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Raise your hand if you love a Disney parade! I know I do! Announced last August at D23 EXPO, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is the new nighttime parade coming to Walt Disney World this summer. While we’re eagerly awaiting to see “Disney Starlight” light up the streets of Magic Kingdom, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the magic to share everything we have to look forward to soon. What is “Disney Starlight” about? “Disney Starlight” transports guests into the stories of our beloved Disney characters. Through the power of the Blue Fairy’s magic, you’ll watch dreams and wishes come true. As the lights dance from float to float, you’ll see favorite classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films, some for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade! Brought to life by the creative hands and hearts at Disney Live Entertainment, “Disney Starlight” is the perfect continuation of our legacy of nighttime parades, with bits of nostalgia sprinkled throughout a dazzling procession that raises the bar for the future. This idea holds true for every part of this parade, not only in the float design, but in the music, choreography, and more. With several members of the creative team having worked on fan-favorites such as “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” you will see the inspiration from ever-iconic electrical parades of years past. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” recalls the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with innovation lighting the way for a magical experience like never before. What Characters Can We See in “Disney Starlight?” From the moment the Blue Fairy’s magic wand lights up the night, dreams will come to life with an enchanting order of floats with these fantastic friends: The Blue Fairy Peter Pan & Wendy Asha La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabella, Bruno) Elsa Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming Miguel and Pepita Moana There’s still more to come to this magical list, but this is the order you can look for soon! When is “Disney Starlight” Coming to Magic Kingdom? It won’t be long before the music swells and the twinkling lights flicker, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more! The post Everything We Know About ‘Disney Starlight’ appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Sometimes, surprises hit you in Magic Kingdom when you least expect it. Magic Kingdom Just recently, we’ve seen a TV star handing out free balloons in the park, and testing is happening NOW for Big Thunder Mountain about five months into its (at least) year-long refurbishment. But the surprises aren’t over yet. You’ll never guess who we found roaming around Main Street, U.S.A. the other day, meeting guests! Recently, right around 4:15 PM, we spotted Mary Poppins, Bert, and a Penguin meeting guests in a surprise pop-up meet-and-greet on Main Street, U.S.A.! Look who it is! Four Cast Member character attendants were with them, and when we chatted with them, we were told that this was a surprise experience, but that it could happen again around the same time on future days. We loved seeing them! We’ve started seeing a few more surprise meet-and-greets like this pop up in different areas of Magic Kingdom. They don’t show up on the My Disney Experience App like regular, planned meet-and-greets do, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled. More Recent Magic Kingdom News! You’re Gonna Want to Be On Main Street, U.S.A. for This NEW Magic Kingdom Surprise in Disney WorldDisney World Is Doing Ride Envelope Testing at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – and Here’s Why It’s a Big DealBREAKING: Disney World’s $219 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket SOLD OUT One Day After Going on SaleSomething NEW Is Coming to Magic Kingdom for Annual Passholders in June!FULL LIST of Dates to AVOID Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in 2025 Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! 2 Disney World Planning Traditions Canceled for 2026 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 Who would you love to meet in Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments! The post You're Gonna Want to Be On Main Street, U.S.A. for This NEW Magic Kingdom Surprise in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A popular Disney World hotel pool has been closed since January 2025, but we just noticed a HUGE hint that this pool will likely be opening sometime soon! Stormalong Bay construction in April 2025 Stormalong Bay is a popular pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. It is HUGE and has great amenities such as a sand pool bottom, a waterslide, and more. The pool is expected to reopen sometime in June, and you will never guess what we just saw! Stormalong Bay has water in it once again! The pool had been drained during the refurbishment, but it is now beginning to look a bit more like an actual pool. While the addition of water doesn’t mean it will be opening right away, it is definitely a great step in the right direction. Stormalong Bay has WATER! As we were admiring the water, there was still PLENTY of work being done and lots of workers