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

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

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

We’re less than 70 days away from Christmas, which means it’s time to start thinking about buying presents, planning trips, and, most importantly, counting down properly with an advent calendar. ©Amazon We were recently scouring Amazon, and we found some GREAT Disney advent calendars. Let’s go through them, so you know which one YOU want to grab to count down this year! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For a look at ALL of the Disney advent calendars you can find on Amazon, check out our storefront below! view ON AMAZON Get A New Story Every Day! ©Amazon The 24-Day Disney Advent Countdown Calendar of Secret Stories is the perfect way for readers to count down to the holiday! A surprise story featuring a beloved Disney character is hidden behind each sealed page, so you’ll be met with a new character each day! From December 1st through Christmas Eve, you can unwrap a brand-new Disney adventure! This is available for pre-order, with the title being released on October 27th. view ON AMAZON This Is One For The Collectors! ©Amazon If you’re a collector of Disney figures, then the Disney Funko Pocket POP! Countdown Calendar is the perfect pick for you this year! This calendar includes 24 different surprise characters behind sealed doors. Characters that may be included are Mickey, Stitch, Pluto, Tiana, Rapunzel, Tigger, and more! Put them back in their window to display them all together. view ON AMAZON Princess and LEGO Fans Rejoice! ©Amazon With this year’s LEGO Disney Princess Advent Calendar, you can reveal buildable sets and figures each day leading up to Christmas! Some doors open to reveal buildable LEGO Disney Princess toys including a piano, gingerbread castle, musical instruments, presents, and more, or mini figures of the Princesses or their sidekicks! There are 24 days to open. view ON AMAZON Not A Fan Of Princesses? There’s A Star Wars Version, Too! ©Amazon If you’d rather have a Star Wars LEGO Advent Calendar, you’ve got it! This advent calendar comes with 24 windows to unbox to reveal buildable vehicles, mini figures, and other buildable sets, like tables and accessories. Mini figures like the Mandalorian and Grogu, Moff Gideon, and the droids will also be dressed in festive outfits! view ON AMAZON We Love This Disney Princess Advent Calendar ©Amazon This Disney Princess Advent Calendar includes 25 days of gifts, so you can even open something up on Christmas Day! It features each of the 13 princesses at least once through stationery items, keychains, decorative tape, and more! view ON AMAZON We Can’t Forget About The Disney Doggos! ©Amazon Everyone should be able to partake in the countdown fun, including your furry friends! Grab the Table Scraps Disney Christmas Bark Dog Advent Calendar for them! For 25 days leading up to Christmas, your dog can unbox a different flavor of jerky, including chicken, turkey, beef, duck, blueberries, and cranberries. view ON AMAZON There’s A LEGO Advent Calendar For Marvel Fans, Too! ©Amazon Just like the Disney Princesses and Star Wars advent calendars, the LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar features 24 windows to unbox buildable sets and mini-figures of popular characters! Some of the figures you’ll find include Spider-Man on skis, Doctor Doom with a giant candy cane, and Wolverine with an X-Men Christmas sweater! view ON AMAZON Finally, Get The Bluey Advent Calendar ©Amazon This Bluey Advent Calendar includes 24 days of surprises! Inside, you’ll find three mini figures, 16 holiday accessories, five stickers, and Bartlebee, Bluey, and Bingo in their Christmas jumpers! I don’t care if I’m 23 years old… I’m getting this advent calendar for myself because it’s AWESOME! view ON AMAZON For even more Disney advent calendars, check out our Amazon storefront! We update this daily, so you don’t have to go looking for them yourself! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We like to keep things fresh here at DFB. As an editor here, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new concepts and articles we can write that will bring value to our readers — but I’ll be honest, it isn’t always easy. ©Disney And that’s where Title Brainstorms come into the picture! A Title Brainstorm is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: members of the Editorial Team get together and try to come up with interesting titles or constructs that we haven’t necessarily written before, just to keep things interesting and to keep the wheels turning in our brains. During a recent Title Brainstorm, I had the (genius, if I do say so myself) idea to do Mad Libs — and let’s just say the results weren’t exactly what I had planned. Okay, let me be clear: I knew that trying to come up with titles via Mad Libs was definitely a long shot. If you’ve ever done Mad Libs, you know that they don’t always make sense and things can devolve into chaos pretty quickly. But still, I figured it would be a fun way for us to stretch our title muscles and get creative. The titles we did end up coming up with might not actually work, but we are kind of begging Disney to drop these news stories now — just because they are utterly ridiculous. Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Let me set the scene: I asked our Editorial Team for various parts of speech, like adjectives, verbs, “silly words”, numbers, Disney snacks — you get the picture. From there, I plugged their answers into multiple different title constructs, and let’s just say that things got pretty silly, pretty quickly. But, come on, you can’t deny that these would make some pretty interesting news stories if Disney did decide to let Goofy start serving snacks, for example. Chef Goofy Check out some of our Mad Libs titles below — I’ve bolded the words that we filled in the blanks with! REVIEW: The New DOLE Whip at Tomorrowland Is the Juiciest Thing We’ve Ever Tasted! A juicy DOLE Whip? Say less. 17 Must-Try Restaurants You Can’t Miss This Christmas You know what? This one kind of actually works. NEWS: Goofy Now Serving Aquamarine Churros in Tomorrowland Disney just dropped bright blue churros in Tomorrowland, so this one isn’t that far off, but we welcome being served our favorite snacks by Goofy. Churro Overdrive Are the Tall Beignets Worth $271? We Tried It So You Don’t Have To! Those must be some really tall beignets to cost that much. The Complete Guide to Eating Your Way Through Tomorrowland With a LeFou’s Brew in Hand Well, first of all, you can’t get LeFou’s Brew in Tomorrowland, and second of all, eating your way through Tomorrowland wouldn’t even take that long! BANG! We Danced Gently When We Saw the Tall DOLE Whip! I actually don’t hate this one either. Catch me dancing gently with my tall DOLE Whip in Magic Kingdom. Pineapple DOLE Whip FIRST LOOK: Goofy’s Aquamarine Beignets Will Make Your Nose Do a Happy Dance! Man, Goofy really likes aquamarine snacks, I guess. Why Everyone’s Talking About the Tall Churro (And Whether It’s Worth the Hype) What if Disney came out with, like, a 6-foot-tall churro? That would certainly be newsworthy. We Ranked All 17 Restaurants in Tomorrowland From Juiciest to Worst! Well, there aren’t 17 restaurants in Tomorrowland, but I am down for ranking things from juiciest to worst. Tomorrowland Don’t expect any of these news stories to come across your feed anytime soon, but honestly, you never know! We’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disney and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more — and check out our video below on changes coming in 2027! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these stories would you like to see come true? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We’re sharing our favorite finds to level up your Disney vacation! PinFolio We’ve tested TONS of different gadgets and accessories to see which ones deserve a permanent spot in our Disney World park bag. Let’s take a look at the Disney finds that we give our official stamp of approval! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A small but mighty portable charger! INIU Portable Charger Between managing dining reservations, making Lightning Lane selections, and taking allll the pictures, a portable charger is an absolute Disney World essential for us. This INIU Power Bank charged our devices surprisingly fast and held lots of power for such a compact size. It has multiple charging ports and comes with a carrying strap for ultimate on-the-go convenience! View on Amazon The best way to pin trade! PinFolio Go Pin Display Bag Keep your Disney pins safe and secure while still having easy access to them for trading with the PinFolio Go Pin Display Bag! It can hold up to 40 one-inch pins, with thin plastic dividers between each section to keep them from getting scratched. We were able to slip it inside our Loungefly mini-backpack, so it’s compact enough to carry even in a smaller park bag. The PinFolio backing that you stick the pins into is SERIOUSLY secure — we held it upside down and shook it, and none of our pins budged at all! It’s the perfect combination of easy access and secure storage. View on Amazon A waist fan that actually made us TOO cold! AMKEN Waist Fan It’s no secret that it can get HOT in Disney World. And if you tend to get especially overheated in your midsection, the AMKEN Waist Fan is a serious game-changer! It clips right on to your belt or waistband and has an impressively powerful cooling effect. In fact, when we used it, we had to keep repositioning it because we actually got too cold where it was concentrated! It’s a must-have for us on the hottest Disney World days. View on Amazon We love the convenience of a handheld fan! JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Portable Fan When the temperatures aren’t quite as hot, or we need a more compact option, this Portable Fan is our go-to! It’s rechargeable with multiple speed settings, and it also doubles (and triples) as a power bank AND a flashlight! This fan is super compact, and it folds up to a small enough size that we could even slip it