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It really is the most wonderful time of the year, and no, we’re not talking about the holiday decorations in the parks, or even Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights. No, what makes this the best time of the year is all the holiday treats, and they have officially arrived in the parks! This viral snack has CHANGED Well, we recently paid a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to try three of these new treats, and we’re going to tell you all about them. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to get all three, so pack your stretchy pants for your next Animal Kingdom day! We’re starting at Flame Tree Barbecue, where you can now get the Gingerbread Cheesecake Pop for $6.29. It’s made with gingerbread cheesecake mousse, spiced graham cracker, and milk chocolate. Cheesecake? Gingerbread? We’re already in love with this baby. Plus, it’s on a stick? We are SOLD. It has lovely, warm ginger notes that blend well with the tart, creamy cheesecake. Even the chocolate shell offers a nice touch of sweetness that’s JUST enough. Gingerbread Cheesecake Pop This tastes like Christmas, and we are here for it. We were also surprised at how big it is. It’s also a rich dessert, so you could even share it if you want. Whatever you decide, we would make a special trip to Animal Kingdom to get it again while it’s available during the holidays. Creamy gingerbread cheesecake mousse We also made our way over to Terra Treats to get the Reindeer Sundae, which is made with dulce de leche ice cream, espresso caramel, coffee-coconut streusel, coconut cake, chocolate antlers, and an M&M’s milk chocolate candy for $8.49. Although it has a lot going on, it is a more sophisticated sundae than what we expected. The ice cream is creamy and so rich! The espresso caramel blends the coffee flavor enough that it cuts through the sweet caramel. Reindeer Sundae This sundae also has coconut flakes throughout that give it some toasty notes. You get some crunchy texture from the streusel, and the best bites are when you get all of those elements together. This is probably not a sundae kids would appreciate, especially with the bitter coffee flavors, but adults are going to really love its complex flavors. Surprisingly complex Finally, the viral Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich is now the Festive Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich for $8.79. However, it pretty much remains the same — it’s now just cookie dough with holiday sprinkles layered with vanilla ice cream and a fudgy brownie. All the flavors remain intact, with just the addition of some crunch from the holiday sprinkles. Festive Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich You get that rich chocolate chip cookie dough with that thick and creamy ice cream with that chocolatey brownie, and it all just kinda melts on the tongue for one of the most satisfying treats in Disney World. So, yes, expect long lines for this one, too. We’ll still wait in line for it. We’ll be trying even more holiday treats in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL REVIEW: We Ate Everything NEW at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World We’re getting controversial and ranking every Disney World snack with a tiered list. Sorry, not sorry!  DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which holiday snacks are you looking forward to trying in Disney World this year? Let us know in the comments!! View the full article

The holiday season is here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably stressing about shopping for those in your life. If they’re fans of Disney, there’s no need to worry — we’ve got you covered! It’s Christmastime in Disney World! It’s part of our job to check out all the different Disney items available online to see what’s new, what’s popular, and what will make a great gift for the season. That way, we can take the stress off you while you shop. We’ve done some serious research and can confirm that for this season, if your budget is under $20, these are the best gifts to get for Disney fans! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Best Slippers in the World (…Of Disney) ©Amazon If it gets chilly where you are around this time of year, or later on in the winter, the Mickey Cute Cartoon Slippers are a fantastic gift, especially while they’re on sale, like they are right now! They’re made with memory foam and are plush all around, so they’re bound to keep you warm all winter long. Grab it here! No Better Coffee Cup JoyJolt Disney Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Cups If you know someone who loves having their coffee in the morning but needs some extra Disney magic, the JoyJolt Disney Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Cups are the perfect gift! One pack comes with two of them, which means that you’re basically getting two new cups in your cabinet for the price of one. Plus, who doesn’t love Disney magic in the morning? Grab it here! Keep That Head Warm! ©Amazon Did you know you lose a ton of heat out of the top of your head? It’s true! That’s why during the winter, it’s so important to keep your head as warm as possible. With the Mickey Minnie Knit Beanie Hat, you can do that easily and stay stylish at the same time — that’s win-win in our book! Grab it here! Cards Are The Best Gifts, Right? ©Amazon Maybe you’re looking for a gift that’s two-in-one, which we think is quite wise. That’s where the Lovepop Disney Princess ‘Tis the Season Sparkly Christmas Suncatcher Card comes in! Not only is it a beautiful card, but it also comes with a suncatcher that looks similar to our beloved Disney castles. Imagine the winter sunlight coming through it during the day! Grab it here! Who Doesn’t Love LEGOs? ©Amazon Are you shopping for someone who’s younger and loves to be creative? Then the LEGO Disney Princess Rapunzel’s Mini Tower is a perfect gift! This set is intended for those who are five and up and has just under 200 pieces, which makes it a great starter set. Plus, it comes with three figurines — Rapunzel, Flynn, and Pascal! Grab it here! Something Fancy Without Breaking The Bank Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings If you’re someone who loves jewelry, or know someone who is, then the Mickey Mouse Hoop Earrings on sale are a fantastic deal. These are small enough to be easy to wear, but large enough to catch the eye. They’re also subtly Disney, so instead of being majorly “in your face,” they’re more of a quiet staple piece. Grab it here! Bring Back Game Night! ©Amazon When we say “game night,” a lot of people now think of video games, but we think this Christmas would be a great time to bring back physical game nights! What better way to start than with the Disney Trivia Board Game? This game has 2000 questions, meaning you’re bound to get at least a few ones each game, even if you play day after day. Grab it here! For The Disney Princess Lovers ©BoxLunch If you know someone who absolutely adores Disney Princesses, then you’ll want to head over to BoxLunch’s website to grab one of the Disney Princess Portrait Blind Box Mini Teacups! There are six in the collection, each one featuring a different Princess. You’ll get one at random, and it’ll feature Tiana, Moana, Rapunzel, Snow White, Belle, or Ariel! Grab it here! Teacup Too Fragile? Don’t Worry, There Are Other Options ©BoxLunch If you’re nervous about the fragility of a teacup, then the Disney Princess Character Blind Box Drinking Glass is another great choice. There are also tons of designs here, each depicting a scene from an iconic movie, such as Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and more! Grab it here! Keep Your Phone Safe! ©BoxLunch If you’ve ever been worried about dropping your phone in Disney World, but have been waiting to get something that would match the Disney theme, the Disney Princess Charm Blind Box Phone Wristlet is your chance. There are six in the collection, each one featuring one Princess — Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, Rapunzel, Ariel, or Mulan. As this is a blind box too, you’ll never know which one you’ll get! Grab it here! The Perfect Glass For The Season ©Disney How about a glass that will work all holiday season long, and doesn’t scream Disney, but gives the impression of it? The Mickey Mouse Icon Winter Wishes Glass is right up your alley, if that’s the case! This clear glass has two Mickey wreaths and two red bows, giving a holiday feel without it being overwhelming. Grab it here! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news as the season goes along, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for gift ideas for the little princesses in your life, we’ve got you covered. Cinderella Mattel recently released the Ultimate Princess Pack, a 13-piece doll set including every official Disney Princess, and it’s a major steal for the princess fan in your life! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The ​Mattel Disney Princess Ultimate Princess 13-Pack of Fashion Dolls is the ultimate Christmas gift! ©Amazon The ​Mattel Disney Princess Ultimate Princess 13-Pack of Fashion Dolls comes with thirteen Disney Princess dolls, including Aurora, Ariel, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Merida, Mulan, Moana, Cinderella, and Raya. Each posable doll wears her signature look from her movie with sparkling details and accessories, like a tiara, headband, or shoes. ©Amazon Plus, they all feature movie-accurate soft hair for endless brushing and styling fun. With these thirteen Disney Princess dolls, your little princess can re-create all their favorite scenes or play out any story they can imagine! But the best part? You’ll save 25% by getting the set compared to buying them all separately! You can’t miss this deal. 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

The Walt Disney Company isn’t new to using artificial intelligence (AI), but we’ve been seeing it move into more and more areas and projects. One of the biggest projects announced is incorporating AI into the My Disney Experience app, allowing guests to use it to customize their Disney World planning. It’s brought quite a bit of negative feedback from guests, but Disney continues to push on with new technologies throughout the company and parks. Hey Mickey! Disney just announced a multi-year strategic AI partnership with Adobe, and we’re breaking down everything right here. Walt Disney Imagineering is already using custom AI models to transform hand-drawn sketches into fully rendered concept art and generate franchise creative assets for theme park development, and this partnership is now extending to Disney Studios, ESPN, Disney Experiences, and Disney Cruise Line. Adone will serve as Disney’s Official AI Innovation Partner, providing the company early access to new AI tools and custom models trained on Disney’s characters, environments, and visual styles. Walt Disney Studios Hannah Elsakr, vice president of GenAI New Business Ventures at Adobe, said, “Today’s announcement marks the next chapter of the relationship, where the two companies will build a new creative foundation that thoughtfully deploys AI as an accelerant for artistic vision, creativity, and guest engagement.” Cinderella Castle The press release also highlighted Disney’s long history with Adobe and said Disney is excited to give its creative teams new ways to explore and develop ideas and bring Disney stories and experiences to life. The Magic of Disney Animation Adobe will increase its presence across Disney’s media platform as part of the alliance, connecting with audiences across entertainment and sports. This collaboration is also expected to come to life at Adobe Summit, Adobe MAX, and other major industry conferences. EPCOT Both parties are excited to amplify innovation stories through global marketing activations, industry events, thought leadership, customer storytelling, and other strategic engagement opportunities. They will also help advance opportunities to explore emerging technologies, including responsible, developed AI, in support of DIsney’s creative teams. It looks like AI will continue to grow at The Walt Disney Company. We’ll be keeping track of new projects and patents and, as always, share everything right here at DFB, so make sure you keep following along for more. WE LET DISNEY’S NEW AI PLAN OUR PARK DAY. HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED 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

