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Disney4me

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Posts posted by Disney4me

  1. If you’re always on the lookout for great Disney World deals, you’ve come to the right place!

    2024-wdw-Magic-Kingdom-Cinderella-Castle

    Cinderella Castle

    We’ve got you covered on all kinds of Disney World deals from airfare to lodging — and now there’s a BRAND-NEW deal that was just announced that could save you a bunch of money during an upcoming Disney World summer vacation!

    Click here to subscribe

    If you are a teacher or educator, YOU qualify for 20% off Disney Springs Resort Area hotels this summer!

    2024-Disney-Springs-Atmo-22-700x525.jpg

    Disney Springs

    The Disney Springs deal extends to teachers and school support staff and includes B Resort & Spa, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

    wdw-2023-drury-plaza-hotel-disney-spring

    Drury Plaza Hotel near Disney Springs

    Each of these hotels includes the Disney 30-minute Early Theme Park Entry benefit with a valid Disney Theme Park ticket and theme park reservation (as applicable). Multi-day ticket special offers are available, as well.

    They also offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks and a Passport to Savings booklet with Disney Springs discounts.

    hilton-downtown-disney-hotels-orlando-Hi

    Hilton Orlando Disney Springs ©Disney

    The deal is available between May 3rd and August 15th, 2024 for travel between May 27th and September 2nd, 2024.

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    © DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area

    Important to note, some blackout days could apply and rates do not include Resort Service Fees, any daily parking fees, taxes, or gratuities. You can find booking information here.

    Wyndham-Garden-Lake-Buena-Vista-Disney-S

    ©Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area

    The proximity to Disney Springs is a major plus (each hotel is within walking distance via a pedestrian sky bridge) and this summer is shaping up to be a big one for Disney World, so we recommend taking advantage of this deal if you can! In the meantime, stay tuned here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, tips, and more!

    Disney Announced 3 NEW Discounts!

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


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    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!

    Are you a teacher or educator planning on visiting Disney World this summer? Let us know what you’re looking forward to most in the comments below!

    The post NEW Disney Springs Hotel Discount Announced first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  2. Downtown Disney has been getting quite a bit of an overhaul, including getting MANY new restaurants (oh, yeah, you know we’re excited).

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    Paseo

    Most recently, three of those new restaurants opened: Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita, with all three restaurants having menus created by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán. Okay, so that has us even MORE stoked. Well, we’ve had a chance to eat at Centrico and Tiendita, but we’re now getting a chance to dine at Paseo.

    Click here to subscribe

    Atmosphere

    Paseo is an authentic Mexican restaurant, so the look inside reflects that, but it also has a modern Californian flare.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-atmo-9-700

    Very modern, but Californian vibe

    You’ll find the space filled with wood textures, leather, greenery, and native Mexican accents.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-atmo-8-700

    Native Mexican accents

    It’s also filled with light thanks to all the windows, and very spacious. This is not one of those restaurants where you have to worry about bumping elbows with strangers. The restaurant’s colors range from neutrals to cool oranges and blues.

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    Cool colors

    You’ll find booth seating, as well as tables and chairs available.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-atmo-4-700

    Seating

    There is also seating available outside.

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    Outdoor seating

    We ate outdoors. Note the rattan straw chairs. You’ll also get cloth napkins and utensils at each place setting.

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    Our table

    Our table overlooked the related Centrico Bar. Outdoor seating provides a pretty nice view of Downtown Disney.

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    Centrico Bar

    So let’s talk about the food!

    Eats

    Although the food here is decidedly Mexican, the menu is inspired by Mexican food but done with a French culinary style. You’ll find ceviches on the menu, along with seafood, as well as Mexican staples like chile relleno, carne asada, and more.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-menu-700x5

    Menu

    The drinks menu includes a variety of cocktails, margaritas, beer, and wine. You can also order non-alcoholic beverages like horchata, sodas, a sweet Hibiscus tea, and more.

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    Drinks!

    We started with a drink called the Maya-tai, which our server recommended. It’s made with dos hombres mezcal, mandarin syrup, avocado pit orgeat, lime juice, angostura orange bitters, salted guava foam for $18.  Our reporter doesn’t normally like mezcal, but the server said the same, but thought the drink would be a hit with us — and it was. It almost tastes like a margarita, especially with the sweet guava and salt from the foam. The mezcal is barely noticeable — it just offers a smoky taste at the end. The citrus makes this very refreshing and we like the combo of sweet and salty.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-maya-tai-1

    Maya-Tai

    For appetizers, we started with the Queso Fundido, made with chorizo & gruyère cheese fondue, wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and rosemary and served with roasted masa madre bread for $15. Warning: the madre bread is basically a fancy corn chip. But the dip itself has a light and creamy texture. Plus the flavors blend well, especially when dipping the madre bread into the dip.

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    Queso fundido

    The chorizo has a slight kick to it, but it’s not super spicy. We also got hints of the garlic and rosemary flavors, but they were never overpowering. Same goes for the mushrooms and shallots. This just mostly tasted cheesy and a little spicy, and yes, we love that combo.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-yucatan-ce

    Super yummy

    We also ordered the Yucatán ceviche, made with hamachi, baby cucumbers, fried plantains, mango habanero geleé, and achiote aguachil for $24. Our reporter is not fond of fish, so was a little worried about the hamachi flavors. However, it didn’t taste too fishy plus the other parts of this added some interesting flavors.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-yucatan-ce

    Yucatan Ceviche

    The mango habanero geleé adds a nice, sweet, and refreshing, yet slightly spicy, kick to the dish. The dragon fruit under the fish was a nice surprise and added a hint of sweetness to every bite with the fish. The cucumbers had a nice crunch and a nice saltiness that balanced out everything.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-yucatan-ce

    Another great starter

    For our main entree, we picked the Mama’s Cochinita Pibil made with guerrero-style pork shank, black bean pureé, pickled red onion, habanero salsa, and corn tortillas for $38. This pork was so tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Although it’s served with a steak knife, we didn’t need it — it just fell right off the bone. It was slow-cooked with orange and chili, so you got those hints of sweet and spicy flavors.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-mamas-coch

    Mama’s Cochinita Pibil

    The habanero salsa was fresh with just the right amount of mild heat. The black beans in the paste were cooked in fat from the pork, so their flavor blended in with the pork because of that.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-mamas-coch

    SO tender

    However, our favorite part of this entree was the corn tortillas. They were warm and fresh and thicker than the kind of tortillas you get in the store. So basically, the tortillas were sort of like corn tortilla bread. We have ZERO complaints.

    2024-dlr-dtd-paseo-restaurant-mamas-coch

    These tortillas!

    Overall, we enjoyed this meal.

    Nosh or Not?

    You might want to stop by Paseo if…

    • You love authentic Mexican-inspired food. Chef Carlos Gaytan created the menu and it certainly features a lot of Mexican staples with great combinations of flavors. If you love Mexican food, you’ll want to eat here.
    • You want to enjoy a table service restaurant experience. This restaurant is so chill and we love the vibe. So if you’re wanting to stop for a while and enjoy a meal, here’s your chance. Plus you can sit indoors or outdoors.
    • You’re not on a budget. Although this menu is about mid-priced for Downtown Disney, once you add drinks, it could still add up.

    Skip Paseo if…

    • You don’t like Mexican food or are averse to Mexican spices. The flavors you’ll find here are all inspired by Mexican food and yes, that means that some of the food could be spicier than you would like.
    • You want something quick. If you’re just wanting a meal to go, you would probably be better off just picking up some food from Tiendita, which is a counter service spot with a menu also created by Chef Carlos Gaytan.
    • You’re on a budget. If you’re looking for cheap, this might not fit into your budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in Downtown Disney to eat that cost less.

    Overall

    Honestly, we can’t fault anything about the meal we had at Paseo. We will warn you that things are a little spicy, but we didn’t think the items we ordered were TOO hot, but we also understand that spiciness is a very subjective thing. However, being able to get authentic Mexican food at a Disney resort is an idea that we love, but we also love that there are now three options, with menus all created by the same chef, that should appeal to just about anyone who’s craving Mexican food.

    We’re excited to return to this restaurant to try more at some point, too, so this is not a one-and-done kind of dining experience for us.

    Stay tuned to DFB for more.

    REVIEW: Can a Michelin-Starred Chef Make GOOD Disney Fast Food? We Found 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.


    DFBGuide-ShortCode-Image-1.png

    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!

    Have you tried Paseo yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

    The post REVIEW: We Have ZERO Complaints About This NEW Disney Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  3. This might be the BEST DAY EVER!

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    ©Disney

    We are FINALLY getting to visit The Snuggly Duckling! Our dreams have finally come true. Disney has brought the little restaurant with our favorite ruffians and thugs to life at Fantasy Springs in Tokyo Disney. Fantasy Springs officially opens on June 6th, but we got to drop in to sing about our dreams a little early, and boy are we glad we did! Let’s take a look!

    Click here to subscribe

    Fantasy Springs has three new lands, and we are currently visiting Rapunzel’s Forest where you’ll find the famed restaurant of our dreams — The Snuggly Duckling!

    tdr-2024-tokyo-disneysea-fantasy-springs

    The Snuggly Duckling

    We dropped in to give it a try, and we have to tell you — it’s AMAZING! It’s everything we hoped for and more.

    Atmosphere

    It was like we stepped foot directly into the movie. It has rustic charm — perfect for those ruffians and thugs who like to visit.

