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A heroes’ welcome was waiting for Disneyland Fire Department firefighters Mark McLean and Larry Chu, along with six other local firefighters and police personnel, during a special cavalcade in Disneyland park on Monday, May 5. All of those honored during the cavalcade bravely responded on the frontlines of the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025. Chien Yu of Pasadena Fire Department, Collin Davis of Sierra Madre Fire Department, Adam Van Gerpen of Los Angeles Fire Department and Ian Van Gerpen of Los Angeles Fire Department kick off the Heroes Salute Cavalcade. The celebration marked the first day eligible California firefighters, Los Angeles-based law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians, who helped combat the LA fires, could use their complimentary Heroes Tickets for themselves and a guest to visit The Happiest Place on Earth. Larry Chu, firefighter at Disneyland and Sierra Madre Fire Departments, waves during the cavalcade.Cast Member Heroes Celebrated at Disneyland Disneyland Resort cast members Mark and Larry are not only committed to protecting Disneyland Resort as firefighters, but both cast members are part of local fire departments and worked with them to battle the LA fires. “It’s humbling and feels cool to be honored,” said Larry about being in the cavalcade for his heroic efforts in the Eaton Fire. “We are not used to the limelight, and it’s not what we strive to do in this profession, but it feels good.” Larry has been with the Disneyland Fire Department for the past three years in addition to being with the Sierra Madre Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic for over four years. A pivotal moment in Larry’s life that sparked his interest in becoming a firefighter was a house fire in 2007 that sent his mother to the hospital. The fire chief on site showed Larry around and shared how they cared for his mom and mitigated the housefire. “From that moment, it just kind of hit me that firefighting was something I wanted to do to help others,” Larry said. “We get into this profession to help people out on their worst days. I want to do what I can to make their day better.” Mark poses with Pluto during the Heroes Salute Cavalcade. Mark, the third in this family to be a Disneyland Resort firefighter after his uncle and father, has dedicated the past 21 years to fighting fires for the Los Angeles Fire Department and an amazing 15 years with the Disneyland Fire Department. As soon as he clocked out from his shift at the resort the night the Palisades Fire broke out, Mark headed straight to his station where he would remain on duty for 23 days straight. “We don’t think of ourselves as heroes, being a firefighter is just a career or profession that we enjoy doing,” Mark shared. “It is humbling that you chose us out of all of the men and women in fire service.” Heroes’ families join in the celebration. All heroes were joined by family members, who were also honored in the cavalcade for their role in supporting the heroes while they worked during the LA fires. Mark’s father, David McLean, joined in the cavalcade supporting Mark, along with Mark’s wife and mother. David joined Disneyland Resort after more than 30 years in the firefighting profession and has been with the resort for more than 15 years. Mickey Mouse and Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum, join Mark and his father, David McLean, at Sleeping Beauty Castle. “I’m really proud of him,” David said beaming with pride while talking about his son. “He is a good hard worker, and he sure loves working at Disneyland. You can’t beat working here with my son!” The Disneyland Resort thanks the heroes that joined in our celebration today and those whose bravery continues to inspire our community. Disney Supports Rebuilding Efforts Across Los Angeles The Heroes Ticket is one of the many ways The Walt Disney Company is supporting relief efforts in the community: In January, the company announced a $15 million commitment for immediate response and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area. Disney VoluntEARS hosted donation drives to collect more than 200,000 essential items for impacted individuals and families. A Disney LA Strong t-shirt is available for purchase now on DisneyStore.com as a symbol of community support, and a reminder that together we have the strength to rebuild and heal. For each t-shirt sold in the U.S. through December 31, 2025, Disney will donate $25 to the American Red Cross to help people affected by the fires in California during 2025. Learn more about the company’s work to support its community and employees in the LA area in the aftermath of the fires. New Disney LA Strong T-Shirts Support California Fire Relief READ MORE L.A. Fire Relief Efforts: How Disney Helps the Communities READ MORE Disneyland Resort Honors Heroes of Los Angeles Fires READ MORE The post Heroes of L.A. Fires Honored with Cavalcade at Disneyland appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Ahoy there, pirates! A new pirates-themed lounge, The Beak and Barrel, is opening in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom in late summer this year, and we just got a HUGE update! Welcome to Adventureland Disney wants you to truly feel like a pirate when you enter the space, and to do so, they’re changing their own rule. The Beak and Barrel will serve alcohol! ©Disney Why is this a big deal, you may ask? Previously, in Magic Kingdom, you could only get alcohol by dining in a sit-down restaurant and not at quick-service locations or food carts. The Beak and Barrel is changing the game! Other parks have alcohol at more than just sit-down restaurants, which is why you’ll see guests around EPCOT holding onto their drinks and taking them from area to area. We’ve never seen this before at Magic Kingdom, but it has us wondering if this is going to change in more places in the future. ©Disney This lounge is still family-friendly, and they say “the menu features tasty options for pirates of all ages — as well as refreshing cocktails for Guests ages 21 and up.” We haven’t seen the menu yet, but we’re excited to see what the cocktails are! If purchasing alcohol, guests must be over 21 years old, and there is a maximum of 2 drinks per guest. ©Disney Disney also dropped that there is a 45-minute time limit for your time inside the pirate bar. You’ll want to make an advance reservation before heading to the lounge, but remember that you won’t be there for very long. ©Disney The drink limits and 45-minute reservations remind us a lot of Oga’s Cantina at Hollywood Studios, and while they are more lenient on the time since opening, they are still turning over tables quickly to get the next folks in. We’ll be ready when the menu drops for The Beak and Barrel but in the meantime, make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog for moreDisney news. The post CONFIRMED: Disney Will Serve Alcohol at the NEW Pirates of the Caribbean Bar in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Watch out, these Minnie ears may disappear faster than the speed of light! ©Disney Disney’s been busy turning out some great new merch collections to choose from in everything from apparel to mugs and beyond. However, one iconic accessory we won’t do Disney World without is our Minnie ears and if you’re lightning fast, you could be lucky enough to add these two new designs to your collection before they sell out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get these BaubleBar Minnie Mouse Mother’s Day ears! ©Disney These stunning ears are in a league of their own! Their clean white linen ears each feature an all-over floral print with gemstone trims. While the center shimmering mesh bow is decorated with simulated pearls. They’re as timeless as it gets for a Disney Mom treat. View on Amazon And don’t forget these Star Wars Empire Strikes Back 45th Anniversary ears! ©Disney Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back is celebrating its 45th anniversary and giving you your own set of Minnie ears to commemorate it too! Each of the simulated leather ears feature screen art inspired by film poster on front while sporting a sleek black to the back. The center signature bow features a shimmering white fabric with a signature 45th anniversary medallion of the film as its center focal piece. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post 2 New Minnie Ears That Will Sell Out Faster Than Lightning Lanes At Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re officially over halfway to Halloween, and that means that Orlando theme parks have begun announcing some of their upcoming events for this season to get guests excited. ©ClickOrlando Disney released a casting call for two of their Halloween festivities that confirmed their return, and Universal has made a few small announcements about Halloween Horror Nights — but now it’s SeaWorld Orlando’s turn. If you were thinking of attending the park’s Howl-O-Scream’s event this year, you don’t want to miss this massive new sale! If you want to take advantage of this event at the lowest possible price, don’t miss the Monstrous MAYhem Sale going on right now! During this sale, guests purchasing two or more tickets for ANY night of the event will get them for $39.99 each. That’s right, they’re valid for ANY night with no blockout dates. ©SeaWorld Last year, the event said goodbye to the sirens during their “Last Call,” and now the event returns with all-new horrors to delight fans for its 5th year running! This year will feature 5 haunted houses with new storylines, 6 scare zones, 2 roaming hordes, 5 themed bars with special offerings, exciting new shows, and never-before-seen surprises! ©SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream takes place on 28 nights on select evenings from September 5th through November 1st. You’ll want to act fast, though, because this special deal only lasts through May 11th — grab those tickets now before they go up in price! ©SeaWorld Looking for more recent SeaWorld Orlando news? Check out our posts below! More Recent SeaWorld News! Save BIG on Tickets to a MAJOR Orlando Halloween Event RIGHT NOW!These 10 Rides Had the MOST Injuries in 2024NEWS: Disney Takes Second Place in New Theme Park Survey — #1 Will Surprise You!NEWS: Over 800 Flights Canceled As Hurricane Milton Approaches FloridaNEWS: SeaWorld Orlando Announces CLOSURE Ahead of Hurricane Milton Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Orlando theme park news! The Secret Reason Disney World Doesn’t Want Your Money 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 thinking of attending this event this year? Tell us in the comments! The post Save BIG on Tickets to a MAJOR Orlando Halloween Event RIGHT NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big news, Aldi lovers! Your favorite store is opening more locations! Aldi Aldi said they planned to open 225 new stores in 2025, and we’re getting quite a few more in Florida. Thirteen new Aldi stores are opening in Florida, three of which will be in the Central Florida area. Florida is already home to 243 stores, and we’re happy to see more coming our way! One Orlando location at 1403 South Hiawassee Road is set to open this summer and employ 15 to 20 people. ALDI Some of these stores are former Winn-Dixie buildings that Aldi is taking over and turning into its own supermarkets. They started this process last summer with nine conversions. Aldi stores are typically smaller than typical grocery stores, being only about 12,000 square feet. The Senior Vice President told the Orlando Business Journal, “The stores they are converting, they are subdividing the spaces and setting up a traditional Aldi footprint. Aldi derives its low costs from many things, including operating very efficiently. All of them are generally the same size and dimensions, so they can merchandise them all similarly.” ©ALDI Aldi is investing $9 billion to open 800 new locations across the United States. In March 2024, they announced these plans after acquiring Jacksonville-based Southern Grocers and its 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores, including the 39 in Central Florida. ©ALDI A store in Deltona at 2880 Howland Boulevard is opening on April 30th. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will happen on May 1st at 9 AM. The first 100 customers at the grand opening will receive a Golden Ticket that can be worth up to $100 and a bag filled with Aldi products. Other shoppers will also get a chance to win $500 Aldi gift car each day from May 1st to 4th. Aldi We love Aldi and its amazing deals, especially when it comes to Disney merchandise. Even more stores in Central Florida mean more chances to get amazing deals. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more! THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION 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 these new Aldi locations opening? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. The post Attention ALDI Shoppers: This Is the BEST News We've Seen All Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summer 2025 may be a game changer for Walt Disney World pricing, as the company has unleashed a slew of discounts on tickets, hotels, and dining for the upcoming season. TRON Lightcycle / Run These discounts, especially when combined, can be game-changing for a trip to Disney World, as they can arguably make a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” arguably “cheaper” for the first time in a long time. Some of these discounts include: $89 Per Day 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket: For visits between April 6th and September 22nd, Disney is offering a 3-day, 3-park ticket starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax) for EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (NOTE: These tickets are not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom). Half-Off Kids Tickets: From May 27th through September 20th, 3-day or longer standard Walt Disney World theme park tickets for kids (ages 3 to 9) are 50% off their normal price. Early Summer 30% Off Rooms: From May 1st and July 31st, Disney is offering up to 30% on rooms at “select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights.” However, these “Early Summer” dates aren’t the ONLY time you can save 30% off on a Disney hotel room. Late Summer Fall 30% Off Rooms: From August 1st to October 11th (so yes, the very next day), Disney is also offering up to 30% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights.” Annual Passholder Savings: AP Holders can save up to 40% on Rooms for stays on select nights from June 1st to July 31st. In addition, lesser discounts are available for stays from May 1st through the 31st. FREE Dining Plan: Disney is offering FREE Dining Plans with the purchase of a “non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option” in the following date ranges: June 29th to September 30th, October 20th to November 1st, and December 6th to December 22nd. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind So, why is Disney offering more discounts this year than at any other time since the pandemic? There are likely several issues at play: The first is the economy. Between inflation and a decrease in international tourism based on political factors, Disney is potentially facing a soft financial demand for theme park visits this summer, and is arguably compensating with discounts without the optic of “lowering” prices. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane The second is arguably the opening of Epic Universe. While many Disney fans and even executives may argue that the opening of Universal’s new theme park is nothing but beneficial for Disney (which to be fair, has some historical precedent on its side) there’s no denying that Epic Universe has a lot of hype and initially positive reviews behind it, Therefore, it stands to reason that Disney may be preemptively reacting to the new park. If nothing else, these discounts may lead to some travelers who were only planning on visiting Universal to see Epic Universe to add some Disney days to their trip. Epic Universe If you’re thinking about heading to Disney World this coming summer, there are a wide array of discounts to take advantage of. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney discounts! 