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Happy #Easter! Aren't these lil' park hoppers the cutest thing ever?View the full article

Bright Suns from Star Wars Celebration Japan! We just wrapped our Walt Disney Imagineering panel where I was joined by Imagineers Anisha Deshmane and Michael Serna as well as Matt Martin from Lucasfilm to talk about the creative development behind current and future Star Wars projects at Disney parks and resorts around the world. In the panel, we shared some exciting news that expands on some of the updates discussed at SXSW, and I can’t wait to share what we talked about! Take Control with New Powers for the Crew Starting May 22, 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will allow guests to control the iconic ship like never before. For the first time ever, the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant. Another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu during the mission. Mando and Grogu Join the Adventure We’re so excited that these updates debut on the same day as Lucasfilm’s upcoming title, The Mandalorian and Grogu, however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path. In this new thrilling storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal going down on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a generous bounty for their capture, so you’ll borrow the iconic ship and team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and explore the galaxy. None of this would be possible without our partnership with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). With their help, you are in control of your own destiny on the attraction. This technology is all built on Unreal Engine 5 by Epic Games which are the same tools ILM uses on the Disney+ show, The Mandalorian. To finish off our panel, the ever-popular BDX Droids made a pit stop! They’re now at Tokyo Disney Resort but will also make appearances at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris for a limited time very soon. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and @DisneyParks socials for the latest news on all things Star Wars coming to Disney Experiences. May the Force Be With You, Always New Details for Mando and Grogu’s Millennium Falcon Mission READ MORE Star Wars May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection Reveal READ MORE 2025 Guide to Season of the Force at Disneyland Park READ MORE The post The Mandalorian, Grogu, and New Crew Controls Coming to Smugglers Run appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Disney World is currently preparing for numerous new experiences in the coming years and refurbishing current attractions. Brand-new lands, including Pueblo Esperanza, Monsters, Inc. Land, and Villains Land will be coming. Plus, new lounges like the GEO-82 lounge in EPCOT will be opening, and new shows such as “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be debuting. Construction Walls featuring Artwork for Tropical Americas As well, Test Track, Big Thunder Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also be refreshed. While we are excited about new openings and refreshed attractions, these updates also mean there will be closures that could impact your trip. But we are here to make sure you don’t beeline it for a specific experience only to find out it is closed. We are rounding up everything that will be closed in Disney World next week, so you are prepared! Test Track Keep reading below to see what attractions and locations will be closed this week, April 19th through April 26th! Magic Kingdom Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground is closed, the ride is still open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky! Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th. The Hall of Presidents The attraction will be closed until later in 2025, though Disney has not shared a specific date. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change the current president, as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening. Astro Orbiter If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney. Astro Orbiter is dismantled currently! The ride has currently been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! However, Disney recently filed a permit that could mean the attraction will soon be back in its place in Tomorrowland. All of the Changes Confirmed for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it! Tortuga Tavern Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we have seen it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! 4 Rules You’re Accidentally Breaking in Magic Kingdom EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, 2024 and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Test Track Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. We recently got a look at the new Test Track cars too. We are getting closer and closer to its reopening! Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh Occasionally, we’ll see it open as a lounge or Kidcot Fun Stop. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen! “I Leave You Guys for FIVE MINUTES…” — A Mayor’s Lament of EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town Animal Kingdom It’s Tough to Be a Bug It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invited you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now officially closed to make way for a new show. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is closed! It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th. The show is permanently closed to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” expected to debut in winter 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur. DinoLand Construction It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” This Is the CUTEST Thing We’ve Seen At Animal Kingdom this Week Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show officially has an opening date! The show will debut on May 27th, 2025. We also recently saw that they have begun to dismantle the outdoor exhibits from Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Voyage of the Little Mermaid As well, Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. A bit ago we saw that the iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed! So far, it is still missing, but we are curious what, if anything, will take its place. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and will be debuting on May 27th, 2025. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” 4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book Disney Springs Starbucks on the West Side The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd, and it is expected to reopen in mid-summer. Starbucks is undergoing refurbishment Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs! Permit Filed for NEW Addition Coming to Disney Springs Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach officially welcomed guests back on November 4th, 2024! That same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed its gates for the season. Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon will be reopening on May 1st, 2025. When it reopens, Blizzard Beach will be temporarily closing. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020, but that is changing this year. BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time from May 21st through September 7th, 2025. Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach! Disney World Hotels Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk is officially closing on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls is having its final farewell performance on April 19th, and after that it will be closing its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated. Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that they were hard at work at Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay Construction This pool area will be closed for refurbishment until June. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. During the refurbishment, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay will also be closed. Fantasia Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort From January 1st through April 30th, the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed. Fantasia Pool While this pool is closed, you can swim at the Duck Pond Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort if you’re staying here. Merchandise Locations — Disney’s BoardWalk The merchandise locations along Disney’s BoardWalk will be closing for refurbishment in phases. The closures will last until May 2025, but two merchandise locations will always be available during the refurbishment. Disney’s BoardWalk The Character Carnival is currently closed. While they are working on the Character Carnival, you can shop at Screen Door General Store and Thimbles & Threads. Packing for Disney World? We Built Your Dream Amazon Cart 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 determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. I’ve Tried Every Ride Hack in Disney World, And I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time 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 When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post These 18 Disney World Closures Could Impact Your Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Construction is ramping up on Disney’s newest hotel. ©Disney Back in 2018, Disney announced that a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property was coming to Walt Disney World. The new hotel, to be built on the long-abandoned remains of the resort’s first water park River Country – – was to be called Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. However, with the onset of the worldwide pandemic, all work on the project stalled, and Disney dropped all mentions of it. After years of silence, work on the site resumed in late 2024, with Disney confirming that November that the project was back on, and that the resort had been renamed the Lakeshore Lodge. According to Disney, the new version of the resort will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” It’s scheduled to open in 2027. ©Disney During a recent trip to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, we caught a glimpse of how far construction in the site has progressed in recent months. Lakeshore Lodge construction As you can see, vertical construction is proceeding a rapid pace. Lakeshore Lodge construction When pulling to a more panoramic view, you can appreciate just how large the site is, and how many cranes are on property. Lakeshore Lodge construction When approaching the site, we can noticed the highly-themed construction walls. Lakeshore Lodge construction Disney’s Lakeside Lodge is barreling ahead as the new DVC resort is scheduled to open in approximately two years. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on the one resort. 