For guests, the holidays at Downtown Disney District seem to arrive almost overnight. Storefronts sparkle, festive merchandise fills the shelves, and familiar holiday music sets the mood. But for the cast members who create those experiences, the holidays begin in January. Where the Holiday Story Begins Months before the first decorations appear, teams across Disneyland Resort are already imagining what the next holiday season could look and feel like. From window displays and graphics to merchandise presentations and even the music guests hear while shopping, hundreds of details come together to transform a visit to the shops into another piece of holiday magic. Each of those details is produced by dedicated teams of cast members, who come together to create immersive environments. (Left) Rebecca talking with her team about the installation plans. (Right) Rebecca makes some final touches in the World of Disney display window. At the heart of the process is Disney’s Product Development and Visual Design team, led by cast members like Rebecca Atterbury, a senior manager of Retail Visual Design whose three decades of visual merchandising experience help shape how holiday stories are brought to life in retail locations throughout the resort. Working from an established holiday style guide and art package developed by product design teams, Rebecca’s team translates creative concepts into immersive retail experiences. (Left) Maricela reviews product displays with Rebecca prior to going out on the floor. (Center) Maricela shows a team member where a display is going to be placed. (Right) Maricela smiles in front of a completed holiday merchandise display. “One of the things I love most about my role is seeing an idea start as a simple sketch or conversation and eventually become something guests can experience and enjoy,” shared Maricela Valadez, a member of Rebecca’s team who serves as a manager of Retail Visual Design. “The environment should feel welcoming, joyful, and visually inspiring, encouraging them to explore, discover, and create meaningful memories through the products and storytelling around them.” Bringing the Story into Stores Once concepts for the holiday installation are finalized, the visual merchandising team determines how products will be presented to guests. Rebecca, Christine, and Maricela snap a selfie together during the holiday installation in retail stores in Downtown Disney District. This is when Christine Dunklin, a senior manager of Visual Merchandising, and her team carefully select merchandise assortments and develop product presentations throughout stores. Every display is designed with the guest experience in mind. “Visual merchandising is about creating a cohesive story that brings products and programs to life,” explained Christine. The Holiday Magic Takes Shape After months of planning and design, the highly collaborative transformation begins. Maricela gives Rebecca and team guidance on the design of a window display from a guest’s perspective. According to Rebecca, the process is deeply integrated, with Product Development driving the creative vision, Visual Merchandising shaping how products and stories are presented, and Operations helping ensure successful execution in the field. Resort Enhancement teams also play a critical role in bringing designs to life. Together, the teams balance creativity, functionality, and storytelling to create a seamless guest experience. Meanwhile, another critical piece of the process happens behind the scenes. Maricela styles a mannequin to showcase a new set of merchandising product that was delivered. Another team involved in supporting holiday installations is the Distribution Services team, who is responsible for picking up and delivering all the products needed for installations across locations. The team’s work helps ensure every other team has every item they need to bring displays to life on schedule. Store Planning teams then help determine how retail spaces are organized and utilized from a business and operational perspective, while Merchandise Operations teams ensure locations are fully set, stocked, and ready for guests once installations are complete. The Moment It All Comes Together Perhaps the most rewarding moment for the teams involved is seeing the completed experience, and for Rebecca, this never gets old. “After 26 years with the company, what continues to inspire me most is seeing the joy and wonder that holiday experiences create for our guests,” Rebecca shared. “The holidays are a time when traditions, memories, and emotions come together in a unique way, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring that magic to life through thoughtful design and storytelling.” Rebecca and Maricela smile in front of the completed holiday merchandise display in World of Disney. Guests take home cherished memories of festive storefronts, carefully curated merchandise displays, and moments shared with family and friends, all made possible by the cast members working behind the scenes. For Rebecca, that’s the ultimate goal. “My hope is that guests remember how the resort made them feel,” she shared. “From the festive atmosphere and thoughtful details to the exceptional service and unforgettable experiences, I want them to carry a sense of warmth, wonder, and connection long after the holiday season has ended.” And while guests may never see the months of planning, creativity, and collaboration behind every holiday detail, they leave with what matters most: memories of a merry season at Disneyland Resort, made a little more magical by the cast members who brought it to life. Foodie Guide to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2026 READ MORE Holiday Shopping at Disneyland: Gifts, Tips, and More READ MORE Guide to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2026 READ MORE The post Decking the Halls, Disney Style: Bringing the Holidays to Life Through Visual Merchandising appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It’s been a big year of changes for the Disney World app, including new icons and the elimination of the Play Disney Parks app. However, Disney has arguably changed the biggest potential game-changer of all for the end of the year: the initial rollout of their AI planner! ©Disney Disney’s new – – and controversial – – new vacation planner, which relies on AI to help Disney World visitors plan their trips, as rolled out in Beta to some users, and we’ve got a first look at how it works and what it does. What did we think? Who is it for? Let’s dive in! If you log in to the Disney World website and see an option that says “Guided Search — BETA”, you have access to the beta version of this AI-powered vacation planning feature. Just note that Disney currently has the planner in the testing phase, so it’s only showing for select visitors. ©Disney If you do have access and want to experiment, click on “Get Started.” From there, you can look for hotel and ticket packages for park tickets alone. Either way, you can select a month to visit and the number of adults, and tell the AI planner to be flexible across a range of dates, which in turn allows the AI to find better deals. ©Disney You can even dive into slightly more granular details. For example, we asked the AI search to work with a $200 per night budget and that our favorite park is EPCOT. In response, the vacation planner showed us all of the hotels available in November 2026 between $100 and $200 per night, starting with those that are closest to EPCOT. ©Disney When we clicked on a hotel, the planner automatically chose the dates. However, you can change those, and the calendar will show you different prices, allowing us to compare prices all in one place. Plus, the AI can look for specific discounts and offers (you’ll see a button at the top to do that), but it looks like it automatically applies those when you search, so that’s one less thing you have to keep track of. Ticket prices were displayed similarly. ©Disney While any usage of AI is inherently controversial, we can definitely see the benefits of this system for Walt Disney World visitors. It easily lays out variable date and discount options all in one place, so that guests with a flexible vacation window and a strict budget can easily find the best option for them. ©Disney This will likely be especially helpful for more casual Disney guests who might not necessarily know the ins and outs and the cheapest times of year to visit the resort or know every discount they could be eligible for. ©Disney On the flip side, some guests likely won’t find much help in this planner. Specifically, anyone who has a specific hotel in mind or a locked time of year to visit – – like, say, a predetermined time off from work or school – – likely won’t find much use in the planner displaying other dates and prices. If anything, seeing that there are cheaper options on nearby dates may even bum some guests out. ©Disney Disney’s new AI-powered vacation planning tool is rolling out to select users in a Beta test, and it could be immensely helpful to some guests… and not so much to others. Stay tuned to DFB for more on this new app feature as it rolls out. Looking for help booking your Disney World trip but want a human to do it? 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. Speaking of major Disney changes, we looked at every MAJOR one coming to the resort, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Rules for Lightning Lanes Are Changing at Disney World in 2027 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you give Disney’s new AI vacation planner a shot? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

We’re still dreaming about our evening at Jollywood Nights in Hollywood Studios. We put on our best outfits, danced with Pixar friends, saw Kermit and Miss Piggy, and ate an insane amount of snacks. Really, it was SO many snacks that we’re wondering how we did it (and the answer is great planning and a team of foodies). Miss Piggy Strawberry Sundae With so many snacks to try, where should you start on party night? We’re sharing the best food at Jollywood Nights 2026 that you don’t want to skip. Grab your pen and notepad (or open your Notes app like most of us) and let’s get snacking! Let’s jump right in because I’m hungry just thinking about all of these snacks again! Looking to hear about all the snacks we tried, not just the best? Check out our full snack guide here. Partysaurus Rex Brookie — $5.79 This dessert is a chocolate chip cookie brownie topped with white chocolate ganache, rainbow sprinkles, and a sugar cookie. The outside has a crispy brownie edge, and the whole thing was smooth and moist. The sugar cookie on top added a nice crunch, and the white chocolate ganache was decadent and tasted very high quality, especially for the price. We thought it was a decent-sized portion for the price and easy to share. Partysaurus Rex Brookie Miss Piggy Strawberry Sundae — $9.79 This returning snack is made with strawberry shortcake, strawberry compote, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry juice-filled pearls topped with whipped cream, crispy pearls, and sprinkles. It was heavy on the strawberry with fresh strawberry ice cream and real strawberry pieces throughout. The cheesecake was light and airy with that sweet, tangy flavor, and the crispy pearls had a strong vanilla flavor. Overall, it was an amazing combination and comes in the cutest cup. Miss Piggy Strawberry Sundae While this didn’t make our official top list, we wanted to give a shoutout to the Kermit Chocolate-Pistachio Sundae for $9.79, which is chocolate cake, pistachio gelato, green cookie crumbs, kataifi, and fudge sauce topped with whipped cream, M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candies, and sprinkles. This is a bit different than it was last year, and despite the pistachio gelato not really tasting like pistachio, there were tons of chocolate cookie and cake crumbs and a huge dollop of whipped cream. If you’re going to get the Miss Piggy one, it’s hard to say no to Kermit! Kermit Chocolate Pistachio Sundae Cookie Butter Croissant Beignets — $5.79 Who doesn’t love Croissant beignets filled with cookie butter cream, topped with powdered sugar? The beignets were super crispy and crunchy, with light, airy croissant dough inside. The filling is rich, tangy, and full of that iconic cookie butter flavor. While it looks like a small portion with one or two beignets, we thought they were rich enough that we couldn’t eat a third. Cookie Butter Croissant Beignets Jolly Jam Slider — $6.29 This Angus burger with bourbon-garlic-bacon jam, smoky paprika aïoli, and chili pepper sauce on a Hawaiian roll is a great savory option, and the sauces take it to the next level. While it’s similar to a classic Disney burger, the sauces make it a little more special, and once you’ve had all the sugar, you’ll be looking for more savory options. Jolly Jam Slider A TWIX on a Classic Pie — $5.99 This pie features TWIX cookie bar pieces, caramel mousse, and chocolate ganache on a shortbread cookie crust, topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a white chocolate gingerbread man. You can definitely taste the Twix! The chocolate is strong, with a rich dark chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet. The caramel comes through, and the whipped cream is very stiff and structured, with the crust layer adding a cookie crunch in most bites. It was a decent size and easy to share too. A TWIX on a Classic Pie Arepas de Choclo — $4.99 The Arepas de Choclo are sweet corn cakes with cheese, topped with cilantro aïoli and served with jícama slaw, and were so wonderful! They were moist, had a great sweet corn flavor, and had the right amount of cheese, and the sauces really stood out on the plate. It was garlic-forward, and honestly, we could have drunk it with a straw; it was that good. Arepas de Choclo Bing Bong Candy Lemonade — $6.79 This fun drink is a frozen strawberry lemonade slushy and butterfly pea flower tea topped with pink cotton candy and freeze-dried candy. It’s returning but looks a bit differen thtis year and it was a hit. The strawberry lemonade is frozen and tastes very fresh with the mix of sweet and sour flavors. The cotton candy is a bit thick but blends into the drink really well, creating a really fun adn exciting flavor. It was light and refreshing and totally Disney and fun. Bing Bong Candy Lemonade Frozen Hot Cocoa — $9.50 This is frozen hot cocoa by Joffrey’s with Bailey’s Original Irish Cream Liqueur topped with house-made marshmallow whipped cream. It was creamy, cold, and chocolatey, with a hint of cream liqueur afterward, making it the perfect adult treat. It’s festive with warming flavors but still perfect for a warm night in Central Florida. Frozen Hot Cocoa Holiday Dill-light — $11 We can never resist a pickle-flavored drink at Disney! This concoction features Hendrick’s Original Gin, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Liqueur, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lime juice, pickle juice, chili-lime rim, and pickle garnish. If you’re not a fan of pickles, you will want to skip it, but for our pickle-loving readers, it was a total hit. The different fruit juices add sweetness to the pickle flavor, which worked really well, especially since the pickle’s acidity is so different from the lime’s. Holiday Dill-light In the meantime, keep following Disney Food Blog for more of the best tips and tricks so you can have the Disney World vacation of a lifetime. We’re bringing you all the holiday details from the best snacks to where to watch the fireworks right here at DFB. FULL GUIDE TO JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS AT DISNEY WORLD’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to Jollywood Nights this year? Tell us what you’re looking for in the comments. View the full article

