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Disney World’s NEW Island Tower at the Polynesian Village Resort hotel is officially OPEN! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort As of December 17th, this hotel expansion is now welcoming guests so you know we had to be there to check it all out. The Island Tower is home to brand-new hotel rooms, a new pool and splash pad, gorgeous terrace gardens, and an all-new restaurant — Wailulu Bar & Grill. We had our sights set on this menu for a while, and now it’s time to finally dig in! Atmosphere Wailulu Bar & Grill boasts gorgeous views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. This casual walk-up pool bar and grill features an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, but specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries are also available during breakfast. You’ll find it located just off of the new Cove Pool, and the vibes are immaculate. Welcome to Wailulu Bar & Grill! The restaurant’s space is adorned with Polynesian-inspired artwork with much of it crafted using recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets. Fish swim overhead once you walk inside. It’s like stepping into the ocean. Stepping inside You’ll even find a Manta Ray swimming above your head when you sit down to dine. This is a quick service location and seating includes tables, chairs, and longer padded benches. Polynesian vibe Booth seating is also available. Booth There’s also an outdoor patio. The patio Some seating is available at the bar. Bar The view of Seven Seas Lagoon is stunning. You can also see Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom from the restaurant. That view, though! So, what’s on the menu at Wailulu Bar & Grill? We thought you’d never ask! Menu Appetizers like Sweet Potato Hummus and Spiced Ham Musubi are on the menu with more substantial eats including Sticky Pork Ribs, Poke Bowls, and a Wayfinder Burger. A signature Polynesian Resort treat — a DOLE Whip Sundae — is also available! There are plenty of Starters to choose from… ©Disney …along with delicious-sounding Main Entrées like Teriyaki Chicken Sliders and Short Rib Loco Moco. ©Disney Kiddos will be able to choose from a variety of appetizers, entrées, and sides… ©Disney …and of course, there will also be DESSERT including a DOLE Whip Sundae, chocolate cake, and crème brûlée. ©Disney There are non-alcoholic specialty beverages and plenty of tropical-inspired cocktails… ©Disney …a pretty wide selection of beer… ©Disney …and a decent wine list as well. ©Disney If you’re craving coffees or tea, along with specialty coffees, you can grab those here as well! ©Disney And now, on to the main event! Eats Let’s dig into some Starters. The Ahi Tuna Crisps are made with Marinated Ahi Tuna, Crispy Fried Wontons, Avocado Crema, Sriracha-Aïoli, for Soy Glaze for $17. First, these are nachos, and we LOVE THAT. We also loved how big the portion size was, meaning it’s shareable. The wonton chips are super crispy and don’t get soggy, even under all those toppings. The toppings and dressings tie all the flavors together. The Ahi tuna melts in your mouth and we like how it has just enough heat to detect it, but it’s not hot. You had us at Nachos The Sticky Pork Ribs are $15 and made with Salt-cured Green Cabbage, Furikake, Jicama Slaw, and Pineapple Chips. They are DELICIOUS. It’s like they’re glazed in a teriyaki sauce, but you also get a nice sesame flavor in it. The meat is SO well cooked, too: they’re crispy on the inside, but inside is a nice fatty piece of meat — yep, the meat is mostly fat, and at times, the aesthetic of the ribs made us feel like we were chewing on a burnt piece of meat…but kinda’ like in a good way, right? Gotta’ love some ribs The Crispy Chicken Wings are Adobo-marinated with a Soy Glaze and served with a Tomato-Fresno Pepper Relish for $15. These are SO good, but the main reason they are good is the sauce and toppings. The wings are cooked nice and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. The toppings are so FRESH and we get a nice savory flavor from the glaze, as well as the additional flavor of the toppings. However, like we said, the TOPPINGS are what makes this sing — the chicken wings are just basic chicken wings. The toppings on these wings are SO good The Grilled Shrimp is $16 and is made with Smoked Paprika, Black Garlic Emulsion, Garlic-Lemon Butter, and Crispy Garlic. Okay, so you only get three pieces of shrimp, but these shrimp are HUGE. The sauce itself had a bit of a kick, thanks to that paprika, and there was tons of garlic flavor (vampires beware!). It’s also nice that it comes with some greens on the side to balance out the smokey garlic flavor. It’s an appetizer, but it could also be a light lunch! HUGE shrimp The Musubi is Glazed Spam, Crispy Rice Pearls, Furikake, and Sriracha-Honey for $12. Let’s just start singing the Monty Python “Spam” song, okay? This is so unique and savory with a nice crunch from the rice pearls. Spam can be AMAZING, y’all, and this is proof. Bring on the spam musubi! The Grilled Shishito Peppers for $11 come with Eggplant-Tahini Purée and they are YUM. Okay, so it’s hard to mess up blistered shishito peppers, but these were well-cooked. Now, we don’t normally expect heat from these kind of peppers, but the thing with Shishito peppers it that about every one in 10 is spicy. Well, we had two spicy ones on our plate, so you’ve been warned. The tahine purée is good, and it doesn’t smother the pepper. We loved these peppers Okay, let’s head into Main Courses — yes, we’re not even halfway done with the review yet. Thanks to Moana, we had to get the Wayfinder Burger for $23, made with Two Pressed Patties, American Cheese, Onion Jam, and Volcano Sauce on a Sweet Bun served with Mac Salad or Sweet Potato Fries (we went for the fries because we love sweet potatoes). The beef is SO fresh and it has that homemade burger taste (you know the kind you can’t get from a pre-made patty). Honestly, we were getting flashbacks to the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger that we love so much. The sauce on it has a bit of a kick, and it’s SO nice. We also loved the caramelized onion jam that offers a hint of sweetness. This burger is Moana approved The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowl is made with Sushi-style Rice, Pickled Cucumbers, Vegetables, Spicy Poke Sauce, and Macadamia Nuts with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for $22. SO much good stuff here. It’s just a standard poke bowl, but IT IS SO GOOD. The chicken was well-cooked, juicy, and tender (dare we say MOIST even though we know some people hate that word?). It also had a great flavor and the poke sauce was FIRE, y’all. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a good poke bowl. A solidly good poke bowl The Grilled Fish of the Day was Hamachi, and it’s served with Green Curry Broth, Jasmine Rice, Chickpeas, and Sweet Potato for $32. It’s such a well-cooked fish and what makes it good is that it’s a white fish, so you don’t get a super fishy flavor from it. It’s nice and meaty and went well with the accompaniments. Our only complaint about it? WE WANTED MORE (but don’t we always?). More, please? We also ordered the Teriyaki Chicken Sliders for $19, made with Kimchi Slaw on a Sweet Bun served with Mac Salad or Sweet Potato Fries. These sliders are HUGE — they’re only like 10% smaller than a full sandwich. There’s a lovely teriyaki flavor mixed in, and the slaw offers a nice extra flavor and crunch. These are the biggest sliders we’ve seen. We love that you can choose a side, and we went with Mac Salad and this could be the best we’ve ever had. It’s made with purple sweet potato, which is a common Hawaiian ingredient. Then there’s the mayo base with the zingy vinegar — INCREDIBLE. We want to get a pint of this and just eat it on the beach ALL DAY LONG. THIS WAS INCREDIBLE The Sautéed Shrimp Chow Mein Salad has Charred Cabbage, Shishito Peppers, Hearts of Palm, Pickled Sweet Potato, Sunflower Butter Dressing for $22. Color us IMPRESSED. Now we think some folks might think this salad is overdressed with how much sunflower butter dressing is on it, but we thought it was just very flavorful. You get three MASSIVE shrimp, and the salad itself is well-portioned and hardy. This a very filling salad. Our new fave salad Speaking of impressed, our favorite thing EVER could be the Beef Short Rib Loco Moco with Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, Crispy Rice Cake, and Fried Egg for $33. This is the one the servers recommend, and for good reason. The short rib is tender. The mushroom gravy is flavorful (and we could’ve ordered a bowl of it like soup). The egg is perfectly cooked — that yolk just drips down and adds extra-ness to everything. The crunchy rice is nice, too, for texture (although it’s soft on the inside). Do yourself a favor and order this We also checked out the Kid’s White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese for $10.50. It’s served with a choice of two selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk, Small DASAN Bottled Water, or Small Minute Maid Apple Juice. So, this was disappointing. We get that picky kids might prefer bland, but this just wasn’t great. The pasta was overcooked and the cheese sauce was watery. Honestly, we’d rather have boxed mac and cheese over this. The broccoli we got as a side also had like ZERO flavor. But not this Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Let’s talk about the DOLE Whip Sundae. It comes with Hibiscus Meringue, and Macerated Pineapple and Berries for $8. First, Wailulu Bar & Grill is the ONLY sitdown location in Disney World where you can order a DOLE Whip. NO, REALLY. This baby is TALL and its sitting in a bed of fresh fruit and their juices. Then you’ve got a cute little flower on top with the meringue bits. So it’s pretty! And there’s a little Mickey on top. The infamous DOLE Whip Sundae BUT…this sundae isn’t all presentation. It’s also