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Remember when Disney+ was $6.99 a month and subscribing felt like an easy little add-on to your entertainment budget? That era has left the building. ©Disney Disney has rolled out another round of streaming price increases in the United States, and the biggest change is hitting Disney+ Premium subscribers. The ad-free plan has jumped from $18.99 to $21.49 per month, an increase of roughly 13%. And while $2.50 might not sound enormous on its own, the bigger picture is a lot harder to shrug off. Disney+ now costs more than three times what it did when the service debuted in 2019, and plenty of subscribers are starting to wonder just how much higher this thing can climb. Disney+ Is More Than Three Times Its Launch Price To understand why people are grumbling, you really have to look backward. Disney+ launched at $6.99 per month in November 2019. The first increase arrived in March 2021, when the monthly price moved to $7.99. Disney confirmed that increase itself, along with an annual jump from $69.99 to $79.99. Disney+ Then things accelerated. In December 2022, Disney introduced its ad-supported tier at $7.99 per month and moved the existing ad-free service, newly called Disney+ Premium, up to $10.99 per month. In October 2023, Premium increased again to $13.99. October 2024 brought another increase to $15.99. Then, in October 2025, Disney+ Premium jumped another $3 to $18.99 per month. And now we’re here. Disney+ Premium costs $21.49 per month. Here’s the full progression: Date Disney+ Ad-Free Monthly Price November 2019 $6.99 March 2021 $7.99 December 2022 $10.99 October 2023 $13.99 October 2024 $15.99 October 2025 $18.99 September 2026 $21.49 That works out to an increase of about 207% from Disney+’s original monthly price. For a little perspective, general inflation hasn’t come close to keeping pace. The latest data shows that price inflation rose about 30% between November 2019 and August 2026. If Disney+ had simply kept pace with inflation, that original $6.99 subscription would cost roughly $9.10 today, not $21.49. So while just about everything has gotten more expensive since Disney+ debuted, this particular price increase is playing in an entirely different league. Disney+ Hulu bundle Put another way, the service now costs a little more than three times what it did at launch. That $6.99 introductory era is not merely gone; it’s been placed in the Disney Vault. Here’s What Disney+ Costs Now Disney’s current U.S. pricing breaks down like this: Disney+ with ads: $12.49 per month, up from $11.99. Disney+ Premium without ads: $21.49 per month, up from $18.99. Disney+ Premium annual plan: $214.99 per year, up from $189.99. ©Disney That 50-cent increase for the ad-supported tier works out to a much smaller percentage hike of about 4%. Premium subscribers are taking the much bigger hit. Their monthly plan increased by $2.50, or roughly 13%. And if you pay monthly for Disney+ Premium all year, you’re now looking at $257.88 for 12 months. Back in 2019, 12 months at the original $6.99 monthly rate would have cost $83.88. We have officially traveled quite a distance from “Eh, it’s seven bucks, why not?” Your Bill Might Not Change Yet The new pricing began September 23, 2026, for new U.S. subscriptions. If you were already subscribed before September 23, Disney says the price change will appear during your billing cycle on or after October 21, 2026. Pricing through third-party billing providers may also vary. ©Disney So if you checked your bank account and thought, “Mine hasn’t changed,” enjoy this fleeting moment of peace. Your billing date may simply not have arrived yet. Understanding the Bundles This is where Disney’s pricing strategy gets particularly noticeable. A standalone Disney+ Premium subscription now costs $21.49 per month. The Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle, which gives you both services without traditional ad breaks, costs $21.99 per month. For 50 cents more per month, you can add Hulu. That feels less like a subtle suggestion and more like Disney standing behind you and gently rotating your shoulders toward the bundle button. ©Disney The same thing is happening on the ad-supported side. Disney+ with ads costs $12.49 per month, while the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads remains $12.99. In other words, Disney has kept some of its bundles relatively attractive while letting the standalone plans, especially Premium, creep higher. If you already use Hulu, the math is pretty easy. If you don’t, it may still be worth checking your subscription before another billing cycle sneaks by. Disney Says It’s Investing in the Service Disney has pointed to continued investment in Disney+, including technology improvements, new features, personalization, and its broader effort to bring more of its streaming ecosystem together into one experience. The company also emphasized that its popular Disney+/Hulu bundle with ads did not increase in this latest round, while the standalone ad-supported Disney+ price rose by a comparatively modest 4%. ©Disney And Disney+ has certainly changed since 2019. Hulu programming has become increasingly integrated into Disney+, ESPN content now has a larger presence, and Disney continues reshaping the app into something much broader than the original library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars titles. The question for subscribers is whether those additions feel like an extra $14.50 per month compared with the launch price. Fans Are Getting Tired of the Increases Disney+ price increases have become an annual fall tradition. The latest announcement sparked plenty of frustration online. Of course, subscribers who get vocal with their opinions on social media don’t automatically mean Disney is about to experience a giant subscriber collapse. We don’t have evidence of that. But the irritation is understandable. ©Disney Streaming originally sold itself on flexibility and relatively low prices. The whole appeal of the services was to stop spending hundreds of dollars on cable premium services for channels you might not even watch. The concept of “cutting the cable” was to save money and streamline your on-screen experience. Now consumers are juggling numerous services, multiple advertising tiers, bundles, annual plans, and regular price increases that are beginning to look suspiciously like the cable bills everyone was trying to escape. That $6.99 Price Feels VERY Far Away Disney+ in 2026 isn’t the Disney+ that launched in 2019. There is more content inside the platform, Hulu and ESPN have become increasingly connected to it, and Disney is clearly betting that bundles will become the center of its streaming business. But the price has changed just as dramatically. Going from $6.99 to $21.49 per month in less than seven years is hard to ignore, especially when subscribers have now watched the price increase year after year. ©Disney And this latest increase creates a particularly weird choice. Pay $21.49 for Disney+ Premium alone, or pay another 50 cents and get Hulu too. At that point, Disney may not need a pop-up telling you which button it wants you to press. As always, we’ll keep watching Disney’s streaming prices, bundles, and subscription changes, because if the last several years have taught us anything, it’s that today’s Disney+ price probably shouldn’t be written in permanent marker. The Disney+ Change We’ve Been Dreading Is Finally Here Read More Disney+ News NEW REPORT: Disney+ Prices Jump 13% and Fans Are Fed UpTake 30% Off Souvenirs With This NEW Disney+ Perk!Disney Is Bringing Back an ICONIC Disney Channel Series, And Our Team Is Freaking Out!When You Can Watch The 3 NEWEST Movies on Disney+The Disney+ Change We’ve Been Dreading Is Finally Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of the Disney+ service? Something you’ll keep no matter what? Or is there a price point that might have you hitting cancel? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We know we say it all the time, but Disney World during the holidays is truly a different type of magic. Yes, all of your favorite rides are still running, and Mickey Mouse is still waving at you in the parade, but everything is covered with an extra layer of twinkling lights, and there may or may not be Santa hats involved. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas Parade Everyone who visits Disney World during the holiday season, which runs from November 13th to January 6th this year, gets to experience the Christmas trees and Mickey wreaths, but if you want another layer of magic, you might want to check out the exclusive after-hours events. These events take the holidays to the next level, and they start in about a month, bringing major changes to the parks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs on select nights in Magic Kingdom from November 8th to December 22nd, and Jollywood Nights run on select nights from November 7th to January 5th in Hollywood Studios. Both are a total blast, but you might find yourself leaning toward one event over the other, depending on your family. November 7th is our kick-off, and we couldn’t be more excited. Once Upon a Christmastime Parade If you like classic Disney holidays, you’ll probably want to check out Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Since it takes place in Magic Kingdom, it feels even more magical with the castle in front of you, and the special entertainment is not to be missed. Fireworks for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party The parades and fireworks shows are some of the best Disney World has, and there are also tons of meet-and-greets available, along with exclusive food you can only get during the party (and this usually includes a popcorn bucket, too!). While both events are family-friendly, more families head to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The event has been around for a long time and is a holiday tradition for many families who come every year. Gingerbread Milk Shake Magic Kingdom closes to the public at 6 PM, and guests with holiday party tickets can enter starting at 4 PM. There are typically pretty short waits for rides, except for those with holiday overlays like the Jungle Cruise, but lines can be massive for parade spots, fireworks viewings, and meet-and-greets. Since there’s so much to do, it can often feel like a hustle to get it all done, and it can get chaotic when you add in the large number of guests also trying to do everything. Crowds at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Now what about Jollywood Nights? This event is geared more towards adults, but the whole family can still enjoy a trip to Hollywood Studios. You know how Hollywood Studios tends to be geared towards teens and adults? It’s the same idea, but with more Christmas thrown in. Twilight Soiree There is also exclusive entertainment, including a show with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy that our team freaks out about every year, and a Nightmare Before Christmas show where you get to see the coveted Jack Skellington puppet up close and personal (he’s MASSIVE, by the way). We tend to find that Jollywood Nights is a bit calmer than Very Merry, and you might have time for the shows plus a ride or two. Kermit and Miss Piggy! Don’t forget about the snacks! There are also tons of exclusive food options plus a whole sit-down dining experience at the Hollywood Brown Derby, where the menu changes to feature holiday classics. Full Spread at Hollywood Brown Derby during Jollywood Nights 2024 There are also tons of special meet-and-greets for Jollywood Nights. If you’re debating between the parties, it might be best to figure out which characters your family likes best and base it on that. We tend to base it off of snacks, but that’s just us. Phineas and Ferb at Jollywood Nights The events start on November 7th and 8th and only run on select nights. We see tickets sell out all the time, typically with Very Merry selling out first, so if you have your eyes on certain dates, you’ll want to grab tickets sooner rather than later. We’re still clinging to the last bit of fall, but our heads are already thinking about Christmas! Keep following Disney Food Blog for more news, plus tips and tricks on how to make the most of the parties and your trip to Disney World. WHY DISNEY WORLD FANS ARE SUDDENLY CHANGING THEIR HOLIDAY PLANS DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to a party this year? Tell us which one and why in the comments. 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An absolutely quintessential Tomorrowland attraction in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is an original ride conceived by Walt Disney himself. It made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, and later opened in Disneyland in 1967 (where it has since closed). It opened at Magic Kingdom in 1975, where it has remained a classic and iconic attraction nearly synonymous with Magic Kingdom itself. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress For many parkgoers, a visit to Magic Kingdom isn’t complete without a spin on the ol’ Carousel of Progress, which takes riders through different decades and (as the name implies) the progress made in each. Earlier this year, Disney announced that the Carousel of Progress would undergo a complete transformation, updating the ride to reflect more recent history and advances. Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th, 2026, for the updates, which will debut in late Spring 2027, and Disney just shared details about one of the new (well, sort of) voice actors! A familiar voice is returning to Carousel of Progress! Debi Derryberry originally voiced Patricia, the daughter in the ride’s focus family, but she’s taking on a new role in the rethemed version. via @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram That’s right, Debi Derryberry is back, and she’ll be taking on a new role as Grandmother when Carousel of Progress reopens in 2027. Disney shared some behind-the-scenes footage of Derryberry in the studio recording her lines. We can’t wait to hear them! via @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram So, what else is coming with these changes? Quite a bit! All four decade scenes will be changed, and a new opening scene with Disney World’s first Walt Disney animatronic will be added. And don’t worry, the iconic song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” will be sticking around! Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland Act 1 will be about the 1960s and will open with the historic moon landing. The family will be gathered around the television to witness one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Act 2 will take us to the 1980s, where everything is bigger and better. It will be Halloween Night of 1985, and Sarah will be taking center stage, talking about her new appliances and gadgets. Don’t worry, Uncle Orville will still be covered regarding the lack of privacy. Carousel of Progress Concept Art ©Disney Moving on, Act 3 will be the New Millennium with New Year’s Eve 1999. Not everyone might make it to midnight, but the whole family is here to celebrate. The final fourth act will push towards the possible future where a helpful robot might assist with everyday tasks, to even space travel, since a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away. Sneak Peek at Carousel of Progress at D23 2026 We’ll be on the lookout for even more Carousel of Progress updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Walt Disney World news at the links below! BREAKING: We Just Ate EVERYTHING On the New Menu at Diamond Horseshoe in Disney World!2 Refurbishment Projects Are EXTENDED In Disney WorldWeekly Disney World Wait Times: The Busiest Park This Week Might SURPRISE YouREVIEW: Does This NEW Disney World Treat Dethrone One Of Our FAVORITES?Why Is Disney So Obsessed With Cups Right Now? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to the reimagining of Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

