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There are LOTS of places to dine in EPCOT! EPCOT You’ll find restaurants in every part of the park. There’s Space 220 in World Discovery, The Garden Grill at the Land Pavilion, Connections Eatery in World Celebration, and, of course, almost every country pavilion has its own restaurant, so you can enjoy the flavors of the world. As much as we thoroughly enjoy eating around EPCOT, there’s one restaurant with an environment that might kick up your anxiety, even though the food is really good! The Biergarten Restaurant is situated at the way back of the Germany pavilion. It serves up delicious German staples such as Spätzle, Pork Schnitzel, and Warm Potato Salad. It’s a buffet with LOTS of tasty options and a kid station for those picky eaters. Biergarten We really enjoy the food here! It’s flavorful and a great showcase of German culture in its food. But the food isn’t the only German tradition you’ll find here. As soon as you walk inside this restaurant, you’re transported to a German town celebrating its annual Oktoberfest! The atmosphere is VERY lively, which may easily cause some anxiety in someone who prefers quieter locations. But that’s only the beginning of the anxiety-inducing environment. Biergarten Restaurant interior When you check in to the restaurant, a Cast Member will lead you to your table, and as is customary in Germany, you may end up sitting with another group. Table sharing is common practice in Germany, but if you’re not used to it, sitting with others you don’t know may easily ramp up your anxiety! However, if you’re open to this idea, it can be a lot of fun to celebrate Oktoberfest with those sitting with you. Seating If you prefer quiet restaurants, then this one may increase your anxiety for other reasons, too. There is a live German band that plays traditional music while you’re eating! They play upbeat music that you may not be able to resist dancing to. You’ll see lots of guests dancing on the dance floor, and sometimes, the Cast Members will even join in! It’s lots of fun, but it might not be for everyone, especially those who deal with social anxiety. Biergarten band If you’re looking for a fun, lively, and social dining experience with delicious food, then the Biergarten Restaurant is certainly a place you’ll want to try! But if you prefer quiet atmospheres with less anxiety-inducing situations, there are better options for you in EPCOT. Instead, check out Chefs de France at the France pavilion or Shiki-Sai at the Japan pavilion. Chefs de France Disney certainly went above and beyond with the theming at the Biergarten Restaurant! You really feel like you’re transported to a German town and celebrating Oktoberfest every day of the year, but that might not be a great environment for everyone. We check out every restaurant in Disney World, so keep following DFB for more recommendations and info on places to dine on your next vacation! Everything You NEED to Eat and Drink at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you like eating at the Biergarten? Let us know in the comments! The post This Popular EPCOT Restaurant Gave Me Serious Anxiety and It Ended Up Being Totally Valid first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2024 has been a year full of announcements for what is on the horizon at Disney World! Magic Kingdom While the year is coming to an end, Disney is still announcing new projects left and right. While some announcements have been bittersweet, like the location of the new ‘Cars’ expansion and Monsters, Inc. land, Disney World will soon be home to so many new attractions and experiences! And if you are looking to visit Disney World in the coming years to experience all the latest projects, you will be able to stay at a BRAND- NEW hotel starting in 2027! In just a few weeks, Disney World’s newest Disney Vacation Club resort, Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, will open. But the title of the latest Disney World resort will be taken just two years later when the newly announced Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens in 2027! The Island Tower is opening next month! Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be in the exact location of the previously announced Reflections resort near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Reflections was announced in 2019 and was expected to open in 2022. However, construction was halted due to the pandemic and Disney World’s closure in 2020. Reflections is now canceled and being replaced by Disney Lakeshore Lodge || Previous Concept Art ©Disney The new hotel will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” The newly announced Lakeshore Lodge ©Scott Gustin We reached out to Disney fans, aka you, our awesome readers, to see what you all felt about this new hotel announcement. It seems that Disney fans are really split about it. Some readers are excited about this new hotel addition. One reader said, “I’m all for it. I hope the theming is on point.” Another reader agreed, “I’m glad it’s Disney Vacation Club resort. I just hope they have more studios. It’s getting harder to reserve a room.” Disney Vacation Club As we mentioned, Disney World is changing and will start to look different in the coming years. Regarding the new hotel and the upcoming projects, a reader said, “ The next few years are definitely going to be interesting for Disney World! And I’m excited!! I’m definitely ready for the Villains expansion!” ©Disney While you do not have to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay at this new resort, it can be exciting for current or interested new members as this is another location where vacation points will be available for purchase. A current Disney Vacation Club Member said, “As a Disney Vacation Club owner since 1994, I look forward to another option for stays.” Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club Resort While there have been positive feelings towards Disney Lakeshore Lodge, it has also been met with criticism. A reader commented, “Logistically, I understand that Value resorts aren’t as profitable for Disney, but would it kill them to add more?! People on lower budgets deserve a nice vacation, too.” Another reader agreed and said, “I would be thrilled about it if it weren’t DVC. Values and Moderates are what is needed. It seems Disney is forgetting about the people that Walt intended the parks to be for.” Art of Animation is Disney’s latest Value Resort which opened in 2012 While the new resort can be exciting for current Disney Vacation Club members, one member said that they are “honestly feeling saturated with DVC. I love all the DVC resorts, but it’s getting to be overkill.” Disney Vacation Club Welcome Center While some people are not too thrilled about the new resort, some readers pointed out that it may not be a place that they stay at, but it has the potential to bring new shops and dining locations that they can visit on their off days from the parks. Since this new hotel was just announced, details are limited. We will keep an eye out for any new information, so make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! FULL LIST of What’s OPENING in Disney World in 2025 Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What's New at the Disney World Hotels All About Disney World's Resort Hotel Refillable Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this new hotel announcement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!The post 61% of Disney Fans are Excited about Disney's BRAND NEW Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is celebrating the holiday season with 18 Holiday Kitchens this year, along with some additional locations serving up some popular Festival eats! Welcome to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has officially begun, and there is something for everyone. There are plenty of food booths with tasty items, merchandise items to grab (of course), and even concerts to watch. But don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. Let’s take a look at the bonus spots and see if you need to stop and check out the eats! Additional Locations Canada Popcorn Cart Over at the Canada Popcorn Cart you’ll find a Canadian Hot Toddy made with maple syrup, honey, black tea, lemon juice, cinnamon, and Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky, served warm. This is a new addition to the Festival of the Holidays! This drink is priced at $10 — and honestly, it was PERFECT for the day we were having. What do we mean by that? Well, we were feeling a little sinusy, and this drink helped clear us up. Canadian Hot Toddy You can’t go wrong with a Hot Toddy when you’re not feeling well, and this is just a classic version of that drink. It also has a lot of familiarity, so we expect a lot of folks will be ordering this. However, we don’t think the small size is worth $10, so unless you really need a Hot Toddy, you might want to skip it. Sunshine Seasons This EPCOT spot is back with a Cookie Stroll item again for 2024! Here, you can pick up your Peanut Butter Cookie made with Red & Green M&M’s Milk Chocolate Minis to round out your Cookie Stroll for $4.29. So, this is a good cookie. It’s also HUGE, so you can take a few bites, box it up, and take it back to your hotel room for later. Flavor-wise, it’s so buttery with lots of peanut butter flavor (but not TOO much). Peanut Butter Cookie made with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis Is it our favorite peanut butter cookie of all time? Probably not, but it’s delicious all the same. UK Beer Cart The UK Beer Cart is joining in the Festival of Holidays fun this year with a Frozen Chocolate Orange Cocktail made with hot chocolate, orange syrup, and blood orange liqueur. This drink is priced at $16.50. Okay, so a Cast Member told us that this drink was going for those classic Terry’s chocolate orange flavors, and it delivered. We’re not sure they work as a drink; this drink was a miss for us. Frozen Chocolate Orange Cocktail You don’t get a lot of the chocolate flavor unless you stir it up, but then the chocolate tastes very artificial, plus there’s a strong artificial orange flavor. So the flavor profile is SPOT ON, but we just don’t like it in drinkable form. We also think it’s overpriced for what you get. While it’s true there is NO shortage of great eats at the ‘regular’ booths at this year’s Festival of the Holidays, don’t skip out on these additional locations! If we had to choose, though, we’d say head straight to Sunshine Seasons for the cookie and grab the Hot Toddy if you’re feeling a little cold or under the weather. Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Check out all of the food booths getting NEW items this year! What you need to know about all of the Holiday Storytellers! The full line up of this year’s Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 Holiday Guide e-book! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from these booths would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: You’ll REGRET Forgetting About This New EPCOT Festival Treat! