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Creating magic means something different to every Disneyland Resort cast member. Sometimes, it’s helping a family create the same kind of moments that you treasured while visiting the parks growing up. Other times, it’s seeing the pure awe on a guest’s face as they experience an attraction for the very first time. For Riley and Nate, two attractions cast members with different paths to Disney, that meaning is especially personal. Together, their stories show how creating memories for others can be just as meaningful for the cast members who help bring those moments to life. Fresh off the latest cast member-focused video from Disney, read on to meet Riley and Nate, and discover what creating magic at Disneyland Resort means to each of them. Meet Riley, An Attractions Cast Member at Disneyland Not every path to becoming a Disney cast member starts the same way. For Riley, an attractions cast member in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and working lead in Mickey’s Toontown, it started with a curiosity about what makes some of the most technologically advanced attractions at Disneyland work. “What made me consider becoming a cast member was the ride systems,” said Riley. “I was always very interested in how those worked, especially as someone who didn’t come a lot as a kid.” That same curiosity only continued to grow as Riley learned more about attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Fascinated by the trackless ride systems used on both attractions, Riley wanted an opportunity to get a closer look at how these immersive environments come together and ultimately decided to pursue a role in attractions at the resort. Today, over three years after her first day on the job, Riley still enjoys her behind-the-scenes perspective while helping create memorable moments for guests. “I think, for a lot of guests, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be at this park, and I think it was important to me to be a part of that experience and make it as magical as I possibly could,” Riley said. “Attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance are so immersive and interactive, and I really wanted to have a role in making those experience memorable.” Riley has done just that during her time at Disneyland. Some of her favorite moments on a daily basis come from watching guests encounter the unexpected. On Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, it might be seeing the zany special effects surprise during the pre-show. On Rise of the Resistance, it might be watching guests react as the doors open to reveal they’ve suddenly set foot aboard a First Order Star Destroyer. Those reactions have given Riley a new appreciation for the rides that first sparked her creative curiosity and for the role that cast members play in bringing those experience to life. “When I see the awe on the guests’ faces when they experience the attraction, it gets me really excited that I was part of making their day here a magical one and that they’ve experienced an attraction that I love, and then they get to love it as well.” Meet Nate, An Attractions Cast Member at California Adventure For Nate, an attractions cast member at California Adventure, visiting the parks was part of growing up in sunny Southern California. Raised in nearby Temecula, Nate came to the parks early and often with his family members, traveling to the resort for everything from birthday outings to celebrations with family members who were visiting from out of town. Those trips helped spark his interest in one day becoming a cast member himself. Disneyland, as he said, was his “home away from home,” and working at the resort had long been a dream of his. As Nate grew up and he moved closer to Orange County, that dream began to feel within reach. Now, four years after his start at the resort, Nate works as a lead at Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and Radiator Springs Racers, while also spending time at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure in Avengers Campus. No two days at Disneyland look alike and each new day presents a challenge, which is a big part of what Nate continues to enjoy about his special role day in and day out. This all comes back to a simple idea: every guest interaction is a chance to make someone’s visit a little more special, seeing each day as “an opportunity to create a new story every single time you talk to a new guest.” Aside from presenting guests with expert tips and tricks that a seasoned cast member like Nate could provide, he hopes that he is able to make a difference for friends and families traveling from around the world to experience the parks, even potentially propelling others to have the same dreams and visions that he did as a youngster. “Experiencing those moments with family meant a lot for me, and now being able to be the cast member to help make those magical moments for other families… hopefully, those kids are looking at me like, ‘Hey, maybe I want to work here one day.’” This type of personal connection extends beyond just the guests in the park. For Nate, accompanied by thrilling attractions and themed costumes being worn at each location, being a cast member also means being part of a tight-knit community where people with different roles and unique experiences come together to help create something special each day. “I think what makes Disneyland feel special for people is everyone can be a kid here,” said Nate. “Everyone can come have fun and have the time of their lives.” What Wearing a Disneyland Nametag Means For Disneyland cast members, a nametag represents more than just a name and hometown. It can be a reminder of the journey that brought them here, the people they work alongside, and the role they have played in creating awesome days for guests. And as all current and former Disney Parks cast members can certainly attest to, it’s certainly a special moment when you first see your nametag revealed and step into an expanding world of creativity, courtesy, and teamwork at each destination around the globe. “When I put my nametag on, I feel like I’m part of the magic,” said Nate. For Nate, who grew up visiting Disneyland and dreamed of one day becoming a cast member, wearing that nametag represents a dream realized. “It meant a lot. It was a dream come true that I finally got to work here at the Disneyland Resort, and I was super excited to start my journey here with the company,” said Nate. For Riley, seeing her nametag for the first time brought a similar sense of belonging. “I remember holding and looking at my nametag for the first time and seeing my name with my favorite character [Pluto]. I remember finally having a weight lifted off my shoulders that I was where I wanted to be,” she said. Over time, Riley has come to see her nametag representing something even bigger: the trust guests place in cast members around the world. “For me, the nametag means trust from the guests, a trust that I take very seriously,” said Riley. “I know a lot of families that come here will tell their children, ‘If you get lost or if you’re scared or you don’t know where we are, find a cast member, find the nametag.’ When I put on the name tag, I really think it’s an honor to be able to do so.” Their paths to Disneyland Resort may have started in different places, but both Nate and Riley share the opportunity to create the kinds of moments guests carry with them long after their visit. And whether that spark began with a childhood dream, or the fascination of how Disney attractions continue to amaze guests around the globe, Nate and Riley now get to proudly wear their nametags and play a part in creating priceless memories for others. Meet a Disney Artist Behind the Pixar Place Hotel Halloween Decor READ MORE Benny the Security Dog Retires in Style READ MORE Disneyland Resort Creates the Happiest Day in Anaheim READ MORE The post Meet Two Disneyland Cast Members Bringing Attractions to Life appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

I spend a lot of time looking for buys that make sense for Disney fans, whether we’re packing for a trip, shopping for gifts, or making coffee before another round of dining reservations. ©Disney These 10 Amazon finds caught my attention, and several could help knock out some holiday shopping before November takes over your calendar. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet The stretch between “we’re going to Disney World!” and arriving at Disney World can involve a considerable amount of airport carpet. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet gives kids ages 3–7 something to do during that stretch. This blue model offers 64GB of storage, 4GB of memory, parental controls, and an advertised battery life of up to 13 hours. Download entertainment before leaving home so the whole plan doesn’t depend on airport Wi-Fi. ©Amazon If this is already on your Christmas list, consider it now. Black Friday could bring a deeper discount, but there’s no guarantee. Decide what price works for you instead of letting a hypothetical future sale run the household. view ON AMAZON — 44% OFF today Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Coffee Maker Some mornings call for one cup. Others involve multiple adults trying to book Disney dining reservations before anyone has had breakfast. The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Coffee Maker handles single servings and carafe brewing, with a 72-ounce reservoir and an iced brewing option. ©Amazon That flexibility makes it a useful gift for a household where everyone has a different coffee routine. I take mine black with cinnamon. You can bring your elaborate iced creation. We can still share a coffee maker. view ON AMAZON — 41% off today Hanes Full-Zip EcoSmart Hoodie A basic black hoodie earns its suitcase space. Wear it to the airport, pull it on for an early bus ride, then unzip it when the Florida weather unleashes its wrath around lunchtime. The full zipper is the selling point here — adjusting layers shouldn’t require removing your ears and rearranging your entire park bag. ©Amazon This Hanes EcoSmart option also gives a favorite Disney T-shirt a simple layer without covering it up all day. The linked selection is black in a men’s large; check your size before adding it to your cart. view ON AMAZON — only $12 today Glamnetic Cinnamoroll French Tip Press-On Nails Cinnamoroll has wandered into the shopping roundup, and I’m allowing it. These Glamnetic Halloween Hello Kitty & Friends press-ons feature a short almond shape, French tips, and 3D art. They’re a fun option for someone who wants a more detailed manicure before vacation without finding room for a salon appointment between laundry and packing. ©Amazon Glamnetic advertises wear for up to two weeks, though application and daily wear will affect that. Follow the prep instructions — especially if your plans involve repeated excavations through a park bag. view ON AMAZON — 50% off today Hstyle Ruffle Ankle Socks Some outfit details cost more than lunch. These come in a six-pack. The Hstyle white ruffle ankle socks have a 78% cotton blend and add a little detail above sneakers. Think a Disney tee, comfortable shorts, and a pair peeking over your shoes. ©Amazon They also come in gift-box packaging, which makes them an easy small gift. Try a pair with your park shoes at home first. A cute ruffle gets no vote in blister negotiations. view ON AMAZON — 47% off today Bedsure Heated Throw Blanket My preferred post-park activity involves sitting down and staying there. This 50-by-60-inch Bedsure heated throw offers a preheat function, six heat settings, and timer options up to 10 hours. The gray flannel makes it an easy fit for a couch, reading chair, or designated Disney movie spot. ©Amazon It’s a good gift candidate for the person who’s always cold — including the person who controls the thermostat and remains cold anyway. view ON AMAZON — 46% off today GNMN Wireless Earbuds Earbuds with earhooks appeal to anyone who has ever watched a tiny piece of expensive technology tumble beneath an airplane seat. These GNMN wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation, a dual battery display, and an advertised total playback time of up to 96 hours with the charging case. That figure includes recharging. ©Amazon The earhook design could be useful for workouts and travel days. For Disney trips, I’d pack them for the flight and downtime back at the hotel. view ON AMAZON — 50% off today Trendy Queen Oversized Henley Sweatshirt The snap-button Henley collar gives this Trendy Queen fleece pullover a little more outfit potential than my oldest household sweatshirt. This one has an oversized fit and pockets, making it a candidate for travel days, cooler park mornings, and casual dinners. Pair it with leggings or jeans and let your Disney accessories handle the theme. ©Amazon Check the size chart before ordering, especially if you want a relaxed fit without disappearing into it. view ON AMAZON — 44% off today Pink Digital Camera With 64GB Card Digital cameras are so back. This pink beginner digital camera includes a 64GB card, a 2.4-inch screen, a lanyard, and a protective shell designed for younger users. It lets kids document the trip through their own eyes while your phone stays available for Mobile Order. Or it lets you feel like you’re back on the Disney trips from your childhood. Either way, it’s a win. ©Amazon Treat it as an introduction to taking pictures, with room for blurry experiments and some unexpected favorites. view ON AMAZON — only $35 today Sencre Countertop Ice Maker An at-home Disney cocktail night can run through ice fast. The Sencre countertop ice maker makes two sizes of bullet ice and includes a scoop, basket, and self-cleaning function. The listing advertises nine cubes in as little as six minutes and production of up to 26.5 pounds over 24 hours. ©Amazon That daily figure describes ongoing production, so plan to transfer ice to your freezer if you’re stocking up for guests. Between iced coffee and evening drinks, this could take up plenty of counter space. view ON AMAZON — 55% OFf today 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