The sleigh bells are ringing, the snope is falling, the snacks are festive, and the decorations have everyone feeling jolly. Yes, it’s that time of the year again: the holiday season in Disney World, which may really be the most wonderful time of the year. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Map Well, if you love everything about the holidays and really want to celebrate the Disney way, you may be considering purchasing a ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But tickets aren’t exactly cheap, so you might be asking if the party is worth it this year. Well, we’re going to help you figure that out. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights from November 8th to December 22nd, and tickets cost $189 (an increase of $20 from last year) to $229 (same as last year) per person, depending on the night you go. Children ages 3-9 cost $10 less per ticket, while Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can also save $10 per ticket for select nights. Our wristband this year What You Get The party runs from 7 PM to midnight, but those with tickets can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM. The party includes a lot of special entertainment, character meet-and-greets, food, and more. Here’s a list of exclusives a party ticket will get you: Complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and cider at select restaurants throughout the park Access to select rides with shorter wait times (the party is a limited capacity event) Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, a special holiday show on the Cinderella Castle stage starring Mickey and Minnie Once Upon A Christmas Time parade Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time fireworks show Frozen Holiday Surprise show Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas Time Parade Santa’s Christmas Carnival, where Storybook Circus is transformed into the North Pole, and where you can meet Santa Club Tinsel, a dance party in Tomorrowland Snow on Main Street, U.S.A. (snope) Festive photo ops Exclusive food and drinks for purchase Exclusive merchandise for purchase Character meet-and-greets with many characters in holiday outfits Hey friends! Four rides in Magic Kingdom also have special holiday overlays, with some only available during the party: Space Mountain gets holiday tunes and festive lighting, Tomorrowland Speedway is transformed into a holiday freeway, Mad Tea Party becomes a Christmas Party, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor gets some seasonal humor. You’ll also be able to ride the seasonal version of Jungle Cruise, Jingle Cruise, which is also available during the day, although the lines during the party will likely be a lot shorter. Jingle Cruise Several restaurants are also open for dining reservations during the party (although this could take up valuable party time): Cinderella’s Royal Table Be Our Guest Restaurant The Plaza Restaurant The Beak and Barrel Is It Worth It? Now comes the question: is it worth it? We’ve already outlined everything your party ticket includes, and we went to the first party of the year, and our answer is “yes — for some people it is worth it.” Yes, the party ticket is pricier than a regular Magic Kingdom ticket, but you get a lot of exclusive things, and you can do more with smaller crowds and shorter wait times. If you’ve never been to the party before, it may very well be worth the splurge. Photo Op During the party, we noticed that lines seemed long at times, but those lines moved very fast. So it may look crowded, but you’re still not waiting as long as you might be during the day. When we were getting the free cookies, we noticed that a lot of the stations had NO lines at all. Very Merry Mickey Sundae We also found that viewing the fireworks wasn’t as bad as a regular Magic Kingdom day. We were able to enjoy the show from both Fantasyland and Tomorrowland with no problems. Fireworks We also LOVED meeting Santa at Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus, and the polar bears were FANTASTIC. This might have been one of our favorite character interactions of the evening. Polar Bears at Santa’s Christmas Carnival If you’re going for the snacks, though, you’ll need to bring a sweet tooth. If sweets aren’t your thing, you’re not going to find as many exclusive treats that you’ll love. Gingerbread Cheesecake Beignets It’s ultimately up to you if the party is worth it for you and your group. It will require you to stay up late — and that’s something you definitely need to account for if you have young children. But if you’re willing to make the most of the party by checking out all the entertainment, snacks, and activities you can, you will probably feel you got your money’s worth. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration If you’re really not wanting to celebrate the holidays so elaborately, though, or you have folks in your group who are less than enthused about it, you may want to skip it. You can still enjoy the holiday decorations in the parks during the day, as well as enjoy a variety of seasonal treats and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. It is a LOT of money, especially if you have several people in your group, so you’ll need to decide if Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is something you and your group will thoroughly enjoy. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks We’ll be covering everything about the holiday season in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The NEW Rule You Have To Follow for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World A LOT of changes are coming to Disney World. We’re taking a look at them and ranking them!  DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Why or why not? Share with us in the comments. View the full article

This might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but Disney World is just one big construction site right now! Tropical Americas in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Monstropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Piston Peak (with Villains Land on the way) in Magic Kingdom. What if we told you that it doesn’t stop there?! Hollywood Studios Back in May of this year, we saw that Walt Disney Imagineering had filed two construction permits for the area between the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and the Backlot Express restaurant. The project is under the codename “Project Fedora”. We’ve come to suspect that the codename is related to the most popular fedora-wearing character we know, Indiana Jones. Well, Disney has FINALLY announced what Project Fedora is! Say hello to the Epic Jr. Stunt Spectacular! This new play area is expected to open in the coming months and is “inspired by the spirit of the iconic stunt show; this outdoor playground will give kids the chance to embrace their inner explorer, with interactive elements and themed play structures that bring action and storytelling to life.” ©Disney We’re just thinking about how much Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed since the beginning of this year. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster now features the Muppets. There’s a Walt Disney Studios courtyard with a new building to show off The Magic of Disney Animation. Smugglers Run now features the Mandalorian and Grogu. Now, Project Fedora and Monstropolis are on their way! The Walt Disney Studios This also isn’t the first new playground in Hollywood Studios! We fell in love with Drawn to Wonderland in The Magic of Disney Animation at Walt Disney Studios, which is entirely themed to Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. The Tugley Woods at Drawn to Wonderland We played on the slides, had a drink at the Mad Tea Party, a nd sometimes you can even catch the Mad Hatter and Alice hanging around. It’s been such a fun addition to Hollywood Studios, and we think this new playground will be too. The Mad Tea Party at Drawn to Wonderland We’re here to update you on all the latest Disney news and updates, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for even more! ALL THE NEW RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026 AND BEYOND 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 Was Project Fedora what you expected? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

