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If you’ve done Disney World or Disneyland a few times, you probably have your park bag down to a science: ponchos, portable charger, Mickey ears, and blister bandages. Get ready to set sail! But a Disney Cruise is a totally different kind of vacation, and your tried-and-true park packing list won’t cover everything you’ll want on board. Between relaxing sea days, stateroom living, port adventures, and cruise-only traditions, there are a handful of items that make a big difference at sea. Here’s what we’d add to the suitcase before sailing away. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 1. Luggage Tag Holders with Retractable Lanyards ©Amazon Before your Disney Cruise, you’ll print out luggage tags to attach to the bags you’re checking at the port, and paper tags don’t always survive the trip from the car to your stateroom door. These Cruise On Disney Cruise Luggage Tag Holders come in a 4-pack and fit all ship and baggage tags, so your printed tags stay protected and easy for the crew to read. View on Amazon 2. Magnetic Hooks Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks Here’s a cruise hack that surprises a lot of first-timers: Disney Cruise Line stateroom walls are metal, which means magnets stick! These Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks come in a 6-pack and hold up to 30 pounds each, so you can create extra hanging space in a cabin where every inch counts. We like using them for hats, lanyards, day bags, and damp swimsuits after a trip to the pool. You’d have no reason to pack these for a Disney World resort room, but on a ship they instantly make your stateroom feel more organized. view ON AMAZON 3. Disney Cruise Insulated Tumbler for Soda ©Amazon One of the best perks of sailing with Disney Cruise Line is that soda is included at the beverage stations on board. That makes this Disney Cruise Mickey & Minnie Mouse Bon Voyage Tumbler a must-pack. Fill it with your favorite soda (or ice water) and take it to the pool deck, a show, or back to your stateroom without worrying about a flimsy cup. The stainless steel keeps drinks cold in the hot sun, and the Bon Voyage ship design is just too cute to pass up. View on Amazon 4. A smaller bag to carry around ©Amazon At the parks, most of us haul around a backpack full of supplies. On a cruise, you really don’t need much — especially on port days and beach days. This BAGGU Fanny Pack, with an embroidered Mickey Mouse Club design, is the right size for your Key to the World card, ID, phone, sunscreen, and lip balm. It keeps your hands free for exploring a port or heading off to your excursion, and the embroidered design adds a fun Disney touch without looking over the top. view ON AMAZON 5. Disney Sudoku Puzzle Book ©Amazon Sea days are a totally new experience if you’re used to rope-drop-to-fireworks park days. There’s no rush, and nowhere you have to be, so it’s the perfect time to slow down with something relaxing. This Disney Sudoku Puzzle Book is a great poolside or balcony companion, and it doesn’t need Wi-Fi or a charger. It’s also handy for downtime while you wait for your dinner rotation or for the next show to start. View on Amazon 6. Kindle ©Amazon If you’re a reader, a cruise is the vacation where you’ll finally have time to dig into your to-be-read pile. This PopSockets Mickey Dots Kindle Paperwhite Case fits the 12th generation Kindle Paperwhite and works with a PopSocket grip, so it’s easy to hold while you’re lounging on a deck chair. The white case with Mickey polka dots keeps things fun and Disney-themed, and a Kindle is much easier to pack than a stack of paperbacks. You likely wouldn’t have much time to read at the parks, but on a cruise, it’s one of our favorite ways to unwind. view ON AMAZON 7. Motion Sickness Bands ©Amazon The Disney ships are big and smooth, but some guests still feel the motion of the ocean, especially on rougher sea days. These HIONXMGA Motion Sickness Bands are acupressure wristbands designed to help with nausea, and they come in a 6-pair pack with sizes for both adults and kids. Many cruisers swear by them as a drug-free option, and they’re easy to keep in your bag just in case. Since the pack includes six pairs, the whole family can be covered for the full sailing. Even if you don’t find yourself getting sick from rides at the parks, the ocean is a different story. view ON AMAZON 8. Disney Cross-Stitch Kit ©Amazon If you’d rather keep your hands busy on a sea day, this Classic Disney Cross-Stitch Kit is a fun option. It’s officially licensed, designed for adults, and makes for a cozy activity to work on from your balcony or a quiet corner of the ship. By the time you’re back home, you might even have a finished Disney piece to display as a souvenir from your trip. It’s definitely not something you’d want to bring along on a park day, but it’s perfect for a slower cruise pace. view ON AMAZON 9. Mickey Mouse Reversible Bucket Hat ©Amazon There’s a lot of sun on a cruise — on the pool deck, at the port, and especially on a beach day. This Disney Mickey Mouse Reversible Bucket Hat gives you shade from every angle, and the soft construction means you can squish it into your bag without ruining it. At the parks, you might be tempted to wear your Mickey ears all day, but a bucket hat is much more practical when you’re lounging by the water. Plus, it’s reversible, so you basically get two looks for the price of one. view ON AMAZON 10. Fiber ©Amazon Let’s be honest: cruise food is one of the best parts of the trip, but between rotational dining, room service, and late-night snacks, your diet will probably look a little different than usual. These Metamucil Fiber Supplement Stick Packs come in a 21-count box of single-serve, mixed berry packets that mix clear into water. They’re easy to toss in your carry-on so you can stick to your normal routine while you enjoy all that cruise food. It’s not the most glamorous item on the list, but it’s one you’ll be glad you packed. view ON AMAZON 11. Fish Extender ©Amazon Fish extenders are one of the most fun Disney Cruise traditions, and they’re completely unique to cruising. Guests hang an organizer outside their stateroom door, and families in a group exchange small gifts by dropping them into each other’s pockets during the sailing. This RUNROLE 4-Pocket Fish Extender is a 10-inch-wide canvas organizer that you can customize with your family’s names. Even if you don’t join a fish extender group, it’s a cute way to decorate your door and help your kids easily spot your stateroom in the long hallways. view ON AMAZON 12. Fish Extender Gifts ©Amazon If you’re joining a fish extender exchange, you’ll need small gifts to hand out, and these Mouse Party Favors Bubble Wands are an easy win. They come in a 24-pack with multicolored glitter and a mouse ear pattern, so you’ll have plenty to go around. They’re a fun little surprise for kids to find in their fish extender, and they’re inexpensive enough to share with your whole group. view ON AMAZON 13. Snorkelling Gear ©Amazon If your Disney Cruise is heading to Castaway Cay, there is an awesome snorkel experience, and you can bring your own gear. Bringing your own gear means you don’t have to rent equipment, and you know exactly where it’s been. This Zyltine Snorkeling Gear for Adults includes a panoramic, anti-fog mask with tempered glass and an anti-leak design. It’s also foldable, so it packs down easily in your suitcase. You’ll never need snorkel gear at Disney World, but on a Disney Cruise, it can make your beach days even better. view ON AMAZON A Disney Cruise has all the magic you love from the parks, but life at sea calls for a slightly different packing list. 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! What’s one item you always pack for a Disney Cruise that you’d never bring to the parks? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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Even after a long Disney vacation, we often find ourselves craving the feel of a Disney resort. ©Disney It doesn’t matter how many times we visit the Disney Parks or stay at the Disney hotels — we’re always longing to return. Fortunately, there are TONS of essentials and souvenirs available online that can absolutely hold you over until your next visit! From special cookbooks to Mickey-shaped kitchenware, it’s never been easier to turn your kitchen into a Disney-inspired wonderland! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You can replicate famous Disney snacks right at home! Cookbooks! The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set comes with three books: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, and The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook — all by Ashley Craft. These books let you recreate your favorite meals from Disney World and Disneyland, including Mickey Pretzels, DOLE Whip, recipes from the EPCOT pavilions and festivals, and some of our favorite table-service and quick-service meals! BUY ON AMAZON If you’re looking for something more retro, this next cookbook is for you ©Amazon The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook offers more of a blast from the past and takes you on a culinary journey that you thought was no longer possible. Written by Julie Tremaine and Carly Carmanna (and featuring a foreword by the legendary Bob Gurr), this cookbook features 60+ recipes inspired by legendary Disney dining spots as well as snacks and drinks that are no longer with us. Some recipes include: The Handwich Monorail cocktails from the Monorail Club Car at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Some of Walt Disney’s personal favorites, like his legendary chili and the Scotch Mist Lamb Chops with Mint Jelly, from Disneyland’s fine dining Red Wagon Inn Taco Salad in a Ta-Cup, from Disneyland’s Casa de Fritos (where Doritos were invented) Carrot Cake Cookie from Writer’s Stop from MGM Studios Goat Cheese Dip from EPCOT’s Restaurant Marrakesh The original and “new” Kungaloosh cocktails from Pleasure Island’s Adventurers Club Iced Felucian Blue Shrimp Cocktail from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser You’ll also learn the stories behind long-gone restaurants (like the Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55 and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in the Muppets Courtyard) and the dishes they served! BUY ON AMAZON Make your home smell like a popular Disney World hotel ©Amazon Disney’s Polynesian Resort is beloved among many Disney fans, and if you fall into that category, you’ll LOVE this souvenir! The Walter & Rosie Candle Co. Polynesian Scented Candle is inspired by the tropical Disney World resort, featuring a scent filled with sweet melon and creamy coconut. Each candle is filled with 11 ounces of wax and can burn for approximately 40 hours. BUY ON AMAZON Decorate your cabinets with a Mickey theme ©Amazon You can have a kitchen full of Mickey ears thanks to this Mickey Ceramic Cabinet Handles Set! Available in sets of two, four, or six in a variety of colors, these handles are sturdy, durable, and can also be used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. BUY ON AMAZON Make Mickey waffles at home ©Disney Missing those morning Mickey waffles from your favorite character dining spot? Check out this Mickey & Minnie Double Flip Waffle Maker! It comes in white and blue, with one side baking up to three Mickey-shaped waffles, while the other makes three Minnie-shaped waffles. It’s designed with nonstick waffle plates for easy release and quick cleanup, and comes equipped with a rotating flip feature. BUY ON AMAZON Pick up a new Mickey pitcher ©Disney This Mickey Mouse Icon Glass Pitcher is simple, yet fairly elegant. It sports an all-around ridged design that makes the Mickey icon stand out. This glass pitcher is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE Serve up snacks with a little bit of Disney magic ©Disney The Mickey Mouse Icon Melamine Chip and Dip Bowl is perfect for parties and when you’re in a snacking mood! This bowl is made of heavy, high-quality melamine and features three compartments so you can keep your snacks and treats separated. BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE We’re OBSESSED with this cute nesting bowl set ©Disney Add even more Mickey Mouse imagery to your kitchen with this Mickey Mouse Icon Nesting Bowl Set! It comes with three ceramic bowls — the smallest tan bowl features embossed Mickey icons covering the exterior, the medium bowl is off-white and features tan Mickey icon screen art, and the largest bowl is off-white with embossed Mickey icons along the rim. The bowls nest within each other, and each is microwave – and dishwasher-safe. BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE You’ll spot even more icons on this serving platter ©Disney This new Mickey Mouse Icon Serving Platter is shallow enough to serve a charcuterie, but can also be used for fun offerings like a brunch spread or cookies! This stoneware essential features embossed Mickey icons around the inner rim and is safe for hand-washing only. BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE Pick up a super cute butter dish ©Disney Lastly, we want to highlight this new Mickey Mouse Icon Butter Dish! This stoneware tray holds a standard-size stick of butter and is covered by a lid that features a fluted Mickey icon design and a top handle. BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE And there you have it! For more Disney souvenir finds that will make your home feel like a Disney Resort, keep it posted right here at DFB! View the full article