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    Snuggly Duckling, The details are impeccable, though. Check out this puppet show featuring Pascal and Maximus!

    While you might think the hangout looked rather small in the movie, this restaurant is far from it. It can seat up to 620 people! 🤯There’s a beautiful mural of Rapunzel and Maximus that is jaw-dropping.

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    Snuggly Duckling, Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs

    Plus, a piano is set up just in case you want to break into song. But we are wondering if the forest is perhaps starting to take over the restaurant and trying to become with it, based on the trunks that are coming through the wall and ceiling.

    2024-tokyo-disney-resort-disneysea-fanta

    Anyone else down for a good ol’ fashioned shanty?

    You’ll also find adorable little details that are reminiscent of the movie. Speaking of little details, can you spot Pascal?

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    Pascal!

    There really are neat little gems, no matter where you look!

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    The Axe!

    Honestly, this place is downright adorable.

    Menu

    Just like the atmosphere, the menu is very interesting!

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    The Snuggly Duckling Menu

    There is a solid roster of items and we got to try that Ducklings Dream Cheeseburger, Fried Shrimp Burger, Rapunzel’s Magical Milk Tea, Duckling Muffin, and Sweets Ever After.

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    Everything we tried!

    Combos/sets come with a side of french fries or a cupped salad. This restaurant serves something akin to standard theme park fare but with a Tokyo DisneySea twist! Because we were invited for a media preview, our treats were complimentary. However, we will include the pricing in our reviews should you choose to visit. Without further ado, let’s talk about the food!

    Eats

    Let’s dig in! First up, we tried the Ducklings Dream Cheeseburger, which will cost ¥900 (the set costs ¥1,440).

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    Duckling Dream Cheeseburger

    Right off the bat, we were impressed by the packaging, which features a fantasy fast food wrapper with the Snuggly Duckling print. However, the actual burger garnered some complaints.

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    Super cute!

    The burger is served with a beef patty, bologna, tomato, and onion with a burger sauce. Starting with the good, on paper, we liked all the ingredients. The sauce was really good, but there needed to be more of it. The bread was also pretty tasty and yellow (as an homage to ducklings).

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    They didn’t skimp on the bologna…

    With that said, the bologna was way too thick and bites that didn’t have sauce mostly tasted of bologna and tomato. We would personally skip this burger during a return visit to The Snuggly Duckling.

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    Snuggly duckling burger

    Next, we tried the Fried Shrimp Burger, which will cost ¥950 (¥1,490 for the set).

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    Fried Shrimp Burger

    We’re happy to say tasting this shrimp burger was a much better experience! It comes with a tartar-like sauce and coleslaw.

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    Look at the size of this thing!

    The bread was once again delicious and we felt the slaw really cut through the saltiness and fishy flavor of the shrimp.

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    Great crunch

    The burger was very crunchy and, overall, incredibly tasty. Our only complaint was the sauce, which was simply unremarkable. If you’re looking for an interesting take on a seafood burger, give this one a shot!

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    A very interesting burger

    For the drink, we tried Rapunzel’s Magical Milk Tea, which will cost ¥800 when the restaurant opens.

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    Rapunzel’s Magical Milk Tea

    We LOVED this drink! Ours was creamy and sweet (but not too sweet), and the little tapioca-like bits in the drink provided a fun texture and fruity sweetness. We would get this over again and again, so we’re definitely giving this drink a gold star!

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    This is a MUST-TRY drink!

    For dessert, we started with the Duckling Muffin! This muffin will cost ¥600 and comes in a caramel flavor.

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    Duckling Muffin

    This dessert is more like a cupcake than a muffin and we were able to devour it in just a few bites. The cream on top was super light while adding a cool and creamy texture and sweetness to the dense muffin. The muffin itself balanced being crumbly and moist PERFECTLY.

    The best part was the ooey-gooey caramel center, which was thick, sticky, and portioned perfectly. The dessert is topped with a cute duckling medallion, which just ties together this flawless treat! Next time we visit, we’re definitely getting this again!

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    10 out of 10, no notes

    Finally, the last dessert we tried was the Sweets Ever After treat!

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    Sweets Ever After

    This dessert will cost ¥700 and is a lemon and strawberry fruit custard dessert. 

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    Pretty!

    This pastry is VERY cute and draws you in. As for the taste, we thought it was pretty standard for a fruit custard, which is a good thing. It’s hard to mess up fruit and custard. However, we found the edges of the pastry to be a little bouncy and chewy, and we wanted something crispier, less dense, and without air pockets.

    While the fruit, fruit preserves, and custard worked SO well together and created a great flavor profile, we wish the texture was more up to par with other pastries around the park.

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    The pastry part wasn’t our favorite…

    So what did we think of The Snuggly Duckling overall? We have thoughts…

    Overall

    The Snuggly Duckling mostly delivers. It had some stuff (like Rapunzel’s Magical Milk Tea and the Duckling Muffin) which will be must-haves whenever we visit, and some passes (like the Ducklings Dream Cheeseburger).

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    The Snuggly Duckling

    Overall, we say the food is solid and the atmosphere creates the perfect place to go and “live your dream”! 

    Nosh or Not?

    Run, and race, and dance, and chase, and leap, and bound over to The Snuggly Duckling if…

    • You’re craving a simple meal. For the most part, The Snuggly Duckling’s offerings are akin to standard theme park fare, so if you want to try to keep it simple, this could be the spot for you.
    • You’re a fan of Tangled! This place is filled to the brim with nods to Tangled and the biggest fans of the film will likely be smiling from ear to ear during a visit.
    • You’re in the mood for a light dessert. Both desserts here are tasty and the milk tea is SUBLIME. We think this would be a very suitable spot to grab a snack after a journey on Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival!

    Skip on past The Snuggly Duckling if…

    • You want a higher quality meal. We weren’t as impressed with the burgers as we would’ve liked, so if you’re looking for something heartier with more flavor, give the Royal Banquet Hall of Arendelle a look!
    • You don’t care about Tangled aesthetics. If you don’t care how a restaurant looks and the sole reason for visiting is the food, there are better options scattered throughout Tokyo DisneySea and the Tokyo Disney Resort.
    • You need a bigger menu to choose from. The Snuggly Duckling’s entrees are mostly burgers (including a veggie burger), and even if you’re a fan of the burgers we tried, the menu is slightly limited. To learn more about Fantasy Springs restaurants, click the link below!

    CLICK HERE to read more about Fantasy Springs Restaurants!

    And there you have it! If you visit The Snuggly Duckling when it opens, be sure to let us know your reviews!

    We’re so excited to keep bringing you Fantasy Springs news! Stay tuned to DFB for more details!

    FIRST LOOK: Inside the NEW Fantasy Springs Hotel at Tokyo DisneySea

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


    DFBGuide-ShortCode-Image-1.png

    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!

    How excited are you to finally visit The Snuggly Duckling? Tell us in the comments!

    Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Tokyo Disney to attend their media preview of Fantasy Springs. 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 REVIEW: Come Check Out Disney's NEW Snuggly Duckling Restaurant With Us! first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  4. If there’s ONE accessory we recommend you bring to Disney World, it’s a water bottle!

    2022-wdw-minnie-ears-water-bottle-store-

    Water bottles for days!

    Water bottles can be an absolute lifesaver in the parks, especially in the summer. Sure, you can get free cups of ice water at quick service restaurants, but you don’t want to keep stopping to get those when you can just fill up your bottle and go! That’s why we’re rounding up our picks for the BEST water bottles for Disney World. Let’s dive in.

    DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

    Now, we found these after scrolling and scrolling through Amazon. They all have 5 star reviews from thousands of people and should keep your water cool while your in the parks.

    Hydro Flask

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    ©Amazon

    Of course, one of the most popular water bottle options we see in the parks is the Hydro Flask, which comes in a massive insulated 32oz size — perfect for keeping lots of ice water nice and chilled. It has a carrying loop and it’s covered in a slip-free material that doesn’t sweat.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE HYDRO FLASK!

    Nature Pineor Water Bottle

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    ©Amazon

    Another great option is this Nature Pioneor water bottle that comes with its own carrier, reusable straw, and swappable lids! It can be super annoying to just hold your water bottle all day, so the sling that you throw over your shoulder would be very useful in the parks. And the price on this one is quite shocking!!

    SHOP A NEW WATER BOTTLE HERE!

    Kids Water Bottle

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    ©Amazon

    The Bottle Bottle 160z sports water bottle comes with both a regular lid and a hidden pill holder. This would be perfect for kids, sports practice, or a trip to the parks. It comes in several fun colors as well!

    CLICK HERE TO SNAG THE BOTTLE!

    Simple Modern Water Bottle

    amazon-2024-simple-modern-mickey-mouse-k

    ©Amazon

    Another favorite for Disney fans is the Simple Modern line from Amazon! These bottles come in a variety of patterns, including this fun Mickey Mouse design. The kid-sized water bottle is great for your little ones, as it stores 14oz at a time.

    GET THE SIMPLE MODERN BOTTLE HERE!

    Owala FreeSip

    2024-dfb-owala-marshmallow-water-bottle-

    Owala Water Bottle

    Owala water bottles are going to be pretty popular this summer, so go ahead and jump on the trend now! Their FreeSip design stores 40oz and comes in a variety of colors. This is our personal go-to option in the parks. It is slim, keeps our water cool, and we love all of the color options! We also love getting signed by characters!

