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If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’re going to need some seriously good footwear. Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Sneakers Wearing the wrong shoes can make your trip absolutely miserable. Trust us, you do NOT want to deal with blisters or additional soreness the entire time you’re on vacation! So we’re here to share our top picks for shoes to wear in Disney World this fall. Do your shopping now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The HOKA shoes are worth the splurge! ©Amazon Perhaps one of the hottest brands in sneakers right now is HOKA! These HOKA Women’s Bondi 9 Shoes would be great for a visit to the parks because they’ve got mesh to make them light and breezy and plenty of support in the sole for long walking days. We’re also big fans of the HOKA Women’s Clifton 10s for that reason. view ON AMAZON This New Balance pair comes in a bunch of colors ©Amazon These Women’s Athletic Shoes by New Balance are not your mama’s park shoes! New Balance may have been the shoes of our parents once upon a time, but now they’re trendy and better than ever. And these are special because, as New Balance says, “Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.” Simply put, nice and comfy! view ON AMAZON We love these Brooks for Animal Kingdom! ©Amazon If you’re looking for a shoe that’s as stylish as it is functional, may we introduce you to these super cute Brooks Women’s Glycerin sneakers! The animal print down the sides is perfect for Animal Kingdom or just for jazzing up your theme park outfit. They’re extra breathable and designed for moving maximum miles. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab a pair of On Cloud shoes! ©Amazon Another trendy option? These On Women’s Cloud 6 Sneakers. They’re just so cool. They’re on the pricier side of the list, but they have a removable footbed, fast laces, and extra padding. All things that make them ideal for long days walking many, many steps. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’ve got some really sad news out of Hersheypark in Pennsylvania. @HersheyPA This isn’t the first time we’ve gotten some bad news out of the park this year, either. Back in June, it was announced that the popular ride Tidal Force would be closing at the end of the summer 2026 season. Now, another closure has been announced. After 20 years, Hersheypark has canceled their Sweet Lights drive-through event. In a recent statement, ABC27 has confirmed that Hersheypark announced that it would be retiring the Sweet Lights drive-through experience and will instead “focus on growing Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.” @HersheyPA In case you’re unfamiliar with the holiday offering, Sweet Lights was a two-mile drive-through that had nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays across fields and illuminated, tree-lined roadways across from the Hersheypark theme park. Along with the announcement of the closure was the reveal of new holiday offerings coming to the park instead. The park will add a new Fire & Ice Experience, an “Estate of Evil” holiday open house, and new festive cars on the Twin Turnpike for the holiday season this year. @HersheyPA If you’re a little confused about the “Estate of Evil” part of the sentence above, you’re not alone. The Estate of Evil attraction will combine the Halloween Dark Nights experience with the holidays. You’ll be able to “see how the staff has decorated the rooms with terrifying holiday flair.” It sounds like a Haunted Mansion vibe, and we’re here for it! Additionally, a holiday soundtrack will be added to Holly Jolly Laff Trakk, and Santa and all nine of his reindeer will be in town once again. ©Hersheypark If you’re interested in experiencing Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, you can check it out from November 12th through January 3rd. We know the absence of the Sweet Lights will certainly be felt, and we’re sad to see it go, but we’ve got hope that the new holiday additions will be just as joyful and beloved. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more holiday theme park news! Disney, Take Notes. We’re BEGGING for These 6 AWESOME Theme Park Perks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this change? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There is one thing that we are constantly reminding our readers who have a Disney World trip coming up, and that’s to make sure you stay hydrated! We love Owalas! Drinking water while walking around in the hot Florida weather is so important. You can get free water cups from quick-service restaurants, but it is so much easier if you’re carrying a water bottle with you. In our opinion, Owala’s are up there for our favorite water bottles you can bring to the park. Which is great, because there are a TON on sale on Amazon right now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Marshmallow Owala Owala Water Bottle We had to grab ourselves this Shy Marshmallow Owala Water Bottle strictly because we liked the sleek white color. The white color gives this water bottle a subtle look that can be paired with any designed backpack or Loungefly bag. You can grab it right now for 20% off! view ON AMAZON There’s also this Dark Owala Water Bottle ©Amazon If you want a contrast to the white Owala, you can grab this Dark Owala Water Bottle! The all-black look is another style that can pair with any backpack or bag you bring to the park. The water bottle holds 40 ounces of water and is currently 19% off! view ON AMAZON We love this Twist Owala Water Bottle ©Amazon If you’re looking for a more unique Owala design, there’s this Owala Twist Water Bottle. The bright pink color stands out, and this water bottle has a twist lid rather than a free-sip lid. This water bottle holds 24 ounces, and you can get it for 20% off! view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Owala Tumbler ©Amazon Did you know that Owala makes tumblers? You can grab this Badge Buddy one on Amazon! It’s a 12-ounce insulated stainless-steel tumbler that’s easy to sip and easy to clean. It also has a spill-resistant lid for less mess, making it perfect for kiddos. It’s available for 13% off! view ON AMAZON Don’t forget about this Owala ©Amazon If you’re looking for a water bottle with a little more color, you can grab this Rose Quartz Water Bottle! If you want that Disney Princess water bottle look without going overboard on the design, we think this could be a great grab. It’s currently 13% off! view ON AMAZON This Leopard Owala is more unique! ©Amazon This Leopard Owala features a dual-opening lid with a built-in straw for sipping and a wide-mouth opening for gulping, giving you two ways to drink. It has a more unique design with its leopard print, which you don’t see much on water bottles. You can grab it for 11% off! view ON AMAZON This Owala gives us fall vibes! ©Amazon This Owala Water Bottle may be the perfect grab for fall! It has a washed-out orange color, similar to that of some changing leaves. This 24oz water bottle is 25% off! view ON AMAZON And finally, there’s this Purple Twist Owala ©Amazon There’s another Owala Twist Water Bottle, but this one comes in a crisp purple color. This is another water bottle with a twist lid rather than a free-sip lid. This water bottle holds 24 ounces, and this one is also available for 20% off! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Halloween season has arrived in Orlando, despite the temperatures being as high as ever. While you may be most familiar with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando for celebrating the spooky season in Orlando, there’s ANOTHER event you can’t miss this year. We’re so ready! Over at SeaWorld Orlando, you’ll find Howl-O-Scream. This event began in 2021, making this year its 5th anniversary! While this event has the lowest-priced tickets of all three events, is it truly worth the cost? We went on opening night, and our answer may surprise you! SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream event offers five haunted houses with four NEW storylines, six scare zones with four of them being brand new, four shows, five new interactive bars, two hordes that may strike when you least expect, and more! Tickets range in price from $47.99 for single-night tickets to $124.99 for the Two Park Unlimited Scream Pass. Are you ready? This year’s event takes place on select nights from September 11th through October 31st. Haunted Houses I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch One of the brand-new houses this year is I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch. Here, the Fisherman stalks your every move. You’ll journey through the seaside town of Southport as the horrifying events of that fateful summer come back to life. Will you make it out before the killer catches up to you? ©SeaWorld Orlando Everything Must Stay Another new house this year is Everything Must Stay. For six years, one suburban home has sat unsold while every open house ends the same way — with terrified buyers fleeing from things they can’t explain. Tonight, those unseen forces awaken, and you’ll find yourself trapped inside for the worst showing imaginable! ©SeaWorld Orlando The Rave Yard One of the returning houses this year is The Rave Yard! Buried deep in the shadows of a forgotten cemetery, a sinister underground rave pulses with life (or rather, unlife). The bass reverberates through crumbling tombstones, and mausoleums glow with neon light as the dead rise with one purpose: to party… forever. If you’re not careful, you’ll be joining them! ©SeaWorld Orlando The Dark Net Another new house this year is The Dark Net. This house takes place in a futuristic city that has been pushed to the brink by an energy crisis. Survival has taken a sinister turn, and desperate cyborgs have discovered a new power source: blood. You’ll descend into the decaying underbelly of the city, where cybernetic predators stalk the darkness, machines feed on machines, and humans are accidentally getting caught in the crossfire. Among the neon ruins, black oil drips alongside fresh blood, and once these creatures are hungry enough, they can’t always tell the difference. ©SeaWorld Orlando The Crawl Space The last house this year is another new one — The Crawl Space! Hidden beneath the city lies a forgotten network of tunnels that were abandoned after a catastrophic containment failure. Curiosity leads you through a broken fence and into the darkness, and you’ll discover that the truth wasn’t buried — it was left to grow. Each and every twisting corridor pulls you deeper underground and closer to something that’s become far larger, far hungrier, and far too close to escape. This place was sealed for a reason, and now you’ve walked right inside. ©SeaWorld Orlando Scare Zones Dooms District New this year is Dooms District! Here, civilization has collapsed, and Dooms District is ground zero for the chaos. Conspiracy theorists, survivalists, and doomsday preppers battle here to prove their version of the apocalypse is the right one and will try to recruit you before it’s too late. Extermination Order Another new scare zone is Extermination Order. Here, something is crawling, buzzing, and multiplying through the streets of Howl-O-Scream. From skittering