4 Disney World Perks That Are Returning in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to Lakeside Lodge? Let us know in the comments below! The post 3 Major Construction Updates for Disney World's Newest Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe opens on May 22nd, 2025, and we are getting so excited! Universal Helios Grand Hotel We’ve already taken a sneak peek inside the theme park, and the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel is open, with the theme park not far behind. As we continue to explore the new park and hotel, we’re bringing you our full reviews of everything! Today’s full review tasks us to Aurora Market inside the Helios Grand. Inside Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, when it comes to food, you can find Bar Helios, Flora Taverna, Lotus Lagoon, and Aurora Market! Today, we’re checking out everything inside the hotel that takes you straight into Epic Universe to see if it’s truly worth your time and money, starting with the market. Universal Helios Grand Hotel Aurora Market is the coffee shop inside the resort where you can find freshly roasted coffees, beverages, and grab-and-go options. It also serves up snacks like croissants, paninis, wraps, and salads, plus desserts like cakes and gelato day and night. Atmosphere The atmosphere around the market is relaxed but lively with its contemporary vibe. Aurora Market This is basically a grab-and-go market combined with a coffee shop and a gelato shop. Grab and Go Market So let’s see what we can grab! Menu You’ll find a huge variety of beverages and pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, and snacks here. Beverages and pre-packaged fresh foods Got a sweet tooth, but don’t want sugar? You’ll find some pre-packaged sugar-free sweet treats. Sugar-free sweets You’ll even find a small selection of bakery goods like cookies, brownies, and donuts. Donuts, cookies, and brownies Check out the pastry case, though, because there are some nice pastries available, including macarons. Pastries Wine and other spirits can also be found here. Booze You can also have a variety of gelato flavors. The gelato comes from two Florida-based suppliers, and they have some unique flavors. Want to try a flavor out before you buy? You can get a sample! There are a dozen flavors that will rotate seasonally. There’s even a dark chocolate vegan gelato made with oat milk plus sorbetto, which is also vegan. The more fun flavors we saw were tiramisu, cookie butter, and birthday cake, but we also saw mint chocolate chip, vanilla, and chocolate. Gelato flavors Need a pick-me-up? There’s coffee! We’re talking espresso drinks made to order! Made-to-order coffee drinks You can also pick up a refillable cup here, which is $10.50 for one day, $12 for two days, or $16.50 for three days. You can also get one for your full length of stay for $19. Refillable cups You can fill them up at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine throughout Universal, but there’s one inside the market, too. Coca-Cola Freestyle machine One thing we will note, though, is that there is NO seating here. You will find some seating right outside the market in the lobby, though. Eats and Drinks To start us off, we grabbed an Affogato for $7. An affogato is a scoop of gelato with a shot of espresso on top, so it melts over the ice cream and creates a creamy coffee drink with a caffeinated kick. We decided to try one with the cookie butter gelato. As you can see, you get it served in a plain white paper cup, sized for at least two or three scoops of gelato. So the affogato is looking a little…well..lonely in there. But this container is too big for the gelato, so you’re not getting the melting action. It could be that this is an opening week thing, and more containers/cups are on the way. Affogato We ended up eating the gelato and then drinking the espresso to get the flavors together. That being said, it was pretty good, and the gelato itself was rich with a caramelized sweet flavor. It also has a bit of a crunch, so we think there’s something like a Biscoff in there. This container isn’t working for us We also ordered a Small Gelato for $5.50. We got two flavors, meaning that the price point is actually pretty sweet. We tried the vegan dark chocolate gelato made with oat milk. We think the oat milk isn’t noticeable at all, and you just get a creamy, chocolately scoop that’s a little easier on your stomach. Small gelato Our other scoop was the Birthday Cake Gelato, which is going to please kids with its fun blue color with sprinkles. This one had that nice cake batter flavor, and it was SO tasty and SUPER creamy. YUM We will note that once we had both gelato flavors together, we found the non-vegan option to be a lot creamier. You do lose some of that creaminess with the oat milk version. Overall Overall, this space is pretty small, and we didn’t think that there were a lot of options as far as grab-and-go snacks and meals go. However, Aurora Market could be a great place to grab a coffee in the mornings or a gelato at the end of the day (although we noticed a LOT of people coming back from the parks heading straight for the market). There’s also no seating, but you can head into the Helios Grand lobby and find seating there. Aurora Market is a great option for an easy breakfast or dessert inside the Helios Grand Hotel with familiar bites and drinks. This will be a great option for you if you want to grab a quick bite before or after hitting Epic Universe. If you want something that’s more than basic, though, maybe consider skipping this spot unless you want coffee or gelato! We’re continuing to check out everything Epic here at Universal, so make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Universal news and updates. See everything inside the Universal Helios Grand Hotel Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Tell us what you’re most excited about in Epic Universe in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Aurora Market at Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know you don’t have to be staying at a Disney World Resort to head over and try dinner at their restaurants? While these different restaurants might be conveniently located where you’re staying, anyone is welcome to visit them. Caribbean Beach Resort We recently tried Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, which you can visit by taking the Skyliner right to Caribbean Beach. Is Centertown Market worth a trip? We’re going to find out. Atmosphere Centertown Market offers quick-service meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as grab-and-go options, which are great to grab before heading to the parks. They even have specialty coffee! Centertown Market The space is designed to be a street market with plenty of indoor seating and is inspired by a Caribbean festival. Lots of seating You can Mobile Order or order with the Cast Members at the counter. The counter We love heading here for breakfast before visiting our the parks, but we’ve recently tried lunch and dinner, which have added some of our favorite flavors to traditional Latin meals. Centertown Market Let’s check out what’s on the menu! Menu This restaurant serves American and Caribbean food in very approachable dishes. There are some classic Caribbean dishes, as well as plenty of familiar American meals. Additional items They have sandwiches and burgers, like the Hot Cuban Sandwich and a Cheeseburger, as well as other entrees like Arroz Mamposteao and Chicken Strips. The menu There are also kids’ meals, pizza, and a few plant-based options. We love the desserts too! Centertown Market usually has a seasonal dessert, as well as Mickey Ice Cream Bars, sandwiches, cupcakes, and cookies. Past seasonal dessert There’s also a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine! Time to grab a resort mug and get your soda! Soda options Enough about the menu, let’s eat! Eats We started off with the Cuban Fries for $6.49. Cuban Fries They’re seasoned French fries with mustard and Swiss cheese sauce, ham, and pickles. We love it when Disney has specialty fries, and these are no exception. While we could have used more toppings, the mustard and cheese sauce was creamy with a great taste of mustard with a hint of Swiss cheese. Yum! Combining with the cubes of ham and pickles, it was a fun play on Cuban flavors. The toppings were all diced to a great size, making it easy to eat with a fork. Grab a bowl of fries Next up was the Swashbuckler Burger for $14.69. Swashbuckler Burger This is a grilled signature-blend burger topped with toasted coconut-curry aioli, lime-jalapeno jam, fried tostones, and arugula, served on a toasted brioche bun, and accompanied by French fries. Delicious Bam! This burger was packed with flavor. You can taste the jalapenos, but there’s no spice, and you can detect light notes of curry and lime. The coconut flavor gives the burger a more tropical taste, and the fried tostones add a really great crunch, too! While the burger was a bit dry when we got it, we love all the toppings and how unique it is compared to a traditional one. Great fries too! We also ordered the Mixed Grill Platter for $17.49. The platter This platter features roasted citrus-marinated chicken, barbecued pork ribs, and grilled andouille sausage, served with fried yucca, seasonal vegetables, creamy mango coleslaw, and a roll. Big enough to share The sausage was juicy and fatty, with a hint of spice and a light smoky flavor. We loved that it had a bit of kick! The sausage The ribs had a nice char on the outside, and while they were a little tougher, they were covered in a classic barbecue sauce. Ribs The chicken was citrus marinated, and you can taste some lime. We wish the chicken came with a sauce, but it was great to have chicken to balance out the platter from the sausage and ribs. Chicken The yucca fries were like thick potato fries but fluffier on the inside. They have a nice crunch on the outside and were tasty, even with minimal seasoning. Fluffy! The grilled vegetables included carrots, broccolini, and onions. All three were caramelized well and had really nice textures. The coleslaw was creamy and fresh! It wasn’t drenched in sauce, but covered everything. The mango flavor wasn’t very forward, but we loved tasting the mayo, vinegar, and veggies. Sides For dessert, we dived into the Tropical Paradise Cheesecake for $6.29. Cheesecake YUM! There was popping boba with a passion fruit flavor that matched the passion fruit flavored cheesecake really well. The middle It was soft and creamy and had a great, forward flavor of passionfruit. It’s very light but still has a great density to sit on our fork easily. There was a tart flavor that came through, and we loved this dessert. Small and flavorful After all those dishes, let’s grab a drink! Drinks We got the Bubble of the Sea for $7.29. Bubble of the sea It’s made with Gold Peak Sweet Green Tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava, topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer. This drink is very sweet with a lot of guava flavor. Boba on top The boba reminded us of a green apple flavor that went surprisingly well with the guava. It wasn’t too forward with the tea taste, and this was so fun and pretty. Nosh or Not You should try out Centertown Market if you… Want to try Caribbean flavors with an American twist Like quick service meals that fill you up Enjoy trying new types of foods that may be unfamiliar to you This might want to be a skip if you… Want a longer meal for a more relaxing time Don’t want to go through the hassle of heading to a different resort than your own Enjoy a wider variety of traditional and familiar meals Overall Centertown Market is a win for us! We love it when a quick service restaurant can provide us with strong flavors in filling meals. It’s great not to have to wait long for these fantastic dishes, with a menu that the whole family can enjoy. The spread! Would we go out of our way for this meal? Probably not. But we were really impressed with the mix of options and the quality for the price! We’re always trying the best Disney World restaurants, so you know where to try on your next vacation. Keep following Disney Food Blog to find your next favorite restaurant. Check out the best restaurants in Disney World Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you tried Centertown Market? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. The post REVIEW: We Found Table Service Quality at Quick Service Prices at This Disney World Hotel Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Time for some Disney merch shopping — we got more Disney Loungeflys for you! Loungefly bags Loungefly bags are a fan favorite item to rock at Disney World — they’re cute, Disney, and hold all your essentials! Take a look at these Loungeflys on Amazon that look like they’d be pricey, but they really aren’t! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Bag ©Amazon How adorable is this Winnie the Pooh Loungfly Bag! This is the perfect Disney backpack for fans of the characters from the Hundred Acre Woods. The bag features Pooh Bear, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore. We love the mini backpacks springtime feel, with the flowers and butterfly. It’s available at a great price for a Loungefly! View on Amazon How about this Sleeping Beauty Loungefly Bag ©Amazon You can get this Sleeping Beauty Loungfly Mini Backpack for an absolute steal of a deal! We the love the attention to detail on this bag. The bag features Princess Aurora walking in the forest, with her forest friends. You’ll also find the three fairies from the movie, flying by the dazzling castle. The bag has so much color, and it works! Best of all, it’s currently 22% off! View on Amazon We love this Cinderella Loungefly Bag ©Amazon Continuing with the princess theme, check out this stunning Cinderella Loungefly Bag! It features the gorgeous castle, Gus Gus, the pumpkin coach, and the Fairy Godmother. We love the mini backpacks unique design style! This bag will really pop on your next Disney trip. It’s price will shock you! View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly Bag ©Amazon Christmas, Halloween, honestly any time is the right time to be rocking this Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly Bag! This mini backpack is just filled with characters — like Jack Skellington, Sally, The Mayor, Oogie Boogie, and more! If you’re a fan of this holiday classic, you’ll love this bag. Better yet, you’ll love that it is 50% off right now! View on Amazon And finally, look at this Mickey and Minnie Snowman Loungefly Bag ©Amazon Christmas is coming a little early, now that we can get this cute Mickey and Minnie Snowman Loungefly Bag! There is so much we love about this mini backpack. The dark blue color, the Mickey head snowflakes covering the bag, but what really stands out is the 3D snowglobe design. It has Mickey and Minnie as snowmen, and little 3D snowflakes. You can get this bag for 50% off! 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 These Disney World Loungeflys Look Dang Expensive (They're Not) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A LOT is happening at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. A LOT. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad First, let’s just say we’re excited about the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, coming to the park. We are BEYOND hyped for the new Villains land coming to the park. We’re not so happy about all the construction that’s going to start soon to make way for a new Cars-themed area in Frontierland (well, we are excited about the new rides, but not the construction walls). In the process, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed and in the middle of a huge refurbishment, and a new permit might hint at when Disney World expects the ride to reopen. After Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January, Disney announced the ride would reopen in 2026. At the time, we expected it to be closed at least until spring of that year because a construction permit for “general construction” was set to expire on March 13th, 2026. However, Disney just filed a new permit requesting an extension for that expiration date. Construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Disney filed a new permit for “general construction” at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with a new expiration date of April 15th, 2026 — a month later than the expiration date for the previous permit. Now, this isn’t a hard and fast date of when construction might be completed on the project, but it is an indication that Disney thinks it might take a little longer than initially thought. ©Orange County, FL Note that Disney has not yet even given a reopening timeline for the project. All we know is that this is a HUGE project, and that it’s pretty involved. We know that the ride’s track is being replaced and that the ride “will reopen with a little bit of new magic.” This could be some added effects, lightning, or other enhancements. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Big Thunder Mountain Railroad updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Is Just the Beginning – a Closer Look at What’s Happening With the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closure in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Files NEW Extended Permit for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 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 Easter upon us, knowing what the weekly average wait times are for 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 INCREASED at Disney World, with nearly every ride on property seeing an increase, including an 80-minute average wait for Rise of the Resistance, the resort’s busiest ride. Don’t believe us? Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! Magic Kingdom Wait Times Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 79 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 61 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 53 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 51 minutes Space Mountain — 48 minutes Jungle Cruise — 41 minutes Haunted Mansion — 33 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 34 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 33 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 26 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 26 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 26 minutes The Barnstormer featuring Goofy the Great Goofini! Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 23 minutes “it’s a small world” — 22 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 21 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 18 minutes Mad Tea Party — 15 minutes Mad Tea Party Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 14 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 12 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel –12 minutes Country Bear Jamboree – – 10 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Liberty Square Riverboat — 7 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 5 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in Magic Kingdom, and You Can’t Change My Mind EPCOT Wait Times Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 75 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 60 minutes Frozen Ever After — 57 minutes Soarin’ — 35 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 21 minutes EPCOT Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes Spaceship Earth — 17 minutes Living with the Land — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 11 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 Flight of Passage Avatar Flight of Passage — 78 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 58 minutes Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids — 49 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 48 minutes Expedition Everest — 36 minutes Dinosaur — 30 minutes It’s Tough To Be a Bug closed permanently, and The Boneyard had no wait times this week. These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Rise of the Resistance Rise of the Resistance — 80 minutes Slinky Dog Dash — 79 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 59 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 50 minutes Tower of Terror — 49 minutes Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 49 minutes Toy Story Mania — 43 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 34 minutes Star Tours — 14 minutes Muppet*Vision 3D — 10 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 You’re an EXPERT if You Can You Guess the Ride With the Longest Wait Time in Each Disney World Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

OK, was anyone else up all night for the ongoing Star Wars Celebration? Disney dropped a TON of news about upcoming Star Wars movies, shows, games, and merchandise! ©Reedpop As part of the big celebration, Amazon is participating with some exclusive merchandise of its own! If you’ve been on the hunt for some new Star Wars souvenirs, you’ve come to the right place. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Score a free trial of Amazon Prime by clicking the button below! Get the STAR WARS Echo Dot Bundle online now! ©Amazon Say WHAT? Now this is the only way we want to see our Echo Dot devices from now on. This bundle includes the Echo Dot in Charcoal AND a limited edition Star Wars TIE Fighter Stand. This is the ultimate way to transform your Echo Dot into an iconic Star Wars spacecraft. View on Amazon Get this STAR WARS The Rising Force Short Sleeve T-Shirt now! ©Amazon Join in on the celebration with an exclusive t-shirt! This one is made with a nice, soft cotton. View on Amazon We love the Star Wars Celebration Darth Vader Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler ©Amazon We can never have too many water bottles and tumblers, right? This one is dual insulated to keep beverages hot or cold for HOURS. Plus, it’s BPA-free and comes with a leak-proof lid. View on Amazon But wait! There’s WAY more merchandise online. Check out the full collection below. Shop the FULL Star Wars Celebration 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 HURRY! Amazon Has a SECRET ‘Star Wars’ Store Online for a Limited Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The term Disney Adult seems to make people cringe. Cinderella Castle It has become an online meme and almost a negative to call someone a Disney Adult, but we here at the Disney Food Blog have learned to let the hate roll right off our backs. Over 15 years ago, our founder, AJ, embarked on a mission to create a blog where vacationers could turn to and find answers to all their questions about a Disney vacation. While our blog initially centered on food, we have since created thousands of resources about all things Disney. So, are Disney Adults really as bad as everyone says they are? Well, if you are a Disney Adult doubter or feel like you have to hide part of yourself out of fear of hate, we dare you to read this, as it may make you rethink your opinion on Disney Adults. AJ has started a blog and YouTube channel, created endless vacation guides, and now she’s tackling something new… she’s written a book! The book is titled “Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture and is set to release on August 5th, 2025. Her book is currently available for pre-order right now!! Mickey Balloons on Main Street So why would this book change your mind about Disney Adults? According to AJ, there are some fascinating reasons why Disney Adults are the recipients of hate, and they usually have more to do with the haters than with the Disney Adults themselves. A combination of stereotypes, jealousy, fear, self-consciousness, and misunderstanding contributes to subconscious confusion about Disney adults, which manifests outwardly as anger and hate. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar In the book, AJ talks to a wide range of Disney Adults to get to the bottom of this subculture. She has interviewed tattoo artists, therapists, influencers, former Imagineers, current and former Disney employees, and surveyed thousands of Disney Adults to figure out what’s really going on with the stereotypes and what the impact on them is of being maligned online. Are they really as they’re perceived? EPCOT Being a Disney Adult is not only about the Mickey ears, marriage proposals, and movie premieres. For most of us, there’s more. You’ll find the poignant, the wholesome, the generous, the trashy, the entitled, and the obsessive. AJ has met ‘em all. And it’s a roller coaster. These are grown-ups who derive singular, almost obsessive, joy from all things Disney. They’re often maligned in the larger culture and put on a particularly high pedestal, which can be cringeworthy. But in truth, their obsessive fandom hints at a universal desire for pleasure and joy, for magic and escape. Mickey! Disney Adults are a telling microcosm of modern America, highlighting the value we place on happiness, consumerism, and escapism, as well as what we deem to be “acceptable” sources of joy. To dismiss them is to ignore something fundamental, sometimes even wholesome, about human behavior. This book dives deep into this misunderstood world, revealing the lives and experiences of this fascinating subculture to better understand its devotees’ unwavering passion for all things Disney, why it offends, and why it matters. But what is it about Disney that transcends nostalgia and captivates adults on such a profound level? Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland AJ is not afraid to admit that she is a Disney Adult, and she thinks that one thing that everyone can agree on is that Disney Adults are obsessed. But the child-like nostalgia was only half of the equation. It was just the gateway to obsession, as few other vacation destinations will so happily and effortlessly deceive you into thinking reality simply doesn’t exist. These parks are almost like a drug, and it can become very expensive, but as Disney Adults, we can’t wait to take another hit. AJ, as a Disney Adult, wanted to go somewhere pristine that would promise, above all else, consistency and joy that required nothing whatsoever of me except a swipe of my credit card. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland AJ’s main point that she tries to get across in this book is that you’re not a bad person, nor are you a permanently damaged person (that’s a big one) if you’re relying on a happy place or a hobby or nostalgia or an obsession to comfort you when you’re in a messy time in your life. You’re a normal person and You. Are. Not. The. Only. One. Fireworks If you want to learn more about Disney Adults and why they are the way that they are, make sure to order AJ’s pre-book, “Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture” today! Order your copy here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you consider yourself a Disney Adult? Let us know in the comments!The post You May Rethink Your Opinion on Disney Adults After You Read This first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is anyone else in the mood for a little spring cleaning now that the weather is warming up and the trees are blooming? It’s the perfect time for a closet refresh! Speaking of refreshing your closet, if you’ve got a trip to Disney World coming up this year, this is the perfect time to shop for a new Loungefly bag for your vacation. Out with the old; in with the new, right? Look at all those bags! A brand-new Minnie Mouse-themed Disney Loungefly collection just dropped online — come with us to see what’s new! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Score a free trial of Amazon Prime by clicking the button below! Get the Minnie Mouse Floral and Lace Mini Backpack ©Loungefly OK, we’re starting strong with this new Minnie Mouse mini backpack. Look at the lace detail! Look at the bouquet of flowers! We LOVE the Minnie appliqué, too, where Minnie is seen all dressed up for spring. Check this one out SOON before it sells out! View Online This Minnie Mouse Floral and Lace Kisslock Crossbody Bag is adorable! ©Loungefly Calling all fashion fans — this purse is for YOU! This can double as a park bag for a visit to the Disney parks, and it’s got some sweet details that really make it special. We love the appliqué ears, polka dot print, and lace trim. View Online We love the new Minnie Mouse Floral and Lace Crossbody Bag, too! ©Loungefly How CUTE is this?! What’s not to love here — the bag has a simple polka dot print, a pink 3D bow, a front flap, and embroidered roses. We have a feeling this won’t stay in stock for long! View Online Or, you can grab the Minnie Mouse Floral and Lace Zip Around Wallet ©Loungefly Make sure to grab the matching wallet, too! This one is big enough to hold all your cards, plus your Disney park tickets. View Online We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Newly Released: Disney Has an Exclusive Loungefly Collection Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In the mood for something sweet? ©Amazon We’re always on the lookout for the coolest Disney products on Amazon, and this week we’ve come across some fun offerings, most of which are just too sweeeeeeeet. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering Amazon Prime? Have a FREE TRIAL: Scented Munchlings ©Amazon Disney’s Munchlings are adorable scented plushes shaped like various foods. Amazon currently has several versions on sale, including the above Winnie the Pooh-Inspired Lemon Shaved Ice Plush.. ©Amazon … a Key Lime Scented Cupcake that looks like one of the Space Aliens from Toy Story… ©Amazon … and a Mickey Mouse-Shaped Mint-Scented Dipped Ice Cream Sandwich Munchling. SHOP HERE For $5!! Disney Doorables Bling Bag Figures ©Amazon These blind-bag offerings feature 9 adorable figures inspired by Asha’s adventures in the kingdom of Rosas in the film Wish. Each toy stands approximately 1.5 inches tall and features “signature Doorables stylized detailing and sparkly glitter eyes.” SHOP HERE FOR $3!!!!! Mini Munchlings ©Amazon This set includes a “7-piece Disney Munchlings Mini Munch Display set with 4 scented collectible toy figures, 2 dessert accessories, and 1 of 3 displays—a refrigerator, bakery case, or bento box.” SHOP HERE FOR $4!!! Frozen Hairbrush ©Amazon This Frozen hairbrush features Queen Elsa’s & Anna’s portrait “topped with floating gold leaves for a magical brush; a kid-friendly handle and orange rounded bristles on a soft red cushion to make grooming fun and easy.” SHOP HERE FOR $5! If any of these products tickle your metaphorical sweet tooth, head over to Amazon NOW! Stay tuned to DFB for more Amazon finds each week. Looking for more Disney Essentials? Head to Our Amazon Storefront!The post HURRY! These Disney Finds Are Less Than On Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Adventure. As a blog reader, you’re invited to follow along on this page for an exclusive look at how this new ship comes to life. This archive will document the important milestones of the Disney Adventure’s journey, which is setting sail from Singapore starting December 15, 2025. The Disney Adventure Marks New Construction Milestone Today, April 19th, 2025, Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, joined by cheering spectators, welcomed the Disney Adventure as it floated out of Meyer Werft’s hall in Wismar, Germany, and into the shipyard harbor. The moment was celebrated with fireworks as a tugboat carefully guided the ship’s bow out of the building, eventually docking in the location where it will stay for the next few months while the team continues construction on what will be the largest vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The team has an exciting few weeks ahead as they begin making some major updates to the ship’s exterior. One of the most anticipated milestones is the installation of the iconic Disney Cruise Line funnels on the upper decks. But this time, it’s not just the classic two funnels—Disney Adventure will feature four funnels! And there’s more magic on the horizon. Soon, we will start to see the addition of the iconic yellow lifeboats on the sides of the ship and thrilling new attractions, including Marvel Landing’s Groot Galaxy Spin and Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever coaster, Ironcycle Test Run. This exciting construction milestone brings the Disney Adventure one step closer to setting sail—and to welcoming guests later this year in Singapore! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the Disney Adventure as the journey continues. Ahoy! More Disney Adventure awaits Marvel, Duffy, and Jack Sparrow Debut on Disney Adventure READ MORE Must-Do Experiences on board the Disney Adventure READ MORE Stroll through the Imagination Garden READ MORE The post Disney Adventure Updates: Latest Ship Brings New Magic to the High Seas appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It’s time to stop sleeping on one of the most underrated (and budget-friendly) food spots in Disney World. River Roost If you’ve ever wandered around Port Orleans Riverside, you may have walked right past River Roost without realizing it’s home to some seriously solid eats. This cozy lounge usually flies under the radar thanks to its chill vibe and old-school interior — but now it’s bringing some heat (literally) with a new menu addition that’s too good not to talk about. So here’s the deal: River Roost Lounge — yes, the same place where you can catch Yeeha Bob’s piano show—just added Andouille Nachos to its menu. And for $13, you’re getting a mountain of food that’s loaded with flavor and very generous on toppings. River Roost Appetizer Menu These nachos come stacked with andouille and red bean chili, cheese sauce, trinity pico, and sour cream, all layered over corn tortilla chips. But that’s not even the whole story — ours also came topped with pickled jalapeños and cilantro, which weren’t mentioned on the menu but totally brought the whole thing together. Andouille Nachos We’re not going to sugarcoat it: these things are spicy. Like, drink-an-entire-glass-of-water-after-four-chips kind of spicy. The chili has that classic Cajun heat that builds with every bite, and it really brings the fire. If you’re sensitive to spice, you might want to tread lightly here. But if you’re a fan of bold flavor and a little burn, this might just be your new favorite Disney World snack. They’re loaded down with toppings! Let’s talk texture. The chips were crunchy and held up well under the weight of all the toppings — at least at first. Like with most nachos, the top layer was where the party was, while the bottom layer was a little more “chip and cheese soup.” If you’re sharing, just make sure everyone grabs a top-layer chip early on. Or, you know, don’t share. We wouldn’t blame you. Andouille Nachos As far as portion size goes, this is definitely enough to share between two people — or keep all to yourself and call it dinner. At $13, it’s a solid deal compared to what you’ll pay for similar snacks elsewhere on property. And considering the lounge setting, you can sit back, relax, maybe catch some live music, and enjoy a meal without the typical quick-service chaos. River Roost If you’re already staying at Port Orleans Riverside (or even French Quarter—it’s a short walk), you’ve got no excuse not to swing by and give these a shot. And if you’re not staying there? We don’t know that these are worth the trip but if you’re already heading over for some beignets then it is totally worth stopping by. With so many Disney dining spots getting more expensive and more competitive, it’s refreshing to find something this good that doesn’t break the bank — or require a reservation. We’ll be on the lookout for any 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 River Roost? Let us know in the comments! The post The Most Affordable Disney World Restaurant You Overlooked Is Now Offering Andouille Nachos