For many Disney World guests – – ourselves, VERY much included – – snacks are as big a part of a Disney World vacation as any ride or show. Mickey-shaped Pretzel That’s why it can be so disconcerting when one of our favorites starts to decline, especially as Disney’s prices keep rising while portion sizes trend in the opposite direction. Mickey Pretzels Let’s begin with one of the most visually famous Disney snacks: The Mickey Pretzel! Mickey Pretzel with cheese sauce However, the truth is that these Mickey-shaped snacks come frozen and are sprayed with water, salted, and warmed to be sold. While that’s not uncommon, it can definitely lead to hit-or-miss quality. Pretzel halves However, pretzel fans should not fret completely, as there are locations around the resort where a generally better pretzel can be found, including Sommerfest in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion… Jumbo Pretzel with Obatzda Cheese Dip … and at the Baseline Tap House in Hollywood Studios. Bavarian Pretzel Churros Quick service churros have always been more of a Disneyland staple than those at Walt Disney World, and even as Disney introduces new flavor options – – some of which are admittedly solid – – they never really match the popularity of their West Coast counterparts. Churro Drumstick Of course, there are a few spots at the resort to get delicious churro-influenced dishes, including Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom… Churros at Nomad Lounge … and La Cantina de San Angel. The vanilla version of the Churro Sundae Wookie Cookie Available at Hollywood Studios’ Backlot Express, this Star Wars-themed dessert – – two oatmeal cookies sandwiching vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash – – has long been a favorite of many. However, lately we’ve noticed them becoming more inconsistent than they’ve been in the past. Wookiee Cookie Of course, there are other giant cookie options at Hollywood Studios… Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookie Cinnamon Roll So this one’s a bit tricky. We’ve long been BIG fans of this treat from Gaston’s Tavern at the Magic Kingdom. Gaston’s Tavern — Warm Cinnamon Roll However, there are occasions when the icing distribution is a bit off. If that comes up, we’d always recommend ordering a cup of extra icing. OH YEAH Some of our favorite Disney snacks are seemingly getting incrementally worse, despite prices continuing to climb. However, there are alternatives. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s offerings. Speaking of Disney World snacks, we ranked EVERY.SINGLE.ONE! What came out on top? Find out here: I Found the Perfect Room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Here’s How to Get It. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your go-to Disney World snack? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Across Disney World, families can find playgrounds where younger guests can run, climb, splash, and explore. From indoor play spaces that offer a break from the Florida sun to outdoor playgrounds, splash zones, and uniquely themed spaces at Disney Resort hotels, there are plenty of ways little ones can add some extra playtime to your vacation. Here’s our quick list so you can find your next opportunity to run and play. Disney World Play Spaces to Explore Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney Resort Hotels Playgrounds at Magic Kingdom At Magic Kingdom, playtime comes with a splash of fun. Head to Storybook Circus in Fantasyland for two spots where little ones can stay active, whether they’re looking to cool off outdoors or play under the big top. Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is an outdoor play area with circus-themed water features inspired by Dumbo. Here, Casey Jr. lets off refreshing “steam” and circus animals, including monkeys, elephants, and camels spray water throughout the space. Kids can splash their way around the circus train while cooling off at Magic Kingdom. Come prepared to get wet! This is one spot where little ones can expect plenty of splashes along the way. Nearby, the queue for Dumbo the Flying Elephant features an indoor, circus-themed playground where little ones can play under the big top before taking flight with everyone’s favorite flying elephant. The indoor space features climbing structures for kids to enjoy, with seating nearby for adults to take a break while keeping an eye on their little ringleaders. Because this playground is part of the attraction queue, families can go right from playtime under the big top to taking flight aboard Dumbo. With both located in Storybook Circus, families can easily choose between splash-filled outdoor fun at Casey Jr. and indoor circus fun at Dumbo. Playgrounds at EPCOT At EPCOT, discovery is part of the fun, and that includes play. Families can find both indoor and outdoor playgrounds throughout the park, offering different ways for kids to stay active and recharge throughout the day. Outdoor Playgrounds at EPCOT Near Creations Shop, kids can enjoy an outdoor playground conveniently located between World Celebration and World Discovery, with play structures that give younger guests room to move and have fun. With seating, Connections Eatery and World Discovery attractions nearby, families can easily work a stop here into their park day. Families may also find a seasonal outdoor playground along the walkway between World Nature and World Showcase. This space takes on different themes throughout the year during select EPCOT festivals, bringing a little festival flair to playtime. With seating and festival offerings nearby, it’s the perfect addition to a festival day. The playground’s theming and availability may vary throughout the year. Bruce’s Shark World Over at SeaBase, Bruce’s Shark World brings play under the sea with an indoor space surrounded by larger-than-life friends from Finding Nemo, including Bruce himself. The ocean-themed setting is filled with familiar faces and colorful undersea details, while offering families another indoor option when they’re ready to step out of the Florida sun. Just don’t forget: fish are friends, not food! Space Base Ready to blast off? For an out-of-this-world adventure, make sure to stop at Space Base, located at Mission: SPACE in World Discovery. This indoor, space-themed playground lets young astronauts climb and crawl through an environment inspired by space travel. Beyond the playground, families can also discover additional interactive games and activities throughout the Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab. From outdoor playgrounds in the heart of the park to indoor adventures under the sea and in outer space, EPCOT offers several distinct places to build playtime into your day. Playgrounds at Hollywood Studios At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, kids can step into imaginative worlds built just for them, with playgrounds that bring Disney storytelling to life in new ways. Drawn to Wonderland Open now inside The Magic of Disney Animation, Drawn to Wonderland invites kids down the rabbit hole into an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland and original concept artwork by Disney Legend Mary Blair. Kids can step into larger-than-life environments inspired by the film, including an interactive Mad Hatter tea party table and Queen of Hearts rose garden. The playground also features a special area designed for its littlest adventurers, while seating gives parents a place to relax nearby as kids make their way through Wonderland. Together, the colorful environments and interactive elements bring the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland off the screen and all around you. Epic Jr. Stunt Spectacular! New Outdoor Playground More adventure is on the way outdoors, too. Located near Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Epic Jr. Stunt Spectacular! is a new play area expected to open in the coming months. Inspired by the spirit of the iconic stunt show, this outdoor playground will give kids the chance to embrace their inner explorer, with interactive elements and themed play structures that bring action and storytelling to life. Together, these playgrounds give families two very different ways to build play into a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, from an imaginative indoor journey through Wonderland to an outdoor adventure inspired by larger-than-life stunts. New Playground at Animal Kingdom More opportunities to play are also on the horizon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As part of the upcoming new land, Tropical Americas, plans include a themed play area for kids visiting the beautiful and vibrant Pueblo Esperanza. With the playground woven into the village of Pueblo Esperanza, kids will have a space of their own to explore as part of a day in Tropical Americas. While opening timeframes and other details will be shared at a later date, this area will continue to expand how young explorers can connect with Disney storytelling in new immersive and active ways. Playgrounds at Disney Resort Hotels The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the theme parks. Many Disney Resort hotels feature playgrounds designed for kids ages 2 to 12, making it easy to add a little extra playtime to a Resort day or before and after visiting the parks. While each location is different, playgrounds can feature swings, tunnels and slides along with soft and textured surfaces, giving kids plenty of ways to stay active. And just like the hotels themselves, some playgrounds bring their own unique themes to playtime. At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Righteous Reef offers a themed playground in the Finding Nemo courtyard. With sea-inspired details and play structures inspired by the film, it’s another way for families to dive into the colorful world of Finding Nemo. Over at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, young explorers can climb, slide and play on an archaeologically themed playground near the Dig Site, extending the adventurous atmosphere of the surrounding recreation area into a space designed just for kids. Looking for a Disney Resort hotel with a playground? You’ll find playgrounds at: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Whether it’s a quick break between attractions or part of a day spent enjoying your Disney Resort hotel, playgrounds offer kids another way to make the most of a Disney World vacation. So, whenever your young adventurers are ready for a little extra playtime, there’s always more fun waiting around the corner. Typhoon Lagoon Reopening Date and Ticket Details READ MORE How New Drinks Come to Life at Walt Disney World READ MORE Foodie Guide to Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort 2026 READ MORE The post Playgrounds at Disney World: Best Places for Kids to Play appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Riddle me this? What part of Walt Disney World is used by every guest, every day, and is completely essential? We’re talking bathrooms, of course. Inside While many people may not think of bathrooms above rides and restaurants when planning a Disney World vacation, there are questions every guest NEEDS to know the answer to before they set foot in one of Disney World’s theme parks. Some are pressing online, some we’ve heard from readers, and some from our very own team members. In all cases, we have the answers! “Do Men’s Restrooms Include a Baby Changing Table?” Most of the bathrooms in Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as the water parks and Disney Springs, have them. In addition, the gender-neutral Companion Restrooms and Baby Care Centers at the theme parks are equipped with baby changing tables. Baby Changing Table “Where are Companion Restrooms Located in Each Park?” Speaking og those Gender Neutral Companion Restrooms, those curious where they’re located in each park can consult the following list: Animal Kingdom Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue Africa, near the Mombasa Marketplace. Harambe Theater in Africa. Restrooms near Expedition Everest. Near Maharajah Jungle Trek, on the left before the entrance. Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek, to the right as you exit the Bat House Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch Pandora — The World of Avatar Flight of Passage Restrooms Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restrooms opposite Star Tours. Near the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Restrooms opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Hollywood Hills (Fantasmic!) amphitheater. Pixar Place bathrooms near Toy Story Mania. Restrooms near ABC Commissary. The Walt Disney Presents attraction. Restrooms in Toy Story Land. The Black Spire Outpost Market restrooms in Galaxy’s Edge. The Black Spire Outpost Courtyard restrooms in Galaxy’s Edge. Galaxy’s Edge companion restroom. EPCOT Near Spaceship Earth, on the left from the park entrance. Restrooms opposite The Land Pavilion. Restrooms on the Land Pavilion’s first floor. Restrooms opposite Test Track. The Rose Walk restrooms. Restrooms in Morocco. Restrooms in Germany. Restrooms in Norway. Restrooms in the World Showplace pavilion. Communicore Hall Bathrooms Magic Kingdom Restrooms in the lower level of Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle. Pirates of the Caribbean restrooms. The Adventureland restrooms. The restrooms near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s photo location. Restrooms to the right of Space Mountain, near the Rockettower Plaza Stage. Restrooms at Pinocchio Village Haus. Restrooms at the Fantasyland Railroad Station. Enchanted Forest restrooms behind Gaston’s Tavern. City Hall restrooms. The “Tangled Toilets” near ‘it’s a small world’ Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate restrooms. Magic Kingdom restroom “Why do the Animal Kingdom Bathrooms Have Exterior Doors?” Have you noticed that the bathrooms at Animal Kingdom have heavy exterior doors while those at the other parks have open entranceways? These are in place in the unlikely, but possible, event of an animal escape-related emergency. Restrooms in Animal Kingdom “What are the Least Busy Major Bathrooms?” From our collective experiences, the quietest major bathrooms can be found at EPCOT’s American Adventure. These relatively new restrooms are not only out of the way, but they’re also so large that even when there are guests in them, they still feel comparatively empty. American Adventure Pavilion Moving over to Walt Disney World’s other theme parks, the (comparatively) quietest bathrooms at the Magic Kingdom are those tucked behind Gaston’s… Gaston’s Tavern … while Hollywood Studios’ are located near the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant. While this eatery is one of the park’s most popular, many guests sidestep the restrooms, leaving them as one of the comparatively emptiest options in the center of the park… Hollywood Brown Derby Animal Kingdom’s are those near Theater in the Wild AS LONG AS YOU TIME IT RIDE. Specifically, you’ll want to avoid times directly around the start or end of a performance of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! Theater in the Wild “Where are the Best Themed Bathrooms?” While theming may not be the first thing on the mind of a guest rushing to a Disney World bathroom, there are some heavily in-universe options across the resort. The biggest and best-known are probably the Fantasyland restrooms lovingly known as the “Tangled Toilets,” which essentially recreate a whole area from the film, lanterns and all. Bathrooms Over at Hollywood Studios, the Galaxy’s Edge bathrooms immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy, complete with furnishings and even the in-universe audio playing over the speakers. Galaxy’s Edge Bathrooms Finally, there are Frozen-themed restrooms tucked away in the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Norway Pavilion Restrooms “What’s the Best Bathroom on Main Street?” For millions of guests, Main Street U.S.A. is their gateway into and out of the Magic Kingdom each year, meaning it’s where many guests use the bathroom for the first or last time in the park. The area has several restroom options, but our choice for the best is those located at Casey’s Corner. These newly renovated bathrooms match the baseball vibes of the restaurant with blue and white tiles. SLICK new bathroom! “Do Disney’s Toilets Flush Automatically?” This question comes up often, especially from families traveling with those with sensitivities to noises. Most Disney World bathrooms do flush automatically, though some in companion restrooms, as well as those at the Baby Changing Centers, flush manually. Loving the orange “Are Adult Changing Tables Available?” Adult changing tables are not available in most Disney restrooms, but they are available at the First Aid locations in all of the theme parks and water parks, and in the Companion Restroom at CommuniCore Hall & Plaza in EPCOT. First Aid in Magic Kingdom Next time you’re making your way to Disney World, be sure to keep these bathroom answers in mind; you’re gonna need them at least once! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World. Just what’s going on at Animal Kingdom? The park is undergoing MASSIVE changes, and we’re cataloging them all. I’ve Tried Every Ride Hack in Disney World, And I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your go-to Disney World bathroom? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