insects to swarming horrors, the infestation has taken over, and it doesn’t plan on giving the territory back. Extermination crews are sweeping the area, hunting anything that doesn’t belong. The big problem? You’re on the list. Extermination Order Nekrosis Another new scare zone this year is Nekrosis! In this scare zone, the party ended forever when the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000. This once-thriving seaside town has been abandoned to decay, frozen in the final moments of the millennium. The streets are littered with remnants of a decade long gone, but the people who celebrated Y2K never truly left. You’ll get to see the eerie aisles of Howl-O-Flix, a video store frozen in time, and monsters lurking behind relics of the past; every corner is packed with unsettling reminders that the greatest decade never truly ended. What REALLY happened when the countdown reached zero, and what’s still waiting here? Just One More Chapter Book lovers will adore the new Just One More Chapter scare zone! If your bookshelf is filled with toxic obsession, masked men, and the most twisted love stories, this is the scare zone you’ve been waiting for. Just One More Chapter Scare Zone Here, irresistible temptation creates deadly intentions, and every path leads deeper into the darkness. You can lose yourself in an enchanted garden filled with gothic beauty, cursed romance, and creatures that are every bit as dangerous as they are captivating. Just One More Chapter This one is POPULAR this year, and we’ve already seen it start to go viral, so if you notice it’s extra crowded, you’ve been warned. Trailer Park Tragedy Returning this year is Trailer Park Tragedy, where something wicked’s gone down at the Trailer Park. Once a rowdy backwoods community on the edge of nowhere, the residents here have turned territorial…and terrifying. Trailer Park Tragedy The place is in ruins, and the residents protect their home with savage vengeance. These locals don’t take kindly to visitors, and they’ve got the rusted tools, snarling beasts, and twisted sense of justice to prove it. You may accidentally stumble in, but getting back out is another story. Trailer Park Tragedy Scare Zone Woodrot Hollow The final scare zone, also returning this year, is Woodrot Hollow. Deep in the heart of the festering swamp lies Woodrot Hollow, a place where the trees weep sap like blood and the ground oozes with decay. The locals here whisper of a creature made of mud, moss, and rage, protecting its home from anyone who wanders too far off the trail. In this swamp, the only thing more suffocating than the stench is the silence before they strike — wander in, and you may find yourself rotting with the rest. Shows Dead Air One of the new shows this year is Dead Air! This is located at The Rewind Bar, and these ’90s rising stars never got their shot at boy-band fame—but death won’t stop their comeback. Back from beyond the grave, Dead Air takes the stage with killer harmonies, sharp choreography and a haunting twist on the boy-band era. Dead Air! Hellzapoppin Presents: The Grave Danger Thrill Show Returning this year at the SeaFire Grill is none other than Hellzapoppin Presents: The Grave Danger Thrill Show. Here you’ll creep into a rock ‘n’ roll spectacle of death-defying circus stunts and jaw-dropping oddities & curiosities. As part of the legendary Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow, with over 3,000 performances across 16 countries, this thrill show redefines danger and wonder. Witness wild feats that push the limits of human possibility with stunts like sword swallowing, glass walking, illusions, and more. Throttle Then it was time for Throttle, another returning show. Located at the Lakeside Patio, this is a place they don’t speak of, where Hell didn’t stay below, and the dead don’t rest. Throttle Where twisted metal drinks dirty water, and fire doesn’t burn out—it feeds. Here, the riders don’t follow roads, they tear through portals. And leading them is a nightmare carved in bone and flame. He has no mercy. No soul. No brakes. He is Havoc, and he’s not here to haunt you. He’s here to rule you. Throttle is back! Monster Stomp The fan favorite Monster Stomp show is BACK again this year at the Nautilus Theater! Monster Stomp In the misty corners of Victorian-era London, a fiend known only as Jack the Ripper walks the streets. Watch him take the stage in a way you’ve never seen before in this modern rock and rhythm spectacular. We love this show! Hold onto your seat as electrifying percussion, dancing, and singing combine for a show that’s as darkly entertaining as it is exhilarating. Themed Bars We can’t forget about the five new themed bars at this year’s event! Byte Bar Plug in and power up at the all-new Byte Bar, where cyborg vampires are serving up a sinister new kind of nightlife. Step into the digital underworld, grab a themed cocktail, and drink in the futuristic atmosphere before something decides to take a byte out of you. The Rewind Grab a themed cocktail and relive the ’90s through stacks of VHS tapes, ringing landlines, glowing arcade lights, and the unmistakable screech of dial-up. Between the throwback soundtrack and the undead atmosphere, this is one rewind you’ll never forget. Just don’t expect to press “Stop.” Resurrection Club This spot has pulse-pounding beats, electric energy, and killer cocktails that bring the Rave Yard back to life. The Black Sheep Here, a doomsday watering hole where survivalists crack open the canned goods, pour the drinks, and toast to making it another night. Larva Lounge Pest control has never tasted this good! Grab a creepy-crawly cocktail and keep a toothpick handy for any legs left behind. Merchandise and Food We can’t forget about the merchandise and food at this event! Themed retail locations at the exit of Mako and the exit of the event itself feature 5th anniversary Howl-O-Scream merch. Food and drink stands are all around the park and have exclusive offerings you can’t get any other time. Personally, we stopped by the Fanta Fright House to snag one of their mocktails! Fanta Fright House Stay tuned for our review! Attractions You can also ride four of SeaWorld’s most popular attractions during this event — Mako, Pipeline, Ice Breaker, and Infinity Falls! It’s hard to find time for the rides with everything else going on, but hey, they’re there if you’re looking for some extra thrills. Mako at SeaWorld Orlando We think this event is a great choice for those who are just entering the horror scene and want something entertaining, immersive, and spooky to start out with. Even if you’re usually a fan of scarier events, we still think this is a must-visit for all Halloween fiends in the area! Why You Might Want To Add a Ticket to SeaWorld During Your Disney World Vacation Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you thinking of checking out Howl-O-Scream this year? 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 SeaWorld Orlando to attend their media preview of Howl-O-Scream. 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 View the full article

True fans know that LEGO is more than just a toy; it’s a collector’s item that can change the way your space looks and feels! Magic Kingdom We found seven LEGO sets on Amazon that will give your workspace, bedroom, and house a mini Disney World. Whether you’re a Disney Parks fan, an avid LEGO collector, or just a sucker for all things Disney, you’ll want to check these out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this LEGO Cinderella Castle ©Amazon It’s on Amazon for a hefty price, but this LEGO Cinderella Castle is any Disney Park fan’s dream set! The set is 4,837 pieces. This detailed set showcases different rooms, classic Disney references, and nostalgic details, all inside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. It also features a spinning dance floor in the grand ballroom and an ‘enchanted’ fireplace that rotates to reveal the iconic spinning wheel from the Sleeping Beauty movie. Eight figures come with the set, including Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, Prince Florian, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider. view ON AMAZON There’s this smaller LEGO Castle ©Amazon If you love the Cinderella Castle set, but you’re looking for something a lot cheaper than it, there’s this LEGO Disney Castle option. This is a smaller version of the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, and while it’s not a cheap set, it’s a lot more affordable than the one above. The set comes with a Mickey Mouse minifigure and a Minnie Mouse keychain. Oh, it’s also on sale right now! view ON AMAZON We love this Disney Animation Set ©Amazon There’s a lot to love about this Magic of Disney LEGO Set! For starters, the set puts some of the most beloved Disney animated movies on display. The movies included are The Lion King, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, Encanto, Lilo & Stitch, The Little Mermaid, and Fantasia. This is also the first set to include a Belle minifigure, which is one of nine characters included with the set. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Beauty and the Beast LEGO Set ©Amazon The LEGO Beauty and the Beast Castle Set comes with 2,916 pieces and brings the beloved story to life with a detailed 4-level castle from the animated film. The castle includes fun features like a spinning dance floor in the Beast’s ballroom, Belle’s library tower, and the enchanted rose chamber. This set also comes with minifigures of Belle, Beast, Gaston, LeFou, Maurice, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumière, Cogsworth, and Fifi. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget about this LEGO Haunted Mansion ©Amazon Welcome foolish mortals into your own home with this Haunted Mansion LEGO Set! This mini LEGO set is inspired by the iconic ride at Disney. It’s a mini set, so it’ll fit in any space you want to put it on display. It comes with a minifigure we can only assume is the host…the ghost host. This collectible is currently 17% off, so don’t wait. view ON AMAZON There’s also this Disney Train Set! ©Amazon It’s not Disney World without a train, which is why you need to pick up this LEGO Disney Train! Each part of the train features an iconic film, including Peter Pan, Toy Story, and Moana. The set also comes with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Woody, and Moana minifigures. view ON AMAZON And finally, there’s this Steamboat Willie Set ©Amazon Lastly, grab this Steamboat Willie LEGO Set, inspired by Walt Disney’s first film. We’re saying this will be a great addition to your Disney World build at home because it reminds us of the boat that sails at the end of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