    2024-dfb-owala-marshmallow-water-bottle-

    Owala Water Bottle

    SNAG THE OWALA ON AMAZON HERE!

    That’s a wrap on our list of water bottles for Disney World! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates ahead of your vacation.

    Click Here to Shop More Disney Merchandise on Amazon!

    The post We Found the Best Water Bottles for Disney World After *HOURS* of Scrolling Through Amazon Reviews first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  5. We just found your new favorite Disney World water bottle!

    2024-WDW-Orlando-Target-Atmo-22-700x525.

    Target

    We find cute new Disney products at Target all the time — both in-person and online. What makes it even better is when those cute things are actually super useful, too! Since staying hydrated is SUPER important at Disney World, a water bottle is 100% essential for your upcoming trip. If you want to stay on the Disney theme, you should check out these cute character-inspired water bottles that you can get right now online!

    DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

    We found water bottles online at Target that are themed to Mickey, Minnie, Chewbacca, and Baby Yoda! The bottles themselves are pretty plain, but they come with these coolers that are designed to look like the characters. The coolers have carry straps, which make the bottles super convenient to carry around Disney World.

    Get the Mickey Mouse Water Bottle

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-mickey-m

    ©Target

    You can’t go wrong with a classic! This 24-ounce stainless steel bottle comes with an insulated cooler tote that is designed to look like Mickey’s shorts!

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-mickey-6

    ©Target

    The tote has a comfy carry strap on it. It can hold your other water bottles, too, if they’re between 20 and 32 ounces.

    Shop this water bottle from Target here!

    Get the Minnie Mouse Water Bottle

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-minnie-m

    ©Target

    If there’s one for Mickey, there’s gotta be one for Minnie too, right? This one has Minnie’s iconic polka dots, along with her bow on top.

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-minnie-6

    ©Target

    This tote also comes with the 24 ounce stainless steel bottle, but of course you can swap it out for your own bottle if it’s between 20 and 32 ounces.

    Shop this water bottle here!

    Get the Chewbacca Water Bottle

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-chewbacc

    ©Target

    This one’s for the Star Wars fans! The Chewbacca Bottle Cooler seems like it must be extra insulated because it’s covered in fur, just like the Wookie. The carry strap even looks like Chewy’s bandolier!

    Shop this water bottle here!

    Get the Baby Yoda Water Bottle

    2024-target-disney-water-bottle-baby-yod

    ©Target

    If you loved the Mandalorian Disney+ show, this Grogu Bottle Cooler is perfect for you. Baby Yoda is featured on the tote, holding a little frog snack. The water bottle that comes with it has the Star Wars logo and a galaxy design on it.

    Shop this water bottle here!

    Looking for more Disney-themed water bottles? Check out these two that we found on Amazon!

    Get the Kids’ Star Wars Water Bottle

    2024-amazon-water-bottle-simple-modern-k

    ©Amazon

    If you’re looking for a kid-sized bottle for your little ones, check out this Star Wars one by Simple Modern! It has double wall insulation, is leakproof when the nozzle is closed, and is cupholder-friendly.

    Shop this water bottle on Amazon here!

    Get the Boba Fett Owala Water Bottle

    owala-star-wars-water-bottle-boba-fett-5

    ©Amazon

    I LOVE my Owala water bottle, and I was so excited to learn that they have Star Wars-themed designs! This one is inspired by the bounty hunter Boba Fett. 

    Owala bottles have this cool FreeSip feature that allows you to either sip your drink through a straw or tilt it back for a bigger gulp. The lid locks into place, too, so it’s leakproof.

    Shop the Owala on Amazon here!

    Keep following DFB for more updates on the newest Disney merch!

    Check out our DFB Amazon storefront to see some of our favorite Disney essentials!

    The post Target Has 4 NEW Disney Water Bottles ONLINE first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  6. If you are a fan of All-Star Movies Resort, we have some good and bad news for you. The good news is that one of the amenities will be getting a refresh, but the bad news is that means it will need to suspend some operations for a bit. 

    2023-WDW-All-Star-Movies-Resort-Sign-Atm

    All-Star Movies

    All-Star Movies Resort is a value resort located at Walt Disney World, that is perfect if you are looking for a more inexpensive hotel option with many of the great perks that Disney World hotel guests get. It is part of a trio of All-Star Resorts which also includes All-Star Sports and All-Star Music.

    Disney World is constantly refurbishing and renovating areas throughout the resort, and now All-Star Movies will be getting a little bit of love. From July 1st through July 31st, the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be undergoing a refurbishment. While the dining area will be receiving a facelift, guests will still be able to take advantage of the food offered by the food court. 

    wdw-all-star-movies-resort-world-premier

    World Premiere Food Court

    During this time, guests may utilize the My Disney Experience app to order food and drinks with their mobile device. The mobile order menu will only offer select items during the refurbishment, though. While the menu may be limited, we are glad that guests of All-Star Movies will still have an option to get food from the resort. 

    2023-All-Star-Movies-Resort-Atmo-09-700x

    All-Star Movies

    If you are staying at All-Star Movies during the month of July, this is definitely an important refurbishment to note. As well, we wanted to remind you that the Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies will be undergoing routine maintenance from January 2025 through April 2025. During this time, guests can use the Duck Pond Pool at All-Star Movies, but also be aware that there may be construction noise during the day at All-Star Movies.

    We are always keeping our eyes and ears open for refurbishments and closures, so you are always prepared for your Disney World trip. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World updates!

    All-Star Movies or Pop Century? Read more about this value resort debate here!

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    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.

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    Have you stayed at All-Star Movies before? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

    The post NEWS: A Disney World Hotel Restaurant Is Undergoing Refurbishment SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  7. We’re having the time of our lives in Tokyo Disney, and we can’t believe we’re getting a special look at Fantasy Springs before it opens to the public in June!

    tdr-2024-tokyo-disneysea-fantasy-springs

    Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

    Not only did we get to ride the new attractions Disney has created, but we’re also getting a look at some of the special merchandise guests will be able to purchase in this new land. And this new popcorn bucket has our jaws on the FLOOR!

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    Peter Pan fans will be really jealous of this new Big Ben Peter Pan Popcorn Bucket! While one side shows the iconic Big Ben clock in London…

    2024-Tokyo-DisneySea-Fantasy-Springs-Pet

    Peter Pan Popcorn Bucket

    …one of the other sides shows Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John flying through the night sky to Neverland!

    2024-Tokyo-DisneySea-Fantasy-Springs-Pet

    So cute!

    And on the other side? Captain Hook and Smee are on the lookout for Peter Pan while aboard the Jolly Roger.

    2024-Tokyo-DisneySea-Fantasy-Springs-Pet

    What’s a story without the villains?

    Don’t worry, Tinker Bell hasn’t been left behind — she’s on the strap!

    2024-Tokyo-DisneySea-Fantasy-Springs-Pet

    Hey, Tink!

    We’re still checking out everything Fantasy Springs has to offer, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!

    Check out our FULL ride through of the new Frozen ride — which might be Disney’s best ride EVER!

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


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    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!

    What do you think of everything you’ve seen from Fantasy Springs so far? Tell us in the comments!

    The post PHOTOS: We're OBSESSED With This Peter Pan Popcorn Bucket! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  8. Throughout the year, there are events where Disney makes some pretty big announcements.

    walt-disney-company-logo.jpg

    ©Disney

    Of course, we get TONS of announcements from events like the D23 Ultimate Fan Event. We also generally get some announcements when Disney hosts its quarterly earnings calls. However, a BIG event is coming up soon where we could learn a LOT more about Disney movies, television shows, and more SOON.

    On May 14th, The Walt Disney Company will have its annual Upfront presentation at the North Javits Center in New York City. An upfront is a star-studded presentation to advertisers by major television networks and streamers, basically giving advertisers a reason to invest their money in the company. As you can expect, that means BIG announcements are generally made during these presentations.

    2023-disney-castle-movie-logo.png

    ©Disney

    This year’s Upfront presentation “showcase everything from Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the Disney Upfront stage following his successful stint as Oscar host, to a trove of announcements around some of Disney’s most popular series and franchises, in addition to new content and verticals.” So we can expect to learn a LOT more about Disney’s upcoming movies, TV shows, and more.

    So why should advertisers be paying attention? According to Rita Ferro, Disney’s President of Global Advertising, “We have the best storytelling and brands in the world when it comes to entertainment and sports. And we have really invested, over the last decade, in technology that differentiates us from all of our traditional competitors. So, when I think across the marketplace, no one has the advertising technology and the data stack that we have built over the course of that period.”

    rita-ferro-at-ces-las-vegas-700x467.jpg

    ©Disney

    Disney also has some major focuses when it comes to advertising right now. Ferro said, “We’re focused on driving growth and scale around the pillars that [Disney CEO Bob Iger] has laid out for us.” She also mentioned a continued focus on sports growth and how Disney’s linear shows on streaming are reaching its audiences.

    disney-plus-logo-700x394.jpg

    ©Disney

    So what can advertisers expect from this year’s Upfront presentation? Ferro stressed how Disney is not just a storytelling company, but also a technology company. The presentation will focus on the importance of creativity “as a differentiator and unifier.” Ferro called Disney’s storytelling and quality content “incomparable” to what other companies are offering.

