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GRAB (or hide!) YOUR WALLETS; it’s time for one of the BIGGEST Disney souvenir sales of the year! ©Disney The Disney Store’s Twice Upon a Year sale is HERE, and over 500 items are on sale for up to 40% off — that’s a huge savings, which means you can get even more bang for your buck. Need new park outfits? Check. Need some Disney home goods? Check. Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Triple check. Let’s get into it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Shop the ENTIRE SALE right here! ©Disney Over 500 items are on sale for over 40% off as part of this sale — but it won’t last long, so act fast! View online! This Disney World Starbucks Tumbler is less than $20 ©Disney How cute is this sparkling Starbucks travel tumbler?! The vibrant green hue evokes Tinker Bell’s iconic outfit. A double-wall exterior with a golden foil Walt Disney World logo and iridescent glitter within provides a lift throughout the day. View online! We love this Minnie Mouse suitcase for kids ©Disney Just in time for your next Disney World vacation! With a hard shell, roomy interior compartment, retractable handle, and swivel wheels, it feels very grown-up indeed,d and its appeal is timeless. View online! Or, you can grab these Bluey and Bingo shoes! ©Disney Your little one will know their Bluey from their Bingo, er, their right from their left, while wearing these adorable mismatched slip-on shoes featuring the adorable heeler pups from Bluey. With colorful screen art on the tops, nubuck suede accents, and starry printed interiors, these cute shoes have pull tabs and elastic side accents so they’re super-easy to slip on and off, and the non-skid rubber soles mean they’re perfect for playtime or anytime. View online! And finally, how about a new Loungefly? ©Disney View online! 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 This Disney Souvenir Sale Only Happens Twice a Year (And Over 500 Items Are Up to 40% Off) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

At its best, staying at a Disney hotel is an integral part of the Disney World experience. However, there are certain trends we’re DONE with! Let’s go to Disney World! As Disney has Disney policies, these trends have us a bit concerned with the overall Disney hotel experience. Rooms Not Ready There are few things more frustrating than arriving at a hotel after a long day a travel only to find your room isn’t ready at the scheduled check-in time. This can be especially frustrating at Disney World because, currently, guests staying at Disney World hotels have free access to one of the resort’s water parks on check-in day. While we obviously understand that at times delays happen, this issue seems to pop up with frustrating regularity. If you get sick, your room is the best place for you to be Check-Out Issues From arrival to departure, Disney seems to have a slight check-out issue. According to Disney policy, “If you have a credit card on file — or you have a zero-dollar balance — it’s easy to check out of your room, with no need to stop by the Front Desk! You can enjoy streamlined checkout through the My Disney Experience app. Just open the app menu and select “Hotel Reservations”. Then select “View Charges” to begin checking out. If you forget—no worries, you’ll be automatically checked out at our checkout time, 11:00 AM.” Mobile Checkout Sign However, some guests have fun into an issue where if they leave the grounds of their hotel — say to make a quick final rope drop visit to a park or grab a final breakfast at a different hotel — they are then automatically checked out of their hotel and are unable to get back into their room and retrieve their belongings even prior to 11:00 AM. Yum! While there are ways around this, like bringing all of your belongings to Luggage Assistance if you’re planning to leave your room that morning, for example, it shouldn’t be an issue in the first place, and we hope Disney works this issue out quickly. The luggage assistance desk! Late Night Food Options If you decide to stay at one of Disney World’s theme parks until close, by the time you return to your hotel, you may be out of luck if looking for a late-night snack. This is especially true if you’re at a park that’s on the opposite end of the property. On a night when the Magic Kingdom closes at 10:00 PM, it will likely take guests about an hour to get back to Pop Century, where the Everything Pop! shop and food court closes at 11:00 PM. While we obviously understand that these outlets need to close for the night, an extra hour of operation could potentially make a massive difference for many guests. Everything Pop Shopping and Dining These troubling Disney hotel trends need to be nipped in the bud ASAP. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Disney World experience. 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Leaving a Disney Cruise 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 worrisome Disney hotel trends have you noticed recently? Let us know in the comments below! The post “I Am Paying For it After All": Disney Adults Are TIRED of This Hotel TREND first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We spend much more time at ALDI than you probably think, and for good reason! ALDI! ALDI is a great place to shop for everyday needs without hurting your wallet. With summer arriving, ALDI has been delivering on great summertime items and essentials. Let’s check out what’s coming the week of May 28th! We’ve spotted some amazing, cheaper options at ALDI when it comes to summer essentials! Check out these sandals for both men and women. The material provides both comfort and lightness. These would be great for a beach day or a day at Disney World. The best part is that you can get these for only $7. Compare that to other store options — it’s a no-brainer! ©ALDI We have a few more color options to show the ladies specifically! If a taupe color doesn’t fit your style, there are also black and blue for you. If you want something really different, the orange offers a unique pattern. If sandals aren’t your style, check out the knit slip-on trainers. These might be a better pick for a day at Disney World, and sneakers for $12.99 are a steal of a deal! ©ALDI It’s going to be a summer of cheap shoes for the whole family, because we found sandals for your kiddos as well. These $5 children’s sandals would go great for a Disney day fit or a hot beach day. We love the subtle design added to the purple sandals! ©ALDI ALDI isn’t leaving your little ones out; they have sandals for toddlers as well. They offer the same comfort and lightweight, and are only $5! The little cuties get some different color choices — pink and a cool mix of green shades to create a camo design. ©ALDI If you’re planning on buying some shoes, you may need some socks to go with them! ALDI has socks for both men and women alike, and all packs come with six pairs of socks! For the men, a pack with black and seafoam colors, as well as a pack with blue and black colors. The ladies get more color options — with sock packs coming in colors of teal and green, rose… ©ALDI …cream and grey, as well as cream and green. Six pairs of socks for $7.99 is a great deal, especially considering how easy it is to lose socks when washing them (why is that?). We also wanted to show you these two visor hats from ALDI to help with sun protection. ©ALDI We talked about footwear, so let’s continue to build on the outfit. Check out these gorgeous athleisure dresses — taking the combination of athletic and leisure, putting them together to create a comfortable and stylish look. The dress comes in both black and green, and is only $15! ©ALDI ALDI also has some shorts for you. Technically, the shorts are a little over $6 each, since the shorts come in packs of two! There are a few color options — gray and blue, black and light blue, and gray and green. We also have another pair of knit slip-on trainers for the ladies, this pair coming in blue. ©ALDI Ladies, if you’re looking to expand your athletic