While The Magic of Disney Animation is currently experiencing a soft opening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new area and its attractions don’t officially open until September 14th. Off the Page! at The Magic of Disney Animation! Inside this new area, which used to be Star Wars Launch Bay, you’ll find four new attractions, all indoors to help keep you cool. However, the hours that these new activities will be offered is about to change REALLY drastically, only a few weeks after their official opening. If you’re traveling beyond the end of September, you’ll need to pay close attention. Each of these attractions have their own individual pages on the Disney World website, as well as the My Disney Experience App, and that’s where we recommend looking for hours each day. Starting with Olaf Draws!, the attraction will be open from 9 AM to 8:30 PM from September 14th through September 27th, but beginning on September 28th, the hours change to 10 AM to 6 PM. That’s 3.5 hours less! Olaf Draws! From September 14th through September 27th, Once Upon a Studio Theater is open from 9 AM to 9 PM. However, once again, beginning September 28th, hours change to 10 AM to 6 PM. That’s a FOUR hour difference! Once Upon a Studio Theater Off the Page! and the Drawn to Wonderland playground both don’t have their individual pages, but are instead listed under the general Magic of Disney Animation page. This too has hours listed from 9 AM to 9 PM from September 14th through 27th, but hours change to 10 AM to 6 PM starting on September 28th. It’s Mulan! We were already expecting to see really long lines for these attractions far past the first few weeks of opening, especially over at Olaf Draws! since the theater is so small. Now that we know hours are being reduced so much, it’s likely we’ll see even longer lines, especially as people plan their annual trips for the holidays. The Magic of Disney Animation Fortunately, you’ll still be able to explore the outdoor courtyard area for all hours of the park day, but we strongly encourage you to keep these limited hours in mind as you plan your trips. There’s nothing worse than heading to an attraction, only to find that it was scheduled to close earlier than you expected. More Recent Magic of Disney Animation News! Disney CUTS Hours for New Attractions, Only a Few Weeks After Opening4 MAJOR Disney World Announcements That Will Impact Your 2027 VacationDisney Fans Have Spoken: There’s ONE Major Problem With The New Changes in Hollywood StudiosWARNING: A New Virtual Queue Is About To Hit Disney World, But Not How You ThinkThis NEW Attraction at Hollywood Studios Just Opened EARLY We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! 4 MAJOR Disney World Announcements That Will Impact Your 2027 Vacation Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about these hours? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Did you know that there’s a credit card that you can get for FREE Disney perks? That’s right! The Disney Visa Card offers three tiers — Standard (no annual fee), Premier ($49 annual fee), and Inspire ($149 annual fee) — that can get you exclusive Disney perks! Chase Disney Visa From discounts on merchandise and vacation packages to exclusive photos to reward dollars, there is so much this card has to offer! Today, we’re breaking down six of the perks you can still use in Disney World! 10% Off At Select Merchandise Locations All around Disney World property, you can use your Disney Visa Card for 10% off merchandise purchases. This is only valid at select locations — third-party locations are not eligible. However, it does work on packaged food and beverages at merchandise locations, like if you were to buy a bottle of water from Creations Shop in EPCOT. You must use your Disney Visa Card for the purchase. 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Merchandise It’s About To Get HARDER To Buy Your Favorite Disney Merch Exclusive PhotoPass Opportunities During set hours each day, Disney Visa Cardmembers can take advantage of an exclusive photo opportunity with certain characters. There are currently two opportunities available: Meet Stitch at Celebrity Spotlight in Hollywood Studios and meet select characters in World Celebration in EPCOT near the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Hi Stitch! PhotoPass photographers are stationed at each location, and you are able to download your pictures at no additional cost. Each Disney Visa Card gets access for up to six party members. The Photo Spot! REVIEW: This NEW Magic Kingdom Treat Is a Photo Op You Can Also Eat! 0% Financing For 6 Months on Select Vacation Packages Disney Visa Cardholders get a promotional APR of 0% for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase. To take advantage of this perk, Disney Vacation Packages MUST be booked by you through the Walt Disney Travel Company or online at Disney sites or through other eligible travel agents or sites. Like the merchandise perk, you must use your Disney Visa Card. Disney Visa Card DFB Video: What I Wish I’d Known BEFORE Booking a Disney World Vacation Package Use What You Earn In The Parks As a Disney Visa Cardholder, you earn Disney Reward Dollars on every purchase, which can be used toward purchases in the parks. The Disney Visa Card with no annual fee earns 1% back on every purchase. The Disney Premier Visa Card earns 5% back on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com, 2% back on purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most U.S. Disney stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The Disney Inspire Visa Card earns 10% back on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com, 3% back on purchases made at gas stations and most U.S. Disney stores, 2% back on purchases made at grocery stores and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Disney Inspire Visa Card This 35% Disney Visa Card Discount Might Just Make You Book Your Next Vacation Disney Inspire Visa Card Exclusive Perks Disney’s newest Visa Card is the Inspire card, which offers more perks for a $149 annual fee. $200 In Rewards After Spending $2,000 On Resorts Or Cruises Cardholders who spend $2,000 in qualifying purchases each anniversary year (the date you opened your card to the one-year mark) will receive $200 in Disney Rewards Dollars. Qualifying purchases are when you use your Disney Inspire Visa Card for U.S. Disney Resort purchases made directly with Disney, including Disney World, Disneyland, AULANI, Hilton Head, and Vero Beach. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort $100 in Rewards After Spending $200 on Theme Park Tickets Cardholders who spend $200 in qualifying purchases each anniversary year will receive $100 in Disney Rewards Dollars. Qualifying purchases are when you use your Disney Inspire Visa Card to purchase U.S. Disney Theme Park tickets, including Disney World Annual Passes, Disneyland Magic Key Passes, and Disney Water Park Tickets directly with Disney. Disney Theme Park tickets purchased as part of Disney Vacation Packages do not qualify. Disney World Annual Pass If you’re a Disney Visa Cardholder and are planning a trip to Disney World soon, keep these six perks in mind so you can save some money! Follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more money-saving tips and tricks! I’m About to Cancel My Disney Visa Credit Card for One Critical Reason Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a Disney Visa Cardholder? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Heads up if you’re going to EPCOT next month because there are some changes headed your way! EPCOT From new dining locations to delayed openings, there are a few things that could affect your trip. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are four changes coming to EPCOT in October! Four Food & Wine Festival Booths Open The 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is officially underway, but not every booth has opened. The last four booths will open on October 2nd and be available through the end of the festival. These booths include Coastal Eats, Earth Eats, The Alps, and India. For our thoughts on this year’s BEST menu items, CLICK HERE! The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 9 Weird, Hilarious, and Shocking Things That Happened on EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Opening Day Delayed Opening On Two Days Yes, you read that right — EPCOT will have a delayed opening on TWO days this October. Instead of its usual 9 AM opening (8:30 AM Early Entry), the park will open at 10 AM (9:30 AM Early Entry) on Friday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 25th. This is due to the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, with the 5K taking place on Friday and the Half Marathon taking place on Sunday. Be prepared for increased crowd levels during this time. ©runDisney 6 Costs That Sneak Up on You During a runDisney Weekend Shiki-Sai Fireworks Dining Packages Begin The first day for the Japan Pavilion’s sushi restaurant’s fireworks dining packages is October 2nd. Shiki Sai’s dining package includes an appetizer, traditional sashimi, a selection of sushi, and “an exclusive dessert and beverages available only with this package.” It is available for $120 per adult, plus tax and gratuity ($149.50 total, including tax and gratuity), and $60 per child, plus tax and gratuity ($74.70 total, including tax and gratuity). Shiki-Sai Fireworks dining packages offer a great view of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks spectacular, Luminous, The Symphony of Us. Luminous typically begins at 9 PM, but fireworks may have a later start time during peak crowd seasons such as throughout the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Be sure to confirm the start time when making a reservation, and then again two weeks prior to your reservation. Bookings are now open for Shiki-Sai. Luminous in EPCOT 4 Disney World Fireworks Rules You Should Break Extended Evening Hours Continue On three nights in October, Extended Evening Hours will be available to guests staying at deluxe resorts. These nights include Monday, October 5th, 12th, and 19th from 9 PM until 11 PM. During this time, guests will experience fewer crowds with shorter wait times. The EPCOT attractions included are: Frozen Ever After Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – New! Mission: SPACE Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Soarin’ Around the World Spaceship Earth The Seas with Nemo & Friends Test Track Spaceship Earth Now that you know about these changes, you can have a smooth and worry-free vacation! Follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news and updates! Your Ultimate 1-Day Plan for EPCOT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you headed to EPCOT in October? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Wine Bar George is one of our favorite places to go in Disney World for a great glass of wine and delicious eats, and things get even better when they have one of their special events. Time for Sliders & Somms! The restaurant has numerous Food & Wine special events happening between now and November 14th, and it’s a fantastic way to really feel the passion behind the restaurant and the menu they serve. We were invited to attend their Sliders & Somms event that took place on September 12th, and it really reminded us why we come back to this spot time and time again. This entire series is called Uncorked at Wine Bar George, and it’s made up of nine different events between September 5th and November 14th. Each one is a different price point, with the final event on November 14th being the most expensive, and each one focuses on a different topic. We were invited to attend their second event of the series, Sliders & Somms, on September 12th, and yes, we’ve been thinking about it ever since. Wine Bar George We got to try three different sets of sliders and their matching somms, and we learned a LOT from this incredible experience. Our reporter considers themselves to not be the most knowledgeable about wines, and learned firsthand how important a good pairing is. We started with the Po Boy & Cava, and the Po Boy was delicious. The remoulade was creamy as well as slightly spicy, while the shaved lettuce was salted and crunchy and helped to cool down the palate from the spicy pickled Fresno peppers, though we loved the snappy crunch they had. The oysters were well seasoned, but our only minor complaint was that we felt they had a little too much breading. Po Boy As for the Gelida Gran Reserva Cava, this was a sparkling white wine with a bitter, yet slightly sweet taste. It wasn’t very smooth and burnt a little going down, but it had a great taste. Gelida Gran Reserva Cava Next was the Pork Belly Slider & Bomer. The pork belly was so smooth and tender; it might have been some of the best pork belly our reporter has ever had. The flavor was out of this world — it was slightly sweet while being very salty and savory. The cabbage was slightly charred and had a nice crunch to balance the smoothness of the pork belly. The aioli complemented the pork belly really well, adding to the umami flavors. Pork Belly Slider The Selbach-Oster Riesling was another white wine, but this one was sweeter and not as bitter. It was a very smooth wine that paired incredibly well with the pork belly slider. Personally, this was our favorite pairing! Selbach-Oster Riesling Finally, we had the Smash Burger Slider & Bourgogne. This was an excellent little burger. It was two crispy smash patties stacked on top of each other with American cheese, pickles, and a sweet aioli. The aioli was similar to a Big Mac Thousand Island-type sauce, and we loved that the pickles had a slight acidity that balanced well with the sweetness of the aioli. Smash Burger Slider The Arenas Baillot Bourgogne was very smooth and had a slightly sweeter taste. This pairing was inspired by a book called Big Macs & Burgundy, which talks about pairing nice wines with crummy fast food and how well it actually works in some cases. We couldn’t agree more, since this pairing was also incredible, though we’d consider the burger to be far from crummy. Arenas Baillot Bourgogne Overall, this event was a blast! Keep in mind that, depending on your party size, you could be paired with another group. Each of these pairings was picked out by a chef and a sommelier from Wine Bar George, who each introduced themselves, the wine, the history of the family who makes that bottle, their winery, etc. We loved how detailed it was, and how it was obvious the amount of passion that went into each choice. George himself also came out and talked a lot about the event and its significance, which was very special and made us want to come back for more. Our reporter had such a great time that they plan to keep an eye out for more events like this in the future to attend on their own. Wine Bar George If you want to attend one of the future parts of the series, this is the lineup for the remaining seven events: Saturday, September 19th at 3:00PM: Craft Cocktails SOLD OUT Thursday, October 1st at 6:30PM: Borgogno Wine Dinner Saturday, October 3rd at 3:00PM: Five Decades of Dunn, Howell Mountain Cabernets Saturday, October 10th at 3:00PM: Craft Cocktails Saturday, October 17th at 3:00PM: Truffles, Pasta & the Perfect Pour SOLD OUT Wednesday, October 28th at 6:30PM: Once & Future Winemakers Dinner Saturday, November 14th at 3:00PM: The Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Experience SOLD OUT More Recent Disney Springs News! REVIEW: If You’re Thinking of Buying a Ticket for This Foodie Event at Disney World, This Will Make the Decision for YouIf You See Us at This Disney World Restaurant All Month Long, Mind Your BusinessI Saved $300 By Staying at This Disney World Hotel on My Last TripREVIEW: This Disney World Snack Delighted Our Eyes and Confused Our Taste BudsThis POPULAR Disney World Restaurant Just Got a Menu Update We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! BREAKING: NEW Food & Wine Event Announced for Disney World Which of these events would you want to attend? 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 Wine Bar George to attend their Sliders & Somms event. 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 View the full article

Things are ALWAYS changing in Disney World! Projects like Villains Land, Piston Peak, Monsters Inc. Land, and Pueblo Esperanza are taking center stage when it comes to changes, but they aren’t the only ones going on. Welcome to the Open House! Each week, it feels like Disney is constantly dropping new information, details, and more for upcoming projects. That’s why we like to do a weekly wrap-up of the biggest news so you don’t miss a single thing. Let’s dive into this week’s latest and greatest Disney news. This week was a BIG one for EPCOT festivals, new lands, and more! If you’re ready for some seriously exciting news, this week was for you. A NEW Hollywood Studios Land Soft Opened Arguably the biggest news this week was that the Magic of Disney Animation officially soft opened this week! The second half of the newest Hollywood Studios land soft opened on September 11th ahead of its official openin date on September 14th. Olaf Draws We got to check out the new area, including Off The Page, Olaf Draws, The Once Upon A Studio Theater, and the Drawn to Wonderland Playground. This family-friendly area has been highly anticipated since it was announced in 2025, and fans can finally explore the new area. Mulan and Little Brother Fans can meet characters in this new area, learn to draw like Disney animators, catch a show, and more. This soft opening also finalized the land’s completion since it was opening in two phases. FIRST LOOK Inside the NEW Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Candlelight Celebrity Narrators Were Announced Over in EPCOT, we got lots of festival news, including the announcement of the celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional. This is one of EPCOT’s most highly anticipated events during Festival of the Holidays each year. Candlelight Processional Different celebrities stop by the park to tell the story of Christmas and its traditions. We’ve seen people in lines to spot their favorite actors, athletes, singers, and more! This year, the lineup includes: Nov. 27 & 28 – Auli‘i Cravalho Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Gary Sinise Dec. 2 & 3 – To Be Announced Dec. 4 & 5 – Whoopi Goldberg Dec. 6 & 7 – Robin Roberts (NEW) Dec. 8 & 9 – Jason Kelce (NEW) Dec. 10 – 12 – Neil Patrick Harris Dec. 13 & 14 – To Be Announced Dec. 15 & 16 – Lauren Daigle Dec. 17 – 19 – Ralph Macchio Dec. 20 & 21 – Henry Winkler Dec. 22 & 23 – Lacey Chabert (NEW) Dec. 24 & 25 – Jodi Benson Dec. 26 & 27 – Simu Liu Dec. 28 – 30 – Eva Longoria Josh Gad narrating the 2024 Candlelight Processional Festival of the Holidays kicks off annually the day after Thanksgiving, and it really feels like the start of the Christmas season to us! The narrators are joined by a choir of Cast Members singing traditional holiday songs, which makes the event even more special. Crowds for Candlelight Processional for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays We can’t wait to see new and returning narrators take the spotlight! Disney also confirmed Candlelight Processional Dining Package information, which you can find right here. Disney Announces Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional 2026 at EPCOT! We Got TWO EPCOT Festival Start Dates EPCOT didn’t stop with just the celebrities, though! They also confirmed not one, but TWO dates for EPCOT festivals in 2027. First, EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts will officially kick off on January 15th, 2027. EPCOT Festival of the Arts! This artistic festival (which is easily one of our favorites) will run until March 1st, 2027, which is seriously exciting! In 2026, this festival ran until February 23rd, so that’s even more time to get creative, paint, and more in the park. That’s not all, though! 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts EPCOT also confirmed the dates for the 2027 Flower and Garden Festival! This floral fest will kick off on March 10th, and it will run until May 31st, 2027. This festival brings tons of color and life to the parks thanks to those gorgeous topiaries, fresh food, and more. EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival We especially love how short the turnaround time is between these two festivals, so there will be no shortage of excitement. EPCOT is keeping us fed with news and food, literally, in 2027! DATES ANNOUNCED for the 2027 EPCOT Festival of the Arts After Hours Details Confirmed For 2027 Finally, Disney also confirmed After Hours event information for 2027! If you love going into the parks after dark, these special events should be on your radar. In 2027, Disney confirmed EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom will all host these special ticketed events for you to enjoy. After Hours in EPCOT These events give you access to the parks after they close, so you get low crowds, short lines, free snacks, and more! These events take place on select nights and will sell out, so don’t hesitate to grab your tickets if you’re interested. Tickets are on sale NOW for select Disney World hotel guests. Tickets for everyone else go on sale starting on September 22nd. DATES ANNOUNCED for 2027 After Hours Events in Disney World We can’t wait for these major events, new lands, and more throughout Disney World. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, details, and more. 4 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next Month Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which news are you the most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Tomorrow’s going to be a sad day for Tokyo DisneySea, and we’re already mentally preparing, even though we’re thousands of miles away. Aquatopia Back in April, the park announced that they’d be permanently closing one of their most popular attractions. It’s a ride unlike any other — you truly can’t find anything even close to it in any other Disney park, and now it’s about to be gone for good. Yes, tomorrow, we need to say a permanent farewell to Aquatopia. Aquatopia is located in the Port Discovery section of Tokyo DisneySea. Passengers board three-seater vehicles that spin and twirl on a water course — yes, you’re ON WATER the whole time! Disney describes it as “an attraction where guests can enjoy the unpredictable movements of an automated water vehicle.” We told you it was unique! Aquatopia entrance The attraction will close for good tomorrow, September 14th. The original, traditional version of the ride closed on June 30th and has been the Aquatopia “Get Soaked” Version of the attraction from July 1st through its closure. This is part of the Summer Cool-off at Tokyo Disney Resort, where multiple rides have additional water feature versions to help guests stay cool during the summer heat. Aquatopia Fortunately, there are still lots of other incredible, whimsical, and unique attractions in Tokyo DisneySea to experience, but we will miss this one greatly. Disney hasn’t announced what will be taking its place, if anything at all, but we’ll be sure to keep a close eye out. We’ll be the first to admit that new ride announcements from Tokyo DisneySea usually have us REALLY excited due to their incredible track record. The addition of Fantasy Springs to the resort totally blew our minds, and we think about it at least once a week, and we’re really looking forward to the addition of Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, the Wreck-It Ralph ride taking over Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. However, we’ve gotta admit that the announcement of whatever replaces this ride has to be good to make up for such a loss! Bye, Aquatopia Looking for more recent Tokyo Disney news you may have missed? We’ve got you covered! More Recent Tokyo Disney News! This Disney Ride Permanently CLOSES TomorrowNEW Disney Restaurant Revealed for 2027NEWS: Name Revealed for Disney’s NEW ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Ride!NEW Details Announced for Disney’s Space Mountain Overhaul Opening Next YearWell, ANOTHER Disney Park Is Getting Rid of Free FastPasses We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news from around the world, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney Issues Warning for Illegal Tours at Tokyo Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this closure? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