All of us Disney Loungefly collectors are gathering right here, right now, because there are a TON of new Loungefly bags releasing very soon! ©BoxLunch While technically BoxLunch hasn’t dropped all the new Disney Loungefly bags just yet, they did make them available for preorder right now. The bags will get shipped to you by either the end of the month or the start of November. So, let’s take a look at what’s coming and the prices! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Beauty and the Beast Loungefly ©BoxLunch Take a look at this Loungefly Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape Mini Backpack! The BoxLunch exclusive is going to be a big hit for fans of the iconic Disney classic. It has the same design as the VHS version of the movie would look like. Preorder it now for $89.90 and get it shipped from 11/03/26 – 11/13/26! view ON Boxlunch This Mater Loungefly is a must! ©BoxLunch This Loungefly Mater Mini Backpack is going to be a popular buy for fans of Disney Pixar’s Cars! If the character design of this BoxLunch exclusive wasn’t enough to convince you to grab this, maybe the awesome light-up feature will. You can preorder this now for $89.90 and get it shipped from 10/27/26 – 11/06/26! view ON boxlunch We love this Haunted Mansion Loungefly ©BoxLunch We’re obsessed with this Haunted Mansion Loungefly Mini Backpack! If you’re a fan of the classic Disney attraction, this bag is for you. The front features the hitchhiking ghosts in front of the mansion, and the flaps on the front pocket open up to the stretching room. This BoxLunch exclusive is available for preorder for $84.90 and will ship from 10/27/26 – 11/06/26! view ON boxlunch Or, you can grab this Minnie Mouse Loungefly ©BoxLunch This Minnie Mouse Chocolate Lollipop Ears Loungefly Backpack is one of the most unique bags we’ve ever seen! It features die-cut ears with sprinkle drips. The front also has a 3D bow and die-cut Mickey and Minnie Mouse-shaped lollipops on the front pocket. This BoxLunch exclusive is available for preorder for $84.90 and will ship from 10/27/26 – 11/06/26! view ON boxlunch Don’t forget about this Pocahontas Loungefly ©BoxLunch One of the more eye-catching bags of the new ones was this Pocahontas Colors of the Wind Loungefly Backpack! It’s about time this iconic Disney Princess gets more love. The bag features Pocahontas on a background of fall colors. Her hair is blowing in the wind, of course. This BoxLunch exclusive is available for preorder for $84.90 and will ship from 11/03/26 – 11/13/26! view ON boxlunch Get this Minnie Mouse Loungefly ©BoxLunch This Minnie Mouse Cherry Blossom Loungefly Backpack is gorgeous! This BoxLunch exclusive bag features an all-over cherry blossom design, colored in light pinks and white. The bag has 3D Minnie Mouse ears on top, with a pink bow at the center. The bag’s vibe honestly fits any season you bring it to Disney World. Preorder it now for $79.90 and get it shipped from 10/27/26 – 11/06/26! view ON boxlunch This Kuzco Loungefly is too good! ©BoxLunch Oh baby, BoxLunch is dropping an exclusive The Emperor’s New Groove Kuzco Loungefly Backpack! We feel like The Emperor’s New Groove deserves more love, so we’re happy there’s a new BoxLunch exclusive Loungefly bag with Kuzco front and center. You can preorder it now for $84.90 and get it shipped from 11/03/26 – 11/13/26! view ON boxlunch We love this Loungefly too! ©BoxLunch BoxLunch is doubling down on the love for The Emperor’s New Groove with this Yzma Cat Faux Velvet Loungefly Backpack! The bag’s all-purple design makes this subtle enough, while also having a unique style to it. This bag is perfect for Disney goers who are big fans of the iconic villain. This BoxLunch exclusive can be preordered for $84.90 and will ship from 10/27/26 – 11/06/26! view ON boxlunch Grab this Disney Princess Loungefly ©BoxLunch This Disney Princess Pink Portraits Tonal Loungefly Backpack has an elegance to it that we love! This all-pink bag features different princess elements like the bow on top and the all-over print of crowns. The centerpiece is the princess portraits of Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Cinderella, Belle, and Moana on the front pocket. Preorder this for $84.90 and get it shipped from 10/13/26 – 10/23/26! view ON boxlunch And finally, there’s this Coco Loungefly ©BoxLunch Lastly, grab this Photo Frame Day of the Dead Loungefly Backpack! The mini bag is inspired by Disney Pixar’s Coco, and it features some stunning designs and colors. This BoxLunch exclusive can be preordered now for $89.90 and will ship from 10/20/26 – 10/30/26! view ON boxlunch 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

It’s been an exciting week for food in Disney World. That’s because four EPCOT Food & Wine Festival food booths finally opened this week, and we’ve been making our way around them to get you reviews! Also, Hurly-Burly over at Disney’s BoardWalk finally opened, and we got to attend the grand reopening of Turf Club Bar & Grill. Kirschwasser Torte In the meantime, we noticed a few other changes at Disney World restaurants, particularly on their menus, so let’s see what’s changed this week. EPCOT Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Specialites Pissaladiere description changed from “Tomatoes, Olives and Gruyere Cheese” to “4 Cheeses (Swiss, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Goat)” Viennoiseries REMOVED: Croiss Oh La La , Croissant Amandes ADDED: Frangipane — Chocolate Croissant with Almond Filling for $6.95 Desserts REMOVED: Napoleon ADDED: Le Big Cookie — 3 Chocolate Big Cookies for $13.95 ADDED: Pistachio — Cake filled with Pistachio and raspberry ganache for $6.95 Pistachio Cake Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Turf Club Bar & Grill Appetizers REMOVED: Golden-fried Calamari, Onion Ring Tower, Sautéed Shrimp ADDED: Golden-fried Calamari with Shishito Peppers — with toasted sesame aïoli and sweet chili-lime sauce for $19 ADDED: Crispy Chicken Wings — served with choice of buffalo or garlic-Parmesan sauce, blue cheese, and celery for $16 ADDED: Lemon Butter Shrimp — with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, capers, and toasted bread for $18 Entrees REMOVED: Char-grill New York Strip Steak, Bourbon-Apple Glazed Pork Chop, Tempura-fried Hen of the Wood Mushroom, Pappardelle Scallop Pasta, Buttermilk-fried Herb Chicken Turf Club Burger description changed from “Signature-blend Patty, Applewood-smoked Bacon, New York White Cheddar, Mixed Greens from The Land Pavilion at EPCOT, Saratoga Sauce, Seasoned French Fries” to “Applewood-smoked Bacon, New York White Cheddar, House-made Pickles, Onion Straws, Lettuce, Tomato, served with Seasoned Waffle Fries” ADDED: Char-grilled Butcher’s Cut — with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and house-made steak sauce for $44 ADDED: Braised Pork Shank — with New York cheddar grits and bacon-bourbon glaze for $34 ADDED: Cornflake Breaded Fried Chicken and Waffle — with roasted jalapeño maple syrup and candied bacon butter for $29 ADDED: Spinach & Mushroom Linguini — Mushroom “cream” sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and basil-tofu “ricotta” (Plant-based) for $26 ADDED: Pappardelle Shrimp Pasta — Shrimp, asparagus, and truffle sauce for $31 Cornflake Breaded Fried Chicken and Waffle Enhancements REMOVED: Caramelized Scallops with Bacon Glaze, Parmesan-crusted Shrimp Desserts REMOVED: Signature Chocolate Cake, New York-style Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée, Seasonal Cobbler ADDED: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake — Strawberry sauce, and graham crumb for $111 ADDED: Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake — Hazelnut mousse and berry sauce for $12 ADDED: Apple Tart — Caramel sauce, streusel, and “gelato” (Plant-based) for $10 ADDED: Salted Caramel Pot de Crème — Vanilla bean panna cotta, pecan crunch, and citrus shortbread for $11 Kids’ Appetizers REMOVED: Garden Salad, Celery and Carrot Sticks ADDED: Petite Charcuterie — Cheese Cubes, Pepperoni, Salami, Fruit for $3.25 ADDED: Fried Mac-and-Cheese Sticks — served with marinara for $3.25 Kids’ Create-Your-Own Entrées REMOVED: Panko-crusted Salmon, Whole-Grain Pasta with Marinara ADDED: Honey-Garlic Shrimp for $13 ADDED: Whole-Grain Pasta — Choice of Marinara, Alfredo, or Butter Noodles, Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk, Small DASANI Water, or Small Minute Maid Apple Juice for $12 Kids’ Create-Your-Own Selections REMOVED: S’more ADDED: Kid’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich Cocktails REMOVED: Millionaire Margarita, White Sangria, Red Sangria Mint Julep description changed from “Woodford Reserve Bourbon muddled with Fresh Mint and Agave Nectar” to “Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, Pineapple Juice, Ginger Beer, Mint” and price changed from $18.50 to $19 ADDED: Winner’s Circle Margarita — Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur, lime, and agave for $21 ADDED: Colt Cooler — Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Agave for $21 ADDED: New York Old Fashioned — Hudson Bright Lights Big Bourbon, Demerara, and Angostura bitters for $19.50 ADDED: Grandstand Martini — Grey Goose Vodka, Dolin Dry Vermouth, olive brine, and blue cheese olives for $19 ADDED: Piña CoLava — Bacardí Raspberry rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry purée for $17.50 New York Sour changed from $24.50 to $25 Blood Orange Margarita changed from $17.50 to $18 New York Old Fashioned ©Disney Keeping up with Disney World restaurant menu changes is a lot, but you can check menus online on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also let you know when menus change, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. The Best Restaurants at Disney World in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did Disney World change the menu at your favorite restaurant? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

New food JUST arrived at Magic Kingdom in Disney World! The Diamond Horseshoe has officially transformed into a cowboy-themed lounge for a limited time this fall. The Diamond Horseshoe Pop Up Lounge The Diamond Horseshoe Lounge just opened with a brand-new menu, and we’re trying EVERYTHING so you can find out if this spot is still worth a visit on your next trip to Liberty Square! Atmosphere This space has been transformed to feel like a fall wonderland! The outside of the building still has the same sign for The Diamond Horseshoe, except now there is a banner underneath that reads, “Cowpokes & City Folks Welcome,” and there are fall leaves strewn around the sign. Enterance When you enter, you are immediately met with warm fall aesthetics and so many leaves, pumpkins, and fall decor filling the whole space. It still feels like the classic Diamond Horseshoe but just with some extra fun decor that really puts you in the cozy fall spirit. We love all the fall decor! On the stage, you can see the self-playing piano with signs on either side. The Stage The signs read, “The World Famous Self-Playing Piano.” Piano But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The Diamond Horseshoe serves a Wild West-inspired menu of small bites, featuring chipotle chicken tostadas, burnt end queso, glazed sticky ribs, and more. Menu The drinks menu is wide, with a variety of alcoholic cocktails, including margaritas, rum punches, and more. Specialty Cocktail Menu There is also a selection of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. More drinks And now, onto the main event — the food! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Cactus Rose Margarita for $17. This is made with Lalo Blanco Tequila, prickly pear, lime, and agave. Cactus Rose Margarita This was an extremely light and smooth margarita. The agave was sweet and helped to lighten the drink up nicely. The lime did not come through much, and the drink probably would have benefited from more of that lime flavor. Cactus Rose Margarita This one is also extremely sweet, so if you love a nice and sweet drink, this is for you! But if you don’t want anything super sweet or would prefer something with a stronger alcohol taste, we would suggest trying something else instead. Cactus Rose Margarita We also tried the Caramel Root Beer with Sweet Cream for $6.99. This is root beer flavored with caramel and topped with sweet cream. Caramel Root Beer This was a fun and extremely unique sweet treat. It was very reminiscent of an iced caramel latte made with root beer instead of coffee. The sweet cream was not our favorite and was a little overpowering. But this was extremely good, and kids will probably love it! Caramel Root Beer Eats First up, we grabbed the Charcuterie for $22. This is made with cured beef, candied bacon, smoked pork, green chile cheese, smoked cheddar, and pickles. Charcuterie We are so happy to have a great Charcuterie board available in Magic Kingdom! The smoked cheddar cheese slices were surprisingly sweet, and the pickles tasted fresh and were slightly sweet with a kick of spice. The bread had the consistency of a tortilla, where you tear it into little pieces instead of a traditional charcuterie board that has crackers. Charcuterie bread The bacon was crunchy for the most part, with some chewy parts, and was very well seasoned with salt and pepper. The green chile cheese was a highlight on the board and was very creamy and balanced the spiciness of the pickles well. The cured beef was very tender and was sitting in a nicely sweet syrup. Overall, we really enjoyed this a lot. Bacon Then, we tried the Glazed Sticky Ribs for $16.99. These are ribs glazed in root beer, served with cowboy beans and jalapeño crisps. Glazed Sticky Ribs The sauce was sweet and sticky; it also crystallized a little on the outside, really enhancing the crispiness of the ribs. The root beer flavor of the ribs did not come through very strongly, but they were still very tasty. Glazed Sticky Ribs The ribs were tender on the inside, and the cowboy beans had a nice kick of spice and were well cooked and seasoned. The jalapeño crisps on top added a great crunch, although they did get slightly soggy from the sauce. These were really tasty and unique ribs! Glazed Sticky Ribs We also got the Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends for $15. This comes with warm tortilla chips for dipping. Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends This queso was very creamy, thick, and so savory. It comes with a lot of tortilla chips, and the burnt ends were tender and well seasoned. We did notice that the dish was a little shallow, so there wasn’t a ton of queso. We would have loved to have a little more since it was so tasty! Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends After that, we snacked on the Sweet Golden Corn Fritters for $12. These are topped with cilantro ranch dressing and red chili honey. Sweet Golden Corn Fritters These had an amazing crispy exterior while being very fluffy inside. These were not as sweet as we expected, but they still almost tasted like a dessert. The red chili in the honey did not come through much, and it was not as spicy as we anticipated. If you’re looking for a sweeter, more dessert-like option, this would be amazing for you to try. Sweet Golden Corn Fritters Then we grabbed the Chipotle Chicken Tostada for $14, a tostada topped with queso fresco, lime crema, and pickled cactus salsa. Chipotle Chicken Tostada We really enjoyed this one! The lettuce was very fresh, and the pickled cactus and the pulled chicken were both excellent. The tostada maintained its crunch and held up all the toppings nicely. This was one of our favorite items we tried, and we would definitely get these again. Chipotle Chicken Tostada Last but not least, we tried the Mini Hot Dog Platter for $12. These are mini hot dogs wrapped in a pastry and served with tortilla chips and a side of queso. Mini Hot Dog Platter The outside of the crust was flaky, and the hot dog itself was very tasty. But they were very small and only came with four. You do get a side of queso and chips, but for $12, this was a pretty small portion and nothing super unique. If you are really craving mini hot dogs, these were a good and fun option, and kids will probably really enjoy these! There are just other items on the menu we would recommend trying more. Mini Hot Dog Platter Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You want to try a brand-new Disney World menu. While The Diamond Horseshoe is not new, this lounge experience is opening with an all-new menu. So if you visit Disney World a lot or are just interested in trying something brand-new to the park, then this is a really great spot to visit. You are looking for a nice break from the heat with a great fall atmosphere. This space is an amazing place to sit down, grab some AC, and relax on your Magic Kingdom day. Plus, all of the fall decor really made this an excellent spot to visit if you want to soak up all those fall vibes and be immersed in the season. We also wonder if the fall decor will maybe swap to Christmas with the rest of the park in early November, which is something we will be keeping an eye out for. You want some really fun and unique drinks. We were impressed by both the cocktail and non-alcoholic option we tried; both were really tasty and unique. And as we were in the space, all of the drinks we saw other tables ordering looked delicious. We love that Magic Kingdom now has a second spot, other than The Beak and Barrel, to relax and grab a fun drink in the park. You love trying lots of shareable plates and appetizers. If you love bar bites, trying lots of appetizers, and splitting with your group, then this is the spot for you! We really enjoyed the food we tried today, and if you love this style of dining experience, we really think you will enjoy visiting the lounge. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You are looking for super unique food. We really enjoyed everything that we tried at the Lounge; it was all well made and really delicious. With that being said, there wasn’t anything extremely unique on the menu, and most of it felt like traditional barbecue-inspired bar appetizers. There is nothing wrong with that, but if you are looking for something a little more upscale or very unique, you won’t find that here. You want to have a full meal. This is a lounge experience complete with drinks and shareable appetizers, and while it’s possible to order several menu items and split with your party for one of your meals in the park, it is not a traditional sit-down meal. So, if you are looking for a spot to sit down and order full entrees, you should check out one of Magic Kingdom’s sit-down restaurants instead. You are not visiting in the next few months. This lounge is a limited-time experience, and Disney has not yet shared how long it will be around. So if you are planning a trip several months away or into next year, we wouldn’t count on visiting this spot, since we do not know how long it will be around. Overall We love seeing Disney transforming and trying new things with spaces they already have. We think this lounge is a great way to breathe new life into an underutilized space and bring an entirely new menu of food and drinks to one of the Disney World parks known for having the most underwhelming food. We enjoyed everything we ate today and were really impressed by the drinks we tried, as well as the Charcuterie and the Chipotle Chicken Tostada. If you are looking for a nice break on your Magic Kingdom day, The Diamond Horseshoe Lounge is definitely worth a visit. The Diamond Horseshoe Pop-Up Lounge In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Christmas at Disney World comes with a very important logistical question: Where, exactly, should you meet Santa? Because the answer is not quite as simple as you might think. Some Santa meets require a theme park ticket. One requires a separately ticketed Christmas party. A couple involves meals that can turn your Santa photo into a surprisingly serious line item on the vacation budget. And then there are a few places where meeting Santa doesn’t technically cost anything, although you may pay for it in time and patience instead. Santa! So, we’re ranking Disney World’s 2026 Santa experiences from the ones we’d have the hardest time recommending specifically for Santa to the ones we’d choose first. This is, of course, subjective. If you’re already attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or staying near one of these locations, that changes the math considerably. We’re weighing cost, convenience, atmosphere, wait-time potential, and how much you actually get out of the experience. #9 Dinner with Santa at The Cake Bake Shop Let’s start with the Santa meet-and-greet most likely to make your wallet quietly weep the tears of a burst budget. The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk is hosting Dinner with Santa Claus on November 24th and December 1st, 8th, and 15th in 2026. This is a full event, not just dinner with a quick Santa photo. Adults receive up to three beverages, an entrée, dessert, a professional family photo with Santa through Disney PhotoPass, and a take-home gift. Kids get their own meal, dessert, beverages, photo, and gift. ©Cake Bake Shop The problem is the price. Dinner costs $200 per adult and $150 per child age 12 and younger, before tax and gratuity. The restaurant also adds a 24% gratuity. A family with two adults and two kids is already at $700 before either of those extras get calculated into the final tab. Almost a thousand dollars for a family of four to meet Santa? Even the gloriously frosted cakes at Cake Bake can’t make that total easier to swallow. Garden View Room decor If you want an upscale holiday dinner and Santa happens to be part of the package, this could absolutely be a memorable splurge. If the primary objective is simply “child needs to tell Santa about the LEGO set,” there are much cheaper ways to accomplish the mission. #8 Santa’s Christmas Carnival During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Santa’s Christmas Carnival at Storybook Circus is simply whimsical. Storybook Circus becomes a Christmas destination during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, complete with Santa, crafts, and other holiday fun. It feels more substantial than walking into a room, snapping a photo, and leaving. The catch is admission. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets cost between $189 and $229 per person in 2026, with children ages 3 through 9 receiving a $10 discount. Santa at Storybook Circus Now, we would NEVER suggest buying a party ticket solely to meet Santa. You’re also paying for five hours of party-exclusive entertainment, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, fireworks, character appearances, holiday attraction overlays, cookies, drinks, and more. If you’re already going to the party, absolutely stop by Santa’s Christmas Carnival. It’s SANTA! But if we’re comparing Santa meets on accessibility and cost, requiring a roughly $200 Christmas party ticket sends this one toward the bottom of our list. #7 Breakfast with Santa at Maria & Enzo’s Maria & Enzo’s Breakfast with Santa is still a splurge, but the numbers are significantly friendlier than our first two entries. The Disney Springs restaurant is offering its Breakfast with Santa on December 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, and 24th, with seatings around 9:30 AM through 10 AM. The experience includes a family-style breakfast, a visit with Santa and his elves, a family photo, takeaway treats, holiday carolers, and a Prosecco mimosa for adults 21 and older. Maria & Enzo’s Breakfast with Santa menu Pricing varies by seating category. After the early-booking period, Gold seating costs $79 per adult and $55 per child, while Platinum costs $89 per adult and $55 per child. Tax and an 18% gratuity are added. That’s not a cheap breakfast. Still, you’re getting a roughly 90-minute holiday experience rather than paying specifically for five minutes with Santa, which makes this easier for us to justify. The tree at Breakfast with Santa We’d especially consider it if Breakfast with Santa itself is supposed to be one of the big events of your trip. If you’re just trying to check Santa off the holiday list, keep reading. #6 Santa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom This one gets a giant 2026 asterisk. Disney has confirmed that Santa will visit all four theme parks this holiday season, including Animal Kingdom. What Disney hasn’t announced yet is exactly where he’ll be stationed in Animal Kingdom. See you soon, Santa! The old Santa experience at Restaurantosaurus is gone along with DinoLand U.S.A. And it was so fun because last year’s location had personality. Santa was essentially attending a Dino Institute holiday party, complete with wonderfully weird dinosaur Christmas decorations. Whatever replaces that meet could be great, but we haven’t seen enough yet to rank it higher. Santa at Restaurantosaurus You’ll also need valid Animal Kingdom admission, so we wouldn’t recommend making a special trip into the park solely for Santa. If Animal Kingdom is already on your itinerary, though, keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for 2026 greeting times and the new location. This ranking could move once we actually see Santa’s new digs. #5 Daytime Santa at Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom gets bonus points for atmosphere. Santa meets at Storybook Circus, which becomes Santa’s Christmas Carnival during the holiday season. You get a proper themed setting rather than Santa parked beside a Christmas tree and a velvet rope somewhere. And unlike the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party version, Santa can also meet daytime guests during the holiday season. SANTA! That’s the version we’d target if Santa is important to your family and you’re already planning a Magic Kingdom day. The downside is obvious: Magic Kingdom requires theme park admission, and character lines here can eat into valuable ride time fast. Meet Santa at Magic Kingdom Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times before trekking across the park. If Santa is a priority, we’d rather get this done earlier in the day than discover late in the afternoon that the entire population of Central Florida apparently had the same idea. #4 Santa at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Studios has historically been a lower-key spot to meet Santa, which is a big point in its favor. Disney has confirmed Santa will return to Hollywood Studios in 2026, although the final location and schedule haven’t yet been posted. In 2025, he met