a lot of changes planned for the Magic Kingdom in the upcoming future, so you can definitely count on us to keep you updated on all of them! Disney World Is Getting 8 New Rides! CONFIRMED: Location Revealed for NEW Villains Land Coming to Magic Kingdom NEW VILLAINS LAND Rumors of a Disney Villains-themed land coming to the Magic Kingdom have been a mainstay of the Disney fan community for decades, with alleged plans dating back to the 1990s. That long wait made it a dream — or perhaps a nightmare is more appropriate — come true for fans when the land was FINALLY announced at D23. During the announcement, Josh D’Amaro said of the land, “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls, it’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” Older Villains Land Now, days after the D23 announcement, Disney has confirmed further details about the highly-anticipated land, including its location. According to the Disney, “guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.” That’s right — it’ll be past Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! Villains Land Concept Art ©Disney The land “will encompass all your dreams- er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale… You might have just felt a shiver run down your spine. That’s because preparation is already underway at Magic Kingdom for this new land. Maybe think twice before you indulge in that next shiny red apple…” This massive new Villain-themed land, combined with the also-announced Cars expansion coming to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, is the largest expansion in the history of Disney World’s original theme park. ©Disney After literal decades of waiting, Villains Land is FINALLY coming to the Magic Kingdom, and now we know exactly where this bastion of evil will be located! EVERY MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT From D23’s Entertainment Panel 5 NEW Booths Revealed for the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Are you ready for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Festival Passport for EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2023 Disney just announced the food booths that we’ll be seeing at this year’s festival. Each kitchen will have its own menu inspired by a specific country/region, so let’s see which booths are coming this year. In World Celebration, you’ll find 2 festival booths to enjoy: Macatizers (NEW) — CommuniCore Hall Festival Favorites (NEW) — CommuniCore Hall Festival Favorites! Over in World Discovery, you can savor and sip from 5 festival booths, including: Connections Eatery Coastal Eats Fry-Basket Flavors From Fire Brew-Wing Lab Full Fry Spread 2023 Around the World Showcase, you can wine and dine from several returning favorites like… The Noodle Exchange Mexico China India Refreshment Outpost The Alps Germany Italy Spain Block & Hans Flavors of America Funnel Cake Japan Greece Tangierine Cafe Belgium Brazil France UK Beer Cart Canada Refreshment Port Australia Swirled Showcase Shimmering Sips Hawaii Full Spread 2023 — France Food & Wine Festival … as well as a few more NEW booths to join in this season with: Bramblewood Bites Milled & Mulled Forrest & Field World Nature is where you’ll find a few more festival booths, which include: Earth Eats Sunshine Seasons Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company IMPOSSIBLE Burger (2022) We’re so excited to see several of our returning favorites at the festival, along with a few new booths to try out (and their menus sound delicious, too)! I Have a Controversial Opinion About EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival Of course, that’s not all that happened! There are plenty of things that happen every single day at Disney World. Check out EVERYTHING by clicking through the links below! Our reporters and writers keep these pages updated with all the latest things that take place in the parks — from merchandise drops to new menu items. See for yourself! WHAT'S NEW AT DISNEY? Check out our daily updates on all the happenings around Disney World and Disneyland! Magic Kingdom EPCOT Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Disney Hotels Disney Springs Disneyland In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Looking for more big Disney World news? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these big Disney World updates? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 NEW Announcements Are Bringing BIG Changes to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sports fans, boy do we have an interesting update for you. Venu Sports In early 2023, The Walt Disney Company announced that streaming would become a massive priority. Part of that goal has been to turn ESPN+ into the preeminent sports platform, and that’s how the idea for Venu Sports came about. Venu Sports is the proposed sports streaming service that combines ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery and would become available to those with ESPN+, Hulu, and Max subscriptions. Disney had initially said that the streaming service should be available by fall 2024 via a new app, BUT there’s been a major setback. A federal judge has granted FuboTV’s motion “for a preliminary injunction against the planned sports streaming venture by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery,” according to The Associated Press. What does all this legal jargon mean? Well, it means a federal judge has currently blocked plans for this new streaming service to come to fruition — for now. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters In her 69-page ruling, District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in the Southern District of New York stated that “Fubo was likely to be successful in proving during a trial that the joint venture would violate antitrust laws,” which would then cause irreparable harm to Fubo customers. ©Fubo ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery are already planning to appeal the ruling. Fubo first announced that it was suing The Walt Disney Company, FOX Corp., Warner Bros. Discovery, and other affiliates back in February, alleging that “The forthcoming launch of a sports-streaming joint venture steals Fubo’s playbook and is the latest example of this campaign.” But why is Fubo so concerned about this? Well, in their filing, FuboTV shared that they’ve been trying for years to offer a sports-only streaming service (exactly what Disney’s new Venu Sports service is trying to do) but have been prevented from doing so because of ESPN. Additionally, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery have supposedly forced Fubo to “spend hundreds of millions of dollars to license and broadcast content that its customers do not want or need.” ESPN Wide World of Sports In response to the ruling, ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery said in a joint statement: “We believe that Fubo’s arguments are wrong on the facts and the law, and that Fubo has failed to prove it is legally entitled to a preliminary injunction. Venu Sports is a pro-competitive option that aims to enhance consumer choice by reaching a segment of viewers who currently are not served by existing subscription options.” ©ESPN This injunction means that consumers will still have access to a more competitive marketplace with multiple sports streaming options rather than just one sole streaming option (which would essentially happen if Venu Sports launched today). This bump in the road means that the earliest we could see Venu Sports is likely next year in 2025. More Recent Disney Media News! Move Over, Taylor Swift! Disney Is About To Drop the HOTTEST Album of the YearDisney’s ‘Frozen 3’ Movie Release Date CONFIRMEDDisney Announces ‘Zootopia 2’ Is Coming Soon!NEWS: ‘Toy Story 5’ Is Coming to Theaters in 2026!FINALLY! A Popular 2006 Movie Could Be Getting a SEQUEL! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB! We’ve got bad news: Disney+ is getting MORE expensive Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this ruling? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney and Warner Brothers Sports Streaming Service BLOCKED by Federal Judge first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

For the first time ever, Disney has announced a brand-new Monsters, Inc-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Hollywood Studios At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney dropped some MAJOR park news on us. They announced several new lands for Disney World, new nighttime entertainment, new rides, new shows, and so much more! There was a lot to take in at the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on August 10th. But the new Monsters, Inc. Land that was announced certainly intrigued us, especially the first-ever suspended roller coaster in a Disney park! The new Monsters, Inc. Land will take humans to Monstropolis for the first time ever! Here the monsters are looking for your help. They need our laughs to power the city and keep things working. Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art ©Disney We’ll get to roam around the city and even visit the plant that is in charge of collecting your screams…ah, laughs. Monsters, Inc. welcomes you to the floor! A new land themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Taking place after the events of the film, Monstropolis needs humans’ laughter to power the city. ©Disney Inside the Monsters, Inc. plant, you’ll find the first-ever suspended roller coaster in a Disney park. A suspended roller-coaster is one where you sit in your seat but your legs dangle off the ground. The seat is attached to the track above your head instead of under your seat. You can even ride on a door like Mike and Sully in the iconic scene from the film with Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster. ©Disney When sharing this exciting news, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said, “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley. You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.” It sounds like it’s going to be tons of fun! We even got to see a 3-D model of the new ride at the D23 event. The model looks really cool! You can how you’ll be inside the factory and whipping and twisting through the area holding all the doors to the human world. Monsters, Inc. roller coaster One concern people do have is that they think it looks like it might be kind of short for a roller coaster. However, you can see in the model that the track loops a BUNCH of times in and out, back and forth through the door-holding area. It looks really neat! New roller coaster Since we don’t know how long this ride will last yet, here are some examples of other ride times in Disney World. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 1 minute 22 seconds Slinky Dog Dash — 2 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 2 minutes 50 seconds Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 3 minutes Even some of the most exciting rides in Disney World are three minutes or under, so this new roller coaster will likely live up to the hype! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster We’ve waited 23 years for this ride announcement, and we’re super excited to finally get to ride on a door through Monsters, Inc! At this time, Disney has yet to announce where in Hollywood Studios this new land will go, so we’ll be watching for more details. Keep following DFB for more Disney news! Disney World Is Building a NEW Villains Land and We Have QUESTIONS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for this new roller coaster? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS! Close-Up Look At NEW Monsters Inc. Coaster Announced for Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Indulge in the pairing of the Raspberry Lunch Box Tart and the Grown-Up Lemonade for a match made in heaven. Not only are you enjoying a deliciously refreshing adult beverage, but it’s paired with a blast of nostalgia. Woody’s Lunch Box Located in the heart of Hollywood Studios, Woody’s Lunch Box is a must-visit hotspot […] The post Grown-up’s Lemonade and a Lunch Box Tart: The perfect combination of adult and nostalgia appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Even though it’s still technically summer time, the fall season has already hit Disney World. Halloween at Disney World! And because the most magical place on earth is already celebrating, we’re giving you the 411 on the items you can get to celebrate the spooky season at home. And the best part is that you don’t have to leave it to get these fall faves! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The best part about shopping on Amazon is the free shipping you can get on any order with an Amazon Prime Membership. Don’t have one? Click below to start your free trial today! Bring the Haunted Mansion to your home with these Stretching Portrait Banners ©Amazon So maybe we can’t reach up and take the actual stretching portraits from the attraction home, but these will definitely do. Featuring the Tightrope Walker and The Dynamite Guy, these banners are perfect to display outside and inside your home (just make sure you’re not accidentally bringing in Hitchhiking Ghosts as well). Shop on Amazon No tricks, just treats accepted inside this adorable Mickey Halloween Tote! ©Amazon This tote is giving major Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party vibes and we LOVE it! Featuring Mickey and friends decked out in their cute Halloween costumes, this tote will make any outfit festive and also makes a cute park bag (pics with this in front of a Mickey Pumpkin Wreath? Umm, yes please!). Shop on Amazon A spook-tacular shirt fit for the howl-oween season! ©Amazon Candy, pumpkins, ghosties, and Donald as an adorable bat? What else could you possibly want! This shirt is sure to give you all the spooky season feels when you wear it, and guarantees tons of compliments when doing so. Shop on Amazon Another way to make your home your personal Haunted Mansion is with this Welcome Foolish Mortals Metal Sign ©Amazon It’s giving ‘I’m inviting all my friends over so they can see my really cool sign’. We seriously love this and how cool it would look displayed (as well as paired with the stretching portrait banners). Shop on Amazon You can even bring festive fun to your bathroom with this Nightmare Before Christmas Bathroom Organizer Set ©Amazon This eerie-sistible set comes with a soap dispenser, tumbler, toothbrush holder, and soap dish. We’re sure the residents of Halloween Town would approve. Shop on Amazon Look absolutely fa-boo-lous with this DuckTales Halloween Trick Or Treat shirt ©Amazon Iconic, classic, and spooky to boot. Featuring our fave duck nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed up in their adorable Halloween costumes ready for a night of trick or treating. They truly are squad ghouls. Shop on Amazon Stay tuned as we bring you even more Disney fall faves here on DFB! CHECK OUT MORE DISNEY MUST-HAVES ON OUR AMAZON STOREFRONT!The post We Know What Every Disney Adult Will Be Buying From Amazon This Fall first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We just can’t spot thinking about the Disney Treasure! ©Disney And can you blame us?! Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet has us beyond ready to experience all the food, excitement, the new lounges like the Aristocats-themed lounge and Haunted Mansion Parlor, and so much more. But before we get too carried away, and since we’re talking about setting sail, we’ve got to talk about which airlines you’re going to want to use if you’ve booked a cruise on the Disney Treasure! Let’s dive right in! So you’ve booked your cruise aboard the Disney Treasure, and now all you have left is to figure out how you’re going to get to the port, which means deciding which airline you are going to take?? Well, don’t you worry. We’re here and we’ve got a list of the best airlines you should use! First up, the Disney Treasure is going to be sailing out of Port Canaveral. There are several airports within close-ish proximity, but we’ve really got to narrow it just two as your best bets — the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). Orlando International Airport (MCO) Ah, hello, old friend! The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is definitely the choice airport when it comes to flying in to go to Disney World and it’s also the case that many people choose this as their transportation hub to get to Port Canaveral. Now it is farther away from the port than the Melbourne Orlando International Airport by about 20 miles, but it only takes about 6 more minutes to get there from Orlando than from Melbourne. ©Google When it comes to MCO, you’ll definitely have your pick of airlines, as there are a ton that fly in and out of there. But if we want to take last year’s total number of passengers per airline as an indication of your top 5 picks, these would be the top five airlines to choose from: Southwest Airlines (11.14 million) Spirit Airlines (9.75 million) Delta Air Lines (7.22 million) Frontier Airlines (7.11 million) American Airlines (5.68 million) Orlando International Airport Again, you’re going to have many more airlines to choose from, flights per day, and even transportation options if you choose to fly into MCO. Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) As we were saying, if you’re looking for the airport that’s closest to Port Canaveral, then you’ll want to choose the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) as it’s about 20 miles closer than MCO. ©Google You’ll have to keep in mind that since it is a much smaller airport, your options are much more limited at this one than at MCO. For example: Only American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have daily flights here These airlines only fly in twice-weekly: Allegiant Pittsburgh, PA (PIT): Twice-weekly nonstop service to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Allentown, PA (ABE): Twice-weekly nonstop service to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). Cincinnati, OH (CVG): Twice-weekly nonstop service to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Sun Country Airlines Minneapolis (MSP): Twice weekly nonstop seasonal service to Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport (MSP). TUI The flights to MLB originate from various cities throughout the UK, including: Birmingham, England (BHX) Belfast, Northern Ireland (BFS) Glasgow, Scotland (GLA) London-Gatwick, England (LGW) Manchester, England (MAN) Newcastle, England (NCL) ©MGTracey on YouTube If you’re close to one of the cities that connects to MLB, then this airport could be a good option for you even though the selections are quite limited. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your travel companions. On the way to Port Canaveral As always, if you’re looking to book a sailing trip, we recommend doing so as soon as possible, and it doesn’t hurt to book out as far as you can. Our friends at Small World Vacations can help you choose the perfect sailing and the perfect cruise — they specialize in Disney vacations, and their services are FREE! In the meantime, keep it right here at DFB for all the latest! Disney Reveals FIRST LOOK at Haunted Mansion Parlor Costumes for the NEW Treasure Cruise Ship! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What are you most excited for on the Disney Treasure? Let us know in the comments! The post The BEST Airlines to Use If You Booked a Cruise on the Disney Treasure first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Can you believe the Halloween season is almost upon us? Halloween in Magic Kingdom Well, if you’re visiting Disney World soon, you’ll find that the Halloween season has ALREADY arrived, as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has officially begun. And you know what follows Halloween? The HOLIDAYS! We can’t wait to see snow on Main Street again, but before it arrives, we’ll need to make sure we’ve got our outfits in order. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of new ears for the season, you need to grab this new arrival ASAP! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. One of the most popular meet and greets in Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. They meet at Town Square Theater throughout the party, and their popularity is due to the fact that you can’t meet them any other time during the year! Jack and Sally! Many fans of the film argue whether it’s a Halloween or Christmas film, and truly, we see both sides of the argument! If you find yourself leaning towards the holiday season and want a way to show off your love for the iconic film, this new pair of ears is about to solve ALL your problems. These Santa Jack Skellington Ears Are EVERYTHING ©Disney We are absolutely OBSESSED with these new Santa Jack Skellington Ears! They feature Jack’s iconic smile on one ear’s side, with skulls and bones on the other, while the other side features Jack’s open-mouth expression and more skulls and bones. ©Disney Our favorite part though is EASILY the adorable Santa hat Jack wears! It’s the perfect way to combine both the Halloween and holiday seasons, just how the movie does. Grab them here! We have a strong feeling these are going to be very, VERY popular, so grab them now before both seasons have really begun to prepare! And, as always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our Disney favorites!The post We're Calling It Now -- These Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Ears Are Going to Be POPULAR first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get ready for the most spooktacular celebration of the year because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is in full fear — I mean, gear! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Crowds But truly, there’s nothing to fear about this event — it is called ‘Not-So-Scary’ after all — except maybe realizing that you’re not as prepared as you want to be. But no need to worry because your pals here at DFB have got you covered with items that can help you make the most out of your Halloween party night! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a specialty ticketed event that happens on select nights in Magic Kingdom. This event has exclusive shows, merch, ride overlays, and snacks that are only available during the party, so it’s a great event for those wanting to experience Magic Kingdom in a whole new way. It is a Halloween party, however, so a Halloween outfit would make your experience even better. Don’t have one planned? Here’s a look at some of our favorite shirts we created that are perfect for this special celebration! You’ll look like you came straight out of Halloween Town with this Jack, Sally, and Zero Pumpkin shirt! Jack, Sally, and Zero as Pumpkins You can meet Jack and Sally during the party (a rare and awesome meet-and-greet!), so how cool would it be to meet them with this t-shirt? The design features the couple, as well as the adorable Zero, as pumpkins and it gives major fun spooky vibes. Shop on the DFB Store Run amuck throughout the party with these Hocus Pocus T-shirts! Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters shirts If you’re heading as a trio to the party, then there are no better characters to represent than the Sanderson Sisters! They even have their own show at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party called the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, so this is definitely a great choice for the event! Shop on the DFB Store Pay tribute to the iconic pumpkin scarecrows decorating Main Street U.S.A. with this Scarecrow Fab 5 T-shirt Scarecrow Fab 5 shirt Our fav pals, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto, are adorable scarecrows on this gourd-geous tee t-shirt. You can meet the whole gang, including Daisy, at Pete’s Silly Sideshow over at Fantasyland and Mickey at Town Square Theatre. A pic with them in their Halloween costumes while wearing this shirt would simply be iconic! Shop on the DFB Store But shirts aren’t the only festive item you can bring to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. You can also accessorize your cell phone with some spook-tacular phone cases! This Sarah Sanderson phone case is absolutely bewitching Sarah Sanderson phone case Face it, you’re probably gonna take tons of pics and videos during the party with your phone, so adding a fun case to it to match the spooky vibes of your outfit would really elevate the whole look. This phone case features Sarah Sanderson from Hocus Pocus and one of her iconic quotes from the movie. Shop on the DFB Store But Magic Kingdom is not the only place you can celebrate the Halloween time vibes. These spooky season themed sipper glasses are boo-tiful Halloween themed glasses These glass sippers bring all the spooky fun to your home whenever you have a drink. Each glass comes with a lid and glass straw and showcases one of our spooky designs. Celebratory pumpkin spice lattes in these before the party starts? Sounds perfect! Shop on the DFB Store So now that we have the outfits and accessories covered, how about some tips and tricks to make sure you get to do all your Halloween party must-dos? Well, we have you covered with our DFB Spook-tacular Guide! DFB’s Spook-tacular Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Halloween at Disney World: DFB’s Spook-tacular Guide This guide will have you stepping into the party like a pro, with insider secrets and tips to ensure you have the best time on your event date. But this guide actually goes beyond Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with even more need-to-know-info about Halloween all around Disney World, info on Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, and budgeting & itineraries throughout the season. It’s the ultimate guide to a fang-tastic Halloween! Shop on the DFB Store Stay tuned as we bring you even more tips, tricks, and updates for the spooky season at Disney! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront!The post People Always Compliment Me When I Wear These Shirts to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So we’ll admit it — our heads are still REELING from that WILD Disney Parks and Experiences Panel at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event. Magic Kingdom Like, y’all — we expected Disney to make some announcements about new additions coming to Disney World, but Disney completely blew our expectations out of the water. Now, we’re just trying to sort through all the awesomeness, like a Monsters, Inc. land, a new Cars land, a new Villains Land (we still can’t believe this announcement happened), and more. So we’ve taken all of those Disney World announcements and put them into a timeline of when they’re actually coming to Disney World. These additions are coming over the next few years, although we still don’t have opening timelines for some projects. But here’s a chronological take on what’s coming to Disney World and when. 2024 If you’ll be visiting Disney World soon, be sure to pop by DinoLand, U.S.A. to say goodbye because construction is expected to begin in fall 2024. However, Disney did reveal that the land’s retheming would be done in phases so that only part of DinoLand will be closed at any given time. That means you still have time to go on one more dinosaur-seeking mission with Dr. Grant Seeker. It’s Dr. Seeker! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is getting a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villa called Island Tower that is set to open on December 17th, 2024. Bookings are available now, although construction is still in progress at the building site. The exterior concept art There are a few projects we don’t have specific timelines for, but Disney has said they would open in 2024. That includes The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers on Disney’s BoardWalk which is currently under construction. Disney World Shares Concept Art for NEW Hotel Rooms Opening in December! 2025 The year 2025 is going to be a year of construction for Disney World, so expect to see construction walls EVERYWHERE. In early 2025, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom will be going under construction to be converted into a new Cars Land for the park. ©Disney However, a new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, will be arriving in Magic Kingdom during summer 2025. The new parade will feature Disney dreams brought to life by the Blue Fairy and will use the “latest technology” to tell new stories about some of your favorite Disney characters. “Disney Starlight” ©Disney There are also two lounges expected to open in 2025. The Pirates of the Caribbean lounge will offer drinks and snacks for pirates-loving visitors to Magic Kingdom, while the Spaceship Earth lounge will offer the same for those who want to enjoy a drink in a Spaceship Earth-themed setting. An all-new lounge themed to Pirates of the Caribbean will open at Magic Kingdom in 2025. ©Disney Construction will also begin in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on an all-new Monsters, Inc. land in 2025, which will include the door roller coaster we’ve been wanting since 2001. Meanwhile, over in EPCOT, the newly reimagined Test Track is expected to open at some point during that year. Monsters Inc. Land Concept Art ©Disney Finally, in winter 2025, the Zootopia: Better Together show, will premiere at the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, taking over the space currently being held by the It’s Tough To Be A Bug show. HUGE NEWS: A NEW ‘MONSTERS INC’ LAND and COASTER Announced For Disney World! 2026 There’s only one thing on Disney’s list for 2026, and that’s a new version of Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. The ride is going to get a new version with the Mandalorian and Grogu. New missions on Smuggler’s Run ©Disney The new Mando and Grogu storyline will coincide with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu movie releasing in 2026. CHANGES Announced for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2027 and Beyond Yes, the year 2027 seems like FOREVER away, and that’s how long we’ll have to wait for Pueblo Esperanza (previously known as DinoLand, U.S.A.) to open in Animal Kingdom. However, the new land will feature an Encanto ride that goes INSIDE the Casita, as well as a brand new Indiana Jones ride in a Mayan temple. FUN. Model of the Casita ride Even further out (as in we don’t know what the timeline is) will be the Villains land that’s coming to Magic Kingdom, but we do hope it will arrive sooner, rather than later since it’s ALL WE’VE EVER DREAMED OF. Seriously, Disney, make this a priority! Villains Land Concept Art ©Disney If all of that made your head hurt, we’ve also created a super handy graphic outlining when these new projects will arrive at Disney World. Note that all timelines are subject to change because, hey, this is Disney. Click image for larger version We’ll be keeping an out for more updates about ALL of these new projects and more, so stay tuned to DFB. 7 HUGE Announcements That Were MISSING From Disney’s News Drop Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this timeline? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL Timeline of Major Additions Coming to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando just released a behind-the-scenes look at one of their newest roller coasters coming to Epic Universe in 2025. Stardust Racers ©Universal The Ride Guys, Mike and Dylan, joined JC, the Executive Producer for Ride & Show, for a sneak peek at Stardust Racers. We learned about the story behind the coaster, learned about some unique features, and even got a close-up look at the ride vehicles. The ride was designed this way to give the look that the ride vehicles are comets shooting through the night sky. How COOL is that!? We can’t wait to see what it looks like in person. Stardust Racers Vehicle ©Universal The video also featured some pretty awesome shots of the ride vehicles including close-ups of some of the lighting details. Light Details ©Universal This roller coaster looks like it is going to be an exhilarating ride and we can’t wait to experience it when Epic Universe opens in 2025. ©Universal While The Ride Guys did not get a chance to ride this new coaster just yet, they promised they would be back soon. You can watch the full behind-the-scenes video with The Ride Guys right here: We are getting more and more excited for the opening of Epic Universe in 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for more theme parks news and details on Universal’s Epic Universe! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> 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 attraction are you most looking forward to at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! The post Universal Debuts Preview of Ride Vehicle For Epic Universe’s NEW Roller Coaster first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Getting to the Disneyland Resort just got a lot easier! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland You will now be able to add service from Anaheim Regional Transportation directly to your vacation package making your commute to the parks that much easier! ©ART When you are booking a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package at a select Good Neighbor Hotel, you can now add Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) service to your package. This service can only be added by calling the contact center directly, and isn’t available to book online. With this service added to your vacation package, you will be able to take advantage of convenient and reliable transportation between select Anaheim and Garden Grove Good Neighbor Hotels to Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) provides transportation to numerous points of interest within the Anaheim and Orange County areas. You can utilize the Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) service to travel from your hotel to the parks, or you can hop on board to discover even more attractions within the area. You can check out places such as The Outlets at Orange, Anaheim Garden Walk, the Angel Stadium, and more. ©ART Once you add this service to your vacation package by calling the contact center or letting your travel agent know, you will receive an email from WDTC@atnetwork.orgc within 72 hours of your arrival. The email will contain instructions on how to receive their ART passes. We think that it is wonderful that you will be able to add this service to your vacation package now, and it should hopefully make getting to and from Disneyland Resort easier! Disney California Adventure Now that getting to the parks from select Good Neighbor Hotels is even easier, you can spend more time focusing on what you are going to do in the parks. Check out our video about the 22 things you should ALWAYS do in Disneyland: Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disneyland news! Check out the BEST food at Disneyland for 2024! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What do you think about this update to Disneyland transportation? Let us know in the comments! The post This New Transportation Service Perk Will Make Your Disney Trip SO Much Easier! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

How can you avoid Disneyland’s crowds? Where can you experience the BEST parts of the parks minus the wait times? And what are the best Disneyland shortcuts? We’ve got LOADS of good (and super-easy) tricks for you. Sleeping Beauty Castle If you’re getting ready to head to Anaheim to explore the OG Disneyland resort area, then you’re gonna want to make sure you’ve got all your “Disney” ducks in a row before you go. So today, we’re gonna throw out several Disneyland tips that have personally helped us out during our past west coast visits — and we hope you feel the same about ‘em too. Before we get started, we wanna make sure you not only have these tricks handy, but you can easily apply them to your Disneyland itinerary, too. Nighttime Spectaculars Don’t Happen Nightly You’re gonna see us making a lot of parallels between Disney World and Disneyland. And that’s not because one theme park resort area is better than the other, but because they both work DIFFERENTLY. So if you’re familiar with how one of the theme park resorts work, you’re not exactly familiar with how ALL of them work. Just food for thought. One of the BIGGEST discrepancies between the two resort areas are the nightly castle fireworks. In Disney World, the Cinderella Castle nighttime spectacular is pretty much a nightly occurrence (unless another after hours event is gonna wind up cutting the Magic Kingdom day short). But in Disneyland, the Sleeping Beauty nighttime spectacular isn’t always a guarantee. Sometimes you’ll get the projections and fireworks, and sometimes you’ll get just the projections minus the fireworks. Same thing goes for Disneyland’s Fantasmic show, too. Sometimes Fantasmic will play once per night, sometimes twice per night, and sometimes not at all. So you’re gonna want to make sure you check the Disneyland Hours and Events Calendar online before your trip to see WHAT will be available during your time there. Fantasmic! Also — if you’re super stoked about Fantasmic’s return and you wanna make sure you’ve got the BEST spot in the house to see it, Disneyland does offer Dining Packages that come with a meal at a participating restaurant, as well as a VIP viewing spot for one of the same-day nighttime spectacular showings! Want to learn more about Fantasmic! dining packages? CLICK HERE! Mobile Order Your Meals Mobile Order is a GAME CHANGER in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Don’t want to wait in a really long standby line to order your quick service food? Then just order it on the Disneyland app! To order, open the Disneyland App, scroll down to “My Plans,” and tap on the “Order Food” option. Then you’ll select a restaurant and an arrival window time. From there, place your order, review your order, and PURCHASE your order — right there on the app! When you arrive at the restaurant during your arrival window, tap on the “I’m Here” button displayed on the app and your order will start being prepared for you, all hot ‘n fresh. Once your order’s ready to be picked up, you can grab it at the area marked with the Mobile Order Pick Up sign. Purchasing Genie + Works Differently While both Disney World AND Disneyland use Disney Genie +, this premium ride bypassing service works a little differently on the west coast than it does on the east. In Disney World, you’ll have some pre-planning options. However, in Disneyland, Disneyland will not be offering the same pre-purchase windows available at Walt Disney World. Instead, if you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort, you’ll still be able to make your selections after entering your first park of the day. The only downside of this is that you’ll automatically have to pay for Genie+ on ALL of your park days instead of picking and choosing which days you’d rather have them for. It’s ALL or NOTHING on the Disneyland scene. Trader Sam’s DOES Take Reservations! Now here’s where Disneyland has the upper hand over Disney World! Trader Sam’s is known in Disneyland AND Disney World as one of THE hottest resort bars because of its tropical drinks, intimate lowlight atmosphere, and interactive elements (which are all determined by what drinks you order). Trader Sam’s! The Trader Sam’s in Disney World (over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) doesn’t take reservations. So everything is first come, first served (which can be REALLY stressful, since that walk-up waitlist fills up FAST). However, the Trader Sam’s in Disneyland (over at the Disneyland Hotel) does take advance dining reservations — so you can secure your spot at this enchanted bar ahead of time! Advance Dining Reservations at Trader Sam’s work the same as pretty much every other Disneyland restaurant — you can start making them 60 days