While The Magic of Disney Animation in the Walt Disney Studios section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios doesn’t officially open until September 14th, it soft-opened a few days early for guests to try out. The Magic of Disney Animation While the outdoor courtyard area of this section of the park has been open for months now, we were super excited to step inside a few days ago to check out the remaining sections of the land. We have our thoughts on the area, but we took to social media to take a look at what YOU all are saying too, and we’re seeing firsthand that you all have some STRONG thoughts. Let’s start with the courtyard, the area that’s been open to the public the longest. Personally, we’re BIG fans of this area. We’ve loved seeing what characters roam around the area, and the statues of all the Disney characters around the land, especially the rare ones, like Little Brother from Mulan and Meeko from Pocahontas, are big hits. Meeko munching on the popcorn! It looks like a lot of guests are happy with this area too. Instagram user @meetthemiethes said it really well, commenting, “I don’t know how many times I’ll partake of the experience but what I will say is this and the courtyard have that vintage MGM/ Disney vibe. As someone who first stepped foot in the park at 18 years old, (two months after it opened) this makes me so incredibly happy. I want to say it’s about time. Welcome home.” We couldn’t agree more — we really do feel like Disney hit the nail on the head with the courtyard, and we find ourselves stopping by every trip. Donald Duck in the courtyard Heading inside to the new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation includes Once Upon A Studio Theater, Olaf Draws!, the Drawn to Wonderland Playground, and Off The Page. While many Disney fans are thrilled with the new addition and feel it’s a major upgrade from Launch Bay, it seems that some fans think the area could have been an actual new ride instead of a collection of smaller attractions. Instagram user @jasknight22 commented, “This looks like a very low effort space filler. It would have been nice to see an actual attraction here.” The Magic of Disney Animation We will be the first to admit that an indoor playground is a GREAT idea, with Florida being as hot as it is. The Drawn to Wonderland playground is adorable, and we can clearly see the influence of Mary Blair’s original artwork all throughout the playground. Many parents online are looking forward to bringing their kids to play, but Facebook user Katie Mazzuca pointed out something important in her comment. She said, “We’re headed there in a few weeks and am especially excited for my 4 year old to experience it. The whole thing looks like an awesome addition & is SO cute, but am a bit concerned that the play area doesn’t look like it has great sightlines for watching your kids.” The Tugley Woods at Drawn to Wonderland After being in the space ourselves, we can say that it is pretty twisty and turny in here, so watching young kiddos is going to be a bit of a challenge. Not impossible, that’s for sure, but sightlines certainly aren’t as easy as they are in some other playgrounds The Mad Tea Party at Drawn to Wonderland We do really enjoy the multiple meet-and-greets available over at Off The Page!, but there’s one complaint we have — these are all characters we can easily meet in other parks, so it doesn’t feel overly special or unique. We do love that they’re all in one place AND indoors, making it easier to meet multiple characters at once at a comfortable temperature, but we would love to see a rotating character situation, like you can find at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. Hey Stitch! The biggest complaint from our readers, which we have to agree with, is that while Olaf Draws! is adorable and we’re happy to have an experience like this back in the park, it’s missing the magic of live animators. Facebook user Christina Lauro Pollock said it well, commenting, “Very engaging wraparound experience, but missing the magic of a real human animator. Video plus animatronic isn’t doing the same job at all.” Olaf Draws! There was also a really great interaction between two other Facebook users that we feel captures our feelings, as well as the majority of guests’, really well. User Jaime Lee Ogle commented, “I wish they would have kept live in person artists for the drawing classes though.” Another user, Laci Jo Michels, then came back and said, “SOOOO agree. The Olaf animatronic could have been a sidekick for the REAL animator.” Jamie replied with a great idea, saying, “Or they could even rotate live artists with the video ones. So you get the best of both and Olaf helps for both.” Olaf Draws! Another fact we want to point out is that the Olaf Draws! theater is REALLY small and doesn’t fit many people at one time. That means that the line for this attraction is almost always going to be pretty long, no matter what virtual queue or line system they have in place. Yes, the line being inside will be a big help on hot days, but we’re really curious to see how long the wait really is when the area officially opens on September 14th. Olaf Draws! desks Overall, we think this is a pretty solid new spot that will be a hit with Disney guests, but it may not be an attraction you want to visit each and every time you’re in the park. We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news to help you plan for your upcoming vacations, so stay tuned to DFB! FIRST LOOK Inside the NEW Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this new attraction? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney World has recently made changes to its transportation system, which raises the question: Can guests still resort hop around Disney World? The Resort Monorail Good news…We have the answer! If you’re headed to Disney World soon and are wondering if you can visit all of the different hotels, listen up because we have the full rundown of what’s currently allowed! The Recent Change At the end of June 2026, Disney began a transportation change at Disney Springs. Guests are now not allowed on board the resort buses or boats without a valid hotel or dining reservation. This basically means people can’t park at Disney Springs (for free, I may add) and hop on a bus/boat to go to any resort they please. The new bus rule However, if you are staying on Disney World property and hoping to visit a hotel other than where you’re staying, you can still visit them! All hotel guests are allowed to board the buses and boats for any hotel on property, as long as they have a valid reservation at one of the Disney World hotels. Bus at the Grand Floridian Resort If you are boarding a bus or boat at Disney Springs with a valid dining reservation, Cast Members will only let you on two hours before your reservation. So, if you are staying off property and were hoping to resort hop before your dining reservation, you can’t — there is a time restriction when it comes to dining reservations. Topolino’s Terrace 5 Tips For the NEW Disney Springs Bus Rule What About Dining? Dining reservations allow any guest — staying on Disney World property or not — to dine at the resorts. Like I said above, you CAN park at Disney Springs to get to your hotel dining reservation, but they won’t allow you to board transportation until two hours prior. However, you can absolutely park at the resort with a valid dining reservation. ‘Ohana When it comes to Mobile Order, sometimes you will be able to park at the resort. The official policy states that guests must have a valid reservation to park at a hotel, but sometimes Mobile Ordering is just enough, especially with hotels without any sit-down restaurants. However, don’t expect to be let in because this is NOT guaranteed. Even if you place a Mobile Order ahead of time and show the security guards at the entrance, they still may not let you in. We’ve had mixed experiences with this recently. Gasparilla Island Grill Now, what about lounges? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to park at the resorts or get on the transportation at Disney Springs if you just want to go to the lounges. Going to lounges is extremely popular for resort hopping, especially on the Monorail loop, but there is still a way around it (as of right now). Guests can still park at the four theme parks and get on transportation there. Cast Members are not checking reservations at the parks, so if you were hoping to visit one of the hotel lounges on your trip, you’re going to have to go to a park first. Tambu Lounge CONFIRMED: There’s a Secret Loophole in Disney World Dining Plan Is Pool Hopping Allowed? Most of the time, pool hopping is NOT allowed; however, there are some exceptions depending on the resort you stay at. Guests staying at any of the All-Star Resorts can pool hop between the three hotels (Movies, Music, and Sports); people staying at the Port Orleans Resorts can pool hop between the two hotels (French Quarter and Riverside); and guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge can pool hop between the Kidani Village and Jambo House pools. Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter What About The Holiday Decor? When Disney made announcements surrounding the holiday season, they mentioned that the holiday decor would be for those guests with valid hotel and dining reservations, which leads us to believe they may be cracking down a bit more on resort hopping during the holidays. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen security at resorts become stricter… During the busier seasons of the year, we’ve seen security guards stationed at the walkway between the Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to prevent non-hotel guests from using it. This could be something implemented during the holidays. Wilderness Lodge If you’re hoping to see the holiday decor at certain resorts, we’d recommend grabbing a dining reservation because that’s the only way (at the time of writing) that you’ll be able to see it. 2025 Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel The BEST Hotels for Christmas at Disney World in 2026 Why Did Disney Make These Changes? While Disney has yet to release any information on why they specifically implemented these rules, it can be surmised that it was because too many non-resort guests were impacting the experience for guests staying at the resorts. Boarding the buses and boats at Disney Springs can make for longer lines and longer waits for actual resort guests; Guests were using Mobile Order at hotels and using Disney’s free transportation to the parks there for “cheaper parking.” Parking at a resort, especially smaller ones, can take up parking spaces for actual resort guests looking to park. There are a LOT of reasons. Coronado Springs Resort We always want to make sure you’re not met with any surprises on your Disney vacation, so be sure to keep these rules in mind! Follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news, updates, tips, and tricks! How to Score $218 Flights to Disney World for Christmas 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a Disney World vacation planned any time soon? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