delicious. When you take a bite, you get the cold DOLE Whip, the meringue just crumbles in your mouth. You can’t detect much of the hibiscus flavor of it, though — it’s overwhelmed by the pineapple. So this is a solid DOLE Whip with some fruity extras. DAY MADE. We love anything DOLE Whip We never thought we’d say this about Chocolate Cake, but the chocolate cake here is probably our new favorite dessert in Disney World. Forget paying $23 for a slice of cake…come here and get this $11 slice with Salted Caramel Ganache and Coffee-infused Chantilly Cream. First, this isn’t a basic chocolate cake and you can tell just by looking at it. This baby is EXTRA. This is not your regular old chocolate cake That salted caramel ganache just takes it up SEVERAL levels. Then there are these little salted pieces IN The cake that are just CHEF’S KISS. It’s also served with Caramelized Banana, and that just added to the flavor. Seriously, we would tell you to leave Magic Kingdom for this cake. Drinks You know we HAD to try the Passion Fruit and Pineapple Daiquiri for $15.50. It’s made with Ten to One Caribbean White Rum, Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, Pineapple, and Lime. Man, oh, man, we wanted to like this but something just didn’t work. It taste great on the tongue when you first take a sip, but then it has this odd aftertaste we didn’t like. Maybe it’s because we’re used to traditional POG juice and the pineapple knocks the balance off? We just thought it was wonky…yep, that’s the word we’re using here. It just didn’t work The Kula Strawberry Sake is made with Wildflowers Junmai Sake, Campari Liqueur, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and Wild Strawberry for $16.50. Okay, so we’re just going to tell you NOT to order this. You DO get a strawberry taste on the front, and it’s nice and fruity, but then it’s SO bitter like you just swallowed cough medicine. That bitterness stays on the tongue, too. For you Club Cool fans, imagine the aftertaste of Beverly, and you’re close to imagining what this was like. If Beverly were a cocktail The Lili’uokalani Mai Tai for $16.50 is made withLili’uoakalani Tea-infused Vodka, Jamaican Rum, Passion Fruit, Guava, Lime, Orgeat (Almond) andFalernum. Honestly, this drink was a little lackluster. You can taste a bit of the guava, but it’s not as fruity as you would think it should be with all those ingredients. Not impressed BUT The Banana Old Fashioned is good, although it’s not a particular standout for us. For $17.50, it’s made with Michter’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, Tempus Fugit Spirits Crème de Banane, Appleton Estate 8 yr Reserve Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, and Angostura Bitters. It’s not particularly like a standard old-fashioned, so if that’s your thing, you’ve been warned. It isn’t super sweet, though, and the banana isn’t overpowering, so it’s well-balanced. Is it the best drink we’ve ever had? Well, not really. Would we order it again? Probably. Now THIS is good However, the Hibiscus Margarita is pretty tasty. For $17.50, you get a drink with Teremana Blanco Tequila, Sorel Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Hibiscus, and Agave. It’s well-balanced, although you can taste the tequila. The hibiscus tea in it is steeped for 15 minutes for maximum taste. A solid margarita You can get a non-alcoholic version of the tea, and we slightly prefer that version, but this is still a solid margarita you want to drink by the pool (technically, you ARE drinking it by the pool in this restaurant). Nosh or Not You should stop by Wailulu Bar & Grill if… You want a unique dining experience you can’t find anywhere else in Disney World. This restaurant has really thought out its menu to showcase Polynesian ingredients and flavors. You’re staying at Island Tower or the Polynesian. It only makes sense that if you’re staying here, you make your way over to this dining spot. You want to dine with a view. Wailulu Bar & Grill has one of the best views in Disney World right now of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom — and you don’t even need a reservation to dine there. You should skip Wailulu Bar & Grill if… You have picky eaters. The flavors here are very unique and picky eaters might be turned off. There is a kid’s menu with basics like a Cheeseburger and Macaroni & Cheese, but that might not be enough for those who are super picky. You’re not staying at the Polynesian. Although the Polynesian Village Resort is on Disney World’s Monorail system, you’ll still have to hike over to Island Tower from the Monorail station in the main part of the resort if you want to eat here. You want a dedicated restaurant reservation. For all intents and purposes, this is a quick-service dining location, and the restaurant is not currently taking reservations. So we can imagine it could get a little busy here, especially during the more crowded parts of the year. Overall It’s kind of interesting that it took THIS long for Disney to finally put in a Polynesian dining experience that feels this authentic at the Polynesian Village Resort Hotel. The menu is something you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World, and if you’re looking for that kind of unique dining spot, Wailulu Bar & Grill is for you. It’s authentic. It’s unique. It’s real. We’ll be bringing you a FULL TOUR of the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, so check back here for more! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest news from Disney World. Stay tuned for more updates and so you don’t miss a thing! Check Out the FULL MENU for Wailulu Bar & Grill at the NEW Island Tower Here Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be checking out this new restaurant? Tell us in the comments. The post REVIEW: You Should LEAVE Magic Kingdom To Visit Disney World's NEWEST Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The EPCOT International Festival of Arts is returning! 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts This year, the festival will run from January 17th to February 24th, 2025, and will be jam-packed with food, art, merchandise, and live entertainment offerings! The 2025 festival will feature five new “artful experiences!” Now, the Festival of the Arts is all about celebrating art, so the festival was already no stranger to entertainment; from live chalk art to Disney Broadway performances at the America Gardens Theatre, there is so much to see and do during this festival! Let’s dive into the new announcements! 2024 Festival of the Arts live music Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway CommuniCore Hall, EPCOT’s new festival center, you will be able to “experience the magic of Broadway both on and off the stage in this walkthrough exhibit celebrating three decades of Disney on Broadway. Discover costumes and props from your favorite stage musicals, then venture behind the scenes to see how the classic animated films “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” were reimagined for the Broadway stage.” ©Disney Opening Bites Food Studio Right outside of CommuniCore Plaza, check out Opening Bites Food Studio, where the menu will be “all about paying homage to the foods and drinks immortalized onstage.” New Artful Photo Ops Get ready to strike a pose and step right into the canvas of a masterpiece with Artful Photo Ops! There will be returning favorites like the Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. And new this year there will be a new Artful Photo Op “inviting you to voyage alongside our favorite seafarer featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana.” Artful Photo Op 2024 Festival Merchandise No festival would be complete without merchandise! This year’s art-themed collection will feature a variety of pieces dedicated to everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment! @Disney Disney on Broadway Concert Series We are so excited that it is confirmed that the Disney on Broadway Concert Series is confirmed to make its return! There are three newcomers set to perform this year, including Jelani Remy, who has performed in his role as Simba from “The Lion King.” Rodney Ingram performed the title role of “Aladdin” on Broadway as well as John Riddle who originated the role of Hans in “Frozen.” ©Disney We can’t wait to check out the Festival of the Arts on January 17th, so make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news! NEW Food Booth Announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts 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 favorite EPCOT festival? Let us know in the comments!The post Disney Reveals NEW Merch, Entertainment, and More for the EPCOT Festival of the Arts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something NEW is coming to the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Each year, EPCOT hosts several seasonal festivals, including the Food and Wine Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Festival of the Arts, and the Festival of the Holidays (which is happening NOW). These events always seem to brighten up the park — and we never get tired of snacking around the World Showcase. Well, from January 17th to February 24th, the Festival of the Arts will be BACK with some new and returning snacks and drinks. In fact, Disney just confirmed that a NEW food booth will be at the festival! Over in CommuniCore Plaza, Disney recently started a new tradition during its seasonal EPCOT festivals. Each season, the kitchen near CommuniCore Hall transforms to match the theme of the current EPCOT festival. Right now, for example, this booth is called Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow, and it serves (you guessed it) holiday cookies. For the Festival of the Arts, EPCOT will host the Opening Bites Food Studio! EPCOT Festival of the Arts We still don’t have the official menu for this new food booth yet, but Disney hinted, “This menu is all about paying homage to the foods and drinks immortalized onstage.” Could we get some Broadway-themed bites? Maybe a Lion King or Aladdin snack? We can’t wait to see! 2024 Festival Favorites Speaking of new additions, Disney also revealed that a new Artful Photo Op is coming soon! These are basically giant recreations of iconic works of art that YOU can step inside. We know that a few returning favorites will appear, like Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Additionally, a new Artful Photo Op will debut starring Moana! This news comes just in time to celebrate the new movie, Moana 2. ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ Photo Op In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Learn more about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 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 Are you excited about this change? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Food Booth Announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The anticipation and build-up to your trip to Disney World can be so overwhelming that you may want to hit the parks as soon as you arrive in Orlando! Welcome to the Most Magical Place on Earth! You’ve put in the hard work, so why not celebrate and go to the parks right away! We do not mean to take away from all the excitement of your arrival, but before you head to the parks, you may need to store your luggage and change your shoes for the parks. The good news is that we have a simple solution for you! Before your travel day starts, you will want to make sure you pack your comfiest shoes that you need for the park either at the top of your bag or in a separate bag. That way, when it is time to store your luggage, you can quickly grab them to change. Luggage It has been a game changer for us to place our pack shoes at the top of our luggage as our travel day shoes differ from the shoes that we walk around the parks in. Trust us, you are going to want to change your shoes before you head into the parks! But before you do that, you will have to decide where you want to store your luggage, and there are two options at Disney World. Suitcases at Disney World The first is at your hotel with bell services. You can stop by bell services to drop off your luggage if your room isn’t ready yet, then head directly to the parks! Once your room is ready and you have arrived at your room after your park day, you can simply call bell services to have your luggage delivered to your room. But if you are itching to get to the parks even sooner, then you may like this second option a little better. Bell Services at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Believe it or not, you can actually bring your luggage to the parks! Just like regular bags get inspected, your luggage will get flagged, and a security Cast Member will either do an inspection or, when available, a security dog. You can bring your luggage to the Disney Parks! Depending on the size of your luggage, if it is small enough, you can head over to the locker rentals and rent a small locker (12″ x 10″ x 17″) for $10 per day, a large locker (15.5″ x 13″ x 17″) for $12 per day, or a jumbo locker (these fit bags under 17″ x 22″ x 26″ and are ONLY available at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT for $15 per day. Disney World locker rentals If your luggage will not fit in the locker area, one of our reporters spoke to Guest Relations and told us that sometimes the Electric Conveyance Vehicles (EVC) rentals will hold larger items for guests but for a fee. Unlike the lockers, at the EVC rentals, you’re charged $10 per item, regardless of size. Locker Rentals at Magic Kingdom This means that you can easily change your shoes and any other parts of your travel day outfit and transform them into your park day outfit right at the park! Plus, if you need to grab something from your luggage, you can always go back to your locker to grab something! Rentals This locker trick can help you soak in extra time in the parks on your arrival day while waiting for your room to be ready. Or you can let bell services handle your luggage for you; regardless, the biggest game changer is making sure you pack your park day essentials, like a comfortable pair of shoes, in an easy place so you can grab them before you head to the parks. Luggage For even more Disney tips and tricks, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! The ONE Perk That Would Be a Game Changer in Disney World What is your arrival day tradition? Let us know in the comments!The post This Disney World Shoe Rule Will CHANGE Your First Day in the Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland’s NEW entrance is almost ready. Disneyland entrance 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the “Happiest Place on Earth.” For most of 2024, construction has been ongoing at the entrances to both of the Disneyland Resort’s theme parks: the original Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. The work has been installing new $3 million turnstiles — dubbed “tapstiles” by many — which replace the traditional physical turnstiles with kiosks that allow users to tap their MagicBand+ to enter the park through a small gate. Said kiosks also feature facial recognition technology. On our most recent visit to Disneyland Park, we caught a full glimpse of the new “tapstiles” as the construction walls around the new entryway came down. “Tapstiles” However, the new system hasn’t been fully implemented as of yet. Instead, Cast Members are still scanning guests through the gates in the traditional way. Up close According to longtime theme park reporter Scott Gustin, the new entry is still in “pre-launch mode, which means Cast Members will still be scanning tickets and taking photos the same way as they do at existing gates.” He goes on to say that the system’s full functionality is expected to launch in early 2025. Disneyland’s entry process is changing early next year, but you can catch a glimpse of the new technology at the park now! Stay tuned to DFB for more on this new system. NEW Hotel Discount Dropped for Disneyland Resort in 2025! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of Disneyland’s new entry system? Let us know in the comments below. The post NEWS: Disney's Million Ticket Scanners Arrive at a NEW Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The era of hidden ticketing and reservation fees is about to end. Magic Kingdom If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’ve encountered “junk fees” at some point in recent years. Whether purchasing tickets to an event or booking plane tickets or a hotel room for a vacation — even at Disney World — you’ve probably come across the concept: there’s one ticket or booking price listed, only for a ton of previously unannounced fees upping the price considerably at checkout. Thankfully, this frustrating experience is soon to be a thing of the past. In mid-December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new Junk Fees Rule that will go into effect in 120 days after being approved by the commission via a 4-1 vote. The new regulation will “prohibit bait-and-switch pricing and other tactics used to hide total prices and bury junk fees in the live-event ticketing and short-term lodging industries.” In a press release, the FTC stressed that this new rule does not eliminate any of these fees; it simply sets parameters that require them to be divulged from the start of the purchasing process. The requirements of the new rule include: Businesses must “clearly and conspicuously disclose the true total price inclusive of all mandatory fees whenever they offer, display, or advertise any price of live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Businesses cannot misrepresent any fee or charge in any offer, display, or ad for live-event tickets or short-term lodging.” Businesses must “display the total price more prominently than most other pricing information. This means that the most prominent price in an ad needs to be the all-in total price—truthful itemization and breakdowns are fine but should not overshadow what consumers want to know: the real total.” Finally, the rule requires businesses that exclude allowable fees up front to “clearly and conspicuously disclose the nature, purpose, identity, and amount of those fees before consumers consent to pay. For instance, businesses that exclude shipping or taxes from the advertised price must clearly and conspicuously disclose those fees before the consumer enters their payment information.” According to the agency, these new rules should save American consumers up to 53 million hours per year of “wasted time spent searching for the total price for live-event tickets and short-term lodging” which the FTC claims is equivalent to saving $11 billion over the next decade. The airline industry will also need to disclose all fees beforehand. ©Southwest FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said of the new rules, “People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay—without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid. The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time. I urge enforcers to continue cracking down on these unlawful fees and encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy.” Hotels like those in Las Vegas will have to reveal resort fees much earlier in the purchasing process. ©Wynn The FTC’s new ban on hidden junk fees will change the way prices for everything from concert tickets to hotel reservations — including at Walt Disney World — are displayed to the American public. Stay tuned to DFB for more own his this change will affect these industries going forward. “Now They’ll Just Be Like Every Other Airline”; Travelers Have THOUGHTS on Southwest Boarding Process Change Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you happy to see hidden junk fees eliminated? Let us know in the comments below. The post NEW Hidden "Junk Fees" Ban Could CHANGE Your Disney World Vacation first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