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome back to Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina! Tangierine Café We say “welcome BACK” because Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina serves as a year-round Food Booth at each of EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals throughout the year, and that’s no less true of its role as one of the Holiday Kitchens at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. So please join us as we stop by the Morocco Pavilion and step back into Tangierine Cafe to bring you our full review! Menu Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina serves up Grilled Kebabs, and it’s your choice of Chermoula chicken or Moroccan-spiced lamb. Stone-baked Moroccan bread with dips also remains up for grabs! 2024 Menu Ciderboys Cranberry Razz Hard Cider, Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider, and Gulf Stream Brewing Holiday Snakebite are available for individual purchase or as part of the Hard Cider Flight. The Holiday Fig Cocktail makes a return, as well. Here we go! Eats The Grilled Kebabs are something of a staple at Tangierine Cafe (you can often even find them in between official EPCOT Festivals), and they’re served with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli. Tangierine Cafe Full Spread Your Kebab choices are Chermoula chicken and Lamb Kefta, and they cost $6.25. We do feel that the chicken was a little chewy, and you can tell where they were roasted since those areas are a little charred. We enjoyed the bed of vegetables it was sitting on as well — it was a little sweet and a little crunchy, which worked for us! Grilled Kebab — Chermoula Chicken The lamb was also a bit chewy, though not as much, and it reminded us of the lamb kefta meatballs you can get over at Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom (we honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it is the same thing, just in a different form). While that isn’t a bad thing, we don’t think either is unique enough to want at a holiday festival because a version of them is offered for nearly every festival. Grilled Kebab — Lamb Kefta The Stone-baked Moroccan bread with dips is a plant-based item, costing $5. This could almost be a mini appetizer if you split it between two people, and we really enjoyed it! Stone-baked Moroccan bread with dips The accompanying dips are hummus, chermoula, and a Zhoug dip, and while the chermoula and Zhoug sauces themselves certainly add a bit of a herby kick to the bread, you’ve got the regular hummus there, too, if you’re not as adventurous. We certainly think it’s a solid option and can be friendly to pickier and more adventurous eaters. Yum! P.S. For any other Only Murders in the Building fans out there, are you thinking of Oliver’s love for dips, too? Just curious… Drinks Cheers to you, hard cider fans! THIS is your stop for Ciderboys Cranberry Razz Hard Cider, Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider, and Gulf Stream Brewing Holiday Snakebite. These were all very on the nose, so you pretty much know what to expect from them by reading their names. These are all available for individual purchase for $5.75 for a 6oz or $9.75 for a 12oz, or you can try all three thanks to the Hard Cider Flight for $10.25. Hard Cider Flight Our favorite was the Ciderboys Cranberry Razz Hard Cider because it was so light and fruity, but it’s not very strong, so keep that in mind! Ciderboys Cranberry Razz Hard Cider We also really enjoyed the Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider — it almost made us feel like there should be some form of crumble in there because it tasted so similar to an apple pie or apple crumble dish! Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider The Gulf Stream Brewing Holiday Snakebite wasn’t our favorite, but it certainly wasn’t bad! It has more of a bitter bite to it, so if you’re a fan of those types of ciders, this is for you! Gulf Stream Brewing Holiday Snakebite The Holiday Fig Cocktail makes a return, as well, for $11.50. This year, it’s made with Kleiner Feigling fig liqueur and white cranberry juice. Fig Cocktail Honestly, this isn’t our favorite among all the festive drinks at the Festival. We find that the cranberry has a somewhat medicinal flavor, but at the same time, the drink is almost overly sweet. It deserves kudos for being such a unique option, but ultimately, we think there are better cocktails elsewhere. OVERALL Overall, we think this booth is difficult to dislike if you’re a fan of more intricate flavors, but since it has similar offerings almost every festival, we don’t think it should be too high on your list if you’ve got lots of other must-grabs on your list that are more festival specific, we recommend putting those items above these. The ciders here were really great, so if you’re a fan of ciders, the flight here is a great grab! Tangierine Cafe Thanks for joining us at Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina! And don’t forget that we’ve got LOTS more to check out at this most festive of all the EPCOT Festivals! Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Learn about the Candlelight Processional and Dining Packages Check out ALL of the 2024 Festival of the Holidays booth Menus Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 DFB Guide to the Holidays at Disney World! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from Tangierine Cafe would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We're Spilling the Tea on the Best Kept Bread SECRET in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Can you believe it??!! The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows is opening in less than 3 weeks! Island Tower construction We can’t wait to experience all that this new tower has to offer. For example, we are stoked about trying out the Island Tower’s new restaurant Wailulu Bar & Grill! But with only 16 days left until opening, we’re getting concerned! Now here’s what we do know: The Wailulu Bar & Grill will open on December 17th, 2024 with the Island Tower. It will have an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, as well as coffee and pastries for breakfast. Also, it will feature some pretty stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom, including Cinderella Castle. ©Disney But beyond that, well, we really don’t know anything else. For example, even though the restaurant has an official page on the Disney World website, you’re still unable to access its menu yet. About the only thing we’re pretty certain on is the intended look of the restaurant as you can tell in the concept art. ©Disney So, not only is it quite concerning that Disney hasn’t shared the menu with us yet (guests should be able to see what sort of offerings there will be before the opening day), but when we have a look at the site itself, let’s just say that the last time we checked it still seemed like a construction zone. Construction progress That in itself is giving us anxiety about the readiness of the restaurant, or even the hotel for that matter, for the opening day. Here’s to hoping that Disney will release the menu to the public soon and that there won’t be any last minute delays because we can’t even imagine the logistics of having to adjust people’s vacations and all. Construction progress In the meantime, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details, so stay tuned to DFB for more. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. NEWS: Disney Is Testing Moana’s REAL-LIFE Boat in Hawaii Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be hitting up the Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Island Tower when it opens? Let us know in the comments! The post We're Getting Worried About a Brand-New Disney World Restaurant That's Opening in 16 Days first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be honest — a Disney trip is magical, but it can also be a bit like running a marathon while juggling in unpredictable weather. You know those moments when you’re standing in line, your phone battery is at 2%, it starts raining, and somehow your backpack has turned into a black hole where nothing can be found? We’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: with a little preparation and these carefully selected Amazon finds, you can tackle whatever the parks throw at you. Magic Kingdom We’ve tested and curated this list to help you handle everything from sudden Florida downpours to the dreaded dead phone battery. These aren’t just random gadgets — they’re practical solutions that will actually make your park day better (and maybe save you from having to buy overpriced replacements in the gift shops). Your Phone Will Thank You (And So Will Your Sanity) Never stress about battery life again with this complete charging kit – ©Amazon When your phone is your ticket, your map, your dining reservation holder, and your camera all in one, running out of battery isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a park day emergency waiting to happen. The FuelRod Portable Charger Kit is a game-changer because of its unique swappable system. Unlike traditional power banks, when this one runs out, you can swap it for a fresh one at kiosks throughout Disney parks. No waiting around for recharging, no carrying multiple batteries. BUY YOURS HERE! When Your Backpack Looks Like It’s Been Through a Hurricane (But Now It Won’t) Loungefly Bags Ever spent 10 minutes digging through your bag for sunscreen while your family slowly melts into the pavement? This Backpack Organizer is your solution to bag chaos. This waterproof insert transforms any backpack into an organized command center, with specific spots for everything from water bottles to ponchos. The best part? When you hit security, everything is instantly visible — no more embarrassing bag dumps trying to find that one chapstick. VIEW ON AMAZON Your Feet Will Write You a Thank You Note A little extra material at the top of the toe You’ve spent good money on comfortable park shoes, and then the sky opens up. The Waterproof Shoe Covers are like tiny umbrellas for your feet. Made from high-quality silicone rubber, they’re easy to slip on when the rain starts and fold up tiny when the sun comes back out. Trust me, your expensive sneakers will thank you. VIEW ON AMAZON Stay Cool (Even When the Line Isn’t Moving) Cooling towel Florida heat is no joke, and sometimes even the shortest wait can feel like an eternity. The Sukeen Cooling Towels are your personal air conditioner. Just wet it, wring it out, and snap it a few times — instant cooling relief that lasts up to 5 hours. Plus, it comes with a carrying bag and carabiner, so you can clip it to your backpack for easy access. SHOP ON AMAZON The Rain Won’t Ruin Your Day (Or Your Outfit) Frogg Togg Poncho Speaking of rain, the FROGG TOGGS Poncho is a game-changer. At just 9 ounces, it’s lighter than your phone but provides complete rain protection. The best part? It packs down tiny in its stuff sack, so it won’t take up precious bag space. And unlike those emergency ponchos you buy in the park, this one is actually reusable and won’t fall apart after one use. BUY ON AMAZON Keep Your Cool (And Your Drinks Too) Owala Water Bottle The Owala FreeSip