With the holiday season essentially here, many seasonal elements are returning to Walt Disney World, including an Animal Kingdom show that makes me LIGHT UP anytime I see it! Christmas at Animal Kingdom Tree of Life: Awakenings is set to return to the park’s central icon on November 1st, with shows approximately every 10 minutes after dusk on select nights. The show, which Disney describes as a “dazzling visual display swarming with color and animated imagery,” illuminates the 145-foot-tall park icon with projections including flickering flies, a young doe, a pair of hummingbirds, a fox, and more that appear to bring the carved creatures on the tree to life. ©Disney Currently, showings are scheduled for most nights during the first week of November, beginning at 6:10 and running through 7 PM or 8 PM, depending on Animal Kingdom’s hours on each day. The Christmas Season variant of the show, Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, sees the icon “shimmer and sparkle” each evening to a heartwarming musical score and is set to debut on November 13th. Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition This version of the show isn’t the only seasonal offering set to debut at the park in mid-November, as several other seasonal offerings are coming to Animal Kingdom, including: The Merry Menagerie, a daytime experience in the park’s Discovery Island area. Made up of artisan-crafted animal puppets including polar bears, reindeer, foxes, and penguins, the show wows guests with larger-than-life encounters. Speaking of the experience back in 2025, Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director, said, “When someone reaches out to pet a polar bear, even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment. Creating that believable interaction is a testament to not only the skill of our performers, but the power of puppetry.” The usual Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet at Adventurer’s Outpost will feature a Holiday overlay, with the duo decked out in holiday attire. Of course, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture holiday memories. Santa’s Holiday Grove is the new Santa Claus meet-and-greet location at Animal Kingdom for 2026. Located across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!’s Theater in the Wild, this new trail features intermittent snow flurries, specialty food and beverage items, a seasonal soundtrack, and a meeting with Santa Claus himself! A massive amount og Holiday decorations, including a 55-foot Christmas tree at the park’s entrance, festive garlands created from recycled materials and traditional African textiles in Harambe, and even seasonal touches in Pandora. Polar Bear Merry Menagerie puppets Tree of Life: Awakenings is on the way back to Animal Kingdom as part of the park’s upcoming package of seasonal offerings. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney’s offerings throughout the rest of 2026. While you’re checking out Animal Kingdom’s seasonal offerings, be sure to grab a snack! A NEW (And Rare) Resident Just Moved Into Animal Kingdom and We Are FREAKING Out About Her 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 excited about Animal Kingdom’s seasonal offerings? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

A big congratulations are in order for three Disney World restaurants, and we couldn’t be happier for them! Grand Floridian Resort Disney World has hundreds of restaurants that we adore. From delicious table service restaurants to those staple quick service spots, there’s something for everyone in Disney World. That being said, there are three Disney World restaurants that really stand out now just because we love them but because they are literal award winners! Huge congratulations are in order for Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, and Toledo! The three Disney World table service restaurants were each recognized in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, and they have now received their official plaques of recognition. ©Disney The Disney World Ambassadors celebrated with the chefs and teams at each of the three restaurants, writing on Instagram that these Cast Members’ “passion, creativity and dedication help make these world-class dining experiences possible.” This is the third year in a row that Victoria and Albert’s, which is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, has received a MICHELIN Star, making it the most awarded restaurant on Disney World property. ©Disney Cítricos, also located at the Grand Floridian, and Toldeo, located at Coronado Springs, received a Michelin recommended status in the 2026 Florida guide. This means that the restaurants are considered worth visiting according to the guide. Toledo at Coronado Springs While Victoria and Albert’s can be a more pricey dining experience (that we find to be worth it for those looking to indulge), we love that two more affordable Disney World restaurants are getting this recognition as well! Both Citricos and Toldeo are table service restaurants that can be a splurge, but still attainable compared to something like Victoria and Albert’s. Malbec Guava-barbecued Short Ribs at Citricos The guide describes Victoria and Albert’s as a restaurant that is by “no means an easy reservation, but the reward is a kind of magic rarely seen these days.” The guide described the restaurant as “intimate,” with a “pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz.” They also wrote that the food is made with a “classic foundation and global inspiration.” Wild Turbot with Fennel and Baby Leeks from Victoria and Albert’s In the case of Toledo, the guide states that the restaurant is “certainly not inexpensive,” but that it “packs less of a punch to the wallet than other Disney restaurants.” For Citrico, they share that the team at this restaurant has a “refined cooking style, replete with balanced flavors and technical prowess.” They also note that you need to “save room for at least one exquisite dessert—like an orange blossom flan.” The Orange Blossom Flan from Citricos A huge congratulations to these teams; you have certainly earned the honor! Learn more about Disney World table service restaurants here. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more! REVIEW: We Ate the MOST EXPENSIVE Meal in Disney World. Here’s What It Was Like. 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 eaten at these three restaurants? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

This is NOT a drill! A fifth installment in one of our all-time favorite Disney Channel film series is officially in the works after 20 years! ©Disney That’s right, Disney has confirmed that a fifth Halloweentown film is in development, and if greenlit, it will air on the Disney Channel and stream on Disney+, according to Variety. The new film is being written by Lily Houghton and Ryan Koehn, the former of whom wrote the 2026 comedic horror film Forbidden Fruits, while the latter was a writer on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot, which ran for two seasons from 2021 to 2023. No casting has been confirmed, though over the years, multiple cast members from the original movies have expressed interest in reprising their roles if a sequel were to be made. In addition, Billie Lourd — the granddaughter of original series Debbie Reynolds — has also expressed interest in appearing in the franchise. ©D23 The first Halloweentown film premiered on the Disney Channel in 1998 and starred Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Joey Zimmerman, and Judith Hoag. The film has become a Halloween season staple for generations of viewers, especially millennials (GUILTY!), during spooky season. The original was followed by three sequels over the next eight years: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge in 2001, Halloweentown High in 2004, and Return to Halloweentown in 2006. ©Disney || Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge The news of a fifth Halloweentown was met mostly with excitement on social media, with many excited at the prospect… A fifth installment in the beloved Halloweentown franchise is currently in development at Disney, and if made, would be the first sequel in over 20 years. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on this potential project. Speaking of Halloween, don’t go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without checking out our thoughts! A New Disney x Halloween Loungefly Collection Quietly Released on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you be excited for a Halloweentown 5? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We’ve had a lot of big news coming out of Disney World recently, including new characters coming to Jollywood Nights, new behind-the-scenes looks at park expansions, churro mobile orders, and more. That means you may have missed some of the other news that dropped this week. ©Disney Just in case you missed the smaller news stories, though, we’ve got you covered. We’re going to tell you about the quiet announcements Disney World made this week and get you up to speed. New Baby Animals Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just welcomed three new baby nyala calves to the world. Right now, they’re spending time with their mom backstage, but maybe soon, they’ll be out on the savannah where everyone can see them. Nyalas are a spiral-horned species of antelope that are native to Southern Africa. ©Disney We can’t wait to see them for ourselves, but we hope they have some good bonding moments with their mom. Beam Signing on Monstropolis Roller Coaster Disney has a long-standing tradition that Cast Members get to sign a beam while a new ride or attraction is being constructed. Well,Disney Hollywood Studios Cast Members recently got to sign a beam for the new Monstropolis roller coaster, which will be based on the doors chase scene in the first Monsters, Inc. movie. This is a fun way for Disney Cast Members to leave their permanent mark on the parks. The Music of EPCOT If you’ve ever wanted to walk around your house like you walk around EPCOT, or at least get a similar vibe, you’ll want to make sure to grab “The Music of EPCOT” which is available now on music streaming services. The collection features 23 tracks of all your favorites, including classic EPCOT songs like “One Little Spark,” “Listen to the Land,” “New Horizons,” and “It’s Fun to Be Free,” as well as more modern tunes from rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, EPCOT You can also purchase physical LPs of “The Music of EPCOT” from the Disney Music Emporium. A special LP set is also available. Now you’re up to date, but be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news! This Strange Disney World Essential Has Held Up After 365 Days in Disney World Wonder what the DFB Team always does in Disney World? Well, wonder no more!  