3 Mistakes Annual Passholders Still Make in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you heading to Disney World this summer? Were you swayed by these discounts? Let us know in the comments below. The post This NEW Disney World Discount Is a GAME CHANGER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Give Kids the World Village Inc. has announced its new leader. Caroline Schumacher, currently the CEO of Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, will become president and chief executive of the Kissimmee-based nonprofit in June. Schumacher previously worked with Give Kids the World in volunteer services, guest services and operations leadership for almost two decades. “Stepping into the role at Give Kids the World feels like coming full circle, honoring Henri Landwirth’s vision in a new way, for a cause that has always been close to my heart,” Schumacher said in a news release Tuesday. Landwirth, a hotel owner and philanthropist, helped found both Give Kids the World and the Orlando-based Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. He died in 2018. Schuamcher takes over the Give Kids the World leadership from Pamela Landwirth, former wife of Henri Landwirth, who left the organization in January after three decades. “Caroline brings a deep personal connection to the mission of Give Kids the World and a proven record of innovative leadership,” said John Nichols, chairman of the organization’s board. Give Kids the World Village is an 89-acre resort that hosts children with critical illnesses and their families free of charge. It has been in operation since 1986. It has served more than 200,000 families. dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

Calling all lovers of the one and only Daisy Duck, one of the most iconic and stylish characters out there! It’s Daisy! If you’ve been wanting to show off your admiration for Daisy in the parks, or in your everyday life, that’s just been made WAY easier — Disney just released an entire new Daisy Duck collection to celebrate her 85th Anniversary, and it’s online right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A T-Shirt Dress is Always a Good Idea! ©Disney If you’re looking to make your entire outfit dedicated to Daisy, you’ll want to grab the Daisy Duck 85th Anniversary T-Shirt Dress! On the front is her gorgeous face, and on the back is her full name in the iconic font we all know and love. We have a feeling it may sell out fast, so grab it while you can! Check it out! The CUTEST Shorts for Summertime! ©Disney Looking for some new shorts for summer? The Daisy Duck 85th Anniversary Denim Shorts are ADORABLE and are perfect for the season. The front just has little daisy flowers all over, but the back pockets are shaped like hearts — one has Daisy’s face, and the other has her name! Check it out! If It’s Still Chilly Outside ©Disney Finding yourself needing to pull on a sweatshirt every now and then still, or want to plan ahead for this winter? Grab the Daisy Duck 85th Anniversary Pullover Sweatshirt before it’s gone! Daisy is front and center, and her signature is located on the bottom of the right sleeve. Check it out! Sassy Daisy! ©Disney If sassy Daisy is your favorite and you’re needing a new short sleeved shirt, the Daisy Duck 85th Anniversary T-Shirt is calling your name. Just like some of the other designs, Daisy herself is on the front and her name is on the back. This one appears to be selling out pretty fast, so grab it ASAP! Check it out! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite Disney merchandise finds!The post The 85th Anniversary Daisy Duck Collection Is Officially Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is refurbishing one of their most iconic hotels. Construction in the Grand Floridian began in April 2025 The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been Disney World’s premier resort for over three decades. The hotel, which opened in 1988, is described by Disney as a “timeless Victorian-style marvel (that) evokes Palm Beach’s golden era,” and that theme has long extended to the hotel’s lobby. However, now that grand lobby is being refurbished. According to Disney, the new lobby’s staircase and front desk will be “refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere, and the lobby as a whole will “feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics, plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends. “ ©Disney One of the most striking elements of the concept art Disney has released of the new Grand Floridian lobby is the massive lobby bar, which Disney describes as “paying tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents.” However, the bar’s existence is coming at a cost as it is replacing the belted birdcage, which had occupied prime space in he resort’s lobby for decades, and even actually held real birds at one point. Grand Floridian, with the birdcage in the bottom left. When taking a closer look at the new bar, one can see several tributes to the classic birdcage are being included in the new lobby bar. For starters, its overall shape and design is reminiscent of the cage, and there are even “colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium!” ©Disney While the birdcage’s metamorphosis into a bar does represent a major change, the concept art – – backed by Disney’s own description of the refurbishment – – indicates that some of the lobby’s other iconic elements will remain, including the grand piano, lush seating areas, and the classic Victorian cage-style elevator that fans “know and love. “ ©Disney The Grand Floridan Resort & Spa is in the midst of a massive lobby renovation that will see a brand new lobby bar inspired by the departed birdcage, however the core elements of the resort and its vibe will remain in place. Stay tuned to DFB for more Walt Disney World’s evolution. What Is “Sleep Tourism,” and Should Disney Hotels Join the Trend? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new Grand Floridian lobby bar? Let us know in the comments below! The post FULL LOOK at the NEW Grand Floridian Hotel Changes at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

That’s the spirit! We spotted a brand-new Disney x Lug bag in Disney World. We love Lug! Disney and Lug recently gave us a sneak peek of a new line of bags and totes they’ve been working on to bring out later this year. As we creep closer to the summer months and you’re looking for the newest souvenirs to snag on your next Disney World vacation, don’t forget to keep an eye out for these beauties we recently spotted! Ever since Lug’s line of Disney designs burst on the scene, they’ve been a smashing hit! With so many designs hard to get your hands on before they sell out, Lug’s been hard at work to bring us even more Disney bags to swoon over. ‘Fantasy In The Sky’ fireworks show in Magic Kingdom Just a few weeks ago, we got a sneak peek at several new releases we could expect to find around Disney World releasing over the upcoming year, and it seems we’re already starting to spot them popping up around the parks! One of the designs that resonated most with us was this super cute Mickey Americana bag! Disney x Lug Mickey Americana Skeeter Mini Crossbody It’s offered in the skeeter mini crossbody bag style from Lug and features Mickey dressed to the nines in his red, white, and blues as the front zippered pocket design! We spotted this new cutie in the Emporium at Magic Kingdom. Behind him, the rest of the bag is finished in red and white stripes that carry over to the back design against the blue carrying strap. Spotted in the Emporium It actually can be worn as a crossbody, belt bag, or shoulder bag— plus there’s a top tote handle for grab-and-go ease. With so many ways to wear Lug’s skeeter mini crossbody bags, it’s an ideal accessory for everything from summer travels to park days and holiday weekends. Don’t go anywhere! There’s plenty more Disney merch updates where this came from. Be sure you’re following along with us at Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing! I Never Thought I Would Put This in My Disney World Carry On Bag, But It Made My Day 10x Better Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of the Disney Lug collection has caught your eye? Tell us which ones you own and which you’re looking to grab next in the comments below! The post A NEW Mickey Mouse Lug Bag Just Dropped at Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars fans just celebrated a BIG holiday! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge crowds on May the 4th May the 4th is officially known as Star Wars Day because of the punny phrase “May the Fourth be with you.” Typically, we see Disney celebrate this day BIG time with snacks, special offerings in the parks, and lots of new merchandise. And if you’re planning a visit to Galaxy’s Edge soon, you might be interested in the brand-new Minnie ears! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Empire Strikes Back Ears! ©Disney One of the most popular Star Wars films, The Empire Strikes Back, just celebrated its 45th anniversary! And now, you can snag The Empire Strikes Back 45th Anniversary Minnie Ears! They’re inspired by the movie poster and feature all your favorite characters. View the ears on Amazon Or the Ears Fit for a Senator ©Disney If you’re more a fan of the prequels, you can get the new Padme Amidala Minnie Ears, inspired by her nightdress from Revenge of the Sith. They’re trimmed in tiny pearls and topped with a faux leather bow — they come from a collab with BaubleBar. View the Padme ears on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post New ‘Star Wars’ Minnie Ears Just Dropped Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT is starting to feel a little evil. EPCOT Disney just released the summer Annual Passholder magnet, and you need to book your park reservation for EPCOT now! Maleficent will be on the new Passholder Magnet to kick off V.I.Passholder Summer Days. ©Disney You can pick up your magnet from May 14th to July 31st at the Creations Shop at EPCOT. You’ll need to show your park ticket, which can be displayed on your phone, the physical card, or a linked MagicBand, and a government-issued photo ID. Maleficent at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Over at Hollywood Studios, you’ll see the Mistress of Evil herself on stage at Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, the new villains-themed show opening on May 27th. ©Disney To celebrate V.I.Passholder Summer Days, Passholders will receive a 40% discount on the following restaurants: Hollywood & Vine Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner only) Toledo Boatwright’s Dining Hall Cape May Cafe (dinner only) Dine with Mickey and friends at Tusker House From June 2nd to 22nd, Passholders will also get a 20% discount at the Disney Store! For the entire celebration, May 14th to July 13th, there will be a Passholder-exclusive lounge at Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT. It’s open 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (but subject to change) and Passholders can enjoy complimentary snacks and water in the air conditioning. Last year, Genie and Abu would make random appearneces too. Hey, Genie! We’re so excited to pick up our new magnet and add Maleficent to our collection. Keep following Disney Food Blog for all of your Disney news! EVERY SINGLE DISNEY WORLD ANNUAL PASSHOLDER PERK…AND HOW TO USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE 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 going to be picking up the Maleficent magnet? Let us know your thoughts on the design in the comments. The post Disney World Just Dropped NEW Details About the Coolest Annual Passholder Magnet Yet! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve ever wanted to adventure with Indiana Jones, this is your chance. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular has been entertaining guests at Hollywood Studios since (almost) the very beginning. The show features the titular character and Marion Ravenwood “dodg(ing) deadly traps, battl(ing) bad guys, leap(ing) from tall buildings and mak(ing) thrilling escapes straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark” while at the same time living up to the park’s original working studios theme by giving audiences “an inside look at how stunts are done with demonstrations that reveal how to safely throw and take punches, fall from tall buildings, and even wield whips in the midst of complex action sequences.” The show debuted within months of Hollywood Studios’ (then known as Disney-MGM Studios) opening in August of 1989, and is currently the oldest operating attraction in the park. One of the best-known elements of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is the audience participation. At one point in the show, several volunteers from the audience are chosen to serve as extras. We can practically hear the song… (This portion had been removed from the show following the COVID pandemic, however, it HAS since returned). The Cairo sequence. So, how does one get chosen to take part in the show? Well, the answer is seemingly simpler than one would think: Simply create “chaos”! Not real chaos, mind you, but when the team is searching for volunteers, whoop it up, make tons of noise, and generally make it clear that you or a member of your party REALLY wants to be in the show. Probably also helps if there’s an adorable, crowd-pleasing child involved as well. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is one of the last remaining vestiges of the original Hollywood Studios, and this is how YOU can take part in the show! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips! Hollywood Studios: 4 Most Unexpected Rules 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 chosen to be an audience participant in a Disney World show? Let us know in the comments below! The post A Former Disney Cast Member Reveals the SECRET Way to Be in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Here at DFB, we’re all about finding ways for Disney fans to save…because who wants to spend full price on, well, anything? ©Disney Whether you’re looking for discounts on your Disney World trip or savings on the latest Disney merchandise, we’re constantly scouring the internet for the latest deals. And today, we’ve got a big Disney+ deal from none other than Sam’s Club! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Sam’s Club is known for selling discounted Disney gift cards, and now they’ve added Disney+ gift cards to their repertoire as well! If you want to save on the streaming service, you can now buy gift cards with a slightly cheaper cost than their worth. The Physical Gift Card Disney+ Gift Card For a physical gift card that you get in the mail, there’s only one option. It’s a $100 value gift card that you can get for $94.98. This is a great choice if you’re hoping to give the gift card as a present to someone else. ORDER THE GIFT CARD ONLINE HERE! A Digital Option The Perfect Gift for a Disney Movie Fan You can also snag a $100 value digital gift card, delivered through email after purchase. This one is slightly more expensive, coming in at $95.88. CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE GIFT CARD! The Cheaper Choice Disney+ Gift Card Don’t want to spend a full Benjamin on the gift card? For those with smaller budgets, you can snag the $50 email-delivered gift card for $47.98. SNAG THE GIFT CARD HERE! Keep in mind that these gift cards are ONLY good for paying for the Disney+ streaming service — NOT for other Disney products. There have been many instances in the past of people purchasing Disney+ gift cards, thinking that they were regular Disney gift cards and could be used on merchandise or vacations. Disney gift card You’ll need a Sam’s Club membership to purchase these gift cards, and you can find them online now. Availability may be limited, so go ahead and snag them if you’re in need of them ASAP. Sam’s Club store @AARP Purchasing the gift cards from Sam’s Club won’t save you a ridiculous amount, but over time, that little bit of discount will add up! These would be a great way to gift someone Disney+ for a birthday or holiday — especially now that Disney is cracking down on password-sharing. ©Disney We’ll make sure to keep you updated as we find more ways to save on Disney products, so stay tuned to DFB. For ways to save on your Disney World vacation, check out our video below! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates. Click Here for the Cheapest Days to Go to Disney World This Summer! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you buy gift cards from Sam’s Club? Tell us in the comments! The post Sam's Just Dropped New Disney Gift Cards Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re anything like me, packing for Disney World is a whole strategy. ©Getty Images You’ve got your walking shoes, portable chargers, poncho (because Florida weather), and of course… your mouse ears. But let me tell you, this trip I packed something totally new—and I can’t believe I ever traveled without it. Say hello to the Mouse Ear Travel Case. Yep, I said it. A whole case. Just for mouse ears. And it made my trip so much easier. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Mouse Ear Travel Case Ear Travel Case Here’s the Deal: This Mouse Ear Travel Case is kind of a game-changer. It holds up to 8 pairs of ears—yes, eight. There are cushioned spots and internal clasps that actually keep the ears from getting crushed or squished (a real fear if you’ve ever opened your suitcase to find your favorite sparkly pair flattened like a pancake). Ear Travel Case It’s also got a front zip pocket, inner zip pocket, and extra slip pockets so you can stash even more—clips, headbands, scrunchies, maybe even a snack or two. It’s surprisingly deep without being bulky, which I really appreciated while going through TSA with a carry-on that was already full of park-day essentials. Ear Travel Case Was it worth the money? Honestly? Yes. I didn’t expect it to feel as nice as it does. The zippers are smooth, the fabric feels sturdy but lightweight (it’s just 0.7 lbs), and the gold-edged pink chenille design is actually really cute. Ear Travel Case What We Loved: Space Without Bulk: It’s like a Mary Poppins bag for mouse ears. Somehow holds a ton but doesn’t feel like you’re lugging around an overnight suitcase. All the Pockets: I didn’t realize how many accessories I usually toss loosely into my bag until I had an actual place to put them. Clean and Easy: It’s made of nylon so it’s easy to wipe down after travel. No More Crushed Ears: The internal structure (with those elastic straps and clasps) means your ears actually stay in place. Ear Travel Case What We’d Change: I would love a little more structure to the outer shell—maybe some boning or reinforcement in the walls to keep it from slouching when it’s empty. But even as-is, it holds up better than most soft travel cases I’ve used. Ear Travel Case Do you need this for your trip? Well, I’m not gonna say everyone needs it. But if you’re the type of person bringing more than one pair of ears (hi, hello, that’s me), or if you’ve spent good money on custom ears and want to protect them, then yes—it’s 100% worth packing. It made my carry-on more organized, made unpacking way easier, and saved my ears from certain doom. Ear Travel Case This isn’t one of those things I ever thought I’d pack. Honestly, I used to just toss my ears in between shirts and hope for the best. But after using this ear case once? I’m never going back. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post I Never Thought I Would Put This in My Disney World Carry On Bag, But It Made My Day 10x Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summer is just around the corner, and we’ve been gearing up for everything incredible happening at Disney World. Let’s go to Disney World! With both water parks opening at the same time, a new adults-only lounge coming to EPCOT, the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, and so much more coming to Disney World, we might want to start planning that trip. We found an incredible ticket deal for you to experience everything coming to Disney World this summer. Florida residents, listen up! The Summer Magic Ticket now offers 4-day park tickets for $60 per day, for a total of $240. EPCOT If you’re looking to go for less than four days, there are also a few options, including: 3-day tickets — $75 per day ($255 total) 2-day tickets — $105 per day ($210 total) Disney’s Hollywood Studios These tickets can be used from May 18th to September 27th, 2025, with no blockout dates, but you will need to make a park reservation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom There are also a few add-on options, including: Park Hopper — $40 more per ticket Water Park and Sports — $35 more per ticket Park Hopper Plus — $53 more per ticket The Water Park and Sports add-on allows you to visit one theme park per day, but you need an additional ticket to visit the water park, golf course, and mini-golf course. The Park Hopper Plus option allows you to hop from park to park with your tickets and go to the water parks, golf courses, and mini-golf courses for additional days. Blizzard Beach Wondering what to do in Disney World this summer? There’s SO much happening! At Magic Kingdom, you can find the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away… ©Disney …and dance parties with Stitch in Tomorrowland. Stitch in Tomorrowland Over at EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall is changing to GoofyCore, where little ones can play interactive games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipssqueaks. Hiya Goofy! On May 27th, Hollywood Studios will debut two new shows, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After… ©Disney …and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, which you’ll want to watch! ©Disney At Animal Kingdom, you can enjoy Dinoland for the summer and explore new nature-based adventures with Disney Characters. Kevin at Animal Kingdom There will even be “A Celebration Sing-Along” with a Dino Institute Intern at Discovery Island. Might be one of your last chances to enjoy Restaurantosaurus Florida Residents can now purchase the Summer Magic Tickets to plan their summer vacations. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more ticket deals. THE CHEAPEST DAYS TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER 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 going to Disney World this summer? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments! The post Heads Up! NEW Florida Resident Disney World Tickets Are Available Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We always want to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your Disney World trip, so we want to warn you that a popular Disney World restaurant is closing this week! The good news is that it is only closing temporarily, but we don’t want you to plan a meal at it, only to find out it is closed. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge We have all the details about this restaurant closure, and we are also rounding up everything else that will be closed this week. Let’s take a look! From May 12th through May 21st, 2025, Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be closed for refurbishment. The good news is that it is only a short refurbishment, but if you are in Disney World during this time, you won’t be able to dine at this restaurant. Whispering Canyon Luckily, there are also LOTS of other dining options available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, including Territory Lounge, Roaring Fork, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. While we will miss all the shenanigans and all-you-can-eat fare, the restaurant will be back open soon! Keep reading below to see what other attractions and locations will be closed this week, May 10th through May 17th! Magic Kingdom Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground is closed, the ride is still open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky! Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th. Hall of Presidents The attraction will be closed until later in 2025, though Disney has not shared a specific date. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change the current president, as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening. Astro Orbiter If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney. Astro Orbiter The ride has currently been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! However, Disney recently filed a permit that could mean the attraction will soon be back in its place in Tomorrowland. All the New Rides and Attractions Coming to Magic Kingdom in 2025 and Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it! Tortuga Tavern Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we have seen it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! We Wish We Would Have Bought This Camera for Magic Kingdom Sooner EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, 2024, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Test Track Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. We recently got a look at the new Test Track cars, too. We are getting closer and closer to its reopening! REVIEW: As If We Needed ANOTHER Reason To Go to Garden Grill at EPCOT Disney’s Animal Kingdom It’s Tough to Be a Bug It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invites you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now officially closed to make way for a new show. It’s Tough to be a Bug! It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th. The show is permanently closed to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, expected to debut in winter 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur. DinoLand, U.S.A. It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” My Very Blunt Reason for Not Riding This Animal Kingdom Ride Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lightning McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show officially has an opening date! The show will debut on May 27th, 2025. We also recently saw that they have begun to dismantle the outdoor exhibits from Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Voyage of the Little Mermaid As well, Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. A bit ago, we saw that the iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed! So far, it is still missing, but we are curious what, if anything, will take its place. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and will be debuting on May 27th, 2025. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano We are getting close to the closure of this Hollywood Studios restaurant. If you have been wanting to have one last meal here, make sure you stop by on May 10th or before, as the restaurant is officially closing for good on May 11th, 2025. Mama Melrose’s The restaurant is closing in Muppets Courtyard to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. themed land. Eventually, the rest of Muppets Courtyard will also close, including Muppet*Vision 3D on June 8th, 2025 (last day to experience the show is June 7th). The NEW Secret Imagineers Are Hiding in a Popular Ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney Springs Starbucks on the West Side The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd, and it is expected to reopen in mid-summer. Starbucks is temporarily closed Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs! REVIEW: Why EVERYONE Should Try This Disney Springs Restaurant At Least Once Blizzard Beach Typhoon Lagoon officially reopened on May 1st, while Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment. However, Blizzard Beach will only be closed for a few weeks this time. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020, but that is changing this year. Blizzard Beach BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time from May 21st through September 7th, 2025. That means that soon you will have options of which water park you want to go to. Right now, though, just Typhoon Lagoon is open. Typhoon Lagoon Is FINALLY Open Again in Disney World! Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Alright, it is only kind of closing, but we wanted to make sure you were aware! From April 28th until June 16th, 2025, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be undergoing refurbishment. However, even though it will be getting refurbished, you can still stop by to play a round of golf. Only ONE course will be open at a time during the refurbishment, so you won’t have your choice of The Summer or The Winter Course; it will just be whichever one is open. Winter Summerland Mini Golf As well, Winter Summerland won’t be taking reservations during this time. If you are looking to play a round, you will just head over to the course as a walk-up. You can also head over to Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf if you are looking for even more mini golf fun. Come With Us to a Limited-Time Event at a Disney World Hotel Disney World Hotels Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated. Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that they were hard at work at Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay Construction This pool area will be closed for refurbishment until June. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. During the refurbishment, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay, will also be closed. 5 New Reasons to Stay at a Disney World Hotel Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. ALERT! It Just Got EASIER To Drive to Disney World Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT! Don’t Forget a Popular Disney World Hotel Restaurant Is Closing SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You’re looking for deals, and we’ve got them right here! Magic Kingdom You’ve already spent so much money on your Disney World trip, you want to make sure you’ve got all your essentials without totally breaking the bank. We totally understand, which is why we’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest Disney deals to help you save some money. If you’ve got a trip planned soon, save on these essentials right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Keep Yourself Cool! ©Amazon Summer is HERE and that means hot temperatures and humidity is too. It’s of utmost importance to keep yourself cool, and one of the best ways we’ve found to do that is by having a Mini Portable Fan. It may not look like it would do much, but trust us — it’s small but mighty! Not to mention that this comes in a THREE pack for ONE price! Grab it here! Stay Hydrated with COLD Water ©Amazon Hydration is key when you’re in Disney World at any time of the year, but especially in the summer. The best way we’ve found to keep yourself drinking enough water is to bring a portable water bottle, like the Zak Designs Disney Harmony Water Bottle, with you on your trip and refill it throughout the day. You can grab ice cold water cups from any quick service location and use them to full up your bottle at no additional cost! Grab it here! Don’t Forget Matching Earrings! ©Amazon If you’re big on making sure your whole outfit is Disney themed, you won’t want to forget about your earrings! The Mickey And Minnie Mouse Earrings are some of our favorites, especially because they’re mismatched and you can represent both iconic characters at the same time. Grab it here! Get The Perfect Shirt ©Amazon We all know that perfecting that outfit for the parks is so satisfying. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect shirt that won’t break the bank, the adorable Magic Kingdom Magical Shirt is calling your name. It comes in multiple different colors and sizes, so you’ll be able to find what’s perfect for you! Grab it here! Adorable Ears for Less ©Amazon Many of us feel strongly that ears are an important staple of every outfit, but we’re also aware that ears are EXPENSIVE! That’s one of the reasons we love these DRESHOW Mouse Ears Headbands — they’re adorable as can be, but are MUCH cheaper than ears in the park. Plus, this comes in a two pack, which is a big win. Grab it here! Perfect For Father’s Day ©Amazon Father’s Day is also around the corner, and if you’ve got a trip planned and are also looking for a great gift, the Best Dad Ever Thumbs Up Father’s Day T-Shirt may be exactly what you need. It comes in over 25 colors, so you’re sure to find what your Dad would love best! Grab it here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest merchandise news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite deals!The post Amazon Just Slashed the Prices on These Disney World Essentials first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are sharing the top 3 hacks we use at Magic Kingdom so that you can save time and conquer the day! Magic Kingdom We go to Disney World as part of our job, so we want to share some first-hand experiences we use daily to get on Magic Kingdom’s attractions. There is a lot to do at this park, and you might feel overwhelmed at first. But we’re here to help! Below are 3 hacks we use that work, and you can use them on your next trip too. 1. Early Entry If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you should take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry. Early Theme Park Entry means you can not only enter a theme park 30 minutes before opening, but also begin riding attractions. At Magic Kingdom specifically, the process changed earlier this year, so you can now ride any ride (except TRON Lightcycle/Run). It’s worth the early morning to knock out at least one of the most popular rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, or Peter Pan’s Flight. Main Street, U.S.A. If you have young kids, this is a great time to knock out a lot of the Fantasyland rides. Rides like Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, The Barnstormer, and “it’s a small world” are rides that will have a short wait time and run rather quickly allowing you to move on the the next one. Dumbo 2. Skip the Fireworks OK — hear me out. If you want to skip the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, or maybe you have already seen them once this trip, then it’s a good time to get on one last ride. Wait times can drop around then, and as long as you’re in line when the park closes, you’ll be able to ride. Happily Ever After This can also work for the parade, the Festival of Fantasy. Many guests will want to see the parade and will start waiting for it to begin around 30 minutes in advance. This is the perfect time to hop on a ride. We have seen wait times drop significantly around this time, so why not take advantage of it? Festival of Fantasy 3. Strategize Your Lightning Lanes If you are purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and you want to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, we recommend using your Tier 1 on it. The reservations for that ride are typically gone by 9:09 AM on average so you will likely not be able to book it later in the day. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure For your first ride of the day, try to get a time as early as possible so that once you scan in, you can grab another Tier 1 attraction. Space Mountain or Jungle Cruise are good options to grab here as they will usually not fill up early. Space Mountain in Tomorrowland We hope this will help you on your next day at Magic Kingdom. Be sure to follow DFB for more tips for Disney World! All the New Rides and Attractions Coming to Magic Kingdom in 2025 and Beyond Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is a hack you do at Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments. The post I’ve Tried Every Ride Hack in Magic Kingdom, And I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new experience is coming to EPCOT, and it’s coming with a heavy price tag. EPCOT If you’ve always wanted to dine inside Spaceship Earth, sip delectable cocktails, and munch on beautiful food, a new lounge is opening June 4th. The full menu and prices for GEO-82, the Spaceship Earth Lounge, have been released. While we already got a sneak peek at the food and drinks, we can now see the cost. ©Disney There are five different small bite options, including: Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments — $29 Cannellini Hummus — $14 Funghi Flatbread — $15 Truffled Ahi Tuna — $23 Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau — $25 ©Disney That means the hummus dish is the cheapest at $14, and the most expensive is $29! Remember, these are just small bites, too. ©Disney While Oga’s Cantina, the Star Wars-themed bar in Hollywood Studios, is not adults-only, we can’t directly compare. However, their snacks or small bites range from $12 to $22, with the average being around $15. The average for GEO-82 is $21. ©Disney Since this is a bar, we have to talk about the drinks! The featured cocktails sound incredible, but that beauty also comes with a price. ©Disney The cocktails include: Caramelized Leek Martini — $26 Strawberry — Black Pepper Sour — $25 Brown Butter Old-Fashioned — $28 Peach Shrub Whisky Smash — $26 Strawberry and Coconut ‘Right Hand’ — $25 Electron — $23 Clarified New York Sour — $26 Brûlée Banana Highball — $26 High Brow Batanga — $25 ©Disney The drinks range from $23 to $28, averaging around $25. At Oga’s, the drinks range from $18 to $22.50, not including specialty cups you get to take home. Their average is around $19. ©Disney There’s also an Exclusive Disney Select Bourbon Flight, which costs $45 and allows you to try four different types of Bourbon. Wine selections by the glass and bottle, and a few types of beer will be available, as well. ©Disney If you want to do the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience, which will allow you to watch Luminous: The Symphony of Us with even more specialty drinks and desserts inside the lounge, it will cost $179 per person. Unlike other fireworks dessert parties like one in Magic Kingdom for Happily Ever After, which ranges from $119 to $129 depending on the date, at GEO-82, you get to sit down, be in the air conditioning, and have different alcoholic drinks. Luminous at EPCOT Yes, those are some hefty price tags, but let’s talk about the whole experience. GEO-82 is the first adults-only lounge at Disney World, which can turn the experience into a date night for parents or a kid-free zone, but those who might want to escape the chaos of the parks. ©Disney The atmosphere is also inspired by the “stories, shapes, and enduring legacy” of Spaceship Earth. Disney describes it as a way to “elevate your day” and “discover a sophisticated hideaway nestled within the iconic geodesic sphere.” It sounds fancy, formal, and a truly exclusive event. While we might not visit GEO-82 every time we go to EPCOT, we’ll have to try it to see if it’s worth the price tag, so you can plan your next trip. Keep following Disney Food Blog for all of your Disney news. REVIEW: WE ATE A $250 MEAL IN EPCOT AND WE’D DO IT AGAIN 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! Are you going to be trying GEO-82 in EPCOT? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post Disney Announces PRICES for the Adults-Only EPCOT Lounge and We Hope You're Sitting Down for This first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you breaking Disney World’s rules without even knowing it?! Monorail in EPCOT There are a few sneaky missteps you could be making that might actually get you kicked out of the parks if you take it too far. Check out our video below: 13 Rules People Keep Breaking in Disney World  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: 13 Rules People Keep Breaking in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Breaking this rule in Disneyland in 2025 could lead to some serious consequences. Disneyland When the Disney Parks in the United States reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, they did so with a with a reservation system installed. This system required guests to not only have tickets, but to also manually make park day reservations online in order to gain access to the parks of their choice. Disney installed this process in an effort to manage crowds more effectively during a time where there was more of an emphasis on capacity and social distancing. While the park reservation system is long gone from Disney World, it still remains at the Disneyland Resort. While it doesn’t affect tourists too much (getting reservations can be tricky but it’s much easier in 2025 than it was back during the pandemic), Magic Key Holders need to be aware of a major rule that the Resort will continue to enforce for the forseeable future. The Magic Key Program is Disneyland’s Annual Pass service and it works similarly to how the regular tickets work regarding park reservations. The big difference here is that Magic Key Holders get park-hopping access and varying food, souvenir, and parking discounts, as well as different allotments of blockout dates and number of park reservations they can hold at one time based on which pass you have. Disneyland As for the number of reservations, the Inspire Key and Believe Key Passes allow for up to 6 reservations at once, the Enchant Key Pass allows for up to 4 reservations, and the Imagine Key allows for up to 2. Locals who have these passes — especially the higher-tiered passes — can frequent Disneyland often, maybe even multiple times a week. With that being a possibility, it’s important to keep in mind that Disneyland enforces a no-show policy. Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland According to the official Disneyland website “Magic Key holders who are a no-show for 3 reservations in any 90-day window will be unable to make new park reservations or modify existing park reservations for 30 days.