wardrobe, you may want these biker shorts. ALDI has biker shorts in blue, green, and pink — for $8.99. You could get like five of these for the price of one at Lululemon! ©ALDI Moving away from the outfits, we really liked these seat cushions. If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable sitting down, these will be great for you. They’re also super portable, in case you need to bring them out to wherever you’re headed. The seat cushions come in packs of two for an amazing price of $6.99! ©ALDI If you’re looking for a new cooler, this is a great pick at a great price. It’s not often you find a cooler for $30! We love the style of the cooler as a shoulder bag. With all its pockets and compartments, you’ll fit everything you need while organizing it the way you like. ©ALDI We love our tumblers, and we keep coming back to ALDI. ALDI has been killing it with the tumblers lately; they have great color options, and of course, great pricing. We love the soft blend of colors that they use; it’s hard to choose which one to go for. Sitting at $10, maybe there’s no reason to settle for just one! ©ALDI Whether you’re hitting a beach, swimming pool, or water park, you may want to consider grabbing one of these. Waterproof phone cases are extremely useful to have. It allows you to carry around your phone for photos, videos, or maybe you’re waiting for a call — without the fear of it getting damaged! ©ALDI Speaking of waterproof, we found these waterproof beach cases. It looks like ALDI has them being used to throw your shades in there, but we’re sure you could fit other stuff in there as well. We love the color mixes they used for the cases, really letting them stand out. ©ALDI Lastly, keep yourself cool this summer with this tripod fan! We bet you don’t hear the combination of tripod and fan that often, but it’s a brilliant idea. They’re super flexible, so you can set it up however you need, or store it easily to bring on vacation with you. You can also set your phone up on it! ©ALDI We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest things that ALDI has to offer, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! I’ve Been Packing My Disney World Park Bag Wrong — Here’s My New Strategy to Avoid Chaos 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 did you like about ALDI’s essentials? Let us know in the comments! The post We Just Found the Best NEW Items Coming to ALDI -- Including Shoes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Feeling thirsty? Owala Water Bottle Over the last several years, Owala has become one of our FAVORITE water bottle brands. Recently, we took a look around Amazon to find the newest Owalas available on the site, including a few that celebrate Disney royalty! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 24 Oz Disney Princess Moana Water Bottle @Amazon Owala is offering SEVERAL bottles in color ways reminiscent of Disney Princesses, including Moana. SHOP HERE 24 Oz Disney Princess Ariel Water Bottle @Amazon There’s also a bottle in the teal and green color scheme representing Ariel, which will surely make you feel like you’re under the sea! SHOP HERE 24 Oz Disney Princess Rapunzel Water Bottle @Amazon Finally, there’s also a bottle in the color scheme of Tangled’s heroine. Each of these bottles is made from an insulated stainless-steel body, and features a FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening, a protective push-to-open lid that keeps the spout clean, a convenient carry loop that doubles as a lock, and double-wall insulation that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, a wide-opening for cleaning and adding ice, and a cup holder-friendly base. SHOP HERE 40 Oz Bottle @Amazon If you want to go BIGGER, there’s a 40 oz option that features many of the same benefits in a larger size. While there aren’t Disney Princess color ways, there are several options including the pictures Citrus Crush. SHOP HERE These are some of the coolest new Owala designs that just dropped on Amazon! Stay tuned to DFB for more Amazon updates! Searching for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post 4 NEW Owalas from Amazon That Are PERFECT for Summer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Going to Epic Universe and need to know EVERYTHING?? This is the BIGGEST — most EXTENSIVE — Epic Universe video we’ve made YET. Isle of Berk So get ready to learn it ALL from a brand you TRUST — the best rides, the tastiest food recommendations, the secret shortcuts, EVERYTHING — today on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Universal’s Epic Universe Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to Universal’s Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Most of us have had a day where we plan to watch one of Disney World’s incredible nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic! in Hollywood Studios, and Luminous — The Symphony of Us at EPCOT, and when we go to watch the show, BOOM, it’s canceled. Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom As much as we hate it when it happens, well, it happens! One of the most common reasons a show might be canceled is weather. When it’s too windy or lightning is too close to the area (some shows still run in the rain!), the show will be canceled for the safety of the guests and performers. We just learned a new way that a Disney World show can be canceled, and we bet you didn’t even know it was possible. Last week, you might have noticed that Luminous—The Symphony of Us was unexpectedly canceled. When we asked why, a Cast Member told us it was because the bridge that allows the barges to move to the middle of the World Showcase wouldn’t open. The fireworks couldn’t happen because they couldn’t get the equipment where it was supposed to be. Luminous If you’ve been walking around the World Showcase, you might have been stopped by Cast Members who said the bridge is opening. You’re usually only stopped for 10 minutes or so, but it can always be a bit frustrating when you’re rushing to your next Lightning Lane and realize you didn’t give yourself enough travel time. When the bridge is back down, you’ll be able to continue on with your day. EPCTOT Bridge One of EPCOT’s previous shows used to keep the barges on the water during the day, but this wasn’t popular amongst EPCOT fans because it blocked the views across the water. Now, they’re moved off the water for most of the day and brought back at night for the show. EPCOT We were also told that the same situation happened in Magic Kingdom for the bridge that opens for the Electrical Water Parade. Electrical Water Pageant While this isn’t something you can plan on, if you notice that it’s getting close to fireworks time and the barges aren’t out on the water, the bridge might not be working, and fireworks might be canceled. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! DISNEY WORLD FIREWORKS AND NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR VIEWING 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 nighttime spectacular? Tell us in the comments! The post The Weird Reason Why Disney World Fireworks Could Be Canceled first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We know it’s May, but it’s already time to start thinking about Halloween! Why? Because Disney says so! Halloween decorations 2023 Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are now on sale for the general public, and that means you can start planning your trip to experience all that spooky season has to offer! The event will kick off on August 15th, and we’ve got everything you need to know before you purchase those tickets. Currently, you can buy tickets through the Disney World website, and you may want to hurry if you’re interested in a popular date like opening night or Halloween itself. Typically, several dates sell out ahead of time each year. 2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party welcome sign Prices for the tickets are as follows: August 15th: Adult $149.00/Child (Age 3-9) $139.00 August 17th: Adult $119.00/Child (Age 3-9) $109.00 