throughout the pool area. So, while super exciting, it will still be a bit before hotel guests can use this amenity again. Of course, we will be keeping you updated as we learn more details about the reopening of Stormalong Bay. Yay for water! The iconic shipwreck that doubles as a waterslide is still under construction, too. We spotted some scaffolding up near the staircase leading to the slide. Construction at Stormalong Bay In the meantime, if you are staying at Yacht Club or Beach Club, you can utilize the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools for all your swimming needs. While they aren’t quite as fun as the main pool, they will still provide some wonderfully refreshing pool time. Disney’s Beach Club Resort Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! The 5 Best Disney World Hotels for Introverts 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 is your favorite Disney World hotel pool? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World’s BEST Hotel Pool Is Still Closed, but We Just Spotted a HUGE New Update first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland is celebrating something HUGE this year: its 70th anniversary! Now, the big party has already kicked off and will run through summer 2026, bringing with it some fun celebratory decor to the parks, new food, along with returning entertainment (Paint The Night is BACK), a fun MagicBand+ activity, ride additions, and more. Main Street U.S.A! However, one citizen of Disneyland is also getting some recognition during the big celebration. That would be Patrick Begorra, The Little Man of Disneyland. It turns out that he’s got his very own menu at the EXCLUSIVE Club 33 in New Orleans Square. Go, Patrick! So here’s a quick Disneyland history lesson if you’re not familiar with Patrick Begorra, a.k.a. The Little Man of Disneyland. He made his first appearance in one of the Disney Little Golden Books in 1955, the same year Disneyland opened. He’s a leprechaun who spends his time in his tiny house, which you’ll find at the base of a tree in Disneyland’s Adventureland. The Little Man of Disneyland even decorates for the holidays Well, Disney is honoring Patrick Begorra over at the EXCLUSIVE Club 33 in New Orleans Square with his very own menu! Check it out! Via @diningindisney According to the new menu, Patrick Begorra is setting off on a new adventure to New Orleans Square on “A Royal Adventure.” Okay, this is TOO CUTE. Via @diningindisney This special menu features some fun cocktails representing Disneyland’s five lands: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Via @diningindisney You’ll also find some food items themed to each of Disneyland’s lands. How fun! Via @diningindisney Of course, you can’t just pop into Club 33 to try out the new menu. Only Club 33 members and their guests are allowed entrance into the space. And, well, membership costs THOUSANDS of dollars. But it’s nice that this exclusive club is honoring an important part of Disneyland history. So you go, Patrick Begorra!!! The Little Man of Disneyland Is Getting a NEW Little Golden Book on Amazon  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 Have you ever seen The Little Man of Disneyland’s home? Let us know in the comments! The post SECRET MENU ALERT: Disney Fans Are Gonna LOVE This Exclusive New Addition first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the most magical parts of Disney World is seeing your favorite Disney characters come to life right in front of you. There are a couple of different ways to see your favorite characters, but one way that we love to meet them is over dinner! Dopey! Character dining allows you to enjoy a meal while meeting fan-favorite characters. They’re generally more intimate interactions, and you don’t have to wait in line for them. We headed to Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and we’re bringing you a FULL review so you can decide if you need to add this to your must-do list. High ho, high ho, it’s off to dinner we go! Atmosphere Tucked in the Wilderness Lodge, you’ll enter Artist Point and be welcomed into the land of princesses and gems. The room is filled with big trees with twinkling lights, and you’ll enter the world of Snow White. Here, you can meet Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy at your table, and at the end, you’ll be invited to meet the Evil Queen at her photo spot (and we highly recommend not calling her the Evil Queen to her face). Story Book Dining The restaurant is divided into two main sections, making this a quieter character dining experience versus others like Chef Mickey’s. Snow White fans will lose their minds over meeting their favorite princess, and the dinner is typically longer, allowing the opportunity to meet the characters more than once. They even do a fun little song and dance through the aisles! The Evil Queen tends to sit this one out. Evil Queen Now that we’re in our fairytale mood, let’s chat about the menu. Menu The menu is prix fixe and costs $67 per adult and $41 per child. You’ll receive a set of appetizers and desserts, and can pick your own entree. There are seven different options you can choose from: “Cottage” Beef Stroganoff Royal Prime Rib Roast A Stroll Through Nature Magic Mirror’s Slow-braised Pork Shank Brother’s Grimm