first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something HUGE is happening this weekend in Japan, and yes, we really wish we were there. ©Disney Star Wars Celebration Japan has kicked off, and Star Wars fans from around the world are celebrating their love for a galaxy far, far away. But Star Wars Celebration is MORE than just a celebration — it’s also where Disney and Lucasfilm drop some of their biggest announcements about current and upcoming Star Wars projects. And well, let’s just say, Disney wasted NO TIME making those big announcements — so we’re going to sum them all up for you here. Star Wars: Starfighter will debut in theaters on Memorial Day 2027. The Mandalorian and Grogu The Mandalorian and Grogu star Pedro Pascal, along with Jon Favreau and Grogu, took to the Star Wars Celebration stage and announced that Sigourney Weaver would be joining the Star Wars universe in the film. Although Weaver admitted that she hadn’t seen the Disney+ The Mandalorian series when approached for the role, she became a fan quickly. ©Reedpop “When I watched [The Mandalorian], I fell in love with all the characters, especially this guy,” she said, gesturing to Pascal. “And of course Grogu stole my heart.” (Same, girl, same). The Mandalorian and Grogu will premiere in theaters in 2026. Darth Maul Animated Series A new animated series is also coming to Disney+. Maul: Shadow Lord will see Sam Witwer, who has voiced the character in other Star Wars projects, reprise his role as Darth Maul. The new series will be set after The Clone Wars with Maul rising up to lead new underworld factions (does that mean we finally get to see the beginning of Crimson Dawn as mentioned in Solo:A Star Wars Story?). ©Disney The new series is currently in production and will premiere on Disney+ in 2026. Other Star Wars Announcements Of course, these are just the biggest announcements. Disney also mentioned that Light & Magic season 2 is now streaming on Disney+, and revealed new covers for upcoming Star Wars manga, novels, and art books. Some new Hasbro figures were also revealed, as well as a new story pack for the Star Wars: Outlaws video game.  Star Wars will also soon be coming to the mobile game, Monopoly Go, on May 1st. Plus, a new K-2SO LEGO set is on the way. Young Jedi Adventures will return for season 3 in the fall on Disney+, and the Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset is coming soon. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Star Wars news, so stay tuned for more. Disney Just Released 3 NEW Starbucks Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! The post 🚨ALERT! Disney Just Made 8 HUGE ‘Star Wars’ Announcements🚨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has got some MAJOR secrets they’ve been hiding from you! Did you know these secrets? New character meet and greets that are totally free, how to walk up and get a table at the hottest restaurants, and how to get some seriously secret discounts — Disney World can sometimes play things too close to the vest. We’re here to change that. Get ready to learn about some juicy Disney secrets that you can take advantage of during your next visit! From freebies to activities that seem illegal (but aren’t), we’re spilling the tea! You Can Meet Disney Characters For FREE Best be sitting down for this big reveal, friends — because it’s not just gonna save you money. It’s also gonna save you TIME. Hey Mickey! For the past few years, Disney characters have popped up at random times around the hotels — meaning you don’t even need a park ticket OR a character dining reservation in order to take a picture with a legit Disney friend. We’ll see Daisy Duck playing lawn games around the Riviera, we’ll see Goofy waving from a Wilderness Lodge balcony, we might even catch Chip and Dale causing a little chaos inside that ever-so-classy Grand Floridian lobby. It’s Daisy! But meeting characters outside the parks has always been more of a happy little accident rather than something you can predict…until NOW. Recently, we’ve been seeing signs starting to pop up around resorts (like over at Port Orleans French Quarter and Wilderness Lodge) that directly state when character meet and greets will be happening around the hotels. Character Meet and Greet sign at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort We haven’t seen these signs pop up at EVERY resort, but it looks like it’s a new trend that’s becoming more and more frequent around the Disney hotels. Keep in mind that these resort meet and greets won’t be listed on the My Disney Experience app — so you’ll need to keep your eyes open for these specific signs if you wanna know the exact times and days of the week that you’ll be able to meet some of Disney’s most popular characters. How To Get Snack And Soda Discounts Psst. Get this. Not everyone has to pay full price for ALL drinks and snacks on Disney property. If a place is considered a retail shop on Disney grounds, then Annual Passholders, DVC members, and Disney Visa cardholders will more than likely be able to get discounts on not just merch, but the snacks and drinks available there, too. Self-service Beverage Station With an annual pass, you can get extra discounts at shops like: Disney’s Candy Cauldron in Disney Springs Goofy’s Candy Company (also in Disney Springs) Karamell Kuche in EPCOT Zuri’s Sweet Shop at Animal Kingdom Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom Most of the Disney resort gift shops (a GREAT hack for soda goblins — since we can get 20% off bottled soda using our annual pass) And several other locations, too! We bet you can smell this photo Keep in mind that discounts vary depending on your membership program. To find out where your specific exclusive savings will apply, check the Disney World website for passholder discounts, check the Disney Rewards website for Disney Visa perks, and check the Disney Vacation Club website for DVC deals. How To Get Into Space 220 Without Reservations Space 220 (over in EPCOT’s World Discovery area) has been around now since 2021 but still continues to be one of the most popular dining reservations inside the park (as well as one of the most EXPENSIVE). However, we’ve been able to get into the restaurant with NO reservations and NO prix fixe prices. Space 220 We went over to Space 220, just to see if there was any walk-up availability for a party of one for the Space 220 bar. And guess what? There was IMMEDIATE seating. Mind you, this was around noon, so we were fully expecting to have our name added to a walk-up waitlist. And yet the cast members got us right onto that Stellavator and up to the Centauri Space Station, STAT. Space 220 elevator We’re not saying that this is going to be the same situation for you — especially if you’ve got more members in your group to accommodate. But while we were sitting at the bar, we saw a family of four (two adults, two kids) happily munching away on apps and enjoying the space views behind us. Most Disney lounges do NOT allow kiddos to sit up at the bar, but Space 220 has created an exception to that rule. The view is cool While we were at Space 220, we ordered some shrimp wonton tacos and a glass of water, and we are happy to announce that we got to do the WHOLE Space 220 experience for under $20. (Instead of the $79 per person you’ll have to fork over if you book the main restaurant seating area during dinner time.) Sure, we had a much more limited menu to choose from — and we were seated a little further away from the main windows — but we still saw everything just fine and felt more than satisfied with the experience. Flight Bites and Drinks from Space 220 Lounge If you don’t have ressies for Space 220 but you still wanna experience this space-centered restaurant, try walking up to the host stand and asking about bar availability. Even if you’re put on a wait list, you’ll still be able to go back into the park and explore for a bit while waiting for a text saying it’s your turn to shoot up into space! Don’t Trust Disney’s Opening Timelines Disney’s got a LOT of new stuff in the works. But before you get your hopes up about seeing any of these new attractions during your next visit, we wanna remind y’all that no Disney release date is ever completely set in stone — ESPECIALLY the release dates that are really, REALLY vague. ©Disney We’ve seen Disney push back a lot of opening dates before… like how Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios was originally supposed to open in 2020. And THEN it was supposed to open in 2022. But REALLY it opened in March of 2023. Roundup Rodeo BBQ The Cake Bake Shop at Boardwalk Inn had similar pushbacks. Originally, it was supposed to open in late 2023, but it didn’t officially open until fall 2024. And “The Little Mermaid Musical Adventure” stage show that was originally slated to open in fall 2024 has since been pushed back to summer 2025. The Cake Bake Shop Disney’s opening timelines change fairly frequently. And that’s not because Disney wants to get us all worked up and angry, but sometimes a pushback is necessary if there are any delays and hiccups that happen for a project, or if the project simply needs a bit more time to work out the kinks before going live for the public. ©Disney Once Disney puts out a specific opening DATe for a project, you’re gonna have a much better idea of if a project will be open by the time your vacation kicks off. But if you’re not seeing a specific opening timeline just yet for something and your trip is quickly approaching, we wouldn’t necessarily get your hopes up about seeing it go live during your visit. Test Track construction You can always push back your trip if you want to improve your chances of seeing a new attraction go live by the time your trip kicks off (if you’ve got the wiggle room in your schedule, that is). But otherwise, just make sure you stick with us and we’ll let you know once we find out the specifics regarding when a Disney attraction is specifically slated to open. The Transport Troubles Over At Saratoga Springs You know those really cool treehouse villas over at Saratoga Springs Resort? The ones where you and up to 9 guests can hang out in a space that’s eye-level with the trees? Yeah. These rooms are really cool. But they do come with their fair share of transportation problems. Treehouse Villas If you’re planning on booking a treehouse at Saratoga, your group is only allowed to park ONE car per treehouse. That can be a major snag if you truly are using this room to house a group of 9 guests. Fortunately, if your group is made up of more than one vehicle, Saratoga isn’t just going to turn your group away and say, “Sorry, Charlie — get rid of your extra cars and THEN we’ll talk.” You’ll just need to park any additional vehicles in the main area of the resort — outside the Carriage House (which is a good distance away from the treehouses themselves. Just something to keep in mind). Another snafu? Saratoga Springs doesn’t let rideshares into the treehouse area. So, once again, if you’re trying to book a rideshare to get you anywhere, you’re gonna have to travel a good distance over to the Carriage House if you’re looking to hitch a ride. Carriage House And here’s the FINAL kicker: Saratoga’s treehouses do NOT have their own bus routes. So unless you have one car that’s parked nearby and that’s ALL you’re gonna rely on when it comes to getting you from place to place, you will need to plan on walking over to the nearest bus stop (which in this case would be the Grandstand area). Treehouses? Super cool. Transportation struggles? Eh. Not so much. The Disney Springs Hot Air Balloon Is Not Always A Guarantee Yes, we want the Disney Springs’ hot air balloon to let us down…But AFTER we’ve already been up in the air. And yet, sometimes it has to for our own safety. Disney Springs The Aerophile is the big blue tethered hot air balloon that’s become a pretty iconic part of the Disney Springs area. For $30 per adult, you can soar up high — 400 feet above the shopping district — for an 8-minute look at Disney from a bird’s eye view. Disney Springs Some may think the price is worth it, some may not, and some may not have a say one way or another because the Aerophile won’t be open on the day of their visit. If it’s storming OR if the wind that day exceeds 22 mph, the Aerophile will NOT take people up. Aerophile But the good news here is that you can check ahead of time to find out if this attraction is something that you can keep on your itinerary for the day. Just call 407-938-9433 to find out if the Aerophile is going to stay open or search for the Aerophile on your My Disney Experience app and see if the page lists that the balloon is “temporarily closed” or not. Disney Springs Want to learn about MORE Disney World secrets? Stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest tips, tricks, reviews, updates, and more! 9 Secret Shortcuts We Always Use in Disney World What are some of your favorite Disney World secrets? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 Secrets Disney World Doesn't Want You to Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning on taking a cruise soon? Disney Wish at Castaway Cay Cruising can be such a fun and relaxing vacation (and totally different from visiting theme parks like Disney World and Universal Orlando). Whether you choose to go on a cruise with Disney Cruise Line (and there are PLENTY of ships to choose from with more on the way) or another carrier, there’s a proposed Hawaiian tax you might need to know about because it could make your vacation more expensive. According to Hawaii News Now, the state of Hawaii has passed bills in both houses that will place a per-person fee on cruise ship passengers or add an 11 percent tax on ship cabins, similar to fees already paid by hotels and vacation rentals. Attorneys for the cruise industry have sent a letter to Hawaii’s attorney general and lawmakers threatening a lawsuit if these taxes go into effect. Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Line executive vice president and general counsel Daniel Farkas said that maritime law, as covered in the U.S. Constitution, prohibits these kind of taxes beyond what it costs for space and services while a ship is in harbor. He said, “It’s simply unconstitutional. It’s black and white. It has to do with uniformity as to when a vessel pulls into port. It’s simply so that everyone is treated equally.” ©Norwegian Cruise Lines However, Hawaii House Tourism Committee Chair Rep. Adrian Tam said, “The Supreme Court also made a very clear that we cannot give preferential treatment. All we’re asking for them is to pay their fair share. It should be a no-brainer. They are benefiting from Hawaii’s natural beauty.” Naturally, the increased cost could be passed on to passengers, although Farkas suggests that if the tax is put in place, cruise lines might stop visiting Hawaii. Tam disagreed, though, stating that the proposed taxes are affordable and will go towards protecting Hawaii’s environment. Temple in Oahu The next step to determine how much more the state will tax cruises will involve negotiations between Hawaii’s House and Senate in conference committee. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Is a Trip to Disney World MORE Expensive than a Trip to Hawaii? We Break It Down. What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What do you think? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: NEW Proposed Hawaii Tax Could Cause MAJOR Price Increases for Cruises first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you ever stayed at the non-Disney Disney hotels? Swan and Dolphin Hotel We’re talking about the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, located in the EPCOT Resort area. These hotels get many of the same perks as staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort, but they’re typically a little bit cheaper because they’re owned by Marriott instead of Disney. If you’re planning to stay there soon, you should know that the Dolphin Hotel just made some big announcements! Shula’s Steakhouse Is Closing As part of some big updates to the Dolphin, Shula’s Steak House is closing permanently. Shula’s is named after the location’s original owner and American football legend, the late Don Shula. Reservations are currently available through June 14th, 2025. Shula’s Steak House The restaurant has been around since 1995, and its theme celebrates the Miami Dolphins’ 1972 perfect season. We’ll definitely miss it, but something NEW is coming in its place. Learn More About the Shula’s Steak House Closing Here! A New Restaurant Is Coming Soon What’s replacing Shula’s? It’s a new Michael Mina restaurant! Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina will be getting its third location in Florida, with the other two located in Miami and Delray Beach. ©The Mina Group There’s not a set opening date for the restaurant yet, but it’s expected to arrive mid-summer. Michael Mina has multiple Michelin stars, so we can’t wait to experience some more fine dining in Disney World! Learn More About the New Restaurant Here! New Restaurant Menu Revealed And on top of the news about the new restaurant, we also got some details about the dining location’s menu! It will have a “reimagined modern take on the quintessential American steakhouse” with premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavors, along with decadent signature desserts and world-class beverage offerings. Bourbon Steak in Orange County We recently visited the Bourbon Steak location in Orange County, LA. Our meal was absolutely delicious, and now we’re even more hyped for this spot to come to the Dolphin! We already have several restaurants from Michelin-starred chefs in Disney World, and they’re some of our favorite spots. You can read our full Bourbon Steak review here! And if you’re heading to Disney World soon, check out our video with best restaurants for 2025! Stay tuned to DFB for more restaurant news. We’ll keep you in the loop! Click Here to See Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney Hotels! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try this restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post ALERT! A Popular Disney World Hotel Just Released 3 MAJOR News Updates 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! The Black Panther! We got a FIRST LOOK at EVERYTHING coming to Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny. Disney released a sneak peek at the new villains show coming to Hollywood Studios, the newest Universal hotel is OPEN (aka the one INSIDE EPIC UNIVERSE), and more. 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: Preview of Disney Destiny, New Song for Villains Show & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve all been there — scrolling through Amazon, trying to prep for a big trip, wondering, “Do I need this weird travel thing I’ve never used before?” ©Amazon Travel gadgets can seem like a good idea in theory, especially when you’re heading to Disney and trying to make your trip as smooth as possible. But not everything with “travel” slapped on the label is worth it. Let’s talk about a few Amazon travel gadgets that honestly just aren’t worth your time or money — and what you might want to bring instead. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Foot Hammock We’ve seen these floating around Amazon — literally. They’re little footrests that hook onto your tray table to create a sort of foot “swing” while you fly. Sounds cozy, right? ©Amazon Reality check: unless you’re flying internationally or taking a long-haul flight, you’re probably not going to use this. Most domestic flights don’t give you enough legroom to make a foot hammock feel like anything but cramped. It’s another thing to carry and set up for not much payoff. Travel-Size Everything Unless you’re packing ultra-light and going carry-on only, there’s no real reason to swap out your full-size shampoo for a doll-sized version. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer Most hotels (and even Disney resorts) offer toiletries, and if you’re checking a bag anyway, save yourself the stress and just pack your regular stuff. Neck Pillow Fill it with clothes! It feels like a “must-have,” right? Everyone has one looped around their suitcase handle. But hear us out: one option if you’re already planning to bring layers is to skip the bulky neck pillow and just bring a packable jacket. You can roll it up and use it for neck support, lumbar support, or even as a mini pillow in the park. Another option is this packing cube neck pillow. You can fill it up with clothes and get the same benefit as a regular neck pillow. We love the one above from Target. Get it here! Camera In 2025, your phone is likely a better camera than most of the “travel cameras” out there. Yehtta Instant Digital Camera Unless you’re a professional photographer, there’s no reason to lug around a separate device. iPhones and Androids take incredible photos now—plus, they’re easier to upload, share, and edit on the go. We will say though, we do love to bring little cameras for kiddos so they can join in on the photo taking fun. Flip Flops Don’t do this to yourself. Flip flops might seem like a good idea for water rides or pool days, but they’re not made for walking around EPCOT all day. Instead, go for a solid pair of sandals that actually support your feet. ©Amazon We love the Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal. These sandals are not only cute, they’re also made for walking, getting wet, and everything in between. They’re ideal for all-day wear, water rides, and walking around Disney all day. Get it here! Books Unless you’re committed to reading one specific paperback on your trip, don’t pack physical books. They’re heavy, bulky, and not super practical when you’re trying to travel light. We recommend going with an Amazon Kindle or even a tablet like an iPad. ©Amazon The Kindle (16 GB) is compact, distraction-free, and super easy on the eyes—even in bright sunlight. Plus, it holds thousands of books, lasts for weeks on a single charge, and fits in basically any bag. Get it here! Big, Bulky Backpack A huge backpack might seem like a smart way to carry everything you need into the parks. But it quickly becomes a backache, especially when you’re waiting in long lines or squeezing into ride vehicles. Instead, grab a sling bag or belt bag. Sling Bag It’s cute, it’s functional, and it’ll save your shoulders by the end of the day. Get it here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest deals on Disney products, so stay tuned for more. Looking for more Disney Essentials? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post These Amazon Travel Gadgets Aren't Worth Your Time or Money first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We could spend hours upon hours at Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe (and in fact, we have)! But, it’s not just the theme park we’re busy exploring, because three brand-new hotels have opened their doors along with the new park. Look at that VIEW! Of course, we’re mostly excited about all the FOOD! We stopped by Flora Taverna at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel to see what they’re serving up for dinner. Let’s dive into everything you need to know! Atmosphere Flora Taverna offers “a full breakfast buffet and Mediterranean comfort foods” as well as “an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills, and a gyros station.” It has a “light and airy atmosphere” and stunning views of Epic Universe. It really feels like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean when you’re here! Flora Taverna But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu During dinner service, Flora Taverna serves up a wide variety of dishes inspired by Mediterranean classics. There are starters like calamari and eggplant, plus salads, wood-fired pizzas, pastas, entrees, and more. Flora Taverna menu You’ll also find plenty of sides, a few desserts, and a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. More menu items And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We kicked things off with the Crispy Pita Salad for $21. This comes with crispy pita chips, chilled baby gem lettuce, shaved onion, avocado, tomato, radish, sumac, and vinaigrette. The first thing we noticed was how good this smelled when it came out — it was really acidic and bright. The sumac reminded us of cinnamon without being too strong. It was a bit odd at first, but it wasn’t bad, and we ended up enjoying the flavors after a while. As far as the crispy pita goes, we could eat an entire bowl full of them. The salad itself was fresh and had good flavors, but we don’t know that it was worth $21. Crispy Pita Salad For our first entree, we ordered the Rigatoni. This is made with cream of prosecco, pesto, spinach, and shaved reggiano for $28. This is definitely going to be a safe option for most people who might not want to be too adventurous with their meal. It was pretty basic, but it was a solid dish. The pasta was cooked well, and the pesto wasn’t too overpowering — the main flavor we got was from the cheese. Rigatoni We ordered the Florida Water Red Snapper Whole Fish, which comes at Market Price, and in our case, was $52. This, along with the other fish option on the menu, comes with house-made sauces to complement your whole fish. You get a choice of two out of: ladolemono (olive oil and lemon juice), chimichurri, zhug, and tahini sauce. We opted for the tahini and ladolemono. This was excellent, and we LOVED the salt crust on the outside of the fish. The salt was a larger kernel, which was rad and made for a fun textural experience. The fish was super fresh but not fishy at all; it was just light and flaky. The skin had a nice texture, and it all pulled apart very easily. The tahini was nutty and creamy, but the ladolemono was bright and fresh. Both were excellent. Florida Snapper We were accidentally served the Mediterranean Branzino Whole Fish, and so we just had to review it, too. Normally, this is also served at Market Price, which was $62 at the time we dined. This was also very flaky. The skin did not pull apart as easily as the snapper’s did, but it was still nice. It wasn’t chewy, and it wasn’t very fishy, which was appreciated. Both fish had the same sauces on the side, and they were both, again, excellent with the branzino. Mediterranean Branzino Next up, we tried the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin Kebab for $43. This comes with gremolata, confit tomato, and a choice of side (we chose the server’s recommended whipped potatoes). The meat was charred really nicely without being bitter or burnt, and there was salt on the outside, which balanced the rest of the spices really well. It was super tender and juicy and pink on the inside, and was a generous portion — definitely enough to share. The gremolata was fresh and herbaceous and paired really well with the charred meat. Angus Beef Kebab We LOVED the potatoes and probably ate way too much. We could have only eaten these and been happy. They were creamy and had a great texture, even when they were cold. Cheesy. Very garlicky. Garlic and herbs on top. 10/10 so good. Order the potatoes. No regrets. On the side For dessert, we picked up the Baklava, which is served with a Labneh & Apricot Gelato for $14. This was very crunchy and tough, but SO good. Very nutty. We enjoyed the honey coming through, and it was sweet but not overly so. It was a good balance. The ice cream was made with labneh, a yogurt, and it reminded me more of a cream cheese ice cream, if that makes sense. Baklava We also tried the Olive Oil Cake for $14, which comes with mascarpone cream, lemon sorbet, basil coulis, and citrus salad. This was our favorite of the desserts we tried for dinner. The olive oil was not super in your face — it was incredibly light. It was a really good balance — bright and lemony, and then with the lemon sorbet, it was really good. The cake was soft and fluffy. A little dense since it’s olive oil, but super easy to eat. We loved it. Olive Oil Cake Last, but certainly not least, we grabbed the Pistachio & Raspberry Cheesecake with crushed nuts for $14. This was a pretty traditional cheesecake with a great texture. It held up well on our fork without losing any structural integrity. The raspberry was mild and not overly tart, and also very nutty with the pistachio and crushed nuts. We liked the crunchy layer on top, which was also really pretty. Pistachio & Raspberry Cheesecake That’s a lot of food! Now, onto the drinks. Drinks To drink, we had the Basil Bees Knees for $17. This is made with Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, basil, and orange bitters. WOO! This was very strong. It’s VERY good when you get a whiff of the basil with the drink. We enjoyed it once we smooshed up the basil in the drink. It mellowed out and made it more balanced. It was very acidic originally, so the smashed basil helped balance things out. It was sweet, tart, and herby. Basil Bee’s Knees The Athens Sour is made with Angel’s Envy Helios Barrel Selection, lemon juice, grapefruit, and pinot noir cordial, egg white, and orange bitters for $17. This was very citrus-forward. It had a dried orange slice and lemon peel on top, so you got a ton of that on the nose as you tasted it. That citrus-forward taste continued with a lemon, grapefruit, and Pinot Noir cordial that is a house-made syrup for this drink. There were some orange bitters there as well, so you’re getting the picture — a whole citrus explosion here with the bourbon and then egg white for some slip. This was pretty sweet for a bourbon drink, but not overly sweet. Athens Sour We also grabbed the Uvo Anana for $18. This comes with Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, lemon and pineapple cordial, and white grape juice. This was a very mild drink. Great for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol or are new to drinking. The pineapple tasted very fresh and sweet — not artificial pineapple at all. The pineapple’s sweetness cut the alcohol taste — it almost reminded us of DOLE Whip. It was sweet but not too sweet, and had a bit of tartness from the lemon and Cointreau. Uvo Anana Flora Taverna, you’ve done it again. Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for an elevated meal served in a gorgeous atmosphere. You enjoy Mediterranean flavors or are interested in branching out. You’re a seafood fan or just a fan of really excellent dishes. You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You’re looking for something quick and simple. You have picky eaters in your group. You don’t want to spend a whole lot of money. Flora Taverna Overall Well, we’re certainly not surprised considering how much we enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Flora Taverna, but dinner was no different. The cocktails were standouts, and the food here is so fresh and of such good quality that it’s hard to not enjoy everything that’s served to you. Our favorites were the snapper and kebab, but those whipped potatoes will be dancing around our dreams forever. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe, Universal Orlando, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! See Our Flora Taverna Lunch Review HERE Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be checking out this new restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried Flora Taverna for Dinner at Universal's Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s newest hotel, Helios Grand Hotel, is open now, and we’re checking out everything there is to offer! Universal Helios Grand Hotel That includes the rooms, the view into Epic Universe, and, of course, the dining! One of the dining spots inside this new location is a table-service restaurant called Flora Taverna, and we’re checking out what breakfast is like (and if it’s worth the reservation)! Atmosphere Flora Taverna offers “a full breakfast buffet and Mediterranean comfort foods” as well as “an open kitchen, live cooking, pizza oven, open grills, and a gyros station.” It’s described as having a “light and airy atmosphere” and stunning views of Epic Universe, and after seeing it for ourselves, we do agree with that! Flora Taverna But what’s on the menu here? We’re about to find out! Menu For breakfast, you will find a buffet option available for $36. The Sunrise Buffet includes artisanal pastries, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, fruit salads, charcuterie, scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted vegetables, and the buffet also includes your drink — coffee, tea, and juice. We think this is a good deal for those who really love a lot of fruit in their breakfast or whoa are looking to drink juice especially, because in comparing prices, coffee is $6 and juice is $8, so making the leap to the buffet price with drink included is a good deal compared to an entree and a beverage. Breakfast Menu Additionally, you’ll find options like the Morning Indulgence, egg dishes, healthier options, and more. Now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Baklava French Toast for $25. This is made with Crushed Pistachio and Dried Roses, and we chose this one because it seemed the most unusual and out of the box. This was presented beautifully and wasn’t overly sweet, and the real star here was the addition of the pistachios. Baklava French Toast Not only did they add a sweet, nutty flavor and aroma, but they also added a crunchy texture that went very well with the creamier texture of the baklava French toast. We also appreciated the serving size of this, and feel that if you like a sweet breakfast, this will be a dish you enjoy. Our reporter isn’t usually a sweet breakfast fan, but felt that if they were in the right mood, they could eat a whole plate of this. So overall, we were impressed! Delicious! We also tried the Helios Grand Breakfast for $27, which comes with two cage-free eggs prepared to your liking, artisanal toast, your choice of applewood smoked bacon, country pork sausage or apple chicken sausage, and your choice of breakfast potatoes or seasonal fruit. Helios Grand Breakfast This was a traditional American breakfast, but we particularly appreciated that fruit was available as a side here without an additional cost. We did decide to opt for the potatoes, though. They were cooked with red and green bell peppers, and they were fantastically done — crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Potatoes We picked up on the black pepper flavor the most, but in the best way, because we did feel they were seasoned very well. Since the bell peppers are cut so large, they are easy to pick out, which we appreciated. We ordered our eggs to be over medium, and they came out perfect! Eggs For our meat, we chose the Apple Chicken Sausage, and while we didn’t dislike it, it was very heavy on the sausage flavor and lacked the sweetness from the apple that we had hoped to taste. Apple Chicken Sausage We also ordered Sourdough Toast, but as it was the first day the restaurant was open to the public, we were informed they didn’t have it available just yet, and were instead brought English Muffins. These were tasty, and overall, we enjoyed the whole plate, but we do feel it was a bit overpriced