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Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration kicks off in just one week, and we can’t wait! Sleeping Beauty Castle! This exciting event kicks off on May 16th, 2025, and runs throughout the summer. As part of the festivities, there will be new ride additions, brand-new attractions, the return of fan-favorite parades, and so much more. While the event doesn’t officially begin for a few days, we already spotted a NEW popcorn bucket to mark the occasion! This is NOT a drill! A NEW Light-up Mickey Popcorn Bucket has landed at Disneyland Park for its 70th Anniversary Celebration! It features Mickey Mouse in his celebration outfit, plus the Disneyland 70 logo and Sleeping Beauty Castle. NEW Light up Mickey popcorn bucket We also spotted Pluto on one ear… Pluto …and Donald Duck on the other! Donald Chip ‘n’ Dale are featured on the back — right on the flap where you open the bucket to get your popcorn out. We spotted this one at the Main Street Popcorn Cart, but it can be purchased at various popcorn stands throughout the park! You can get it for $29, which includes the popcorn. Chip ‘n’ Dale Disneyland Magic Key passholders also get the opportunity to purchase an exclusive 70th Celebration Insulated Cooler Bag for $29.50. It features Sleeping Beauty Castle and other park imagery worth celebrating! Magic Key insulated tote bag We’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Disneyland ahead of the 70th Anniversary Celebrations. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Learn More About Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Here Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you heading to Disneyland for the 70th Anniversary Celebration? Tell us in the comments. The post POPCORN BUCKET ALERT! 🚨 Disney Adults Are Gonna LOVE This Mickey Souvenir first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is almost here! We’re ready for it, and it looks like Disneyland is, too! Disneyland is ready for its 70th! Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration will kick off on May 16th, and we’re so excited for this one-of-a-kind party! We recently went to the park to look for updates, and to our surprise, the decorations are already up all around the resort. From Main Street, U.S.A. to the hub to Sleeping Beauty Castle — the park is dazzling with new decor! The 70th Anniversary celebration will begin on May 16th and run throughout the summer of 2026. It’s going to be a party to remember — with new ride additions, brand-new attractions, the return of fan-favorite parades, 70+ new snacks and treats, and so much more. Every party needs to set up before it begins, so we have to show off the current status of Disneyland Resort. All these additions are making us VERY excited for the party to start! ©Disney We saw this beautiful decor up at the Disneyland esplanade right before you enter Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. We wonder what it will display near the bottom. The suspense is killing us! At least we won’t have to wait long to see what surprises are revealed. Disneyland Resort Esplanade! Even the Monorail is getting in on the celebration fun! Look how gorgeous and sleek this design looks on the Monorail, using the classic Disneyland logo with the new 70th logo. We’ll be riding into Disneyland in that 70th anniversary style! The Monorail Main Street is getting a beautiful makeover, too! Check out this piece we saw at the very front of the park. It reminds us to “Celebrate Happy” as we step into this happy place. The blue and pink colors are really working for the party decor. Main Street U.S.A! Take a look at some of the decorations hanging from the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A.! Disney also hung some “Celebrate Happy” decor along Main Street, U.S.A. on the lamp posts. Walking down Main Street We went to check out the popcorn stand and saw a sign up for the “Disneyland 70th Celebration Magic Key Insulated Cooler Bag.” It was available for $29.50 and was a Magic Key exclusive item. This thing looked amazing, and Magic Key Holders will be running for it at the beginning of the celebration! Popcorn stand Speaking of collectible items, we got our first in-person look at the 70th Anniversary Balloon Popcorn Bucket! This thing looked great — it featured Pluto and Donald on the ears of the bucket. We’re anticipating this collectible will go fast, and not many people probably realize the park already has it! Balloon Popcorn Bucket Of course, we saved the gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle for last! The castle has received a big change, as it now features a 70th Anniversary piece at the front and center. Sleeping Beauty Castle! We’re thinking the Castle will get other pieces added to it. If you remember the way the Castle looked during the 60th, it had more decor up. Look at the Castle! If you’ve seen the concept art for the Castle for the 70th, there were 70th Anniversary flags along the drawbridge. We’re anticipating some more additions to the Castle, and can’t wait to see it in person. The castle makeover has officially begun! ©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. We’re excited to see Disneyland undergo more changes as we get closer to the start date for the 70th Anniversary. Be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog, as we’re going to be updating you all on everything about Disneyland’s big celebration! 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 Do you like the new decorations that are up? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: The Iconic Disney Castle Just CHANGED Ahead of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, West Coast folks. We’ve got some HUGE Disneyland news. ©Disney If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on a Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass, you might understand just how limited those passes are and how quickly they sell out — when they’re on sale. We’re guessing you’ve probably been waiting for sales to begin again soon. Well, we’ve got some BIG news: sales for Magic Key passes will resume on May 20th…but only two passes will be available. Disneyland has just revealed that Magic Key Passes will go back on sale no earlier than 9 AM PT on May 20th. They’ll only be available while supplies last, so you’ll want to jump on that chance as quickly as you can. However, only two Magic Key passes will be available at that time: The Inspire Key and the Believe Key. Magic Key magnet line The Inspire Key is the highest tier of key you can get. For $1,749, you can hold up to six park pass reservations at any given time (note that there are blockout dates), standard parking, up to 20% off select merchandise, up to 15% off select dining, 20% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and unlimited PhotoPass digital downloads. Magic Key Villains Tumbler The Believe Key also offers up to six park pass reservations at any given time (with blockout dates), as well as 50% off standard parking, up to 10% off select merchandise, up to 10% off select dining, 20% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and unlimited PhotoPass digital downloads. Stitch Magic Key Straw Clip Like we said, these passes sell out quickly, so you’ll want to set those reminders in your calendar, set your alarm, and make sure you’re online on the Disneyland website when they go on sale. May the odds be in your favor and May the Force Be With You. 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. The Important Annual Pass Rule Disneyland Is Enforcing in 2025 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 Will you be getting a Disneyland Magic Key? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Select Disneyland Magic Key Passes Will Be Available Following Extended Blackout first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are obsessed with bringing the Disney magic home to us! Haunted Mansion in Disneyland! Whether it’s our favorite character, snacks, or ride, we love having those little reminders around our homes. One of our favorite things to bring home? A hitchhiking ghost, of course! That’s why we’ve gathered 8 of the best Haunted Mansion souvenirs online, right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Looking to be haunted right in your own home (in a silly way, not scary)? We’ve got you covered! LEGO Haunted Mansion ©Amazon If the ghosts aren’t enough, you can bring the entire mansion home to you! This LEGO Haunted Mansion set lets you build the iconic attraction, and it even comes with its own spooky butler. LEGO Haunted Mansion Madame Leota Crystal Ball ©Amazon Looking for that perfect paper weight or small bookshelf trophy? Look no further than this Madam Leota Crystal Ball! It lights up and even plays the fortune teller’s haunting incantations. It comes with her spell book from the regions beyond and will make the perfect subtle touch to your home. Madam Leota Crystal Ball Haunted Mansion Stretching Portraits ©Amazon Create your very own stretching room in your house with the iconic portraits from the ride! These are great for holiday decor or just adding a bit of fun to any room. They feature two of the spooky portraits from the ride’s preshow, and they will blow your guests away. Stretching Portraits Welcome Foolish Mortals Framed Wood Wall Decor ©Amazon If you’re looking for some wall art, this framed piece features the iconic line “Welcome Foolish Mortals” from the ride’s preshow front and center. It also writes that the “sanctum for departed souls” is open for visitors. Nothing says welcome to our home like a spooky portrait! Framed Wood Wall Decor Haunted Mansion Camper Mug Haunted Mansion Foolish Mortal Ceramic Camper Mug One of our favorite items that we have is this spooky