into our pocket. It’s the best way to keep cool without sacrificing hardly any space in your park bag! View on Amazon Our go-to Disney World poncho! Our favorite poncho! Pop-up storms are pretty common in Disney World, which is why we always come prepared with our Frogg Toggs poncho! It’s our go-to brand because the material is just about as comfortable as we’ve found in a poncho and it’s super lightweight. Plus, it comes with a carrying pouch so we can pack it back up after the storm passes without getting everything else in our park bag wet! View on Amazon A swappable FuelRod charger so we never have to worry about a dead phone! FuelRod If you’re serious about keeping your phone charged in Disney World, a FuelRod Portable Charger is worth the investment! It’s a little pricier than the average power bank, but it comes with the massive benefit of being able to be swapped out at a FuelRod kiosk for a fully charged version if yours happens to run out of power. There are FuelRod kiosks at each of the Disney World parks, so this charger gives us total peace of mind that we’ll never find ourselves without our phone when we need it! View on Amazon Keep your MagicBands charged! MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Speaking of keeping essential devices charged, this MultiCharger for MagicBand+ is specifically designed to charge up to four MagicBands at one time from the same outlet! It’s super compact so it’s easy to pack. We also love the convenience of being able to charge the whole family’s MagicBands at once while only needing to sacrifice one outlet, since they can be precious commodities on vacation. View on Amazon These are the Disney finds that absolutely DO live up to the hype! We’ll keep testing the latest Disney World gadgets and accessories around the parks, so stay tuned to DFB for more reviews and recommendations! View the full article

You know how we love to play detective around here. Whenever Disney files a patent, we put on our Imagineer hats and try to figure out what it could mean for the parks. And this time? Disney has filed TWO brand-new patents, and they could be total game-changers. ©Disney Now, before we all start planning our trips around experiences that don’t exist yet, a quick reminder: a patent does NOT mean Disney has confirmed anything is coming to the parks. Some of these ideas make it to a ride; some stay on the drawing board forever. But it’s still a fun peek at what the Imagineers might be dreaming up! Let’s get into the latest filings. Disney is filing patents all the time — literally multiple per week. They’re always cooking something up over there, and these two updated patent filings have us wondering exactly what Imagineers have planned for future character interactions. Buckle up, because we’ve got some tech language to decipher here. DJ Rex The first updated patent is titled “Emotionally Responsive Artificial Intelligence Interactive Character,” which is, objectively, a mouthful. Don’t worry — we can explain. Essentially, the goal of this patent is to make an AI character more emotional and to relate to those who interact with it more. Let’s say a Disney AI character (a robot, animated character on a screen, a chatbot, etc.) asks you about a memory. The system in this patent could then break your story down into parts, compare it to a large library of backstory memories written for the character, and then respond to you by sharing its closest matching memory, relating to yours. ©USPTO.gov But, if none of the character’s memories is a close enough match, the system could make up a new memory that mirrors yours and permanently adds it to the character’s backstory. The patent refers to this as “hallucinated memory.” The idea is that the character can relate to whoever is talking to it. Additionally, the patent states that any stored user history would exclude personal information like age, gender, and ethnicity. A potential phone-based version of this technology would keep data on your device. ©USPTO.gov The second updated patent goes hand in hand with the previous one. “AI Generated Creative Content Based on Shared Memories” would start similarly to the first patent, but this system would match your memory and write and perform an original piece for you, like a song, poem, or choreography. The emotion in the matched memory would set the tempo, key, instruments, and even the pattern the guitar strums. The tone of your voice could also shape the mood, too. The system would then create an entire song structure, lyrics, and music to perform for you. ©USPTO.gov This patent also mentions the potential for it to be used in soundtracks, background music at sports and entertainment venues, and control signals for lighting, projections, and special effects. Now, keep in mind that just because these patents have been filed does not mean we’ll see this tech in the parks anytime soon — or at all. But, hey, never say never! Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s We’ll be on the lookout for even more new Disney patents you need to know about and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news — and check out our video on 2027 Disney changes below! Check out more patent news at the links below! This New Patent Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Disney World PhotosCould Disney’s Animal Kingdom Be Getting a MASSIVE Upgrade?Disney Just Filed a Game-Changing Patent For Ride AccessibilityDisney’s New Patent Could CHANGE How You Talk to Characters in the ParksNEW Disney Patent Reveals Encanto Ride Clue…and It Could Change EVERYTHING 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 new patents? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

It might as well be snowing in Florida because the holidays are happening VERY soon, and we are ready. One of our favorite things to do is go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom…where we actually DO get snow (well, snope, but that counts, too). Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member, you probably already know that you can get a discount on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets, but did you know you can also get a FREE souvenir to take home with you at the party? If not, we’ve got all the details! DVC Members can already score a $10 discount on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets for select evenings, but they can also get a free gift just for attending the party. A FREE holiday keepsake will be available for eligible DVC members at DVC McKim’s Mile House, a DVC member lounge in Frontierland. Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House Yep, you just have to show up at the lounge during the party from 6 PM to 10 PM, and you can pick up a special keepsake on the front porch. Easy-peasy, right? This keepsake will be available for every night of the party, too, so you won’t want to miss out on it. However, note that regular lounge facilities will not be available during the party. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Of course, there are plenty of other things to do at the party, too. The party has an exclusive parade, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, you will NOT want to miss. Plus, there’s a special holiday fireworks show: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive party snacks and drinks, but you can also get FREE cookies, hot cocoa, and apple cider. On top of that, you’ll ride attractions with a shorter wait, and some will even have a holiday overlay. There’s also exclusive entertainment, special character experiences, exclusive party merchandise, and more. FREE Hot Cocoa Cookie made with DOVE Chocolate Pieces and Hot Cocoa We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World holiday news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. FIRST LOOK at Exclusive Holiday Souvenirs Coming to Disney World If you’ve never been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, be sure to check out our guide to the party in 2025!  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

A brand-new hotel is on the way to Disney World next year, and it’s bringing a massively expensive — we’re talking over $5,000 — room type with it! Fun details On July 1st, Disney will open the new Lakeshore Lodge on the former site of the River Country water park. The hotel’s design is going to be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists,” with elements of numerous films, including Pocahontas, Brother Bear, Encanto, Fantasia, and Bambi. The lodge is set to be home to a massive waterplay/pool complex known as the Wetlands, a cadre of new dining options, and 967 guest rooms, including several Lake Houses. But some of these rooms can get QUITE expensive… Here’s what a $5,195 room at Lakeshore Lodge will get you. The 2-bedroom Lake House will arguably be the star room at the hotel. Offering accommodation for eight adults, the house features a king bed, a pair of queen beds, a pair of twin-size pull-down beds, and offers views of Bay Lake and partial views of the Magic Kingdom and its fireworks. However, the rooms come with a whopping price tag, maxing out at nearly $5,200 during the 2027 Christmas season! ©Disney So, what does the $5,000 Lake House offer? According to Disney, amenities include a coffee maker, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access, a dining table, dishwasher, flat-panel TV, a full bathroom with walk-in shower, a hairdryer, an in-room safe, a microwave, patio deck, plates, bowls and utensils, pots & pans, a full-size refrigerator, a stove & oven, a toaster, and a washer and dryer. Concept art released by Disney shows elements of the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the natural world are on full display, in line with the hotel’s core theme. ©Disney The open-concept seating areas accentuate that ambiance, with a color scheme of woods and natural shades. ©Disney The kitchen area, while large, seemingly sits tucked into a corner, allowing for open space for guests to move around the dining table. ©Disney Artwork inspired by the setting hangs in the room, similar to the aesthetic we’ve seen throughout concept art of the hotel’s restaurants and common areas. ©Disney The bedrooms continue the motif, highlighted by a light fixture array designed to look like a mountain, with purples, greens, and blues illuminating the peak. ©Disney The theme even extends to the spacious bathroom, complete with wood fixtures and ceiling windows allowing natural light to cascade in while keeping the space private. ©Disney The Lake House will join the ranks of Disney World’s highest-priced luxury options, including the bungalows at the Polynesian Village Resort, which are in the same price range during comparable times of year. Polynesian Village Bungalows We’re less than a year away from the opening of Disney World’s newest hotel, Lakeshore Lodge, which will be home to nearly 1,000 new guest rooms, including the $5,000 two-bedroom Lake House. Stay tuned to DFB for more on this upcoming resort! Whether you’re booking Lakeshore Lodge or another Disney hotel, you’ll still need to plan an itinerary for your trip. Let us help you out! Check out the video below! Disney World Bookings Are OFFICIALLY Open Through The End Of 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 Are you looking forward to checking out the Lakeshore Lodge? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Whoa, woah, whoa, Disney, can you PLEASE explain what was happening at Andy’s Backyard this morning?? Toy Story Land! When we visited Hollywood Studios this morning, it looked like Toy Story Land was in pure CHAOS, so let’s try to figure out exactly what was happening with Andy’s toys. When we first walked in around 45 minutes after the park opened, we saw that Slinky Dog Dash STILL had not opened for the day. And Cast Members were actually standing outside the ride encouraging guests to ride other attractions, which means they likely did not expect it to open any time soon. Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios While a delayed opening is not rare for Slinky Dog Dash, it is always a bummer and can usually make the line longer the rest of the day. Now, not only was Slinky experiencing a very delayed opening, but it also seemed like EVERYONE in the park was trying to meet Woody and Jessie, with their line extending ALL the way back past the entrance to Toy Story Mania. Hi from Woody and Jessie in Hollywood Studios! So, what should you do if you want to visit Toy Story Land in the morning and things get weird and aren’t working out? First of all, while we usually recommend trying to rope drop Slinky Dog, if it’s a priority for your group, it’s important to consider that it does often have a delayed opening. Slinky Dog Dash So, if you get there first thing in the morning and Slinky is closed, we suggest deciding how long you are willing to wait- 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc. and then moving on to a different ride if it does not open. There is nothing worse than spending all of your rope drop time waiting for a ride that does not open. Rope drop is the time right as the park is opening when the wait times are usually lower. Slinky Dog Dash Also, if you ever see Woody and Jessie, or any other characters, with an extremely long line, then we would suggest coming back at a different time. These characters come out a lot throughout the day; you can find the specific times in the My Disney Experience App, and if the line is very long, it’s likely to be shorter if you check back at a different time. Hi Woody and Jessie! While having a plan is important for a successful day at Disney, it is also equally important to be able to pivot and change the plan as needed since you never know when a ride closure or unusually long line will mess up the plan you had created. Toy Story Land We will continue to keep you informed of all the best tips and tricks for your Disney World vacation, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Disney Just Quietly Made 3 Changes At Hollywood Studios If you are planning a trip to Disney World, check out the 20 things we do on EVERY trip in the video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your favorite Hollywood Studios ride? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Is this the ULTIMATE way for Disney fans to shop for souvenirs?! ©Disney If you’re a longtime Disney fan, you may have heard of Mickey’s of Glendale, which is the exclusive merchandise shop located on the Walt Disney Imagineering campus. Often, at D23 events, Mickey’s of Glendale will offer a pop-up shopping opportunity where fans can snag merchandise that you can’t buy anywhere else. But now, you don’t even have to go to D23 to get the chance to shop these rare souvenirs! Mickey’s of Glendale is hosting a pop-up shopping event in Disney World on Sunday, November 15th! This shopping event will be held in the Coronado Ballroom at the Coronado Springs Convention Center and you must be a D23 member or a guest of a D23 member to attend. The Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up at the 2025 Destination D23 event. D23 Gold and D23 general members may reserve tickets for themselves and up to one guest for this event starting Friday, October 23rd at 1 PM ET. Shopping windows are an hour long and run each hour of the day from 9 AM to 5 PM. Each attendee must possess a valid, individual ticket to be admitted, and ticket quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To get your ticket, you need to log into your D23 account and register each person with their legal first and last name. Government ID may be required for entry for those 18 and older. Mickey’s of Glendale from Destination D23 in 2025 Mickey’s of Glendale often has incredibly long lines when it’s available at D23 events, and some more popular merchandise items sell out. It’s not uncommon for influencers and Disney fans to post hauls of their Mickey’s of Glendale merchandise, and when these pop-up shops were done in the past, we’d even seen folks get a few freebies with their visit. So if the shopping is high priority for you, you may want to aim to get an earlier slot in the day. Mickey’s of Glendale 2021 And for those staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort on the day of the event, you’ll want to beware of crowds! You may notice more people in the common areas and at the dining locations, so it’s probably not the ideal day to have your “resort day” for relaxation. Coronado Springs To see other offerings coming soon to Disney World, check out our YouTube video below! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for more news and updates. The Disney World Mistake You’ll Make in November! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Disney World for this shopping event? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Is this about to be our best ALDI haul of the year?! ALDI has the best finds! It’s almost November, which means ALDI is rolling in all of the holiday stuff! From October 28th through November 3rd, check out your local ALDI, because the store is bringing in Christmas decor, Thanksgiving accessories, and a pair of slippers with a turkey on them! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You know what we like about eating Thanksgiving dinner at home? That you can wear WHATEVER you want, whether it’s a sweater that says “Gobble Gobble” on it or slippers that look like turkeys. There are other sweaters that you can grab at ALDI as well, starting on October 28th. ©ALDI We also thought these Thanksgiving slippers were super cute, with a turkey on one foot and a piece of pie on another. What we love the most is the price. ©ALDI There are Turkey Slippers on Amazon ©Amazon If you don’t have an ALDI near you, don’t worry, because Amazon has Turkey Slippers as well! These slippers have a cute turkey design on the outside and a soft plush feeling on the inside. Don’t your feet feel cozy and warm just by looking at them?! These make for great indoor and outdoor slippers. view ON AMAZON Speaking of Thanksgiving, there are a ton of other accessories you can grab to add to your outfit. From hair clips to headbands to earrings, you’re not going to want to miss out on this. ©ALDI Now, let’s talk about the Christmas items, because there’s never a bad time to talk about Christmas. You can grab different Christmas bedsheet sets, decorated with nutcrackers, holly, reindeer, lights, and more. When it comes to Christmas, how can you not decorate every corner of the house?! ©ALDI There are some more Christmas decorations you can grab, and they’re available at great prices. Grab mini trees, tiny friends… ©ALDI …ceramic light-up pieces, and snowman decor. ©ALDI There are also these Mini Christmas Trees ©Amazon You can also grab these Mini Christmas Trees off of Amazon! They make for great holiday decorations on table tops, desks, and other surfaces around the house. Their colors range from a sparkling white to a pretty pink. The trees are decorated with pearls and offer a fancy holiday aesthetic for your home. They’re also 20% off! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