guests inside Walt Disney Presents, typically from around 10 AM until later in the day through Christmas Eve. Hi, Santa! We liked that setup because Walt Disney Presents is indoors, tucked away, and nowhere near as chaotic as some of Disney World’s more obvious holiday gathering spots. Of course, you’ll need Hollywood Studios admission, and we’re waiting for Disney to confirm whether Santa returns to Walt Disney Presents or lands somewhere new in 2026. Walt Disney Presents Assuming the setup remains similar, this could be one of the easier park Santas to work into your day. Check My Disney Experience before heading over, especially since Disney can adjust character locations and appearance times. #3 Santa at EPCOT EPCOT isn’t free, but once you’re inside, this is probably our favorite traditional Santa experience in a Disney theme park. During the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Santa Claus will meet guests inside CommuniCore Hall daily through December 24th. Specific greeting times will be available in My Disney Experience. It’s Santa! CommuniCore Hall gives you an indoor location, and there’s enough holiday activity happening around EPCOT that meeting Santa doesn’t feel like the only reason you’re there. In fact, EPCOT is practically collecting Santas. You can also see Père Noël sharing a French Christmas story, Barn Santa in Norway, Father Christmas in the United Kingdom Pavilion, and Goofy dressed as Santa over at The Odyssey. Santa Goofy So if you’re looking for one park that can turn “meet Santa” into an entire afternoon of holiday entertainment, EPCOT makes a strong case. The only thing holding it out of our top two is that pesky theme park ticket. #2 Santa at Disney Springs Here’s the obvious choice for families who don’t want to burn a theme park ticket just to deliver a Christmas list. Santa returns to Disney Springs through December 24th, typically greeting guests in the Marketplace area near Disney Pin Traders. There’s no theme park admission required, which is a huge advantage. Visit Santa in the Disney Springs Marketplace But free does not always mean effortless. Disney Springs is one of the most popular Santa stops at Disney World, particularly as Christmas gets closer. In 2025, Disney used a virtual queue instead of a traditional standby line. Disney hasn’t yet confirmed whether the exact same system will return in 2026, so check My Disney Experience before your visit. The wait will likely be MUCH shorter here! Either way, we suggest avoiding Saturday afternoon if you have any control over the situation. Try a weekday, go earlier in the season, and check Santa’s hours before leaving your hotel. Disney’s holiday schedules can change, and the closer you get to December 24th, the more families suddenly remember that somebody needs to inform Santa about the Bluey Dreamhouse. Meet Santa at Disney Springs! Disney Springs is one of the most convenient options on this list. You just need to plan around everyone else who has realized the exact same thing. #1 Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin This is our sleeper pick. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is once again declaring itself “Santa’s Favorite Resort,” and Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elf Kandy Kane will appear at Santa’s Holiday Hangout near the Swan pool. Even better, the resort says local guests and visitors from around Disney World are invited. You do not have to buy a theme park ticket just to attend the meet. ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin For 2026, Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled from 6 PM to 8 PM on: November 27th and 28th December 4th and 5th December 11th and 12th December 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st There are a couple of catches. The schedule is MUCH more limited than Disney Springs, with only a handful of two-hour windows. Most dates also fall on weekends, which means we wouldn’t stroll in at 7:55 PM expecting a Christmas miracle. Meet Santa Claus at the Swan and Dolphin! But the setting is different: you get Santa AND Mrs. Claus, and this one flies slightly farther under the radar than Disney Springs. Plus, Florida-vacation Santa hanging out near a resort pool is exactly the sort of extremely specific Disney World Christmas memory we enjoy. If one of these dates works with your trip, this is the Santa meet we’d try first. So Where Should You Meet Santa? If you’re already headed into EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, don’t overcomplicate this. Meet Santa while you’re there and save yourself an extra transportation adventure. If you’re attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Santa’s Christmas Carnival is a fun addition to a night you’ve already paid for. We just wouldn’t buy the ticket specifically for him. It’s Santa! The two restaurant events work best when the meal itself is part of the attraction. Maria & Enzo’s is considerably easier to justify than the $200-per-adult Cake Bake dinner, but both turn Santa into a larger holiday event rather than a quick meet-and-greet. Pere Noel For everyone else, we’d look outside the parks. Disney Springs offers the most flexibility without requiring admission, while the Swan and Dolphin gets our vote for the most interesting free Santa stop if your dates line up. Just remember that Santa has places to be on December 24th. Check those schedules before you promise anyone that the sleigh is waiting beside the Skyliner. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World and beyond! Everywhere You Can Meet Santa In Disney World Read More About Christmas at Disney World The Best (and Worst) Places to Meet Santa in Disney World This YearHow to Score $218 Flights to Disney World for Christmas 20263 MAJOR Disney World Announcements, Including One That Broke Our HeartsDisney JUST ANNOUNCED the Official Dates for the Holidays at Disney WorldCONFIRMED: Ticket Prices Revealed for Jollywood Nights in Disney World DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be visiting Disney World this holiday season? Where will you plan to meet Santa? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Get your pre-orders in — these new Loungefly bags may fly off the shelves! BoxLunch BoxLunch delivers banger Loungefly products time and time again, and it’s about to release some really great options for Disney fans of all ages! Whether you want to get a new Loungefly shipped to you or to your local BoxLunch store, these online pre-order options have got you covered. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This first backpack was MADE for Disney Princess fans ©BoxLunch The Loungefly Disney Princess Window Silhouettes Mini Backpack will officially release starting November 24th! This backpack features a shimmering silver-chrome design and a front zippered pocket that showcases Princess-inspired scenery windows! You’ll be able to spot Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and Jasmine, as well as other Princesses on the side, such as Mulan, Moana, and more. PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH Anyone can cook, and anyone can pre-order this next Loungefly ©BoxLunch Pick up the new Loungefly Ratatouille Remy Mosaic Mini Backpack! This backpack will be available starting December 15th and features a mosaic tile-inspired design, one front zipper pocket, two side pockets, adjustable straps, and a fully lined interior print sporting fan-favorite movie moments! PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH This next bag features popular characters from Hercules ©BoxLunch Available starting November 24th, the Loungefly Hercules: The Muses Mini Backpack sports the goddesses of the arts and proclaimers of heroes! You’ll spot Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia, as well as multiple storage pockets and a sprawling interior print. PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH This next backpack is already timeless ©BoxLunch Snag the new Loungefly Bambi Sketched Mini Backpack! This backpack is available starting November 24th and features a sketched design of Bambi and his favorite woodland friends on the front. It also sports a floral all-over print with more sketches. PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH This Loungefly features a fun 3D design ©BoxLunch The Loungefly WALL-E 3D EVE Figural Light-Up Mini Backpack features lots of space for park essentials and sports a 3D figural design of EVE from WALL-E! This bag brings her to life with movable arms and light-up eyes, as well! Of note, this bag releases on November 17th, but is only available for shipping, not in-store pickup, via pre-order. PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH Look like a Wilderness Explorer with this next Loungefly ©BoxLunch Get ready to snag the new Loungefly Up: Russel Wilderness Explorer Mini Backpack! Available starting November 17th, this backpack is inspired by Russell’s Wilderness Explorer uniform and features plenty of nods to the outfit. It also comes with a Dug-shaped coin purse that ties the look together! PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH This last Loungefly is based on our pals from the Hundred Acre Wood ©BoxLunch Finally, check out the new Loungefly Winnie the Pooh and Friends Treehouse Mini Backpack! This bag releases on December 1st and features a vibrant, colorful design of Pooh Bear’s famous treehouse. It also comes with a magnetic flap front door that opens to reveal Pooh Bear, and you can spot other characters all over the bag. PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT BOXLUNCH Looking for more Disney Loungeflys? Maybe even some on sale? We have curated a full list of Disney Loungeflys on sale on Amazon! see all the disney loungeflys on sale on amazon And there you have it! Which new Loungefly are you most excited to pre-order? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney souvenir finds! View the full article

When someone says they want to find some of the best dining in the Disney World parks, we know exactly where to send them — Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We love new versions of classic snacks! We know, we know, EPCOT is often what people think of first when it comes to mind when you think of great eats, but Animal Kingdom ranks at the top for us too! There are tons of unique snacks you can grab around the park, but sometimes, you’re looking for something that’s more classic and straightforward. There’s a new version of one of the most classic snacks that’s available for the Halloween season, and it’s both adorable and tasty! The Mummy Twist is now available for $6.79 at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, as well as Isle of Java and Tamu Tamu Refreshments (though it was sold out at the latter when we checked). Thankfully, Kusafiri didn’t let us down! This is a classic chocolate twist with icing, and it tastes even cuter than it looks. Mummy Twist This is a buttery, flaky croissant twist with dark chocolate chips throughout. It’s a very sweet treat, of course, and the chips were half crunchy, half melted. It was pretty balanced both in terms of flavor and in how heavy/light it is. It won’t be the lightest snack in the park, but it also won’t sit like lead in your stomach. Personally, we think this makes a great breakfast pastry if you prefer to start the day on a sweeter note, but it can also be a great snack or dessert item. While sweet fans will find it too small to share, if you just want a little something sweet, you may want to split it. LOOK AT THAT FACE If you’re looking for a very similar treat over in Magic Kingdom, you can check out the Cheshire Cat Tail at Cheshire Café. It’s the same idea, just with pink and purple frosting instead! The Cheshire Cat Tail is an iconic Magic Kingdom snack We will admit, though, that this snack does make us miss the Tiger Tail that used to be in Animal Kingdom. It first arrived in 2019, but then sadly disappeared in 2025 and hasn’t returned since. Yes, we’re still mourning it! Tiger Tail Chocolate Twist Looking for more recent reviews that you may have missed? Check out our posts below! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: Disney World Has Rebranded This Treat 100x Yet We’ll Get It Again and AgainREVIEW: This Iconic Disney Villain Just Got a Spooky Treat at Disney WorldREVIEW: Does This NEW Disney World Treat Dethrone One Of Our FAVORITES?Things Are Getting SPOOKY at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs This MonthREVIEW: Did the Worst Hotel Restaurant in Disney World Actually Get BETTER?!? Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney reviews! I Reviewed Our 7 Favorite Snacks in Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about these chocolate twists in the park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Four more booths JUST opened at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, plus we’ve got full reviews of the other booths that have popped up during the fest and that brand new cheese exhibit. Let’s eat! Let’s head back to EPCOT! Check out our new video: We Ate EVERYTHING NEW at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to add a new Loungefly to your collection, today might be that day. ©Amazon We found several Disney Loungefly wallets on sale on Amazon right now. These are a fun way to show off your Disney fandom without splurging on a full-size backpack, and they’re easy to toss into a park bag, crossbody, or purse. Loungefly deals like these tend to disappear fast, so let’s take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Want to see even more Loungefly deals? Check out our All Loungefly Deals on Amazon storefront. We update it multiple times a week, so you can find the biggest and best Loungefly deals in one place. view ON AMAZON Get this Hercules Loungefly wallet for 40% OFF! ©Amazon First up is the Loungefly Disney Hercules Muses Wallet. The Muses are some of the most memorable characters in Hercules. They narrate the whole story with their showstopping style. The cloud design fits the film’s Mount Olympus setting, so it’s a nice pick for fans. The zip-around style keeps your cards, cash, and coins secure, which matters when you’re moving between rides, snack stops, and gift shops all day. view ON AMAZON This Elsa wallet is 45% off right now! ©Amazon Next is the Loungefly Frozen Princess Elsa Glitter Wallet. Loungefly’s cosplay designs turn a character’s signature look into an accessory. This one takes its cue from Elsa’s famous icy style, with plenty of glitter and sequins for sparkle. With the holidays coming up, a sale price like this is a nice chance to get some shopping done early. view ON AMAZON We love this Ariel wallet on sale for over 35% off! ©Amazon Ariel fans, this one’s for you. The Loungefly Disney The Little Mermaid Wallet. It’s part of Loungefly’s popular Princess Scenes Series, which highlights memorable moments from classic Disney princess films. You’ll want to grab this one while it’s discounted, especially if you’re trying to complete the set. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Hercules wallet for over 35% off! ©Amazon Last but not least is the Loungefly Disney Hercules 25th Anniversary Wallet. This design celebrates the 25th anniversary of Hercules and puts the spotlight on one of Disney’s best couples, Meg and Herc. If you’ve always had a soft spot for Meg’s sharp wit, this one’s calling your name. view ON AMAZON These wallets are just a few of the Disney Loungefly deals on Amazon right now. If you want to browse even more discounted backpacks, crossbodies, wallets, and more, head over to our All Loungefly Deals on Amazon storefront. We update it multiple times a week, so bookmark it and check back often to find the biggest and best Loungefly deals all in one place! 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