If you want to be entertained for five hours straight, you need to go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It’s beautiful all lit up! This holiday offering at Magic Kingdom is a hard-ticketed event with a TON of exclusive entertainment. From stage shows to parades to fireworks, there’s plenty to add to your schedule if you’re going this year. And now that the party has kicked off, we’re breaking down ALL the entertainment offerings. Frozen Holiday Surprise Starting out a night of fun and excitement is Frozen Holiday Surprise! This show takes place on the Cinderella Castle stage and features friends from Frozen as they light up the castle for the season. It’s a must if you have Anna and Elsa fans in the family! Frozen Holiday Surprise! The great thing about this show is that it is performed throughout the season, even on non-party nights. On nights when there’s a party, it happens twice — once before the event starts, and once during the party. The castle looks gorgeous! And once the show is complete, Cinderella Castle will be covered in beautiful winter-themed projections. Elsa worked her ice magic! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Perhaps the most beloved entertainment offering of the holiday season is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This parade shows twice a night during the party, typically at 8:30 PM and 11 PM. If you want to see this one with a decent view, you’ll definitely have to stake out your spot in advance. One of our favorite parts of the night! The second parade is often a little bit less crowded than the first, but don’t count on just being able to walk up right before it starts, either. The parade has several sections and it features characters like Mickey and friends, Buzz and Woody, Elsa and Olaf, the Princesses, and more. Hey, Goofy! One of our favorite sections is the “classic” Christmas bit, with toy soldiers, elves, and reindeer dancing with little jingle bells. So jolly and festive! The soldiers! Of course, it ends with a spectacular finale of Santa Claus himself! He rides through Magic Kingdom in a stunning red sleigh. It’s SANTA! I know him! Honestly, if we told you ONE thing was a must-do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it would probably be this parade. Keep in mind that the parade itself can last half an hour, and if you’re parked on Main Street, it will take a while for the parade to get to you. You’ll need to budget a good bit of time for this offering. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Another big highlight for a lot of folks is the fireworks show! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks typically shows at 10 PM and features projections and pyrotechnics set to a variety of Christmas tunes. Time for fireworks! Minnie Mouse narrates the show, and it has some of the best-timed effects in any of the Disney fireworks shows. The “Carol of the Bells” section? I mean, come ON! It’s a beautiful show! This one can be a bit tricky to get a spot for, particularly because people often watch the 8:30 PM parade, then move in front of the castle to see the 9:25 PM stage show and keep that same spot for the fireworks. So even if you’re not taking that route, you’ll likely still want to stake out your spot half an hour (or more) ahead of time. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration What’s that castle stage show I just mentioned? Oh yes, it’s Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration! This is like the fun variety show of Very Merry, with a seemingly random assortment of characters showing up to perform Christmas tunes and dance their hearts out. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration You’ll see everyone from Jessie and Woody to the Three Caballeros to Clarabelle Cow (her rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a fan favorite). The music is sung live with two hosts, and it’s a very festive show overall. There are performances multiple times a night, usually at 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM, and 11:55 PM. They’re so cute! The best way to watch this is to either pair it with your viewing of the fireworks and parade (either do the show right before the fireworks or the one right after), or to do the 11:55 PM show as your last item of the night. Since it lasts past the party’s end time, it’s like you’re getting bonus minutes! Santa’s Christmas Carnival Santa Claus is coming to town, and in this case, that means Storybook Circus! Santa’s Christmas Carnival is taking place in the back of Fantasyland and features a variety of fun activities and entertainment offerings, including “jolly polar bears” and “impressive circus acts.” Santa’s Christmas Carnival You can also meet Santa Claus himself over here, as well as some Disney friends! Santa! Club Tinsel Ironically, some of the most fun we’ve had at holiday parties in the past was at the dance parties! There are a few different ones, including Club Tinsel, which is located in Tomorrowland at the Rockettower Plaza Stage. Here, a DJ will be performing all night, spinning festive tunes. Club Tinsel You might even find yourself getting to dance with some of your favorite Disney characters, and we think that makes the whole night worth it on its own! Stitchmas! New to this year’s party is Stitchmas! which is located at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Here, you can dance and party with Stitch and friends. Welcome to Stitchmas! There’s a DJ playing music, and they even have some fun coloring sheets for kids to take home. This is a hotspot for families with children, and it replaces the former Disney Jr. Jingle Jam. This is so cute! During our visit, we first saw Stitch with Lilo, and then Lilo was replaced by Stitch’s friend Angel! Hey, Lilo! This is a great place to stop when you’re in between the scheduled entertainment offerings. Reindeer Wranglers Of course, we can’t forget one of the underrated staples of the Christmas Party, the Reindeer Wranglers. You’ll find this band in front of Country Bear Jamboree, playing some countryfied holiday tunes. The Reindeer Wranglers While you wait for our video from this year to come out, check out our video from last year’s party to get an idea of what it’s all like! That’s a wrap on the holiday entertainment at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! We’ll be keeping you updated on all the latest Disney news this holiday season, so stay tuned to DFB! See Our Full Guide to This Year’s Christmas Party Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to the Christmas Party this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’re heading to Universal Orlando’s newest park, Epic Universe, you probably want to experience all it has to offer, right? You want every ride, every restaurant, and every experience from this brand-new third gate, especially since tickets aren’t cheap. Ygor in Dark Universe We track all closures at Epic Universe so you know when to plan your trip and what to expect when you get there. A very popular ride has been added to the refurbishment list, and this is one you don’t want to miss. Monsters Unchained will be closed from December 11th to December 15th. Now that’s scary! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment This ride takes you through Dr. Frankenstein’s manor, and you get to be up close and personal with some of the most iconic Universal Monsters. From the Creature From the Black Lagoon, Wolf Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Invisible Man, and The Mummy, there are plenty of monsters in stunning animatronics that you’ll want to spot while being whipped around, so hold on tight! Frankenstein’s Monster from the pre-show Looking for more monsters while the ride is closed? You can catch quite a few while walking around Dark Universe, but the other attraction is Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning roller coaster. Curse of the Werewolf Universal recently announced that a new indoor roller coaster would be coming to Dark Universe. The coaster will immerse guests in “an all-new story inspired by the Universal Monsters franchise.” Construction is already underway, and while Universal hasn’t announced a timeline, they say it is coming in years. The Invisible Man Another Epic Universe attraction has two planned closures. Fyre Drill will be closed from November 9th to 10th, and again from January 25th to February 4th. We often see water rides close in winter because of the weather, and Fyre Drill closes pretty often on the Isle of Berk. Don’t worry: there is plenty of other dragon fun to enjoy, and plenty where you don’t get wet too. Fyre Drill We highly recommend catching The Untrainable Dragon, where Toothless and Hiccup fly over the audience. Many of our team members cried while seeing it for the first time because it’s truly so magical. The Untrainable Dragon In the meantime, keep following Disney Food Blog for more theme park news you’ll want to know before your next visit. Whether you’re planning an upcoming trip or heading out the door right now, we have everything you need right here at DFB. A DEFINITIVE RANKING OF EVERYTHING TO DO IN DARK UNIVERSE What’s your favorite ride in Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

You know the Disney World hotels that we recommended for 2026? Scrub those from your mind. We’ve got a FRESH lineup of Disney resort recommendations (as well as NEW warnings about which ones to avoid) that should help you make your 2027 home-away-from-home decision. Check out our new video: The BEST Disney World Hotels in 2027 and Which to AVOID 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

It’s no secret that we at DFB have a little bit of obsession with cheese, so when Disney World announced that a cheese experience would be coming to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, we were ECSTATIC! Cheers to Cheese at CommuniCore Hall Well, that cheese experience called Cheers to Cheese opened at the festival on September 18th (a little later than the rest of the festival), and we finally got to visit it and celebrate our love for all things cheesy. Well, if you’ve been wanting to visit Cheers to Cheese and haven’t had a chance to yet, we’ve got some bad news: it’s now permanently closed. The Cheers to Cheese exhibit at CommuniCore Hall is officially closed in EPCOT, but we already knew it was scheduled to close on November 8th. The experience was an interactive exhibit where you could explore the history of cheese and learn a lot of fun facts. Cheers to Cheese! In case you missed it, we’ll give you a quick rundown. When you walked into the exhibit, you were surrounded by the visuals and smells of cheese. There were many separate exhibits with games, history, and fun facts. It was EPIC. There were even cheese slices hanging from the ceiling of CommuniCore Hall. Um…is anyone hungry for some cheese right now? Look at those slices! The exhibit even taught us all about the history of cheese, as well as how cheese made its way to America (and we’re so grateful it did!). It all started in the early 1600s… The American Cheestory One exhibit showed how cheese is made, all the way from the cows that provide the milk for the cheese to the cheese caves and then to grocery stores. A look into how cheese is made Cheers to Cheese also included The Wedge, one of the festival’s food booths, and that, too, is now officially closed. However, if you want to know more about it, we’ve got a full review of all the cheesy things we ate there right here. We’re not going to lie…we’re really going to miss that food booth! Three Cheese Macaroni and Cheese The good news is that you can still enjoy the rest of the festival, and if you’re still craving some cheesy food, you can take on the Emile’s Fromage Montage, aka the cheese crawl. To participate, just grab an EPCOT Food & Wine festival passport and look for the list of eligible cheese items. When you pick one up, you’ll get a stamp in your passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, hit up the Shimmering Sips food booth to get a free festival treat. This year’s treat is a mix of Key Lime Dole Whip with cheesecake soft serve. Emile’s Fromage Montage Finisher Prize We’ll keep an eye out for more changes in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. We Have To Warn You About This EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Problem We ate and drank EVERYTHING new at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, so we’re ready to tell you what to spend your money on and what to skip. IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Did you have a chance to visit Cheers to Cheese? Share your experience in the comments! View the full article

It’s no secret that Disney is CONSTANTLY making major announcements — you should see our company Slack threads during busier days — and sometimes some can fall through the cracks. However, that’s where we come in! Cinderella Castle We keep track of EVERY SINGLE DISNEY announcement, from the large to the minuscule and everything in between, and we’ve rounded up everything notable from October! Ticket Price Increases As has become typical for Disney for years now, the beginning of October saw a slew of price increases at Disney World. Annual Passes: Disney Incredi-Pass — $1,749 (previously $1,629) Disney Sorcerer Pass — $1,139 (previously $1,099) Disney Pirate Pass — $909 (previously $869) Disney Pixie Dust Pass — $499 (previously $489) Annual Pass Day Tickets: Disney’s Animal Kingdom tickets now range from $119-$189 (previously $119-$174) Disney’s Hollywood Studios tickets now range from $149-$214 (previously $139-$194) EPCOT tickets now range from $144-$229 (previously $129-$194) Magic Kingdom tickets now range from $154-$229 (previously $144-$199) EPCOT In addition, we documented the hundreds of price increases that hit Disney’s food, snacks, and more. However, prices for Memory Maker notably stayed the same! Lakeshore Lodge Booking OPENED! On October 8th, Disney officially opened booking for Lakeshore Lodge — the BRAND-NEW Disney resort hotel scheduled to open on July 1st — to the general public, after DVC Members and Annual Passholders had the chance to book over the preceding two days. Depending on dates and room type, guests will be shelling out between $500 and $2,500 a night to stay at the 960+ room hotel, which features a design aesthetic “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” @bioreconstruct on X Tiana’s Closure… and REOPENING Dates Confirmed! In October, Disney confirmed the dates for the previously announced refurbishment of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Magic Kingdom attraction will close on November 2nd and is currently scheduled to reopen on December 18th, just before the heaviest part of the Christmas rush! Tiana animatronic However, ride news wasn’t all closures in October, as the Walt Disney World Railroad opened EARLY from refurbishment at the end of the month. Though keep in mind, the train is still operating in shuttle mode for the foreseeable future thanks to Piston Peak and Villains Land construction. The train! Holiday Snacks! As always, a litany of holiday snacks — some returning favorites, some brand new — are coming to Disney World for the Christmas season. Some of the new treats debuting across the resort include: Festive Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Reindeer Sundae Gingerbread Cheesecake Pop Festive Chocolate Twist Peppermint-Chocolate Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich ©Disney Over 40 NEW Treats Are Coming to Disney World SOON Of course, Disney World is ALSO home to not one, but TWO exclusive ticketed holiday events — Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios — each of which will feature its own exclusive snacks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Some of the Very Merry exclusives include: Winter Wonderland Express: Hazelnut mousse and feuilletine, with panna cotta (New) Mickey Cinnamon Roll with holiday-themed icing Holiday Pot Roast Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Holiday Pot Roast Mini Corn Dogs topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Minnie Cocoa Cake: Chocolate mousse, marshmallow filling, and chocolate cake with chocolate décor (New) Holiday Pot Roast Loaded French Fries topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Holiday Brownie Sundae: Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, brownie, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint (New) (Nov. 8th – Dec. 22nd, party nights only) Gingerbread Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, gingersnap crumbs, and a chocolate gingerbread man (Regular park hours and party nights, through Jan. 2nd, 2027) Jalapeño Popper Tots: Jalapeño cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar topped with a jalapeño popper Pig in a Blanket: All-beef hot dog wrapped in Parmesan puff pastry, crispy onions, and honey mustard, and barbecue sauce served with tots Spinach Artichoke Hand Pie with red pepper sauce Sugar Cookie Soda: Coca-Cola with cookie butter syrup, cookie butter cold foam, sprinkles, and sugar cookie pieces (New) Holiday Pot Roast Loaded Fries BREAKING: NEW Treats Announced for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom Snacks Coming to Jollywood Nights include: Char-grilled Chicken Yakitori (New): Crispy rice, passion fruit-soy marinated chicken, cilantro aïoli, and watermelon radish Hamachi with caper aïoli, Dijon-avocado mousse, citrus-Champagne vinaigrette, and caviar Shrimp Cocktail with house-made cocktail sauce, spicy avocado spread, and citrus pearls Jazzy Sliders: Bison and pork, onion jam, and Gorgonzola cheese on a brioche roll A TWIX on a Classic Pie (New): TWIX cookie bar pieces, caramel mousse, and chocolate ganache on a shortbread cookie crust topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a white chocolate gingerbread man Eggnog with Whisky: Traditional eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and caramel swirl Yuletide Ham Popover (New): Honey-glazed ham and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and cranberry chutney in a house-made popover Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and cranberry juice topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves Kermit Chocolate-Pistachio Sundae (New): Chocolate cake, pistachio gelato, green cookie crumbs, kataifi, and fudge sauce topped with whipped cream, M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, and sprinkles. Served in a souvenir cup, while supplies last. Partysaurus Rex Brookie (New): Chocolate chip cookie brownie topped with white chocolate ganache, rainbow sprinkles, and a sugar cookie ©Disney 28 NEW Snacks Announced for Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Over the course of October, Disney made some MAJOR announcements, setting the stage for not only the rest of 2026, but also for much of 2027… at least when it comes to prices! Stay tuned to DFB for more on any and all major Disney announcements. Speaking of major announcements, closures continue haunting Disney World! We broke down all of them here: 8 Weeks When Disney World Hotels Will Be CROWDED in 2027 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these announcements affects your next Disney trip? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