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Okay, so technically it might be just slightly too early to start celebrating Christmas, BUT it’s certainly not too early to start shopping! The Holiday season is right around the corner, and whether you start celebrating and putting up decorations before Halloween or hold off on all festivities until December starts, it is never too early to start shopping. ©Loungefly Especially when Loungefly just dropped five new bag designs! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Now, we typically talk about tons of incredible Disney Loungefly bags, but instead, today we will be diving into the perfect bags to grab for any Sesame Street, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, or Marvel fans in your life. Starting with the Sesame Street Exclusive Mystery Mini Backpack Charms ©Loungefly This is a mystery collection where you will find one of six mini Loungefly charms themed to one of your favorite Sesame Street characters. Including Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and Big Bird. Each mystery pack comes with one mini bag, so make sure to snag a few if you want to try to collect them all! VIEW ON LOUNGEFLY Next up is this Katniss Everdeen Cosplay Mini Backpack ©Loungefly Now, if you have any Hunger Games fans in your life, this might be the perfect bag to grab for them this Holiday season! This bag is designed to look like Katniss’s outfit from the arena in the first movie, complete with her Mockingjay pin. Plus, our favorite detail has to be the braided handle meant to look like Katniss’s iconic braid. Any Katniss Everdeen fans out there need this bag! VIEW ON LOUNGEFLY Next is the District 12 Oversized Canvas Tote Bag ©Loungefly Now, if you know any Hunger Games fans looking for some slightly more subtle merch, you can grab them this classic black and brown tote featuring the iconic Mockingjay pin. You can’t go wrong with a cute tote bag, especially when it is themed to someone’s favorite series! VIEW ON LOUNGEFLY Then you need to see this Wizard’s Chess Crossbody Bag ©Loungefly Okay, this bag is seriously SO cool! If you know any Harry Potter fans, this bag would be an amazing gift to grab this Holiday season. It features the iconic game from the series, Wizard Chess, with chess pieces on a metal chain that can be ACTUALLY moved around the bag. This is a perfect gift for anyone who wants a super interesting and unique Harry Potter gift. VIEW ON LOUNGEFLY Lastly is the Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Crossbody Bag ©Loungefly This bag is just too cute! It features this adorable design of Groot with flowers lining the strap of the bag, and even one more flower on the back. If you know someone who loves Guardians of the Galaxy, you might just have to add this bag to your cart. VIEW ON LOUNGEFLY We are obsessed with all of these new bags! Will you be purchasing any for gifts this Holiday season? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! View the full article
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If you want to add a magical touch to your outfit without screaming “I’M A FAN OF DISNEY,” we’ve got the perfect jewelry pieces for you! Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings We were recently scouring Amazon for the latest Disney finds (as any sane person normally does), and we came across a few pieces of jewelry that would be perfect to upgrade any Disney outfit without making a full scene! Let’s take a look at some subtle Disney earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Hoop Earrings, But Make Them Mickey! Mickey Hoop Earrings First up, we have the Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings! You can either get these in silver, gold, or pink, and they are made with a hypoallergenic metal and a hinged back closure. They are embellished with cubic zirconia, which gives them a perfect amount of shine. These add the perfect amount of Disney magic to your outfit without being too overwhelmingly Disney. view ON AMAZON A Similar Pattern Can Be Found On This Bracelet ©BaubleBar This BaubleBar Mickey Mouse Head Tennis Bracelet gives off the same vibes as the earrings above! It’s available in Clear/Gold, Gold, or Multi-Colored, and in sizes 6.15, 6.75, and 7.15. It’s made with gold-plated brass, so not only stylish, but it’s also durable and long-lasting, and you don’t have to worry about your wrist turning green. view ON AMAZON Pair It With This BaubleBar Necklace! ©Amazon The BaubleBar Disney Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Better Half Necklace pairs perfectly with the earrings and bracelet above! This necklace features sparkling silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie, symbolizing a love that’s meant to be. It comes in this gold color, is made of brass, and has a lobster clasp at the back. view ON AMAZON Or, You Can Grab This Castle Necklace Instead ©Amazon If you’d rather have one of the Disney icons on your necklace over the characters, grab the AOCHEE Castle Fairytale Pendant Necklace! This necklace comes in gold, rose gold, or silver, and is made of stainless steel. Complete with a lobster clasp in the back, it’s long-lasting, durable, and does not tarnish. view ON AMAZON Fans Of The Lost Princess Are RUNNING To Get This Ring ©Amazon If your favorite Disney Princess is Rapunzel, then you’re in luck because the Jewelili Enchanted Disney Rapunzel Sun Ring is MEANT for you! Made of yellow gold with a white diamond in the middle, this ring features Rapunzel’s iconic sun to celebrate her adventurous spirit. It’s available in sizes 5 through 9. view ON AMAZON Store Your Jewelry In Style With This Trinket Box ©Amazon You’re going to need to store your jewelry somewhere to keep it safe, so why not keep it in the QIFU Hand Painted Enamel Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage Trinket Box! The main body of this box is made of zinc alloy, which makes it firmer and more durable than other jewelry boxes. It’s finished with smooth enamel and rhinestones for a magical feel. 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
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ONE day at Magic Kingdom next Christmas could cost a family of four $916 just to get through the gate. Add on $232 for breakfast at ‘Ohana. And up to $100 more if you wanna skip the line at TRON — once. That’s over $1,200, and you haven’t even had lunch yet. Disney rolled out price increases a week after Americans said they feel worse about the economy than they have since 2014. Let’s go! So whether you’re planning a trip or you just wanna see how expensive Disney World is now, stick around, because we’re covering everything that changed and why Disney keeps doing this. Check out our new video: The REAL Reason Disney World Keeps Getting More Expensive 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
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If you’ve ever stood in the long TSA line at Orlando International Airport (MCO), holding your souvenir bags and wondering if you’ll make your flight, this one’s for you. Orlando International Airport A brand-new study ranking the most (and least) stressful airports in the country just came out, and Orlando landed at #15 — not the worst of the bunch, but definitely not one of the calmest, either. Honestly? For anyone who has flown in or out of MCO, that spot probably won’t come as a shock. Let’s break down what the numbers say about MCO, how it compares to other airports, and what you can do to make your next trip to Disney World a little smoother from the moment you get to the airport. How the Airport Stress Ranking Works Rightway Parking analyzed 55 major airports in the U.S. across five factors to rank the most and least stressful airports to fly through: Delay rate Cancellation rate How much delays have worsened since 2021 How far the airport is from downtown How long it takes to get there from downtown The flight data comes from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, using 2025 numbers for delays and cancellations and a 2021-to-2025 look at how delays have changed over time. Each factor was scored on a 0-to-100 scale and weighted equally, so an airport that struggles in several categories rises quickly toward the top of the “stressful” list. Orlando International Airport Where Orlando Landed (and Why) Orlando International came in at #15 out of 55, which puts it firmly in the more-stressful half of the list. Here’s how MCO’s numbers stack up: Delay rate: 24.22% Cancellation rate: 1.04% Change in delays since 2021: 9.05% The delay rate is the big one. Roughly 1 in 4 flights out of MCO left late, which isn’t far behind the airports with the most delays in the study, with Dallas/Fort Worth (27.86%), West Palm Beach (26.00%), and Denver (25.40%) as the top three. If you’ve ever watched your departure time creep back while waiting at the gate, you’re definitely not alone. Frontier Plane at the Orlando Airport The good news is that cancellations are relatively rare. At 1.04%, MCO sits just above the sub-1% cancellation rates of the least stressful airports, and well below Reagan National’s study-high 3.86%. In other words, your flight is much more likely to leave late than not leave at all. MCO’s delay trend is also fairly mild compared to some airports. Delays there have grown 9.05% since 2021, while they jumped 79.90% at Charlotte Douglas and 73.92% at Reagan National over the same stretch. So why does Orlando still rank in the top 15? It’s the combination. MCO is one of the busiest airports in the country, and it deals with a steady stream of vacationers (often big families with strollers and lots of luggage), peak travel weeks tied to school breaks, and Florida’s famous afternoon thunderstorms — all of which can stack up into delays and long lines. No single number is extreme, but those everyday pressures add up across the five factors. MCO Airport Security The Most and Least Stressful Airports in the U.S. If MCO feels hectic, it could be worse. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) took the #1 spot as the most stressful airport in the study, followed by Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at #2 and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) at #3. DFW pairs a 27.86% delay rate (the highest in the study) with a 33.67% increase in delays since 2021, and it sits 22 miles from downtown. O’Hare has a 24.68% delay rate — nearly identical to MCO’s — but its delays have climbed 42.77%, and the trip from downtown takes about 50 minutes. Reagan National is close to the city, but it has the highest cancellation rate in the study at 3.86%, and its delay rate has jumped 73.92%. At the opposite end of the ranking, Salt Lake City International (SLC) is the least stressful airport in the study, followed by San Jose International (SJC) and Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL). All three have cancellation rates below 1%, relatively short trips from downtown, and lower delay rates than many of the airports near the top of the list. So if you’re flying to Disney World from SLC, San Jose, or Honolulu, you might just get the calmer half of your travel day out of the way first! MCO Airport How to Make Your MCO Trip Less Stressful You can’t control the weather or air traffic, but you can control a lot of what happens on the ground. Here are our top tips for a smoother trip in and out of Orlando. 1. Book a Free Security Time with MCO Reserve If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, MCO Reserve (powered by CLEAR) is one of the best-kept secrets at the airport. It’s completely free and lets you book a time slot for your whole party to go through security using a dedicated lane. Terminals A, B, and C all have MCO Reserve lanes. You can book your slot up to 7 days in advance, but spots are limited each day, so grab one early. When you arrive, scan the QR code from your confirmation and head straight to TSA to have your ID and boarding pass checked. Screening hours vary by terminal (Terminal C, for example, runs from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), so check the MCO Reserve page for your terminal and flight time before booking. It’s meant for standard-screening passengers, so TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus members should stick to their own lanes. With roughly 1 in 4 MCO flights delayed, taking the guesswork out of the security line is one easy way to cut down on travel-day stress. ©MCO Reserve 3. Check Security Wait Times Before You Leave The Orlando International Airport website shows real-time security wait times for each checkpoint, and so does the MCO app. A quick look before you leave your resort can help you decide whether you can squeeze in one last breakfast or need to hit the road right away. ©MCO 3. Know Your Terminal MCO has three terminals with separate security checkpoints. Terminals A and B share the main terminal building, while Terminal C is a separate building connected by a train. Double-check which terminal your airline uses so you don’t end up waiting in the wrong security line or riding back and forth. Terminal C 4. Fly Earlier in the Day When You Can Delays tend to snowball as the day goes on, and Central Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms (especially in summer) can cause ground stops and pushbacks. Morning flights generally give you a better shot at leaving on time and more rebooking options if something goes wrong. Southwest Airlines at MCO 5. Pad Your Schedule Rightway Parking’s own advice from the study is to build in extra time for the drive, security, and a possible delay. At MCO, that’s especially true during holidays, spring break, and summer. If you’re booking a Disney World transfer, rideshare, or rental car return, give yourself more buffer than you think you need. TSA lines at MCO Orlando’s #15 spot on the airport stress ranking won’t surprise anyone who’s battled a packed security line or a late-afternoon delay at MCO. A little planning goes a long way. Be sure to follow DFB for more travel tips and news. How to Bring Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies From Disney World Through TSA 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 Where does your home airport land on the list? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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It’s the backside of water! There is no denying that one of the most iconic Disney rides ever is the Jungle Cruise. This silly boat ride adventure has been a Disney staple since the very beginning. ©Tokyo Disney Not only is it a fan-favorite ride in the U.S. at Disney World and Disneyland, but it also exists in many of the international Disney parks as well. However, in one of these parks, it is about to experience an extended closure. It has officially been announced that the Jungle Cruise in Tokyo Disneyland will be closing from January 6th, 2027, through March 31st, 2027. Meaning that this iconic attraction will be closed for almost three months. Now, Disney has not shared the official reason behind this closure, although many believe that it might be the next step in the large-scale updates and expansions happening around the park. ©Tokyo Disney Now, a major refurbishment and re-theming is currently underway in the Tomorrowland section of the park. It has been confirmed that a Wreck-It Ralph ride, Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, would be taking over the space formerly home to Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. ©Disney This ride will transport guests into the world of Sugar Rush as they team up with Ralph and Vanellope as they try to take down King Candy, and it will open sometime in 2027. ©Disney This new Tomorrowland is also getting a reimagining of Space Mountain called Space Mountain Earthrise and will be a totally new version of this attraction with an entirely reimagined story. This version will have guests start on Earth before being launched into space for an all-new adventure, which is also set to open sometime in 2027. ©Disney Finally, an all-new restaurant is set to open in Tomorrowland in 2027 called Element Express. Disney has yet to reveal many details about this new restaurant, but it does appear to be a new quick-service location. ©Disney Tokyo Given the major re-theme of Tomorrowland, some fans have speculated that the extended closure of Jungle Cruise could mean more updates and changes would be coming to other areas around the park, such as Adventureland. While this is certainly possible, a three-month closure is not typically long enough to create a new theme or make extensive updates. So, it is probably more likely that the Jungle Cruise closure will be more focused on maintenance or smaller-scale updates to improve the attraction. ©Disney Tokyo However, back in 2025, the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney, did release new concept art for a potentially updated version of Adventureland, including rides themed to Up and The Incredibles. This expansion could then lead to the closure of several Adventureland classics, such as the Jungle Cruise. These changes have yet to be officially confirmed, and they were teased as part of a theme park expansion that would take place from 2029 through 2035. So while this specific Jungle Cruise closure may not mean a big change is coming, it is possible this attraction could close, and Adventureland could experience major expansion in the next decade. ©Disney We will continue to bring you all the Disney news from around the world, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Is It Cheaper To Go To Tokyo Disney Than Disney World? We Did The Math If you want more information on Tokyo Disney, make sure to check out EVERYTHING you need to know before you visit 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 do you think of this closure news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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2027 is right around the corner! Can you hear us screaming? Is it fear? Is it excitement? We’ll never know. Chip at Riviera Resort! Whether we’re ready for it or not, 2027 is around the corner, and that means that we need to be prepared for new experiences to hit Disney World. You know we’ll be first in line to cover them, so you know what to expect, but we’ve got to admit — sometimes we’re caught off guard by changes too! In preparation, we just reached out to our team to see what they thought some of the biggest changes for 2027 will be, and we’re telling you now, there’s one of them that’s really going to surprise you. Major Tomorrowland Changes More than one member of our team thinks that BIG changes are on the way for Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom. Not only would this be on par with some of the changes coming to other parks, but let’s be real… it’s about time. Now, hang on, don’t get mad at us! When it was created, Tomorrowland was supposed to be a look at the future, hence the name, but that’s no longer the case. It’s a big reason why Carousel of Progress is undergoing the major refurbishment it is now — the final scene was once the future, but now, we’ve pretty much got all the then-nonexistent technology it featured. Tomorrowland We’re specifically looking at Tomorrowland Speedway here, as well as Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. As much as we love the Laugh Floor, when Montropolis opens, it’ll feel really out of place, and if they close it with no attraction replacing it, that means there will be TWO empty buildings in one land (the other is where Stitch’s Great Escape used to be). As for Tomorrowland Speedway, the version in Disneyland is seeing some updates in terms of electric ride vehicles, and at the very least, we’re hoping for the same for the Disney World edition. Tomorrowland Speedway Disneyland also announced a major refurbishment coming to their Tomorrowland, and we’re really thinking that’s just the tip of the iceberg — we’ve got a feeling Disney World is absolutely next. MASSIVE Changes Coming to Tomorrowland in Disneyland Popular Disney World Restaurants Will Be Dethroned There are numerous new additions coming to Disney World — Villains Land and Piston Peak in Magic Kingdom, Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and, again, Monstropolis in Hollywood Studios. While new restaurants are coming to these lands, as well as new attractions, we’ve got a strong feeling that Harryhausen’s will be one that comes out on top. So much so that we’re thinking it’ll dethrone some current Disney World table-service favorites. ©Disney So far, we know that this iconic sushi restaurant from the original film will be coming to life, and that Michael Hundgen, Vice President of Creative at Walt Disney Imagineering, has confirmed that it’ll be “unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World.” The menu will feature “grossly fun” food, described as familiar flavors reimagined with monster-inspired twists. The team has already revealed they’re working on ramen bowls inspired by traditional Japanese flavors but with “monster-sized personality,” which will feature classic ingredients like rich tonkotsu broth and alkaline ramen noodles, plus others with monster twists like fishcake sliced to look like eyeballs and green eggs. ©Disney We’ve got a feeling that once this spot opens, people will be rushing to get reservations here instead of ‘Ohana, Topolino’s Terrace, and other heavy hitters that are often nearly impossible to get reservations for. That means we’ll all just need to keep our eyes peeled and act fast! “Menu Unlike Anything Else” and Monster Sushi Chef Teased for Disney World’s New Restaurant! Pueblo Esperanza Won’t Be Ready Finally, here’s the heavy hitter — numerous members of our team are convinced that, despite what Disney has said, Pueblo Esperanza 100% will not be open in time before the end of 2027. Yes, we know that’s over a year away, but based on construction photos we’ve seen, and just how much there is left to do, we’re really starting to worry. Not to mention, Disney quietly removed the opening timeline from any mention in mid-September — yeah, not a good sign. Tropical Americas construction This new land will have three new rides: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, not to mention the new play area that’s also being added. Yeah, that’s a LOT of work to get done, and considering Disney isn’t even close to finishing the actual rides, the exterior isn’t even close to being done, there’s tons of landscaping left to accomplish, and ride testing still needs to be done before it’s safe for the public. Yeah, that’s a lot to do before the end of 2027, and we’re struggling to believe they’ll stick to that timeline. Disney Quietly Removes Tropical Americas Opening Timeline Want to see some of the latest Animal Kingdom news straight from our park walks? Check out our video below! We’ll continue to keep you updated on everything Animal Kingdom, so stay tuned to DFB! 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 What else do you predict is going to happen in Disney World in 2027? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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Six Flags has released a new official statement sharing several updates with guests and Passholders. ©Six Flags This statement outlines increased safety measures and the current status of the Goliath coaster following the tragic incident that took place at Six Flags Over Georgia. We are bringing you all the most important information from this update. In the statement, Six Flags began to outline a new safety measure that will be put in place on several coasters across their parks. Additional restraints in the form of seatbelts will now be added to the Goliath coaster as well as coasters around the Six Flags parks that have a similar restraint system. ©Six Flags Six Flags shared, “Safety guides every decision we make, from the design and operation of our attractions to the training and procedures our teams follow every day. We are reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures.” They also explained that their ride operators are extremely well trained on safety measures, sharing, “Our ride operators complete a comprehensive, multistage training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on training and supervised, on-the-job experience, with additional instruction and evaluation provided as necessary. We remain focused on reinforcing these practices and supporting our employees in their responsibility to put safety first.” ©Six Flags In addition to this reassurance that safety precautions are at the core of Six Flags and will continue to be upheld with high standards moving forward, they also shared a statement from Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly. Here, he shared an update on the Goliath coaster: “Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia remains closed pending necessary safety reviews and clearances. Eight additional rides at five other parks are temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Across the country Six Flags parks remain open, with over 220 roller coasters still in operation. ©Six Flags Reilly also shared, “I know trust is earned through actions and not words. As CEO of Six Flags, I take that responsibility personally. We will continue to communicate about our progress and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to you.” We are glad to see Six Flags taking the necessary precautions to find what caused the tragic incident at the Goliath coaster and ensure the safety of all guests moving forward. ©Six Flags We will continue to keep you informed of any other Six Flags news or updates, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article
