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When it comes to dining at Disney World, we’re the experts. Seriously, we’ve eaten everywhere (multiple times) you could imagine around Disney World’s parks, hotels, water parks, and Disney Springs. But, after decades of eating Disney World food, there are a few that stand out from the rest. Pepperoni Pizza Roll with Pasta Salad We recently stopped by Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT to see if this restaurant so near and dear still holds true, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere Sunshine Seasons is located inside the Land pavilion, and it truly holds a special place in our hearts. This quick-service restaurant is situated within steps of Soarin’ Around the World, which is one of the park’s most popular attractions. The classic Living with the Land boat ride, as well as the theater that plays Awesome Planet, also share the same building that makes up the Land Pavilion. Sunshine Seasons Over the years, Sunshine Seasons has really made a name for itself as a spot where you can find healthier varieties of entrees such as Salmon and Power Salads, and even Rotisserie Chicken for a nice change of pace. Vegetarians and vegans will likely be pleased with the options served here. Don’t forget to save room for a bite of something sweet from the chilled desserts bar and bakery case. Order up! Seating in the dining area is plentiful Open seatingSeveral condiment bars are located on both sides of the entry as you leave the registers and head to find your table. Condiment stations The cafeteria-style counter service is where you’ll order classics, like burgers and pizza, but don’t forget to take a look at the plentiful “Grab & Go” section, too! Grab ‘n Go But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu There’s a LOT of options to cover here, and this is just for Lunch! We’ll start off with the entree options… ©Disney …including a few “grab ‘n go”! ©Disney Kids’ meals of all kinds, including Mickey check meals… ©Disney …and “grab ‘n go” options. ©Disney There’s a wide variety of snacks… ©Disney …desserts, as well as specialty beverages offered here, too. ©Disney If you’re looking for less fancy beverage options, they’ve got you covered here… ©Disney …along with a few alcoholic beverages in case that’s what you’re after. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Birria Tacos for $9.99. This is made with Beef, Monterey Jack, Onions, Cilantro, and Lime, served with Consommé. Birria Tacos These three small tacos know how to pack a flavorful punch right in the taste buds! They may not look like much, but there’s a beauty in how simple they are. YUM The birria beef is served inside the melted monterrey jack cheese (which almost tastes like mozzarella), and on their own, they’re already good. But, the longer you let them sit and cool, the more of a chance you take with the grease cooling and sticking to the meat, making it a little tougher to bite into. Inside of the taco Sunshine Seasons also gives you a few things to help jazz up your tacos, like a lime wedge for fresh juice, a side of diced onions for an extra flavorful texture, and consommé dip. Consommé Truthfully, the consommé is the saving grace to these tacos because if you like to dip your food, you’ll love dipping them into the bowl for a nice salty combo. Although there’s only enough served in the side cup to act more like a dip or an au jus to your tacos, it could be sip-able! We also grabbed the Pepperoni Pizza Roll for $11.79. This is made just as it sounds and comes with a side of your choice. For this visit, we opted for Pasta Salad, but you could also get a bag of chips. Pepperoni Pizza Roll and Pasta Salad This ended up being the right choice for us to pair with the pizza roll because the pasta salad was almost tangy, or gave a pickled flavor. The pasta noodles are mixed with chopped veggies and didn’t have a lot of watery, soupy mixture to it. Overall, it kept things pretty light as a side, and we could see that being the most appealing option of the two side choices since it has quite a bit of flavor. Although, at the end of the day, it didn’t blow us away with how it tastes. Decent pasta salad The pepperoni pizza roll is a favorite here at DFB and for good reason. Its premise is pretty straightforward with pepperoni, cheese, and garlic herbs stuffed into the inside of a giant bread roll — kind of like a grown-up version of a hot pocket. Inside of the pizza roll However, the one we picked up this time just seemed a bit off to us. Now, admittedly, we did happen to stop for our meal as Sunshine Seasons was getting ready to wind down their operating hours for the day, so that could have affected the roll that we ended up with. The inside of the pepperoni pizza roll was a bit soggy, and we really wanted more of that melted cheese flavor against the garlic spices that are lathered into the entire roll. Pizza Roll Because we’ve had this one so often, we’re sure this wasn’t its best, as we’ve tasted better. Overall, if you’re looking for a portable pizza solution for even the pickiest eaters, this is a pretty safe bet due to its simplicity and ability to become a crowd pleaser. To round out our meal here we also grabbed the Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie for $4.79. This is one of the artisanal cookies you can choose from to snag as a dessert or sweet snack, and believe us when we say this thing was rich! Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie This one we had a hard time calling a cookie because when we pulled it apart, it wanted to simultaneously melt and fold into itself. Its consistency after being out of its original cooler for a while certainly was more melty, and we instantly knew this one wouldn’t stand a chance against the heat of the sun. However, that’s not to say it wasn’t tasty! Decadent As you might have guessed, it was the perfect combination of chocolate and hazelnut flavors as they melded together, but we have to warn you not to be deceived by its size — you might need to enlist another person to help you devour it all. Drinks To drink, we picked up the Tropical Boba Juice for $5.79. This is made of Minute Maid® Strawberry, Minute Maid® Mango, and Minute Maid® Zero Sugar Lemonade with Boba Pearls. Tropical Boba Juice Honestly, this is a boba lover’s DREAM drink at Disney World! We were thoroughly impressed by just how much we sipped up in our drink. Of course, that did make getting a true taste of the juice that surrounds it a bit more challenging until we dwindled that number down. You can certainly taste the rest of the flavors of the juice as a collective, but if you’re really searching for them, the most prominent to us were the mango and strawberry. All the BOBA! It almost gave a passion fruit and kiwi taste when the juices were mixed together, and it seemed fresh because there were bits of fruit that had settled into the bottom of the cup. Overall, it was a light drink that didn’t leave a heavy feeling, almost like a tea. We’d totally go back and get this one again all although we wouldn’t have minded a larger cup! Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re feeding multiple appetites. If everyone in your party is craving something different, this is an excellent option to consider. You’re sticking to a budget. If you’re looking for decent meals that could be the best bang for your buck, this is one of our favorites in EPCOT. You’re a fan of grab-and-go with little downtime. Ready to get right back out to the park after you’ve eaten? Here, you can help control that at your own pace with several grab-and-go options as well as quick delivery on cafeteria-style food stations for different dishes. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want to be seated in a restaurant and waited on. This quick service restaurant will have you seating yourself as well as in charge of grabbing your own food. If that’s not what you’re looking for, we suggest eating somewhere else. Looking for more complex meals. If you’re looking for unique and complex dishes, this might not be your best course of action. You’re planning on eating around. If you’re visiting EPCOT during one of its seasonal festivals, you might consider eating your way around the festival booths over a meal here. While this is a staple restaurant for EPCOT, your opportunity for trying new-to-you foods and returning favorites during the festival might feel like a better option for you to eat at your own pace, while also picking up more exciting options that don’t distract from the festival ambiance. Overall All in all, this is a solid restaurant that serves several types of food all in one spot. It’s a great solution to seek out when you’re looking to appease multiple appetites in one sitting without having to split up. From pizza rolls to tacos, and even some stir-fry meals, you’ll find it all right here at Sunshine Seasons! Our entire meal In the meantime, 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: 3 Words -- Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Here's Where to Find Them in EPCOT. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s a chance to save money on a Disney World vacation, you know we’re ON IT. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin We’ve always got our ears to the ground to find deals on hotels, tickets, experiences, and more. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the rush of saving big on a vacation! And if you’re in that same boat, then you’ll be happy to know about some savings you can score at the Swan and Dolphin. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are located in the EPCOT Resort area, and even though they’re owned by Marriott, they get many of the same perks as Disney World Deluxe Resorts. And right now, they’re offering a major discount for Florida residents! Dolphin Lobby Currently, Florida residents can save up to 30% off their booking at the Swan Hotel, Dolphin Hotel, or the Swan Reserve. These rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and subject to availability at the time of booking. Some blackout dates apply. Swan Resort lobby To book this offer, you’ll call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for promotional code FLORIDA RESIDENT RATE, or when booking online, make sure Promotional Code L9Z appears in the Corporate/Promo code box. To receive the offer, a valid Florida resident ID is required at check-in. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel The Swan and Dolphin often offers basic rooms that are a bit cheaper than Disney World Deluxe Resorts, so securing this deal will help you save even more! In fact, when looking at nights in September 2025, we even spotted some rooms available for as low as $250/night with this deal. Getting the extra hotel perks and direct transportation to the parks is just an added bonus. The Swan Reserve We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any more hotel deals, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest. And check out our video below to see the best hotels for 2025! Keep following along with DFB for more tips and tricks, as well as vacation savings! Click Here to See Why We Like Staying at the Swan and Dolphin! 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 stayed at this resort before? Tell us in the comments! The post DEAL ALERT! You Can Get DELUXE Disney World Hotel Perks for as Low as 0 Per Night! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In case you missed it, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is out in theaters now, and EVERYONE is celebrating. Stitch Now, we’re all about seeing Stitch in Magic Kingdom when he turns up in Tomorrowland, and we love having breakfast with him at ‘Ohana, but right now, you can get a series of special Stitch treats throughout Disney World to celebrate the new movie. We just tried three of those Stitch-themed treats and we’re now going to share our honest reviews with you. Our first treat is a $22 Stitch Petit Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. Yep, $22 for a miniature cake. This cake is made with Layers of Vanilla Chiffon soaked with Orange Simple Syrup, Passion Fruit Curd, Guava Jam, and Pineapple Mousse. First, it looks pretty…but Amorette’s is known for its pretty cakes. It looks like a sandcastle and the crumbs on top resemble sand. The crumbs add a nice texture, too. Stitch Petit Cake The cake itself was really good, nothing special, but a normal vanilla flavor. However, it was soft and fluffy. The white chocolate seashells and starfish were also nice. Inside, you’ve got that guava jam, passion fruit curd, and pineapple mousse, but the flavor you mostly get is the pineapple and guava. It has a very tropical vibe, flavor-wise, but at the same time, the whole cake is pretty heavy. It was tasty, but would we spend $22 on it again? Probably not. Let’s take a bite Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can get the Cute & Fluffy! Milkshake at Dockside Diner for $9.79. It’s made with Vanilla-Coconut Milk Shake swirled with an Ube-Marshmallow Cream and topped with Whipped Cream and Stitch-inspired White Chocolate Ears. Okay, so it might just look like a regular milkshake with Stitch ears slapped on it, but it’s actually got a nice subtle coconut flavor, PLUS it’s creamy and thick like a good milkshake should be. Cute & Fluffy! Milkshake The whipped cream tastes like the kind you get in a can, and there is PLENTY of it (hence, the “fluffy”). When it melts into the shake, it gives the shake a creamier texture. The ears are chocolate, and they pretty much melt into the drink on a hot day. However, we found it refreshing and thick, so that’s a win. It IS fluffy Okay, we’re going to head on over to Magic Kingdom and visit Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies for the Surfing Stitch Float for $6.79. This float is a DOLE Whip Pineapple Float with POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast topped with Chocolate Decor. Yep, they slapped a Stitch-themed piece of chocolate on it and called it a Stitch snack. EXCEPT it tastes like what we’d think Stitch might taste like. Not that we want to eat Stitch or anything like that, but to quote our reporter, “This really does to me taste like what Stitch would be flavored if he were liquefied, and I know that’s a super weird thing to say.” Surfing Stitch Float What we like about this is that it’s a unique combination of flavors you can get anywhere else, except maybe at Sunshine Terrace, where you can mix flavors for your own DOLE Whip float. It’s tangy and tart, and the Powerade somehow works well with the DOLE Whip. It’s just very tropical. However, that little chocolate decoration tasted like paper (it’s like that edible paper they use for these kinds of decorations that usually dissolves, but this didn’t quite dissolve, we think). It was also waxy. It’s unique If you want to try these treats out for yourself, they’re available through June 30th. We’ll be checking out even MORE new snacks in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more reviews. 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 Reviewed Our 13 Favorite Snacks 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 Will you be visiting Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: Should You Pay For A Stitch-Themed Cake in Disney World? Well, It Depends... first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something very cool is landing at EPCOT — and it’s almost time to check it out! ©Disney Starting June 4th, guests will be able to step inside the brand-new lounge GEO-82! Here’s what we know about this highly anticipated lounge so far. The name, as shared by Disney, is a “nostalgic nod to Spaceship Earth — which opened in 1982. At GEO-82, you’ll be immersed in the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon.” We can see the lights are on from outside! GEO-82 is designed as a serene escape from the park’s hustle and bustle, featuring sleek, modern decor inspired by the geometric architecture of Spaceship Earth. The lounge offers panoramic views of the World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon, providing a picturesque backdrop perfect for unwinding and dining. ©Disney Speaking of dining, guests can look forward to a curated menu of globally inspired small plates and innovative cocktails as well as world-class wines and spirits, and a classic assortment of beer. ©Disney For a truly memorable evening, you can book the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience. This premium offering includes a window-side table, a tasting tower of savory bites and sweet selections, Champagne poured tableside, and event-exclusive cocktails. Guests will enjoy unparalleled views of Luminous: The Symphony of Us, EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular. Luminous Reservations for GEO-82 opened on May 6, 2025, and have been in high demand. If you’re planning to visit, it’s recommended to book as early as possible through the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website. This lounge is only available to individuals 21 years of age or older, who must present a valid ID upon arrival to confirm their reservation. ©Disney GEO-82 feels like the perfect evolution for EPCOT — a park rooted in innovation, world culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at sunset or savoring a quiet moment away from the crowds, this new lounge is sure to become a favorite for Disney adults and EPCOT lovers alike. We can’t wait for its official opening date on June 4th, 2025! Stay tuned to us here on DFB for all the latest updates and details till then. REVIEW: Why Are People Still Skipping the BEST Restaurant 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 Are you planning on checking out GEO-82? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments! The post A BIG Change Is Hitting EPCOT Next Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Deciding where to dine in Disney World is hard enough as it is, but once you’ve finally settled on a restaurant, grabbed your reservation, and have sat down to eat, sometimes there are STILL things that can ruin the mood. Garden Grill Some of these things are ones you can prepare for to avoid, but others…well, it’s on other people, but there are still things you can do to make sure you have a fantastic dining experience. If it were up to us, though, these five things would be ILLEGAL in Disney World restaurants! Being Rude to Cast Members We think this goes for anywhere in Disney World, but restaurants are no different — we think it should 100% be illegal to be rude to the hardworking Cast Members! Cast Members are the magic! We know, sometimes things are frustrating — your reservation didn’t save, you accidentally made the wrong one, or maybe Disney’s system is down. However, it’s never okay to take out your frustration or anger on the Cast Members at the restaurant, who are doing everything they can to help you. You wouldn’t want someone yelling at you, so don’t do it to others! Saying Inappropriate Things to Characters Disney characters are people just like we are, and we always can’t stand it when we see someone purposefully asking questions that make the characters uncomfortable. Hi, Cinderella! It’s a different scenario when a young child asks something that they don’t realize isn’t okay, but then it is important for caregivers to step in and correct it, because someone making you feel uncomfortable is not something anyone wants to experience. Disney face characters are often really great at leading the conversation, so if you’re unsure about what to talk about, just let them lead! Lighting So Dark You Can’t See What You’re Eating There’s only ONE exception to this, and that’s Sci-Fi Dine-In, since it being dark is part of the whole idea, but otherwise, if it’s so dark we can’t see our food — ILLEGAL! It’s pretty dark in Boma We personally would like to see what we’re eating, especially if we’re trying something we’ve never had before. This is especially an issue in restaurants where there’s lots of natural light, because once it gets dark, the lights inside just can’t do the same thing. Taking Up A Table Before You Have Your Food (For An EXTENDED Period of Time!) Now this one has a very specific caveat! If your family and friends have gone to pick up your food from mobile order, and they’ll be back in 3-5 minutes, going to grab a table ahead of time is no problem at all; it’s pretty smart. HOWEVER, if your group is getting in LINE to order, and it’s going to take 10-15 minutes or longer, that’s a no-no. Docking Bay 7 seating There are some families and groups that are looking to sit down for that same amount of time, and could be in and out before your group would be back with the food. It’s a fine line between being prepared and trying to find a table early, and being a table hog. Our rule of thumb is that if the food was mobile ordered — no problem, but if you’ll need to wait for your group to go through the whole line — it’s better to wait until you’re almost up to the ordering counter. Outside Tables with No Umbrellas We don’t care what time of year it is, outside tables in Disney World should ALWAYS have umbrellas. See, every table needs umbrellas! They can block you from the sun’s rays, which can be harmful no matter the season; they keep you cooler during those hot months, and if it’s raining, they can keep you dry! We don’t see any reason why outside tables SHOULDN’T have umbrellas, but we know they exist, so Disney, if that could be taken care of, literally everyone would appreciate it! Cinderella Castle We’ve dined at every single Disney World restaurant and continue to go back and visit so we can give you up-to-date reviews, so when you’re planning your trip, rest assured, we’re always keeping up with the latest! We’re always here to help you make the best decisions for your Disney World trip, so stay tuned to DFB! 4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments! The post 5 Things That Should Be Illegal at Disney World Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re not going to lie, we love a good bargain, especially on Disney souvenirs and essentials. ALDI That being said, y’all KNOW we love us some ALDI because we not only save money on groceries at ALDI (not to mention all the great international food you can often find at ALDI), but you can also find Disney souvenirs and essentials ON THE CHEAP there. Well, it should come as no surprise that next week from June 4th through June 10th, even more Disney essentials will be available at your local ALDI store.