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Earlier this year, I sailed aboard the Disney Fantasy for Pixar Days at Sea. This time, I was back for another themed Disney Cruise Line sailing, but with a spooky twist: Halloween on the High Seas! As someone who starts celebrating Halloween on August 1 (yes, really), this sailing had been on my must-do list for years. My Disney Halloween Game Plan If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Disney Cruise Line, it’s that every sailing is packed with experiences, making it easy to fill your days from morning until night. Before boarding the Disney Fantasy with my dad and boyfriend, Morgan, I had the Disney Parks Blog Guide to Halloween on the High Seas pulled up and ready to go. I was already making a mental checklist of experiences I didn’t want to miss, including Mickey’s Mouse-Querade, trick-or-treating, character encounters, and the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree Lighting. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app made it easy to keep track of everything once we were onboard, but some of our favorite memories weren’t on any schedule. They happened when we stumbled upon something unexpected. A Spellbinding Welcome The moment we stepped into the atrium, it was clear Halloween had arrived. Seasonal décor, festive music, and playful touches transformed the Disney Fantasy into a floating fall celebration. Everywhere I looked, there was another detail to discover. Then I met Mucklebones. Mucklebones is the Disney Fantasy’s Enchanted Pumpkin Tree, and he quickly became one of my favorite parts of the sailing. Equal parts quirky, mischievous, and charming, he seemed to embody everything I love about Disney Cruise Line Halloween. That evening, guests gathered in the atrium to hear the legend behind the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree. As the story unfolded, Mucklebones came to life before our eyes in a moment that felt perfectly spooky without being scary. Here’s something I didn’t know before sailing: the Disney Destiny, Disney Treasure, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and the Disney Magic each have their own Enchanted Pumpkin Trees, complete with a unique names. By the end of the voyage, I found myself stopping to say hello to Mucklebones every time I passed through the atrium. Pro Tip: If you’re hoping to snap photos with your ship’s pumpkin tree, visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the atrium is quieter. As a night owl, I went with the second option. One night after the fireworks and Match Your Matey, we grabbed a few slices of pizza from Flo’s Café and wandered back to the atrium. The space was nearly empty, giving us plenty of time to take photos and admire all the little details around Mucklebones without anyone accidentally walking through the background. It ended up being one of my favorite photo sessions of the entire cruise! Costumes On, Candy Bags Ready Naturally, I packed a themed outfit for every day of the sailing. For trick-or-treating, I dressed as Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Morgan dressed as Merlin because he loves wizards, and my dad brought an inflatable Rex costume. Well… sort of. The inflatable Rex costume didn’t quite work out as planned, but thankfully my dad came prepared with a backup option: Partysaurus Rex! If you’ve read my Pixar Days at Sea blog post, then you know how much my family LOVES Partysaurus Rex. Guests and crew members stopped him throughout the night to compliment the costume, and Partysaurus Rex quickly developed a fan following of his own. Between collecting candy and admiring costumes around every corner, it was fun seeing kids and adults alike get into the Halloween spirit. The entire ship felt like one giant Halloween party! A High-Class Magical Encounter One of my favorite moments happened right after trick-or-treating. A young magician approached Morgan, looked him up and down, nodded and confidently said: “Magician.” Morgan responded with an equally serious bow. “Wizard.” The young magician paused, nodded approvingly and replied: “Ah. High class. High class.” Then he asked if we wanted to see a magic trick. What followed was a card trick far more impressive than any of us expected. When he finished, he looked at us very seriously and informed us: “I do take tips.” Fortunately, we had just gone trick-or-treating. When I asked if he accepted candy as “payment,” he enthusiastically agreed. We happily compensated him with a handful of Halloween treats, and for the rest of the evening he continued tracking down Merlin throughout the ship to share additional tricks and updates from his magical adventures. By the end of the night, I think Merlin (Morgan) had officially gained an apprentice. The Ultimate Deck Party Later that evening, we headed to Mickey’s Mouse-Querade! Disney Characters arrived dressed for the occasion, including Mickey Mouse as a magician, Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck as witches, Donald Duck as a spider, Goofy as a skeleton, Pluto as a candy corn, Chip carrying a cauldron full of candy, and Dale dressed as a candy apple. Combined with Halloween music, dancing and a deck full of excited families, the energy was contagious. Before long, the dance floor was packed with guests of all ages singing along, showing off their costumes, and fully embracing the spirit of the season. My face hurt from smiling so much! Creativity Takes Center Stage We also attended the “Halloween isn’t Just for Kids” adult costume contest, which kicked off with what can only be described as a jaw-dropping dance performance that set the tone for the evening. From Maleficent to The Cheetah Girls, guests fully committed to their costumes, creating one of the most entertaining nights of the voyage. My dad and Morgan competed in the funny category, and watching everyone’s creativity on display was almost as entertaining as the contest itself. Frightfully Fun Friends Around Every Corner Halloween on the High Seas also brings plenty of unique character encounters. One of the first experiences on our itinerary was Who’s Behind the Curtain. Without spoiling the surprise, I’ll simply say it’s worth experiencing for yourself! Character greetings popped up throughout the voyage, and one crowd favorite on the second day of the sailing featured Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. Seeing them together was the BEST. There were also themed backdrops, photo opportunities, and magic shots throughout the sailing, including one featuring the Headless Horseman! A Toast to Halloween Flavors I also made it my mission to sample some of the specialty beverages inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was convinced the Oogie Boogie-inspired drink would be my favorite, but by the end of the sailing, Jack Skellington had claimed the title. The crew members were also incredibly accommodating with customizations, making it easy to adjust drinks to fit different dietary preferences! The Magic Is in the Details The longer I stayed onboard, the more surprises I discovered. Halloween movies played throughout the voyage, seasonal music filled the ship, and festive details appeared everywhere I looked, including the name plates for every food item and our napkins! One evening, after a full day of activities, we returned to our stateroom to find a pumpkin-shaped towel “animal” waiting on the bed. At that point, I was convinced there wasn’t anything our stateroom hosts couldn’t create. And while many people think of pumpkins and costumes when fall arrives, others immediately think of football season. Good news for football fans: you don’t have to choose! During our sailing, O’Gills Pub had Saturday night football on the TV’s, giving fans a place to catch the game before heading back to the evening’s festivities. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team with a draft beer or enjoying a mood boosting botanical soda, it’s a fun way to experience another favorite fall tradition while at sea. Island Days, Halloween & Pirate Nights Our sailing also included visits to Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. We spent our days snorkeling, exploring beaches, and soaking up the island views before returning to the ship each evening for fun our themed activities. That’s what surprised me most about Halloween on the High Seas. It felt like three vacations rolled into one: a cruise vacation, a Disney Halloween celebration and a tropical island getaway. One More Excuse to Dress Up As if Halloween costumes weren’t enough, Pirate Night gave us one more reason to break out another outfit. The themed fun continued into the evening with pirate attire, deck party entertainment, and one of my favorite Disney Cruise Line traditions: fireworks at sea! The Souvenirs That Followed Me Home Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I brought home a Disney Cruise Line Ghost sweatshirt that instantly became my favorite, along with a Halloween Tree statue! The only thing I wish I’d bought? One of the Halloween popcorn buckets! Between the Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Bucket, the Headless Horseman Bucket and the Jack Skellington Gravestone Bucket inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, there were plenty of tempting options for Disney Halloween fans. A New Fall Tradition Has Arrived Halloween on the High Seas delivered even more memories than I expected. The Disney Parks Blog guide helped me find the experiences I wanted to prioritize, but some of my favorite moments happened when I simply explored. From meeting Mucklebones and dancing at Mickey’s Mouse-Querade to exploring Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Halloween on the High Seas delivered one memorable experience after another. I laughed through trick-or-treating, watched fireworks at sea, and somehow found myself giving a young magician some of my candy. But more than anything, I got to experience it all with people I love. If you’re considering a Halloween on the High Seas sailing, these festive voyages take place on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries from late September through Halloween. For someone who starts celebrating Halloween super early, I think I’ve officially found my new favorite fall tradition, and I have a feeling you’ll leave with a few magical memories of your own. Happy Halloween, and happy sailing! Pixar Stories Come to Life at Pixar Days at Sea READ MORE Your Guide to Halloween on the High Seas READ MORE New Disney Cruise Ship Sailing in Late 2027 READ MORE The post Why Halloween on the High Seas is My New Favorite Fall Tradition appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

For cast member Alema Vaiaoga, performing at Disney is more than a job. It’s a family tradition, a way to honor his Samoan heritage, and an opportunity to inspire future generations. As a fire and knife performer at Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Alema brings energy, skill, and cultural storytelling to one of the most beloved live entertainment experiences at Walt Disney World. A Family Legacy Long before Alema stepped onstage, his father helped to set the scene. In 1971, he joined the opening cast of the Spirit of Aloha show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, helping establish fire knife dancing at Walt Disney World. In 1998, he brought that tradition to the opening cast of Festival of the Lion King. For Alema, he learned from his father during these years and developed the skills that would one day shape his own career. “Growing up, fire performing was my baseball,” Alema said. “That was my extracurricular activity. I was learning fire knife dance with my dad behind the scenes.” When his father retired from Disney, Alema auditioned and followed in his footsteps, continuing a legacy that now spans generations. Today, he performs before thousands of guests each week, sharing a craft deeply rooted in Pacific culture. When he isn’t working at Disney, he teaches his own sons the traditional dance. Sharing His Culture Alema’s Samoan heritage remains central to his life, and he sees each show as an opportunity to introduce guests to traditions that have been passed down through generations. “Not many cultures are able to do their cultural dance in a Disney show,” Alema said. “We’re very fortunate that we get to do that. It opens the door for us to share who we are and show people the love.” Alema enjoys sharing his culture offstage, as well. Whether interacting with guests, mentoring fellow performers or helping preserve cultural traditions for the next generation, Alema strives to bring values like family, service and community to work every day. “We’re very strong in keeping the culture alive,” Alema said. “We’re very family-oriented, and service is a big thing. That’s how we show our love.” How Far Will He Go Alema’s talent and skill recently led him to an unexpected opportunity when he was cast as one of Moana’s ancestors in the Disney’s live-action reimagining of “Moana” — now streaming on Disney+. What began as a single opportunity quickly evolved into several contributions behind the scenes. After sharing his experience and skillset with others onset, Alema was sought after to help train stunt performers in Pacific movement and fire knife techniques. “It was a blessing because it literally fell into my lap,” Alema said. “I went there ready to work, ready to learn and ready to share what I knew.” While the film experience was unforgettable, Alema says the most meaningful part was sharing it with family and friends, including his children. “I wanted them to have something to look back on,” he said. “They can always say, ‘That’s my dad’ when they watch the movie. That’s really special to me.” Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future Today, as a father himself, Alema often reflects on the example his own dad set and the opportunities Disney provided his family. He hopes guests watching Festival of the Lion King see more than an impressive performance. He hopes they see a culture being celebrated, a family legacy being carried forward and the power of storytelling to connect people from around the world. “I’m thankful for the people who paved the way before me,” Alema said. “Because of them, I get to provide for my family doing what I love, and my kids get to see their dad up there doing it.” Guide to Character Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Spot Your Favorite Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Meet Tucker, the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom READ MORE The post From The Pride Lands to the Big Screen: Meet the Animal Kingdom Performer Who Brings His Heritage Center Stage appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re giving a shoutout to our FAVORITE margaritas from EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion! Avocado Margarita If you can’t pass up a great margarita, then EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion might just be one of your favorite spots in Disney World! You can find TONS of margaritas around this pavilion, from grab-and-go options to super unique takes on the classic recipe. But since most guests don’t have the time (or budget, or alcohol tolerance…) to try allllll of them, which are the BEST margaritas that are worth grabbing? Let’s take a look! Luckily, since we’re in the parks every day, we HAVE had the chance to try each of the Mexico Pavilion margaritas, and these are our five absolute favorites of the bunch! Avocado Margarita Tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion pyramid, you’ll find La Cava del Tequila, which is an absolute must-stop for fans of tequila and margaritas! This cozy bar has over 200(!!) different tequilas and is known for its unique, hand-crafted margaritas. Spoiler alert: if you couldn’t tell based on our gushing, La Cava del Tequila is home to lots of the drinks on our list, starting with the Avocado Margarita. Avocado Margarita This is definitely one of the most famous EPCOT margaritas, and for good reason! It’s made with Dos Hombres mezcal or Flecha Azul tequila, melon-orange liqueur, fresh avocado, lime juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. The avocado balances the sweetness of the melon-orange liqueur perfectly, and the unique mix of flavors is super refreshing! La Cava Avocado Margarita It’s a quintessential EPCOT drink, and definitely worth a try if you’re an avocado fan! Blood Orange Margarita Next up, we have another drink from La Cava del Tequila! The Blood Orange Margarita is made with Pasote blanco tequila, blood orange, LeJay black currant liqueur, Ilegal reposado mezcal, and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. Blood Orange Margarita The flavors are distinctive and strong, and the Tajín chile-lime rim really adds an extra punch. It’s another long-time favorite, so if you’re looking for a classic Mexico Pavilion margarita and prefer bolder flavors, this one might be a good pick! Cucumber Margarita Next up, La Cava del Tequila is back to claim another spot on the list! The Cucumber Margarita features Tromba blanco tequila, fresh cucumber and lime juice, Abasolo corn whiskey, and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. Plus, you can also make it spicy for a few dollars extra! Cucumber Margarita The flavors are SUPER fresh and light, which makes it a great choice for hotter days when you’re leaning towards refreshing over bold. Also, you can get a pretty similar version of this margarita (and several of the other La Cava del Tequila drinks) at Choza de Margarita, the outdoor margarita bar next to the pyramid. The Cucumber Margarita The ingredients are slightly different at Choza de Margarita, and many of the drinks there are pre-mixed, which is why we gave the edge to the La Cava del Tequila version. But since the lines at Choza de Margarita tend to be way shorter than the wait at La Cava del Tequila, we’ll sometimes swing by there as a backup when we need a quick drink! Top Shelf Margarita Believe it or not, we’re heading to a new spot for our next drink! If you’re in the mood for a great, classic margarita, you can’t go wrong with the Top Shelf Margarita from La Hacienda de San Angel. It’s made with Cincoro blanco tequila, Alma Finca orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a black ant salt rim. Classic Margarita with a View at La Hacienda de San Angel For a high-quality margarita with classic flavors, this is a solid choice. Oh, and as an added bonus, the restaurant offers incredible waterfront views to enjoy while you sip! La Ofrenda Margarita (And Other Seasonal Margs!) Okay, we’re circling back to La Cava del Tequila to finish our list, but there’s a bit of a catch with this one! We’re giving the nod to La Ofrenda Margarita, a seasonal drink made with Bozal Cempasúchil Mezcal, Dos Hombres Reposado, and Weber Ranch Vodka, with tart pitaya fruit and a touch of pumpkin spice. La Ofrenda Margarita We LOVED this drink! It was pretty sweet and went down smoothly — it didn’t have the burn that we expected it to. We couldn’t really taste the pumpkin spice, but the other flavors were delicious, especially the Pitaya. As a fun twist, you also had to say the secret password “Rest in Peace” to order it. Now, here’s the sad part — La Ofrenda was a limited-time addition, only available through the first week of November 2026. La Ofrenda Margarita BUT, the good news is that La Cava del Tequila regularly offers seasonal and limited-time drinks, so even if this exact drink isn’t on the menu when you visit, you still might have the chance to snag something new. Since La Cava is known for high quality, it’s no surprise that we’ve enjoyed nearly all of their seasonal drinks that we’ve had, so if there’s one available during your visit that matches your taste preferences, it’s definitely worth a try! Of course, we’ll keep checking back with alllll of the drinks around EPCOT to see which ones are worth a stamp on your passport, so stay tuned to DFB for our latest reviews! EPCOT Drinking Around the World Guide: Best Spots for Margarita Loyalists, Wine Snobs, and Anyone Who Only Drinks Beer Ready for some Happy Hour History? Join us on a deep dive into the evolution of alcohol inside Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your #1 favorite margarita from the Mexico Pavilion? Shout it out in the comments! View the full article

The Disney rumor mill is pretty much always swirling. Tower of Terror under construction Folks want to know what’s going on behind construction walls, what the “tea” is with all their favorite actors and upcoming films, and of course, if there are any big upcoming changes or announcements to prepare for. We often see rumors pop up online before official announcements are made, and today we’re breaking down some of the common rumors we’ve seen this week! An Indiana Jones Playground? We’re constantly spotting construction in Disney World, and recently, another project has begun in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Between Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Backlot Express, hedges have been set up to partially hide a construction site, set with metal framing. Construction in Hollywood Studios Rumors online say that this could be an Indiana Jones-themed playground, as its official title in paperwork is “Project Fedora.” Disney hasn’t shared official details about what’s coming to this location, but Hollywood Studios doesn’t currently have an outdoor play area for children. An indoor play area was built inside The Magic of Disney Animation and just opened a few months ago. Learn About the Other Playground in Hollywood Studios Here! A Descendants Actress Is Being Recast? There have been many rumors swirling online recently about drama amid the cast of Disney’s Descendants franchise. Kylie Cantrall has played the character Red in the franchise, and it has been reported by several social media users that, due to drama with her Descendants co-stars, she won’t be returning for Descendants 6 and her role will be recast. ©Disney Well, what does Disney have to say? Nothing so far. Official sources haven’t reported on this drama, and most of the news surrounding it has been social media hearsay. A Big Change Coming to Animal Kingdom? Something interesting is currently happening with Cast Member blockout dates for Animal Kingdom. This park is usually the one that has the most visiting availability for Disney Cast Members during the holiday season, but in 2026, Cast Members are blocked out of Animal Kingdom for two full weeks! Animal Kingdom This has left many folks to speculate if there’s something special coming to the park that could mean Disney wants to limit Cast Member attendance. Theories we’ve seen include the closure of Expedition Everest for its upcoming refurbishment, the introduction of a holiday parade, or a limited-time entertainment offering. Disney hasn’t announced anything new for that time period yet, so we’re still waiting to see. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out! Learn More About the Blockouts Here! A Tower of Terror Project in the Works? We reported earlier this week that Tower of Terror voice actor Mark Silverman had visited the Walt Disney Imagineering offices, and fans were HYPED. With the Tower of Terror ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios currently covered in scaffolding and getting a paint job, many wondered if he was stopping by the offices to record a secret project. Tower of Terror But no, Silveman clarified online that he had only stopped by Imagineering to purchase a T-shirt. No secret projects or mysterious recordings in the works! Womp womp. See the Full Story Here! If you’re interested in learning more about what’s actually happening in Disney World, check out the YouTube video below! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Disney news! See Last Week’s Debunked Rumors Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these rumors have you heard this week? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Oh, Disney Cruise Line, you thought you could pull a fast one on us? Well, we are watching! Always watching… Disney Cruise Line We recently sailed on the Disney Wish, where we learned tons of new information about the Disney Believe, Disney’s newest cruise ship launching in December 2027. We love grabbing a Mickey Ice Cream Bar while we book our next trip on the seas, but today we noticed something has changed online, and we think it might really throw some people off! The Disney Cruise Line’s website just got an update that we think might throw some people off. During our recent scrolling, we noticed that prices on upcoming cruises were looking surprisingly low. That’s when we realized they have updated the website to show prices PER PERSON. ©Disney Cruise Line In the past, the prices were shown as the upfront total cost for each cabin based on 2 people in the cabin. With this change, prices initially look significantly cheaper before you dig deeper into the site and see the total cost. They have also updated the website to show savings per person, rather than a total cabin saving. ©Disney This change means that it will take a little more effort to find the actual total cost of your cruise rather than the smaller price you might be seeing. Now, you will need to choose the dates you want to sail, the cruise ship you want to sail on, and select your preferred room before you can see the total upfront cost of your room. ©Disney Cruise Line This means many people online might think they’re finding a deal until they’re close to purchasing their vacation! We can see this leading to quite a bit of confusion and disappointment for people scrolling on the site. As Disney continues to expand its cruise fleet, it can be assumed that more people will be on the cruise line website looking for good deals and prices. This new update is a way to showcase the lowest number possible to cruisers, even though it doesn’t accurately reflect the overall price. A stateroom on the Disney Fantasy Even if you are a solo traveler, you will be charged the same total package price as two guests staying in the same stateroom. So that per-person price won’t be reflected even if you’re sailing alone. For example, at the time of writing, one cruise shows the starting price per person as $686, but once you click into the cruise, that price will be $1,245.00 for one cruiser in one stateroom. Port Canaveral That being said, if you’re traveling with a large party that is splitting the price, this per-person number could be helpful. We have some complex feelings about this change, but it doesn’t actually impact the price of your vacation. You just might be more surprised by the total at checkout. Disney Adventure Disney Cruise Line is currently developing two new ships, including the Disney Believe and the Disney Imagination. The Disney Imagination will be owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney. This will be the company’s first Japanese cruise ship, and we recently got a few details on what guests can expect. Both the Believe and the Imagination will be the last Wish Class ships before a new class launches at a later date. ©Disney We’re eager to see if this change does impact cruisers as they’re going to book, especially with so many ships launching in the future. You can learn all about the new Disney Believe news in this video below! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, tips, and more! Your 2027 Cruise Is About To Be A LOT More Crowded Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever sailed with the Disney Cruise Line? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There is no shortage of expensive Disney World dinners, and this includes the magical dinner in Cinderella Castle — Cinderella’s Royal Table. You spend years taking pictures of the castle, walking beneath it, and wondering what’s upstairs. Then you find out you can eat there. Now, your vacation budget has a very specific problem. Cinderella Castle Dinner now costs $92 per adult, and there’s one reason we’d consider paying it — someone at our table has always dreamed of dining inside Cinderella Castle. We’ve eaten here enough times to know the food can be hit or miss. But at this price, the address needs to mean something to you. First, the Royal Bill Lunch and dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table currently cost $92 per adult and $57 per child ages 3 to 9, before tax and gratuity. Adults choose an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert from the prix fixe menu. That puts dinner for two adults at $184 before those extras. Add two children ages 3 to 9, and you’re starting at $298. Even by Disney vacation standards, this deserves a conversation before someone clicks “book.” Hi, Cinderella! You’ll get a meal and visits with Disney Princesses, with character appearances subject to change. You’ll also get to spend that meal inside the building that probably appears in more of your vacation photos than anyone in your family. And that last part carries a LOT of the value here. The Food Has Had Its Moments We’re giving the kitchen credit where it’s earned. During our 2025 dinner review, we enjoyed the tender Slow-braised Beef appetizer and a Grilled Filet Mignon cooked to our requested temperature. The accompanying potatoes were a highlight, and the Jaq & Gus Cheesecake had us going back for more. That visit was an improvement over past meals. We left full and pleased with what we’d eaten. Jaq & Gus Cheesecake Our 2023 dinner was less consistent. We loved some dishes, while the Coffee Pot de Crème missed the mark and the cheesecake was good but fairly standard. Those are past dining experiences, of course, and menus change. Cinderella’s Royal Table The takeaway from those visits is that we’ve enjoyed dinner here without feeling that the food alone justified the premium. A higher price makes that distinction even more important. The Castle Is the Reason Cinderella’s Royal Table lets you sit down to dinner INSIDE Cinderella Castle. Stone archways loom overhead, medieval flags hang, and windows overlook Fantasyland. For someone who has spent years staring up at this building, being seated upstairs can feel like a very big deal. Our July 2026 breakfast visit reinforced how much the setting contributes. We enjoyed breakfast, but the table overlooking Fantasyland was a highlight of the experience. You can request a window table, though Disney may be unable to accommodate it. Our table with a view of Fantasyland The princess visits add to that feeling of being invited into Cinderella’s world. You’ll meet Cinderella in the Grand Hall before heading upstairs, with other princesses visiting during the meal. The lineup can change, so we wouldn’t book around meeting one particular visiting princess. Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) For a castle-obsessed kid — or adult… We don’t judge — this could be the dinner they remember long after the rest of the trip’s meals blur together. That’s the reason we’d pay. Someone at the table wants THIS experience enough to make it a highlight of the vacation. Would We Book It? We’d start with one question — how much does eating inside Cinderella Castle matter to our group? If the answer involves a lifelong wish, a child who can barely believe they’re going INSIDE Cinderella Castle, or a Disney fan who has wanted this reservation for years, we can see making room in the budget for one visit. Wishing Star for the ceremony during your meal A birthday or anniversary could be a great occasion for it, provided the person you’re celebrating wants the castle dinner. A special date on the calendar doesn’t make every expensive restaurant the right choice. If your group is lukewarm on the setting, $92 per adult is steep if you end up just as happy eating somewhere else. Tables can feel close together, too, so picture a busy character meal when deciding whether it suits your celebration. Cinderella White Chocolate Slipper And if meeting princesses is your main goal, you can also look into Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT. Compare the experiences before committing your dining budget. Cinderella’s Royal Table We’d reserve Cinderella’s Royal Table for the person who has always wanted to have dinner in that castle. For them, the setting can make the splurge feel worthwhile. Everyone else has permission to admire the towers, take the picture, and keep their dinner plans elsewhere. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more. REVIEW: Why You Should Skip Disney World’s Cinderella’s Royal Table and Eat HERE Instead Read More About Dining Here 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to BookEVERY Disney World Character Dining Meal Ranked from WORST to BEST for 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would dining inside Cinderella Castle be worth $92 to you? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Being a Disney+ subscriber is more than just having access to Disney’s library of movies and shows. It also means getting exclusive perks and offers! ©Disney Speaking of, Disney+ just released an new sweepstakes for all subscribers, and football fans are going to want to take advantage of it. We’re talking FREE tickets to a college football game, so let’s take a look! Disney+ subscribers have the chance to enter to win free tickets for the Texas at Texas A&M college football game. Subscribers can enter daily, and the winnings include a three-day, two-night trip for two with round-trip economy flights to the rivalry game on Friday, November 27th. The trip will be from Thursday, November 26th to Saturday, November 28th. ©Texas There are a lot more perks for subscribers to take advantage of! Disney+ subscribers also have the chance to win a private screening of Disney’s Hexed in RealD 3D. This one you can also enter daily, and the winnings include a screening for you and up to 49 friends! ©Disney Wait, there’s more! Disney+ subscribers can also get a Fandango Promo Code for $10 off their movie ticket to Hexed. Terms apply, which you can find out on the Disney+ Perks website. Looks like we might as well get our tickets early for the new Disney movie releasing next month! ©Disney To take advantage of the perks, go to perks.disneyplus.com and log in with your MyDisney account email address associated with your Disney+ subscription. Once you’re logged in, go to the “Discover” page and click on the perk that you want to go for. Then follow the website’s instructions to enter. For the new college football park, you can enter daily until the sweepstakes ends at 8:59 AM PT on November 6th, 2026. ©Disney We’re always on top of all the latest Disney news and updates, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! FULL LIST: Everything Coming To Disney+ and Hulu In November Looking for more Disney news? Check out the video below! 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 perk do you want to take advantage of? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Drinking around the world is a super fun EPCOT pastime, but with 11 countries and $15 to $20 drinks, it can quickly become more expensive than your ticket into EPCOT! EPCOT We stopped by the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT for one of our favorite value drinks today, just to find out that it’s been discontinued! Sangria Sips in the Souk in the Brass Bazaar at the Morocco Pavilion had the best bang for your buck for drinks around the world. They offered a shareable red sangria and white sangria for two for $20. It comes in a carafe with two glasses, and while the carafe is only half full, it’s two great servings once split in half. White Sangria The white sangria was made with Albariño white wine, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Monin Elderflower, and white grape juice. It was served garnished with a cherry, oranges, and blackberries. It was a very refreshing drink, not too strong in the alcohol department, and tasted like white grape juice to us. Since it’s technically only $10 a glass, it was tasty and cheaper than most drink options you’ll find in the World Showcase. White Sangria When we went to order it today, we found out that the Sangria for two option has been discontinued. They still offer the red and white sangrias, but instead of the shareable option for $20, it’s now $17 for one glass. Based on the ingredients, it seems like the same exact drink for nearly double the price, which really shocked us. RIP Sangria for two! The Sangria for two was one of our favorite drinks in EPCOT, both due to its great taste and affordable price. It was super easy to split with a friend, and it cost about as much as a standard full-size drink nowadays. We’re really mourning this drink! White Sangria We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more menu changes in Disney World, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more! EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Drinking Around the World in EPCOT in 2026 What happened to 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 also mourning the Sangria for Two deal? Comment below! View the full article