camper mug! It’s perfect for foolish mortals and holds a lot of your tea, coffee, or even soup if you’re into that. It’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Camper Mug Haunted Mansion Sling Bag ©Amazon Next up, we have this Haunted Mansion Sling Backpack! The design is inspired by the purple wallpaper that feels like it’s watching you. It features two side pockets for your water bottles, an adjustable strap, a smaller outer pocket, and a larger main pocket. It’s great for subtle Disney vibes at home or in the park! Haunted Mansion Sling Backpack Peel and Stick Wallpaper ©Amazon Speaking of that famous wallpaper, you can add it to your own home! This peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in maroon or grey to subtly emulate the ride’s decor. It’s safe for walls and doesn’t leave a sticky residue when removed, so it’s even renter-friendly. Grey Peel and Stick Wallpaper Itty Bitty Ghost Plush Set ©Amazon Finally, we have these itty-bitty hitchhiking ghosts! You can bring them home (or they’ll follow you)! These cuties glow in the dark and would be great for your library, a gift, or even a nursery. They’re small but mighty! Itty Bitty Ghost Plush Set There’s no better way to show your spooky obsession than with these souvenirs right here! Happy haunting, friends. As always, don’t forget to keep following DFB for more Disney souvenirs! Shop for more on our Amazon Storefront! The post 8 Disney Amazon Items For Anyone Who Loves Haunted Mansion (So, Like, All Disney Adults) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tucked away in the back of EPCOT’s France Pavilion is Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. This charming French bakery is home to traditional pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. It’s a fan-favorite for a reason — and yes, the line out the door is almost always your first clue you’ve found the right place. The line in question So we decided to head back and try a couple of goodies to see if the hype is still well deserved. Here’s what we had on our last visit! We kicked off our visit to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie by trying the Café Liégeois which is available for $7.50. This treat is a coffee-flavored dessert made with a light, fluffy mousse layered over what seemed to be chocolate cake crumbles, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crispy pearls. Café Liégeois The mousse itself was airy and delicious, and while we enjoyed the little bits of chocolate cake, we found ourselves wishing for a thicker, more substantial layer of it in the middle. There’s definitely more whipped cream than cake, but the crispy pearls on top added a great crunch that made each bite feel a little more special. We also appreciated that while the coffee flavor was definitely present, it wasn’t overwhelming — it struck a nice balance that even non-coffee drinkers could enjoy. Café Liégeois Overall, this was a surprisingly enjoyable dessert — creamy, light, and just indulgent enough to make it feel like a sophisticated sweet treat. Next up was Créme Brûlée, which is a caramelized vanilla custard and is available for $5.95. Créme Brûlée The custard was incredibly smooth, light, and refreshing with a buttery flavor that felt rich without being too heavy. And of course, the best part: the sugar crust on top was perfectly torched. It delivers that satisfying crack when you break through it, which somehow never stops being fun. Créme Brûlée Flavor-wise, it’s beautifully balanced — not too sweet, not too rich — just a really well-done classic that hits all the right notes. If you’ve been skipping this one in favor of more over-the-top desserts, it might be time to give this underrated gem the spotlight it deserves. Next up is the Framboise, a beautifully layered dessert made with raspberry mousse, chocolate cake, and a generous helping of raspberry jam available for $7.50. Framboise We were expecting something tart, given the raspberry ingredients, but this one really surprised us. The tartness was toned way down and replaced with a strong sweetness. It was very sugary from the thick layer of jam on top to the sugar-dusted raspberries, every bite leaned more into dessert-level sweet than fruity freshness. Framboise The filling, which was labeled as mousse, actually felt more like a pudding to us. We found that even after just a couple of bites, the sugar started to feel like a bit much, so it’s probably a dessert best shared. That said, if you love raspberries and don’t mind a dessert that leans ultra-sweet, this one was still a fun treat to try. It just wasn’t our personal favorite. We then dug into the Tarte au Citron, a lemon cream tart topped with soft meringue available for $7.25. This one hits you right away with a bold citrus punch. It’s super tart, super citrusy, and surprisingly bright — almost like a blend of lemon and orange. Tarte au Citron The meringue on top adds a sweet, fluffy balance, but don’t expect it to dull the tang. This tart is full throttle on both tartness and sweetness, and we kind of loved that. The most unexpected part? The crust. We were thinking it’d be firm or crunchy like a traditional tart shell, but it was incredibly soft — almost cake-like or reminiscent of a soft cookie. Tarte au Citron Overall, the Tarte au Citron is a zesty, vibrant dessert that’s perfect for citrus lovers who like their sweets with a serious kick. And last but not least, we had the Macaron Framboise et Citron Vert, a macaron filled with raspberry and lime cream, priced at $7.95. Now, if we thought the Tarte au Citron was the ultimate in tartness, we were so wrong. This macaron takes the title for the most puckering dessert of the day. Macaron Framboise et Citron Vert From the first bite, the raspberry filling absolutely dominated with an intense, almost sour flavor that had our lips puckering and our eyes squeezing shut. The cream inside doesn’t do much to mellow it out either — if anything, it only emphasizes that punchy tartness. Macaron Framboise et Citron Vert If you’re a fan of bold, sour flavors, this is your macaron. But if you prefer something sweeter, this one might be a bit overwhelming. We’d recommend this if you’re looking for something really tart, but for those who enjoy a more balanced macaron, you might want to pass on this one. Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie In the end, we can’t help but love Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie — it truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of indulgent, creamy desserts or crave something with a bit more tartness, this charming French bakery has a treat to satisfy every taste. We always enjoy our visits here, and if you haven’t stopped by yet, we definitely recommend adding it to your EPCOT must-try list! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! We’re always trying different snacks around Disney World so stayed tuned to us here on DFB for even more food reviews! REVIEW: Save Your Money And Skip This Disney World Restaurant Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried 5 (!!!) EPCOT Snacks at Les Halles — Here’s What You Should NOT Skip, Even When the Line Is out the Door first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Once your plane lands in Orlando, you have one more important step before your Disney vacation begins. You’ll need to arrange a way to get from the airport to your hotel! If you’re taking the MEARS Connect airport transfer to Disney World on your next trip, you might notice something has changed! Mears Connect Bus We talk a lot about ways to get to Orlando for your next Disney World trip, and how to properly plan out your next adventure through Orlando Airport, but if you’re considering an airport transfer service (like the MEARS Connect bus) to get you “home” safe and sound to start (or wrap up) your next vacation, there’s an important entertainment change you’ll want to look for during the ride! If you’re flying into Orlando by way of Orlando International Airport and are looking for one of the best ways to get to your Disney World or Universal hotel, we’ve got an option in mind for you! MEARS Connect has been a tried and true transportation service for years around Orlando, offering one-way and round-trip pick-ups from the Orlando airport (with luggage) directly to your hotel. Mears Connect However, something about the service has changed recently, and if you’ve traveled with MEARS Connect in the past, you might notice it a bit sooner. MEARS recently took to Instagram to announce its latest entertainment changes, which have already rolled out while you’re onboard one of their comfy coach shuttle buses. There is also a bathroom on board. During your ride, MEARS Connect buses will now play an in-ride video as you travel to your destination. In the video, they teased some quick clips of a man who appears to be your host and narrator for most of the video against various backgrounds you’ll find for destinations in Central Florida, including a beach scene, and even what appears to be a spooky and mysterious castle! (Could it be Dark Universe?!) It’s easy to see why MEARS is so excited to bring attention to their latest change onboard. Fans of the now-defunct Magic Express service, which used to be offered to Disney World hotel guests as round-trip airport transportation, also had a similar video that played through each leg of their trips to and from the Orlando Airport. Mears Connect is one of the airport shuttle services available. If you’re not already working with a travel agent for your next Orlando vacation, be sure to talk to our friends at Small World Vacations! They’re experts in the field with years under their belt and best of all, their planning services are completely FREE to you. You don’t want to miss the fun new change that could affect your next Orlando trip! Be sure to stay tuned with us, right here at DFB. NEWS: Busch Gardens Announces Plans To Put $40 Million Toward “New Thrills and Interactive Events”  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 How do you travel to Orlando for your vacations to Disney World, Universal, and more? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: This Airport Transportation CHANGE Will Make Your Trip to Disney World Even BETTER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney recently held its second quarter earnings call for Fiscal Year 2025, and we got a huge announcement — a brand-new, seventh landmark Disney theme park is being built in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ©Disney During the call, CEO Bob Iger said that there are “hundreds of millions” of “income-qualified” people who were a significant distance from a Disney park, and that they wanted to bring the parks to them. But, what exactly did Iger mean by income-qualified? Disney’s new Abu Dhabi theme park is expected to connect travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and more. According to Disney, the theme park “will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.” ©Disney During the May 7th Disney earnings call, just shortly after the new park was announced, CEO Bob Iger said, “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity.” He continued, “We did study the region very carefully and we know that we had many opportunities…Obviously, building a theme park in a location is a huge endorsement of that location. It speaks volumes in terms of the ability of that location to sustain a theme park.” ©Disney Iger also said that many “income-qualified” people weren’t anywhere near a Disney park. “It was very obvious to us that there were many people, basically hundreds of millions in the world that are income qualified — where a trip to one of our six locations was pretty lengthy in nature and expensive. And so, we felt the best way, obviously, to reach those people is to basically bring our product to them.” He continued, “We talk about it being at the crossroads of the world — 500 million income-qualified people live within four hours, 120 million people will come through Dubai and Abu Dhabi this year alone. Abu Dhabi estimates that 39 million tourists will visit Abu Dhabi by 2030, that says a lot.” ©Disney But what do Disney and Iger actually mean by “income-qualified”? In general corporate-speak, it means that someone or something meets the specific income requirements or standards necessary to be eligible for something. In Disney’s case, it likely refers to people with enough disposable income to visit one of its theme parks. ©Disney Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a whole certainly fit that bill. According to the S&P Global Ratings from 2023, the GDP per capita of Abu Dhabi was $84,900 USD. For comparison, the United States’ GDP per capita was $81,633 USD in 2023. The response to the announcement has been mixed, however. While some fans are excited — especially those living near the new park — others are concerned about Disney partnering with a government that seems to go against what Disney has previously maintained as a goal: inclusivity. ©Disney According to Wikipedia, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint.” ©Miral Disney went through a battle with the Florida government regarding the Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the Don’t Say Gay bill, in the not-so-distant past. The bill did pass, despite Disney being the largest employer and taxpayer in the state and voicing its opposition. Disney later dropped a lawsuit against the state for what the company viewed as retaliation with the takeover of Disney’s special taxing district. The company has also made a very clear focus on ensuring a comfortable and accommodating work environment with its Inclusivity Key, so the choice of Abu Dhabi as its next park destination is controversial. Yas Island Celebrates Disney Theme Park Resort Show While we may not have many details so far, keep an eye out for the latest updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. When Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Open? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a Disney trip soon? Tell us in the comments. The post Disney's Talking About "Income Qualified" Theme Park Guests, But What Does That Mean? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Disney Dining Plan returned to Disney World in 2024, and it came with a NEW set of rules! Cinderella Castle Disney changed its Dining Plan offerings, as well as increased the price, so our recommendations for how to fit the plans into your vacation are a bit different these days. That’s why we’ve rounded up the NEW rules you have to follow for the Disney Dining Plan. NEW Plan Types The first thing that you have to know when trying to use the Disney Dining Plan is that the plan types have CHANGED since the offering returned. Now, there are two options — the Disney Standard Dining Plan or the Quick Service Dining Plan. Casey’s Corner The Disney Standard Dining Plan comes with one table service credit and one quick service credit per person, per day. It also offers one snack credit per day and one resort refillable mug per person in your party. So if you’re interested in table service dining at all, this is the option you should go with! 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney World The Quick Service Dining Plan is for those ballin’ on a budget. It offers two quick service credits and one snack credit per person, per day. It also includes a resort refillable mug for each person. Securing Discounts or the FREE Dining Plan Before you book your Disney World vacation, we recommend checking the “special offers” tab on the Disney World website to see if there are any deals for you. Since the Dining Plan returned, we’ve seen a few offers specifically for helping you save on this add-on. Full spread from our meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table Sometimes Disney runs discounts on the Dining Plan, or offers things like “kids eat free.” They’ve even shared deals for snagging a free Dining Plan with your vacation booking. But there’s a catch — usually, in order to secure these Dining Plan deals, you have to book your tickets and room at full price, and there are sometimes minimums in place (like you have to book a certain days’ worth of tickets or length of stay). So if you plan to use one of the special offers, make sure you run the pricing to ensure that it’s ACTUALLY a good deal. Getting the Best Value at Restaurants The Dining Plan sounds like an easy way to pay for your meals in advance, but you have to make sure you’re actually getting the full value. Purchasing the Dining Plan is actually more expensive than dining at the parks regularly for most families — that’s how Disney makes money off of Dining Plan sales! Plaza Restaurant But you CAN break even or even save money if you choose your restaurants well. In 2025, the Quick Service Dining Plan costs $59.14 per adult, per day, while the Standard Dining Plan costs $97.79 per adult, per day. If you break that down further, one table service credit costs about $65 per adult, and one quick service credit costs about $27 per adult. This means that your meals need to cost MORE than that amount for you to actually save. Beach Club Marketplace For table service dining, you might want to avoid the restaurants that cost 2 credits each, which are Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (lunch and dinner), and Artist Point. However, character meals like 1900 Park Fare or Chef Mickey’s that typically cost $69 per adult for dinner would be GREAT values. Hey, Aladdin! If you’re not doing one of those “one price” all-you-care-to-eat meals or character dining experiences, then it’s best to go for the pricier entrees on the menu. This applies to both table service and quick service dining — now is the time to live it up large! And of course, each meal credit comes with a beverage included. Adults can use that beverage allotment for select alcoholic drinks to get more value. Using Your Snack Credits Wisely The same value problem goes for using your snack credits! Try to use those credits for more expensive snacks (think like items that are $8 or more), but if you’ve already hit your value for the day by using your meal credits, then you can be a bit creative with your snack credits. Popcorn Many EPCOT festival items are available as snack credits, and at many quick service restaurants, you can use your snack credits to buy extra sides for your meal. And if you’re left with several snack credits at the end of your trip, you can always use them to go buy prepackaged treats in some shops (not our favorite use of the credits, but helpful if you want to actually use them and take some snacks home). Flexibility is KEY Finally, the last point we really want to stress is that you need to BE FLEXIBLE. Sometimes, your mileage will vary when using the Disney Dining Plan — like when sides are included for some Disney World quick service meals but not others. If you have any questions about your meal, make sure to ask the Cast Members at the restaurant, and then accept whatever answer they give you. San Angel Inn And of course, keep following along here for all the coverage of the Dining Plan — we’ll continue to share all the information that we learn while using it. That’s a wrap on the new rules for the Disney Dining Plan! For more tips on how to use this offering to your benefit, check out our video below. Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and tricks on how to conquer Disney World! Click Here for the List of 2025 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever used the Disney Dining Plan? Tell us in the comments! The post The NEW Rules You Have To Follow for the Disney Dining Plan first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Central Florida tourism leadership and local officials announce annual visitation numbers with streamers, sparklers and an appearance by Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) From left, Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden; Orange County mayor Jerry Demings, and Visit Orlando president & CEO Casandra Matej reveal the annual visitation numbers with streamers, sparklers and Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej is escorted on stage by Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej delivers remarks during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Nan Ma, director of revenue management for Kissimmee -based Rentyl Resorts, finds himself as the impromptu, cape-wearing star of the Blue Man Group show during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers remarks during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)From left, Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden; Orange County mayor Jerry Demings, and Visit Orlando president & CEO Casandra Matej reveal the annual visitation numbers with streamers, sparklers and Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej jokes with keynote speaker Mitch Mitchem as he dances on to the stage during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)From left, Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden; Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej reveal the annual visitation numbers during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Keynote speaker Mitch Mitchem delivers remarks during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers remarks during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden delivers remarks during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej honors former state senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away in February, during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej honors time share pioneer David Siegel, who passed away in April, during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Nan Ma, director of revenue management for Kissimmee -based Rentyl Resorts, finds himself as the impromptu star of the Blue Man Group show during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)From left, Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden; Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej reveal the annual visitation numbers with Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is welcomed to the stage by Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Nan Ma, director of revenue management for Kissimmee -based Rentyl Resorts, finds himself as the impromptu star of the Blue Man Group show during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Scenes from Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 18From left, Visit Orlando board chair Barb Bowden; Orange County mayor Jerry Demings, and Visit Orlando president & CEO Casandra Matej reveal the annual visitation numbers with streamers, sparklers and Blue Man Group during Visit Orlando’s National Travel Tourism Week Event at the Orange County Convention Center, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Orlando is often touted as the most-visited tourist destination in the U.S., contributing $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

Calling all Disney LEGO collectors, we found the next item on your wish list! Pixar! We found a brand-new Disney Pixar LEGO set, and you’re going to be obsessed with it. Check out what we found! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Luxo Lamp LEGO Set ©Amazon We love this Pixar Luxo Lamp LEGO Set! This is the perfect set for all you Pixar fanatics out there. Whether you’re using it for room decor, or you want to pop it in your office, this will give any space it’s in an eye-catching look! ©Amazon Expand your creativity with this 613 piece set. The set comes with two iconic Pixar staples — the Luxo Lamp, and the Pixar ball. The lamp is posable — so you can adjust it to fit how you want it to look. This would be a great gift idea for anyone you know who loves LEGO and movies! ©Amazon You can even recreate the iconic Luxo Lamp bouncing motion. The model is fully articulated to recreate the bouncing, hopping, and rotating movements of the Luxo Lamp. Simply push down on the back side of the model, and watch it come to life! ©Amazon You can use the Pixar ball as a stand for the Luxo Lamp, expanding the way you want to display the model. There are so many fun and creative ways to set this LEGO Set up, which is really what Pixar is all about — creativity. ©Amazon There’s another fun surprise waiting for you in this LEGO set! The Lego Pixar ball will have hidden references to iconic Disney Pixar movies like Up, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, and Finding Nemo. View on Amazon The set is available on Amazon for pre-order right now! This item will be released on June 1st, 2025, so get ahead of it, because this set looks like it will be a popular buy. 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 Most Nostalgic Pixar LEGO Set Is Now Available Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be honest—staying hydrated during a long Disney day is non-negotiable. Whether you’re rope-dropping at Magic Kingdom or sprinting across EPCOT for a Guardians virtual queue, you need water. And not just any water bottle will cut it. That’s where Owala comes in. Owala Water Bottle We’ve spotted some major Amazon deals on Owala’s insanely popular tumblers, and we had to share. These bottles are stylish, durable, and—most importantly—actually keep your drinks cold for hours (yes, even under that Florida sun). Let’s check out every single Owala water bottle you can snag on sale right now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 40 oz Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler – Brave Adventures (Green) ©Amazon The 40 oz Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler – Brave Adventures (Green) is the MVP of park days. Why? Because fewer refills = fewer stops = more time riding Space Mountain. It’s got a 2-in-1 lid that lets you either sip through the built-in straw or swig straight from the cup. Oh, and it fits in your car cupholder. Game-changer. This one’s built to last and designed to perform—and if you’re trying to cut down on plastic bottles in the parks, this is a stylish way to do it. View on Amazon 24 oz Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler – Iced Tea (Grey/White) ©Amazon If you like something a little smaller (and a little sleeker), the 24 oz Owala Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler – Iced Tea (Grey/White) is another great pick. It has all the same features as the 40oz version, but in a more compact size. It’s perfect for tossing in your park bag or carrying around the resort. This one looks cool and keeps you cool. The color combo is also super versatile—it’ll go with pretty much any outfit you’re wearing to the parks (priorities). View on Amazon 24 oz Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler – Foggy Tide (Black/Grey) ©Amazon Not feeling the Grey/White colorway? The 24 oz Owala Travel Tumbler in Foggy Tide (Black/Grey) gives you the exact same build and functionality, but with a darker, moodier vibe. It’s low-key, modern, and perfect for anyone who wants something a little more neutral. You’re really just choosing which aesthetic fits you best here. The performance is solid across the board. 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 Every Single Owala Water Bottle You Can Get On Sale On Amazon Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You’ve seen them around the parks. Some of you dressed up as them. Now, they store candy. I’m talking about none other than the iconic Walt Disney World Resort trash cans. Bin-troducing the all-new Bulk Candy Containers, inspired by the classic Main Street U.S.A. trash cans and packed with your favorite sweet treats. Today we’re sharing everything you need to know about these fun cans. I’ll waste no time, here’s where to find them to how you can take one home. What are the Bulk Candy Containers? If you have visited any of the Disney Parks, you wouldn’t have missed the colorful trash cans themed to the lands in which they are located. Available while supplies last, the new Bulk Candy Containers are a nostalgic, miniature replica of the bins that pepper Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Featuring swinging lids on both sides and a flip-top, the cans will make your next sweet treat craving that much more fun. How Can I Buy the Trash-Can Inspired Containers? Visit one of the six merchandise locations and pick your favorites from the bulk candy wall using a bag provided. Note that you will need to grab at least ½ lb. of candy to be able to purchase the container. Don’t place the sweets in the can just yet! You will need to check out first. Keep in mind that there’s a limit of 2 containers per guest/transaction. Available while supplies last! After purchasing, you can throw the candy in the container and reuse it as a nostalgic collectible. It’s as simple as finding a trash can in Walt Disney World Resort! When Do the Bulk Candy Containers Launch? Go get that candy later this May. Please note launch timing may vary by merchandise location. Where Will Bulk Candy Containers Be Sold? The bin-credible containers will be available at Walt Disney World Resort. Parks: Magic Kingdom Park: Main Street Confectionery Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Zuri’s Sweets Shop Resorts: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: Screen Door General Store