It’s not just Disney World where all your wishes come true, because Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has finally brought guests an after-hours event, and it may be the BEST ONE we’ve ever been to! Empty Ministry of Magic during after hours Epic Universe’s very first after-hours event, called Universal Nights at Epic Universe, has finally arrived, and we wasted no time to go and check it out for ourselves. Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a hard-ticketed event takes place on October 3rd, 17th, and 24th, as well as November 6th and 20th. The event has a lot to offer, but now that we’ve had the chance to check it out, we can finally answer the question everyone’s been asking since it was announced. Is Universal Nights at Epic Universe worth it? Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a very limited event, as there are only a total of five nights (at least for this year). This is a separate ticketed event, and the pricing starts at $179.99 plus tax per person. There is no separate ticket for kids, so that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re planning on bringing kiddos. Having a normal day pass to Epic Universe will not give you access to the event, and regular guests will be required to leave at 8 PM. Crowds to get in! The after-hours event begins at 9 PM, and it goes until midnight, but when we went, the special event really started more at 8 PM. If you have a ticket for Universal Nights at Epic Universe, you can actually arrive as early as 7 PM to enjoy a couple of extra hours at Epic Universe. That’s a total of five hours of park time with your Universal Nights ticket. However, only three of them will see the perks of having limited capacity, which will mostly reflect in the time you wait for attractions. Where to grab your wristbands if you’re already in the park! Is the price of the ticket worth the five hours you get? Well, there is a lot that is offered at this event, from entertainment to eats to character interactions. We think the greatest value lies in the short wait times for attractions. During Universal Nights at Epic Universe, every single attraction is open! We know, we were surprised too! Guests can do everything in Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Isle of Berk, and Ministry of Magic. Basically no one at Hiccup’s Wing Gliders! If you’ve been following us at the Disney Food Blog, you wouldn’t need to go to Epic Universe to know how brutally long the lines can get. Especially for rides like Mario Kart game — Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, and Mine Cart Madness. Super Nintendo World during after hours Instead of waiting two to three hours for these attractions, you’re usually waiting no more than 10 minutes for these rides — yes, even the BIG ones! Mine Cart Madness and Curse of the Werewolf did have a few delays throughout the night, so those wait times did rise a bit more than others, but for the most part, everything was a walk-on. Monsters Unchained As for shows, there were two showings of Le Cirque Arcanus throughout the night, as well as one showing of The Untrainable Dragon, and we were able to see both! These weren’t overly packed by any means, so there was no worry of the show filling up like you see on some regular park days. We also were able to catch the fireworks show that happens every night at 8 PM, which was an added bonus. Le Cirque Arcanus Other lines that can get fairly long are the lines to meet characters. We got in line for Toothless the moment we entered the park around 7 PM (which was still when regular guests were in the park), and he was at a 45-minute wait. Thankfully, we only waited about 25 minutes, so that was a big win. As for other characters, we saw Astrid roaming around Isle of Berk at 10:45 PM, and we also spotted The Invisible Man and Ygor wandering around Dark Universe as well. You’re more likely to see wandering characters than an actual set in stone meet and greet later in the night, so that’s something to keep in mind! We love Toothless! We hit nearly every ride in the park, got to see both shows AND the fireworks, met some characters, and got to try some eats all in just those few hours. The best part? We didn’t feel rushed at all! The park did really feel empty, and seeing nearly every ride as a walk-on was an amazing experience. It was the most chill after-hours event we’ve ever been to, and in our experience, it was absolutely worth the cost, especially if you’re trying to experience as much of the park as you can in one day. Look who else we got to see! Make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog for all our thoughts and advice on all things Disney and Universal! 4 Ride Closures CONFIRMED for Universal Orlando 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 Do you want to go to Universal Nights at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Picture this: you’ve spent all day at Disney World from rope drop to fireworks and broke world records for walking the most steps in one day in the brutal Florida heat. You’re more exhausted than you’ve ever been in your life, and you immediately become Sleeping Beauty in your comfy, cozy hotel bed with only one goal: sleep until noon. But what wakes you up bright and early the next morning? Construction! There’s SO much construction at Disney World right now! There are 22 hotels at Disney World, and ten are currently under refurbishment between room renovations, exterior maintenance, and structural updates. And just when we finally could see the light at the end of the tunnel, Disney quietly announced that two of these hotel refurbs have been extended! Hospitality House at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is currently undergoing exterior maintenance work. This is the resort’s central hub, which includes the lobby, concierge, Olivia’s Cafe, and more amenities. You may see or hear work during daytime hours and at times may be directed to take alternate walkways. Disney originally stated that the refurb will last through mid-September 2026, but they just updated the notice to last “through fall” of 2026. Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is slowly but surely being refurbished, with work already done on the lobby. Disney stated the refurbishment would last until late 2026, but it was just quietly extended to 2027! If you’re visiting the BoardWalk during 2027, you may see and hear construction. BoardWalk Inn This is separate from the routine maintenance on the Luna Park Pool, the Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations from January 11th, 2027, through April 2027. Leaping Horse Libations Additionally, the Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment from January 24th to January 30th, 2027. During the closure, buses will be available to take you from the EPCOT-area hotels to Hollywood Studios. You can also take a boat from the resort to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, or walk from the BoardWalk to the parks. Disney Skyliner We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more closures and refurbishments at Old Key West Resort and the BoardWalk. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! If You Visited Disney World Last Week, Things Already Look VERY Different 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 these refurbishments affect your vacation? Comment below! View the full article

It’s an ideal time to start shopping for holiday gifts and decorations thanks to all the ongoing deals on Amazon! ©Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are coming up on October 6th and 7th, but you can start the savings early — especially when it comes to Disney-themed Christmas tree ornaments. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Right now, our Amazon storefront is showing over 20 Disney Hallmark ornaments on sale! Featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters from the movies and theme parks, there is an ornament for everyone — and we update this list CONSTANTLY. Today, we’re highlighting some of our favs, but you can browse ALL of the deals by clicking the link below! BROWSE ALL 20+ HALLMARK ORNAMENT DEALS ON AMAZON Celebrate Christmas AND Halloween with this first ornament ©Amazon As of this writing, you can save 27% on this Hallmark The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack and Sally Christmas Ornaments Set! You get two ornaments: one with Sally next to a tombstone, and another of Jack and Zero with a different tombstone. These ornaments also come in a themed storage box. BUY ON AMAZON This next discounted ornament is out of this world ©Amazon Hallmark, Disney, and Funko teamed up to make the Hallmark Lilo & Stitch Funko POP! Christmas Ornament! This souvenir is currently 36% off on Amazon and features a mini Funko POP! of Stitch trapped in Jumba’s prison container capsule. If you press a button, the base of the prison capsule even lights up! BUY ON AMAZON This Jack Skellington ornament is being offered at a 90-day-low price ©Amazon This Hallmark The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Ornament is currently 27% off on Amazon! The ornament is designed to look like the Pumpkin King putting up a string of Christmas lights. BUY ON AMAZON This Toy Story ornament is also on sale ©Amazon Save 18% on the Hallmark Slinky Dog Ornament! This Christmas tree ornament is designed to look like the lovable toy pup and even features real metal coils. BUY ON AMAZON Click the link below to discover more Hallmark ornament deals! See all the DISNEY HALLMARK ORNAMENT DEALS here We’ll continue to update you on all sorts of Disney deals this holiday season and beyond, so be sure to keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know! View the full article

If you’re a fan of Disney and deals, STOP RIGHT THERE! Amazon Prime’s Big Deal Days are just around the corner, and we’ve got a few items we expect to see on sale during the promotion! FuelRod While these aren’t guaranteed to go on sale, these Disney items have had a great record of being discounted in the past. Let’s go through what you should be adding to your Amazon cart in a couple of days! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’re constantly monitoring the latest Disney deals and updating our Amazon Storefront when they become available, so be sure to check it out! view OVER 100 Disney Deals ON AMAZON These Chargers Are Cheaper Than In The Parks! You can never have enough! You’ll be using your phone A LOT during your Disney World vacation, so you’re definitely going to need a reliable charger. We recommend grabbing the 2-Pack of FuelRods not only because they’re cheaper than you’ll find in the parks, but also because we expect them to be even more discounted once Amazon Prime Big Deal Days come around! You’ll receive two FuelRod kits, which include one FuelRod and multiple charging cords compatible with all kinds of phones. And the best part? You can exchange these portable chargers for FREE while you’re on Disney World property! view ON AMAZON Grab This To Keep Your Loungefly Organized! HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer With only one large pocket, things can get pretty lost in your Loungefly — the Loungefly abyss, if I must. That’s why the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer is the perfect thing to use! It features multiple pockets to separate your essentials, so you know where everything is! It also has a water bottle pocket on the inside, so you don’t have to worry about your water bottle spilling or leaking in your bag. This is made to fit all standard Loungefly mini backpacks. view ON AMAZON Your Feet Shouldn’t Get Wet When It Rains! Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers They’ve really thought of everything… Including ponchos for your shoes! The Shiwely Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers are a great option, and we expect the price to drop with Prime’s Big Deal Days! These covers are made with 100% high-quality, non-toxic silicone rubber with safety, durability, and environmental friendliness. The tight tread mechanism design of the sole also makes these slip-resistant. Grab them in blue, black, pink, yellow, white, grey, or green! view ON AMAZON Bring Your Disney Resort Back To Your Home! ©Amazon If you’ve ever gotten home from a Disney World vacation and thought, “I really missed how comfortable those hotel pillows were,” then you NEED the Sobel Westex Side Sleeper Pillow because guess what? They’re the same pillow! No need to book another Disney World vacation just for those pillows (although, we won’t judge!) because you can order them right to your home! We expect to find these on sale in just a couple of days! view ON AMAZON We Also Expect A TON Of Loungeflys To Be Discounted! ©Amazon Maybe the most popular bag to bring to the parks is a Loungefly mini backpack, and we expect a TON of them to be on sale with Prime Big Deal Days! We’ll be constantly monitoring these deals and updating our Amazon Storefront with every Loungefly bag that’s on sale, so be sure to save THIS LINK to find everything in one place! view ON AMAZON Don’t Forget About Those Ever-So-Popular LEGO Sets! ©Amazon LEGO sets are popular, but they’re also very expensive, which is why we tend to grab them when they’re on sale! Right now, over 60 LEGO sets are on sale, but we expect even MORE to be discounted when this promotion rolls around! Save THIS LINK so you can find everything easily in one place! view ON AMAZON For over 100 more Disney items on sale right now, be sure to check out our Amazon Storefront! We’re constantly updating it with the latest Disney deals! view OVER 100 DEALS 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

