All Activity

We’ve seen some pretty incredible Disney souvenirs in both Disney World and Disneyland, but let’s face it, some of the BEST souvenirs are sold in Disney’s international parks. We’re still going nuts over some of the popcorn buckets we’ve seen at Tokyo Disney Resort, after all. Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland Disneyland Paris has also dropped some pretty amazing souvenirs. However, we think the BEST souvenir we’ve seen might just be one that just dropped at Hong Kong Disneyland…and just wait until you see it. We love this idea and really think this would fit in well at Pixar Pier Games area, so if you can take a hint, Disney? HINT HINT! We’ll keep an eye out for more unique Disney souvenirs, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The One Disney World Souvenir Worth Paying $35 for on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these souvenirs? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

In case you didn’t know, there is an absolutely gorgeous theme park hidden in the Smoky Mountains, and it’s owned by Dolly Parton! Showstreet! Yes, we’re talking about Dollywood! We recently stopped by this theme park to check it out, and it’s safe to say we’ve fallen in love. There are tons of things to enjoy about the theme park, like that iconic cinnamon bread, but there’s also one major warning you need to know about before heading into the park! There are so many things we love about Dollywood. The classic, kind atmosphere, the amazing employees, the delicious food, and those exciting rides all come to mind. That being said, there’s one thing about the park that most people struggle with and don’t love, per se. Welcome to Dollywood! That would be the hills. Dollywood is located in the Smoky Mountains — literally! As you explore the theme park, you’ll go up hills, down into valleys, and more. Dollywood is approximately 160 to 165 acres. For comparison, Magic Kingdom is roughly 142 acres, so not a massive difference! You might think you can handle a 10-mile day in Dollywood easily, because you’ve done it in Magic Kingdom. Trust us when we say it is much harder in Dollywood! Dollywood tickets The theme park’s beauty does rely on its natural surroundings, so we love the fact that it’s in the mountains. That being said, it can be pretty difficult if you haven’t walked up hills in a while. Most of the lands try to do their best to keep things flat once you’re in them. It’s getting to and from each land can be difficult. Showstreet! The most difficult part of the walk around Dollywood is easily getting into Timber Canyon. Dollywood is laid out kinda like a circle (with a few areas that branch off). When you first enter the park on Showstreet, you can turn left and go straight to Timer Canyon. This is easily the highest hill in the park. Midway up, you realize just how steep this path actually is. If you’re a big coaster person, going left is a great option to get to a majority of the roller coasters in the park, but it can be difficult if you’re not prepared. Timber Canyon You can always go right and end your day at Timber Canyon so you can go down the hill rather than going up it, but that does mean most of the park’s roller coasters might have a longer line by the time you get there. If you’d like to go to the County Fair or into The Village, you’ll also find some steep hills to get there. You can see the hill here at the end of Showstreet! We aren’t joking when we say the beautiful rolling hills are unavoidable throughout the park. Some are worse (like getting into Timber Canyon) than others, but they aren’t totally avoidable. If you’re someone who has trouble getting around theme parks and you’ve used a wheelchair for assistance before, consider trying out an ECV rental. It would take some serious muscles to push an adult in a wheelchair around the parks. This is also a good reminder to not weigh down your stroller too much, either, unless you’re looking for an excellent arm workout. So beautiful! If you’re someone who loves burning calories or just staying extra active, you will love this aspect of the theme park. If you like a more leisurely stroll, you might want to practice a bit before you go into Dollywood. The water park, Splash Country, also has the same issue, so bring some good shoes for lots of support. The park is so beautiful We truly enjoyed our time in Dollywood, and we already can’t wait to go back! This time, we might start hiking in advance to stay prepared. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more theme parks, tips, and tricks. 8 Rules Every Disney Adult Will Break in Dollywood Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Dollywood? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We’re constantly on the lookout for new treats and souvenirs in Disney World! Disney World Annual Pass One of the best places to grab a snack or do some shopping during your vacation is Disney Springs. With dozens of restaurants and shops, there are SO many options to choose from. But now, there’s a new offering that combines snacks and souvenirs into one awesome bundle for Annual Passholders! You can choose to purchase the set on its own without the affogato included and receive it already packaged up in boxes and a paper bag, or you can snag it with the affogato included. If you go the latter route, you can either just walk away with your cup and beverage as-is, or bring your cup and saucer back when you’re done with your drink to swap it for the pre-packaged set. Toasted Coconut Affogato These mugs are limited availability, and you’ll need to show your Disney World Annual Pass to purchase one. The stand also sells non-Passholder affogato mug sets that you can purchase if you prefer that design. Find the cart (and the delicious affogatos) located between World of Disney and Basin! YUM We’ll keep you in the loop with any more snack or souvenir news from Disney World, so subscribe to our newsletter for the latest. See Some of Our Fave Disney Springs Desserts 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 Have you ever tried an affogato? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We know we sing the praises of Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom often. Not only is the quality of food always stellar, but this is also where you can get some of the best churros in Disney World. We also love the relaxing atmosphere and chill vibes. The only kind of bees we want in our drink Well, we just recently visited Nomad Lounge again and grabbed some things off the menu to try. So we’re back with another review to let you know what we thought of everything. So let’s get to it. We started with a drink, The Pachyderm and the Pollinator, which Nomad Lounge released in honor of Earth Month (although it hung around a little longer). It’s made with Hendricks Gins, purple honey simple syrup, lemon juice, soda water, and lavender bitters for $15.50. The name takes inspiration from the connection between elephants and bees, and proceeds from the drink go to a charity to help elephants. Many of these drinks taste the same, very floral, but this one was more complex and balanced. The lavender didn’t taste fake and added just enough floral elements that combined well with the sweetness of the honey and the sharpness of the gin. The Pachyderm and the Pollinator For food, we ordered the Wild Mushroom Dumplings, a plant-based dish with dim sum sauce, chili crunch, and roasted mushrooms for $14. This may be one of the best plant-based options in all of Disney World and one of the best plates we’ve had at Nomad Lounge. You will have to appreciate the earthy taste and texture of mushrooms, though, because both are very present. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, making them nice and soft enough to get a satisfying bite. Wild Mushroom Dumplings The sauce had a beautiful blend of savoriness and saltiness. We pretty much inhaled these they were so good. If you love mushrooms, get them. You don’t even have to be a plant-based eater to appreciate these dumplings. If you are, though, you need to RUN to Nomad Lounge ASAP to order these. The perfect dumpling Finally, we ordered the Grilled Beef Kefta for $17, which is a Middle Eastern-inspired beef skewer with harissa hummus, herb-honey yogurt, pickled red onions, and roasted garlic naan. The flavors were so intentional, in a way that a lot of Disney food is missing. Harissa is such a lovely spice that’s mild with heat, as well as aromatic and robust. The hummus was so creamy and perfect, while the beef was beautifully ground with a wonderful fine texture. Grilled Beef Kefta You also get naan, and the server suggested that we pull a bit of beef off the skewer and then put it in the naan and eat it like a little taco. And, well, that was the BEST suggestion because it was so tasty. The herb-honey yogurt added a nice cooling element to the whole that balanced out the spices. This is one of those dishes that’s just perfect for Nomad Lounge. All the elements work so well together So, again, we just had an incredible meal at Nomad Lounge, and still so many folks really sleep on this place. But we’ll continue to sing its praises. We’ll also continue to eat our way around Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more reviews. REVIEW: Chicken Waffle Cones Exist at Disney World, and Dreams DO Come True 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 favorite thing to order at Nomad Lounge? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When Disneyland Park opened to the public in 1955, it was overcrowded. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland 15,000 people were expected on opening day, which was initially supposed to be an invite-only preview event. However, nearly 28,000 people showed up. Counterfeit tickets and people charging visitors to climb a ladder to get into the park over the back fence made for an absolute fiasco. Opening day may have been a bit of a mess (to the point that it was nicknamed “Black Sunday”) but those guests got to experience something that over one billion people have now done…enjoy the magic that is Disneyland Park! Yep, that’s right! One billion people have now officially visited Disneyland Park from all around the world. During a recent visit to the park, a young boy named Andres Robles from Arizona was selected as the honorary one billionth guest. He and his family participated in a ceremony on the train station that revealed a new sign to mark the milestone. ©Disney After the ceremony, Andres and his family snapped some photos with Mickey and Minnie, the Disneyland Ambassadors, and Disneyland President Jill Estorino. They were then gifted with a VIP tour guide for the day so that they could visit historic backstage areas (like Walt Disney’s apartment), as well as do popular attractions. ©Disney Disneyland Park reaches this milestone just days before its 71st birthday on July 17th. Over the past 71 years, the park has expanded to a full-blown resort with three hotels, the Downtown Disney district, and a second park, Disney California Adventure. Dozens of rides and attractions have been added, new character meets have been introduced, and visitors from all over the world have made memories in this park. What a legacy! ©Disney There’s more expansion and fun on the horizon as well, and we can’t wait to see what happens before the two billionth guest visits. The park truly lives up to Walt Disney’s idea that “Disneyland will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world.” ©Disney We’ll keep you in the loop with more Disneyland Resort news and updates. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest and follow us on social media! Learn More About Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations 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 Have you been to Disneyland before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Many Disney fans know that Amazon is chock-full of Disney merchandise and essential theme park items. ©Amazon However, what many may not be aware of is that Amazon is home to an exclusive Disney storefront loaded with Disney items all in one place! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney Princess Yahtzee ©Amazon The iconic board game is given a Disney twist thanks to an infusion of Disney Princesses, including Tiana, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Snow White. SHOP HERE Disney Princess Tea Set ©Amazon Kids will love hosting their own tea parties with this Disney Princess-themed set, which includes a teapot with a lid, a sugar bowl with a lid, four tea cups, four saucers, four spoons, four macarons & one tea bag. SHOP HERE Star Wars Clone Commando Cody Helmet ©Amazon A part of the collector-focused Black Series, this Commander Cody helmet features detailed sculpting and electronic details that put fans right into the Clone Wars. SHOP HERE Star Wars Battlefront II Two-Pack ©Amazon Sticking with the Black Series, this two-pack of collector-level action figures includes 6-inch-scale action figures of a Phase I Assault Trooper (Coruscant Guard) & Battle Droid Officer (Training), along with appropriately scaled accessories. SHOP HERE Minnie Mouse Pet Fun Doll ©Amazon This adorable set includes a talking Minnie Mouse doll, along with her dog Floofy, a dog bowl, two pairs of shoes, a necklace, a tiara, and a phone. SHOP HERE WALL-E RC Robot ©Amazon This remote control WALL-E can move back and forth with the use of an included remote and stands nearly a foot tall. The robot also includes lights and sounds! SHOP HERE Tinker Bell Doll ©Amazon This Mattel Tinker Bell floats majestically on an iridescent stand and includes a leaf-inspired, embroidered appliqué and a petal skirt with an ombre print. SHOP HERE Stitch Plush Set ©Amazon What’s better than one Experiment-626 plush? How about a set of four? Each Stitch features a look inspired by Stitch’s Hawaiian adventures, each representing elements of Hawaii’s natural beauty: water, fire, earth, and air. SHOP HERE UP! Doorables ©Amazon This set of Doorables includes eight figures from the Pixar classic: Carl Fredricksen, old Carl, Russel, young Ellie Fredricksen, Charles Muntz, Dug, Beta, and Gamma. SHOP HERE Little People Princess Box Set ©Amazon This collection of the iconic Fisher-Price toys features toddler-friendly figurines of Ariel, Tiana, Snow White, Rapunzel, Mulan, and Cinderella, each holding a special object in her hand! SHOP HERE Disney Princess Dress-Up Trunk ©Amazon This dream roleplay set includes 21 deluxe dress-up pieces based on Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White. The set includes four tops, three skirts, three bracelets, three rings, a necklace, a sticker sheet, a choker, three headbands, and a soft goods tiara. SHOP HERE Hawaiian Holiday Goofy ©Amazon This Hawaiian Holiday collectible Goofy diorama comes in a vintage TV set-inspired package that includes a lever to activate the motion of the waves, simulating the surf’s up vibes of the classic cartoon. SHOP HERE You can find all this and more at the exclusive Disney Amazon storefront. Stay tuned to DFB each week for more Amazon finds. View the full article

The Fourth of July celebration was a big one this year, as America celebrated its 250th anniversary! We’re sure it was an amazing celebration wherever you were, but there was something special about being at Disneyland Resort. 250th Celebration Dipped Mickey Bar Everyone loves a classic Mickey Bar when at the Disney Parks. It’s one of, if not THE, most iconic snacks at Disney. Well, Disneyland completely changed the beloved Disney treat for July 4th, and we couldn’t pass up on it. Does this hold up to the icon that the Mickey Bar is? We got thoughts for you! We recently went to Disney California Adventure for the 250th celebration, and we spotted a brand-new patriotic version of the Mickey Bar. It’s called the 250th Celebration Dipped Mickey Bar, and it’s available for $7.99. We grabbed ours at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream. New Mickey Bar! The treat is your classic Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar. However, this one has half of it dipped in white chocolate and coated with red, white, and blue sprinkles. 250th Celebration Dipped Mickey Bar We have absolutely nothing bad to say about a white chocolate and milk chocolate dipped Mickey bar! Of course, you’d look at it and think this is bound to be delicious, and that is correct. We love the white chocolate on this Mickey Bar. It’s a great addition that we honestly wish could be a full-time thing. This is delicious! It’s super sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day in California. Add in those crunchy festive sprinkles, and you undoubtedly have yourself a delicious sweet treat in the parks. You get a lot for the cost of the treat, too. It’s great value (which isn’t something we say about a lot of treats), and it’s definitely worth the price with the addition of the white chocolate and sprinkles. This is a perfect 5/5, making an already beloved sweet treat even BETTER! It’s not a huge change, but it is a good one for a limited time. We wish this was here forever! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also 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. We’re always on the hunt for things to eat at Disneyland, especially those sweet treats! For more Disney food reviews, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. REVIEW: Chicken Waffle Cones Exist at Disney World, and Dreams DO Come True DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you tried this new Mickey Bar? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Reacting is not Leah Sava' Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri fatal flaw 🫡🔱 #DisneyWorld #PercyJacksonView the full article