Water Bottle is like the Swiss Army knife of hydration. Its unique dual-drinking spout lets you either sip through a straw or take bigger swigs — perfect for when you’re trying to stay hydrated while power walking to your Lightning Lane reservation. Plus, it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and has a push-button lid that locks, so you don’t have to worry about leaks in your bag. VIEW ON AMAZON Your Personal Cooling System Has Arrived Mini-fan The JISULIFE Handheld Fan is three lifesavers in one: a powerful fan, an emergency flashlight, and a backup power bank. With up to 19 hours of battery life, it’s perfect for those long summer days in the park. The pocket-sized design means you can easily carry it anywhere, and the multiple charging options ensure you’re never stuck without a breeze. BUY HERE Don’t Deal With the Dreaded Paper Straws We LOOOVE reusable straws! The Sunseeke Silicone Straws are perfect for those Dole Whips and specialty beverages around the park. These reusable straws are wider than standard ones (perfect for thick drinks), come with their own carrying cases, and are made from food-grade silicone. Plus, you won’t have to deal with those dreaded Disney paper straws. VIEW ON AMAZON Keep Everything Together (Without Breaking a Sweat) Look at that! These Grifiti Band Joes aren’t your average rubber bands. They’re heavy-duty silicone bands that can handle Florida heat and rain without breaking down. Use them to keep ponchos tightly rolled, secure loose items, or to keep your popcorn buckets shut. They’re heat and UV resistant, so they won’t melt or break in your bag. VIEW ON AMAZON When Snacks Are Life (But Organization Is Key) Reusable Utensils These Reusable Travel Utensils are perfect for all those snacks you’ve packed to save money. Made from natural wheat straw material, they’re durable, eco-friendly, and come with their own carrying case. No more hunting for plastic utensils or having to get a new set of utensils at every single festival booth. VIEW ON AMAZON Making The Right Choice (Without Emptying Your Wallet) When deciding which items to prioritize, think about when you’re visiting. Summer trips definitely call for the cooling towels and fans, while the rain protection gear is essential year-round in Florida. Consider what you can comfortably carry — these items are chosen to be lightweight and packable, but you’ll want to balance preparation with practicality. Remember, while it might seem like a lot upfront, many of these items will save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive in-park purchases when you’re desperate. Plus, most can be used for future trips or everyday life. Stay tuned to our site for more Disney park tips and must-have items. Check out our Amazon storefront for more of our favorite Disney park products!The post 11 Must-Have Amazon Items for Your Disney Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When Disney first announced that Monsters, Inc. Land would be coming to Hollywood Studios, they left out where this new land would be located. ©Disney Based on the concept art and the layout of Hollywood Studios, fans speculated that it would go in place of the Animation Courtyard or Muppets Courtyard. Fast forward to about three months later, and Disney finally revealed the new land’s location. The brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land will be taking the current location of Muppets Courtyard. While many dreaded the announcement and hoped that the new Monsters, Inc. Land would take the place of the Animation Courtyard, instead, it officially confirmed the Muppets Courtyard would close. Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios This means that the beloved Muppet*Vison 3D, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and everyone’s favorite rat pizza restaurant, PizzeRizzo, will all soon close and be replaced. Muppet*Vision So how long do you have to visit Muppets Courtyard? Well, we are not entirely sure, as Disney has yet to announce a closing date. Disney announced that construction on the new Monsters, Inc. Land would begin in 2025, which is next year. Muppets Courtyard This means that we may even have less time with the Muppets Courtyard than we thought. While it has been known that DinoLand U.S.A. would be replaced with a Tropical-Americas-themed land, it took months to find out about the first phase of closures. We wonder if Disney will announce the Muppets Courtyard closure similarly by waiting a few months before announcing the official closing date. ©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom While it could be unlikely, there is a chance that Disney would do a phased closure approach with Muppets Courtyard to allow fans to experience Muppet*Vision 3D one last time. Muppet*Vision 3D While we do not know the exact closing date, there is some good news! Disney said that they are looking for ways to preserve the film. This could mean that Muppet*Vision could re-open in another area of the park or a different park. It could also mean that a streaming version could come to Disney+. We have our fingers crossed that we will be able to experience Muppet*Vision sometime again after it officially closes in Hollywood Studios. Muppet*Vision 3D Entrance The Muppets are not going away entirely! They will be taking over for Aerosmith, and a Muppet overlay will be added to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. According to Disney, the refurbished ride experience will feature Kermit and company “taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” ©Disney While we are sad that Muppets Courtyard will be closing, Walt Disney once said that “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And the same goes for Disney World! We will continue to keep an eye out for any closing announcements for Muppets Courtyard and any news about its replacement, so make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! “If They Don’t Have Rainbow Connection, I Will Cry.” Disney Fans Have 10 Demands for Disney’s New Muppets Coaster 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 about Muppets Courtyard closing? Let us know in the comments!The post When is Muppets Courtyard Closing in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy Holidays, everyone! Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to lock in and get ready for the holiday season. Are you shopping for Christmas gifts? Planning out your Christmas dinner? Looking for the best sales online and in-store? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Target Target has some GREAT deals happening now, and we searched high and low for the BEST Disney souvenirs on sale. Wanna see what’s available now? Let’s go! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney Lilo & Stitch Kids’ Cuddleez Pillow – Disney Store ©Target Who doesn’t love a cuddly Disney plush?! This Stitch Cuddleez Pillow is SO soft and squishy, making it the perfect gift for little ones. This was designed for one thing: COMFORT! Stitch lies flat on his stomach to become a pillow, and he’s made with soft, flexible ears and felt claws. Check it out at Target now! View on Target Disney Princess 5-Minute Princess Stories ©Target This one book covers a LOT of classic Disney stories! In fact, you can read about Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana — all in one book! From the beautiful full-page illustrations to the classic Disney princess characters, this is perfect for storytime. View on Target Crayola Color Wonder Disney Princess Coloring Page Set ©Target FINALLY! A way to get artsy without the mess! This Crayola set comes with 18 Disney princess coloring pages and five Color Wonder Markers. But here’s what makes this special: the colors appear only on special Color Wonder Paper. That means no marker on clothing, walls, or sofas! View on Target Disney Frozen Icy Magic Vanity Set ©Target We just can’t let it go. Elsa is STILL one of the most popular Disney characters, and for good reason! This playset comes with one tabletop vanity, a hairbrush, a comb, two braid sticks, three hair combs, two hair clips, a pair of earrings, six rubber bands, a how-to-braid booklet, and a sticker sheet. View on Target Tonies Disney Pixar Toy Story Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set ©Target This gift is educational, fun, AND easy to use. If you’ve never heard of it, the Toniebox is an “imagination-building, screen-free, educational, digital listening experience speaker that plays stories, songs, and much more.” The box comes with a Toy Story, Woody Tonie, who plays “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “Cadence,” “The Claw,” and “Woody’s Waltz.” You can purchase more characters separately for MORE songs and stories. View on Target Disney Toy Story, Pixar RV Friends 6pk Figure Set ©Target Speaking of Toy Story, we have another GREAT gift for Christmas! This fun variety pack comes with six Toy Story 4 characters, including Woody, Buzz, Rex, Slinky, Jessie, and Forky. Plus, the set is packaged in a FUN RV road trip box, making it the perfect gift for the holidays! View on Target In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney deals, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items!! The post 6 Disney Souvenirs From Target With Such Great Reviews, You'll Instantly Add Them to Your Cart first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready for some dessert and hot cocoa? This EPCOT Festival of the Holidays booth is one of the BEST when it comes to sweet treats and festive drinks. Holiday Sweets & Treats Booth The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has officially begun, and there is a lot to offer. There are plenty of food booths with tasty items, merchandise items to grab (of course), and even concerts to watch. But don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. And now we’re heading to one spot in particular — the Holiday Sweets & Treats Booth — to give you the FULL scoop! Is it worth a try? Let’s find out! Eats The food on this menu is limited. Very limited. Only one item, in fact. The Peppermint Sundae for $6.50. Peppermint Sundae This treat is made with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy. In 2021, we thought this treat was sweet and refreshing. In 2023, this was nothing like a sundae. Instead, it’s like a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and peppermint crumbles on top. It needed another layer of something to be more like a sundae. We’re not sure what it was missing, but we guess it worked as a milkshake. So, how does the 2024 version measure up? Peppermint Sundae This sundae held up fairly well in the sun. The ice cream base was much more “holiday” to us. The peppermint is just on top and not in the ice cream, so if you don’t really like peppermint, you can easily scrape it off or pick around it. It’s a very simple ice cream treat, but it is a bit bigger, which is nice. Drinks In terms of drinks on this menu, this booth is sure to have something for everyone in group. The Joffrey’s Hot Cocoa comes as a classic sweet beverage for $4.00, or you can get an adult version with a choice of Baileys Original Irish Cream for $12.50, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream or Grand Mariner for $15.50. Today, we got the Chocolate Peppermint Shake. It features Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea. The non-alcoholic version is $4.75. The adult version comes with whipped cream vodka for $12. Chocolate Peppermint Shake with Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea In 2023, we tried the boozy version and had no regrets. The whipped cream vodka was DEFINITELY the right choice for this drink, making it smooth, a little icy, and sweet. When it all mixes with the chocolate flavor and the dash of peppermint on top, it’s a little bit extra. However, we got the non-alcoholic version this year, and after having both versions, we believe this is probably only worth grabbing if you’re going to add the vodka. Non-alcoholic Chocolate Peppermint Shake The peppermint was really only in the sprinkles on top, so it was basically just a chocolate milk shake. It was like drinking chocolate milk because of how fast it started to melt. Kids and people who don’t want a strong peppermint flavor will probably enjoy this treat, but for the price and size, we preferred the sundae above! Now, we’ve got three beers to test out, and luckily, there’s a flight, so we can taste them ALL. You can get the flight for $10.25 or a 6 oz. pour of each for $5.75 or 12 oz. for $9.75. Let’s start sippin’! 