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Where is Epic Universe located? Universal Orlando’s new theme park is about 2.5 miles southeast of its original parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The property is east of Kirkman Road and north of Universal Boulevard, near Orange County Convention Center. When does the theme park open? After weeks of previews for select groups, Epic officially opens to the public May 22. Where is the park entrance and parking area? To drive to Epic Universe, take Destination Parkway and turn onto Epic Boulevard. After navigating through a traffic circle, a road on the right leads to the parking booths and the lot. There is no garage, but there are valet and premium options. The main parking lot is divided into Viking, Hero, Monster, Gamer and Explorer sections. Visitors walk to the main entrance. No trams run between the parking areas and the park. Universal provides bus transportation from its resort hotels and Universal CityWalk, which is estimated to be a 15-minute drive. Where are the security checkpoints? The procedure is similar to Universal’s original parks. On the approach to Epic’s entrance, all bags (and all contents of visitors’ pockets) go through a metal detector. Then, steps away, is the ticket checkpoint. Epic visitors then pass through the nearby Chronos portal into the theme park proper. Where are Epic tickets sold? When approaching the main gate, veer right for ticket windows. Universal also sells tickets at its hotels and CityWalk. Advance purchases can be made online at universalorlando.com or by calling 407-363-8000. How much are tickets? Admission prices vary with date and by the number of park days. One-day tickets to Epic are between $139 and $199 for the remainder of 2025, according to Universal’s website. The resort also sells multiday, multipark tickets and vacation packages. What are Epic Universe’s lands? The theme park features five themed lands, although Universal refers to them as “worlds.” Visitors will go to Dark Universe, featuring classic monsters; How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; and Celestial Park, an introductory area with rides, restaurants and retail, which includes the 500-room Helios Grand Hotel at the edge of Epic. What are the height requirements? Each Epic Universe ride has its own guidelines, but visitors who want to experience every attraction at Epic must be at least 48 inches tall. There are several attractions with lower height requirements. At select rides, sample seats are available in or around the queue area. Aside from individual comfort testing, signs indicate that the attraction “employs safety restraints which may restrict certain guests from riding due to body shape and size.” 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 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 new-to-Orlando aspect of Epic Universe theme park is the arrival of Power-Up Bands, brightly colored wristbands that boost the interactivity in Super Nintendo World. When users wear them and perform certain tasks in the video game-inspired environment, they earn digital keys and other powers. They’re a bit like the magic wands in Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands mixed with the MagicBands of Walt Disney World. Here are things to know before you go on the grid in Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Powering up First, purchase a Power-Up Band at Epic or other Universal Orlando outlets. They’re a little clunky and themed to characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and others. The price is $42. (There’s a kiosk dedicated to the bands near the entrance to Donkey Kong Country.) The bands are not required to enter Super Nintendo World or to experience its three rides. Some members of your group – very young or noncompetitive types – may not need one at all. The bands are synched up to the Universal Orlando app via a QR code on the back of the band. Time-saving tip: Download that before arrival at Epic Universe. A kiosk in Super Nintendo World is one place at Epic Universe theme park where Power-Up Bands can be purchased. On the right is a wall-mounted ? Block that the bands interact with. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Game time There are upsized games around Super Nintendo World, and the silicon bands allow participation and record-keeping. They lean into timing skills and hand-eye coordination, more than feats of strength, but they aren’t stagnant events either. In the Koopa Troopa POWer Punch game, players must time movement in order to send a shell up a pipe and score a digital key. In Piranha Plant Nap Mishap there are multiple alarm clocks with which to contend. There are also Goomba Crazy Crank, Bob-omb Kaboom Room and Thwomp Panel Panic games. Players also can save coins to their Power-Up Bands during Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, the augmented-reality ride/game within Super Nintendo World. Hit targets, get coins. Digital stamps can also be achieved on the Mine-Cart Madness coaster and Yoshi’s Adventure, a flat ride. Besting Bowser Unlock enough keys – three is enough, sources say – and you are eligible for the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. In this indoor space, there’s another challenge that is all about recovering the stolen Golden Mushroom. Guests join for a meet-and-greet with Mario and Luigi in Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Block party Throughout Super Nintendo World are the famed yellow music and ? Blocks just waiting to be punched. No need to be overly aggressive. The targets are fairly low to the ground, and players can just hit their fists on the bottom of the block to get a response (and associated points). No need to whack the actual band against the block. Although there are blocks higher on the walls, it’s just decor worth no coins. No need to stand on shoulders or go to other extremes. Allegedly, there are coins to be earned in the ride queues, although like many video games, instructions are not detailed and may require personal exploration. Keep track In the Universal Play section of the app, there’s a scoreboard containing tallies of all players, in your own group and beyond, plus whatever badges have been earned. There are also 8-bit-looking maps showing the locations of blocks and other items. Power-Up Bands don’t have powers in the other worlds of Epic Universe. They’re merely accessories there. Wearers may be asked to remove them before getting on the bumpier rides. 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 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

Universal’s Epic Universe is a theme park years in the making. Its timeline is filled with rumors, roller coasters, dragons, pandemic and a swig of butterbeer. Here’s how it unfolded. • 1998: Universal purchases 2,000 acres of property along Sand Lake Road from Lockheed Martin for possible expansion, but in 2003 it sold the land to an Atlanta developer. After a foreclosure, Comcast, the parent company of Universal, bought the property again in 2015. Universal Studios on Dec. 15, 1998, closed on the purchase of more than 2,000 acres of land in the tourist corridor from Lockheed Martin. (Orlando Sentinel file)• August 2019: Construction begins. • Aug. 1, 2019: Universal Orlando confirms it will build Epic Universe on a site that’s visible from the Orange County Convention Center, where the news is announced. It will lead to 14,000 new employees with starting wages of $15 an hour, the company says. Universal Orlando announced Epic with the help of Tom Williams, then chairman & CEO Universal Parks & Resorts, during a news conference at the Orange County Convention Center, on Aug. 1, 2019. Williams retired in 2022. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)• Oct. 24, 2019: Comcast officials say during a quarterly earnings call that Epic could open as soon as 2023. • January 2020: Comcast executives casually confirm Super Nintendo World as part of Epic Universe. • April 2020: Construction pauses as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty ramp up. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says senior Universal officials told him the project would be delayed for a year. In June, the company has about 2,000 layoffs, and in July it scales back Halloween activities for the year. Universal’s Sapphire Falls and Aventura hotels temporarily close Aug. 21. • March 2021: Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Japan. • March 2021: Epic Universe construction resumes. Construction of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park is under way on Jan. 13, 2022. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)• May 2023: Universal raises starting wages to $15 per hour. • January 2022: NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell says Epic will open “certainly in time for the summer of ‘25.” • January 2022: Visible structures arise from the construction site. • August 2022: A roller coaster track is spotted at construction site. • December 2023: Universal Creative executives, including president Mike Hightower, accept voluntary early retirement packages. Universal Orlando’s Universal Stella Nova Resort, pictured during a preview tour on Jan. 16, features a galaxy-inspired theme, with an exterior adorned with colorful tiles that give a vibrant shine and a cosmic appearance to the resort. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)• December 2023: Names for two Epic-adjacent hotels are announced, Terra Luna and Stella Nova. • February 2023: Super Nintendo World attractions open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Mark Woodbury calls the presence of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe the “worst-kept secret in history.” • March 8, 2023: Universal Parks & Resorts division, based in Orlando, gets a new name, becoming Universal Destinations & Experiences. • March 2023: Park’s name (and logo) tweaked from Universal’s Epic Universe to Universal Epic Universe. Concept art of the Universal Epic Universe front gate in Florida. (Courtesy Universal)• Jan. 30, 2024: Company announces names of Epic’s lands, including Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and, to no one’s surprise, Super Nintendo World. The company identifies the 500-room Helios Grand Hotel as having its own entrance into the theme park. • May 2, 2024: Universal confirms that Super Nintendo World will include Mario Kart: Bower’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure and Mine-Cart Madness attractions along with Toadstool Cafe. • May 2024: Universal shifts name of Starfall Racers coaster to Stardust Racers after the name is challenged by Starfall Education Foundation, a website that teaches reading and writing skills to children. Epic Universe Preview Center opens at Universal CityWalk in June 2024. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)• June 2024: Epic Universe Preview Center opens at Universal CityWalk with a large model of park. It’s equipped with augmented-reality effects. Epic-specific merchandise is sold. • June 20, 2024: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a major ride within Dark Universe, is touted by the company as “Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever.” Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster also is announced. Rendering of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, a land at Epic Universe. The is the exterior for 'Le Cirque Arcanus' show. (Courtesy Universal Orlando)• July 31, 2024: Details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are shared, including a 1920s Parisian setting and a 1990s ride called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. That thrill ride will have omnidirectional lifts for the “most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created,” a Universal news release says. It’s revealed – on the birthday of author J.K. Rowling and brainchild Harry Potter – that butterbeer will be on the Epic menu via Bieraubeurre Cart. • July 31, 2024: Entertainment Weekly reports actor Eddie Redmayne reprises his ‘Fantastical Beasts” role of Newt Scamander in Wizarding World. (Imelda Staunton recorded new scenes as Dolores Umbridge.) • Aug. 22, 2024: Universal says select rooms at Helios Grand Hotel will be themed to “How to Train Your Dragon.” • Oct. 17, 2024: Universal reveals an opening date of May 22, 2025. First tickets are sold, but only as part of a multiday purchase or a hotel package. • March 2025: Team member previews begin. • March 2025: In a Hollywood Reporter story, an executive producer confirms the use of drones as dragons in Isle of Berk. “With the drones, it’s more about if you live in a place with dragons, they just exist, so it’s not a show thing. It’s more of ‘I’m in Berk, so of course a dragon is flying overhead,’” says Katy Pacitti. • April 2025: Annual passholder preview days are held. Helios Grand Hotel overlooks the new theme park and provides a dedicated entrance. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)• April 16, 2025: Helios Grand Hotel opens about a month earlier than had been announced. • May 22, 2025: Grand opening day for Epic Universe. More on Epic Universe 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

Facts and figures from the ground up of Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. 2 Live stage shows 2.7 The distance, in miles (as the dragon flies), between the iconic lighthouse of Islands of Adventure and the entrance of Epic Universe Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new dueling roller coaster ride in Celestial Park during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)4 Roller coasters 6 Distance up, in feet, that riders go while upon Constellation Carousel creatures 14 Talking portraits (plus the bust of Ulick Gamp) inside the queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride 17 Water fountain shows in Celestial Park 19.99 Price, in dollars, of a bieraubeurre crepe at Cafe L’air de la Sirene restaurant 20 Passengers at any one time on the Dragon Racer’s Rally 26 Gardens in Celestial Park 27 The wingspan, in feet, of Toothless, the trainable dragon in ‘The Untrainable Dragon’ show The How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk world features three rides and a show in addition to immersive scenery at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)40 Height, in feet, of the two Viking and dragon statues at the entry of Isle of Berk. 42 Price, in dollars, of Pop-Up Bands, the wearable technology that helps visitors interact in Super Nintendo Land 62 Top speed, in miles per hour, for Stardust Racers roller coaster (2 dueling rails, 1 inversion apiece) 75 Size, in acres, of Epic Universe theme park 160 Distance, in feet, from the ground of the theme park up to Bar Helios, the rooftop bar at Helios Grand Hotel 200 Fountain jets in lagoons 2,000 Rooms in the three Epic Universe hotels 2,121 Days between the official announcement and grand opening More on Epic Universe 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

If there’s one thing Disney fans aren’t shy about, it’s sharing how they really feel about the state of the parks —and right now, it’s not all pixie dust and churros. Construction Walls Between construction walls popping up like mushrooms after a Florida rainstorm and fan-favorite attractions going down left and right, things are feeling a little chaotic in Disney World. With all that in mind, we wanted to find out from you what your feelings were about all the major projects and construction walls, and y’all definitely had some thoughts. We reached out to our followers on X to ask: “Disney World has a TON of major projects happening right now—do you mind the construction walls, or are you excited for all the exciting changes coming?” We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments! Now, let’s dive into some of your top responses! “Disney is destroying everything that made us love those parks.” First up, we’ve got @RBG_Retro and they did not hold back: “With everything going on at Disney and the opening of Epic Universe, my wife and I are discussing not renewing our Disney APs. Disney is destroying everything that made us love those parks, so why bother going anymore? Super Nintendo, Darkmoor, and Wizarding World are unbeatable.” Super Nintendo World When longtime Annual Passholders are considering jumping ship for Universal, you know the discontent is real. It’s not just about the rides — it’s about how fans feel like the magic is slipping away while competitors are leveling up hard. “For every Cosmic Rewind, there’s 5 Trons.” Next, @Stigg00 summed up the situation with this: “You always have to be excited for new things, BUT…. For every Cosmic Rewind, there’s 5 Trons.” Tron Lightcycle/Run Construction (2023) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was a win, but let’s be honest — TRON had a decade of hype and delivered a ride that’s over in the blink of an eye. A lot of you are starting to feel like the ratio of payoff to wait just isn’t working anymore. “No need to get excited for a Villains Land that is at least 5 years away.” Next, @MHacifazli18627 hit the nail on the head: “Kinda. For the ones that are in short term. No need to get excited for a Villains Land that is at least 5 years away.” Villains Land ©Disney It can be hard to stay hyped for a concept art tease when all you’re getting in the short term is more walls, more closures, and more “stay tuned.” Disney, we love a long-term vision — but some of us are just trying to book a trip next spring, and it’s not looking great. “I’m not going back until Cars is done!” Over at @CartersUnlimit, the focus was clear: “I’m not going back until Cars is done !” Cars Area Concept Art ©Disney Fair. We’d love to see Cars in Florida, too — but again, even if something like that is on the table, it’s years out. “Too many walls all at once.” Next up, @MarchinGoofy shared what a lot of you are probably thinking: “Too many walls all at once, but I’ll hold off on heavy park visits until then.” Track work Construction fatigue is real. Whether you’re at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, it can feel like you’ve been walking through a maze of plywood and scrims. The promise of future fun doesn’t always make up for current-day headaches. “Hate the walls” @SOARIN61 kept it short and sweet: “Hate the walls can’t wait for the construction to be over” Main Street, U.S.A. Train Station The walls aren’t just annoying — they’re a visual reminder that Disney’s in transition. And not everyone’s loving the growing pains. “Don’t mind, can’t wait for some new stuff” Not everyone is down in the dumps, though. @ArentRobert gave us a breath of optimism: “Don’t mind, can’t wait for some new stuff” ©Disney That’s the spirit. New stuff is coming. But the question is: will it be worth the wait? We sure do hope so! Those were just some of your thoughts on all the major projects and construction walls at Disney World, and now we want to hear even more from you! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Also, follow us on X to join in on the next discussion. “You do you, it’s just not for me.” Disney Adults Are Sharing the Popular Trends They Can’t Stand 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 mind the construction walls, or are you excited for all the exciting changes coming? Let us know in the comments below! The post “Disney Is Destroying Everything That Made Us Love Those Parks." Fans Have HAD IT With These Disney World Ride Closures first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summer is right around the corner, which means if you’re heading to Disney World soon, you’ll be in for some fun in the sun. Blizzard Beach Well, summer is a great time to visit Disney World’s water parks, especially now that Disney World hotel guests get FREE water park tickets on their arrival day. Here’s the thing, though: usually only one water park is open at a time, so that’s the one you have to go to. BUT that will all be changing in just a few days when BOTH Disney World water parks will be open at the same time. Right now, Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open to Disney World visitors. However, this is your reminder that Blizzard Beach will be reopening on May 21st. Both parks will be open at the same time through September 7th. So you’ll have a choice of water parks when you visit just in time for summer. Blizzard Beach So, which park should you choose? Both have some pretty fun water attractions, so it comes down to theming. At Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll get a story about a storm that raged across the sea and washed everything ashore at Typhoon Lagoon. You can even see one of those ships stranded high atop Mount Mayday. Here, you’ll find fun water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more. Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach’s story is that a random snowstorm once hit Florida, prompting the state to build a ski resort. Of course, it’s Florida, so all that snow melted away and left behind a lot of water…which is now Blizzard Beach. You’ll find waterslides, raft rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a Frozen-themed kids’ section here. Blizzard Beach So don’t forget…if you’re visiting Disney World between May 21st and September 7th, you have a choice of which water park to go to. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for more. A Word of Warning for Your Water Park Day in Disney World 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 Which water park is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Set To Open BOTH Water Parks SOON Following Huge Summer Announcement first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is constantly making announcements, and sometimes these updates are quiet…but of course, we find those and share them with you! Loungefly bags in EPCOT It’s not just news either — so many incredible Disney items drop online without any recognition. Luckily, you’ve got us on your side, which is why we’re sharing some of the newest Disney Loungeflys that quietly dropped on Amazon, because one of them just might end up being your new favorite park bag! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First up, grab the Pinocchio Loungefly Backpack! ©Amazon There’s a reason the traditional Loungefly backpack design is so popular, but we love it when they switch it up! Pinocchio is front and center here with the characters from the movie surrounding him. Yes, even Monstro made it! You still have a main zipper compartment and a front zipper pocket, so there’s plenty of room to store your essentials. This bag has an extra special surprise when you open the flap, too! Get It Here! Disney Princess fans! Check out the Sleeping Beauty Loungefly. ©Disney Aurora is one of the OG Princesses, so we love to see new merchandise featuring her! This one shows Briar Rose, fittingly surrounded by roses, and Prince Phillip. Because of the design, you get a larger front pocket than usual — score! Get It Here! We’re all mad for this Alice in Wonderland Loungefly! ©Amazon Go down the rabbit hole and rock one of the most iconic scenes in Alice in Wonderland with this new backpack! The Cheshire Cat may be bad at directions, but that’s part of the charm with this bag. And guess what? This front pocket is even BIGGER to accommodate the design. Hooray! Get It Here! Grab this adorable Snuggly Duckling Loungefly Bag! ©Amazon You aren’t even ready for this one. There are few restaurants from Disney movies as iconic as The Snuggly Duckling which is why we’re freaking out over this new crossbody bag! This is ideal if you want something smaller to carry around or if you don’t like the feeling of wearing a backpack. Also, while the outside is impressive, just wait until you see the inside print! Get It Here! Finally, check out this stunning Rapunzel Loungefly. ©Amazon We’re finishing off this list with an elegant crowd pleaser. This Loungefly is purple all over and really focuses on the details. Do you see the sun from the movie on the top flap? This is also different than the typical design because of the drawstring and snap closure. We’re sure Rapunzel would love to see you sporting this in the Disney theme parks! Get It Here! Keep following DFB for more Disney merchandise! Don’t miss out on more Disney souvenirs on our Amazon storefront!The post 5 New Loungeflys Were Quietly Released On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been to Epic Universe a few times now, and we’ve been blown away by the lands. Display case of goodies at K. Rammelle More importantly, though, we’ve been checking out ALL the food. Now, we’ve reviewed restaurants, quick-service counters, bars, and more in all five lands, but we’re heading back to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic to try out MORE sweets. So get ready to indulge your sweet tooth (because you’re going to need these treats), and let’s head over to K. Rammelle! Now we previously visited K. Rammelle to check out the petit cakes (and we were impressed!). So we decided to check out even more treats to see if they stacked up. Let’s start with the Metrofloo Truffle for $3.50. Yep, we’re going to admit that we got this because we were curious what Metrofloo would taste like, but we were so confused by this treat. We thought it might be like key lime or something (with all that green), but BOY, were we wrong. Apparently, Metrofloo just tastes like sugar. Metrofloo Truffle When we say sugar, we mean that the truffle is just sweet with no flavor. It just tastes like…well, corn syrup. The texture inside the truffle is like a curd, but it was sugar-flavored curd with no additional flavor. Where’s the flavor? We also picked up the Sherbet Lemon Caramel for $5.50. Now there are a variety of caramel flavors you could try here, but this was the one that appealed to us most. We weren’t sure what the texture would be like, but it turned out to be like one of those super milky and chewy stick-in-your-teeth caramels. And we mean that in the best way possible. Sherbet Lemon Caramel The tart lemon flavor with the sweet caramel was the PERFECT combo. We also loved the size of it because it’s about the size of six regular caramels you’d get at the store. Also, confession time…we went back and got another one because we liked it that much. We will totally stock up on these to take back to o ur room to finish off later. Chewy caramel Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: We Tried the VIRAL $19 Pizza in Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you been to Epic Universe yet? What’s the best thing you’ve eaten there? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: “I Wanted To Know What Metrofloo Tasted Like.” Our Honest Thoughts About a NEW Epic Universe Treat first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Magic Kingdom With summer coming sooner than you might realize, knowing what the weekly average wait times are for those popular rides can make or break your upcoming trip. If you’re heading to the parks soon, we’ve got all the info you need to know! This week, wait times went down this week with even Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind dropping by 5 minutes! Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World over the past seven days. Magic Kingdom Wait Times The finale! TRON Lightcycle / Run — 64 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 53 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 47 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 43 minutes Jungle Cruise — 34 minutes Space Mountain — 33 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 32 minutes Haunted Mansion — 29 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 23 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 20 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 15 minutes “it’s a small world” “it’s a small world” — 15 minutes Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid — 14 Minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 13 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 13 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 12 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 9 minutes Mad Tea Party — 8 minutes Mad Tea Party Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 10 minutes Country Bear Jamboree – – 9 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel –6 minutes Carousel of Progress Liberty Square Riverboat — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 4 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 4 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 75 minutes Frozen Ever After — 48 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 48 minutes Soarin’ — 28 minutes No more lean! Mission: SPACE — 16 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Living with the Land — 13 minutes Spaceship Earth — 11 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 9 minutes Test Track is closed for refurbishment. Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times Pandora Avatar Flight of Passage — 59 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 47 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 33 minutes Expedition Everest Kali River Rapids — 25 minutes Expedition Everest — 26 minutes Dinosaur — 18 minutes The Boneyard had no wait times this week. These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios Slinky Dog Dash — 59 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 57 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 51 minutes Tower of Terror — 43 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 42 minutes Toy Story Mania Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 39 minutes Toy Story Mania — 35 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 23 minutes Muppet*Vision 3D — 10 minutes Star Tours — 9 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. So, Are We Just Going to Ignore the Hollywood Studios Ride Elephant in the Room?? Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. ‘Menu Sleuths’ Are Taking Over Disney World Restaurants Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post We're Shocked By the Disney World Wait Time Drops This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What can we say about cake? We LOVE cake, and we eat a LOT of it (in every shape and size) any chance we get. K. Rammelle We’ve spent a lot of time eating cupcakes in Disney World (we think we’ve had every cupcake imaginable, at this point), but we also love the petit cakes at Amorette’s Patisserie and the bigger Mickey Celebration Cakes you can order for a special occasion (or just because). We’ve also spent a LOT of time at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers eating a LOT of cake slices. However, Disney might want to move over because we’ve just found some cake in Universal Orlando’s NEW theme park, Epic Universe, that could be even better — AND it’s only $14. We found these cakes at K. Rammell in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic (say that three times fast…). K. Rammell is a French confectionery shop that has some of the prettiest sweets we’ve ever seen. Here’s a peek at the display case. Ooh la la! Display case of goodies We decided to try the petit cakes here, and as we said, they’re only $14, which makes them considerably less than the petit cakes you can get at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, which run around $22. Just take a look at these beautiful creations. Petit Cakes Sure, they look fantastic, but how do they taste? Well, let’s find out. We started with the K. Rammelle Petit Gateau, which is Blackberry and Lavender. This pretty pink concoction reminds us of Dolores Umbridge (but she is not worthy of such a delicacy). First, we love this unique combination of flavors. We will warn you that the lavender is a floral flavor, but we think even if you don’t love floral flavors, this could win you over. The choice of blackberry over other berries was also a nice change of pace. K. Rammelle Petit Gateau The cake itself was wrapped in a very thin fondant, with layers inside. We really liked the combination of custard and jam in those layers, too. The macaron on top is mostly ornamental and tasted like sugar with a hint of berry. It’s not the star of the cake, though — the CAKE itself is. Yummy layers Next up is this pretty Beauxbatons Petit Gateau with blueberry and lemon flavors. First, we love that it looks like the Beauxbatons school uniform, complete with the dainty wizard hat. Okay, you cannot go wrong with blueberry and lemon, so we were psyched to try this one. This was probably our favorite of the three cakes we tried because it has a huge layer of lemon cheesecake, and that just took it to a WHOLE other level. Like the previous cake, you get a nice, moist cake. This one also had some nice vanilla notes that were secondary to the creamy and silky lemon cheesecake. BauxBatons Petit Gateau The tart blueberry accents were enough to accessorize the other flavors but it also added some nice color. This was coated in a glacage (or something like that), though, that was very sticky, so be on the lookout for that. But yeah, this was a solid cake that we’ll order again and again when our sweet tooth strikes. You can’t go wrong with blueberry and lemon Finally, we tried the Ministry of Magic Petit Gateau, which is tiramisu-flavored. This was another nice moist cake with a cream/mascarpone that was beautifully rich and offered a complement to the rest of the cake’s flavor. When we say moist, too, we don’t mean “wet.” No, these cakes just have the right amount of moisture that makes their texture perfect for a cake. Ministry of Magic petit gateau The creaminess of the cake, too, was a good base for the brighter coffee and cake flavors we were getting from this. Another moist delicious cake These cakes were moist and tasty, and at a price point almost half of what you would pay in Disney World for something comparable. Overall, we think we like these better. We also loved the designs — they were pretty without being over the top. Stay tuned to DFB for more reviews. REVIEW: What I Wish I Knew Before Trying 9 Menu Items at This Epic Universe Restaurant Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be visiting Epic Universe this summer? Let us know what you’re wanting to eat there in the comments! The post REVIEW: The Cake EVERYONE Should Try in Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle of the road and comforting? Yep, that too. And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you can find that as well. Welcome to Disney World We recently stopped by The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere Artist’s Palette is a counter service at Saratoga Springs Resort that serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Artist’s Palette! This spot serves as a quick service restaurant as well as a convenience store and shopping area for the resort! A look inside! There’s a lot of seating inside and simple art to bring the room to life. It also has tall ceilings, and the sound tends to carry in this spot. The seating! When it comes to ordering, you can mobile order or order at the counters. The counters! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu At this spot, you can find pizzas, sandwiches, salads, paninis, and more! They also have several sweet treats and drinks for anyone looking for them. The menu! If you’re heading to the parks or packing a picnic lunch, you can grab some larger groceries as well. Groceries! And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Avocado Toast with Chips for $10.99! This is made with avocado, cherry tomatoes, radish, Pickled red onions, arugula, and “aïoli” on toasted sunflower bread, and it’s served with a side of Saratoga Chips. (Just noting, Disney has aïoli in quotations on its website but doesn’t detail why.) The avocado toast! This is served all day long. The bread itself was pretty soggy, so we don’t think we would call it toasted. Luckily, that’s the end of our complaints because the rest of the item was super fresh and reminded us of a garden. A closer look! It has a lot of arugula, and the red onion offers a great bite. Everything pairs well with the avocado, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for some vegetables. We also enjoyed the housemade chips thanks to their crunch and seasonings. The Avocado Toast! Next, we grabbed the Hot Italian Panini for $13.49. This came with a side of tomato soup that we found pretty thin and lumpy (which, hey, some people might enjoy!) The panini! The panini itself was amazing! It had a strong pepperoni and meat flavor, but the sweet and spicy relish balanced it well with a bit of a kick. The cheese was mild and very light on flavor. A closer look! The bread was amazing and crispy, which made the entire thing even better. We would happily get this again! A closer look at the soup. We also wanted to grab a little something sweet, so we started with the Hole in One for $5.99! It’s made with a fudgy brownie filled with caramel sauce and pecans, topped with vanilla cheesecake. The Hole in One! The brownie itself was pretty dry and didn’t offer a ton of flavor. The chocolate isn’t super sweet, and it’s a cakey texture. The caramel and nuts inside offer a nice subtle addition. The inside! The cheesecake was light and fluffy and lightly sweetened. The design was very cute, but that might be the best thing about this one. Finally, we grabbed the Bullseye Cupcake for $6.79. Bullseye Cupcake This one is made with a chocolate cupcake filled with peanut butter mousse and topped with chocolate and peanut butter buttercream with a Bullseye white chocolate coin. The frosting was very light, almost like whipped cream. Inside the cupcake The cupcake was a bit dry, but it did have a nice level of chocolate flavor and that amazing peanut butter filling to help it out. It was rich, creamy, and lightly chilled, which was amazing on a hot day. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re staying at this resort You need a post-golf lunch Or you love a Toy Story-themed dessert! You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want a fancy meal You’re looking for adventurous flavors Or you would have to go out of your way to get there Overall Overall, this is a pretty solid, especially if you’re staying at this resort! It offers more variety than typical theme park fare, but it won’t give you any life-changing experiences. The full spread! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Let's Get Lunch at Artist's Palette at Disney's Saratoga Springs Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, it might be May, but we’re already thinking ahead to fall…or more importantly, Halloween season. Mickey in costume at his Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Disney has already dropped some Halloween news on us, after all, including dates and details about this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World. Well, Disney isn’t done celebrating Halloween because the company also just dropped some brand new Halloween souvenirs online at The Disney Store. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Hitchhiking Ghosts Figure ©Disney You know the spiel from Haunted Mansion. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts. This figure brings Ezra, Phineas, and Gus to new life as they try to hitch a ride home with you after your ride on Haunted Mansion. This figure is beautifully hand-painted and is a must for Haunted Mansion fans. View at The Disney Store Buy the Mickey and Minnie “Spine-Tingling Sweethearts Figure ©Disney This Jim Shore figure has Mickey and Minnie dressed in their skeleton Halloween costumes, sitting on top of a light-up jack-o’-lantern. They’ve seen something scary, though, because they’re clinging to each other in fear. Spooky. View at The Disney Store Get the Constance Hatchaway Figure ©Disney This Jim Shore figure of Constance Hatchaway features the Haunted Mansion Bride, as we know and love her, complete with her axe…which is totally just an accessory and wasn’t used to off her many husbands. She’s looking pretty sassy here, too. View at The Disney Store Buy the Snow White Poison Apple Figure ©Disney The Jim Shore Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs “Apple-solutely Poisonous/Wicked” figure reimagines the poison apple from Snow White as it pierces through a book of the Evil Queen’s spells. View at The Disney Store Get the “Beauty and the Stitch” Figure ©Disney Jim Shore imagines Stitch dressed up like Beast in this fun crossover of Lilo & Stitch and Beauty and the Beast. Stitch is even dressed in Beast’s suit holding a rose for Halloween. Great costume, Stitch! View at The Disney Store Get the Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Halloween Figure ©Disney Piglet and Pooh are trying on cute starry witch hats for Halloween in this adorable figure. We think they’ve found their Halloween costumes! View at The Disney Store We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Disney Just Dropped 5 NEW Halloween Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A unique and popular Disney snack has made its big return, and we can’t lie, we’re REALLY jealous! Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland is special for many different reasons. For starters, a foreign park is breathtaking to visit. The sights, the sounds, everything is so unique when you travel to another Disney Park. The other fun little perk of traveling internationally is trying all the unique FOOD! Speaking of food, a special treat has made its highly anticipated return. The snack came back on May 12th, and we’re hoping it sticks around. If you end up in Tokyo Disney, you’ll find the bread at the Sweetheart Cafe in World Bazaar. The only thing that might be cuter than the bread itself is the packaging. Tokyo is always making their stuff so sweet and adorable — look at Mickey and Minnie tugging on both ends of the bread to make it spell “long.” It feels like sometimes Tokyo Disney is one-upping us on food, and this wouldn’t be the first time! ©Tokyo Disney During our last visit to La Taverne de Gaston in Tokyo Disneyland, they had an entree called the French Toast Sandwich, and it was AMAZING! La Taverne de Gaston The bread was sweet sugared French toast, and the middle was a grilled cheese. We know — interesting combination. However, it was a huge win when it came to mixing the flavors. It’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed til you have one! French Toast Sandwich As jealous as we are, at least there are reasons for us to travel to different Disney Parks — rides, experiences, entertainment, and FOOD (especially the Mickey Long Bread)! For more news and updates on all things Disney, be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! This Disney Ride Will Permanently CLOSE in October to Make Way For Wreck-It Ralph Replacement! 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 a Disney snack you wish you could try, but it’s in another location? Let us know in the comments! The post Dear Disney World, We Are BEGGING for This Famous Mickey Bread To Come to Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big things are brewing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and they’re happening fast. Disney’s Hollywood Studios In just 10 days, TWO brand-new shows will debut, bringing all-new energy to the park (and we are so ready). The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After are both launching on May 27th, and they’re not just small updates—they’re completely fresh experiences. But with new magic coming in, that also means some farewells are in order, and Muppets Courtyard is officially on the clock. Let’s break down exactly what’s changing and what it means for your next Hollywood Studios day. The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure Is the Glow-Up We’ve Been Waiting For If you remember the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show that ran in Animation Courtyard for decades, get ready for something totally new. After years of sitting dark post-2020, the theater is finally coming back to life with a full-on reimagining: The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure. ©Disney This new version isn’t just a light refresh. It’s a completely updated production with high-tech digital puppets, revamped staging, and a fresh focus on storytelling. Disney even teased it on their @wdwannualpassholders Instagram account with a series of clever reveals using props like a treasure chest, a bottle with a note, and more. Here’s what we know: The show will run continuously from 9:15 AM to 7:15 PM, so you’ve got plenty of chances to catch it. Lightning Lane access will be offered for this one, though Disney hasn’t officially stated if it’ll be part of the new Multi Pass or Single Pass system. Prince Eric is stepping up in this version with a bigger role, and “Kiss the Girl” is getting the spotlight as the show’s biggest musical number. “Under the Sea” used to steal the show, so this is a big creative shift. For the first time ever, Ariel’s sisters will be part of the stage show, and that’s something fans are buzzing about. This wasn’t part of the old production and should bring a splash of fun and flair. Expect those digital puppets we mentioned, new musical numbers, and visuals that promise to raise the bar on what a theme park stage show can be. ©Disney Honestly, this show is sounding like a must-do—and we don’t say that lightly. If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios after May 27th, you’re going to want to carve out time for this one. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Is About to Become the Most Dramatic Show in the Park Meanwhile, over on Sunset Boulevard, the villains are finally getting their moment. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is taking over the space where Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy used to be — and let’s be real, this already sounds like an upgrade. ©Disney The concept is super fun: Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Cruella De Vil take center stage to argue their case to the audience—literally. Each villain explains why they were misunderstood and mistreated in their stories, and the audience gets to decide who got the worst deal. It’s part courtroom drama, part dark comedy, and fully villainous fun. Here’s the deal: This show runs 15 times a day, starting at 10 AM and wrapping up with a final show at 7 PM. With so many showtimes, you’ll have flexibility, but don’t expect to stroll in last-minute. Villain fans are intense (you know who you are), and this is going to draw a crowd. While Maleficent, Hook, and Cruella are the headliners, Disney has confirmed that other villains will pop up throughout the theater. That’s right, it’s not just a trio act—it’s a full villain celebration. ©Disney So if you’re a villain lover—or just in the mood for something totally different—this one needs to be on your radar. But Not All the News Is Good — Say Goodbye to Muppets Courtyard Yep, it’s true. Hollywood Studios is changing, and while new experiences are coming in, others are stepping aside. Muppet*Vision 3D is officially closing on June 8th, 2025. Muppet*Vision 3D This one stings. Not only was it a longtime favorite for many, but it was also the last project Jim Henson ever worked on. The show blends 3D effects, animatronics, and live elements in a way that still holds up (even if the jokes are a little old-school). Plus, it was a rare chill moment in an otherwise high-energy park. ©The Jim Henson Company Also closing on June 8th is PizzeRizzo, the Muppet-themed quick-service restaurant. The last day of operation will be June 7th. So if you want one more slice or a final laugh with Kermit and friends, the clock is ticking. PizzeRizzo Why the closures? Disney is making room for the brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land that’s coming to this part of the park. We’re excited for what’s ahead, but yeah — it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic as Muppets Courtyard fades into history. Final Thoughts In just 10 days, Hollywood Studios is going to feel very different. With a shiny new Little Mermaid show, a villain-centered stage production, and the countdown to the end of Muppets Courtyard already underway, May 27th marks a real turning point. So, whether you’re planning your next trip or just love keeping up with the latest park changes, these updates are ones to watch. Keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your Disney news. 4 MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which show are you most excited to watch first? Tell us in the comments! The post In Just 10 Days, Disney's Hollywood Studios CHANGES in 2 Major Ways! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Epic Universe, has already become pretty popular — even before its official opening date. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry That’s because so many Universal fans have been taking advantage of the early previews to check everything out before the park’s official opening on May 22nd. We’ve been there a few times ourselves, but on May 17th, we saw something that literally made our jaws drop. Okay, so we KNEW the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride would be popular in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, but today, we saw a posted wait time of FIVE HOURS. That’s right, we visited Epic Universe today and decided to catch a ride on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. We were lucky — our full wait was only about two and a half hours. However, on the app, the posted wait time at one point was four hours…and then it jumped up to FIVE HOURS. FIVE HOURS, y’all. That’s basically half a park day. ©Universal Here’s what that looked like in the park around 11:30 AM. WHEW. 300 minutes = 5 hours Granted, there was about an hour of downtime when the ride was closed, and that probably didn’t help the wait time much. We also have to point out that Epic Universe is still in its early preview phase, and the ride recently switched from requiring a virtual queue reservation to a standby line. Basically, this is still a rehearsal while Universal figures out the best way to handle this ride’s lines and wait times. Fortunately, once you get inside the main queue area, there’s plenty to see and loads of details to take in. The Office of Professor Delores Umbridge We’ll have to see how Universal decides to handle this ride once Epic Universe officially opens to the public on May 22nd, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for changes during early previews, too, so stay tuned to DFB for more.  Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Would you wait five hours for a popular ride in Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! The post The NEW ‘Harry Potter’ Ride Has a FIVE HOUR Line in Epic Universe Following Virtual Queue Rule Change first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Great news, friends! If you’ve been searching for some of the most perfect Disney gifts online and you need them ASAP, we’re here to help. Loungefly bags are great park bags! We just found some pretty amazing deals online that you CANNOT miss, and you’ll want to hurry, because they may not be around for too long! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Stay Hydrated This Summer ©Amazon If you or your kiddos need a solid water bottle to use to stay hydrated during the hot summer, the Disney Mickey Mouse Zak Water Bottle is where it’s at. It’s got a super cute design, is double insulated to keep your drink cold all day, and it’s easy to hook onto a backpack! Check it out! A New Shirt for Vacation! ©Amazon Looking for adorable matching shirts that aren’t going to break the bank and that everyone can agree on? Grab the Long Live All The Magic We Made Tshirt! It comes in a few different colors so everyone can choose what they feel fits their style best, and let’s be honest — it’s just too cute to NOT get! Check it out! Keep Your Jewelry Safe ©Amazon If you want to make sure your jewelry stays safe, secure, AND stylish this summer (and for the foreseeable future), don’t miss out on the Disney Princess Beauty and the Beast Jewelry Box! It’s gorgeous and we think it looks fantastic on any Disney fan’s dresser! Check it out! Get Your Beauty Rest! ©Amazon Stay comfy all night long with the Kitsch x Disney Satin Sleep Mask and don’t let the sun wake you until you’re ready! This is also great to use on vacations or in other unfamiliar sleeping settings, like on planes, trains, and automobiles! Check it out! Jazz Up That Outfit! ©Amazon Need a simple way to dress up almost any outfit? The Disney Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings are calling your name! They’re simple, elegant, and won’t give you too many issues, as they’re not massive hoops. We’re BIG fans! Check it out! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news and beyond! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorites!The post Great Disney Deals Just Landed on Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so who loves Tangled and also loves makeup? Rapunzel Wait…that’s us! In fact, we love Tangled so much that we’re still salty that the only thing the movie got in Magic Kingdom is a fake tower and some bathrooms (okay, they ARE nice bathrooms), as well as a hidden Pascal game. But there is a whole Tangled land at Tokyo DisneySea, so we can’t complain too much. But back to the make-up…okay, so Colourpop often releases some fun collaborations. Well, now there’s a new Colourpop Tangled collection to check out. Yes, it’s the BEST DAY EVER, because Colourpop’s new Tangled collection is now available online. Get the Pascal Hair Brush ©Colourpop Pascal might be Rapunzel’s companion, but he can be yours, too, and even help you keep your hair in order, even if you have hair as long as Raps. This adorable brush is ready to be taken on the go and even comes with a mirror so you can check your locks when you need to. View on Amazon Buy the Chase Your Dreams Lip Gloss Set ©Colourpop If you have a dream (queue song), you can chase that dream with this gorgeous lip gloss set which includes three Tangled colors inspired by Rapunzel, Pascal, and Flynn Rider (aka Eugene). View on Amazon Get the Best Day Ever Eyeshadow Palette ©Colourpop Add some pretty Tangled-inspired colors to your eyes with this eyeshadow palette that features 12 magical shades inspired by characters from Tangled. It’s sure to help you have the best day ever. View on Amazon Want to see the WHOLE collection? You can check it out the FULL Colourpop Tangled collection here. 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 ColourPop's EXCLUSIVE New 'Tangled' Collection Is ONLINE Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The rest of 2025 is looking like it will be a busy year at Walt Disney World, with new shows, refurbished ride openings, entertainment, and eateries on the horizon, plus we know exactly when some of the resort’s iconic annual favorites are returning as well! Cinderella Castle Beyond these specific dates, there are also further opening timelines for major projects coming to the resort through the rest of the year! Confirmed Dates: The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure – May 27th ©Disney Hollywood Studios’ new show will update the classic Voyage of the Little Mermaid show, using “lively puppets, props, digital puppetry and jaw-dropping effects” to tell an abridged version of the film’s story, including performances of “Kiss the Girl”, “Daughters of Triton.” “Part of Your World”, “Under the Sea”, and “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – May 27th ©Disney Opening the same day as The Little Mermaid —A Musical Adventure, Unfairly Ever After is going to be a “spellbinding show with moving music and a most memorable finale—where you help decide who has been treated most unfairly.” GEO-82 – June 4th ©Disney Located at the back of Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s highly anticipated 21+ lounge is going to be “a sophisticated hideaway nestled within the iconic geodesic sphere” where guests will “experience global flavors blended with culinary artistry in classic cocktails and small plates.” Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – August 15th Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The 2025 edition of Disney’s iconic spooky season spectacular will launch on August 15th. This year’s party, featuring new offerings like a meet & greet with Mickey & Minnie as well as Storybook Circus being transformed into a “happy haunt for families with younger children” along with classic elements, is scheduled to run on select nights through October 31st. 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – August 28th Filet Mignon with mushrooms, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs mashed potatoes, and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs butter EPCOT’s longest-running festival, a “culinary adventure across 6 different continents”, will run from August 28th through November 22nd. Confirmed Timelines: Starlight: Dream the Night Away – Summer 2025 ©Disney According to Disney, the Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime parade features “nostalgic Disney storytelling and glowing innovation, continuing the legacy of dazzling nighttime entertainment that holds a special place in the hearts of so many” and feature characters from “classic and new Walt Disney Animation Studios films like Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Moana” and more. Test Track – Late Summer Test Track construction began earlier this year. EPCOT’s Test Track has been down for refurbishment since June of 2024, as Disney Imagineers have been transforming the attraction into essentially a new ride (dubbed Test Track 3.0 by many fans). The new incarnation of the classic E-Ticket, which will allegedly feature nods to World of Motion, is scheduled to open sometime this summer. The Beak and Barrel – Late Summer 2025 ©Disney According to Disney, the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at the Magic Kingdom will be themed as a “rambunctious watering hole” offering “a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life!” Bourbon & Steak – Summer 2025 The fry flight! This new eatery, replacing Shula’s Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, is part of the chain owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina. The restaurant describes itself as“a tribute to the classic American steakhouse” with a menu that includes “prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive selection of wines and spirits, including rare and vintage bourbon selections,” made with locally sourced ingredients. Zootopia: Better Zoogether – 2025 ©Disney Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a 4D film where guests will be able to “join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for a new wild adventure”, is replacing It’s Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom. The new show was initially scheduled to open in “Winter 2025,” but as of May, no opening date has been announced. ©Disney Disney’s 2025 calendar is filling up FAST. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s calendar for the rest of the year! 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 Which of these 2025 openings are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below. The post CONFIRMED: 10 Disney World Opening Dates in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Y’all…there are so many changes happening in Magic Kingdom that’s it’s HARD to keep up, but we’re trying. Tomorrowland For starters, we’re starting to see permits come in for work in the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island locations as Disney prepares to convert that into a Cars expansion in Frontierland (with two NEW rides!). Then, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting a MAJOR overhaul and will be closed for the rest of the year. PLUS a NEW Villains land will be going BEHIND Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at some point. That’s not all, though. A classic Tomorrowland attraction, Astro Orbiter, has been getting a bit of a facelift, too. Well, now we’re seeing signs of progress there. Let’s see what’s new! Astro Orbiter has been closed since January 13th for a refurbishment that is set to be over by summer. Astro Orbiter To do that, we noticed that Disney disassembled a large portion of the ride: the planets and ride vehicles were taken from the ride’s main structure, likely to be refurbished in a different location. Per a Cast Member we spoke with, this kind of refurbishment happens to the ride about every ten years. Here’s what Astro Orbiter looked like dismantled. Astro Orbiter disassembled However, on a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, we noticed that the ride was being reassembled. Some of the ride’s details in the center are being added back to the main ride structure. Here’s a view of the ride from the PeopleMover. It’s being put back together! There’s still a bit more to add to the ride, but this is a sign that the refurbishment could be coming to an end sooner rather than later. However, the ride doesn’t look quite as naked. Yay — PROGRESS! Closer look We’ll be keeping an eye on more of the ride’s construction, as well as a reopening date, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney Confirmed Two AMAZING Additions Are Coming to EPCOT This Summer!  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 Is Astro Orbiter a must for you when you visit Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Is FINALLY Fixing a MISSING Piece of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Boo-To-You Parade Disney World’s Halloween Party dates have been revealed, Food and Wine dates are here too, more of a Halloween Horror Nights fan? Guess what, we’ve got those dates too! And we’ve spent a wonderful week in California celebrating the 70th anniversary of the original Disney park, Disneyland. All the latest Disney Parks news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Food & Wine Dates, Halloween Party Dates, Disneyland 70th Anniversary & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