before your visit. Weigh The Genie + Pros And Cons Before you get your heart set on purchasing Disney Genie + for Disneyland, consider IF this extra expense is really gonna be worth it in the end or not. Generally speaking, Disney Genie + tends to be more expensive in Disneyland versus getting it in Disney World, and starts at $30 per person, per day. And yet, Disneyland still has LESS attractions with Lightning Lane capabilities than you’ll find over at Disney World. Take Disneyland park VS Magic Kingdom, for example: In Magic Kingdom, there are only a few rides that have no Lightning Lanes whatsoever — like Astro Orbiter, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and PeopleMover. But in Disneyland Park, here’s the ENTIRE list of ALL the rides that you CAN’T book a Lightning Lane for: Alice in Wonderland Casey Jr. Circus Train Chip n Dale’s Gadgetcoaster Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes Dumbo Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Jungle Cruise King Arthur Carrousel Mad Tea Party The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Peter Pan’s Flight Pinocchio’s Daring Journey Snow White’s Enchanted Wish Storybook Land Canal Boats Now, Genie + can be nice to have on hand especially during those busier times of year (like during spring break, or extended weekends, or around the holiday season). But, on average, Disneyland doesn’t see QUITE as intense of crowd levels as Disney World (because a lot of the guests here are from around the area). So having Genie + just might not be necessary, depending on when you’re visiting. What To Do IF You Purchase Genie+ So let’s say you DO purchase Genie +. What’s the best way to attack the rides when you’ve got Lightning Lanes on your side? In Disney California Adventure, a good chunk of the rides will have Lightning Lane capabilities. But in Disneyland, you might be surprised to see just how many rides DON’T actually use Lightning Lanes at all — including the MAJORITY of them over in Fantasyland. “it’s a small world” in Disneyland So if you do get Genie +, head to Fantasyland FIRST thing in the morning to knock-out their dark ride circuit. While the Fantasyland lines probably won’t ever be too terribly long, some of them — like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan’s Flight — can still rack up a wait time of 30+ minutes by midday. Not to mention, many of these ride lines will place ya out in the HOT SUN — with little-to-no covering (especially the Storybook Canal Boats, which may never HAVE a long line, but can FEEL like a long line, when you’re standing under the direct scorching rays). By choosing to hit up these Fantasyland rides in the morning, not only will you get to knock out a whole lot of rides all at once with little to no waits, BUT you’ll also avoid having to stand in line for them when the afternoon temps get brutal. How To Avoid Morning Crowds Right before Disneyland opens up for the day, those gathering park-goers lining up for the turnstiles can make you feel pretty claustrophobic. So let’s skip all that chaos for something potentially LESS hectic. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds gathering at the front gate of Disneyland park, hop on the monorail located at the front of Downtown Disney. Disneyland Monorail This will drop you off in the middle of Tomorrowland rather than spit ya out at Main Street, U.S.A. with most everybody else. Just be sure you’ve got your park ticket handy, since you’ll need to scan it before you’re allowed onto this free transportation service. Ride A Main Street Vehicle To Sleeping Beauty Castle But, then again…….. you may not want to miss out on entering Disneyland and seeing that first shot of Sleeping Beauty Castle as you make your way down Main Street, U.S.A. In fact, you might even be able to take a RIDE down Main Street, first thing in the morning! Disneyland has a few different modes of Main Street transportation that can take you from the front of the park (near City Hall) and up to Central Plaza (in front of the beautiful castle herself). These include turn-of-the-century vehicles like horse-drawn street cars, jitney automobiles, omnibuses, or even old school fire engines. Disneyland Transportation Main Street rides are only available toward the beginning of the day (typically wrapping up an hour before the Magic Happens parade), so if you want to prioritize one of these easy-going rides, make sure you do so EARLIER rather than LATER on. Order A Customizable Ice Cream Bar I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you can get customizable ice cream bars at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream in Disney California Adventure. YUM Ice cream bars are made with vanilla bean ice cream (and in the past they’ve had other flavors so definitely check) and your choice of chocolate coating (milk or dark) PLUS additional toppings (like chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or something else entirely.) Start Here Restrictions Are Still In Place A lot of major restrictions were put in place at both Disney World AND Disneyland after the 2020 closures. And while many of those restrictions were lifted in Disney World at the beginning of this year, they’re still an important part of the planning process over in Disneyland. After you purchase your Disneyland tickets, don’t forget to make your park pass reservations to secure your spot in either park. You can do this through the Disneyland website OR on the app for no extra cost. Also — if you decide to add park hoppers to your tickets (which ARE an extra cost), don’t forget that restrictions are still in place for park hoppers here, too. Park hopper privileges don’t start until 11AM each day, and you must scan into the park you made reservations for FIRST before you can start using them, even if 11AM has already come and passed. Secret Drink Menus Exist The drinks featured on the Disneyland menus? Awesome. The drinks NOT featured on the Disneyland menus that you have to be in-the-know about to actually order? ALSO awesome. Sometimes… even BETTER than awesome. While secret menu items are bound to change, our favorites to track down are the variety of Adult Beverages at Disney California Adventure’s Lamplight Lounge: Try ordering options like The Fun Wheel (made with a variety of spirits, plus pineapple juice and blue curaçao) Melrose Place (long-island inspired but with strawberry purée) The Neverland Tea (also long-island inspired with a pretty blue-green tint) The Zombie (which isn’t pretty at ALL but is DEFINITELY the route you wanna choose if you’re a fan of all things rum) AND the Sea Witch (made with raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and a splash of cranberry juice and Sprite) Take The Disneyland Tour To Enter RESTRICTED Areas Walt’s Main Street Story Tour is one of those add-on experiences that you might want to purchase at least once — especially if you’re a big-time Disney fan looking to add a bit of variety to your west coast vacation. This 90-minute tour takes you back in time — back to when Walt was just a youngin’, hanging out on the streets of Marceline, Missouri. During the tour, you’ll learn more about Walt’s childhood leading up to his big, grand, amusement park ideas that developed into the Disneyland we know and love today. Always a Light On for Walt Disney A tour guide will take you down Main Street, U.S.A. and lead you on into an ultra exclusive visit inside Walt’s very own apartment, right above the Disneyland fire station. (An experience you can not do otherwise unless you add this tour to your visit.) If you want to do this tour, it’ll put you back about $160 per person (which does NOT include the price of your Disneyland ticket — something you’ll also need to purchase to go on this tour). Use Package Delivery We have been begging — PLEADING even — for Disney World to bring back their package delivery service to their hotels. But Disneyland has answered our cry for help FIRST (which we’re very much appreciative of). If you’re planning on staying at one of the Disneyland-owned Hotels, then you can purchase souvenirs from any of the Disneyland shops and have those items delivered back to your hotel at no extra cost. You’ll just need to let the cast member behind the register know at the time of purchase that you’d like your souvenirs sent back to your hotel so that they can help you get that all set up and ready to go. If you’re just visiting Disneyland for the day or you’re planning on staying at a non-Disney hotel, you can, instead, use the complimentary package check service — which will send your souvenirs to a select location to be held inside the park until you’re ready to pick them up. These locations include: Disneyland Resort Stroller Shop, Pioneer Mercantile, Port Royal, and The Star Trader at Disneyland Park And Elias & Company in Disney California Adventure Park Consider Skipping The Identical Stuff When it comes to the Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland VERSUS the Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios, you’re looking at almost the exact same blueprint between the two areas. You’ve got the same rides, same restaurants, same overall vibes. So if you’ve been to Galaxy’s Edge already a bunch of times over in Disney World, then you can largely skip Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland so that you can prioritize the stuff that’s unique to this park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge I have similar thoughts about Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — since, again, this ride is both in Disneyland AND in Hollywood Studios — though I must say I HIGHLY prefer the queue over at the Disneyland version than the one featured in the Hollywood Studios version. The Disneyland Runaway Railway queue is significantly more interactive, fun to look at, features more silly Easter eggs, and is just all around more ENTERTAINING to spend time in for extended periods of time. And as for the Runaway Railway queue featured in Hollywood Studios? The Grauman’s Chinese Theater replica is cool, and the moving posters featuring different Mickey and Minnie shorts are kinda interesting. Check out our Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run REVIEW AND TIPS! Watch Out For Early Closures Not every part of Disney California Adventure and Disneyland will stay open until the very end of the night. Some areas — like Fantasyland and sections of Pixar Pier — will have to close early to get ready for those nighttime spectaculars. So double check on the hours for Disneyland’s park attractions (either online or on the app) to make sure you don’t accidentally miss out on a ride just because you waited too late to get in line. Burn Off Steam Your younger kiddos will — more than likely — experience ride line burnout during the day. (And honestly? You probably will too.) So if you’re looking for a place where your kids can burn off steam, not have to wait in long lines, and still experience the best that Disneyland has to offer, head over to Mickey’s Toontown! Toontown Last year, Toontown was reimagined to provide more interactive play areas for kids. So now, you can… Splash in the CenTOONial Park fountain Climb the roots of the Dreaming Tree Visit Mickey and Minnie’s re-vamped homes Splash even MORE at Donald’s Duck Pond And explore Goofy’s How To Play Yard The ULTIMATE Guide To Disneyland’s Toontown The Vibes Change By Nightfall I wanna talk about Disneyland at night in two completely different ways: One way is to encourage you, and one is to WARN you. First, I want to ENCOURAGE you to retrace your steps. Even if you spent a lot of time in areas of Disney California Adventure — like Cars Land, and Pixar Pier, and San Fransokyo — these sections of the park take on a totally new vibe once the sun goes down. The music switches over to jukebox tunes in Cars Land. The visuals on Incredicoaster are so much more vibrant when they’re all lit up at night. And the lanterns hanging around San Fransokyo illuminate the pathways, shops, and food stands, too. Seriously, even if you feel like you’ve already thoroughly explored each of these areas during the day, make sure you still pay them a visit at night to experience them in a TOTALLY unique way. And now, here’s my WARNING: Both Disneyland parks start to see crowd levels pick up during the evenings (ESPECIALLY on the weekends). This is because many locals with Magic Key Passes like to drop in after work or just swing on by for a little weekend fun. So if you wanna hit up the Disneyland rides when wait times are gonna be at their lowest, hitting them up first thing in the morning is still gonna be your best bet. Plan A Beach Day This is SO important, y’all. Don’t get SO caught up inside the Disneyland Bubble that you forget everything ELSE California has to offer. And by THAT, I mean don’t miss out on those sparkling, picturesque beaches! If you’re staying on Disney World property out in Florida, the closest beaches you’re gonna find are maybe an hour/an hour and a half away. But if you’re staying near Disneyland out in Cali, you’ve got several beaches nearby that are only 20-30 minutes away — like Huntington, and Newport, and Crescent Bay. (And that’s only a few of the big ones that I can name off the top of my head!) So if you want a break away from the parks during your vacation, squeeze in a beach day to visit some really breathtaking spots along the Pacific Ocean. Don’t Skip The Cart Snacks Not all of the best Disneyland snacks are gonna be at quick service locations. Actually, some of my all-time FAVORITES tend to hang out at the unassuming snack carts and kiosks. Hnad-dipped corn dog So what can you find at these snack carts? Well there’s…. The ever-so-classic chimichangas located at several of the Disneyland and DCA kiosks. (You can also pick up breakfast chimichangas at select locations, like the Ship to Shore Marketplace outside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). At the snack cart by Sleeping Beauty Castle, you can get the chili lime corn on the cob and/or the pepperoni pizza dip. And speaking of corn, you’ll probably wanna try a hand-dipped corn dog at the Little Red Wagon in Disneyland OR the Corn Dog Castle in DCA AND let’s not forget that the Disneyland snack carts are ALSO known for their knock-out churros (which come in a VARIETY of flavors, including seasonal options, too)! Don’t Feel Like You HAVE To Stay At A Disney-Owned Hotel There’s no denying that the Disneyland-owned hotels are SUPER convenient to stay at — especially since EACH of them will put you only STEPS away from both of the parks. The downside of that convenience? These Disneyland hotels are PRICEY. In Disney World, you’ve got different Disney hotel price options to choose from — ranging from value, to moderate, to deluxe. But Disneyland’s options are gonna be a lot more limited. You’ve only got three hotels to choose from. And of those three hotels, all of them are at the deluxe level. Here’s the GOOD news though. You don’t have to stay in a Disneyland-owned hotel to still be within walking distance to the parks. Several of Disneyland’s good neighbor hotels are about 10-15 minutes away by foot. So you might not be staying directly ON Disney property, but you shouldn’t have to worry about driving onto the property each day in order to reach it. Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels are all listed directly on the Disneyland website. Just click on the “places to stay” option and you’ll toggle those Good Neighbor Hotels! NOTE: Make sure that before you book a Good Neighbor Hotel you research just how close that “walking distance” from the parks really is. Some hotels might claim to be within walking distance to Disney, but there’s still a major difference between a 10 minute walk and a 20+ minute walk. (Especially towards the end of the night when you’re feet are already killing ya.) Book These Reservations First There are TWO restaurants that you’re DEFINITELY gonna want to make advance dining reservations for first. Because those ressies fill up FAST, and so do their walk up waitlists (if they even become available at ALL). And those restaurants are: Blue Bayou in Disneyland and Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure. Blue Bayou is a themed creole restaurant, decked out with moss-laden trees, glowing paper lanterns, candlelit tables, AND a picturesque view of the swampy banks of the famous Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Blue Bayou Meanwhile, Lamplight Lounge offers California gastro-pub cuisine along with waterfront views in a storied setting on Pixar Pier! (But what it’s really known for are their colorful and creative cocktails!) Ask About The Premium Blue Bayou Tables Squeezing in a bonus Blue Bayou tip for y’all — because I don’t want to just skim over how awesome that Pirates of the Caribbean view is. It’s honestly one of the biggest highlights about eating here, if you ask me. If you get reservations for Blue Bayou, try asking for a seat by the water when you’re checking in at the host stand. That way, you’ll have a better chance of getting a table right up where you can get a clear view of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats going by during your meal! It’s not always a guarantee that you’ll get the seating you ask for, but it’s always worth a try to improve your chances! Look Out For Free-Roaming Characters The Disneyland app is good about showing you where your favorite Disney friends are gonna be stationed during the day so you know where you need to go to stand in line to see them. But sometimes, the Disneyland app will let you know when characters are gonna be free roaming in certain areas of the park, too! Meaning you don’t have to wait in a long line to see them — you can just spot them, out and about, meandering on whim! To find out who’s gonna be freely wandering the park during your Disneyland day, head to the app’s virtual map, tap on the little down arrow button next to the heading that typically defaults to “attractions” at the top of your screen, and choose the characters option. Then, you’ll be able to zoom into the map and see who’s roaming the streets! (It’s kinda like Disney’s version of the Marauder’s Map!) Plan To Visit During A Festival My FAVORITE times of the year to go to Disneyland California Adventure (DCA) are festival times — because the exclusive entertainment is hoppin’ and the food booths go hard. What’s cookin’, Goofy? Want to visit DCA during a festival, too? Then HERE are the dates (or date ranges) you’re gonna want to plan around: Lunar New Year has already happened this year, but we typically see this one go live toward the end of January and last until mid-February. Food and Wine Festival happens March through mid-April — which means you can celebrate the bounty of California with food, beverages, and special events if you’re planning on visiting during those months. And toward the end of the year, you can celebrate the season with Festival of the Holidays — which will kick off in 2024 on November 15th and wrap up (more than likely) after that first week of January 2025. Purchase A Festival Lanyard If you DO go to a DCA Festival — and you plan on tasting your way around as many of those limited time food booths as possible — then HERE’S how you can save yourself a LOT of time in the process. First of all, consider purchasing the Sip and Savor Pass. This pass includes either 4 or 8 coupons (depending on how many you’re wanting to purchase) which you can redeem for select food and non-alcoholic beverage offerings available during the fest. Sip and Savor Pass (on the left) This year, DCA introduced a NEW way to use Sip and Savor passes… DIGITALLY! To use a digital coupon, show your Sip and Savor Pass to a Cast Member at one of the participating Festival Marketplace or dining locations. “Then, enter the 4-digit code located on the pass at checkout.” This is a pass that provides you with a commemorative credential, a lanyard, and 8 “entitlement tabs” that you can redeem at select festival spots for certain food items and non-alcoholic drinks. That way, the snacks you wanna try have basically already been paid for. Secondly, order all your festival foods at ONE booth. Which booth? ANY booth! (But preferably the one that has the shortest line at the time.) When it’s your turn to order, ask for ANY of the festival foods you know you’re gonna want to try — even if they’re not all made at the booth you’re currently at. You won’t be able to collect all your festival foods at a single booth, but you can prepay for it all. That way, all you’ll have to do at each booth is waltz up to the pickup location, show a cast member your receipt of purchase, and receive what’s rightfully yours. Not Staying At A Disneyland Hotel? Check Them Out Regardless. The Disney Hotels are free for ALL guests to explore. You can make dining reservations, enjoy a cocktail, shop, and simply walk the grounds and soak in all the Imagineering. Since Pixar Place has recently been rethemed, you’ll more than likely wanna take the time to go explore this colorful gallery-like hotel (and maybe make reservations for its new restaurant, Great Maple Modern American Eatery, too). The Steakhouse 55 Lounge that USED to be available at the Disneyland Hotel has recently been rethemed into simply “THE Lounge,” and features new food and cocktails served to you by your favorite Trader Sam’s Skippers! The food menu features items such as Truffle Fries, Charcuterie Pizza, and even a Wagyu Cheeseburger. Disneyland Hotel also recently opened up their NEW DVC building (AKA: The Villas), which has this AWESOME pool bar — the Palm Breeze Bar — that ANYONE can eat at (even though you’re not gonna be allowed to swim at the pool IF you’re not staying as a guest there). Pizza at Palm Breeze Bar And let’s not forget about the GRAND Californian Hotel and Spa! Not only does this resort have some of the best restaurants on Disneyland property — like Napa Rose, Storytellers Cafe, and Hearthstone Lounge — but it also has a premium spa that, once again, ANYONE is allowed to book reservations for (even those who are staying off-property). FULL REVIEW of Disney’s NEW Hotel Bar (Spoiler Alert: There’s Charcuterie PIZZA) Draw A Disney Character (And Animate It, Too!) Feeling inspired by all the Disney characters and storytelling? You can learn how to be a Disney artist, too — thanks to DCA’s animation academy! The animation academy is located inside the Animation Building within Hollywood Land. Don’t worry — this academy doesn’t require tuition. (You already paid enough to be here in the first place!) Instead, this is a 15-minute drawing class where a professional Disney animator will teach you how to sketch a Disney character. Characters switch up for every class, so make sure to swing by the building early on to see the whole list of classes available throughout the day. (That way, you can plan on coming back during the time YOUR favorite character is gonna be featured.) After you create your sketch, you get to take it home with you and show it off as a conversation piece during all those fancy dinner parties you’re probably gonna have. Note: Animation Academy will be closing on August 5, 2024. Explore The DCA Trails Earlier, I mentioned how ToonTown in Disneyland Park is a great area for kids to blow off steam and experience Disney magic without having to wait in multiple ride lines all day long. The equivalent of that in Disney California Adventure is the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Redwood Creek is located in the Grizzly Peak area, and is a large interactive experience that includes lookout towers, bridges, and other wilderness-themed obstacle courses for kiddos of all ages to explore. Oh — and don’t forget to check out Kenai’s Spirit Cave while you’re here, too! Inside this cave, you can place your hand on the glowing paw print and discover your inner animal. (I’ve had the absolute honor of being deemed as a “skunk” before. So… y’know… this one’s a REAL self-esteem booster.) Try An After Dark Event Disneyland has tons of exciting events that happen throughout the year (like our personal favorite, Oogie Boogie Bash for Halloween over at Disney California Adventure). But we also love their different Disneyland After Dark events that they host throughout the year, too. Fans of The Force Costume Cavalcade Disneyland After Dark are separately-ticketed events that allow you to stick around the parks after they’ve closed for everyone else to experience a night of themed entertainment, rare character meet and greets, and specialty food and merch offerings. Not to mention, since the after dark events are capped off at a limited number of guests, you’ll be able to ride the rides too with little-to-no wait times to worry about! Fly Into The Lesser-Known Airport If the Disneyland bubble is quite a distance away from where you live, you might be considering booking a flight to get you to the Happiest Place on Earth faster. And when you first start looking at flights, the initial airport that’ll pop up is more than likely gonna be the main one — the MASSIVE one — the busy and bustling (and downright overwhelming) LAX. But if I could recommend an ALTERNATIVE airport option for ya… you might wanna start looking for flights that arrive into John Wayne Airport (SNA) instead. Not only is SNA much smaller and easier to navigate, but it’s also way closer to Disneyland. (From LAX, Disneyland’s about a 40 minute drive, but from SNA, it’s only 15.) Granted, LAX will probably be a CHEAPER flight option for you (which may be why you ultimately choose the bigger airport instead), but if you don’t mind paying extra for less stress and more convenience, it’s SNA or the highway. How To Get There Whether you’re flying into the main Los Angeles International Airport or the John Wayne Airport, you’re gonna need to know HOW to get from the airport and TO the Disneyland bubble after you arrive. If you’re arriving into LAX, you’ve got a few different options: You can take the LA metro, which means doing a couple of transfers before finally making it into the Disney bubble, which could take quite a bit of time out of your day. (You can learn more about this service over on the Disneyland website.) You can book the Karmel Shuttle — which is basically a big van that’ll take you into Disneyland property. (Again, you can learn more about it on the Disneyland website) Or you can order a rideshare with Uber or Lyft. If you’re arriving into SNA, Karmel Shuttles and Rideshares can pick you up from here, as well— but when it comes to the bus systems, you’ll want to look into Orange County Transit Authority (or OCTA) instead of the LA Metro. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you can learn more about the OCTA bus system through the Disneyland website, too. Enter The Parks THROUGH The Hotels So WHY would you want to pay for a Disneyland Hotel IF there are other cheaper hotels within walking distance to the parks? Because the Disneyland Hotels aren’t just close to the Disney bubble. They’re INSIDE the Disney bubble. In fact, TWO out of the three hotels have entrances that’ll lead you directly into Disney California Adventure! (Which you can technically still use even if you’re not staying as a guest there — just in case you need a break away from the park.) The Pixar Place entrance will spit you out next to Pixar Pier (makes sense, right?) near Corn Dog Castle, while the Grand Californian will lead you directly into Grizzly Peak (which also makes sense because you’ve got a rustic hotel spilling out into a rustic land. Perfect-o.) Pixar Place Hotel Just keep in mind that you’ll still have to have a valid DCA ticket and park pass reservation to actually enter through the park using either of these entrances. The Disneyland Hotel may not have a direct entrance into the parks, but you can still walk across the street in, like, five minutes or less and end up at Downtown Disney’s security check. FULL TOUR of the NEW Rooms at Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel Early Entry Takes Turns At the beginning of this year, Disneyland’s early admission benefit — which allows Disneyland guests staying at a Disneyland hotel to enter the parks 30 minutes before everyone else — received a MAJOR new rule. Instead of this perk being available for BOTH parks on any given day, this perk now alternates between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA). So, for example, on some days the Disneyland park will be available for early admission, and on other days DCA will be available for early admission. But never both at the same time. If you’re staying at a Disneyland Hotel, make sure you know WHICH park has early entry on WHICH days so you don’t miss out on those extra benefits. (You can find out each park’s schedule over on Disneyland’s hours and events calendar online.) Keep An Eye On Haunted Mansion Haunted Mansion is a must-do attraction whether you’re on the east coast, the west coast, or even OVERSEAS. (Phantom Manor, anyone?) But Haunted Mansion tends to have MORE downtime over in Disneyland than it does in Magic Kingdom. And there’s a perfectly good explanation for that. At the end of each year, Haunted Mansion receives a MASSIVE holiday overlay — meaning the grim-grinning ghosts who are already taking up residency there have to share their space with the Nightmare Before Christmas crew. Jack in Haunted Mansion Holiday This overlay is a BLAST y’all. And while I do love that traditional Haunted Mansion layout, it’s fun to see this ride show off its festive side, too. Usually, this overlay starts up at the beginning of September, BUT — word of warning to all my August vacationers out there — that means Haunted Mansion DOES close for a few weeks to make this transition happen. And when Haunted Mansion goes back to normal, it has to close for a few weeks toward the middle/end of January too. Not to mention, in 2024, we’re experiencing an even LONGER Haunted Mansion closure time than usual due to all the outdoor queue expansions AND brand new Haunted Mansion gift shop on the way, too! Just be wary of Haunted Mansion’s operational hours before you travel west (and consider holding off on that big trip until you know it’s back up and running again IF this ride is a must do experience for you). Watch For The Seasonal Treats! Handmade candy canes for Christmas, fudgy eggs for Easter, and TONS of holidays sweets and treats galore! Disneyland regularly pumps out new and exciting seasonal treats that guests are EXCITED to get their hands on. And because Disneyland’s main clientele is local folk, those menus are switching up more regularly than you might think to help keep things fresh and exciting for passholders and out-of-towners alike. Disneyland Candy Cane Currently, the flavor-of-choice on the Disneyland scene is the 6-pack of freshly baked cookies over at Harbour Galley. Which may not SEEM all that exciting to you, but these cookies come out tasting SUPER fresh, warm, gooey, and chocolatey. And since there’s 6 of them in a pack, they make for a great shareable snack, too. Even though these cookies garner super long lines on the weekends RIGHT NOW, the flavor of choice could be something else entirely by next month! Or even a few week’s time! So you’re gonna want to find out what’s trending before you get into the park so you’re IN THE KNOW (instead of in the FOMO). The BEST Seats On Main Street USA If I could describe my perfect Disneyland day, I guarantee you a good section of said day would be sitting at one of the tables outside Jolly Holiday Bakery on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. Jolly Holiday is a popular spot to pick up a pastry, a breakfast croissant, a coffee, or even a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. But what makes this snack spot even BETTER are those umbrella-covered outdoor tables that give you a picture-perfect view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe This is also a great spot to watch live performances from the Disneyland band, which happen periodically throughout the day.Seriously — these are the kinda memories that are simple to execute, yet hard to beat. CHECK. THE. WEATHER. Though Florida is more well known for their fickle weather patterns, it’s not unheard of for Disneyland to throw you a curve ball or two. The weather can get COLD, it can get SCALDING, and — at times — it can get pretty WET too. So have the accuweather app downloaded and handy and make sure you have a pretty decent idea of what the weather’s gonna be like during your upcoming trip. That way, you’ll know how to pack for it ahead of time (instead of being forced to pay for overpriced ponchos and hoodies once you’re already in the thick of your vacation). Single Rider Lines: Find Them, Use Them You’re gonna find a WHOLE lot more single rider options in Disneyland than you will over at Disney World. And this might play in your favor because you can POTENTIALLY skip over the thick of an attraction’s line without having to pay for Genie+ while you’re visiting the two parks. POSSIBLY. While single rider lines are often shorter, they’re not ALWAYS shorter. And cast members WILL have to split up groups in the single rider line to fill in all the available space on an attraction (which you may not wanna do — especially if you’ve got younger kiddos in your group). BUT, again, this CAN be a good alternative to the regular line IF the standby queue is getting TOO long but you still wanna experience the attraction with a potentially shorter wait time to worry about. Make sure to double check the Disneyland website before your trip and see if the single riders change, since single rider options have been known to switch out regularly. Prepare Your Kids For Potential Scares I know Disneyland is a vacation for ALL ages, but — I’m going to be honest — some of these attractions even freak ME out. The Matterhorn Bobsled yeti? Terrifying. The Evil queen turned hag on Snow White’s Enchanted Wish? Horrifying. Watching kids get captured and turned into donkeys on Pinocchio’s Daring Journey? Traumatizing. Evil Queen The faster-than-gravity plummet on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT? Ain’t no Michael Jackson song is gonna keep me from screaming my lungs out every time THAT happens. I dunno. Your kids are probably braver than I am. But JUST in case, I highly recommend looking up POV ride throughs of these attractions and researching them just a bit deeper so you don’t accidentally tell your kiddo there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to Disney rides, and then all of a sudden they’re inside the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride hellscape and there’s very much EVERYTHING to worry about. Walk Through Sleeping Beauty Castle Don’t underestimate what lurks inside Sleeping Beauty Castle. Because it just might become one of the main highlights of your whole trip. Inside Sleeping Beauty castle is an immersive walkthrough experience that retells the story of Princess Aurora through “animated 3D window scenes.” Sleeping Beauty Castle Not only is this such a well-done attraction, BUT it also doesn’t have a long queue (or really ANY queue) that you have to worry about — AND it’s completely indoors (to keep you out of the sun for a few minutes). So if some of those Fantasyland lines are getting to be too long for your liking, take a break from them and stroll around Disney’s OG park castle at NO extra cost. Use Rope Drop Time In A DIFFERENT Way I’m not saying you SHOULD NOT use your rope drop time to get in line for the rides FIRST THING in the morning — because that’s still a good thing to use this time for. HOWEVER, because Disneyland isn’t quite as competitive as Disney World is when it comes to getting in line for the rides, you can also use this early morning time to take some pictures in Main Street, U.S.A and in front of the castle when the crowds aren’t nearly as thick and riddled with people. It all depends on what you want to prioritize! Choose Your Meal At Plaza Inn Wisely There are TWO versions of the Plaza Inn restaurant, located on Main Street, U.S.A. And both versions come with their own perks and downfalls. If you decide to eat here during breakfast, you’ll have to make reservations for it — since the Plaza’s morning meal is an all you can eat character breakfast featuring Minnie and Friends. This is definitely a cute meet and greet experience that your kiddos are gonna get a kick out of, but it’s also one of those rare instances where breakfast is gonna be more expensive than lunch/dinner. Meanwhile, if you come here for an afternoon or evening meal instead, you’ll be dining in a cafeteria-styled quick-service. This means you’ll miss out on all the character fun, but — in return — you’ll pay less for your food, you won’t have to worry about making advance dining reservations, AND you’ll have access to some of the best fried chicken of your LIFE. Chicken at Plaza Inn (Fried chicken…. Or Minnie Mouse? Fried chicken….. Minnie Mouse. Life’s full of tough choices, isn’t it?) Web Slingers Might Eat Your Jewelry Learn from our mistakes, y’all. Take off the stretchy jewelry BEFORE you ride Web Slingers: A Spider Man Adventure. Web Slingers is a point scoring attraction where you’ll aim at on-screen targets not with a blaster or point ‘n’ shooty device, but with your own hands.(You know — like how Spider-Man makes an “I love you” sign with his hands to trigger his web powers.) But if you’re wearing a stretchy beaded bracelet — or any type of loose jewelry — take that off BEFORE your ride. Just make sure your jewelry is either snug on ya or completely tucked away safely in your bag before you join Spider-Man in his fight against the Spider Bots. Bring Motion Sickness Meds Hey now — some of these Disneyland rides will really rattle your brain and make your tummy turn upside down. Now I’m not pointing FINGERS or anything… but if I WERE, then I might be aiming at rides like… ohhh I dunno…. Matterhorn Bobsleds? Mission Breakout? Incredicoaster??? To make sure you’re prepared for some of those more intense rides — without dealing with the motion sickness aftermath the remainder of the day — pack your preferred motion sickness meds in your park bag and take them before you ride. If you forget to bring some motion sickness meds from home — or you run out of ‘em during your visit — not to worry! Both parks have first aid centers where you can pick up free sample sized, over the counter medications when you’re in a pinch! In Disneyland Park, first aid is located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A (to the left of Plaza Inn). And in DCA, it’s located next to the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street. LOOK! It’s SPIDER-MAN! The coolest part about Web Slingers isn’t actually what INSIDE of the ride but, rather, what’s on TOP of it. Throughout the day, you can see Spider-Man literally SWING across the Avengers Campus buildings while pulling off some more than impressive “stuntronics”. Spider-Man The show isn’t very long at all — only a few minutes tops — but it’s worth catching just to see this advanced technology blow your mind. Check the Disneyland App for updated showtimes during your visit. (Typically, Spider-Man comes out and does his thing ever 30 minutes or so, up until 4PM.) The TWO Versions Of Pixar Pal-A-Round Are VERY Different No matter which gondola you choose aboard the famous Disney California Adventure Ferris wheel, the Pixar Pal-A-Round, you’re gonna end up going ‘round in a circle to get high-up aerial views across the entire park. This is where the ride similarities end. Because NOW you have to decide what kind of Pixar Pal A Round Experience you’re after. The non swinging gondolas will give you a typical Ferris wheel experience. Swinging Gondolas While the swinging ones will make you feel like your life is flashing before your eyes. I’m only partially kidding. Many folks love the extra layer of thrill that the swinging gondolas provide to what would otherwise be a pretty standard Ferris wheel experience. But others claim that it’s