Herb Chicken Market Fish Sorceress Spell of ‘Tricken” Chicken The menu All of the meals are delightfully on theme, and while these might sound like they were made in a cottage, their beautiful presentation brings the story of Snow White to life. We are getting hungry after looking at that menu and are ready to dive in and eat! Eats Our meal started with a plate of three appetizers: Smokey Mushroom Bisque with chive oil, Hunter’s Harvest with turkey and chicken, cranberry preserve, and crispy saurekraut, and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail with bloody mary vinaigrette, seaweed salad, and spiced house-made seasoning. Appetizers We know what you’re thinking — aren’t they kind of small? Yep! We think this every time we eat here, but we promise that by the end of the meal, we are full and happy. And can we talk about the presentation? It literally came on a tree! They come on a tree! Starting with the mushroom bisque, which comes in the cutest little pot, the soup was creamy, just how we like it. It had a strong and rich mushroom flavor, and we could have eaten a whole bowl of it. The shrimp, a bit funny to only be served one, but was cooked lovely and was juicy. The vinaigrette added a bit of acid, which brings out the shrimp’s flavors. The meatball was so juicy when we took a bite, and we combined it with the saurekraut and cranberry, which added tanginess and sweetness. We loved our little trios of appetizers, and it got us in the mood for our entrees. Yum! We chose the Royal Prime Rib Roast with horseradish-mashed potatoes, carrots, and jus for our entree. The prime rib was that perfect pink in the middle and filled the whole plate! It was fattier than we tend to prefer for steak dishes, but we really enjoyed the jus on top. It added another flavor to the steak and a bit of saltiness. Our entree The potatoes weren’t our favorites and brought a stronger sour taste than we like, and we thought the carrots were not very flavorful. Our popover was dense, and while it wasn’t number one in flavor, it soaked up that delicious jus. Prime Rib We rounded off our meal with a trio of desserts, and you can’t help but smile when you see the presentation. We were served Miner’s Treasures, a cookies and cream panna cotta with chocolate gems, Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart with meringue and gooseberry, and “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse with a sour center. Desserts The Miner’s Treasures was creamy, and the chocolate rocks added a fun crunch. The gooseberry tart has a great crust, and we loved dipping our fork into the toasted meringue. Our favorite was the Poison Apple! Again, the mousse was creamy but stayed well on our fork, and we loved the crunch of the pearls. We LOVE the dessert choices Nosh or Not You need to head to Story Book Dining if… You love Snow White and want a character dining meal You want to have a more laid-back character experience. You tend to have more time here and it doesn’t feel as loud and overwhelming as some other character spots You enjoy a variety of appetizers and desserts to try You are looking for a prix fixe menu where the chefs make the decisions for you This restaurant might be a skip if… Your little one might be scared of the villains You want more menu options or are a pickier eater You don’t want to take the time to trek to Wilderness Lodge, which can be far if you’re not staying at the hotel Grumpy! Overall We love Story Book Dining and we’ll definitely be here again. It’s one of our favorite character dining meals since there are fewer characters walking around and more time for meaningful interactions and eating. While we would pick a different entree, the appetizers and desserts keep us coming back, and we love the trios we were served. If you’re looking for a calmer character dining experience, this is one you should add to your list, especially for classic princess lovers. While we’re still thinking about our dinner, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the best Disney news for your next Disney trip. EVERY DISNEY WORLD CHARACTER DINING MEAL RANKED FROM WORST TO BEST 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 Story Book Dining at Artist Point? Tell us about your experience in the comments! The post REVIEW: Is Storybook Dining the Best Character Meal in Disney World? Let's Find Out! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to debut TWO brand-new shows! That’s right, in LESS than a week, you will have even more options for entertainment in Hollywood Studios. On May 27th, 2025, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After AND The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will be opening, and we can’t wait! Disney’s Hollywood Studios We have been keeping a close eye on the changes happening for these new shows! We recently saw Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After for the first time during Cast Member previews. We also got a look at the new marquee for The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and saw some first-look photos from Disney. Now, Disney has shared a first look at the new look for the Sunset Showcase courtyard, and we had to share it with you! Sunset Showcase was formerly home to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, but