I just spent a whole lot of money on tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but it’s totally worth it for all the free cookies and hot chocolate I got in Magic Kingdom. No, really, we walked around Magic Kingdom collecting different cookies, plus hot chocolate and apple cider, and we loved every minute. Snowman Shaped Pretzel Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is officially back in Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 8th to December 22nd, and with your after-hours ticket, you can access the park from 4 PM to midnight for all your Christmas fun. From exclusive entertainment, snacks, and characters, we’re breaking it all down right here at Disney Food Blog, but right now, we’re telling you EVERYTHING you need to know to get your free cookies. Throughout the party, head to holiday treat stops with big red-and-white blow-up candy canes outside so you know where to go. You can also check out all the locations on the party map you’ll get at the beginning of the night. SO much important information This year the cookie stops are: Sunshine Tree Terrace Tortuga Tavern Gaston’s Tavern Fantasyland Train Station Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe The Lunching Pad First up, we grabbed the Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosted Cookie and Eggnog at the Fantasyland Train Station. The cookie has tiny bits of cookie dough and tasted like good cookie dough, but if you like cookie dough, we don’t think it would be enough to satisfy that craving. The cookie tasted freshly made and didn’t taste artificial. Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosted Cookie The eggnog was not too rich or sweet and was not too thick either. Eggnog Up next, at Cosmic Ray’s, you’ll find the Buttercream Frosted Green Sprinkle Cutout Cookie and Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s. The buttercream you can taste is a real buttercream, high quality. They are coming out of the fridge, so they’re cold, and the buttercream is hardened, but it still has really great flavor. They’re a touch too sweet, but we loved the crisp crunch that comes from those little sprinkles. Buttercream Frosted Green Sprinkle Cutout Cookie The hot cocoa by Joffrey’s is good. Joffrey’s hot cocoa is delicious. It’s chocolatey but not overly rich, and it’s definitely got a milky creaminess. Hot Cocoa At the Lunching Pad, you’ll find the Snickerdoodle Cookie and Punch. We love the snickerdoodle cookie, and it tends to be one of our favorites every year. It’s so perfectly cinnamon-forward and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Snickerdoodle Cookie We really enjoyed the punch. It has a frothy, pleasant taste and definitely tastes like a real party punch as opposed to something straight out of a grocery store aisle. The Punch At Tortuga Tavern, you’ll grab the Buttercream Frosted Candy Cane Flavored Cookie and Hot Cocoa. Buttercream Frosted Candy Cane Flavored Cookie Back to Fantasyland, at Gaston’s Tavern, you can find the Snowman-shaped Pretzel and Apple Cider. The pretzel was very fresh, served warm with salt on the outside, and it was also served with mustard. Snowman-shaped Pretzel The apple cider was sweet and not bitter or sour. Apple Cider ADVENTURELAND Sunshine Tree Terrace Hot Cocoa Cookie made with Dove Chocolate and Apple Cider! Hot Cocoa Cookie There are also allergy-friendly treats! The Lunching Pad — Red Plate Foods Ginger Cookie and Pomegranate Ginger Ale Punch The Red Plate Foods Ginger Cookie is vegan and gluten-free. According to its wrapper, it’s free from wheat, gluten, egg, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and sesame. The cookie is very soft, and you can tell from the texture alone that it’s vegan and gluten-free. The flavor, though, is excellent. It’s gooey, with a bold gingerbread taste. Guests with dietary restrictions will be used to this texture, but we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who isn’t. Lunching Pad Allergy-Friendly The Pomegranate Ginger Ale Punch was the star here. It’s a bit thicker than plain juice mixed with ginger ale because, as a Cast Member explained, it’s made with pomegranate DOLE Whip mix. It’s only offered in tiny sample cups, which is a shame because it’s so good. We’d love to see this served frozen as a full-size treat. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café — Homefree Vanilla Mini Cookies At Cosmic Ray’s, the allergy-friendly offering is Homefree Vanilla Mini Cookies. The only drink option here was hot cocoa, which contains dairy, so a Cast Member kindly gave us a second bag of cookies instead. Homefree Vanilla Mini Cookies These cookies are amazing. In our opinion, you’d never know they were vegan and gluten-free. They’re packed with vanilla flavor and super crunchy, the complete opposite of the soft ginger cookie at The Lunching Pad. They reminded us of a store-brand cookie we used to love from Duane Reade in New York. You could serve these to someone without dietary restrictions, and they’d likely love them too. We were glad to have two bags, because one would not have been enough. Treat stop! One of our favorite parts is that you can go through the lines as many times as you want! All the cookies come in individual packages, so it’s easy to toss them in a backpack and bring them back to friends who haven’t gone to the party yet…or save them for yourself later (that’s what we do!). Treat stop! Heading to a party this year? We’re sharing everything you need to know about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party so you can make the most of your party ticket and enjoy your night. From the best entertainment to the snacks you can’t skip, and everything in between, we’ve got it all right here at DFB. EVERYTHING RETURNING TO MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY IN DISNEY WORLD IN 2026 DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments. View the full article

It’s finally time to celebrate the holidays in Magic Kingdom, and YES, we will be waiting in line to meet some of our favorite characters while eating party-exclusive snacks — thanks for asking! Mickey & Minnie! Today kicks off Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which takes place on select nights November 8th through December 22nd, 2026 this year, and we’re here on opening night to show you all there is to experience. While we love the party-exclusive entertainment and merchandise just as much as the next person, one of our favorite parts of the night is getting to meet some of our favorite rare characters. Don’t worry, we’ve got a full list of everyone you can meet right here so you can find all your favorites easily! This year, Pooh & Friends moved into Pete’s Silly Sideshow! Pete’s Silly Sideshow You should be prepared to wait in a longer queue for these friends as they are very popular! The line to meet Pooh & Friends! Here they are! Aren’t they adorable? How adorable are they!? Of course, one of the most popular meet-and-greets during the Halloween and holiday seasons is none other than Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, whom you can meet at Town Square. Jack and Sally Other characters you can meet this year are: Main Street, U.S.A. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater Santa Jack Skellington and Sally at Town Square Theater Princess Elena of Avalor Mary Poppins Fantasyland Princess Fairytale Hall: Anna and Elsa Cinderella and Prince Charming Rapunzel and Flynn Rider Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip Snow White and The Prince Peter Pan Belle Ariel and Prince Eric Pluto Friends from Alice in Wonderland Mirabel and Bruno Belle Storybook Circus Meet Santa at Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus! Polar Bears at Santa’s Christmas Carnival Adventureland Friends from Aladdin — may vary, but can include Aladdin, Abu, Jasmine, and Genie Captain Jack Sparrow Moana Aladdin and Abu Liberty Square Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen Want to see what the party was like last year, ahead of this year’s video coming out in a few days? Check it out below! We’ll be sure to keep you updated tonight on all our adventures, and stay tuned to DFB throughout the entire holiday season for the news you won’t want to miss! Over 40 NEW Treats Are Coming to Disney World SOON DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Who are you looking forward to meeting the most? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We love Disney World rides, but we love them even more when there’s a special holiday overlay. They make the rides even more special and take our favorites to another level. Space Mountain Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs on select nights till December 22nd in Magic Kingdom and requires a special after-hours ticket. With that magical ticket, you get access to exclusive entertainment, snacks, characters, and of course, rides! While tons of rides open during the party usually have low wait times, a select few have a Christmas overlay that makes them extra special. Some are only available during the party, so if ride overlays are your jam, prioritize certain rides. First up, catch Space Mountain. It features high-energy holiday music, and the inside lights are red and green. It might be the same track, but the lights give it a totally different feel. The overlay starts at 7 PM, when the party starts. Space Mountain during Mickey’s Very Merry You can also hop on the Tomorrowland Speedway’s Race Through the Holidays. Take a scenic ride to see Christmas lights and listen to music. It’s the same vibe as driving to see houses decorated in your neighborhood, but in a convertible with a jerky brake system. This also starts around 7 PM. Tomorrowland Speedway Another option: once 7 PM hits, the Mad Tea Party plays one of four holiday combos of lights and music! Everything is a little red and green, and you get just as dizzy, but you’re listening to Christmas songs, so it’s so much better. Mad Tea Party The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor also puts on a seasonal show! I mean, who doesn’t love holiday jokes and changing ha ha ha into ho ho ho? Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor The most popular is the Jingle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise gets a whole overlay with Christmas lights and decorations, and the Skippers tell holiday-themed jokes. Something important to note here is that the Jungle Cruise is also available during the day and runs through the holiday season until early January. You probably don’t want to spend your precious party time waiting for something you can experience during he day at Magic Kingdom, but if you catch the wait times while they’re low, it’s always a lot of fun! The Jingle Cruise We’re breaking down everything you need to know before your visit to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, so keep following Disney Food Blog for tips and tricks to make the most of your ticket. We’re LIVE from the First Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of 2026 in Disney World! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments. View the full article