One of the best ways to showcase our love for our favorite fandoms is by building some incredible LEGO sets. And today is our lucky day because new sets just dropped online for BOTH Marvel and Star Wars. LEGO Store Whether you’re in both or just one of the fandoms, these are some amazing LEGO sets that you need to check out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Here are the newest Marvel and Star Wars LEGO sets fans might just need to add to their cart: First up is this Marvel Avengers: Doomsday Quinjet ©Amazon If you are like us and counting down the days until Avengers: Doomsday releases in theaters, then this is the perfect LEGO set to build in the meantime. It features the MiniFigures of Cyclops, Doctor Doom, and Captain America. And of course, the iconic Quinjet itself! VIEW ON AMAZON Next is the LEGO Marvel Avengers: Doomsday New Avengers Tower ©Amazon Let’s keep the Avengers: Doomsday excitement going with this New Avengers Tower LEGO set featuring so many of your favorite characters, including Doctor Doom, Yelena, Red Guardian, Bucky Barnes, and more. This tower has four detailed floors and lets you create unique and fun positions for all of the characters with various posing sticks on each level. VIEW ON AMAZON Then you need to see the Marvel Epic Battle Avengers: Doomsday LEGO Set ©Amazon Recreate this incredible showdown from the upcoming film with MiniFigures of six different characters: Doctor Doom, Magneto, Thor, Nightcrawler, Mystique, and Mister Fantastic. Blend all the worlds of Marvel together with this LEGO set as you position the characters to bring this battle to life right before your eyes. VIEW ON AMAZON Next is this Avengers: Doomsday Heroes & Villain LEGO Set ©LEGO Store This set is perfect for any little kiddos who LOVE Marvel and just can’t wait to watch the new movie. In this set, you can build Gambit, Thor, The Thing, and Doctor Doom! VIEW ON LEGO STORE Finally, check out this Executor Super Star Destroyer LEGO Set ©LEGO Store Star Wars fans, this one’s for you! This incredible LEGO set is over 6,000 pieces and comes with so many incredible little details, including the Executor’s bridge mini build, Imperial Star Destroyer, an informational plaque, and of course, a stand to display your masterpiece. If you’ve been looking for an extremely large-scale LEGO set to add to your Star Wars collection, your search might be ending here. VIEW ON LEGO STORE Will you be adding any of these LEGO sets to your collection? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! View the full article

When we’re away from Disney World, there’s a lot that we miss desperately about the parks, but one of the biggest ones is the FOOD…even though it sometimes breaks our hearts. We love our Mickey Waffles! We can’t tell you how many times we’ve loved a Disney snack so fiercely that it’s all we can think about until we get back, only to find out that Disney takes it away from us. Yes, even snacks that have been gone for YEARS now are still on our minds, and it seems now we have a way to bring some of those favorites back. If you miss those snacks and eats just like we do, this new cookbook is right up your alley! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Retro Cookbook? It’s Everything We Dreamed Of! ©Amazon A new cookbook just landed on Amazon, and we just know that The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook: 60+ Nostalgic Recipes and Stories of Yesteryear is about to be wildly popular. In fact, we already know that multiple members of our team are planning to grab it to add to their shelves. The book contains over 60 recipes from various restaurants that don’t exist anymore, or menu items that are long gone. ©Amazon You’ll get the chance to learn how to make popular recipes like the Carrot Cake Cookie from Writer’s Stop, Kungaloosh from Adventurers Club, Chef Cookie’s Deep Dish from Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, Spaghetti and Meatballs Cupcakes from Muppets Courtyard Restaurants, and so many more! ©Amazon This is bound to be a hit for tons of Disney fans, especially those who have been going to the parks for decades now. Just imagine being able to impress your friends and family and bringing back those dishes you had on a family vacation when you were a kid! We just know this is going to be a hit. ©Amazon We suggest grabbing it sooner rather than later in case it sells out! With the holidays coming up, it also may make a great gift for someone in your circle, or you can make some of your favorite recipes for those you love most. Grab it online! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Did you know that there are some Disney World rides you SHOULDN’T ride until the end of the day? Why? Well, we’re here to tell ya. Tower of Terror We took to our Facebook and asked YOU, the Disney World experts, which rides you should ride at night! Whether it’s because it’s a shorter wait or the experience is just better at night, there are 7 rides you should keep toward the end of your to-do list for the day. Let’s go through them! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror If you thought dropping into another dimension was scary during the day, just imagine how it feels at night — it may be more thrilling, but it’s SO much better! And a lot of you agree, including Ryan, who commented, “For that brief second when you’re all the way at the top, and everything is beautifully lit up and looks just amazing… it’s like nothing else… But yeah… then the drop, haha.” We’re totally with you, Ryan! Tower of Terror We’re Spilling a HUGE SECRET About Tower of Terror in Disney World Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Now, this one you have to time PERFECTLY because Dakota believes that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is great at night, but specifically during the fireworks — “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when the fireworks are going off!” — it’s just so magical! The lights and the ambiance are also STUNNING at night! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure A Disney Cast Member Reveals the Secret Way To Avoid Getting Soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure TRON Lightcycle / Run A couple of people mentioned saving TRON Lightcycle / Run for a nighttime ride. The attraction’s iconic canopy lights up at night — something you cannot experience during the day –, which is why it’s much better to ride at night! TRON Lightcycle / Run I Had 3 Major Problems at TRON Lightcycle / Run in Disney World – Here’s How I Solved Them Seven Dwarfs Mine Train This is another attraction that’s great for riding during the fireworks, especially when you’re headed down the drop! The only bad part about riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at night is the ride photos — BRIGHT lights get turned on, so the pictures can turn out good. So, you’ll get good pictures, but you’ll also get blinded — take what you can get! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train NEW RULES Disney Adults Are Begging for at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Slinky Dog Dash Carey mentioned something VERY specific about Slinky Dog Dash. Not only do they recommend riding it at night, but they also recommend riding it at a certain time of year — the holidays. At night, Slinky Dog Dash illuminates with lights on the coaster, and during the holidays, they change those lights to be red and green! The land is also decorated with Christmas lights, which makes it even more special. Slinky Dog Dash My Very Blunt Reason for Not Riding Slinky Dog Dash in Disney World Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Can you guess when Disney experts recommend riding this attraction? If you guessed during the fireworks, you’d be correct! Do you see a recurring theme? But that’s not the only reason to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night… Louise describes it perfectly: “I swear they take the breaks off on the corners. Wow.” And I honestly couldn’t agree more, especially after the refurbishment — this ride will WHIP you around like nobody’s business! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Isn’t On Early Entry – Here’s the Best Time To Ride Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Finally, we have the smooth and relaxing ride around Tomorrowland — the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. During your ride, you’ll get to see the castle lit up, TRON illuminated, and lights cast on Space Mountain, all while having a peaceful ride with a nice breeze after a hot day. It’s the PERFECT ending to your park day! Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover So, the next time you’re planning what to do at the parks at night, keep these rides in mind because, according to Disney experts, they’re the best ones to ride at night! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news, updates, tips, and tricks! This Hollywood Studios Ride Just Got A BIG Upgrade! 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 is your favorite attraction to ride at night? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

If you’ve ever wanted a FREE lightsaber straight from Star Wars, now you can! Build a recreation and reenact epic lightsaber battles with a completely free LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Lightsaber! ©LEGO This LEGO Star Wars version of Darth Vader’s Lightsaber is a 174-piece building set that includes authentic details of the iconic saber and a stand with a nameplate that makes for an awesome Star Wars decoration. So, how do you get this free lightsaber? We’re so glad you asked! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. To get the free lightsaber, make any $130-plus purchase on the Disney Store website, then use the code “FORCE” at checkout. It’s that simple! And if you don’t know what to get for the deal, we’re sharing our shopping list! ©LEGO Add Disney style to rainy days with this Mickey Mouse Ear Hooded Jacket! ©Disney This Mickey Mouse Ear Hooded Jacket by Columbia is a lightweight, comfortable jacket in a stylish green color. It features colorful artwork of Mickey fishing and Goofy skiing on the inner lining, and you can put the hood on to show off your own matching pair of Mickey ears! view ON AMAZON Have the best Christmas ever with this Bluey Fuzzies Advent Calendar! ©Disney Count down to the merriest day of the year with the Heeler family and this Bluey Fuzzies Advent Calendar. Behind each numbered door is one of 24 adorable gifts, including eight exclusive festive flocked Fuzzies figures of Bandit, Chili, Bluey, Bingo, Muffin, Honey, Coco, and Nana, and five holiday accessories to play with them. You’ll also get four foil trading cards of Bluey, Bingo, Chili, and Bandit, with each character on one side and the background on the reverse side. And we can’t forget the seven stickers of Bluey, Bingo, and their friends! view ON AMAZON Live your most magical life in this Where Dreams Do Come True Pullover Sweatshirt! ©Disney This Where Dreams Do Come True Pullover Sweatshirt features a colorful embroidered “Where Dreams Come True” text in the style of Disneyland’s iconic block marquee. On each sleeve, you’ll find an embroidered pink Mickey head or Disney logo. This cozy sweatshirt will be perfect for chilly park days! view ON AMAZON Still haven’t found your new favorite thing? Shop all 300 new Disney souvenirs! view ON DisneyStore 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