    So what does that mean for you? Well, it means you’re about to learn more about Disney’s upcoming movies and TV shows. It’s likely some new trailers might be released, as well as new announcements made about projects we’re not aware of yet.

    We know we’ll certainly be paying attention to the presentation, and you should, too. Stay tuned to DFB to stay updated!

    Disney’s Gotta Make Some Big Announcements, and They’re Promising to Do it This August

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    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!

    What do you think Disney might announce during its Upfront presentation? Let us know in the comments!

    The post Why Every Disney Fan Will Be Glued to Their Screen on May 14th first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  9. It’s no secret that some of the best restaurants in Disney World are NOT in the parks!

    2023-WDW-Polynesian-Village-Resort-Atmo-

    The Polynesian Village Resort

    There are several restaurants run by James Beard Award-winning chefs in Disney Springs, and many of the dining locations at the hotels are absolutely spectacular. Recently, I got the chance to visit one of those beloved Disney World hotel restaurants, but not for the meal you’d think! And now, I’m bringing you my full review.

    Atmosphere

    Not too long ago, I stopped by Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! This spot is beloved by many for its breakfast menu, filled with the likes of Tonga Toast and Macadamia Nut Pancakes…but I wasn’t there for that. Nope, we’re heading to Kona Cafe for LUNCH!

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Kona Cafe

    The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Polynesian’s Grand Ceremonial House, right next door to ‘Ohana. Lunch is served daily from 11:30AM to 2PM.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Inside the restaurant

    A few years ago, Kona Cafe got a big makeover to modernize it a bit. You’ll notice bright colors, wood accents, and tropical details all around the restaurant. Windows along one wall add some natural light to the dining space.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    The dining area

    I found that Kona Cafe wasn’t particularly busy during the lunch shift, and reservations were fairly easy to get. Let’s see if the food is worth visiting for!

    Menu

    Taking a look at the menu, Kona Cafe offers three lunch appetizers — pot stickers, glazed chicken wings, and a new seasonal soup. The menu is filled with a variety of Asian-inspired eats, including sushi rolls, Poke’ Bowls, and Dashi Bowls.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Menu

    Main entrees include stir fry options, a Teriyaki Steak Salad, and a NEW Hawaiian Reuben. They also offer a Big Kahuna Burger and a Turkey Banh Mi for sandwich lovers.

    If you’d like dessert, Kona Cafe serves a Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding, a Molten Chocolate Cake, a Passion Fruit Layer Cake, and a no-sugar-added Pineapple Haupia Cake.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    ©Disney

    And of course, there are a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available to pair with your meal.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Drink Menu

    Now that we’ve covered the menu, let’s see what the eats look like!

    Eats

    I ordered a couple of the new items on the menu, as well as some Kona Cafe classics!

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    Full Spread

    My meal started out with a complimentary bread service! Here, they bring out Pineapple Rolls served with butter. They were a smidge tough on the outside, but still very soft on the inside.

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    Pineapple Rolls

    The pineapple flavor here was very mild, and I honestly wish there was more of it overall. They were delicious with the butter spread on top, but what bread isn’t? I think these were fine, but definitely not top of the bread service list in Disney World.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    More pineapple, please!

    For my beverage, I chose the Keiki Lemonade, made with Odwalla Lemonade, pineapple, passion fruit, and citrus. It’s available for $5.99.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Keiki Lemonade

    I thought this was spectacular! I could taste the pineapple and citrus flavors even more than the lemonade, as you get the lemon flavor toward the end. It’s definitely sweet, but not so sweet that I couldn’t drink the whole cup. Overall, very refreshing and fruity — probably my new favorite Disney World table service mocktail!

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Honestly LOVED this!

    For my appetizer, I ordered a new item — the Seasonal Soup for $9. During my visit, the option available was Miso Soup.

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    Miso Soup

    It was filled with tofu chunks, seaweed, green onions, and rich dashi stock. I thought it was nice and savory, and the green onions gave it a good sharpness. The tofu chunks were soft and mild, but added a chewy textural element. The seaweed helped vary the flavors even further with some earthiness and it all blended together really well. I would order this again!

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Lots of great flavors and textures.

    If you’re a sushi person, then Kona Cafe is a great stop for lunch or dinner! I got the Hamachi Tuna Roll, which is made with hamachi, tuna, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and ponzu. You can snag it for $21.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Hamachi Tuna Roll

    This was very fresh and bright with the tuna and avocado. The tuna had a rich ocean flavor without being too “fishy” and the jalapeño added a slight spice on the tip of my tongue. It’s mostly fresh, bright, and green-tasting — perfect for spring!

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    SUSHIII

    The Hawaiian Reuben is one of the new items on the menu here, and it’s made with corned beef, pulled pork, kimchi, swiss cheese, marble rye, and spicy mayonnaise. It’s served with seasoned fries on the side and is available for $20.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Hawaiian Reuben

    This was an EXCELLENT tropical twist on a Reuben! There’s a decent amount of meat and it’s very rich in flavor with a mild cheese. The kimchi adds a good crunch and the spicy mayo has a slow heat that builds on your tongue after you take a bite. All of the elements work well together, and I would totally recommend it for Reuben or sandwich fans.

    Also, I just have to tell you that these are the BEST fries I’ve eaten in Disney World! They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and spectacularly seasoned with salt, paprika, and a touch of sugar. WOW.

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    They did this mashup really well!

    Last but not least, I wrapped up my meal with the Molten Chocolate Cake. This is $10 and made with Valrhona Espresso ganache, Kona Coffee ganache, and caramel latte anglaise.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Molten Chocolate Cake

    It was VERY soft and gooey in the middle, and had a deep, rich chocolatey flavor that was more dark than milk. It’s a smaller portion, but it would likely be overwhelming in a larger size, so I didn’t mind too much. I would place it a step above a regular chocolate lava cake — very delicious, but not the top thing I ate during my meal.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    YUM

    So how does Kona Cafe stack up?

    Overall

    Ultimately, I was more impressed with Kona Cafe than I expected! The Hawaiian Reuben (especially with those fries!) and the Hamachi Tuna Roll were the standouts for me, but I would also go back just to have that Keiki Lemonade again.

    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    There were some really great dishes here.

    I was only slightly underwhelmed by the pineapple rolls, and I would order the Miso Soup or the chocolate cake again. If you’ve only been going to Kona for breakfast, you might be missing out!

    Nosh or Not?

    Make a stop at Kona Cafe midday if…

    • You’re a fan of sushi and Asian eats. Most of the menu here is Asian-inspired, so if that’s your jam, you might really enjoy it! They’re also one of the few spots in Disney World that serves sushi.
    • You want a more low-key meal at the Polynesian. Other dining options at the Polynesian Village Resort, like ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s, are a bit more over-the-top. Kona is a much more chill and relaxing meal.
    • You’ve only been there for breakfast. If you’ve been to Kona for breakfast before and you haven’t tried lunch, now is the time! I was seriously impressed with some of the eats.

    Try a different spot for lunch if…

    • You’re in a hurry. As a sit-down restaurant, this likely won’t be the fastest meal during your trip. If you’re on a time crunch, I might not recommend it.
    • You won’t be near the Polynesian Village Resort. This is a great stop if you’re staying on the Monorail loop or visiting Magic Kingdom, but if you’re out of the way, I would save this for a time when you’re already planning on being in the area.
    • You don’t like Asian food. This isn’t exactly the best recommendation for a picky eater, so I would skip it if you don’t like Asian eats.
    wdw-2024-disneys-polynesian-village-reso

    Would you go to Kona Cafe for lunch?

    Thanks for coming along on my trip to Kona Cafe! Stay tuned to DFB for more restaurant reviews from around Disney World!

    The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants — Click Here!

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    Have you ever been to Kona Cafe for lunch? Let us know in the comments!

    The post REVIEW: Is This Disney World Hotel Restaurant Worth Leaving the Parks for Lunch? first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  10. Yet another festival is getting ready to begin its second stage at Disneyland Resort!

    2024-DLR-Downtown-Disney-Pixar-Fest-Atmo

    Pixar Fest

    We’ve already been enjoying some of the entertainment and new snacks that have come with the start of Pixar Fest in the resort, but the festival booths are getting ready to open in Disney California Adventure, and we couldn’t be more excited!

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    Festivals in Disney California Adventure always gets us pumped, and now we get a look at some of the menus we’ll be able to try in a few short days! First up is The Elemental Table, which has eats and drinks all inspired by Pixar’s recent film Elemental.

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    The Elemental Table

    You’ll also be able to stop by The Spark, inspired by Pixar’s hit film Soul!

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    The Spark

    Here you’ll find 2 different dining options, and 3 drinks to choose from.

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    The Spark Menu

    We’re also seeing menus up at Portorosso Pasta, inspired by, you guessed it, Luca!

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    Portorosso Pasta Booth

    Here you’ll find 1 pasta dish and 3 different drinks.

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    Portorosso Pasta Menu

    For fans of Ratatouille, you’ll love stopping by Gusteau’s To-Go!

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    Gusteau’s To-Go Booth

    There are 2 food options here, as well as 2 different drinks!

    2024-dca-disney-california-adventure-pix

    Gusteau’s To-Go Menu

    These booths will open on May 10th, and you know we’ll be first in line to give them all a try! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disneyland and Pixar Fest news!

    Learn ALL about Pixar Fest right here!

    Which booth are you most excited to try? Tell us in the comments!