You don’t need to break the bank to bring home great Disney Parks essentials! JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan A day at the Disney Parks right now is loads of fun, but there’s no getting around one MAJOR downside — it’s hotter than the finale of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride! The blistering heat can put a damper on even the most magical of park days. FORTUNATELY, there’s one essential on Amazon that can save the day and doesn’t cost a lot! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Stay cool with this Amazon essential JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan The JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan is one of our FAVORITE park accessories! Available on Amazon in one of eight different colors, this mini fan provides great bang for your buck. These park essentials can save your trip! It’s multifunctional, so not only is it rechargeable, but it also doubles as a flashlight and charger. It’s multifunctional We LOVE how compact it is! Most fans are larger and bulky to carry around, but this one folds nicely — taking up very little space. The blades fold down! If you’re not used to the Florida humidity or the California heat waves, this is a MUST-HAVE ESSENTIAL! Easy to carry and a wonderful additional charger for devices like your phone, this awesome fan absolutely makes your Disney visits easier! BUY ON AMAZON How are YOU staying cool this summer at Disney? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more packing tips and great Disney essential finds! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we are always discussing the Orlando International Airport. If you are planning to visit Disney World, this huge airport with iconic green carpet is likely the first stop of your trip. ©Orlando Business Journal However, today we are going to be discussing a smaller local airport near the Orlando area. The Kissimmee Gateway Airport is the municipal airport for the city of Kissimmee, but it might be getting much bigger very soon! According to the Orlando Business Journal, the Kissimmee Gateway Airport has received preliminary approval from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to build a customs facility that will allow it to have international flights. The agreement was made through the U.S Customs and Border Protection’s User Fee Facility Program, which allows small airports to apply for customs and immigration services. In the terms of the agreement, any airports approved for the program must start construction on the new customs facilities within three years of approval. Although it looks like the Kissimmee Airport will be moving even quicker than that! ©Orlando Business Journal The airport is aiming to start the construction process in 2027 and be ready for passengers within the next two years. This airport does not offer scheduled passenger service or normal ticketed passenger flights. Instead, it offers private, corporate, and charter air travel, so this would allow for those passengers to travel internationally when right now they may only travel within the United States. ©Google Maps (Kissimmee Gateway Airport) Kissimmee Director of Aviation Shaun Germolus said in a news release, “We know we have missed economic opportunities, and we understand what the impact of this designation can truly be. The growth in international tourism traffic from markets like Brazil and Argentina is real, and Kissimmee Gateway Airport is positioned to capture it.” ©Adobe (City of Kissimmee) These new international flight options may also bring more jobs and business partnerships to the city of Kissimmee. We cannot wait to see what this expansion means for the future of the Kissimmee Gateway Airport, and stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss any travel news! Orlando International Airport is Getting Some MAJOR Changes! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this airport news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We talk a lot about different food options around Disney World, and while you might be thinking about the parks, you shouldn’t skip some amazing dining options right at your hotel. All wrapped up in a waffle We’re heading to The Paddock Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. This food stand is right by the pool, making it the perfect stop on a relaxing hotel day. Check out the Chicken-Bacon Waffle Cone with sriracha hot honey and pickles for $10.29. Gorgeous! Yep, we’re totally obsessed. It really packed a punch! The pickles were spicy and crispy, which helped add to the heat from the hot honey. Because there’s nothing to cool down the spice, make sure you have a cup of water nearby. Everything in one bite The chicken tenders were well cooked and stayed crispy, even with the hot honey sauce on them. The heat that lingers is at a medium, and you can taste it on your lips after each bite. If you’re totally against spice, you probably won’t love this one, but if you don’t mind getting some heat in, you’ll really like this. Paddock Grill The waffle is cooked exactly how we like it, with that crispy exterior and fluffy inside. It’s the same batter as your classic Mickey waffles. The waffle is slightly sweet and helps cut some of the spice, but not as much as you might be hoping. We think adults are totally going to love this, but kids might want to stick with the Mickey waffles. Right by the pool For $10, we also thought this was a pretty good size, too. You can share it for a quick snack before heading to your dining reservation or have it for a solid lunch option. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more food reviews you need to know before your next Disney World trip. We’re in the parks every day, gathering the best tips and tricks so you can plan the best vacation ever! COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING AT DISNEY’S SARATOGA SPRINGS RESORT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this snack? Would you try it? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Calling all sushi lovers who are on their Disney World vacation! You’re going to want to hear about this. Morimoto Asia Street Food The Sushi Showdown is coming to Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, and it’s bringing together some of the most talented sushi chefs in the city to see who will take home the gold. The Orlando sushi scene is only a couple of months away, and we have the details for you. Some of the top Orlando chefs will be heading to Morimoto Asia for a sushi showdown. Each chef will create both a signature sushi with rice and a cooked small plate using the same featured fish. The showdown will take place on September 21st. Session one will be from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and session two will be from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Dining room near the open kitchen At the event, you can vote for your favorite dish! Taste the creations and decide who deserves the gold award. The experience will also include an add-on beverage package including sake pairings from Dassai, Hakkaisan, Kubota, Nanbu Bijin, and Soto. Morimoto Asia You’ll be able to cast your vote with a gold coin, enjoy entertainment from the DJ, and attend the live auction with 100% of the proceeds going to Give Kids the World. Give Kids the World is a nonprofit resort providing cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families. Morimoto Asia If you’re interested in the experience, general admission is $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For a limted VIP spot, it’s $700 per booth up to 4 guests, plus tax and gratuity. You can also get the $25 beverage package as an add-on. Morimoto Asia The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also 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. If you’re a sushi lover, this might be the event for you this fall. For more news and updates for everything happening at Disney World, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. How Much Money Should You Really Budget For the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 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 Is this an experience you want to check out? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Sometimes, it’s the classic snacks that reign supreme. Yes, we love fancy dishes with perfect presentation, but sometimes a traditional cheeseburger is all you need during a day at Disneyland. Chicken tender time! We’re heading to Galactic Grill in Disneyland to get our hands on some chicken tenders! We tried the Hawaiian Chicken Tenders & Fries for $14.49. These chicken tenders are tossed in a tangy Hawaiian-inspired BBQ sauce, garnished with green onions and served with fries. Hawaiian Chicken Tenders And Fries The smell of these was incredible! It reminded us of sweet Hawaiian teriyaki, but those flavors didn’t quite carry through to the taste. The sauce was on the salty side, and we were craving some sweetness. Easy lunch There was also a LOT of sauce. We think next time, we would ask for it on the side and dip it how we like. If you’re planning on Mobile Ordering like we did, you can’t get the sauce on the side, but you might be able to ask at the counter, and it can be up to the Cast Member’s discretion. Inside We’re not sure we would get these again, which really disappointed us! We love our fancy chicken tenders (okay, and basic chicken tenders, too), but the sauce just wasn’t where we hoped it would be. The tenders are the traditional tenders you can find all over Disneyland and Disney World, along with the classic fries. If you’re up for a more savory take, you might really enjoy this, but just note that it’s probably not as sweet as you might be looking for. The menu Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more food reviews! We know the best dishes you don’t want to miss and the ones you can skip right here at DFB. DISNEYLAND ANNOUNCES LIMITED-TIME TICKET DEAL FOR $59 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try these? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

