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Disneyland Resort has a lot of exciting updates coming over the next few years! California Adventure Back in August, Disney announced that Disney California Adventure will be getting a new Avatar expansion as well as a new expansion to Avengers Campus. DisneylandForward was also approved earlier this year, providing more opportunities for experiences, attractions, and more at the resort. It’s certainly an exciting time in history for Walt’s original theme park. And now, Disney has officially submitted the early plans required to begin the prep work for the Avengers Campus expansion! According to The Orange County Register, Disneyland has submitted plans to the city of Anaheim for the Avengers Campus expansion prep work. This plan includes utilities, temporary trailers, and parking lots in the backstage area behind Avengers Campus that will be impacted by the new park area. Avengers Campus The plan is currently under review and is the first step in the process before demolition permits are submitted and approved. According to city officials, the Avengers Campus expansion is NOT part of the DisneylandForward plan, which means this is an additional plan for Disneyland, and we have much more to look forward to! Avengers Vault The new Avengers Campus expansion will include two new rides that Disney announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event earlier this year. Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will both be added to the new area. Avengers Campus Disney shared this about the new Avengers Infinity Defense — “Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big and small heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.” Avengers Infinity Defense will have guests join in battle across the multiverse alongside the Avengers to defeat King Thanos and recover stolen Stark technology. In Stark Flight Lab, “you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.” Stark Flight Lab will train guests to fly using new flight technology from Tony Stark’s workshop. Construction is set to begin in 2025. These new plans are the beginning step in the process of making these become a reality! For more Disney news, keep following DFB! The 6 BIG Differences Between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World and Disneyland Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you excited for the new rides coming to Avengers Campus? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Submits Plans for NEW Park Expansion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you are preparing for a vacation, we have a warning from the CDC about a very specific vacation perk. ©Disney You might not expect this vacation perk to make you sick, so we are sharing all the details with you so you can make the best decisions to keep yourself safe! There have been outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease on TWO cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. As a result, the CDC is issuing a warning about taking advantage of this vacation perk. Now before we get too far into the warning, the outbreak of Legionnaires disease included eight patients on the first cruise ship and four patients on the second cruise shop. Eight of the patients were hospitalized, but none of the patients died. Disney Cruise Ship docked at Lookout Cay The CDC defines a cruise-associated outbreak as “the occurrence of two cases in patients who had traveled on the same ship with voyages within 1 year of each other.” Hot tubs are a known source of the Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and they were also the culprit in these outbreaks. However, before we go and cancel ALL hot tub use, it was only a VERY specific hot tub that caused these cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Hot Tub at Treehouse Villas According to the CDC, in all of the instances that a passenger ended up getting Legionnaires disease, it was likely due to the use of a private hot tub on their balcony. The CDC noted that “private hot tubs are not required to have automated continuous disinfectant dosing and monitoring or pH monitoring, as is standard for public hot tubs.” The CDC only required that private hot tubs be “shock-chlorinated, drained, and refilled weekly or between occupancies, whichever is sooner.” In both cases the cruise line was following the CDC requirements, but the measures were not sufficient to prevent Legionella growth. Hot tub at Wilderness Lodge In fact, it was found that the way private hot tubs are operated is conducive to the growth of the bacteria. The private hot tubs maintained a water temperature in the Legionella growth range for multiple days without draining, and they were operating with no residual disinfectant. Additionally, it has been found that private hot tubs that are located only a floor above or below common areas could disseminate aerosols that could result in exposure, even in someone who has not used the hot tub. Hot Tub The good news is that as a result of the CDC findings, both cruise lines have changed their operating procedures for private hot tubs. Heating elements were removed, tubs were only filled upon guest request, the tubs were drained between uses, and they were cleaned and disinfected more frequently. Both cruise ships that had outbreaks continue to sample their water to ensure the Legionella bacteria is not present. The CDC has also been notifying cruise operators and industry partners of this risk of Legionella growth in private hot tubs. Beau Soleil Hot Tub at the Riviera Resort While the report from the CDC only specifies what the two cruise lines that had outbreaks did as a result, we are glad to know that the CDC has been sharing this information with industry partners to ensure they monitor their operating procedures for private hot tubs. You may want to be a bit wearier of using private hot tubs on your vacations and confirm with the owner how the hot tub is taken care of. However, know that the requirements for public hot tubs are much more stringent, so taking a warm dip at your hotel’s hot tub is likely a safe option. Saratoga Springs Hot Tub Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your travel news! Federal travel warnings announced for 2 Disney Cruise destinations — find out more here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this CDC warning? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: The Vacation Perk the CDC Is Begging You NOT To Use first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So, you know how when you’re planning a Disney World trip, you’re thinking about all the magic you’ll get to experience and fun you’re going to have, right? Cinderella’s Royal Table That’s all certainly true about Disney World, but there’s something else that can happen if you’re not prepared. We’re talking about that no-so-fun experience of getting the bill at your Disney World restaurant and then seeing your bank account shrink faster than Cinderella’s midnight curfew. But guess what? You don’t have to blow your budget on dining to have a great Disney dining experience, and we’re gonna help you to do just that! As we were saying, at Disney World restaurants, it’s real easy to find your wallet getting real light really, really fast, and that’s the last thing we want for you. So let’s talk about a couple of things you can do to help you stop wasting your money at Disney World restaurants while still enjoying your dining experience. Stop Overpaying First things first, not every meal needs to be an extravagant affair. If you’re forking over $20, $30, or even $70+ per person for every single meal at a sit-down restaurant, that’s a one-way ticket to Disney dining burnout. Here’s how you can still enjoy table service experiences for a fraction of the cost: Double Up with a Strategic Buffet Strategy Disney buffets are everywhere, and here’s a hot tip: breakfast is almost always cheaper than lunch or dinner. But wait, it gets better. Breakfast Buffet at Boma Book a late breakfast reservation (around 10:30 – 10:45AM). Most Disney buffets switch over to lunch offerings at 11AM. You’ll get to enjoy breakfast prices and sneak in some lunch dishes as they roll out. Yep, two meals for the price of one. Is this some kind of special Disney magic? Nope. It’s just solid planning. Hit Up Happy Hours Did you know you can get amazing Disney food and drinks for way less during happy hour? For example, Disney Springs has some pretty stellar happy hour spots that are perfect for budget-conscious foodies. Here are a couple of those spots: Paradiso 37: $8 margaritas and $7 beers from 11AM – 4PM (and again from 9PM – 11PM). STK Orlando: Small bites and drinks on the cheap from 2:30PM – 5:30PM daily. Bonus: extended happy hour Sunday – Thursday from 10 PM to close. The Edison: Discounted apps and cocktails, Sunday – Friday, 3 – 6PM. The Edison Remember, Happy hour isn’t just for drinks. It’s also a great way to sample menu items without paying full dinner prices. Find the Quick-Service Windows Keep in mind that some of Disney’s fanciest sit-down restaurants have quick-service or to-go windows that serve similar dishes for way less. For example: La Crêperie de Paris (EPCOT): Grab a sweet or savory crêpe from their to-go window. Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom): Skip the table service and head to Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes. Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs): Indulge in Asian street food at their outdoor quick-service spot. Morimoto Asia Street Food This hack is perfect for when you want a taste of the upscale dining experience but don’t want to pay upscale prices. Enjoy the Lounge Life Who says you need to reserve a full sit-down meal to enjoy Disney’s top-tier restaurants? In case you didn’t know, the various lounges across Disney World serve selections straight from the main restaurant kitchens, and they often do so at a fraction of the cost. Here are some of our favorites: Nomad Lounge (Animal Kingdom): Savor the flavors of Tiffins in a laid-back lounge setting. Citricos Lounge (Grand Floridian): Indulge in fine dining without committing to a full meal. Space 220 Lounge (EPCOT): Enjoy cosmic vibes without splurging on the full prix fixe menu. Nomad Lounge Lounges are also great for sampling signature drinks and small plates, and they’re perfect for winding down after a busy park day. Our Final Thoughts I hope it’s becoming clear that dining at Disney doesn’t have to feel like you’re taking out a second mortgage. With a little planning, you can indulge in magical meals and keep your budget intact. Whether it’s booking strategic buffet times, hitting up happy hours, or finding quick-service windows, there’s no shortage of ways to save. Sanaa Lounge We have eaten everywhere in Disney World, and we aren’t stopping there! We are constantly trying new food and revisiting dining locations, so make sure you stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney food news! Disney World’s Newest Restaurant Has Already Made a Quick CHANGE for Christmas 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! What are your favorite Disney World dining tips? Let us know in the comments! The post STOP Wasting Your Money at Disney World Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and we’re here to WARN you! Airport crowds in 2023 Millions of Americans will be traveling on vacation or to see their families during the next few days for Thanksgiving break. Because of this, the airports are going