What started off as an iconic Disney attraction then turned into a series of movies and is now turning into a stage show. Of course, we’re talking about Pirates of the Caribbean. ©Disney Earlier this year, it was announced that Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl would be turning into an immersive theatrical experience called “Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure”. We had some details on what the show is going to feature, and now we finally have news on the cast, including who will be playing the iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow! According to Variety, Olivier Award winner George Maguire will be playing Captain Jack Sparrow in the London stage production from Secret Cinema and TodayTix, “Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure”. It will be fun to see if you can capture that Jack Sparrow charm, and how he portrays his own unique version of the beloved character. ©Secret Cinema Joining him will be Phil Daniels, who will play Captain Barbossa. Phil Daniels is known for his work in “Quadrophenia,” “EastEnders” and Blur’s “Parklife.” Then there’s Lily Blunsom, who will be playing Elizabeth Swann, and Harrison Wilde, who will play Will Turner. The last of the casting announcements included Gleanne Purcell-Brown as Anamaria. More of the cast will be named later. ©Disney The show will be directed by Matt Costain, who is also an Olivier Award winner. Previews will begin February 16th, with the show officially opening on March 10th at Secret Cinema’s new riverside venue on the Greenwich Peninsula in London. According to Variety, “the production is the first at the site, which the company plans to keep as its home. Strong demand has led the producers to add six weeks to the run.” So, what was supposed to be a 10-week run will be even longer! This is no surprise based on how people are reacting online. Many are excited to see George Maguire back on stage, and are anxious to see someone besides Johnny Depp step into the role of Jack Sparrow. We don’t blame them; it’s one of the most iconic characters! ©Disney What makes this show so unique is its live storytelling. Instead of screening all of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the production uses selected clips from the film alongside large set pieces. Audiences will be able to roam the sets, meet characters, and take part in the story over the course of two hours. The show will also feature stunts and a live band. “We’ve taken everything Secret Cinema does best and pushed it further than ever before, creating a new kind of theatrical experience where the story doesn’t just happen in front of you – it happens all around you,” said Secret Cinema’s artistic director and producer and president and co-founder of TodayTix Group, Merritt Baer. “This is exactly the kind of show we’ve been building towards and opening it in our new home at Greenwich Peninsula makes it even more exciting.” Pirates of the Carribean We’re really excited to see what this will become, and it looks like a trip to London in 2027 will be on our bucket list. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger Comments on Retirement and New Gig as Lakers Owner Looking for more Disney news? Check out the video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you interested in the Pirates stage show? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Yes, Disney World food is expensive, but have you ever eaten at the AIRPORT?! Orlando International Airport Our team here at DFB does quite a bit of traveling, and we’ve had our fair share of experiences with airport pricing. Particularly with the ridiculously high cost of food when you get past security. Today, we’re breaking down some of the priciest airport breakfasts we’ve had and sharing some of our recommendations if you find yourself trapped and hungry! Some of the Pricey Meals We’ve Had I reached out to our team to see what their experiences were with pricey airport food. One of our editors said she and her husband had a delayed flight at Chicago Midway International Airport once where they sat down at a table-service restaurant to grab a meal, and there were no prices on the menu. MISTAKE. The mimosa her husband ordered? It was a whopping $28! That almost brings tears to my eyes (and not the good tears). Orlando International Airport Another coworker shared that she recently went to Starbucks at the Detroit Metro Airport and had a startling bill. She picked up a Venti iced drink, a Rice Krispie treat, and a slice of lemon loaf, and her total was nearly $25! That’s a shocking price for a breakfast/snack order for one person. Another person on our team seconded this by saying she paid over $9 for a Grande shaken espresso at their airport Starbucks. Gotta’ have our Starbucks One of our writers shared that she ordered pizza for brunch the last time she was in the San Francisco International Airport, and for one single large slice, she paid $15. No sides, no drinks, just a slice of pizza. That’s wild! Some of Our Go-To Breakfasts at the Orlando Airport Most of the time, our team’s home airport is MCO, the Orlando International Airport. We fly in and out of here quite a bit going to and from Disney World, and a decent portion of our team lives in the Orlando area. So here are our recommendations for breakfast in MCO! These are either going to be your budget-friendly options or the food that we think is truly worth the price. Orlando Airport If you’re in the area near the Hyatt Regency, you can stop by McCoy’s Bar and Grill. It’s located on the lobby level of MCO and offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $23.95 per person. It includes coffee, juice, and cage-free eggs made to order. There are also a variety of individually priced entrees on the menu that give those Starbucks prices a run for their money. ©Hyatt Regency And if you missed checking out Summer House on the Lake during your visit to Disney World, you can try out the Summer House location in Terminal C on your way out of town! They don’t list their breakfast menu online, but when we last visited, they were offering breakfast until 10 AM daily. The prices were shockingly affordable for airport food, particularly in a sit-down space. See Our Visit to Summer House at the Airport Here! Summer House Speaking of restaurants we know and love, Chef Art Smith (of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs) has a restaurant at Terminal C in MCO! Sunshine Diner serves all-day breakfast in a bright and charming atmosphere. Now, the prices here aren’t as low, but since it’s an Art Smith restaurant, you can be assured that the food quality is top-tier. Peek Inside the Restaurant Here! Sunshine Diner In a similar vein, Wine Bar George has an Orlando Airport location that offers a menu of three breakfast items. The Breakfast Sandwich is fairly affordable for airport eats ($12.50), or you could go a little pricier and get the panini ($15.50) or the Smoked Salmon Bagel ($17.50). Wine Bar George is another spot where we feel confident the food will be delicious. Wine Bar George at Terminal C Besides these locations, there are some popular chain restaurants that serve breakfast in the airport, including McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. One thing our team has noticed on repeat airport visits is that you can sometimes find cheaper food BEFORE you go through security, so make sure to check out the main MCO food court and grab breakfast there if budget is a factor. MCO TSA PreCheck You should be prepared to spend a bit more on food at the airport, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. We recommend traveling with snacks, avoiding the overpriced mini-shops, and checking out the options ahead of time on MCO’s website. For more travel tips and budgeting advice, subscribe to our newsletter. And for some tips on how to improve your Disney World trip, watch the YouTube video below! Stay tuned to DFB for more! What to Do When Everything Falls Apart Before Airport Security Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s the most you’ve spent on food in an airport? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Heading on vacation soon? There are new travel advisories you should be aware of! Orlando International Airport Travel advisories are put out by the U.S. Department of State, and they typically issue warnings for areas that could be unsafe for Americans to visit. These advisories also include precautions to take when going out of the country. In the past week, some new locations have been added to the travel advisory list, so let’s take a look. You can find this list and the corresponding map under the Travel Advisories section of the U.S. Department of State website. There, you can sort alphabetically, by location, or by level of advisory. There are four levels available, with Level 1 being “exercise normal precautions” and Level 4 coming to “do not travel.” ©U.S. Department of State On October 21st, France was added to the list, given a Level 2 designation of “exercise increased caution” due to unrest and terrorism. China was also given a Level 2 designation on October 19th with “wrongful detention” as a risk indicator for Americans. Charles de Gaulle Airport in France As of October 19th, Kenya was designated a Level 3, which recommends you reconsider travel. The many risk factors in Kenya include crime, unrest, health-related issues, kidnappings, and terrorism. Its next-door neighbor, Tanzania, was given a Level 2 for some of the same risk factors. ©U.S. Department of State Then, back on October 12th, Saudi Arabia was upgraded to a Level 3. The government website states: “Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk.” Be careful with your travel plans! If you’re traveling abroad soon, particularly to one of the locations on the list, make sure to check out the Department of State’s website for additional information on safety precautions, how to avoid scams, and high-risk area news. This is especially relevant to Disney fans traveling abroad to visit Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland. These travel advisories are reviewed on a regular basis, with Level 1 and 2 designations being reviewed every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 designations getting reviewed on a six-month basis. Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland in China We’ll keep you updated if there are more travel advisories added to the list, and we’ll share any new travel safety tips we come across to make your vacation as smooth as possible. A Popular TSA Program Just Ended at Over 100 Aiports 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 View the full article