We’ll have to admit that Galactic Starcruiser was a pretty interesting experiment on Disney’s part to create an immersive Star Wars environment where guests could roleplay out their Star Wars dreams. However, the hotel was pricey, and at the end of the day, Disney admitted that “it didn’t perform” and subsequently closed it just a little over a year after it opened. Galactic Starcruiser However, Disney didn’t want the building go to waste, so it decided to use what had already been built to create new office space for Walt Disney Imagineering. We’ve previously seen signs of construction at the closed hotel’s site, and we’ve seen permits filed for work in the area. Well, now Disney has filed a new permit for the location. Disney recently filed a new permit to install signage at the location of the former Galactic Starcruiser. Sure, that doesn’t seem too exciting, but that could mean that construction work on the new office space could be close to done, as signs are usually among the last things to be added to buildings. Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser We’ve previously seen permits for other work, too, including permits for general construction, which is a catch-all for just about all work being done on the site. We don’t know how many changes Disney is making to the interior of the building, or if it will keep its space vibe, but we hope Disney shares photos once it’s complete. This will be part of a backstage area near Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so it won’t be something visible for guests to see. The Halycon’s Atrium The new office space will be used to oversee construction projects happening at Disney World. This includes the Cars expansion as well as the new Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, as well as Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Monstropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Other projects include a big Spaceship Earth update in EPCOT, a reimagining of Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom (which is underway now), fixing the Yeti on Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, and bringing back Dreamfinder for a new version of Journey Into Imagination. ©D23 We’ll keep an eye out for more updates about construction all over Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney’s Carousel of Progress Changes Are Going To Be Better Than We Thought Headed to Hollywood Studios soon? Let us give you a full rundown of all the rides and attractions in the park.  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this news? Share your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Believe it or not, 2027 is nearly here, and many guests are already planning their Disney World trips for next year, including when they’re going to visit EPCOT! EPCOT When it comes to choosing when to visit the park in 2027, it’s important to remember that EPCOT will never be “empty,” and there’s not even an “off-season” in the traditional sense anymore, but there are definitely weeks that are comparatively “lighter” than others. January 24th – 30th After the crush of the busy holiday Season, culminating with New Year’s, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 6th-10th), and Martin Luther King Day (January 18th), the final week of January will likely be one of the emptiest of the year at the resort thanks to schools being back in session after the break and cold temperatures (yes, it even gets cold in Orlando). This will be especially true of EPCOT in 2027, as the week will see a maintenance closure of the Skyliner, which is one of the primary ways guests in the EPCOT Resort Area visit the park. This will likely cut down on crowds at the park considerably, even though the Festival of the Arts will have started a week prior on the 15th. The Skyliner March 2nd – 8th As EPCOT has come to be defined by its festivals over the years, the periods when the park is “festival free” tend to be some of the lighter ones on the calendar. In early March 2027, there is one of these lull periods between the Festival of the Arts (January 15th to March 1st) and the Flower & Garden Festival (March 10th to May 31st). Chalk art during the Festival of the Arts June 7th – 12th Speaking of post-festival lulls, the second week of June sees another hit EPCOT as the Flower & Garden Festival ends on May 31st, but the busy summer vacation season won’t begin in earnest until the end of June/4th of July holiday. In fact, this period is generally part of the longest festival lull period of the year for the park, as there are generally nearly three months between the end of Flower & Garden and the launch of the Food & Wine Festival. EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival August 15th – 21st Speaking of the Food & Wine Festival, the final full week before that event begins (likely August 26th, 2027, based on the fact that previous years have seen the festival begin on the final Thursday of August) should be one of the comparatively slowest of the year. This is mainly thanks to the kids in the vast majority of the U.S. (including in Florida) having returned to school, signaling the symbolic end of the summer vacation season. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind While EPCOT won’t truly be “empty” at any point in 2027, there are some (mostly festival-free) weeks that will see comparatively lighter crowds at the park. Stay tuned to DFB throughout the year for further coverage of crowd levels across Disney World. Been a while since you’ve been to EPCOT? Things have changed… Check it out in our video below! I Read 300 Comments on Reddit To Find the Most Bizarre Disney World Hacks. Here’s What People Said. 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 Heading to EPCOT in 2027? When are you planning on visiting? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Actor Tom Skerritt has passed away at the age of 93. ©Getty Images The award-winning actor died of natural causes on October 21st, according to his publicist. He starred in several movies and TV shows, including the TV series “Picket Fences,” “MASH,” “Alien,” “Top Gun,” and “Ted.” Skerritt won an Emmy in 1993 and was nominated again in 1994 for his work as Jimmy Brock in “Picket Fences.” For the same role, he also earned SAG Award nominations for outstanding performance by an ensemble and outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series. In his early career, Skerritt made some of his first recurring TV appearances in 9 episodes of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Disney on ABC between 1965 and 1967. ©Getty Images His career intertwined with the Walt Disney Company thanks to his work in “The Parent Trap 2” in 1986 and “Alien,” which are now owned by Disney. He also participated as a Candlelight Processional Narrator at Disneyland in 2010. He also guest-starred on shows like “The West Wing,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “The Good Wife.” ©Getty Images Additionally, he worked on “Steel Magnolias” as Julia Roberts’ father, which also featured Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this year. We are sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. View the full article

As the wind blows and spooky season grows, embark on the Disney Destiny for Halloween on the High Seas sailings. During your cruise, enjoy trick-or-treating, Mickey’s Mouse-Querade Party, and an exclusive new Halloween character only found on the Disney Destiny. Meet Solara, the newest Enchanted Pumpkin Tree in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. She is adorned with glowing gourds and glistening dew. The inspiration for Solara began with the theme of the ship, heroes and villains. And for Halloween, Disney Live Entertainment explored the duality of the season where guests can choose to celebrate Halloween: with fright, delight or a little of both. Fun Facts about Solara: You can find her sisters on other Disney ships! Boo, on the Disney Wish, and Ginger, on Disney Treasure. Solara’s name is inspired by “Sol,” the Latin word for sun. Along with her 26 pumpkins, you can find 31 ember jewels on Solara. Creating Solara for the Disney Destiny Disney Live Entertainment created a Halloween story that would fit into the world of Zayah and Gamble, the Destiny-Seekers. These two storytellers have discovered many tall tales of magical trees from all around the world. And since Solara is the newest pumpkin tree, upon discovering Solara, Zayah and Gamble made assumptions about her origin, fate, and, of course, destiny. The pair each have a “side” of Halloween they prefer to celebrate. Gamble is sillier, while Zayah is destined for the more mysterious side. Once these narrative elements for Zayah and Gamble were in place, Disney Live Entertainment brought Solara’s visual identity to life. It was essential that she remained unique to the Halloween Tree grove across Disney Cruise Line. “Every new show is an exploration of learning and creating new things – which is so exciting,” shared Philip Kelley, show director for Disney Live Entertainment who helped to bring Solara to life. “We got to play with her design trying various lighting effects, some worked and some didn’t. Once we got her into the space we had great discoveries with moving her sound around the three decks as well as incorporating all the amazing lighting of the Grand Hall.” Solara holds her arms wide, proudly displaying two sets of 13 carved pumpkins representing the two “sides” of Halloween, Delight and Fright, for all to see. She is a character that feels both classic and completely unique. How to Make Magic with Solara There are many opportunities to interact with Solara during your voyage. Find her in the Grand Hall on the evening of embarkation day for “The Tale of the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree,” an original show. There, Zayah and Gamble share the legend of Solara and bring her to life. As our storytellers try to figure out which is the best way to celebrate Halloween, you will pick a side and join in a spellbinding chant for Delight or Fright! Solara helps you see that both can exist together for the best celebration just before showering everyone with orange and green confetti pumpkins. Once she has been awakened, you are welcome to take photos with Solara for the rest of the voyage. “I love watching the guests’ first reactions to seeing her on embark day, getting excited to see what she’ll look like fully lit. Her carvings are a secret until the show. She truly is a new Halloween character people want to ‘meet’,” said Phillip. Halloween on the High Seas sailings on the Disney Destiny Celebrate Halloween on the High Seas aboard the Disney Destiny on select 3-, 4-, and 5-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Explore more Disney Destiny itineraries Meet Ginger, the Disney Treasure Pumpkin Tree READ MORE Sneak Peek at New Treats and Sips Coming to the Disney Believe READ MORE Disney Imagination Named as First Ship Sailing from Japan The post Introducing Solara, Disney Destiny’s Exclusive Enchanted Pumpkin Tree appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

The Disney College Program is a one-of-a-kind internship for college students and recent graduates. It’s a fun way to get immersed in the enchantment and fun of Disney while gaining valuable job experience, making lifelong connections — and getting paid, too! Participants on the Disney College Program work hard and get numerous benefits, including: Educational sessions and career development opportunities Experience toward future career goals An inside look at how Disney helps make magic for guests The opportunity to live in resort-like accommodations The chance to meet and form friendships with program participants from all over the world Special cast member discounts Complimentary theme park admission Previews of new attractions Company-provided transportation to and from work and to area dining and shopping\ Opportunities to join Disney VoluntEARS at community support events Sound exciting? Let’s dig a little deeper into how the Disney College Program works and what makes it one of a kind. How does the Disney College Program work? Participants on the Disney College Program live and work at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Participants have opportunities to learn skills to further their careers both in educational sessions and on the job working in guest-facing roles at a Disney Resort hotel, theme park or Disney Springs. How long does the Disney College Program go? Participants spend 4 to 8 months on the Disney College Program and have the opportunity to extend the experience up to one full calendar year. Program arrivals happen year-round, and participants typically have the option to choose between the following seasons: Spring Spring and Summer Summer and Fall Fall Disney College Program roles Walt Disney knew that however magical a place is built to be, the people make the dream come true. Participants on the Disney College Program help create that Disney magic by interacting with guests in one of over 20 roles as Disney cast members. Roles are categorized into six areas: food service, retail and