People love to complain about Disney World. And, while there are plenty of things to complain about, sometimes it’s nice to just remember the reasons why we all love it in the first place. Cinderella Castle We go to Disney World every day and we’ve overheard plenty of complaints, confusion, conspiracies, and a whole lot more. But, we wanted to hear about the wholesome moments that pop up every now and again in the parks — so we turned to you, our readers! We headed over to our Facebook page to ask you, our readers, what one of the most wholesome things they’d overheard in Disney World was, and you delivered! If you want to get in on these conversations, make sure you follow us over on Facebook. ©Disney There’s nothing like the wonder of a kiddo on a Disney World ride for the first time — but what if it’s not even technically a ride they’re amazed at? One of our readers was thrilled to share her Skyliner gondola with a little boy who was gleefully yelling, “Wheeeeeeee!” and talking about how cool it was being so high off the ground. Disney World’s Skyliner Another wholesome overheard ride moment came when one of our readers was riding Slinky Dog Dash with her husband and kids when her five-year-old said, “Mom, what’s wrong with dad?!” only to realize it was her dad’s “little boy laugh” as she put it! He was having such a good time on the ride that his inner child came out — and we certainly don’t blame him! Slinky Dog Dash We had several folks comment that didn’t overhear something wholesome but saw it instead — especially in the faces of kiddos who were just absolutely bewildered. One reader shared that she was watching Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios behind a five-or-so-year-old girl whose face was lit up with laughter and awe the whole time. Same, girl, same. Fantasmic! Okay, this next one might not be what you might call “wholesome,” but it definitely made us laugh out loud to read. One reader was using the bathrooms next to San Angel Inn at EPCOT when she overheard a little boy around 5 say to his mom, “Mama, I’m gonna be up all night poopin’ a lot again.” Disney World tends to have that effect on people. San Angel Inn One reader was in line to meet Jessie over in front of Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios when they saw a little girl nervously hug and talk to Jessie. When she was done, she ran back to her parents and yelled, “I did it, Daddy!” Bo Peep & Jessie! Next time you’re in the parks, keep your eyes and ears out for the wholesome moments. After all, that’s part of the magic of Disney World. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest news and updates from Disney World and more. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any important announcements! Sorry, But We’re Still Laughing at These Things We Overheard You Say in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s the most wholesome thing you’ve ever heard in Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post "Mom, What's Wrong with Dad?!" The Most Wholesome Things We've Overheard in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is preparing for a new Pixar original animated series to debut on Disney+ this February. Ahead of the premiere, reports indicate that Disney is still making changes to its new series, Win or Lose. Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times Win or Lose is the first-ever original series by Pixar Animation Studios. The series will follow the stories of eight characters as they prepare for a big championship softball game. Disney explained that each episode will focus on a different character’s point of view, ranging from “the insecure kids” to “a lovesick umpire.” While the show was initially set to be released on December 6th, 2024, the date was later shifted to February 19th, 2025. Now, it has been confirmed that Disney is making some changes to the story. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney removed a transgender storyline from its Win or Lose series. A Disney spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.” ©Pixar While the storyline changed, Disney confirmed that the character will still be featured in the show. That said, all dialogue surrounding the character’s gender identity will be removed. Deadline reported that Chanel Stewart, who plays the character and is transgender, was informed that the character “would now be a cis girl, a straight cis girl,” adding, “So yeah, that’s all they really told me and that I was still a part of the show.” ©Deadline In response to Disney’s decision, Steward said, “I was very disheartened,” explaining, “From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard,” per Deadline. ©Pixar This is not the first time Disney has introduced (and removed) an LGBTQ+ storyline. When Lightyear premiered in 2022, the film included a same-gender relationship. After initially removing a scene where the two characters kiss, the scene was reinstated following criticism of Disney’s decision to cut the moment. That same year, Strange World featured a gay male character. ©Pixar The Win or Lose series will premiere in 2025. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. A NEW Feature Could CHANGE Your Disney+ Streaming Experience Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW The post NEWS: Transgender Storyline Cut From ‘Win or Lose’ Series Coming to Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Come aboard Disney Cruise Line’s NEWEST ship – the Disney Treasure. This ship is filled with secrets and nods to some of our favorite Disney movies, closed attractions, and current fan-favorite attractions. Disney Treasure There are so many things you’d miss without knowing what to look for, and we’re gonna make sure you are a Disney Cruise pro in no time. Check out our video below: SECRETS of Disney Cruise Line’s Gigantic New MEGASHIP — The Treasure Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be booking a cruise on the Disney Treasure? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: SECRETS of Disney Cruise Line’s Gigantic New MEGASHIP -- The Treasure first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s nothing like that feeling you get when you know that you’re ready for anything at Disney World, right? Magic Kingdom You know what were talking about. You’ve made a list (and you checked it twice). You’ve got your poncho, your reusable water bottle, extra portable chargers, you’ve got your favorite SPF, and it’s all sorted perfectly with packing cubes in your hardside carry-on with wheels. Sounds like you’ve just about got everything you need for that trip to Disney World. But there’s one thing that you might’ve missed — an organizer for your park bag. So, let’s talk about what it is and why everyone is grabbing one for their next trip to Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. As we were saying, you’re the kind of person who makes sure they’re not just ready – you’re ready ready. There’s nothing Disney World can throw at you and you don’t have the remedy for it. That’s dope! But there’s this one thing that you might not have been aware of, and to be honest, it’s something that has become one of our favorite essentials over the past year. We’re talking about our Loungefly Organizer! There really hasn’t been anything quite like it. Loungefly Organizer Now, here at DFB, we love rocking one of our (many) Loungefly Mini Backpacks when we go to the Disney World parks. However, one of the things we have been experiencing forever is how difficult it is to keep our essentials organized and how easy it is for items to get lost like we’ve thrown them into a void. Let me tell you, when we purchased one of these organizers, the change was instantaneous! Loungefly Organizer They come with a lot of dividers and sections, which is perfect for organizing our essentials. Also, the organizer adds a welcome rigidity to our backpacks. Truly, it’s as easy as filling up the organizer and sliding it into our backpack. Loungefly Organizer You really can’t sleep on how much you can fit into these organizers! See how much we can fit in our bag! They honestly are the perfect companion to our Loungefly Mini Backpacks and we would never go back to rocking our bags without an organizer. Also, if you’re like us and have several Loungefly Mini Backpacks, you can easily slip the organizer from backpack to backpack without breaking a sweat. It’s like they’re a match made in heaven. Loungefly Organizer We’d highly recommend them for your Loungefly Mini Backpack. They’ll transform how you carry your essentials with you to the parks. Get it here! Also, if you don’t have a Loungefly Mini Backpack yet, here’s a cute one you should check out especially if you are looking for some inspiration! ©Amazon If you love all things Winnie the Pooh, but especially LOVE Eeyore, then this Loungefly Eeyore Mini Backpack is the one for you! It’s so cute and has such a classic design. It’ll definitely go perfectly with whatever outfit you choose for your next Disney World trip too! Get it here! Until then, we’re always on the lookout for the latest deals on Disney products, so stay tuned for more. Did you know we have a Disney-themed Amazon Storefront? Check it out!The post What Is the Loungefly Organizer and Why Is Everyone Buying It in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re checking out a NEW hotel in Disney World, and we’re taking you along! Island Tower We’ve been visiting the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for its grand opening, and it has been a blast so far! We’ve been able to check out the hotel rooms, explore the lobby, and of course, take a look at all the amenities. But you know what we’re really excited to find out more about? The FOOD. Island Tower is home to a brand-new restaurant called Wailulu Bar & Grill, and it’s time to stop by and try out their breakfast. Let’s dive into the review! Atmosphere Wailulu Bar & Grill is located in the Island Tower, and offers a grab-and-go breakfast, and sit