If you’re heading to Disney World this weekend, grab your coffee and read this before you hit the road! The 2026 Wine & Dine Half Marathon is taking over the parks this weekend, which means thousands of runners will be racing through the parks, and some of your usual routes are going to look a little different. Road closures at Disney World Don’t worry, though! We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about which roads are affected, when they’ll close, and how to get around. Whether you’re running the race, cheering from the sidelines, or just trying to get to Magic Kingdom for rope drop, a little planning goes a long way. You’re going to need to do a little extra planning if you’ll be driving around Disney World this weekend, as the Wine & Dine Half Marathon will cause road closures throughout the resort on both race days — Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th. ©Disney We’ve rounded up the full list of closures you need to know about, which are primarily in place from 3 AM to 9 AM on Saturday, October 24th: Backstage Lane at Red Lot Entrance: 3 AM – 8 AM Epcot Parking Exit Loops to Epcot Center Drive East: 3 AM – 7:30 AM Overpass Road West at Bonnet Creek: 3 AM – 9 AM Woodpecker Lane (Yellow Lot): 3 AM – 9 AM Crush Lot Exit Bridge to Epcot Center Drive East: 3:30 AM – 7:30 AM World Drive South Ramp to Epcot Center Drive East: 3:45 AM – 7:30 AM Epcot Center Drive West to Epcot Auto Plaza: 4:15 AM – 7:30 AM Epcot Center Drive West (Bonnet Creek to World Drive): 4:15 AM – 7:30 AM ©Disney On Sunday, October 25th, the Half Marathon will cause road closures that are scheduled to clear between 9 AM and 10:30 AM: Backstage Lane North at Red Lot Entrance: 3 AM – 8 AM Epcot Parking Exit Loops to Epcot Center Drive East: 3 AM – 7 AM Overpass Road West at Bonnet Creek: 3 AM – 10:30 AM Woodpecker Lane (Yellow Lot): 3 AM – 10:30 AM Crush Lot Exit Bridge to Epcot Center Drive East: 3:30 AM – 10 AM Epcot Center Drive West Ramp to World Drive South: 3:45 AM – 9:30 AM Floridian Way South at Bear Island Road Exit Ramp: 3:45 AM – 9:30 AM Vista Boulevard Ramp to World Drive South: 3:45 AM – 9:30 AM World Drive South Ramp to Epcot Center Drive East: 3:45 AM – 10 AM World Drive South Flyover Ramp: 3:45 AM – 9:30 AM World Drive South to Osceola Parkway: 3:45 AM – 9:30 AM Buena Vista Drive East (Osceola Parkway to Cypress Drive): 4 AM – 9:30 AM Buena Vista Drive West Ramp to World Drive South: 4 AM – 9:30 AM Osceola Parkway West Ramp to Buena Vista Drive East: 4 AM – 9:30 AM World Drive North Ramp to Buena Vista Drive: 4 AM – 9 AM Epcot Center Drive West (Vacation Club Way to World Drive): 4:30 AM – 9 AM ©Disney Race weekend transportation runs to EPCOT from 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM, and returns from EPCOT to the resorts from 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Race weekend information Keep in mind that if you’re heading to the parks this weekend and aren’t participating in any races, you’ll still have to deal with an influx of people — which means crowds and wait times will also likely be much higher throughout the parks this weekend as well. A banner and all We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney World updates you need to know about and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more — and check out our video on upcoming changes in 2027 below! Check out more Disney World news at the links below! Don’t Buy the Disney Dining Plan Unless You Fit One of These 4 CategoriesThe 5 Weirdest Days of the Year in EPCOT Are Almost Here2 More Permanent Closures Hit Disney WorldA NEW (And Rare) Resident Just Moved Into Animal Kingdom and We Are FREAKING Out About Her6 Things Your Disney World Bartender Wants To Tell You But Won’t Cause They’re Too Nice 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 heading to Disney World this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

So, what’s the deal with the Disney Dining Plan these days? Seemingly everyone online says something different, and it can get confusing quick! Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Cornflake Breaded Fried Chicken and Waffle The question of whether or not to get the Disney Dining Plan is one of the most debated amongst those planning a Disney World vacation. Debates often rage about whether the plans are “worth” it, etc. However, the truth is that there’s no “right” answer across the board. Rather, it depends on what your Disney dining priorities are. Let’s run down the Disney Dining Plan options available for 2027 bookings, as there’s been a big change. There’s the Quick Service Dining Plan, which offers members of the party ages 3 and up: 2 Quick-Service Meals Per Night of Stay 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug The Quick Service Dining Plan will cost $62.78 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $25.82 per child per night (ages 3 to 9) in 2027. Maple Mustard Chicken Strips The traditional Disney Dining Plan offers “classic dining options at both quick-service and table-service restaurants,” as everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives: 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay 1 Table-Service Meal Per Night of Stay 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug This plan will cost: $99.87 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $31.94 per child per night (ages 3 to 9) in 2027. Next year, the plan will be renamed the Table-Service Dining Plan. A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes 2027 will also see the introduction of the new Disney Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan, which will include: Two table service entrées, dessert (lunch and dinner only), OR full buffet. Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages for guests 10 years old and over — i.e., Artisanal Milk Shakes, Fresh Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolates, or Soda, Coffee, or Tea — where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement. One quick service meal, including entrée OR combo meal One snack/nonalcoholic drink One Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package Oysters Rockefeller The new plan will cost $163.01 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $46.85 per child per night (ages 3 to 9). Now that we’re clear on the Dining Plan offers, should you get it? Well, do you fit into the following categories? You Want to Have All Your Dining Costs Squared Away BEFORE Your Trip Arguably the biggest benefit for many who purchase the Dining Plan is the fact that their food is already “paid for” before their trip. No need to worry about going over budget or counting dollars and cents at Disney World. It’s all dealt with, and you don’t have to stress about it during every meal. Just remember gratuities are NOT included. Dry-Aged Duroc Pork Chop You Pour Over Menus and Choose Your Meals BEFORE Heading to Restaurants Speaking of pre-trip convenience, knowing exactly what you’ll be able to eat on each day of your trip will allow those who prefer to plan their meals beforehand to do so. You can look over menus beforehand and choose pretty much everything before even stepping foot in Disney World if you so choose. Of course, those who prefer a bit more spontaneity in their dining may not want to do that. Rigatoni alla Vodka You Predictably Like to Eat Roughly the Same Amount of Food Every Day If you’re the kind of person who consistently eats the same amount of food each day — three meals, a stable snack, etc. — then the plan will likely be a good option for you. However, if you tend to indulge more on certain days or skip breakfast on others, the plan may not be as “worth” it for you. Maple Popcorn! You’re a Fan of Disney World’s Cocktails or Specialty Drinks Alcoholic beverages — as well as specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails” — are available as part of the new Disney Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan. If you’re hoping to get the best bang for your buck, this Dining Plan may be for you! Sake-Politan Cocktail Choosing the best Disney Dining Plan option — or even adding the option at all — depends on what your priorities and preferences are. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips! What else do you want to know about visiting Disney World? We can help you with ANY question you may have in the video below! Never Book a Disney World Trip Without Clicking This Button 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 are your thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Picture this: the sun is warming the deck, a tropical breeze is floating by, and somewhere nearby a chef is pulling a tray of golden, crispy chicken tendies from the fryer. Now picture millions of other Americans doing the exact same thing. That’s not a daydream. It’s shaping up to be the biggest year for cruising yet. Disney Magic Cruise Ship According to the latest travel forecasts, a record-setting number of Americans are expected to hit the high seas in 2027, and honestly, we get it. Where else can you wake up in one port, snack your way through a second, and fall asleep dreaming about the third? It’s the ultimate all-you-can-nibble adventure, and everybody wants a seat at the table. According to AAA, more than 22 million Americans — 22.4 million — are predicted to go on cruises in 2027. This marks the fifth consecutive year that a record number of people will set sail on ocean cruises, and a 3.6% increase over 2026. More travelers are reportedly turning to cruising for its convenience, value, and variety. Quiet Cove “Cruising offers a unique type of vacation because you unpack once and visit multiple destinations with meals and entertainment included,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The key is finding the right cruise that meets your needs, and that’s where travel agents come in. Working with an advisor ensures you’re booking a ship with amenities and activities that fit your interests and lifestyle.” The Disney Fantasy AAA reports that cruise demand in the U.S. has been rising since 2023, when it surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, 14.2 million Americans went on cruises, and that number is projected to increase by 57% in 2027, to 22.4 million. Travelers are prioritizing shared experiences with family and friends, and many like knowing how much a vacation will cost before the trip even starts. Since cruises are typically an all-in-one price, this makes them the perfect vacation for that. Disney Magic Additionally, over 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experiences as good or very good, which is why the industry has strong repeat business, with 93% of travelers booking again. Shorter cruises are becoming more popular, especially for people who can’t take off an entire week of work, school, or other obligations. While 7-night cruises are still the most popular, more Americans are booking cruises that are shorter in length. Captain Minnie and Daisy In 2025, 45% of U.S. passengers booked itineraries of 6 nights or less, compared to 2019 when 39% did the same. Travelers are looking for a quick getaway, so they book shorter cruises without having to take too much time away from daily routines and responsibilities. Working with travel agents can often be the best way to book cruises, since there are so many itineraries and destinations to choose from. They can often make sure you’re getting the best deal as well! Disney Cruise Line We’ll be on the lookout for more cruise news you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel updates — and check out our video on the Disney Cruise Line below! Check out more cruise news at the links below! Your 2027 Cruise Is About To Be A LOT More CrowdedBREAKING: Disney Announces BOOKING DATE for New Believe Cruise ShipFIRST LOOK At Construction on A Popular Cruise Line’s New ShipI’ve Done Both: Here’s Why I Choose a Family Cruise Over Disney World Every TimeThe ONE THING Every Disney Fan Wanted To Know About The Believe Cruise Ship Has Been Revealed! If you’re looking for help planning your next Disney cruise or Disney vacation, our friends at Small World Vacations are the best of the best! They can help you plan your entire Disney vacation from beginning to end and make sure you’re getting the absolute best deals, which can save you a TON of money. Make sure you check them out if you’re planning an upcoming Disney vacation! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning on cruising in 2027? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Something sneaky is happening over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Here at DFB, we keep in the loop with all the scheduled happenings in the Disney World parks, and we’ve already got quite a bit of information about what’s going on this holiday season. But a surprising schedule change has us wondering if Disney is keeping something under wraps! One of the best perks of working in Disney World is that you get free admission to the parks. However, Cast Members’ tickets are subject to blockout dates just like some of the levels of Disney World Annual Passes. Typically, there are more blockout dates during busier times of year, but this year, something is off in Animal Kingdom. We LOVE Cast Members! In past years, Animal Kingdom has been the easiest park for Cast Members to visit during the holiday season, but in 2026, the blockout dates are STRICT. Cast Members are blocked from the parks on the following dates: Magic Kingdom: November 10th, 11th, 23rd, 26th, December 18th-31st, January 1st-2nd Disney’s Animal Kingdom: December 20th-31st, January 1st-2nd EPCOT: December 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 23rd, 31st Disney’s Hollywood Studios: December 28th-30th Expedition Everest The blockout dates for Animal Kingdom last for two weeks straight, which has us wondering — is there something special happening at Animal Kingdom this holiday season that Disney hasn’t announced yet? Something that Disney expects will be very popular and draw large crowds?! So far, only the typical holiday celebrations for that park have been announced, so we’ll have to wait and see. Pandora Celebrations that we already know are happening at Animal Kingdom include the return of the Merry Menagerie, adorable animal-themed puppets that roam Discovery Island with live music. These are a big hit with the kiddos each year! And if you’re in Discovery Island at night, don’t forget to check out the holiday-themed Tree of Life Awakenings — the projections are simply stunning. Polar Bear Merry Menagerie puppets Also, you’ll be able not only to meet Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost, but Santa Claus is coming back to town! He’ll be meeting across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! inside Santa’s Holiday Grove. It’s going to be a “magical trail with intermittent snow flurries.” They’ll even have specialty food and beverage available! Santa Claus at Animal Kingdom in 2024 Of course, we’ll be on the lookout for any more news about offerings coming for the holidays. We’re just a few weeks away from the season starting in Disney World, which means we’ll be seeing decorations, special snacks, and holly jolly vibes EVERYWHERE. Animal Kingdom Christmas tree Heading to Animal kingdom soon? Check out our breakdown of the rides and attractions in this park on YouTube! For more tips and Disney news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media! Learn All About the Holidays in Disney World Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Animal Kingdom this holiday season? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We’re really exposing the DFB team here today! Where’s the crowd? Because these are the things that we ALWAYS do in Disney World – ranging from solid pro-planning advice to…some honestly embarrassing confessions. Check out our new video: 20 Things We Always Do on Every Disney World Trip 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

We still can’t believe how fast the year has gone by! The holidays are just around the corner, which means big changes are coming to Disney World, with MAJOR ones coming to EPCOT. EPCOT We are still enjoying eating and drinking everything that EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival has to offer, but the clock is ticking, and the festival is almost over. Once it ends, EPCOT will enter a very short period with no festival, before the park gets its final change of the year. So, what can we expect? It feels like yesterday that we were rope-dropping EPCOT, ready to run around the World Showcase to try all of the new eats and beverages that the Food and Wine Festival was bringing. Now, we only have one month left to enjoy the festival before it ends on November 21st. So, we have one month left to enjoy the food booths, the cheese crawl, and eat to the beat. 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Once the Food and Wine Festival comes to an end, there will be a five-day period where there is no festival going on. Which, if you ask us, is the strangest time to be at EPCOT. It’s like a weird lull period, where you wait from one festival to the next. Also, since the switch happens so quickly, you may see a mash-up of Food & Wine and holiday decor around the park and it’s like a fever dream. After that short period, the sleigh bells start to ring, the Christmas music comes on, and EPCOT sees arguably its biggest change of the year. Of course, we’re talking about EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, which officially begins on November 27th and goes through December 30th. The Festival of the Holidays in 2025! If you were to tell us that the Festival of the Holidays is your favorite EPCOT festival of the year, we wouldn’t be surprised. It brings festival kitchen booths around the park, holiday storytellers in the pavilions around World Showcase, a cookie stroll, gorgeous Christmas decorations, and holiday music to listen to all day long. 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Passport What may be our favorite part of the festival is the Candlelight Processional, which has a celebrity narrator retell the Christmas story. They’re accompanied by a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir. It’s an absolute must-do when you’re at the festival! Candlelight Processional There are also ride overlays that are coming to EPCOT on November 27th as well! Living with the Land becomes Glimmering Greenhouses, which essentially sees tons of Christmas lights and decorations added to the attraction. It’s an absolute must-do at night — trust us! Glimmering Greenhouses If you hadn’t heard, that’s not the only attraction that’s changing next month, as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will also be getting a holiday overlay! The changes for this ride actually begin on November 25th, 2026, and will stay until January 6th, 2027. The overlay will see three holiday songs replace the regular soundtrack. The songs include: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra 8 “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses ©Disney The park is going to look and feel completely different in one month, and as much as we love the Food and Wine Festival, we seriously can’t wait for the holiday transformation. We’re here to make sure you’re always prepared for your Disney World vacation, so make sure to keep following us at the Disney Food Blog! 2 More Permanent Closures Hit Disney World What other news should you check up on at Disney World? Check out the video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the holidays at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