A look at “Drawn to Wonderland,” an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland 🫖 #DisneyWorldView the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Slinky Dog Dash Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable, and that’s especially true during the summer season. After several weeks of plummeting wait times, the numbers SHOT UP at Disney World this week, with Slinky Dog Dash leading the way. Magic Kingdom Wait Times TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 58 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 41 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 36 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 28 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 28 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 27 minutes Jungle Cruise — 26 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 25 minutes Space Mountain — 24 minutes Haunted Mansion — 21 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 15 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 13 minutes The Hall of Presidents — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 12 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 11 minutes Pluto enjoying a flight on Dumbo The Flying Elephant Astro Orbiter — 10 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 10 minutes “it’s a small world” — 9 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 9 minutes Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 9 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 8 minutes Mad Tea Party Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 7 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 7 minutes Mad Tea Party — 7 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 6 minutes Swiss Family Treehouse — 4 minutes EPCOT Changes, Coaster Delays, and Food & Wine Festival News: Every Major Disney Announcement You Missed EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 78 minutes Test Track — 63 minutes Frozen Ever After — 52 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 47 minutes Soarin’ Across America — 30 minutes Soarin’ Across America Impressions de France — 19 minutes Mission: SPACE — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Living with the Land — 15 minutes Spaceship Earth — 14 minutes Canada Far and Wide — 14 minutes Reflections of China — 13 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 11 minutes Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along — 9 minutes Journey into Imagination — 8 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 7 minutes The Misadventures of Tiny Train Town in EPCOT Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom at night Avatar Flight of Passage — 43 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 33 minutes Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safaris — 25 minutes Kali River Rapids — 22 minutes Expedition Everest — 20 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 11 minutes YIKES. This Animal Kingdom Expansion News Is Going To Upset Some Folks Hollywood Studios Wait Times Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Slinky Dog Dash — 69 minutes Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 48 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 46 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 39 minutes Toy Story Mania — 38 minutes Tower of Terror — 35 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 23 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Alien Swirling Saucers — 21 minutes Star Tours — 5 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. The One Thing EPCOT Does WAY Better Than Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

If you’ve got a wedding coming up and you’re thinking about making it an elegant Disney wedding, you’re going to want to check this out! ©Disney This Fall, the Disney Weddings Boutique Tour is back, bringing couples the unique opportunity to meet with Disney Weddings consultants and learn about the magic that goes into their special ceremonies. Let’s take a look at all the details we know! Engaged couples who are ready to start planning their big day and who are looking to connect with a Disney Wedding Consultant in person will soon have the chance to do so! With the Disney Weddings Boutique Tour, couples can talk to a Disney Wedding Consultant to get information and have questions answered. ©Disney This is your chance to learn about the “variety of Disney destinations and magical experiences available to you and your wedding crew, and gain details on specific pricing and everything that is included – like a Disney Wedding Planner and a menu tasting experience!” ©Disney You’ll also get to explore the diverse selection of wedding venues with a Disney Wedding Consultant who can make customized recommendations based on your vision. Wedding Pavilion These are the following locations and dates that you’ll be able to catch the Disney Weddings Boutique Tour: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions in Houston, Texas, on October 16th. Brides of San Diego in San Diego, California, on November 7th. New Amsterdam Theatre (Center Stage with Disney Weddings) in New York, NY, on November 14th. These are social hour-style events, so you can come and go as you please! ©Disney This sounds like an awesome opportunity for couples who are interested in Disney Weddings and wedding planning in general. For more Disney news and updates, follow us at the Disney Food Blog! 5 HUGE Regrets Brides Had About Their Disney World Weddings Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Is this something you’re interested in? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you run into this dining problem at Disneyland, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Tangaroa Terrace Disneyland dining should be straightforward — in theory. Yet, during a recent visit, we encountered a problem that’ll surely blindside non-Disney experts and tourists alike. Let’s talk about it. During our visit, we were on the hunt for a rare DOLE Whip dessert that had gone viral when Disney posted it online. Simple enough, right? DOLE Whip Cup However, when we were verifying our order, we noticed that the treat wasn’t advertised in person, nor was it shown on the Disneyland app via mobile order. ©Disney Later that day, we went to review a seasonal dessert at Naples Ristorante and noticed that it wasn’t on the official online menu, nor the menu in person. Fortunately, there was a little table advertisement that did highlight it, but it’s still worth noting in case you didn’t know about the treat beforehand. Pumpkin Blood-Scotch Cannoli This highlighted an obvious dining pitfall: Not all Disneyland offerings will be obvious to the average guest. Sleeping Beauty Castle This problem usually plagues seasonal items — which wouldn’t be as much of an issue if Disneyland really didn’t embrace seasonal items. But it does, and so if you don’t know where to look, you could EASILY miss out on some pretty incredible exclusive treats. Ultimately, Disneyland has lots of secrets that you need to know before your trip in order to unlock the full potential of your stay. Disneyland Railroad Station Keeping up with the trends is a tough task. It requires knowing where to look and who to talk to. Luckily for you, we’re pros at that, and we’ve taken it upon ourselves to know every little bit of what’s going on at Disneyland — from the latest ride construction updates to where you can find rare drinks. When we say we keep up with everything, we mean everything. 10 Weeks When Disneyland Will Be Empty in 2027 If you want to stay in the loop without having to track down all the little details, make sure you check out our newsletter! We want to make sure you don’t miss out on all the special secret offerings at the Disneyland Resort, and this newsletter goes a long way in helping you get the best value out of your trip. When it comes to all the latest intel on Disneyland and ALL of the Disney theme parks around the world, we’ve got you covered! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you encountered this problem at Disneyland? Share your experiences in the comments below! View the full article

You’ll want to get these souvenirs while they’re still available — trust us! ©Disney If you feel like the Disney Store is dropping new souvenirs online left and right, you would be correct! The online outlet for all things Disney gifts is constantly releasing new irresistible merchandise all the time — like this NEW pin collection that is sure to be a hit! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pick up some mystery pins before they disappear! ©Disney The brand-new Mickey Mouse and Friends Attraction Costume Loungefly Mini Backpack Mystery Bag Charms just arrived online at the Disney Store, and they are AWESOME! These pins are inspired by Loungefly mini backpacks, and each blind box contains one of six detailed bag charm replicas of their full-size bags. Each pin comes with a lobster claw clasp that’ll allow you to attach it to your favorite bag. Pin designs include Mickey and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad… ©Disney …Minnie and Space Mountain… ©Disney …Donald and Pirates of the Caribbean… ©Disney …Chip and the Disneyland Railroad/Walt Disney World Railroad… ©Disney …Goofy and Jungle Cruise… ©Disney …and a mystery design! ©Disney Each box contains one unknown pin, so you’ll need to try your luck! We’d hurry and get these, though. Who knows how long they’ll stick around, as we can see them being VERY popular among Disney fans of all ages. BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE Do you plan on picking one (or several) up? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more great Disney souvenir finds! View the full article