August 19th: Adult $119.00/Child (Age 3-9) $109.00 August 22nd: Adult $129.00/Child (Age 3-9) $119.00 August 24th: Adult $129.00/Child (Age 3-9) $119.00 August 26th: Adult $129.00/Child (Age 3-9) $119.00 August 29th: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party pin September 2nd: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 September 5th: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 September 7th: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 September 9th: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 September 12th: Adult $139.00/Child (Age 3-9) $129.00 September 14th: Adult $149.00/Child (Age 3-9) $139.00 September 16th: Adult $159.00/Child (Age 3-9) $149.00 September 19th: Adult $159.00/Child (Age 3-9) $149.00 September 21st: Adult $159.00/Child (Age 3-9) $149.00 September 23rd: Adult $159.00/Child (Age 3-9) $149.00 September 25th: Adult $159.00/Child (Age 3-9) $149.00 September 26th: Adult $169.00/Child (Age 3-9) $159.00 September 29th: Adult $169.00/Child (Age 3-9) $159.00 September 30th: Adult $179.00/Child (Age 3-9) $169.00 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party October 2nd: Adult $179.00/Child (Age 3-9) $169.00 October 3rd: Adult $179.00/Child (Age 3-9) $169.00 October 5th: Adult $189.00/Child (Age 3-9) $179.00 October 7th: Adult $189.00/Child (Age 3-9) $179.00 October 9th: Adult $189.00/Child (Age 3-9) $179.00 October 10th: Adult $199.00/Child (Age 3-9) $189.00 October 13th: Adult $199.00/Child (Age 3-9) $189.00 October 14th: Adult $199.00/Child (Age 3-9) $189.00 October 16th: Adult $199.00/Child (Age 3-9) $189.00 October 17th: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 19th: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 23rd: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 24th: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 26th: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 28th: Adult $209.00/Child (Age 3-9) $199.00 October 30th: Adult $229.00/Child (Age 3-9) $219.00 October 31st: Adult $229.00/Child (Age 3-9) $219.00 Trick or treating! The party runs from 7PM-midnight on the designated nights, taking place in Magic Kingdom. This means that Magic Kingdom will close at 6PM to daytime guests on party nights, but those with event tickets can get into the park as early as 4PM. During your five hours of party time, you can check out exclusive entertainment, special snacks, complimentary trick-or-treating, rare character meet-and-greets, and typically, low wait times for rides around the park. Wristband distribution Some of the highlights each year include the Boo to You! Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, as well as the dedicated fireworks show — Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus, you’ll probably find a lot to enjoy about this event. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular We’ll be there on the opening night of the party to bring you all the excitement and important news, so stay tuned! For now, check out our video below to learn all about last year’s event. And if you need help planning your vacation, we recommend our friends over at Small World Vacations to walk you through the entire process! They’re Disney vacation experts, and their services are complimentary. Keep following DFB for all the Disney World news and updates. Click Here for All the Halloween Party Details! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to the Halloween party this year? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets Are on Sale to Everyone for Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EVERYONE REMAIN CALM! It’s happening — Epic Universe is officially OPEN to the public! Epic Universe We’ve been spending as much time here as we possibly can, making sure we know all the ins and outs of this park so you’re prepared ahead of your first visit. And, of course, we’re BACK on the park’s first day of regular operation to see just how everything is going. So, let’s check it out! If you’re hungry, you can stop by the grand Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill, or the racing-themed Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel food stand. Throughout your day on the Isle of Berk, be on the lookout for characters! You can meet Hiccup and the beloved Toothless at Haddock Paddock, but we also spotted some other friends wandering the area. Hiccups Wing Gliders Finally, there’s the epic live show called The Untrainable Dragon. This show is based on the Untrainable show in Universal Beijing Resort. From the set to the characters, this is truly an incredible show. Dark Universe Dark Universe draws on Universal’s rich history with horror. There are plenty of monsters and spooky vibes to really set the mood, so be prepared for a wild time. This land is home to two attractions, including the MAJOR new ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Dark Universe The land’s second attraction is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man. It’s called Curse of the Werewolf, and you’re gonna want to RACE to escape the werewolves before you become one. Das Stakehouse All that screaming can really work up your appetite! Luckily, there are plenty of places to eat, like Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. And, if you have time, we highly recommend you stop by for a monster character meet-and-greet while you’re here! You can also check out a Universal Horror Monster Makeup experience! Each of the team members there has a costume that looks like a lab coat, just like Dr. Frankenstein would wear. ©Universal We’ll be updating this article throughout the day as we explore more of the first day of Epic Universe, so make sure you check back here for more! In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for the latest theme park news. Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning on visiting Epic Universe at Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments. The post Come With Us to EPIC UNIVERSE on OPENING DAY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Play break, unlocked! 🎉 #planDisney #EPCOT #WaltDisneyWorldView the full article

Read complete coverage from the Orlando Sentinel of Universal Orlando’s new theme park Epic Universe. See the latest photos, news and updated ride, show and food reviews for the new park that will feature lands called Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe (featuring classic monsters) and Celestial Park, an opening act that includes rides, restaurants and other attractions. The park officially opens to the public on May 22, 2025. See complete coverage at OrlandoSentinel.com/epic View the full article

We’ve been talking about this for YEARS, but the day has finally come. Universal Orlando’s newest park, Epic Universe, has opened its gates and welcomed guests for its grand opening. Epic Universe Epic Universe was previously in technical rehearsal, but today is the first official day. Because technical rehearsals were available for everyone, what do opening day crowds look like in the park? Technical rehearsals were at a limited capacity, but let’s take a look at what a FULL Epic Universe looks like. Welcome to the first day of Epic Universe! Flocks of people fled to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, most likely to ride one of the most anticipated rides for the park: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This was the crowd just to get into the portal! Crowds to Ministry of Magic The queue was expected to be 150 minutes for the attraction and that was only at 8:30 AM. The ride doesn’t open till 9 AM! How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk was filled with dragon lovers of all ages ready to get on incredible attractions and meet Toothless. Here’s the queue to enter the land. We appreciated how Team Members were handing out free bottles of water! Packed! Despite this crazy queue, we were able to ride Dragon Racer’s Rally with no wait. It took us eight minutes to walk through the queue, but then we were on our own, learning how to fly. We’re not joking when we say May 22nd has been marked in our calendars for months now. A new theme park has officially opened in Orlando, and we’re glad to welcome Epic Universe into our theme park family. Keep following DFB for all the theme park news you love! We’ll be updating this post throughout the day with more crowds and details! COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING EPIC UNIVERSE TICKETS Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning on going to Epic Universe soon? Tell us what you’re most looking forward to in the comments. The post You Won't Believe the CROWDS on the Sold Out Opening Day of Epic Universe! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park’s grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park’s grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)The sun sets over the Universal Helios Grand Hotel and Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park’s grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first new major theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Fireworks launch over Universal Epic Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the eve of the theme park’s grand opening to the public, Thursday. Universal Epic is the first major new theme park in the US in more than 20 years. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 12Fireworks explode as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thousands of invited guests and celebrities watched the spectacular fireworks and drones show. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) Expand View the full article

• Where: Epic Universe is about 2.5 miles southeast of Universal Orlando’s original theme parks, near the Orange County Convention Center. The entrance is off Epic Boulevard, which is accessed from Destination Parkway or South Kirkman Road. The official address is 1001 Epic Blvd. The Kirkman Road extension has opened for traffic, so if traveling from downtown Orlando, westbound on Interstate 4, take Exit 75B for Kirkman. There are new directional road signs in place for Epic Universe. The new route is a bit curvy and elevated at points, but follow those signs to Epic Boulevard and the theme park’s parking lot, which will be on the left. If traveling from the southwest, going eastbound on I-4, exit onto State Road 528 and then take Exit 2 to go northbound on Universal Boulevard. Turn right onto Destination Parkway, then left onto Epic Boulevard, skirting a roundabout and then a right turn to the entrance of the parking lot. • Parking: Epic Universe has its own parking lot; there is no parking garage there. Parking is $32. Prime self-parking is $50-$60. • Key times for opening day: The main parking lot (including ride-share drop-off) opens at 6 a.m.; shuttle bus service from Universal Orlando hotels to Epic Universe also begins at 6 a.m.; turnstiles at the front entrance and inside the entrance for Helios Grand Hotel guests open at 7 a.m. There will be a “brief celebratory moment” at 8 a.m. near the park entrance. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily through June 1. • Future operating hours: From June 2 through June 17, Epic’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the remainder of June, the schedule varies by day but opens at either 9 or 10 a.m., then closes at either 9 or 10 p.m. (These times are subject to change). • Security: Bag screening occurs just before the main entrance. Among the prohibited items in the park are explosives, weapons, alcohol, marijuana or any item containing cannabis or related paraphernalia, power-driven or radio frequency-controlled devices, outside food or beverages, glass, coolers, suitcases, bags with wheels and folding chairs. Everyone must travel through a metal detector, too. (The system is similar to Universal Orlando’s mega-garage.) An effect makes it appear as though guests are traveling through a green tube at the entrance of Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe, welcoming them during a media preview event on May 20. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)• Tickets: Prices for one-day admission to Epic for the rest of the year vary daily and range from $139 (for four days in September) to $199 (from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve). The first available date posted for a one-day ticket is May 26. Universal Orlando offers multiday passes with other theme parks and Volcano Bay water park that may bring down price-per-day rates. • App: The official Universal Orlando app can be used to facilitate purchases, dining reservations, maps, show schedules, wait times and more. More on Epic Universe Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here’s how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal’s new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park . View the full article

A warm climate and lush environment were early draws for the Florida tourism industry. The arrival of railroads, leisure travel and air-conditioning jump-started the Sunshine State ahead of the 1971 arrival of Walt Disney World. A lot of travel stops have come and gone over the decades. Here is a brief look at Central Florida’s attractions, through the years. • 1878: Glass-bottom boats are introduced at Silver Springs in Marion County. • January 1936: Pope Sr. establishes Cypress Gardens, the state’s first theme park, in Winter Haven. It eventually is known for Southern belles, film settings and for being the “water ski capital of the world.” Pope Sr. (from left), daughter Adrienne, wife Julie and son Pope Jr. take to the water in a Cypress Gardens photo, likely from the 1950s. (Orlando Sentinel file)• Dec. 1949: Owen Godwin Sr. opens Gatorland as a roadside attraction on South Orlando Blossom Trail. Original name: Florida Wildlife Institute, which was changed to Snake Village and Alligator Farm before landing on Gatorland in 1954. • Nov. 15, 1965: After months of secret land purchases and speculation, Walt Disney announces, from a downtown Orlando hotel, plans to build in Florida. Construction began in 1968. • Oct. 1, 1971: Magic Kingdom theme park opens alongside the Contemporary Resort Hotel, followed by the Polynesian Village Resort. Tourists mingle with characters at Magic Kingdom on opening day of Walt Disney World on Oct. 1, 1971. (Orlando Sentinel file)• Dec. 15, 1973: SeaWorld Orlando theme park opens about 7 miles southeast of Magic Kingdom. • Feb. 21, 1974: Circus World, which eventually features coasters named the Hurricane and Zoomerang, opens in Davenport. The attraction closed in 1986. • July 1974: Church Street Station, a collection of bars, opens in downtown Orlando and thrives into the 1980s. Co-founder Bob Snow sold the property in 1989. • March 1975: Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opens at Walt Disney World. It expands and goes through several names including Walt Disney World Village, Disney Village Marketplace, Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. • June 20, 1976: River Country, Disney’s first water park, opens near Fort Wilderness. (It closed in late 2001.) A swimmer makes his way across the cool waters of River Country at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort in February 1989. (Orlando Sentinel file)• March 13, 1977: SeaWorld mastermind George Millay creates Wet ‘n Wild, a water park on International Drive. In 1998, Universal bought the attraction, which shut down in 2017. (Universal’s Endless Summer Resort is on the site now.) • Oct. 1, 1982: Walt Disney World introduces Epcot, its second theme park, a variation on Walt Disney’s original Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow concept. • April 1987: Boardwalk and Baseball amusement park opens on the former Circus World site. It closed in 1990. • February 1988: Arabian Knights dinner show opens in Kissimmee. It closed after a 25-year run. Longtime Disney star Annette Funicello kisses her old pal Mickey Mouse on opening day of Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. (Orlando Sentinel file)• May 1, 1989: Disney-MGM Studios theme park opens, with Disney CEO Michael Eisner edging out the arrival of Universal Studios Florida. It ushers in Eisner’s expansion plan known as the Disney Decade. • May 1, 1989: Pleasure Island entertainment district opens at Disney World, adding several nightclubs to the resort’s lineup. • June 1, 1989: Typhoon Lagoon water park opens at Disney World. • June 7, 1990: Universal Studios Florida theme park debuts. • Nov. 8, 1991: Terror on Church Street, a year-round haunt, opens. The original closed in 1999, but another owner has a two-year run of Terror on the third floor of Church Street Exchange. • July 1992: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, built to look like it’s falling into a sinkhole, opens on International Drive. • 1993: Ripley Entertainment Inc. moves headquarters from Toronto to Orlando. • Late 1993: Florida Splendid China, an attraction with one-tenth scale replicas, opens near Kissimmee. It operated for 10 years. (Now on the site: Margaritaville Resort homes and condos.) Plunging straight down the side of Mt. Gushmore at Blizzard Beach gives Walt Disney World Resort guests the spine-tingling thrills of skiing up north. (Courtesy Walt Disney Co.)