to be particularly crowded! And if you’re flying through the Orlando International Airport, we’ve got an important update. According to the Orlando International Airport, “Projections for 2024 are calling for more than 1.9 million passengers to pass through MCO during the course of the 12-day holiday travel period, November 22nd, 2024, through December 3rd, 2024.” WILD. Orlando International Airport “With our experience from the past two holiday seasons, Orlando International Airport is prepared for the robust influx of guests expected this Thanksgiving,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our airport staff, security partners, and vendors are energized by the challenge of this year’s expected holiday surge.” Orlando International Airport Travel activity at MCO will actually see a decline in 2024 after an usually big jump in 2023. However, the busiest day of the Thanksgiving season is forecast to be Sunday, December 1st. On that day, it’s projected that there will be a total of 181,688 arriving and departing passengers. Southwest at Orlando International Airport Airport officials are encouraging passengers to use the 3-2-1 rule, which means arriving at the airport ticket counter 3 hours before their flight, at the checkpoint 2 hours before, and at the gate 1 hour before departure. It’s also important to remember that parking will be at a premium during this time, so planning ahead for reserved parking is probably a good idea. PHOTO But what about those who aren’t flying? Well, the Orlando Business Journal also reports that roadways will be crowded surrounding Thanksgiving. According to the AAA Auto Club, 4.5 million Floridians will travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The vast majority of travelers will be driving over flying. Traffic in Disney World AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins says that the busiest days to travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday afterward. “We have seen some strong economic indicators that are really driving this forecast, including strong income gains which are expected to boost consumer spending by about 4.5% compared to this time last year. People have more money in their pockets. They are more eager to take a trip,” Jenkins said. ©CNN So no matter where you’re going this Thanksgiving season, be prepared to deal with traveling crowds! We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any more travel news. Click Here to Learn How to Deal With Airport Crowds! Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you traveling this Thanksgiving break? Tell us in the comments! The post The ONE Day You’ll Want to Avoid the Orlando Airport This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to stop SCOURING the internet…. Because you’ve FOUND the ULTIMATE ANIMAL KINGDOM GUIDE you’ve been LOOKING FOR! Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Whether you’re going to Animal Kingdom for the FIRST TIME next year OR you’re a long-time Animal Kingdom fan who just wants to make sure they’re not out of the loop before returning in 2025, then you’re in the right place! Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Animal Kingdom in 2025  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to Animal Kingdom in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, Disney fam! You’re gearing up for your trip to Disney World, right? Magic Kingdom Are you planning on hitting up Magic Kingdom in early January 2025?! Well, if you’re thinking of coming on January 5th, 2025, while that sounds like a day that should be a super chill post-holiday time to visit Magic Kingdom, I’m here to tell you that it could actually be a recipe for chaos. Let’s talk about why you might want to rethink being in the park on this particular date. Like we were saying, if you’re planning a trip to Disney World in January 2025, and thinking of hitting up Magic Kingdom on the 5th, there’s one BIG ‘ole reason why you might want to rethink those plans. Spoiler alert: It’s all about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness Is Closing Okay, so here’s the deal: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the most iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, is shutting down for a major, year-long refurbishment starting January 6th, 2025. We’re talking about a full makeover here, not just a quick tune-up, which means you won’t be able to ride it again until 2026. Cue the Disney diehards descending on Magic Kingdom on January 5th for one last ride before it goes dark. Big Thunder Now Disney hasn’t given an exact date as to when the refurbishment will be completed. The only thing the site adds is that it will reopen “with a little bit of new magic in 2026.” ©Disney As you can imagine, this closure will probably have a serious impact on crowds and wait times the day before, on January 5th. Expect Crowds. LOTS of Crowds. Picture this: every Big Thunder fan (and there are MANY) making a pilgrimage to Frontierland on January 5th, and they’ll all be vying for one last shot at “the wildest ride in the wilderness.” Line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad That means standby lines could get wild. We’re talking looooong waits for Big Thunder, plus spillover crowds everywhere else in Magic Kingdom as people kill time between Lightning Lane return windows. That means it’s not just the Big Thunder queue you have to worry about. It could also spell hefty crowds in Frontierland and beyond. Crowds at Big Thunder Mountain Here’s our “pro tip”: If you’re not desperate to ride Big Thunder one last time, it might be worth skipping Magic Kingdom entirely on January 5th. There’s nothing magical about spending your day dodging crowds and navigating long wait times, especially when you can visit the park any other day of the week without all that added chaos. The FOMO Is Real, But There Are Alternatives Listen, we get it. Missing out on Big Thunder for an entire year is rough. It’s one of those quintessential Disney experiences. Also, if it’s your favorite ride, skipping that last chance to ride it before it goes down for refurbishment is no small ask. But here’s the thing you’ve got to remember: Disney World is full of other incredible experiences! For example you could: Try Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for some similar coaster vibes with a magical, Snow White twist. Try TRON Lightcycle / Run over in Tomorrowland if you’re looking for something just as exhilarating. Try Jungle Cruise if you want an iconic experience without the Big Thunder crowds. That being said, if Big Thunder is a must-do for you, just be prepared for the crowds that come with all the “last ride before refurbishment” energy. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Until then, make sure to follow along with Disney Food Blog, as we are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news! 4 Things We Hope Disney World Changes 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 Are you planning on riding the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World before it closes in 2025? Let us know in the comments down below! The post Why You WON'T Want To Be at Magic Kingdom on January 5th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Another Christmas tree and gingerbread display have arrived at Disney World! The holiday festivities are in full swing with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jollywood Nights, and festive decor up all around the Disney World resort. Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree You can visit gingerbread displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa & Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club, and more. Plus, you can find gorgeous Christmas trees at resorts like Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. And now another gingerbread display and Christmas tree has joined the list! The Christmas trees and gingerbread display are FINALLY up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is another one of our favorite trees as it looks stunning in the lobby of Animal Kingdom Lodge! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree There are actually TWO different Christmas trees up at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The largest one can be found in the lobby of Jambo House, but there is also a beautiful tree up in the lobby of Kidani Village. Kidani Village Christmas Tree The tree that is inside Jambo House towers through the center of the lobby and it looks gorgeous from almost any angle! How beautiful! While you are there to see the tree, also take some time to admire the ornaments. There are some really fun ornaments throughout, and you never know when you might spot a hidden Mickey. Such fun ornaments! In addition to the two trees, you can also find an aptly themed gingerbread display. We have seen this display in previous years, but this year there is a NEW addition! Animal Kingdom Lodge Gingerbread Display The gingerbread display includes Ginger the Giraffe, Debra the Zebra, and Francisco the Flamingo who is making his very FIRST appearance! Francisco the Flamingo You can even find two hidden Mickeys inside the display so keep your eyes peeled. Hidden Mickey We are so excited to finally see the decorations up at Animal Kingdom Lodge! Now we are just eagerly awaiting the start of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays on November 29th. Debra the Zebra If you are hoping to stop by some of the Disney World hotels to see the Christmas decorations, Disney has put out a warning that you should plan to use Disney Transportation to get to the resort. If you drive to the resort, you may not be allowed in, so plan on taking Disney transport. If you are just heading to Disney World for the resorts, you can also park at Disney Springs for free and catch the hotel buses from the bus depot there. We love this tree! If you are headed to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party soon, make sure you check out our ULTIMATE guide to this year’s event: Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news! Check out where you can find ALL the gingerbread displays this year at Disney World! 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 gingerbread display is your favorite at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Animal Has Joined the Gingerbread Display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Choosing a hotel for your Disney World trip can be a challenge! Port Orleans French Quarter There are quite literally dozens of them available, and there are hundreds and hundreds of rooms in each. With all those options, how do you know you’re making the right choice? Well, we’re here to warn you about a few hotels that you might want to avoid in 2025! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Starting out the list, we’ve got the Polynesian Village Resort, which is getting a pretty major addition in the form of the Island Tower at the end of 2024. The new Disney Vacation Club building is sure to bring a lot of guests to this resort, and that means that your regular amenities may be more crowded — restaurants, transportation, pools, etc. Exterior Concept Art ©Disney On top of the new addition, the Polynesian is expected to be under construction through 2026. We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any other changes and closures through that time! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Another place where you might not want to stay in 2025? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The Polynesian’s neighbor is likely going to feel the effects of the increase in guests since the two resorts share boat and Monorail transportation. But on top of that, the Grand Floridian is getting some construction work of its own. Grand Floridian Lobby This hotel has been under construction for a while now, starting with room refurbishments. More areas of the resort are set to be refurbished in the future, including the lobby. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort If you’re hoping to stay at one of Disney’s Value Resorts in 2025, you should know that Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is getting a major pool refurbishment next year. From January 2025 through April 2025, the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed for routine maintenance. Fantasia Pool This is the main pool at the resort, so during its closure, you’ll need to visit the Duck Pond Pool instead. If you’re hoping to have a non-crowded pool experience, then you might want to choose a different All-Star Resort. Disney’s Pop Century Resort Another Value Resort refurb that’s happening in 2025 is over at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. From late March 2025 to mid-February 2026, hotel rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will undergo refurbishment. Disney’s Pop Century Resort All resort amenities will remain available during that time, but you may notice construction noises during daytime hours. Just something to note if it will affect you and your family! Yacht Club One hotel that’s getting a LOT of work in 2025 is the Yacht Club. From January 2025 through May 2025, some hotel rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will be under refurbishment, and you could hear construction noise during the daytime. On top of that, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be closed from January 2025 through June 2025. Stormalong Bay If you want to swim during that time, you’ll need to use one of the resort’s leisure pools. Beach Club Beach Club’s main problem in 2025 is the Stormalong Bay closure as well. This pool is one of the biggest draws for guests staying at the two resorts, and it’s incredibly popular for families with children, as it’s the largest pool in Disney World. Stormalong Bay So if you’re hoping for that bucket list stay at Yacht Club or Beach Club, you might want to wait until the pool closure has ended. Walking past that awesome pirate-themed waterslide every day will just make you sad otherwise! Bay Lake Tower Currently at Bay Lake Tower, some room refurbishments are happening that are scheduled to last through September 2025. You may see and hear construction throughout the daytime hours. Bay Lake Tower Additionally, the Skybridge between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary main tower may experience intermittent closures. You may need to allow for extra travel time between the two buildings during the closures. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter Add another hotel to the list of those getting room updates! From May 2024 through spring 2025, some hotel rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will be under refurbishment. New rooms at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter We’ve already seen these new rooms, and they are beautiful! If you’re hoping to stay in one, you may want to wait until the refurbishment is over to guarantee a spot in one of them. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside Next door at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, there’s a room refurbishment limited to one area of the hotel. From early April 2025 through the end of January 2026, guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. Magnolia Bend Only the rooms in that particular area will be under construction, so this may not affect your trip. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge And last but not least, we have Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. From mid-May 2025 to September 2025, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo refurbishment. Copper Creek Villas Since Wilderness Lodge isn’t as spread out, you may hear construction noise around the resort during the day. Keep that in mind when booking your stay. So there you have it — 10 hotels we need to warn you about for 2025! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates and news. Click Here for the Best Hotels 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 Where are you staying for your 2025 Disney World trip? Tell us in the comments! The post Why You Should Be Careful Staying at These Disney World Hotels in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve been looking for a new LEGO set for your collection or are looking for holiday gifts, now is the time to buy one! LEGO Store at Disney Springs Amazon is having a BIG sale and it’s the perfect opportunity for LEGO fans to take advantage of it. From Mickey and Minnie to the Haunted Mansion, there’s sure to be something for you! Here’s a look at some of our favorite sets that are on sale right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Don’t miss out this holiday season! Try Amazon Prime for FREE by clicking below! Simba The Lion King LEGO set ©Amazon This kids’ building toy features a Simba LEGO Disney animal figure from The Lion King, plus a small leaf build with 4 ‘bugs’, Timon and Pumba would be proud. This set celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary. The buildable Simba toy animal figure has a rotating head and movable legs and tail, and it can be posed either standing up or sitting down. It is under $20 right now! View on Amazon Moana’s Wayfinder Boat LEGO set ©LEGO With Moana 2 coming out soon, this Wayfinder LEGO set is just the thing to celebrate! This set comes with a Wayfinder Catamaran boat, Moana, and her mother Sina. The accessories included with the set bring the story to life, making playtime endless even once this set is built! View on Amazon Inside Out Mood Cube LEGO set ©Amazon Bring some Joy to your home with this Inside Out Mood Cube set. This set comes complete with mood cubes and mini figures of Joy and Anxiety! A great gift for Inside Out 2 fans. View on Amazon Asha Wish Cottage LEGO set ©Amazon Grab this Asha from Wish LEGO set for 60% off right now! Inside is a 2-level, round, opening cottage, with a wishing well, kitchen, bedroom, and loads of story-starters. View on Amazon Rapunzel Mini Doll LEGO Set ©Amazon For under $10, this Disney Princess buildable toy features a LEGO Rapunzel mini-doll figure in a ‘diamond’ dress, plus a buildable stand with a turning top. There’s even a tiny Pascal to go with it! View on Amazon Disney Princess Belle Storytime LEGO set ©Amazon This LEGO set includes a princess carriage, a Belle LEGO Disney Princess mini-doll figure, Philippe LEGO Disney horse figure, and 2 collectible rings with changeable decorations. We love the little details with this set including a book, because, of course, Belle doesn’t go anywhere without one! View on Amazon Little Mermaid Lego Set ©Amazon This buildable set has a crystal cavern inspired by the Disney Junior show Ariel. It includes Ursula, Ariel Princess, and Flounder. The crystal cavern has a spinning platform with a mirror backdrop, shelves, a box for Ariel’s shells and sea creatures, and a crystal and a slide. Get it now for 15% off! View on Amazon Haunted Mansion LEGO set ©Amazon This set holds a special place in our hearts! It includes a miniature display model of the Disney The Enchanted Mansion attraction, accompanied by an exclusive figure of a butler. Fans will recognize paintings of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, Madame Leota, and the Grave Keeper. It’s the perfect set for yourself or any Haunted Mansion fan. View on Amazon Asha Wish LEGO set ©Amazon For 40% off right now, this Asha from Wish LEGO set is available on Amazon. The set includes a marketplace with double doors, a staircase, a back room with a table, a balcony, a cart with a flag, plus lots of accessories for creative play. It’s perfect for kids ages 6 and up. View on Amazon LEGO Duplo Cars Set ©Amazon Cars fans, start your engines. This set includes a drivable and buildable model of Disney and Pixar’s Mack from the Cars movies, plus a brick-built tuning station, engine brick, and a cone. Grab it for 20% off. View on Amazon Princess Ariel Stage LEGO Set ©Amazon This buildable set has a music stage inspired by the Disney Junior TV show Ariel, a LEGO Disney Ariel toy mini-doll figure, and a LEGO Disney Sebastian animal figure. The music stage has a spinning dance floor with a microphone and an underwater backdrop, while the refreshment area has a counter, a chair for Sebastian, and a pineapple. It is 30% off right now. View on Amazon Mickey & Minnie Birthday LEGO Train ©Amazon This adorable birthday train set comes with a 3-section buildable LEGO train toy, a birthday cake with a candle, and 5 stackable number bricks for birthday fun with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This 22-piece LEGO DUPLO educational building toy is an ideal birthday or Christmas gift for 2+-year-old girls and boys who love train toys. View on Amazon If you are looking for more Disney deals, we update our Amazon storefront daily! View Our Amazon Storefront for More Deals!The post The 12 Cheapest Disney LEGO Sets You Can Get On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Moana 2 is about to be released to the general public and we were invited by Disney to get an early look at the film! ©Disney The highly anticipated sequel to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 hit Moana has been near the top of my most anticipated 2024 movies list for quite some time. Despite the stiff competition it will face at the box office this weekend, especially from Wicked, it’s safe to say many agree with me and will flock to theaters to go on another adventure with Moana. Reviews are starting to roll in and they’ve been mostly positive, but it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Moana 2. If you’re on the fence about taking your family to see this new movie, read below to see what I thought about Disney’s latest epic! Originally, the next chapter of Moana was supposed to be Moana: The Series on Disney+, but plans changed and Disney instead opted to release a feature film in theaters. Moana 2 once again sees Moana and Maui embark on an adventure to save Moana’s people, however, this time alongside some new unlikely seafarers. After the titular character receives a calling from her wayfinding ancestors to brave the seas of Oceania in an effort to break a curse and connect the people of the ocean, Moana and her friends face several obstacles on the path to finding the hidden island of Motufetu. ©Disney The film features several stars returning to the world of Moana, such as Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Rachel House as Gramma Tala, and Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei. ©Disney Several newcomers also join the fray. Standouts include Awhimai Fraser as the secondary antagonist Matangi, Rose Matafeo as Loto, Hualalai Chung as Moni, David Fane as Kele, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea (Moana’s little sister), and Gerald Ramsey as Tautai Vasa. ©Disney In my opinion, Moana 2 is a worthy sequel to Moana that aptly honors the Polynesian culture, delivers a stunning piece of cinematic art, and provides tons of entertainment…but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect film. ©Disney While avoiding spoilers, there’s a ton to talk about regarding this movie. Right off the bat, I can honestly say I don’t think this movie is quite as good as the first Moana, but living up to a Best Animated Feature Film winner, two-time-Oscar-nominee, and cultural phenomenon is a tough ask. However, it is a sequel installment in a beloved franchise, so comparisons come with the territory. The plot of the sequel was a bit thinner than I would have liked and the pacing was way too fast. The movie is an hour and 40 minutes long and it definitely feels shorter than that. We don’t get to really linger in a moment before racing off to the next plot point. However, I acknowledge that as an adult who likes exposition, kids will likely prefer the pacing style of Moana 2, as it never really allows opportunities for boredom. This film is “go-go-go” from the first few minutes on. ©Disney A major complaint that I have that you’ll likely see from other viewers is about the music. Let me be clear, the music in Moana 2 is pretty good as a standalone soundtrack. The music was composed by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foaʻi, Abigail Barlow, and Emily Bear, but there is a notable absence from Lin-Manuel Miranda, who worked on the songs in the first film. The song “We’re Back” will likely be the film’s most popular track and I personally believe “Get Lost” (Matangi’s big musical number) was the best song in the film, further contributing to Disney Animation’s long list of amazing songs. However, the music overall wasn’t as memorable or catchy in Moana 2. There are plenty of callbacks to the songs in the first film and some more mature themes in the sequel’s music, but it takes inspiration from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music in the first film without doing enough differently to stand out. This doesn’t mean the music is bad — far from it, actually — but even writing this now it’s tough to recall several bops the way I am able to with Moana. Entertainment Weekly Another criticism I have is the villain payoff. The movie immediately establishes that the major villain of the film is the god Nalo, who has a serious disdain for humans. If you’re expecting something like Te Kā in Moana, you’ll be a bit surprised. Nalo’s presence is mostly felt in the second half of the third act and the payoff isn’t as satisfying as it was in the first film. In fact (and this is slightly spoiler-y), Nalo’s tactics create the illusion of a battle between Moana and the elements more than of Moana versus Nalo. ©Disney We’ve focussed enough on the negatives, but now let’s get to the many positives! Moana returns home at the beginning of the movie with the full support of her people, including her parents, and so we find her not facing much blowback when she needs to make tough decisions. She also takes on the role of a heroic figure and is idolized by her people. Moana is a force to be reckoned with throughout and not a single character takes her lightly. ©Disney I really loved this choice as it cements character progression. Moana earned trust in the first movie and that trust carries into this one, as Moana’s biggest obstacles become self-doubt and the dangers of the journey itself. I really liked that the audience’s trust in this character is now reflected in her own people’s behavior towards her. It’s a really great way to avoid rehashing the same plot. The way the movie also handles the events of the first film, especially Moana’s relationship with Gramma Tala, is wonderfully done and often tugs at the heartstrings. ©Disney One thing I think this movie does a bit better than the first film is its humor. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit. Sure, there is some potty humor here, but there are plenty of funny slapstick moments and smart jokes as well. Maui is constantly the source of meta-humor that breaks the fourth wall and I thought almost all of his jokes landed. The side characters — Loto, Moni, and Kele — don’t really have enough time to be fleshed out, but I thought the film did a good job of amplifying their prominent characteristics to not only enhance humorous moments but to bring the heart, as well. We FINALLY get more Pua the pig in this movie and, without going into spoilers, one of the Kakamora coconut people steals every scene they’re in. ©Disney Speaking of scene-stealing, Simea, Moana’s little sister, becomes the focal point in every scene she’s featured. The character is incredibly adorable and her relationship with Moana is the true heart of the film. ©Disney Another huge plus of this movie is the theme. It’s all about the importance of community, and that’s a message that especially rings true post-pandemic. Entertainment Weekly Moana 2 also deserves a ton of praise for being GORGEOUS. The animators put so much detail into this film that when matched with the talented voice performances, it’s easy to forget you’re watching something that was visually created with computers. It’s a beautiful film that looks amazing on the big screen with plenty of vibrant colors and careful attention to detail. Moana 2 was clearly made with lots of love. Entertainment Weekly Another thing I can say is that this won’t be the last we see of Moana. The film does set the franchise up for at least one more sequel or series, especially in a mid-credit scene that I believe is a MUST-WATCH if you’re curious to see how the series will continue. This mid-credits scene is very much like something you’d see out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and teases some BIG things coming to the world of Moana, including what is sure to be a fan-favorite cameo — so stick around once the movie ends! ©Disney Moana 2 mostly lives up to the hype and I was very happy with the end result. While it’s not as good as the first or a flawless movie, I still think most audiences will enjoy this regardless of age and gender, and if you’re a big fan of the first one like me, you need to check this new Disney animated movie out! Moana 2 officially debuts in theaters nationwide on November 27th, 2024, and will make history by releasing a Māori-language version simultaneously! This will be the first time a wide-release movie offers an Indigenous language version alongside an English version. Entertainment Weekly We’ll continue to bring you any and all Moana 2 updates as they develop so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest! There’s Something DIFFERENT About Moana at Disney World (and We Think You’ll Love It) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning on seeing Moana 2 this week? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Walt Disney Animation Studios to attend their media preview of Moana 2. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post NO SPOILERS: 'Moana 2' Delivers Great Family Fun, But Has One Glaring Issue first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Treat yo’ feet! ©Amazon Anyone who’s been to Disney World knows that a good pair of shoes is integral for a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Luckily, right now Amazon has SEVERAL of the best pairs of Disney shoes on sale for MASSIVE savings. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Have a free trial: New Balance Fuel Cell Running Shoes ©Amazon These running shoes feature Upper features no-sew construction for a “sleek fit and feel”, synthetic/mesh construction, and a TPU plate for “superior propulsion and traction.” VIEW ON AMAZON New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam ©Amazon Available in several colors, these Fresh Foam sneakers feature “midsole foam cushioning with approximately 3% bio-based content, precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride.” VIEW ON AMAZON Adidas Women’s Kaptir Flow ©Amazon These Adidas slip-on sneakers feature a “Cloudfoam sockliner” for comfort and lightweight cushioning, lightweight bounce cushioning for enhanced comfort and flexibility, and a rubber outsole that provides “outstanding grip and a sleek, low-profile look.” VIEW ON AMAZON Under Armour Women’s Charged Surge 4 ©Amazon Available in a slew of neon colors, these Under Armour sneakers are made of breathable mesh with synthetic overlays for added structure & support. They also feature “enhanced cushioning around ankle collar for superior comfort, a deluxe Comfort System sock liner, and a durable rubber outsole. VIEW ON AMAZON Under Armour Men’s Charged Surge ©Amazon The men’s counterpart Under Armour Charged Lightweight sneaker features a heathered textile material, a breathable & durable deluxe comfort system, a sock liner that molds to your foot for ultimate underfoot comfort, a charged cushioning midsole that’s responsive & durable for “optimal energy-return & all-day comfortable rubber outsole with strategic pattern for traction & flexibility where you need it.” VIEW ON AMAZON Hoka Women’s Running Shoes ©Amazon The shoes, available in multiple colors, feature breathable textile lining for abrasion-free wear, an engineered mesh upper with seamless synthetic overlays, and a removable foam-padded insole for cushioning and support. VIEW ON AMAZON If you’re looking for shoes for your next Disney trip, you’ve got to get over to Amazon ASAP! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips! Interested in These Disney Shoes? Head Over to Our Specialty Amazon Storefront.The post The Best Shoes for Disney World Are Up to 41% Off Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know that not all Disney World restaurants are Disney restaurants? Tree of Life Quite a few restaurants in Disney World are actually run by outside companies. While you’ll find most of these restaurants at Disney Springs, there are also quite a few to be found in the parks, like EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. And recently, I stopped by one of these “non-Disney” spots to do a full review! Atmosphere Join me today as we journey to the imaginary village of Anandapur and dine at Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Animal Kingdom! Let’s go to Yak & Yeti! This spot is run by a company named Landry’s, and they even offer a special membership to their select club, where you can get discounts on their restaurants. My server gave me a brochure about the perks during the meal, and you can sign up while you’re there. Landry’s Select Club The restaurant itself is Asian, and that’s definitely reflected in the decor! There are plenty of pieces of artwork, sculptures, and tchotchkes all around the waiting area and the dining rooms. Host’s Stand And speaking of the dining rooms, they are PLENTIFUL. This restaurant offers quite a bit of seating, with an entire downstairs and upstairs to choose from. So many dining rooms! Each floor has multiple rooms of tables, and a few of the rooms were entirely vacant during my visit. Even if you can’t find a reservation for this restaurant in the My Disney Experience app, you may have good luck by checking at the host’s stand throughout the day. Lots of seats in here. The dining rooms are fairly dark, with warm lamp lighting and lots of natural wood accents. Yak & Yeti table Now that we’ve toured the space, let’s talk about the food! Menu As I mentioned above, this restaurant serves Asian fare, and they’ve got a fairly broad menu. The small plates list includes everything from pot stickers and egg rolls to calamari and Korean Fried Chicken. They also offer a selection of Asian-inspired soups and salads, as well as some specialties like salmon, coconut shrimp, chicken tikka