It’s no secret that if you asked us which Disney resort in the U.S. had the best food, we’d probably answer Disneyland. There’s just so MUCH good food to get there, including the BEST corn dogs, Mickey beignets, cheesy garlic pretzel bread, those chocolate chip cookies at Harbour Galley, and more. Disneyland knows how to do food. Carthay Circle Restaurant Well, one of the most popular restaurants in Disney California Adventure, Carthay Circle Restaurant, just added a ton of NEW food to its menu, and well, now you’ve got even MORE great food to choose from in Disneyland. Yep, you’ll be able to grab some NEW food at Carthay Circle Restaurant now, including some starters, which include: Crispy Pork Belly Glazed with Gochujang Butter — Siracha AÏoli, Japanese Pancake for $24 Summer Watermelon Habanero Aguachile — Jicama, Pepitas, Cotija Cheese for $18 Seasonal Stone Fruit & Tomato Salad — Burrata Cheese, Basil, Pine Nuts, Tomato Vinaigrette $26 for $26 New entrees include the following: Grilled American Wagyu Picanha — Grilled Corn, Peach-Chimichurri for $62 “Tamarind-Adobo” Half Chicken — Chilled Rice Noodle Salad, Roasted Sesame Vinaigrette for $46 Lamb Shawarma Cutlets — Aubergine Hummus, Tomato Mint Chutney, Warm Naan for $60 Tagliolini Pasta with Poblano Pesto — Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Clams for $48 Inside Carthay Circle Craving something sweet? There are also new desserts: Phyllo Dough Peach Custard — Farmers Market Blackberries, Summer Peach Sorbet for $16 Black Forest Cherry Bliss — Dark Chocolate Cake, Mascarpone Cream, Marinated Cherries for $16 There’s also a new kids’ menu entree: Crunchy Chicken Tacos Dining at Carthay Circle The Carthay Circle Lounge also added some new menu items. New alfresco dining options include: Farmers Market Peach Tostadas — Whipped Burrata, Corn, Salsa Verde for $16 Summer Berry Salad — Honey Goat Cheese, Sunflower Seeds, Citrus-Poppyseed Crisp for $18 Char Siu Glazed Salmon — Bok Choy, Broccoli, Spicy Kombu-Soy Broth for $24 Cheese Tortellini — Basil Pesto, Pomodoro Sauce, Grana Padano Cheese for $22 El Pastor Roasted Chicken Breast — Grilled Corn, Zucchini, Poblano Sauce for $24 For dessert, the following was added: Strawberry-Matcha Popsicle — Strawberry Elixir, Matcha Cold Foam for $15 Carthay Circle Lounge outdoor seating Note that reservations are highly recommended for both restaurant locations, as both are pretty popular dining spots. We’ll keep an eye out for more big Disney restaurant updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: We Spent $15 on Cake Pops at Disney, and We’re Questioning Our Investment DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you ever dined at Carthay Circle? Share your experience there in the comments! View the full article

We’re back at one of our favorite quick-service spots in Animal Kingdom — Flame Tree Barbecue! Flame Tree Barbecue There are SO many good things on this menu, like the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork, Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries, and, of course, the Key Lime Pie Pop. But today, we’re not here for any of those — we actually came for the Korean Barbecue Sandwich, and we’re sharing ALL of our thoughts! The Korean Barbecue Sandwich is a plant-based item featuring Impossible® Beef with Pickled Vegetables, Gochujang Mayonnaise, and Cilantro served on a Sourdough Baguette with French Fries, and you can grab this for $12.49. This is actually the ONLY plant-based item you can find on the menu. Korean Barbecue Sandwich Meal We found this sandwich to have a mix of Korean and Vietnamese flavors, specifically similar to the bánh mì sandwich. The ingredients lay between a sourdough baguette that was soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. It was soft enough where it didn’t hurt our mouths while trying to get a bite, but sturdy enough where it didn’t become soggy from all of the ingredients. Korean Barbecue Sandwich The cilantro and mayonnaise came with a little bit of spice that mirrored the type of kick you’d get from a sriracha sauce. Korean Barbecue Sandwich The “meat” filling seemed like it was mixed with vegetables, similar to a meatloaf, but it was ground very finely, thinly sliced, and seasoned to create the effect of a typical Korean barbecue dish. Korean Barbecue Sandwich We LOVED the pickled vegetables, specifically the pickled red onions, because they added a fresh element that elevated this sandwich so much more. All of these components worked incredibly well together, and we’d definitely come back to get this again! Korean Barbecue Sandwich The sandwich was served with a side of French fries, but we actually would have preferred something lighter — like chips or a salad — because the sandwich is already on the heavier side. The fries themselves were great — it’s your typical Disney World French fry — but we definitely would have rather had a side of chips. Korean Barbecue Sandwich We actually think this is an upgrade over the plant-based Burnt Ends that were here for years and a very popular option for plant-based eaters coming to Disney World. However, we still prefer the Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl over at Satu’li Canteen, which we think might be one of the plant-based dishes in all of Disney World. But depending on what flavors you feel like eating, the Korean Barbecue Sandwich is a great option! Chili Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl We’re always trying and reviewing things around Disney World and beyond, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! REVIEW: Why We Keep Coming Back to This Underrated Animal Kingdom Restaurant Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the Korean Barbecue Sandwich? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

One of the biggest events of the year in Disney World is the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival In 2026, this festival will take place from August 27th through November 21st, and it’s going to offer eats and drinks from around the world. We go each year to try EVERY booth, and we share our reviews right here on the blog! But if you’re heading to the festival in 2026, how much should you budget? At the time of publishing, the full list of food booths and booth menus has not been released for 2026. Therefore, we’ll be basing this budget on the prices and food booths from 2025. Note that menus are typically released closer to the festival start date, but we don’t often see prices until the menu boards go up in EPCOT a few days before the festival begins. Mexico Menu in 2025 Also, keep in mind that the budgets here may need to be increased slightly if there are price increases on menu items for 2026. Festival Strategy: One Meal For this guide, I’m breaking down what you should budget based on your personal festival strategy. To start, let’s address those folks who are JUST coming to the festival to eat a singular meal. Maybe it’s lunch, maybe it’s dinner, but you’re the type of person who’s planning to dine at festival booths to replace a dining experience where you would typically sit down at a table and order a meal. Canada Full Spread 2024 In terms of portions, this likely means you’re going to eat 2-3 food items from the booths (we’ll say two savory items and a dessert for this example) depending on your personal eating habits. You’ll also likely include a beverage or two (let’s go with one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic). Meat-heavy items cost more than those that don’t have meat, but on average, a regular “entree” style item at a food booth will cost $7, while desserts tend to hover around $5.50. Pineapple Cheesecake You can usually get a fairly interesting cocktail for about $12 (beers, ciders, and wine pours typically run cheaper than this), and a non-alcoholic specialty beverage would be around $6. Prices may be higher or lower than these depending on what you order exactly, but I’m giving you more of an average for budgeting purposes. Mango Lassi So that means with two “entrees,” a dessert, a regular beverage, and a cocktail, you’d need to budget about $37.50 per person. If you eat less than that or want to skip on the alcohol, you could save money, but in general, that’s about the same as the cost of a regular sit-down restaurant for an individual. The Ultimate Disney World Festival Packing List for 2026 Festival Strategy: Food Only As I mentioned above, the average “entree” or savory item is going to run you about $7. Some without meat are cheaper, and some with expensive toppings like seafood or steak can run you more expensive than that. So really, with a “food only” budget, you’re going to budget for how many items you’d like to eat. Chicken Tikka Masala If you’re riding solo and want to try five things throughout the day, go for a budget of $35. However, if you’re with another person or a group and can hit up a bunch of booths or order multiple things at each spot, you might get ten items and budget $70. It’s all up to the way you want to do the park with this one! If you split your snacks between savory and sweet, you might save some money as well, considering