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I’ll be honest: I never planned on becoming the “pregnant at Disney World” expert, but here we are! Across two pregnancies, I’ve visited Disney World multiple times, at just about every stage you can imagine. Disney World is full of celebrations! I’ve battled early first-trimester nausea and lived on comfort food. I’ve had the dream mid-pregnancy trip where I felt like I could conquer every park. And I’ve waddled around at 35 weeks with ankles so swollen I barely recognized them for 14 hours. Along the way, I learned a lot (sometimes the hard way!) about what makes a pregnant park day magical and what makes it miserable. So if you’re expecting and have a trip on the calendar, here’s my realistic breakdown of how I survived, and how you can too. Quick note: Every pregnancy is different, so check with your doctor before your trip and listen to your body once you’re there. Timing Matters More Than You Think The biggest lesson I learned? When you go makes a huge difference in how your trip feels. Here’s how each trimester played out for me. First trimester: This stage can be rough. I was very nauseous and just generally felt unwell for a lot of it. Big rides and big meals weren’t exactly calling my name, so I leaned hard on my comfort foods (French fries became my best friend). Second trimester: This was the sweet spot! On my trip at 20 weeks, I had plenty of energy, zero food aversions, and walking still felt easy instead of overwhelming. Honestly, in my pregnancy, if I’d waited even another month, the trip would have been so much harder. Third trimester: At 35 weeks during the 50th anniversary, the long park days caught up with me fast. By the end of the day, I had swelled up like a blimp. If you have any flexibility on when you book, think about where you’ll be in your pregnancy and plan accordingly. If your trip is already set, no worries. The tips below will help no matter which trimester you’re in. Second trimester makes it easier to get around Disney! Know What You Can (and Can’t) Ride Before you go, take some time to understand which attractions are off-limits for expectant moms. Disney posts ride warnings for pregnant guests, so it’s worth checking them ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Your ride list will look different in every park. In my opinion, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are the most pregnancy-friendly parks. Both have lots of rides and attractions you can still enjoy, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out. it’s a small world Hollywood Studios was the hardest park for me. Your options are pretty much limited to Toy Story Mania and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Runaway Railway is a little jerky, so I didn’t feel comfortable riding it later in my pregnancy. In this park, I mostly relied on shows to fill my day, and that worked out great. Animal Kingdom comes with one big heads-up: even though Kilimanjaro Safaris has no height requirement, it is not considered pregnancy-safe. Disney states it explicitly on signs and in the safety announcements, so don’t assume it’s fine just because little kids can ride. Sadly, you won’t be able to ride the Safari Is Lightning Lane Worth It When You’re Pregnant? This one really depends on you. Since your list of rides shrinks during pregnancy, paying for Lightning Lane might not be worth it, especially in a park like Hollywood Studios where you can only do a couple of attractions. That said, it might be worth it if standing in long lines is the hardest part of the day for you. Skipping 60 minutes on your feet can make a big difference, particularly in the third trimester. Look at which park you’re visiting, which rides you can actually do, and how your body is feeling before you decide. Warning at Test Track Make Air Conditioning Your Best Friend It was hot in Florida for most of my pregnancy, so air conditioning was one of my top priorities. Before each park day, I picked out specific spots where I knew I could sit down and cool off. Having that plan ahead of time meant I never had to wander around overheated looking for relief. Indoor shows and sit-down spots are also great options for a mid-day cool-down, and they double as a chance to rest your legs. For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Take Breaks and Fight the Swelling At 35 weeks, I learned this lesson the hard way. After a long day in the parks during the 50th anniversary, I swelled up like a blimp. If you’re further along, trust me on these two things. You need to take frequent breaks. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to sit down. Build rest stops into your day from the start. Also, wear compression socks. They’re not glamorous, but they are a must for all that walking and standing. It also helps to plan for some extra easy, relaxing moments whenever you can. Something like a calm dinner back at your hotel instead of the longest night out in a park can make the next day so much better. Going to Disney World while pregnant does take some planning! Eating Pregnant at Disney World This is DisneyFoodBlog, so of course we have to talk about food! What you’ll want to eat can change a lot depending on your trimester. When nausea hits, comfort foods are your friend. During my first trimester, I happily ate my way through a whole lot of French fries, and I have zero regrets. If you’re being strict about what you’re eating (I kind of was after a point), really look at menus ahead of time. Plan out what you do and don’t feel comfortable eating so you aren’t stuck reading every menu board while you’re hungry and tired. It takes a little extra prep, but it makes mealtimes much less stressful. And please, drink so much water. Between the heat and all that walking, staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to feel better throughout the day. Full Spread at ABC Commissary Dress for Comfort, Not Just the Photo Shoes and comfy outfits are so important! My Hokas were an absolute lifesaver for logging miles in the parks. For clothes, I looked for outfits that were breathable but still made me feel cozy and confident. Really think about how long you’ll be wearing your outfit and moving around in it. Something that feels fine in the morning might feel very different by hour eight, so consider whether tight or loose will be more comfortable for your body at that stage. Disney World Pack Your At-Home Essentials Remember to pack everything you use at home that helps you feel your best. My must-haves included my prenatal vitamins, anti-nausea remedies, and anything else that’s part of your daily routine right now. It’s always better to have it with you and not need it than to need it and be scrambling to find it in the middle of a park. Future Annual Passholder With a little extra planning, like knowing your ride options, mapping out your air-conditioned escapes, packing the right snacks and essentials, and giving yourself permission to slow down, it can still be a magical trip. Some of my favorite Disney memories are from those pregnant visits, swollen ankles and all. For more tips for your Disney World vacation, be sure to follow us at DFB! I’m Taking My Toddler to Disney World, and My To-Do List EXPLODED Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you visited Disney World while pregnant? Let us know your best survival tips in the comments! View the full article
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Staying at a Disney World hotel is one of the best ways to add a little bit of extra magic and immersion to your vacation. When you are staying at a Disney hotel, it really feels like you’re a part of the magic, living peacefully in the Disney bubble for your whole trip. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort BUT, one thing that can really break the illusion is a ton of construction work happening around your hotel, which is why we always keep you posted on all the upcoming construction or closures happening around the resorts, and we now have two updates to share. We know that, just like the parks, construction is important for keeping the hotels in their best condition to ensure the most positive experience for guests. However, that does not mean staying at one of the hotels WHILE construction is happening can put a damper on your vacation. Especially if it means that some of the amenities are not available during your stay. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Pool Construction from 2024 So, it is very important to know before you book your trip if any construction is scheduled to take place during your stay, especially if you were able to snag a great deal. If some of the larger amenities, like a pool or restaurant, will be closed, the prices will sometimes be marked down. Now, Disney always makes it clear on their website when construction is scheduled to take place around any of the hotels, so it’s easy to check before you book. Beach Club Construction from 2026 However, there is one way to know construction is on the way before it even makes it there: Disney World permits. Disney files permits every week for construction and updates happening around the parks and hotels. Now, these permits do not mean that guests can expect these changes tomorrow, just that Disney has been approved to make these changes at some point. Prior Pop Century construction from 2026 Now, new permits dropped this week for two Disney World hotels, starting over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. There are three “General Construction” Permits filed for Caribbean Beach at various locations along Cayman Way, which is a road that runs along the back of the resort. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort This road has several of the buildings guests may stay at on their visit. So, it is likely that this construction will include some general maintenance or updates on these buildings at some point in the future. Caribbean Beach Resort The other permit was filed over at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This permit was also for “General Construction,” and after taking a closer look, the address also appears to be for some of the guest buildings at the resort. Disney’s Old Key West Resort While Disney has yet to officially confirm, it looks as though we may be able to expect some updates and construction happening at some of the buildings around both these resorts at some point in the future. Old Key West Resort Once again, if you are planning to stay at a Disney World hotel, ALWAYS check to see if any construction or maintenance is scheduled for your visit. For example, if you have been waiting forever to stay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club only to get to the resort and find out that the Stormalong Bay pool area will be closed, it would be a major bummer for your trip. Stormalong Bay Construction from 2025 So, before booking that trip, it’s great to double-check, but also stay tuned to Disney Food Blog because we keep you informed of ALL the construction, closures, and updates happening around all the hotels, parks, and more, so you never miss anything! Refurb Report: Do You Want The Good News or Bad News About Disney World Closures? Now, if you want more tips and tricks for your best Disney World vacation, make sure to check out 50 of our FAVORITE Disney World tips! 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 Disney World permits? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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December 2026 is shaping up to end the year with a BANG for the Walt Disney Company, starting with the release of one of my most anticipated Marvel movies in AGES: Avengers: Doomsday! ©Marvel Studios Beyond that new Avengers film, the holiday season — my personal favorite time of the year at the company’s theme parks — is set to climax at Disney World. Avengers Doomsday Releases December 18th Marvel’s NEWEST film, Avengers Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18th. The film — which features Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as (at least) Victor Von Doom — has an unsurprisingly sparse official synopsis from Disney/Marvel: “Beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.” ©Marvel In addition to Downey, the film features a sprawling cast of Marvel actors from the MCU, Sony, and 20th Century Fox universes, with confirmed names including Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, and SO many more! @marvelstudios Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the more beloved annual offerings on the Magic Kingdom calendar. The ticketed evening offering features Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features exclusive offerings including Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Club Tinsel, and Disney Junior Jingle Jam, access to Magic Kingdom attractions (some with Holiday overlays), photo opportunities with characters, exclusive treats, and tasty cookie and cocoa spots offering complimentary snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the party! December dates are as follows: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 22nd. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration However, if you’re visiting the park after the 22nd, you still may have a chance to experience one of the parade’s most popular elements: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Usually, once the part ends, the parade becomes a daily daytime offering for guests over the final week of the year, including the Christmas Holiday itself. Disney is also filming the parade on November 10th! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Disney World New Year’s Eve Speaking of holidays, Disney World is going to have a massive sendoff from 2026 into 2027. While specifics for this year haven’t been officially confirmed yet, we can look back at 2025 to have a pretty good idea of what this December 31st has to offer. EPCOT was open until 1 AM, and featured DJ dance parties in World Celebration and throughout the World Showcase in addition to two fireworks displays, Luminous, “The Symphony of Us” at 6:30 PM and Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration at 11:54 PM. Disney’s Hollywood Studios was open until 12 AM and featured various live entertainment offerings, DJ dance parties, special character experiences, three showtimes of Fantasmic!, and New Year Countdown Fireworks at 11:57 PM. Magic Kingdom was open until 1 AM, and featured two performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, as well as Fantasy in the Sky, at both 7:30 and 11:50 PM. New Year’s Eve at EPCOT In addition to New Year’s Eve, Magic Kingdom also typically offers the New Year’s edition of Fantasy in the Sky twice on December 30th as well. Fantasy in the Sky fireworks Whether you’re heading to Disney World or your local multiplex, some major things are coming from Disney in December. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news as the year ends! Planning a Disney trip? The video below has EVERYTHING you need to know! Why Fans Are Suddenly Changing Their 2027 Disney World Hotel Plans Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Heading to Disney in December? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