masala, and Bhaktapur Duck. Menu For grilled items, you can order ribs, fajitas, fish, or burgers. There are a few different noodle and bowl options like Lo Mein and a veggie bowl. But some of their popular items lie in the Wok section, like Korean Beef, Honey Chicken, and Sweet & Sour Chicken. More menu The back of the menu lists the many beverage options, which include wine, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic choices. Beverages And of course, we can’t forget about dessert! You can get Fried Wontons, New York Cheesecake, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Chocolate Pudding Cake, or Mango Pie. Desserts Now that we’ve scoured the menu, it’s time to order! Eats I started off my meal the best way — with a beverage! This is the Berry Cherry Limeade, which is cherry and lime juices mixed with Sprite. It’s topped with a lime wedge and a maraschino cherry. Berry Cherry Limeade It’s definitely on the more sour-than-sweet side, and it has a fair bit of carbonation to it. It’s not quite sugary enough for me to recommend for kiddos, but if you like cherry, lime, and tart fruits in general, this might be your jam! It’s a fruity one! Now, it’s time for the eats! Time to dig in! The first thing I ordered was the Bang Bang Calamari, which is $16.49. It’s a battered medley of calamari and vegetables topped with Bang Bang Sauce and served with sweet chili sauce on the side. Bang Bang Calamari This wasn’t quite the best calamari I’ve ever had in Disney World, but it was still pretty good. The pieces were chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside from the batter, and the Bang Bang Sauce had a low heat to it that filled my mouth. My server warned me that it would be spicy, but I didn’t find it to be too hot. The vegetables throughout were fine, but they were mostly a little mushy in the middle. The portion on this is pretty large, considering it’s made to serve two people. I really enjoyed the sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping — it had a nice sweet-and-spicy combo that complemented the fried food. A piece of calamari After that, it was time for the main course! For my entree, I got the Honey Chicken, which is $22.99. It’s tempura chicken tossed in honey sauce and served with stir-fried vegetables and your choice of brown or Jasmine rice. You can also order fried rice for an added charge. Honey Chicken I’ve had this dish at Yak & Yeti before, and it’s definitely one of my favorite items on their menu! The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The honey sauce works with it perfectly, adding a lightly sweetened flavor and a slightly sticky quality (but not too messy!). Inside the chicken The veggies and the Jasmine rice were fine accompaniments. The veggies are cooked just a smidge past al dente, so they still have some chew without being too soft. The Jasmine rice was nicely salted, and both sides worked well with the chicken. Rice and veggies Also with the entree, I got a side order of Garlic Noodles for $12.99. These come in an absolutely MASSIVE portion — I was able to eat them at the restaurant, then take the leftovers home and still split them into two portions from there. Garlic Noodles And let me tell you, they were a garlicky, delicious surprise! The garlic flavor is strong and earthy, but not too overwhelming with a balance of soy sauce. The noodles are cooked nice and soft, but still a little sticky so that they don’t fall apart. I would eat these ALL day. These would be a great choice as a meal for someone who didn’t want anything too pricey or overwhelming. A forkful Last but certainly not least, we’ve got dessert! I ordered the Mango Pie, which is $13.99 and essentially the large version of the Mini Mango Pie that we love from Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe next door. Mango Pie If you like the mini version, you’re going to LOVE this full-size slice. The ratio of filling here is a lot greater since it’s not a mini pie, so you get a lot more mango overall. It was creamy and fruity and the absolute perfect way to end my meal. YUM So how does Yak & Yeti stand up? Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at this restaurant! The food I tried was all delicious, especially the Honey Chicken, Garlic Noodles, and Mango Pie. Those three are the items I would most likely recommend if you’re planning a visit. Yak & Yeti I will say that my meal was fairly long, so be prepared for a leisurely experience. It’s fine at a park like Animal Kingdom, where there aren’t quite as many rides and attractions available. But the service was absolutely wonderful! Nosh or Not? Travel to Anandapur and dine at Yak & Yeti if… You’re in the mood for some good Asian food! This restaurant has a delicious selection of Asian eats, and it’s the only table service spot in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. You want a relaxing midday meal. There are quite a few places where you can enjoy a chill meal at Animal Kingdom, and this spot definitely makes that list! Skip the yak AND the yeti and dine elsewhere if… You’re on a tight budget. As far as table service spots go, this restaurant doesn’t exactly have the cheapest menu. Some of the entrees are a little bit pricier than the standard, so you’ll need to be prepared to leave with a bill. You want a quick meal. This definitely wasn’t a speedy meal, so be prepared for that if you’re on a time crunch. Decor in the restaurant That’s a wrap on my visit to Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Animal Kingdom, thanks for coming along! We’ll keep you updated with more dining reviews and news from Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB. Click Here to See Our Ranking of Animal Kingdom Restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Yak & Yeti? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Hidden Gem Disney World Restaurant Has a Secret Discount! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s every shopping lover’s favorite time of the year: Black Friday is almost upon us! WOOHOO! It’s shopping time! That means it’s time to check out all the hot deals going on online, starting with good ol’ Amazon. Here’s a look at all their latest deals and they’re just a click away! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The best part about shopping on Amazon is the free shipping you can get on any order with an Amazon Prime Membership. Don’t have one? Click below to start your free trial today! A new Loungefly bag for the season? Yes, please! ©Amazon This Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly Backpack will make sure you stand out this holiday season. Complete with an allover pattern featuring Jack, Zero, and Oogie Boogie, this is just the Loungefly to make a frightfully fun statement. Shop on Amazon Give a royal “Cheers!” with this Disney princess glass set! ©Amazon This regale 6-glass cup set features icons inspired by Disney princesses. Each sip from these enchanting glasses is guaranteed to make you feel like royalty. Shop on Amazon Love the Haunted Mansion? Why not have a miniature version of it for yourself? ©Amazon This Haunted Mansion LEGO Set comes with 680 Pieces and includes an exclusive Butler minifigure and paintings of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, Madame Leota, and the Grave Keeper. This is a great set for any Haunted Mansion and Disney Parks fan. Shop on Amazon Add a little magic to your tree with this Little Mermaid Christmas ornament ©Amazon This Hallmark Christmas Ornament features Ariel in her classic mermaid form. This ornament looks straight out of a scene from the movie and will add that bit of Disney charm to your Christmas tree. Shop on Amazon This adorable Rapunzel doll is full of surprises! ©Amazon This Spin & Reveal Rapunzel Doll comes with 11 surprises. This toy works by spinning the box and unveiling each surprise, which includes 5 accessories, 5 stickers, and a play scene. Shop on Amazon Make playtime and an opportunity for learning with this Mickey train magnetic tiles! This Magnetic Tile Set features 41 pieces which allows the user to create a moving train out of magnetic tiles! Also included are dry-erase decals and stickers featuring Mickey and Minnie, this is a great way to promote educational playtime. Shop on Amazon The perfect packing cubes for a Disney vacay! ©Amazon Packing cubes are a true lifesaver when it comes to packing your luggage for any trip and this Minnie Mouse 3-Piece Packing set is both convenient and adorable! Shop on Amazon We’ve been on the lookout for the best Disney deals this Black Friday so stay tuned for more! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront!The post New Disney Deals Just Hit Amazon For Black Friday first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Holiday treats are starting to pop up all over Disney World, and we’re loving it! Duffy Brownie at Jollywood Nights Not only did we try tons of new treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, but there are also plenty of treats around Disney World that you don’t need an after-hours ticket to try. Especially over in Disney Springs, which is where we just found some of our FAVORITE holiday ice cream we’ve had so far this year! We headed over to Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs to grab one of their new holiday treats, the Peppermint-Chocolate Swirl Cone! This is Peppermint and Chocolate Soft-serve Swirl inside a Red Velvet Cone garnished with Peppermint Bark and Holiday Sprinkles. Peppermint-Chocolate Swirl Cone The first thing we noticed about this cone was that it melted FAST. We grabbed our photos as fast as we could, and it wasn’t very hot outside that day, but the moment we grabbed it, it began melting down our hands and arms, so be sure you grab napkins and be ready to eat it fast! Peppermint Chocolate Soft-Serve Our reporter absolutely loved this peppermint soft serve and adored its flavor, however she noted that it really overpowered the chocolate. It did very little to balance out the flavors between the two, but she still enjoyed it because she’s a big fan of peppermint ice cream, and even said it’s the best soft serve she’s had this holiday season. It’s a lot of peppermint! One of the other standouts here were the sprinkles! They were the perfect size and our reporter even found herself wishing they were somehow all throughout the ice cream instead of just on top. The cone was also great, even though we didn’t get much of a red velvet flavor. The white chocolate coating on the inside was delicious and really helped it hold up against the massive amount of soft-serve that was piled on top of it! The peppermint bark on top was also fantastic! Very good all around! At the end of the day, you REALLY have to love peppermint to enjoy this treat, but if that’s your thing, then this is right up your alley! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: If You Want To Feel Like You Just Brushed Your Teeth, This Disney World Treat Is for YOUREVIEW: You’ve Probably Never Stopped At This Disney World Bar…But You’re Missing Out!Is the $95 Cake Bake Shop Afternoon Tea in Disney World Worth It? Let’s Find Out!REVIEW: Come for the Holiday Corn Dog and Stay for the Loaded Fries at the Disney Festival of HolidaysIMPORTANT SNACK NEWS: You Won’t BELIEVE How Many New Snacks Just Dropped at Disney World Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World reviews! Photos and Reviews: ALL the 2024 Holiday Treats in Walt Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try this treat? Tell us in the comments below! The post REVIEW: If You Want To Feel Like You Just Brushed Your Teeth, This Disney World Treat Is for YOU first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you a member of Disney’s fan club? ©D23 D23 is a club for Disney fans, and you can become a member for free, or you can pay a fee to be a Gold Member. D23 members get all kinds of perks, like early movie screenings, exclusive merchandise, and access to major fan events. But D23 just announced some big changes! Beginning January 1st, 2025, D23 will offer three Gold Membership plans (up from the previous two options), designed to offer more flexibility. Each Gold Membership plan will continue to include access to D23 events, discounts, and special offers. In addition, you’ll get a D23 Gold Membership Kit, which comes with a variety of goodies and collectibles that fans will appreciate. These benefits will all be included with the Gold Member Essential Plan for $49.99 per year. ©D23 The Gold Member Choice Plan, which is $99.99 per year, provides fans with everything in the Essential Plan, plus one of four new D23 Gold Member Exclusive Premium Items (to be chosen by the member): A one-of-a-kind, fashionable D23 Gold Member Spirit Jersey; A limited-release collectible D23 Gold Member Pin Box Set, featuring 10 pins with original character designs; A D23 Gold Member Fan Pack complete with a D23 Gold Member-embroidered crossbody bag, water bottle, and chino twill cap; or An enchanting replica of the Disneyland Park Entrance plaque (measuring 12 inches by 7 inches), a reproduction of the original plaque text draft with Walt Disney’s annotations from 1955, along with a first-to-market exclusive edition of the brand-new Disneyland 70th anniversary book, The Happiest Place on Earth, written by Disney Legend Don Hahn and former Disney Imagineer Christopher Merritt. Cinderella Castle If you want EVERYTHING, you can get the Gold Complete Plan for $299.99 per year. It includes everything in the Essential Plan, plus all four offerings from the Choice Plan. That’s a lot of perks! But that’s not all! 2025 will also offer new and returning D23 events, like Destination D23 at Walt Disney World, the D23 Spotlight Series where fans can explore deeper Disney topics in Orlando or the Los Angeles area, virtual presentations in the D23 Gold Theater, more year-round Official Walt Disney Studios Lot Walking Tours, the new Walt Disney’s Los Angeles Tour, and a variety of Disney film anniversary celebrations. ©Disney We’ll make sure to keep you updated if we learn more about these D23 changes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest! Click Here for All the News About Destination D23 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 Are you a D23 member? Tell us in the comments! The post NEW Membership Perks and Events Announced for Disney’s Fan Club! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes after a long day at Disney World, you just need some comfort food. And if it’s late, there’s one spot you can likely find us for some chicken nugs and french fries — McDonald’s! McDonald’s Plus, we can’t help but still be slightly obsessed with checking out the latest Happy Meal Toys even though we’re definitely way too old for that now. We recently learned that new Happy Meal Toys would be coming to McDonald’s soon, and now they’ve officially arrived! At participating McDonald’s this holiday season, Happy Meals will come with TWO toys to encourage little ones to gift the bonus toy! This special holiday promotion is happening from November 26th through December 16th. And, right now, Pet Simulator toys are officially at McDonald’s. ©McDonald’s When you purchase the Pet Simulator Happy Meal, one will come with two Pet Simulator toys. Not only that, but the second one is already gift-wrapped! There are 18 different toys available, and stickers are also included in the Happy Meal so you can decorate your Pet Simulator for even more fun! ©McDonald’s When talking about the new idea, Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture said, “We hope this special Happy Meal inspires kids to share during this season of giving. Sharing is such a big part of the McDonald’s ethos— whether it’s sharing your fries, your McNuggets or a McFlurry— and now we’re giving our youngest fans the opportunity to do that with their Happy Meal, too.” Make sure you grab one so you can spread some holiday cheer! ©McDonald’s In the meantime, we’ll be keeping up with the latest food news you need to know — whether at Disney World or otherwise! Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing. The 10 BEST Quick Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be running to McDonald’s for these toys? Tell us in the comments. The post NEW Happy Meal Toys Are Available NOW at McDonald's first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It just got a bit easier to ride the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction in Disneyland Park! Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland This attraction has been undergoing a renovation since January 21st, 2024. While the attraction reopened on July 29th, the queue was still under construction. Due to the construction on the queue, Haunted Mansion was utilizing a virtual queue. However, that has officially changed! The brand-new grounds of the Haunted Mansion have opened TODAY, November 26th, and with the opening of the new queue, Haunted Mansion will no longer be utilizing a virtual queue. Instead, the attraction will be offering a stand-by line, as well as the option to use the Lightning Lane with Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass. ©Disney Pirates of the Caribbean was initially a temporary selection for Lightning Lane Multi Pass until Haunted Mansion Holiday was available again for Lightning Lane Multi Pass. However, now that Haunted Mansion Holiday is available on Lightning Lane Multi Pass, we are still seeing Pirates of the Caribbean available as well. We are not sure if this will change soon or not, but it is definitely something to be aware of and to keep an eye out for! Haunted Mansion Holiday Currently, the Haunted Mansion attraction has its The Nightmare Before Christmas holiday overlay. You will be able to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday through the holiday season in early 2025. And now, you don’t have to worry about getting a virtual queue to ride it! Simply head over and you can wait in the stand-by line. Haunted Mansion Holiday The Haunted Mansion’s new queue will take you on a journey through the grounds of the Haunted Mansion. There are lots of new details to discover including a personal garden retreat designed by Master Gracey, Madame Leota’s garden, and the Mansion Greenhouse. ©Disney In addition to the new queue details, Disney has also been working on an all-new Haunted Mansion themed retail shop. This new store will be called Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond and it is expected to open this winter. We got a look at some concept art from inside the store, and we are excited to see it in person! ©Disney The store is a carriage house that ended up being the residence of Madame Leota. Inside, the shop is filled with Madame Leota’s eclectic furniture and her crystal ball. Madame Leota comes and goes from the shop quite a bit, and she is excited to welcome shoppers into her home this winter. ©Disney While you are enjoying Haunted Mansion Holiday, make sure you all check out these 22 things you should ALWAYS do in Disneyland: Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disneyland news! Take a FIRST LOOK at the new Haunted Mansion store coming soon! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What do you think about Haunted Mansion no longer using a virtual queue? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Announces Virtual Queue CHANGE for Popular Ride first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the holiday season and there’s no place we rather celebrate it than at Disney World! Christmas has arrived at Magic Kingdom! Disney goes all out for the most wonderful time of the year and because of it, you can find a lot of festive surprises going on at the parks. In this case, a special limited-time parade will be taking place on specific days at Magic Kingdom, which is incredibly RARE! Here’s all you need to know. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is filled with festive floats and beloved characters dressed in their holiday best. It even ends with Santa Clause himself riding in his sleigh, making it a true Christmas celebration! This parade is one of the many special offerings available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a special ticketed event that takes place on select nights from November 8th through December 20th, 2024. Santa!! Even though the parade is meant to be a party-exclusive perk, there are a few dates when you can catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade outside of a party night, during regular park hours! ©Disney We spotted that the Disney World calendar lists daytime hours for the parade from December 21st through December 31st, 2024. ©Disney Taking place at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will be taking over the streets of Magic Kingdom, bringing the ultimate holiday festivities during the day. ©Disney One thing we did notice that seemed a little odd, however, is that on December 21st, both the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will be taking place, just an hour from each other. ©Disney As awesome as three parades in one-day sounds, it’s also a little out of the ordinary, so we chatted with cast members online through the official Disney World website to get some answers. They stated that although it is subject to change, both parades taking place on December 21st are part of the plan as of right now. Keep in mind that this can change at a moment’s notice. Ariel in the Festival of Fantasy parade We will be keeping an eye on this by checking the Disney World website and seeing if anything changes. As of right now, however, we’re excited at getting to enjoy two amazing parades in one day! Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest Disney World updates here on DFB. Disney Issues Important Hotel Warning Ahead of the Holiday Season 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! Are you planning on catching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on these dates? We’d love to read about it in the comments! The post The TRICK To Seeing Magic Kingdom's Exclusive Christmas Parade WITHOUT a Party Ticket first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a Disney World trip, you’ve probably done all your planning and picked out your hotel, right? Pop Century You’ve probably budgeted for that hotel and have an idea of what kind of perks that hotel offers (like certain transportation options, whether that be buses, Monorail, or Skyliner). You might even be aware of the 2025 perk where you can get a FREE ticket to Disney World’s water parks on your arrival date. We’re sure you know about Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. But we’re about to tell you about some free Disney World hotel perks and upgrades you might not know about. Character Meet and Greets Meeting characters in the parks can take up a lot of valuable time, with many characters having long lines for those interactions. Of course, you can book a character dining experience to meet characters, but that can end up being pricey. However, did you know you can meet characters at your hotels? Characters make appearances at Disney World hotels from time to time, and those interactions are much more casual and fun. Daisy at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort So how do you know if characters will be meeting at your hotel? Well, you can look for the colorful caravans parked outside your resort. Granted, we don’t see these caravans as much as we used to, but characters are still popping up at hotels to surprise guests, so be on the lookout! Character Caravan at the Riviera With that being said, though, there is a guaranteed character meet and greet opportunity at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. You can hang out with Chip ‘n’ Dale at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along, which happens nightly. You’ll get to roast marshmallows, sing songs, and meet that mischievous duo of chipmunks. Campfire Sing-A-Long The entire experience is FREE, although you will have to pay for your S’mores supplies (which can be purchased from the Chuck Wagon). After Chip ‘n’ Dale have done their thing, you can watch a Disney movie on the outdoor screen. FULL LOOK at the NEW Characters at 1900 Park Fare in Disney World Character Wake-Up Calls Wake-up calls are never fun, but in Disney World, you’ll be HAPPY to get a wake-up call. That’s because you can get MICKEY himself to call your Disney World hotel room each morning to let you know it’s time to get up. And it’s 100% free. Get a wake up call from Mickey! All you have to do is pick up the phone from your hotel’s bedside table and press the “wake up call” button. When prompted, just enter in the time you want to receive your Mickey wake up call. That’s it! SO easy and SO fun! Two Disney World Hotel Perks That Can RUIN Your Morning Holiday overlays During the holiday season in Disney World, Disney World hotels get all decked out for the holidays. Each resort gets a pretty Christmas tree and lots of fun decor that’s sure to make you feel jolly. The deluxe hotels even get MASSIVE Christmas trees, as well as fun gingerbread displays. What’s even better? It’s 100% free to visit Disney World hotels to check out their displays. Grand Floridian tree and gingerbread house Disney’s Fort Wilderness goes even harder for the holidays. The hotel has an annual Christmas Eve Golf Cart Parade where guests deck out their golf cart rentals in holiday decor and drive around the resort with other holiday-themed carts. HOWEVER, if you want to see it or participate in it, you have to be a guest at the hotel or campground. Learn more about the holidays in Disney World Partial Savannah View If you’ve booked a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you may have seen that you can book a Savannah View room so you can wake up each morning and look out at all the animals that live on the hotel’s savannah. You may have also seen how pricey those rooms are. Did you know, though, that you could still get a very similar view FOR FREE? Animal Kingdom Lodge All you have to do is put in a room request for a “Partial Savannah View.” Now, you’re not GUARANTEED to get a room with a partial view of the animals, but Disney does go out of their way to try to meet most reasonable guest requests. You might also end up with an obstructed view, but it’s been our experience that you’ll still get a good view of the animals. If you don’t get your request, though, there are plenty of savannah viewing areas throughout the hotel. I Hate To Say It, But These Are the WORST Disney World Hotel Rooms I’ve Ever Seen Get the closest room to EPCOT Let’s talk about another room request you can make. This one involves a secret door that will put you as close to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance as possible. You’ll find it at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, which is already pretty close to EPCOT. BUT look at this map of Beach Club…do you see that section of the hotel that juts out closer to EPCOT than other sections? There it is! This door is ONLY for guests at Disney’s Beach Club, but here’s the cool thing: there’s a room located RIGHT NEXT TO IT, room 1501, which is the closest hotel room you can get to EPCOT. So what you can do is request that specific room. Again, Disney may not be able to fulfill your request, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, right? 3 Disney World Hotels Cracking Down on Parking Magical room upgrades Okay, so this isn’t a guarantee, but it does happen, and when it happens, it doesn’t cost you a dime. Sometimes you might book a standard room at a hotel and get upgraded to a better more premium room. In fact, we’ve even seen instances where we’ve booked a room at a value resort and ended up being upgraded to a deluxe resort — FOR FREE. It doesn’t happen often, but it DOES happen. Contemporary Resort room Now, this is not something you should ask for (honestly, if the Cast Member doesn’t laugh if you DO ask for it, we’d be surprised). It’s just one of those things that could happen to add a little extra pixie dust to your trip. But, yeah, don’t expect to book a room at an All-Star Resort and end up the Grand Floridian. BEWARE These Disney World Hotel Rooms Mobile Order To Go at Hotel Restaurants Sometimes you want a table service meal…but without the actual table. Let’s just say you want dinner and you don’t want to sit in a restaurant, but you still want to eat at a table service restaurant. Well, many of Disney World’s hotel restaurants offer a Mobile Order Table Service To Go option where you can just order ahead and pick up your food and eat it in your pajamas in your hotel room (or wherever you want to eat it). Sanaa Bread Service To Go! You’ll find restaurants with this option in the My Disney Experience App — they’re listed separately as the restaurant name and then “To Go” after that. Everything you need to know about Mobile Order Table Service To Go So if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel anytime soon, be sure to take advantage of these free perks. And stay tuned to DFB for more. The Bottom Line Is That You’re Doing Disney World Hotels WRONG 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 free Disney World hotel perks do you take advantage of when you visit? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 SECRET (and FREE!) Disney World Hotel Upgrades first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney, I know you’re building a whole lot of brand-new rides, but we’ve gotta talk! ©Disney Now, we’re excited for the 8 new rides coming to Disney World, but how is it that you have the blueprint for the perfect ride, for decades at this point, but you still won’t give us this ONE? Like we said, let’s talk! We’re not trying to be ungrateful. Somehow we blinked earlier this year and we got the announcement for new ride after new ride. We love it and can’t wait to hop on them, but how is it that after having the ultimate ride blueprint for decades, we’re still not any closer to getting this one ride built? We’re talking about an Aladdin’s Magic Carpet roller coaster in the Cave of Wonders. ©Disney The Perfect Roller Coaster Already Exists Take a second to think back to the movie. There’s that scene where Aladdin hops onto the magic carpet, dodging lava explosions, zooming through narrow tunnels, and barely escaping with his life as the entire cave collapses around him. It’s thrilling, it’s visually stunning, and it’s basically already storyboarded for an epic ride. ©Disney I mean, Disney has tried to dabble in magic carpet attractions like the kiddie spinner ride in Magic Kingdom, but it’s time to graduate from playground vibes to full-on adrenaline rush. ©Disney Can you imagine a dark coaster ride where you’re “sitting” on a magic carpet, surrounded by dazzling gemstones and molten gold? The carpet speeds up as the booming voice of the Cave of Wonders warns, “Touch nothing but the lamp!” Suddenly, the floor beneath you collapses into molten lava as you zip around fiery corners and burst out of the cave into the cool night air. What Are They Building Instead? Okay, fine. Disney is building some pretty cool stuff over the course of the next couple years. Here’s the lineup of eight rides they’re working on: Test Track 3.0 in EPCOT An Indiana Jones Ride at Animal Kingdom Encanto-themed ride with the family Madrigal inside the enchanted Casita at Animal Kingdom Two Cars-Themed Rides in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Two Villains Land Attractions at Magic Kingdom A Monsters, Inc. Coaster at Hollywood Studios To be sure, these sound awesome, But NONE of them capture the same high-stakes adventure and jaw-dropping visuals as a magic carpet ride through the Cave of Wonders would. Disney, Why Are You Like This? Here’s the real kicker: Disney loves giving us nostalgic throwbacks to classic movies, but when it comes to turning one of the most iconic moments from one of our most beloved films into a ride, they’re just not interested? Why? ©Disney The technology is there. They’ve done dark coasters (Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, the list goes on). They’ve consistently nailed immersive storytelling. And who knows, they might even be able to fit a new ride seamlessly into Adventureland while they’re already doing a bunch of construction at the park. Our One Wish Disney, you’re the home of dreams come true. So here’s a dream we would love you to fulfill: give us the Aladdin magic carpet roller coaster we’ve been waiting for. We don’t need another re-theme or a teacup-style spinner ride. We need to soar through the Cave of Wonders, clutching our metaphorical lamps, screaming with joy as we escape fiery doom. ©Disney In the meantime, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Disney World Testing Single Rider Line for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure…And We LOVE It 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 ride do you wish they would build in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Is Building 8 New Rides, But They Still Won't Give Us This Roller Coaster first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You can save by doubling down on Disney vacations. Want to spend next Christmas at the Grand Floridian as well? We’ve all been there. You reach the end of a Disney vacation and… start daydreaming about your next trip. Sometimes that happens when you get home, sometimes it happens before you’ve even left the resort. Now, Disney has extended a popular discount that offers big savings to those who wish to book another Disney trip immediately. The Resort Future Stay offer — colloquially known as the “bounceback” offer — allows you to save between 25% and 35% on a future Disney World stay if you book within 7 days of the end of your most recent stay. The discount amount depends on what tier of Disney hotel you’d like to book, and breaks down as follows: Up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts Up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts Up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Value Resorts Details of this offer are provided on your in-room television, and will also be emailed on the final day of your stay. Previously, this offer could only be booked via phone, however as of November 21st, 2024 the offer can also be booked online. Pop Century Additionally, Disney has now extended the offer. Previously, you could only book up through dates in October of 2025. However, Disney has now extended the “bounceback” rates through December of 2025. Valid dates for the deal include: November 25th to 27th, 2024 December 1st to 24th, 2024 January 2nd to 8th, 2025 January 13th to 16th, 2025 January 20th to 23rd, 2025 January 26th to 30th, 2025 February 2nd to 6th, 2025 February 9th to 13th, 2025 February 16th to 19th, 2025 February 23rd to May 22nd, 2025 May 26th to July 2nd, 2025 July 7th to August 28th, 2025 September 1st to 30th, 2025 October 26th to 31st, 2025 November 1st to 26th, 2025 November 30th to December 24th, 2025. Contemporary Resort Disney has extended their popular “bounceback” offer, expanding the available dates that one finishing up a Disney trip can save on their next one! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney deals! A Disney World Hotel Pool Is Officially CLOSED for Refurbishment Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever booked your next Disney trip while still on a Disney trip? Let us know in the comments below! The post CONFIRMED: Disney World Hotel Discount EXTENDED for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re looking to become an EPCOT expert during the course of ONE VIDEO, then here you GO! EPCOT HERE’S the video you’ve been searching for! It’s an EPCOT CRASH COURSE day, here on DFB Guide! Check out our video below: Disney World Crash Course — EPCOT Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to EPCOT recently? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Disney World Crash Course -- EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We have some HUGE Disney World hotel news! Cinderella Castle Disney Vacation Club just announced a NEW hotel that will be opening in 2027! This new hotel will be called Disney Lakeshore Lodge and will be in the same location that the previously announced Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge Resort was supposed to be built. Reflections was announced back in 2019 with an expected opening date of 2022, but construction was halted after the 2020 global health crisis. It was set to occupy the former home of Disney’s River Country water park near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. ©Disney The brand-new hotel will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” It is expected to be open in 2027! Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! Check out our guide to choose the PERFECT Disney World hotel! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this new hotel announcement? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING: Disney World Announces NEW HOTEL Opening in 2027 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready for a LOT of change in Disney World? We know, we know, change is scary, but it’s really all part of Walt Disney’s visions for the parks. Well, 2025 is going to be a massive year of change for Disney World as we get ready to add entire new lands to three parks, get a brand new version of a current ride in EPCOT, get new entertainment (as in new shows AND a new parade) and more. However, there are still things we’re dreading about Disney World in 2025. If you’re looking for some help to plan your 2025 Disney World trip, be sure to contact our friends over at Small World Vacations. They can help you with all the confusing planning stuff FOR FREE so you can have the best Disney World trip possible. Okay, first, we have to say that there is a LOT of stuff to look forward to in 2025. The new version of Test Track will be opening in EPCOT, plus you’ll still get to enjoy all of EPCOT’s fun festivals. You’ll have a brand new Pirates of the Caribbean tavern to Yo Ho Yo Ho your way into in Magic Kingdom PLUS that park is getting a new nighttime parade. A new Zootopia show is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a brand new villains show (yes, we are HERE for all the villains love). Plus we’re even getting the wonderful Moana-themed Island tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is set to open in late 2024, so you’ll have a new hotel option in 2025. That being said, though…we still have to warn you about a few things. Construction…everywhere…as far as the eye can see So Disney World has some BIG projects in the works, and you know what that means — LOTS of construction EVERYWHERE. Magic Kingdom is getting a Cars expansion and it’s going where Rivers of American and Tom Sawyer Island currently is, so expect that area to be quite the construction mess. There will also be construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which will be closed for a year-long refurbishment, plus construction BEHIND the ride as Disney builds its villains land. Construction has alreadys started behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Dinoland, U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be under construction in phases as that land becomes Pueblo Esperanza, a new Tropical Americas-themed land. Muppets Courtyard will be under construction as it gets reimagined as a new Monsters, Inc. Land. The area around Test Track in EPCOT will still be under construction until that’s complete (but at least it’s set to be completed in 2025). 3 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025 Higher Wait Times There’s another big downside to all that construction. Many rides will be closed in the parks, which means wait times at other rides may be higher. This could mean that Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and even Lightning Lane Premier Pass may be even more worth it in 2025. Wait times for rides could get longer It also means there will be fewer rides in the parks, but let’s face it — you’ll still never run out of things to see and do in Disney World, even if you stayed for a whole month! Planning to Go to Disney World On These Popular 2025 Dates?! Book Your Hotel NOW! Crowds With so much NEW stuff coming to Disney World in 2025, a lot of folks are going to want to see or do all that new stuff. That means you can expect crowds, especially when the new shows and the new version of Test Track open next year. So you’ll need to pack your patience if you’re visiting during those times. ©Disney Another thing you need to consider is that construction could mean that there will be certain areas in the parks that feel more crowded because everyone will have to walk around entire parts of each park. This is another time when patience will certainly come in handy. 4 Things We Hope Disney World Changes in 2025 Saying goodbye to rides Okay, so 2025 is going to be an emotional year, and let’s just call all those emotions inside Riley’s head because we are going to be feeling them all! However, Sadness might be our default because we’re going to have to say goodbye to at least TWO classic Disney World attractions, including Dinosaur since it will eventually close as Animal Kingdom gets its new land. Dr. Grant Seeker will be unemployed soon We’re also still in shock that we have to say goodbye to Muppet*Vision 3D as Disney World makes way for the new Monsters, Inc. land. The good news is that the Muppets will be headed over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as that ride gets re-themed. DATE ANNOUNCED for First DinoLand CLOSURES at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hurricane Season Hurricane season is something we have to worry about pretty much every year, but we’re a little more worried about 2025. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, which means you could be in for some bad weather — or even park closures — if you visit Disney World during that time. This year was a particularly busy hurricane season, and we fear 2025 could be even busier. CMs prepping for Hurricane Milton However, one thing you can do is to be weather aware if you plan on visiting Disney World during a potential hurricane there and make sure you understand Disney World’s hurricane cancellation/change policies. Disney Reports $130 Million in Hurricane Losses Price Increases If there’s anything you can count on in Disney World, it’s price increases. The cost of everything will go up in 2025: hotel rooms, tickets, souvenirs, and more. The big price increases usually come in October — and those price increases are for food and drinks. Even Mickey bars get more expensive every year So be sure you pad your Disney World budget just in case those price increases hit during your trip. Is Skyliner Transportation Really Worth Spending More of Your Hotel Budget For? We’re still going to say this, though: 2025 could be a great year to visit Disney World. You’ll still get to experience a lot of NEW things plus, well, you’ll be in Disney World, so even if you’re dreading something like we are, it’s not like being in the real world and dreading things, right? If you are visiting Disney World in 2025, we hope you have an AWESOME vacation. 5 Disney World Trends That Are on the Verge of Going Extinct 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 Are you visiting Disney World in 2025? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments! The post 6 Things We’re DREADING About Disney World in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The opening day of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is just around the corner! Yukon Holiday Kitchen And we are starting to see Holiday Kitchens popping up ahead of opening day. We are getting so excited for the start of the next festival! EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays starts THIS Friday, November 29th and runs through December 30th. Ahead of opening day, we have spotted some of the booths popping up around the World Showcase! Can you tell we are just a tad bit excited about the return of Festival of the Holidays? Shanghai Holiday Kitchen The Festival of the Holidays gives you the opportunity to experience holiday traditions from various cultures though decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events. Not only does the Festival of the Holidays offer live entertainment and special experiences, but it also features 18 Holiday Kitchen with plenty of holiday food offerings. We may be a bit biased, but we are SO excited for the food. Bavaria Holiday Kitchen Of course, we will be there opening day to eat our way around the food booths and give you our full reviews. We just wanted to whet everyone’s appetite a bit with some pictures of the Holiday Kitchen signs going up on the booths around World Showcase. We spotted many of the booths ready for Festival of the Holidays and we are getting more excited by the day. Tuscany Holiday Kitchen If you are heading to the Festival of the Holidays, you can already start planning your food and drinks purchases ahead of time! We have a look at the FULL menus at each of the booths, and make sure to check back after opening day for reviews of each of the booths! See the FULL menus for Festival of the Holidays! Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen If you want to see even more about EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, make sure to check out our video from last year’s festival and stay tuned as we will have a video covering everything you need to know about this year’s festvial soon! Make sure to stay tuned to DFB as we bring you FULL coverage of this year’s International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT! Find out EVERYTHING you need to know about EPCOT’s International 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! Are you attending EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays this year? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Holiday Kitchens Are Starting To Appear for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article