sweet treats are closer to $5.50 on average. I’ve Tried Every Food & Wine Hack in Disney World — These Are the Ones That Work! Festival Strategy: Drinks Only Maybe you’re more interested in drinking around the festival instead of eating? If so, this is the budget for you! As I noted above, fun cocktails typically run around $12. However, you can snag beers or wines for cheaper, so your budget may vary depending on how much you drink and what you like to drink. NOTE: Even if you just intend to get drinks from the festival, we recommend making sure you eat and hydrate with WATER throughout the day — it’s for your own safety and the safety of the other people in the park! Drink responsibly and be on your best behavior. Frozen Rose at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival A person who wanted to only try specialty cocktails would need to budget about $60 to get five drinks. Most lagers, ales, and ciders cost $5.75 for a 6oz pour. So you could try five different beers or ciders around the festival for about $28.75. Individual pours of wine often cost about $7, so to have five glasses of wine would be a budget of $35. Summer in Spain But the real hack? Make sure to check out the flights if you’re interested in trying a bunch of drinks! These come with three smaller portions of wine, beer, or cider, and they’re a great way to taste new things you might not regularly order. In 2025, the beer and hard cider flights were $12.75 each and the wine flights were $7.50. My Biggest Mistakes I Will Not Be Making at the 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Festival Strategy: Every Country Hoping to grab a snack and drink in every country around the World Showcase? You can do that! Well…almost. Nearly every country in the World Showcase has its own dedicated food booth, but two spots — Norway and the UK Pavilion — have not had their own Food & Wine booths consistently. To make up for it, you can choose two additional country-themed booths that are staples of the festival. Options typically include spots like India, Spain, Belgium, Greece, or Australia. Spain So, if you’re planning on eating at 11 different booths around the “world,” you’ll likely go for something like a singular food item and a singular beverage. If you take this strategy, we recommend budgeting about $13 per booth. This would get you a non-alcoholic drink and a food item, a beer/hard cider and a food item, or a cheaper cocktail and a dessert. If you want to go for the more expensive cocktails, increase that budget by $3-$6. Greece food spread So with 11 stops in total, that means you’d need to prepare to spend $143 to eat all the way around the world at Food & Wine. Why Fans Are Ditching the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Festival Strategy: Every Booth Finally, what about the folks who want to do EVERY SINGLE food booth at the festival? Well, if you’re going to tackle that many spots, you’re likely only going to order one item at each. For this, let’s budget $9 per booth. That gives you enough average and wiggle room to order a regular savory item, go cheaper and get a dessert or small beer, or go more expensive and get a nicer “entree” or cocktail. 2025 Food and Wine Festival Belgium Booth The 2025 festival featured 31 different booths, which would mean a budget of $279 to eat or drink at all of them! On top of that, there were seven additional locations where you could find specialty treats, so you could spend even MORE than that. It’s fairly normal these days for the Food & Wine Festival to have around 30 booths, so this budget will still likely stand for 2026. An Important Budgeting Note for 2026 Finally, we have to address a major change that has affected the EPCOT festivals in 2026. Starting this year, the food booths went cashless at the festivals, AND they started charging tax on food items. Previously, tax was included in the menu prices. We haven’t yet seen this change in action at the Food & Wine Festival, but it happened at the other two festivals in 2026, so it will likely continue. This means you may need to add a few dollars to each of these budgets to accommodate for tax. Flavors From Fire 2025 That’s a wrap on our budgeting guide for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media so you can see when the booths and prices are announced for 2026, as well as see all of our coverage from the opening weekend of the festival. We’ll be there! Get All the Details on the Food & Wine Festival Here! 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! Are you going to the Food & Wine Festival in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We always make sure to keep you informed of any new snacks and drinks that pop up around Disney World. Dockside Diner We know there are so many different options for places to eat and things to try on your next vacation, which is why we always review every new item so you know what to prioritize and what to skip. And we just visited Hollywood Studios to review some brand-new menu items! On our last trip to Hollywood Studios, we visited Dockside Diner on Echo Lake to try several brand-new items. First, we grabbed the Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Dog for $13.49. This is a loaded all-beef hot dog served on a pretzel bun with garlic beer cheese sauce, crispy onions, mustard drizzle, and house-made kettle chips. Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Dog The pretzel bun was very soft and fluffy on the inside, but the outside was firmer and not very fresh. The garlic beer cheese sauce had a strong flavor that came through in every bite and added a nice, rich, creamy cheese flavor. The beef hot dog was thick and juicy. The crispy onions added a crunchy texture that mixed well with the mustard drizzle. The mustard gave it a light, tangy acidity that wasn’t super noticeable next to the powerful flavor of the cheese sauce. Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Dog The house-made chips were served on the side and, unfortunately, were not evenly fried— some were soft, while others were hard and very tough to bite. They had a nice, strong potato flavor with a salt and pepper blend on top. They went well with the garlic cheese sauce. Overall, this was a large portion size that’s easily shareable. This was a unique new food, and if you love savory, garlic, and cheesy flavors, this is something you will enjoy! Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Dog To accompany the Pretzel Dog, we also grabbed the Garlic Cheese Sauce for $1. This is a thick and rich beer cheese sauce. The cheddar flavor was the most prominent, with a subtle garlic flavor that balanced it nicely but was not overpowering. This is a richer, darker, and thicker sauce compared to the cheese sauce you’d normally get in the parks and has a creamier texture. This is not something you need to make a special trip to Dockside Diner to try, but it is a great accompaniment to the other items! If you’ve been around for a while, you know cheese is VERY important to us, so we’re just happy to have another one to add to our meals. You can still get that classic plastic cheese over at Backlot Express and Woody’s Lunch Box. Side of Garlic Cheese Sauce We also tried the Seashore Lemonade for $6.99. This is a bright blue iced beverage topped with gummy fish, with rainbow candy at the bottom to give an ocean-inspired look. This is such an adorable and colorful drink! Pineapple juice and lemonade are the strongest flavors present in the whole drink. Peach and blue curaçao flavors also add a subtle fruity and citrus taste that blends into a fruity flavor. Seashore Lemonade This was a very bright, tropical, and refreshing drink. It was loaded with ice, so it was nice and cold, but even after a while, it never tasted watered down. The candy at the bottom gave it a surprisingly pleasant crunch and complemented the sweetness of the drink very well. The gummy fish on top were definitely more for decoration since the ice made them very hard and difficult to chew. Overall, this is a great summer drink, especially in the Florida heat. Seashore Lemonade Last up, we tried the Dirt Cup Shake for $10.29. This is a thick chocolate shake with cookie crumbs at the bottom and on top, chocolate syrup lining the inside of the cup, and gummy worms on top. The shake had a rich and creamy consistency with a milk chocolate flavor. It melted pretty quickly in the heat and became runny fast. The chocolate flavor stayed the prominent flavor even after it melted. Dirt Cup Shake It was served so thick that it was almost like soft serve, but the heat melted it into a shake texture. The chocolate syrup added sweetness that strengthened the strong chocolate flavor. The cookie crumbs gradually blended throughout as it melted, but stayed soft. The gummy worms were a fruity contrast to the chocolate and stayed chewy even after sitting in the shake for a while. The combination of the creamy shake and chewy candy made for a great variety of textures in the drink. This was a cute, sweet treat that kids will really love. Dirt Cup Shake We always make sure to bring you all the Disney food reviews so you know what you need to try on your next visit. Stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! REVIEW: We Paid $22 For Cotton Candy Cake in Disney World, and We’d 100% Do It Again! 