The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Meadow Trading Post Disney Springs: Goofy’s Candy Company Disney’s Candy Cauldron Stay tuned for more bin-spo in the future! The Beak and Barrel: New Details READ MORE Dance, Play and Chill with Cool Kid Summer at Disney World READ MORE Let Stitch Crash Your Life with All-New Products READ MORE The post New Disney World Candy Containers Inspired by Trash Cans appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Disney just announced that it will be building a landmark seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ©Disney The new resort will be located on Yas Island, a spot known for entertainment and tourism, and Disney has announced it will partner with Miral Group to bring it to life. While Disney has kept most details about this new park to itself so far, we do have a rough idea of when it might open! Disney’s new Abu Dhabi theme park is expected to connect travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and more. According to Disney, the theme park “will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.” ©Miral In the announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger referred to the park as Disneyland Abu Dhabi, and it was confirmed that the new theme park resort will offer: Signature Disney entertainment Themed accommodations Unique dining and retail experiences, Storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. Disney hasn’t revealed too many details about the new park, but in an interview with CNBC, Iger gave some insight into an expected timeline. We do know that Imagineers will design the park and have oversight, and the design process is expected to take anywhere from 18 months to two years. After that, it’s possible that construction of the park could take another five years — but Disney isn’t officially committing to a timeline. ©Disney Exploration of this project started back in 2017, but it wasn’t until 2024 that Miral made a “passionate pitch,” which led Iger and Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro to take their first trip to Abu Dhabi. Negotiations on the project began in spring 2024, so it seems like this deal came together relatively quickly. ©Disney During the May 7th Disney earnings call, just shortly after the new park was announced, CEO Bob Iger said, “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity.” He continued, “We did study the region very carefully and we know that we had many opportunities…Obviously, building a theme park in a location is a huge endorsement of that location. It speaks volumes in terms of the ability of that location to sustain a theme park.” ©Disney However, the response to the announcement has been mixed. While some fans are excited — especially those living near the new park — others are concerned about Disney partnering with a government that seems to go against what Disney has previously maintained as a goal: inclusivity. According to Wikipedia, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint.” ©Miral Disney went through a battle with the Florida government regarding the Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the Don’t Say Gay bill, in the not-so-distant past. The bill did pass, despite Disney being the largest employer and taxpayer in the state and voicing its opposition. Disney later dropped a lawsuit against the state for what the company viewed as retaliation with the takeover of Disney’s special taxing district. The company has also made a very clear focus on ensuring a comfortable and accommodating work environment with its Inclusivity Key, so the choice of Abu Dhabi as its next park destination is controversial. Yas Island Celebrates Disney Theme Park Resort Show We’ll keep an eye out for the latest updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. Disney Fans Raise Concerns Over Controversial Abu Dhabi Park Announcement Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a Disney World trip? Tell us in the comments. The post When Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Open? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Do you love Disney princesses? Well, one of the first Disney Princesses was Princess Aurora, who appeared in Disney’s 1959 animated film, Sleeping Beauty. Aurora Now you may remember that in that film, the fairies argued over what color to make Aurora’s dress: should it be pink or blue? Well, now YOU get to decide with Disney’s latest souvenir, a pair of ears, that lets you wear the color of your choice, pink or blue. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yes, you can channel Princess Aurora with a new pair of ears that can be converted from pink to blue and back again. It’s fairy magic! Get the Aurora Ear Headband For Adults ©Disney So the beauty of these ears is that each ear represents Aurora’s dress, but they’re reversible so you can choose the pink or blue side, depending on your preference. ©Disney They also have “peplum” trims and a gold crown topper on the front and back, so you just choose which way to wear them. They also feature gold Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather silhouettes on the band. ©Disney They also have an ombre effect on the headband that goes from blue on the right to pink on the left. Buy at The 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 Storefront The post New and Iconic Disney Minnie Ears Just Released Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Living right next to Disney World sounds like the ultimate Disney Adult dream. But one major factor is dashing that dream for many. Magic Kingdom Orlando is often called the Theme Park Capital of the World, and for good reason. Home to Universal Orlando, Disney World, SeaWorld, and several other major theme park resorts, you’d be hard-pressed to find a city that draws in theme park tourism quite like Orlando. As such, it makes sense that a lot of people would LOVE to move to this Central Florida area and have daily access to their favorite theme parks. Unfortunately, a new report suggests moving here is not as easy as it sounds. According to Orlando-based WFTV9 and a WalletHub study, Orlando is one of the WORST cities for rent affordability in the United States. ©City of Orlando The study indicates that Orlando ranks as the 7th worst state regarding rent affordability, behind Miami, FL (1), Newark, NJ (2), New Haven, CT (3), Detroit, MI (4), Glendale, AZ (5), and Bridgeport, CT (6). The study evaluated over 180 U.S. cities, assessing median annual gross rent versus median household income. Hilton Orlando Disney Springs ©Disney WalletHub indicated that the median annual gross rent percentage of the median annual household income was 28.58%. Bismarck, ND had the lowest percentage with 15.34% — quite the stark contrast. As a comparison, Miami, the rest city when it rent affordability, scored a discouraging 33.48%. Ultimately, if you decide to live in Orlando, get ready to chuck a good chunk of your income into rent costs. Lake Eola If you’re thinking, “Hey, Anaheim is cheaper and I can live near Disneyland instead,” don’t get too giddy. California is a notoriously expensive state to live in, and Anaheim is only 10 spots behind Orlando, with 27.58% of the median household income going towards the median annual gross rent. Alas, it’s expensive to live near the Disney Parks in the United States — no matter which coast you prefer. Disneyland Railroad Station Have you ever considered moving to Orlando to be closer to the Disney Parks? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for Disney World tips, fun facts, updates, and more! This Is the BEST City for Food in America 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 think it’s worth paying more in rent to be able to live next to Disney World? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Thinking About Moving Near Disney World? Think Again. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in for some big changes! Imagineers will add some new and exciting things to the park, but they will also remove some things, for good. Hollywood Studios The changes at Hollywood Studios are already in motion, as Disney starts to prepare to build the brand-new Monsters INC. Land. However, that means out with the old and in with the new — because Muppets Courtyard is closing a lot sooner than you realize! It’s time to light the lights one last time, as the last day to experience Muppet*Vision 3D will be June 7th, 2025. The attraction, along with the rest of the Muppets Courtyard, will permanently close on June 8th, 2025. That’s officially less than a month away! Muppet*Vision 3D This 3D show is a favorite amongst Muppet fans, and we’re sad to see it go! There is something very special behind this ride, as it was the last project Jim Henson directed and voiced Kermit before his passing. The storyline follows a tour of the Muppet Studios with Kermit the Frog — showing off the new technology of 3D. Muppet*Vision 3D The show features some of you favorite Muppet characters as they prepare for a grand performance. However, things get a little messy when Waldo, the spirit of 3D, breaks out of Beaker’s lab. The show also features animatronics and a character appearance of Sweetums! Although it was getting a little dated, it definitely held a special place in Disney fans’ hearts. Statler and Waldorf in Muppet*Vision 3D Sharing the closing date with Muppet*Vision 3D is PizzeRizzo — a neighbourhood pizza joint run by Rizzo. This quick-service location will have its last day of operation on June 7th, before the land’s permanent closure on June 8th. PizzeRizzo It’s hard to say goodbye, but some amazing things are on the horizon from Disney Imagineering! In 2024, Disney officially announced that a Monsters INC. Land would be coming to the Muppets Courtyard area. So get ready, because