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Disney World’s Skyliner is temporarily closing early next year, and it’s affecting our hotel choices! Disney Skyliner at Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts The Disney Skyliner system, first opened in 2019, has become one of the most popular transportation methods at Walt Disney World. The efficient gondola system links the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios theme parks with the Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera resorts. In fact, its presence serves as one of the major perks of those respective resorts… when it’s running. Of the four resorts on the Skyliner loop, it can be argued that Pop Century “gains” the most from its presence. While Pop is one of the most uniquely themed hotels on Disney property – – its focus on mid-20th century kitsch makes it a particular favorite of your humble writer – – it is still at its core a Value resort, with Value-level amenities and rooms. Everything Pop Shopping and Dining Compare that to the other hotels on the loop: Art of Animation, while still technically a Value Resort, features an array of deluxe family suites, Caribbean Beach Resort is sprawling Moderate Tier property, and the Riviera Resort is a luxury Disney Vacation Club property. In other words, Pop Century loses the most perceived value when the Skyliner is closed, which is going to be the case early in 2026. Skyliner Station at Disney Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort According to Disney, “from January 25, 2026, through January 31, 2026, Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available.” Inside a Skyliner Gondola During the Skyliner’s refurbishment period, we’ll be skipping Pop Century despite the resort being one of our favorite Disney Hotels, as its arguably biggest perk will be missing. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s refurbishments and how they’ll affect the rest of the resort. Seriously, WHY Do These 3 Things Even Exist at 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 Would the lack of Skyliner affect which Disney World hotel you book? Let us know in the comments below. The post This MAJOR Closure Is the New Reason I'm Not Staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort in 2026 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

United Parks & Resorts, parent company of SeaWorld Orlando theme park, is looking to fill more than 5,000 jobs across the country. It is planning a “summer hiring event” for May 5-9, the company announced Monday. “The summer season is right around the corner, and we have a great line-up of new rides and attractions, presentations and shows, exclusive experiences offers and craveable food and beverage options for our guests to enjoy,” Marc Swanson, CEO of Orlando-based United Parks, said in a news release. There are full-time, part-time and season positions in the mix, including jobs at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica water park, Discovery Cove day resort and United corporate offices in Orlando and Miami. Among the openings currently posted at careers.seaworldparks.com are bartenders, lifeguards, ride operators, merchandise warehouse workers, zoological specialists and corporate tax director. There are so-very SeaWorld sounding jobs including divers, coral rescue aquarists, filtration mechanics and cabana service ambassadors, although some postings have been up for more than 30 days. There also have been posted auditions for pearl divers plus dancers and vocalists for stage shows scheduled for summer. Employee perks include free park admission, complimentary and discounted tickets for friends and family, in-park discounts, employee referral bonuses and ambassador events and previews, the news release says. United Parks has 12 attractions across the U.S., including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

Sometimes, it’s the littlest things in life that make us so happy. Epic Universe When we opened our Universal Orlando app, imagine our surprise when we saw a little bit of magic right in front of us! Each land has its own animation. Celestial Park has swirls that remind us of shooting stars and for How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, a dragon flies out! ©Universal We know this might be silly to some, but as official Theme Park Adults, we know it’s these little details that really bring the magic to life. Isle of Berk The Epic Universe portals are opening on May 22nd, and we’re ready to bring all the magic and details of Epic straight to you. Monsters Unchained We’ve been trying out new restaurants and snack stands, so you know where to stop for a meal… DK Crush Float …and what rides are the most popular, and where you should start your day. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry We even like to search for all the hidden details that only the biggest fans will know, so you can impress your family with fun facts in line. Super Nintendo World Going to a brand-new theme park can be overwhelming, so we’re walking you through every step of the way so you can make the most of your Epic Universe ticket. Burning Blade Tavern Make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog so you can learn everything you need to know before your first trip to Epic. COME WITH US INSIDE EPIC UNIVERSE FOR THE FIRST TIME! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What is your favorite land in Epic Universe? Tell us about it in the comments! The post We Just Discovered an Epic Universe App CHANGE (And You're Gonna LOVE It!) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A former Disney World employee has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for hacking into the menu software Disney uses to update its restaurant menus, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Magic Kingdom In addition to prison time, Michael Scheuer, 40, of Winter Garden, Florida, must pay almost $700,000 in fines for his crimes, which included updating Disney restaurant menus to falsely show certain food items didn’t contain peanuts and other allergens. A U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Scheuer on April 23rd, after he pleaded guilty in January to one count of computer fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft as part of a deal he made with prosecutors. He is also required to turn over the computer he used in the offenses and pay $687,776 in restitution to victims. Our meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table Prior to being terminated for misconduct in June 2024, Scheuer was a menu production manager for Disney. Since the hack, Disney has changed the software from the Menu Creator that was previously used. He was arrested last October after an FBI investigation. The criminal complaint stated that Scheuer “knowingly and without authorization caused the transmission of a program, information, code, or command to a protected computer and intentionally caused damage.” Within the complaint, Disney is only referred to as “Company A,” but according to Michael Scheuer’s lawyer, the company mentioned in the complaint is, in fact, Disney. Full Spread In his plea agreement, Scheuer admitted to breaching the company’s software multiple times between July and September. He made “notations to certain menu items falsely indicating they were safe for people with specific allergies such as to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and milk,” the agreement said. He also changed wine regions on menus to areas that recently suffered mass shootings, added a swastika to at least one menu, and changed QR codes to direct visitors to a website that encouraged boycotting Israeli companies, per the agreement. Yak and Yeti full spread! Scheuer blocked 14 Disney employees, including former coworkers, from their company accounts through denial-of-service attacks. The accounts were locked after too many failed login attempts, and he used a script to make over 100,000 automated attempts. The FBI discovered he had also collected personal information about four targeted employees. He initially denied involvement in the cyberattacks and said that Disney was trying to frame him. Full spread The night before he was arrested, Scheuer drove to the home of one of the employees around 11 PM, walked up to the front door, and gave a thumbs up to the Ring doorbell camera. The employee was forced to leave his residence and was placed in a hotel by Disney. Make sure you stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post A Former Disney Employee Will Spend Three Years in Prison for Hacking Menus first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Heads up Annual Passholders! Disney has unveiled some new summer perks just for you! Annual Passholder Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to take advantage of the V.I.Passholder beginning next month! From May 14th through July 13th, APs will find increased dining and shopping, discounts, access to new merchandise collections, and even an EXCLUSIVE lounge. There are even some special offers for Passholders who can’t make it to the resort in person. Let’s start with dining. Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to save 40% at select dining locations for a limited time this summer, Monday to Thursday only. Breakfast at Cape May Cafe They can save 40% at the following table-service restaurants from Monday to Thursday only from May 14th to June 30th, 2025: Boatwright’s Dining Hall Cape May Cafe (dinner only) Hollywood & Vine Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner only) The eligible restaurants change the following month, as Annual Passholders can save 40% at the following table-service restaurants from Monday to Thursday only from July 1st to July 31st, 2025: Ale & Compass Restaurant (breakfast and lunch only) Coral Reef Restaurant The Diamond Horseshoe Tiffins Restaurant Whispering Canyon Cafe Whispering Canyon Cafe These discounts apply to the regular menu price and exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity, and are only for the use of Passholders and, unless otherwise noted, up to 3 guests during each location’s regular operating hours. At the time of purchase, Passholders must “present their valid Annual Pass ID in the Tickets and Passes section of their My Disney Experience app and a valid photo ID.” In addition to these dining savings, Passholders will also have access to a special Passholder Lounge at EPCOT from May 13th through July 13th. The lounge will be located in Restaurant Marrakesh in the World Showcase Morocco Pavilion, and will operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. According to Disney, the lounge will give Passholders the chance to: Chill out in an air-conditioned area Enjoy complimentary snacks and water Charge mobile devices Pick up a complimentary Passholder button Capture the fun with special Disney PhotoPass offerings Restaurant Marrakesh The Passholder Lounge is subject to availability and “each Passholder must be present and show their valid Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Disney MagicMobile pass, and a government-issued photo ID to be eligible to enter.” Finally, from June 2nd to June 22nd, 2025, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders (even those who can’t visit the parks in person during this period) can save 20% on purchases at DisneyStore.com. They simply need to ensure that their AP is linked to their MyDisney account, and then enter the promo code WDW20 and select “Apply” at checkout to apply the discount to all eligible items in their bag. Annual Passholder Disney V.I.Passholder Summer Days promotion is offering savings, discounts, and even an exclusive lounge to Walt Disney World’s Annual Passholders from May through July. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on Disney’s current offerings. CONFIRMED: Every Opening Date Announced for Disney World 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 an Annual Passholder? What’s your favorite V.I.Passholder Summer Days offering? Let us know in the comments below. The post Disney Just Made a Game-Changing Annual Passholder Announcement — Enjoy It While It Lasts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re about to rank the rides of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe and believe me, this was a LOT tougher than we’d thought it would be. Berk is quiet Once we get up to those best of the best rides, the competition heats up and the winner may surprise you! Check out our video below: Top 10 Rides in Epic Universe  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Top 10 Rides in Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One whiff of a familiar scent, and you’re instantly transported to a forgotten moment in time—a childhood summer, a first date, or even your last Walt Disney World vacation. For the fourth year in a row, Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features a refreshed line-up of scents to sample. As the Official Home Fragrance of Walt Disney World Resort, Scentsy offers smells that have the uncanny ability to attach to our memories, creating a bridge between past and present in a single breath. Here’s your guide to finding these scents — and even take a few home to spark festival memories. Nurturing Memory with Scentsy at EPCOT Scentsy Blossoms of Fragrance first highlighted garden scents at the 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. Since then, Scentsy has collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering and Carla Shuman, Senior Landscape Architect at Walt Disney World Resort, to build each of the gardens surrounding the fragrance stations. Carla said, “As we were designing Blossoms of Fragrance, Scentsy taught our team how to better identify scents and their unique notes in a fragrance 101 class. It helped us in selecting which botanical scents would feel most authentic to the Flower & Garden Festival and feel exclusive to this experience.” Discover the pairings of Scentsy fragrances, huge butterfly topiaries and beautiful garden planters on your next visit to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, located on the bridge between World Celebration and World Showcase. Bring the Memories Home with Fragrance Flowers Gather your own bouquet when you take home three of the six scents featured at Blossoms of Fragrance, part of the Happiness Blooms Collection. Right next door to the scent stations, discover the Scentsy Fragrance Flowers available for purchase. Choose from Garden Fresh Gardenia, Glorious Grapefruit, and Hibiscus Sunset. These flowers add a bit of magic to your home as they slowly change color! Watch as they turn teal, ruby or purple as the scent diffuses through the cheerful bloom. Each fragrance bottle is 2.8 fl. oz. and in a compact box —the perfect size to take home. Featured Scents at Blossoms of Fragrance 2025 Amid a trio of giant butterfly topiaries, Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy features six signature scents to sample in the garden: Glorious Grapefruit Garden Fresh Gardenias Hibiscus Sunset Honeysuckle Dew Hydrangea Bouquet Let’s take a stroll through the scents, get a few can’t-miss details about each scent station’s blooming planters, and preview the Fragrance Flowers that can bring your Scentsy and EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival memories home. Glorious Grapefruit Waft the freshness of grapefruit and experience a playful scent that brightens any space with a clean, citrus burst. Are you remembering a sparkling morning brunch, or is this your moment to cultivate a new memory here at the festival? Spotted nearby: You can’t miss the dazzling offset of yellow, deep red, fiery orange, and bright gold at this scent station inspire us to play with the color wheel in our own gardens to create a dancing spectacle of blooms. Take this bloom home: If you think the Glorious Grapefruit scent is sure to take you back to this spring day at EPCOT, take home your own Dainty Daisy Fragrance Flower available at the kiosk near Blossoms of Fragrance. The pink Glorious Grapefruit scent and color will change the bloom as the scent fills your home. Garden Fresh Gardenia The smell of gardenia petals is a sweet, fresh scent that fills the air, and can take you back to a sunny afternoon in a blooming garden. It’s the kind of scent that feels like a hug – warm, comforting, and peaceful. Spotted nearby: Here you’ll find bush morning glories with soft, tender petals that reflect the delicate nature of the Gardenia scent. See if you can spot matching blooms on the giant butterfly topiaries fluttering here. Take this bloom home: Enlighten your home with memories of your EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival day with a Garden Fresh Gardenia color-changing Dahlia Darling Fragrance Flower available at the kiosk near Blossoms of Fragrance. Serene Succulent Lean in to sniff the Serene Succulent scent station to experience an oasis, infused with lush greens and the invigorating sparkle of bright bergamot. This scent invokes laid-back summer days when clusters of succulents bask in the sun. Spotted nearby: Check out the planter overflowing with a wide variety of succulents with leaves of different shapes and colors. Succulent leaves are thick and fleshy for water storage, making them the perfect symbol of cheerful freshness. Hibiscus Sunset Take a bit of Florida vacation home with you in Hibiscus Sunset. The tropical, fruity notes of tangy pineapple juice and sweet peach nectar, infused with hibiscus. It’s the essence of a carefree spring, when you can savor the beauty