</strong DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yep, you want to grab that quarter for your shopping cart and head to ALDI next week to grab some essentials for your next vacation. Can’t get to ALDI? Don’t worry — we found some suitable substitutes on Amazon. USB Rechargeable Fan ©ALDI We can’t tell you enough about how hot and humid it gets in Disney World. You’ll want to try to stay as cool as possible and these portable neck fans are PERFECT for that. And at just $10 a pop, you can grab one for your whole family. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ©ALDI Bring the party with you wherever you go with a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Now, we’re going to tell you NOT to blast your music at your Disney World hotel pool or at the water parks, but if you’ve got a little quiet space to yourself somewhere, like in the shower, this speaker is perfect. Get the Rechargeable Portable Neck Fan ©Amazon Amazon has a portable neck fan that you can nab even cheaper than at ALDI if you catch it on sale. This neck fan has three speeds, is adjustable, and has 360-degree rotation so you can point the air where you feel you need it most. View on Amazon Buy the Soundcore Select 4 Bluetooth Shower Speaker ©Amazon We even found a speaker designed just for the shower that’s portable enough to pack into your suitcase for trips. Just choose your favorite Disney playlist, pair the speaker to your phone, and jam out. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post 2 Budget-Friendly Disney World Essentials Are Coming To ALDI Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Two new contenders vying to become the best dark ride in the world sit 1,000 feet apart from each other at Universal Epic Universe with the winner set to be determined by millions of eager fans with the new Florida theme park officially debuting this month. The $7 billion Epic Universe that officially opened to the public on May 22 is home to two of the best dark rides in the world: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It’s the kind of problem any theme park in the world would like to have. ALSO SEE: Epic Universe first impressions from inside Universal’s newest theme park Universal and Disney have been at war over the past few decades with the rivals constantly trying to upstage each other with the best new ride in the world. Epic Universe gives Universal two chances to reclaim the dark ride crown from Disney — and maybe even push Mickey Mouse into a distant third place behind the two Epic Universe upstarts. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Universal Epic Universe There is really only one word that can describe the new Ministry of Magic dark ride at Universal Epic Universe: Wow. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry sends you on a ride aboard a magic lift through the subway-like elevator tunnels running throughout the Ministry of Magic. Universal Creative has done a masterful job of combining a motion-based platform ride vehicle with plenty of practical sets, animatronics and massive video screens. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Universal Epic Universe The Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment dark ride in the Dark Universe themed land at Epic Universe might be even better than the new Potter attraction. The Kuka arm ride vehicles aim riders like a sentient movie camera at the most important parts of every scene inside the grim, forbidding and shadowy Frankenstein Manor. The animatronics in the pre-show and dark ride are so life-like that you’ll wonder if they are actors. Which ride is better: Battle at the Ministry or Monsters Unchained? Is either the best dark ride in the world? The answers depend in part on the competition which include an amazing collection of attractions from both Disney and Universal. Take a look at the rivals and decide for yourself if the new Epic Universe rides are worthy of the crown. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios The reigning dark ride crown almost certainly belongs to Rise of the Resistance. The ambitious, first-of-its-kind attraction clocks in at an astonishing 18 minutes long and combines four separate ride systems with state-of-the-art audio-animatronics and visual effects. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Universal Studios Florida Any new Harry Potter dark ride will be compared to the two that came before it. It’s been more than a decade since the Escape from Gringotts opened in the Diagon Alley themed land at Universal Studios Florida. The dark ride/roller coaster combo takes riders inside the Gringotts Wizarding Bank in search of a horcrux on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal Studios Hollywood, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan The original Harry Potter dark ride still remains among the top theme park attractions in the world. The Forbidden Journey motion-based dark ride utilizes Kuka robotic arms to add twists, turns and thrills to the attraction. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure Shanghai Disneyland The Shanghai Disneyland version of the classic boat ride is by far the best of the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. Battle for the Sunken Treasure uses an innovative ride system that controls the position, speed and direction of the boats. Mystic Manor Hong Kong Disneyland Mystic Manor is easily the most technically advanced version of Disney’s classic Haunted Mansion dark rides. The Hong Kong Disneyland attraction trades the doombuggies and omnimover track found in other Haunted Mansion attractions for Mystic Magneto free traveling automated ride vehicles. Radiator Springs Racers Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Racers takes the Test Track ride system and adds a Cars backstory with a compelling reason for a head-to-head race. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is working on two new Cars attractions that could challenge Radiator Springs Racers for the Piston Cup. Transformers: The Ride 3D Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Beijing Universal’s Transformers dark rides upped the ante when the attractions first debuted in 2011. The combination of motion platform-mounted vehicles and 3D images projected onto 60-foot-tall screens set the standard for dark rides in the 2010s. Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Islands of Adventure The Spider-Man attraction reigned for a decade as the best dark ride in the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards following its debut at Islands of Adventure in 1999. The Universal Studios Japan version of the ride closed in 2024 after 20 years in service. Indiana Jones Adventure Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Indiana Jones Adventure still ranks as one of the best dark rides in the world after 30 years at Disneyland. The Dinosaur attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that uses the same ride system is getting an Indy makeover with a new storyline involving a search for a mythical creature in a Mayan temple. View the full article

We would never admit to how many hours we spend on Disney+ each week watching our favorite shows and movies, and we know you probably spend a lot of time on the streaming platform as well. ©Disney If you’re going to be spending all of that time and money on your Disney+ subscription, you might as well take advantage of the huge perks that come with it. There are brand new perks for Disney+ and Hulu subscribers, and we think you’re going to love them! Disney+ now offers an “always-on perks program” for subscribers in the U.S. and plans to expand with additional international rollouts later this year. ©Disney Check out these sweet perks: A chance to win tickets to the Freakier Friday World Premiere and be among the first to see the all-new sequel before it arrives in theaters August 8* A chance to win a 4-night cruise on the Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale beginning November 2025* A 6-month free DashPass membership** from DoorDash 20% off on adidas.com and in the adidas app 15% off purchases at Funko.com and Loungefly.com A 3-month free trial of CLEAR+ A 2-month Super Duolingo free trial Free in-game emoji from Disney Emoji Blitz Early access to the closed release of Disney Pinnacle by Dapper Labs, a monthly Mystery Capsule + until June 26th to claim a $10 Dapper Credit Special summer savings at Walt Disney World® Resort! Stay 2 nights or longer at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels and get rates starting from $99 per night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Free MONOPOLY GO! and Star Wars TIE fighter in-game TOKEN Did we see a chance to win a 4-night cruise on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, sailing this November? Uh, yeah, we did. Disney Cruise Line There’s also special summer savings at Disney World! Staying 2 nights or longer at select Disney Resorts, you can receive special rates. One of the deals is $99 per night stays at All-Star Sports Resort. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Starting on June 2nd, Hulu will also have some incredible perks in addition to the Disney+ perks when bundling both platforms. During the summer, new perks will be dropping weekly, like: Chances to win tickets to Lollapalooza, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and passes to Comic-Con® in San Diego* Sweepstakes to win items from and inspired by Hulu favorites like The Handmaid’s Tale, A Complete Unknown, and Only Murders in the Building* Exclusive perks from partners like Microsoft, Pure Green, and LG Electronics ©Disney If you’re already subscribing to Disney+, make sure you’re taking advantage of everything Disney is offering with your monthly payment. We’re here to help you get all the best benefits out of everything Disney, so make sure you keep following us here at DFB to get the best bang for your buck. DISNEY JUST DROPPED 8 BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT NEW ADDITIONS COMING TO DISNEY+ 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 Disney Just Dropped 11 Perks for Disney+ Subscribers first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, there is just something about Disney villains that we all love, right? Villains remain among Disney’s most popular characters, which is probably why we just recently saw a new Villains-themed show open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a new Villains land on its way to Magic Kingdom. Darth Vader during Star Wars Nite Well, there are plenty of iconic villains in Star Wars, too (which means they’re also Disney villains). From Darth Vader to Kylo Ren to Grand Admiral Thrawn, these villains are also super popular with Disney fans. Well, if you love Star Wars villains, you need to check out a new board game coming to Target. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pre-Order Star Wars Villainous: Cold Tactics Board Game ©Target This game is a new expansion/standalone addition to the Ravensburger Villainous line of games that introduces both Grand Admiral Thrawn and Count Dooku for the first time. This version of the game is ONLY available at Target and includes an exclusive sleeve and Grand Admiral Thrawn mover with a pearlescent finish. ©Target Players who choose to play as Grand Admiral Thrawn must strategically collect artifacts, deploy the 7th fleet, and use their ambition to win over the sector. Those who choose Count Dooku will lead the Separatist Movement to bring the Galactic Republic and Jedi to an end. This game drops on August 1st, 2025, but you can pre-order the special edition from Target RIGHT NOW. Pre-Order at Target 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 Why Disney Adults Are Running to Target Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s almost summertime, and that means the weather is getting warm and the snacks are getting COLD! Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland Yep, it’s the time of the year when we all start to crave sweet treats and anything with ice in it, and it’s only going to get worse as the summer progresses. So if you’re heading to Disneyland soon and an ice cream sampler sounds like a delicious idea…you’re going to want to stick around for this review! We recently made a trip to Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland Park to try out the new Neapolitan Ice Cream Floats Sampler for $8.99. Here it is! This trio of floats comes with vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate-themed floats, with ingredients as follows: Coca-Cola Cherry with Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and a Maraschino Cherry Sprite with Strawberry Syrup, Strawberry Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Rainbow Sprinkles Barq’s Root Beer with Chocolate Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Chocolate Sprinkles The floats are here! And the first thing we noticed about these floats? They fall apart FAST. Pretty much as soon as we got them, the sodas started bubbling, and they began to overflow all over the place. So if you order a batch, make sure to have your straws at the ready to sip them down ASAP. Poor buddies These are a great concept, and they were definitely a head-turner when we were parading them around to get pictures and videos, but they were just messy in execution. As far as flavors go, the strawberry one was our favorite! The Sprite and strawberry ice cream combo is refreshing and tasty, and the strawberry syrup really elevates the flavor overall. We would totally order that one in a full size as its own treat. Strawberry wins fo sho. The next best, in our opinion, was the Coca-Cola with vanilla. This is your classic soda float, and it tastes pretty traditional, but with that added cherry element. If you’re not a Cherry Coke fan, you may want to stay away, but other than that, it’s simple and basic. Coca-Cola takes second But the one we probably won’t recommend? The chocolate! The combination of root beer and chocolate ice cream was a strong contrast that we didn’t really think meshed well. The chocolate overpowers the root beer, and it gets overwhelmingly sweet. If you’re a fan of unique combinations, this may be your jam, but we’re not shouting from the rooftops about it for sure. In fact, our reporter called it a 1/5 star. WHY that flavor, Disney? This could definitely be fun as a snack to split on a hot day, as long as you’re prepared for a mess and you’ve got someone brave enough to try the *ahem*, unique combination of chocolate and root beer. If we could swap things around, we’d prefer to have chocolate with Cherry Coke and the root beer with vanilla ice cream, but alas. For more Disneyland snack recommendations, check out our video below! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and food recommendations for your vacation! Click Here for the Best Disneyland Snacks 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 Would you try this treat? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Were People Staring in Disneyland Because This Snack Is Beautiful or Because We Were STRUGGLING? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s officially summer in Florida, which means the heat is here to stay! We’re trying to cool off the best way we know how — sweet treats! EPCOT We’ve been trying different ice creams, sorbets, and DOLE Whips around Disney World, and we’re adding a new snack to your “must-try” list. The Outdoor Vending Cart by the Seas Pavilion might look like your typical snack cart, but we have some of our favorite treats here before running off to cool off inside The Seas aquarium in EPCOT. The Stand We tried the Kakamora Delight for $6.75, which is a coconut-pineapple sorbet served in a coconut shell. If that doesn’t scream summer, we don’t know what does. Kakamora Delight The sorbet has a strong pineapple flavor, with the majority of the coconut flavor coming through in the flakes on top. We loved the chunks of candied pineapple mixed into the sorbet, and it reminded us of DOLE Whip but with an icier texture. Yum! The flakes on top brought in a slightly chewy texture and crunch, and there were enough that we could have some with every bite. Coconut lovers are going to adore this, but if you’re here for the pineapple, you might want to dig underneath for more sorbet. Grab one while you can! When we first saw it in a coconut shell, we knew we had to get it because we were obsessed with the presentation, but we had no idea how convenient it would be to eat out of. It fit perfectly in our hands and was solid, so the sorbet didn’t leak all over our hands. The perfect size While we love our DOLE Whip and this snack definitely reminded us of it, it’s pretty challenging to find DOLE Whip in EPCOT, so we’re glad to have this sweet treat to give us the same flavors. Summer is just starting, and there are a lot of snacks coming out that we’re ready to try. We’re bringing back all the details to you, so make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog to know what treats you need to try on your Disney World trip. FULL LIST OF DOLE WHIPS YOU CAN GET IN DISNEY WORLD Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite Disney World treat? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Just Ate Sorbet Out of a Coconut Shell in EPCOT, and We Loved It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Vacation Club’s Welcome Home Weeks perks are returning for a limited time! Welcome Home Weeks are returning! If you’ve ever been curious as to what it takes to own a piece of the “magic” at Disney’s hotels there’s a lot to unpack there. But, assuming you’ve crossed that threshold into DVC membership (welcome home, by the way), find yourself adding on points after your initial purchase, or simply just need a little more to convince you this might be a program that could work in your favor, Disney’s giving you almost two DOZEN new reasons to be glad you’re a member this summer! Disney Vacation Club is bringing back a few popular perks on a limited-time run. DVC is Disney’s version of a timeshare, where members pay for points they exchange for hotel room stays, Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and more. Most DVC memberships last for a maximum of 50 years per contract to own a deeded real estate interest in one of its hotels. DVC kiosk in EPCOT In addition to the paid points system you’ll use to book Disney hotel rooms across Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s Vero Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa, there are also membership perks that are afforded to DVC members each year. In recent years, DVC has also started offering Welcome Home Weeks for its members around its parks and hotels as a way to say “thank you” for visiting and give them something a little extra for their stay! Copper Creek deluxe studio room From August 14th through September 16th, this limited-time celebration will return to multiple Disney destinations featuring tasty treats, special experiences, and enhanced discounts for eligible Disney Vacation Club Members! ©Disney Let’s take a look at what’s being offered during these Welcome Home Weeks and where you’ll find them! Complimentary Ice Cream Stop by and treat yourself to a refreshing, complimentary Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich, or fruit bar at select locations. ©Disney Disney World: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Location: Tower of Terror Courtyard Dates: Mondays and Tuesdays, starting August 18th Times: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Disney’s Animal Kingdom Location: Upcountry Landing in Asia Dates: Thursdays and Fridays, starting August 14th Times: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Magic Kingdom Location: Tomorrowland Terrace Dates: Wednesdays, starting August 20th Times: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Disney Springs Location: Gateway to Discovery – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center Dates: Mondays and Fridays, starting August 15th Times: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EPCOT Location: Lobby of Living Seas Salon Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting August 19th Times: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Location: Disney Vacation Club Preview Center Dates: Daily, August 14th – September 16th Times: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Disneyland: Disneyland Location: Star View Station – a Member Lounge Dates: August 19th and August 26th Times: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Disney California Adventure Location: Golden Vine House, a Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center Dates: September 2nd, September 9th and September 16th Times: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Location: Wind & Waves Market Dates: Mondays, starting August 18th Times: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: Location: Broad Creek Mercantile Dates: Thursdays, starting August 14th, and Tuesday, September 16th Times: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Welcome Home Wakeup Come mingle with fellow DVC members for coffee and a morning treat at select Disney World and Disneyland locations. There is a limit of one Welcome Home Wakeup per week, per Member, while supplies last. To validate your membership, you’ll be asked for a valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo ID at the event check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be in attendance. Additionally, eligibility requirements must also be met for this event. Members eligible for Membership Extras with a hotel reservation at the same hotel where the event is being held (on an event date) may attend, plus 4 of their guests (or the number of additional hotel guests on the reservation). Eligible Resorts include: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disneyland Resort hotels ©Disney Disney World: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Location: Top of the World Lounge Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, starting August 16th Times: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Location: Reunion Station Dates: Saturdays and Tuesdays, starting August 16th Times: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Disneyland: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Location: Discovery Den Dates: August 25th and September 15th Times: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Character Experiences Meet beloved Disney Characters at fun events across Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. To be eligible, members must also be eligible for Membership Extras with a hotel reservation at Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, or Aulani. This experience is also extended to the member plus 4 of their guests (or the number of additional hotel guests on the reservation). A valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required at event check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be in attendance. ©Disney Disney World: Location: Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk Dates: August 25th through August 27th, and September 8th through September 10th Times: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Parking: There is no hotel parking for this event. Members are strongly encouraged to use Disney World transportation. Disneyland Resort: Location: The Adventure Room at the Disneyland Hotel Dates: August 14th and September 11th Times: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Parking: There is no hotel parking for this event. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Location: The Croquet Lawn Dates: Thursdays, starting August 14th Times: 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: Location: The Big Dipper Pool Deck Dates: Tuesdays, starting August 19th Times: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Aulani: Location: Kipuka Lawn Dates: August 14th, August 28th, and September 11th Times: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 40% Discount at Select Table-Service Restaurants Enjoy 40% off food and nonalcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants at Disney World on select dates. This discount is offered Mondays through Thursdays from August 14th to September 16th during normal operating hours of participating restaurants. This exclusive discount is only valid during certain meal periods at select restaurants. To receive the discount, the Disney Vacation Club member must show their Digital Membership Card and government-issued ID. Your Digital Membership Card can be found on the My Disney Experience app and can be added to the digital wallet of your mobile device. Eligibilty requirements must also be met such as being eligible for Membership Extras, discount valid for the DVC member plus up to 3 guests (unless otherwise noted), offer valid for dine-in customers only and excludes to-go, certain menu items, special events, or packages, and may not be combined with any other discount, offer or promotion. This discount is taken off the regular price of food and nonalcoholic beverages, excluding tax and gratuity, and is subject to change without notice. Additionally, when dining inside a Disney World park, valid park admission and a park reservation are required. ©Disney Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Lunch & Dinner) Toledo –Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Dinner) Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Dinner) Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Dinner) The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Park Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Breakfast & Lunch) Mobile Order Discount Receive a 20% one-time-use discount on a Quick-Service mobile order (excluding tax) at Disneyland! While visiting Disneyland, select Quick-Service dining using the Disneyland app, place your order, and input the discount code between the valid dates this offer applies and it will automatically deduct for you. Members are eligible for Membership Extras (one discount code per eligible member), and this discount is available only via Mobile Order and cannot be redeemed in person at the register. ©Disney Dates: The one-time-use discount is available between August 14th and September 16th. Please check back here for offer code and instructions. Times: Dining operating hours Welcome Home Wednesday Wine Mixer Join fellow Members as you indulge in complimentary wine, appetizers, and live music at Disneyland and Aulani. Space is limited for this event, and pre-registration is required. ©Disney Disneyland: Location: Brisa Courtyard at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Dates: August 27th and September 10th Times: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Pre-registration for this complimentary event is available starting August 1st, 2025, at Disney Vacation Club Discovery Studio at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or call (714) 956-6529. Aulani Resort: Location: Rainbow Reef Dates: August 20th, August 27th, September 3rd and September 10th Times: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Pre-registration for this complimentary event is available starting August 1st, at Hoku Hideaway at Aulani Resort. Complimentary Welcome Home Weeks Everglazed Donut Stop by Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew at Disney Springs to receive a complimentary Welcome Home Weeks donut (while supplies last). DVC members eligible for Membership Extras are exclusive to this offer (one donut per member, per week, while supplies last) ©Disney Location: Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew at Disney Springs Dates: Wednesdays, starting August 20th Times: During normal operating hours of Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Complimentary Movie Snacks Receive candy at Movies Under the Stars at select Walt Disney World Resorts or popcorn while watching films aboard Disney Cruise Line sailings—all complimentary! Members eligible for Membership Extras are exclusive to this offer (one selection of candy per week, per member) and must present their Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo identification. The offer is not valid on novelty items such as popcorn buckets and does not apply to popcorn at live stage productions or presentations while onboard your Disney Cruise Line ship. ©Disney Disney World Locations: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resorts Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Dates: Varies by Resort. Please check with the Recreation team at each respective location. Times: During normal operating hours of Movies Under the Stars Disney Cruise Line: Locations: The concession counter outside the theaters on all Disney Cruise Line ships. Theaters: Walt Disney Theatre, Buena Vista Theater, Never Land Cinema Dates: Daily, August 14th to September 16th Times: During normal operating hours Screening of “Disney ‘80s-‘90s Celebration in Concert” This “totally awesome” concert film finds stage and screen stars performing hits from some of the most beloved Disney films and television titles of these distinctive decades. ©Disney Location, date, and times are to be announced soon! Complimentary Reusable Shopping Bag Visit select Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Centers for a complimentary, reusable bag to hold all your goodies. Members must meet the requirements to be eligible for Membership Extras (one shopping bag per member). ©Disney Locations: Gateway to Discovery – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center at Disney Springs and Golden Vine House – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center at Disney California Adventure Dates: August 14th to September 16th Times: During normal operating hours of Gateway to Discovery – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center and Golden Vine House – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center Room Refresh Open House Stop by to see the refreshed Resort rooms at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. ©Disney Dates and times of this offering will be announced soon. Hawaiian Art Experience Take part in Hawaiian language lessons and kapa printing (traditional stamping) at Aulani in Hawaiʻi. Members eligible for Membership Extras with an Aulani hotel reservation, plus 4 of their guests (or the number of additional guests on the reservation) may join them. Pre-registration for this complimentary event is encouraged and available at Hoku Hideaway upon arrival. You’ll also need to be prepared to present a valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo ID at the event check-in and the member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be in attendance. ©Disney Location: Pau Hana Room Dates: August 18th, August 25th, September 8th, and September 15th Times: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Members may attend one of these times during their stay.) Hawaiian Cultural Experience Explore Hawaiian traditions at Aulani Resort with complimentary lei-making and hula lessons. Members eligible for Membership Extras with an Aulani hotel reservation, plus 4 of their guests (or the number of additional guests on the reservation) may join them. Pre-registration for this complimentary event is encouraged and available at Hoku Hideaway upon arrival. You’ll also need to be prepared to present a valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo ID at the event check-in and the member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be in attendance. ©Disney Location: Kaiona Ballroom Dates: August 19th, September 2nd, and September 16th Times: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Palm Breeze Bar Special Receive an appetizer at no additional cost when you purchase a specialty drink (cocktail or mocktail) at Palm Breeze Bar at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Pre-registration for this complimentary event is available starting August 1st, at the Discovery Den at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel in person or by calling (714) 956-6529. Offer extended only to members eligible for Membership Extras (one per member per day). ©Disney Location: Palm Breeze Bar at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Dates: August 20th and September 3rd Times: Noon to 6:00 PM Welcome Home Weeks Button Pick up a complimentary button to celebrate Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Weeks! These buttons will be given out during operating hours at the respective locations (subject to change) between August 14th through September 16th (while supplies last), and members eligible for Membership Extras (one button per Member). Additionally, valid park admission and park reservations may be required for in-park locations. ©Disney Disney World: Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge (Magic Kingdom) Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge (EPCOT) Disney Vacation Club Discovery Desks Château de Voyage – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center (EPCOT) Gateway to Discovery – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center (Disney Springs) Disneyland: Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge Golden Vine House – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center (Disney California Adventure Park) Discovery Den at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Discovery Studio at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Discovery Desk at Pixar Place Hotel Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Disney Vacation Club Concierge Desks Hoku Hideaway Kiosks at Aulani Model Room locations Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Front Desk Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: Front Desk The fun doesn’t stop there, though! There’s even more DVC membership magic to be felt at home. Complimentary Magnet To celebrate Welcome Home Weeks, DVC is including a special magnet in the summer edition of Disney Files Magazine! ©Disney Keep an eye on your mailbox, as this is expected to be mailed in late June. #ThatMagicalFeeling Virtual Wallpapers Show your Member pride with our complimentary #ThatMagicalFeeling-themed wallpapers! ©Disney These will be available for download for all Disney Vacation Club members through the member portal website. WHEW! That’s a LOT of extra perks DVC and Disney have teamed up to bring its members this summer. While you might not be able to take advantage of all of them, there are plenty of options available, giving you your best chance at joining in the fun this summer. Be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney news, updates, and more so you don’t miss a thing! 