2024 Beer Flight The Deschutes Brewery Jubelale is VERY hoppy. It’s bitter and dry, which might be what many people like in a beer. If you do, then you’ll enjoy this! Deschutes Brewery Jubelale The Southern Tier Brewing Co. 2XMAS Ale is still pretty hoppy. It’s lighter in flavor than the other two, but it’s still a hoppy beer. Southern Tier Brewing Co. 2XMAS Ale Finally, the Wicked Weed Brewing Hop Cocoa Porter was the only one of the three that tasted like its name implied. It had a strong cocoa flavor and is very stout. Wicked Weed Brewing Hop Cocoa Porter To appreciate and enjoy these three beers you really need to like stout and hoppy beers, which our reporter was not really a fan of. If you enjoy beers of this kind, stop by and give it a try! OVERALL This is not a best of the fest stand, but it might call to you. The flavors here are really niche from the chocolate peppermint to the stout and hoppy beers. Kids will probably enjoy the ice cream treats, while adults may have fun with the alcoholic peppermint shake! Peppermint Shake and Peppermint Sundae 2024 That’s it for this booth, but there’s a LOT more where that came from! Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Check out all of the food booths getting NEW items this year! What you need to know about all of the Holiday Storytellers! The full line up of this year’s Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 Holiday Guide e-book! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from this booth would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Peppermint and Beer -- That's Literally All You'll Find at This EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Booth first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re at the OPENING DAY of 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, and we’re checking out all of the food, entertainment, and holiday-themed activities for this year. Welcome to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! The festival has so much to offer beyond delicious food. We decided to take a break from tasting our way around all of the food booths to check out the FUN returning activity — Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. You can take part in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition throughout the World Showcase! This scavenger hunt will take guests around World Showcase looking for holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered — and lost — along the way. Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition If you’d like to join in on the fun, you can purchase a Scavenger Hunt map and stickers at locations like Creations Shop or World Traveler for $9.99. Creations Shop Once you’ve found all of the traditions, be sure to head to Creations Shop or World Traveler to redeem the map for a special gift! What are you looking for, exactly? Well…. Hidden Olaf …we won’t give away too much of WHERE these cuties are, but keep your eyes peeled in each World Showcase pavilion for Olaf in his sleigh as he picks up holiday traditions around the world! Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt Match the sticker to the country where you found Olaf, and once you’re done, you get that prize! This is actually a really cute way for you or your kids to learn about Holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Plus, it gives you something to do besides wait in line for rides or food! Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Once you’ve completed your hunt, take your map back for your prize. This year’s prize is *drumroll*…stencils! Stencil prize There are a few different stencil options to choose from, but each pair comes with a Spaceship Earth stencil and a character from Frozen! We spotted Anna, Elda, Sven, and Olaf during our visit. Note that prizes are subject to change, and they may run out of popular options. Here are your options! That’s a wrap on the scavenger hunt. Now that we’ve worked up an appetite, we need to get back to those booths! Keep following DFB for more! Follow Along With Us at The Festival of the Holidays DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are you most excited about the Festival of the Holidays this year? Let us know in the comments below. The post You’re Gonna LOVE the PRIZE for the Scavenger Hunt at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Magic Kingdom Disney World’s average wait times took a LEAP during this packed Thanksgiving week! Take a look at this week’s average wait times! Magic Kingdom Wait Times Wait times at Magic Kingdom took a large Holiday week leap, led by TRON jumping 18 minutes, from 52 to 70. (REMINDER: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently only available with a virtual queue.) TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 70 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 56 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 44 minutes Space Mountain — 40 minutes Jingle Cruise — 39 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 37 minutes Haunted Mansion — 31 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 27 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 23 minutes Space Ranger Spin Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 23 minutes Astro Orbiter — 21 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 17 minutes “it’s a small world” — 17 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 17 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 16 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 16 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 15 minutes Dumbo Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 15 minutes Mad Tea Party — 13 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 11 minutes Country Bear Musical Jamboree — 11 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 10 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Tom Sawyer Island — 6 minutes Hall of Presidents — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes Liberty Square Riverboat — 5 minutes The TRICK To Seeing Magic Kingdom’s Exclusive Christmas Parade WITHOUT a Party Ticket EPCOT Wait Times The wait times in EPCOT followed Magic Kingdom’s lead in seeing a holiday increase. As usual for the park, there was a huge drop off following the park’s three busiest attractions. (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 — 63 minutes Frozen Ever After — 56 minutes Soarin’ — 36 minutes The Land Mission: SPACE — 19 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 16 minutes Spaceship Earth — 16 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 14 minutes Living with the Land — 13 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 9 minutes Test Track is currently closed for refurbishment. Awesome Planet, American Adventure, 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. Hands Down, This Might Be One of the BEST Parts of EPCOT at Night Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage surged to an overall wait of over 85 minutes…. yet it still wasn’t Disney World’s busiest ride…. The most popular ride in the park Avatar Flight of Passage — 85 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 51 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 48 minutes TriceraTop Spin Expedition Everest — 34 minutes Dinosaur — 24 minutes It’s Tough to Be a Bug — 10 minutes Kali River Rapids — 17 minutes TriceraTop Spin — 9 minutes The Boneyard — 0 This Is My Favorite Thing To Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Too Many People Forget It Exists Hollywood Studios Wait Times Over in Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance lapped the field, with a whooping wait time OVER 120 minutes… Rise of the Resistance Rise of the Resistance — 121 minutes Slinky Dog Dash — 90 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 59 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 49 minutes Toy Story Mania Tower of Terror — 45 minutes Toy Story Mania — 44 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 40 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 31 minutes Star Tours — 14 minutes Muppet*Vision 3D — 10 minutes Walt Disney Presents — 0 minutes Fans Are Convinced Disney Just Blew a BIG Opportunity in Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! “If They Don’t Have Rainbow Connection I Will Cry.” Disney Fans Have 10 Demands for Disney’s New Muppets Coaster 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 Disney World's Busiest Ride TOPPED 120 Minutes Over Thanksgiving Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT has seen some pretty significant changes over the years! EPCOT The park that opened in 1982 is not the same as the one we have today, with a variety of attraction changes, new restaurants, and updates to World Showcase pavilions. But in that time, some places have been “abandoned” or left unused around the park. And we think Disney could turn those spots into some incredible dining locations! Wonders of Life/PLAY! Pavilion First of all, we’re heading to World Discovery to discuss the abandoned Wonders of Life Pavilion. This spot was supposed to become the PLAY! Pavilion with the EPCOT transformation, but it seems that the plans were halted after the pandemic. PLAY! Pavilion The gold-domed building lives between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE, and currently it’s not in use. We’d love to see the PLAY! Pavilion in here eventually, but if they do add that offering, they should also include a fun dining location! Think of all the cool snacks they could have. Odyssey Pavilion Another spot that would be a great location for a restaurant would be the Odyssey Pavilion! In the past few years, this space has been used for a variety of purposes, from the EPCOT transformation preview center to a temporary food booth during festivals. Inside the Odyssey Pavilion during a festival Complete with a kitchen, restrooms, and plenty of open space, this would be a great location for a restaurant or snack stand. Plus, any tables situated along the windows would have excellent views of World Showcase or World Celebration! The Abandoned Attraction in Germany Have you ever heard about Germany’s abandoned attraction? The Germany Pavilion was originally supposed to be home to a boat ride, located next door to Biergarten. Sadly, it got cut during EPCOT construction and Disney just covered the ride space with a wall and a mural. Germany Pavilion The space for the attraction is still back there (if you knock on the mural, you’ll find that it’s hollow!), so why not do something with it? Sommerfest could be expanded into a bigger quick service restaurant, or they could add a second table service spot alongside Biergarten. We’re always down for more food! Restaurant Marrakesh Do you know which spot DESPERATELY needs to be turned into a restaurant? Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco! This dining location never reopened after the pandemic when the Morocco Pavilion started getting some changes. Since then, the space has been mostly used as a lounge for various purposes. Restaurant Marrakesh Back when it was a functioning table service restaurant, it served Moroccan fare and even offered entertainment in the form of a live bellydancer. We’d love to see this spot returned to its former glory — it used to be a gem! World Showplace And finally, we’ve got to talk about World Showplace. This giant building is located between Canada and the UK Pavilion, and it’s mostly used as an event space from time to time. For a little while after the parks reopened, EPCOT used it for festivals. World Showplace The building itself is HUGE and has some of the best bathrooms in the park. Disney could do something incredibly cool with the space! What if they made it like a food market/permanent festival with a bunch of little snack stalls and plenty of seating? We’d be down for that! Alas, we’ll have to wait and see if any of these ideas pan out. Until then, we’ll just be anticipating the new Spaceship Earth Lounge in EPCOT! Stay tuned to DFB for more food news and theme park updates. Click Here to Learn More About the Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these spots would you want to see turned into a restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post Why Doesn't Disney Use These Abandoned Parts of EPCOT as Restaurants? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Once again, the Refreshment Port is serving up some special holiday eats for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! 2024 Refreshment Port The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has officially begun, and there is a lot to offer. There are plenty of food booths with tasty items, merchandise items to grab (of course), and even concerts to watch. But don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. And now we’re heading to one spot in particular — the Joffrey’s kiosks — to give you the FULL scoop! Is it worth a try? Let’s find out! Menu The Turkey Poutine returns to the Refreshment Port again this year! This dish features sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions. 2024 Menu Drinks this year at the Refreshment Port are Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider and Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine. Eats This year, the Turkey Poutine dish features sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions. You can order it for $9.50. Turkey Poutine Ah, this tastes like the holidays! The sweet potato fries were a GREAT call on Disney’s part — they give the snack just the right amount of sweetness and pair so well with the cranberry topping. Now, we’re gonna get nitpicky for a second and say that the turkey was a tad dry, but all those other elements balance out the dryness of the meat, so it doesn’t really impact the dish. If you like Thanksgiving foods, you’ll love this. Turkey Poutine That said, if you’re a little bit of a picky eater, there are a lot of textures and flavors happening here, so you might have to pick around the elements you don’t like. For those who HATE when their food touches…this is not for you. Otherwise, give it a try! It’s a great little snack. Also available at this booth are the Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider for $12 and the Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine for $7.50. OVERALL If you’re coming here for the poutine, get the Turkey Poutine. Sure, it’s a different take on a classic poutine, but it’s FUN and festive, and all those flavors are just so savory, rich, and complementary. The menu might be pretty small, but sometimes, short and sweet menus are the best ones. Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Check out all of the food booths getting NEW items this year! What you need to know about all of the Holiday Storytellers! The full line up of this year’s Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 Holiday Guide e-book! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from this booth would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Budget .50 for This EPCOT Festival Booth and That's ALL first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re stopping by the Refreshment Outpost on our holiday trip around EPCOT at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays! Refreshment Outpost Booth The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has officially begun, and there is a lot to offer. There are plenty of food booths with tasty items, merchandise items to grab (of course), and even concerts to watch. But don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. And now we’re heading to one spot in particular — the Refreshment Outpost — to give you the FULL scoop! Is it worth a try? Let’s find out! OVERALL Refreshment Outpost doesn’t disappoint with its festival offerings, and this year is no different. The addition of the mule, though, just gives us ANOTHER good reason to visit this booth (although we’d revisit for both the peanut stew and Dole Whip). It’s strange that the mule isn’t on the menu, but we can just make it our little secret, right? Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Check out all of the food booths getting NEW items this year! What you need to know about all of the Holiday Storytellers! The full line up of this year’s Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 Holiday Guide e-book! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from this booth would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Wait a Sec…Did We Just Discover a SECRET Menu Item at EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Black Friday may have been yesterday and Cyber Monday isn’t until Monday, but there are still some great deals to be found this weekend! Now is the time to buy Christmas gifts! We’re checking them ALL out to make sure you know how to get the best deals all weekend long and beyond because hey, we know how important it is to save money every day of the year! If you’re holiday shopping this weekend, don’t miss these deals online right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Make Counting Down to Vacation Just a Little Bit Easier! ©Amazon Counting down to vacation is HARD, for adults and for kids, but adults often have a little bit better time managing their excitement. If you’re looking for a great way to make counting down fun for the whole family, the Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Countdown to Vacation is a great way to do so! Grab it right here for 32% off! The Best Dollhouse of Them All ©Amazon When you’ve got a big imagination, it’s hard to make your stories come to life with a small dollhouse. That’s why if you’ve got a creative kiddo in your life who loves playing with dolls, the Mattel Ultimate Castle Doll House is a fantastic gift. It comes with all sorts of accessories, including a slide! It doesn’t get better than this. Don’t miss it for 25% off! New Stories for Bedtime ©Amazon Love reading your kids bedtime stories each night but need some new ones to add into the rotation? Check out the 12 Beloved Disney Classic Little Golden Books Boxed Set to give your family 12 new stories to read! Grab it here for 53% off! Family Game Night Just Got Better! ©Amazon Challenge your family to a new game that tests their memory with the Disney Chronology Game! The goal of this game is to place the events in order when they happened, and while that doesn’t seem like it would be difficult, there’s over 150 different events to put in order! Trust us, it’s a true challenge. Add it to your cart for 34% off! Anyone Can Cook! ©Amazon If you love cooking at home and brining the Disney magic into your kitchen, you’ll love the The Official Disney Parks Cookbook! Inside are 101 recipes from around the Disney parks to remind you what it feels like to be in the Most Magical Place on Earth, and impress your friends and family while you’re at it. Check it out for 62% off! Smart Home Brought to A New Level! ©Amazon Are your kids always playing with the Amazon Echo or Alexa in your home, and you’re worried that it’ll play something inappropriate if it doesn’t understand your kids correctly? Not an issue with the Amazon Echo Pop Kids! It comes with a 6 month subscription to Amazon Kids+, which allows them access to kid-friendly Audible books, interactive games, fun Morning Routines, and educational Alexa skills. Buy it online for 54% off! Countdown to Christmas the LEGO Way! ©Amazon Young kids will love counting down to the holiday with this fun LEGO Disney Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids! It’s suitable for ages 5 and up and features characters and set pieces from some of your favorite Disney stories. Add it to your cart for 56% off! Plushes Galore! ©Amazon Got someone in the family who adores Squishmallows or just Disney stuffed animals in general? The Squishmallows Original Disney100 5-Inch 5-Pack Plush Box Set is majorly on sale and calling your name! Check it out for 64% off! Protect Your Hair! ©Amazon Protecting your hair is of utmost importance, and a great way to do that is with the Kitsch x Disney Satin Pillowcase! This is fantastic for all different hair types, and therefore is a great gift for anyone. Grab it here for 20% off! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite Disney deals! What’s your favorite item on this list? Tell us in the comments! The post Don't Worry -- These Disney Souvenirs Are Still Up to 64% Off On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT has already gone through some MAJOR changes over the past few years, but there are still a few more to go. ©Disney The biggest changes were those made during the massive EPCOT transformation that re-imagined entire parts of EPCOT, gave us Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and CommuniCore Hall and Plaza. But EPCOT isn’t done just yet. Disney is also working on reimagining Test Track into a brand new version of itself. We’ve seen concept art of that re-theming, but Disney recently shared a look INSIDE the work being done at Test Track RIGHT NOW. The new version of Test Track is set to open in 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for more. What Will Disney World Change at Test Track? Here Are the 5 Biggest Theories 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? What would you like to see in the new version of Test Track? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Shares NEW LOOK at EPCOT’s Reimagined Test Track Attraction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sorry, Pop Century fans, but we have a bit of bad news for you. Pop Century Resort There has been ongoing construction at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and while it was supposed to be done this week, it has now been extended once again. Luckily, it’s not all bad news, though! Let’s find out what Everything Pop Dining & Shopping construction will continue and what is done. Everything POP Shopping & Dining — Disney’s Pop Century Resort The Everything Pop Food Court will continue its refurbishment for the time being. ©Disney Since July 29th, Everything Pop has been getting some work done. The refurbishment was supposed to end on September 29th. However, it was extended to November 30th, and now it has been extended AGAIN until April 2025. The new extension only notes that the coffee shop is still closed. We recently visited the food court, and it’s looking great! There is far less construction, and almost everything is open and available again. This is a big improvement, and it’s great that people staying here have most dining shopping options available to them once again. Keep reading to find out what else will be affected by closures the week of November 30th through December 7th! Magic Kingdom Swiss Family Treehouse The Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom is based on the classic movie Swiss Family Robinson and is a fun tree-climbing experience at the park. Swiss Family Treehouse This attraction will be undergoing a month-long refurbishment starting November 18th and ending December 20th. If you and your kiddos are looking for a place to climb around, you’ll have to check out Tom Sawyer Island for the time being! Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade We had to say goodbye to an opening day attraction on June 23rd. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is closed. 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. Why You WON’T Want To Be at Magic Kingdom on January 5th 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. Fireworks Dessert Parties at 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 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! The TRICK To Seeing Magic Kingdom’s Exclusive Christmas Parade WITHOUT a Party Ticket EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Test Track construction November 26th, 2024 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. Disney recently shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, including an opening timeline! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in 2025. CONFIRMED: Disney Reveals Food and Drink PRICES for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 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 is currently open as the Florida Blue Lounge during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. 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! The DFB-Exclusive 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Map AND Printable Are HERE! Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show is supposed to debut in the summer of 2025. We’re always watching for more details about the new show, and we recently spotted a casting call for Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent! Disney Refuses To Bring Back This Hollywood Studios Tradition, but This New Addition Is Close Enough, Right? Voyage of the Little Mermaid Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. But we recently spotted some construction walls up at the building along with a new permit filed! Voyage of the Little Mermaid 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 it is now coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2025. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure Disney still hasn’t announced an official opening date for the new show, but it has been postponed from its Fall 2024 opening timeline. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” NEW LOOK at “The Little Mermaid” Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach officially welcomed guests back on November 4th! That same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed its gates for the season. Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon will likely be closed throughout the winter until sometime in the spring. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020. In the meantime, you can enjoy the slopes at Blizzard Beach this winter! Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach Disney World Hotels 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 since July. World Premiere Food Court This food court closed for refurbishment on July 1st and was set to reopen on July 31st. Currently, the Disney World website only lists the Rialto coffee shop as being closed for refurbishment until the end of November 2024. Disney’s BoardWalk Resort The Inn Leisure Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is currently closed for refurbishment! Inn Leisure Pool Construction This closure is expected to last until late December, but in the meantime, you can swim in one of the other two pools at this hotel, the Luna Park Pool or the Villas Leisure Pool. BREAKING: Disney World Announces NEW HOTEL Opening in 2027 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. Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025 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 When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post The Disney World Refurbishment NEWS Pop Century Hotel Fans Don’t Want To Hear first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has been busy making exciting new announcements of additions coming to Disney World! Magic Kingdom New lands, new attractions, new entertainment, and much more are coming to the resort, and we can’t wait! Some of these new offerings will be available in 2025, while others will be coming further down the road as Disney works to create magic. The four theme parks are definitely getting the love, but there have been several announcements for Disney World Resort hotels as well. Let’s take a look at what’s coming to the hotels in 2025 and beyond! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will open to guests on December 17th, 2024. This is so late in the year that we’re including it on this list since most people will have their first chance to stay there in 2025! Island Tower construction The new tower will be a DVC resort, but anyone can stay there! It will include new dining, a rooftop garden, a swimming area with a life-sized replica of Moana’s boat, and more. The construction is nearly done, and the first guests will be staying there soon, so head over to the Disney World website to book your 2025 stay! SEE INSIDE the NEW Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Tower in Disney World Water Park Perk Also coming in 2025 is the new water park perk for Disney World hotel guests! Blizzard Beach On your day of check-in at a Disney World hotel, you’ll get a FREE ticket to the water park for use that day. That means that you and your family (anyone on the hotel reservation) can go to whichever water park is open at the time for free (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon). You can drop off your bags at the hotel while you wait for your room assignment and chill at the water park. If you’re not getting to Disney World until after the water park is closed, consider a split stay (swapping hotels mid-way through your trip) so you can get the perk later on during your vacation! Coming Years Disney Lakeshore Lodge Disney recently announced a brand-new hotel is coming to Disney World! Disney Lakeshore Lodge will open in 2027 in the footprint of what was going to be Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge Resort. The new resort will be located near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The newly announced Lakeshore Lodge ©Disney The hotel will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” Other than that, we don’t know much more about the new Lakeshore Lodge. We’ll be keeping our eyes out for more details, though! Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort Expansion The Swan & Dolphin Resorts just broke ground on the new 120,000-square-foot expansion! This expansion will be added as new event space at the resorts. ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin It will add a new two-story building to the hotel’s existing convention space and will use the resort’s original Michael Graves design as inspiration with lots of natural light, modern touches, water themes, and warm, wooden color schemes. The new space is set to be completed by 2026! Walt Disney World Swan There are several Disney World hotels that are also currently being refurbished, so look out for upgraded rooms in 2025 when you book a stay at one of them, including Disney’s Yacht Club, Bay Lake Tower, and Port Orleans — French Quarter. It’s exciting to see all these updates at Disney World’s hotels! For more Disney news, keep following DFB! Why You Should Be Careful Staying at These Disney World Hotels in 2025 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 Which Disney World hotel do you hope to stay at in 2025? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Announces 2 New Hotel Additions for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sure, people like to make jokes about the classic “it’s a small world” song, but you cannot deny that the charming little tune has endured for decades. This simple, slow-moving Disney attraction is endearing, colorful, and universally loved. It’s just a classic! “it’s a small world” From Disneyland Park in Anaheim to Magic Kingdom to Tokyo Disneyland, this attraction reaches people from all over the world — even Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland have a version of this ride. So, who’s behind the beloved song that accompanies the ride? Two incredibly talented songwriters Disney fans might recognize — Richard and Robert Sherman. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Disney presented a gift to the world courtesy of award-winning songwriting duo Robert and Richard Sherman. These brothers were the creative minds behind some of Disney’s most classic songs, including Walt Disney’s favorite song, “Feed the Birds,” from Mary Poppins. They also composed the score for The Jungle Book and many other films. ©Disney Robert Sherman passed away at 86 on March 5th, 2012. Twelve years later, Richard Sherman passed away on Saturday, May 25th at the age of 95. In Disney’s new short film titled The Last Verse, available on YouTube and Disney+, Disney shares Richard Sherman’s “last contribution to Disney.” All we can say is this: keep tissues nearby. This will make you CRY. ©Disney Disney explained that Richard Sherman further influenced the message of “it’s a small world” with his third, final verse. We won’t spoil the film for you (seriously — go watch it), but the last verse is a beautiful addition. ©Disney The timing is perfect — we’ve reached the 60th anniversary of the song! What better way to honor its legacy than with a musical tribute courtesy of the original songwriter? Now THAT is poetic. If you need to reach us, we’ll be busy bawling our eyes out…because how can you not after that last verse? Bravo, Disney, and thank you, Richard and Robert Sherman, for making the world a better place through your music. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Do You Know the Real Reason Behind This Disney World Hotel “Mistake?” 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 Be honest…did you cry? Let us know in the comments! The post Bring Tissues To Watch This New Disney Short Film. You’re Gonna Need ’Em. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s ready for some Chestnuts and Good Cheer?! Chestnuts & Good Cheer I hope you are because Chestnuts and Good Cheer is one of the Holiday Kitchens (also known as Food Booths) at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. As we take in all that the Festival has to offer (including things like the Cookie Stroll, the Candlelight Processional, and all of the Holiday Storytellers around the park), let’s make a stop for some traditional holiday goodies so we can bring you our full review of Chestnuts and Good Cheer! Menu There are more than just Chestnuts at this booth, although Fire-roasted Chestnuts are indeed on the menu! You’ll also find Cinnamon-glazed Almonds, Cinnamon-glazed Cashews, and Cinnamon-glazed Pecans up for grabs. Chestnuts & Good Cheer Menu 2024 The “Good Cheer” here comes in the form of another holiday classic: Eggnog! You can enjoy a non-alcoholic version or have it with your choice of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. Southern Tier Brewing Co. Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale is also served here. So, if you’re craving some “Chestnuts roasting on an open fiiiiiirrre…”, then let’s get into it! Eats Though this Holiday Kitchen was missing from the lineup last year, the Fire-roasted Chestnuts have returned this year! And, yes, you can actually see the chefs roasting them! Chestnut fire roasting The batch costs $6.25. Fire-roasted Chestnuts Chestnuts roasted on an open fire are a kind of nostalgic and symbolic food that you just really want to love because they’re so iconic for the holidays. However, we usually end up remembering why they’re just nostalgic and symbolic after the first bite of the meaty insides. You get a nice roasted and salty flavor from the shell, but then the texture hit us, and it became our least favorite snack. If you generally like chestnuts, we think you’ll enjoy them! For us, though, we just are big fans of them. Chestnut Now, it may already be your happy habit to pick up some Cinnamon-glazed Almonds or Cinnamon-glazed Pecans, as they’re a fairly common find in the Disney World parks. But the Cinnamon-glazed Cashews are unique to the Festival of the Holidays. Cinnamon-glazed Cashews We tried both the cashews and pecans, and they were very yummy! We love that the cashews are unique to this festival, so they are a special snack. The candied glaze is very delicious. Even with the crunchy candy coating, the nuts inside are still soft and won’t break your teeth. The cinnamon and sugar coating is very flavorful! You get your choice of glazed nuts for $6.00. Cinnamon-glazed Pecans Drinks Say “Cheers! with a festive cup of Eggnog! You can order up a non-alcoholic version of the Eggnog for $4.00. Or you may opt to add your choice of cordial from Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. The spirited options cost $11.50. We went with the non-alcoholic version. Eggnog The eggnog is just basic eggnog with no doctoring up. If you love regular eggnog from the grocery store, you’ll enjoy this because that is exactly what it tastes like. They added a sprig of cinnamon for aesthetics, but it did nothing for the flavor. This is just a cup of holiday eggnog, which was a little disappointing to us for a festival. Of course, if you add your choice of spirit, you’ll get more unique flavors. Going along with the theme, the Southern Tier Brewing Co. Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale is also up for grabs. It’s $5.75 for a 6 oz. pour or $9.75 for 12 oz. Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale This is a fun beer to try if you’re into tasting craft beers. It was very weird to us, so we suggest grabbing the 6 oz. pour just in case you end up not liking it (you can always go back for more, right?!). It almost gave a medicinal flavor. You get a sweeter praline taste like a dessert, but then it fizzles into a hard beer flavor. It’s a weird flavor profile, and pretty confusing to take it all in. Again, it might be fun for you to try, but definitely grab the smaller cup just in case it’s too much for you! Southern Tier Brewing Co. Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale OVERALL We definitely recommend snacking on the cinnamon-glazed nuts here! If you’re looking for some nostalgic holiday items, the chestnuts and eggnog might be fun for you. If you’re adventurous, give the beer a try, but know it has a bit of an interesting flavor profile. This might not be a must-stop booth, but you’ll find some cheerful treats here! Full spread 2024 Thanks for joining us at Chestnuts and Good Cheer! And don’t forget that we’ve got LOTS more to check out at this most festive of all the EPCOT Festivals! Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Learn about the Candlelight Processional and Dining Packages Check out ALL of the 2024 Festival of the Holidays booth Menus Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Festival of the Holidays! And don’t forget to pick up our 2024 DFB Guide to the Holidays at Disney World! See more details about the book below. DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What items from Chestnuts and Good Cheer would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Our Holiday Wish Came True — You Can See Chestnuts Roasting on a REAL Open Fire in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s one of the most unfortunate things about being a Disney fan? The fact that it’s EXPENSIVE. Cinderella Castle Going on Disney World vacations frequently can add up quick, and each year, things seem to get pricier. We’re no strangers to Disney price increases, but back in October, Disney World announced a BUNCH of them. We’ve rounded up a full list so that you’re prepared going into your next trip! Hotel Restaurant Price Increases One of the biggest price updates is that menu prices have increased at a BUNCH of hotel spots around Disney World. A variety of menu items at quick service spots, table service restaurants, and pool bars have gotten more expensive. Olivia’s Cafe Brunch Spread Most of the price changes are for a la carte items and they only increase by a few cents or dollars, but there are a few changes to prix fixe meals as well, like a price increase at Artist Point and ‘Ohana. Hotel Valet Parking Valet parking is available at the Deluxe Resorts in Disney World, as well as Coronado Springs Resort. It’s a nice luxury to add to your trip if you don’t want to hunt for your car in the parking lot, but it just got more expensive! Valet Desk Previously, valet parking was $39 per vehicle, per night, but now that has increased to $42. At this time, regular parking overnight at the resorts has remained a complimentary offering to those staying there. Classic Snacks It’s not a trip to Disney World without the classic snacks! Whether you’re a Mickey Pretzel person or a Dole Whip stan, there are some treats that you’ll spot all OVER the place during your vacation. And unfortunately, many of them recently went up in price. Dole Whip Pineapple-Vanilla Swirl Disney World quietly raised prices on many snacks in the parks, including items like popcorn, Mickey pretzels, Dole Whip, ice cream, and more. Most of these were only slight increases, but they can make a big impact if you’re snacking with a large group or planning to order a lot of eats during your trip. Theme Park Restaurants But it wasn’t just the hotel restaurants that got some price hikes in October — many menu items increased in cost at the theme parks as well! We saw these changes affect dozens of spots across all four parks. Cheeseburger pod meal The majority of the theme park quick service restaurants seemed to be affected, as well as a few table service locations. Once again, prices mostly increased by a few cents or dollars on each item. Disney World Annual Passes For you returning Disney World fans, you may have noticed that prices on Disney World Annual Passes have gone up across the board. Here’s a look at the updated pricing along with the previous pricing: Disney Incredi-Pass: $1,549 (previously $1,449) Disney Sorcerer Pass: $1,079 (previously $999) Disney Pirate Pass: $829 (previously $799) Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $469 (previously $439) Disney World Annual Pass Pricing increased slightly across three of the four tiers for Annual Pass renewals — only Incredi-Pass holders have the same renewal price as before. Make sure to do the math before your next Disney trip to see if these Annual Pass prices will really help your family save! 2025 Disney World Tickets In a similar vein, prices went up for Disney World theme park tickets for 2025. Earlier this year, when the calendar was released through October 2025, we noticed that there was a change in prices, but now that the calendar has been updated through the end of the year, we know that there will be price increases for November and December 2025 as well. Disney World Theme Park Ticket Cards In November and December 2025, one-day, one-park ticket prices will start between $159 and $174 depending on the date and park you choose. If we compare this year to next year, on Thanksgiving Day 2025, a Park Hopper Ticket will cost $264 — compared to the same day in 2024 costing $253. Character Dining And last but not least, we’ve got to talk about character dining! We already mentioned the increases at restaurants, but character meals are some of the most popular places to eat, and definitely deserve their own note. Spots like Tusker House, Akershus, Garden Grill, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Chef Mickey’s all saw increases in their base prices. Hey, Chef Mickey! For these establishments, you’ll pay one price for adults and one for children, with food served either buffet, family-style, or as a prix fixe menu. So, unfortunately, there aren’t really any “hacks” to eat here for cheap. Keep that in mind when planning your trip! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more price increases or updates from Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest! Click Here to See How Much a Disney World Vacation Costs in 2025! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these price increases will affect you the most? Tell us in the comments! The post The 7 Most Shocking Price Increases Announced By Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Orlando International Airport More than 50,000 flights alone were expected this past Tuesday, with more happening later in the week, particularly AFTER the holiday as folks fly home from their travel destinations like Disney World. The TSA even recently shared a warning and some preparation tips about flying this week. However, you could still run into some problems at Orlando International Airport if you’re flying today: multiple flight delays have been reported. According to FlightAware, 93 flights are currently delayed at Orlando International Airport, with one flight being canceled. It seems that almost every airline is affected, although it seems Southwest currently has the most delays, followed by Delta and Spirit. ©FlightAware Many of these delays seem to be in areas that have been recently hit with wintry weather. According to Accuweather, a major lake-effect snow event has stopped travel around the Great Lakes area. Snowfall reports spanning from northeast Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and southwest New York have ranged from 12 to 24 inches, with almost three feet reported in Erie, Pennsylvania. These areas have had numerous road closures. Airports in this region have also been affected, which is resulting in delays across the U.S. ©Accuweather People heading home from Thanksgiving travel will further complicate the issue, especially as the weather continues to disrupt flights. In looking at the origin airport of flights delayed at Orlando International Airport, several affected destinations seem to be having problems, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York. Note that any delays anywhere could cause delays in areas not affected by the weather, as flights get backed up. If you are flying today, be sure to stay updated on your flight’s status. You can do this by making sure you have notifications enabled from your airline, as well as keeping an eye on your airline’s app. It’s also a good day to practice your patience if you’ll be spending some time at the airport. Grab a snack, tuck into a good book, movie, or show, and stay updated on your flight’s status. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International 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 Is your flight affected by a delay today? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Orlando International Airport Reports 90+ Flight DELAYS first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re simple people. We like snacking around the world in EPCOT. We like sparkly holiday lights. We like scenic spins on the Skyliner. What can we say? We know how to have a good time in Disney World! EPCOT Well, what we’re about to show you might just earn a new place on our list of favorite things to do in Disney World. We’re going on a special backstage tour of a popular EPCOT attraction! Come with us to experience the Behind the Seeds: Glimmering Greenhouses tour for the VERY FIRST time. Behind the Seeds: Glimmering Greenhouses is EPCOT’s newest backstage tour! You may already be familiar with the Behind the Seeds tour that runs daily in EPCOT, but the Glimmering Greenhouses experience has a little extra holiday pizzazz. If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like to maintain the incredible greenhouses inside the Living with the Land attraction, this is your chance! Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses Before we dive in, let’s cover the basics. The Behind the Seeds: Glimmering Greenhouses walking tour is only available for a limited time during this holiday season. In fact, the holiday-themed tours end on December 30th, 2024. The tour is $45 per person and lasts for one hour. Going backstage at Living with the Land These special tours run twice each day at 6PM and 7PM. Note that if you book a tour earlier in the day, you will experience the regular Behind the Seeds tour, NOT the holiday edition. So, what does the tour include? Well, a Disney Cast Member will: Teach participants about crops that bring festive flavors to our holiday traditions Give you a close-up look at the brilliant light displays Take you to explore hydroponic greenhouses and discover sustainable growing techniques used to bring the Glimmering Greenhouses to life Learning more about Glimmering Greenhouses We loved learning about the greenhouses, as well as Disney’s initiatives with innovative growing techniques and sustainable farming. However, the best part of the tour was literally getting to go backstage for one of our favorite rides — boats full of Disney visitors were just passing us by. We were surprised at the level of access we had to the backstage area of Living with the Land. Glimmering Greenhouses Our guide was also very informative and had a glimmering personality that was open and friendly. We learned about how the crops in the greenhouses are used in Disney’s holiday celebrations and learned a lot about the ride and its special holiday overlay. Our guide was fantastic The lights on the ride enhanced the experience, so it felt more like a show than a tour, which was really cool. Getting up close and personal with the light displays was a lot of fun. SO pretty We love the regular Behind The Seeds tour, but this one felt extra special, thanks to all the special lighting and decor. We hope this becomes an annual offering in EPCOT during the holidays. This tour was awesome OK, that was AMAZING! We had SO MUCH fun on this exclusive tour — check it out before it ends! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Why You Should Be Careful Staying at These Disney World Hotels in 2025 DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever participated in a Behind the Seeds tour? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL LOOK at the NEW Backstage Ride Tour in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has started, and we’re so excited to celebrate the holidays with special eats, merchandise, entertainment, and more! Time to get FESTIVE! Whether you’re snacking on some cheese fondue or sipping on a festive cocktail, there are lots of ways to enjoy this festival. Some of EPCOT’s own residents are even celebrating the occasion in their own special way! EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion is home to a tiny train village, and something exciting is always happening there! The residents of this tiny village love to celebrate EPCOT’s festivals and have now decorated their little town to celebrate the start of the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Look who else is celebrating! They have set up tiny festival banners similar to the ones you’ll find walking around the World Showcase right now. How cute! If there’s one thing we love, it’s miniature versions of things, so these tiny little Festival banners never fail to make us smile. It’s the little things that really make a difference, right? We love this little town We’re always keeping an eye on what’s happening in this tiny train village! We hope they enjoy the holidays as much as we do — and we hope everyone stays out of trouble. Santa is watching, people! You never know what you might see here! Oh, and speaking of tiny train shenanigans, there’s actually ANOTHER tiny train town in Disney World, but only for a limited time! Mischief? In keeping with the theme of mischief and mayhem, we spotted all kinds of suspicious activity in this winter-themed scene. You can find it at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. A Hot New Tiny Train Town Bombshell Has Entered the Disney World Villa For more fun during the festival, be sure to follow along with us at DFB! Come With Us to Eat and See EVERYTHING at This Year’s Festival of the Holidays DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays at Disney World? Tell us in the comments below. The post This Miniature EPCOT Addition Is the BEST Thing To Happen to the Germany Pavilion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Just in case you didn’t know, Disney World recently announced they would be permanently closing a classic section of Hollywood Studios. Muppets Courtyard Yes, we’re talking about the fact that we’ll have to say goodbye to the entirety of Muppets Courtyard! Now of course the main focus since the announcement is our lament over losing the iconic Muppets 3D show, but there’s more to Muppets Courtyard than just that one attraction. There are restrooms, shops, and more that will need to either be re-themed or just permanently shut down. And while we’re at it, how come no one is talking about the fact that with this announcement that Monsters, Inc. land is taking over the soon-to-be-former Muppet Courtyard area, Disney has also confirmed that two (2) restaurants in the area are permanently closing?! As we were saying, the Muppets Courtyard will be closing in Hollywood Studios so that work on the brand new Monsters, Inc. land can begin. We do know that with this new land, there will be a brand-new ride based on the doors scene in the first Monsters, Inc. film. ©Disney They’ve also announced that there will be a NEW theater show as part of this re-theme, plus shopping and dining options as well. ©Disney Speaking of dining options, this means that we are going to see the permanent closures of not one, but two restaurants in Hollywood Studios – PizzeRizzo… PizzeRizzo …and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Now, at the moment, we don’t have any indication as to what the restaurant will be called that will be replacing PizzeRizzo. When we zoom into the concept art, we can see the building and a billboard with Mike, Sulley, and the logo on it that says, “We’re Monsters, Inc.” So, for now, we have no idea as to what the menu could be, but it would be fun trying to imagine some sort of monster pizza. ©Disney If we move towards the top of the concept art, close to the new attraction, we can see in the place where Mama Melrose’s currently sits, appears to be Harryhausen’s Restaurant – the very same restaurant Mike Wazowski takes Celia Mae out on a date for her birthday. ©Disney While we’re sad to see Mama Melrose go, a sushi restaurant would make a great addition to Hollywood Studios! In the movie, you can see the monsters chowing down on eyeballs and sushi. But when it comes to the menu for this spot, it could includes appetizers such as Goo-Tofu, Vegetable Tempuki, Swill and Sour Soup, and Flab Cake. Harryhausen’s Menu There could also be a variety of sushi options like a Spider Roll, Carrion Katsu, Howling Hamachi, and more. Only time will tell what will actually make it on the menu. In the meantime, Disney has yet to announce when these changes will begin or when the new Monsters Inc. land will open, but we’ll keep you updated on all the latest, so stay tuned to DFB! Click Here for ALL the Details on the Muppets 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 hitting you the hardest about losing the Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Confirmed 2 Restaurants Are Permanently Closing in Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article