Disney4me

Pretty sure y’all have been waiting for this one…because I definitely have!! You might discount Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but I am here to tell you that YOU SHOULD NOT. This park is magical, y’all, and I’m going to prove it to you today! Animal Kingdom I’ve always known that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is amazing, stupendous, incredible, insert-other-great-adjectives here. But now, I wanna make sure YOU know it, too! While many folks tend to write this park off as a half-day-er (which can be understandable, since it has fewer attractions than its three older sibling parks), you can EASILY fill a full day here, just by tracking down the AWESOME things we’re gonna talk about today! Enough introductions! Let’s jump INTO THE WILD! Secret Shortcuts We’re always trying to scout out the best, quickest, and least-bottlenecked pathways across EACH of the parks — so here are the shortcuts we tend to use the MOST over in Animal Kingdom: Shortcut #1: The Hidden Walkway Between Africa and Asia To find this secret pathway, you’ll need to head towards Harambe Village in Africa or by Caravan Road in Asia. This quiet little trail is almost always empty — which is why we love it so! It also has a serene stream and bridge setup partway through (because even the least traveled Animal Kingdom paths are gonna make for a beautiful stroll). Also, closer to the Caravan Road side of the trail, you can find a hidden seating area — which makes for the PERFECT peaceful getaway during a very busy park day! Shortcut #2: Hidden Dinoland USA Path Trying to cut through Dinoland, USA? A walkway we use pretty frequently in the park is the path between The Dino Institute (AKA: the shop at the exit of DINOSAUR) and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. It directly connects from one gift shop to the other! The path is usually pretty quiet and it even has a fun dinosaur-themed photo op on the Chester & Hester end. Plus, it helps you avoid all the hustle and bustle of the main part of Dinoland! Shortcut #3: Pandora To Africa How did I almost FORGET about this one? I use it ALL the time! The walkway between Africa and Pandora is one many guests don’t use — but it’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque strolls you’ll find in the whole park! You’ll find this walkway by Festival of the Lion King on the Africa side, or down in the more lush part of Pandora, if you’re heading to Africa. Secret Charging Stations Need to plug in your phone real quick and juice up? Animal Kingdom has a few areas where you can find charging outlets, such as: The Pizzafari quick service, at the Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue… and Beyond theater (near the benches), and over at Nomad Lounge (under the bar). We just found on the My Disney Experience app that you can search on the map for charging stations – it’s not live for AK yet, but keep checking. Or if you don’t have time to sit and charge your phone at one of these locations, you can always pick up a portable FuelRod charger from one of the Animal Kingdom FuelRod kiosks — which you can find listed on the MDE app. FuelRods initially cost $30 per charger, but you can swap ‘em out for freshly-charged rods for absolutely FREE. Our big Disney hack? Purchase your FuelRods on Amazon ahead of your trip so you can order TWO of these chargers for the price of one! Diaper Vending Machine In a pinch and need a diaper for your baby ASAP? You can actually get a whole Diaper Changing KIT for your baby from one of Animal Kingdom’s vending machines, over at the Conservation Station! Each diaper changing kit costs $3.50 and comes with two diapers plus wipes. But if you happen to need MORE wipes (because blowouts happen, even to good babies), then you can find a pack of 16 available for purchase in the same machine, as well. Fake Waterfall This secret is one that no matter how hard you look, you still might not be able to see it. (Challenge ACCEPTED.) Over in Pandora — The World of Avatar, there are three waterfalls toward the top of the mountain that creates the Flight of Passage entrance. But would you believe me if I told you that those waterfalls aren’t actually the REAL deal? While these waterfalls APPEAR to be real, they’re actually an optical illusion made from a rotating wheel that looks like white water, but “falls” much slower than a real waterfall would, forcing it to appear further from you than it really is. Disney even added fabric at the bottom to make it look like mist coming from the water! Mind blown yet? Yeah, I thought so. A Lion King Celebration Can you BELIEVE that The Lion King animated film is getting ready to celebrate its 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY? In honor of the big 3-0, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be hosting a celebration this summer, from June 10-September 6th. Timon Meet and Greet Get ready to meet-and-greet with Timon and Rafiki over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch (very fitting), and keep your eyes peeled for new limited-time merch AND snacks that’ll also be themed around all-things-LION KING. The Oasis Rope Bridge The Oasis area is the Animal Kingdom land that you’ll walk through at the front of the park to get to Discovery Island. And if you take the left side pathway when you first enter, you can run into a hidden rope bridge! When you walk across this bridge, you’ll come out into a rock cave that’s directly facing the Tree of Life. Which is, like, the COOLEST Tree of Life vantage point EVER. So don’t forget about this pathway like I almost did! New Building Permits Animal Kingdom is getting ready to change in a couple of MAJOR ways. First of all, we learned last year that Dinoland USA is gonna be rethemed to the Tropical Americas — which will host IP attractions themed around films and franchises like Encanto and Indiana Jones. Secondly, It’s Tough to Be A Bug — currently taking place inside the Tree Of Life — will also be replaced with a NEW Zootopia-themed show at a later date! We don’t know any OFFICIAL timelines for when we’re gonna start seeing these changes take place in the park, but we do know that Disney officially filed a permit with the South Florida Water Management District recently for a trailer compound — which will offer parking and utilities for those who’ll be working on-site. And THAT means we might start to see some construction in the Animal Kingdom soon. A Show All About Birds Let’s hear it for the birds! Feathered Friends in Flight is a 35 minute show that takes place at the Anandapur Theater in the Asia area of the park. During the performance, a couple of Animal Kingdom’s professional trainers will teach guests all about the birds of the park — meaning you can expect lots of guest appearances from the feathered stars themselves. Parrots sing, owls low-dive, numerous birds catch fruit in the air. It’s a jolly good time indeed. Showtimes are listed on the MDE app, but typically they happen all throughout the morning and afternoon, up until 3:30 PM. A Safari Orientation Center It’s easy to overlook the details of Tusker House when Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy are the stars of the show here. But don’t forget to take a look at where you are when you’re dining. Once you’re inside the restaurant, you’ll have a chance to look around and take in the scene. The buffet is made out of different carts — fashioned from whatever the villagers could get their hands on — and set up like an open air market. But the seating areas are themed as a Safari Company’s offices and waiting areas! There are LOTS of decorative wall hangings and authentic-looking signs that’ll really drive that theming on home. Like… the sign listing out the safari drivers on call. Or another sign showing the different safari tours available, as well as their scheduled departures. Tusker House And then, there’s the most EDUCATIONAL sign of them all — a whole list of different animals that you’ll see out on safari, as well as how to pronounce their names in Swahili! A Character In Camouflage I have a hard time keeping houseplants alive, but Animal Kingdom’s managed to not only have a full park of lush-and-thriving greenery, but even host a character made completely out of foliage, too. DiVine is a rare character decked out in vines and other plant life, but if you’re lucky, then you’ll be able to spot her walking around Animal Kingdom on occasion. DiVine DiVine may not be out and about ALL the time, but the MDE app will let ya know whenever she is. You’ll just need to type in her name in the search engine, and the app will tell you A.) Where she’ll be in the park that day, and B.) What hours you can expect to see her around. A Restaurant Named After… Containers? It’s not just ANY restaurant that’s named after containers… it’s the Tiffins SIGNATURE restaurant. The name “Tiffins” comes from an Indian English word meaning a light lunchtime meal, BUT “Tiffins” also can refer to the containers that were traditionally used to carry said meal. Tiffins If you look on top of the restaurant’s sign outside, you’ll see the inspiration for its name — gen-u-ine tiffin containers! A Hidden Park Entrance Even if you don’t dine at the Rainforest Cafe right outside the Animal Kingdom front gates, you may still wanna take advantage of its SECRET PARK ENTRANCE. Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom Yes, you still need to go through the main security check area and, yes, you still need a legit park ticket to get into Animal Kingdom — but if you go through the Rainforest Cafe gift shop’s park entrance, you’ll find fewer crowds to make your way on past (especially in the morning). Free Stuff Don’t leave Animal Kingdom without your FREE SOUVENIRS (and ample learning experiences, too)! Over at the Wilderness Explorers’ headquarters — OR any of the Troop Leader locations — you can become a Wilderness Explorer yourself and start earning badges for your collection. There are over 25 badges for kiddos to collect — but each has to be AWARDED to you after completing a Wilderness Challenge. Calling all Wilderness Explorers! Meanwhile, at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can learn how to draw a popular animated character from an experienced Disney artist during the Animation Experience. After the sketch class is over, you’ll have your very own work of art that you can take home with you to hang on the fridge after your vacation wraps up! Check the show schedules on the MDE app so you know when these FREE classes will be offered on the day of your visit! Weave Around The Roots Animal Kingdom has specific animal trails that you can leisurely explore at your own pace. And while the Discovery Island Trails wrap around The Tree of Life that everyone loves taking pictures in front of, those very trails are also some of the least frequented. Don’t make the same mistake and skip these trails during your next visit. Because these trails will get you up close and personal with the Tree of Life’s intricate carvings that you won’t see otherwise. Animal Kingdom You can enter the trails in multiple places — like near the Africa bridge, over by Adventurers Outpost, or near the It’s Tough to Be a Bug entrance. But we like to enter through that first path near the Africa bridge best, since it’s also close to the Creature Comforts coffee shop (meaning we can swing by to grab a coffee or tea before starting our Discovery Island Trails journey)! Diggs County Who’s ready to hear the story of Diggs County before Dinoland USA becomes a thing of the past? As the story goes, a married couple named Chester and Hester set up a gas station along Route 498 in Diggs County. And all was pretty quiet and sleepy, up until the year 1947 when an amateur paleontologist dug up some bones and found out Diggs County was a hot spot for dinosaur fossils! Chester & Hester’s Thus, the dino-dig site was born! At first, this site was just made up of a few tents here and there, but eventually it became a fully-fleshed-out Dino Institute where renowned scientists came to work and study. The Institute is now populated with grad students, who sell food over at Restaurantosaurus cause they’re #broke. Eventually, Chester and Hester were inspired to retheme their gas station into a kitschy roadside shop that sells dino-themed knick knacks and trinkets galore. And the rest, as they say, is history. PREHISTORIC, even. Banners That Answer Important Questions Nomad Lounge might just be my FAVORITE lounge on Disney property. The drinks? Good. The food? Good. The views? REAL good. And the theming? Superb. If you decide to have a bite and drink INSIDE Nomad Lounge, make sure to look UP. The banners hanging from the ceiling ask lots of travel questions — like “What was your best animal encounter?” Or “What was the most memorable food?” Or even “How has travel changed you?” But don’t worry, these questions won’t leave ya hanging. Travel Banners Disney Imagineers — who traveled to other countries during their research for the creation of Animal Kingdom — answer each of those questions. And they’re answers are, for lack of better words, really awesome. UP Characters! Let’s forget about how I can only watch Pixar’s Up every 10 years because it makes me cry so violently I can’t function like a normal human being. Instead, let’s think about the HAPPY parts of UP! Like Russell the Wilderness Explorer and Dug the talking dog! (Both, of which, you can now meet ONCE AGAIN over at Animal Kingdom!) Russell and Dug like to hang out on Discovery Island over at the Wilderness Explorers Club House (OF COURSE!), but you might not always see them TOGETHER — so make sure to double check the MDE app for each of their updated appearance times. And DON’T FORGET that Kevin the bird also likes to roam around Animal Kingdom, too! Kevin Kevin’s not an actual meet and greet spot, but she does tend to wander the park’s pathways frequently — so be sure to keep an eye out for her! (Trust me, she’s IMPOSSIBLE to miss!) The Trash Dino Lemme introduce you to a little Dinoland USA guy that we HOPE doesn’t go away for good after the Tropical Americas retheme. This dinosaur sculpture was created by a concrete and found object artist called Mr. Imagination — who’s main inspiration for his work came from treasures, and trinkets, and trash of all kind. Leading up to Animal Kingdom’s opening day, cast members would hand Mr. Imagination various discarded scraps and junk that they found while working so that he could add it into the dino sculpture. One of the items that was handed to Mr. Imagination was a cast member’s one year of service golden Mickey pin — which you can TRY to find on one of his spikes when you’re facing INTO the Dinoland USA area. It’s very, very, VERY tiny though — so it may take a bit more searching than a Where’s Waldo book page. Baby Animals! So many baby animals have made their grand Animal Kingdom entrance just this past year — and we love EACH OF THEM WITH OUR WHOLE HEART. Most recently, we got to meet Elijah — an adorable baby Okapi who was born in October 2023 and recently made his debut on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Also toward the end of 2023, tamarin TRIPLETS were born. Tamarins are an endangered species of primate, so the fact that we’ve now got three more of them in Animal Kingdom to dote on is a very big deal. And last year also brought us Corra — a baby elephant who you can now see hanging out over at Kilimanjaro Safaris with her mama, Nadirah! (It’s the circle of life, indeed! Dole Whip Hard Cider Floats We’re taking Dole Whip to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL, my friends. Over at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa, you can order SPIKED Dole Whip Floats (just as long as you’re 21 and older). One of these floats has been around for awhile now: A classic DOLE Whip Pineapple Juice Float spiked with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum. DOLE Whip Pineapple Hard Cider Float But the other Dole Whip float was introduced just last