We’re always on the hunt for Disney essentials on sale! Since we’re in Disney World all the time, we like to stock up on essentials when they’re on sale, and it’s a great way to prepare for your upcoming vacation. Charging magnetically! We found a few favorites we bring to Disney World on every trip, and they’re all on sale! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You can check out our whole Amazon Storefront here, where we share all of our favorite essentials, especially when they’re on sale! check out our favorites here! FuelRod MAX FuelRod MAX10 You’ll definitely want to bring a power bank, and this is a great option. It’s MagSafe, so you can keep it on the back of your phone, and the best part is that around Disney World, you can swap your empty battery pack for a fully charged one for free. You don’t have to bring more than one pack because you can just swap it out when you need to. grab on sale! Brooks Women’s Ariel GTS 24 ©Amazon You’re going to be walking a LOT in Disney World, so a good pair of shoes is totally worth the investment. These have a lot of support and cushioning, so when you’re walking on asphalt all day, you get a little pep in your step. grab on sale! Flat Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip We usually keep one or two of these in our suitcases so when we get ot the hotel room, no one is arguing about outlets. From MagicBands, phones, battery packs, watches, and literally everything else, you’ll appreciate a few extra outlets and USB plugs to keep everything charged. grab on sale! Handheld Mouse Fan ©Amazon Florida can also get super hot, so a little fan like this is worth the $12. You can pop this out during the middle of the day when the heat is just too much. It’s not invasive or in the way, and it’s easy to hold as you walk around or wait in line. It’s also pretty cute with the Mickey ears! grab on sale! Don’t forget to check out all of our favorites right on Amazon. We keep it up to date with new sales, finds, and everything else you’ll want to know! check out our favorites here! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all of our favorite Disney essentials you’ll want for your next vacation. View the full article

What if we told you that the next viral Disney World coffee could be created by YOU?! Affogato alle Mandorle Cold Brew Joffrey’s just dropped a brand-new sweepstakes where you can inspire the next big flavor to hit the popular coffee chain. We have the step-by-step instructions for how you can enter your idea, and we’re sharing them with you! Joffrey’s wants you to be the Roastmaster’s virtual assistant. This is your chance to create a coffee using your favorite flavors, from coffee cake to mocha to lavender. Imagine seeing people walk around Magic Kingdom or EPCOT with the drink you created. Notte di Caramello Cold Brew If you’re interested, check out the following steps posted by Joffrey’s: 1. Build your creation using the ingredient guide by selecting from the ingredients on the website to build your combination. 2. Tell Joffrey’s about yourself. 3. Press the “Brew” button to submit your entry. 4. Grab your caffeinated beverage & wish for a latte luck! Click here to enter the sweepstakes! Joffrey’s EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival drinks! The Joffrey’s sweepstakes is from now until September 28th. On top of having your drink made, five eligible participants will be randomly selected to win a year’s supply (12 bags) of Joffrey’s flavored coffee. It truly is a sweepstakes built for a coffee lover! Cheerful Elf Latte! If you’re looking for some inspiration, you can check out EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, which has some exclusive coffee flavours at Joffrey’s all around the park. There are also seasonal flavors that pop up at all four parks and Disney Springs. We liked this one! Remember, you have a limited time to enter your flavor, so get your entry in now. For more Disney food news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! “Breakfast of Champions.” The WILDEST Things We’ve Eaten Before 10 AM in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have an idea of what you’re going to enter? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney decided this was THE WEEK to drop all the news! We got news about next year’s EPCOT Festivals, discounts coming for 2027, new After Hours event dates, and so much more. In fact, that doesn’t even cover what actually happened IN the parks this past week. 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival If things feel a bit overwhelming, or like it’s all moving a little too fast, we’re here to help break it all down. If you’re visiting the parks this upcoming week, these are the closures you need to know about before tapping into the parks! If you thought the closures were over, or that we’d get a break, we’re sorry to say that that’s NOT the case. Let’s take a look at all of the current closures in Disney World from September 11th through 18th. Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment. The work will include completely revamping the scenes in the attraction to make them more modern and represent more recent parts of history, as well as adding a new Walt Disney animatronic at the opening. ©Disney Currently, the attraction is set to reopen in 2027, though no official date has been set yet. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw a new addition to one of the old boat docks, as a shed-like structure has now been added to the boat dock near Memento Mori. Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along Model ©Disney/Pixar Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. It’s Time: We’re Setting the Record Straight on Villains Land Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vacation Fun Disney announced that Vacation Fun will be closing for the second time this year on Sunday, August 9th. Recently, hours for this spot began showing up again, beginning on September 27th! Vacation Fun The first time this attraction closed this year was on April 29th for a special May 4th Star Wars merchandise event. Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, Disney released new information about Monstropolis, saying that “Monstropolis — the monster city now powered by laughter — is getting ready to give humans a glimpse of what’s been hidden from their world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … why are the doors finally opening to us?” ©bioreconstruct We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, in addition to Archie’s Square Pig Pizza. Most recently, we got a behind-the-scenes look at what Imagineers are working on behind the walls, and it’s got us even MORE excited for the new land! ©Disney If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! Disney World Just Dropped 7 MAJOR Announcements EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant Coral Reef, one of the most controversial restaurants in all of Disney World, closed for refurbishment on September 8th. Coral Reef Restaurant The Disney World website recently adjusted to allow guests to begin booking reservations again on November 4th and beyond, which we’re now considering the reopening date, unless Disney tells us differently. La Signature La Signature, one of the stores located in the France Pavilion, closed for refurbishment on June 30th. La Signature closed The store specializes in French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. During the closure, if you’re looking to buy Guerlain products, they’ll be temporarily available at the nearby Plume Et Palette. Sections of Germany Pavilion On July 13th, both the guest bathrooms in the Germany Pavilion and the majority of the Volkskunst store in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion closed for refurbishment. The roof of Das Kaufhaus is also under refurbishment. Totally closed While a Cast Member did tell us the store closure was to fix the Cast Member bathrooms out of sight, Disney has not revealed a reopening date for the store or the public bathrooms. Other parts of the pavilion are also seeing construction and refurbishment, but are not causing additional closures. To the Person Who STOLE From Tiny Train Town in EPCOT, I Hope Your Socks Are Perpetually Soggy Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA, officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, we noticed that large cranes are in the area to adjust the roofs of existing buildings, likely to keep them in theme. @bioreconstruct on X We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent! Recently, we got a chance to see how the entrance of the new land is shaping up. Things are certainly looking great so far, and we’re thrilled it’s reached this stage! @bioreconstruct on X This new land is shaping up nicely! It will have three new rides: El Carrusel de los Animalitos featuring classic Disney animals, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. Okay, We’re Never Not Going to Celebrate New Cake in Disney World Disney World Hotels All-Star Sports Resort Disney quietly announced that Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar is closing VERY soon for a refurbishment. It’ll be closing on September 18th and is expected to last through mid-December 2026. Grandstand Spirits During the closure, we recommend you swing by End Zone Food Court, just a short walk away from the pool, to snag your eats and drinks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge There are numerous closures taking place around Animal Kingdom Lodge over the next few months that may affect your vacation. The Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge August 17th through October 9th: The main lobby and primary entrance will be closed. Check-in will move to the Palace Library during this time. September 28th through October 9th: The north side lobby corridor will be closed. During this time, the north side lobby elevators on the second floor and the outdoor terrace observation deck will be unavailable. October 26th through November 6th: The south side lobby corridor will be closed. During this time, Community Hall, Safari So Good Arcade, the laundry room, the Palace Library, lobby restrooms, and the outdoor terrace observation deck will be unavailable. Convention Center and El Centro Corridor — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Beginning on August 10th, the Convention Center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort began a planned refurbishment that is expected to last through September 2027. Coronado Springs Additionally, the hotel’s El Centro Corridor and surrounding areas will also undergo refurbishment tied to the convention center refurbishment. While there’s no end date for this construction project, we do know that work will be completed in phases, with certain spaces being temporarily inaccessible at times. Boat Dock — Disney’s Old Key West Resort Starting on July 20th, Disney closed the boat transportation at Old Key West Resort, called the Sassagoula River Cruise. These boats usually go to Disney Springs, so now you’ll need to take a bus instead. Old Key West Dock The closure was expected to last through early August, but we still haven’t heard any updates. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Currently, The Turf Club Bar & Grill is under refurbishment until mid-September, according to the original timeline Disney spoke about. The restaurant closed on August 31st, a day after the Turf Club Lounge reopened after being closed since April. The Turf Club Bar & Grill! Additionally, the tennis courts at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are currently closed for refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t shared an exact reopening date, the current timeline is that they’ll be closed from late August through November 2026. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort It was recently announced that the Village Green area of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will be closed from August 10th through September 4th. This is an outdoor space where you can usually watch Movie Under The Stars, do yoga, attend arts and crafts classes, and more. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Disney filed permits for the BoardWalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles” earlier this year, and now that we have a bit more information on them, we’re thinking that this currently vacant spot could soon become the home of the new Basin on the BoardWalk store on its way! The shop will be rooted in the resort’s classic boardwalk heritage and will offer a sensory shopping experience that is described as “both timeless and distinctly new.” Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th. 2025 and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. It was just recently revealed, though, that a new lounge will be coming to the BoardWalk! ©Disney The new lounge will be called Hurly-Burly and will be a “fun-filled afternoons and glamorous evenings inside a historic seaside theatre with a vibrant BoardWalk story that spans over a century.” Based on the concept art revealed, it’s looking like the former JellyRolls building would be the best fit for this spot, but we’re also waiting to see where the new quick-service restaurant announced for the BoardWalk will be going! I Saved $300 By Staying at This Disney World Hotel on My Last Trip We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! You Can WIN Tickets to the Super Bowl AND Disneyland Resort with This Sweepstakes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re always on the hunt for the newest Disney Loungefly bags. They’re super cute and themed after your favorite Disney characters, but also lightweight and easy to carry all day as your go-to Disney park bag! ©Loungefly Loungefly just released a brand-new Disney Villains collection, featuring iconic baddies from The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you’re looking for your new favorite spooky season accessory, you’re sure to find a spine-chilling bag in this lineup! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Are you ready for this Dr. Facilier Mini Backpack? ©Loungefly This Dr. Facilier Mini Backpack features the sinister voodoo man Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. This purple-and-black bag brings the iconic villain to life with voodoo embroidery, an appliqué of his face and hat, and a 3D molded metal charm of his necklace. With its adjustable purple straps and a sturdy top handle, you’ll definitely be ready to conjure up the style spirits. view ON Loungefly Take the plunge with this Flotsam and Jetsam Tote Bag! ©Loungefly This Flotsam and Jetsam Tote Bag features Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s henchmen from The Little Mermaid, on the unique handles. It’s got a ton of villainous features, like a 3D molded metal shell, debossed eel skin details, and a detachable coin bag of one of Ursula’s poor unfortunate souls! view ON Loungefly This Deadly Nightshade Card Holder is deathly stylish! ©Loungefly This Deadly Nightshade Card Holder features a Deadly Nightshade appliqué with embroidered text and openings. Turn it around, and you’ll find four card slots and a zippered compartment for small essentials like cash or coins. view ON Loungefly This Frog’s Breath Crossbody Bag will make a statement this Halloween! ©Loungefly This Frog’s Breath Crossbody Bag brings Sally’s secret ingredient, Frog’s Breath, to life. This jar-shaped Frog’s Breath bag features a frog sticking out from the jar, and the mouth opens so you can access the interior compartment. Plus, its eyes glow in the dark! view ON Loungefly We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Lorcana is a super popular Disney-themed trading card game. Your favorite Disney heroes and villains are being attacked, and it’s up to you to save them! The game features iconic Disney characters like Mickey and Friends and princesses, but has expanded to include recent hits like Monsters, Inc. and Turning Red. Breea loves Lorcana! Lorcana has a super strong presence in the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, with some limited-time events and a festival-exclusive Figment card. I really want to get into Lorcana before the festival starts on January 15th, but the game is big enough that it’s a little intimidating as a beginner. I asked my Lorcana obsessed coworker Brea for her essentials, and these six Lorcana finds made my Lorcana games SO easy! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Keep track of your cards with the Lorcana Official Collector’s Guide! Lorcana Official Collector’s Guide While you can track your cards in the Lorcana app, if you prefer physical media, the Lorcana Official Collector’s Guide will be your new favorite thing. You can see all of the Lorcana cards in one place! view ON AMAZON Store your cards in a Lorcana Princess Card Portfolio! Lorcana Princess Card Portfolio This Lorcana Princess Card Portfolio features beautifully illustrated princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Moana in action. Holding up to 252 cards, this portfolio allows you peruse your cards quickly and easily while keeping everything organized. view ON AMAZON This Lorcana TCG Playmat is fire! ©Amazon This Lorcana TCG Playmat protects your cards from wear and tear during gameplay, provides ample space for your cards, and when you’re on the go, it’s easy to transport and rolls up effortlessly for easy storage and transportation. Immerse yourself in the world of Disney Lorcana and personalize your game table with Maleficent’s Dragon Fire! view ON AMAZON The Lorcana Reign of Jafar Illumineer’s Trove is great for beginners! ©Amazon This Lorcana Reign of Jafar Illumineer’s Trove set includes one card storage box, six card dividers, eight booster packs of 12 additional cards each, six damage-counter dice, and one lore counter. It’s super beginner friendly if you’re just starting out your Lorcana journey! view ON AMAZON The Lorcana Fabled Illumineer’s Trove is a must-have! ©Amazon Expand your Lorcana collection with the Fabled Illumineer’s Trove set. it includes one card storage box, six card dividers, eight booster packs of 12 additional cards each, six damage-counter dice, and one lore counter. view ON AMAZON Keep your cards looking their best with these Lorcana TCG Card Sleeves! ©Amazon These Lorcana TCG Card Sleeves are durable card sleeves that keep your cards in pristine condition during intense games by preventing glare and fingerprints and providing a smooth shuffling experience. Plus, they feature the original Disney Lorcana card back artwork! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

If you’re a runner who loves theme parks, you’ve probably heard of runDisney races. But did you know Dollywood offers Run Dollywood race weekends, too? ©Dollywood Dollywood is hosting its annual Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend from Friday, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th, 2026, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race! Take on Dollywood’s 5K night run on Friday, September 25th at 11 PM! This course weaves through Dollywood Theme Park, giving runners a chance to experience the park like never before – surrounded by music, rides, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Complimentary water stations are throughout the course, and all participants will earn a butterfly medal! ©Dollywood The 10K Race is on Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 AM. The 10K offers the perfect balance of challenge and fun, making it an ideal race for runners looking to push themselves while enjoying the excitement of race weekend. ©Dollywood The Kids Fun Run on Saturday, September 26th at 8:15 AM features a morning of fitness, fun, and family-friendly excitement made for young runners of all ages. ©Dollywood The Half Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through Dollywood Theme Park and the surrounding area, featuring live music, post-race food, refreshments, and awards! The headline event will start at 5:30 AM on Sunday, September 27th. ©Dollywood And for the pro runners out there, you can take your Run Dollywood experience to the next level with The Butterfly Challenge! Complete the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon during race weekend to Earn Your Wings and receive an exclusive commemorative Butterfly Challenge medal, only available to Challenge finishers! It’s a pink butterfly inspired by the iconic Dolly Parton Experience entrance. ©Dollywood If you want to register for the 2026 Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend, registration ends TONIGHT, Saturday, September 12th at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Run to Dollywood’s website to grab your spot in the race, and stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Dollywood news! 13 Things at Dollywood That Aren’t Rides, But Should Be On Your List Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you run in a Run Dollywood Race Weekend before? If so, comment below with your experience! View the full article

Did you know that there are restaurants at Disney World that have rewards memberships where you can get deals and points?! Summer House on the Lake If you’ve ever been to Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs, you know they offer up some delicious food and tasty sweet treats. Did you also know that they have a Frequent Diner Club loyalty program?! It’s one of the many reasons we keep finding ourselves dining there. Now, you can earn even MORE points! During the month, from now through September 30th, you can earn up to FIVE times the usual points when you dine at Summer House on the Lake. Extra points apply to dining in at the restaurant AND at the quick-service Cookie Bar (which is dangerous!). Cookie Bar You’ll automatically receive $10 in Reward Dollars for every 150 points you stack up. That means for every $30 you spend this month, you can get a free $10 reward! You can get extra points at Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and other Summer House locations nationwide. Summer House Cookie Bar If you aren’t a rewards member, you can join the Frequent Diner Club by downloading the LettuceEats App and signing up. The app is free, and you can use it to check in during visits and track your points balance. The five-times point multiplier is just for the month, but you can still earn one point for every $1 spent on normal days. Looks just like a giant Florida room at home The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! “Breakfast of Champions.” The WILDEST Things We’ve Eaten Before 10 AM in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to this restaurant before? Let us know in the comments! View the full article