of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival in all its vibrant, colorful glory. Spotted nearby: If you haven’t seen a pineapple plant before, this is your chance to check out how they grow, close to the ground with their characteristic hat of leaves sprouting from the top of the fruit. Take this bloom home: Call festival memories back home with a Scentsy color-changing Hibiscus Fragrance Flower available at the kiosk near Blossoms of Fragrance. It will slowly turn a deep purple as the hibiscus scent is released. Honeysuckle Dew Here, the sweet, delicate aroma of Honeysuckle Dew entwines honeysuckle blooms with lemon zest and fresh greens, mingling with the softness of jasmine petals to evoke memories of warm spring evenings in the backyard. Spotted nearby: In the Honeysuckle Dew planters, feast your eyes on a complimentary blend of purple and blue flowers, including puffs of hydrangeas lingering just in front of monorail views. Hydrangea Bouquet At this scent station, hydrangeas offer a fresh burst of clean scent while the pink freesia adds a delicate, floral aroma to the air. This unique scent is sure to bring you right back to this moment at EPCOT. Spotted nearby: Hydrangeas abound as you explore the planters. Did you notice that the planter pots are a familiar shape? These pots were chosen to showcase accompanying plants because their shape is similar to the iconic curves of the Scentsy Wax Bar. Explore Scentsy at Disney World This Spring We hope you enjoyed this stroll through the Blossoms of Fragrance with Disney and Scentsy. Tie these scents to new spring memories as you browse the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival until June 2nd. Continue the powerful connection between smell and vacation memories at Magic Kingdom. There, you’ll discover Smellephants on Parade throughout Storybook Circus. Scentsy is the presenting sponsor of Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction, and families are invited to go on a search-and-sniff adventure to find all the Smellephants near the ride. The post Share Memories with Scentsy at EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We love a good gift card deal, and we just found one that’s going to rock at your next Disney World trip. Walt Disney World Disney gift cards can be used just about everywhere, including theme park tickets, Disney Cruise Line, resorts, The Disney Store, dining, and more. So, when we find a great deal, we’ll stock up! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Sam’s Club has a Disney gift card deal for its members, where you can buy a $200 gift card for $180. That’s 20 free dollars! Gift cards! When planning their trip, some families like to save money by purchasing Disney gift cards throughout the year, and when they arrive at the park, they only have to use the gift cards. You can use the cards online to purchase tickets or resort stays, or at meals and stores once you arrive. Spend your gift card at any of the parks! If you’re already planning on spending the money, buying a gift card with a good deal can help you get the most bang for your buck. Gift Cards at Sam’s Club You can buy four per membership, and they’ll be emailed directly to you. Easy peasy! We love a good gift card! There’s also a Southwest Airlines gift card deal where you can buy a $500 gift card for $449. That’s really going to help when booking those flights to Orlando. Welcome to the Orlando International Airport Both deals won’t be live until April 30th, but we’ll be ready to snatch up a few. CURRENT GIFT CARD DEALS Keep following Disney Food Blog for all of the tips and tricks for your next Disney vacation. CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR FAVORITE MONEY-SAVING SECRETS FOR 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 Do you prefer to use gift cards when saving for Disney? Tell us about your process in the comments. The post GIFT CARD ALERT! A New Disney Deal Is Coming to Sam’s Club This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s certainly a time for expansion for the Disney Parks. Peter Pan’s Never Land at Tokyo Disney Walt Disney World is changing more than one of its parks, and over at Disneyland, a new era is being ushered in as well. However, it’s not only Disney’s domestic parks that are potentially being overhauled and expanded — a new report from Tokyo Disney shows the parks could be in for some BIG changes. The Oriental Land Company, owners of Tokyo Disney Resort, shared very early concept art of potential changes and expansions to the parks over the next several years, including major changes to Adventureland and Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland, along with updates to Port Discovery at Tokyo DisneySea. In the concept art of changes for Adventureland, it looks like the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, the Swiss Family Treehouse, and the Western River Railroad would be removed to make way for new experiences. The press release didn’t go into detail about these changes, but did give a rough timeline that these changes would take place through 2035. ©Disney From what we can tell, it looks like Paradise Falls from Up might be added to the land, along with what appears to be a playground, a flying swing ride, a rollercoaster ride, and more. ©Disney In addition, new concept art was released showing changes at Tokyo DisneySea’s Port Discovery area. Most notably, the opening day attraction, Aquatopia, is missing. Again, Tokyo Disney did not release any details or explanations along with these images, but we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the latest updates for more news. ©Disney It’s entirely possible that these are just “Blue Sky” ideas and plans, which we’ve seen Disney do in the past, but Oriental Land Company certainly knows how to dream big — and to execute those dreams REALLY well. ©Disney While we’d certainly be sad about the loss of these iconic attractions, we can’t wait to see what this new era will usher in. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Tokyo Disney Resort, so stay tuned to DFB! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to Tokyo Disneyland? Tell us in the comments. The post NEWS: Tokyo Disney Teases Removal of Iconic Attractions in MAJOR Park Overhaul first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re giving you an exclusive look inside the mind of Disney Cast Members! We love Cast Members! Many of us on the DFB team are former Disney World Cast Members and we’re constantly pulling back the curtain to give you insight into what it’s like to work behind the Disney scenes. For this peek, we’re going over some situations where Cast Members aptly did their job and delivered great restaurant service…and what they actually wanted to say instead. Buckle up, we’re getting real! Reel Your Kids In It goes without saying, but allowing bad behavior from kids at Disney restaurants creates issues for multiple people. Sit back and watch as you dine! From kids throwing food, to climbing on tables and chairs, to disturbing other guests, we’ve seen it all. Bad behavior at the table causes trouble for everyone in proximity, but when parents can control the situation, life just becomes easier for everyone. Yelling at Us Won’t Speed Up Service Believe it or not, screaming at your server never yields anything productive. Cast Members Preparing Orders Berating Cast Members or any guest should never be tolerated. Remember — treat people how you would like to be treated. In fact, by treating folks with respect, you up your chances of getting great service. Please Don’t Forget to Tip We know you’re spending your life savings, but please don’t forget to tip. Cast Members at Disney World work especially hard to bring you that patented Disney quality service, so — while tipping isn’t required — it’s certainly encouraged. ©Disney Tipping may be a foreign concept to non-Americans, so use this point as a reminder for the next time you visit the U.S. and Disney World. Re-Read the Menu This may seem like a silly complaint, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t actually know what they’re ordering! The menu! Read the menu to make sure you’re not ordering anything with ingredients you might not actually want. Remember, servers and cooks cannot read your mind, so re-read the menu just in case so that the kitchen team can make your order exactly to your liking! Don’t Bank on Free Booze Sorry, we can’t fill your flask with top-shelf liquor and mark it as a use of the beverage portion of your Disney Dining Plan credits. Dining room While alcohol may be included in your Disney Dining Plan if you’re 21 years of age or older, it is to be consumed AT the restaurant in a cup or glass provided by the restaurant. Understand What You’re Getting with the Disney Dining Plan Speaking of the Disney Dining Plan, it’s super important to know what your plan includes, and arguing with Cast Members won’t magically make your food free. The Disney Dining Plan is back! The Disney Dining Plan includes: 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay 1 Table-Service Meal Per Night of Stay 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay 1 Resort-Refillable Mug Popcorn We’ll continue to give you all kinds of Cast Member insight as well as all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned right here at DFB to stay in the know! I’m a Former Disney World Cast Member. Here Are 5 Things I Wish You Knew Before Going to 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 advice would you give to families dining at Disney World restaurants for the first time? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 Things Disney World Restaurant Cast Members Want To Tell You But Won't Because They're Too Nice first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is Disneyland changing too much, too fast? “it’s a small world” in Disneyland The Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025 and, with it, bringing special entertainment, ride overlays, and more to the Resort! That includes some ride changes coming to the Disneyland classic attraction “it’s a small world”. Regardless of how you feel about Disney changing its most timeless and classic attractions, THE CHANGE IS HAPPENING and we’re going over what you should expect to see when it reopens. Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” has been closed since the end of the Christmas season, as Disneyland removed the holiday overlay theming in preparation for the ride to return to normal. However, this closure has been longer than usual, with the ride slated to reopen with additional theming and a modified version of the titular song that plays throughout the ride experience. Holiday decorations on “it’s a small world” When “it’s a small world” opens on May 9th, 2025, Pixar’s Coco charactersMiguel and Dante will join the ride line-up in the Mexico part of the ride. According to Disney, “Silhouetted by a stunning marigold bridge, you’ll be able to spot this new addition when the attraction reopens”. ©Disney That’s not the only thing changing — It was also revealed that the attraction’s iconic theme song would be getting another verse added. Created by the late, great songwriter Richard M. Sherman, the new verse is below: “Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind And the love we give makes us humankind Through our vast wondrous land When we stand hand in hand It’s a small world after all.” Sherman notably composed the music for the ride and has a bunch of Disney credits for films like Mary Poppins, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Christopher Robin. ©Disney Traditionalists might wince at these changes, but we admit we’re pretty excited! For starters, adding characters to “it’s a small world” has already become its own sort of tradition, as Disney has already put characters like Cinderella, Alice, Lilo, Stitch, Aladdin, Woody, and more over the years. It’s a small world after all… As for the song change, hearing the new verse may be jarring at first, but this new verse is a fantastic way to honor Sherman and his legacy without compromising the nostalgia of the ride. How do you feel about the ride changes? Let us know in the comments below and continue to follow us at DFB for all the latest Disneyland updates! NEWS: Disney Announces NEW Way To Get EXCLUSIVE Parade View DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Where does “it’s a small world” rank among your favorite Disneyland rides? Let us know in the comments! The post Whether You Love It or Hate It -- This ICONIC Disney Ride Is Set to Change in 12 Days first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Another week has passed in Disney World and it will be May before you know it! Cookies ‘n Cream Funnel Cake from Funnel Cake Stand in EPCOT That means we’re SO ready to try out some May the 4th treats in Disney World (yay, Star Wars food!). However, we recently got to try out some new snacks in the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT (oh, yeah) and revisited Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also kept an eye on Disney World restaurant menus, and we’ve got a few changes to warn you about. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort El Mercado de Coronado Handhelds REMOVED: Tripleta Sandwich Pizza, Subs, and More REMOVED: Personal Veggie Pizza El Mercado de Coronado Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Roaring Fork Soy Allergy-Friendly REMOVED: Kids’ Macaroni & Cheese Roaring Fork Disney Springs Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Cupcakes REMOVED: Easter Vanilla Cupcake, Easter Chocolate Cupcake, Easter Egg Brownie Cupcakes, and Easter Egg Vanilla Cupcakes ADDED: Dulce de Leche Cupcake — Vanilla cupcake, with vanilla buttercream, filled with Dulce de Leche and cinnamon sugar rim for $9.50 ADDED: French Toastie Cupcake — Cinnamon toastie cupcake with Maple buttercream and cinnamon sugar rim for $8.75 Donuts Carrot Donuts changed from $6.85 to $6.90 Cookies & Bites Decorated Sugar Cookie changed from $9.20 to $8.25 Specialty Sweets REMOVED: Mini Egg Carton Cupcakes and Happy Easter Egg Cake Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Blizzard Beach Avalunch Entrées ADDED: Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich — Turkey, Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on Whole-Grain Bread with a side of Cranberry Mayonnaise for $9.99 ADDED: Roasted Veggie Wrap — Portobello Mushrooms, Red Onions, Squash, and Zucchini in a Spinach Tortilla with Iceberg Lettuce and a Cream Cheese Spread for $7.79 ADDED: Hummus Snack Tray — Red Pepper Hummus with Carrots, Celery, Pretzels, and Mini Pita Bread for $7.29 Avalunch Lottawatta Lodge Entrées ADDED: Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich — Turkey, Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on Whole-Grain Bread with a side of Cranberry Mayonnaise for $9.99 ADDED: Roasted Veggie Wrap — Portobello Mushrooms, Red Onions, Squash, and Zucchini in a Spinach Tortilla with Iceberg Lettuce and a Cream Cheese Spread for $7.79 ADDED: Hummus Snack Tray — Red Pepper Hummus with Carrots, Celery, Pretzels, and Mini Pita Bread for $7.29 ADDED: Chicken Strips — Served with French Fries for $10.99 Lottawatta Lodge at Blizzard Beach Warming Hut Entrées ADDED: Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich — Turkey, Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on Whole-Grain Bread with a side of Cranberry Mayonnaise for $9.99 ADDED: Roasted Veggie Wrap — Portobello Mushrooms, Red Onions, Squash, and Zucchini in a Spinach Tortilla with Iceberg Lettuce and a Cream Cheese Spread for $7.79 ADDED: Hummus Snack Tray — Red Pepper Hummus with Carrots, Celery, Pretzels, and Mini Pita Bread for $7.29 Warming Hut Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Tilly’s Kids’ Disney Check Meals Turkey Sandwich Kid’s Pack description changed from “Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast and Cheddar on Honey-Wheat Bread with Apple Chips, Cucumber, and Grape Tomatoes served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water” to “Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast and Cheddar on Honey-Wheat Bread with Apple Chips and Grape Tomatoes served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water” Typhoon Tilly’s Disney World restaurant menus change all the time, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re visiting soon. You can check menus on the Disney World website and My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated on any menu changes we spot. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. 3 Disney World Hotel Restaurants That Need to Be Boarded Up and Never Spoken Of Again 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 Did your favorite Disney World restaurant change its menu recently? Sound off in the comments! The post ALERT! That Really Great Sandwich We Loved in Disney World Is GONE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You never regret choosing Flame Tree Barbecue. Flame Tree Barbecue This spot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom consistently delivers when it comes to flavor, portion size, and chill vibes — all things that matter when you’re walking 10,000+ steps and still trying to make it to your next ride. Whether you’re a longtime park pro or visiting for the first time, this quick-service restaurant hits just right. Here’s why Flame Tree Barbecue should always be on your Disney dining shortlist — and exactly what we think you should order when you go. Big Plates, Big Flavor, and a Lot of Shade Flame Tree Barbecue doesn’t try to do too much — and that’s what makes it so good. You’re getting solid, smoky meats, comfort food sides, and a peaceful seating area tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Animal Kingdom. That combo is rare in the world of theme park quick-service, where you’re often choosing between speed and taste. Flame Tree Barbecue Yes, the lines can get long during peak meal times, but there’s a reason people keep coming back: this food actually satisfies. Whether you’re starving post-Kilimanjaro Safaris or just trying to squeeze in a meal before your next Lightning Lane, Flame Tree delivers that hearty, feel-good meal energy you’ll need to keep going. What to Order Let’s break down what you should order — and honestly, it’s not a small list, because they’re kind of crushing it right now. Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler This is the GO-TO if you’ve got an appetite or are looking to split something with a friend. It comes loaded with St. Louis Ribs, Marinated Slow-Smoked Chicken, and Smoked Pulled Pork — plus their Signature Baked Beans and Coleslaw. Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler Basically, it’s a little bit of everything Flame Tree does best, and it’s genuinely a great deal for how much food you get. If you want a taste of the full BBQ experience in one tray, this is the move. French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese Don’t let the name fool you — this is not a sad side of fries with a little cheese dust. This is a full-on meal. We’re talking crispy fries smothered in Pulled Pork, topped with melty Cheddar Cheese Sauce. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it will hit the spot. French Fries with Pulled Pork If you’re craving that late afternoon snack that toes the line between “snack” and “accidental second lunch,” this one’s your guy. Baked Mac & Cheese with Pulled Pork Yes, it’s comfort food on top of more comfort food — and it works. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich on its own, but then they pile on pulled pork, crispy onions, and coleslaw. Baked macaroni and cheese with pulled pork It’s the kind of dish where every bite has a little crunch, a little tang, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s an easy win if you’re skipping the sampler but still want something that feels like a full meal. Don’t Sleep on the Seasonal Cupcake We know cupcake fatigue is real, but Animal Kingdom still tends to carry some of the most creative and genuinely tasty cupcakes in the parks — and Flame Tree is often the easiest spot to grab one. Right now, the Flamingo Cupcake is the star: Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Compote Filling, Guava Buttercream, Pink Crispy Pearls, a Sugar Flamingo, and White Chocolate Wings. If you’re someone who doesn’t usually indulge in park sweets but wants that one cute, colorful dessert pic for your feed (and a sugar rush to power through the rest of your day), this is a solid pick. Flamingo Cupcake The Bottom Line is that there are a lot of places in Disney World where the food is fine, but not memorable. Flame Tree Barbecue isn’t one of them. The food here is actually worth your time — even if you’re on a tight schedule. It’s pretty quick, filling, and a great excuse to sit under the shade, listen to the background music, and take a breather before jumping back into the chaos. So yeah — Flame Tree Barbecue is always a good idea. In the meantime, keep it right here at DFB for more from Disney. An Iconic Disney World Restaurant Is Permanently CLOSING in 15 Days Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite thing to get from Flame Tree Barbecue? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Flame Tree Barbecue Is Always a Good Idea in Disney World — and What to Order While You’re There first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got some GREAT news, Disney fans! If you’re like us, you might enjoy learning all about the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into running a theme park like EPCOT or Magic Kingdom. Cast Members are MAGIC! And one of the best ways to learn more is with a backstage tour. Spaceship Earth From the “Caring for Giants” tour in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the iconic “Keys to the Kingdom” tour in Magic Kingdom, there are some GREAT ways to see what goes on backstage in Disney World. But one special tour, DiveQuest, has been closed for a LONG time. But it’s returning, and SOON! Over in EPCOT, The Seas with Nemo and Friends is home to a HUGE 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium. You’d never realize it if you were just passing by, but you can learn all about sea life (including manatees!) and even take a ride with Nemo and all his friends on The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The Seas with Nemo and Friends Back in 2024, Disney announced that it would relocate three dolphins living in The Seas Pavilion to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. These days, you can see other marine life instead. Dolphins in EPCOT When the dolphins were relocated, the EPCOT Seas Adventures — Dolphins in Depth tour permanently closed. Disney said, “This decision came after a comprehensive evaluation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas.” ©Disney Around the same time, the EPCOT Seas Adventures — DiveQuest backstage tour also closed. This is a two-hour backstage tour and SCUBA experience in the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. The tour has been unavailable to book for about six months, but now, bookings are OPEN starting May 1st, 2025. ©Disney That’s right — DiveQuest is BACK! The tour is $229–$249 per person (tax not included), and proof of Open Water SCUBA certification is required for this program. You must be 10 years of age or older in order to participate. If you bring friends or family, they can view your dive through the giant acrylic windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends! According to Disney, the best location for friends and family to view your dive is from the upstairs viewport in the tunnel of The Seas with Nemo & Friends, approximately 40 minutes after your tour begins. SeaBase aquariums You can book a reservation right on the Disney World website! Make sure to bring a bathing suit, too! Disney has a full list of requirements online; make sure to check it out before you book your reservation. We love Cast Members 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. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Where to Find the Cheapest Fast Food in Disney World Right Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever done an EPCOT Seas Adventure? Or have you done a different backstage tour at Disney World? Tell us about your experience in the comments! The post After a 6-Month Closure, Something BIG Is Reopening at EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Eek! One of the best days of the year is upon us. Starting off our day with the Dapper Dans Dapper Day at Disney World is here! The parks are filled with people wearing their best 1950s and ’60s attire, from beautiful dresses, stunning bowties, and fancy hats, and turning Magic Kingdom back in time. When we hopped off the boat, we were even given a Dapper Day pin. Guests are truly what help keep the magic of Disney alive. Dapper Day Spring 2025 We’re so glad we came out and saw the gorgeous costumes and met with visiting guests. Keep following Disney Food Blog for everything happening at Disney Parks. 2025 DATES YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU’RE A DISNEY WORLD FAN Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever done Dapper Day before? Tell us about your experience in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Adults Just Hosted a “Liberty Belle Farewell” Event in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney just dropped a hotel deal that made our jaws hit the floor. Art of Animation ‘Cars’ Family Suites Disney+ subscribers, this one’s for you. For a limited time, you can score some seriously good hotel discounts this summer — like, surprisingly good. We’re talking deluxe resorts with views for prices that feel like they belong to a decade ago. But (you knew there was a but), these rooms won’t last long, so here’s everything you need to know before they disappear. Let’s get straight to the good stuff. Disney+ members can now take advantage of a special hotel offer for stays between June 29th and July 31st, 2025 — but only if you’re staying at least two nights (and no more than 14). The deals are only available to subscribers, so you’ll need to log into your Disney account with your Disney+ info ready when you book. All-Star Sports Here’s a quick look at the discounted rates that have us questioning reality: $99/night (plus tax) for a Standard Room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort $169/night (plus tax) for a Woods View Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside $229/night (plus tax) for Cars Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort $249/night (plus tax) for Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort $339/night (plus tax) for Savanna View Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna view Now, here’s the thing: not all rooms are eligible, and the fine print matters here. The offer does not apply to: 3-Bedroom Villas Deluxe Resort Suites Standard View and Standard View – 5th Sleeper rooms at Port Orleans – Riverside Standard View and Standard View – 5th Sleeper rooms in Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation So if your dream was a Little Mermaid room on a discount, unfortunately, this one’s not it. And as with most things Disney these days, there are limited rooms available at these discounted rates — emphasis on limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. That’s why if you’re even thinking about booking a summer trip, it’s probably time to start making some moves. Port Orleans Riverside Another heads-up: proof of your active Disney+ subscription is required to book. This means logging into your Disney account that’s tied to your Disney+ membership — and yes, it has to be active at the time of booking. ©Disney If you’ve been dreaming about a summer trip but cringing at hotel prices, this is your window. Deals like these don’t come around often — and we wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t come around again. If you’re already a subscriber, this is essentially a perk that just paid for itself. And if you’re not, well, that $9.99/month might be the gateway to a $99/night Disney trip. Art of Animation Hotel Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly room or want to treat yourself to a deluxe resort view without totally wrecking your wallet, this offer has a little something for every kind of park-goer. But again — move fast. People are already scooping up rooms, and the best ones will go first (Animal Kingdom Lodge fans, you already know). 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. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Why Is This Disney World Hotel Suddenly 10X Cheaper? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a trip to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney+ Just Made a Game-Changing Hotel Announcement — Enjoy It While It Lasts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of our favorite feelings in the world is a movie premiere, and there might be nothing better than combining a movie premiere with an incredible Disney Legend. Welcome to the premiere! Bob Gurr: Living by Design is a new documentary that premiered on April 26th at the Alex Theater in Glendale, California. It covers the life of Bob Gurr, a Disney Imagineer who helped shape Disney Parks into what they are today. We were invited to the premiere, where Bob Gurr was there in person! He took on the red carpet looking as stylish as ever. Bob Gurr Gurr made many of the original ride vehicles you might have ridden at Disneyland, including the Doombuggies of the Haunted Mansion, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Disneyland Monorail, and even the cars of Autopia. One of the cars was also at the premiere! Autopia Car They had rare collectibles, like attraction posters and concept art, a lot signed by Gurr! Lots of posters Gurr was welcomed as a Disney Legend in 2004, and we saw a replica of his plaque. A Legend! Inside the theater, Gurr spoke on his career and the documentary, and it was so fun to see the legend speak. If you’re a Disney history nerd like us, it’s hard to research anything about Disneyland and not see his name come up. Bob Gurr As the 70th anniversary of Disneyland comes around, we love honoring the legends who made our theme parks what we know and love. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more history about the Disney Parks. DISNEY ANNOUNCED NEW ADDITIONS FOR 70TH ANNIVERSARY — INCLUDING DESSERT PARTIES! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to be watching this documentary? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of Bob Gurr: Living by Design. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post Disney Imagineer Shares Insider Knowledge About Disneyland Attractions first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is expensive — there’s no way around that, but there are ways to make your trip less likely to break the bank. Magic Kingdom Dining in Disney World can be especially hard sometimes considering it can cost quite a pretty penny, especially if you’re with a larger group. However, the key is to grab snacks and meals that are both filling AND on the cheaper side — yes, they do exist, and we’re about to prove it to you right now! Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom may not be home to some of the best meals out there for an affordable price, BUT it does do pretty well when it comes to snacks! First up, one of the BEST breakfast deals out there is the Cinnamon Roll from Gaston’s Tavern! Cinnamon Roll This thing is MASSIVE and is delicious and fresh 8/10 times (we have sometimes gotten a less fresh batch, but that’s not common). It’s easily a filling breakfast for one person, OR it can be shared between two or even three people with no issues. For only $6.99, this is a FANTASTIC deal! Warm Cinnamon Roll Also in Magic Kingdom, we recommend the Corn Dog Nuggets from Casey’s Corner when it comes to lunch or dinner IF you’re looking for something simple. Each order comes with about 7-10 nuggets PLUS a hefty order of fries, which is plenty to fill most people up. Corn Dog Nuggets! For $10.99, this is another great deal for those who are looking for a solid, quick stop that is reliable every time and won’t let you down. However, if you’re looking for something more advanced, this won’t be the stop. A Casey’s Corner Picnic But some of the BEST deals are found in the other parks! EPCOT EPCOT has one of THE BEST DEALS hands down when it comes to saving money and getting a big snack at the same time. At Les Halles in the France Pavilion, you can buy a WHOLE Baguette for just $4.95! A WHOLE Baguette! A Half Baguette is also available for just $2.95, and these are fresh from the oven. Are they more plain? Yes, but hey, bread is filling, AND these are delicious, fresh, and cheap, so we always count them as a win. Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Totchos from Woody’s Lunch Box are another SUPER filling meal that don’t break the bank. Not only is this is a BIG serving, but it’s filled with ingredients that are known for filling you up faster and keeping you good to go for a while. Totchos These are $10.49, and it’s a heavy meal, so we do warn you ahead of time about that. We also want to highlight that the Breakfast Bowl you can get in the morning has very similar ingredients and is $8.79, BUT there’s also a Kids’ Meal version that’s only $5.99 and is honestly just as filling thanks to all the sides it comes with! Kids’ Breakfast Bowl If you’re looking for a sweet treat in the park, don’t skip the Carrot Cake Cookie at Trolley Car Cafe! For just $5.70 you can grab this HUGE cookie, made up of two slabs of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in the middle. Carrot Cake Cookie While this can be finished by one person, you won’t be hungry for a while (and if that’s the point, then YAY), so splitting it between 2-3 people is also an easy solution. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Animal Kingdom is known for not only having the best snacks and meal options, but also allowing you to save money while doing it. One of our absolute favorite options here is the Chicken and Rice from Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe for only $7.99. Chicken Fried Rice This is a pretty hefty size for the price, and again, rice and chicken is pretty filling, so we’re not complaining! It’s always delicious and has never let us down, so don’t sleep on this spot the next time you’re in the park. We love it! Over in Pandora you’ll find the Cheeseburger Pods from Satu’li Canteen, and BOY do we rave about these! They’re like a McDonald’s cheeseburger in a pillowy, fluffy bao bun, and we’re obsessed. Cheeseburger Pods at Satu’li Canteen Again, they’re more on the simple side, which is great for picky eaters, and they ARE filling! You can get a kids’ meal for $8.59 or a full meal for $13.99. Cheeseburger Pods for Kids Finally, we have the Colossal Pretzel from Pongu Pongu, and THIS is filling! Similar to the Baguette, it’s basically all bread, and while there are many colossal pretzels you can find around Disney World, we feel this is one of the best consistently. Behold the Colossal Pretzel! It’s fantastic to share with multiple people, and at $12.99 that’s not a bad deal — especially because it comes with delicious beer cheese to dip it into! And it comes with CHEESE New snacks are almost always being added to the parks AND they change very often, which can be tricky, but that’s why we’re here. Our number one tip here — you’ll be tempted to grab the adorable Mickey snacks and ice cream bars, but they’re more expensive because they’re themed. Stay away from them if you can! We’re always here to help you plan the best trip possible to Disney World while also making sure you’re not completely breaking the bank. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news and planning tips! 12 of My Favorite Snacks Under $10, From a Former Disney World Cast Member 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! Which of these snacks are at the top of your list? Tell us in the comments! The post Where to Find the Cheapest Fast Food in Disney World Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It feels like Southwest Airlines has been in the news a lot recently. They’ve recently changed their free bags and open seating policy, and are now making another change. ©Southwest Airlines If you’re planning on booking a flight with Southwest in the second half of the year, you might want to start planning your trip now. Southwest will be cutting flights for the second half of 2025. This is after both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines announced earlier this month that they will be scaling back their domestic flights for the second half of the year. Southwest Airlines In a filing report, Southwest says, “Amid the current macroeconomic uncertainty, it is difficult to forecast given recent and short-lived booking trends.” Southwest expects unit revenue to be down as much as 4% in the second quarter compared to the previous year. This is about a net loss of $149 million, or $0.26 loss per diluted share. Mickey & Minnie Are Ready to Fly — Are You? The airline plans to add assigned and extra-legroom seats in the third quarter of this year and charge for bags next month. ©Southwest Airlines If you fly Southwest, here are a few important dates you need to know: Seats with extra legroom will start on May 1st Checked bags will be charged for any flights booked after May 27th Reserved seating will start for flights in early 2026 ©Southwest Airlines As Southwest cuts back on flights, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more promotions and sales for your upcoming travel adventures. Keep following Disney Food Blog for all the news you need to know for your next trip. 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. 5 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE FLYING SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What is your go-to airline for flying to Disney? Tell us about it in the comments! The post Heads Up! Southwest Is Making a HUGE Change to Its Flight Schedule for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando is going, well, universal! Epic Universe It seems like everyone around the world is excited for Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, to open, and the celebrations are getting bigger and bigger. The Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is projecting a world class production display of Epic Universe and their five immersive lands, Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. ©Universal The show will take place on May 2nd at 9 PM and will be a historic first, as the Universal Epic Universe-themed projection mapping and lighting experience begins. Projection show on Hogwarts at Universal Orlando Every guest who comes to watch the show will have a chance to win a 7-night trip to Universal Orlando with tickets to all four parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and, of course, Epic Universe. Isle of Berk The trip includes a stay at the Universal Terra Luna Resort and transportation by British Airways Holidays. Terra Luna Room The event is free to attend, but you do need to apply for tickets here due to the limited capacity. Super Nintendo World There’s also a National Epic Universe Portal Tour in the United States, where guests can watch “action-packed sequences that celebrate the incredible adventures of the new theme park.” The Portal Tour in New York Universal is bringing a 30-foot-tall Chronos tower on tour! Guests will also be able to enter a sweepstakes for a trip to Universal Orlando and visit Epic Universe for themselves. Portal Tour The National Epic Universe Portal Tour is about halfway done, but you can still visit them at the following cities: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: May 16th-18th Chicago, Illinois: June 13th-18th The Portal to Dark Universe We’ve been counting down the days till Epic Universe opens on May 22nd for months now, and we are ready for everyone to be able to run through those portals. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more theme park news. HOW YOU CAN GET INTO EPIC UNIVERSE EARLY Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> How are you celebrating the opening of Epic Universe? Tell us your plans in the comments! The post Epic Universe Is Celebrating Its Grand Opening by Giving Away TWO Free Trips first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s better than a fun Disney souvenir? A fun FREE Disney souvenir! Jackson Square Gifts & Desires During a recent visit to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, we stumbled across a fun trivia game that ended with a prize! We’ve seen all kinds of fun souvenirs at Disney World, but this might be a new favorite. During a recent visit to the hotel, we popped into Jackson Square Gifts and noticed a Hocus Pocus trivia game. Immediately locked in. What color is the potion that Max drinks in the graveyard? Oh, Disney, we’re so glad you asked! Trivia! After completing the game (we won, obviously), we were given this fun, exclusive button featuring Ray from The Princess and the Frog as a prize! The prize! According to a Cast Member we spoke to, the shop has numerous quizzes which they rotate daily. During the upcoming summer months, Port Orleans will also be one of the Disney World hotels to feature character meet-and-greets in the lobby. The characters will appear three days a week from 9:30 to 10:20 AM. Character Meet and Greet sign at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. 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. Who doesn’t love a cute free souvenir at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort? Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips and secrets. The 5 Best Disney World Hotels for Introverts Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Planning to head to Port Orleans soon? Let us know in the comments below. The post I’ve Tried Every Souvenir Hack for Disney World, and I’m Sharing the FREEBIE I Love at Port Orleans Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Perhaps the most important part of your outfit in Disney World is your footwear. Magic Kingdom Seriously, wear the wrong shoes and you’ll be legitimately miserable by the end of the day. You want to make sure you’ve got something comfortable that can withstand literally thousands of steps in the theme parks. Many Disney fans swear by Brooks brand for their visits to Disney World, and we’ve compiled a list of shoes that we often see people wearing. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Brooks Women’s Launch 11 Shoes on Amazon ©Amazon Starting out this list, we’ve got the Brooks Women’s Launch 11 Neutral Running Shoe. They come in a variety of colors, and you can get them in several size options from 5 to 12 on Amazon. These feature DNA FLASH foam under the foot for “quick energy returns” alongside a breathable top layer that’s perfect for the Florida heat. View the Brooks shoes on Amazon here! This Option Is Designed to Be “Soft and Dependable” ©Amazon The Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe is designed for people who want a shoe that’s “soft and dependable.” They’re made with a segmented crash pad and an updated secure fit with air mesh — nice and breathable! These also come in a variety of colors and sizes on Amazon, and they’re a bit more affordable than the other options on this list. View the Trace 3 shoes on Amazon here! There’s Something for the Men, Too! ©Amazon For guys, they’ve got the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe. These are made with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, and they’re even a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe. They’re designed to help support your body’s natural motion, which sounds like just what we need for a theme park day! View the men’s shoes on Amazon Or, You Can Snag the Women’s Version ©Amazon And last but not least, we’ve got the version for the ladies — the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe. They have the same features and certifications as the men’s version, but with a slightly different design and other color options. Just like the others, they’re mesh on the top for extra breathability! View these shoes on Amazon here! So there you have our list of the best Brooks shoes for the theme parks. 