year, and is made with ACE Pineapple Craft Cider! (This float is nice, it’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and the pineapple on top of pineapple flavors compliment each other quite nicely.) Not looking for a spiked float? Tamu Tamu also has non-alcoholic options, too! You can order the classic dole whip pineapple juice float minus the rum, OR you can try the Pineapple Orange Soda Float instead! Animal-Inspired Goodies If Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery gets SO much attention, then Animal Kingdom’s confectionery — Zuri’s Sweets Shop — deserves JUST as much attention for its over-the-top unique wildlife treats! Zuri’s takes those classic Animal Kingdom goodies and gives them an animal-inspired TWIST. So you can find desserts here like: Tamarin Cake Pops, Monkey Caramel Apples, Giraffe Marshmallow Pops, Caramel and Marshmallow Zebra Spirals, and so many other exclusive goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth! But I’ll never EVER forget how Zuri’s had that short-lived POOP candy in their display case for about a week when this confectionery first opened up. Nope, not kidding. You could legit get “poop candy” here years ago, which were edible versions of scientifically-correct-looking Elephant, Giraffe, Cotton Top Tamarin, and Hippo poop for you to sample. (Bottoms UP.) Giraffe Poop Tasty? Yes! Popular? Yes… AND no. Most folks couldn’t get past the, um, VISUALS of it — so the poop candy at Zuri’s is no more. (But it still makes for a fun trip down memory lane — just as long as you watch where you step!) Unique Margaritas It’s MARGARITA time! It’s hard to go wrong with a classic lime-and-tequila margarita. But when you’re in Animal Kingdom, there are so many other unique margarita variations that you may wanna try if you’re looking for that classic combo with a little TWIST. So let’s name a few Animal Kingdom margs that you can add to your must try list (if you’re of drinking age): At Pongu Pongu in Pandora, you can try the Mo’ara Margarita — made special with its addition of blue curacao and neon-green bursting boba balls on top. At the Dawa Bar (near Tusker House), you can order an African Margarita — which has a Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur to give it an extra citrusy flavor. And then there’s the Bobo-Rita at Nomad Lounge — which includes Grapefruit Liqueur, Guava Purée, and a Pink Peppercorn garnish. BONUS — you can also get the Hightower Rocks at Nomad Lounge, too, which is ANOTHER margarita variation made with Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila and Watermelon. Remember — even if you are NOT of drinking age, or you’re just not interested in alcohol — Animal Kingdom still has a PLETHORA of mocktails and non-alcoholic specialties for you to try, too. Some of our personal favorite non-alcoholic frozen drinks here include: The Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu, the Frozen Chai at the Royal Anandapur Tea Company, and the Shanghai-La Berry Freeze at Warung Outpost. An Old Tea Warehouse Some ride queue lines are a pain to wait in, while other queues are part of the entire ride package. Expedition Everest’s queue is definitely the latter of the two options — and has one of the most DETAILED queues not just in Animal Kingdom, but in Disney World PERIOD. Let’s set the scene: Expedition Everest’s queue takes place in the quiet mountain village of Serka Zong, where natives honor and respect the legendary guardian of the mountain (AKA: The YETI). Throughout the queue, you’ll notice colorful and slightly tattered prayer flags waving overhead, as well as shrines and carvings honoring the infamous beast. Despite all the red flags (and no, I’m not talking about the prayer ones here), it seems the proprietors of the Himalayan Escapes tour company are offering excursions through the mountains — which is why you’ll pass through a booking office FIRST before you’re off to Tashi’s General Store and Bar. After the general store, you’ll weave through an old tea warehouse that features a Yeti museum, run by Professor Pumba Dorjay — a conservation biologist who believes in the yeti’s existence. (As should YOU.) Here, you’ll see artifacts reflecting Nepalese culture, a history of the Himalayas, photos of those who have hiked to the summit, and tales of the yeti itself. And THEN what happens? Well… THEN it’s time for you to board the RIDE! The Details Of A Popular Gift Shop Island Mercantile is MORE than just a popular gift shop. You just have to be willing to dive into the decorative details and see BEYOND the merch lining the shelves. Each section of this store has a specific theme: There’s an elephant-themed room, where you’ll find fun abstract images of the animal near the ceiling and painted on the posts There’s a room full of insects, like bees and ants The beavers take the stage in the room with the registers But probably our FAVORITE room is the camel room! (Just for all the hidden camel details in the lamps alone. Flaska Reclinata Gesundheit! The Flaska Reclinata might have a funny name, and it also might be up to some funny antics, but it’s a seriously-cool addition to the entrance of Pandora. This HUGE green-and-pink plant waiting to greet you into the world of Avatar is actually alive! The plants are alive in Pandora! If you touch the pink area on the plant, it’ll respond to you by glowing, spraying water, and making noise! (That’s just the plant’s way of saying, “Hello!”) Otter Grotto! Across from Pizzafari, you can find the Otter Grotto — a little sanctuary that houses a family of Asian Small-Clawed Otters. To find the viewing area to the otters’ humble abode, you’ll enter into a stone-covered path, leading up to their little slice of land-and-water fun. The otters won’t always be out and about, being all cute and playful, but you’re best chance of seeing them active will be first thing in the morning OR once the sun starts to set. EXCLUSIVE Beers Along with all the wildlife, Animal Kingdom is also home to a couple of beers that you’re not gonna find outside Disney World property. Over at Satu’li Canteen or Pongu Pongu in Pandora, you can grab a GREEN beer called GREEN Hawkes’ Grog Ale. This is the only place you’ll be able to get your green beer fix outside of St. Patrick’s Day (and it’s probably better than any of the beer that’s dyed green for the soul sake of the St. Patty’s aesthetic anyway). You can also find the exclusive Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale at Nomad Lounge and the neighboring Tiffins restaurant. BONUS: This Kungaloosh ale is ALSO over at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom! MORE Bird Shows It’s the Animal Kingdom Bird Shows: Part 2 that you never knew you needed. Every day, macaws fly around the Tree of Life, make a pit stop for a short show in front of the park’s icon, and then fly off towards DinoLand to return home to their enclosures backstage. The show is called Winged Encounters — and you can find the specific showtimes for it on the My Disney Experience App! Winged Encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom The birds usually make their flight a few times a day, so you can find what time works best for you and watch dozens of macaws soaring inches above your head! Joe Rohde Masks It’s not just the INSIDE of Tusker House that holds all the fun Africa-inspired theming… it’s on the OUTSIDE of the restaurant, too! More specifically, on the BACKSIDE. In the back of Tusker House, you can spot a wall of masks — each created to feature a bunch of cool shapes, colors, and designs. If you look underneath all these masks, you’ll see a sign that labels them as “Jorodi Masks and Beads” — which is a little nod to the Imagineer who helped make Animal Kingdom the AWESOME park that it is today! Unique Frozen Treats You’ll see them EVERYWHERE. Disney has those tried-and-true frozen novelty ice cream treats sold in kiosks and carts around ALL the parks, which typically includes the Mickey Premium Bars, frozen bananas, Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, and strawberry fruit bars. BUT if you decide to get one of these goodies from the ACE Mobile Treats cart in Pandora, you’ll ACTUALLY have access to a one-of-a-kind popsicle treat that you WON’T find other places on property. The Fruits of Mo’ara Bar is made with three different flavors: Strawberry, Lime, and Raspberry. Fruits of Mo’ara Bar Initially, you’ll be able to taste each flavor separately — but once the Orlando sun has its way with it, the flavors will start melting together (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing)! Custom Souvenirs At Windtraders If you’re on the prowl for some super-unique Animal Kingdom souvenirs, Windtraders in Pandora is the PLACE TO BE! Windtraders is FILLED with Pandora-inspired merch — like shoulder banshees. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind Disney souvenir though, you may want to invest in one of the Windtraders customizable experiences. Like the Avatar Maker, for instance: The Avatar machine scans your face and creates an Avatar Na’vi figurine for you based on what you look like. This IS kind of a pricey souvenir, however (around $80 per figure), so for a customizable Avatar experience on the CHEAPER side of things, you could build your own Navi necklace or bracelet instead for around $20. The experience includes 1 bracelet or necklace cord, 8 beads of your choosing, AND also your choice of a feather OR crystal pendant! A Nod To EPCOT Disney World likes to keep you fully immersed in each of its specific lands. But, every now and then, it’ll break the fourth wall to remind you that, hey, it has OTHER really cool theme parks nearby that you can visit! Before you enter Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop (through the entrance RIGHT underneath the big volcano billboard announcing how the store’s ERUPTING with gifts), make sure to look UP once you’re under the awning. There are little signs that you’ll see hanging overhead — and they say something DIFFERENT depending on the direction you face. If you look in the direction facing the BACK of Dinoland, the signs will say: ”Rough scaly skin making you groan? Don’t despair, use FOSSIL FOAM!” Pretty catchy, right? However, if you look in the direction facing INTO Dinoland (in the direction of TriceraTop Spin), the signs will say: “When in Florida be sure to visit EPCOT.” (Wow. Way to be subtle, Disney.) The GIANT Hidden Mickey In The Mountains Hidden Mickeys are everywhere — and I mean EVERYWHERE — in Disney World. But some hidden Mickeys you’re never gonna see. Like the BIG Expedition Everest hidden Mickey, for instance. You’re never gonna see THAT hidden Mickey because the ride itself is shaped to look like ONE BIG HIDDEN MICKEY — track, mountains, and all — which you can only fully appreciate from a bird’s eye view. But, hey, at least you can impress your friends and family with THAT tidbit of info, eh? Mammals That Take Turns Sharing is caring, even for the animals at Kilimanjaro Safaris! For most folks who ride Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, seeing the African Dogs in the Savannah is one of the ride highlights. However, during your particular Kilimanjaro Safaris ride through, you might not see the African Dogs AT ALL. Hyenas switch out with the African Dogs in the late afternoon each day — but only if they want to. So, you might spot hyenas instead if you ride Kilimanjaro Safaris towards the end of your day! Dinosaurs That’ll Never Leave Dinoland USA’s days may be numbered, but some of the dinosaurs in Animal Kingdom won’t be going anywhere, even after the Tropical Americas take over. As you travel around the line for It’s Tough to Be A Bug, you’ll shrink down into “bug size” and see The Tree Of Life’s MANY sculpted animals continue on with you throughout the queue. As you get “smaller,” you’ll notice the animals get “bigger”. And when you’re finally under the roots of the tree, you’ll start to come face to face with — yup, you guessed it — dinosaurs! This is ON PURPOSE, y’all. Animal Kingdom’s icon features dino-creatures on the Tree of Life, BUT they’re only carved into the deadwood roots of the tree – as a symbol of their extinction. Extinct, but not forgotten. Favorite Shareable Savory Snacks I could go on and on and ON about the awesome snacks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But here are my THREE favorite savory snacks in Animal Kingdom that are big enough to share. SNACK #1: Tiffins Bread Service You don’t HAVE to make an advance dining reservation for the Tiffins signature restaurant in order to enjoy its famous bread service. You can always order it over at the Nomad Lounge instead! The Tiffins Bread Service comes with lots of different bread types (like naan and lavash) as well as unique dipping accompaniments (like Coconut-Curry Sauce, Guava Sauce, and Ginger-Pear Chutney). Just remember — Nomad Lounge has a mobile walk-up waitlist that you’ll need to join before you’re invited into the bar area. This waitlist gets VERY popular, so the sooner you can join it, the better! Nomad Lounge typically opens around 10:30 AM daily. SNACK #2: Chicken Fried Rice Technically, the chicken fried rice at Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes is listed as a SIDE option, but for $8, you’re gonna get a LOT of rice. So much, in fact, that you COULD treat it as a full meal for yourself — OR you can split it with a buddy (if you just need something savory to hold ya over until your next snack pit-stop). Chicken Fried Rice SNACK #3: Fries with Pulled Pork And Cheese The Pulled Pork and Cheese Fries at Flame Tree Barbecue has all our favorite savory ingredients wrapped up in one basket. They’re cheesy, meaty, slightly tangy (from the bbq sauce), and just the right amount of salty. Again, this is an easily shareable snack, but don’t be surprised if a friendship or two is ruined because you just can’t bring yourself to share. Authentic Harambe Village Details Harambe isn’t just an area of Animal Kingdom that you walk through to get to Kilimanjaro Safaris or Festival of the Lion King. It completely transports you into an authentic African village. But in order to really GET that, you’re gonna have to take the time to stop and look around at all the details surrounding you — starting with the rooftops. Yes, I said it. The ROOFTOPS. Imagineers brought over real African craftsmen to create authentically thatched roofs in Harambe. To thatch the roofs in the traditional way, as done in Africa, the craftsman navigated the roofs barefoot to feel out for weak spots and make sure the thatching was secure. This barefoot approach caused some concerns for OSHA — the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration — meaning Disney had to complete a lengthy process of petitions and appeals to help the craftsman create the thatched roofs authentically. So DON’T take those roofs for granted — because Disney had to jump through a LOT of hoops to get ‘em done while still keeping true to the culture. Different Flight Of Passage Pre-Shows Before you get to soar across the Valley of Mo’ara on the back of your own banshee during Flight of Passage, you’ll be sent into a chamber to get matched with your very own Avatar Navi. But this pre-show can actually be DIFFERENT depending on — get this — how EFFICIENTLY the line’s moving right along. We learned on one of the Disney VIP tours that the faster the ride loads, the longer your preshow is gonna be (since they’re not ready for you in the next chamber just yet). So if you’re in the preshow and suddenly you’re being scanned for “Pandorian Parasites,” that’s why — it’s a STALLING tactic. A Show Where YOU’RE An Active Participant Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway-caliber show — filled with pageantry, costumes, music, puppeteers, and acrobatics — all based around the original story of Disney’s animated classic, The Lion King. The theater is sectioned into four parts: the elephant section, the giraffe section, the warthog section, and the lion section. Festival of the