it is now the new home for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. You will find Sunset Showcase right beyond Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. It is a bit tucked away, but with a new show debuting soon, we have a feeling this area will be getting more popular! ©Disney Disney revealed some new photos that give us a look at the new mural and signs that have been put up in the courtyard area. A new mural for the show has been painted on the entrance wall to the theater, and there is also a sign and photo opportunity that we got a first look at. ©Disney Plus, Disney shared a look at another sign for the show where the showtimes are displayed! We are getting really close to the grand opening of this new show, and we can’t wait for Sunset Showcase to be welcoming guests once again. ©Disney You can watch the new shows beginning May 27th, 2025. On this date, BOTH Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will be making their debut. There are still more changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the Muppets Courtyard area will be closing to begin construction on the new Monsters, Inc. Land, and the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! We Just Saw Disney’s BRAND-NEW Villains Show and We Have THOUGHTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post Something NEW Just Appeared at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Replace an Empty Attraction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company has been providing products, entertainment, and experiences to people for over 100 years. It is no stranger to the world of entertainment. Cinderella Castle When a company is around for that long, it develops a strong reputation — especially with a company as big as Disney! And it’s no secret that Disney is a company filled with devoted fans, yet equally filled with critics. Every year, we like to check on the Axios Harris reputation rankings, just to see where Disney ranks amongst other major businesses. We have the results this year, and it looks like Disney has taken some steps backwards…again! The Axios Harris Poll 100 reputation rankings is a system that takes public opinions on American brands, and ranks 100 businesses based on reputation. It’s a poll they have been running for several years, and we now have the results for 2025. For years, Disney has fluctuated in its ranking, going as high as 37th out of 100, and as low as 77th out of 100. This year, Disney ranks 76th out of 100! What’s been going on with the company to drop it to the second-lowest score so far? ©Disney Over the past year, Disney has been involved in some controversies. Some fans were unhappy about the live-action Snow White remake. Disney also faced criticism following the change in its DEI standards. Have these issues impacted the company’s reputation? Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank The survey works by scoring each company in several categories. Based on these scores, companies are ranked 1-100, with 1 being the highest-scored brand. Disney scored a total of 69.7 points, placing them at spot number 76! This drops the company nine spots from its last ranking. On the website, you can expand to see where it ranked and what it scored in each category. Disney’s scores were in the bottom half of most categories, including low scores in “Trust,” “Character,” and “Citizenship.” ©Axios Harris Poll What we found interesting was that even though this isn’t Disney’s lowest ranking, its overall score this year is LOWER than it was in 2023 when Disney hit its lowest ranking. In 2023, Disney had a rank of 77 out of 100. However, it had a total score of 70.9. This year, Disney ranked 76, but had a total score of 69.6. Disney is fourth amongst companies with the LARGEST decline in reputation score from 2019 to today. ©Axios Harris Poll As far as the rest of the rankings go — the top five companies were Trader Joe’s, Patagonia, Microsoft, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Costco, in that order. The bottom five were Wells Fargo & Company, Meta (Facebook), X (formerly Twitter), The Trump Organization, and Spirit Airlines in last. Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank We’ll be interested to see how Disney performs in the future! The company has big plans on the horizon for its parks, movies, and television. To stay up to date with all the latest Disney news and updates, be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. Whether You Love It or Hate It — This ICONIC Disney Ride Is Set to Change Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think is the biggest reason for Disney’s reputation declining? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney’s Reputation Is DECLINING, According to New Survey first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Almost four dozen Venezuelan workers who had temporary protected status have been put on leave by Disney after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip them of legal protections. The move was made to make sure that the employees were not in violation of the law, Disney said in a statement Friday. The 45 workers across the company who were put on leave will continue to get benefits. “We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees who may be navigating changing immigration policies and how they could impact them or their families,” the statement said. About two-thirds of the workers were in union jobs. The union contract for Walt Disney World service workers in Florida allows them to be reinstated without loss of seniority or benefits once they provide proper work authorization within a year of losing their jobs, said Julee Jerkovich, secretary-treasurer of the United Food And Commercial Workers International Union’s Local 1625. “It’s very distressing,” Jerkovich said Friday. “Disney is being made to be the bad guy, but they didn’t have any choice.” Disney would have been criticized if the workers weren’t put on leave, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made raids at Disney World, she said. The Supreme Court’s order on Monday put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept in place Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans that would have otherwise expired last month. The justices provided no rationale, which is common in emergency appeals. The order potentially exposes as many as 350,000 Venezuelans to deportation. The status allows people already in the United States to live and work legally because their native countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife. The case was the latest in a string of emergency appeals President Donald Trump’s administration has made to the Supreme Court, many of them related to immigration and involving Venezuela. Earlier this month, the government asked the court to allow it to end humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, setting them up for potential deportation as well. “These workers — our colleagues, friends, and neighbors — have contributed immensely to the success of the Walt Disney Company and to the vibrant culture of central Florida,” a coalition of unions at Disney World said in a statement. “No worker should have to live in fear of losing everything after building a life here.” ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky at @mikeysid.bsky.social. View the full article

Get ready for some un-peel-ievably good times because the Savannah Bananas are coming to Disneyland park on May 28, 2025! During this experience at Disneyland Resort, you may encounter everything from special entertainment moments to existing themed food and beverages. And the Savannah Bananas themselves are gearing up for their visit. Kyle ‘KJ’ Jackson is especially excited and shared, “This will be my first time at Disneyland and I couldn’t be more excited to experience the magic firsthand, but personally, I’ve got my eyes on the food and plan on trying ALL of it!” You’re in for a real treat – I’ve peeled back the options to bring you must-try eats that’ll drive your taste buds bananas. From sweet and fruity flavors to so many in between, these top picks are ripe and waiting for you to enjoy. Disneyland Park Brown Butter Banana Upside-down Cake Find it at: Blue Bayou Restaurant After a day on the bayou, a sweet treat is all you need! And what better way than the Brown Butter Banana Upside-down Cake at Blue Bayou Restaurant? This lush cake is soaked in bananas foster sauce and garnished with candied walnuts and vanilla ice cream. A great way to finish (or start) your meal before singing the classic shanty “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” on Pirates of the Caribbean. Banana Split Find it at: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor Take a trip down memory lane with the Banana Split at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor inspired by the past as part of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. Indulge in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams topped with strawberries, pineapple, hot fudge, fresh banana, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry. I mean, who doesn’t love a classic treat? Banana Pudding Find it at: Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Once you’re done eating all your favorite finger-licking barbecue, grab a creamy Banana Pudding at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. This treat has bananas, whipped cream, crushed wafer cookies, dulce de leche, and toffee. It’s hard to deny how delicious it is…I mean, the proof is in the pudding. Banoffee Tart Find it at: Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Located right off Main Street, U.S.A., the Banoffee Tart at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is a graham tart shell filled with a layer of dulce de leche, banana diplomat cream, and fresh bananas topped with vanilla bean chantilly and toffee bits. Banana-fy your Savannah Banana-filled day with this tart treat. Banana Dip Find it at: Harbour Galley I’d say that you’re one smart cookie if you try the Whipped Banana Dip at Harbour Galley. It’s a sweet addition to one of my personal favorite chocolate chip cookies (which I’m eating as we speak) and I might need another order (this is actually my third order). Banana Sno-Ball Find it at: Royal Street Veranda Looking for a refreshing treat that’ll shave the day? The Banana Sno-Ball at Royal Street Veranda is a New Orleans-inspired sno-ball with house-made banana syrup that’s sure to melt in your mouth with every icy bite. Disney California Adventure Park Banoffee