down dining for lunch and dinner. The menu is inspired by cuisine from the South Pacific Islands, and we can’t wait to check out the food available for breakfast. Wailulu Bar & Grill Breakfast is served from 7AM until 11AM and is served grab-and-go. So you’ll order your food at the bar area and receive your order packed up and ready to take with you. Currently, Mobile Ordering is not an option and you will need to order in-person. We got our breakfast! You can take your food to go or enjoy the stunning views from Wailulu Bar & Grill. You can eat your food anywhere in Wailulu Bar & Grill; you just need to move when the restaurant opens for lunch at 11AM. Menu The menu here for breakfast is fairly simple. You can choose from a couple grab-and-go breakfast items and hot and cold beverages. Wailulu Breakfast Menu All the breakfast options are on the sweet side, so you will be out of luck if you want a savory breakfast option. Eats For our meal, we decided on a few different main items. Here’s the spread! Full Spread To drink, we grabbed a Freshly Brewed Joffrey’s Coffee Hawaiian Kona Blend for $4.49. You can grab this coffee in a self-serve machine at Wailulu Bar & Grill. It was delicious! It was a medium roast blend with some tropical flavors in it. Joffrey’s Coffee Hawaiian Kona Blend We also tried the Caffe Latte with Caramel Syrup for $6.49. If you are just getting a Caffe Latte, it will only cost $5.99, but the caramel syrup costs an extra 50 cents. The drink was tasty and tasted like a regular latte with caramel syrup added. There wasn’t anything unique about it, but it is a tasty latte that will satisfy a coffee craving. Caffe Latte To eat, we’re kicking things off with the Pineapple-Coconut Bread which costs $4.79. We felt that this was the most unique offering at Wailulu Bar & Grill for breakfast. It was super fluffy and it was a big piece for the price. Pineapple-Coconut Bread It tastes like a King’s Hawaiian roll with a pineapple and coconut twist. The pineapple bits complimented the bread really well. It added a great sweetness and tartness. The glaze on top was also delicious. You can only grab this treat at breakfast time! You can also find Pineapple-Coconut Bread at ‘Ohana. Pineapple-Coconut Bread Next up, we got the Strawberry Yogurt Parfait for $5.99. We also really enjoyed the parfait. The strawberries tasted fresh and it is exactly what you would want out of a yogurt parfait. Strawberry Yogurt Parfait We loved the addition of coconut flakes on top, along with the granola. These elements added a great texture to the parfait, and everything worked together well. Strawberry Yogurt Parfait We also tried the Banana Muffin which costs $4.49. While the Pineapple-Coconut Bread is probably the most unique offering, the Banana Muffin was our favorite thing we tried. The muffin is moist, fluffy, and crumbly. Blueberry Muffin The glaze on top is delicious and tastes like a coconut glaze to us. There are hints of banana throughout the muffin, but it isn’t an overpowering flavor or fake tasting. We thought it was a really great banana muffin and likely one of the best banana muffins we have ever had! We know, who would have thought a great banana muffin would come from a hotel! Banana Muffin Overall All in all, this restaurant is a pretty decent option for breakfast if you’re staying in the tower. We enjoyed everything we tried, although the restaurant only offers limited options. All of the food options are on the sweet side, so you won’t be able to grab a savory breakfast here. It is super convenient to stop by and grab some food and drinks to start the day. However, you will likely want to plan for an earlier lunch as the menu options aren’t the most filling. Wailulu Atmosphere We loved the relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant, and you can chow down on your breakfast with some stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. The Banana Muffin was our favorite thing we tried, and we may be back soon to grab another one! Nosh or Not? Grab your breakfast at Wailulu if… You are looking for a quick breakfast option at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. If you want something super quick and easy to grab and go, Wailulu Bar & Grill would be a great choice. You get your food quickly, and the food can easily be taken on the go. You want a light breakfast. If you are having a heavy lunch or are still recovering from a delicious dinner, Wailulu Bar & Grill could be a great option to grab a light breakfast. You are craving something sweet for breakfast. Wailulu has a variety of sweet pastries and sweets to choose from. They are all on the sweet side, so it is a perfect choice if you are looking for a sweet breakfast! Head elsewhere in the resort or snag breakfast in the parks if… You want a filling breakfast. While Wailulu Bar & Grill is convenient, it doesn’t offer a super hearty meal. We suggest heading somewhere else if you are looking for a big, filling breakfast. You can head to the Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Capt. Cook’s or ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. You want a savory breakfast option. Wailulu Bar & Grill is pretty much all sweet options. If you are looking for something savory and quick, you can head to Capt. Cook’s for more savory options. You want to enjoy a sit-down breakfast or meet characters. While you can enjoy some beautiful views at Wailulu Bar & Grill, if you are hoping for a sit-down experience or the chance to meet characters, you will want to head somewhere else. You can meet characters at ‘Ohana or 1900 Park Fare nearby. Thanks for coming along with us to grab breakfast at Wailulu Bar & Grill! We can’t wait to share more of our adventures at Island Tower with you, including lunch and dinner at Wailulu Bar & Grill, so stay tuned to DFB! Click Here to Learn More About Perks at This New Hotel! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you order breakfast here? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Ate Breakfast at Disney World’s NEWEST Restaurant and Our Favorite Item Might Surprise You! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is constantly loaded with various construction projects! Cinderella Castle When we visit the parks, we see everything from bathrooms to rides to restaurants under construction, usually getting small refurbishments and updates. Sometimes, we can even tell before the project starts, thanks to the permits that Disney files with the government. And now, we’ve got some info about the next spot to get a refurb! Disney has recently filed a permit to begin work on Cool Ship in Magic Kingdom. The description of improvement section for the permit says that the construction will be to “install set elements.” Cool Ship We’ve seen this snack stand go under construction in the past — it seems to be more common for it to be on the refurbishment schedule possibly because half of the building is made up of a large misting rocket ship. It’s seriously a lifesaver in those summer months when you just want to walk under a cooling mist! Cool Ship It’s unclear if the work being done will have to do with the spaceship side, the snack stand side, or both. We’ll make sure to let you know if the snack stand closes during the construction. The menu here usually features items like beverages, popcorn, and cotton candy. Cool Ship We’ll be on the lookout for any construction commencing soon, and we’ll let you know if there are any changes to Tomorrowland as a whole. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news! 7 Disney World Rides That Will Permanently Close in 2025 — 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 Have you ever been to this snack stand? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Files Permit for Construction at Magic Kingdom Snack Spot first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tiger Tuesday Live! Watch Bakso & Mom’s Sixth Week at Disney’s Animal KingdomView the full article

We’re getting close to Christmas, and that means last-minute gift shopping! Christmas at Magic Kingdom If you’re still trying to find those perfect gifts for your kiddos, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Shopping on Amazon is a great way to ensure your gifts get delivered on time, especially for those of you who have Amazon Prime. Luckily, now is a great time to grab those last-minute gifts since some really great Disney toys and games are on sale now! 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! Grab the UNO Disney100 Card Game ©Amazon The Disney100 UNO card game is 17% off right now! If your family enjoys family game night, then this is a stocking stuffer you’ll want to add to your cart immediately. Get It Here! Get the LEGO Snow White Jewelry Box ©Disney This Snow White and Evil Queen LEGO jewelry box is 20% off! It’s a great place for your kids to store their jewelry after they build the box. Plus, you get two mini figures and a bracelet to start the collection. Get It Here! Grab the Disney Princess Deluxe Spa Day Set ©Amazon This Disney Day spa is 40% off and comes with a real running water faucet, a realistic play facial steamer, and other cute accessories. It’s a fun way for your kids to have a pretend spa day with friends! Get It Here! Get the Lightning McQueen Remote Control Car ©Disney/Pixar “I am speed” is what your kids will be saying on Christmas morning when they unwrap Lightning McQueen! This remote control car is currently 32% off and is sure to provide hours of fun. Get It Here! Get the Simba Squishmallow ©Amazon Your kids can take this cute Simba Squishmallow pillow with them to see the new Mufasa: The Lion King movie in theaters! The pillow is currently 26% off and will be a lovable gift, for sure. Get It Here! Grab the Disney Princess Toniebox Bundle ©Amazon This Toniebox interactive music, sound, and story player comes with the four Disney Princesses, Moana, Belle, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, as well as the puppy Tonie. It plays