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 The Brooks Shoes Literally Everyone Is Wearing to Disney World Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you think of sweet treats in Magic Kingdom, you likely think of places like the Main Street Confectionery or Plaza Ice Cream Parlor first. We certainly have a sweet tooth! However, there are lots of places you can grab a sweet snack in the park that you may not know about. We took a trip to Big Top Souvenirs in Fantasyland (yes, a gift shop!) and can confirm that this snack may seem unassuming, but it definitely hits the spot! Over at this iconic merchandise location, you’ll find that there’s a large bakery case full of different sweets. While there are also pre-packaged snacks all over in the store, we recommend grabbing something fresh out of the case instead of a pre-packaged item if you can help it (for example: a candy apple from the case instead of one that’s already been packaged — it’ll be fresher!). Treats in the case! We decided to grab a piece of the Cookies & Cream Fudge for $5.79. We’ll be honest, we weren’t really expecting much since fudge can be fickle to master, and we weren’t sure how Disney would do with it, but we were impressed! Cookies & Cream Fudge! This tastes like a cookies and cream milkshake in fudge form! It is incredibly creamy and milky-tasting, with a rich Oreo flavor. There are even crushed-up Oreos on top! It is pretty rich, so even though it looks small, you will definitely satisfy that sweet tooth with no problem. Yum! And just under $6 isn’t bad for this in our eyes either, especially since we think it’s easily shareable for those who often don’t eat rich foods or only want a little of them. So next time you’re thinking of grabbing something to satisfy that sweet tooth craving, don’t discount Big Top Souvenirs! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: This Is an Elite $5 Treat in Magic KingdomREVIEW: Forget McDonald’s, We’re Going to THIS Disney World Restaurant for a $6 Apple Pie TreatREVIEW: There’s a Disney World Restaurant Hidden Inside a Hotel Gift ShopREVIEW: Booze for Breakfast? Okay, Epic Universe, We’re SOLD.REVIEW: We’re Trying All the NEW Snacks at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news and reviews! We’re Ranking EVERY Snack in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom So You Don’t Have To Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What treat would you grab out of this case? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Is an Elite Treat in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As many hardcore Disney fans know, the company holds a vast archive of treasures from its century of animation production. Now, they’re giving YOU the chance to take something home from those archives, and it’s all for a good cause! ©Disney From April 23rd through the 30th, Disney will be participating in the Sotheby’s AnimAID | The Art of Animation online auction along with Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, and Paramount, with proceeds going to Los Angeles fire relief organizations. There are some truly incredible pieces up for auction, so get your paddles ready for bidding! The auction will “offer a treasure trove of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces of animation history with proceeds benefiting local animators and their families who have been affected by the fires” and feature “historical offerings from the company’s vast animation libraries — inclusive of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Century Television, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Animation — that go back over a century, along with new original pieces from its world-class animators, like Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer.” ©Sotheby’s Meredith Roberts, EVP, Television Animation, Disney Branded Television, described the driving force behind the auction as such: “Los Angeles is our hometown and the heart of the animation community. Rallying the creative community to donate artwork felt like the most meaningful way we could support our own.” ©Disney Disney items in the auction include a wide array of offerings from the “estimated 65 million physical pieces of artwork and production materials across the studio’s hundred-year history” including everything from character statues signed by the directors of Disney Animations’ Frozen 2, to original character designs and storyboards from series like Disney’s Darkwing Duck and Kim Possible, in addition to original artwork from Pixar’s Turning Red director Domee Shi. ©Disney The auction, which is being put on through Sotheby’s, includes Disney, Sony, and Universal items like: Original artwork from films including The Lion King… ©Sotheby’s … screen-used props from The Nightmare Before Christmas… ©Sotheby’s …the opportunity to VOICE A CHARACTER in a new Sony movie, GOAT… ©Sotheby’s … and even experiences, including VIP Tours. ©Sotheby’s If you’ve ever wanted a private tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios, this is your chance! Walt Disney Studios in Burbank The effort is part of a larger group of relief efforts Disney has staged in support of Los Angeles fire relief, including: Hosting Disney Field Days at local schools for students displaced from their schools by the fires. Committing $15 million to LA fire relief and rebuilding efforts. Providing donations, care packages, and private screenings to those affected by the fires. Providing complimentary Disneyland tickets to first responders. Disney is taking part in a massive online auction of animation treasures to provide relief to victims of January’s deadly California wildfires. Stay tuned to DFB for more on fire relief efforts. Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out 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 own any interesting pieces of Disney memorabilia? Let us know in the comments below. The post Disney Is Selling REAL ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ Movie Props in a MASSIVE Online Auction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you are taking advantage of the FREE Disney hotel perk, you will want to keep these things in mind. Blizzard Beach In 2025 (and now also in 2026), Disney hotel guests get a free ticket to one of the water parks on the day they check in. This is a great deal because it is FREE and this summer, both water parks will be open together! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open at the same time, but from May 21 to September 7, 2025, they will both be open. But, before you grab your bathing suit and sunscreen, there are some things you should know. 1. Extra Costs While your ticket is free, you’ll need to buy food and drinks while there. Trust us, there are some great snacks to be found here. You might also need to purchase other items ahead of time like bathing suit, sunscreen, water shoes, etc. Thse are things to keep in mind when you are planning to use this perk. Praline Sundae 2. Disney Transportation Issues If you are taking transportation from Disney hotel to travel to the water parks, you’ll likely have to transfer buses. While there are a few hotels with direct buses, most of them you will have to take one bus somewhere else and then grab another bus to head to your final destination. For example, you might head to Disney Springs for Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Blizzard Beach. Disney Bus 3. Full Capacity The water parks can hit capacity and we have actually seen this happen. If it does you might need to pivot on your plans. This summer while both water parks are open, it is less likely to happen, but we won’t be surprised if it does. Blizzard Beach 4. Weather With summer approaching, that means that daily storms is right around the corner. The summer storms could close down parts of the water park. While it is far away, when it gets into colder months, the water parks can close. If the parks due close due to weather, the ticket cannot be transferred to another date. Rain in Magic Kingdom For more Disney World tips, be sure to follow us at DFB! Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown 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 Tell us below in the comments if you are planning to use this hotel perk on your next trip! The post A Word of Warning for Your Water Park Day in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article