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You’re missing out on some seriously good food if you’re only eating in the parks. Disney World Disney hotel restaurants don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, but some of the best meals on property are hiding just a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner trip away from the parks. If your must-eat list is full of character dining or whatever you could snag last-minute in the app, you might be sleeping on some hidden gems. Here are six underrated Disney World hotel restaurants you keep forgetting to add to your list — and why they absolutely deserve a spot. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) If you want character dining without the chaos of Chef Mickey’s, this is your spot. Storybook Dining at Artist Point Tucked inside the rustic-cabin-meets-luxury-vibes Wilderness Lodge, Story Book Dining gives you a quiet, fairy-tale escape — and a chance to meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen. But because it’s not in a park and doesn’t scream “Instagram buffet,” it gets overlooked constantly. The menu leans hearty and earthy (think beef stew, roasted chicken, wild mushroom bisque), and it’s plated beautifully. Magic Mirror’s Slow-Braised Pork Shank Also? The Evil Queen is a total scene-stealer — in the best way. For our most recent review of Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Click Here Boma – Flavors of Africa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) Boma has been around for a while, and those of us who know it? We love it. Boma But for some reason, it just doesn’t make the average guest’s radar. Maybe it’s the location (Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t exactly next door to the parks), maybe it’s the buffet format (which gets dismissed as outdated), but skipping Boma is a mistake. This is one of the most flavorful and adventurous buffets on Disney property, and still manages to please picky eaters. Our plate! We’re talking carved meats, African-inspired salads, Bobotie (don’t knock it till you try it), and the cult-favorite Zebra Domes. It’s not a quick bite, but it’s 100% worth the detour. For our most recent review of Boma – Flavors of Africa — Click Here Olivia’s Café (Disney’s Old Key West Resort) Olivia’s is the kind of spot that feels like a Disney secret, mostly because it kind of is. Olivia’s Cafe Unless you’re staying at Old Key West or happen to wander in while exploring DVC resorts, this one flies completely under the radar. It’s cozy, it’s low-key, and it serves comfort food that just hits. It’s not flashy or trendy — but it’s the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel like you’re on vacation. For our most recent review of Olivia’s Café — Click Here Steakhouse 71 (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) Sitting just off the main lobby of the Contemporary (literally steps from the monorail station), Steakhouse 71 feels like it should be a dining staple. Steakhouse 71 But with California Grill right upstairs stealing the thunder, most guests don’t even know it’s there. That’s a mistake. The breakfast here is excellent, the lunch is underrated, and dinner is a full-on steakhouse experience without the signature price tag. And the burgers are seriously next level. Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger If you’re park hopping around the Monorail resorts or looking for a post-Magic Kingdom bite, this one should be on your radar. For our most recent review of Steakhouse 71 — Click Here Three Bridges Bar & Grill (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort) Most people don’t think of Coronado Springs as a dining destination — and that’s exactly why Three Bridges stays so low-key. Three Bridges Bar & Grill But here’s the deal: if you’re looking for a chill vibe, waterfront seating, and killer small plates, this is the place. You’ll find dishes like roasted corn dip and poke bowls — not to mention a solid cocktail menu. It feels like a break from the Disney bubble in the best way possible. Grab a table at sunset and thank us later. For our most recent review of Three Bridges Bar & Grill — Click Here Whispering Canyon Café (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) Yes, we’re looping back to Wilderness Lodge — because it actually has two overlooked spots. Whispering Canyon Cafe Whispering Canyon is known for its rowdy antics, but that reputation can turn some people off. Which is a shame, because the food is solid. The all-you-can-eat skillets are hearty and satisfying, especially after a long park day, and the atmosphere is way more fun than stressful if you lean into it. Full Spread Don’t let the chaos scare you away — it’s a great meal with a big personality. For our most recent review of Whispering Canyon Café — Click Here Look, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the hits — ‘Ohana, Chef Mickey’s, Boma — but if you want to shake things up, these five spots deserve your attention. Whether you’re looking for a low-key brunch, a great steak, or a dinner with a view, there’s something here that’ll surprise you in the best way. Keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your Disney news. REVIEW: We Seriously Wish This Disney World Restaurant Was Open Every. Single. Day. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these have you tried — and what’s your personal underrated favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post 6 Overlooked Disney World Hotel Restaurants You Keep Forgetting to Add to Your List first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Little Mermaid is one of those Disney movies that continues to be SUPER popular to this day, even after the animated movie’s original premiere in 1992. The film has been so popular that it has even spawned a live-action version, which hit theaters in 2023. ©Disney The tale of Ariel continues to mesmerize audiences so much that she also has a lot of representation in Disney theme parks across the world, including in Disney World, where you even have a ride devoted to Ariel’s story in Magic Kingdom. In fact, a brand-new show, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, just debuted in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During a media preview of that show, we had a chance to speak with the original voice of Ariel herself, Jodi Benson. She also went on to say that she thought Ashman would love the new show. “Anytime we can tell our story over and over again for the next generation is beautiful and I know Howard would really love that. His career is just brilliant and we’re honored that we get to carry on this legacy in whatever way we can.” Ariel and Ursula We were so honored to get to chat with Jodi Benson, who is a true Disney Princess both on and off screen. Stay tuned to DFB for more. We Just Saw Disney’s BRAND-NEW Little Mermaid Show and We Have THOUGHTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be catching the new Hollywood Studios show soon? 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 Disney World to attend their media preview of The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure. 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 “I Am So Grateful That I Get To Have That Magical Moment.” A Celebrity Just Revealed Her FAVORITE Disney Memories, and the Answer Did NOT Disappoint first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This summer is going to be all about trendy Disney-style merchandise, and we’re here to help get you started! Flower and Garden Merch 2025 Disney just dropped a new clothing collection online, and you need to check it out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Striped Mickey T-Shirt ©Disney Store We’re starting off strong with this Striped Mickey Mouse T-Shirt! The question is, how can you go to the park and not represent the main mouse? The shirt is designed in nice light colors — and each letter of Mickey’s name is a different color, giving the shirt an eye-popping contrast! View on Disney Store Check out this Minnie Striped T-Shirt ©Disney Store This Minnie Mouse Striped Shirt could pair up great with the Mickey shirt to make a cute couple’s fit! The shirt features the classic Minnie Mouse face, complete with her red polka dot bow. The shirt’s dropped shoulders will give you that relaxed and sporty vibe. View on Disney Store We love this Tigger T-Shirt ©Disney Store Ok, this Tigger T-Shirt might be our favorite of the bunch! Look how adorable he is peeking through the box on the shirt. The tee features a close-up look of the lovable bouncing tiger, with his name printed underneath him. The colors of the stripes and the character work so well together — we’ll be pouncing on this one! View on Disney Store Or, you can grab this Donald T-Shirt ©Disney Store The Tigger shirt might be