HOT TAKE ALERT! Have you wanted to ride every single attraction in Epic Universe without waiting in wildly long lines? Even better, do you want to do it at night when the sun has gone down and is no longer baking you into the concrete? Universal Nights at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s limited-capacity after-hours event, is finally here, and we’re here to tell you firsthand that it is one of THE best (if not THE BEST) after-hours events out there! Epic Universe During Universal Nights at Epic Universe, which happens after Epic Universe closes for the day, you’ll get to take advantage of free snacks and beverages, free refills at Coke Freestyle machines, character interactions, and fewer crowds. This also means you have access to rides with shorter lines during that time, so we decided to see how many rides we could knock out in the park during the event. Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a separate ticketed event taking place on October 3rd, 17th, and 24th, as well as November 6th and 20th from 9 PM to midnight, although those with a ticket can enter the park as early as 7 PM. That gives you a total of five hours to knock out some rides. Tickets start at $179.99 per person. Epic Universe After Hours! So here’s the thing: EVERY ride in EPIC Universe is open during Universal Nights at Epic Universe, so we wanted to see if we could ride EVERYTHING. We arrived right around 6:40 PM to get in line, and when we were walking into the park, wait times were looking decently high, since normal day crowds were still in attendance. Constellation Carousel and Ministry of Magic were at 55-minute waits, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders was at a 35-minute wait, and Mine Cart Madness was sitting at 120 minutes. Crowds to get in! Not much changed when the event started at 7 PM, and we even saw wait times rise (for example, Mine Cart Madness jumped to 150 minutes around 7:40 PM), so we started to get nervous. How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk First up, we headed to Isle of Berk and got in line for Toothless right around 7:25 PM, and he was posted at a 45-minute wait. As a general rule, though, you can usually expect about half the time waiting in line, and we ended up only waiting about 25 minutes. Hi Toothless! After our meet with Toothless, we headed over to catch the fireworks show at 8 PM in Celestial Park (which is stunning, by the way, don’t miss it!), which also marked the end of the day for regular guests. This was also when crowds really started to change, because Team Members were very diligent about checking for after-hours wristbands, which made sure that the only people getting in line were those with tickets for the event. Look at the baby! Right around 8:50 PM, we couldn’t BELIEVE the crowd levels and how much they dropped! We had gotten back into Berk around 8:15 PM to start riding rides, and we made it through every single ride in the land in just about half an hour. They were basically all walk-ons in ways we’d never seen before. Other than waiting behind a few people in front of us, we were on the ride in just minutes. Basically no one at Hiccup’s Wing Gliders! But what about the other lands? Celestial Park Celestial Park also cleared out in ways that blew our minds. Right around 8:54 PM, less than an hour after regular day guests left, there wasn’t a ride in the park that was over a 10 minute wait, including Stardust Racers and Constellation Carousel. Stardust Racers We had a feeling everyone was over at Ministry of Magic and Super Nintendo World, but to our surprise, that wasn’t the case! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic We had a feeling we’d be waiting a long time for one of the most popular rides in the park, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, but imagine our surprise when around 10:50 PM, we literally walked through the ENTIRE queue for the ride with absolutely no stops because the line was nonexistent. It’s empty in here! Our second reporter in the park headed to do the same thing around 11:15 PM, just to see if wait times would jump with less than an hour left of the event, but nope, they ended up walking straight through with no stops! This is certainly nearly impossible to experience with this ride any other time of day, so this truly was special. Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World was one of the busier spots of the night, and we did see Mine Cart Madness spike up to 40 minutes around 11:30 PM, but that was likely due to the fact that the ride had been going down a few times throughout the night. Mine-Cart Madness However, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge stayed pretty much right around 10 minutes for the entire night, which is a major win. You could have ridden it over and over again, if that’s what you wanted! Dark Universe Being able to visit Dark Universe at night is SOMETHING, so we made our way straight over to Monsters Unchained, which sat at around a 10-minute wait all night. This was another ride you could have ridden time and time again, and yes, we were tempted. Monsters Unchained Curse of the Werewolf was another ride that did experience delays and short closures throughout the night, so we did see it pop up to 25 minutes around 11:30 PM, but that’s still not too bad for this attraction! Curse of the Werewolf So how many rides did we knock off during Universal Nights at Epic Universe? Well, the grand total was ALL OF THEM! And that was also with watching the fireworks, meeting Toothless, getting some snacks, and feeling like we could wander around casually instead of sprinting to rides and spending lots of time in line. Overall, it honestly was the most chill after-hours event we’ve ever been to, and it was easy to get done everything we wanted to without feeling rushed — it may be our favorite one we’ve ever been to! Super Nintendo World during after hours We’ll be back with even more Epic Universe news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. I Spent $58 On This For Epic Universe, and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you interested in more after-hours events in Universal Orlando? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Airfare for a family of four (or five, or six) can take a big bite out of a Disney World budget. Frontier Airlines But if your family can be flexible about which days you fly, there’s a deal that could save you hundreds. Frontier Airlines is letting kids fly free on select flights, and the offer covers more than babies and toddlers. Here’s what you need to know. The Deal’s Details Through Frontier’s Kids Fly Free promotion, one child under 15 can fly free for every adult fare purchased. For the offer, a “kid” is anyone 14 or younger on the first day of travel. That means your tweens and young teens count too, not just the little ones. The catch? You’ll need to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The offer is valid for travel on those two days through the end of Frontier’s scheduled service, but there are some blackout dates: October 13, 2026 November 24–25, 2026 December 22–23, 2026 December 29–30, 2026 February 16, 2027 March 30–31, 2027 So Thanksgiving and the holiday weeks are out. Midweek travel in the fall, early December, and much of the spring is fair game. Frontier Plane at the Orlando Airport You’ll Need a Discount Den Membership The deal is only available to members of Frontier’s Discount Den fare club. At least one adult on the booking must be a member, and membership is only open to people 18 and older. Kids fly free with each adult Discount Den fare, and bookings can include up to nine passengers. Membership costs $59.99 per year. New members (and returning members who previously canceled) pay $99.99 for their first year, which includes a $40 enrollment fee. You can sign up for Discount Den here before or during your booking. Even with that first-year fee, the membership could easily pay for itself if you’re flying more than one kid to Orlando. How to Book The process is pretty simple: Search for flights on flyfrontier.com. The offer isn’t available through third-party booking sites or the app. Include the kids in your search. If you don’t, you won’t see the offer. Look for the Kids Fly Free logo under the Discount Den price on qualifying flights. Complete your booking. The discount won’t appear until you reach the payment step. Booking a lap infant? Frontier says to book them as a child rather than a lap child at the time of initial booking so they qualify. The Fine Print Before you start planning, there are a few important rules: Round-trip, nonstop only. The offer applies to round-trip, nonstop domestic flights within the continental U.S. in select markets, so connecting itineraries won’t qualify. Book at least 14 days ahead. Don’t change your flights. Changing your flight after booking means losing the Kids Fly Free discount. Frontier’s usual change fees and fare differences also apply after the first 24 hours. Airfare only. Bags, seat assignments, and other add-ons aren’t included, and on Frontier those extras add up fast. Budget accordingly! No stacking. The deal can’t be combined with other promo codes or offers and can’t be applied to flights you’ve already booked. No miles. Kids flying free won’t earn Frontier Miles. Check Your Route Some routes are excluded, including several popular Orlando (MCO) routes. The offer is not valid on flights between MCO and these airports: Hartford (BDL) Boston (BOS) Buffalo (BUF) Baltimore (BWI) Newark (EWR) Phoenix (PHX) Trenton (TTN) If you’re flying from one of these cities, you may want to see whether a nearby airport has a qualifying nonstop to Orlando. Check out Frontier’s full terms and conditions for the complete list of exclusions. MCO TSA Precheck Is It Worth It? If your family can fly midweek and you’re flying from a qualifying city, this could be a great way to make room in your budget for more Disney fun. Just make sure to factor in the Discount Den fee and Frontier’s add-on costs when you compare it with other airlines. A “free” ticket plus a carry-on and seat assignments may still cost less than another airline’s fare, but it’s worth doing the math first. Orlando International Airport Planning a Disney World trip soon? Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips, money-saving tricks, and all the latest Disney news to help you plan! 6 NEW Restaurants Are Opening at Disney World 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 What is your favorite way to save money at Disney World? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

For all the fellow Disney food lovers out there, this is a day in Magic Kingdom that may go down in history! The Diamond Horseshoe Pop-Up A NEW pop-up restaurant just opened in the park, and it’s something we haven’t seen before. The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square has transformed from a regular restaurant to Jessie’s Roundup for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, and now it’s a new pop-up spot, all in the past few months. The pop-up restaurant is now OPEN, and you know we had to be one of the first to check it out. Reservations for this new cowboy-themed pop-up opened up on September 29th, but today, October 4th, the spot officially opened, and a walk-up waitlist is also available if you couldn’t snag a reservation for today, or didn’t realize it was opening so soon. We got to The Diamond Horseshoe about an hour early, around 9:30 AM (the restaurant has operating hours of 10:30 AM to 5 PM), and it was up in the air whether the restaurant would open in time. Scrims were still on the windows, and there wasn’t activity inside, but fortunately, closer to 10:30 AM, the restaurant did open! The Diamond Horseshoe We were thankfully able to get a table relatively easily, but that can easily change throughout the day depending on how busy it is. We absolutely think it’s worth it to check if there are reservations available by using the walk-up waitlist, because you truthfully never know! We can’t wait to give it all a try! The menu for this new spot is full of “frontier fare” and consists of items like Charcuterie, Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends, Chipotle Chicken Tostada, Mini Hot Dog Platter, as well as drinks like Caramel Root Beer with Sweet Cream, Enchanting Ember Lemonade, Whinnyin’ Whiskey Lemonade, High Plains Huckleberry, and so many more. Keep in mind, though, that this spot is a fixed menu, not a full bar, due to Magic Kingdom still technically being a dry park, so the only drinks you’ll be able to order are the ones on the menu. ©Disney This limited-time offering is pretty unusual for Magic Kingdom, but we’re really big fans of Disney using spots they already have that maybe aren’t as popular to bring something new and exciting for guests. Prior to the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER retheme, The Diamond Horseshoe served up mostly the same fare that could be found just steps away at Liberty Tree Tavern. Even though the fare was the same, we often found that Liberty Tree Tavern was busier than The Diamond Horseshoe, but with this new experience, we’re expecting that to change big time. Liberty Tree Tavern We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news and bring you our full review of this restaurant soon, so stay tuned to DFB! I Got My Son’s First Haircut at Magic Kingdom WITHOUT a Reservation. Here’s the Secret! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to eating at this new spot? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Wait! You can buy slime in Disney World? A brand-new store is officially coming to Disney Springs, and fans are SO excited about it. @kawaii.slime.company on Instagram The incredibly popular Kawaii Slime Company just released a video confirming that they are adding a store to Disney Springs. So if you love all things slime and squishies, you’ll want to hear this announcement. If you spend any amount of time online, then it’s very likely you’re well aware of the slime craze that has taken over the internet. Slime, squishies, and other fidget toys are everywhere right now, and they could not be more popular. Honestly, it’s a little surprising it took so long for Disney to hop on the trend and get a slime store in Disney Springs. @kawaii.slime.company on Instagram Kawaii Slime Company is an extremely popular brand, and they currently have a store in Downtown Disney. They just released a video sharing that they were making the trip over to the East Coast to join Disney Springs. @kawaii.slime.company on Instagram We are excited to have a new store come to Disney Springs, and we are not alone; everyone in the comments is VERY excited about this new addition, with one user sharing, “THE BEST ANNOUNCEMENT” and another saying, “So excited for this!” @kawaii.slime.company on Instagram Neither Disney Springs or Kawaii Slime Company has confirmed exactly when the new store will open, but it’s clear that Shelley the Jellyfish, the store’s mascot, is making her way to Florida soon! @kawaii.slime.company on Instagram You can view the whole announcement right here: We will continue to keep you posted on all the Disney Springs news and share when we have information on when this exciting new store will be opening. So stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything. A NEW Store Just Opened in Disney Springs! 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 new store coming to Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