sales, attractions, entertainment, lodging and operations. The exact day-to-day work participants do depends on the role they’re assigned, but each role is fun and rewarding in its own way. Where do participants live? Participants on the program have the option to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, an apartment community owned and operated by American Campus Communities, with other participants from all across the globe. The apartments are furnished, and the community is fully equipped with resort-style pools, a 12,500 sq. ft. fitness center and study areas. What learning opportunities are available during the Disney College Program? Exclusive learning offerings on the Disney College Program give participants unparalleled enhancements to their academic and professional careers through experiential learning, in-classroom experiences, professional development and networking opportunities. The program is even recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. The Disney College Program also provides a variety of resources and tools for current students on a program, including dedicated time off for school classes and exam proctoring. Program requirements To be eligible to participate, candidates need to meet the Disney College Program’s requirements. Students of all majors or who are undeclared are welcome to apply. Applicants must: Be at least 18 years old when applying Currently be an enrolled student at an accredited college or university in the United States or the United States territories and actively working toward an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree Graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States or the United States territories within the last 12 months of this job posting Completed at least one term at a college or university (or a minimum of 6 credit hours). Credits must have been earned after graduating high school or earning GED Have unrestricted U.S. work authorization for the entire program Be in good academic standing at an accredited college or university. Some schools require a minimum GPA or advisor approval before participation in an off-campus program How to apply Interested students and recent graduates can apply and get more information on the Disney Programs website. Applications for the fall season typically open in January while applications for the spring season typically open in August. After submitting an application, if you’re selected to move on in the application process, you’ll be contacted to participate in a 30-minute video interview. Creating Disney magic The Disney College Program lets students and recent grads engage in once-in-a-lifetime experiences while learning lifelong friendships and furthering their career goals. Wherever their role, program participants help create that Disney magic that lets guests make unforgettable memories. The post A Uniquely Disney Internship: What Is the Disney College Program? appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Don’t you just love it when your favorite Disney souvenirs go on sale?! Loungefly bags in EPCOT As massive Disney Loungefly fans and collectors, we love seeing a bunch of them go on sale. There are currently seven items on Amazon right now that you simply can’t ignore. So, if you’re looking to treat yourself or you want to get started on your Christmas shopping early, you need to check out this list. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are a TON of Loungeflys that are on sale right now! We update the storefront multiple times throughout the week, and it’s a great resource for you to look for the biggest and best deals in one place. SEE ALL 87 LOUNGEFLYS ON SALE HERE Get this Toy Story Loungefly Bag ©Amazon This Toy Story 5 Triple Pocket Loungefly Bag features Jessie, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear! The bag shows the sheriff’s badge being worn by Jessie, rather than Woody, keeping up to date with the most recent movie. With three large compartments, you can organize and carry all the essentials you need for a Disney day. We love the design and detail that was put into making this mini backpack. It’s also at a 90-day low price, with a 23% discount! view ON AMAZON This Loungefly is perfect for Cars fans! ©Amazon Looking to add some kachow to your outfit? Grab this Lightning McQueen Loungefly Bag! The mini backpack is inspired by Pixar’s Cars, and it was released to celebrate the iconic film’s 20th anniversary. Lightning McQueen is front and center, with the hood being the front pocket, and his tires being the side pocket. The Loungefly also lights up. You can grab it for 10% off! This is at a 30 day low price and is a HIGH SELL OUT risk since so few are still in stock. view ON AMAZON We love this Minnie Mouse Loungefly Bag ©Amazon There is a lot to like about this Minnie Mouse Loungefly Backpack! The bag is covered in shiny studs and dangling chains. You’ll find chains on the front pocket and the Minnie ears on top of the backpack. Inside the backpack, you’ll find an all-over print featuring Minnie Mouse. This bag just released on Amazon this month and is already on sale!! view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Tinker Bell Loungefly ©Amazon If you’re a fan of the iconic Disney fairy, you’ll want to check out this Tinker Bell Loungefly Backpack! The bag is crafted with velvet and faux leather, and gold stars and pieces cover the bag. Tinker Bell sits front and center on the bag’s pocket, with a print of her inside. It’s at a 90-day low price! So snag it while it’s on SALE now. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget about this Minnie Mouse Vacation Bag ©Amazon Summer may be over, but you can’t deny how cute this Minnie Mouse Vacation Loungefly Bag is! The bag features the iconic Disney character relaxing in the pool. The bag has a light, pastel color scheme, and it will add a pop to your Disney World outfit. This is also on a 90-day low price right now. view ON AMAZON Take a look at this Alice in Wonderland Loungefly ©Amazon This Alice in Wonderland Loungefly Bag comes in a nice cream color, with black outlines! The bag features Alice on the front pocket, surrounded by flowers. We love the extensive detail that was put into the design of this bag, while also keeping it a little more subtle with no over-the-top colors. You can grab the bag on a 90-day low price for 19% off! view ON AMAZON And finally, there’s this Dr. Facilier Loungefly ©Amazon This Dr. Facilier Loungefly Backpack has a very unique design to it, and we’re here for it! Everyone who’s a fan of the villain from The Princess and the Frog will want to grab this bag. It has a lot of 3D effects, like the villain’s hat popping off the top and his necklace hanging from the front pocket. You can grab the bag on a 30-day low price now. We also must warn you, this is a high sell out risk bag with only a few in stock! view ON AMAZON There are a TON of Loungeflys that are on sale right now! We update the storefront multiple times throughout the week, and it’s a great resource for you to look for the biggest and best deals in one place. SEE OVER 80 Disney loungeflys on sale here We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Now, Disney is known for parents being a BIG part of their movies. BUT it’s usually because they die in the first five minutes. It has become a running joke that Disney hates parents, specifically moms, because they are always killing them off. Which, let’s be honest, usually does create a big emotional journey for the main character. ©Disney However, in recent years it feels as though Disney is finally trying to break away from the “dead mom” narrative of the early nineties. In fact, the upcoming movie Hexed is actually about a complex mother-daughter relationship, so will it break the dead mom curse? Now, Disney in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s LOVED a dead mom movie. We are looking at you: The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo, Tarzan, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Goofy Movie, and… need we go on? ©Disney While some of these movies had both parents missing, many still had the dad around, which was really not helping the whole “dead mom” situation. Especially for the princess movies, these girls often only had their dads around, like Belle, Pocahatas, Ariel, and Jasmine. ©Disney Or no parents at all, like Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, and Snow White. In some of these stories, the mom isn’t even mentioned. It was a very interesting narrative Disney had for a while, showing young girls having to navigate life, adventure, and love without their moms around or even discussed. ©Disney Well, it seems as though Disney has gotten the message because they have changed that narrative in the past several years; we have gotten some Disney movies that not only have a mom present, but the mother-daughter aspect of the movie is an important part of the plot. For example, Brave, where the whole journey was about Merida connecting with her mom through a long adventure to turn her back into a human after a spell turns her into a bear. And it really dove into the complexities of their relationship. ©Disney In more recent years, Disney also created Turning Red, which showcased the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship between Mei and her mother, Ming. A large part of that movie focused on growing up, finding independence, cultural expectations, and generational differences, all through the lens of a teenage daughter navigating her relationship with her mom. While both these movies are beautiful representations of mother-daughter dynamics in Disney movies, it is still a fairly rare subject to be explored. Meilin Lee and Ming Lee Which is why we are so interested to see what Hexed holds and will offer audiences in the world of these complicated relationships. One of the film’s writers, Jared Bush, has shared that at its core Hexed is a mother-daughter story and that they made sure that relationship “was actually the star of the film.” ©Disney He went on to explain, “We hope parents watch this and say, ‘Oh, man! This feels like me and my child. Maybe they’ll feel like, ‘When I grew up, I felt like Billie did, but now that I’m a parent, I’m understanding what my parents were going through.’” This story is really meant to dive into the complexities of the decision a parent makes to protect their child, the child not understanding the limitations given to them by their parent, and really exploring the middle ground in which understanding, love, and that relationship live. ©Disney It was also shared that this will be a “very human story in a very fantastical world.” Which is something we are extremely excited to see play out. So, will Hexed continue to help break the Disney mom curse? Only time will tell, but we already know we will be heading to theaters on November 25th to find out! ©Disney We will continue to bring you all of the Disney movie updates and news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Disney Reveals MORE Details On Hexed For more Disney fun, make sure to check out the 20 things we do on EVERY single trip to Disney! 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 Will you be seeing Hexed when it releases in theaters? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When it comes to packing for Disney World, we KNOW OUR STUFF. Our Disney bag is full of essentials! Seriously, we’re in the parks nearly every day of the year, and even our team members who live out of town have taken countless trips to the property. We’ve learned quite a bit through trial and error, and now we have several items on our must-pack list for Disney visits. And if you, like us, love to take pictures and videos in the Disney parks, then you’re going to need this one recommendation! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the BEST compact tripod! ©Amazon Our reporters film a LOT of content in the parks on a daily basis, and they ALL agree that this 4-in-1 Universal Magnetic Phone Tripod is a lifesaver when recording videos and taking photos…particularly if you need to be hands-free. You can use it four different ways, including as a hand grip, a selfie stick, a tripod, and a desktop stand. ©Amazon Keep in mind that when in Disney World, you can’t use the selfie stick mode (selfie sticks aren’t allowed), but you CAN use the other features. The stand magnetically attaches to the back of your phone, and you can rotate the attachment to hold your phone in landscape or portrait mode. ©Amazon When not in use, the stand folds up nice and compact to easily store in small bags like fanny packs. It has a one-click open feature and a four-legged support to keep your device nice and steady. This is a HUGE help for us personally when we’re filming videos pouring syrup over Mickey waffles or breaking a cookie in half! ©Amazon Multiple members of our team have been using this little tripod for over a year, and it has become a steady staple in our park bags. Whether you’re recording content or you just want a way to get a great group photo without having to ask a stranger, this tool can be SO useful! 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