Pie Cold Brew featuring Joffrey’s Find it at: Cappuccino Cart As an avid cold brew enjoyer, I’m going bananas over the Banoffee Pie Cold Brew at Cappuccino Cart! This butterscotch cold brew is topped with banana cold foam garnished with cocoa shaving. Don’t mind me, I’m already placing my order. Banana Split Churro Find it near: Goofy’s Sky School New for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, the Banana Split Churro at the churro cart near Goofy’s Sky School is a classic churro rolled in chocolate sugar with banana sauce and vanilla sauce with a cherry on top. If you couldn’t decide between the banana split or the churro, now you don’t have to. The Oswald Sundae Find it at: Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream A foodie excursion (especially the banana-focused kind) wouldn’t be complete without a sundae delight. The Oswald Sundae at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream includes scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream served in a waffle cup topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, chocolate morsels, cherries, and chocolate-dipped frozen bananas. If you ask me, it’s too a-peeling to resist. Banana Cone-Nanza Churro Find it at: Cozy Cone Motel 1 – Churros Cruise down Route 66 in Cars Land for the wheel-y fantastic Banana Cone-Nanza Churro at Cozy Cone Motel 1 – Churros. This classic churro topped with banana cream and crust dust is a treat worth the pit stop. Strawberry Banana Sensation Find it at: at Schmoozies! (Alcoholic option available) For those who love oh-so-sippable fruit flavors, Schmoozies! has the Strawberry Banana Sensation with strawberries, banana, and lowfat yogurt blended with strawberry-pineapple juice. Some might even call it sensational. Throughout Disneyland Resort Bananas Find them at: Fruit Carts For all you banana purists, you can also find the purest form there is…literal bananas! They can be found at Fruit Carts located throughout Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. Who would have thought? Frozen Banana Find it at: Select Outdoor Vending Locations Located at select outdoor vending locations throughout Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, you can find Frozen Bananas dipped in chocolate that’s sure to give a yummy kick to the classic banana! Wow! This list is bananas! To stay up to date on all the yummy foods at Disney Parks, check out our Disney Eats topics page and follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook. (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability) Disney Eats: Disneyland 70th Celebration Foodie Guide READ MORE Savannah Bananas Come to Disneyland on May 28 READ MORE Guide to the 70th Anniversary at Disneyland Resort READ MORE The post Disney Eats: 13 Banana Bites to Celebrate Savannah Bananas at Disneyland appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is changing a lot over the next few years, and whether Disney fans like it or not, that also includes one iconic ride. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Whether you are flying across the galaxy or dropping in for some fun on the Tower of Terror, Hollywood Studios holds a lot of adventure. There are also some BIG changes heading to this Disney park to make way for a new land and with that, Disney fans are left saying goodbye (for now) to the Muppets. Muppets Moving Out The Muppets are moving out. The first of the Muppets Courtyard closure is underway, starting with Mama Melrose’s, and soon to be followed by Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo. By June 8th, the entire area will be permanently closed to make way for a new Monsters, Inc. land. Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios While we don’t have a projected date for when the land will be completed, Disney has recently filed a permit for the “demo, infrastructure prep, and utility modification” for the Stage 1 Company store. While the Muppets are moving out, Mike, Sulley and other monsters will be moving in. ©Disney Muppets Take Over While Muppet fans were upset over this announcement, some might be finding hope in them moving to another part of Hollywood Studios. Disney announced that they would be rethemeing Rock ‘n’ Rolle Coaster to the Muppets. The Muppets are set to be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.” ©Disney From the poster, we can see Miss Piggy, Kermit, and the gang rocking it out. We don’t have a lot of details yet on this change. This will be the first Disney ride to feature The Muppets and there are sure to be “laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure.” Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster The Timeline Disney has not announced the timeline of when this attraction will close for the refurbishment, nor have they said a projected opening date for the ride. In February, Disney filed a permit to repaint the guitar in front of the attraction. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster We don’t know many details about what the guitar will look like yet, but according to a new document, the contractor will sand the guitar and apply one coat of primer and two coats of HP finish. Is this a sign that they will begin the change soon? We will keep our eyes peeled for that news. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster We will keep you up to date on the changes happening at Disney World, so be sure to follow DFB for more! I’ve Tried Every Early Entry Hack in Disney World, And I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you like the direction that Hollywood Studios is heading? Tell us your thoughts below! The post Whether You Love It or Hate It — This ICONIC Disney Ride Is Set to Change first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While this EPCOT attraction may not top the park’s list of longest waits anymore, its everlasting popularity and certain operational hurdles keep it a Lightning Lane favorite. Soarin’ Around the World Soarin’ is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary at Disney World, having been cloned over (in its original … Over California format) from the Disneyland Resort as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth. At the time, the ride was EPCOT’s headline attraction, commanding huge lines in The Land pavilion. Over the past two decades, Soarin’ has remained popular, but the ride has slipped from its position as the park’s busiest attraction, ceding ground to new additions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This has, in turn, led the ride’s average wait times to be at the middle of the EPCOT pack most weeks, not close to the park’s headliners, but also longer than most other attractions at the park. Soarin’ That leads us to Lightning Lanes. Despite the ride being in the middle of EPCOT’s list of busiest rides, many guests still use a Lightning Lane for it. Why? Well, we’d say there are two big reasons: The Queue: The Soarin’ queue is, to be blunt, incredibly boring. Its faux airport setting wasn’t all that exciting in 2005, and it’s showing its age despite a refurbishment in the mid-2010s. It wouldn’t be nearly as bothersome if the line weren’t often at a standstill, which brings us to issue number two: Load Times: While Soarin’s ride system is a technical marvel — Disney adults of a certain age surely remember how often the Disney Channel aired a short promotional video detailing how Imagineers used an Erector Set to assemble the first prototype during the early 2000s — but it’s load times are somewhat slow, leading to a lot of fits and starts. These two factors combined make the ride appealing to use a Lightning Lane to bypass — or at least mitigate — these issues. Soarin’ Lightning Lane Soarin’ may not be the most popular ride at EPCOT anymore, but the ride is still worth a Lightning Lane for many. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World! The New Procedures You Have to Follow 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 Would you use a Lightning Lane on Soarin’? Let us know in the comments below. The post Why Disney Adults (Including Me) Keep Booking Lightning Lanes for This Random Ride first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s been another week of nonsense and shenanigans, and no, I’m not talking about me… Tiny trains! …I’m talking about the infamous citizens of the Tiny Train Town in EPCOT! Yep, it’s Madam Mayor here, back again for another visit to the itty bitty city in the Germany Pavilion, where the villagers just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Let’s see what they’re up to now! During our last visit to the tiny town, there was a cow murderer on the loose, and this week, it looks like they’ve struck again! Thankfully, we seemed to catch the criminal IN THE ACT. The man visiting this house had already knocked out the owner of the livestock and committed his crime before police arrived on the scene. Don’t worry — he’ll be going away for a long, long time. MORE livestock crimes? In a more lighthearted update, the gentlemen of the retirement home are still waiting for their chessboard to arrive. If you recall, these kind old folks have been trying to start a Chess Club for weeks now, and the town is rallying to gather donations for their supplies — what a great community we have here! The chess club! And in very unfortunate news, our town seems to be going through a period of drought! The water is dried up over at the Johnsons’ farmhouse, where the water well lives. That didn’t stop Old Man Johnson from getting out and working in the hot sun, but we’ll be importing water from Pennsylvania soon (just like our friends over at Via Napoli next door). Pizza water, YAY! A drought?! So that’s a short and sweet update from the tiny town for ya! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from around Disney World. The anarchy within is mostly created by natural occurrences, like giant squirrels, wind, rain, and relatively godzilla-sized lizards who frequent the town; but we find it fun and entertaining to make up fictional stories about what COULD be happening. We are grateful to the folks who create and maintain this Tiny Train Town for Disney World, as it’s one of our favorite parts of EPCOT and always has been. Click Here to Check Out Other Tiny Train Town Shenanigans! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever visited the Tiny Train Town? Tell us in the comments! The post For the Love of All That Is Good, Will Someone Get These Gentlemen a Chessboard in EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

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