    The post NEWS: Food Booth MENUS and PRICING Are Up at Pixar Fest in Disney California Adventure! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  11. We’re still about a year away from the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s NEW theme park, Epic Universe.

    2024-epic-universe-logo-opening-timeline

    ©Universal

    However, we’ve been getting more and more details about all five themed lands the park will have, including the Isle of Berk (a How To Train Your Dragon land) and Super Nintendo World. Now, we’ve seen various construction updates online, but let’s just say we got curious and decided to go check out some of that construction (from a safe distance, of course) for ourselves!

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    Granted, we can’t get TOO close to the construction, but we still saw progress on the hotels being built near Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort along with Universal Terra Luna Res0rt  will “place guests in the center of marvelous galaxies and diverse planetary elements for an experience unlike anywhere else in the universe – complete with tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, various cosmic-inspired dining options and so much more.” Here’s the concept art:

    2023-universal-orlando-new-hotels-epic-u

    ©Universal

    Here’s what it looks like right now. It’s coming right along, as you can tell. The exterior looks like we’re staring into space. Very cool!

    2024-universal-orlando-epic-universe-ste

    It’s pretty!

    Stella Nova, which is inspired by the cosmos (as if you couldn’t tell) will open on January 21st, 2025. Terra Luna is inspired by terrestrial exploration and will open on February 25th, 2025.

    We also got a bit of a peek at the construction of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This is the hotel that will have its very own entrance directly into Epic Universe. Helios will offer “500 rooms integrated into the park like no other theme park in the world.” Color us curious! Here’s the concept art:

    2024-Universal-Orlando-Epic-Universe-Hel

    ©Universal Studios

    Here’s what it looks like now. We don’t yet have an official opening date for this hotel.

    2024-universal-orlando-epic-universe-gra

    Grand Helios being built in the background

    Finally, we sort of got a sneak peek at a few of the lands. We THINK this is something from Isle of Berk, just based on concept art we’ve seen. It’s a HUGE structure, whatever it is!

    2024-universal-orlando-epic-universe-con

    Isle of Berk?

    We also saw the top of Starfall Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster that will be part of the park’s Celestial Park, which will serve as the mainland at the entrance of Epic Universe.

    2024-universal-orlando-epic-universe-con

    The top of Starfall Racers

    It’s exciting to see all the progress being made on Epic Universe. The new theme park is scheduled to open in 2025, and we can’t wait! We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

    UPDATE On the Best Part of Universal’s Epic Universe — The In-Park Hotel

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    What do you think of Epic Universe so far? Which hotel would you like to stay in? Let us know in the comments!

    The post NEW LOOK at Universal's Epic Universe Hotels Coming to Orlando! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  12. What’s more exciting than new Disney food? An entirely new Disney restaurant opening! Woo-hoo!

    2024-dlr-pixar-place-hotel-3-700x525.jpg

    Obviously, we get excited about such things because we are, well, the Disney FOOD Blog. Now, we’ve already told you all about Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland, and we’ve even taken you along to check out some of the dining there, including Great Maple and the Sketch Pad Cafe. Well, a third new dining spot is now open, Small Bytes.

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    As of today, May 8th, Small Bytes is open! Hours for today show that the snack spot will be open from 6AM to 5PM PT on most days. We actually stopped by the day before, and it had soft-opened, but now it is OFFICIALLY open. You’ll find Small Bytes near the pool.

    2024-disneyland-pixar-place-hotel-small-

    Small Bytes

    You’ll find mostly basic snacks here like House Potato Chips & Dips, a Mega Soft Pretzel, and a Shrimp Ceviche Duo. There is also a selection of sandwiches, Nachos, Signature Mini Floats, Alcoholic Floats, and more. YUM! We even got to grab a Root Beer Float, but if you’re looking for a review, we’ll be doing a full one later.

    2024-disneyland-pixar-place-hotel-small-

    Menu

    This is just one of MANY new restaurants coming to Disneyland. Three new restaurants just opened in Downtown Disney: Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita. But there are still a lot more on the way including Din Tai Fung and Porto’s Bakery. Let’s just say a lot of new good eating is headed to Disneyland!

    2024-dlr-Downtown-Disney-Paseo-atmo-9-70

    Paseo at Downtown Disney

    Also, right now, Disney is hosting Pixar Fest, which also brought a ton of new foods and snacks to the parks. More food? Yes, please!

    dlr-2024-disneyland-refreshment-corner-b

    BBQ Potato Dog

    We’ll be keeping an eye out for more new food in Disneyland AND Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

    We Tried 8 NEW Things at Disneyland and They Were Both DELICIOUS and SHOCKING!

    Will you be checking into Pixar Place Hotel soon? Let us know in the comments!

    The post A NEW Disney Restaurant Is NOW Open! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  13. We’re finally here!

    tdr-2024-tokyo-disneysea-fantasy-springs

    We’re HERE!

    We are thrilled to have been invited to check out Tokyo DisneySea‘s new land, Fantasy Springs! There are three new sections to this new land, and one of them is called the Frozen Kingdom! This Frozen Land features a NEW ride we’ve never seen in any other Disney park, and y’all, it’s AMAZING. You need to come with us to see just how fantastic this new ride is. We can’t stop thinking about it and talking about it, and you’ll see why.

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    Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey is a boat ride that tells the story of the sisters, including popular songs from the original film and iconic memories the two share. The minute you step into the queue, you are transported to Arendelle Castle, which is packed with so many details and incredible effects that it’s almost overwhelming. It’s one of the most immersive Disney queues we’ve seen.

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    It really feels like you’re inside Arendelle Castle

    There are a lot of nods to the Frozen movies, including several portraits and paintings…

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    Portraits

    …Anna and Elsa’s dolls…

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    The dolls!

    …Anna’s travel cloak, and Anna’s travel cloak and hat.

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    It’s like she’ll be by any minute to put these on.

    The way it’s all put together, it feels like the castle is truly lived in — like Anna and Elsa were just there, and we JUST missed them.

    2024-tokyo-disney-resort-disneysea-anna-

    So many incredible details

    There’s one room with a glass ceiling and huge windows — you can see the aurora borealis outside the windows. Occasionally, Olaf will walk across the glass ceiling. One of the details that impressed us was this gardening corner with shelves and a trowel with dirt on it. Not a single detail was missed.

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    Gardening nook

    The queue music is also great. It is specially arranged songs from both Frozen movies. It all just works so well together, like you’re basically just taking this tour through the Arendelle Castle while Anna and Elsa are out for a bit.

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    Then, it was finally time to board! The ride vehicle is a boat, similar to the one you ride in EPCOT‘s Frozen Ever After, but that’s pretty much where the similarities stop.

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    Ride vehicle

    Why? Because this ride is a MILLION times more technologically advanced than its counterpart in EPCOT. Our jaws dropped right at the beginning of the ride, and they were still on the floor by the end of the ride — literally, we were floored. The characters move and sing and dance exactly like they do in the movie. We have never seen anything like it before, and we’ve been on pretty much every Disney ride to ever exist.

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    For the first time in forever…

    The ride starts with these incredible projection effects, but these projections are SO much better than what we’ve previously seen. The trolls’ faces were projections, but unlike the EPCOT ride, the faces are seamless and don’t really even look like projections at all. It is like a real, live troll is in front of you, and if you look closely, the troll’s faces even light up with magic during a special scene.

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    The trolls

    The effects and projections also carry through the ride to create a story that feels very cohesive. It’s not just like one scene followed by another scene; it’s like we’re immersed in a seamless movie with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Even the background characters have a story and a purpose within the attraction.

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    Every scene is so emotional

    The details are completely marvelous. Everything is so carefully thought out to convey emotion and mood beautifully. From the lighting (pay attention to Anna’s frozen heart!) to the subtle movements and transitions between scenes, every part of the ride was a delight.

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    We are LIVING in the movie

    Now, we have to talk about the animatronics because they are unmatched. These are the best, most fluid animatronics we’ve ever seen. As the viewer, you move in your boat right along with the characters. As Anna sings Love is an Open Door, for example, you feel like you’re dancing right along with Anna. The subtle movements and timing are SO on point.

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    The BEST animatronics

    The characters are so fluid and are doing things we’ve never seen animatronics do before. For example, the last scene features Elsa ice skating and pulling Anna along…and we can’t even tell you how amazing that looked. They were actually SKATING. The animatronics were also designed to portray emotion in a way we’ve never seen before. Elsa’s face in the coronation scene, for instance, is so emotionally arresting that you can feel her pained emotions as you ride through the scene.

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    Final scene

    Also, one of our favorite animatronics was the Duke of Weselton. He looks EXACTLY like he looked in the animated movie, and his movement and expression were just SPOT ON. This ride doesn’t just focus on the main characters — there are TONS of animatronic characters, and it truly feels like no expense was spared.

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    The Duke of Weselton

    We have to tell y’all that even in scenes with background characters, those background character animatronics were JUST as good as the main characters. Every single character just seems so realistic.

    Overall, we think this ride is the best attraction Disney has created to date. We hope to see this level of technology brought to other Disney parks around the world. Fantasy Springs officially opens on June 6th, 2024!

    We’re exploring all of Fantasy Springs and everything it has to bring to guests, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news!

    Here’s everything you need to know about Fantasy Springs!

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    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!

    What do you think of the new ride? Tell us in the comments!

    Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Tokyo Disney to attend their media preview of Fantasy Springs. 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 FULL Ride-Through of the NEWEST ‘Frozen’ Ride -- It May Be Disney's Best Ride EVER first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  14. Just a couple more sleeps and then you’ll be waking up in Disney World! What’ll you be wearing??

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    Magic Kingdom

    You’ve got all kinds of options when it comes to what your fit will be for your trip. Will you rock matching Disney shirts, spirit jerseys, or just basic neutrals? If you want to change things up and go all in, how about DisneyBounding while you’re there? Speaking of that, we’ve got a list of easy DisneyBound outfits you won’t regret wearing in the parks! Let’s have a look at them!

    DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

    Our friends at AllEars Style make the BEST outfits and that’s what we’re basing these DisneyBounds on. Let’s go!

    Shop this Rapunzel DisneyBound

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    ©AllEars.net

    Channel your inner princess by starting with a lavender sleeveless top and pink ruffle skirt. Hang your trusty frying pans from your ears. Make sure Pascal is sitting securely on one shoulder and sling your Rapunzel backpack over the other. Complete the look with a floral crown for the win!

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    Shop this Anna Disneybound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Park-Re

    ©AllEars.net

    It’s time to embrace Arendelle’s adventurous spirit by starting your look with a black cropped tank top and blue high-waisted linen-blend wide-leg pants. Dangle your Olaf earrings from your ears and position your Anna ear headband perfectly on your head. Snap that pink belt bag on. Lace-up your favorite black kicks. And don’t leave home without your matching blue reusable water bottle. Gotta stay hydrated!

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    Shop this Orange Bird DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Orange-

    ©AllEars.net

    You’ll be beating out the Florida heat and standing out from the crowd with this DisneyBound. Start with your orange-patterned sundress. Make sure Orange Bird is dangling from your ears. Rock your white platform sandals, and complete the look with your Orange Bird ear headband.

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    Shop this Black Panther DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Black-P

    ©AllEars.net

    Let’s show off your Wakandan pride with this one. Start with a black tank and purple joggers. Your black kicks will go perfectly with this. Make sure to complete the look with jewelry, a backpack, and an ear headband with a geometric design to mimic the Black Panther’s suit. Wakanda forever!

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    Shop this Russell (UP) DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Wildern

    ©AllEars.net

    We’re going to gear up for adventure like Russell with this look. Pair your yellow tank with your khaki-colored joggers and boots. Rock your UP necklace and backpack. Complete the look with your signature Wilderness Explorer cap.

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    Shop this Bo Peep Toy Story 4 DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Bo-Peep

    ©AllEars.net

    We knew Bo Peep was your girl, so you’re welcome. Start the look with your blue romper and white tank. Tie up your hair with a pink satin hair ribbon and rock those black kicks girl. Hang some sheep from your ears and finish everything off with your pink belt bag.

    View on AllEars.net

    Shop this Mickey Mouse Men’s DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Mickey-

    ©AllEars.net

    It’s time to represent the boss himself — Mickey Mouse. You bet we’re going to lean into the black, red, and gold for this one. Start with a solid black tee and Mickey-approved red shorts. Make sure to pull those Mickey crew socks all the way up and lace the gold kicks up. Finish it off with a Mickey cap.

    View on AllEars.net

    Shop this Goofy DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Gawrsh-

    ©AllEars.net

    We didn’t forget about Goofy with this one. Since we’re going to Florida, we’re sticking with shorts for this look. Start with an orange tee and blue shorts. Don’t forget the black vest or brown sneaks. Guess what? You’ve got options for your hat — bucket or baseball cap. Your call. And if you want to make things spicy, slap on a Goofy patch on your vest or hat. Again, your call.

    View on AllEars.net

    Shop this Men’s Ursula DisneyBound

    AllEars-Style-Character-Inspired-Mens-Ur

    ©AllEars.net

    You will not be a poor, unfortunate soul as you DisneyBound Ursula with this look. Purple, white, and black are all the colors we’ll need. Start with a purple tee and white shorts. Pull up those Ursula socks and put those solid black shoes on your feet. Make sure they can’t question who you’re DisneyBounding as by rocking a matching Ursula hat, belt, and wallet.

    View on AllEars.net

    We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more.

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    The post 9 Easy DisneyBound Outfits You Won’t Regret Wearing in the Parks first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  15. It takes a lot to keep Disney World running in tip-top shape like Walt Disney always imagined.

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    Main Street Train Station

    From new restaurants and rides to rethemed classics, Disney is always trying to keep things interesting and exciting for visitors! But, sometimes that means they have to do a bit of renovating in order to make it happen. A new permit we just found makes us think that an opening-day Magic Kingdom ride might be getting a refresh!

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    We’re always on the hunt for the latest permits filed by Disney to get an idea of what sort of changes might be coming to the parks, and we just found an interesting one! Disney Imagineering has filed a permit for work over at Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom.

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    Peter Pan’s Flight

    The document filed is technically a Notice of Commencement, meaning Disney is planning on starting work here soon. The permit’s property address lines up with the Peter Pan’s Flight show building, meaning we can expect some sort of update here in the near future.

    But, it gets even more exciting than that!

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    Backed up Peter Pan’s Flight Lightning Lane

    Since the permit was filed by Imagineering, the work Disney is planning on doing may be actually going to be something we can see. From what we’ve seen, Imagineering permits are usually reserved for rides and other show elements that are what Disney would call “guest-facing,” meaning regular visitors could see it.

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    Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight

    Not only that, but the contractor listed on the permit is InterAmerica Stage, Inc. — a Sanford, FL-based company that specializes in stage rigging and machinery. InterAmerica Stage has done work for Disney before, and we recently spotted them on another big Magic Kingdom project — the Country Bear Jamboree retheme!

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    A new show is coming!

    Disney’s new version of Country Bear Jamboree is set to debut in Summer 2024. While we don’t know exactly what the refreshed show will look like yet, we do know that the new version will be called Country Bear Musical Jamboree. The show will be a take on classic variety shows found in Nashville, Tennessee, and Nashville musicians are involved in the new arrangements. The bears will perform their songs in new styles like country, rockabilly, and bluegrass.

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    Country Bear Jamboree

    As for the Peter Pan’s Flight permit, though, we’ll have to wait and see if Disney makes any sort of announcements about what it might be for. InterAmerica Stage could be installing new show elements, swapping something out, repairing something — any number of things, really. We’ll let you know if we learn of any updates!

    Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news from Disney World and more!

    Check Out Another Recent Permit We Found for Disney World!

    When are you heading to Disney World next? Tell us in the comments.

    The post NEWS: Disney Files Permit for Opening-Day Ride in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  16. Do you enjoy going to all of Disney’s destinations?

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    Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

    From theme parks to beaches to cruises, Disney offers several locations for quick trips or lengthy family vacations. If you find yourself visiting these spots repeatedly, it might be time to invest in a Disney Vacation Club membership. Members of Disney Vacation Club receive exclusive perks along with their points to book exclusive rooms at many of Disney’s destinations. And now, a perk that we haven’t seen in several years is BACK for anyone interested in joining DVC!

    Disney Vacation Planner

    Disney Vacation Club is essentially Disney’s version of a timeshare program. You purchase an annual allotment of points (that renews each year) to a specific Disney resort, and along with it you get special benefits like exclusive lounges in the parks, special events, and discounts. DVC resorts span the globe from Disney World to Disneyland to Hawaii and more.

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    Aulani Resort

    There’s so much to know when it comes to owning DVC points. Disney allows you to make reservations at your home resort (the resort you bought points for) earlier than at other resorts, you can occasionally bank points, and there are annual fees you may be responsible for paying which varies by resort. A DVC membership can be great, but there is certainly a lot that goes into making the decision to buy points and then eventually using those points.

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    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    Because of all of the information, the big decision that it is, and you probably wanting to see exactly what a DVC room includes, you may be interested in taking a tour with an official DVC Cast Member. And now would be the time to do it, because Disney has brought back a perk that we had seen disappear for a while — gift cards for taking a tour!

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    Riviera Resort

    There are several DVC kiosks all over Disney World, and when we visited one recently, a Cast Member mentioned that you may be eligible to receive a $50 Disney gift card (per party) just for taking a DVC tour! You don’t have to purchase a membership. To be eligible, you must be staying at a Disney World resort hotel other than the Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve.

    Current DVC members are not eligible for the $50 gift card. However, if you are a current member and interested in a tour, a separate one is offered for you — you just don’t get the prize at the end (sorry)!

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    DVC kiosk in Animal Kingdom

    So, if you have a bit of extra time, or you need some adult time while the kids are napping or swimming, a room tour with a $50 gift card prize might be a great idea! Plus, you can get some great information on a DVC membership if you are considering one anyway. (You can also check out our entire Disney Vacation Club page for lots of great details!) The Cast Member did not say how many times you can do the tours for the gift cards or if there is a timeline for how soon after one you can do another for the gift card — but you might be able to do it multiple times for extra vacation funds (if you have the time, which can be hard to come by in Disney World).

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    Saratoga Springs Resort

    Just a reminder that the gift cards are given out per party not per person, but it’s still $50 to spend however you like at any Disney location! It has been many years since Disney has given out “prizes” for taking their DVC tours, so this is an exciting little perk that has just recently returned. We hope you enjoy your tour, if you choose to check it out!

    For more Disney news, keep following DFB!