YIKES! The crowds have shown up again in ONE Disney World park, and for the second weekend in a row, they’re intense. LOTS of people We hoped that the crazy EPCOT crowds we saw last weekend were a fluke, but after visiting the park yesterday, we are worried we might have just found a new pattern. If you’ve been following along recently, then you know that we were shocked to find a crazy amount of people in EPCOT last weekend, specifically in World Showcase. EPCOT Crowds It is currently a very popular time to visit EPCOT with the Food & Wine Festival well underway. A few days ago, the last several Food & Wine booths with delayed openings finally opened for guests to enjoy. So, even though we were hoping crowds would be more manageable this weekend in EPCOT, we were not incredibly surprised to find that the crowds had shown up once again and were ready to enjoy Food & Wine. So Many People We noticed the majority of the crowds at the booths around the park and across World Showcase. However, the wait times also reflected how packed the park was, with some of the highest waits spiking far more than normal. Crowds These are several of the highest wait times we saw in the park yesterday: Frozen Ever After: 70 minutes Soarin’ Across America: 70 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: 75 minutes Test Track: 105 minutes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: 140 minutes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Those wait times are incredibly intense, not to mention that you will likely have very long waits in the Festival booth lines around the park as well. And unfortunately, these crowds are most likely here to stay. HUGE Crowds With Halloween right around the corner and the Holiday season following closely behind, we are getting ready to approach one of the busiest times of year at Disney World. And it is not surprising that EPCOT is seeing these crowds first, considering just how popular the Food & Wine Festival is and how many people plan their trips so they can enjoy it. This booth line is OUT THE DOOR So if you are planning a trip to Disney World in the next few weeks and visiting EPCOT and attending the Food & Wine Festival is on your must-do list, then we suggest avoiding the weekends. While it has been busy all week, the high spike in crowds is something that is mainly happening on the weekends. So, when planning your trip, schedule your EPCOT day for during the week, and visit some of the other parks over the weekend. Crowds in Mexico Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass are also a great way to save time on your EPCOT day. These passes will let you skip the lines at participating attractions, giving you more time to enjoy Food & Wine. We also recommend Rope Dropping and getting to the park as soon as it opens to enjoy the lower crowds before the park fills for the day. Food & Wine Crowds Rope Dropping is a really amazing strategy if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort and get access to the 30-minute Early Entry. 30 minutes might not seem like a lot, but it can really set you up for success through the rest of your day. Lots of LONG lines Visiting Disney World is an incredible experience, and high crowds do not have to ruin your day. If you have a plan in place, know your party’s top priorities, and are prepared to deal with the crowds, you can still have an absolutely magical trip! World Showcase Crowds We are here to bring you all the news, tips, and tricks you need to plan your next Disney World vacation, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! FINALLY! 4 BIG Changes Hit EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival This Week 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 these EPCOT crowds? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney’s BoardWalk has a problem—it’s becoming WAY too easy to spend an entire evening there. We’re talking dinner, drinks, dessert, entertainment, shopping, people-watching, perhaps an ill-advised Surrey bike ride. Why? Well, there is one main reason, and its initials are HB. BoardWalk Inn As of October 1st, Disney has added another reason for people to make the BoardWalk their evening destination. Hurly-Burly is officially open at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas. And if you already thought this place got busy at night, well…prepare accordingly. Hurly-Burly Is Officially Open Hurly-Burly opened on October 1st in the former Jellyrolls space, bringing live entertainment back to a prominent spot along the BoardWalk. The new venue is inspired by an old seaside theater, with vintage boardwalk details, cocktails, small bites, and entertainment that changes throughout the day. During the afternoon, families can participate in things like trivia, games, and other host-led activities. Later, Hurly-Burly shifts into more of a nightlife venue with live music. Hurly-Burly And there is one VERY important thing you need to know before you head over. Hurly-Burly is family-friendly until 9 PM. After 9 PM, the venue becomes a space for guests 21 and older. So, if you’re bringing the kids because somebody in your family has been training for Disney trivia like it’s an Olympic event, you’ll want to arrive earlier. Hurly-Burly is open from 4 PM to 1 AM, and there’s also a walk-up beverage window that opens at 11 AM. Walk-up window seating If you’re planning to check out the lounge itself, your phone can save you from wandering around the BoardWalk asking, “How long did they SAY the wait was?” every seven minutes. Use the Walk-Up Waitlist feature in the My Disney Experience app. Save yourself the headache. Hurly-Burly And because Hurly-Burly gives people another place to eat, drink, and stick around for entertainment, it isn’t just adding another restaurant to the BoardWalk. It’s giving everyone another reason to stay. And the BoardWalk already had PLENTY of those. The Cake Bake Shop Few Disney restaurants have inspired quite as much discussion over the price of a piece of cake. The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers brought an elaborate restaurant to Disney’s BoardWalk, while the neighboring Cake Bake Shop Bakery gives guests a chance to grab cakes, pies, macarons, cookies, and other desserts to go. Inside The Cake Bake Shop Bakery You might go there to investigate whether a very expensive slice of cake is actually worth it. We go there for the peanut butter mousse pie. Repeatedly. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie Look, some moments in life call for careful financial analysis. Retirement planning. Buying a house. Picking health insurance. Standing in front of peanut butter mousse at Disney World is not one of those moments. We tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie Cup, and that thing lives in our brains rent-free. Do yourself a favor and grab one while you’re there. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Then there’s Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. The BoardWalk kiosk serves hand-dipped corn dogs ranging from the classics to some truly unhinged seasonal creations. Jalapeño Popper at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Blue Ribbon can fire up a masterclass-level corn dog. But we need you to understand our priorities here. If you see anything on the seasonal menu mentioning deep-fried Hawaiian Rolls in any capacity, GET IT. We are not exaggerating when we say we literally dream about those fried Hawaiian Rolls. And they’ve gotten seasonal versions, too. Case in point: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Fried Hawaiian Rolls and Haunted Hawaiian Rolls. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Fried Hawaiian Rolls This is not the time to compromise on vacation. You did not fly to Orlando, walk 19,000 steps, and spend half your day refreshing My Disney Experience just to be restrained around fried bread. Order it and thank us later. Dinner Is Basically Covered And those are hardly your only food options. In fact, if you want the full rundown, we’ve got an entire guide to the restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. You can sit down for seafood and steaks at Flying Fish, grab Italian food at Trattoria al Forno, or stop for sandwiches and baked goods at the BoardWalk Deli (that Reuben does NOT disappoint). Reuben Sandwich AbracadaBar is also a strong option for people who hear “Disney World vacation” and immediately starts looking for the nearest lounge. (Hi. It’s us. We’re people.) You can grab ice cream, pizza, drinks, bakery treats, or keep wandering until another snack inevitably convinces you that you’re hungry again. Red Velvet Cake The BoardWalk understands a fundamental Disney World truth. You weren’t hungry, then you smelled something. And now, you’re holding a receipt. The BoardWalk Games The BoardWalk isn’t just restaurants stitched together with planks; part of the appeal is that Disney has kept pieces of that old-fashioned seaside boardwalk atmosphere alive. There are midway-style games along the promenade, where you can test your skill, win prizes, and discover whether anyone in your family handles losing a carnival game with dignity. BoardWalk games These games may not become the centerpiece of your seven-day Disney World vacation, but it’s a fun way to spend the evening, and competitive families can get out their angst while tossing basketballs or blowing up water balloons. The Entertainment Comes Out at Night The evening is when the BoardWalk really starts feeling like the BoardWalk. Once the sun goes down, you’ll frequently find street performers and variety acts entertaining guests along the promenade. That’s part of what makes this area so different from a normal Disney World resort. You don’t necessarily need a reservation, or a park ticket, or even much of a plan. Cast Members You can get dinner, wander outside, watch a performer for a while, grab dessert, sit by Crescent Lake, and decide what happens next. And now Hurly-Burly adds another layer of entertainment indoors, with family games earlier in the evening and live music after dark. This fun spot has quickly become one of the BoardWalk’s major entertainment anchors. You Can Rent a Surrey Bike Disney rents Surrey bikes around the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake, giving you the opportunity to pedal around one of Disney World’s prettiest resort areas. This sounds charming. It IS charming. It can also become a small exercise in group dynamics. Surrey Bike at Disney’s BoardWalk You will learn things about your travel companions. Who pedals, who CLAIMS they’re pedaling, who starts giving navigation instructions despite traveling on what is essentially a loop. Still, if you want something to do during an afternoon outside the parks, it’s a classic BoardWalk activity. Maybe just do it before the corn dog. Location, Location, Location This might be the biggest reason the BoardWalk stays so busy. It’s conveniently located next to so many things! The BoardWalk sits within walking distance of EPCOT, and it’s also connected to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the surrounding EPCOT-area resorts by walking paths and boat transportation. Disney’s BoardWalk That means the crowd here isn’t limited to people staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas. You’ve got guests walking over from EPCOT, people staying at Yacht and Beach Club or the Swan and Dolphin, diners heading to reservations, and visitors making a special trip for Cake Bake Shop, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, AbracadaBar, or now Hurly-Burly. Disney’s BoardWalk And then there are the people who innocently say, “Let’s just walk around the BoardWalk for a little while.” Those are the ones you have to watch. Three hours later, they’ve had a cocktail, eaten a corn dog, and are heading back to their hotel carrying a bakery box they didn’t intend to buy. It Works Without a Park Ticket That’s another big part of the BoardWalk’s appeal. Disney World vacations are expensive, and not every day needs to revolve around a park ticket. You can easily turn an evening here into its own event. Have dinner, rent a Surrey bike, play a few midway games, watch the street performers, grab a drink, and end up with dessert. Then, because vacation math works differently, probably get another dessert later. Thundering Surf Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sundae Now Hurly-Burly gives you one more reason to stick around. That makes the BoardWalk a potential destination on arrival days, departure days, resort days, or any night when you want something fun to do without joining thousands of people packed in for a nighttime spectacular. Caramel Corn Old Fashioned And Disney isn’t finished changing this area, either. We’ve been watching several major changes unfold around the BoardWalk, including additional dining and shopping updates. The BoardWalk Is Probably Going To Get Busier Disney’s BoardWalk has always had a way of quietly sneaking into a vacation itinerary. Maybe you made a dinner reservation, or you’re staying nearby. Maybe you wandered out of EPCOT through International Gateway thinking you’d stop for one drink before heading back to the hotel (never a bad idea!). We’re in LOVE And then along the way, you’ve eaten a corn dog, watched a magician, spent a questionable amount of money at a bakery, and somebody is trying to convince you that a Surrey bike sounds like a good idea. Hurly-Burly makes the BoardWalk even more of a destination. So if you’re planning to spend time at the BoardWalk, expect it to be busy. Use the Walk-Up Waitlist if Hurly-Burly is part of your plans, keep that 9PM age cutoff in mind, and give yourself a little breathing room during the busiest evening hours. And while you’re wandering the BoardWalk, get the peanut butter mousse pie! We’ll continue watching all the changes happening around Disney’s BoardWalk, so stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news, restaurant reviews, and planning updates! Will the BoardWalk at Disney World Solve This Major Food Problem? Read More About BoardWalk News FULL LIST Of Disney’s Biggest News: 3 MAJOR Updates Confirmed For Disney WorldREVIEW: We Didn’t Expect To Love Disney World’s NEW Lounge This Much (And Apparently, So Does Everyone Else)NOW OPEN! We’ve Been Waiting A Whole Year To Go Inside This Disney World RestaurantDISNEY WEEKLY UPDATES: New Menus, Massive Ride Changes, And MORE Major Updates Just Dropped At Disney WorldMore MAJOR Changes Hit Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to visit the BoardWalk during your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments what you’re looking forward to most! View the full article