From grand theaters to thoughtfully designed guest rooms, every Disney space is built to tell a story. Walt Disney Imagineering leads the creative vision and design for Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships and more. They also often work with companies that bring specialized expertise to each project. For more than 20 years, New York-based Richloom has been one of those collaborators, creating custom fabrics and furnishings for Disney spaces — from pillows and drapery to furniture upholstery. Watch the ABC Localish segment above to step inside Richloom’s headquarters and see how the family-owned business helps Disney develop custom textiles. Disney Experiences’ U.S. Economic Impact Disney Experiences’ nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact reaches communities across the country. Thousands of small and family-owned businesses in all 50 states help support Disney’s destinations. A Family Legacy in Textiles Over nearly 70 years, Richloom has built a legacy of creativity and craftsmanship, beginning with late founder Fred Richman, who started a small fabric company in New York City with just a $5,000 loan. For Michael Saivetz, Fred’s grandson and the company’s current President and Chief Operating Officer, the business is deeply personal. “It began with my grandfather in 1957,” Michael recalled. “We’ve been in this office since the early 90s. My grandfather worked in this office. My uncle works in this office. I ran around this office as a kid, so it does have meaning.” Three generations of the family behind Richloom — Michael Saivetz, Jim Richman and Fred Richman — pose together. Michael Saivetz, Richloom President and COO, poses with his uncle, Jim Richman, CEO, next to a photograph of Richloom’s original building taken by late founder Fred Richman. Photo Credit: Richloom Bringing New York Craftsmanship to Disney Experiences From tracking down the right colors and textures to developing custom prints, Richloom helps Disney create environments that feel authentic to each story. For example, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Richloom helped create custom pillows in hues of olive, mustard and acorn, paired with furniture upholstery in crimson, auburn and ruby. The combination helps create a warm, richly layered environment inspired by the surrounding savanna. Richloom helped create custom fabrics and textiles for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Their other recent work can be seen at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, all three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line’s newest class of ships, the Wish class. Richloom helped create custom velvet for Walt Disney Theatres on Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class. For Richloom, the collaboration has provided opportunities to take on increasingly ambitious projects. “It’s really great to design for Disney because you’re able to see the characters come to life,” said Richloom textile designer Cameron Blake, adding that she enjoys working with Imagineers to find subtle ways to incorporate “hidden Mickeys,” or the iconic silhouette of Mickey Mouse, within fabric patterns. Cameron Blake, a textile designer for Richloom, examines fabric used for custom pillows at the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Cameron works closely with Carla Schmiedt, Principal Interior Designer, Walt Disney Imagineering, who sees the impact of Richloom’s textiles firsthand. “It’s amazing how much the textiles actually help us tell the story,” Carla shared. “They bring color and patterns to the space, and they really elevate the guest experience.” Imagineer Carla Schmiedt highlights pillows and textiles made by Richloom at the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. A hidden Mickey in a fabric pattern is easy to miss. So is the ripple effect of Disney’s work, with family-owned businesses like Richloom, which helps support local economies in communities nationwide. Explore Disney Experiences’ economic impact in the U.S. and learn more about the businesses that help make the magic possible. The post From a $5,000 Loan to Disney Destinations: How a New York Family-Owned Business Helps Weave Disney Stories appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

We’re less than 70 days away from Christmas, which means it’s time to start thinking about buying presents, planning trips, and, most importantly, counting down properly with an advent calendar. ©Amazon We were recently scouring Amazon, and we found some GREAT Disney advent calendars. Let’s go through them, so you know which one YOU want to grab to count down this year! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For a look at ALL of the Disney advent calendars you can find on Amazon, check out our storefront below! view ON AMAZON Get A New Story Every Day! ©Amazon The 24-Day Disney Advent Countdown Calendar of Secret Stories is the perfect way for readers to count down to the holiday! A surprise story featuring a beloved Disney character is hidden behind each sealed page, so you’ll be met with a new character each day! From December 1st through Christmas Eve, you can unwrap a brand-new Disney adventure! This is available for pre-order, with the title being released on October 27th. view ON AMAZON This Is One For The Collectors! ©Amazon If you’re a collector of Disney figures, then the Disney Funko Pocket POP! Countdown Calendar is the perfect pick for you this year! This calendar includes 24 different surprise characters behind sealed doors. Characters that may be included are Mickey, Stitch, Pluto, Tiana, Rapunzel, Tigger, and more! Put them back in their window to display them all together. view ON AMAZON Princess and LEGO Fans Rejoice! ©Amazon With this year’s LEGO Disney Princess Advent Calendar, you can reveal buildable sets and figures each day leading up to Christmas! Some doors open to reveal buildable LEGO Disney Princess toys including a piano, gingerbread castle, musical instruments, presents, and more, or mini figures of the Princesses or their sidekicks! There are 24 days to open. view ON AMAZON Not A Fan Of Princesses? There’s A Star Wars Version, Too! ©Amazon If you’d rather have a Star Wars LEGO Advent Calendar, you’ve got it! This advent calendar comes with 24 windows to unbox to reveal buildable vehicles, mini figures, and other buildable sets, like tables and accessories. Mini figures like the Mandalorian and Grogu, Moff Gideon, and the droids will also be dressed in festive outfits! view ON AMAZON We Love This Disney Princess Advent Calendar ©Amazon This Disney Princess Advent Calendar includes 25 days of gifts, so you can even open something up on Christmas Day! It features each of the 13 princesses at least once through stationery items, keychains, decorative tape, and more! view ON AMAZON We Can’t Forget About The Disney Doggos! ©Amazon Everyone should be able to partake in the countdown fun, including your furry friends! Grab the Table Scraps Disney Christmas Bark Dog Advent Calendar for them! For 25 days leading up to Christmas, your dog can unbox a different flavor of jerky, including chicken, turkey, beef, duck, blueberries, and cranberries. view ON AMAZON There’s A LEGO Advent Calendar For Marvel Fans, Too! ©Amazon Just like the Disney Princesses and Star Wars advent calendars, the LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar features 24 windows to unbox buildable sets and mini-figures of popular characters! Some of the figures you’ll find include Spider-Man on skis, Doctor Doom with a giant candy cane, and Wolverine with an X-Men Christmas sweater! view ON AMAZON Finally, Get The Bluey Advent Calendar ©Amazon This Bluey Advent Calendar includes 24 days of surprises! Inside, you’ll find three mini figures, 16 holiday accessories, five stickers, and Bartlebee, Bluey, and Bingo in their Christmas jumpers! I don’t care if I’m 23 years old… I’m getting this advent calendar for myself because it’s AWESOME! view ON AMAZON For even more Disney advent calendars, check out our Amazon storefront! We update this daily, so you don’t have to go looking for them yourself! 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 like to keep things fresh here at DFB. As an editor here, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new concepts and articles we can write that will bring value to our readers — but I’ll be honest, it isn’t always easy. ©Disney And that’s where Title Brainstorms come into the picture! A Title Brainstorm is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: members of the Editorial Team get together and try to come up with interesting titles or constructs that we haven’t necessarily written before, just to keep things interesting and to keep the wheels turning in our brains. During a recent Title Brainstorm, I had the (genius, if I do say so myself) idea to do Mad Libs — and let’s just say the results weren’t exactly what I had planned. Okay, let me be clear: I knew that trying to come up with titles via Mad Libs was definitely a long shot. If you’ve ever done Mad Libs, you know that they don’t always make sense and things can devolve into chaos pretty quickly. But still, I figured it would be a fun way for us to stretch our title muscles and get creative. The titles we did end up coming up with might not actually work, but we are kind of begging Disney to drop these news stories now — just because they are utterly ridiculous. Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Let me set the scene: I asked our Editorial Team for various parts of speech, like adjectives, verbs, “silly words”, numbers, Disney snacks — you get the picture. From there, I plugged their answers into multiple different title constructs, and let’s just say that things got pretty silly, pretty quickly. But, come on, you can’t deny that these would make some pretty interesting news stories if Disney did decide to let Goofy start serving snacks, for example. Chef Goofy Check out some of our Mad Libs titles below — I’ve bolded the words that we filled in the blanks with! REVIEW: The New DOLE Whip at Tomorrowland Is the Juiciest Thing We’ve Ever Tasted! A juicy DOLE Whip? Say less. 17 Must-Try Restaurants You Can’t Miss This Christmas You know what? This one kind of actually works. NEWS: Goofy Now Serving Aquamarine Churros in Tomorrowland Disney just dropped bright blue churros in Tomorrowland, so this one isn’t that far off, but we welcome being served our favorite snacks by Goofy. Churro Overdrive Are the Tall Beignets Worth $271? We Tried It So You Don’t Have To! Those must be some really tall beignets to cost that much. The Complete Guide to Eating Your Way Through Tomorrowland With a LeFou’s Brew in Hand Well, first of all, you can’t get LeFou’s Brew in Tomorrowland, and second of all, eating your way through Tomorrowland wouldn’t even take that long! BANG! We Danced Gently When We Saw the Tall DOLE Whip! I actually don’t hate this one either. Catch me dancing gently with my tall DOLE Whip in Magic Kingdom. Pineapple DOLE Whip FIRST LOOK: Goofy’s Aquamarine Beignets Will Make Your Nose Do a Happy Dance! Man, Goofy really likes aquamarine snacks, I guess. Why Everyone’s Talking About the Tall Churro (And Whether It’s Worth the Hype) What if Disney came out with, like, a 6-foot-tall churro? That would certainly be newsworthy. We Ranked All 17 Restaurants in Tomorrowland From Juiciest to Worst! Well, there aren’t 17 restaurants in Tomorrowland, but I am down for ranking things from juiciest to worst. Tomorrowland Don’t expect any of these news stories to come across your feed anytime soon, but honestly, you never know! We’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disney and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more — and check out our video below on changes coming in 2027! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these stories would you like to see come true? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article