It’s officially time to celebrate the holiday season, and we couldn’t be more excited! Disney officially kicked off their Christmas season celebration tonight with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and you know we were front and center to bring you all the news from tonight. Delicious, new treats are here! Not only can you ride lots of your favorite rides at much lower wait times, but you can also experience snow (in the form of snoap) on Main Street, U.S.A., check out exclusive entertainment, as well as eat lots of party-exclusive snacks you can’t get anywhere else. Don’t know which of those snacks will be worth your time and money? Don’t worry, we’re here to help — we tried ALL the new snacks to let you know which ones you’ll definitely want to make time for! Main Street, U.S.A. Main Street Bakery is serving up the Winter Wonderland Express for $6.49, which is made with Hazelnut mousse and feuilletine, with panna cotta. Winter Wonderland Express This is a great sweet-and-salty treat. The inside is a mousse with a Nutella-like hazelnut flavor. At the bottom is a crunchy base, similar to a cookie but with even more crunch. A little salt balances out the sweetness really well. This is a great sweet-and-salty treat The icing on the outside doesn’t taste waxy, which is a common problem with decorated desserts. It’s creamy and has good flavor. Everything works well together, and the treat really tastes like Christmas. It’s adorable too! Over at Casey’s Corner, we grabbed the Minnie Cocoa Cake for $6.49, which is Chocolate mousse, marshmallow filling, and chocolate cake with chocolate décor. This one was too sweet for us. The outside is soft and velvety, and the inside is a creamy mousse. The marshmallow filling tastes artificial, though. Instead of a fresh marshmallow, it’s closer to a sugary paste. Minnie Cocoa Cake We also didn’t think it tasted much like hot cocoa. To be fair, our reporter is not a big hot cocoa fan to begin with, so we may be a little biased. The cake isn’t bland, but the flavor didn’t work for us, and we’re not sure it captures hot cocoa very well. This was a disappointment for us. The price is good for the size, and it’s very cute. If you love hot cocoa, you might enjoy this more than we did. Take a bite! The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is home to the Holiday Brownie Sundae for the party. It’ll cost you $9.29 and is made with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, brownie, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint. This sundae starts with two scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with warm hot fudge. On top of that is whipped cream sprinkled with peppermint bits, which add a nice crunch. Holiday Brownie Sundae The chocolate brownie on top was a letdown, though. It was a bit stale and bland. There were pieces of peppermint baked into it, which added some texture, but we really wished it had been a fresher, warm-from-the-oven brownie. Holiday Brownie Sundae The vanilla ice cream overpowers the other flavors, and we would have loved more peppermint on top or mixed throughout. The whipped cream also wasn’t great. It tasted cheap and waxy and took away from the rest of the sundae. It was mostly vanilla Frontierland Over at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, it was time for a FEAST! We grabbed the Tostada de Nochebuena for $13.99, which is served with smoked pork, salsa verde, smoked tomato salsa, queso fresco, and cilantro. Sadly, this dish was a big letdown. Our first reaction was how salty it was. Nearly every part of it tasted over-seasoned, and the first few bites were almost too much to eat. Tostada de Nochebuena On their own, most of the parts are fine. The beans are soft without being mushy. The smoked tomato salsa is a little acidic and very herby. The salsa verde adds a tangy kick that helps balance things out. The pork is moist and flavorful, but it’s the main source of the salt problem. It is very over-salted. The cotija cheese was creamy and helped cut through the salt, and we wish there had been much more of it. The cilantro got buried by everything else. The tortilla soaks up all the juices, which adds flavor. However, it loses its crunch fast, and we really missed that by the last few bites. If you order this, eat it quickly. This one disappointed us! Also on the menu is the Pluto Reindeer Cake for $6.29, which is gingerbread cake and mousse with apple filling. However, when we went on opening night, the Cast Member told us they had to stop selling them for now. We are going to keep our eyes out in case they do start to sell them again tonight. Menu Finally, our last bite here was the Mexican Hot Chocolate Churro Loops for $7.49, which are tossed with hot cocoa by Joffrey’s, cinnamon, and warm spices, served with sprinkles and marshmallow cream dip. We’ll be honest: we went into these expecting a typical Disney World churro. These surprised us. They weren’t stale at all. The outside was crisp, and the inside was still light and fluffy. They aren’t the freshest or best churros we’ve ever had, but they’re a definite step up from the usual park churro. Mexican Hot Chocolate Churro Loops The coating tastes like a packet of hot cocoa mix before you add the water. It’s sweet and rich, with lots of sugar mixed into the cocoa powder. Freeze-dried marshmallows and sprinkles are on top, but they tend to fall off. The best part is a subtle sprinkle of salt across each loop, which makes this a great salty-sweet snack. Rich & Sweet The marshmallow dip is sugary with that classic marshmallow flavor. It’s a little thicker than you might expect, closer to icing. Sprinkles mixed into the dip add a light crunch without being too hard. With six churro loops in an order, we think this one is worth the price. It’s a fun holiday twist on a Disney classic. It’s thick like icing! We also stopped by Golden Oak Outpost for the Gingerbread Cheesecake Beignets. These are $8.79 and are light and fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles over a gingerbread cheesecake icing. We have mixed feelings about this one. The beignets themselves were well made, with slightly crispy edges and fluffy, airy insides. They weren’t over- or undercooked, which hasn’t always been the case at Golden Oak Outpost in our experience. The heavy layer of powdered sugar was a lot, but it did add a nice sweetness. Gingerbread Cheesecake Beignets The cheesecake is where the dish fell short of its menu description. Instead of being filled inside the beignets, it’s scooped underneath them, which disappointed us. Once it mixed with the powdered sugar, it turned into two clumps, so we only got about two bites of cheesecake for the whole order. Gingerbread Beignet The gingerbread flavor also tastes artificial, almost like fake sugar. It reminded us of the cinnamon toothpaste at the dentist’s office (if you know, you know). The beignets are solid, but if the cheesecake had been filled inside them, we would have been much more impressed. We wish they were filled with the cheesecake! Also available here is the Gingerbread Cola for $5.99, which is Coca-Cola served with gingerbread syrup, cold foam, and festive sprinkles. This drink is very sweet. It reminded us a bit of a children’s medicine, though we couldn’t quite place which one. Take a sip! The cinnamon and ginger spices come through nicely, but adding whipped cream to an already sugary drink makes it a lot. That said, it’s not bad. It’s actually one of the better specialty colas Disney has made, but you’ll need a serious sweet tooth to enjoy it. Gingerbread Cola Liberty Square Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is home to the Mongolian Beef Bao, which will cost you $9.99 and is served with miso-gochujang sauce and chili threads. These were mostly good quality. The bao dough is very soft and pillowy, with that satisfying squish good bao should have. We were worried that $10 would get us just one large bao, but you actually get three small ones. Mongolian Beef Bao The miso gochujang sauce took us a minute to decide on. The miso cancels out the sweetness you’d usually expect from gochujang, so instead of sweet and savory, it’s fully savory and full of umami. Between the gochujang and the chili threads, there’s a pleasant warmth at the back of your throat, but we wouldn’t call it spicy. We ate all three quickly and didn’t feel any heat build up. A closer look! Our main complaint is the filling. There isn’t much of it, and it doesn’t have much flavor beyond plain beef. The bao is a little thick at the top, which makes the filling feel even skimpier. We still enjoyed these. At a party with unlimited cookies, a good savory snack really matters. The bao is a little thick at the top Fantasyland We stopped by Friar’s Nook to try the Sugar Cookie Soda, which is $5.99 and is Coca-Cola with cookie butter syrup, cookie butter cold foam, sprinkles, and sugar cookie pieces. Disney’s specialty sodas can be a lot, and this one is no exception, but we definitely preferred it over the Gingerbread Cola. Sugar Cookie Soda It has a classic sweet sugar cookie flavor, and the whipped cream melts nicely into the Coke, making it a creamier version of a classic drink. Just be careful, because the sugar cookie syrup sinks straight to the bottom. Our first few sips tasted like plain Coke. Once we stirred it, the drink became so sugary it felt like our teeth needed brushing, so keep mixing as you go. Sweet tooths will probably love this, but others may start feeling a little queasy by the time they reach the bottom of the cup. Toppings! We also stopped by Storybook Treats for the Very Merry Mickey Sundae, which is Vanilla soft-serve topped with whipped cream, gingersnap pieces, festive sprinkles, cherry coating, and chocolate décor for $7.99. We really enjoyed this sundae, but we have to be honest: it’s about 99% vanilla ice cream for eight dollars. Very Merry Mickey Sundae The best part is easily the gingersnap cookie pieces on top. They taste a lot like crumbled Biscoff cookies, with plenty of cinnamon and a cookie butter flavor. On its own, the peppermint drizzle can taste a little artificial, almost like toothpaste. Paired with big scoops of vanilla ice cream, though, it mellows into a subtle peppermint flavor. The whipped cream is the light, airy canned kind. We enjoyed this! The flavors work well together, and the combo feels familiar but still fun. The problem is the ratio. With 20 to 30 percent more toppings, we would have walked away very satisfied. We want more toppings! Over at Pinocchio Village Haus, you can grab the Italian Sausage and Meatball Lasagna Flatbread. It’ll cost you $14.29 and is served with a three-cheese Italian blend and ricotta topped with pesto. By Pinocchio Village Haus standards, this flatbread was pretty great. It uses the restaurant’s usual buttery flatbread crust. It has a nice flavor, but it’s on the soft side and doesn’t hold up very well under the toppings. Italian Sausage and Meatball Lasagna Flatbread The ricotta is what makes this worth ordering. It comes in big, creamy dollops and is what really gives the flatbread its lasagna feel. Big drizzles of pesto add an herby touch. It isn’t an amazing pesto, but it pairs well with the cheese and the basic marinara. Together, they give you classic Italian flavors that are hard to mess up. The sausage pieces were a good size, meaty, and well seasoned with herbs. There’s no spice or heat to this dish at all, but the flavors and textures complement each other well. There’s a lot of toppings on it! We don’t usually recommend eating a full meal during the party. With short ride lines, characters, shows, and so much else to do, that time is better spent elsewhere. But if you do need a meal, this isn’t a bad option, and it’s easy to split. It can be shared! Tomorrowland Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is home to Mickey the Elf, which is $7.99 and is vanilla mousse with festive sprinkles, sugar cookie, and chocolate ears. Even if you aren’t usually big on sweets, this one is worth a try. Most of it is vanilla mousse, which is pretty basic on its own. The real surprise is at the bottom of the mousse: a gooey, soft, almost liquid layer that tastes like cake batter or sugar cookie dough. Think of a birthday cake pop, but even better. It tastes like licking the spoon after mixing up a cake, and we loved it. Mickey the Elf The cookie base is a little hard and bland, almost cardboard-like. That turned out to be fine, though, because the topping is so sweet that a plain base keeps it balanced. A lot of cute character desserts lose flavor to all the decorations. That isn’t the case here. It’s so cute! The white chocolate and icing on the outside don’t take anything away from the taste. We devoured this one. It’s adorable, and we think the price is fair. Kids will go crazy for it, and the adults in our group loved it too. We were impressed! Want to see what the party was like last year while you wait for this year’s to drop? Check it out below! We’ll be bringing you our updates from the party all night long, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest holiday news! 2 CHANGES Announced for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which of these snacks are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