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WHOA! Is this Hollywood Studios ride turning purple?? If you’ve visited Disney World in the past few weeks, then you know Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios has looked a little off. Tower of Terror That is because Tower of Terror has been undergoing exterior work and maintenance, which has led to scaffolding covering the ENTIRE building, which is an interesting sight to say the least. However, some of the scaffolding has finally been removed, and we can now see some of those updates, and maybe even new colors? On our last visit to Hollywood Studios, we were SO happy to be walking down Sunset Boulevard and find that Tower of Terror was slowly looking like its classic and ominous self once again. The scaffolding has been removed from the top of the tower, and we were shocked to see it look different. The scaffolding is coming off! Under all that scaffolding, it looks as though Disney was adding new detail and colors to the sign and design on the tower. Tower of Terror Now, the story of the Tower of Terror is that on October 31st 1939, five guests riding the elevator to the top floor of the Hollywood Tower Hotel disappeared and were sent straight into the Twilight Zone after a bolt of lightning struck the tower. So, the facade of the Tower of Terror has always shown the aftermath of that lightning strike frozen in time, including the branches of destruction caused by the bolt. You can see the pre-scaffolding version of the attraction below. Tower of Terror before the updates. While no major changes were made to this design, it became clear after the scaffolding was removed that Disney was adding a lot more vivid details to bring that story and history of the attraction to life. We specifically noticed that they have added purple throughout the branches of the lightning strike, making it look electric and as though that lightning bolt was captured and forever encapsulated on the Tower of Terror. That looks like purple to us! We love whenever Disney makes small upgrades and changes that help to enhance the already incredible theming around the parks. While most guests might not notice this specific change, they will see the newly refreshed Tower of Terror and understand the theming and details just a little better than before. We can’t wait for the rest of the scaffolding to be down! We will continue to bring you all of the news across Disney World, and beyond. So stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! 3 Changes Quietly Roll Out At Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you are planning a trip to Disney World, make sure to check out the 20 things we do EVERY single time we visit! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this Tower of Terror update? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
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Things are ALWAYS changing in Disney World! Lately, it feels like the parks are entirely new places thanks to updates like Villains Land, Piston Peak, Monsters Inc. Land, and more. EPCOT Each week, Disney likes to sprinkle in a drop of news here and a drop of news there just to keep us on our toes! That’s why each week, we do a weekly wrap-up of every big reveal or little detail that you might have missed. Let’s dive into this week’s latest and greatest Disney news. This week was full of adorably cute creatures, first looks, and cruising moments! Starting off strong, we got a new look at Disney’s upcoming hotel. New Look at Lakeshore Lodge We got a new look at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week! That’s right, the upcoming Magic Kingdom area hotel has a new model on display for guests to enjoy. The hotel officially opens on July 1st, 2027, but Disney showing off this model makes us feel like that is closer than ever. Lakeshore Lodge Model The model was located inside Walt Disney Presents, which often showcases models for upcoming projects, details on Disney history, and even props and other items from Disney films and television shows. We got a closer look at the main pool area, The Wetlands… Model of Lakeshore Lodge including Wetlands Water Area … including a closer look at new water slides coming to the area! Is that a water slide? We also spotted those larger-than-life animals that will be located at the splash pad and near the lazy river! Splash Pad In the model, we also noticed an area that looks to be the lobby of the building. It looks like the perfect place to toss out some rocking chairs to look at the view. Lakeshore Lodge Model The model is a great way to understand the scale of the hotel and what guests can expect when they’re strolling around! We’re just a few months away from stepping foot into the hotel, and we are already so excited. Disney World Just Dropped a NEW Look For Lakeshore Lodge… In Hollywood Studios? SO Many Babies! This was also a week full of beautiful babies in Disney World! Over in EPCOT, the Seas welcomed a new member of the family. She’s a manatee named Calfuccino, and we have fallen ridiculously in love with her. Hi Calfuccino! Calfuccino is roughly two years old and came to EPCOT after her mother, Venti, was injured. Despite being injured, Venti was able to care for her baby before they were taken in for care. Currently, Venti is being treated at the Tampa Zoo and responding very well to care. Currently, it’s unclear if the two will be reunited, but we are manifesting for a family reunion. So cute! Over in Animal Kingdom, they also welcomed a new baby wallaby joey! The newest baby is named Quartz, and she was born with albinism, which gives her a really unique appearance. Due to her unique needs, she is being closely monitored by Disney’s Cast Members for any extra support she might need. ©Disney While the kangaroos are in areas where guests can go say hi, Cast Members shared with us that her mom is keeping her hidden tight in her pouch, so they haven’t gotten many glimpses of her yet. She, her mom, and the other kangaroos are located at Jumping Junction in Bluey’s Wild World, which has taken over what used to be Rafiki’s Planet Watch. ©Disney That’s not all, though! At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, three new nyala calves were born. Right now, they’re so new that they are “spending time backstage bonding with their moms,” but they will be able to be on the savanna soon. ©Disney This is the best time to be a baby or new momma in Disney World apparently! EPCOT Has a NEW Baby Animal You NEED To See Bookings For Disney’s Newest Cruise Opened Finally, the first reservations opened for the Disney Believe, Disney’s newest cruise ship! This ship will be setting sail on its maiden voyage on December 18th, 2027. This ship will be located at Port Everglades with four- and five-night sailings. If you’re looking to set sail, bookings are open now! ©Disney Bookings for select groups began opening on October 12th, but they finally opened for all sailers on October 19th. Fans didn’t hold back, because cruise dates started selling out quickly, including the inaugural sailing! We recently got tons of information about the ship itself, including new details on the first-ever Encanto stage show, a new Frozen-themed rotational dining offering, a Big Hero 6 coffee shop, and MORE! ©Disney We are seriously excited to check out this ship when we set sail next year! Reservations Are Open (and Selling Out) for the Disney Believe Cruise Ship Woof! Did you get all of that? This week was quieter than others, but it was seriously cute too! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, details, and more. 2 More Permanent Closures Hit Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which news are you the most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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Alright, Disney World, it’s time to really dive in and see what you’ve got going on this week. We know you’ve got walls all around, but have you added any more in the past week? Disney’s Hollywood Studios If that seems unlikely…you must be new to the Disney sphere. We’re thrilled to have you here, but one of the first things to get familiar with is that walls in Disney World are VERY common right now, and in past weeks, we’ve seen them add more and more projects without finishing other ones first. It’s no secret the park is seeing some massive refurbishments right now, and so if you’re visiting, it’s important to really be prepared to see those walls. We’ve got some great news to report, which is that Disney did NOT add any major closures or refurbishment projects to the parks this past week! It’s a miracle, truly. In fact, a new Vuori store just opened up in Disney Springs, so now we’ve got even more shopping to do. Let’s take a look at what you need to expect in terms of closures and ongoing construction in Disney World from October 23rd through October 30th. Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Railroad The Walt Disney World Railroad temporarily closed on September 28th for reasons that Disney hasn’t released. Fortunately, the closure isn’t expected to last long. The Walt Disney World Railroad Disney has listed that the train should reopen on October 30th, so we’ll only have to go without it for about a month. When it reopens, though, a reminder that it’ll only be running from Main Street to Fantasyland and back, as the Frontierland station is closed due to construction happening in Villains Land and Piston Peak. Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment. The work will include completely revamping the scenes in the attraction to make them more modern and represent more recent parts of history, as well as adding a new Walt Disney animatronic at the opening. ©Disney Currently, the attraction is set to reopen in 2027, though no official date has been set yet. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw some pretty great updates on the progress at the site! via @bioreconstruct on X/Twitter Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. Why We’re Running to Magic Kingdom on November 10th Disney’s Hollywood Studios Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, we got to see a closer look at some of the progress being made on the roller coaster building! Disney has said that while the land itself is opening in 2027, the roller coaster will be opening separately. ©Bioreconstruct We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, in addition to Archie’s Square Pig Pizza. Most recently, we got a look at some of the new food coming to the land, and we’ve gotta say, we’re pretty excited! ©Disney If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! Disney’s Next Big Souvenir Is Hiding in Plain Sight EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant Coral Reef, one of the most controversial restaurants in all of Disney World, closed for refurbishment on September 8th. Coral Reef Restaurant The Disney World website recently adjusted to allow guests to begin booking reservations again on November 4th and beyond, which we’re now considering the reopening date, unless Disney tells us differently. Sections of Germany Pavilion On July 13th, both the guest bathrooms in the Germany Pavilion and the majority of the Volkskunst store in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion closed for refurbishment. The roof of Das Kaufhaus is also under refurbishment. Totally closed While a Cast Member did tell us the store closure was to fix the Cast Member bathrooms out of sight, Disney has not revealed a reopening date for the store or the public bathrooms. Other parts of the pavilion are also seeing construction and refurbishment, but are not causing additional closures. The 5 Weirdest Days of the Year in EPCOT Are Almost Here Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA, officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, thanks to a behind-the-scenes update from Disney, we got a look at the progress coming to this new land. ©Disney We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent! ©bioreconstruct This new land will have three new rides: El Carrusel de los Animalitos featuring classic Disney animals, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. Something STRANGE Is Happening With Blockout Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney World Hotels Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter Scat Cat’s Club and Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter officially closed for refurbishment on October 6th. Don’t worry, you can still grab the iconic beignets next door at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Mickey Beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Additionally, to make up for the lack of drinks at the lounge, a temporary bar will be available near the cafe from 5 PM to 11 PM each night. When it comes to reopening, the cafe is set to be closed till December and the Lounge until January, though Disney hasn’t released official dates. All-Star Sports Resort Disney quietly announced that Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar is closing for a refurbishment. It closed on September 18th and is expected to last through mid-December 2026. Grandstand Spirits During the closure, we recommend you swing by End Zone Food Court, just a short walk away from the pool, to snag your eats and drinks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge There are numerous closures taking place around Animal Kingdom Lodge over the next few months that may affect your vacation. The main lobby and primary entrance were set to be closed from August 17th through October 9th, and check-in moved to the Palace Library. Additionally, from September 28th through October 9th, the north side lobby corridor was set to be closed, which closed the north side lobby elevators on the second floor and the outdoor terrace observation deck. However, during a recent visit, it’s clear that this refurbishment is far from over. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Currently, the section of the lobby closest to the back savanna has reopened, which includes the refurbished stairs, giving guests access between the lobby level, Sanaa, and the savanna, and also opens up the walking path between the two sides of the resort. However, the rest of the lobby and Johari Treasures refurbishment is far from complete. Cast Members don’t have an estimate for when it will be finished, but it definitely won’t be soon, based on the level of construction we still saw. The refurbished stairs! The other refurbishment that’s about to begin is: October 26th through November 6th: The south side lobby corridor will be closed. During this time, Community Hall, Safari So Good Arcade, the laundry room, the Palace Library, lobby restrooms, and the outdoor terrace observation deck will be unavailable. Sassagoula River Cruise — Disney’s Old Key West Resort The Sassagoula River Cruise at Disney’s Old Key West, which takes guests to Disney Springs, is temporarily closed. It’s expected to reopen on November 1st, and until that time, bus transportation will be available. Old Key West Dock This spot was also closed from late July to early August this year as well, so it’s possible, but not confirmed, that the boats and/or docks may require additional maintenance that wasn’t initially expected. Convention Center and El Centro Corridor — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Beginning on August 10th, the Convention Center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort began a planned refurbishment that is expected to last through September 2027. Coronado Springs Additionally, the hotel’s El Centro Corridor and surrounding areas will also undergo refurbishment tied to the convention center refurbishment. While there’s no end date for this construction project, we do know that work will be completed in phases, with certain spaces being temporarily inaccessible at times. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort The tennis courts at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are currently closed for refurbishment. Saratoga Springs While Disney hasn’t shared an exact reopening date, the current timeline is that they’ll be closed from late August through November 2026. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s Boardwalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Disney filed permits for the Boardwalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles” earlier this year, and now that we have a bit more information on them, we’re thinking that this currently vacant spot could soon become the home of the new Basin on the Boardwalk store on its way! The shop will be rooted in the resort’s classic boardwalk heritage and will offer a sensory shopping experience that is described as “both timeless and distinctly new.” A Word of Warning About Grabbing Breakfast at Your Disney World Hotel We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Will the NEW ‘Hexed’ Movie FINALLY Break The Disney Mom Curse? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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We’re in the Disney World parks EVERY DAY, which means we’re one of the first to spot new merchandise when it comes out, and this week, we spotted a LOT! New Holiday Wishables! Lucky for you, some of this merch is available online, so even if you’re thousands of miles away from the parks, you can still get some Disney magic sent straight to your door! Let’s take a look at ALL of the new souvenirs we found in Magic Kingdom this past week! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Wear A Little Disney Magic On Your Wrist! Mickey Disney illumini The first souvenir we found this week was the Mickey Mouse Light-Up Wearable Toy! This is a part of the Disney illuminis collection, and comes with a light-up Mickey Mouse figure, clip, and wrist strap. To turn it on, simply press Mickey’s squishy body, or you can set it to a slow pulse. The clip clicks it into place on the figure and can be rotated in different ways to position it. You also don’t have to wear it on your wrist — you can attach it to your clothing or bag as well! view ON THE DISNEY STORE Fans Of Stitch Will Like This Next Souvenir! Stitch Disney illumini There is also a Stitch Disney illumini as part of this collection! It uses the same technology to light up and pulse, and comes with the light-up Stitch figure, clip, and wrist strap. He illuminates and pulses in a blue light, and has a blue strap embossed with stars. The first push will turn on a solid light, the second push turns on a slow light pulse, and the third push turns off the light. view ON THE DISNEY STORE Complete The Collection With Baymax! Baymax Disney illumini The final Disney illumini that’s available online is the Baymax Light-Up Wearable Toy! This illumini comes with a light-up Baymax figure, a clip, and a red wrist strap. The adjustable strap closes with self-stick fabric strips, which can be attached to yourself, your clothing, or your bag! Baymax is illuminated by a white light. view ON the disney store Or, You Can Create Your Own Bracelet! ©Disney One of the most popular brands that makes Disney jewelry is Little Words Project, and we spotted their Disney Parks Holiday Magic Bead Kit in the parks this past week! This kit comes with hundreds of hand-crafted acrylic and crystal glass beads, as well as festive charms. Included are A-Z letter block beads, assorted glass and acrylic beads, two Mickey icon peppermint swirl beads, two cast Mickey beads, two Disney Parks ”Little Words” closure beads, and 48″ of elastic stretch string, all presented in a clear ornament with a red bow. view ON the disney store Get Festive With This Blind Box! Winnie the Pooh Holiday Wishables! Blind boxes are ALL the rage right now, which is why you’ll want to grab the Disney Wishables Shimmer Winnie the Pooh Holiday Mystery Plush as soon as you can! Each box comes with one plush figure. The options include Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Roo in holiday attire. It’s important to note that this is a BLIND box, so you will not know which character you will get until you open it. Buying more than one box does not guarantee a different character, and you may receive duplicate plushes. view ON the disney store We also spotted some other new merchandise around the parks that aren’t available online as of writing. To start, we have a new Candy Trash Can at Main Street Confectionery! This can be purchased for $14.99 plus tax with any bulk candy purchase of 1/2 pound or more. “it’s a small world” Candy Trash Can At the Emporium, we spotted a few new jewelry sets inspired by the buildings on Main Street, U.S.A., including the Confectionary, which comes with a necklace and a pair of earrings… The Confectionary … the Main Street Cinema, which comes with two pairs of earrings… Main Street Cinema … and the Emporium, which comes with a necklace and a pair of earrings… The Emporium … as well as the Cinderella Castle, which comes with a necklace and a pair of earrings… Cinderella Castle … and the Cinderella Castle decorated for Christmas, which comes with a necklace and a pair of earrings. Christmas Cinderella Castle The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also has a set. This set comes with two pairs of earrings, and each of these sets is $49.99. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Star Traders over in Tomorrowland also had a few new items, including new Build-Your-Own-Headband attachments! These attachments include Black Panther… Black Panther … Iron Man… Iron Man … and Spider-Man, and are $13.99 each. Spider-Man Finally, at Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland, we spotted a new Pin Starter Set: The Woodland Creatures! This set features Tod, Bambi, Koda, Rabbit, Meeko, and the Girl Squirrel, and is $44.99. New Pin Set! 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
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If you thought your mahjong obsession was under control, we have some bad news. ©Magic Mahjong Moments You can only play so many rounds before you start seeing tiles in your sleep. And now, the internet has a whole collection of mahjong-inspired souvenirs that could make your latest hobby a full-blown personality trait! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a relative newcomer, there’s something about these finds that’s hard to resist. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Bring home a new pink travel set ©Amazon This Travel Mahjong Set is super cute and perfect for when you’re on the go or on vacation! It comes with everything you’ll need — including 160 tiles, 100 chips, three pink dice, a wind indicator, a custom instruction manual, and two custom-designed wash cards. Whether you’re looking to play during your next Disney vacation or just want a new set, this travel set has you covered! BUY ON AMAZON This next souvenir is PERFECT for beginners ©Amazon Mastering American Mahjong: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy is a great help for anyone looking to get into the game or better their skills. The book offers a fun, accessible path to playing this game with confidence, providing a step-by-step overview of the rules and basic elements of American mahjong. BUY ON AMAZON Make drinks based on mahjong ©Amazon Mahj + Mix: The Little Book of American Mahjong + Crafted Cocktails is a cocktail book that also gives you a fun guide to American mahjong, paired with 15 cocktail and mocktail recipes! Not only that, but this book provides plenty of witty commentary that should give you a good chuckle. Hosting a Mahjong night? This will be such a fun way to tie in the game to what you’re drinking! BUY ON AMAZON Browse several specially-designed Disney-themed sets! ©Magic Mahjong Moments Magic Mahjong Moments offers a whole bunch of Disney-themed tiles that are expertly engraved and hand-painted, as well as playmats! You can find all sorts of themes, such as the holidays, the Haunted Mansion, Disney Princesses, and Disney Villains. Browse through their collection and find your new favorites! Disney Mahjong tiles? We didn’t know this was the crossover we needed, but consider us obsessed. BROWSE OFFERINGS ONLINE AT MAGIC MAHJONG MOMENTS We’re in love with this Princess-themed set! ©The Noble Collection The good folks at The Noble Collection are now offering the Disney Princess Mahjong Collector’s Set! This officially licensed set features 160 laser-etched melamine tiles — including three suits, honor tiles, flowers, jokers, and blanks. The set features classic Disney Princesses in the craks suit, each princess’ icon as the dots suit, intricate bamboos with Hei Hei as the “Bird Bam,” eight Disney flower tiles, Cinderella’s birds on the wind tiles, dragon tiles with the Magic Mirror on The Wall as the “Soap,” and a Disney Castle as the Joker tiles. It also comes with a premium tile-carrying case, a matching tote bag, a 32″ soft, flexible playing mat, 100 scoring chips, four tile racks, two dice, and gameplay cards for easy reference. BUY ONLINE AT THE NOBLE COLLECTION This candle is ideal for mahjong game nights ©Amazon Game nights have never smelled sweeter, thanks to the Sweet Water Decor Playing Mahjong with Mah Girls Soy Candle! This candle comes in a 9oz clear jar with a mahjong tile design and features scent notes of sea salt, citrus, musk, and amber. This candle offers a clean, long-lasting burn and is non-toxic, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. BUY ON AMAZON Show off your love of mahjong with this headband ©Amazon This pink Mahjong Knot Hairband is made of skin-friendly fabric and elastic fibers, so you can comfortably wear it when you’re out and about! It sports little plastic jewels and mahjong tiles for a unique and very cute look! BUY ON AMAZON This mahjong accessory takes the cheese game to a whole new level ©Amazon These Mahjong Honor Tile Cheese Spreaders are both hilariously cute and practical! This set of two cheese spreaders sports ceramic handles designed to look like mahjong tiles, as well as stainless steel blades that are great for spreading cream cheese, butter, and jam. BUY ON AMAZON Check out these mahjong-themed straw toppers ©Amazon Decorate your drinks with these Mahjong Silicone Straw Toppers! This set comes with three reusable straws with mahjong-themed cover caps that seal the straws, preventing dust and debris when not drinking, as well as spills. The straws are dishwasher-safe. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! For more fun hobby-inspired finds, keep it posted right here at DFB! View the full article