2026 has already brought major changes to Disney World. Rides have closed and been replaced, construction has dominated the landscape, and we even learned that a new Yeti is FINALLY on the way to Expedition Everest. BoardWalk Now, with the end of the year in sight, two more permanent closures have hit the “Most Magical Place on Earth” before the calendar turns to 2027. Let’s take a look at the places you unfortunately won’t ever be able to experience again. Sunshine Churros Located at Disney Springs, Sunshine Churros was known for a unique twist on the iconic dessert, including churros topped with Pop Rocks, Dubai chocolate, and other flavor combinations. Many of these were part of the rotating Churro of the Month promotion. The two Disney Springs locations both closed on September 5th. Liberty Pop Churro Atlantic Dance Hall The BoardWalk saw the major opening of the Hurly-Burly Lounge in 2026, finally filling the gap left by Jellyrolls’ closure. However, the hotel also lost one of its longest-lasting locations. The Atlantic Dance Hall had long been a favorite of night owls at Disney World, as the hall often stayed open late into the night playing popular dance music. However, the venue closed on September 27th. As of October 1st, the venue became home to private events through Disney Meetings & Events and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Atlantic Dance Hall As mentioned, these closures are just two of several that hit Disney World this year. Other major ones have included: The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, which first opened at the then Disney-MGM Studios in 1999, was beloved by fans for nearly three decades before it closed in March. The ride closed forever to make way for… the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which is the same ride track, but now with Muppet theming and animatronics in the queue, and a soundtrack of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem performing tracks from Def Leppard, Blur, Steppenwolf, Ohio Players, and Katrina and the Waves. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Carousel of Progress — which has been operating in one form or another since its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, meaning it actually predates Disney World by over a decade — closed for a major refurbishment that will shift nearly everything about the 60+-year-old attraction, essentially permanently closing the version of the attraction as we knew it. The new version will attempt to keep the show “relatable for today’s audiences”; the whole show is being restructured. The show will now feature a Walt Disney animatronic in the pre-show, followed by new acts based on the 1960s (itself harkening back to the decade the show originally debuted), the 1980s, the 1999-turn of the millennium, and a “possible future” that will imagine a time where “extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.” The new take on the classic show is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2027. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress DINOSAUR, permanently closed in February. The opening day Animal Kingdom attraction — which was known as Countdown to Extinction in 1998 — was shuttered as part of the Tropical Americas expansion. It’s being refurbished into Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, which will be set in the 1950’s in a South American temple where Indy finds a passageway that leads to the Mayan underworld. This is arguably a fitting full-circle moment given that the ride system and layout of DINOSAUR was essentially a clone of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. DINOSAUR is gone, y’all In addition to those attractions, several retail locations at Disney Springs have closed this year, including clothing store Shore, cupcake location Sprinkles, and fashion retailer Francesca’s. Sprinkles Cupcakes is closed 2026 has seen a series of major closures at Disney World, with Sunshine Churros and Atlantic Dance Hall joining the ranks in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s evolution. Speaking of major changes at Disney World, what exactly is going on with alcohol at Disney World? Check it out in the video below! “As Long as It’s Moving, That’s a Fix.” Joe Rohde Shares Thoughts on Yeti at Disney’s Animal 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 Which of these closed attractions or locations do you miss most? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line provides unique opportunities designed to equip and prepare the next generation of Bahamian leaders. Aspiring culinary and maritime professionals from the University of the Bahamas and LJM Maritime Academy recently had the chance to step aboard Disney Cruise Line ships for exclusive tours and insights from the crew about careers at sea. From Classroom to Galley: Student Chefs Visit Disney Dream Disney Cruise Line regularly engages students from The University of the Bahamas through a variety of initiatives including the College of Tourism Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (The CALM), which works to inspire the next generation of chefs. Since 2019, Disney Cruise Line has hosted culinary students to learn first-hand about the culinary industry from Disney Cruise Line executive chefs and culinary leaders though in-depth career conversations and behind the scenes galley tours onboard its ships. In celebration of the University of The Bahamas Culinary Week, students recently had the opportunity to speak with Chef Andras and Chef Kamben aboard the Disney Dream where they learned more about all the possibilities of culinary careers at sea. As part of the culinary students’ shipboard experience, they participated in Disney Cruise Line’s “Anyone Can Cook” demonstration led by Chef Khemraj and Chef Antoine, where they observed the preparation of a signature dish, learned professional cooking techniques and engaged with a Disney chef to gain insights into the culinary world at sea. “University of The Bahamas is deeply grateful to Disney Cruise Line,” said Dean Mario Adderly, College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Leisure Management (The CALM). “For a number of years, in addition to other areas of support, Disney Cruise Line has been a major sponsor of The CALM Week at University of The Bahamas. A beloved highlight of this support is a ship tour for our students. The opportunity allows University of The Bahamas students to see the workings of front of house, back of house and food and beverage operations in real time. This collaboration helps bring classroom learning to life and gives our students invaluable insight into the dynamic careers that await them in the culinary and hospitality industries.” Future Mariners Explore Careers at Sea Through a strong relationship with LJM Maritime Academy, Disney Cruise Line supports scholarships and summer programming, which includes welcoming students aboard the fleet to learn about maritime careers and shipboard operations. Recently, 38 LJM Maritime Academy cadets stepped aboard the Disney Destiny for a ship tour that included meeting with the Engineering Officer for a tour of the ship’s engine room and a visit to the bridge for insight into ship navigation and steering. The tour concluded with a special surprise guest from Captain Mickey Mouse. Pathways for Learning: From Disney Cruise Line’s Workforce Investments to Creating Magic at Disney Parks Through collaboration with Bahamian educational institutions, Disney Cruise Line continues to support workforce development across The Bahamas, fostering career pathways and supporting the growth of future leaders and professionals. Disney Cruise Line also works with the University of The Bahamas by investing in the Leading Light Programme, which provides hospitality, management and job-readiness courses at no cost to participants. Initially launched in Eleuthera in 2024, the Leading Light Programme has now expanded to include students in Abaco, reinforcing Disney Cruise Line’s broader commitment to long-term skills development and employment readiness in The Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line Manager HR Bahamas, Leslie Lopez, plays a key role in bringing these programs to life. “As a Bahamian myself, I understand the meaning of the opportunities provided by Disney to support the career paths of young people in The Bahamas,” shared Leslie. “Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to introducing young professionals from our islands to the hospitality and maritime industries has been incredibly impactful.” Lopez also played a key role in bringing the first-ever group of Bahamian students to participate in a Disney Program at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Disney Programs provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity for professional and leadership development through Disney’s renowned learning and internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of future careers in hospitality, tourism and beyond. The Bahamian students gained experience in roles across Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, including food and beverage, custodial and merchandise. Beyond their roles and day-to-day work, the students connected with cast members and guests from around the world, participated in seminars featuring Disney leaders, gave back through Disney VoluntEARS, explored local Florida highlights and even toured the Disney Cruise Line’s ship, Disney Wish. Creating Lasting Impact in The Bahamas Since 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been committed to serving the port communities in which it sails around the world, including The Bahamas. While introducing countless families to the vibrant culture and natural beauty of The Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line prioritizes making meaningful community impact through a range of education, youth and local initiatives, reflecting long-term efforts making a positive impact across the islands that strengthens community connections and creates opportunities. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line news and community initiatives in The Bahamas, visit DisneyExperiences.com or Disney Cruise Line Crew & Community on Facebook. The post Disney Cruise Line Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Bahamian Leaders appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