Lion King Now, before Simba and the gang arrive for the show, you’re gonna need to make ‘em feel welcomed — which means greeting them in your assigned animal’s personal way. So, when prompted, get ready to release the ANIMAL inside of you! Along with all the animal antics, kiddos may also have the opportunity towards the end of the show to join the performers and dance around the stage. Only a lucky few will be chosen to do this, so to increase your child’s chances of getting picked, you may wanna sit more towards the front of the stage. Then again, the views of the entire show tend to be BETTER more towards the back bleacher seats. So it really depends on what you wanna prioritize here. The Tree Of Life Private Photo Shoot The Tree of Life has never looked so GOOD. (At least, not in your pictures.) The Capture Your Moment experience — which you can find listed via Disney World’s Enchanting Extras Collection — lets you book a personalized 20-minute photo session with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. The photo sessions here will take place on or near Discovery Island so that your pics can have that beautiful backdrop of the Tree of Life. When you check in for your shoot, your photographer will discuss locations and ask you a few preference questions. You can also book back-to-back sessions if you want MORE time and MORE pictures to choose from. Each 20-minute session is $99 — which you can book 60 days before your visit over on Disney’s website. Multiple Locker Locations Yes, Animal Kingdom has premium storage lockers at the front of their park like all the other Disney parks have, it also has a SECOND set of premium lockers right outside Kali River Rapids. While many guests who choose to pay for lockers here are just trying to keep their belongings dry before boarding the family raft ride, anyone can pay for a Kali River locker and have access to it all day long without having to backtrack to the front of the park each time you need something out of it. Characters On The Water Nope — there are NO parades in Animal Kingdom. But… there are FLOTILLAS. And those can be JUST as fun to witness! Animal Kingdom’s Flotillas feature Disney characters on boats that travel all up and down and around the Discovery River. You might see Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Donald and Daisy, Launchpad and Scrooge — even Pocahontas and Meeko. Brother Bear characters Koda and Kenai we’re out on the flotilla And while there are SEVERAL good places around the park where you can wave to your aquatic-bound friends in passing, there is one particular viewing spot here that’s WAY better than all the rest. Remember that secret pathway connecting Africa to Pandora that I talked about earlier? If you head to that pathway (entering through the Africa side) and stand under the bridge, you’ll have one of the BEST views of these flotillas park-wide! This area puts you at eye level with the flotillas, unlike many other spots around the park (where you’re just gonna be able to wave at your friends from up above). Plus, the biggest secret to this spot is that the boats actually slow down a little bit here because of the narrow waterway, giving you more time to wave and snap some pictures! Christmas Festivities! Animal Kingdom doesn’t go over-the-top with their holiday shenanigans, but what they DO pull off here around the end of the year is cozy, cute, and worth a visit. In fact, one of my very favorite things to see start popping up around the holiday season is Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie! Merry Menagerie The Merry Menagerie is made up of winter animal puppets strolling along Discovery Island. The animals come up and greet guests while nearby live musicians also help to set the scene. Even if you AREN’T big on celebrating the season, these li’l guys are an absolute delight. Throughout the holiday season, the projections on the Tree Of Life go into Holiday Mode, too — delivering beautiful winter-inspired scenes across Animal Kingdom’s park icon. And keep your eye on the character flotillas — because you just might catch dear ol’ Sandy Claws floatin’ his way on by. Earth Day Celebrations No other park QUITE gets into the Earth Day spirit like Animal Kingdom does! And THAT’S because Animal Kingdom’s birthday AND Earth Day share the same date — April 22! Ariel Earth Day Pin Around this time of year, Animal Kingdom likes to go all-out on the Earth Day celebrations with rare character appearances, special treats, limited time merch, and limited time photo ops! So if you’re Animal Kingdom-bound during the month of April, be on the lookout for these kinds of exclusive celebratory goodies, like… The Honeycomb Mousse at Creature Comforts The Elephant Cupcake at Pizzafari and Restaurantosarus The Pachyderm and the Pollinator gin cocktail at Nomad Lounge and Tiffins Restaurant And even MORE fun animal-inspired treats, eats, and drinks to discover! Merchandise Mobile Checkout Found something you wanna buy at the Discovery Trading Company OR Island Mercantile, but the line to check out looks a little too long for your liking? Try Mobile Merchandise Checkout instead! The Mobile Merchandise Checkout option allows you to buy park merch through your My Disney Experience app instead of having to wait in a physical standby line to purchase it. You can find the merch checkout option on your app either by tapping on the “+’ sign at the middle bottom portion of the screen, OR by tapping on the “hamburger” button (on the bottom right portion of the screen), which will lead you to a main menu of options. Either way, once you select the mobile merch option, you’ll select the store you’re currently in and then start scanning away from there! Just remember that before you leave the store, you’ll need to show the cast member towards the exit your QR code receipt (which you’ll receive after you make your purchase). Private Animal Tours If you wanna experience a truly UNIQUE side of Animal Kingdom that msot guests will never get the chance to see, then you may want to add a PRIVATE Animal Kingdom Tour to your park day. Currently, there are FOUR different VIP tours in Animal Kingdom: Caring For Giants is an hour-long experience that gives you a closer look (and I mean a MUCH closer look) at the African elephants on site Up Close with Rhinos is basically the same thing as Caring For Giants — just replace “elephants” with “white rhinos” Savor the Savanna is an exclusive guided safari tour of Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve, followed by African-inspired small plates, beer, and wine from a lovely private viewing area on the Savanna itself. And the Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour tour of the Safi River Valley — an area of Animal Kingdom that typically goes unseen by guests. This tour also includes tastes of Africa in an array of small plates from a beautiful vantage point on the savanna after your trek. The tour or Safari you choose will determine your price point, but keep in mind that these additional experiences will cost extra on top of your standard Animal Kingdom ticket. RDA Identification Dog Tags I’ve talked about quite a few Animal Kingdom secrets today that you’re only gonna notice if you LOOK UP. And here’s ANOTHER one for you to add to your collection: Over at Pongu Pongu in Pandora, you’ll notice a bunch of dog tags hanging from up above. Many of these dog tags have pictures of Imagineers printed on them — including, you guessed it, the Animal Kingdom creator and earring connoisseur, Mr. Joe Rohde! Pandora Water Snails So… “Pandora Water Snails” isn’t the technical term for these little aquatic creatures, but… that’s the best way I can describe ‘em! Over in Pandora, there’s a little valley pond where some blue slug-like creatures with spiky shells on their backs lounge around during the day. And these little guys are called… Sagittaria. At first, the Sagittaria might seem idle, but WATCH OUT. Because they’re way more active than they’ll initially lead you to believe. Turns out, these pond-dwellers are hunting down prey — which they take down by spraying powerful jets of water into the air. So if you’re within their shooting range, be careful! Because you just might step into a Sagittaria stream! An Old Drum Ceremony Location Aww… this awesome thing makes me kinda melancholy. Back when Pandora first opened, you could watch the Swotu Wayä perform a traditional Na’vi Drum Ceremony. Unfortunately, this offering hasn’t been back since the 2020 closures. But, if you’re over by where they used to take place, you can still put on a little performance yourself by beating on those ceremony drums! If you’re still on the lookout for some professional percussion during your Animal Kingdom visit, check out the musical stylings of the Tamu Tamu Drummers over in Harambe during select times throughout the day. Pizzafari Murals Seriously, how much more can I emphasize how incredibly DETAILED each of the Animal Kingdom restaurants are? Even their quick service puffy pizza joint is worth entering into — just for all the dining room art! The four different Pizzafari’s dining rooms are covered in colorful and quirky animal murals, each themed around a different animal characteristic. Wall Murals One room is all about animals and their art of camouflage Another room features animals that carry their homes on their backs Then there’s a room for all of our upside down animal friends And the final room showcases a bunch of different animals that like to party at night! A Famous Trio Of Handprints SO MANY SECRETS lurk inside Pandora alone — but we’ll wrap up all the Pandorian Easter Eggs today with one last final (and extremely cool) detail that you’re NOT gonna want to miss. After you’re done taking the ride of your life on the back of a Banshee, you might find some rather human-looking handprints on your way out of Flight of Passage. So, who are these people who got to put their hands AND initials on one of the most popular rides in Disney World? The creators, of course! These prints belong to James Cameron (Avatar’s director), Joe Rohde (Pandora’s lead designer), and John Landau (Avatar’s executive producer). Was that an awesome list, or was that an AWESOME list? Animal Kingdom doesn’t get enough credit for how many DETAILS and ACTIVITIES and HIDDEN GEMS are sprinkled within it — but hopefully you now appreciate this younger sibling park even more than before! Best Snacks in Animal Kingdom for 2024 — 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’s your favorite secret or not-so-secret part of Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post 50 AMAZING Things You Never Knew Were in Disney's Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Over our years of covering Disney World food, we’ve probably tried thousands of snacks! Magic Kingdom We’ve eaten classic treats like Dole Whip and Mickey Pretzels, but we’ve also tried our fair share of seasonal offerings during the holidays and other special times of year. Coming soon, Disney is celebrating World Princess Week August 25th-31st, which means there will be unique snacks at the parks throughout August. Let’s check out the full list of treats! Walt Disney World Disney Resorts Collection Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Cafe (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Cinderella Cupcake: Vanilla cake with vanilla crème custard filling, buttercream, white chocolate slipper, and fondant pumpkin Cinderella Cupcake Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Capt. Cook’s and Kona Island (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available at Capt. Cook’s only) Moana Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, mango mousse, glaçage, buttercream, fondant, white chocolate décor, and a white chocolate Moana ©Disney Disney’s Riviera Resort Le Petit Café (Available Aug. 1 through 31) “Make it Pink, Make it Blue” Aurora Fruit Tart: Diplomat cream, raspberry mousse, fresh berries, white chocolate crown with citric acid color-changing solution (New) Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Princess Aurora Dessert: Orange blossom-honey mousse, strawberry curd, and almond crumble with citric acid color-changing solution ©Disney Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Creature Comforts (Available Aug. 1 through Sept. 12) Guardian of the Dragon Gem: Mango mousse, lychee-dragon fruit gelee, coconut cake, dragon tail cream, and white chocolate décor (New) ©Disney Disney’s Hollywood Studios Dockside Diner (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) The Little Mermaid Shake: Vanilla, mango, guava, and ginger shake topped with whipped cream and a pineapple-guava seashell cake Fairfax Fare (Currently available; mobile order available) Belle Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls Cup of Enchantment Magic Kingdom Park Available at Various Locations Throughout Magic Kingdom Park Princess Tiana Sipper (No discounts apply; available while supplies last); available at the following locations: The Friar’s Nook, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, and Pinocchio Village Haus (Mobile order available) Storybook Treats, Liberty Square Market, Main Street Snacks, Popcorn Cart near Cinderella Castle, Popcorn Cart near Gaston’s Tavern, Popcorn Cart near Peco’s Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, and Popcorn Cart near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ©Disney Storybook Treats Tiana Cone: White chocolate and frosted mint soft-serve swirl topped with white chocolate crispy pearls and a chocolate decoration (New) (Available Aug. 25 through 31 only) Rapunzel Sundae: Shortcake with wild berry soft-serve and DOLE Whip Lemon topped with berry compote and sugar flowers (Currently available) ©Disney Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Moana Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla sprinkle cake with white chocolate mousse The Ganachery (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Rapunzel Ganache Pop: Dark chocolate, vanilla beans, and candied cherries covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) ©Disney Disneyland Resort Princess Tiana Sipper (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available on mobile order) (New); available at the following locations starting Aug. 1: Disneyland Park: Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Plaza Inn, Refreshment Corner, Troubadour Tavern, and Tiana’s Palace Disney California Adventure Park: Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, and Fairfax Market Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose Restaurant Princess Aurora Sipper: Currently available at the following locations: Disneyland Park: Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose Restaurant Princess Belle Sipper: Currently available at the following locations: Disneyland Park: Lemonade at small world Promenade Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose Restaurant Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Napa Rose Restaurant (Currently available; reservations highly recommended) Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures: Reserve your royal breakfast feast here. Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Disneyland Park Royal Banquet Hall (Available Aug. 1 through Sept. 1) Ariel-themed Raspberry Pistachio Cupcake Cinderella-themed Bergamot Chocolate Cupcake Snow White-themed Mango Apple Cupcake ©Disney Disneyland Paris Disneyland Park Victoria’s Home-Style Restaurant (Available Aug. 25 through 31) Best. Shake. Ever!: Raspberry milk shake Royal Bayou Cake with pistachio, caramel, and pecan biscuit Market House Deli (Available Aug. 25 through 31) Wave of the Ocean Cake: Moana-themed passion fruit eclair Exotic Fruit Cupcake topped with lemon buttercream ©Disney Disneyland Hotel Fleur de Lys Bar (Available Aug. 25 through 31) Rapunzel Mocktail with violet and elderflower inspired by Rapunzel (Non-alcoholic) Red Rose Cocktail inspired by the Eternal Rose from “Beauty and the Beast” with notes of rose, elderflower, and blueberry That’s a wrap on the list of treats for World Princess Week! We can’t wait to check some of these out and bring you our honest reviews. Stay tuned to DFB for all the Disney food news! 24 Snacks You Need in Disney World in 2024 — 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 Which snack do you want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post 4 NEW Snacks Are Coming to Disney World Next Month! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When we say we’re in the Disney World parks every single day, we really mean EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Cinderella Castle And that means we’ve seen and experienced a lot of things — the best snacks (and the worst), the best memorable moments, and the memorable moments that we WISH we could forget, the list goes on. We do all this to help you plan your best Disney parks vacation, and it’s a dream to do it. However, we have to be honest — we have some confessions to make. The TTC Ruins Magic Kingdom We’re starting out VERY strong here, but hey, it’s honesty hour — the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center) is the only way to get to Magic Kingdom UNLESS you’re staying at a Walt Disney World hotel and are on a bus with direct access to the front gate. At the TTC, you’ll park your car, walk or take the parking tram to the Monorail or Ferryboat, and THEN arrive at Magic Kingdom. And for some of us? That just puts a damper on the day already. TTC We’ve heard many people in line for security surprised at the fact that they have to take another mode of transportation to actually get to the park, and we see how that could be jarring for those who haven’t done that research! It basically means you have to allow an extra 30-45 minutes of time to actually make it to the front gates of Magic Kingdom, and for rope drop, that’s ROUGH. While we appreciate that Walt wanted to have Magic Kingdom really set apart from the real world…we do wish it didn’t take an extra half hour to get there. Disney World Would [Mostly] Benefit From Adults-Only Events Now WAIT, hold on — we are WELL AWARE that Disney World is a family park and that’s what it was intended to be! We would never want Walt’s vision to be tampered with like that…however, Disney World already has plenty of after hours and special events that are an extra cost, only for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, etc. and most are very popular. So would there really be any harm in having an adults-only event SOMEWHERE at SOMETIME on property? Typhoon Lagoon After Hours We’re not saying Disney should shut down an entire park for a normal park day and only allow adults to enter, BUT having an after-hours event that’s 18+ is something we see a lot of older Disney fans asking for all the time. Are there potential problems with it? Absolutely, 100%, but what idea doesn’t? Our bottom line is this: we’ve seen a lot of demand for it, and Disney could seriously make a LOT of money off of adding just a few dates that are after hours events for an 18+ crowd. It’s worth a shot, right? Not Every Day is Magical While we may spend every day in Disney World, the Most Magical Place on Earth, that does NOT mean that every day is magical (unfortunately). We wish it would, or that all our everyday problems would go away when we’re in the parks, but that’s just not the case. That’s nothing against Disney, nothing can really shield you from life or its problems, but while we’re beyond grateful to have the jobs we do, that doesn’t mean that every day is perfect. EPCOT Our cars have trouble when we’re driving to and from the parks. We hit wildly heavy traffic that sours our mood. Rain downpours on us before we can get our ponchos or umbrellas out and soaks us. We’re thinking about the argument we had with our significant other or family member while we’re walking around the parks — see what we mean? While it’s important for us to recognize that we’re thankful to do what we do every day, just like how a lot of families want to shed light on their gratefulness to be able to take a Disney parks vacation, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to ignore the things going wrong. We Don’t Like Some Popular Attractions Just like every Disney World fan out there, there are some rides we’re just not a fan of. For some of our reporters, it’s because they’re prone to motion sickness (which we do everything possible to keep them from having to report on those and will pass it on to someone else), it gives them a headache, or some it’s just one that they’re not a fan of. And sometimes, the ones we dislike the most are the ones that are the most iconic. Jungle Cruise It’s true! Thankfully, a lot of the team has different tastes, so when we’re writing posts recommending rides or attractions for you all, we have a variety of opinions to help us balance the recommendations out, and we try very hard to always state who the ride is for and who may not be a fan. Our reporters have experienced every Disney World attraction COUNTLESS times, so sometimes when they have to get on “it’s a small world” or Jungle Cruise (and hear those jokes for the millionth time)? They might sigh in defeat for juuuust a second. We Don’t Follow Our Own Tips Yeah this one’s a little embarrassing, but we can’t tell you HOW MANY TIMES we’ve been stuck in the parks during a rainstorm without our rain gear, we forget our reusable water bottle, buy bottles of water instead of getting free cups at quick service locations — all these tips that we tell you are INVALUABLE and change your Disney World trip for the better? Yeah, we forget to do all of them. Rainy day in Magic Kingdom We don’t MEAN to, because we regret it EVERY TIME. We remember why we recommend it to you all (ever wondered why you see multiple posts with a few of the same tips? It’s usually because one of us made that exact mistake in the park and need to remind ourselves too) and sit there, miserable for a second, and vow to do better next time. (…We never do.) If You Start To Expect A Magical Moment, You Won’t Get One Magical Moments are when Cast Members around the Disney World parks surprise guests with a little bit of extra magic — sometimes its giving them a free drink, a birthday cup, or letting them skip part of a line (yes, that’s happened!). However, these moments are magical because they don’t happen often and they’re unexpected — THAT’S where the magic comes from! So the moment you start to expect for a Magical Moment to happen to you, or you feel entitled to one, it’s very likely you won’t get one. We love Cast Members! One of the members on our team had her return time for Millennium Falcon malfunction and not show up on the My Disney Experience app, and instead of making a big deal of it, she shrugged it off, told the Cast Members it was alright, and kept her disappointment to herself. And you know what happened? The Cast Members gave her a Magical Moment and let her on! But if she had been a jerk and started to yell at the Cast Members? Yeah, that wouldn’t have happened, because no one likes being yelled at! Mistakes happen and technology malfunctions — it’s not the Cast Members’ fault. HOWEVER, you should not be kind JUST because you’re wanting a Magical Moment — be kind because it’s the right thing to do, and MAYBE you’ll be surprised with one, but if not, that’s okay too! Animal Kingdom We’re always here to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news and updates, so stay tuned to DFB! CONFESSION: I AVOIDED Magic Kingdom for Over 6 Hours, and I Felt Super Guilty About It. But It Was the RIGHT CHOICE. 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 a Disney World confession you have? Tell us in the comments! The post 6 Brutally Honest Confessions from a Professional Disney World Expert first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

#SeaTurtle brain = the ultimate GPS 🐢🗺️❤️ (Videos captured under permit MTP-24-133 and MTP-24-260A)View the full article

Over 15 years of covering food in Disney World, we’ve eaten at every single restaurant, and while they all have their pros and cons, some definitely aren’t making our “must-do” lists anytime soon. Pizzafari One of those such spots is Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom, which serves what we lovingly call “puffy pizza” and a few alternate entrees. We’ve definitely had some disappointing meals here in the past, but recently, we stopped by to try out one of their plant-based offerings. During our last visit to Pizzafari, we picked up the Plant-Based Italian Sausage for $10.79. It’s made with plant-based Italian sausage served on a bun with caramelized onions and peppers. It comes with a small Italian salad on the side. Plant-based Italian Sausage Honestly, the plant-based sausage on this had SO much flavor and was definitely spicier than the similar one that’s served at PizzeRizzo in Hollywood Studios. The toppings weren’t quite as punchy, but we think adding a little salt to the top would help with that. We opted to try it first without any condiments, but we think condiments would plus-up the experience overall. Honestly so flavorful! Either way, this is definitely one of the better plant-based offerings we’ve had on a Disney World quick service menu, and we’d recommend it to those with vegan or vegetarian diets. Inside the sandwich For the side salad, we liked that it had plenty of tomato and cucumber and that it wasn’t just lettuce and dressing (like the salad at PizzeRizzo). The ingredients were pretty fresh and meshed well together with the dressing. Side salad You get a fat-free Italian dressing on the side and it was tangy and delicious, and there was PLENTY of it in the packet. In fact, you probably won’t need the whole packet to dress your side salad. Dressing packet Our plant-based reporter ended up enjoying this entree thoroughly and said they’d go back and get it again! So if you’re interested in trying it out, make sure to stop by PizzaFari on your next Animal Kingdom day. It’s not very often that we get so impressed by a plant-based meal in Disney World…we’re pretty shocked! Stay tuned to DFB for more food reviews from Disney World and all the theme park news you need to know! Click Here for Our List of Best Snacks in Animal Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try out this sandwich? Tell us in the comments! The post This Disney World Fast Food Meal Was Delicious…and You’ll Be SHOCKED by the Ingredients first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s new Lightning Lane Multi Pass has officially gone LIVE! Lightning Lanes in Walt Disney World So we’re diving in, head first, and using this new system inside the Disney World parks so YOU can see how it works BEFORE you need to use them, too. Check out our video below: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Disney World’s NEW Lightning Lane Multi Pass  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 What’s your favorite thing to do in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post DFB Video: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Disney World's NEW Lightning Lane Multi Pass first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe will officially open next year in 2025, and we’re not sure we can wait that long. ©Universal This all new theme park will have five lands featuring some of our favorite stories, characters, and themes. Up to this point, we’ve heard about the rides, attractions, and restaurants at How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Celestial Park, and Super Nintendo World. That only leaves one new land announcement left, and we just got a clue when we’ll finally learn all about it. Universal Orlando took to Instagram today, July 29th, to share the mysterious celestial blue background once again, this time with the date July 31st, 2024. Universal Orlando via Instagram Since there’s only one land left for us to learn about and these clues have always led to an Epic Universe land announcement, we think we know what’s waiting for us this Wednesday. Could we finally be learning all the new attractions for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic?! ©Universal What’s even cooler about this date and this announcement is that July 31st also happens to be Harry Potter’s birthday! We couldn’t think of a more perfect day for this big reveal. We’ll be eagerly waiting for Wednesday to get here, that’s for sure. Ministry of Magic photo op at Epic Universe Preview Center This new Harry Potter land will be the third at Universal Orlando, joining Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. In this land, “guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.” Ministry of Magic As of now that’s all we know about this new land, but that will soon be changing! There is also an Epic Universe preview center set up at Universal’s City Walk. At the preview center, you can see a model of the new park and everything that will be available once the park opens. It’s a giant display that also includes photo ops of each land’s portal. If you’re just as excited for this new park as we are, head to City Walk to check it out! Epic Universe Model at Preview Center on Universal CityWalk We’ll be watching for this latest announcement and will bring you all the news! So stay tuned to DFB for all The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic details. For more Epic Universe news, keep following DFB! Did Universal Just Drop a HINT About the NEW Harry Potter Land at 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! Are you excited for this new land at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! The post Um Universal, Is This ANOTHER Announcement We Need to Decode?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s ready for spooky season?! Halloween is just around the corner! We nearing the end of July, and Disney is starting to get ready for Halloween. We’ve seen Halloween announcements and souvenirs popping up for many of the Disney parks. We’re hoping to see some fall decorations turn up any day now! But there’s something new coming to a Disney park this year, and we’re SO excited because it features Disney Villains! An all-new parade is taking place in Tokyo Disneyland for Halloween this year! “The Villains’ Halloween ‘Into the Frenzy’” daytime parade is coming to the Disney Halloween event in the park. ©Disney This new parade will feature your favorite Disney Villains who are inviting Mickey Mouse and more Disney friends to be part of their thrilling celebration. There will be music and performances and a “glamorous Halloween party.” Be ready for a “high-energy and electrifying parade” hosted by the Disney Villains! We’ll see Disney Villains at this celebration! During this new parade, Dr. Facilier from Princess and the Frog will be making his first-ever appearance at Tokyo Disney! You’ll also get to see Jafar and Maleficent. Not only that but there will also be a part of the parade that includes guest participation. When the floats stop, you’ll be invited to dance along with the characters as the celebration builds to a finale. Flames and smoke will erupt as the party continues. Dr. Facilier in EPCOT Halloween decorations, exclusive snacks, ride overlays, trick-or-treating, exclusive merchandise, and special nighttime entertainment will all be available around Tokyo Disney Resort for the big spooky season celebration! You’ll also find the celebration continuing at the hotels. And starting September 30th, you’re welcome to visit the parks in full costume all throughout the day. It’s the ultimate Halloween celebration! Specialty Halloween Drink 2022 If you’re ready to celebrate Halloween, Tokyo Disney may be the place to do it! Otherwise, check out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World and Oogie Boogie Bash in Disneyland Resort. Tons of Halloween celebrations will be ongoing at the Disney parks. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party TICKET Details and Sale Date Announced! We’re keeping track of all the holiday happenings around the parks, so keep following DFB for all your party details! Will I Be Able To Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Do you plan on heading to a Disney park for Halloween? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Disney Villains Halloween Parade Is Happening This Year! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is it time for you to set sail on a Disney Cruise? We’re BIG fans of the Disney Cruise Line, so if you’re asking us, our answer is YES! The Disney Magic We recently sailed on the Disney Magic cruise ship, and since we love a nice, filling meal onboard a Disney cruise, we wanted to bring you our review of Lumiere’s. Let’s dive right in! One of the best parts of a Disney cruise is the food (amirite?). Also, you’ll notice that on each of Disney’s cruise ships, there are three main dining rooms. That means that while you’re on board, you’ll get to enjoy “rotational dining.” What that means is that for each night of your cruise, you and your serving team will rotate restaurants. It’s definitely a unique way to have different dining experiences on your cruise, and it’s a lot of fun! The Disney Magic Let’s set the scene: We hopped on a cruise aboard the Disney Magic recently. Now, its three dining rooms are Animator’s Palate (on deck four aft), Lumiere’s (in the lobby atrium on deck three), and Rapunzel’s Royal Table (on deck three aft). They’re all uniquely themed and have menus that match the individual vibes to the T. For this post, we’re focusing on our time at Lumiere’s. Atmosphere First up, Lumiere’s is the Disney Magic’s “fancy” restaurant. Can you guess what the theme is? It’s themed after Beauty and the Beast. There are plenty of references to the film all throughout the restaurant such as a mural of Belle and the Beast. Side note: this restaurant’s menu can also be found at Royal Palace on the Disney Dream, Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy, and Triton’s on the Disney Wonder. Lumiere’s Now, let’s dive into the full course of offerings we tried there — the Warm French Country Bread with an Olive Spread, Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, Breaded and Deep-Fried Brie, Gaston’s Escargot Gratinée, French Onion Soup, Potato and Leek Soup, Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak, Oven-Baked Salmon Royale, Conchiglie Pasta, Crispy Roasted Duck Breast, Wild Mushroom-Stuffed Pasta, Grand Marnier Souffle, Signature Dessert, the Classic Opera Gâteau, and the Apple Tart Tatin. Eats First up, our dinner started with a bread service which means we got to partake in Warm French Country Bread with an Olive Spread (this has to be our least favorite bread service on a Disney cruise). This bread was a bit too crusty on the outside, but confusingly it wasn’t very crunchy, which wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences. Warm French Country Bread with an Olive Spread Moving on from there, we tried the Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp. Wow, this was a great dish! Even though it is only a chilled, tiny piece of lobster, it has a punch of flavor. The creamy and buttery tang of the pink sauce perfectly paired with the lobster. Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp Also, it’s a decently large shrimp that was perfectly cooked. It might have been a bit heavy on the dill, but we still enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a light portion, this is your app! Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp For our next appetizer, we tried the Breaded and Deep-Fried Brie. It had a nice and crispy breading, and the brie was subtle and creamy. Breaded and Deep-Fried Brie Overall, the dish was a bit greasy. The dipping sauce had a great combo of tartness and sweetness that wasn’t overpowering. Again, it was a nice and light way to start our dining experience! Breaded and Deep-Fried Brie Next, let’s talk about Gaston’s Escargot Gratinée. It is lightly salty and mushroomy. Hands down, it is one of the best appetizers aboard Disney Cruise Line (and that’s saying a lot since we normally don’t go for a dish with this type of flavor). Everyone raves over its chewiness and juiciness. You’ll be served bread with it to help soak up all the butter. Our bread was a bit tough, though. Gaston’s Escargot Gratinée Moving on from the appetizers to the soups and salads, the first thing we tried was the French Onion Soup, and we’re so happy we did! It was quite a tasty dish! The broth packed a lot of flavor, and the cheese pull was textbook amazing. In our opinion, we could have done with a bit more onion to balance out the bread and broth. Overall, it was a solid soup. French Onion Soup Our next soup was the Potato and Leek Soup. If you’re looking for those “comfort” vibes, this warm and savory soup has your name all over it. It’s got everything you need when it comes to a typical potato soup. It’s quite delicious, albeit a bit heavy, for a summer vacation. It could also be considered an app because of how light it is. Potato and Leek Soup Onto the main course, people! For our first entree, we had the Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak. Our first thought is that this was, overall, a pretty nice dish. We really had no complaints with the steak as it was salty, well-cooked, moist, and flavorful. Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak The light and tangy Bearnaise sauce elevated the steak. The well-seasoned green beans could have been a bit less firm, though, in our opinion. Overall, this dish was straight to the point — a simple meal that fills you up. Chateaubriand-Roasted Filet Steak Next, we should talk about the Oven-Baked Salmon Royale. You’ll be pleased to know that the salmon was salty and fresh with a buttery hint to it. The panko crust was a nice addition because it provided the needed texture and crunch. Oven-Baked Salmon Royale If you’re not a fan of horseradish, you’ll want to steer clear of this one (even though it wasn’t overpowering). The white wine blanc is a nice addition to the dish as well. What we enjoyed about this one is that it’s a tasty meal that isn’t going to weigh you down. (It looks like our theme for the night was “nice and light.”) Oven-Baked Salmon Royale Next, we tried the Conchiglie Pasta. Interestingly, this one came with a warning from our server. Apparently, many people don’t enjoy it all that much. He offered to bring us another entree if we didn’t enjoy this, and we asked for a backup just in case. Conchiglie Pasta This pasta comes right out of the gate with quite a strange flavor, not one we enjoyed. Perhaps it was the Brandy flavor that came off almost starchy in a way. This isn’t a dish that we can recommend. The amount of lobster in the pasta was lacking, and the sauce wrecked the flavor. Let’s just say we’d skip this one every single time. Conchiglie Pasta Next, we had a go at the Crispy Roasted Duck Breast. What a tender and juicy piece of meat! It also had such a lovely crispy skin on top of it. The honey parsnip puree was delicious and wonderfully smooth. Overall, it was slightly sweet and quite hearty. Crispy Roasted Duck Breast For our last entree, we ordered from the vegetarian side of the menu. We wanted to give the Wild Mushroom-Stuffed Pasta a try. While this one had a lot of mushrooms, it really lacked any overall flavor or other interesting qualities. If only this one had been creamy instead of brothy it would have rated much higher in our books. Wild Mushroom-Stuffed Pasta Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for — dessert! We kicked things off with the Grand Marnier Souffle, and we’re so happy we did. Speaking of souffles, they’re quite a challenge for most to make at home and it doesn’t appear on many restaurant menus, which is why we prioritize getting a souffle on a cruise when possible because of its uniqueness. Now, this one wasn’t the greatest ever (a bit eggy), but overall, we’re still happy with this pick. The creme anglaise and the citrusy Grand Marnier flavors were definite favorites of ours. Grand Marnier Souffle Next, we had a go at the Classic Opera Gâteau (the Signature Dessert here). What a rich and decadent dessert! If you LOVE chocolate, you’ll love this. It’s heavy, spongey, most, and the chocolate ganache is something else! We like chocolate and all, but we might have enjoyed a classic Tiramisu a bit more since it’s got a similar flavor profile and not quite as heavy. Classic Opera Gâteau Last but certainly not least, we had the Apple Tart Tatin. This one is almost exactly what you’d expect — a caramelized baked apple with vanilla ice cream. We loved it! Apple Tart Tatin The apples weren’t too soggy or overbaked and were spiced perfectly with cinnamon. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how lovely a nice dollop of ice cream is for cooling a dish down and offering a balance to the caramelized apple? Overall, 10 out of 10. Apple Tart Tatin The apples were spiced with cinnamon and perfectly tender without being too soggy or overbaked. The ice cream was a nice addition to cool things down and balance out the richness of the caramelized apple. Nosh or not… Check out Lumiere’s if… You’re a little adventurous and don’t mind skipping out on tenders and fries. You love dining that’s themed to Beauty and the Beast particularly. You’re a duck connoisseur because it was a solid entree. Skip out on Lumiere’s if… You’re not a fan of themed dining experiences. You’re looking for a steak entree that just wows you when it comes to flavor. You’re looking for nothing but the most basic of options. Overall Overall, we enjoyed these meals and we think you would too. There are some misses, but there are also some solid options. Lumiere’s Are you planning or considering a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Talk to our friends over at Small World Vacations! Their experienced travel agents can help you find the best deals for your trip, and their services are completely FREE! We’ll bring you all the details about the Disney Cruise Line, so stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest Disney news! BIZARRE Cat Cups And 5 Other WEIRD Things Coming to the Disney 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 Have you eaten at Lumiere’s? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post FULL REVIEW of Lumiere's on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of our favorite things to do at Disney World is eat (yeah, we know, you must be SO surprised!). EPCOT Morocco Pavilion More importantly, though, we love finding those lesser-known snacks that have since become our favorites. We also love to revisit our favorite underrated restaurants to be reminded ALL OVER AGAIN of why we will recommend them. We recently revisited a restaurant in EPCOT, and you know what? It still SLAPS. So come with us as we take a trip to Morocco. That’s right, we’re headed to the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT, where a HIDDEN GEM of a restaurant is hiding. We’re referring to Spice Road Table, which we’ve loved pretty much FOREVER. Recently, we dropped by the restaurant again and were reminded of why we love it so much. Yes, it’s a table service restaurant, but because you can often get a table without an advance dining reservation, we often like to drop in to order a snack or two from the tapas-style menu. Spice Road Table So before our visit, we met with Princess Jasmine, who meets with folks at the Morocco Pavilion. She told us that Aladdin has a favorite food item here, the Hummus Fries. Um, how can we not appreciate a food rec from Jasmine? So we ordered them, and let’s just say Jasmine was right! They’re served with a citrus-chipotle sauce and preserved lemon for $10. Hummus Fries We’ve had these before, but we think they’re even better now. The fries are so flavorful, but when you dip them in the sauce, you get a nice intensity (and, yes, heat) that isn’t easily found in Disney World. This place IS called SPICE Road Table, after all. We will warn you that the spiciness could be a bit much for some folks, though. But we like it SPICY. SO flavorful We also ordered one of our favorite things at Spice Road Table, the Pomegranate-Chili Crispy Cauliflower with red pepper sauce for $11. It’s savory AND sweet and is anything but boring old cauliflower. The flavor just sinks into the cauliflower that’s been breaded and covered in this delightful sauce. Pomegranate-Chili Crispy Cauliflower One thing to love about this restaurant is that the food tastes decadent, although it’s made with healthy ingredients. But again, we will warn you that this also still lives up to the “spice” in the restaurant’s name. Both of these items reminded us of why we should stop by Spice Road Table more often. Bringing some heat So, if you want to get into a table-service restaurant without needing a reservation and you aren’t averse to spice, head straight to Morocco and do not pass go. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: Does This EPCOT Restaurant Really Deserve Its Poor Reputation? We Found Out! 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 Spice Road Table? What’s your favorite menu item there? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: When Princess Jasmine Recommends Food in Disney World, We Listen first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, some things have CHANGED in Disney World this week. The new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass system went live and we tested every single thing we could to see how it worked. Tiramisu Popsicle However, we saw some changes with dining in Disney World, too, this week. One restaurant closed and reopened as a gift shop in Magic Kingdom. We also revisited Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT to see if it’s as bad as we remember. Disney World restaurant menus also changed this week, so let’s take a look at those. Now, on with the updates! Magic Kingdom Pinocchio Village Haus The Buffalo Chicken Flatbread and All-Meat Flatbread have been removed from the menu. All-meat flatbread The Blue Raspberry Slushy has also been removed. REVIEW: Did We Just Find Good PIZZA in Magic Kingdom?! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Catalina Eddie’s You can now get a Small Lowfat Milk at Catalina Eddie’s for $2.29. Catalina Eddie’s You can also get Chocolate Milk for $4.49 and Whole Milk for $3.99. These two items were also added to the menus of Fairfax Fare and Rosie’s All-American Cafe. REVIEW: We Insist You Visit This Hollywood Studios Restaurant for DESSERT Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Cafe Hummus and Pretzels is no longer available as a snack. Meanwhile, Strawberry Milk has been removed from the beverages menu, while Siponey Royale Whiskey Spritz has been removed from the Beverages with Alcohol menu. Contempo Cafe Entrees have also changed for lunch and dinner: REMOVED: Contempo Burger ADDED: Contempo Artisanal Burger — Grilled 7-oz Angus Burger with Bacon, Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Grilled Brioche Bun served with French Fries for $13.99 French fries have been added as a Side. REVIEW: New Breakfast Arrives at Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Todd English’s bluezoo Desserts have changed at bluezoo: REMOVED: cherry stone, chocolate mousse trio, citrus meringue tart, and baked berry buckle ADDED: strawberry mango mousse — strawberry jelly, strawberry whipped ganache, muddled strawberries, mango and fresh mint for $15 ADDED: carrot cake cream cheese mousse — rum whipped ganache, candied carrots and raisins, sherry sabayon for $15 ADDED: triple chocolate mousse spheres — olive oil brownie for $15 ADDED: lemon blueberry tart — blueberry whipped ganache and lemon sorbet for $15 ADDED: crème caramel — blood orange foam for $15 bluezoo restaurant Kid’s desserts also changed: REMOVED: red velvet skillet cookie ADDED: unicorn ice cream munch — cereal milk ice cream, confetti of candy for $10 How to Dine at One of the Most Expensive Restaurants in Disney World for Less Than $40 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Rix Sports Bar & Grill The desserts menu has changed: REMOVED: Apple Logs, Brownie a la Mode, D’Horchata Latte, Bourbon Iced Brown Sugar Latte, and Leche de Coco Latte ADDED: S’mores Brownie — Indulge in our delectable warm skillet chocolate brownie, perfect for sharing. Topped with a layer of toasted marshmallows, drizzled with chocolate syrup and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs for $16 Rix Sports Bar & Grill A cocktail has also changed: Cadillac Margarita changed from “Casamigos, fresh Lime Juice, Agave and Grand Marnier” to “Herradura Reposado, fresh Lime Juice, Agave and Grand Marnier” and price changed from $20 to $23. REVIEW: Fried Oreos and Spiked Lemonade? You’ve Got Our Attention, Disney! Disney’s Pop Century Resort Everything Pop We noticed some big changes ahead of Everything Pop’s refurbishment (the dining spot will remain open, though). Let’s take a look at Breakfast changes. The following has been removed from the menu: Ham and Cheese Omelet, Western Omelet, Avocado Breakfast Bowl, and Yogurt Dipper Kid’s Pack. You can also no longer order the White Chocolate Cake. The bakery menu also removed a ton of items. All of the following are no longer on the menu: PB&J Croissant, Seasonal Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Pack, Glazed Doughnut Holes with Chocolate Sauce, Coffee Cake, and Chocolate-Almond Cookie. Everything Pop Desserts also had the following items removed: Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, S’more Cookie, POP Goes Bananas Cupcake, Strawberry Fruit Bar (No Sugar Added), Tie-dye Cheesecake, and Flashback Oatmeal Crème Pie. Under Fresh Fruit, the Apple has been removed from the menu. The following snacks are also gone (at least for now): Yogurt Parfait, Sunflower Seed Butter Kid’s Pack, Pretzels with Hummus, Cuties Mandarin 3-pack, Apples with Caramel, Mini Babybel Snack Cheese, Apple Cereal Bar, Hard-boiled Eggs, Microwave Popcorn, Strawberry Cereal Bar, Strawberry Toasted Pastry, Pickle in Pouch, Allergy-Friendly Dark Chocolate Bar, and Allergy-Friendly Fruity Bears. However, Carrots and Celery with Ranch for $3.99 was added. These beverages are also no longer available: Monster Energy Zero Ultra, Simply Smoothie Pineapple Mango, Simply Smoothie Strawberry Banana, BODYARMOR Sports Drink – Orange Mango, BODYARMOR Sports Drink – Strawberry Banana, POWERADE Fruit Punch Bottle, POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast, Minute Maid Lemonade Bottle, and Cold Brew Joffrey’s Coffee – French Roast. Self-service Beverage Station Bottled Sodas that are no longer on the menu include: Barq’s Root Beer Bottle, Cherry Coke Bottle, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Bottle, Fanta Orange Bottle, Fanta Pineapple Bottle, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale. Minute Maid Cran-Apple Raspberry Juice has also been removed. The following Milk is not available: Strawberry Milk, Half Gallon 1% Milk, Half Gallon Whole Milk, Vitamin D Milk Pint, and Small Chocolate Milk. Other beverages no longer available include: Honest Green Tea, Honest Tea Berry Hibiscus, Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea Bottle, Sparkling Water, vitaminwater power-c dragonfruit, and vitaminwater zero sugar rise. Everything POP Specialty Cocktails that aren’t available right now include: Seagrams Strawberry Daiquiri, LiveWire Crystal Shiso Mojito, Social Hour Cocktails Whiskey Mule, White Claw Black Cherry Hard Seltzer, and White Claw Mango Hard Seltzer. Here’s how Beer changed: REMOVED: Stella Artois Lager, Corona Extra Lager, Heineken Lager , Blue Moon Belgian White Ale, Bud Light Lime Lager, Michelob Ultra Lager, Budweiser Lager, Coors Light, and Miller Lite. ADDED: Cigar City Jai Alai IPA – Tampa, FL for $11.25 Meanwhile, the following Wines have been removed: Beringer White Zinfandel and Copa Di Vino Pinot Grigio. Tie-dye Cheesecake Lunch and dinner are also changing. The following Entrees have changed: REMOVED: Porchetta Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Meatball Sub, and Honey Barbecued Pork Sandwich ADDED: Grilled Chicken Parmesan with Pasta — pasta with a garlic bread stick and marinara sauce for $13.29 ADDED: Pasta with Meatballs — served with a garlic bread stick and marinara sauce for $12.49 Here’s how Kid’s Meals have changed: the Turkey Sandwich Kid’s Pack has been replaced with Kid’s Turkey Sandwich — Roasted Turkey and American Cheese on a Whole-Wheat Bun served with Strawberry-flavored Yogurt Smoothie and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water for $7.79. The following have been removed: Chicken and Cheddar Kid’s Pack and Ham and Cheese Kid’s Pack. REVIEW: This VIRAL New Disney World Treat Is Like an Uncrustable on Steroids Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Roaring Fork You can no longer get Honest Honey Green Tea at Roaring Fork. Roaring Fork That’s the only change here. YOU MUST EAT THIS. Seriously. Go to Disney World Right Now. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara The Beer menu has changed: ADDED: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen – Germany for $11.50 ADDED: Heineken Lager – Netherlands for $10 ADDED: Yuengling Traditional Lager – Pottsville, PA for $9.75 ADDED: Coors Light Lager – Golden, CO for $9.25 Here’s how the Kid’s Menu changed: ADDED: Turkey Sandwich Kid’s Pack — Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast and Cheddar Cheese on Honey-Wheat Bread with Apple Chips, Cucumber, and Grape Tomatoes for $7.79 ADDED: Cheese Pizza — Served with choice of two Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI® Bottled Water for $7.29 The Mara Snacks were also updated: ADDED: Luna Bar: Chocolate Dipped Coconut for $2.99 ADDED: Allergy-friendly Cookies for $6.99 Hot Cocoa was added to Hot Beverages for $3.79. The following was removed from the Sesame Allergy-Friendly menu: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Tamarind Barbecue Pork Sandwich, Chicken Strips (4 pieces), and Butternut Squash Soup (Side) REVIEW: Is This Really Happening? A POG Juice Treat Just Broke Our Hearts in Disney World Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie The Coffee and Chocolate Crème Brûlée has been removed from the menu. Amorette’s Patisserie That’s the only change here. REVIEW: There’s a NEW Ride-Themed Treat at Disney World! If you have your heart set on certain menu items at Disney World restaurants, you’ll want to keep an eye on those menus. You can do that by checking them on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated when we spot changes. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. 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 Disney World restaurant? Has it had a menu change that disappointed you? Let us know in the comments! The post Contempo Cafe, Everything Pop, and 9 Other Disney World Restaurants CHANGED This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. 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In case you didn’t know about the most recent change at Disney World Genie+ is gone and Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Passes are the new kids on the block. But now the question is, does that affect your plans to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party It’s fair to say that these new services are going to change how you do Disney World. At their core, they are the new variant of the skip-the-line systems at Disney World with a slightly different paint job, but all that being said, many people want to know if you will be able to use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Let’s find out! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event in Magic Kingdom held on select nights from August 9th through October 31st from 7PM to midnight (ticket holders are allowed to enter the park as early as 4PM). The party includes lots of fun things like trick or treating, exclusive entertainment, exclusive character meet and greets, exclusive food, and so much more. The tickets do vary in price from $119 to $199 (depending on the date). Mickey in costume at his Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Now here’s the million-dollar question: Will you be able to use Lightning Lane Multi Pass during the event? Most likely not. At the moment, there is no official word from Disney stating that Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass will be available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Happy Halloween! This also doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. There’s always the potential that Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass could eventually become available during the event. It’s just that for right now, we shouldn’t count on it being there. Genie+ was not available at the after hours parties in the past, so it’s unlikely that Disney would add this skip-the-line service this year. Luckily, one of the biggest perks of going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the short wait times! Due to the limited capacity, the lines for popular attractions tend to be short throughout the night. ©Disney We’ll keep monitoring the situation and let you know all of the updates! In the meantime, you will be able to use Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass during regular operating hours, so make sure you take advantage of it during the day before hitting up Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the evening. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party We’ll be sure to bring you the latest updates about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the new Lightning Lane service, so stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog! We’re running several experiments with the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system to answer ALL of your questions. Don’t want to miss a thing? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to catch all of the latest. In the meantime, we’ve put together some guides for you! Take a look: COMPLETE GUIDE to the New Line-Skipping Service at Disney World Why 7:00AM Doesn’t Matter Anymore in Disney World Disney’s New Lightning Lane System Has One HUGE Problem The Biggest Lightning Lane Mistake Rookies Will Definitely Make In Disney World IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments! The post Will I Be Able To Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The new cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are done and accepting reservations! NEW Fort Wilderness Cabins! Disney removed the old cabins at Fort Wilderness and replaced them with brand-new, beautiful cabins. Now, it appears that these aren’t the only Disney cabins that are getting a make over. The Davy Crockett Ranch in Disneyland Paris will be starting its own refurbishment of the cabins located there, and boy, are they going to be nice! Just like in Disney World, the current cabins at Davy Crockett Ranch in Disneyland Paris will be getting replaced. The new cabins will be more modern and comfortable for you to enjoy, while still providing the fun rustic, Disney theming. ©Disney The theming of the new cabins will showcase adventures of Donald, Daisy, Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby. You’ll find little details of the gang all around the cabins. ©Disney At this point, the process of creating these new cabins has just begun, but a model bungalow has been brought on site for reference and to determine if any adaptations need to be made. Based on the pictures we’ve seen of this model bungalow, they look adorable! ©Disney These new cabins will provide opportunities for you to not only enjoy the new space but also the great outdoors. Each will be environmentally friendly, have outdoor patios, and even all the equipment you’ll need to roast s’mores outside. ©Disney This latest refurbishment comes after several other hotel refurbishments at Disneyland Paris including the reimagined Disneyland Hotel that reopened this year, in 2024. We may see more hotel refurbishments over in Paris as the resort continues its Disney Hotels transformation plan. ©Disney We’ll be excited to see the finished bungalows when they are completed! The project certainly reminds us of The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and we know they turned out great. By the look and sound of it, these cabins will also turn out to be a great place for families to stay. For more Disney news, keep following DFB! The One Hotel You’ll Want to AVOID in Disney World Until… 2027?! 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 a trip to Disneyland Paris? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK at Disney’s Brand-New Davy Crockett Hotel Makeover! 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. If you’ve missed out, this is your chance to catch up! Magic Kingdom 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 RARE character coming back to Magic Kingdom, the CLOSURE of a Disney World Restaurant, and the BIG CHANGE to Lightning Lanes! Are y’all ready? Okay, let’s go! 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 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 Game-Changing NEWS Updates From Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Spooky season is here, and if you’re setting sail on Disney Cruise Line soon, you may be getting ready for Halloween on the High Seas. ©Disney Halloween on Disney cruise ships is SO much fun. You’ll get a chance to see some cool decor during the season, as well as eat some special Halloween snacks, meet characters in their Halloween costumes, attend a costume party, and more. If you’re wanting to make things EXTRA spooky, though, you might be interested in getting a fun in-room decoration package: and Disney just revealed a Halloween one! Disney Cruise Line just revealed a new In-Room Decor package for those sailing on Disney cruise ships that will let you make your room Halloween-themed just in time for the spooky season. The BOO in the High Seas package includes a “Happy Halloween” plush throw, a Mickey-shaped Halloween pillow, a drawstring backpack with Stitch on it, a “BOO” felt banner, and two vertical hanging danglers with felt pumpkins and ghosts. ©Disney You can order this package right now for your next cruise for $95. Just visit the Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts website. You can also order a fun Halloween snacks package to be delivered to your room, too, for $30. This fun treat package comes with seven Halloween-themed Krispie treats. ©Disney You’ll need to order these before your cruise, though, so be sure to head on over to the Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts website to get those ready to go to your room when you arrive. If you are taking a Halloween on the High Seas cruise, here’s a guide as to what to expect. Stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL REVIEW of Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic 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 Are you taking a Halloween on the High Seas cruise? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments! The post That’s It. We’re Totally Splurging on These NEW Disney Halloween Decorations! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got some exciting news from California! Walt Disney Studios Walt Disney Studios is located in California, and it is really where all the magic started. Lots of Disney fans will be descending upon Anaheim, California for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in just a few weeks, and not only do D23 members get to experience all the event has to offer, but they can also take advantage of some discounts in the area! Now there’s another experience that D23 fans will want to take advantage of in September — the official Walt Disney Studios tour! Disney has just announced that the Official Walt Disney Studios Tour, presented by D23, will begin on September 3rd and run through September 30th! This tour is only available to General and Gold D23 members (but the general membership is free to join!). What a fantastic way to see the studio, right?! This is a 2.5-hour walking tour, so prepare to learn a LOT about the history of Disney. ©Disney You’ll get the chance to visit Walt Disney’s office suite, the Walt Disney Archives, Legends Plaza, as well as Animation Building, soundstages, and more. You may even run into some employees along the way! Walt Disney Studios You’ll be led around by your VIP tour guide, so you can ask them all your burning questions, and will conclude your tour visiting the Disney Studio Store and Employee Center, where you can grab souvenirs that are ONLY available on the lot. Walt Disney Studios We’ve had the chance to tour Walt Disney’s private office, so we can confidently say that this experience is WORTH IT. INSIDE LOOK: We TOURED Walt Disney’s Private Office! The tour is only open to guests 10 and older, and members are only able to get tickets for themselves and one guest who isn’t a member. General members will pay $149 for weekday tours and $159 for weekend tours per person, plus a $7 per person processing fee, while Gold members will pay $99 for weekday tours or $109 for weekend tours per person, plus a $7 per person processing fee. Disney did not share how long these tickets will be available, so act fast if you’re interested. Looking for more recent D23 news to stay in the know? We’ve got you covered! More D23 News! HURRY! You Can Get Tickets for an Exclusive $99 Disney Tour NOW! 2 EXCLUSIVE Discounts Revealed for D23 Members 2 Suspicious Things Disney Has Done Ahead of the HUGE August 10th News DropDon’t Forget! An Exclusive NEW Disney Event Is Happening SOONAn EXCLUSIVE Disney Visa Cardmember Perk Is Coming This August, But There’s a Catch Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Check out the exciting news Disney revealed about their Disney Adventure cruise ship! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What would you be most excited to see on the tour? Tell us in the comments! The post HURRY! You Can Get Tickets for an Exclusive Disney Tour NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you ever wanted to ride an attraction at Disney World but been too scared or nervous, too? Space Mountain Picture this: You finally hyped yourself up to ride an attraction like Tower or Terror or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. You get to the front of the line when, all of a sudden, the panic kicks in, and you want to back out. Well, we have good news for you: Disney plans for this and has “Chicken Exits” (these exits are used for other reasons as well) to allow you to back out of an attraction at the last minute. These chicken exits are sometimes not always well known, but they can be great for many reasons, more than just chickening out. Let’s say you don’t want to ride an attraction but still want to hang out with your party. Chicken exits are great because they allow you to wait in the queue and then wait for your party at the end of the attraction. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind On certain attractions, the chicken exit is also used for Rider Switch, which allows families to switch riders in and out if a child is too young, too scared, or does not meet height requirements. Rider Switch Some queues are themed extensively, especially the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios. If you have ever wanted to take a look around the hotel lobby without riding the attraction, you can go through the queue and then exit at the chicken exit. Tower of Terror Lobby We asked our amazing readers to find out what they think about chicken exits at Disney World and whether they use them themselves. Tower of Terror Exit One reader told us that they do not ride most thrill rides due to motion sickness, but they like to see the queue on rides like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Runaway Railway Another reader shared that they can’t do projection rides like Star Tours, so they are very familiar with the chicken exit. Regardless, they still find the line experience fun. Star Tours As mentioned before, you can wait with your party in line, use the chicken exit, and then wait to rejoin your group once they are off the attraction. This is the case for one of our readers. They shared that one of their children does not enjoy thrill rides, so they use every chicken door and then meet back with the rest of their group at the end of the ride. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Sometimes, riding an attraction you are nervous or scared of does not go according to plan. One of our readers shared that while they were waiting in line for Flight of Passage, they started to get anxious, which is normal when you have a lot of time on your hands while waiting in a long queue. This reader does not like heights and decided while in the queue that they better not ride and be sorry later. They did not want to risk the ride being too intense for them. Flight of Passage If you ever do not feel comfortable riding an attraction, knowing that a chicken exit exists can help give you peace of mind. These exits are also a great way to accommodate different people in your party, allowing some to ride the attraction and some to wait at the end for their party. As always, stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news, tips, and updates! 10 Rides to Avoid if You Struggle with Motion Sickness 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 used a chicken exit? Let us know in the comments!The post The Secret Ride Exits You NEED to Know About in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s that time of the year when we have to keep an eye on hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean. That’s because hurricanes can and have, in fact, impacted Disney World in the past. Magic Kingdom during Hurricane Idalia Yes, the 2024 hurricane season is here, and it’s expected to be a very busy “potentially explosive” one. We’ve already seen a Cat 5 hurricane, Hurricane Beryl, in the U.S., that seriously impacted Texas. We’re keeping an eye out for storms that could impact Disney World, and we now have an update about a storm system that could affect Florida. According to the National Hurricane Center, meteorologists are watching for a potential tropical depression that will form near the Leeward Islands, Greater Antilles, or southwestern Atlantic area. This storm would put most of Florida directly in its path. ©National Hurricane Center The NHC is monitoring the storm, which is currently “an area of disturbed weather” that is expected to interact with an approaching tropical wave. This disturbance has a 40% chance of forming into a tropical depression over the next seven days. Of course, there is a chance that no storm forms, but 40% is a high enough percentage to cause some concern. If the storm does develop into something stronger, and you have plans to be in Disney World, you could not only run into some seriously rainy weather during your visit (which could close down some rides and entertainment), but you could also see the parks briefly closed until the storm passes. In this case, Disney will likely suggest you stay at your hotel, but don’t worry — Cast Members are prepared to make sure you stay fed and entertained in the event that happens. Cast Member helping with indoor recreational activities during hurricane in Disney World @aarti1021 Granted, if you know a hurricane is headed to Disney World before you leave for your trip, you may be able to cancel and reschedule it for later. You’ll need to contact Disney World, though, for your options. Disney generally relaxes its cancellation policy in the event of a hurricane, so you might have some leeway if that’s what you decide to do. Magic Kingdom during Hurricane Idalia 2023 We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news about this potential storm system, so stay tuned to DFB for more. How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at 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 Have you ever visited Disney World during a hurricane? Let us know about it in the comments! The post National Hurricane Center Monitoring Potential Tropical Storm That Could Impact Florida first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t believe just how much Disney Cruise Line has in store for us! ©Disney The Disney Treasure sets sail later this year, and we already know that not one, but TWO other cruise ships are coming in 2025. The Disney Destiny will be inspired by Disney heroes and villains and will even have passengers choose a side, while the Disney Adventure is inspired after, well, Disney adventures! But what does that really mean? Now we’ve gotten a little more information! While the caption of the video shares that there will be seven uniquely-themed areas on board inspired by some of your favorite Pixar, Marvel, and Disney stories, from the video itself, we think this map hints at what some of those areas may be! ©Disney The beginning of the video shows a young boy playing with some of the characters from Toy Story, hinting at the Toy Story-themed area on board! So far, we know that Toy Story Place will be a spot for kids to hang out with friends from Andy’s Room in an interactive water play area with different themed food spots. ©Disney Next, we see some people posing in front of an Iron Man mural, which matches the fact that we’ve known we’re getting a Marvel area — but maybe we’ll see a focus on Iron Man! Disney previously shared that the Marvel Landing on the ship will offer an “Avengers-level adventure featuring thrilling attractions” and an all-new experience. Yes, Disney said ATTRACTIONS. New Marvel attractions on a ship, people! ©Disney The last clear clue shows a little girl in an Elsa dress looking up as it snows, so we’re expecting to see an area dedicated to Frozen, too! ©Disney We do know the names of the new areas that will be on board, though, which is incredibly exciting! Disney Imagination Garden Disney Discovery Reef San Fransokyo Street Marvel Landing Toy Story Place Town Square Wayfinder Bay Disney Just Dropped 5 HUGE Updates About Its NEWEST Cruise Ship We’re hoping to hear more about this ship at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which is coming up in just a few weeks! At this time, we do know that the ship will be sailing on 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore, and those interested in booking information are encouraged to sign up to get more information when it’s released —including when booking will open! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney Cruise trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney Adventure and Disney Cruise Line news, so stay tuned to DFB! Check out these new additions being added to the Disney Treasure! 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 area are you most looking forward to seeing on the Disney Adventure? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Releases NEW Clues About Its HUGE Adventure Cruise Ship first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We would argue that Disney World’s live entertainment is some of the best in the world. Cinderella Castle There are several outdoor shows put on by characters and Cast Members in each of the parks. Street performers, parades, cavalcades, and other shows pop up throughout the day and bring us lots of joy. Occasionally, Disney will cancel or temporarily remove some of this entertainment for varying reasons. Recently, two shows were suspended for a couple of weeks, but we’re happy to report that they have officially returned back to Magic Kingdom! Let the Magic Begin in a stage show in front of Cinderella Castle that features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and more favorite Disney characters. It welcomes you into the park for the day with music, dancing, and an all-around good time. Unfortunately, this show has been gone from Magic Kingdom since July 7th. Let the Magic Begin! But we bring you good news! Today, July 28th, the show has returned to Cinderella Castle! We caught it around 10AM, just an hour after Magic Kingdom opened for the day. You will now be able to see this show daily once again in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Goofy and Tiana singing and dancing at Let the Magic Begin Let the Magic Begin was not the only show temporarily gone from Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, which also takes place in front of Cinderella Castle, was also gone for the past few weeks. But luckily, it is back on the schedule for various times throughout the day! Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire We’re so excited that these two stage shows are once again back home for us all to enjoy! Be sure to check your Disney World app (My Disney Experience app) for locations and updated times of all the shows around Disney World. Parades, fireworks, stage shows, and more are all listed right on the app for your convenience. ©Disney We’re always watching for closures and re-openings around Disney World, so be sure to keep following DFB for all your up-to-date Disney World news! Why Disney Fans Should Be Glued To Their Computers Starting August 7th at 8:30AM 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 show at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT! 2 Shows Have RETURNED to Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re gearing up for some BUSY weeks of Disney news! Cinderella Castle Several big Disney projects have been announced in the past few months and years, and we’re eager to get updates on everything that’s coming soon. Thankfully, it’s that time of year! A couple of major Disney events are happening at the beginning of August, and we’re here to update you on EVERYTHING. Starting out on August 7th at 8:30AM, The Walt Disney Company will do its quarterly earnings call. These don’t always come with major announcements, but we usually at least get a few news updates out of them. We learn more about Disney’s dealings with streaming, the financial reports from the company, and business strategies for the future. The Walt Disney Company headquarters in California Occasionally, Disney CEO Bob Iger will take the earnings call as an opportunity to make some news-worthy announcements, so we’ll be tuning in to see if anything comes up. We also like to comb through the financial reports when they’re released before the earnings call, so stay tuned that morning for all the updates. ©Disney The earnings call is on a Wednesday, and then by Friday, we’ll be in a whirlwind weekend of Disney events! At Disney World, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off on Friday, August 9th, and we’ll be there for opening night. The annual event features trick-or-treating, exclusive entertainment, rare character meets, and lots of other not-quite-spooky fun throughout the night. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Typically, we have quite a few things to share from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, including snack reviews, character updates, wait times, and crowd reports. Sometimes Disney even adds new offerings, like new segments in the parade or new performers around the park, so we’ll make sure to report back if we spot anything! Main Street U.S.A. at night Also on August 9th, bookings will open for those wishing to sail on the Disney Destiny. This new cruise ship sets sail in December 2025 and will have a heroes and villains theme. We’ll be getting more information about the ship and its offerings starting July 30th. The Disney Destiny | ©Disney But the BIG kicker is that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event starts on August 9th and runs through August 11th. It’s a weekend-long event filled with special panels and showcases that talk about all of Disney’s ongoing and upcoming projects. And Disney will definitely be announcing some BIG news during the event! ©Disney One of the most highly-anticipated offerings from that event will be the Disney Experiences Showcase, where Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take the stage to talk about what’s coming next for the Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. We’re hoping for updates about upcoming park expansions and the new cruise ships that have been recently announced! ©Disney Essentially, we’ve got quite a bit of Disney news to prepare for in the coming weeks, so you might want to be glued to your computers starting on August 7th. It’s going to be an absolute whirlwind of announcements and excitement! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest! Click Here to Learn More About Announcements We Could Expect Soon! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which announcements are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! The post Why Disney Fans Should Be Glued To Their Computers Starting August 7th at 8:30AM first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a lot of things you need to consider when planning a Disney World trip. Orlando International Airport You’ll need to figure out your budget. Then you’ll need to pick your hotel, decide what kind of park ticket to get, and figure out HOW you’re getting to Orlando. Now, the latter is starting to get a lot easier, especially if you plan on flying because Orlando International Airport is getting new nonstop flights all the time. Now, several new nonstop flights have been added to the airport. According to The Orlando Business Journal, JetBlue has added new nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport, including a seasonal route to and from Portland, Maine that will fly to Orlando three times a week starting October 10th. JetBlue also added a daily year-round flight to Orlando from Manchester, New Hampshire, starting January 23rd, 2025. ©JetBlue JetBlue will also begin flying from Long Island, New York to Orlando starting on October 24th. This will be the first time JetBlue has flown to Orlando from that location. More daily flights to Orlando are also being added to New York’s Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse airports. ©JetBlue However, once you get to the Orlando Airport, you still need to figure out how to get to Disney World from there. You have several options available, including renting a car, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or booking a shared shuttle service like Mears Connect driven by Sunshine. Mears Connect If you’ve never flown into Orlando International Airport, we’ve put together some of our best tips for navigating the airport here. Stay tuned to DFB for more. If you want to do some planning before your flight (or even on the plane!), check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We’ve compiled all of our BEST tips and tricks from years of Disney World travel into one eBook that you can download to your tablet or smartphone and take with you! 2 Reasons WE HAVE BEEF With the Orlando Airport 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 airline do you use to fly to Disney World? Share with us in the comments! The post NEWS: JetBlue Adds 3 NEW Nonstop Flights to Orlando Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You may want to avoid this hotel for the foreseeable future. Polynesian Village Resort The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most iconic at Walt Disney World. One of two original hotels to open with the complex in 1971 — the other being the Contemporary Resort — the resort has long been a jewel of the resort, often hailed by many as the epitome of Disney theming. However, you may want to steer clear of it for the next couple of years. The Polynesian has seen its fair share of construction, refurbishments, and changes over the years. However, there’s currently a confluence of projects at the hotel that all-told will keep the hotel essentially under some degree of construction for the next two years! Polynesian Village Resort lobby According to Disney, “Now through 2026, you may see and hear construction and refurbishment work during daytime hours. The ongoing enhancements may impact views of the theme park and other surrounding areas. To minimize disruptions during your stay, activities that may create noise will begin no earlier than 9:00AM. Refurbishment work is subject to change due to operational needs or weather conditions.” Yes, you read that right: If you want to stay at the Polynesian without ANY type of construction happening, you’ll likely need to wait until 2027! One of those construction projects is the Disney Vacation Club Island Tower. According to Disney, the tower’s design represents a desire to “complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.” However, unfortunately for Disney, many fans don’t see it that way. Island Tower under construction. Instead, many believe that the new tower embraces modern hotel design principles and aesthetics at the expense of the intricate theming and sense of place that the original Polynesian Resort embodies so well. Of course, like any Disney construction project, it’s best to wait until the tower is fully open and operational before judging either way. This construction has years left… The Polynesian Village Resort is one of Walt Disney World’s most famous and beloved resorts. However, given the amount of construction happening over the next several years, it may be best to skip over the resort until 2027! Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on on-going Walt Disney World construction projects. 5 Strange Things Disney World Pros Always Pack 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 are your thoughts on the Polynesian’s on-going construction projects? Let us know in the comments below. The post The One Hotel You’ll Want to AVOID in Disney World Until… 2027?! 👀 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As you probably know, Disney World food is very important to us. PB & J Croissant at Everything Pop Food Court We keep track of attraction closures happening all around Disney World, but when we hear about a restaurant getting a refurbishment, our ears quickly perk up. That’s why this food court news was important to us! Some of our favorite snacks can be found at two Disney World hotel food courts that are getting some work done. Luckily, one will be back to full capacity this week while another will begin some changes. World Premiere Food Court — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort The World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has been undergoing refurbishment throughout July. The World Premiere Food Court This food court closed for refurbishment on July 1st, but it will reopen this week on July 31st. While it has been getting a face-lift, guests have been able to mobile order from a limited menu on the Disney World app. Everything POP Shopping & Dining — Disney’s Pop Century Resort Just as World Premiere Food Court reopens, Everything Pop will be beginning its own bit of refurbishment. ©Disney Starting July 29th, Everything Pop will be getting some work done. The refurbishment is set to last until September 29th. However, while the work is being done, guests can still use the Disney World app to mobile order food. You may need to use alternate entrances to access the food court and seating may be limited. Luckily, anyone staying at these hotels will continue to be able to get food and drinks during these refurbishments! But what else will be closed during your trip to Disney World this week? Keep reading to find out! Magic Kingdom Peter Pan’s Flight One of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides closed for refurbishment on July 8th! Peter Pan’s Flight is closed. Peter Pan’s Flight will be closed until August 21st. While Disney hasn’t commented on the closure, a permit filed for the ride indicates some general construction. We’ll be keeping our eyes open for any more information concerning any changes coming to this popular ride! If I Were You, I’d Avoid Magic Kingdom on These 4 Days in February Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade We had to say goodbye to an opening day attraction on June 23rd. Shootin’ Arcade The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was around for generations and provided simple fun to all who played. Now, the attraction has closed to make room for a new Disney Vacation Club lounge. This lounge will be the third in Disney World, joining one in EPCOT and one at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney has not yet announced when the new lounge will open. This Is Easily the Best New Thing to Do in Magic Kingdom Right Now Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Tomorrowland Terrace seating Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and sit down for a rest, this could be it! A RARE Character Meet and Greet Has Returned to Magic Kingdom After FOUR YEARS EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Test Track Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Other than that, Disney hasn’t shared many other details about the project. We don’t even have a reopening date yet, but we’ll be watching for more updates. Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh However, it opens from time to time as a KidCot station and a lounge. So if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen! We’ve Gotta Share Some BAD NEWS About the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Disney’s Hollywood Studios Voyage of the Little Mermaid Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. We recently spotted some construction walls up at the show! Voyage of the Little Mermaid will soon become “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024. ©Disney It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” We Officially Feel OLD. This Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ride Just Turned 30 Blizzard Beach Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment on March 17th. Blizzard Beach While Blizzard Beach is closed, Typhoon Lagoon is currently open. The two water parks often rotate off and on for being open. Disney has not announced when Blizzard Beach might reopen. We’ll be watching for any updates, though! Click here to learn all about Typhoon Lagoon. Disney World Hotels Barbados leisure pool The Barbados leisure pool will be closed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort from July 29th through the end of September 2024. Barbados Leisure Pool Closure This resort is organized into villages and each area has its own leisure pool. While the Barbados leisure pool is closed, check out one of the other several options around the resort! Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World here. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post One Disney World Hotel Food Court REOPENS This Week While Another Begins Refurbishment first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every week, we check the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! This week, the Magic Kingdom classic saw incremental wait increases, while the rest of Walt Disney World remained relatively staid, with some decreases. Lightning Lanes in Walt Disney World Disney World’s longest average wait time was for Flight of Passage, as usual, but the ride saw a rare 9-minute DROP in its average wait time. It will be interesting to see what, if any, effect the new Lighting Lane system will have on wait times next week. Take a look at this week’s average wait times — going from highest to lowest! Magic Kingdom Wait Times The Magic Kingdom park saw some interesting increases across the board this week. None were large, many within a minute or two, but overall, they seemed to indicate that the park was a bit busier this past week. (REMINDER: Tron Lightcycle/Run does not currently use a standby queue; it’s not included here, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure does not have a standby queue yet.) Space Mountain Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 61 minutes Space Mountain — 48 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 37 minutes Jungle Cruise — 36 minutes Haunted Mansion — 33 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 31 minutes “it’s a small world!” Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 28 minutes Astro Orbiter — 26 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 24 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 22 minutes “it’s a small world” — 20 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 18 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 17 minutes The Country Bears Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 15 minutes Liberty Square Riverboat — 15 minutes Country Bear Musical Jamboree — 13 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 12 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 11 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Mad Tea Party — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 10 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 8 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse — 3 minutes Hall of Presidents — 0 minutes A RARE Character Meet and Greet Has Returned to Magic Kingdom After FOUR YEARS EPCOT Wait Times EPCOT’s wait time champion was still Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as usual, but overall, EPCOT saw the opposite of Magic Kingdom this week. Wait times were actually slightly down on average across the board this week. (NOTE: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind does not currently use a standby queue, so it’s not included here.) Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 49 minutes Frozen Ever After — 44 minutes Soarin’ — 25 minutes Mission: SPACE — 19 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Spaceship Earth — 12 minutes Journey into Imagination — 10 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 8 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 9 minutes Living with the Land — 7 minutes Test Track, Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. Lies About EPCOT You Thought Were True Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage remains the busiest ride at the park (and resort overall), but its wait fell by 9 minutes this week. However, the waits of Kali River Rapids and Na’vi River Journey both went up, seemingly to compensate. You’ll probably sit with strangers on Kali River Rapids Avatar Flight of Passage — 84 minutes Kali River Rapids — 53 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 52 minutes Expedition Everest — 35 minutes Dinosaur Kilimanjaro Safaris — 25 minutes Dinosaur — 25 minutes It’s Tough to Be a Bug — 10 minutes TriceraTop Spin — 6 minutes The Boneyard — 0 minutes REVIEW: Well, This is Further Proof That Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is the BEST Park for Food Hollywood Studios Wait Times Hollywood Studios remained mostly unchanged this week, with Slinky Dog Dash and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster leading the pack. One note, the wait time for the Tower of Terror jumped by approximately 5 minutes. Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Dash — 68 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 64 Minutes Rise of the Resistance — 56 minutes Toy Story Mania — 52 minutes Tower of Terror — 50 minutes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 47 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 43 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 30 minutes Star Tours Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy — 14 minutes Star Tours — 12 minutes Muppet Vision 3D — 10 minutes Walt Disney Presents — 5 minutes. We Officially Feel OLD. This Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ride Just Turned 30 Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! The Biggest Lightning Lane Mistake Rookies Will Definitely Make 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 How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post WHERE Are the Crowds?! The Wait for Disney World’s BUSIEST Ride DROPPED by Nearly 10% Last Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article