this land looks amazing! ©Disney Based on the concept art, it looks like Monstropolis will expand in size compared to the Muppets Courtyard footprint. We can see some of the things that might be in store for this new land. The concept idea looks like it has a refreshed show building in the Muppet*Vision 3D area. There also seems to be a Harryhausen’s, a popular monster Japanese restaurant from the movie. Look, there’s even a Monsters Laugh Floor billboard (although, that’s staying in Magic Kingdom as of right now). ©Disney What’s most exciting is the brand-new attraction coming to the land: Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster! The thrill ride will take you through the door sequence just like the movie. You know when the arm picks up the door, puts it on a track, and the door goes through a large area with all the other doors — yeah, that! This thing looks AMAZING, and we seriously can’t wait to ride it! ©Disney There is no timeline for when this new land will open, but it’s construction will most likely begin soon with the Muppets area closures. So what does this mean for the future of the Muppets? Well you’re in luck Muppets fans, because they’re staying in Hollywood Studios — they’re just moving over to Sunset Boulevard! ©Disney The Muppets are going to be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roll Roller Coaster! There is currently no information on the timeline of retheming, so we don’t know when the ride will close either. It’ll be interesting to see what will come of this ride, and we’ll be on the lookout for any information Disney releases! Can we just move all of this over to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster area? Get your last bit of Muppet*Vision 3D, pizza from Rizzo, and just the vibes from Muppets Courtyard before June 7th. There’s a lot of change happening at Hollywood over the next couple of years, so we’re sure Disney will constantly be dropping news. 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 stay up to date with all the latest Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog! 4 Things I’ll NEVER Do Again in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about Muppet*Vision closing? Let us know in the comments! The post REMINDER: You Have Less Than a Month Before 2 PERMANENT CLOSURES Hit Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t pick just one thing we love about Disney World the most, but food would definitely be at the top of the list. Yak & Yeti Restaurant full spread We’re not going to lie, though, Disney food can be pricey, and those costs can seriously add up quickly. But, Disney has a way to make things just a BIT easier with the Disney Dining Plan! Recently, Disney offered a Dining Plan for FREE for certain vacation packages, but it looks like that may no longer be the case. If you were hoping to book a Disney World vacation and get the FREE Dining Plan offer, you’re likely out of luck. It seems as though Disney has pulled all mention of the offer from its official website and other related sites. The deal kicked off on March 27th and was available when you booked a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Disney World vacation package that included a room at select Disney World hotels. Our full spread! The offer was valid for most nights from: June 29th to September 30th, 2025 October 20th to November 1st, 2025 December 6th to December 22nd, 2025 Full Spread We confirmed with Disney World Cast Members that this deal was no longer available to book, though they didn’t reveal why (though it’s possible they didn’t know the answer!). But, not all hope is lost as there are still a couple of other free Dining Plan offers! Starting on April 22nd, 2025, guests can start booking their 2026 vacations, and throughout 2026, kids can dine for free! When staying at one of the Disney World resorts, you can qualify for a free Disney dining package for kids aged 3-9 when you purchase a dining plan with your vacation package for other members of your party. Hollywood Brown Derby spread And, Disney fans from the UK and Ireland can also luck out with an offer. If you’re planning a Disney World vacation between January 7th and December 19th, 2026, you’ll want to listen up. There’s a new way to enjoy FREE Disney Dining & Drinks (excluding gratuities) on selected meals. That’s right — FREE DINING is BACK! Bookings for this NEW Hotel & Ticket package open April 29th, 2025. Yum! At this point, it’s unclear why Disney pulled this offer, but it could be because so many people were taking advantage of it. In the original announcement, Disney did say the offer was subject to availability, so that’s likely the case here. We’ll be on the lookout for any additional discounts and deals from Disney World that you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news. The BEST Quick Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you use the Dining Plan when you go to Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post CONFIRMED: Disney World Quietly ENDS Free Dining Plan Offer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let me save you from the same mistakes that ate up way too much of my park time. Cinderella Castle Disney World is magical, but that magic can wear off real quick when you’re standing in an hour-long line for a B-tier ride or wandering a resort at midnight trying to find your room. Trust me — I’ve done Disney more times than I can count, and I still find myself learning lessons the hard way. So here are four things I will absolutely never do again in Disney World, and I’m hoping they’ll help you skip a few regrets too. Stand In a Pointless Line At Disney, it’s so easy to see a crowd and just… follow. You assume that’s where you’re supposed to be. But sometimes, following the herd just means you’re wasting your time in a line you didn’t need to be in. Crowd Take park entrances, for example. Each park has multiple touchpoints to scan in — not just the ones dead center. But guess what? That’s where everyone flocks. Most people stop at the first entrance they see, creating a massive traffic jam right in the middle. Meanwhile, the lines on the far left or right? Practically empty. Just don’t go too far to the sides — those are reserved for Annual Passholders. Animal Kingdom Entrance And don’t get me started on ride lines. Even the B-tier rides can get outrageously long during peak hours and dates. I once saw Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom hit a 50+ minute wait at noon. That’s wild for that ride. So instead of waiting it out, my group grabbed lunch, explored the trails for a bit, and boom — came back to a 25-minute wait. Perfect timing. Dinosaur Our pro tip is to download the My Disney Experience app and start tracking those average wait times ahead of your trip. It’ll help you spot what’s actually worth waiting for — and what’s just experiencing a momentary surge because, again, the crowd saw a line and assumed it meant “worth it.” Starbucks crowds And if you’re waiting in line for Starbucks at rope drop? I mean this in the kindest way: stop. Just stop. That line moves slower than Spaceship Earth during a breakdown. There are other spots in the parks that serve coffee, and many of them offer Mobile Order. You might not get your iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso, but you will get caffeine, and you won’t waste half your morning getting it. Bring One Pair of Shoes If you only pack one pair of shoes for a Disney trip, you’re setting yourself up for foot pain, blisters, and possibly dropping $70 on a pair of Crocs in a gift shop because you’re desperate. We’ve all done it. You bring that one pair of sneakers you think will carry you through the whole trip — they’re broken in, they’ve never let you down before, and then… they betray you. Maybe it rains. Maybe they rub in a weird spot you never noticed before. Maybe your sock slips down and your ankle starts staging a protest by mile five. Rain in Magic Kingdom Whatever the reason, you need options. I always recommend at least two reliable pairs: one sneaker and one sandal. The sneakers are great for long park days, and the sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) are clutch on rainy days when you don’t want to soak your socks and walk around squishing for hours. Because trust me, you don’t want to end your day limping back to your hotel room, only to realize you have no backup plan for your poor, destroyed feet. Miss Out on Exclusive Snacks I love a Mickey pretzel. A Dole Whip? Classic. But Disney snacks are SO much more than the regulars — and if you’re not paying attention, you might completely miss some of the best bites in the parks. Exclusive waffle Limited-time snacks drop all the time, and sometimes they’re only available for a few days or weeks. It could be a festival-exclusive cupcake, a special churro flavor, or something wild like a pickled corn dog (yes, that was a real thing). Pickle dog You didn’t spend thousands of dollars to eat the same popcorn you can find in any theme park. Try something new. Try something weird. And try it before it disappears. Get Off the Bus at the First Stop End-of-the-night Disney exhaustion hits HARD. You’re sweaty, sore, and all you want is to collapse into bed. So when your resort bus finally pulls up and makes its first stop, it’s super tempting to hop off and start walking, thinking, “Eh, I’ll just cut through the resort. How far can it be?” Let me tell you, it can be FAR. Disney Bus I’ve made this mistake more than once, especially at resorts with internal bus loops like Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. The layout is deceiving. You think you’re close… until you’ve been wandering for 30 minutes trying to find your building in the dark, dodging sprinklers and silently regretting all your life choices. Caribbean Beach bus stop Here’s the move: take a picture of your bus stop and building number in the morning. That way, you’re not guessing at 10 PM. And unless you know for sure that the first stop is close to your room? Just stay on the bus. I know you’re tired. I know the bus is crowded. But nothing is worse than misjudging that walk and adding another mile to your day. It’s a long ride from Anima Kingdom! So there you have it — four things I’ll never do again in Disney World. Learn from my missteps, save yourself the trouble, and spend your time soaking in the magic (instead of standing in lines or limping around in wet sneakers). In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more! 