    3 Terrifyingly Easy Ways to Ruin Your Disney World Vacation

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    Are you a DVC member? Do you love your membership and the added benefits? Let us know in the comments!

    The post Disney Just Brought Back a Perk That's Been MISSING for Years! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  17. It’s time to talk about our favorite thing — Disney food!

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    Disneyland Resort

    Disneyland Resort is currently celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with new food offerings at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, joining several new items that have recently appeared at both parks. In short, it’s a VERY good time for foodies to visit Disneyland! We’ve had a pretty good experience with Disneyland food recently so we were extra excited to dive into the resort’s most recent concoctions — let’s see if they met our expectations!

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    DOLE Whip® Pineapple Ginger Mint Float at Tropical Hideaway

    First up, we have the AAPI-inspired DOLE Whip® Pineapple Ginger Mint Float at Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland in Disneyland Park!

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    DOLE Whip® Pineapple Ginger Mint Float

    This float will set you back $8.49 and is served with pineapple-ginger juice and a smoked salt-spiced rim. We liked this drink quite a bit! The mint was pretty subtle although stronger at the bottom, so we recommend giving it a little stir. The spiced rim was good but it did add a little oomph to the float, so that could cause it to be a bit divisive. It mostly tasted like a regular pineapple whip but with that kick from the spice, which also gave an extra dimension to the pineapple chunk — almost like it was baked.

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    A more sophisticated DOLE Whip!

    We don’t think this drink will widely appeal to kids, but adults may like the savory aspect and maturity this float offers. Disney took a very creative approach with this float while letting the DOLE Whip be the star. We would get this again.

    Passion, Orange, and Guava Cocktail at Smokejumpers Grill

    Speaking of more grownup drinks, the one alcoholic beverage we tried was the Passion, Orange, and Guava Cocktail at Smokejumpers Grill at Grizzly Peak in Disney California Adventure.

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    Passion, Orange, and Guava Cocktail at Smokejumpers Grill

    Another AAPI offering, this drink also comes in a non-alcoholic punch as well. The cocktail costs $17 and is made with rum with passion, orange, and guava punch. We found this to be VERY refreshing, with the rum flavor completely drowned out by the fruit. Surprisingly, the passionfruit stands out the most among this tart beverage. Overall, the tropical blend of the fruit punch provided a slightly exotic flavor and the smoothness of the drink was a major plus.

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    Great for a hot day!

    This is a pretty safe drink in terms of flavor despite its tartness. We think it’s worth a try but admit the $17 price point is too high. Tasty, but expensive.

    Experiment 7290: Cookies & Cream Cold Brew at Pym Test Kitchen

    Staying in Disney California Adventure, we made our way over to Avengers Campus and Pym Test Kitchen to try the Experiment 7290: Cookies & Cream Cold Brew!

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    Experiment 7290: Cookies & Cream Cold Brew

    This cold brew costs $6.79 and includes a chocolate cookie cold brew with sweet cold foam. We found it to be smooth, mostly coffee flavor in taste, and the foam added a very welcome vanilla flavor. It also had a classic Oreo cookie topping but was otherwise a very basic, yet tasty iced coffee.

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    BIG fan of the Oreo

    If you don’t like cold brew, we don’t think this drink will change your mind. Otherwise, we think it is a frothy and sweet delight — especially on a hot day or if you want to treat yourself before you spend several hours at the parks.

    Humongous Taco Salad at Pym Test Kitchen

    The next Pym Test Kitchen item we tried was the Humongous Taco Salad, which definitely lived up to its name.

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    Humungous Taco Salad at Pym Test Kitchen

    This taco salad is sold for $13.99 and is served with a taco shell loaded with romaine tossed in chipotle ranch, topped with chicken, corn, bell pepper, cotija, and avocado.

    It’s even served on a fun parchment with an Ant-Man Easter egg!

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    Gotta have that Marvel Easter Egg

    We had a lot of feelings about this salad. All in all, the flavor was very nice. The ranch had a citrus zest and was a bit spicier than the typical Disney heat (IYKYK) thanks to the chipotle, and the corn was cooked perfectly. The cotija provided cheesy bites, but we could’ve used more, which ended up being a theme of the salad.

    We thought the sauce was creamy and delicious, but we wanted more. The chicken was also fairly average and we felt more could’ve been done with it.

    However, our complaints ended there. The avocado portion was beyond ample and, mixed with the cilantro and tomatoes, provided an earthy freshness that tied everything together. Of course, the shell was the star of the dish. Light, crispy, and purely addictive, it totally elevated our meal.

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    Very filling

    Overall, we do have to warn you that this salad can get spicy if you get it as advertised. If some heat doesn’t bother you, we think you’ll enjoy all the flavor the taco salad has to offer. This monster also lives up to its reputation and is big enough to share, increasing its value. It was easily the most popular order on the day we tried it and we have a feeling it will continue to be a humongous hit.

    Mini Pretzels at Pym Tasting Lab

    Next door at Pym Tasting Labwe picked up the Mini Pretzels for $7.

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    Mini Pretzels at Pym Tasting Lab

    Each order comes with two mini pretzels and spicy nacho cheese. We are sad to report these let us down. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the pretzels other than their size, and the jalapeno-infused cheese felt like all it provided was heat to a bland pretzel. The pretzels themselves were fine on their own but went stale quickly and didn’t positively differentiate from a regular Mickey-shaped pretzel.

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    The cheese was SPICY

    If you’re craving a pretzel and can’t wait to get a regular one or you’re grabbing something else at either Pym Test Kitchen or Pym Tasting Lab, then there’s no harm in picking this up. Otherwise, we recommend you save a few dollars and opt for a regular cart pretzel.

    Gravy Fries at Stage Door Café

    Headed back over to Frontierland in Disneyland Park, our next stop was at Stage Door Café to try the Gravy Fries!

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    Gravy Fries at Stage Door Café

    These fries were a tad expensive at $8.49 (at least for fries) but we aren’t kidding when we say they’re worth it! A take on French-Canadian poutine, these French fries are smothered in turkey gravy with mozzarella cheese.

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    These fries are AMAZING!

    While the fries aren’t anything special, ours were nicely crisp and allowed the cheese and gravy to really stand out. The gravy really did have that turkey flavor! It was a bit tangy and very delicious and the shredded mozzarella gave the fries a gooey texture that worked really well.

    We also recommend sharing this, as it is larger than it appears. The flavor profile genuinely fits the Frontierland theme and we hope these stick around for a long while!

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    Dig in!

    The size justifies the cost, which was our only hangup with this snack. If you share it, the value becomes even better. If you like gravy and mozzarella, these fries are as advertised and you should give them a try!

    Sparkling Pickle Lemonade at Refreshment Corner

    We go from one of what might be a universally liked snack to a drink that is sure to be divisive.

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    Sparkling Pickle Lemonade at Refreshment Corner

    Over at Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., we tried the Sparkling Pickle Lemonade for $6.99. This drink is made with Minute Maid® Zero Sugar Lemonade, Sprite®, and pickle juice, garnished with a dill pickle spear.

    The drink tastes just as it sounds. This tasted just like sparkling pickle juice. We could hardly taste the lemonade. Simply put, if you LOVE pickles, you’ll like this. If you don’t, it’s probably not worth your money.

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    Do you like pickle drinks?

    Visually bland and kind of overpriced, this offering is a headscratcher. There are better drinks nearby (and at Refreshment Corner) and, unless you are absolutely craving pickle juice, we can’t generally recommend this.

    Peach Mickey-shaped Beignets at Mint Julep Bar

    We’re going to end this review on a high note! We found some redemption at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square!

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    Peach Mickey-shaped Beignets

    We tried the Peach Mickey-shaped Beignets 3-Pack for $5.99 and tossed in a side of Peach Cream Dipping Sauce for an additional $1.39. The beignets were dusted with peach powdered sugar and were mostly delightful. The peach flavor was slightly artificial candy peach rings but was still pleasant.

    The peach was light enough that the beignet wasn’t overly sweet or tart, but the breading was kind of dry, which made the dipping sauce all the more useful. The sauce was like a very light custard and doubled the same peach flavor while softening the bread.

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    Gotta try the dipping sauce

    While these don’t dethrone classic beignets, they are a worthy addition to Mint Julep Bar and truly fit the springtime vibes. With a fruity aroma and a good dipping sauce, we think these are worth a try if you’re in the mood for a fruitastic Disney snack!

    And that’s everything we tried! Have you tried any of these Disneyland snacks? Let us know and stay tuned for all the latest Disneyland news, tips, reviews, and more!

    REVIEW: Can a Michelin-Starred Chef Make GOOD Disney Fast Food? We Found Out!

    Which treat or drink are you most eager to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

    The post We Tried 8 NEW Things at Disneyland and They Were Both DELICIOUS and SHOCKING! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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  18. The Walt Disney Company just dropped a bunch of news.

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    Disney California Adventure

    Each quarter, the company releases an earnings report and then hosts an earnings call to review the numbers and answer pressing questions. We typically learn quite a bit of information from these calls, and after the 2024 Q2 earnings results were released, we have some predictions about changes coming soon to Disneyland Resort.

    Unfortunately, Disneyland Resort had a fairly rough quarter. Even though the operating income increased in the domestic parks and experiences division, that was mostly due to higher performance with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. It was partially offset by lower results at Disneyland Resort for Q2.