audio for learning and entertainment without the use of a screen. You can grab it now for 41% off! Get It Here! Keep following DFB for more Disney news! Don’t miss out on more Disney souvenirs on our Amazon storefront!The post Disney Adults Are Running to Amazon for 40% Off These Disney Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s HERE! The gorgeous Polynesian Village Resort near Magic Kingdom just got a little better! There’s a brand-new Island Tower that finally opened on December 17th, 2024. Island Tower This new tower is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, but ANYONE can book a stay here. There are plenty of new experiences to enjoy, including a new pool and a restaurant called Wailulu Bar & Grill, but one of the things we’re happiest to see is something that has been closed for a while now has officially REOPENED. With the new Island Tower open, the walking path around the Seven Seas Lagoon is once again open! Walking Path The path follows a continuous circle around the body of water, connecting the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Wedding Pavilion to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the Magic Kingdom. Where are you off to? With the opening of the Island Tower, the path once again skews close to the water, providing fantastic views of the sites around the lagoon and a leisurely path to the Magic Kingdom for guests staying at the hotel. Around the lagoon The walking path around the Seven Seas Lagoon has reopened along with the grand opening of the Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower, once again providing a circular path around the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom. The new hotel offers breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom, a new pool and Moana splash pad, and new dining. You won’t want to miss out on seeing this new hotel on your next trip to Disney World! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the new hotel! Disney Announces 2 New Hotel Additions for 2025 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What do you think of this new hotel? Tell us in the comments! The post A SECRET Disney World Shortcut Has FINALLY Reopened first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Animal Kingdom There are lots of wonderful things about the winter in Disney World. The holiday parties, the special snacks, and the seasonal nighttime shows. One of our favorite things is a special Animal Kingdom experience that has a twist this year! The Tree of Life Awakenings show is one of our favorite holiday offerings in Disney World! It’s a nighttime show in Animal Kingdom that you can only find during the winter, thanks to how early the sun sets. The holiday version of the show features fireflies that appear to bring the Tree of Life, well, to life! Tree of Life Awakening — Winter Edition This year, the holiday classic is back, along with a new Lion King addition. The new addition features music from the classic film while projecting images onto the Disney park icon. The show features animals and themes inspired by The Lion King. Disney’s website says in The Lion King addition, “Be there to see this slumbering iconic tree become even more stunning in a new awakening,” while it also shows the Holiday Edition is also playing. So you may get to see two variations of the awakening! Tree of Life Awakenings viewing area The Tree of Life Awakenings show begins after dark and runs every 10 minutes until the park closes. If you’re anything like us, we’re ready to sing along all night long! The lion might be sleeping, but we aren’t. We love Animal Kingdom after dark Animal Kingdom traditionally closes before sunset most of the year, so this is a fleeting nighttime show that we think you should watch at least one time. It’s also a great time to go check out how Pandora – The World of Avatar glows at night, which isn’t something you can see most of the year. Pandora at night As always, keep following DisneyFoodBlog for your latest Disney news and updates. Check Out The Newest Character Meet and Greet in Animal Kingdom HERE DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post A NEW Nighttime Show Has Arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Change is always hard. Let’s take a flight! There are lots of changes happening right now in Disney World. 2025 is the last year to ride Dinosaur, the Muppets are moving over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Test Track will have an all-new theme this year. While we are prepared for these changes, we just realized there’s going to be one subtle thing missing on your Disney trips. We can all agree that your Disney trip really starts well before you ever make it to Disney World. If you’re anything like us, the moment your feet touch that special carpet at the Orlando International Airport is when your trip has finally started. Welcome to Orlando! That distinct carpet pattern is basically our red carpet leading us straight to our magical vacation, and if the MCO carpet is our red carpet, that makes the airport tram system kinda like our limo. It warms our hearts every single time we hear Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer welcome us to Orlando, and it just really makes it feel like we’re home. MCO However, it finally occurred to us that one of our favorite “welcome home” moments, that speech from Buddy Dyer, is going away! Last year, Mayor Dyer announced that the 2023 mayoral election would be his last. With his reelection last year, he became the longest-serving Orlando mayor in history and will continue in this position until 2027, when we can expect his voice will be removed from the trams. MCO Luggage Drop-Off Luckily, we will be able to hear him welcome us to Orlando for a few more years, but we are already in pre-mourning. Buddy Dyer has been the Orlando Mayor since 2003, so it will definitely be an adjustment on our Disney vacation. Do you think he knows he’s so connected to the beginning of our trips? As always, keep following DisneyFoodBlog for your latest travel news and updates. Find Your ULTIMATE Planning Guide For Your Disney World Vacation 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 Is this a change you’re sad about? Tell us in the comments! The post This Subtle Orlando Airport CHANGE Is Going to Mess Up My Disney World Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Christmas is NEXT WEEK, y’all, can you believe it? Magic Kingdom It’s time to CRACK DOWN on that holiday shopping. If you haven’t gotten all your gifts yet and you’re scrambling, don’t worry, we’re right there with you. It’s part of our job though to help you out by finding some great gifts and deals so you don’t have to look as hard — without further ado, here are 10 items that are budget-friendly that your friend or family member will love! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For Those Who Love A Sweet Treat! ©Target If you know someone who loves a sweet treat but doesn’t like an actual fire (or it’s too cold for one outside), the Koji S’mores Maker Set is perfect! You can have perfect s’mores any time of year, wherever you want! Check it out! Who Doesn’t Love Good Sleep? ©Target It’s almost 2025, and that means we’re protecting our hair while we sleep! No matter what hair type you have, you can benefit from protecting your hair with a Kitsch Satin Pillowcase — less hair breakage and split ends, keeps a cooler temperature, and some have found it helps their skin too! Add it to your cart! For The Little Ones Who Love Target Just As Much ©Target If you’ve got a little one who loves Target just as much as you do, or someone else in the family does, the Target Toy Shopping Cart is an adorable gift to give. Plus, it comes with a spot for a baby doll to sit in and is a 12-piece set that comes with a grocery cart, coffee cup, coffee cap, coffee sleeve, coffee cup holder, and seven grocery items. Buy it online! Those Floors Are COLD! ©Target Let’s say someone you know loves to be cozy but has hardwood floors or anything other than carpet. Grabbing them a pair of these Women’s Sage Slide Slippers is a GREAT gift — no one likes cold feet! Add it to your cart! Air Fry EVERYTHING ©Target We don’t know about you all, but getting an air fryer has made a LOT of our lives much better, so gifting someone one that won’t cast you an arm and a leg is a win in our book. That’s right, think about it — yep, the So Yummy by bella 2.0qt Air Fryer is a great gift, grab it now! Check it out! Don’t Discount The Kitchen Appliances ©Target Another great appliance to gift this year to someone who is looking to expand their kitchen or has just recently moved and needs appliances is a Crock-Pot! And YES, you can gift this to someone for less than $25, and we think that’s amazing. Grab one here! Bluey is Always A Win ©Amazon Know someone who loves Bluey? Then gifting them the Bluey Pillow and Throw is like a two-in-one gift — it doesn’t get any better! Check it out! A Game That Gets INTENSE ©Target Listen, approach this game with caution if you fight with your family easily, but the UNO Attack Card Game can be a great game to play with family and friends! It’s fast-paced and keeps everyone on their toes, which we love. Add it to your cart! EXTRA Fuzzy Slippers Are Here ©Target What we love about the Women’s Sylvia Genuine Suede Scuff Slippers is that they can be used for comfort inside OR outside! Many times with slippers, they aren’t secure enough to step outside in — these don’t fall into that category! Check it out! Weighted Plushes Are ELITE ©Target Got someone you’re shopping for who loves Stitch and cuddling with stuffed animals, combine both of those with the Stitch Weighted Pillow! Grab it here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest gift-giving ideas this season! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorites!The post 10 Under- Gifts from Target That Will Earn You Best Gift-Giver Status This Holiday first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The chilly season is here and that means it’s time to layer up in the parks! Hollywood Studios Oftentimes during the winter, it gets cold in the Disney World parks, especially in the mornings and evenings. Sometimes by the afternoon, you’re feeling warm and want to take off that outer layer, but we can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen people run to buy sweatshirts they didn’t originally plan on buying when the temperature drops low enough to make you shiver. To avoid that mistake, grab yourself one of our favorite sweatshirts before your trip begins! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow! ©DFB Store If you love Carousel of Progress and also prefer to be comfy and cozy, then you’ll love the There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Sweatshirt we have on our store right now! It comes in multiple different colors, so you can choose what works best for you! Grab it online here! Who Doesn’t Love Gingerbread? ©DFB Store What better way to remind yourself how much you love the Disney World parks during the wintertime than with the Gingerbread Icon Sweatshirt? We think our team hit the nail on the head with this one, we’re obsessed! Check it out! Show Off Your Champion Status ©DFB Store Being a Toy Story Mania champion is something to be PROUD of, so show off your elite status with the Midway Mania Champion Sweatshirt! It also works to intimidate the people you’re with and scare them so they do worse than you do. Don’t miss it! Calling All Princesses! ©DFB Store If you or someone you know loves Disney Princesses, then the Bibbidi Bobbidi Bow Princess Bows Sweatshirt is literally a perfect fit! Especially if you don’t love to have super obvious Disney theming on your shirts, this matches that description super well too. Check it out! And Now For The Villains… ©DFB Store If you love the bow design but are more of a Disney Villains fan, then the Bad to the Bow Villains Bows Sweatshirt was made for you! Again, it’s subtle, but you’ll know you’re sharing the Disney love wherever you go. Buy it now! Dole Whip Fans! ©DFB Store For all the Dole Whip fans out there, we see and hear you! It’s never too cold for Dole Whip, so that’s why the All You Need is Dole Whip Sweatshirt is perfect for any season. Check it out! Haunted Mansion Fans, It’s Your Turn! ©DFB Store There’s no wrong time for Haunted Mansion, which is why we love that our We’re Dying to Have You Sweatshirt is available online in many different colors! Add it to your cart! Can’t Forget The Merry Menagerie! ©DFB Store One of our favorite parts of the holidays every season in Disney World is the Merry Menagerie over in Animal Kingdom. It’s truly a beautiful work of puppeteering, which is why we wanted to honor it with our Merry Menagerie Snowflake Sweatshirt! Grab it here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World and merchandise news! Check out the entire DFB Store for more designs here! Which of these is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post These Disney Sweatshirts Will Keep You 10X Warmer This Winter first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Take a sneak peek at special marathon merchandise! ©Disney The 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is almost here! Taking place from January 8th through the 12th, next year’s installment will feature “thoughtful touches reminiscent of a classic Disney era,” each inspired by whimsical character favorites, musical entertainment, and more. Now, Disney has released a first look at the weekend’s exclusive merchandise. The specific items previewed include a baseball-style jersey and ball cap… ©Disney …a Loungefly backpack… ©Disney …“Finisher” tee shirts for the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon… ©Disney …and, of course, an exclusive set of ears. ©Disney The weekend’s scheduled series of events includes the Pluto-themed 5K on January 9th, a Chip & Dale-themed 10K on January 10th, the Donald and Daisy-themed Disney World Half Marathon on the 11th, and, finally, the full Walt Disney World Marathon, themed to Mickey and Minnie, on January 12th. ©Disney Believe it or not, the 2025 Walt Disney World Half Marathon Weekend is less than a month away, and now Disney has released a first look at the weekend’s exclusive merchandise. Stay tuned to DFB for more coverage of this runDisney event. 5 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Magic Kingdom in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which piece of Marathon Weekend merchandise is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. The post FIRST LOOK at the Walt Disney World 2025 Marathon Weekend Merchandise first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you tried this secret drink? EPCOT There are so many exciting things happening in Disney World right now! Festival of the Holidays is happening in EPCOT, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is still underway at Magic Kingdom, and Jollywood Nights is keeping Hollywood Studios busy. With all of this fun going on, we’re gonna need some caffeine, and we found a drink in EPCOT just for that. Joffrey’s is a Disney World staple and a must for every one of our trips to see Mickey. While we love a good Shakin’ Jamaican, not all Joffrey’s drinks are created equal. We headed over to the Joffrey’s stand by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to put a new secret drink to the test. Joffrey’s by Cosmic Rewind We found the new secret Annual Passholder exclusive drink, the Snowball Cold Brew! After our annual pass discount (which you can get on all Joffrey’s drinks), we paid $3.52 for this French roast cold brew with white chocolate sauce, coconut syrup, and a splash of half and half, topped with coconut whipped cream. Looks yummy! For the price, we were pleased with how generous the drink was. This festival-exclusive drink was large for less than $4, and we were pleasantly surprised with the taste, too! The cold brew was a standard, creamy, and sweet French roast. There was a generous amount of whipped cream. The light coconut flavor in the whipped cream really added to the French roast. It was deliciously simple and, luckily, didn’t leave a filmy coating on the roof of your mouth like some whip toppings. The one we picked up came loaded down with whipped cream, so we’re not sure if that’s standard for the drink or just a happy accident, but we’ll take it! Joffrey’s This drink is part of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, so you’ll need to grab it before the festival wraps up on December 30th if you want to try it. As always, keep following DisneyFoodBlog for your Disney snacks reviews and news. Everything You NEED to Eat and Drink at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Is this one you’ll want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This New SECRET EPCOT Drink Seriously Surprised Us! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you in the middle of planning out your trip to Disney World next year? Disney World’s Magic Kingdom While most of your focus is probably on dining reservations, ride strategies, and figuring out how to get from your hotel to Magic Kingdom, it’s worth brushing up on some of Florida’s laws. Trust us, knowing these will save you from headaches (or worse) during your vacation. Here are 7 Florida laws you’ll want to keep in mind when you visit Disney World next year. Florida’s Open Container Law Walking around EPCOT with a margarita is perfectly fine (and honestly to be expected), but the second you step outside the park’s gates, however, the rules change. Italian-inspired Blood Orange Margarita Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.1936) prohibits open containers of alcohol in vehicles or public places unless it’s a licensed area. That means don’t bring your drinks into the parking lot or onto the road. Lychee Margarita Using our EPCOT margarita example, make sure you finish it before leaving the property, or you’ll risk breaking this law. Hands-Free Driving Law If you’re driving around Orlando, this is a big one. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.305), texting while driving is a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over for it. You know, better yet, if you’re at a stoplight, don’t even pick up your phone to check the wait times at Rise of the Resistance. Make sure you’re not texting and driving It’s probably the best idea to just use hands-free Bluetooth for navigation while driving. It’s safer and won’t get you a ticket. Driving with Hazard Lights On As we all know Florida weather can be unpredictable. All those sudden rainstorms can make driving tricky. But here’s the thing: turning on your hazard lights while driving in Florida is actually illegal. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.2397) says hazard lights are only for stationary vehicles. Rainy Day at Hollywood Studios So, if you’re navigating a torrential downpour on I-4, keep your hazards off. Instead, slow down, stay in your lane, and use your regular lights to signal to other drivers. You Have to Have Your Headlights on in the Rain Speaking of weather, Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.217) requires you to use your headlights whenever it’s raining, foggy, or smoky. Yes, that means even during the day! Flooding in Disney World due to Helene So, as we mentioned previously, if Florida’s infamous rainstorms hit while you’re driving back from Disney Springs, turn on your headlights to stay visible (and legal). Florida’s Move Over Law This law is all about safety. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.126), drivers are required to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility workers stopped on the side of the road. ©Auto Safety Driving School So, when you’re driving to Disney World, if you see flashing lights on the shoulder, change lanes if possible. If you can’t, do your best to safely drop your speed to 20 mph below the posted limit. Florida’s Alligator Laws Listen, I totally know what you’re thinking: “I’m at Disney World. How does this even apply to me?” Well, Florida’s alligator population is no joke, and state law (Fla. Stat. § 379.412) makes it illegal to feed or harass them. Alligator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom While Disney goes to great lengths to keep wildlife away from guests, alligators have been spotted near waterways on property before. Do not feed the wildlife If you do happen to see one (maybe while staying at a resort with a lake), keep your distance and definitely don’t try to feed it. Not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal. Florida’s Pet Law If you’re thinking about bringing your emotional support animal along for the trip, unfortunately, not so fast. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 413.08) only allows service animals, those specifically trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, in public places like Disney World. ©Fox News If your pet isn’t a task-trained service animal, they’ll need to stay at home or in a Disney-approved pet care facility. Emotional support animals, no matter how cute, aren’t allowed in the parks. EPCOT Whether you’re road-tripping to Orlando or flying in for your Disney vacation, being aware of these laws can save you from a whole lot of unnecessary stress and potential fines. Florida has its quirks, but a little knowledge goes a long way in making sure your trip stays magical from start to finish. Keep it right here at DFB for more Disney World planning tips and all the latest news from Disney! Disney Just Announced Another Date to Avoid EPCOT in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did you already know about these laws? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 Laws You Need to Know When You Visit Disney World Next Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you have been thinking ahead to your New Year’s resolutions, this brand-new Target collection will help you stay on top of your hydration goals in the new year! Target A New Year New You Stanley collection is now available at Target, and we think you need to see the new colors! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A NEW Stanley collection has just arrived at Target that features bright colors and styles perfect for the new year. You can choose from cups that hold 24 ounces all the way up to 60 ounces. Get ready to crush your hydration goals with this brand-new Stanley collection! Grab this 40 oz. Tumbler in Pucker Peach! ©Target We are starting off with this Pucker Peach tumbler! We think the color is absolutely gorgeous and will add a bit of brightness to your day. Who wouldn’t want to drink water (or your beverage of choice) when the cup looks this bright? Get this Stanley here! Get this 64 oz. Tumbler in Sour Grape! ©Target Next up, you can also grab this new Sour Grape color. You can grab it in various sizes to choose the one that best meets your wants. But we think this color is so calming and relaxing. Perfect for enjoying some hydration while feeling relaxed. Get this Stanley here! Snag this 40 oz. Tumbler in Gumdrop Green! ©Target We think the Gumdrop Green color could be perfect if you are looking for an exciting color. It feels energizing and fun, which is a pretty great combination for a tumbler color. Get this Stanley here! Pick up this 30 oz. Tumbler in Popsicle Pink! ©Target Finally, you can also snag a Stanley in the Popsicle Pink color. It is a bright pink color that will bring a bit of happiness to your day! We can’t wait to enjoy a nice drink from this fun Stanley cup. Get this Stanley here! These four new colors are sure to bring some brightness to your hydration goals. Stay tuned to DFB for even more merchandise news! Shop all of our favorite Disney essentials on our Amazon storefront!The post A New Stanley Collection Just Dropped at Target! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you heading to Disney World in 2025? If so, how stoked are you to hitch a ride on the Skyliner?! Disney World’s Skyliner Honestly, there’s nothing quite like riding high above the crowds as you head back and forth to the parks from your Disney World resort hotel. If your visit happens to fall in January, well, there’s this complication you’re definitely going to want to know about and plan for! Since its debut way back in September 2019, the Skyliner has been a fan-favorite transportation option whisking guests high above Disney World to connect to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and several resorts (like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Pop Century). But even these magical gondolas need a little TLC to stay in top shape, and that’s why Disney has consistently scheduled annual maintenance for the Skyliner each January. Skyliner The good news is that it’s always been a short refurbishment, typically lasting about two weeks. The bad news is that for those planning on relying on the Skyliner during their January visit, this downtime can definitely throw a wrench in your transportation plans. What History Tells Us About The January Closures While Disney hasn’t revealed specific refurbishment dates for January 2025, the past years provide some helpful clues. Here’s a look back at the Skyliner’s closure timeline: January 24–28, 2021 January 23–28, 2022 January 22–29, 2023 January 16–27, 2024 Do you notice a pattern? The Skyliner refurbishment typically kicks off mid-to-late January and runs for about 10–12 days. If Disney follows this trend, we’d expect the 2025 closure to land somewhere in that same window. The Skyliner closes temporarily in January How to Prepare If You’re Visiting in January If your trip falls during the closure period, don’t panic! There are still plenty of ways to get around. For example, when the Skyliner is down, Disney typically offers buses as alternative transportation to cover its routes. While not as scenic (or breezy) as a gondola ride, they’ll get you where you need to go. Skyliner Closed To avoid any hiccups, though, it’s a good idea to factor in this potential downtime into your plans now. For example: If you’re staying at a Skyliner resort like Caribbean Beach or Art of Animation, be prepared for longer transportation times with buses. If you were planning to park-hop between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios using the Skyliner, consider other options like the Friendship Boats or walking paths. And if the Skyliner experience itself was a highlight on your to-do list, you might want to shift your travel dates or plan another visit when it’s fully operational. Skyliner closed Of course, this is all based on past trends, and Disney could always surprise us. With that in mind, be sure to keep it right here at DFB for the latest refurbishment updates, and we’ll keep you posted with all the info so you can plan your trip with confidence. Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be using the Skyliner when you visit Disney World in 2025? Let us know down in the comments! The post The Skyliner Complication You Should Expect in January first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland has agreed to settle a high-profile class-action lawsuit for $233 million. Disneyland Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times confirmed that the Walt Disney Company approved a preliminary settlement covering back pay with interest for 50,0000 current and former Disney employees. The class-action suit was filed in 2019 by workers who claimed that Disney wasn’t paying their employees a living wage as required by a 2018 Anaheim law — Measure L — that required “companies in Anaheim’s resort area who enjoyed “tax rebate” agreements with the city” to pay an at-the-time minimum wage of $15.00 an hour. Disneyland Disney initially didn’t comply with the law, citing the failure of their attempt to have the city dissolve a “45-year gate tax shield and a $267-million bed-tax break for a luxury hotel project” meant that they weren’t receiving the required “tax rebates.” Orange County Superior Court Judge William Claster is set to review the settlement on January 17th, and once approved, a notice will be sent to eligible workers indicating the amount they’ll receive in compensation. Michi Cordell, a Cast Member who works as a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland, said of the verdict, “This money is life-changing for a lot of Disney Cast Members and will make a tremendous difference for me and my family. I have two small children, and getting potentially thousands of dollars in back wages I’m rightfully owed gives me peace of mind that I have money in case of an emergency or savings for their future. We’ve shown throughout these five years, and especially this last year in contract negotiations, that when we stand up for what we deserve, together, we can accomplish anything.” ©Disney Randy Renick, an attorney representing the workers in the class-action suit, echoed this same sentiment in a statement, saying “What we believe is the largest wage and hour class settlement in California history will change lives for Disney families and their communities.” For their part, Disney released their own statement on the verdict, saying “We are pleased that this matter is nearing resolution. Currently, all Cast Members make at least the Measure L requirement of $19.90 per hour, and, in fact, 95% of them make more.” Measure L is set to increase minimum wage pay to $20.42 in Anaheim beginning on January 1st of 2025. In addition, this past summer, Disneyland reached an agreement with four unions representing 14,000 workers, raising base pay to $24 an hour. Disneyland Entrance Lines Disney has agreed to settle a massive class-action lawsuit for over $230 million. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney’s business activities. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney Reaches Settlement in 3 Million “Wage Theft” Lawsuit first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article