One of the most popular dining spots in Disney’s Animal Kingdom just changed the way you get a table. Nomad Lounge! For years, Nomad Lounge has been a go-to for guests who didn’t plan their meals months in advance. The lounge ran on a walk-up waitlist, making it one of the easiest places in the park to snag a sit-down bite and a cocktail on a whim. That’s no longer the whole story. So how does the new system actually work, and is walking up still an option? We headed over to find out. Nomad Lounge is located next to the iconic Tiffins Restaurant and offers both indoor and outdoor seating that really makes you feel as though you have been transported to a whole new world. Not only is the atmosphere in this space incredible, but we love the food and drink offerings here as well, which is no surprise since they share a kitchen with Tiffins! We love Nomad Lounge! How to Book a Table Reservations opened today, Sunday, November 8th. You can book through the My Disney Experience app or on the Disney World website. The booking window works the same way it does at other Disney World restaurants: reservations open 60 days ahead of the date you want to dine. The most relaxing atmosphere What It’s Like with a Reservation The process is simple. When you arrive, check in with the host, and you’ll receive a text message once your table is ready. We booked a 2:50 PM reservation, and our text came through at 2:55 PM. A five-minute wait is about as smooth as it gets, especially at a lounge that’s known for drawing a crowd. Nomad Lounge Can You Still Walk Up? Yes — the walk-up waitlist hasn’t gone anywhere, so you’re not necessarily out of luck if you couldn’t grab a reservation before your trip. Just be prepared to wait. According to the host, walk-up times had been running anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes throughout the day. Party size makes a big difference here, too: the smaller your group, the better your odds of a shorter wait. Even so, the host’s advice was clear: book a reservation whenever you can to skip the long wait. Nomad Lounge Churros Why the Change? The switch to reservations comes on the heels of strong demand for a new Annual Passholder offer at Nomad Lounge. From October 20th through December 18th, 2026, Passholders can get two small plates and two drinks for $49 (plus tax and gratuity). The deal runs daily from 3 PM until close, and you’ll pick from a select lineup: Small plates Chinese Five-Spice Glazed Chicken Wings Traveller’s Provisions (warm roasted naan with a trio of dips) Wild Mushroom Dumplings Drinks Leaping Lizard (alcoholic) Hibiscus Henna (non-alcoholic) If you’re a Passholder planning to take advantage of this one, a reservation is your best bet — especially since the offer doesn’t kick in until mid-afternoon, when the lounge tends to get busier. Full Spread from Nomad Lounge Based on our visit, booking ahead is well worth it — we were seated within minutes while walk-up guests faced waits of more than an hour. Whether you’re a Passholder eyeing that $49 small plates deal or just want a relaxing spot to recharge with a cocktail and a view of the Discovery River, we’d recommend locking in a reservation as soon as your 60-day window opens. And if your plans come together last-minute, stop by the host stand anyway — just keep your party small and your schedule flexible. We will continue to bring you all the Disney World news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Is Disney’s Jollywood Nights Worth $200 a Ticket in 2026? For more Animal Kingdom fun, make sure to check out our recent 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 Will you be making a reservation at Nomad Lounge, or do you prefer to take your chances with the walk-up list? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means it’s also the BUSIEST time of the year! Let’s party! Christmas is officially here at Disney World, and that means Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is finally back! Of course, we just had to be there on the first party night, and we weren’t the only ones with that idea. You’re not going to believe the crowds that showed up on day one! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event that runs on select nights at Magic Kingdom from November 8th through December 22nd. The party runs from 7 PM till midnight, but you can enter the park starting at 4 PM to enjoy some time in Magic Kingdom before it closes to the public for the party. It’s time for the Christmas Party! We thought the Christmas Party was going to be busy, but look at these crowds at the entrance before the party has even really begun! The line starts more than an hour in advance, and it gets particularly hefty on opening night. WOW! It took a little while to get to the front of the line and get our tickets scanned. They had the queue zig-zagging to keep the walkways clear. If you’re planning on rope dropping the party like this, just be prepared to stand in the direct sun. Lines at the entrance Once we scanned in and grabbed our wristband, we headed up to the train station in Town Square to get a birds-eye view of folks entering the party. There was a pretty steady flow. People entering the park But the REAL kicker here was Main Street, U.S.A., where things were absolutely SLAMMED. This space was packed with those who’d come in early for the party, along with guests who hadn’t yet left Magic Kingdom for the day. You’ll likely see heavy crowds here between 4 PM and 6 PM on party days. SO MANY PEOPLE NOTE: We’ll be updating this with more crowds and wait times so stay tuned! Sure, you’ll have to deal with the busyness, but there’s something really special about the Christmas party that makes it all worth it. The party offers exclusive entertainment, access to Magic Kingdom attractions (some with special holiday overlays), exclusive character meet-and-greets, festive treats, and free cookies and cocoa all night long! Our wristband this year We’re just so excited that the holiday season has finally arrived at Disney World. We’ve got a ton of stuff to show you from the Christmas party, so make sure you’re following us at the Disney Food Blog to catch it all! The 5 Weirdest Days of the Year in EPCOT Are Almost Here Want to know what we do EVERY Disney trip? Check out the video below! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to the Christmas Party this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The decorations have hit Magic Kingdom, and the holiday parties have begun, and in our eyes, that means it’s officially the holiday season! Time to get holly jolly! The Party Exclusive Merchandise is Here! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights are the two holiday parties you can experience after hours in Disney World, and we’re in Magic Kingdom tonight to see everything the former has to offer this time around! This year, the party takes place on select nights from November 8th through December 22nd, 2026, and we know just how much exclusive merchandise means to a lot of those attending. Let’s take a look at EVERY single option you’ll have when visiting the party! The souvenir collections will be available in the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., but you’ll also likely spot the items in Star Traders in Tomorrowland. The Very Merry Christmas collection is separate from the daytime Christmas collection, so make sure you snag those exclusive items during party hours, or else you’ll be out of luck! The line for merchandise! On opening night, our reporter waited in a long line that did move rather quickly. They only waited 10 minutes total. So if you see a line, don’t fret! There is a lot to choose from! There are magnets, mugs, photo frames, and more! More merchandise! Of course, there is Annual Passholder exclusive merchandise as well, so let’s get into some of the highlights! Party exclusive merchandise! First, let’s start with the Christmas Party Loungefly Minnie Ears that are $46.99. The front features Mickey and Minnie on each ear, with a darling peppermint-swirl bow in the middle! We love the hidden Mickey holly detail on the bow, too. Loungefly ears! On the back, you’ll find a toy soldier and the 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party logo. You can also remove the bow from the headband as well! The back! Next, the party-exclusive crewneck sweatshirt will cost you $59.99. Crewneck Sweatshirt The front pocket logo is a Christmas take on Cinderella’s castle with the party logo under it. Up close view! On the back, it features Mickey, Minnie, an elf, a reindeer, and toy soldiers on Main Street U.S.A. The back! To remember your night at the party, you can take home a party-exclusive ornament for $29.99. We love that it is Mickey and Minnie on their parade float from the Once Upon a Christmastime parade! Christmas Party ornament If you’re a pin collector, there are 6 different pins to choose from, including an Annual Passholder one. These range from $21.99 to $24.99. There is also a tiered pin set for $110 and a mystery box set for $34.99. So many pin options! We also know that this Mickey Mouse Plush Keychain will be very popular, and it is $19.99. ©Disney Want to see what the party was like last year before checking out this year’s video in a few days? Check out our video below! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news this holiday season, so stay tuned to DFB! We’re LIVE from the First Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of 2026 in Disney World! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which of these are you planning to grab? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

“All I want for Christmas is”…exclusive holiday merchandise at Disney World! Holiday decorations in Magic Kingdom Christmas is finally here at Disney World, and that means we’re headed back to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! From special meet-and-greets to stunning festive entertainment, there is so much that we love about this special ticketed event. We also love the exclusive merchandise that’s only available at the party, and while there’s lots of shopping to be done, don’t go anywhere until you get this FREE souvenir! Who doesn’t love a good Disney World keepsake?! Especially when it’s from an exclusive event! Well, each year, guests of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party get a complimentary collectible when they enter through Market Street (that’s the side street that goes behind Main Street, U.S.A. and functions as the main entrance for the party). It’s typically a Christmas ornament, and this year’s design is SO STINKIN’ CUTE. LOVE IT Themed to match the Mickey Mouse train popcorn bucket, this ornament has Mickey driving a little train with elves and toys in the back. It has the Christmas Party logo on the bottom and comes with a ribbon pre-attached so you can hang it on your tree. This is one of our faves! We are seriously digging this adorable train aesthetic they’re leaning into this year! It’s so festive and whimsical…I mean, this is a popcorn bucket I would display with my Christmas decor. It’s Mickey! If you enter Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party through the front entrance to Magic Kingdom, you’ll be directed toward Market Street to get your ornament. If you were already inside the park for the day and picked up your wristband and map somewhere other than the front entrance, you can still go through Market Street to get your ornament, you’ll just have to walk down to Town Square and come in that way. We recommend doing it earlier in the evening because they sometimes close that entrance as the party goes on. Let’s go! Once you’ve grabbed your free souvenir, go and enjoy the rest of what the party has to offer! You just can’t miss Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Once Upon a Christmastime Parade You also have to catch some of the special character meet-and-greets and the attractions with holiday overlays, only during the party. Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Jingle Cruise (Jungle Cruise) are all the rides that get new festive looks. Mad Tea Party during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party The tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party range from $189 to $229, and the party runs on select nights at Magic Kingdom from November 8th through December 22nd. The party runs from 7 PM till midnight, but you can enter the park starting at 4 PM to enjoy some time in Magic Kingdom before it closes to the public for the party. Our wristband this year We’re just so excited that the holiday season has finally arrived at Disney World. We’ve got a ton of stuff to show you from the Christmas party, so make sure you’re following us at the Disney Food Blog to catch it all! See Our Full Guide to the Party Here! Got a Disney World trip coming up? Check out this video below! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to the Christmas party this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article