and would sit better in the $23–$25 range. English Muffins Finally, we tried the Shawarma Spiced Beef Hash for $29. This is made with a poached cage-free egg, locally grown tomato, charred onion, roasted potatoes, and zhug. This is one of the restaurant’s specialty breakfast items, and we understand why! The egg was poached perfectly, and the beef (which tasted like tenderloin to us) was tender, and along with the shawarma pieces, it was all very warm and comforting. Shawarma Spiced Beef Hash We also loved the roasted potatoes, which were different than our other breakfast potatoes as these were more like baby potatoes, but they were brilliantly done all the same. The combination of them with the tomato and charred onion was a fantastic mix of sweet and savory flavors. Perfectly poached egg! We honestly would consider coming over here just to eat before heading into the park if we were staying at the hotel! We think it’s a really solid option and would highly recommend it for those looking for a great breakfast option, especially if you lean more towards a savory breakfast. Nosh or Not This Universal restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re staying at Helios Grand Hotel You’re looking for a great breakfast option that will start your day off on the right foot You love savory breakfast options You should skip this Universal spot if… You prefer really sweet breakfast options You’re looking for a quick meal before jumping into the parks and having a full day You’re planning on going to an attraction within half an hour after (the food is heavier than in other places!) Overall What really stood out to us about this experience, more than just the food (which we really did enjoy!), was just how excited the staff is for the opening of Epic Universe and for guests to experience the park. They’re full of recommendations, both for dishes in the restaurant and for what’s in the park, as all of them have experienced Team Member previews. Flora Taverna The staff was also extremely accommodating, going above and beyond multiple times. Our server came over to tell us that the kitchen was a little backed up and our food would take a few minutes longer, which was completely fine, but she offered us a complimentary cappuccino and continued to ask if there was anything she could bring to the table while we waited. It’s clear that everyone here has been well-trained, and overall, the experience at the restaurant far exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s beautiful in here! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Universal Orlando and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news! REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Burning Blade Tavern at Universal’s Epic Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> 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 would you grab from this restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Ate Breakfast at the NEW Flora Taverna Restaurant in the Universal Helios Grand Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Whether or not you’re a Disney World expert, it’s never a bad idea to get caught up with the latest trends and tips! Welcome to Disney World! We visit Disney World every day, and sometimes we even spend the night! We’ve gotten pretty familiar with all of the Disney World hotels over the years, and that’s led us to accumulate some pretty great tips — including ways to save money during your stay! Depending on the length of your stay, you should be ready to shell out some serious dough when it comes to staying at a Disney World hotel. With that said, there are actually several ways you can save a few bucks and — in some cases — hundreds of dollars. Grand Floridian Stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel While Disney owns MANY hotels on property, they also partner with local hotels in the area. These hotels are lovingly referred to as Good Neighbor Hotels. ©Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando These hotels will generally be much more inexpensive than the Disney-owned ones, and many of them still give you park perks like Early Entry and transportation. Swan and Dolphin Hotels One of our absolute favorites is the Swan and Dolphin Resort, which offers a prime location near the parks, fantastic dining options, park perks, and a lovely stay overall. Apply Deals After Purchasing You’ve locked in your vacation package and now you’re done planning, right? Not so fast, my friends! Cinderella Castle If you have an existing Disney World reservation, you can still add on new deals, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on what’s being offered. First, check the check the special offers on the Disney World website regarding places to stay. Review the offers and make sure your stay qualifies, and then follow the prompts to apply the offer to your reservation. You will likely need to log into your My Disney Experience account to modify the reservation. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Island Tower Be advised that adding a deal could affect what you initially wanted to do with your reservation. Some deals apply to certain rooms or hotels. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues, give Disney World a call and a Cast Member can assist you. Stay Close to the Parks Before selecting a hotel, do a little bit of homework and see which hotels are close to the theme parks. Disney World is spread out, so each hotel will have ideal proximity to certain parks and unfortunate distance to others. Fireworks deck at California Grill You should also get familiar with the transportation offered at each resort. We recommend staying at hotels that are closer or more accessible to parks you plan on spending the most time at. Monorail at the Contemporary Resort Why? Time is money, and you will get the most out of your vacation if you’re not spending an uncomfortable amount of time traveling. Take Advantage of the Disney Visa If you’re a Disney Visa Cardmember, you can get hotel deals! Cardmembers can use the Disney Rewards Redemption Card at select restaurants, retail and hotel locations at Disney Resorts all over the country. ©Disney Disney Visa Cardmembers can also get several hotel perks such as discounts on room rates in addition to savings on dining and merch. ©Disney At Disney World, Cardmembers can save up to 30-35% on select rooms. At Disneyland, they can save 30% on select premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel during specific booking periods. Cardmembers can also save 35% off select rooms at the Aulani Resort & Spa. Rent DVC Points If you’ve ever wanted to live like a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member without paying DVC prices, you can rent points! DVC Villa at Wilderness Lodge Many Disney hotels have DVC villas that are essentially timeshares that you can rent if you’re a member or buy points. You can book rooms at DVC hotels directly through Disney, or rent points through a service like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Renting points can help you save money and you might end up spending 30-50% LESS than it would cost you to book the room directly through Disney, especially when it comes to studios. ©Disney Essentially, you’re paying the DVC member to use their points, so you’re costs will naturally be less. Know When to Go While Disney World no longer has a true off-season, there are times of the year where it is cheaper to visit. Empty Hollywood Studios Typically, you may see lower prices in January, early February, and September. As always, monitor discounts and travel trends to truly stay in the know regarding the best times to visit Disney World. Main Street, U.S.A. What are some ways you save money on your Disney World hotel stays? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney World tips! CONFESSION TIME: Two of My Favorite Disney Hotels AREN’T Disney Hotels 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 methods would you recommend for folks looking to cut Disney World hotel costs? Let us know in the comments! The post Only Expert-Level Disney Adults Know About This Secret Trick to Cut Hotel Costs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bluey fans, get ready — because something brand new just dropped, and if you’ve got little ones who can’t get enough of the Heeler family, you’re gonna want to jump on this. ©Bluey There are five brand-new Bluey LEGO sets up on Amazon RIGHT NOW. They’re all available for pre-order, and honestly, they’re super cute. If you’ve got a Bluey lover at home (or you’re like us and kind of obsessed yourself), these sets are going to be the perfect way to bring the show to life. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. All of these sets can be purchased now but won’t ship until June 1! Check out this Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip LEGO Set ©Amazon First up, let’s talk about this Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip set. This one screams summer fun. It comes with Bluey, Bingo, and Mum (Chilli), and they’re all packed into their iconic car with two surfboards on top and a trunk loaded up for the beach. We’re talking sandcastles, a palm tree, beach umbrella, a crab (yes, a crab!), and even a sand-mermaid tail you can put a character into. There’s even a flip-open roof so you can pop the characters in and out easily, and a cooler in the back because, you know, snacks are essential. Get it here! Check out this Bluey’s Family House LEGO Set ©Amazon Next, you’ve got to check out this Bluey’s Family House set. This one is stacked with details, and it comes with all four family members — Bluey, Bingo, Mum (Chilli), and Dad (Bandit). The house is modular, meaning you can move the rooms around to play in different ways. Inside, you’ll find everything from a piano and dollhouse to a full kitchen setup and even a Chattermax in the kids’ attic room. There’s also a garden complete with a hot dog, pizza, and Jeremy the gnome — yes, they really included Jeremy. Get it here! Check out this Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe LEGO Set ©Amazon Next, let’s talk about this Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe set. This one is a smaller set, but it’s packed with bright colors and playground energy. It features Bluey and Chloe at the park with a jungle gym, slide, seesaw, and even a spinning pelican ride. There’s also a tower with a telescope and a picnic area. Get it here! Check out this Ice Cream Trip with Bluey LEGO DUPLO Set ©Amazon This Ice Cream Trip with Bluey set is for the younger crew, and it’s adorable. Bluey and her dad are off to get ice cream, and the car is just big enough for both of them to ride in. Kids can stack the scoops to match numbers, sort by color, and work on fine motor skills while pretending they’re off on a treat run. Plus, who doesn’t love a LEGO ice cream cone? Get it here! Check out this Bluey’s Family House with Memory Game LEGO DUPLO Set ©Amazon Lastly, we’ve got this Bluey’s Family House with Memory Game set. Okay, so this one is kind of genius. Not only do you get a DUPLO version of Bluey’s family house and three characters (Bluey, Bingo, and Mum), but there’s also a built-in memory game. Parents hide pieces behind the house windows, then toddlers spin a wheel to figure out what they need to find. It’s a mix of imaginative play and a matching game — great for keeping little ones engaged and developing skills. Get it here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest deals on Disney products, so stay tuned for more. Did you know we have a Disney-themed Amazon Storefront? Check it out!The post 5 NEW Bluey LEGO Toys are Available on Amazon NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article