• April 1, 1995: Blizzard Beach water park opens at Disney World. • March 1998: WonderWorks, the upside-down-looking attraction, opens on International Drive. • April 22, 1998: Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park opens with celebrities such as Stevie Wonder and Jane Goodall on hand. • December 1998: Cirque du Soleil debuts its “La Nouba” show at Downtown Disney. It ran through 2017. Crowds gather at the entrance of Universal's Islands of Adventure during the park's opening to the public on May 28, 1999. (Orlando Sentinel file)• May 28, 1999: Universal Orlando opens Islands of Adventure park and Universal CityWalk, a shopping and dining area, adjacent to Universal Studios. • July 1, 2000: Discovery Cove, SeaWorld’s day resort with marine animals and water activities, debuts. • February 2001: Holy Land Experience, a Christian attraction with Bible-related activities and shows, opens near Conroy Road and Interstate 4. Trinity Broadcasting Network purchased it in 2007. The attraction closed in 2020. • June 2003: Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show opens near Interstate 4. It operated for five years. • June 2006: Blue Man Group moves into the theater at Universal CityWalk. It closed with the 2020 pandemic shutdown. In 2024, another Blue Man show is announced for a new space at Icon Park. • 2008: Disney-MGM Studios’ name changes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. • Sept. 27, 2008: Pleasure Island nightclubs are closed as the area is absorbed into an area eventually known as Disney Springs. Loggerhead Lane floats guests down a lazy river past exotic birds and exotic fish. SeaWorld's new water park, Aquatica, opened to the public March 1, 2008. (Julie Fletcher/Orlando Sentinel)• March 1, 2008: SeaWorld introduces Aquatica water park. • June 18, 2010: The first Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Islands of Adventure with Daniel Radcliffe and other actors participating in festivities. • Oct. 15, 2011: Legoland Florida opens in Winter Haven on the former grounds of Cypress Gardens. • July 8, 2014: Diagon Alley, the second installment of a Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opens at Universal Studios. The Hogwarts Express attraction connects the attractions in two different theme parks. Team members welcome cheering fans into a confetti-filled Diagon Alley during the grand opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando on July 8, 2014. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)• April 29, 2015: Orlando Eye, a 400-foot observation wheel, debuts on International Drive next to Madame Tussauds Orlando and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. • September 2016: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions announces it will move its headquarters from Alexandria, Virginia, to Orlando, and it extends its contract for the IAAPA Expo to be held at Orange County Convention Center through 2030. • May 25, 2017: Volcano Bay water park opens at Universal Orlando. • Aug. 29, 2019: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge realm debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. • Nov. 2021: “Drawn to Life,” a new Cirque du Soleil show, opens at Disney Springs. • May 19, 2022: Peppa Pig Theme Park, aimed at preschoolers, opens next door to Legoland Florida in Winter Haven. The park entrance is shown during a media preview for Peppa Pig Theme Park on Feb. 16, 2022 (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)• March 2024: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to Central Florida attractions closing down for three or four months. • May 22, 2025: Epic Universe becomes Orlando’s first new theme park in more than 25 years. View the full article

Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” film series, talks with members of the media on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Actress Nico Parker and actor Mason Thames, stars of the upcoming “How to Train Your Dragon” live action film, arrive on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, arrives on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Actors Oliver and James Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the “Harry Potter” film series, arrive on the “Celestial Carpet” event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)“Saturday Night Live” cast member Bowen Yang has some fun on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo representative director and fellow, walks the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Gothic fashion designer Micheline Pitt, who contributed to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, arrives on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Howie Mandel, best known for his roles as a judge on “America's Got Talent “since 2010 and as the host of the game show “Deal or No Deal,” answers questions one the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrives on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Dancer and actor Frankie Grande models a Power-Up Band on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Danny Elfman, composer for Dark Universe interacts with guests on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. Elfman has composed scores for over 100 feature films including "Beetlejuice," "Men in Black," "The Wolfman" and more. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Tasha Ghouri, a British model, dancer and television personality, arrives on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universals Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)“The Real Housewives of Miami” star Guerdy Abraira arrives on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Dean DeBlois, writer, director and producer of all “How to Train Your Dragon” movies and the upcoming live action film, interacts with the media during a “Celestial Carpet” event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Mark "Crash" McCreery, center, who contributed designs for the monsters in Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, walks the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Rick Baker, special make-up effects creator known for his groundbreaking work in films like “An American Werewolf in London,” “Men in Black”, and “Planet of the Apes,” talks with guests on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)VIPs arrive during on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, talks to members of the media during a “Celestial Carpet” event as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, interacts with guests on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 20Actor Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” film series, talks with members of the media on the “Celestial Carpet” as part of the Universal Epic Universe grand opening ceremonies at the new theme park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Many celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries and other VIPs were introduced during the event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