It’s been more than six months since Bob Iger stepped down as Walt Disney Company CEO, a job he held for nearly two decades. Though this isn’t the first time Iger has stepped down as CEO, it does seem like this time, it’s actually going to stick. ©Disney Iger had been with Disney since 1996, when ABC was acquired by the House of Mouse, and he was instrumental in much of the company’s growth and various acquisitions throughout his tenure. In a new interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, Iger shed some light on his newly retired — if you can even call it that — life and his legacy at Disney. Bob Iger recently sat down with Robin Roberts to talk about life after Disney and said his “life today brings a welcomed change of pace.” “It’s definitely different. The days are quieter,” he shared. “Life is in a way smaller in many respects, and I like that.” Iger led Disney’s acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and he also spearheaded the launch of the Disney+ streaming service. His contributions to the company have already had lasting impacts that will be felt for years to come. ©Disney Roberts asked him what he considers to be his greatest accomplishment at Disney, and Iger expressed pride in maintaining the legacy of the company. “To have the opportunity not just to run the company like that, but to have the opportunity to grow the company and to strengthen the company and to hand it off to a successor, in a very healthy state, for instance, certainly, I think that would be up there,” he said. “That you know, I did no harm. In fact, I think I actually did some good.” He also said, “In addition to that, through the years of running the company, having the opportunity to bring joy to the world, to entertain the world, was extraordinary, and that’s a nice legacy to leave.” ©Disney When reflecting on things he would have changed about his tenure, Iger said he doesn’t spend much of his time “second-guessing.” “I’ve always tried to learn from the mistakes that I made. It turned out pretty well, so I probably wouldn’t want to do anything differently,” Iger said. “Obviously, if I could go back and say, ‘Well, why didn’t we make that movie?’ or, ‘Could have been better,’ there are a bunch of those. But you don’t really have that luxury.” ©Disney In his retirement, Iger is a new co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers with Josh Kushner, brother of President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. About his new gig, Iger said, “We really believe in today’s world in the value of convening people to have great experiences, and sports does that. We know that,” adding that his role with the Lakers is still to be determined. “People love to experience things together, and, you know, the Lakers are an incredible brand.” ©Disney He’s also continuing to promote causes close to his heart, and next week, he’ll be honored as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at the third annual PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala. “I’m receiving this award, in a way, as a means of recognizing the importance of culture in our world today, particularly the importance of art and culture,” Iger said. “I’m humbled by the fact that I’m getting the award, but it’s wonderful to be able to accept it as a means of helping this great organization and this great place.” He said that he continues to see the importance of arts and culture in bringing joy to people, just like he did at Disney. ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates from former and current Disney CEOs. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news — and check out our video below on some behind-the-scenes Disney drama! Check out more Disney CEO updates at the links below! DFB Video: Disney’s MAJOR Behind the Scenes Drama“Relentless Sabotage” Sacked Disney CEO Bob Chapek Breaks Silence in New Book: “It Pisses Me Off.”Former Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, Has A New Book Coming Out Next MonthDisney CEO Lays Out Future For Disney+…And It’s Not What You’d ThinkDisney CEO Announces Goals for the Company’s Upcoming Year Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a Bob Iger fan? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disneyland, there are so many different options across both of the parks. Everything from quick and easy to upscale and luxurious, you’ll be able to find on your visit. California Adventure We recently stopped by Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure to check out the menu, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? It’s time to find out! Atmosphere Lamplight Lounge is located on Pixar Pier and celebrates all things Pixar Animation. The outside of the building is very bright and colorful, and the sign actually has Luxo Jr., the Pixar Lamp, on it! Lamplight Lounge Entrance Once you go inside, Pixar details and concept art are everywhere! So much concept art! It covers the walls, and even the Restroom sign is a reference to Up. More details! This whole space is a dream for any Pixar fans, and as you explore, you are just met with more theming and details everywhere you look. We love visiting Lamplight Lounge Although our favorite piece of atmosphere in this space is the concept art chandelier that hangs from the staircase between the first and second floor, it is just beautiful to look at! Concept Art Chandelier But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Now let’s take a look at the lunch and dinner menu at Lamplight Lounge. This spot also serves brunch, but today we are focused on trying the lunch and dinner offerings, starting with the selection of Seasonal Offerings, Small Bites, and Bigger Bites. ©Disney There is also a selection of Plant-Based options in addition to Disney Check Meals and one kids’ offering. ©Disney There is also a Dessert and Non-Alcoholic Beverages menu. ©Disney We can’t forget about the Cocktails… ©Disney …the selection of Beer, Hard Cider, and Seltzer… ©Disney …and finally a large Wine selection. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Scream Canister for $21. This is made with Rum, Cream of coconut, and Pineapple & Orange Juices with Bitters. The Scream Canister This was super tasty and VERY strong! It had a lot of rum, with the cream of coconut as one of the most prominent flavors. This drink was creamy but not too tart, even though there were pineapple and orange juice flavors. We loved this one, and if you enjoy rum-based tropical drinks, this will be right up your alley. The Scream Canister We also got the Secret Menu DOLE Whip Shot for $20.75. This was absolutely delicious! It was classic creamy Dole Whip with a hint of Vanilla that worked together beautifully. It’s been around for years, and we hope it never goes away. It was so fun, and we will be grabbing this again on future visits. Secret Menu Dole Whip Shot Eats First up, we grabbed the Steak Au Poivre for $40. This is a New York Steak cooked to order, served with gravy on top, and a side of Truffle Fries. It’s a special right now, so it won’t be around forever! Steak Au Poivre The steak was a bit on the fattier side, but the marbling really made it taste fantastic. The gravy on top was delicious, with a great peppery taste, and paired well with the truffle fries. The truffle fries were crispy on the outside while soft on the inside, just how you want a french fry to be! The parmesan cheese and garlic flavors complemented the whole dish well. This was a great portion size and something we would try again! Steak Au Poivre We also grabbed the Potato Skins for $18. This is made with Paprika Aïoli, House Ranch, Cheddar, Bacon, Cheese Sauce, and Chives. Potato Skins The flavor here was fantastic, with great smoky notes and a nice crunch. However, this came with cheese that we felt did not blend with the dish; it was creamy, almost like a fancier ballpark nacho cheese, and did not work well with the rest of the textures. We asked for a side of sour cream, which was a great addition. If we ordered this again, we would probably ask for it without the cheese or ask for the cheese on the side so the texture does not get muddled. Potato Skins Finally, for dessert, we tried the Seasonal Donuts for $11. These are a staple here, but when we visited, the seasonal option was Arroz Con Leche Donuts dipped in cinnamon and sugar and topped with Arroz Con Leche and candied walnuts. Arroz Con Leche Donuts These were amazing donuts that were crispy outside and so fluffy on the inside. Plus, the Arroz Con Leche on top added a great flavor and really enhanced the texture even more. These were one of our favorite seasonal donut offerings we have ever tried at Lamplight Lounge! Arroz Con Leche Donuts Nosh or Not This Disneyland restaurant is a must-visit if… You love Pixar. As we mentioned earlier, this spot truly lives and breathes all things Pixar. So, if you love Pixar or just Disney concept art and hidden details, then this should be a must-try on your next trip to Disneyland. You are looking for a fantastic drink. On this visit, we were blown away by the quality and strength of the drinks we tried. So, if you are looking to just grab a drink and enjoy some lovely ambiance on your Disney California day, this would be a great place to visit even if you don’t order any food. You are looking for a more unique menu. Lamplight Lounge is known for having a more elevated and creative menu than what you might typically find around a theme park. The menu items, especially the drinks, are all themed and designed to bring a little Pixar flair to your meal. So, if you and your party love trying new food and want something more fun and unique, this is an incredible spot to visit. You should skip this Disneyland spot if… You are looking to dine on a budget. This is definitely a more expensive dining location with many items that are much pricier than other food you might find around the park. So, if you are looking to feed a big group or want great food at a reasonable price, then this might not be the best place for you to eat on your vacation. You have pickier eaters or kids in your party. As we mentioned before, this menu is more unique, which could make it more difficult if you have a group with pickier eaters. Also, there is only one item available on the kids’ menu, so if your kiddo is not interested in that option or sharing any of the regular menu items, this would not be the best place to eat. You are looking for a quick bite to eat. This is a sit-down lounge-style experience designed for relaxing and enjoying some good food and drinks. But if you want to maximize rides and experiences on your day in Disney California Adventure, then a quick-service spot might be the way to go for your group. Overall We really love taking a visit to Lamplight Lounge! The ambiance and atmosphere are incredible, especially for Pixar lovers, and the drinks really blew us away. While the food we tried this visit was not the best we’ve ever gotten, the Steak Au Poivre was really delicious, and we were impressed by the Seasonal Donut offering. If you love Pixar, great drinks, yummy food, and relaxing while in Disneyland, this spot is worth checking out! Lamplight Lounge In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disneyland, Disney World, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Disneyland Food Rule First-Timers ALWAYS Get Wrong 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! 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