    2024-DLR-Disneyland-its-a-small-world-At

    “it’s a small world” in disneyland

    Disney says that the decrease at Disneyland Resort was likely due to a few factors, including higher costs driven by inflation, higher prices for guests, and a lower number of occupied room nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels. This is a problem for the west coast resort, so how will it be fixed?

    2024-DLR-Disneyland-Sleeping-Beauty-Cast

    Sleeping Beauty Castle

    Ultimately, this likely means that we can expect price increases in the future. If the number of visitors is down, then Disney will need to offset that with higher spending per visitor. It’s a delicate balancing act, because if Disney increases prices too high, the attendance will drop even further.

    2024-DLR-Disneyland-Crowds-Atmo-3-700x52

    Crowds at Disneyland

    Disneyland Resort had fairly good park attendance for the quarter, but with hotel stays down, they’ll be wanting to draw in more out-of-town guests. Disneyland has long been known as the park for “locals” as compared to Disney World, which is more of a vacation destination for out-of-towners.

    2024-DLR-Disneyland-Hotel-atmo2-700x525.

    Disneyland Hotel

    The next few years will be a crucial time for Disneyland Resort. It was just announced that they have approval from the Anaheim City Council to proceed with the DisneylandForward expansion. Many people like to save their vacations for AFTER a major expansion has opened in the parks, so Disney may want to find ways to draw visitors in during the in-between time.

    disneyland-forward-expansion-concept-art

    ©Disney

    We’ll continue to keep an eye on Disney’s financial numbers and all the updates you need to know, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest.

    Click Here to Learn More About Disneyland Resort’s Expansion Plans!

    Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Resort soon? Tell us in the comments!

    The post Disney Announces Hotel Revenue LOSSES — Here’s How You May Be Affected first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  19. Every day we’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland!

    2024-wdw-Magic-Kingdom-Tianas-Bayou-Adve

    Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom

    We’re keeping a close eye on all the latest updates happening on both coasts because small changes are happening every day. And our most recent discovery? Plants are EVERYWHERE! It’s not just the mountain covered in greenery anymore, you need to see how many plants have been added ALL OVER the ride.

    Today, when we walked by, we noticed that more plants have been planted near the ride’s mountainside, by the stairs coming out from Frontierland Train Station.

    2024-WDW-Magic-Kingdom-Tianas-Bayou-Adve

    So many plants!

    We’re already loving how green the ride is looking, but we’re not opposed to even more!

    2024-WDW-Magic-Kingdom-Tianas-Bayou-Adve

    It’s going to look so beautiful!

    Additionally, there appears to be a water lily in the brickwork in part of the outdoor queue now! It accompanies the lily we spotted on the gate right above it. And they’re both beautiful details for the princess’s ride.

    2024-WDW-Magic-Kingdom-Tianas-Bayou-Adve

    Gorgeous!

    We still don’t have an opening date for this new ride, but we do know that it will follow Tiana as she prepares a Mardi Gras party and asks the guests riding the attraction to help her find the final ingredient.

    2024-wdw-mk-frontierland-tianas-bayou-ad

    Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

    We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news from this attraction, so stay tuned to DFB!

    Check out the CASTING CALL we spotted for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


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    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!

    When do you think this ride will open? Tell us in the comments!

    The post Disney Added Something NEW to the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue in Magic Kingdom! first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  20. The Walt Disney Company recently released the earnings report and held its earnings call for the second quarter of 2024, outlining just how the theme parks were doing financially, how streaming is holding up, and more.

    2023-wdw-mk-cinderella-castle-stock-2-1-

    Cinderella Castle

    During the call, we learned that Disney Parks & Entertainment revenue increased, largely due to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and the international parks having higher results. But, the company isn’t convinced this trend will continue — and we’re diving into why that might be.

    Click here to subscribe

    Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products revenues for the quarter increased overall by 10% from $7.6 billion in the same quarter last year to $8.3 billion this quarter. The better results this year were due to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and the international parks having higher results. However, the increase was offset by Disneyland having lower results.

    2024-wdw-mk-cinderella-castle-stock-700x

    Cinderella Castle

    Disney World saw an increase in revenue due to an increase in guest spending which Disney attributes to higher ticket prices. There were also higher costs inside the resort due to inflation, but the revenue generated from that was partially offset by lower depreciation and cost-saving initiatives made by the company.

    2024-wdw-atmo-epcot-spaceship-earth-stoc

    EPCOT

    But, Disneyland Resort took a hit and had lower revenue this year compared to last year at this time. This is attributed to the lower percentage increase overall for the domestic parks of 7% over last year. The domestic parks had $5.9 billion in revenue compared to $5.5 billion last year. Disneyland’s lower revenue is due to higher costs driven by inflation, and while there were higher volumes of attendance, it was offset by lower occupied room nights at the hotels.

    2023-dlr-atmo-dca-disney-california-adve

    Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

    Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Johnston, shared a bit about his predictions for Disney parks revenue for the third fiscal quarter and shared that operating income is “expected to come in roughly comparable to the prior year.” He cited “non-comparable” or “timing-related” items like Disney Cruise Line’s new island destination, Lookout Cay, along with normalization from post-COVID travel.

    But, it’s what CEO Bob Iger said about fiscal year 2025 that piqued our interest.

    2024-DLR-Disneyland-Sleeping-Beauty-Cast

    Disneyland

    During the question and answer portion of the earnings call, Steven Cahall, an analyst with Wells Fargo Securities, asked Iger what the company’s expectations were as far as park attendance was concerned for fiscal year 2025.

    Iger responded and said, “First, in terms of attendance, look, what we’re basically communicating is relative to the post-COVID highs, things are tending to normalize.”

    2024-Walt-Disney-Studios-Atmo-3-700x525.

    Walt Disney Studios

    He continued, “The parks business did 10% growth in the quarter. And obviously, that’s an extremely high revenue number. That said, we still see in — the bookings that we look ahead toward indicate healthy growth in the business. So we still certainly feel good about the opportunities for continued strong growth…We’ve got the best in the business in terms of product. People still have a strong desire to basically go on vacation and come to see us.”

    2023-DLR-California-Adventure-Pixar-pier

    Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure

    Iger also clarified that timing can be everything when it comes to financial results like this, pointing out that Disney has “some one-time expenses occurring in Q3.”

    “If we were to back out one-timers both for Q3 and Q4, we expect OI for the quarter to be in the mid-to-high single-digit range for Q3 and to be double-digit for Q4. So I certainly feel like the Parks business is still doing very, very well,” he shared.

    2024-wdw-atmo-dhs-hollywood-studios-towe

    Tower of Terror, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Essentially, post-COVID travel increased Disney Parks revenue dramatically, but now that things are evening out, it could cause operating income to decrease on future reports. Not only that, but the results of the third quarter will be impacted by higher wage expenses, pre-opening expenses related to the Disney Treasure and Disney Adventure, along with Lookout Cay.

    These increased, one-time factors could have an impact on what we see from Disney’s third-quarter financials, and thus what we see going into 2025 and beyond.

    2024-wdw-atmo-dak-animal-kingdom-tree-of

    Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life

    Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to bring you the latest news about The Walt Disney Company and more!

    5 Important Announcements That Were MISSING from Disney’s BIG News Drop

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


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    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!

    Will you be booking a trip to the parks in 2025? Tell us in the comments.

    The post Disney CEO Bob Iger Predicts Theme Park Attendance Will Go DOWN -- Here's Why first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

  21. Are you ready for the hack that will CHANGE the way you look at Disney World?

    wdw-2024-mk-the-friars-nook-tater-tots-a

    Plastic cheeeeese

    Disney World is no stranger to icons — Mickey Mouse. Cinderella Castle. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Plastic cheese. Yes, the TRUE star of Disney World — plastic cheese. It motivates us to fly thousands of miles each year or hop in our cars each day to visit Disney World. But did you know you can actually get MORE of it?!

    If you’ve ever gotten plastic cheese at Disney World and thought to yourself, “Life is good, but it could be better,” we’ve discovered what “better” truly is. Did you know that over at Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can get cups of plastic cheese that are nearly twice the size of the cheese at other restaurants?

    wdw-2022-hollywood-studios-backlot-expre

    This was a BIG cup, y’all.

    Backlot Express serves its cheese in white paper cups, and it dwarfs what you can get inside the other Disney Parks, even the hub of plastic cheese, Magic Kingdom. 

    2022-wdw-disneys-hollywood-studios-echo-

    Backlot Express

    This quick-service restaurant is known as “A Warehouse of Good Eating” and is themed as a production warehouse packed with props and other details. It has classic offerings like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads, but, occasionally, you will also find a Star Wars-themed treat or two.

    wdw-2022-hollywood-studios-backlot-expre

    Get Some Cheese Sauce to Take Those Fries to the NEXT Level

    After coming to the realization the plastic cheese at Backlot Express is truly elite, we feel like our whole world is shattered!

    2022-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-backlot-e

    All hail the cheese at Backlot Express!

    Were you already aware of this hack? Did it change your life as it did with us? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more!

    We’re Finally Going to Answer the No. 1 Question We Get Asked as Disney Reporters

    Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

    WE KNOW DISNEY.
    YOU CAN, TOO.


    DFBGuide-ShortCode-Image-1.png

    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!

    Is plastic cheese overrated, underrated, or properly rated? Let us know where you stand in the comments below!

    The post This Disney's Hollywood Studios Cheese HACK Just Changed My LIFE first appeared on the disney food blog.

    View the full article

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