one of our favorites in the collection, because we love this Donald Duck T-Shirt as well! The shirt is in Donald’s classic blue and white colors. It features the duck we all know and love — we wonder what he’s mad about this time?! Donald is in his classic animated style, and we’re here for it. View on Disney Store 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 The New Disney Collection Everyone Will Be Wearing in June first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World might run on magic, but you run on caffeine. Kona Island Let’s be honest — Disney days start early, end late, and involve more walking than a half marathon in mouse ears. Whether you’re fueling up for rope drop or need an afternoon pick-me-up between Lightning Lane reservations, you’re gonna need a solid coffee plan. That’s where we come in. From Magic Kingdom to the Yacht Club, these are the best places to grab a cup that’s worth the hype (and the price tag). Kona Island (Polynesian Village Resort) Let’s start strong. If you’re staying on the monorail loop or just stopping by for some island vibes, Kona Island is a must. Kona Island It’s tucked next to Kona Café, and it serves some seriously legit Kona coffee — rich, smooth, and not shy on the caffeine. If you’re the kind of person who wants your coffee to taste like actual coffee (not a birthday cake in a cup), this is your spot. Roaring Fork (Wilderness Lodge) This one’s got a hidden gem that deserves cult status: the Gold Rush Latte. It’s a beautiful, caramelly creation that feels like a cozy blanket and a caffeine boost had a baby. Gold Rush Latte at Roaring Fork Roaring Fork is generally pretty chill in the mornings, so it’s a great spot to grab your drink and enjoy the rustic vibes of Wilderness Lodge. Joffrey’s (Magic Kingdom) You can find Joffrey’s kiosks all over Disney World, but the one near Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom is special — because it has Mission to S’mores. This seasonal drink is a sweet tooth’s dream and basically a caffeinated campfire in a cup. Mission to S’mores Latte If you’re into fun, flavored, sugar-forward drinks, Joffrey’s always has something exciting going on. Le Petit Café (Riviera Resort) Le Petit Café is classy without being snooty. Think European patisserie with solid coffee game. Le Petit Cafe counter Their cold brews and lattes are reliably good, and it’s a quiet, elegant spot to take a break. Also: pastries. Always say yes to the pastries. Fuel (Dolphin Hotel) This one’s underrated. Fuel at the Dolphin Hotel brings the “I actually take my coffee seriously” energy. Fuel Their espresso drinks are smooth, and they’ve got mobile order, which — let’s be real — is a game changer when you’re on a schedule (or have zero patience before your first coffee). Java (Swan Hotel) Fuel’s sibling across the way, Java, is similarly reliable. Java Solid drinks, quick service, and mobile order, too. If you’re staying at Swan or Dolphin (or just wandering the BoardWalk area), these two make it easy to get caffeinated without chaos. Cake Bake Shop (Disney’s BoardWalk) This place is all about the vibes — think pink velvet, chandeliers, and over-the-top desserts. And the coffee? Surprisingly good. The Cake Bake Shop It pairs perfectly with a slice of something ridiculous and sweet. Not the strongest cup on property, but a fun experience if you’re in a “treat yourself” kind of mood. Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) This one’s for the presspot crowd. If you’re a Serious Coffee Person who wants depth and richness over foam art and sprinkles, the presspot coffee at Boma will make you happy. Boma Pro tip: pair it with their breakfast buffet and just bliss out. Ale & Compass (Yacht Club Resort) Another presspot winner. Ale & Compass is sleek, cozy, and quietly excellent. Our drink! Their breakfast is great, but even if you’re just swinging by for coffee, the quality is high and the vibe is chill. A good spot for grown-up coffee without the sugar rush. Barcelona Lounge (Coronado Springs Resort) OK, this is where things get fancy. Barcelona Lounge has some of the best coffee on property — hands down. Barcelona Lounge They do specialty drinks, cold brews, and even unique blends you won’t find elsewhere. It’s modern, aesthetic, and serves up caffeine with serious style. Kat Saka’s Kettle (Hollywood Studios) Plot twist — this little snack stand in Galaxy’s Edge has a drink called the Cold Brew Black Caf that tastes like a space-age mocha explosion. Cold Brew Black Caf It’s strong, sweet, and straight out of a sci-fi diner. If you like your coffee with a side of theming and sugar, this is your jam. Gideon’s Bakehouse (Disney Springs) Yes, they’re famous for the half-pound cookies. But don’t sleep on the coffee. ©Gideon’s Bakeshouse The cold brew here is intense — like “stay up all night and reorganize your life” intense. Flavors rotate, and they lean heavily into dessert territory, so expect sweetness and richness in equal measure. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Disney Springs) Speaking of dessert… Everglazed is where coffee goes full candy bar. From flavored cold brews to coffee slushies, it’s less about nuance and more about indulgence. Come for the donuts, stay for the sugar crash. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Whether you like your coffee strong and straightforward or sweet enough to count as a snack, Disney World has you covered. We’ve tested these spots across resorts and parks to bring you the best of the best. Keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your Disney news. REVIEW: We Seriously Wish This Disney World Restaurant Was Open Every. Single. Day. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s keeping you caffeinated in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post These Are the 13 Best Coffee Spots in Disney World -- From Magic Kingdom to Riviera Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s Epic Universe has been the talk of the town since the new theme park opened to the public (okay, maybe even before that), and it’s easy to see why. Epic Universe Incredibly immersive theming, state-of-the-art attractions & animatronics, stellar food and drinks, and a whole lot more await you at this brand-new theme park. But, two of the most anticipated rides at Epic Universe have already undergone MAJOR changes. Epic Universe is finally open to the public, and we’ve been doing our best to explore every bit of this new park so you’re prepared on your next visit. By now, we’ve become pretty familiar with the park itself, the food, the characters, the rides — you name it. And, because of that, we’ve already noticed that two of the most popular rides in the park have already changed. Epic Universe Over at Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment seems to not be operating as it did during initial previews. In this ride, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein has captured the classic Universal monsters, and Dracula is her last target. The final Dracula animatronic in the ride used to drop down at you right before Victoria saves the day, pulling him back up into the ceiling. Ride Vehicle But now, he kind of just floats above you instead of dropping down and being pulled back up. It’s still an incredible animatronic that moves, but it’s just less impressive now. If you ask us, it’s probably just been put into “B Mode,” which is when an attraction operates in a backup mode different from its original. Honestly, it kind of reminds us of what happened with the Yeti at Expedition Everest — it used to try to swipe at the ride vehicles going by, but that hasn’t happened for a while. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Another ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, has also seen some changes. In this ride, you’ll follow Dolores Umbridge as she tries to escape on the day of her trial. The ride is known for its technological advancements, and its first big change came with the removal of its virtual line. Virtual queue sign in Epic Universe During park previews, Universal was using a virtual line system with three drops per day, which didn’t seem to work as consistently as fans hoped. Right before the official opening, the virtual line system was removed. While there are high wait times, at least everyone who wants to wait in those lines should be able to ride — assuming it’s functioning properly, which brings us to our next point. Seats on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry A huge drop has been removed from the ride! During our first handful of times riding Battle at the Ministry, there was a drop similar to Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, but now it’s gone. We’ve witnessed quite a bit of technical difficulty with this ride, and Team Members have begun giving safety rules about keeping your feet on the ground, due to sensors that can trigger the ride to stop. It could be that the drop was causing riders to come out of their seats, which triggered these safety protocols, and stopping the attraction. The wait time sign. While we’re hopeful that these are just temporary issues that Universal will fix soon, we know that these are large, complicated ride systems that require lots of maintenance and care. With Epic Universe being so new, it’s a bummer to have these attractions in a less-than-fully operational state, so hopefully, these rides are fixed sooner rather than later! It’s a popular ride We’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to DFB for the latest theme park news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning a trip to Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments. The post These 2 Epic Universe Rides Have Seen HUGE Changes Already first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you don’t have a park ticket or just have some time to kill in Disney World (and don’t want to spend that time in the parks), Disney Springs is a great option. Disney Springs There’s so much to do in Disney Springs, although most of it is shopping and eating (and we’re big fans of the latter). However, if you decide to go to Disney Springs last-minute, you might not have arranged any dining reservations — and that can be a problem if you want to eat at a popular table service restaurant. However, Disney just added a new service that will help you with that if you’re going to dine at a Disney Springs restaurant. So, let’s say you’ve just arrived in Disney Springs and want to eat at one of its many table-service restaurants, but you don’t have a dining reservation. Well, you might just shrug it off and decide to eat at a quick service restaurant, OR you can take advantage of a brand-new service. Disney Springs’ Orange Garage Just outside the Orange parking garage, you’ll now find a Cast Member at a podium who can let you know which restaurants have same-day dining availability. The podium is really easy to spot because it has a sign on the front. ©Disney If you’re looking for a bite to eat in Disney Springs, you might want to head over to that podium to find out what’s available and grab a table quickly. It sure beats wandering around Disney Springs looking for a restaurant that isn’t full, right? Of course, we have suggestions for restaurants if they’re available because we have some favorites in Disney Springs, like Homecomin‘, Wine Bar George, and Raglan Road. Raglan Road Stay tuned to DFB for more. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. DFB Guides Best Disney Springs Restaurants For Kids And Toddlers in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Disney Springs restaurant? Share with us in the comments! The post This New Change Could Make Eating at Disney World a Whole Lot EASIER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s Epic Universe has been receiving rave reviews since the new theme park opened to the public, and — believe it or not — that may actually be GOOD for Disney. Epic Universe During a recent appearance at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro was asked about Epic Universe and responded that while Disney is “always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks.” The company is confident that “If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe,” and draws new visitors to the region, “that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.” While that may sound a bit like hubris coming from D’Amaro and other Disney executives who’ve made similar statements over the last year, history actually backs them up. Over the course of Walt Disney World’s near-55 55-year history, the openings of new major attractions in the Orlando area have long functioned as a “tide that raised all boats” and actually led to increases in Disney attendance. ©ClickOrlando Whether it’s SeaWorld Orlando in 1973, to Universal’s own parks (Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and Islands of Adventure in 1999), these new attractions have been beneficial for Disney’s bookings and overall numbers, with many travelers extending Disney vacations to add time to visit another attraction as opposed to skipping Disney entirely. Universal’s Islands of Adventure Given our largely positive thoughts on Epic Universe — from the rides to the lands to the foods and snacks — we definitely think that the park is going to be a game-changer for the Universal Orlando Resort. Will that be as beneficial to Disney as previous new additions to the Orlando tourism landscape? Only time will tell. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders While the opening of Epic Universe will likely be a boon to Universal, history tells us it may end up being beneficial for Disney as well. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Orlando theme park industry! Epic Universe Could Lead to MAJOR CHANGES at Universal Orlando’s Other Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on how Epic Universe will affect Disney? Let us know in the comments below. The post Epic Universe Is Opening to Rave Reviews -- and That Isn't Entirely Bad News for Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Cool Kid Summer has officially kicked off at Disney World! This event is happening all summer long and brings new entertainment, characters, and more to ALL four Disney World theme parks — and even the hotels! Have a Gooftastic summer! We spent a day checking out a ton of Disney’s Cool Kid Summer activities, and we’re bringing you everything you need to know! Cool Kid Summer is HERE, which means there’s extra fun to be had around Disney World! Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are full of limited-time character interactions, dance parties, activities, and more, so let’s check them out! Magic Kingdom There are TWO new DJ-led dance parties happening in Magic Kingdom this summer — the first is over at Storybook Circus, and kids can enjoy dancing to their favorite tunes, as well as marvel at the stilt walkers and jugglers performing! Welcome to Big Top Bash! Big Top Bash! We stopped by and spotted a DJ, Cast Members encouraging people to dance, and even Pluto was there to hang out with everyone! You never know who might show up when you’re partying at Disney World. Characters, music, and carnival games Kiddos (and adults!) have plenty of ways to enjoy themselves with carnival games like this peanut toss, and more. Plenty of fun And over in Tomorrowland, you can join Stitch at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage for another dance party! If you ask us, the Big Top Bash party seemed to be more happening (and it’s in the shade!) Stitch’s Dance Party There are so many additional characters roaming around the parks, too. These aren’t traditional meet-and-greets, so don’t expect to stop and pose for a photo or autograph when you see them out and about! Rapunzel and Flynn Rider Over at the Merchant of Venus in Tomorrowland, there’s a special craft inspired by the upcoming Pixar film, Elio as well! The activity comes with a postcard and stickers, and you can decorate the postcard — and then send it to SPACE! Elio postcard activity Make sure you stop by Magic Kingdom during Cool Kid Summer! EPCOT This summer is all about GoofyCore at EPCOT! CommuniCore Hall has been transformed into a full-on party, complete with DJ, dancing, games, and most importantly — air conditioning. GoofyCore in EPCOT Kids can dance along with the DJ’s tunes, while also participating in fun games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. LOTS of fun here! There’s a lot going on in here, and some kids might be overstimulated, but the activities seem to be concentrated in the middle, so this is still a good spot to stop in for a break — and some extra fun, too. Goofy’s Team You’ll also find some roaming characters throughout the rest of the park! Hollywood Studios It’s time to GET ANIMATED at Hollywood Studios! Magicians, jump rope extraordinaires, characters, and more are hanging out in Animation Courtyard waiting to entertain you! We spotted Donald and Goofy… Get Animated! …plus Chip, Dale, and more. Characters are stationed throughout the courtyard, with some traditional meet-and-greets along with more roaming around. Plenty of characters to meet Even Clarabelle Cow is here hanging out with everyone! We spotted her seated at a table with some folks who were coloring an activity. Clarabelle Cow hanging out And, the Disney Junior dance party has been temporarily replaced by Get Animated — a new dance party just in time for Cool Kid Summer. This space is typically a dance show for young children to see their favorite Disney Junior characters, and now Disney is taking that one step further. Get Animated! Disney Characters