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Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Crowds! Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable, and that’s especially true during the summer season. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind continued dominating Disney World wait times this week, but wait times across the board were WAY down this past week! Magic Kingdom TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 53 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 39 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 29 minutes Haunted Mansion — 28 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 27 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 26 minutes Space Mountain — 23 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 23 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 20 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 15 minutes Jungle Cruise — 14 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 14 minutes The Hall of Presidents — 14 minutes Pirates of the Carribean Astro Orbiter — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 10 minutes “it’s a small world” — 10 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 9 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 9 minutes Mad Tea Party Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 8 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 8 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 8 minutes Mad Tea Party — 7 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 7 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 6 minutes Swiss Family Treehouse — 4 minutes EPCOT Changes, Coaster Delays, and Food & Wine Festival News: Every Major Disney Announcement You Missed EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 70 minutes Test Track — 63 minutes Frozen Ever After — 52 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 47 minutes Soarin’ Across America — 33 minutes Soarin’ Across America Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 17 minutes Impressions de France — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along — 15 minutes Canada Far and Wide — 14 minutes Spaceship Earth — 12 minutes Living with the Land — 11 minutes Reflections of China — 9 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 8 minutes Journey into Imagination — 7 minutes The Misadventures of Tiny Train Town in EPCOT Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom at night Avatar Flight of Passage — 42 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 34 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 32 minutes Kali River Rapids Expedition Everest — 21 minutes Kali River Rapids — 12 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 12 minutes YIKES. This Animal Kingdom Expansion News Is Going To Upset Some Folks Hollywood Studios Wait Times Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Slinky Dog Dash — 62 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 49 minutes Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 49 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 42 minutes Tower of Terror — 39 minutes Toy Story Mania — 38 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 30 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Alien Swirling Saucers — 24 minutes Star Tours — 6 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. The One Thing EPCOT Does WAY Better Than Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
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Nobody plans to get sick at Disney World. You plan Lightning Lane selections, dining reservations, and which snacks you’ll hunt down. You don’t plan for waking up on day three with a pounding headache, a scratchy throat, and the sinking feeling that your body has other ideas. Hotel Gift Shops have all sorts of meds But it happens, and it happens more than you’d think. Long days in the Florida heat, packed queues, early mornings, late nights, and thousands of hands touching the same handrails make a perfect setup for catching something. When it happened to me, I quickly learned that being prepared can mean the difference between losing a whole park day and pushing through with a little extra rest. Here are the three things I’m so glad I packed, plus the essentials our team never travels without. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Why Packing Medicine Matters at Disney World You might think, “I’ll just buy something there if I need it.” You can, but it’s not always easy. Resort gift shops carry a limited selection of over-the-counter basics, often in small sizes and at higher prices than at home. The exact product you rely on might not be there at all. Getting to an off-property pharmacy means arranging a ride and giving up time you’d rather spend resting or in the parks. Each Disney World theme park has a First Aid center that can help with minor issues and give you a quiet place to lie down. It’s still much easier to have your own trusted supplies right in your room or bag. First Aid in Magic Kingdom A Travel Humidifier for Hotel Room Air can save you! HOMDIS Mini Humidifier It sounds funny to pack a humidifier for a trip to Florida, but hear me out. It may be humid outside, but resort rooms run the air conditioning all day and night, and that air can get very dry. When you’re already fighting a sore throat or stuffy nose, waking up feeling like you swallowed sandpaper makes everything worse. We own this Portable Travel Humidifier, and it’s become a permanent part of our packing list. It’s small enough to sit on a nightstand and runs on a battery, so you don’t need to hunt for a free outlet next to the bed. It’s quiet (rated at 23dB), so it won’t keep anyone awake, and the auto-off feature means you don’t have to worry about it running dry overnight. It’s BPA-free and comes in a cute green, and when you’re not traveling, it works just as well at your desk or bedside at home. view ON AMAZON This Travel Medicine Kit covers the basics ©Amazon When you’re sick in a hotel room, you don’t want to be digging through your bag hoping you remembered the right thing. That’s why I love having an all-in-one kit like this 78-Piece TSA-Approved Travel Medicine Kit. It’s a compact pack of individually wrapped over-the-counter essentials, so you’re ready for the most common travel troubles without packing a dozen full-size bottles. The individual wrapping is a huge plus: everything stays clean, it’s easy to grab a single dose to toss in your park bag, and it’s built to get through airport security without hassle. It works for flights, cruises, and international trips too, so it can live in your suitcase permanently. I like that it takes the guesswork out of packing. Instead of trying to predict whether you’ll need something for a headache, an upset stomach, or allergies, you’re covered for a little bit of everything. view ON AMAZON A Throat Spray to Start Using Before the Trip ©Amazon This one is all about getting ahead of things. The Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray is made with 95% bee propolis extract and is marketed for daily immune support and sore throat relief. I like to start using it in the days leading up to a trip, when I’m busy packing, sleeping less, and about to spend hours in airports and crowds. The 1-ounce bottle is small enough to slip into a park bag, so it’s easy to keep using once you arrive, especially if your throat starts feeling dry from the heat or from cheering on the parade. It’s also keto, paleo, and gluten-free, which is nice if you’re watching ingredients. As with any supplement, check with your doctor first. view ON AMAZON What Our Team Never Travels Without I’m not the only one on our team who has learned this lesson the hard way. Here’s what everyone else packs. Emergen-C (and a Whole Mini Pharmacy) One team member started bringing Emergen-C on every trip after getting sick on vacation, and her packing list has grown since then. She also packs: Tums Her preferred pain medication Cough drops Allergy medication Anxiety medication Her approach is smart. If you take a particular medication at home, whether it’s for allergies, heartburn, or anxiety, pack it, plus a little extra in case your trip gets extended. Florida pollen, rich park food, and the crowds can all catch you off guard. A Bottle of Robitussin in a Ziploc Bag “Might be weird,” another team member admits, but she almost always travels with a bottle of Robitussin sealed in a Ziploc bag. As soon as her throat starts to feel scratchy, it helps right away. She also points out that it isn’t always easy to find in resort gift shops. The Ziploc bag is a great tip for any liquid medicine, since it keeps a leak from ruining everything else in your suitcase. Some items from the hotel gift shop Ginger Chews for Nausea Ginger chews are another team favorite, and they’re especially useful at Disney World. Between spinning rides, motion simulators, the heat, and all the snacks, a queasy stomach can sneak up on anyone. Ginger chews are small, individually wrapped, and easy to keep in a park bag for whenever your stomach needs a little help. Cough Drops (Don’t Forget Them!) And then there’s the team member who always wants cough drops but forgets to throw a few in her bag. We’ve all been there. Cough drops are cheap and tiny, and they’re a lifesaver when you’re stuck in a 60-minute queue with a tickle in your throat. Put a handful in the front pocket of your park bag now so they’re there when you need them. Disney’s Beach Club Resort More Tips for Staying Well at Disney World Hydrate constantly. Quick-service locations will give you a free cup of ice water, so ask whenever you stop. Use hand sanitizer after rides, handrails, and before eating. Build in rest. A midday break at your resort can keep you from wearing yourself down. Know where First Aid is. Find the First Aid center on the park map at the start of the day so you’re not searching for it later. Don’t push through something serious. If you have a high fever, trouble breathing, or symptoms that keep getting worse, get medical care. The parks will still be there. Baby Care Center and First Aid sign at EPCOT Getting sick at Disney World is no fun, but a little planning goes a long way. A well-stocked medicine kit, a throat spray you start before you leave, and the small comforts our team swears by (ginger chews, cough drops, and yes, that Ziploc-wrapped Robitussin) can turn a lost vacation day into a slower one. Pack them now, and hopefully you’ll never need them. 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
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We love a good countdown to Christmas Day, which is why we’re such suckers for Christmas advent calendars! Christmas Advent calendars! Disney has just released two brand-new Christmas advent calendars, and even though it’s October, we’re grabbing these early. You’ll find them in store at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium, but don’t worry, they’re also available online for those who aren’t at Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Toy Story Advent Calendar Toy Story Advent calendar! Hey howdy hey, you’re going to be in for a fun Christmas countdown with this Toy Story Advent Calendar! This is a 12-day countdown calendar, with each day holding a different surprise character. Each day, you’ll open a new door leading to Christmas. Inside some of the doors, you’ll find figures of Woody as a nutcracker, Buzz Lightyear in a Santa hat, and Hamm as a reindeer. ©Disney Store This advent calendar is adorable, and all the little characters you get from each door will add to the decor in your house. You can grab it at the online Disney Store and at Disney World. view ONline We love this Disney Princess Advent Calendar Disney Princess Advent calendar! There’s also this Disney Once Upon a Story Advent Calendar! This advent calendar is a 24-day countdown to Christmas and it “celebrates the power of imagination and storytelling with beloved fairytale friends.” Each door holds a surprise figure, with a total of 24 miniature figures that will add to your holiday decor. ©Disney Store The calendar is shaped like a castle, and it has cute set pieces to build a little village for your characters. Some of the figures you’ll find include Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Olaf, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and more! view ONline 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
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Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re at Disney almost 24/7 for work. We’re always checking out the latest and greatest Disney Parks news, so we’re Disney World veterans with tried-and-true park essentials. Cooling Towels If you’re looking for Disney finds, we’ve got you covered. Amazon has a MASSIVE sale with up to 50% off Disney finds! And even better, these are all under $10!!! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Even your hand sanitizer will be magical with this Mickey Mouse Touchland Silicone Case! Touchland and Disney Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case This Mickey Mouse Touchland Silicone Case is a Mickey-shaped silicone case that brings a touch of Disney magic to your Touchland hand sanitizer mist. Use the attached keyring to put your hand sanitizer on your park bag or water bottle hands-free! view ON AMAZON This Disney Princess Ultimate Sticker Collection is 40% off! ©Amazon This Disney Princess Ultimate Sticker Collection includes more than 1,000 stickers of your favorite princesses from Snow White and Cinderella to Mulan and Moana, featuring characters, locations, and special moments from all of the Disney Princess movies. view ON AMAZON The Disney Princess: Royal Adventures Magnetic Play Set is 45% off! ©Amazon This Disney Princess: Royal Adventures is a 32-page full-color story activity book featuring 46 magnetic punch-out characters and accessories and six full-color play scenes for screen-free play. view ON AMAZON The Disney Christmas Cookbook is 50% off! ©Amazon The Disney Christmas Cookbook features 50 beginner-friendly recipes with simple step-by-step instructions to make with the whole family. Make Belle’s Classic Winter Porridge, Pooh Bear’s Mini Honey Buns, and Never Land Hot Chocolate! view ON AMAZON These Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Patches will save your feet at Disney World! ©Amazon These Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Patches provide up to 12-hours of relief from foot pain. The Hydrogel-flexible design contours to your foot for comfortable all-day wear, and each patch contains maximum-strength lidocaine without a prescription, plus cooling menthol. view ON AMAZON Disney Princess: Explore the Castles Activity Book is 35% off! ©Amazon This Disney Princess: Explore the Castles Activity Book is an activity book that invites young adventurers to explore 10 iconic Disney Princess locations, from Cinderella’s majestic palace to Aurora’s enchanting castle, and more. It’s packed with puzzles, charming sticker scenes, and over 500 beautiful stickers. view ON AMAZON This 4-pack of Cooling Towels is 10% off! Sukeen Cooling towel This 4-pack of Cooling Towels is made of a hyper-evaporative, soft, and breathable mesh material that stays chilled for up to three hours. The unique cooling system uses moisture from the towel to draw the sweat away from your skin and keep you cool. Just soak the towel with cold water, wring it out, and you’re good to go! It’s perfect for cooling down on hot park days! view ON AMAZON These Mouse Ear Claw Clips are the perfect foodie accessories! We love this Mickey lemon! These Mouse Ear Claw Clips come in a 2-pack with a yellow Mickey-shaped lemon slice and a pink Minnie-shaped ice cream sundae! They’re made of durable, lightweight, and secure thick PVC, so they’ll stay on during even the windiest of roller coaster rides. view ON AMAZON These Mouse Carabiner Clips are so cute! ©Amazon These Mouse Carabiner Clips are a super cute Mickey-shaped clip that can add some Disney magic to any park bag. Use it to attach your water bottle, umbrella, fan, and more to your park bag! 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