When the portals of Epic Universe theme park officially open Thursday morning, Universal Orlando will welcome a new era of attractions technology. Central Florida’s first big theme park debut since 1999 was designed with modern features to align with the expectations of today’s consumers. There’s fresh tech on multiple fronts. Sometimes it’s obvious — such as lockers activated by facial recognition — but sometimes it’s invisible to park visitors. “There’s a strong expectation that if you’re going to walk into a world based upon Nintendo games, that you’re going to be able to interact with the environment as well,” said Peter Weishar, director and professor of UCF’s themed-experience program. New Power-Up Bands, wearable technology activated in Epic’s Super Nintendo World, and the updated iteration of wands for its Wizarding of Harry Potter land propel that trend, he said. “That’s definitely a new way of engaging a guest and making them feel like they have a degree of agency over what they’re seeing,” Weishar said. Epic Universe also has themed lands called How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases classic Universal characters such as Dracula, Wolf-Man and the Mummy. Frankenstein Manor houses a signature ride within Dark Universe. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment features a slew of animatronic figures with close-up encounters for passengers. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)‘It’s not easy’ The buzzy attraction within Dark Universe is named Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Riders glide through a dark and stormy revenge-driven storyline, encountering lurking animatronics from multiple directions at a rapid pace. “I don’t think there’s a more ambitious collection of technology being stuffed into one building than in that attraction,” said Jeff Polk, general manager and executive vice president for Epic Universe, during previews for the park. “We have more high-level animated figures that are interacting directly with the ride vehicle, with a fairly complex ride system, with video, with other effects put in place in there, than we have ever combined into one space,” he said. “Doing that is not easy. I can tell you, it’s not easy,” Polk said. Orlando’s theme parks regularly updated their ride systems and introduced innovative inventions in new attractions over the years. Epic Universe will be the first to open with only 21st-century technologies. UCF’s Weishar points to Mine-Cart Madness, an Epic roller coaster in the Donkey Kong Land within Super Nintendo World. The design of the ride creates the illusion of broken rails and carts flying across the gaps. “As with most innovation, it’s an incorporation of some existing technologies coupled with a few new different ideas,” Weishar said. And he labeled the park’s Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride a game-changer. Passengers watch a rollicking chase scene involving movie characters and an elaborate system of lifts. “You’ve seen pieces of it done before, but never at that scale, never at that quality,” Weishar said. “Once you’ve gone on that, there’s going to be an expectation of seeing something of that quality in the future, especially on new rides,” he said. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an interactive ride within Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Things change quickly Development is happening rapidly, said Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services. “Technology has risen to a level in the world of theme parks that we couldn’t have imagined 10, 15 years ago even,” Speigel said. “It’s allowing us to do things that we just now can dazzle the guests with and it’s a combination of CGI, AR, VR.” Epic’s ride called Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge debuted at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 and at Universal Studios Hollywood in California in 2023. The Orlando version is already an upgrade. “Even in the short time between the introduction of the rides in the other parks, this version has faster computers, higher resolution, faster frame rate and new technology,” Weishar said. Lights and fountains put on shows in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe theme park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Lights and camera action In Epic’s Celestial Park, an introductory area of the new park, there are prancing water fountain and a lagoon at the foot of the Helios Grand Hotel. “This park has 7 million independent color-changing, programmable LED lights in Celestial Park alone,” Polk said. “Those are things you can and can’t see,” he said. “The technology of the lights, people don’t think about that, but it’s really complicated.” There’s elaborate wiring — and water — to consider. “It’s amazing stuff that we’ve never attempted before,” Polk said. Smartphones and mobile ordering, which are becoming increasingly common in real, non-park life, are integrated into Epic Universe, particularly in its restaurants. For years, attractions designers plotted to pry people away from their devices, Weishar said. “Then they came to the realization of, you know, people aren’t going to do that right now,” he said. “How do we integrate the experience in the park with the phone that you’re already carrying in your hand? … To use it to help you figure out what’s the next ride you’re going to go on, where you’re going to eat, to help navigate the park.” The morphing preferences of consumers also affected some designs of the new park. Epic’s ticket booths for on-site purchases are off to the right side rather than standing guard before the entrance. “We’re really trying to push into the world of mobile ticket,” Polk said. The ticketing area may be repurposed. “That building could be something else,” Polk said. “That ultimately is us trying to think through where you want to be in the future, versus just saying, ‘OK, we’ll just carbon copy what we do today because that’s what everybody does.’” The dueling Stardust Racers coaster takes guests for a head-to-head romp at Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Face the future Epic will use facial recognition for opening lockers and express lines with a goal of extending those capabilities. “I don’t think it’s there totally yet, but I think it will, within the next five years, be a constant, beginning at the front gate and being utilized through the attractions,” Speigel said. Universal’s goal is to make attractions “friction-free,” Polk said. “We’re really focused on, how can we take friction out of the guest experience, so that as they’re making their plans at home, getting on the internet, getting on the phone, getting here, coming in the gate, getting into the park, that the technology disappears into the background and they’re just enjoying themselves,” Polk said. Modern technology could alter how parks update — or replace — existing attractions, Speigel said. “Something we’ve been working on for a long time is evolving the software and planning for the software improvements and extensions, kind of like what the cell phone has done and the Tesla automobile,” he said. “Let’s leave room in the program that we can put that in there, I think we’ll see that rather than tearing down the ride or just rebuilding a new ride,” he said. And technology may start following folks home after their park experiences, Speigel said. “You’ll be able to do connecting with whoever your park is — Disney, Universal, whoever. It’ll happen through the computers at home as well,” he said. “I think that facial recognition is just where the world is going. That’s going to be our fingerprint for tomorrow, I believe.” Mine-Cart Madness at Super Nintendo World takes guests on a fast-paced ride through Donkey Kong Country at Universal Epic Universe. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)Expect bumps along the way, experts say. “Every time you go out of the gate and you swing on new technology, there are always things you didn’t expect and things that you’ve got to adapt to,” Polk said. “We’re seeing rapid increases in technology and effects and innovation, but I think that’s always been there, and there’s always been leaps forward to create new experiences. I think it’s wonderful to be quite honest with you,” Weishar said. “What’s going to happen, and what’s already happening is, is the competition — Disney is gearing up for major expansions at Disney World as their answer to some of the things we’re seeing at Epic, and Universal isn’t stopping their momentum either,” he said. 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. More on Epic Universe Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary Peeking into the portals (and just beyond) of Epic Universe Epic Universe: Frequently asked questions (plus answers) Power-Up Bands get games going in Super Nintendo World Epic Universe timeline: From dragons to butterbeer, here’s how theme park evolved An Epic movie guide: What to watch before visiting Universal’s new park Epic Universe: Say hello to new Helios Grand, theme park neighbor Epic Universe survival guide: What to pack for the new park Epic Universe: Exec blends arts, engineering in theme park roles Epic Universe preview: An early walk (and rides) in the park View the full article

THE DAY IS HERE! Epic Universe Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest park, is officially open to the public, and to celebrate, they had a grand opening ceremony. We’re not trying to be dramatic when we say this ceremony was EPIC (now that the park is open, get ready for ALL the epic puns). Welcome to Epic Universe! This is the “blue” carpet where different guests arrived. Welcome! Everyone is here to celebrate this brand-new theme park. It’s packed! Crowds! Each of the lands had its own special ceremony. For How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, an actual Viking ship came in with an ice sculpture! A Viking Ship! The boat was filled with real fish and lobster. Epic Universe is not messing around. This is crazy! This grand opening felt like a long time coming, and we can officially welcome Epic Universe to the theme park family. We’re so ready to explore, eat all the food, ride the rides, and share all the details so you can have the best trip ever. Make sure you’re following DFB so you get all the information and plan for your first visit. We’re going to continue to update this article throughout May 21st to bring you FULL coverage on this epic ceremony. COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING EPIC UNIVERSE TICKETS Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited that Epic Universe is officially open? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe Grand Opening. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post We're LIVE from Universal's Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The post Disney Foodie Finds: New Disneyland 70th Food & Snacks appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

First Look & Guest Reactions! 75 New Disneyland 70th Food & SnacksView the full article

We know a lot of folks want to vacation in Disney World or at Universal Orlando (to see Epic Universe, of course), but cruising is also a popular travel activity for a lot of folks. Disney Wish Whether you’re planning a Disney Cruise or a cruise with another company, though, there are some new costs you’ll need to be aware of. We previously told you about a proposed Hawaii tax that could mean your cruise costs more. According to Fox News, Mexico is getting ready to add a tax for all cruisers that will go into effect on July 1st. That’s right, if you’re planning a cruise that goes to Mexico, it’s going to cost you more. Back in December, Mexico voted to add a $42 immigration levy tax for every passenger on cruise ships that dock in the country. This new law was supposed to go into effect on January 1st, but it was pushed back due to criticism. However, as of July 1st, you will have to pay the additional cost. Disney Magic Cruise Ship The good news is that the new cost is only $5 per passenger. According to the the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA): “On behalf of the FCCA and our member cruise lines – representing over 95% of cruise capacity in the Caribbean and Latin America – we thank the Federal Government of Mexico for working with us to reach an ‘in transit fee’ agreement.” Disney Treasure Cruise Ship However, there is a catch because that tax will go up to $10 per passenger on August 1st, 2026 and then $15 on July 1st, 2027 through July 2028. So you’ll want to keep that in mind if you book a cruise that includes a stop in Mexico. Stay tuned to DFB for more. I’m a Former Disney World Cast Member. Here Are 5 Things I Wish You Knew Before Going on a Disney Cruise What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What do you think about this additional fee? Let us know in the comments! The post Well, That Next Cruise Could Be More Expensive...Here's Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the BEST pieces of Universal Orlando advice I ever got was to get the refillable soda mug. Universal Unlimited soda refills? Coca-Cola Freestyle machines? Delicious unique beverages? Seriously, the perks of Universal’s system are SO MUCH BETTER than Disney’s. But if you’ve never tried the refillable mugs at either resort, we’re breaking down the differences between Disney World’s refillable mug options and Universal Orlando’s. Disney World’s Refillable Mugs Starting things out at Disney World, the most common place to get a refillable mug is at your resort hotel. Every resort on property sells them, and if you get the Disney Dining Plan added to your vacation package, each person with the Dining Plan will get a refillable mug included for the length of your stay. Disney Refillable Mugs But here’s the kicker — these mugs can ONLY be refilled at your resort. You can’t take these into the parks and get free soda refills throughout the day like you can at your hotel. And sometimes, the soda fountains at your resort will have limited hours, like if they’re located inside a food court. Refillable mug and drink Station at Drop Off Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Disney World doesn’t offer a refillable mug option in the theme parks, however, there IS typically a refillable mug you can buy exclusively for your day at the water parks. These can be very helpful for a day when you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. Water Park Refillable Mug If you decide to get the refillable mug for your resort, you’ll be paying $22.99 for a hotel stay of up to 14 days. (That is, unless you get it included with the Dining Plan.) If you refill the mug in the mornings and evenings and you’re staying for a few days, you can definitely get your money’s worth. However, it’s still not quite as nice as Universal Orlando’s system. Universal Orlando Refillable Mugs Over at Universal Orlando, you can purchase refillable mugs that can be used at all four parks (including Volcano Bay and the new Epic Universe). Purchasing one of these cups will cost you $17.99 plus tax, while purchasing multiple at a time will give you a discount on each (if you buy two, they’re $15.99 plus tax each, and if you purchase 3-6 they’re $13.99 each plus tax). Fill up at Freestyle machines These cups can be refilled at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines all around the park — found at many snack stands and at several quick service restaurants. And even if you don’t see a Freestyle machine, you can often get a refill at any snack stand with a regular soda fountain. After your first day of use is over, you can reactivate your souvenir cup for $10.99 on a future visit (I’ve personally had one for YEARS that I keep reactivating each visit!). My ol’ reliable refillable mug! Universal also has a few other refillable cup/souvenir cup options, including a classic cup that you can pay to refill each time, but the Coca-Cola Freestyle mug reigns supreme, in my opinion. And at the new park, Epic Universe, you can even try unique novelty sodas in Celestial Park, Dark Universe, and Isle of Berk. Freestyle Machines So ultimately, I believe that the Universal Orlando program is a much better deal than Disney’s! I love that I’ve been able to use my same mug for years and possibly save hundreds on sodas at this point. It’s a great way to stay hydrated while in the parks, which is extra valuable in the summer. And if you’re heading to Universal’s NEW park Epic Universe soon, make sure to check out our video below for the list of best eats! Click Here to Learn More About Disney’s Refillable Mug Rules! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you ever used a refillable mug in Disney World or Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments! The post I'm a Card-Carrying Member of the Soda Goblin Gang. Universal's Refillable Mug Is SO MUCH BETTER than Disney for People Like Me. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World kicked off the summer by hosting the 2025 Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 2,300 athletes from across the state competed in sports like basketball, soccer, track & field and cycling. “We’re honored to work with Special Olympics to host such an important event for Florida athletes,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Disney World. “The impact of Special Olympics is real and it’s extremely evident at the State Summer Games. Whether the participants are earning a medal, beating a personal record or making new friends, you can see how transformative this experience can be.” Sports have the power to change lives and help athletes discover new strengths and abilities. That’s why Disney and Special Olympics Florida have teamed up for more than 15 years to host both the State Summer Games and the State Fall Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. “We are so grateful to our friends at Walt Disney World for creating such an incredible experience for our athletes participating in the State Summer Games,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “Competing at such a remarkable venue and being cheered on by hundreds of VoluntEARS at the Opening Ceremonies, encouraged and energized our athletes, giving them the motivation they needed for a truly unforgettable Summer Games experience.” Each year, Disney VoluntEARS look forward to supporting the incredibly talented Special Olympics athletes. This year, nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS were involved in the State Summer Games, cheering on athletes from the stands and helping out during individual sporting events. This summer, Disney VoluntEARS will create magic by lending a helping hand to nonprofits like Special Olympics throughout our community. The State Summer Games are just the start — it’s shaping up to be the best summer ever for our Central Florida community! Be sure to keep an eye out for some fun surprises all season long. The post Disney and Special Olympics Florida Team Up for Summer Games appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Ok, but seriously, this might be our favorite Loungefly yet! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure A brand-new Loungefly featuring your favorite rat from Dinsey Pixar’s Ratatouille just released online — and EVERYONE is talking about it! You need to take a look at it, the bag even has a unique one-of-a-kind feature. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Ratatouille Loungefly Bag ©BoxLunch Take a look at this Loungefly Disney Pixar Ratatouille Remy Charcuterie Strawberry & Grape Scented Mini Backpack, it’s one of the most unique bags we’ve ever seen! The bag has a gingham body, the front of this bag is accented with applique grapes, strawberries, apples, and bread. The front pocket is shaped like a cheese wheel, and it includes a moveable applique of Remy himself! ©BoxLunch The bag also has nice gingham printed straps with the matching interior. It’s a beautiful fleur de lis pattern, it really gives the bag a French look! ©BoxLunch Guess what else? This bag LITERALLY smells of strawberries and grapes to fully immerse you. Yes, it’s a scented bag. So you’ll be looking stylish, and be smelling good. We just picture picking this thing up, giving it a nice sniff, and then entering that scene when Remy tries two foods together at one time with his eyes closed. ©BoxLunch If this isn’t the perfect bag to carry your essentials around the park, we don’t what would be. Also, we’re all thinking it right? This is literally the PERFECT park bag for EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival! View online 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 This New Disney Loungefly Is Going VIRAL Online…and We Can See Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, if Zootopia is one of your favorite Disney movies, this is a great time to be alive because Zootopia is getting a lot of love right now. ©Disney A new Zootopia-themed land opened in Shanghai Disney Resort last year, with a REALLY cool new ride. Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Disney World is getting a new Zootopia show, Zootopia Better Zoogether! which is expected to open later this year. AND…even better, Zootopia 2 is set to arrive in theaters in November. It’s Zootopia fever, y’all! Well, we’ve got some exciting news about the movie sequel: Disney just dropped the first teaser trailer for it today. In Zootopia 2, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman respectively, find themselves face to face with a mysterious snake (his name is Gary and he’s voiced by Ke Huy Quan) who arrives in Zootopia and turns the city upside down. Judy and Nick will have to go undercover to crack the case of Gary the snake to new parts of the city, which will test their friendship in many ways. Check out the trailer below:  As you can see, some familiar faces will be joining Judy and Nick on their adventure, but there are a few new faces in Zootopia, too, including the quokka therapist, Dr. Fuzzby, voiced by Quinta Brunson. ©Disney Zootopia 2 arrives in theaters on November 26th, so mark those calendars and get ready to return to the city of Zootopia! Stay tuned to DFB for more. Learn More About Zootopia: Better Zoogether! — A Show in the Tree of Life at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom 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? Will you be catching Zootopia 2 in theaters? Let us know in the comments! The post It's Happening! We've Got The FIRST Trailer for Disney's "Zootopia 2" first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We love our Disney merchandise, but don’t always love the price tag that comes with it. That’s why we search and search for the best pieces of merch so you can get the Disney magic on a budget. Sleeping Beauty Target released two Disney Princess items, and little ones are going to be obsessed with them (and we adults are, too!). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You’re going to need this Pop-Up Hair Brush & Mirror Set! ©Target It comes with a comb, mirror, and compact brush decorated with different Disney Princesses. Kids will love this for pretend play or to put in their tiny purses. SHOP ON TARGET To match, you’ll want the Swirl Balm and Tin. ©Target This is a four-pack of Disney Princess lip balm in their tin container. Little ones will love the different colors and their safe and non-toxic water-based formula. We would add these to a kid’s play makeup set to add a little bit of lip gloss in a safe, stain-free way. SHOP ON TARGET You can’t beat the prices on these, with both being $4.99. They’re easy to gift to princess lovers, and you might want to snag a lip balm for yourself. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite merch finds. Looking for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront with more Disney favorites.The post The Best Disney Find From Target first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article