walk around and dance with kids! We saw Fancy Nancy and Timon, and with the live DJ, it felt like everyone was having a blast. Shows are continuous throughout the day, so you can come in, dance, and then head to something else. And, if you need a snack or drink after all that, stop by Get Refreshed, a new snack stand sponsored by Once Upon a Farm. Get Refreshed snack stand You’ll find snacks like granola bars and fruit, drinks, and more. Animal Kingdom Cool Kid Summer is happening over at Animal Kingdom, too! There’s a handy dandy new guide (just like the other parks as well) but this one is special. There’s a scavenger hunt inside! Inside the guide, you’ll find a list and map of a ton of different animals to find and circle throughout your park day! We love this addition (and honestly wish it would stick around for good!). Map of all the animals to circle You can also participate in a FREE Wilderness Explorer activity! Unlock a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge when you pick up your Wilderness Explorer book at the station on Discovery Island. The Cool Kids Summer badge is located at that little gazebo in front of Feathered Friends in Flight and Yak & Yeti in Asia. The whole point of this activity is to learn that you can play outside, so there is one where you make noise and music with a bunch of different sticks and rattly things all made from nature, and the second station is one where you can trace leaves — you put them underneath the page and you color over them with a crayon. Wilderness Explorer activity The third one is where they give you all these different utensils and a stone tablet, and you draw using water, so you do a little water art. You can do any of these 3 things, and the goal is to teach your kids that they can do these activities at home, outside, and then after you do at least one of those, you’ll get your badge! This is a completely free, really cute, great little bonus activity for kids. So much fun! There’s plenty more to see and do, too! We can’t wait for you to experience Cool Kid Summer and the rest of the exciting events happening at Disney World. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disney World and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Check out ALL the details about “Cool Kid Summer” here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about Cool Kid Summer at Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post These 10 NEW Disney World Additions Will Make Your Trip 10X BETTER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

FIRST LISTEN: Behind-The-Scenes of the Music & Magic of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night AwayView the full article

A lot is happening in Disney World. Three of Disney World’s four parks are getting new lands and expansions. A new nighttime parade is headed to Magic Kingdom soon. Several rides are getting refurbishments. Two new shows recently debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beach Club Disney World hotels are getting some updates, as well. Disney’s Beach Club Resort has been busy with some construction to its pool area (that it shares with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort), but Disney recently announced that even more work will be done to the hotel’s exterior. If you visit the website for Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you might notice that it mentions that the hotel is undergoing some construction. That construction includes routine exterior maintenance that will start in early June and last through September 2025. During that time, the hotel’s porte cochere will be closed. However, all services, including valet, luggage assistance, and transportation, will remain available, and you’ll still have access to most of the hotel’s amenities. Disney’s Beach Club will have some exterior maintenance done Note that the construction at Stormalong Bay, the pool Beach Club shares with Yacht Club, is still ongoing and is expected to last through June 2025 (which means it should be done soon). This means that if you’re staying at the hotel during this time, you may hear construction noise during daytime hours. Construction on Stormalong Bay Disney also noted that the Disney Skyliner (the closest station is within walking distance at EPCOT’s International Gateway) will be closed from January 25th-31st, 2026 for refurbishment. During that time, bus transportation will be provided to hotel guests. Skyliner 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 figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for more. These Disney Adult Beach Club Hotel Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will your next Disney World trip be affected by this construction? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World Announces ANOTHER Hotel Refurbishment first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Two all-new stage shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! But which to see first…🧜‍♀️😈 #WaltDisneyWorldView the full article

Over the past several years, Bluey — the Australian-produced animated television series starring a family of Blue Heeler dogs living down under — has taken the world by storm. BoxLunch Along with the popularity has come a slew of merchandise, from dolls and clothing to LEGO sets and home accessories. Now, BoxLunch has dropped a NEW and totally EXCLUSIVE Bluey collection! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Bingo Backpack! ©BoxLunch This backpack is shaped like Bingo and includes “3D arms, ears, and a nose with embroidered eyes. With a tail on the back and a removable keychain of Floppy Bunny, this bag is ideal for fans of the cartoon!” SHOP HERE Heeler Family Cardigan ©BoxLunch This cardigan, available in women’s sizes, features satin appliqués of the show’s characters “floating amid embroidered stars and clouds”, and also features wooden buttons and multicolor trim to add to the dreamlike quality. SHOP HERE Heeler House Backpack ©BoxLunch Designed to look like the titular character’s family home, this bag includes appliqué details, a balloon zipper, adjustable straps… ©BoxLunch …and windows and doors that open to reveal characters from the series! SHOP HERE Bandit Dad Cap ©BoxLunch This adjustable dad cap features Bandit busting out some slick dance moves on the front, with a buckle strap closure on the back, and the Bluey logo on the side. SHOP HERE If this Bluey collection piques your interest, get over to BoxLunch now before these exclusives SELL OUT. Stay tuned to DFB for more on new collections! Looking for more Summer Essentials? Head over to our Amazon Storefront NOW!The post BoxLunch Just Released a New 'Bluey' Collection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get ready for another EXCITING installment for our BEST RESTAURANT IN DISNEY WORLD SERIES. Animal Kingdom… We’re coming for YOU – and finding out WHICH of your MANY restaurants is WORTHY of taking home that CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE. Check out our video below: What is the BEST Restaurant in Animal Kingdom? Disney World Dining BRACKET 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: What Is the BEST Restaurant in Animal Kingdom? Disney World Dining BRACKET first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Magic Kingdom is about to change in a lot of BIG ways. For starters, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are going away to make room for a new Cars expansion in Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting a big update. A new Villains land is coming to the park. Main Street Railroad Station But another change is happening SOON: Magic Kingdom is getting a new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight. And well, that parade is going to change a LOT of things for the park, most notably some rules for Disney World Annual Passholders. Here’s the deal: As of July 20th, for a limited time, Annual Passholders will need to make park pass reservations for Magic Kingdom if they want to catch the new parade. Yes, if you have a Disney World Annual Pass, park pass reservations will be a must from July 20th until an undetermined future date for Magic Kingdom. This applies to Annual Passholders who want to enter Magic Kingdom at any time of day, including after 2 PM (when Passholders can usually enter a park without a reservation). This is because Disney Starlight is set to premiere on July 20th, and it appears that Disney is anticipating a significant demand for the park during the parade’s debut and the weeks following it. ©Disney Note that Annual Passholders will still be able to enter Disney World’s other three parks after 2 PM without a park reservation, so this only applies to Magic Kingdom for the time being. Disney has also confirmed that this has no impact on park hopping. Annual Passholders with a park reservation to one of the other three parks will be able to park hop over to Magic Kingdom after they visit their first park, although that’s subject to capacity. ©Disney 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 figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. To keep up with all the Disney Starlight updates and more Disney news, tips, tricks, resources, food reviews, and more, stay tuned to DFB! FIRST LOOK at NEW Disney Starlight Parade Souvenirs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be catching Disney Starlight in Magic Kingdom this summer? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Announces a BIG Rule Change Coming to Magic Kingdom Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In line with Disney’s commitment to creating happiness for veterans, military service members and their families, we’re excited to announce that the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit was recently extended and will remain at Walt Disney World Resort for guests to enjoy through Spring 2026! “I am grateful these portraits of our nation’s service members, painted by their former Commander-in-Chief, will continue to be available for guests to view at the American Adventure Pavilion at Disney’s EPCOT,” said Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute. “Sharing veterans’ stories reminds all of us of their incredible courage, sacrifice, and resilience in defense of our nation – and of their continued contributions to our communities beyond their time in uniform.” Pres. George W. Bush Portraits of Courage The exhibit by former U.S. President George W. Bush brings together more than 60 vibrant oil portraits of service members and veterans who have served with honor since 9/11, and whom he has come to know personally since leaving office. Our enduring appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces is a legacy that started with our founders—Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both proudly served their country during World War I—making the American Adventure Pavilion the perfect home for the collection. Portraits of Courage debuted at EPCOT on June 9, 2024, and since then, guests from around the world have had the opportunity to experience the collection and learn about the inspiring journeys of the veterans depicted. Honoring Veterans Across the Country Now, a new special, Our America: Portraits of Courage, tells these stories in-depth. In celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, observed each May, Disney, ABC and the George W. Bush Institute will spotlight four veterans featured in the collection: Matthew S. Ayers, Andrew Bachelder, Brian Flom and Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. The special dives into each service member’s journey, with President Bush’s reflections on the portraits and his ongoing work to support veterans. These include tales of valiant service on the battlefield, resilience in recovering from injury to the continued leadership and contributions they make in their post-military careers. Military Hero Visits Portrait at EPCOT One of the service members featured in the exhibit and new special is U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew S. Ayers, who had the opportunity to view his portrait during a recent family trip to Walt Disney World with his 17-year-old daughter Isabella and wife Deborah. Sgt. Ayers has proudly served our country since 2003, starting in the U.S. Navy Reserve before transferring to the U.S. Army National Guard as a combat medic with the 19th Special Forces Group. Today, he continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve. Before spending a fun day at EPCOT, the trio explored the exhibit, while Sgt. Ayers shared stories about his experiences with the George W. Bush Institute and his acquaintances who are also featured in the gallery. Service is a Family Business Disney Parks are places that create happiness and enduring family memories. This is especially important for military families to enjoy time together in between times of extended separations as part of military service. For the Ayers family, this visit was particularly meaningful, as Isabella was able to view her father’s portrait in person for the first time. “Having the exhibit at Disney, you’re going to get people from all over the world that see it. I hope that they see that it’s something special,” said Sgt. Ayers. “Some of these guys lost some limbs, other guys ended up with traumatic brain injuries, and just to have some appreciation, that’s pretty cool.” While he has largely recovered from his physical wounds, spending time with his family is one of the ways Sgt. Ayers continues to recover from the invisible wounds he acquired while deployed overseas. You can learn more about Sgt. Ayers’ story in the special, Our America: Portraits of Courage. The Portraits of Courage exhibit includes information and resources created to support post 9/11 veterans such as Check-In, a tool that connects veterans, service members and their families to no cost, high-quality, mental and brain healthcare. To learn more about Check-In, visit Veterancheckin.org. For more information about Disney’s ongoing salute for those who serve their country in uniform, visit our Veterans topic page. The post Veteran Portraits by President George W. Bush Extended through 2026 at EPCOT appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We officially know when the NEW Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade will debut in Magic Kingdom! This nighttime parade will be making its way through Magic Kingdom beginning July 20th, 2025. Disney Starlight debuts July 20th in Magic Kingdom ©Disney We already have the date marked in bold on our calendars and are starting to plan our outfits! If you can’t tell, we are just a bit excited for a new nighttime parade at Disney World. Not only did we find out the opening date, but we also got a look at some of the NEW merchandise that will be hitting shelves. What’s a new parade without some new merchandise? And you already know Disney is on top of it! We got a sneak peek at some of the Disney Starlight merchandise that will be available this summer. We are starting off with one of our favorites: light-up ears. Not only do they light-up, BUT they also light-up automatically with the parade. We can’t wait to see how they look while watching the parade. Disney Starlight LIGHT UP Ears There is also a new shirt coming soon. It features Mickey Mouse himself and the Disney Starlight logo. There will also be light-up wands and a blanket as part of the collection. The wands dance along to the parade! While the blanket may not be super useful for the warm summer nights, there are occasional nights that do get chilly in Orlando, or you can just purchase it to bring home with you! You can never have enough blankets in your collection. Disney Starlight Wand and Blanket We also got a look at the new pin for the Disney Starlight parade. Disney Starlight Pin Now that we officially have a date for the opening of Disney Starlight, let the count-down begin. Of course, we will be there to bring you coverage of this new nighttime parade. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! Check out everything we know so far about Disney Starlight! 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 the new Disney Starlight merchandise? Let us know your thoughts 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 Disney World to attend their media preview of Cool Kid Summer. 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 FIRST LOOK at NEW Disney Starlight Parade Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A flying dragon. A soaring stage. The two new theatrical shows at Universal Epic Universe make sure to each offer viewers a thrilling moment to stick with them after they head back out into Orlando’s newest theme park. “The Untrainable Dragon” and “Le Cirque Arcanus” both delight in their use of a wide array of theatrical arts: In addition to the magnificent Toothless the dragon, the “Untrainable” show features singers, drummers, dancers and stunts. The other offers circus arts and puppetry. Both are enhanced with handsome set design, atmospheric lighting and the use of video projections to help set a scene, a trend in theater that is now commonplace even on Broadway. As you would expect in a short theme-park show (“Untrainable” runs about 20 minutes, “Le Cirque,” a few minutes longer) plots are simplistic. Hiccup meets "The Untrainable Dragon" in a stage show at the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk area of Universal Epic Universe on May 20. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)“The Untrainable Dragon,” in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk section of the park, finds young Vikings Hiccup and Astrid grappling with why a dragon is on a rampage. In “Le Cirque Arcanus,” set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic area, circus employee Gwenlyn discovers magical creatures need her help. Related Articles Epic Universe aside, what’s up at Orlando attractions this summer? Epic Universe shows: Dragons, beasts and human entertainers take the stage Tasty theming makes the Epic Universe worlds even more immersive Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a 300-minute wait) Epic Universe: Know before you go Perhaps the shows’ biggest achievement is that each show makes the most of every minute and makes sure the audience is getting what it wants to see: Dragons and fantastic beasts. And despite the technical wizardry involved, the human performers are what give each show its heart and personal connection. There’s something primal about drumming — humans have used the art form for thousands of years to conjure emotion, and it does the same in “Untrainable Dragon.” Another ancient art, dance also is employed well to add activity to the stage. The singers heighten the emotion of the story, which nicely weaves in themes of friendship, perseverance in the face of obstacles and compassion for others. The only drawback, at least in an early viewing: With all that’s going on, including a recorded musical underscore, the sound balance isn’t always ideal to clearly hear the spoken dialogue. A performer creates bubble magic during "Le Cirque Arcanus" at Universal Epic Universe. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)That isn’t an issue in “Le Cirque Arcanus,” which had clear sound, even when live performers interact with a recorded one on a video screen. That would be be Eddie Redmayne, reprising his role as Newt Scamander from the “Fantastic Beasts” movie franchise. He actually gives the weakest performance of the show’s actors, sounding oddly odd of breath after many of his lines. Gwen is appropriately plucky, the villainous ringmaster appropriately slimy and a barker, well, appropriately loud. The specialty circus arts add to the show’s magic, with cube juggling, an aerial act and a visually enchanting bubble act. "The Untrainable Dragon" show at Universal Epic Universe features human and dragon cast members. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)The puppeteering used to animate various beasts is effective and literally gives the creatures their personalities. Yet, even though it has an appealing hero and message about treating animals — and each other — with kindness and respect, “Le Cirque” doesn’t hit the heart in the same way the dragon show does. That’s in part because the “Untrainable Dragon” story involves cute babies, which automatically make the audience feel more sentimental. But it’s also because the circus show’s “happily ever after” ending is told through an illustration on its admittedly striking closing curtain; there is no upbeat song-and-dance finale that sends audience members on their way humming a happy tune. Dramatic lighting enhances "Le Cirque Arcanus" at Universal Epic Universe. (Willie Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)Still, both shows have big signature moments sure to keep audiences buzzing: The exciting descent into the world of Newt’s suitcase and the soaring entrance of Hiccup and Toothless. These new offerings are impressive additions to our lineup of theme-park entertainment. Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter. Hiccup flies over the audience on Toothless in "The Untrainable Dragon" show on May 20 at Universal Epic Universe. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Universal Epic Universe Where: 1001 Epic Blvd. in Orlando When: Open daily, the park generally opens at 9 or 10 a.m. and closes at 9 or 10 p.m. Showtimes vary by day. Cost: Shows are included with park admission, $139-$199 for adults; daily parking is $32 Info: universalorlando.com/epic View the full article

Walt Disney World has revealed the date that its new nighttime parade will debut at Magic Kingdom. Theme park visitors will be able to watch “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” come down Main Street USA as of July 20. “We can’t wait to bring this parade to life at the park,” David Duffy, vice president of Disney Live Entertainment, told members of the media Tuesday night. Disney also revealed another float design for “Starlight,” and it will bring up the rear of the parade. That unit features a locomotive engineered by Goofy, followed by Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Snow White, Dopey, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine. Bringing up the rear of the rear: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who will sport a new set of starry costumes for the occasion. The train’s look is inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, which was last seen at Disney World in 2016. Disney also announced the order of units that were previously announced. The parade will begin with the Blue Fairy and “Peter Pan” characters, followed by floats tied to “Wish,” “Encanto” and “Frozen,” then assorted Disney royals together plus “Coco” and “Moana” floats and, finally, Goofy’s train unit. “What guests are going to be able to get in this parade is a nod to the past but also eyes firmly set on the future,” Tara Anderson, show director, said in a video released by Disney. “You’re going to hear melodies from older films, newer films, in a very magical, mystical way.” Original theme music has been composed for “Starlight.” Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy have received 'Starlight'-inspired costumes. (Olga Thompson/Walt Disney Co.)The new parade was announced in August, alongside plans for a new villains land and “Cars” attractions in Magic Kingdom along with a “Monsters, Inc” land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Debuting this week at Hollywood Studios were two stage shows: “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid — a Musical Adventure.” Additional Walt Disney World attractions expected to open this year are GEO-82, an adults-only lounge built inside Epcot’s Spaceship Earth and set to open in June; an updated Test Track ride at Epcot; and a “Zootopia” film inside the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

✨ Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuts on July 20th at #WaltDisneyWorld! ✨ #DisneyParksView the full article

Nighttime at the Magic Kingdom is about to get even more magical! Magic Kingdom Currently at the Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After lights up the skies around the park. When Disney changed the fireworks show to Enchantment for Disney World’s 50th birthday, many fans were upset and begged Disney to bring back Happily Ever After, and they listened and brought the show back in April of 2023! Fans have also been begging Disney to bring back a nighttime parade to Magic Kingdom. You asked, and they listened! Last year, it was announced that Magic Kingdom will get a brand new nighttime parade in the summer of 2025, and now we know when it will debut! The new parade is called Disney Starlight! Disney Starlight will follow in the footsteps of previous iconic nighttime spectaculars like the Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic. “Disney Starlight” will come to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 using the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life and will feature moments from fan-favorite films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Peter Pan,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.” The parade will be “brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy” from movie, Pinocchio. We find this to be fitting as the Blue Fairy used to lead the Main Street Electrical Parade! The parade will also feature characters from movies like Peter Pan, Encanto, and Frozen. A new nighttime parade “Disney Starlight” will come to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 using the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life and will feature moments from fan-favorite films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Peter Pan,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.” When Disney made this initial announcement, we were given a vague opening timeline of summer of 2025, but now we finally having an opening date! The parade will start on July 20th. Look at the new costumes Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will wear in the parade! Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy reveal their new looks for Disney Starlight! Disney also gave us a sneak peek at some of the merchandise for the parade — including ears that light up! Disney Starlight LIGHT UP Ears There’s also a light-up wand that dances with the parade. Disney Starlight Wand — it DANCES with the parade! And we got to try a NEW Starlight Popcorn Mix that will be available at the Main Street Confectionery. Starlight Popcorn mix The new mix includes bubble gum and blue raspberry candy popcorn, M & Ms, mini marshmallows, and a white chocolate drizzle. Disney has confirmed the characters we’ll get to see in Disney Starlight. They are: The Blue Fairy Peter Pan & Wendy Asha La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno) Elsa Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming Miguel and Pepita Moana Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck,Snow White and Dopey, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Disney Starlight debuts July 20th in Magic Kingdom. Disney has also revealed that the new parade will have a brand-new theme song. The new song “may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some Disney Parks favorites woven into the score.” Here’s a first look at the new music! We are eagerly waiting for this new parade to join the Magic Kingdom parade line-up along with Magic Kingdom’s daytime parade, Festival of Fantasy. Ariel in the Festival of Fantasy parade To make sure you never miss out on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! 7 Things Disney World Is Doing For the First Time 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 excited for Disney Starlight? Let us know in the comments!The post BREAKING: Date Announced for Debut of NEW Disney World Nighttime Parade first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

From Disney World essentials to our favorite Disney items, we’ve always got you covered with the latest merch! ©Disney Check out some of our favorite items from Amazon that we use at the parks all the time! Oh, and some of them are available at a huge discount! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This is our favorite Portable Charger INIU Portable Charger The INIU Portable Charger has to be our favorite portable charger! We bring this thing up all the time, and highly recommend it. Its slim build and power bank make for a perfect charger to keep your phone running throughout the day. It requires USB-C, which means it has high-speed charging. It works with many different phone types, and is currently 27% off! View on Amazon We love this Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip This Flat Plug Power Strip is portable and effective, allowing you to charge multiple devices while not taking up too much space. It has three outlets and 4 USB ports (two USB-C). It’s been the best thing to bring to hotels, resorts, or wherever you’re staying with a large party. We can charge our phone, laptop, and whatever else we brought, while only taking up one outlet on the wall. We love the price you can get this at, and it’s 20% off right now! View on Amazon We can’t stop talking about this FROGG TOGG Poncho Frogg Togg Poncho We find these Frogg Togg Waterproof Ponchos always come in handy! Summer is here, and you know what that means: lots of rain. We have our poncho in pink, but there are so many colors to choose from. It’s 100% waterproof and very breathable. It’s super easy to put on, and has a pullover hood, which is great for those downpours! It’s also very easy to pack, as it comes with a little stuff sack to put the poncho in. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this JISULIFE Handheld Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan Speaking of summer, we recommend getting a JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan for your next park day! You’ve probably seen us bring this up a few times, but we LOVE it! It’s a 3-in-1 USB rechargeable portable fan. It offers great cooling while you’re at the park, a power bank that can last 12-19 hours, and a flashlight. It’s small and easy to carry around, and it’s 15% off! View on Amazon Don’t forget this Mickey and Friends Autograph Book ©Amazon This Mickey and Friends Autograph Book is our pick for those who love to get signatures from their favorite Disney characters, but also want to save some money on their trip! It comes with a Mickey pen, and some alphabet stickers, so you can personalize you’re book. We love the cover of Mickey and his friends. The fireworks and castle give it a nice pop as well. Best of all, the item is 40% off at the moment! View on Amazon For you classic Disney ride fans, look at this PeopleMover Tee ©Amazon You know, it might be time to discuss the PeopleMover not getting enough love that it deserves. It can start with you, by representing the underrated ride with this PeopleMover T-Shirt! It’s got the iconic “Your highway in the sky” line printed on it, and of course has the iconic ride vehicle as well. The shirt comes in many different colors, so you’re sure to find one in your style. View on Amazon And finally, look at this Retro Mickey & Minnie Water Bottle ©Amazon You’ve got to stay hydrated during those hot Disney days, so you might as well do it in style with this Retro Mickey and Minnie Stainless Steel Water Bottle! This vacuum-insulated tumbler is leak-proof and will keep your water cold on those hot Disney days. The water bottle has an eye-popping retro look — with Mickey and Minnie styled in their classic old animated look. The design of the water bottle is checkered, with different squares featuring Mickey, Minnie, or their names. You can get the water bottle for 38%! 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 A Huge Disney Sale Is Happening On Amazon Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you’re heading to Disney World, you’re likely wanting to save as much money as you can while also making sure you have everything you need. Spaceship Earth This can be tough to balance, because you don’t want to buy something you’ll use once and then never again, but trust us when we say we go to Disney World EVERY day and can verify that these products are GAME CHANGERS for the park! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Charge ALL Those MagicBand+s! ©Amazon Any of your essentials going dead in the park is cause for a freak out, but you can avoid that with the Multifunctional Charging USB C Hub — especially if you’ve got multiple MagicBand+s OR phones on your trip. You never know when something could go dead, and this may just be what saves you! Check it out! Actually Carry Those Refillable Mugs Around ©Amazon Finding something that can hold your Resort Refillable Mug can be tricky, which is where the Dining Plan Refillable Mug Holder Sling comes in! It’s easy to sling around your shoulder/across your back to keep in place easily. No more falling out of pockets! Check it out! Know Where Your Kids Are! ©Amazon If you don’t want your kids to have something as sophisticated as a smart watch and also don’t want to use one of those leashes, then Smart Bands for Kids is a great alternative. Anyone can scan their band, even if they don’t have an app on their phone, and can quickly see essential information like your contact information, allergies, and there’s an additional geolocation feature if you’re willing to pay a monthly subscription. Check it out! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney parks essentials and beyond! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite items!The post 3 Game-Changing Disney World Essentials Just Released On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to dining in Epic Universe, it can feel pretty overwhelming! We get it, but that’s why we’re here to help. Celestial Park We’re dining at each and every new food spot, snack stand, and restaurant in this new park to help you decide where you should go during your upcoming vacation. There are a LOT of restaurants in Celestial Park alone, so which ones are worth your time? Are any of them good breakfast spots? We’re trying out Oak & Star Tavern‘s breakfast today to let you know our full thoughts! Atmosphere The Oak & Star Tavern is located to the left of the entrance to Dark Universe. It’s a quick service restaurant that specializes in barbecue, and as it’s located in the Cosmic Garden of Celestial Park, it’s got heavy ties to nature and the cosmos. The Oak & Star Tavern In fact, you’ll even find a the hearth of an ancient, starlight-filled oak tree inside the restaurant! Oak & Star Tavern There’s lots of natural light and seating located throughout the restaurant, and you can also visit its attached bar, The Plastered Owl, from inside OR outside the restaurant. Menu For breakfast, you’ve got 7 different menu options that you’ll find each day; however, keep in mind that sometimes the restaurant could run out of certain items! ©Universal Additionally, there are 6 different sides to choose from as well. ©Universal Without further ado, it’s time to EAT! Eats We started off with the Oak and Star Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sandwich for $11.99, which is smoked