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DianeS joined the community
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I’ve been to a lot of theme parks, but Disney World still tops my list for accessibility. Other vacation spots may not have it all when it comes to wheelchair accessibility, but Disney World remains high on the disability community’s list for a reason. Let’s go to Disney World! After exploring Disney World on wheels for a few years, I thought it was time to break down what a visit to the theme parks really looks like. We’ll cover all four theme parks and talk about the highs and lows of wheelchair accessibility. Before we get into it, place your bets in the comments: which park will remain number one for accessibility? Let’s go over some of the details before we roll right in. I use a manual wheelchair, so my opinion comes from that perspective. I’ve heard similar opinions from people who use power chairs or ECVs, but with larger chairs, you might have more issues getting on and off rides and fewer issues with hills or rough terrain. We might have some different opinions and that’s okay! Starting us off, we have criteria. We’re going to discuss all four theme parks based on the following: Parking: How close is it? Are there plenty of accessible spots? etc. Terrain: How easy is it to roll around? How are the hills? etc. Rides: Are there rides you can stay in your wheelchair? How easy are the transfers for other rides? etc. On to Disney World’s newest park, which opened in 1998: Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom If you’re driving, you’ll probably start your day by parking. Animal Kingdom’s accessible parking is pretty close to security, and I can often find available spots, even if I come in the middle of the day. The overflow section is nearby if you need it. Animal Kingdom parking lot Parking is fine, but there are some massive hills and rough terrain that can be hard to navigate. After you scan in, you’ll have to climb a very steep hill and then immediately head down toward the Tree of Life. Obviously, on the way out, you need to do the same thing! The ground also has a rough texture that is uncomfortable to roll around on. While it adds to the theming, it makes it a bit difficult, especially if you’re carrying a drink or food in your lap. There are a few other hills around, and overall, the park is very hot. It might have some of my favorite food, but it is not my favorite for navigating. Up the hill As I write this, Animal Kingdom has few rides open because of the Tropical Americas expansion in the works. The Indiana Jones ride should have the same transfer as DINOSAUR since it’s the same ride, and the Encanto ride will likely let guests stay in their wheelchairs, but Disney hasn’t officially confirmed that. Other rides, like Kilimanjaro Safaris, let you stay in your wheelchair for the shows, but others require a transfer. Some are pretty difficult because of low or awkward vehicles. Kilimanjaro Safaris Our overall ranking: Parking: 4/5 Terrain: 2/5 Rides: 2/5 This gives us an overall rating of 2.6/5. There’s definitely room for improvement, but the parking lot is one of the easier ones to use. Hollywood Studios Galaxy’s Edge Hollywood Studios parking is… interesting. The rows are one-way and very skinny, so if you’re driving a bigger vehicle, like a wheelchair-accessible van or truck, you might find yourself holding your breath as you pass through. There aren’t many spots, and if you come in the middle of the day, you might not find any. The overflow is right next to it, but it can feel far from security and add a few more minutes to your trek. If you need to park in overflow, you can ask a Cast Member to bring out a cone to block off an extra spot if you need room to take out your medical equipment. Hollywood Studios parking lot The terrain is pretty great in Hollywood Studios because it’s mostly designed like a street! There are curbs, but plenty of cutouts, and it’s almost all flat. Galaxy’s Edge is a bit bumpy, like Animal Kingdom, but since it’s only one section, we can overlook it. Some attractions have steep hills to get to them, like Fantasmic or the front row of Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage, but for the most part, it’s flat. Fantasmic queue Something I don’t love about Hollywood Studios is that only one ride lets you stay in your wheelchair: Toy Story Mania. A Cast Member at the ride once told me that sometimes they’ll find people in wheelchairs riding this one attraction over and over all day because it’s the only one they can access. Oof! The accessible ride vehicle for Toy Story Mania also features a big button, in addition to the cord, for people with lower hand dexterity and control. Other experiences, like shows, let you stay in your chair, and the new Walt Disney Studios has accessible drawing classes, but since Hollywood Studios is known for its rides, that’s a bit disappointing. Some rides offer transfer devices, like an aisle chair for Smugglers Run and a bench for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but transfers are difficult; this park might be challenging. The new Monstropolis section will feature another show, which should have wheelchair spots, but the new roller coaster will require a transfer. Toy Story Mania Our overall ranking: Parking: 2.5/5 Terrain: 4/5 Rides: 2/5 Overall, that gives us a 2.8/5. If transfers aren’t too difficult for you and you’re taking Disney transportation, it will probably rank higher for you. This park has some heavy hitters when it comes to rides, so it’s disappointing that some don’t offer better ways to experience them (I’m looking at you, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway!). EPCOT Always down for a meet and greet! Starting off with parking, you get a pretty standard parking lot! There are plenty of accessible spots, and unless I come late at night when it’s super busy, I can almost always find one. It’s two-way traffic with wider lanes and plenty of van accessible spots. Parking lot After you scan in and go left or right of Spaceship Earth, you’ll face a fairly steep hill (not as bad as Animal Kingdom), but you get to go down it at the end of the day. There are a few random ones around World Showcase, too, but they aren’t too terrible. I will say the World Showcase is a commitment since it’s about 1.2 miles all the way around. Boats in the middle can take you back, but they’re not always open, so once you’re in, you’ll need to commit to the 1.2 miles. Pick a side (or a hill) EPCOT also has quite a few rides you can do in your wheelchair! There are six different rides, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, one of the park’s most popular rides. Test Track has a separate loading zone where you can transfer without everyone watching you, but it is a particularly low seat and a bit hard to get out of. A few of the other rides are a bit awkward, like Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around America, but if you can’t transfer, there are plenty of rides and other activities you can do without getting out. Welcome to the Remy’s world! Our overall ranking: Parking: 4.5/5 Terrain: 3.5/5 Rides: 4/5 Overall, that’s a 4/5, which is pretty great! Despite the long time commitment of the World Showcase, it has a great parking lot, and it’s easy to get on quite a few rides. Magic Kingdom With my favorites! Parking at Magic Kingdom isn’t great for most people because you need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), not directly at Magic Kingdom. Once you park, you’ll go through security, then take the monorail or ferryboat to get to Magic Kingdom. If you have access to Disney World transportation, I highly recommend using the bus because it takes you straight to the park. There are plenty of accessible parking spots, though, and a small hill to push up. TTC For the most part, Magic Kingdom is pretty flat! There are a few hills but nothing too terrible, and honestly the hardest part is all of the people. This park tends to have a few bottlenecks that are difficult to get through, especially on Main Street, U.S.A., but almost everywhere is smooth concrete and easy to roll over. Walking down Main Street during Halloween There are also six rides where you can stay in your wheelchair, including the Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and “it’s a small world,” which are probably on your list. “it’s a small world” even has a figure who uses a wheelchair! Again, a few shows let you stay in your chair, and most other rides are fairly easy to transfer into. TRON Lightcycle / Run even has two standard roller coaster seats in the back if you don’t want to climb on a bike. Be warned: Space Mountain has very steep hills on entry and exit, and the transfer can be difficult since you’re so low in the vehicle! A doll in a wheelchair has been added to a classic ride in Disney World. Our overall ranking: Parking: 2/5 Terrain: 4/5 Rides: 4/5 That’s an overall rating of 3.3/5. Parking is a huge damper on the day, but Disney World’s transportation can make it a bit easier. There are plenty of ride options to experience everything, which is always a win. How do the parks stack up against each other? Here are our final ratings: 4th: Animal Kingdom — 2.6/5 3rd: Hollywood Studios — 2.8/5 2nd: Magic Kingdom — 3.3/5 1st: EPCOT — 4/5 Cinderella Castle Overall, I think that gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect in the parks! If you can transfer onto rides easily or use Disney World transportation, it might feel a bit different, but this should give you a broad idea for your next park visit. Accessibility is different for everyone, and you can find more information on the Disney World Accessibility Page. A few other notes to keep in mind when traveling to Disney World can affect your thoughts and opinions on the trip. Transportation As a local, I drive to the parks every day, but you shouldn’t overlook Disney’s free transportation. The buses, ferryboats, monorail, and Skyliner are all accessible. For the bus, bus drivers will lower the ramp and have you roll right up. There are usually two spots available, and I’ve found the bus drivers are very good at having other guests move and make space for your chair. They’ll also have you board first, which makes life a little bit easier. If there are other wheelchair users on board, you’ll have to wait until the next bus, but I have very few issues. Check it out! For the monorail, transportation Cast Members will pull out a ramp and have you board a specific car. They are also very good at having other guests wait to board and making sure there is room for you. They even hit a button to tell other Cast Members at your next stop that you will need the ramp, and it’s rare not to have a Cast Member waiting there for you. It can be hard on busier nights, and there is a major ramp to get up and down from the station, but it’s pretty consistent, and you can typically fit one to two chairs into a car. Heads up: the EPCOT monorail station has an elevator you can use instead of climbing the massive ramp. Monorail at EPCOT The Skyliner has a separate accessible queue, so you’ll only have to wait in line with other mobility aid users, which is pretty great. The Skyliner car is separate and stationary, so you can board without it constantly moving. You can only fit one wheelchair, and it can be a bit tight if you’re traveling with more people, but it’s still a solid option. Disney Skyliner The ferryboat will always have my heart because it doesn’t require any additional cast members or ramps, so you can get on and off on your own. You simply roll on and roll off, easy peasy. Smaller boats have ramps that come out, while others might have you step over a small step to enter. I tend to avoid the smaller boats at resorts, but the ones in EPCOT and the ones that go to Hollywood Studios and the EPCOT area resorts are often great options. Ferryboat entrance In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks on how to have the best Disney World vacation yet. We have planning guides for everything you need to know so you’re ready for anything Disney World can bring. DISNEY JUST FILED A GAME-CHANGING PATENT FOR RIDE ACCESSIBILITY 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 the most accessible park is? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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This week Disney pulled back the curtain on major expansions coming to Disney World, surprise menu changes shook up one of Magic Kingdom’s most controversial restaurants, and a bunch of new adorable baby animals made their big debut! Latest news All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our new video: Latest Disney News: Behind-the-Scenes Look at New Lands, BIG Menu Changes & a Star Wars Super Bowl? 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