6 Overlooked Disney World Hotel Restaurants You Keep Forgetting to Add to Your List Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these Welcome Home perks are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below! The post 17 Perks REVEALED for Disney Vacation Club Members This Summer! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Raise your hand if you’ve got a cup collection! ©Stanley Whether you prioritize hydration or you just love a fun beverage holder, we totally get it — we too have cabinets filled with fun cups, mugs, and tumblers. And for all those Stanley fans out there…there’s a hot new collection online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the classic tumbler style! ©Amazon Starting off our list, Amazon has dropped some new exclusive colors for Stanley tumblers and bottles! The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw can now be purchased in this stunning “Sienna” color. View on Amazon This is another exclusive color! ©Amazon Or if you prefer something a bit more muted, you can go with the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw in the exclusive shade of “Blue Cactus.” These cups are dishwasher safe and the new colors are part of Stanley’s Out West Collection. View on Amazon We love the water bottle version as well ©Amazon More of a water bottle type of person? Snag the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle in the exclusive color “Lupine” as well. Amazon says that this features AeroLight spun-steel insulation that makes it 33% lighter than your regular water bottles. View on Amazon Or, you can grab a combination of the two! ©Amazon Maybe you want a combo of the two styles? If so, the Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler may be more your style. This one also offers the new exclusive colors and comes with a carrying handle on the top. View on Amazon Stay tuned to DFB for more hot merchandise on Amazon and all the best Disney souvenirs as well! We’ve got you covered with the latest. Shop for More Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Amazon Just Dropped an EXCLUSIVE Stanley Collection! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sure, Disney World has rides and entertainment, as well as a million things to do. A flamboyance But Disney World also has ANIMALS, especially in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (although you can see some sea creatures in EPCOT, too). Well, if you’ve ever been on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, you may have learned a little something about flamingos…that they get their color from their diet and that a group are called a flamboyance. Well, let’s just say that Disney World’s flamboyance just got a little bigger because some new flamingos have been born. BABY BIRDS, y’all! Some new chicks (aka baby flamingos) have been born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, adding to the flamboyance that’s already living there. In fact, you can even see them if you visit the hotel at Jambo House. They’re cute and tiny…but don’t expect them to be pink. Like we’ve learned from Kilimanjaro Safaris, they aren’t born pink…they turn pink as they get older due to their diet of algae and brine ship, which are rich in carotenoids, which gives certain foods a bright pink color. ©Disney Believe it or not, there are actually six species of flamingos. Those in Disney World are greater flamingos, which are the most widespread kind of flamingo. These flamingos are also the largest species of flamingo and can grow to about 43-59 inches tall. Flamingo in Animal Kingdom If you love flamingos, be sure to stop by Jambo House to say hi to this little guy. While you’re there, be sure to check out all the other animals you can see on the savannah and be sure to grab some zebra domes before you leave. Even better? Snag a Boma or Sanaa reservation and have a nice meal, too. ©Disney Stay tuned to DFB for more.  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite animal to see in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Excuse Us While We Get Emotional Over This Disney World News first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get ready to travel in style! ©Amazon When you’re putting together a packing list before visiting the Disney Parks, you’d be foolish to leave off luggage! How else are you going to fit all those ponchos, running shoes, and Disney souvenirs? Fortunately, a trusted luggage brand just released a new collection online on Amazon, and we’re telling you all about it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. American luggage and travel accessory company Away just released some new items on Amazon, and we definitely recommend checking them out! This Durable Luggage Will Keep Your Essentials Safe ©Amazon This Away Medium Checked Hard Shell Suitcase is available in several different colors on Amazon and is designed to last. This piece of luggage is lightweight, has spinner wheels, features a TSA lock, and is listed at 26 inches. Buy on Amazon This Duffle Bag Can Do It All ©Amazon If you’re looking for something smaller, check out the Away Everywhere Duffle Bag! This bag is available in one of four different colors on Amazon and is water repellent. The bag also has a removable shoulder strap, a water bottle pouch, and a padded laptop sleeve. Buy on Amazon This Sizeable Suitcase Surely Gets The Job Done ©Amazon If you’re planning a long Disney vacation, the Away Large Trunk Luggage could be PERFECT for you! This 31 31-inch hardside suitcase comes with spinner wheels, a TSA lock, several spacious interior compartments, and is noted for being lightweight and durable. The suitcase is currently available on Amazon with several different color options. Buy on Amazon And there you have it! Do you plan on picking up one or more of these luggage items? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for more travel tips and updates! Find more Disney trip essentials on our Amazon storefront!The post Why Every Disney Adult Is Buying Away Luggage From Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Picture this: You’re having the best vacation ever, but it’s now check-out day from your Disney World Resort, and saying you’re feeling sad is an understatement. You can’t help but think about all the attractions you didn’t get to or that resort you visited for dinner that you’re now craving to stay in. Instead of feeling bummed, what if we told you planning your next trip now could save you money for the next? Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World has extended an offer for guests who have recently checked out of a Disney Resort, so you can keep the magic going. Now you can book your next Disney World vacation within seven days of your current check-out date to get major savings. New 2026 dates have been added so we can book even more vacations. Contemporary Resort You can book your next trip most nights between: May 26th to July 2nd, 2025 July 7th to August 28th, 2025 September 1st to 30th, 2025 October 26th to November 26th, 2025 Novemember 30th to December 24th, 2025 January 12th to 15th, 2026 January 19th to 23rd, 2026 Feburary 8th to 12th, 2026 Feburary 15th to 19th, 2026 February 22nd to 25th, 2026 March 3rd to May 21st, 2026 May 25th to July 1st, 2026 July 6th to September 2nd, 2026 September 7th to 29th, 2026 October 26th to 31st, 2026 That’s a lot of date options all the way through 2026! Trust us, once you get a taste of Disney World, you’re going to want to book the next trip immediately. Disney’s Pop Century Resort What resorts can you stay in? Well, most of them! You can save up to 35% on these Deluxe Resorts and Villas: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (for 2026 arrivals only) Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Save up to 30% on the following Moderate Resort hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Coronado Springs Resort Room You can even save up to 25% at the Value Resorts: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort All Star Sports We know that’s a lot of information, but here are the highlights of what you need to know to take advantage of this deal. You need to book within seven days of your check-out date at a Disney World Resort. There are select dates you can book your future trip in, and specific resorts that are available. There is also a limited number of rooms allocated for this promotion, and the length of stay requirements might apply. Port Orleans French Quarter Another deal we’ve been obsessing over is the free dining plan offer. All of 2026, kids can eat for free! When you stay at a Disney World Resort and add on the Disney dining package for the family, kids ages 3 to 9 get their package for free. You need to add the dining plan for the whole party staying in the room, but this is a great way to save extra money on your trip. Let’s eat! Don’t want to worry about the details? That’s why we use Small World Vacations! They’re experts at all the details and will book your whole trip for you using the best promotions and deals. We’re going to start planning our next trip, but in the meantime, make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog for more Disney details. WHICH DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTEL IS BEST FOR YOU? 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 Do you currently have a Disney World trip planned? Let us know in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: Disney World Hotel Discount EXTENDED for 2026 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s Epic Universe has several revolutionary theme park elements, including its attractions, theme portals, and… food ordering? Epic Universe That’s right, many of the restaurants at Universal’s new park utilize a new mobile-based ordering system that we’ve previously seen at other restaurants at the resort. One that even Disney fans are looking at longingly. ​ At many of Epic Universe’s restaurants, including the thematically phenomenal Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe, each table features a QR code and a specific number. Notice the table-specific QR code? Guests enter the restaurant, sit at an available table, and scan the QR code to order and pay for their food using their mobile device. Their meal is then brought to their table, corresponding with the number, when ready. Carved Stake Steak This system features the ease of mobile ordering, without needing to pick up the food and — sometimes fruitlessly — juggle said food while looking for a table. Darkmoor Black Wings Suffice it to say, we wouldn’t mind Disney integrating something similar into their own mobile ordering system, at least in certain locations. Red Velvet Death Universal’s QR code/table number mobile order system is on full display at some of Epic Universe’s restaurants, and we welcome it. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe! REVIEW: BEWARE! Prime Epic Universe Restaurant Views Come at a Price (but Honestly? Worth It!) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at Epic Universe yet? Let us know in the comments below. The post "No Stink Eye Necessary." Why Disney Adults Love This Epic Universe Restaurant Trend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are plenty of fires to put out – and lessons to learn – with “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers,” a recently installed interactive exhibit at Orlando Science Center. Holy skill sets, Batman! The hands-on displays are designed to educate about teamwork, deduction, health care, coordination, agility and cognitive thinking, among others. The exhibit starts with the news that the Bat-Signal has been stolen, and there are clues to its whereabouts – and associated villainous activities – across Gotham City businesses and institutions. As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes. But loaner capes are provided at the exhibit. Here are five takeaways from the “Superpowers” exhibits: Roping mechanism They had me at virtual golden lasso. One of the first activities seen in the exhibit has participants doing their best Wonder Woman recovering stolen museum items (on-screen) by using some body moments, including an overhead double loop that ropes in artifacts. In that same area, folks can maneuver through simulated laser beams in the museum in pursuit of Cheetah. Match game Break out your superpowers of observation. The exhibit include stations that encourage use of deduction. At the Hall of Justice Control Center, visitors match up hazardous scenarios across the U.S. with the most appropriately empowered hero. There’s also a scene where two people must open a bank vault and rescue employees trapped in there by the Riddler. There are clues as to which keys to use simultaneously. (Our clue: Look beyond the spaces immediately surrounding the keys.) Two heads Teamwork is essential to the bank challenge, and it pops up in multiple displays. In a jewelry store, one person must complete the assembly of a necklace without looking and by going only by the description of a partner. On the run The exhibit looks to encourage the exercising of body and mind. At Star Labs, folks can race in place and get congratulations from a digital version of upbeat Flash. (There’s a hand version as well, but note that it requires a full palm, not a fastest finger strategy.) A Green Lantern-themed area uses light sequences to sharpen wits, and in the end, an exhibit-wide scavenger hunt of sorts leads to a word jumble activity that, if successful, saves the Bat-Signal. Be a hero Lastly, the exhibit preaches that you need not possess actual superpowers to be a hero. (We’re looking at you, Grayson.) Suggestions such as “become a volunteer” and “be a friend” appear on signs. Or maybe a super friend. “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers,” produced by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, remains at Orlando Science Center through Sept. 7. The exhibit also is featured within Saturday’s adults-only Science Night Live event. The after-hours session includes a presentation by environmental scientist and film producer Amy Giannotti as well as a “Sci-Fi Science” talk by Derek Demeter, planetarium director at Seminole State College. Cosplay is encouraged. For tickets or more information, go to OSC.org. 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

Summer is almost here, and that means new food and snacks to try at Disney World! Florida Citrus mural in Disney Springs This fan-favorite celebration is coming back to Disney Springs, and we’re ready to grab our forks and dive right in. Disney Springs Flavors of Florida will be from June 27th to August 10th! This is the sixth year of the event, and if you haven’t gone in the past, now is the year to do it. ©Disney There will be culinary showcases on select Friday nights from restaurants at Disney Springs, hosted by Kroger Delivery. We love the culinary demonstrations and hearing from the chefs about their culinary experiences and their passion for flavors in their restaurants. If you want to come and watch, you’ll need to register, but it’s completely free to sign up. We don’t have registration details yet, but we’ll be keeping an eye on them. Culinary Series Pairing Events will be back, where “experts will host dinners featuring exquisite cocktails, wines, and beer pairings with flavors inspired by the Sunshine State.” Florida has a lot of different flavors to offer, and we’re ready to try them all. These dinners also require registration along with payment. NEW Sunshine Stroll Beer You know we’re obsessed with Disney scavenger hunts, and a new, free scavenger hunt is back. Pick up a map and explore Disney Springs, and once you complete it, you get a special prize! Flavors of Florida guide map With a celebration called Flavors of Florida, you know there’s going to be new menu items! Many restaurants across Disney Springs will offer limited-time offerings from appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks with a Florida twist to try. There will be some returning favorites to try again, too! ©Disney For the event, there will be more than 90 menu items from over 45 different Disney Springs restaurants to enjoy all summer long. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more details! CHECK OUT EVERYTHING WE HAD FROM FLAVORS OF FLORIDA 2024 HERE! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the Flavors of Florida to be coming back to Disney Springs? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post DATES ANNOUNCED: Flavors of Florida Is Coming Back to Disney Springs Next Month first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Drinking Around the World in Disney World can feel SO right, yet go SO wrong. EPCOT So here are the things we WISH we would’ve known before drinking around the world in EPCOT so that YOU know what to prioritize, as well as what to avoid. Check out our video below: What I Wish I’d Known Before Drinking Around the World in EPCOT Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: What I Wish I'd Known Before Drinking Around the World in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Shine and Dine at Disney Springs Disney Springs Flavors of Florida returns June 27 – Aug. 10. Delight your senses with culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery and pairing events headlined by Disney Springs chefs. More than 90 delicious menu items inspired by Florida cuisine from 45+ locations at Disney Springs make this the biggest Flavors of Florida event so far. Get ready for another food and drink adventure inspired by the Sunshine State at Disney Springs! Flavors of Florida, the annual culinary celebration featuring menu items with ingredients grown and harvested in Florida, is back for its sixth summer starting June 27 with returning favorites and a tastebud-blasting list of new offerings at various Disney Springs locations. Keep reading for all the reasons you won’t want to miss this year’s Flavors of Florida. Learn from Disney Springs Chefs with Weekly Culinary Series On select Fridays throughout the summer, chefs from some of your favorite Disney Springs restaurants will showcase the skills and creativity used to craft this year’s menu items. During the culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery, guests will feast their eyes on cooking demonstrations from kitchen masters sharing their unique talents. Registration is required, but it is free, so don’t forget to sign up to snag your spot. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details! Pairing Events for the Discerning Diner Nothing elevates a dining experience like finding a perfect drink to complement your meal. And with the return of Flavors of Florida pairing events, you will learn the secrets to curating the perfect food and drink combinations. Disney Springs experts will host dinners featuring exquisite cocktail, wine and beer pairings with flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. Registration is required for the pairing events, and payment is due at the time of registration. Stay tuned for more info! Seek and Find Even More to do at Disney Springs In between trying all the amazing food, don’t forget to check out the Discover the Springs seek and find presented by The Polite Pig. With more than 1,200 acres of dining, shopping and entertainment venues to explore, there’s always something new to discover, and the seek and find is a fun way to discover some of the hidden gems at Disney Springs. You can pick up the free event guide at select locations… and when you complete the seek and find, don’t forget to turn in your completed map for a special surprise! New Menu Items to Wow Your Senses Chefs at Disney Springs spent the past year creating so many unique appetizers, entrees and desserts that you will definitely need more than one visit to enjoy them all. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the upcoming foodie guide because I’ve had a sneak peek and I can say with the firmness of a proper meringue that your appetite will definitely be satisfied. A Second Chance to Enjoy Returning Favorites One of the tastiest surprises from last year—the St. Augustine Datil Pepper Fritas—is back for a second round at The Daily Poutine! The crispy pork dish features a datil pepper sauce and Florida hearts of palm slaw. But the beer cheese crafted from Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner helps make it truly special. Sunshine Stroll was introduced during Flavors of Florida last year as a Disney Springs exclusive, and our chefs immediately went to work using it in various dishes like this one. I was thrilled to find out this dish is coming back and can’t wait to see what other creations use the exclusive pilsner this year. While you’re exploring Disney Springs Flavors of Florida, don’t forget to stop by Swirls on the Water for another returning treat—the Orange Bird Cone! This sublime dessert combines DOLE Whip® Orange in an orange cone, topped with sprinkles and a chocolate piece. It’s a delightfully satisfying sweet worthy of featuring the name of one of my favorite Disney characters. If there’s a flavor that comes from Florida—peppers, citrus fruit, cheeses and more—you’ll find it at Flavors of Florida. Overall, this year’s event will have more than 90 menu items from 45+ Disney Springs restaurants! So, start planning your date nights, family outings and celebrations, and we’ll see you at Disney Springs this summer. Dance, Play and Chill with Cool Kid Summer at Disney World READ MORE Disney World Announces New Family Deals for Summer 2025  READ MORE 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Dates and Appe-teasers READ MORE The post Feast on the Dates and Details for This Year’s Disney Springs Flavors of Florida appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Doing something so wrong has never felt so right — especially at Disney World! Busy day in Magic Kingdom We don’t usually advocate for illegal activity, but for this one, we’ll make an exception. Bear in mind, the kind of “illegal” we’re talking about isn’t quite what you’re thinking. We’re talking about illegal shoes — the kind BANNED from competition. So while these shoes are a no-go if you plan on competing in some kind of race, rest assured that these illegal shoes are totally LEGAL at Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Nearly a decade ago, a new type of shoe was introduced into the distance-running sport, and sport officials were taken aback. In a Wall Street Journal report, it was noted that folks weren’t truly prepared for “Nike shoes with chunky soles injected with a carbon-fiber plate to suddenly make runners more efficient and so much faster.” As these types of shoes became more popular among other brands, records started falling, and these shoes were quickly labeled as performance enhancers. The World Athletics — the governing body of running — eventually made it a rule that a shoe’s sole thickness (also known as “stack height”) could not exceed 40 millimeters/1.6 inches. ©Disney The reasoning behind the ban? It’s actually quite simple: the more foam under your foot, the more comfort you’ll experience and the longer you’ll be able to run. The fallout from this ruling is still being felt, as companies have not stopped making these “illegal” shoes. Of course, you still have controversies come up in elite races where participants accidentally (or intentionally) run with these shoes. 