sausage, eggs, cheddar cheese, mayo, ketchup, and pan sobao bun with French fries. Oak and Star Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sandwich The sausage here is not breakfast sausage, it’s much closer to a hot dog or smoked sausage, and this whole meal is MASSIVE. It’s certainly a great amount of food for the price. We feel the sausage could have used a little more work, because the casing around it was really hard to bite into and made eating this very messy, but the eggs were nice and soft, and the cheese and sauces all came together very well. Don’t sleep on this! The fries are fantastic — way better than what we were expecting! The barbecue seasoning on them was perfection, and we think it could be made even BETTER by dunking them in the different barbecue sauces you have on the table. It’s HUGE Then we grabbed a sweeter option, the Brûlée Hawaiian Mango Bread for $11.99, which is mango bread, pineapple, strawberry, whipped cream, and toasted coconut with scrambled eggs and bacon. Brûlée Hawaiian Mango Bread We can’t get enough of this delicious mango bread and the way it brings a unique twist on a classic American breakfast! It’s moist, perfectly toasted, and the fruit on top was so fresh, it all worked so beautifully together. Now, ours didn’t come with toasted coconut as advertised, which is something to keep in mind. Delicious! While the eggs were fluffy, they didn’t have any flavor to them, so they were pretty bland. The bacon, however, was fantastic! It was perfectly juicy, crispy without being overdone, and we think this is a great platter for the price. We’d get this time and time again! Finally, it was time for the Chorizo & Eggs for $11.99, which is spicy tomato and pepper stew, chorizo, baked eggs, feta, and brioche toast. Chorizo & Eggs This portion had our eyes bugging out of our heads! The eggs were perfectly runny, and the chorizo was incredible with a great amount of kick without being too spicy. The peppers and onions add so much flavor, the sauce is very robust with a great tomato flavor, the feta lightens the dish a bit, and the brioche is buttered fantastically. Obsessed! We think this is absolutely worth raving about, again, especially for the price! Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for a solid, quick service option You have picky eaters, or are one yourself You want something that will help you save money by getting a big portion of food for a great price You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You’re not planning on spending a lot of time in Celestial Park You’re not a breakfast person (but we do recommend trying lunch too!) You’re looking for a table service meal Overall We absolutely think this is a great breakfast option in the parks, and these meals are of great quality, a fantastic price, and wonderful portion sizes that will keep you full for hours while you run around the park. Oak & Star Tavern window In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Universal news and more! REVIEW: This Might Be the BEST Kept Food Secret at Universal’s Epic Universe DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What would you grab off the menu here for breakfast? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: It's Official, We're Obsessed with This Epic Universe Breakfast first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are so many places to eat around Disney World, and Disney is always dropping new menu items and limited-edition snacks! Hollywood Studios! If you haven’t noticed, it’s been a Stitch takeover this summer. Disney recently released the live action adaptation of the Disney animated classic Lilo and Stitch, and that means more Stitch at the Parks! We recently went over to Hollywood Studios to try a brand-new snack themed after the beloved blue alien. Come with us to see if it was worth it! Hollywood Studios has many places to eat, both quick service locations and sit-down restaurants. We stopped by Backlot Express to grab the Experiment 626 Pudding, which you can also get at ABC Commissary. Backlot Express If you haven’t been, the Backlot Express has a cool theme with a movie production warehouse style look. Movie buffs will like all the little details splattered all around the place! It’s a quick service restaurant, so you can get your basic quick service meals here, or some unique offerings as well (like what we just got). There it is! This thing has a lot of flavors going on with it — with sour blue raspberry pudding with ube-passionfruit streusel crumble, blue pineapple whipped cream, topped with a flower. At first, we were a little nervous about all the flavors coming together, but let’s see how it tastes! Experiment 626 Pudding! This is something kids are definitely going to want based on the look of the pudding alone! It’s a bright blue color, with a gorgeous flower on top of it — it looks so pretty! Taste-wise, we were pleasantly surprised! The pineapple whipped cream was extremely light, which helps with the sour aspect of the pudding. If you aren’t a fan of sour treats, you might not want to get this. It looks so pretty! It reminded us of a blue raspberry Sour Patch Kid — that’s what this thing tasted like. As for the crumble, the texture reminded us of the coating on strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. The passionfruit flavor of the pudding is not very strong, which we would have liked to see come through a bit more. Stitch gets a new snack! In all honesty, the ube-passionfruit streusel is just kind of there. It adds a nice blend of texture to the pudding. The flower is also edible with this snack, so you can finish up everything in that little cup! Who wants a scoop? It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t our favorite thing out there. Like we said, kids are definitely going to want to try this thing — but be warned, because we don’t think they’ll like this that much. The flavor profile is a bit more elevated, but your kid might even enjoy it! If you’re at a Backlot Express and want a sweet treat, we would still take the Wookie Cookie over this. Wookiee Cookie If you’re feeling adventurous, give the Experiment 626 Pudding a try! For more food reviews around the parks, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be trying this new snack? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: Your Kids Will Probably BEG You for This NEW Disney World Treat first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Aloha, Disney fans! A brand-new collection just dropped at Walmart, and we’re obsessed. Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon Our favorite duo, Lilo and Stitch, have made their way to sandals, cups, backpacks, and more and are so ready to cause some crazy this summer. We found new items for kids and adults, including items for all the Stitch lovers. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First, we have the Women’s Stitch Slide Sandals! ©Walmart We love slide sandals, and when they have Stitch on them? Say no more. The whole shoe is light blue/purple, with a pink sole and tropical leaves. Stitch is right on top! SHOP ON WALMART Check out this Lilo and Stitch LED Watch. ©Walmart This watch band is covered in Stitch. The watch has big, easy-to-read numbers, which are great for kids starting to learn to tell time. SHOP ON WALMART Next up is the Stitch Straw Tumbler. ©Walmart Keep your drink cold with this tumbler, which features both Stitch and Angel. It has a pink handle and palm trees on the cup, making us feel like we’re by the ocean all summer long. SHOP ON WALMART We love these Stitch Crew Socks, too! ©Walmart This pack comes with two sets of socks with Stitch (can you sense a theme?). One pair only has Stitch on the bottom for a more subtle take, and the other has Stitch on the ankle so everyone can know your love. SHOP ON WALMART How about this Lilo & Stitch Backpack? ©Walmart Check out this iridescent rainbow backpack! Even Scrump is on this bag, and Stitch has his long ears hanging down. The backpack is 17 inches to hold everything you need. SHOP ON WALMART Last up is this Stitch Many Moods Interactive Plush. ©Walmart This plush brings Stitch’s fun personality to life! His reaction changes when you do tasks like tickling his belly and rubbing his head. He makes different sounds, and you can even rock him to sleep. Too cute! SHOP ON WALMART We love Stitch, and we’re here for Stitch summer! There is so much Stitch merchandise this year, and we’re obsessed with it all. We know the Stitch lovers are having the time of their lives. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney merch finds. Like what you’re seeing and looking for more? Take a look at our Amazon Storefront for all of our favorites!The post A New Disney Collection Just Dropped at Walmart first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article