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 What’s something you learned the hard way at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Things I'll NEVER Do Again in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you love going to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando, you have probably fallen in love with the sweetest of beverages, good old butterbeer. However, you might also know that there is only one way in Orlando to get that butterbeer — and it’s by visiting one of the three Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands (including the one in Epic Universe). That means if you want to enjoy that sweet nectar preferred by witches and wizards, you need a Universal Orlando park ticket. Well, we’ve got BIG news — NOT ANYMORE. You can now get butterbeer outside Universal’s parks; no park ticket required. Okay, you’re probably familiar with CityWalk, Universal Orlando’s shopping and dining district. You don’t need a ticket to enter, meaning it’s free to, well, shop and dine there! Well, if you find yourself craving butterbeer and you don’t have a park ticket, head on over to the newly expanded Universal Studios Store…because butterbeer is on the menu there! Universal Studios Store The Universal Studios Store has more than doubled its size and now has an all-new dedicated area for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with merchandise from all THREE Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando, including Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Cachée in the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. A new butterbeer counter has been added where you can order butterbeer treats, including cold and frozen butterbeer itself. Butterbeer The Universal Studios Store has also added a Super Nintendo Section with an all-new dedicated entrance featuring landscapes and characters from Nintendo video games to celebrate the opening of Super Nintendo World in Epic Universe. Inside, you’ll find a variety of Nintendo merchandise, including characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and more. Super Nintendo World Be sure to stop by the newly expanded Universal Studios Store the next time you visit CityWalk. And stay tuned to DFB for more. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Universal 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. REVIEW: Two Words. BUTTERBEER. CREPES. We Tried the NEW Epic Universe Snack! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think of being able to get butterbeer outside the parks? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING BUTTERBEER NEWS: A Game Changing NEW Announcement Will Make Your Day 10X Better in Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have we been using the Disney World app wrong this whole time? Magic Kingdom Few things are more important than knowing how to navigate My Disney Experience — the official Disney World app. On top of maintaining your park tickets, mobile orders, Lightning Lane selections, and all of your reservations, this app serves as a central hub for everything Disney World, all on your phone. There’s seriously so much to do on this app that people may be neglecting some obvious features. The My Disney Experience app is excellent at finding things. Looking for specific food items and where to find them? The app will show you everything you need to know! Want to see a map and get directions? The app can do that as well. However, did you know that it can also pinpoint where you can find small but necessary locations like water bottle refill stations and charging stations? There’s a charging station in Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom! Unless you check your app, you might not have known that there are actually TWO Mobile Charging Stations in Magic Kingdom near “it’s a small world” and Pete’s Silly Sideshow! Did you know this was in Magic Kingdom? These Fantasyland stations each have both AC and USB outlets available to charge your mobile device. Keep in mind that you must bring your own cables. Their locations are provided on the map! ©Disney Also on the map, you can find Water Bottle Refill Stations! Water bottle refill station in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge There are SEVERAL located all over the Disney World Resort — including at the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Wide World of Sports Resort Area. ©Disney Knowing where these stations are before your trip is useful, but it’s also quite simple to search for them on your app’s map and just head to the closest one when you’re out and about! Water Bottle Refill Station By TRON All in all, the moral of the story here is that when in doubt, plug your search into the app! My Disney Experience is packed with useful information that can really aid you during your Disney World trip. Best of all, THE APP IS FREE, so use it as much as you’d like! We visit Disney World every day, picking up all kinds of tips and tricks, so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest Disney World hacks! But Did You Know You Could Do THIS in the Disney World App?! 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 Let us know your favorite Disney World app feature in the comments below! The post This Disney World App Hack Is a Gamechanger…But NOBODY Is Using It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars Revenge of the Sith is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and there’s a whole new Starbucks and Corkcicle tumbler collection online now. Star Wars Nite! Disney’s just released a new line of tumblers in various designs that are perfect for the Sith-loyal in your home. Let’s take a look at a few of the designs that really caught our attention! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Bring home the Revenge of the Sith Corkcicle tumbler! ©Disney This stainless steel Corkcicle tumbler and straw is one of our favorite styles (and for good reason)! While we obviously love the Star Wars design on the outside, the features of the tumbler are what will make this purchase worth it. It’s triple insulated which means its capable of keeping your drink cold for up to 12 hours, leak-proof with easy-grip flat sides and a non-slip silicone bottom. It’s also cupholder friendly making it super portable everywhere you go! View on Amazon Or, maybe you prefer your tumbler with a handle! ©Disney If a different kind of Corkcicle tumbler design speaks to you, look no further than the travel tumbler. Also part of the Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 20th Anniversary Collection, this travel tumbler’s design features the same triple insulation, flat sides for a better grip, and an easy-carry handle. Another difference here you’ll notice is instead of a taller straw, Corkcicle has traded it out for a high-flow tritan straw to fit the design and handle better. View on Amazon Don’t forget to snag this Starbucks Darth Vader tumbler, too! ©Disney Part of the Star Wars Starbucks tumbler collection, feast your gaze on this gem! Starbucks has teamed up with Disney to bring you a brand new Star Wars steel travel tumbler featuring Darth Vader, Death Star and the Imperial Crest designs along its enameled exterior. We immediately were drawn in by the ombre red color grading, and you might be surprised to find the translucent red ”lightsaber” straw with a sculpted ”lightsaber hilt” straw cap. 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 New Star Wars Tumbler Collection Just Released Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The first animals have joined the tanks at the upcoming Sea Life Florida Aquarium in Winter Haven. Among the initial inhabitants are a black-tip reef shark named Pretzel, who was born and raised in a Sea Life attraction in Oberhausen, Germany. “It’s a whole team effort, from transport logistics to habitat checks. A lot goes on behind the scenes to make sure animal arrival is smooth and safe,” Marie Collins, regional head of conservation welfare and education, said in a video released by the attraction. The aquarium will operate adjacent to Legoland Florida theme park in Polk County. Both are owned by Britain-based Merlin Entertainments Group, which also runs Madame Tussauds and Orlando Eye in Icon Park. An aquarist transfers fish into a tank at Sea Life Florida Aquarium. (Sea Life Florida Aquarium)The Winter Haven aquarium will feature more than 3,000 marine animals, including stingrays and big-belly seahorses. It will feature 25 interactive exhibits plus a 180-degree ocean tunnel that travels beneath sea life. The new attraction won’t have a Lego theme but will include a “Theme Park Under the Sea” display “We’ll continue to welcomes species in the weeks ahead as we build towards opening day,” Collins said. The grand opening is now scheduled for June 6; its website says a “soft opening” will launch May 23. For more information, go to visitsealife.com. 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