“ Existing park reservations at that time won’t be cancelled, but the “30-day period begins the day after the third no-show, and will continue even if the pass is upgraded to another pass type or renewed during that time.” Cancellation or modification of a reservation must be done by 11:59 PM PT on the day before the reserved date to avoid a penalty. “The no-show policy is subject to change in Disney’s discretion without notice or liability.” California Adventure Basically, three strikes and you’re out…for a month. Since we go to the parks every week, this is something we’re especially mindful of. While the no-show policy seems pretty basic and upfront, there are some MAJOR concerns on how it punishes Magic Key Holders. For starters, it incentivises people to show up sick and punishes you for staying home and taking care of yourself. We’ve run into this issue before and unfortunately have had to take strikes in an effort to consider public health. As the policy states, you can’t modify your reservation day-of and avoid the strike. Disney California Adventure Then there’s the reality that life happens and happens and it’s easy to miss a reservation. While missing there reservations within one 90-day penalty window is unlikely, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. We get why Disney has the punishment in place (it’s unfair to take reservations away form people who will actually go), but we recommend some sort of appeal process. Voicing possible ammendments and being aware of how the no-show policy works is crucial, as there have been no indications that Disneyland will move away from the reservation any time soon. Partner’s Statue in Disneyland We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest updates from the Disneyland Resort, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know! Disneyland Is Planning a Dramatic Overhaul — Here’s Everything We Know 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 Have you ever been affected by Disneyland’s no-show policy? Let us know in the comments below! The post The Important Annual Pass Rule Disneyland Is Enforcing in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new pirate-themed lounge is coming to the Magic Kingdom, and we can officially stop calling it the “pirate-themed lounge” because now we know the name! Welcome to Adventureland Disney World just dropped a sneak peek (or should we say beak) into the new lounge nestled into Adventureland. Meet The Beak and Barrel, which is set to open later this year! The story goes that a legendary pirate rumrunner called Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn established this “lively pirate pub.” ©Disney Rummy, her first mate, will be the tavern’s quartermaster and keeps an eye on the lounge from a roost at the top. He’s retired from his adventures on the sea but likes to make sure the space is in tip-top shape and loves to share his tale while leading the bar in a few toasts. Look at his peg leg, too! That’s a real pirate right there! ©Disney Disney teased that Barker Bird, a parrot previously at the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean, would return, and “Rummy bears a striking resemblance to the original Barker Bird.” The barker bird used to greet guests at Pirates of the Caribbean The main dining room, or The Mess, was once a mess hall for Spanish soldiers, but now welcomes guests with long tables and an anchor filled with candles above. When you enter, you might notice the Enchanted Rum Bottle, which was gifted to Merry and “serves as the source of the tavern’s specialty brews.” ©Disney Another room inside, the Captains’ Quarters, will be filled with fine artwork and drapery with burn marks and blade slashes from all other rumbunctious pirates throughout the years. Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction Above the fireplace are five miniature ships in a bottle representing pirates from different parts of the world, but “these mysterious bottles have been known to come alive and engage in a fearsome battle.” This reminds us of Trader Sam’s, where the whole room becomes interactive with different moving elements and sounds if you order a special drink. ©Disney The Beak and Barrel will be family-friendly, and while we don’t know the exact opening date, Disney has teased that it’ll open later this year. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! ALL THE NEW TIDES AND ATTRACTIONS COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM IN 2025 AND BEYOND Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for The Beak and Barrel to open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post BREAKING: NAME REVEALED for Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern Coming to Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to raise a glass and let out a hearty shout – The Beak and Barrel opens later this year in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park! Established by the legendary pirate rumrunner, Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn, and her talkative first mate, Rummy (more on them below), this lively pirate pub will soon welcome swashbucklers, scoundrels, bandits and buccaneers of all ages from every corner of the seven seas.  Meet Rummy As Merry’s trusted companion and first mate, Rummy serves as the tavern’s quartermaster keeping an eye on the place from his roost high atop the bar. Although retired from seafaring life, Rummy is a dutiful crewman to his beloved Merry, ensuring everything is ship-shape, sharing tales of piracy and leading the bar in a rousing toast or two.   Eagle-eyed Disney fans may notice that Rummy bears a striking resemblance to the original Barker Bird that previously sat at the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean but flew the coop some time ago.  The Mess The largest and central space at The Beak and Barrel was once the mess hall for Spanish soldiers and is now known appropriately as “The Mess.” Long tables span the room, allowing for pirates to gather ‘round and tell their own tales, while an imposing anchor covered in candles and dripping wax hangs high above.   A large bar anchors one side of the room, cobbled together from salvaged portions of a cursed shipwreck. At its center, the skull-shaped stern holds an impressive collection of grogs and brew. Guests may also spot the Enchanted Rum Bottle, which was gifted to Merry by the enchantress Tia Dalma and seemingly serves as the source of the tavern’s specialty brews, or Rummy hobbling along the bar’s ledge, greeting the patrons and keeping a close eye on the crew while Merry is away.   Captains’ Quarters Inside the Captains’ Quarters, visiting pirates can enjoy a taste of the finer life, which was once the living quarters of the Spanish Comandante. However, the fine artwork and drapery hasn’t escaped slashing blades or burn marks over the years by rambunctious pirates, and in some places, faded spots on the wall are all that remains of now plundered portraits.   Above the fireplace are mounted five miniature ships in glass bottles, rumored to represent pirates from every corner of the world banding together to defeat tyranny. Keep a weathered eye out, as these mysterious bottles have been known to come alive and engage in a fearsome battle.  There’s still plenty more to be discovered inside The Beak and Barrel, but that’s enough for today. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, including the opening date and a first look at some of the sea-worthy selection of drinks and bites fit for pirates of all ages coming soon. It’s a pirate’s life for us! Disney Eats: EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Foodie Guide 2025 READ MORE 8 Can’t-Miss Disney Experiences in 2025 READ MORE Disney Eats: GEO-82 Menu and Opening Date READ MORE The post The Beak and Barrel: New Details from the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

“Can I use Disney military tickets with Lightning Lane?” That’s one of the most common questions military families ask when planning a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation. With the introduction of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass, knowing how these services work—and how they integrate with military-discounted tickets—can make a huge […] The post Using Lightning Lane with Disney Military Tickets: What You Need to Know appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article