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon That’s the bad news. The good news is that visiting Disney World leisurely isn’t a regulated event by a sports commission — meaning YOU’RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO WEAR THESE ILLEGAL SHOES! Considering many folks consider these larger-sole, carbon-fiber plate-infused shoes to be extra comfy with extra lift, these shoes could be PERFECT for a Disney trip. We’ve picked out a few shoes that would be considered “illegal,” and you can legally buy them right now on Amazon! These Running Shoes Are Recommended For Long Walking Days ©Amazon The ASICS Women’s Magic Speed 4 Running Shoes come in slightly over the slack height limitations and are available in several different styles and sizes on Amazon. One recent review called these shoes “fast, comfortable, and versatile.” Shop on Amazon These Next Shoes Break The Rules By A Lot ©Amazon The Adizero Prime X 2.0 Strung Shoes by Adidas have a whopping 50 millimeter slack height and are outright banned by certain running organizations. Fortunately, Disney World doesn’t care, so feel free to wear these running shoes that are lauded for their comfort and weight reduction efforts. Shop on Amazon This Popular Brand Dabbles In Delightfully Illegal Sneakers ©Amazon Coming in with a 48 millimeter slack height, the Hoka Women’s Skyward X Sneaker provides extra elevation and cushioning compared to regular running shoes. We’re big fans of the Hoka brand, and this particular sneaker is available online on Amazon in several different sizes and styles. Shop on Amazon ASICS Makes The List Again With A Well-Regarded Entry ©Amazon We’re capping off this list with another ASICS shoe, the Superblast 2 Sneaker. This shoe has a stack height of 45 millimeters and is available on Amazon in several different men’s and women’s sizes. The sneaker has strong reviews, praising its larger size, firm midsole, comfy cushioning, durability, and style. Shop on Amazon And there you have it? What kind of style of shoe do YOU prefer to wear at Disney World? Would you give a pair of these illegal shoes a try? Let us know and continue to follow us right here at DFB for more tips on how to win Disney World! Looking for more Disney World essentials? Check out our Amazon storefront!The post ILLEGAL SHOES Are Taking Over Disney World. Here's Why. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It feels like Disney World is constantly changing. With new rides, lounges, and snacks, it can be hard to know what’s seasonal and changing and what’s here to stay. EPCOT Over in an EPCOT pavilion, this exhibit is extending its stay and sticking around for more visitors. When you’re walking through the World Showcase, you might be drawn into the American Adventure Pavilion when you hear the incredible Voices of Liberty singing a set filled with American classics. Look around when you’re listening because you’ll see the room is filled with hand-painted portraits. Portraits of Courage This is the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, all painted by former President George W. Bush. The 60 portraits of service members and veterans will be staying in the pavilion through 2026. Portraits of Courage The exhibit started in June 2024, and it’s hard not to notice the deep colors and faces of the portraits as soon as you walk into the room. Portraits of Courage A new special on Hulu, Our America: Portraits of Courage, takes viewers on a journey through the lives of four veterans, as highlighted in the portraits, along with President Bush’s commentary on the portraits and his ongoing work within the veteran community. American Adventure Pavilion After catching the Voices of Liberty and admiring the portraits, don’t forget to go upstairs to watch the attraction, The American Adventure. The show tells great stories of America and uses animatronics to share iconic moments. Voices of Liberty On your way out, you can also grab a bite from Block & Hans. We’ve been obsessed with the Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese as our halfway through the World Showcase snack. You can also catch a show at the American Gardens Theater from special performers during EPCOT festivals. Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese The portrait gallery will be staying through 2026, so make sure you take a peek inside during your next EPCOT visit. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more! ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST SNACKS AT 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 What’s your favorite hidden gem in the World Showcase? Tell us about it in the comments! The post UPDATE: This EPCOT Pavilion Change is Staying Through 2026 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s commitment to protecting wildlife for future generations extends far beyond our theme parks. Through the Disney Conservation Fund, grants are provided to leading conservation organizations around the world to help stabilize and increase the population of at-risk animals — including gorillas in the wild. As their habitats in Africa are starting to disappear, these gentle giants continue to face threats like poaching, deforestation and infectious diseases. One of Disney’s long-standing collaborations is with the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) — a conservation organization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Founded in 2009, GRACE partners with Congolese communities to create a living landscape where gorillas and people thrive. As part of their comprehensive conservation strategy, GRACE operates as the world’s only sanctuary for critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas, also known as eastern lowland gorillas, rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, poaching and habitat loss. A Major Milestone in the Survival of Gorillas in the Wild Today, we are joining our friends at GRACE to celebrate a major milestone — the rewilding of four critically endangered female Grauer’s gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. This reintroduction to the wild is the first time gorillas who have been living at the GRACE sanctuary have been rewilded. The gorillas were released in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the largest-ever population reinforcement initiative in Africa. The rewilding of the gorillas aims to prevent the extinction of the isolated population of Grauer’s gorillas on Mt. Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park. “Congratulations to our friends at GRACE and the many conservation organizations and local communities that came together for this momentous achievement and conservation success story in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “We thank GRACE for their collaboration and commitment to saving Grauer’s gorillas, protecting habitats and inspiring communities throughout the world.” Disney’s Collaboration with GRACE Disney’s involvement with GRACE dates back more than 15 years ago when the center was founded. In addition to funding through the Disney Conservation Fund, Disney experts helped local communities design and build the sanctuary, and Disney cast members continue to support GRACE’s Congolese staff by lending their expertise to advise on the care and conservation of this iconic species, and inform GRACE’s education outreach strategy that engages over 60,000 community members per year. Disney animal care experts, scientists, veterinarians and education specialists have helped offer support and train GRACE’s community, animal care and education staff. “Being part of this journey with the GRACE staff has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Rachel Daneault, animal care manager with Disney’s Animals, Sciences and Environment who has worked with GRACE since the very start. “We’ve shared a vision and poured our hearts into making this a reality, and their passion and commitment have inspired me every step of the way. I’m truly honored to have walked this path with them.” To learn more about how GRACE cares for rescued gorillas and works hand-in-hand with Congolese communities to protect gorillas and their habitat, visit www.gracegorillas.org. Protecting the Magic of Nature GRACE is one example of the many collaborations the Disney Conservation Fund has with global organizations – on every continent, in half the countries around the world and all five oceans. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com. The post Disney’s Commitment to Conservation: Saving Gorillas appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Another panel of the Disney Springs Art Walk mural is complete, and it’s work done by Brett Tachi, an artist born and raised in Orlando. “I wanted to showcase a bit of our family history,” Tachi said in a video released by Walt Disney World. Her artwork — titled “Memento” — features a persimmon tree growing out of rocks, which represents her family’s resilience, Tachi said. The painting is a tribute to her Japanese-American heritage and her great-grandparents, who opened a plant nursery in California after immigrating to the United States in the early 1900s. “The whole idea of this mural is to find ways to connect with your ancestors and your culture. So, I hope they think of their own ancestors and their elders and ways that they can relate back to their history no matter where they’re from,” Tachi said. The mural is one of several seen at the Disney Springs Art Walk, an outdoor set of large paintings on continuous display. The works, featuring 20 artists, are found in the Town Center neighborhood of the entertainment and retail complex, nestled between the Lime parking garage and the bus loading area. “It’s such a diverse and amazing collection they have here,” Tachi said. dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article