OK, Disney fans. We’re taking you down memory lane. Growing up, we loved to watch Disney Channel shows. Phineas and Ferb at the Flower and Garden Festival You’ve got Kim Possible, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, That’s So Raven — the list goes on and on. However, one of our absolute favorites was Phineas and Ferb. That show is popular, and for good reason! Well, get ready, people. We have some good news. EPCOT just announced an EXCITING addition; Phineas and Ferb will be MEETING in EPCOT soon! At this time, it’s unclear if this meet-and-greet is returning only for the summer as part of Disney’s Cool Kid Summer event or if it plans to stay for the foreseeable future. If you’re wondering why Disney chose EPCOT instead of Hollywood Studios, it’s likely due to the history this park has with the show and characters — we miss Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure every day! Maybe this could be a hint that they’re planning to bring it back someday (hey, we can dream, right?). ©Disney Looking for more recent EPCOT news? Check out our posts below! More Recent EPCOT News! JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney Confirmed Two AMAZING Additions Are Coming to EPCOT This Summer!4 Disney World Rides Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in June 2025We Reviewed 6 Snacks Under $9 in EPCOT (and the Results Were Shocking)I’ve Tried Every Early Entry Hack in Disney World, And I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every TimeA MASSIVE Annual Passholder Perk Just Returned to EPCOT! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news and beyond! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. NEW Hidden “Junk Fees” Ban Now in Effect — How It Could CHANGE Your Disney World Vacation Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you looking forward to this new meet and greet? Tell us in the comments! The post JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney Confirmed Two AMAZING Additions Are Coming to EPCOT This Summer! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In the market for a NEW Loungefly for the summer? Get over to Amazon NOW! Loungefly Wall The massive E-tailer has multiple new Loungefly designs, based on one of Disney’s most popular modern films, past classics, and even a certain mouse. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Snuggly Ducking Crossbody ©Amazon The next piece recreates the Snuggly Ducking sign in intricate, faux-wood design detail. Bonus points if you wear this while visiting the real Snuggly Ducking at Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs. SHOP HERE Tangled Lantern Drawstring Mini-Backpack ©Amazon If you want to celebrate the Lantern Festival in a bit more understated way, there’s also this drawstring bag, which captures the design essence of the lantern, complete with the same decorative details. SHOP HERE Minnie Floral and Lace Mini Backpack ©Amazon This adorable Mini Minnie (say that 5 times fast) backpack features “faux leather construction, adjustable padded straps with polka dot and lace details, a sturdy top handle, silver-colored metal hardware, appliqué decoration, printed, embroidered, and lace details, and coordinating interior lining.” SHOP HERE Alice and the Cheshire Cat Lenticular Loungefly ©Amazon This bag features Alice and the ever-mysterious Cheshire Cat front and center on this Loungefly, which features a lenticular character effect, faux leather construction, adjustable shoulder straps, a sturdy top handle, appliqué, embossed, embroidered, and printed details, and coordinating interior lining. SHOP HERE Sleeping Beauty Loungefly ©Disney Celebrate the love of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip with this Loungefly featuring the couple surrounded by flowers. The two are also featured on the bag’s interior lining. SHOP HERE If any of these Loungeflys appeal to you, head over to Amazon NOW as they’re sure to sell out. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s Amazon offerings. Looking for more Disney Essentials? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post Your New Favorite Disney Loungefly Just Dropped on Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Jesse DeMello and his 8-year-old son, Liam, got a sneak peek of Epic Universe two weeks ago, and they left dazzled by Orlando’s newest theme park. In Super Nintendo World, coins twirled as Mario’s iconic soundtrack played. A school-bus-sized creature flew overhead at the Untrainable Dragon show. Frankenstein’s monster and bride sprang to life in Darkmoor Village, the section of the park dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters. “It feels like you are in a different world,” said DeMello, a real estate agent from North Port, south of Tampa. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, the first major theme park development in Central Florida in 26 years. After billions of dollars and eight years of planning and construction, its formal premiere sets a new standard for the 21st century theme park. Rather than transforming the experience, Epic Universe culminates recent trends in immersive surroundings, high-tech thrills, top-quality refreshments, and park-goer spending. It looks almost certain to extend Central Florida’s reign as a tourist destination, luring millions of visitors to a must-see new offering while spurring competitors to even greater heights. Jesse DeMello and his 8-year-old son, Liam DeMello, pose with Mario and Luigi during their preview visit to Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. The new theme park officially opens on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Jesse DeMello)The grand opening marks the realization of a lifetime of dreaming for Scott Verble, an executive producer who worked on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic section of the park. The 33-year-old Florida native grew up with midnight “Harry Potter” book releases. He played RollerCoaster Tycoon, the computer game where users design and run a simulation theme park. He studied at the University of Central Florida and dreamed of one day designing a theme park in real life. Now he is part of an immense team, from civil engineers to culinary experts, who helped make Epic Universe a reality, starting with initial brainstorming in 2016. As a producer, Verble coordinated and worked across all those disciplines to execute the park’s creative vision. “We want to create memories for people to last a lifetime, and I think that’s what Epic Universe does better than anything else we’ve ever done before,” Verble said. Universal started previews of Epic Universe on April 17, operating what it called “technical rehearsals.” It is already getting rave reviews from many theme park enthusiasts, who praise its immersive qualities and Universal’s attention to detail. Some say Universal’s efforts are a compelling draw that will surely put industry leader Disney on notice, rivaling such blockbuster attractions as Pandora: The World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Verble said the team tackled such granular details as ensuring stones in wizarding Paris gave an aged appearance similar to what visitors would see if they were actually in the City of Lights during the 1920s. Team members visited Paris and the “Fantastic Beasts” film sets for inspiration. It’s those little details that transport visitors into another world, he said. “We want to make sure that the deeper the guests look, the more they find,” he added. The theming even extends to toilets and urinals. In the area of the park dedicated to movie monsters, they are black. Karyn Locke, a theme park journalist from Pittsburgh, said Universal put together an experience that allowed her to leave her worries behind at the entrance gate. “You want that magical theme park bubble where you don’t have to think about anything else, and you’re transported into that land,” she said. “They’ve done the job extremely well. I think everybody who are theme park fans, or even casual theme park admirers, will enjoy this park.” Epic’s central hub is known as Celestial Park. It features dancing fountains and the 500-room Helios Grand Hotel, where a stay starts at about $370 a night, or $310 with a Florida discount. The luxury hotel offers a dedicated entrance to Epic, placing guests mere steps from the park’s attractions. From there, tunnels, known as portals, transport visitors to different lands — Super Nintendo World, the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts”-themed Ministry of Magic, monster-filled Dark Universe and Isle of Berk, inspired by the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie franchise. The Chronos portal to Celestial Park at Epic Universe on April 22. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)So far, the Potter-inspired Battle at the Ministry ride is getting a lot of buzz for its elaborate storytelling and the meticulously crafted waiting queue that sets the stage for the main ride. Theme park fans have lauded other rides, too, including the Stardust Racers rollercoaster, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness. The food offerings — from mac-and-cheese cones to butterbeer crepes — have garnered praise for raising the bar for theme park cuisine. DeMello’s favorites included cake pops and the Yoshi green smoothie. Another advance is the park’s use of facial-recognition technology for lockers and express lanes. No more fumbling for tickets or keys. Early Epic visitors have shared a few gripes, too, such as a lack of shade and high demand for the marquee Battle at the Ministry ride. The virtual line has filled up in seconds, leaving some parkgoers frustrated. A single-day adult ticket starts at $139 and goes up to $199 for peak-demand days. An express pass, allowing quicker access to rides, runs another $130 to $330. Florida residents are eligible for a three-day ticket that includes a day at Epic Universe, starting at $119 per day for an adult. A theme park ‘boxing match’ With Epic Universe’s grand opening, the theme park wars in Central Florida are heating up, said Dennis Speigel, owner of International Theme Park Services, a consulting firm that advises attractions on design planning and operations. “Make no mistake: Universal and Disney are in an armaments war of the greatest proportions,” Speigel said. “It’s a boxing match of the champions, and Universal has come on strong in that market in the last 15 years. … They are challenging Disney on every front.” The pressure will be on during opening day. Ride malfunctions plagued Universal’s arrival to Orlando in 1990, prompting newspaper headlines of “Opening Day Goes Bust.” In 2010, visitors waited six hours or longer to get inside a Harry Potter expansion to an older park. Speigel, who has opened major theme parks in the United States and internationally, said he thinks Universal is on track for a smoother opening with Epic. “I think what they realized is let’s get ourselves better prepared, and they have,” he said. Walt Disney World has dominated since it opened in 1971, now attracting about 50 million visitors annually to its four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels. With Epic’s opening, Universal offers three theme parks, a water park and 11 hotels. Universal’s two existing parks — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — attract about 20 million visitors a year. Company officials are hopeful Epic will help them narrow the gap with Disney. “Epic Universe doubles the size of our park footprint in Orlando, transforming our collection of resorts into a weeklong vacation destination,” Mike Cavanagh, president of Universal’s parent company Comcast, said during an earnings call last month. Speigel projects Epic could draw as many as 8 million visitors during its first year of operation. That’s about the same number as Disney’s Animal Kingdom draws, according to the latest statistics from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Disney World’s flagship Magic Kingdom attracted nearly 18 million visitors, the most of any amusement park worldwide, according to the report. Disney is gearing up for its own expansion with plans to invest $17 billion over the next 10 to 20 years. Several projects are already in the works. An addition to the Magic Kingdom will have a villains theme and include two new attractions, dining and shopping, company leaders said in August. A “Monsters, Inc.” land is also in the works at Hollywood Studios, along with a Tropical Americas project at Animal Kingdom that will feature “Indiana Jones” and “Encanto”-themed attractions. Economic Windfall Epic will benefit the entire region, including its competitors, by elevating Orlando’s reputation as the world’s theme park capital, said Jakob Wahl, CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “We often see a rising tide effect when a major attraction opens,” he said. “It drives increased tourism, hotel bookings and longer stays. It benefits surrounding attractions, restaurants, small businesses.” With a reported price tag of $7 billion, Epic Universe is one of the most expensive theme parks ever built, said Jorge Ridderstaat, a tourism economist at the University of Central Florida. That construction work created an estimated 65,000 jobs nationwide, he said. The park is expected to generate a $2 billion economic impact for Florida within its first year of operation and support 17,500 jobs nationwide, according to a Universal-commissioned study conducted by UCF economist Sean Snaith. He expects the park’s benefits will go beyond the tourism sector, touching all parts of Central Florida’s economy. “Over time, you are going to see Epic Universe triggering a lot of development in that area,” Snaith said. “It creates these additional business opportunities that will impact the economy and create additional jobs.” DeMello, a theme park aficionado, said he’s already wanting to come back to Epic with his son. “There’s no other park I want to go to more right now,” he said. More on Epic Universe 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

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is finally here, and we’re soaking up all the joyful celebrations, unique entertainment, delicious snacks, and everything in between. Sleeping Beauty Castle for the 70th Anniversary Celebration With this being such an exciting event, we expected to see some pretty high crowds on certain days, and we were RIGHT. Today is totally sold out in Disneyland for the festivities, and we just have to say, it’s shoulder to shoulder out here. When we headed into the park today, we already knew it was going to be intense — just look at this rope drop line! Rope Drop line! Inside the park, Main Street, U.S.A. was looking as crowded as ever. It’s a little hard to move here, but remember you can go through the shops if they’re less packed. That’s a LOT of people pouring in! The other lands weren’t any different, with people nearly shoulder to shoulder at certain parts! Yikes! What we noticed the most though was that lines for merchandise and snacks were EASILY the longest all throughout the park. Lines everywhere! However, when we looked at wait times, expecting to see them through the roof, that was far from the case — it seemed EMPTY! What in the world? Wait times were so low all around, and stayed that way for many hours. From what we were seeing, it looks like a lot of people wanted to grab the special merchandise and snacks rather than experience the attractions. Wild! If you’re in Disneyland on a day as packed as this, prepare yourself for longer-than-normal wait times, potentially longer waits while waiting for your mobile orders, and pack your patience. It’s intense, but everyone is there to enjoy the festivities just like you are, so remember to be kind and courteous to others! Remember to pack your patience! Looking for more Disneyland news? Check out our posts below! More Disneyland Resort News! The Longest Disney Lines Were NOT for an Attraction Today…and We Think We Know WhyDisney’s NEW Interactive Souvenir Experience Is HERE! Is The New Disneyland Key Worth $60?FULL LIST: NEW and Returning Disney Parades, Fireworks, and Characters Just Arrived at Disneyland ResortThese NEW Features Just Made Disney MagicBands 10X BetterWe LOVE It When Disney Listens! This NEW Cavalcade Brought a BANISHED Character BACK to Disneyland Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! 7 Major Changes Coming to Disneyland in June Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you planning to head to Disneyland for the 70th Anniversary? Tell us 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 Disney to attend their media preview of the Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary. 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 The Longest Disney Lines Were NOT for an Attraction Today…and We Think We Know Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to do some shopping! Let’s shop! Yes, yes, we know…shopping for Disney essentials and souvenirs means it’s ALWAYS time for some shopping. But one of our favorite clothing stores, H&M, just dropped a brand new Disney collection for kids, and so we don’t have to shop alone, we wanted to share some of those new items with you. So let’s take a look at the new collection! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Kid’s Stitch Printed Cotton Dress ©H&M Experiment 626 never looked so pretty as he does as a print on this adorable pink dress that’s perfect for the summer. This knee-length dress also has a ruffle at the bottom. View on Amazon Buy the Kid’s 2-Piece Printed Sweatshirt Set ©H&M If your kid loves Cars, Bluey, or the Hulk, you need to grab this 2-piece set that features a short sleeve lightweight sweatshirt and shorts with an elastic waistband for comfort. View on Amazon Get the Moana 2-Piece Sweatshirt Set ©H&M There’s also an adorable 2-piece set starring Moana and Pua. This set features a print with Moana and her best pig with a shirt and shorts made of a super soft fabric. The camisole top is perfect for summer. View on Amazon Get the 3-Pack of Kid’s Tees ©H&M You can also get a kids’ 3-pack of tees starring their favorite characters, including Stitch, Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, Alice in Wonderland, and more. View on Amazon Buy the Kid’s Disney-Printed Swimsuit ©H&M Does your kid love Stitch? This sweet light purple swimsuit stars their favorite alien, Experiment 626. The sleeveless swimsuit is fully lined and has a round neck. View on Amazon Get the 2-Piece T-shirt and Shorts Set ©H&M Your kid will be ready for summer in this set that includes a tee and matching shorts. Even better? This set stars BFFS, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck! View on Amazon Buy the Printed Cotton Pajamas ©H&M Shhhh!!! Stitch is asleep on this cotton pajama set, and yes, he is SO sweet. These pajamas are perfect for the summer as they’re lightweight and comfy. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post H&M Just Dropped a New Disney Collection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article