probably the scariest ride in the park, hands down (even above incredicoaster and Mission breakout). At either rate, don’t forget that the two queue lines for Pixar Pal A Round will give you two VERY different experiences — and if you’re already iffy when it comes to heights, you’re NOT gonna want to board a gondola that swings to make matters even worse. There’s A Virtual Queue For World Of Color Wanna see the World Of Color nighttime spectacular in DCA with guaranteed better views and way less claustrophobia? You’ve got two ways to achieve that: The first way is to grab a FREE virtual queue for the show, whenever it’s available. You can join the World of Color virtual queue each day right at noon via the Disneyland app. While you don’t HAVE to have a virtual queue to see World of Color, this will guarantee you a better spot to see the performance. Your second option is the World of Color dining package — which will not only give you a three-course meal, BUT it’ll also secure you an even BETTER viewing location of the show. There are two different dining packages you can choose from: You can either… Get the dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe (inside the Grand Californian Hotel) Get the full-service lunch or dinner at Wine Country Trattoria (which is still inside DCA) Again — you can still watch World of Color without using either of these two options, but these strategies can be a more preferable way to see the show up front, center, and with fewer people trying to push their way in front of you. Skip THIS Restaurant And Go To Its Lounge Instead If you’re not finding reservations for the main Carthay Circle restaurant in DCA (or you’re simply just wanting to munch and drink instead of invest in a full-on $50+ meal), then you may want to try making reservations for the Carthay Circle Lounge — Al Fresco Dining. While the Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining might SOUND like it only applies to the restaurant’s outdoor dining patio, you can also make reservations and be seated at the indoor lounge portion, as well. You can let the host at the front of the restaurant know you’re particular preference when checking in (though you might just have to take what’s available, depending on how busy it is). Either way, you’ll have the same lounge bites menu to choose from (PLUS a full menu of drinks). If you don’t manage to make an ADR for this lounge, you can always try the Mobile Dine Walk-Up Waitlist, if available, on the day of your visit for that first come, first serve seating. Beignet Tracker Here are ALL the best places where you can track down beignets inside the Disneyland bubble when you need something SWEET in a jif! How fun! The new bar over at the Disneyland Hotel – Palm Breeze Bar – serves these beignet balls, where you get six little beignets — two filled with chocolate, two with mixed berry, and two with passion fruit. But what REALLY makes these beignets stand out are their corresponding dipping sauces served in Mickey-shaped shortbread cups! The Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park is one of the best known beignet locations property-wide — with classic AND seasonal offerings available. But the NEW quick service restaurant attached to Mint Julep Bar — Tiana’s Palace — ALSO serves some pretty tasty and unique beignets for dessert (but THESE are piped with lemon ice box pie filling and topped with lemon glaze)! The Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Patio in Downtown Disney serves both beignets AND beignet fries (served with warm chocolate fudge and raspberry sauce for dipping). And — for the grand finale — at Beignets Expressed in Downtown Disney, you’ll have a WHOLE MENU of beignet options to choose from! There’s bananas foster beignets, rainbow crunch beignets, chocolate hazelnut beignets, and specialty beignets of the month. You can even purchase this snack location’s signature beignet mix and make your own beignets at home to enjoy AFTER your trip too! Don’t Deprive Yourself Of The Bread. LISTEN TO ME. If you don’t get bread at Boudin Bakery in DCA, you’re making life harder than it needs to be by depriving yourself of life’s simple pleasures. So… DON’T do that. When you’re over in the San Fransokyo area, head toward the working replica of the famous Boudin Bakery and take a free self-guided tour to see how these fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, absolute works of ART are made. And, best of all, if you take the tour, you’ll ALSO get a sample of the fresh bread that’s made daily! (Like, that’s MORE than worth the stop alone, right??) Just keep in mind that the bakery tour typically closes earlier than the rest of the park by a few hours — so make sure you check on those tour times and plan to visit before they close up shop for the day. Find our complete playlist for all of our Disneyland Tips and Guides on our DFB YouTube Channel!  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! What are your go-to tips for a day at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! The post 50 Easy Tricks That Make Disneyland So Much Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company has gone through significant changes lately. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters We’ve seen the return of Bob Iger as CEO, a major restructuring of how the company operates, and more. Since Iger’s return, we’ve also witnessed quite a few executives leave or join the ranks, and it looks like we’ve got another big wig update from The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Company has named a new Chief Product and Technology Officer of Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Adam Smith will now oversee Disney’s global Product and Technology group for the entertainment and sports media aspects of the business. ©Disney Smith will now be “responsible for driving technology strategy, development, deployment and continued innovation across the company’s streaming platforms and networks.” He will also be responsible for a “portfolio of consumer digital touchpoints, proprietary advertising technology, emerging technologies and more.” The Walt Disney Company headquarters in California Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced the news on August 15th. The three chairmen shared a joint statement that read” “We could not be more thrilled to have Adam join the Disney team in this pivotal role. We’ve been aggressive in advancing our technological capabilities to better support our world-class media, streaming and advertising businesses, and Adam brings a bold, consumer-focused vision for the future and a proven ability to effectively lead global teams in implementing ambitious, scalable and flexible products and technology that will continue to elevate storytelling as the center of the Disney experience.” ©ESPN Speaking on his new position, Smith said, “Disney has built and nurtured an unparalleled portfolio of brands bringing joy and delight to fans of all ages, thanks to a culture of creativity that embraces innovation. I believe Disney is uniquely positioned to thrive in the next evolution of media and has made significant progress in a very short time while keeping storytelling front and center. I look forward to working closely with Alan, Dana and Jimmy and their top-notch teams and am excited to bring my expertise in utilizing technology to build compelling consumer experiences that will drive engagement and discovery among fans, families and friends.” ©Disney Smith most recently served as Vice President of Product Management at YouTube, where he led Music and Premium as well as Subscriptions and Commerce since 2016. He spent over 20 years at Google and YouTube, holding multiple executive roles across numerous divisions. We’re excited to see what he does at the Walt Disney Company! Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times In the meantime, we’ll be keeping up with the latest news and updates from around The Walt Disney Company, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for everything you need to know! Disney Reports “Slowdown” for Theme Park Financial Results — See More Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you watch ESPN? Tell us in the comments. The post NEWS: Walt Disney Company Names Former YouTube VP as NEW Executive first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A pop-punk Disney album wasn’t on our bingo card for 2024, but honestly, we’re not mad about it! Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Seriously, what’s better than potentially crowd surfing to “A Whole New World” or air guitaring to “Colors of the Wind”? We really can’t think of anything (or maybe we kinda can, but it wouldn’t be as AWESOME!). A Whole New Sound is an upcoming album featuring reimagined Disney classics covered by iconic rock bands such as Plain White T’s, Bowling For Soup, and many more (The Warped Tour girly in me is HYPED). The first single released for the album was “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King by Simple Plan, and now Disney has released ANOTHER new single AND revealed the full tracklist! ©Disney “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, performed by New Found Glory, was released along with a music video. This version of the song brings a fresh twist to Ariel’s timeless classic, giving it a new edge while staying true to the original emotion behind it. “In approaching this song, I sat with the lyrics and melodies for a while. I realized that to make people feel what Ariel’s feeling, we needed to match the energy of the music with the rebellious thoughts of the song, along with her hope for adventure,” Chad Gilbert, guitarist of New Found Glory stated. “Our band’s biggest goal has always been to show and encourage young adults, the young at heart, and any person that has a dream but faces self-doubt that there is another world out there that will accept them for exactly who they are. To not be afraid to take the next step.” A Whole New Sound – New Found Glory with Mickey and Friends A Whole New Sound will be released on September 6th, and here’s a look at the official tracklist for the album: “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid by New Found Glory “Remember Me” from Coco by Mayday Parade “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King by Simple Plan “I2I” from A Goofy Movie by Magnolia Park “A Whole New World” from Aladdin by Yellowcard “Go the Distance” from Hercules by We The Kings “Surface Pressure” from Encanto by Plain White T’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story by Meet Me @ The Altar “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan by Boys Like Girls “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas by Tokio Hotel “Let It Go” from Frozen by LØLØ “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin by Bowling For Soup A Whole New Sound Tracklist We are so excited to jam out to these new versions of some of our favorite Disney songs, so stay tuned as we bring you even more updates and news! FULL LINEUP Announced for the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Series Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this album’s release? Let us know in the comments! The post Move Over, Taylor Swift! Disney Is About To Drop the HOTTEST Album of the Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you have been eyeing your next Disney merchandise purchase, now may be the time to grab it because the Disney Store is having a sale! Get Disney merchandise on sale! You can save big on over 700 Disney items for a limited time. Everything from pins to Loungeflys are on sale, so make sure to check it out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Disney Store is having a BIG sale this weekend! A huge selection of products are 20%, 30%, and 40% off. The sale is going on RIGHT NOW and ends Sunday, August 18th. We are rounding up a few items on sale, but with over 700 items, you can probably find something you would want. Get this Mickey Mouse Peace Sign Sweatshirt for 30% off! ©Disney You can pick-up this stylish Mickey Mouse Peace Sign Sweatshirt for 30% off during the Disney Store sale. This sweatshirt features some adorable details including Mickey’s face on the sleeve, Mickey Mouse’s signature on the collar, and a Mickey Peace sign on the chest. Grab this sweatshirt here! Grab this Star Wars Hoth Starbucks Mug for 30% off! Star Wars Hoth Starbucks Mug You can also get some Disney mugs like the Star Wars Hoth Starbucks Mug for 30% off. This mug is a part of the Starbucks Discovery Series and features Tauntaun, Wampa, and an AT-AT walker. Get this mug here! Pick up this Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack for 30% off! Winnie the Pooh Loungefly If you have been looking for an adorable Loungefly, then look no further! This Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Mini Backpack is so cute and the perfect park bag. It features Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore all stacked up alongside some colorful flowers. Grab this Loungefly here! Get this Minnie Mouse Donut Ear Headband for 40% off! Disney Eats Donut Ears You can also snag a pair of these delicious looking Minnie Mouse Donut Ears from the Disney Eats collection for 40% off. We are definitely craving a pink sprinkled donut now! The ears feature two donut “ears” with a sequined pink bow in the middle. Get these ears here! These are just a few of the items that you can get on sale during this Disney Store sale. Make sure you check out the full sale to see if there are any Disney items that you just can’t do without! Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for even more Disney merchandise deals and discounts! Shop the full Disney Store sale right here!The post A BIG Disney Sale Is Happening Online NOW -- Over 700 Items Are Marked Down! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walking around Disney World every day gives us a unique advantage to sit back and watch for things that might not be so apparent on the surface. Or maybe, we run across things that are too “in your face” that you just completely miss. EPCOT It’s true we’ve covered some of the most bizarre and weird things we’ve spotted at Disney World’s park however, we’re seeing evidence of a new trend growing and we don’t know how to feel about it. It seems like it took decades for EPCOT’s massive transformation to be complete (ok, not decades but definitely multiple years), and you would think for such a massive undertaking from when it was revealed, the ending result would have blown us away with everything there was to see, do, and explore. EPCOT When Disney first teased the transformation ahead of it’s true reveal it seemed like there was tons of experiences to be had, new attractions that would be worked into parts of the world and so much more. a few sections in particular that was teased of this caliber were a multi-level festival center and the Play Pavilion. ©Disney || Play Pavilion Concept Art So when Disney World finally was ready to bring down the remaining walls around EPCOT, it left a lot of folks stunned and not in the best way. You see, several of those original artist concepts either didn’t come to fruition at all or were remarkably different from what we thought we would be getting (take the CommuniCore Hall for example, and whatever happened to the Mary Poppins attraction set for the U.K. Pavilion?). Mary Poppins attraction concept art Instead what we got in and around the CommuniCore Hall and World Celebration was…a lot of seating areas. Think about it with us for a second! You’ve got the World Celebration Gardens that’s got more than ample seating spaces, tables, and chairs… Nice spot to chill …you can pop a squat next to Walt Disney’s statue at Dreamer’s Point… Walt at Dreamer’s Point …and most of the inside of CommuniCore Hall is well, empty compared to what we grew to expect early on. CommuniCore Hall But, we’ve noticed this isn’t a one off area or a seeming oversight. No — there are a few other places that we feel have so much more potential than what they’re currently used for. Another example to further our argument in this lies at The Odyssey. The Odyssey Pavilion When it’s not a bustling hot spot for the changing EPCOT festivals it’s mostly either used as indoor seating where you can grab a quick snack and pop by a clean bathroom… Inside The Odyssey during a festival …and we’ve recently seen it used as a temporary location for the DVC Lounge. while the original location in the Imagination Pavilion is being remodeled. Temporary DVC Lounge Otherwise, this entire building is closed to park visitors and just lies in waiting to be used again. But potentially the biggest real estate of opportunity lies within the Morocco Pavilion around the World Showcase. Morocco Pavilion Restaurant Marrekesh used to be a thriving, immersive dining experience hailed by many as a must-do when visiting EPCOT. Today, it stands as mostly an empty building (with the exception that it has been occassionally used as a temporary lounge for Annual Passholders, during select festivals, and most recently the relocated KidCOT location for this country). Morocco KidCOT location We’re tired of seeing this space only used for a smidge of what it’s true potential holds! Look at how sad it looks without a lot of people inside! Restaurant Marrakesh open as an indoor seating area So have we made you think a little deeper yet? Sometimes these quiet trends are hard to spot if you’re not constantly laser focused in on Disney World’s every detail but we think with a little thought and TLC, Disney could come up with more space for rides, attractions, dining, and meet and greets to fill the park and give visitors way more to do than what’s available currently. We’re constantly talking about the strange, weird, and bizarre things that stick out to us around Disney World. Be sure you’re follow us at Disney Food Blog to keep up with all the latest! Disney World Is Getting 8 New Rides! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you noticed any other weird trends at Disney World lately? Fill us in down below! The post What’s Up With This Weird EPCOT Trend, and Will It Spread to Disney’s Other Parks, Too? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things change in Disney World — ALL the time, and they’re going to keep on changing. Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom In Magic Kingdom alone, we’ve recently seen the opening of a brand new ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the opening of some new shops, and the reopening of an updated Country Bear Jamboree. The park is also getting a new Cars-themed land and a Villains land, but the changes don’t stop there. Recently, Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland temporarily closed, but it has since reopened — and the ride has changed. Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic Disney ride — the one in Disney World is based on the ride that first opened in Disneyland on that park’s opening day in 1955. The original ride was based on Disney’s animated film Peter Pan, which released in 1953, based on the book by J.M. Barrie. Disney World’s version of Peter Pan’s Flight features an interactive queue where you can visit the home of the Darlings, including the nursery. Peter Pan’s Flight interactive queue Stay tuned to DFB for more updates! When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! Disney World Is Getting 8 New Rides! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new scene? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Peter Pan’s Flight In Magic Kingdom Has Reopened with CHANGES first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney dropped a TON of news on us at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and we’ve been busy trying to discover all the little tiny details ever since! Hi, Walt! One of the most exciting announcements (other than the HUGE park expansions revealed for Disney World and Disneyland) was that a nighttime parade is finally coming BACK to Magic Kingdom — except this will be a BRAND-NEW parade! Disney Starlight will debut next year and we’ve just spotted the first casting call! A brand new nighttime parade is coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025. Get ready for Disney Starlight! It looks like Disney is already starting the casting process for this new parade as we spotted a job listing for a character look-alike — for Isabela from Encanto! A new nighttime parade “Disney Starlight” will come to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 using the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life and will feature moments from fan-favorite films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Peter Pan,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.” ©Disney In some of the concept art released for Starlight, We can see Mirabel, Bruno, and Isabela as well, which is why we think this casting call is for the parade specifically. Right now, you can catch Mirabel and Bruno at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but this will be the first time we see Isabela in the parks outside of a special event! “Disney Starlight” ©Disney The audition is requesting lookalikes “to portray Isabela from Disney’s Encanto for future opportunities. Performers will have the opportunity to bring this role to life, in addition to performing as the world famous Disney Characters, at the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL.” Those interested must be between 5’5” and 5’9”, “with warm, engaging, and outgoing personalities.” Isabela Disney shared the big news about this new nighttime spectacular at D23, revealing that Disney Starlight will be “using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love.” In the announcement, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared that, “Disney Starlight will add to that legacy” of these beloved nighttime parades. Disney Starlight will be “brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy” from the Disney animated classic, Pinocchio. Cinderella Castle at night It’s set to premiere sometime during summer 2025 and we can’t wait! Parade viewers will see Disney characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films such as Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan. The NEW Disney Starlight parade promises to change the face of nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World for the foreseeable future. We can’t wait to share more information about this new nighttime parade as soon as it is revealed! Magic Kingdom at night One thing is for sure, we’ll be on the lookout for more hints about the latest updates and news around Disney World! Make sure you stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for everything you need to know. EVERYTHING We Know About Disney Starlight Coming to Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What D23 announcement are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments. The post Is This a CLUE About Magic Kingdom's NEW Nighttime Parade?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Halloween is in full effect at Disney World and Magic Kingdom is certainly proud of it! So cute!!! From the iconic Mickey pumpkin Wreaths to the adorable pumpkin scarecrows, Main Street, U.S.A. is full of spooky holiday fun, and we are loving it! But, the festivities don’t just stop there. Nestled inside this classic section of the park is the sugar-sweet dream that is the Main Street Confectionery, a candy shop that you can literally smell right outside its door. Follow the delicious aroma of sweets, and you’ll find darling displays of themed treats like candy apples, cupcakes, cookies, and more. These treats are made inside the shop, and you can even watch the bakers showcasing their craft through a display window. Main Street Confectionary The Main Street Confectionary is an iconic part of Magic Kingdom and a place we on the Disney Food Blog team love to visit. On one of our recent trips, we entered the old-fashioned candy shop and noticed that there was a new addition to the menu! Candied Popcorn Aside from standard sweets, the Main Street Confectionary also features the Kernel Kitchen, where you can get your own custom popcorn mix. You can select your preferred popcorn flavor and add drizzles, candies, cookies, and other offered mix-ins. The fun thing about the Kernel Kitchen is that they also create seasonal offerings for holidays and even celebrations like they did with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s official opening. Tiana’s Sweet Popcorn Serenade Well, upon checking out the menu at the Kernel Kitchen, we noticed that a new popcorn snack called Halloween Treat Mix is available now. This new mix consists of purple and orange kettle popcorn, M&M’s, pretzel pieces, crushed chocolate cookies, and orange chocolatey drizzle. It’s available for $15.99. Halloween Treat Mix The orange and purple kettle popcorn are grape and orangesicle flavored, and we thought it’d be fun to try this new seasonal flavor! It certainly LOOKS interesting, but how does it taste? Halloween Treat Mix Kettle Popcorn We opted to get just the popcorn without any toppings to truly test out the special flavors. With no toppings, the Halloween Popcorn mix cost $9.99. Time to take a bite! Upon trying the popcorn, we were instantly hit with flavors that we could only describe as Fanta. Yup, like the soda. The orange and purple kernels reminded us of the orange and grape-flavored Fanta which was at first surprising but definitely a fun taste. The fruity flavor isn’t just a glaze but an actual candy coating around the popcorn. Though unique, it was a bit of a mess because once we stepped outside in the sun, it immediately started melting due to the heat. A fun treat for spooky season Although the initial taste of the popcorn was a bit of a curveball for us (orange and purple popcorn is pretty unique), the flavors together just work — a unique and enjoyable combo for sure! We have to be honest, though, and admit that aside from saving a couple bucks, there’s no real advantage to picking just the popcorn over the mix itself, but it’s definitely something we’d get again. The flavors are fun, and the whole Halloween-themed vibe makes it even better! Main Street U.S.A Stay tuned as we continue to try even more seasonal treats at Disney World! Photos AND Reviews: ALL the 2024 Fall and Halloween Treats 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 Are you planning on trying this Halloween Treat Mix? We’d love to read about it in the comments! The post REVIEW: Orangesicle Popcorn. Disney’s Best Idea EVER, or a Repulsive Mistake? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article