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Okay, a LOT is going on in Magic Kingdom right now. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Soon, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will close to make way for a new Cars expansion in Frontierland. Then a Disney Villains-themed land is coming to the park. There’s a brand new nighttime parade on the way. PLUS, a classic ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is getting a massive refurbishment…speaking of which, we saw some very important testing happening at the ride recently — and we’re going to tell you why it matters. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January for what will be at least a year-long refurbishment. During that time, we’ve seen some massive construction happening at the ride, including the removal and replacement of the ride’s track (does this mean it’s going to be smoother?). However, we recently saw some ride testing that is VERY important. Take a close look at this photo and you’ll see a special kind of ride vehicle. See the ride vehicle? Well, it turns out these vehicles have a very important job. They’re called ride envelope testing vehicles, and they’re meant to check ride safety and clearance. So, basically, these testing vehicles have one job: they have these sort of extenders that reach out from their frame and act as the maximum reach of riders. This makes sure that nothing on the ride extends into that maximum reach area. So these testing vehicles are there to keep you safe. We also spotted some yellow testing units on the track. These are used to figure out things like weight loads, ride dynamics, track alignment, and more. So it looks like Disney is busy testing out the new parts of the track that have been laid down for the ride. Chassis testing unit So what does this all mean? Well, testing generally means we’re getting closer to the end of a refurbishment, although there’s probably still more to be done. Disney has said that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen “with a little bit of new magic,” so it could be getting more updates than just the new track. We’re not sure what this means, but we’re hoping for those cool projection effects you get on the ride in Disneyland. Still more work to be done We’ll be keeping an eye on construction progress on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Why Is It Taking Disney World a Full Year to Refurbish Big Thunder Mountain? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? What changes or additions would you like to see to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World Is Doing Ride Envelope Testing at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – and Here’s Why It’s a Big Deal first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Magic Kingdom is already getting ready for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and fans are getting excited! Halloween at Magic Kingdom! Disney just announced the dates for the exclusive party not too long ago. They then followed that up with an announcement that prices will be increasing this year. Due to the price increasing, we wanted to help you find the best dates to go by informing you which dates to avoid. As you can see, there has been a lot of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party talk going on! We’ve got Halloween on the brain, and we’re not the only ones. ONE DAY after tickets went on sale to the general public, tickets are already sold out on an important day this fall. It seems like the price increase did not bother Disney fans, because Halloween night is already SOLD OUT! Tickets just went on sale on May 22nd, and literally within hours, Halloween was already booked and gone. If you go to buy tickets online, you’ll see that October 31st is unavailable. Halloween is booked! It comes as no surprise that fans want to get out to the Magic Kingdom on Halloween night. The 31st is typically the first night to sell out when tickets go on sale, combined with the fact that it lands on a Friday this year, and everyone had to hop on the tickets fast! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins on August 15th and will happen on select nights through October 31st. Pricing ranges from $119 all the way to $229 — $229 being the price on Halloween Eve and day. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey and his pals are bringing the Halloween bash back to the Magic Kingdom once again! The exclusive party will offer guests special character meet-and-greets, shows, treats, and much more! Guests can enter the party as early as 4 PM. However, the event usually starts at 7 PM and runs until midnight. Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets purchased will include entrance to the party, exclusive character meet-and-greets, several trick or treat spots with FREE candy, and one of the most popular nighttime parades EVER. Your ticket will not give you all-day access to the Magic Kingdom — you would need a separate park ticket for that. Jack and Sally in 2024 We’re expecting the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party talk to continue to pick up speed, so we’re going to be on the lookout for more news dropped by Disney. Be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog to stay up to date on all the latest! FULL LIST of Dates to AVOID Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING: Disney World’s 9 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket SOLD OUT One Day After Going on Sale first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to get EPIC! Epic Universe Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is FINALLY HERE, and theme park aficionados are set to descend on the Orlando Resort’s third theme park in record numbers. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to stock up on the essentials, including a NEW Loungefly. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Butterbeer Loungefly ©Amazon As has become the norm for Universal, the Wizarding World is a major part of Epic Universe, including Butterbeer! Immortalize the iconic drink with this themed Loungefly, which features wood-textured & twill-textured faux leather construction, a sturdy top handle, zippered front pocket, side drop pockets, gold foil, appliqué, debossed, scented, and printed details, molded metal charm & silicone zipper charm, and coordinated interior lining. SHOP HERE Harry Potter Spring Loungefly ©Amazon Another Potter option, this Loungefly features “cartoonified” takes on classic Potter characters, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and Snape. The bag features vegan leather construction, an adjustable padded strap, a sturdy top handle, gold-colored metal hardware, printed and molded metal charm details, and coordinated interior lining. SHOP HERE Bride of Frankenstein Loungefly ©Amazon If you’re more into Dark Universe than more Potter, this epic (no, we couldn’t resist) Bride of Frankenstein Loungefly may be more up your alley. The bag features vegan leather construction, an adjustable padded strap, a sturdy top handle, artwork on the side panels, gunmetal-colored hardware, appliqué, printed, embroidered, silicone charm, embossed, and gold-foil details, and coordinated interior lining. SHOP HERE If you want a new Loungefly for your Epic Universe trip, make sure to head over to Amazon ASAP. Stay tuned to DFB for more Universal finds! Searching for more Epic Universe Essentials? Head to our Amazon Storefront ASAP!The post 3 NEW Loungefly Backpacks Everyone Will Be Wearing to Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A LOT of exciting new things are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure First, a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land is on the way. THEN, the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The park is also getting two BRAND NEW SHOWS, including Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (which we recently got a preview of in Disney World) and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, with both shows opening on May 27th. Well, Disney World recently dropped some NEW photos of the Little Mermaid show! The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will be a retelling of Ariel’s story from the animated The Little Mermaid movie. Expect to see a lot of familiar faces, including Ariel, Prince Eric, Max, Flounder, Sebastian, Ursula, and more. Disney even recently confirmed that Ariel’s sisters will also appear in the show. Now, let’s take a look at some of the photos Disney just dropped for the show. So here’s the “Under The Sea” number: ©Disney Okay, first, we are SHOCKED because this looks almost EXACTLY like the concept art for the show Disney released for the number: ©Disney Um…Disney, YOU NAILED IT. The show will use a combination of digital effects and puppets to bring Ariel’s story to life. Here’s another photo Disney just released of “Kiss The Girl,” which is making its debut in the new show (the previous Little Mermaid show in Hollywood Studios didn’t have it!). ©Disney Here’s a closer look at Ariel and her costume, as well as Flounder. look at this stuff…isn’t it neat? ©Disney We also got a sneak peek of Ariel’s scene with Ursula when she gives up her voice for legs. Ursula is looking pretty terrifying here. ©Disney We’ll be checking out the show in Hollywood Studios as soon as we can, so we’ll give you a full rundown and even MORE photos at some point, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney Reveals Lightning Lane Rules and SHOWTIMES for NEW Little Mermaid Attraction in Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be checking out this show soon? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK at the New ‘Little Mermaid’ Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s the best way to experience Epic Universe’s most popular rides? Where can you pick up the most exclusive piece of portal merch? How do you avoid lines for those super popular snacks? What are the best seats on the rides? Petit Cakes We’re uncovering the biggest secrets we’ve found throughout Epic Universe today on DFB Guide! Check out our video below: SECRETS of Epic Universe Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: SECRETS of Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT has long as a reputation as Disney World’s best theme park from a culinary standpoint, with a litany of dining options. EPCOT While the sheer number of restaurants, especially comparatively pricey table-service locations, at the park can be overwhelming. However, there are some ways you can enjoy a table service meal at the park without breaking the bank. La Crêperie de Paris First, let’s check out one of the best options for a single diner in the World Showcase: The $39.95 prix fixe at La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion. La Crêperie de Paris For just under $40, this meal provides a choice of soup or salad, one galette (a savory buckwheat crêpe… La Crêperie de Paris Menu …one dessert crêpe (of the sweet variety, with filling options including chocolate and fruit)… La Crêperie de Paris and a glass of hard cider, soda, or juice. Note in those images the a la carte prices for the galettes and the crêpes, which revealed just how big a deal the $40 prix fixe truly is. Via Napoli This next option is better suited for groups of 4-5 people. Prosciutto e Melone pizza Via Napoli’s Metro Mezzo pizzas offer a filling pie that can be split amongst the group, coming to roughly $10-$15 per person, depending on selection. The restaurant’s current Metro Mezzo offerings include: Carciofi Pizza – white pizza – artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, truffle oil – $58.00 Capricciosa Pizza – tomato sauce, mozzarella parmacotto ham, olives, artichokes, mushrooms, oregano – $58.00 Margherita Pizza – tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil – $48.00 Prosciutto e Melone Pizza – white pizza, fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantaloupe, arugula – $58.00 Quattro Formaggi Pizza – white pizza, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, provolone – $57.00 Meat Lover Pizza – tomato sauce, mozzarella, Italian spicy sausage, pancetta, parmacotto ham, pepperoni – $60.00 Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria If you’re looking to have a table service meal at EPCOT while holding to a bit of a budget, these are some of your best options. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney dining tips. 4 Rules You’re Accidentally Breaking in EPCOT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you tried either of these EPCOT dining options? Let us know in the comments below! The post We Reviewed the Cheapest Sit Down Dinner You Can Get in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe is officially open! Universal’s brand-new theme park opened on May 22nd, 2025, and now a Universal Hotel perk officially starts today, May 23rd! Epic Universe Staying at a Universal hotel offers several perks, including complimentary transportation and Early Park Admission. If you are staying at a Signature Collection hotel, you can also take advantage of Universal Express Unlimited. And the perks just got even better, as Early Park Admission now has more options! Epic Universe opened with a bang — literally, they shot off daytime fireworks to open the park yesterday! However, there was a hotel perk that was missing on grand opening day that is now available. Guests staying at Universal hotels can now take advantage of Early Park Admission at Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Early Park Admission was available during previews, but it wasn’t offered on the grand opening day. However, the perk has now returned as of May 23rd, and hotel guests can enjoy an extra hour inside Epic Universe before other guests are allowed in. If you are staying at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, you can even take advantage of a special entrance into Epic Universe! Universal Helios Grand Hotel During previews, guests could ride Stardust Racers and the Super Nintendo World attractions: Yoshi’s Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Mine-Cart Madness. Of course, attractions are still subject to availability, and not all attractions might be operational during the Early Park Admission window. Mine-Cart Madness Early Park Admission is currently available at Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. With this exclusive hotel perk, you can get into the park one hour before it opens to all guests. However, be sure to check Universal’s park hours, as the parks included could change. As well, only certain attractions will be available during the Early Park Admission window. Celestial Park in Epic Universe At Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Ollivanders, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be available. At Volcano Bay, Honu of the Honu, Ika Moana, ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana, Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, and the Waturi Wave Pool will be available. Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Epic Universe 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 all your Epic Universe news! Check out our reviews and photos of the FOOD at Epic Universe! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you used Early Park Admission at Epic Universe yet? Let us know about your experience in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: A Universal Hotel Perk Officially Starts TODAY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Caught in the act of almost turning #CinderellaCastle into a roll of chaos 😉 🧻 #LiloAndStitchView the full article

When you create stage shows that star a flying dragon and a menagerie of fantastic beasts, you need to set your creative sights high. That’s what Universal Orlando did when it devised the two theatrical productions at its new Epic Universe theme park, which opened Thursday. The park’s How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk section is home to “The Untrainable Dragon,” a stage show that features characters from the popular TV and film franchise — which has a new live-action film premiering in June. The 1920s Paris setting of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic area is where to find “Le Cirque Arcanus,” full of the magical critters from the “Fantastic Beasts” movie series. An artistic goal of the new park is to make visitors feel a part of the legendary environments they are exploring, and the entertainment offerings are key in doing just that, said Anitra Pritchard, senior manager of entertainment operations show direction, casting and creative support. “I just hope the guests feel a connection in whatever world they’re immersed in,” she told the Orlando Sentinel during the Epic Universe media preview this week. A strongman act in "Le Cirque Arcanus," a show in the Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic themed land at Universal Epic Universe, involves cube juggling, as seen May 21. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)Some 10,000 audition videos were reviewed to cast the complement of artists needed for the new park, she said: “You’re looking for people who want to be fully devoted and immersed with our guests.” About 800 artists were ultimately cast, all of whom are “multi-skilled,” she said. They include walk-around characters and musicians, such as a strolling violinist-storyteller, whom visitors might encounter. In the Dark Universe section of the park, which incorporates classic movie monsters, you could come face to face with Frankenstein’s Monster, his Bride, eccentric doctor’s assistant Ygor or the Invisible Man. Performers in such roles rely on improvisational acting skills to maintain the verisimilitude of guest encounters. And they aren’t shy. A giggling Ygor was observed demanding a guest assist him in putting on some medical gear. And as the heavily bandaged Invisible Man passed by one awestruck visitor, he snapped “What are you looking at?” The Invisible Man is seen (get it?) in the Dark Universe section of Universal Epic Universe on May 21. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)Such performance-based interactive moments can make memories for guests as strong as, if not stronger, than their experiences on roller coasters and other rides. About 20 artists perform in the 19-minute “The Untrainable Dragon,” Pritchard said, with many more backstage technicians also contributing. “It takes a huge crew to support what we do onstage,” she said. Humans and dragons perform together in "The Untrainable Dragon" stage show at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, part of Universal Epic Universe, as seen May 20 during a media preview. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Based on the “Untrainable” show at Universal’s Beijing park, the show tells the story of an angry dragon who disrupts the dragon-egg hatchery established in the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies’ locale of Berk. The dragon’s recalcitrance makes Hiccup, our young Viking hero, feel like a failure. But helpmate Astrid is there to buck him up. So is his faithful dragon, Toothless, who makes a spectular flying entrance — all 1,157 pounds of him, with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet. “The message and the story are filled with heart,” Pritchard said, “Dragons and Vikings can live together in perfect harmony.” Helping tell the story are a pair of drummers, a pair of singers, a troupe of dancers and assorted stunt people. The humans interact with technology, including the flying dragon and giant video-screen effects. Related Articles Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a 300-minute wait) Epic Universe: Know before you go Timeline: A rolling history of Central Florida’s attractions industry Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences Pictures: A look inside Epic Universe ahead of grand opening Universal has experience with this type of combo stage-and-screen show, of course. In “The Bourne Stuntacular” at Universal Studios, for example, live performers similarly perform stunts and otherwise interact with video images on a moving stage. The “Cirque Arcanus” (pronounced are-can-NEW) show also uses “advanced technology,” as Pritchard called it, to create dramatic effects. But the problem with complicated technology, of course, is it can go wrong During the media previews, both shows suffered technological problems “The Untrainable Dragon” canceled at least one of its performances, and “Le Cirque Arcanus” ground to a halt partway through one performance after a malfunction involving its moving stage. “Le Cirque Arcanus” follows the adventure of Gwenlyn, an employee of the circus who stumbles upon a mysterious suitcase — one the dastardly ringmaster has taken from Newt Scamander, the “magizoologist” who serves as the protagonist of the “Forbidden Beast” films. She has to uncover the mystery of the suitcase and stand up for what is right — with an assist from Newt. Actor Eddie Redmayne reprises his film role and appears via video projection. A villainous ringmaster meets a fantastic beast during a May 21 performance of "Le Cirque Arcanus" at Universal Epic Universe. (Willie Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)But not even Redmayne’s star power can pull the spotlight away from the magical beasts themselves, who are the real attraction. “It is like no other,” Pritchard said of the show, which runs a little under 25 minutes. Before the plot really jumps into high gear, the audience watches actual demonstrations of circus arts: A strong man performs cube juggling, and there’s an act with smoke-filled bubble magic. Pritchard said the actors received training in the specialty skills, and while the park’s performers were cast from around the world, many were found right here. Performers portray humans and fanatastic beasts in "Le Cirque Arcanus" at Universal Epic Universe, as seen during a May 21 media preview of the stage show. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)“We have such an amazing talent pool in Central Florida,” she said. Assembling the large entertainment contingent has been a project three years in the making. “It flew by, it really did,” said Pritchard, adding that the payoff is now watching the guests’ reaction to the entertainment. “It has been so emotional for all of us, with such a sense of pride,” she said. “It has been such a journey, one that for me I will never forget.” Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter. View the full article

“You have to try the Labotocotta,” Robert Martinez Jr. tells me. “The what now?” He laughs. “The Labotocotta,” he repeats. Das Stakehaus features dining in the setting of an old dining hall within Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe. It's where you'll find the Labotocotta. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)We are sitting inside the soaring space at Mead Hall, the most epically designed dining space in the How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk world at Epic Universe. And on this morning, the space that perfectly captures the town-hall essence of this whimsical Viking world, so beloved by fans, feels surreal for many reasons. For one thing, Martinez points out, he and everyone else here have been working on the park (four parks in one, really, not counting the gorgeous centrally located Celestial Park, the sun around which these worlds orbit) for seven years. “I still don’t think I’ve taken the proper time to sit down and look at where we are,” he says, gazing up at the ceiling of this massive assembly hall, its art and chandeliers and towering columns creating this world’s culture all around us. For another, this place — save the hours when it is being cleaned and prepped for another day of service — will never be this empty again. My kingdom for a not-too-sweet theme park cocktail! Celestial Park's CelesTiki bar won me over with this Waturi Punch, made fresh before my very eyes. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)Even as a few dozen people mill around, most of the Viking-heavy seats are empty, the massive tables bare. It is a singular moment. The park has been soft-opened for a while now, allowing peeks to trickle out, allowing some food items to enjoy early success in social media posts gone viral — but in roughly 48 hours, the throngs will be here, testing every aspect of the culinary teams’ collective work: creative, production, logistics, all of it. The Labotocotta, he explains, is a dessert in the Dark Universe world, one that perfectly encapsulates a word that he and every other member of the food and beverage team I will engage has on repeat: it is IMMERSIVE. “It sounds like it’s an easy task when you say it out loud, but to truly dig deep into the stories, to know what to put on menus, to sometimes use constraint and know what not to put on menus, it’s challenging,” Martinez explains. There is so much incredible theming going on with food and drink at Epic, it's near-impossible to pick a favorite, but these caramel pears, designed as turkey legs, at How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk are definitely a contender. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)“Our one true intent at Epic Universe is to make sure that guests are truly immersed in the world they are visiting.” The Labotocotta, a Greek yogurt vanilla panna cotta brain with bloodlike raspberry sauce and crispy bits that may or may not be the shattered skull fragments of an unwitting human caught unawares while stumbling around the world’s town of Darkmoor, does a good job of it. Bonus points for the chuckle-worthy name. For two days I was immersed here and in the other worlds of Epic Universe. Here are some of my favorite tastes, whether on my palate or off the creative palettes of the top-shelf F&B team Universal has assembled. The newest Wizarding World experience takes us to 1920s Paris, as does the quick-service venue Le Goblet Noir, where the Jägerschnitzel is a favorite of Sueann Cotache, Epic Universe vice president of food and beverage. She knows her stuff. We loved it, too. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)Jägerschnitzel, Le Goblet Noir, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic This was a recommendation I might not have tried save the effusive input from Sueann Cotache, vice president of food and beverage for Epic Universe. Here, in what was likely one of the most anticipated worlds Epic Universe would offer, most have flocked to the large and truly, truly stunning Café L’air De La Sirène to try the butterbeer crepes, but across the way, tucked into an alley, lies another quick-service venue Cotache calls “a sleeper hit,” Le Goblet Noir, and a crispy-fried pork schnitzel that’s gravy-slathered and served with frites. A staffer who I came with dispatched the rest after my taste, which was, as Cotache promised, quite delicious. “I don’t think you’re going to find a better schnitzel than that,” she said. It’s a good’n. The Lobe Blaster from Ministry of Magic may be more oft Instagrammed, but the Fleur 75 (London dry gin, elderflower liqueur, brut sparkling wine, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon spiral) gets my pick for Bar Moonshine's most sippable. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)Fleur 75, Bar Moonshine, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic While we’re here in 1920s Paris (and while we’re amid the pre-summer’s first heatwave) let’s stroll just over to the quaint Bar Moonshine where the Lobe Blaster’s wild look has garnered the absinthe-tinged cocktail some viral buzz, but where I’ll take the Fleur 75’s light and bubbly cooling properties (London dry gin, elderflower liqueur, brut sparkling wine, lemon juice, simple syrup and a fetching lemon spiral) any day of the week. The Donkey Kong Crush Float is an Instagrammable sensation, in particular in the mug upgrade you can keep, and as refreshing as it looks with dueling pineapple and banana flavors. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)DK Crush Float, The Bubbly Barrel, Super Nintendo World Now, if you want cool, refreshing and something that will deliver a serious dose of envy to your social media friends and followers, this is one of the ones to beat, especially if you go for the souvenir mug upgrade. Here, a spiral mountain of pineapple soft serve is mingled with banana atop a foundation of pineapple soda. Tucked into a waffle bowl and studded with caramel popcorn it’s a stellar Venn diagram of where “theme” and “delicious” overlap. "Peach is her name but it doesn't define her." Quite possibly the best answer to any question I've ever asked a Universal Orlando Resort chef. This is Princess Peach's Cake, available at the Toadstool Cafe inside Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Princess Peach’s Cake, Toadstool Cafe, Super Nintendo World “Peach is her name, but it doesn’t define her,” says Christopher Colon, executive sous chef of research and development for Universal Orlando Resort. This, after I point out with some disappointment that the gorgeous cake I couldn’t wait to try (bring friends, the menu says it “serves 3 to 4” but we found it served four with a slice leftover), has no actual peach in it. At all. Touché, chef. It’s a great answer. And a great cake, actually — simple, moist, yellow cake with whipped topping, fresh raspberries, apple bits and beautiful white chocolate star theming and a cookie letter from her Highness herself — but still, the name. Arts writer and theater critic Matthew J. Palm agreed with me. We ate every bit our our slices, though, while we armchair quarterbacked all the pastry chef decisions. C’mon. Those apples on top could have been peaches, couldn’t they? They could have. But the cake is solid. A plant-based comfort food wins on all levels, "Our Favorite Vegan Familiar's Stuffed Cabbage" at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe, like the Lobotocotta, offers up brain-and-guts vibes. This dish features Impossible meat wrapped in cabbage leaves, served in a bell pepper tomato sauce and accompanied by beet bucatini. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage, Das Stakehaus, Dark Universe “Vampires have been alive forever,” Martinez theorizes. “They know what the good things in life are. We call it ‘vampiric elegance.'” Supposedly these ideas went into all kinds of things at the Das Stakehause quick-service venue, which was built atop centuries-old catacombs and looks every inch of it, with spooky details that go right down to the blood-red floor. Vampires, though, don’t eat food. They eat people. And some people who come to theme parks don’t even eat animals. And for them (and people who just want something good that’s lighter), there’s this plant-based offering of Impossible-stuffed cabbage and beet bucatini, in a bell pepper tomato sauce. It’s a dish that not only does that immersive thing quite well (it appears as a brain atop squishy, guts-like noodles) but ticks an Eastern Euro box, as well. And that’s where vamps were born. I know vegan fare isn’t for everyone, but I really liked this dish and would get it again if I were looking for something hearty enough to fuel the L20 sprints required to outrun the Wolfman. Hiccup's Salmon Bowl at Spit Fyre Grill was my hands-down favorite of all the things I tasted at Epic Universe. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)Hiccup’s Salmon Bowl, Spit Fyre Grill, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Dragon-flamed deliciousness is afoot at this outdoor dining venue where ample shaded seating is the spot to enjoy this dish, quite possibly the best thing I have ever eaten at a theme park. Yes, it’s THAT GOOD. “We needed a salmon dish,” says Colon, who watched and rewatched the film during development. He has three little girls at home. “It’s a direct tie to the movie, that great scene where Hiccup is making a peace offering to Toothless … he throws him a piece of salmon and it’s their first moment of trust.” This is a dish that will make you trust the culinary team. Grilled citrus salmon, beautifully done, sits atop ancient grains, with crunchy jícama slaw and thin-sliced red onion, blistered cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, topped with really nice avocado crema. The best thing I ate while on the property. And seriously, I ate a lot. Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group. More on Epic Universe Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe A rolling history of Central Florida’s attractions industry Epic Universe: Know before you go Pictures: Epic Universe’s nighttime celebration goes off with a bang Pictures: Celebrities, VIPs arrive for Epic Universe nighttime celebration Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here’s how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal’s new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park View the full article

We made it, everyone! Today is the GRAND OPENING of Epic Universe! Park entrance The portals are open and welcoming everyone into the Isle of Berk, the Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. We got the chance to be a part of the park’s official opening today, and there were some unexpected things that hit guests — or should we say, THREE unexpected things. We knew today was going to be a full day! Everyone finally had the chance to get on the many rides, and see the many attractions that we had been waiting oh so long for. One ride that fans definitely could not wait for was the ‘jaw-dropping’ Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry! Wizarding World We’ll be completely honest, we were expecting a long wait for this experience. Just a couple of days ago, the Harry Potter ride hit a wait time of as much as 300 minutes following the decision to remove the controversial virtual queue. We’re sure everyone at Epic was expecting the same thing: to be standing for a while. 300 minutes = 5 hours It wouldn’t matter, though, because we all knew it would be worth it. It was opening day, everyone was filled with adrenaline, and fans would be willing to wait however long it took to get on this ride — especially Harry Potter fans! So, fans were prepared for a long line, Epic was prepared for a long line — NOBODY was prepared for this! Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was CLOSED from OPENING to around 3:15 PM! Just to put it into perspective — people were coming to the park at 6 AM, the park opened at 9 AM, so the ride was closed for about 6 hours following the park’s opening. And before that, people were lined up at the portal entrance! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic Team Members did not confirm the reason for the closure. Those situations are so tricky because no one is 100% sure what the right call to make is. Do you hang around the ride and wait for it to be back up? Do you go find something else to do close by, and keep an eye out? What if the ride doesn’t go back up? Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry The first thing we like to do is ask the Team Member at the front of the ride if they know what the issue is. Then we like to ask if it’s a major problem, and how long it may take for the ride to be back up. If they really aren’t sure, we recommend going to find other attractions you want to do, while checking the app every so often. You don’t want to spend all of your Epic Universe day waiting around! Dark Universe Ok, so the Ministry was closed, don’t panic. Well…another popular ride at the park was CLOSED for a little bit as well. Is this opening day bad luck or what!? Monsters Unchained So Battle at the Ministry was closed in the morning, and then Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment closed at around 10 AM! Luckily, Monsters Unchained had reopened by 11 AM, so fans didn’t have to wait too long. But we can totally understand that instant panic that an expensive opening day experience was in jeopardy. Portal Entrance to Super Nintendo World Eventually, Battle at the Ministry was open, and Monsters Unchained was open. Finally, everything was running smoothly. That is until around 5 PM, when Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge closed. Mario Motors store Thankfully, there’s quite a bit to do in Super Nintendo World while you wait for any ride delays in the land. For starters, Super Nintendo World is also home to Donkey Kong Country. There you’ll find the thrilling Mine-Cart Madness. This ride is not to be underestimated! You’ll also find another ride in Nintendo called Yoshi’s Adventure, a ride great for the whole family. Super Nintendo World with a glimpse at Toadstool Cafe If you want to take a break and get something to eat, stop by Toadstool Cafe, The Bubbly Barrel, Yoshi’s Snack Island, or Turbo Boost Treats for a little Super Mario-themed snack. It’s a great way to explore the theme of the land and utilize your time while you wait for a ride to open back up. Celestial Park Both the Wizarding World and the Dark Universe also offer many things to do! If their E-Ticket rides go down, you can always check out what else the land has to offer while you wait; that way, you’re close by when the ride comes back up. Dark Universe offers plenty of places to eat, like Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. They also have a few monster character meet-and-greets, and another ride called Curse of the Werewolf! Whereas, the Wizarding World has places like Café L’Air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir, Bar Moonshine, and a French confectionery shop, K. Rammelle. As well as a must-see show called Le Cirque Arcanus! Welcome to Celestial Park! Unfortunately, no one can predict these kinds of things, as bad as we would love to have perfect park days. All you can do is hope for the best and make do with what you’ve got! We’re going to be talking a lot about Epic Universe, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for all the latest news and updates. Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Were you at Epic Universe on opening day? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 Unexpected Ride Closures Hit Epic Universe Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Passholders, get ready to strike a pose—because Disney just dropped a wickedly fun new perk for the summer! Look at this magnet! As part of this year’s V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days, there are tons of awesome new perks around Disney World for Annual Passholders to take advantage of, and this one is no different. Let’s check it out! From June 15th through July 31st, a PhotoPass photographer will be stationed near the castle walls in Fantasyland (just to the right of Pinocchio Village Haus), offering a Maleficent-themed photo op that’s nothing short of spellbinding. Step into the frame and channel your inner villain, and once the photo is snapped, you’ll find a surprise guest—Diablo, Maleficent’s loyal raven—magically perched in your shot thanks to the power of Disney PhotoPass! Malificent This special Magic Shot is available daily from 3 PM to 9 PM, so make sure to plan around this time if you want to capture the moment. Annual Passholders can also get unlimited digital downloads of all their Disney PhotoPass photos and videos for just $99 plus tax—yep, that’s for the whole year! As long as your Annual Pass is active, you’ll be able to collect and download memories from across the parks. Plus, you’ll score discounts on prints and physical PhotoPass goodies if you’re looking to frame that perfect shot. A PhotoPass Photographer in Magic Kingdom! To take part in this photo op, you’ll need valid admission and either a park reservation for Magic Kingdom or arrive after 2 PM on a day that doesn’t require one—just check for any blockout dates first. Don’t forget to bring your Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand or MagicMobile pass, and a photo ID to verify your Passholder status. Disney World Annual Pass Whether you’re a PhotoPass pro or just love a good themed picture, this exclusive snapshot is a fun (and fierce) way to celebrate your Passholder perks this summer. So grab your horns—or at least your best villain face—and don’t miss this magical (and moody) moment before it vanishes on July 31st! We’re always keeping you updated on the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to us here on DFB! The NEW Disney World Annual Passholder Magnet Is HERE and It Might Be Our Favorite One Yet! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on this new PhotoPass experience? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments! The post Something NEW Is Coming to Magic Kingdom for Annual Passholders in June! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been another week of nonsense and shenanigans, and no, I’m not talking about me… Tiny trains! …I’m talking about the infamous citizens of the Tiny Train Town in EPCOT! Yep, it’s Madam Mayor here, back again for another visit to the itty bitty city in the Germany Pavilion, where the villagers just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Let’s see what they’re up to now! During our last visit to the tiny town, there was a cow murderer on the loose, and this week, it looks like they’ve struck again! Thankfully, we seemed to catch the criminal IN THE ACT. The man visiting this house had already knocked out the owner of the livestock and committed his crime before police arrived on the scene. Don’t worry — he’ll be going away for a long, long time. MORE livestock crimes? In a more lighthearted update, the gentlemen of the retirement home are still waiting for their chessboard to arrive. If you recall, these kind old folks have been trying to start a Chess Club for weeks now, and the town is rallying to gather donations for their supplies — what a great community we have here! The chess club! And in very unfortunate news, our town seems to be going through a period of drought! The water is dried up over at the Johnsons’ farmhouse, where the water well lives. That didn’t stop Old Man Johnson from getting out and working in the hot sun, but we’ll be importing water from Pennsylvania soon (just like our friends over at Via Napoli next door). Pizza water, YAY! A drought?! So that’s a short and sweet update from the tiny town for ya! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from around Disney World. The anarchy within is mostly created by natural occurrences, like giant squirrels, wind, rain, and relatively godzilla-sized lizards who frequent the town; but we find it fun and entertaining to make up fictional stories about what COULD be happening. We are grateful to the folks who create and maintain this Tiny Train Town for Disney World, as it’s one of our favorite parts of EPCOT and always has been. Click Here to Check Out Other Tiny Train Town Shenanigans! 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 visited the Tiny Train Town? Tell us in the comments! The post For the Love of All That Is Good, Will Someone Get These Gentlemen a Chessboard in EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe is officially OPEN to the public! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic We’ve been spending as much time here as we possibly can, making sure we know all the ins and outs of this park so you’re prepared ahead of your first visit. On opening day, things seemed to be going pretty smoothly with relatively low crowds and wait times, except for one thing — the park’s most popular ride didn’t open until six hours AFTER the park did! Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry has been the most popular ride at Epic Universe throughout the preview period, and that pattern continued on the park’s official opening day. But, the ride didn’t actually end up opening until about 3 PM. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Before the park was even officially open, the line for the land’s only ride was already at a whopping 150 minutes and counting. Not too long after, the wait shot up to 300 minutes. While we have already seen this park in technical rehearsal, this is the first day it’s operating at capacity, so waits will likely be higher. The wait time sign first thing this morning. Team Members later confirmed that at one point, no one was allowed in the line, and to check the Universal app for wait times. Once you see the times, then we will know that the ride is back up. But until that happens, it is down. Around 1:30, Universal Team Members started letting people into the Battle at the Ministry queue, but the ride itself was still not open. Line for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry We decided to head over to check out the queue, and while we were walking through it — something miraculous happened. The ride actually opened! Of course, as soon as the word got out, people started rushing toward the ride, and the wait times shot up to 240 minutes almost immediately. This was around 3:30, which means the ride was closed for a whopping six and a half hours. While this is certainly disappointing for the folks in the park today, it’s definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re heading to Epic Universe anytime soon. The park is fully open, but it’s still a new park, which means that there are plenty of things to work out. Battle at the Ministry Not only that, but even when things are running smoothly, things can still happen that require rides to close or shut down for a bit. Sometimes, it happens for hours — like today. Plenty of people in line We’ll be on the lookout for additional updates from Epic Universe and Universal Orlando. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news! Come With Us to EPIC UNIVERSE on OPENING DAY Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning a trip to Epic Universe now that it’s open? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Harry Potter Ride Fails To Open for Over SIX HOURS on Epic Universe Opening Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A SEVENTH ship is joining the Disney Cruise Line! Get ready to welcome the Disney Adventure, which will set sail on her maiden voyage out of Singapore on December 15th, 2025! ©Disney Featuring Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories on board, Disney has called this ship the “biggest adventure yet.” Featuring seven themed areas, the Adventure will “be packed with immersive experiences and entertainment,” and Disney just shared a new look at the staterooms on board the ship! Disney Cruise Line just shared a NEW look at the staterooms on the Disney Adventure, and we’re slightly perplexed. While several of the different room types are gorgeous, we can’t help but think the Inside Staterooms leave a little something to be desired. Of course, these are known for being the cheapest rooms on the ship, but we’re still not sure how they thought this was a good idea. Here’s a look at what the Inside Stateroom looks like from one angle, with the couches still couches… ©Disney …but here’s what the room looks like from another angle, with the couches turned down into beds and one bunk bed pulled down from the wall. We can’t help but feel it looks a little… cramped, to say the least. But, that’s part of the territory when you’re cruising on a budget or just prefer this type of room! ©Disney There’s also a Deluxe Interior stateroom that features a bit more room if you’re in the market for something like that… ©Disney …and some even offer interior views of the reef area on board! ©Disney Some of the regular Oceanview Staterooms also feature the same bunk bed designs, but you do get the added bonus of a window. ©Disney Deluxe Oceanview rooms are also an option, with a little bit more room and a larger picture window. ©Disney If you’re looking for a bit of fresh air on your cruise, you might want to consider booking a Deluxe Verandah room! These rooms feature small balconies with a table and chairs so you can hang out just outside your room. ©Disney If a Deluxe Verandah room is out of your budget, there are regular Verandah rooms with balconies as well. ©Disney And, of course, there are some seriously GORGEOUS Concierge Suites, like this Tiana one! ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for additional updates about the Disney Adventure. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news! EVERYTHING We Know About the Disney Adventure Cruise Ship What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you a fan of Disney Cruises? Tell us in the comments. The post JUST REVEALED: See the Staterooms on the Disney Adventure Cruise Ship first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You’d think with the price tag of a Disney World vacation, the food would always be magical, but that’s not always the case. Disney World We’ve eaten a lot of meals across Disney World — the good, the bad, and the “please don’t ever make us go back there again.” And today, we’re sharing some of the most disappointing, frustrating, or just plain awkward dining experiences we’ve had in the parks and resorts. The good news? We’ve got better alternatives for every single one, so you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way. Let’s get into it. Oga’s Cantina This place LOOKS amazing. You’re stepping into a Star Wars scene, DJ-R3X is spinning tracks, and it feels like an intergalactic party. DJ-R3X But the reality is that it’s cramped, loud, and wildly overpriced for a charcuterie board that barely feeds a Womp Rat. You’ll probably be standing elbow-to-elbow with strangers, chugging a $17 pre-made cocktail with numb-lip foam before your 45-minute time limit runs out. Don’t get us wrong, this place can be really fun and we think it’s good to do at least once but there are more chill spots to snag a drink in the parks. Time to Grab a Drink What to do instead: Head to BaseLine Tap House (also in Hollywood Studios) for a laid-back vibe, better snacks, and actual seating. Or, if you’re up for table service, hit up Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge for quality bites and classic cocktails — no space helmets required. Tony’s Town Square Tony’s should be charming. It’s Lady and the Tramp-themed, it’s on Main Street, and it’s one of the few table-service spots in Magic Kingdom. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant But sadly, it’s more like “Olive Garden: Salt Edition.” Most of the entrees are forgettable, and the prices don’t match the quality. Yes, we love the Mozzarella Sticks for the Table (order that and you might be okay), but this spot doesn’t blow us away. They’re a foot long! What to do instead: If you want Italian-style comfort food, make the monorail trip over to Trattoria al Forno at the BoardWalk. It’s a better experience all around. Or stay in the park and mobile order from Columbia Harbour House — lighter, fresher, and cheaper. Coral Reef Restaurant This one’s a heartbreaker. Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT has stunning aquarium views, but the food just doesn’t live up to the ambiance. Coral Reef It’s hit or miss (emphasis on the miss), and with EPCOT offering so many better options, this one’s tough to justify unless you’ve got kids who are mesmerized by sea turtles. What to do instead: Want seafood? Go to The Boathouse in Disney Springs. Want something that’ll still entertain the kiddos? Try Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion — dinner and a show, with hibachi chefs that’ll win over any picky eater. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Pecos Bill used to be a reliable, fun, quick-service spot with a LEGENDARY toppings bar. Pecos Bill But those glory days are gone. Now? The toppings bar is a sad memory, the menu feels more like a theme park Taco Bell, and the food just doesn’t wow. If you’re desperate and on a budget, it’ll fill you up. But otherwise, you’ll want to move right along. Double Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger What to do instead: Go to Skipper Canteen if you want something adventurous and different. Or, for better quick service, Columbia Harbour House once again comes in clutch. Bonus: It’s usually easier to find a quiet table upstairs away from the crowds. BoardWalk Pizza Window This one’s a late-night trap. You’re tired, you’re hungry, you’re walking back from EPCOT, and hey, look — pizza! But don’t let the hunger goggles fool you. Pizza Window This is some of the most basic, cafeteria-style pizza you’ll find on Disney property. It’s not offensive. But it’s not a standout, either. What to do instead: If you’re craving pizza, walk over to Via Napoli in EPCOT. Yes, it’ll require a little more effort, but you’ll actually enjoy your slice instead of regretting it halfway through. Turf Club Lounge This one bums us out because it could be great. It’s got a pool table, drinks, and a few appetizers. But it just feels like a half-hearted sports bar at your uncle’s country club. Turf Club Lounge There’s zero Disney magic here, and unless you’re staying at Saratoga Springs and really want to avoid transportation, you can skip it. What to do instead: Pretty much any other lounge on property. Seriously. Try Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge for lakeside views, great drinks, and legit food. Or Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Coronado Springs for tapas and cocktails with major ambiance. Maya Grill This one’s not a total disaster, but it’s the definition of forgettable. Maya Grill at Coronado Springs serves up decent fajitas and empanadas, but you’ll probably leave thinking, “I’ve had better at home.” If you’re staying at the resort and need something convenient, it’ll do. Otherwise? Not worth the detour. Maya Grill What to do instead: Want margaritas and Mexican food that’ll blow you away? Head to La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT or Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs. More flavor, more fun, and better memories. Moral of the story? Not all Disney dining is created equal. Some places look amazing or carry that nostalgic charm, but once you sit down and get the bill, the magic can disappear real quick. Stick with the hidden gems, do a little research, and don’t be afraid to mobile order or switch up plans last minute if your gut’s telling you to walk away. Keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your Disney news. 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 What’s the worst meal you’ve ever had in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post 7 Nightmare Meals We've Had in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, this might be the cutest way to stay clean ever! The cutest hand sanitizer ever! If you thought hand sanitizers couldn’t be a stylish accessory, think again. Touchland has teamed up with Disney for a brand-new special edition sanitizer that’s practically perfect in every way. Whether you’re heading to the parks, packing your vacay bag, or just trying to get through everyday errands in style, this magical power mist brings the fun to sanitizing. Let’s check it out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Touchland and Disney have teamed up for the ultimate pocket-sized pick-me-up! ©Amazon The Special Edition Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizer Mist is everything we could ever dream of. The Mickey Mouse edition comes in a sleek case with a playful black design inspired by the icon himself. But this version is more than just cute—it’s actually super handy (literally)! The case includes a metal keyring, so you can clip it to your keys, bag, belt loop, or fanny pack. Whether you’re out and about at the parks or running errands, your sanitizer stays right where you need it. ©Amazon But that’s not all. It also smells just as good as it looks! The sanitizer’s fragrance is watermelon meets soft peach, with just a hint of floral. It’s bright, fruity, and feels like the kind of thing you’d happily want to spritz. ©Amazon Touchland’s hand mists have always been a fan favorite thanks to their skin-friendly, fast-drying formula and sleek, stylish bottle. But adding Disney into the mix? Instant magic. Shop from Amazon Let’s be honest—hand sanitizer is a daily essential, but thanks to this fun twist, it’ll add a little bit of whimsy to your day. Whether you’re heading down Main Street or just trying to keep germs at bay, this cute little mist brings Disney joy with every spray. We’re always sharing the latest Disney travel essentials, so stay tuned to us here on DFB! Like what you see? Check out more of our Disney must-haves on our Amazon Storefront!The post This Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizer Is Taking Over Amazon — Here’s Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Honestly? The hotels have some of the BEST dining in Disney World. Disney’s Coronado Springs We’ll often recommend that you save time during your Disney World trip to dine outside the parks, especially if you’re staying at one of the Moderate or Deluxe Disney World Resorts. One of our favorite hotel spots is Toledo at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort — but does it stand the test of time? We recently went back to try it again. Atmosphere Toledo is located on the top floor of the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. The restaurant is only open Wednesday-Sunday each week. Let’s go to Toledo! The atmosphere is inspired by surrealist art and the 1930s avant-garde. You can definitely feel the Spanish inspiration in the architecture and decor. It’s stunning in here. And the windows around the restaurant give a stunning view of Walt Disney World Resort — who doesn’t love rooftop dining?! The dining room There’s a mix of tables and booths in this restaurant, and they’re each set with silverware, cloth napkins, and an appetizer plate to start. The table So what’s on the menu? Menu Here, the menu is (you guessed it!) Spanish-inspired. They primarily focus on tapas, seafood, and steak, with options like charred octopus, gazpacho, pan con tomate, or charcuterie as appetizers. For your main course, you can try various meat dishes like rib-eye, filet, lamb, salmon, and pork chop. The menu Sides include options like shishito peppers or patatas bravas, and the dessert menu has five different choices, including Classic Crema Catalana, ‘Café con Leche’ Choux, and Basque Cheesecake. Eats To start the meal, we ordered The Spaniard for Two charcuterie board, which is $38. It’s a chef’s signature collection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The Spaniard The selection here was incredibly varied, so we were able to make quite a few different combinations with the meats and cheeses. You can’t really go wrong with a charcuterie board to start your meal, and this one really set that Spanish vibe with the chosen flavors. Cheese and crackers! For our main course, we got the Smoked Pork Chop for $34. It’s made with spinach fonduta, secreto, potato velouté, and crispy chorizo. Smoked Pork Chop Honestly, this was absolutely amazing! The flavors were rich, and the textures complemented each other well. The meat was nice and tender without the toughness that pork chops can sometimes get. There was a great balance of savory with a small hint of sweetness, while the crust on the outside was perfectly caramelized. We would totally order this again! Inside the pork chop For our side dish, we got the Olive Oil-Potato Purée for $8.50. Our reporter described these as “the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had.” They were creamy and had a hint of cheese, plus the olive oil just elevated this into a very nice dish. If we were going to Toledo for fun, we definitely wouldn’t skip out on these! Olive Oil Potato Puree Of course, we had to round out the meal with dessert. We ordered the Basque Cheesecake for $10, which comes with honey-vanilla sauce, almond crunch, honey-quince glazed seasonal fruit, white chocolate chantilly cream, and hibiscus tuile. Basque Cheesecake It was a very pretty and delicious dessert to end the meal — we could taste all the individual flavors in this dish. It’s not necessarily a must-get, but it’s a solid option. So, how does Toledo stack up? Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You love Spanish fare. There aren’t many places where you can get Spanish eats on Disney World property, and Coronado Springs tends to reign supreme in that category. You want a spectacular view. If you dine here, you can either see most of Disney World through the windows in the restaurant, or you can head out on the balcony at Dahlia Lounge next door. It’s a lovely experience! You want a nice way to wind down your day. This is a great way to end the night with a relaxing and upscale meal. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You have picky eaters. The food here is a bit more exotic than your basic steaks and macaroni and cheese. It doesn’t fit into your schedule. This spot is only open for dinner five nights a week, so you need to check the hours before you plan your visit. Overall Once again, Toledo knocks things out of the park! We’ve loved this restaurant time and time again, and we can continue to recommend it this year. If you’re staying at Coronado Springs OR just craving some Spanish fare, this is a MUST. The eats! We’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 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! Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Seriously Wish This Disney World Restaurant Was Open Every. Single. Day. first appeared on the disney food blog. 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Finding somewhere accessible to stay for your vacations can be hard. VRBO is trying to change that. ©VRBO VRBO announced a partnership with Becoming rentABLE to allow guests to pick filters to find more accessible spaces, making traveling just a little bit easier. Becoming rentABLE is changing the game for accessible short-term rentals by acknowledging that accessibility isn’t one size fits all. The new system adds eight new filters to searches, including: Single-level property Stair-free path to entrance Accessible parking Accessible pool Handrail in a stairway or hallway Entrance ramp Accessible path of travel Accessible van parking Previously, the only filters were “wheelchair accessible” and “elevators.” Wheelchair accessible can be too broad a term, which can cause issues when guests arrive at properties and learn that the host’s idea of wheelchair accessibility is not the same for them. ©VRBO VRBO is owned by Expedia, which could be a great start to making travel more accessible. Right now, if you were to search for a hotel to stay in on Expedia, your filter options are: Elevator Roll-in shower Accessible bathroom In-room accessibility Service animals allowed Stair-free path to entrance Wheelchair accessible parking Sign language-capable staff Combining both accessibility filters can help guests tailor a short-term rental to their needs. ©Expedia The vice president of vacation rental partnerships at VRBO said, “Our hope is that this partnership not only educates and empowers short-term rental owners to make rentals more accessible but also encourages accessible travel across the entire hospitality industry.” ©VRBO Becoming rentAble also developed an online course to provide practical accessibility advice and guidance for rental property owners. Currently, only 0.1% of short-term rentals are accessible, and over 16% of the population has a disability worldwide. These new changes are pushing towards a more accessible future and making travel easier for everyone. Keep following DFB for more travel news that can affect your upcoming trip. 8 REASONS TO RENT AN AIRBNB FOR YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD TRIP 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 The post VRBO Reveals CHANGES To Make Travel More Accessible first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPIC UNIVERSE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! This place is GORGEOUS! We recently stopped by Cafe L’air De La Sirene in the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe to see what was cookin’ for breakfast, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to this brand-new theme park? Find out here! Atmosphere This quick service restaurant, which is named the Sirean’s Breath Cafe in English, has one large red entrance; however, thanks to the garden gates on the corner of the building, it was a bit confusing before we went inside for the first time. Cafe L’air De La Sirene There are several little garden gates on the corner of the building, but be warned, you can’t enter through them! The restaurant has some beautiful outdoor seating that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the streets of Paris. And a beautiful dining location, too! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu This spot offers croissants, pain au chocolat, a ratatouille baguette sandwich, a turkey baguette sandwich, salad niçoise, and more. They recently started serving breakfast here, which is what we’re here to try this time around! You can also grab the famous Butterbeer crepes here! Simply gorgeous And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We started out with the Oeufs en Cocotte — Poached eggs, mornay sauce, gruyère cheese mashed potatoes, toasted baguette, and seasonal berries with lavender honey. Oeufs en Cocotte This dish was by FAR our favorite that we tried out of all the breakfast items at this spot. To us, it kind of tasted like a breakfast gravy with a poached egg sitting on top of it. The gruyère mashed potatoes mixed with the Mornay sauce create a delicately creamy, dippable situation. It was simply delicious, and we would 1000% get this again. This is a classic French dish, so if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in Wizarding Paris, this is a great way to do it! SO GOOD Next up was the Jambon Beurre, which is made with ham, gruyère cheese, and Dijon mustard butter, on a French baguette. Jambon Beurre This is another common French dish, but it wasn’t anything too spectacular this time around. The ham was both sweet and salty, and the cheese was melted on the bottom. It was tasty and had good flavor, but ultimately it was just a ham sandwich. We really enjoyed the fruit on the side — they’re a nice berry mix of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry, which we felt were very fresh. They weren’t mushy, they weren’t swimming in a bunch of sauce or juice. Ham sandwich The Croissant Suprême is made with bacon, egg, and fromage blanc on a croissant bun, with seasonal berries and lavender honey. Croissant Supreme We enjoyed this, but again, it was nothing to write home about. That being said, the croissant was nice and flaky on the outside. It was very, very flaky on the outside, softer on the inside. The egg was cooked over medium — almost like a poached egg, but it’s definitely on the runny side, so be careful if you’re not anticipating that. The cheese added a creamy touch when combined with the egg, and the bacon was crisp and offered a great salty bite. Pretty solid And finally, we picked up the Crêpe Parisienne. This is egg, brie, sliced cracked black pepper turkey breast, roasted apples, Mornay sauce, and yuzu hollandaise sauce. Crepe Parisienne This crepe was great! The roasted apples combined with the brie and egg were such a surprising combination that we really enjoyed. The bite from the cracked pepper turkey added a sharpness that cut through the richness of the rest of the dish. The yuzu hollandaise was bright and citrusy. WHOA Each of these breakfast meals is $19.99 and comes with your choice of drink! Drinks Since we got four meals, we got four drinks! Starting with the Pumpkin Juice, which is really, really good. It’s kind of like a light pumpkin taste with an apple cinnamon, cider situation going on. It’s the same pumpkin juice you can get throughout the rest of the Universal parks, but we think it’s a great deal since it comes with a meal! Pumpkin Juice We also tried the Lavender Lemonade, which tastes just like what it sounds like. It’s a nice, light lemonade that still has that tang of lemonade with some floral notes from the lavender. It’s nice without being too artificial tasting, and it’s pretty to boot! Lavender Lemonade Next up was the Fraise, which is a strawberry drink. It was sweet with a light strawberry taste to it, but not too sweet to drink. Fraise And of course, we grabbed some Frozen Butterbeer! We all know and love frozen butterbeer. It’s great — nice and frothy on the top with that cream. And then that nice butterscotch shortbread taste shines through when you take a big gulp. Perfectly refreshing on a hot day! Frozen Butterbeer Alright, does Cafe L’air De La Sirene make the cut for breakfast?! Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You want a delicious meal or snack at any time of day You are looking for a quality, quick service You want to enjoy a nice, picturesque atmosphere You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You want more familiar options You are in a bit of a hurry and won’t enjoy the ambiance Need an on-the-go snack Overall Breakfast was a HIT at Cafe L’air De La Sirene — but we’re not surprised about that! Full breakfast spread In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you eaten at this Epic Universe restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Did We Just Find the BEST Breakfast at Epic Universe?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There is a NEW wand that just made its debut at Epic Universe! Universal’s BRAND-NEW theme park officially opened today, and we are here bringing you full coverage. We have been fortunate to have already spent multiple days exploring this new park, but we are still SO excited that it is now officially open. Epic Universe Epic Universe offers so much to explore, including LOTS of awesome merchandise. Universal just revealed a brand-new wand that will be available exclusively at Epic Universe, and we had to share it with you! This new wand is called the Epic Universe Exclusive Phoenix Wand, and we must say it is gorgeous. ©Universal The wand pays tribute to the Phoenix Arch, which you can find on your way into Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. The wand is inspired by this beauty! It is a second-generation wand, so you can take advantage of the new features. Second-generation wands allow you to embark on your own wizarding journey and complete quests through the Universal Play app. The wands also feature lights and haptic effects, making the spell-casting experience even more fun. A new wand has arrived! Not only can you grab this beautiful wand, but you can also pick up a Phoenix Arch-inspired wand holder, too! These two items are the perfect match, and we can already imagine them displayed prominently in our living room. There is even a special wand holder You can find both the wand and the wand holder at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. There are also numerous other new wands you can shop while you are in the shop as well. You might even come across Cosme Acajor herself, so keep your eyes peeled! Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique Stay tuned to DFB for all your Epic Universe news! Explaining The One Big Problem You Might Have With ‘Harry Potter’ Land in Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think about the new Epic Universe Exclusive Phoenix Wand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post You Need to See This NEW Souvenir That Just Arrived at Epic Universe! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Staying hydrated in Disney World is EXTREMELY important. Genuinely, we can’t stress that enough. Don’t forget those water bottles! It’s easy to get behind on your water intake and end up feeling irritable and awful during your park day, and no one wants that. That’s especially true if you don’t bring a reusable water bottle with you, or it’s not easily accessible in your bag. With summer fast approaching, it’s of utmost importance to keep your water bottle at the ready, and this bag is the PERFECT way to do that. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Carry Your Water Bottle Easily and In Style! Water Bottle Carrier Bag We’ve been looking for the perfect way to carry around our water bottle in the parks, and we think the Water Bottle Carrier Bag is a perfect solution! We love the fun all-over print and that it’s subtle enough for daily use, but bright and Disney-fied enough to bring around parks with you. The cutest design! Convenience is this bag’s middle name. It’s truly an all-in-one for the minimalist park goer or while you’re running errands. It’s perfect for on the go, or those super hot days where you don’t want to take a bunch of items with you but need a place to store your essentials (outside of your pockets). We love the carrying case, the strap, and even the zippered pouch, which is big enough to hold a few cards and your ID, car keys, headphone case, and a few extras like hand wipes, lip gloss, etc. We’re OBSESSED We really do think this is essential for your trip, especially if you’re not a fan of taking a lot of things with you and/or are a fan of keeping things on you as you ride different attractions. It did make our trip easier, and I feel it’ll do the same for you! Grab it here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news and essentials! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite Disney parks essentials!The post We Discovered the Best Upgrade for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We love a themed day in a Disney park! Sleeping Beauty Castle From Anniversary celebrations to holidays to special occasions like Disney+ Day, we’ve seen all kinds of celebrations when visiting Disneyland Park. But coming soon, a fan-favorite sports team will be visiting — the Savannah Bananas! It was announced a few weeks back that the famous Savannah Bananas — known for their dance-filled baseball games and fun TikTok antics — are coming to Disneyland. For ONE day only on May 28th, 2025, Disneyland Park will host the Savannah Bananas for a day filled with a special cavalcade, themed food and beverages, and more! ©Disney For this day, there will be a Savannah Bananas Cavalcade and a “castle dance” as well as specialty treats in both Disneyland and California Adventure. You could snag the Banana Split at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor or the Banana Pudding at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Disneyland, as well as the Banoffee Pie Cold Brew at the Cappuccino Cart and the Banana Split Churro at the Churro Cart near Goofy’s Sky School in California Adventure. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor After their visit to the parks, the Bananas will then play at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on May 30th and 31st. You’ll be able to watch those games, as well as nine others, on Disney+. ©Disney So this is your reminder to head to Disneyland next week if you’re a Savannah Bananas fan! It sounds like it’s going to be a BLAST. Check out our video below for tips when visiting Disneyland! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from Disneyland. Click Here to Learn More About Disneyland’s Dramatic Overhaul! 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 a fan of the Savannah Bananas? Tell us in the comments! The post The Savannah Bananas Are Coming to Disneyland — Everything You Need to Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel). Some of the first guests at Universal’s Epic Universe line up at the ticket kiosks shortly before the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)The Universal’s Epic Universe sign at the main entrance portal on Thursday, May 22, 2025, pictured on the grand opening day of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Excited guests at Universal's Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Some of the first guests at Universal Epic Universe line up at the ticket kiosks shortly before 6:30 a.m. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 12Excited guests at Universal’s Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22, 2025, quickly make their way to the main entrance portal shortly after the 6:30 a.m. grand opening of the park. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel). Expand View the full article

Between packing, planning, and keeping the whole crew smiling, organizing a family vacation can become a bit of a juggling act – especially with your little ones top of mind. But did you know that vacationing with Disney Vacation Club (DVC) can relieve some stress and enhance your vacation? Here are 4 ways DVC helps make your next Disney vacation a breeze: 1. Stretch Out in Spacious Villas Ditch the traditional hotel room for something a bit roomier. Each DVC resort offers a variety of studio and villa accommodations designed to make you feel at “home” during your Disney vacation. No matter if you’re planning a cozy getaway for a family of three or a family reunion with a dozen loved ones, DVC villas are thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate travel groups of all sizes. From deluxe studios to multi-bedroom grand villas, there’s room for everyone to relax and recharge. All DVC villas (one-bedroom and larger) feature just-like-home amenities, many with multiple separate bedrooms, bathrooms, a living space, a dining space, a washer and dryer unit and a fully equipped kitchen. And having a kitchen on vacation is more than just a late-night snack station or a place to flip pancakes before a day in the parks — it can be a budget-saving superpower. It’s can also be a simple way to create meaningful memories together whether you are baking cookies or gathering the family for a home-cooked meal. Many DVC resorts offer one-of-a-kind accommodations you won’t find anywhere else, transforming your vacation into something unforgettable, even before you visit the theme parks. Families can retreat into the wilderness and savor the great outdoors in a cabin at the newest DVC resort, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Or wake up to watch the sunrise over Seven Seas Lagoon in a private two-bedroom overwater bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. And you don’t have to be a DVC member to enjoy these resorts. All guests can book DVC villas for their vacation. 2. Stay in the Heart of the Adventure Many DVC resorts are nestled right in the middle of the magic at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. We’re talking walking distance to the theme parks, monorail access, and spectacular views that might include some fireworks. Staying close means you can do Disney your way. Want to rope-drop Disney’s Hollywood Studios to grab a front-row seat to Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After? Catch a ride on the Disney Skyliner from Disney’s Riviera Resort. Do your kiddos need to sneak in an afternoon nap before the Paint the Night parade at Disneyland Park? Your room at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel is just a quick stroll away. The convenience of being near all the fun allows more time for you and your little ones to prioritize making memories over worrying about commuting from other sites. 3. Unwind in Style at Exclusive Member Lounges DVC membership isn’t only about the resorts. It’s about how you experience Disney with your travel party. While meeting your favorite Disney pals, riding the attractions and snack-hopping through the parks your steps can really add up. Do you and your little ones need midday breaks from the hustle and bustle? That’s where DVC comes in. Eligible* members and their guests can enjoy DVC member lounges. With comfortable seating, complimentary beverages, charging stations and air conditioning, these lounges are the perfect place to pause and soak in a little slice of quiet. In Florida, eligible members have access to the Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge in Magic Kingdom Park, and the Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge atop the Imagination pavilion at EPCOT. Over on the West Coast, members can recharge amongst the stars at Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge, located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park. 4. Unlock Extra Magic Discounts and lounges and special events – oh my. DVC members can enjoy a whole new world of extras that can add a little extra pixie dust to your plans. One of the most beloved perks is special experiences like Moonlight Magic. These after-hours events are just for eligible members and feature shorter wait times, complimentary snacks, and rare character meet-and-greets you won’t get anywhere else. Members can also take advantage of discounts at select restaurants and shops, as well as access to movie previews, seasonal gatherings and DVC merchandise. Interested to learn more about DVC Membership or the DVC Resort Collection? Visit DisneyVacationClub.com for the latest news and information. This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of timeshare interests. Theme Park admission is not part of the ownership interest and is sold separately. Resort transportation systems are also not part of the ownership interest. * Part of Membership Extras, which requires new Members to have an ownership interest with 150 Vacation Points or more purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Requires valid theme park admission. Lounges are subject to operating hours and capacity limits. Dance, Play and Chill with Cool Kid Summer at Disney World READ MORE Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates & Teaser Treats READ MORE Guide to the 70th Anniversary at Disneyland Resort READ MORE The post 4 Ways DVC Makes Family Vacations Effortlessly Enjoyable appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article