Jeff Polk was born and raised in Orlando, but he didn’t daydream about running a new theme park one day. Despite flirtations with being a professional clarinet player, dabbling in multiple majors at UCF and an early park gig selling fish food, Polk today is executive vice president and general manager of Epic Universe, the first theme park to open in Orlando in a generation. He started working at Universal Orlando in 1990. For the past eight years, he has been focused on making Epic Universe a reality. The park’s official grand opening arrives May 22. In retrospect, there were signs from his childhood living on Lake Conway. At around age 7, he produced puppet shows for neighborhood kids, and he’d use a wagon tied to his tricycle to transport audience members, a sort of shuttle starter set. “I didn’t carry any of that, really, forward in my mind, other than I enjoyed the aspect of putting this whole thing together but then having a creative endeavor in the end,” Polk said during an interview at the Atlantic restaurant, which sits near the center of Epic Universe. “If I look back on it now, that is what this is,” he said. As a teenager, he landed a job at SeaWorld Orlando. He swept sidewalks, worked on rides and interacted with park guests. “Like many folks that grew up in Orlando, that’s kind of where you end up — because there’s tens of thousands of people working in theme parks,” Polk said. After graduating from Orlando’s Oak Ridge High School, he enrolled at the University of Central Florida with a double major in music performance and civil engineering, then considered photojournalism and computer science. Eventually, he played in the UCF wind ensemble and pondered a career as a professional musician. “But I also was a math kid, and I liked engineering,” he said. While enrolled at UCF, he started working at Universal. It was the opening year of Universal Studios theme park. “I started working as an operations supervisor, and it took over my life. … I was here 15 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time when we were opening,” Polk said. “1990 was a great learning experience.” He was promoted to run the front gate of the park. “I sold fish out of an igloo cooler at SeaWorld. That was the extent of my cash-handling expertise,” Polk said. He suspects that his bosses admired his even-headedness. “It takes a lot to get me really wound up,” he said. “I think they kind of liked that, especially in a business at that time. … It was exploding in every direction.” Work-life disrupted his higher education, spreading his UCF studies over nine years, he said. “I was in the whole ‘U Can’t Finish’ category – and it was true,” he said. Polk’s career path took him to Universal projects in Japan and Dubai. After returning to Orlando, he had a stint at Wet ‘n’ Wild water park in preparation for the development and opening of Volcano Bay water park, where he was general manager. A few months after Volcano Bay debuted, he joined Team Epic. “I’ve become kind of the park-opener guy now, I guess,” Polk said. Jeff Polk, general manager of Epic Universe, talks about the theme park at Atlantic restaurant. He has balanced artistic interests with engineering and operational ones in his Universal roles. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)He was embedded with the creative design team, and he started “programming” the park, he said. That included essential questions and details both mega and mundane, such as the width of sidewalks, a modernized front-gate experience, interaction with the on-site hotel, the capacity of ride queues and the look of restrooms. His background in the arts and engineering plus previous parks experience have helped him in his roles. “I’m taking all of these creative endeavors where I have opinions about the colors of things and the looks of things and how they make you feel,” Polk said. “But I also am very into ‘What is the chemical composition of that pool water? And where does that water go when it goes down that drain?’” As Epic geared up, he was coordinating several experts in entertainment, merchandise, food, retail, technology and other fields, he said. “I always tell the creative team, I’m here to help you get what you want in a way that we can provide to the consumer … and we can maintain it and operate but at the same time delivering a creative experience,” he said. In the weeks leading up to Epic’s opening, Polk took morning walking tours of the Epic grounds, making visual progress reports. He liked what he saw. “When we go build something new, we usually feel good if we’re at 70-75% of what we really envisioned,” he said. “This park is at like 95 to almost close to 100% of what we envisioned.” Epic Universe visitors take in the surroundings of the Super Nintendo World. during a preview day for the park. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)His happy places inside Epic Universe are spots where, for the first time, visitors see Super Nintendo World or How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. “My satisfaction comes out of this place, and seeing it grow into what it is,” he said. But wait, there’s more, Polk said. “We have a lot of stuff we want to do here over the next five, 10 years and to make it even better,” he said. “It’s never finished. So, for me, it’s just unfinished business.” 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. Next Sunday Coming Sunday, May 18 for Orlando Sentinel subscribers only, a special section introducing Florida’s newest theme park. View the full article

We’ve been fortunate enough to visit Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe several times now, and we’ve tried to bring you along for each and every trip before the park officially opens on May 22nd. Isle of Berk in Epic Universe We’ve explored all five lands, but more importantly, we’ve explored all the restaurants and checked out everything you can eat and drink in Epic Universe, too (which is OBVIOUSLY very important). However, when we visited How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, we immediately found what instantly became one of our new favorite snacks, the Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone, at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel. Well, we’ve got some great news — it just got easier to grab that snack! The Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone is creamy mac and cheese with Goldfish crackers served in a crunchy bread cone, sort of like the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese in a Bread Cone that you can get in Disney California Adventure in Cars Land. The Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone, which costs $11.99, is DELICIOUS with a nice creamy mac & cheese, crunchy Goldfish crackers, and a bread cone that would put Olive Garden breadsticks to shame. SO GOOD, y’all. But there was one problem: it was only available at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel. Y’all. We Can’t EVEN Well, that has changed! You can also now grab the Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone at Spit Fyre Grill, also in Isle of Berk. So if there’s a long line at Hooligan’s, just head on over to Spit Fyre Grill instead — it’s also available via Mobile Order there, unlike at Hooligan’s. So now getting that delicious snack is even easier! Note that the other two cones from Hooligan’s are also available at Spit Fyre Grill via Mobile Order: the PB&J Mac & Cheese Cone and the Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone. Spit Fyre Grill So if you’re visiting Epic Universe and want to grab this snack, you have two options to get it quickly. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Read our Full Review of the Goldfish Mac & Cheese Here Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you been to an early preview of Epic Universe and tried this snack? Give us your take on it in the comments! The post ALERT! We Have BIG Epic Universe Snack News To Share! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The brand-new How to Train Your Dragon live-action film is soaring into theaters on June 13th — and Regal is turning it into a full-blown event with the reveal of an epic new popcorn bucket to match! ©Universal/Dreamworks Snack lovers and dragon trainers, gather ‘round — here’s a first look at what we think we’ll be everyone’s favorite movie companion (because it sure is for us)! Regal has revealed that they turned Toothless into a popcorn bucket, and it’s soaring straight into our must-have list. Inspired by everyone’s favorite Night Fury, this Toothless popcorn bucket features his adorably big green eyes and sleek wings, ready for flight. The popcorn is conveniently stored inside his mouth, making it look like he’s enjoying a nice little movie snack himself. ©Regal This isn’t just a popcorn bucket (or a cute little buddy who’s already stolen our hearts) — it’s the ultimate collectible to celebrate the film’s release and an epic snack bowl that’ll take your movie nights at home to the next level. You can grab the Toothless popcorn bucket at Regal theaters starting on June 13th. And if we know anything about popcorn buckets, we guess this is going to fly off the shelf, so be sure to act fast, as supplies are limited. ©Universal And if you’re a big Toothless fan (honestly, who isn’t?) you can also take your love for the adorable Night Fury to the next level by meeting him and Hiccup over at Isle of Berk at Epic Universe! For all the latest in movie news and beyond, stay tuned to us here on DFB! A Definitive Ranking of Everything To Do at How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk 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 hoping to snag this Toothless popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! The post Step Aside, Disney! This Is Officially Our Favorite Popcorn Bucket to EVER Exist first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article