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 trying any of these new menu items on your next trip? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Let me share a little secret with you — here at DFB, there’s a non-Disney resort we like a LOT. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are a group of three hotels owned and operated by Marriott — the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve. These hotels are located right in the heart of Disney World, and they have some pretty awesome perks. In fact, the perks are SO good that we might recommend you choose them instead of a Disney Resort! Perks For starters, these three hotels have some serious perks! Like Disney-owned resorts, they offer Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation to the parks (including buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and Friendship Boats to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). These hotel reservations can be linked to your My Disney Experience account just like Disney ones, and they can offer the same booking perks — like Lightning Lanes seven days in advance of your arrival and the ability to make dining reservations for the length of your trip 60 days out. Dolphin Lobby But perhaps the biggest perk is that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels count at Deluxe Resorts. This means they offer Extended Evening Hours on select nights of the week. Typically twice a week, Deluxe Resort guests can spend an extra two hours in a specific Disney theme park after it closes to day guests, and you can get that perk by staying here, too! These Hotels Will Guarantee You More Time in the Disney Parks Pricing Another huge reason we love staying here? The PRICE. These hotels are priced more in line with a Disney World Moderate Resort, yet they get the perks and amenities of a Deluxe. For example, looking at staying at the Walt Disney World Dolphin on a weeknight in September? You could get a room for about $250-$300 a night. Swan Reserve rooms Like Disney hotels, prices fluctuate depending on the time of year and the room category, but you’ll typically be able to get one of these “Deluxe” rooms for much less than you’d get a room at a Disney-owned Deluxe Resort. Marriott Bonvoy members can sometimes score special deals, as well as teachers, senior citizens, Disney World Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, First Responders, government employees/military, and AAA members. That’s a LOT of discount availability! See Other Reasons We Love These Hotels Here! Location These three hotels on one shared complex have a PRIME location. They’re in the EPCOT Resort area, which means they’re situated right between the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT and the entrance to Hollywood Studios. Remember how we said you can boat to those two parks? Well, you’re close enough that you could actually WALK to either of them as well! Walkway at the Swan Hotel Being close to two parks is a huge deal, and you’re surrounded by other popular locations. Disney’s BoardWalk is just a few steps away across the bridge, Yacht Club and Beach Club share the boat route, and the Fantasia Gardens mini golf course is walkable distance, too. There’s so much to access in this area, and of course, you can easily walk between the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve to enjoy amenities at your sister resorts. 5 Reasons You Need to Stay at This Popular Disney Hotel Dining If you’re a foodie, this might be the actual BEST place to stay in all of Disney World. These three hotels combined have more restaurants than any of the Disney-owned resorts, and there are some STELLAR options. Between sitdown spots, signature dining, lounges, quick service, and pool bars, there are 21 different options to choose. Bourbon Steak Some of our faves include Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, where you can get a truly upscale steakhouse experience; Amare at the Swan Reserve, where you can have a delicious Mediterranean feast; Fuel at the Dolphin, where you’ll find self-serve Dole Whip with toppings; and Rosa Mexicano, where you can get some of the best Mexican food on Disney property. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! You could literally spend your entire week just eating at these three hotels and have a truly delectable time. See Our Review of Bourbon Steak Here! If you’re still trying to decide where to stay during your Disney World trip, consider the Swan and Dolphin! No matter why you choose these hotels, you’re likely to have a BLAST. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips like this! Learn More About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 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 Have you ever stayed at these hotels before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Every year, we embark on one of our favorite traditions, the search for the next class of planDisney panelists. It’s a chance to welcome a new group of passionate Disney vacation planners who love helping others create unforgettable memories, and we couldn’t be more excited to do it again. 2027 planDisney Panel Applications Applications for the 2027 planDisney panel officially open at noon EST on Friday, July 10, 2026, and run through noon EST on July 14, 2026. Could You Be Our Next planDisney Panelist? Are you the person your family, friends, or coworkers text whenever they’re planning a Disney vacation? Do you have favorite dining recommendations ready at a moment’s notice, know the best strategy for your favorite attractions, or find yourself happily answering Disney vacation questions just because you love talking about it? If so, we’d love to hear from you. What is planDisney? planDisney is Disney’s official digital vacation planning resource, where guests can ask personalized questions and receive answers from real people who have experienced Disney destinations firsthand. Our diverse panel of experienced Disney travelers share practical tips, honest advice, and personal insights to help guests confidently plan vacations to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Disneyland Paris, and Disney beach resorts. Every answer is rooted in authentic experience because our panelists are real guests who simply love helping other guests. Who Are We Looking For? We’re searching for passionate Disney vacation planners who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping others create magical memories. Every planDisney panelist brings their own unique experiences and perspective, but they’re all united by a few common traits. We’re looking for people who: Have extensive knowledge of at least one Disney destination. Enjoy sharing thoughtful advice based on real experiences. Communicate in a warm, engaging, and authentic way. Love collaborating with others and being part of a supportive team. Have the time and commitment to regularly answer guest questions and participate in content creation and other panel activities throughout the year. Enjoy creating photos and videos that help inspire future guests. Every Disney vacation looks a little different, and that’s exactly what makes our panel so special. Whether you’re the master of maximizing Lightning Lane, the go-to Disney Cruise Line expert, the family vacation planner, or the friend who always knows the best snack stop, we’re looking for a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. Ready to Apply? Applications for the 2027 planDisney panel open at noon EST on Friday, July 10, 2026, and run through noon EST on July 15, 2026. Every year, we’re inspired by the incredible people who apply. We can’t wait to meet the next group of planners, storytellers, content creators, and Disney enthusiasts who are ready to share what they love with guests around the world. If that sounds like you, we hope you’ll apply. We can’t wait to hear from you! Why planDisney Panelists Love Disney Parks Annual Passes READ MORE planDisney Panelist Reflects on Life as a Military Spouse READ MORE One Day at Disneyland: Planning Your Visit from Morning to Night READ MORE The post The Search for the 2027 planDisney Panel is Almost Here appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Toy Story 5 has hit theaters, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how: Disney snacks! SO CUTE! In both Disneyland and Disney World, Toy Story-themed snacks have been released, and we’re having an incredible time trying them all. Disneyland dropped some special cake pops at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Disney California Adventure, and they might be the cutest we’ve seen. Check out the Forky Cake Pop for $7.29. It is vanilla-flavored with white chocolate on the outside. Forky The icing tasted like vanilla buttercream and was very, very sweet. There was a thicker filling on the inside, where the texture reminded us of caramel, but it was vanilla-flavored to add a bit more dimension to the snack. The eyes were actually our favorite part since they were simple chocolate! All of the textures together weren’t our favorite, but it’s af airly standard cake pop and that hit of sweet when you need it. Inside You can also grab the Karen Beverly Cake Pop for $7.29, which is also vanilla but with banana Laffy Taffy for added details. Karen Beverly The banana Laffy Taffy tastes exactly how you remember it, so if that was the treat of your childhood, you’ll definitely enjoy it, but if you aren’t a fan, you might want to pull it off. The base tasted the same as Forky but with different decorations. Inside Would we get these again? Hmmm…we’re not sure. We love how cute they are, and they seriously look like they’re straight out of the movie, but the textures were not our favorite. We’ve had a Forky Cake Pop before, but we’re glad they’re back to celebrate the movie. They’re definitely on the basic side for treats, so if you’re looking for something more unique, you might want to head somewhere else, but they’re very cute for photos, and kids will get a kick out of them. Hi Forky! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more snack reviews so you know what’s worth your time and money on your next Disney vacation. REVIEW: DISNEY WORLD HIT THE BULLSEYE WITH THESE NEW TREATS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about these snacks? Would you try them? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Flying can be extremely stressful with all of the delays, crowds, and information that come with it. And something that can make it even MORE stressful is having to deal with a connecting flight. Let’s go on a trip! But that won’t be an issue anymore in one Florida airport because a new nonstop route was just added! Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) recently announced the addition of a nonstop route to a popular New York airport via Delta Airlines. According to the Orlando Business Journal, Delta Airlines will launch a new nonstop flight from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) this winter. This flight will take place twice a week beginning on December 19th through May 2nd, 2027. ©Getty Images This flight will take approximately three hours, and one-way tickets range from $154 to $354 depending on availability and when you’re traveling. And according to airport officials, Delta will be adding 80 flights (roughly 6,080 seats) to Melbourne, FL with this new service. ©Getty Images This flight is offered on the Embraer E-175 aircraft, which has 76 seats, making it smaller than the other Delta planes in its fleet. These flights will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays only, timed to coincide with Port Canaveral’s cruise schedule since the Melbourne Orlando International Airport is considered to be the closest airport to the port. Disney Wish at Port Canaveral Even if you’re not planning to take a cruise, this could be a great alternative to flying into the Orlando International Airport (MCO) if you’re planning to take a trip to Disney since it only takes about 1.5 hours to get from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Disney World. Instead of having to worry about connecting flights and transportation from MCO, you could easily rent a car and drive to Disney from MLB. Disney World Entrance Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more travel news, updates, tips, and tricks! This NEW Travel Stop Is Gonna Give Buc-ee’s a Run for Its Money 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 taking advantage of this new nonstop flight? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Pin collectors, now is your time to shine! New pins! There’s a new collection that just landed online, and we’ve already spotted some of them in Frontier Trading Post in Magic Kingdom as well, but despite their availability, we’ve got a feeling they’re going to be so popular, they may sell out fast. Why? Well, they’re Haunted Mansion-themed, it’s almost spooky season, AND they glow in the dark! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get Your Own Haunted Mansion Gargoyle! ©Disney The Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Glow-in-the-Dark Pin is available right now, and it’s a classic design we can’t get enough of. It’s green all over, which glows in the dark, complete with a gargoyle holding candles above him, gripping the Haunted Mansion logo below him with his claws. Grab it online! The Hatbox Ghost Has His Own Pin! The Hatbox Ghost Glow-in-the-Dark Pin One of our favorite parts of the ride is seeing the Hatbox Ghost, especially now that he’s in both Disneyland and Disney World, and now he’s got his own pin! We’ve got a feeling the Haunted Mansion The Hatbox Ghost Glow-in-the-Dark Pin may sell out extra quick, thanks to how beloved he is, so we suggest grabbing him soon. Grab it online! The Hitchhiking Ghosts Will Really Follow You Home! ©Disney We also love seeing which Hitchhiking Ghost is going to follow us home at the end of the ride, and now, you can take all three of them around with you with the Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts Glow-in-the-Dark Pin! They’re all inside one of the iconic ride vehicles, just like they are when you’re approaching the exit of the ride. Grab it online! We Can’t Forget About The Queen Herself Madame Leota Glow-in-the-Dark Pin We also absolutely love the Haunted Mansion Madame Leota Glow-in-the-Dark Pin, because she’s in her crystal ball, just like she is inside the ride. The pin also features part of her (arguably) most well-known line, “Summings spirits from regions beyond.” We especially love the colors in this one, and have a feeling we’re not alone! Grab it online! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Looking to snag some breakfast at your Disney World hotel before you hit the parks? You may need to do some research ahead of time! Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel Sandwich All of the Disney Resorts have options available for breakfast, but their hours can vary. Some of them open earlier than others, which means some hotels might set you up better for a rope drop start to your Disney World park day. Which hotels have the best hours for breakfast? Let’s find out! Generally, the standard opening time for quick service spots that serve breakfast at the hotels is 7 AM. So, in this list, we’re taking a look at the hotel dining locations that open BEFORE 7 AM so that you can start your day extra early! Full-Scale Breakfast Okay, starting this list, there are a few quick service restaurants that begin serving their breakfast offerings at 6:30 AM. This is the case for the food courts at all three All-Star Resorts — End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports, Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music, and World Premiere Food Court at All-Star Movies. Breakfast Spread from Intermission Food Court This means that starting at 6:30AM, you can get offerings like the Biscuit and Gravy Bounty Platter, the Loaded Totcho Bowl, bagel sandwiches, omelets, and yes, Mickey waffles. They also offer sides of breakfast meats and potato barrels, as well as a selection of pastries, oats, and kid’s meals. Plus, all the regular pre-packaged snacks and beverages will be available. End Zone Food Court If you have a refillable mug, you can head into the food court and refill it before you hit the parks. Our pro tip here is to Mobile Order your food so that it’s ready to pick up ASAP. You can get it packaged to-go and eat it on the run if you need to. All three of these spots serve breakfast from 6:30 AM to 11 AM. Coffee Shops In addition to the food courts, there are a few coffee shops at Disney Resorts that open early, allowing you to get your caffeine fix and choose from a selection of baked goods for breakfast. Contemporary Grounds at the Contemporary Resort opens the earliest of this bunch with operating hours of 5:30 AM to 8 PM daily. It’s basically a Joffrey’s location with the same pastries you find at the stands in the parks. Contemporary Grounds If you’re staying at the Riviera Resort, you can visit Le Petit Cafe from 6:30 AM to 9 PM daily. This spot has a cozy atmosphere with lots of cute little seating areas nearby where you can enjoy your coffee and breakfast. Their list of food offerings is short but includes some fun options — a Mickey Cinnamon Roll, the Wood-fired Grilled Steak Croissant, and even a Hazelnut-Chocolate Bomboloni. Le Petit Cafe counter The other option in this category is Barcelona Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort inside Gran Destino Tower. This spot serves coffee and breakfast from 6:30 AM to 12 PM. The fun thing about visiting Barcelona Lounge is that you can order Spanish coffee specialties in addition to the American basics. Their breakfast menu includes your standard pastries, plus a Breakfast Wrap, a Dulce de Leche-filled Sugar Cookie, and a Guava and Cheese Quesito. Barcelona Lounge At night, this spot turns into a bar. A truly double-functional space! Early Morning Snack Options Two other Disney restaurants have a strange asterisk as far as breakfast hours go. Before breakfast officially starts, Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian operates from 6 AM to 7 AM, and The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House operates from 6:30 AM to 7 AM. During those time frames, the restaurants are open for a “snack” period. Grab and Go Options What’s available during “snack” time? Well, this is when you can get pre-made pastries, pre-packaged snacks, candy, and items from the refrigerators. During this time, the restaurants will also offer a selection of coffees to choose from. You can’t order from the regular breakfast entree menu, but you can get some basics. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin One Disney World hotel has TWO options that open early, and their offerings are quite different than the other spots on this list, so they get their own section! First up is Fuel at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. It’s open from 6AM to 11 PM daily, and it’s a bit of an open market with TONS of prepackaged snacks — it’s basically a mini-store. The menu online doesn’t list much other than basic coffee and pastries, but when we’ve visited in person, we’ve found a varying menu of breakfast sandwiches, burritos, lighter bites, and specialty coffees. You never know what you’ll find! Let’s grab a bite! Then, over at the Walt Disney World Swan, you’ll want to make a stop at Java, which is open from 6AM to 11AM for breakfast. It has a long (seriously LONG) menu of coffees and specialty beverages, including smoothies. For eats, they’ve got pastries and a few unique breakfast sandwiches, in addition to Mickey waffles! Mickey Waffles from Java at Swan So, if you’re an early bird and you’re hoping to catch that worm (AKA be at the parks as soon as possible), try staying at one of these hotels to get a jump-start on your breakfast. There are so many delicious options and caffeinated beverages available! And stay tuned to DFB, so you don’t miss any Disney news, updates, tips, or tricks! This Is One of the Best Breakfasts in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Where do you eat breakfast during your Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s a beautiful day at the Disneyland Resort, and I have ventured out of the office to attend a retirement party. For the last six years, Benny’s been working as a security cast member, keeping Disneyland safe for guests and visitors. But now, as he creeps into his older years, it’s time to hang up his harness and enjoy life after work. Knowing Benny, it’ll be full of belly rubs, fetch, and his beloved toy, a red rubber ball. Because that’s right, Benny’s a dog. And a very good dog at that. “He’s a great dog,” Benny’s K9 handler, Kevin, explained to Disney Parks Blog while beaming at his golden retriever buddy. “Very friendly, never gets aggressive, never barks at other dogs. Could be a biased opinion, but he’s one of the best dogs.” Currently, Disneyland has 28 security dogs on the roster, and like other cast members, they get a name tag, an ID badge, and, in Benny’s case, a retirement party when it’s time to bid work adieu. Not just any dog can be a security dog at Disneyland, and the pups chosen to work the shifts go through rigorous training at an off-site facility before receiving certification and moving to The Happiest Place on Earth. It’s a ruff job, but somebody’s got to do it. The Bond Behind the Badge As for Kevin, he started at Disneyland as a regular security officer before moving over to a kennel tech role, which involves caring for the dogs when they’re not working security. When a K9 handler spot opened up, Kevin decided to apply. Benny, who has been at Disneyland since 2019 , was available as a partner, since his previous handler had recently left the company. Kevin and Benny spent some time together to see if the two “clicked” as a duo. “You work all the dogs, and you get [paired],” he explains. “The trainer will see which one works best with what person, and that’s how [Benny] and I matched. At some point, my trainer asked, ‘We already know who’s gonna get who, but if you guys had to pick, what dog would you want?’ And I was like, Benny — this is the one I want.” The two have been working together ever since in various positions around the resort. This includes the security areas at the entrance to the Disneyland Resort, so you might have passed by Benny and Kevin on your way in! The dogs and their handlers work in shifts, with some time on-stage and some time backstage to rest and recover. Kevin notes that since Benny can’t communicate, that he needs a solid break, he’s always monitoring the dog to make sure he’s okay and doing his job. And it’s truly all in a day’s work — and every day with Benny is a good day. It’s hard to have a bad day at work when you’re around Benny, because as Kevin points out, “He’s always smiling, he’s always happy. When he’s in a great mood, he gets you in a great mood.” Benny is known for how much he smiles, with Kevin noting that, “A lot of people come in and are like, ‘Oh, look at that dog, he’s smiling.’ He just always brings the room up.” Even though he’s got a very serious job to do, Benny’s “Excited all the time.” “We were taking him around, and he’s just happy running around, even though he’s about to be nine years old,” Kevin continues. “I feel like he made my job as a handler easy. Didn’t have to worry about him reacting to other dogs. I didn’t have to worry about him trying to go for squirrels. He was always on point. He sees horses, other animals, and he doesn’t really care. He’s like, ‘Just do his job.’” “He lives in his world, and we all exist in it,” Kevin jokes. Every Good Boy Deserves a Send-Off Benny’s retirement party is certainly the place to be, with dozens of security cast members stopping by to say goodbye to the good doggo. Everyone is clamoring around for selfies with him, and we all watch a pretty momentous day in Benny’s life: his first hot dog. Considering the security dogs are on very strict diets, Benny has never even had a whiff of a hot dog before, but now he’s had his very own link… and walks around the party clearly trying to see if anyone else will give him seconds (or thirds). There’s a small ceremony to officially send Benny off to retirement, where he does one last car check to ID a substance. It’s a fake one, and upon locating it, Benny is showered with tennis balls and cheers as he tries to figure out where they all came from. And even in the melee, he goes for his beloved red chew toy before any of the tennis balls, because Benny knows where his priorities lie. Bright Futures for Kevin and Benny As for what’s next, Kevin will soon begin training with another security dog, and she’ll be added to the K9 roster at Disneyland. And for Benny, he simply goes home with Kevin at the end of his last shift to start his new life as a retired good boy. Kevin has another dog at home, and she and Benny will become fast friends. But Kevin knows that Benny’s been so used to his current routine, worrying that, “I think he’s going to wake up at five in the morning and expect me to feed him. He’s going to make sure I wake up, and he’s gonna be ready to eat.” There will also be some outdoor adventures in Benny’s future, as Kevin’s excited to take Benny on hikes and to the beach for the first time. You’ve earned it, Benny! Congrats on your retirement. Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort Welcomes One Billionth Guest Disneyland Resort California Skies to World Horizons: The Evolution of Soarin’ at Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort Disney Eats: Where to Find Ice Cream, Slushies, and More Cold Treats at Disneyland The post Hang Up the Harness: Benny the Security Dog Retires in Style appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

McDonald’s just announced some new Happy Meal toys “launching into a new universe” on July 14th, and we are OBSESSED! McDonald’s Happy Meal If you’re a fan of the popular South Korean boy band BTS, you’re going to want to keep reading because some new collector’s items are coming your way! BT21 is collaborating with McDonald’s as the newest Happy Meal toy, and here’s what we know! On July 2nd, McDonald’s took to their social media and teased a new theme to their happy meals. While we didn’t know exactly what it was, there were some hints — heart shapes, bunny ears, music notes, and flying saucers. @McDonalds on X The video showed shadows of the familiarly looking characters, so we had a guess on what they could be. From this teaser itself, we were 99% sure it was about B21 — a character brand created by BTS in collaboration with LINE FRIENDS, which feature eight unique characters designed by the boy band themselves. ©B21 But now we’re 100% sure because IT’S CONFIRMED — new B21 toys will be available in Happy Meals beginning July 14th! @mcdonalds on Instagram This follows the first McDonald’s x BTS collaboration after last year’s BTS’ TinyTan figurines in Happy Meals. ©McDonald’s The B21 figures will be available exclusively will Happy Meals while supplies last. These will be a hot commodity since they often sell out at launch, so if you want to guarantee yourself one of these figures, we recommend you confirm with your local McDonald’s that they will have them on release day and get in line right when lunch starts serving at 11 AM! And stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates like this! Your Next McDonald’s Order Could Look TOTALLY Different Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which B21 toy are you hoping to get? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article