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If you’ve ever stood in a packed bus line at rope drop, willing the doors to open just a little bit faster, you already know that transportation can make or break your Disney World morning. Disney’s Hollywood Studios That’s exactly why so many guests are booking rooms at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort — a hotel where Hollywood Studios is close enough to reach on foot in about 17 minutes, and EPCOT is even closer. When early entry and rope drop strategy can mean the difference between walking straight onto Slinky Dog Dash or waiting in an hour-long queue, having a hotel this close to two parks is a genuine game-changer. Walkability is the Perk The Swan and Dolphin sit right on the shores of Crescent Lake, tucked between EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and Hollywood Studios. It’s one of the only Disney-area resort locations where guests can realistically walk to two parks instead of just one. That 17-minute stroll to Hollywood Studios takes you along a scenic, well-lit sidewalk that hugs the water. Walkway at the Swan Hotel While both resorts share the same walking path and the same incredible location, it’s worth noting that the Swan is technically the closer of the two hotels to Hollywood Studios. Because of how the resort complex is laid out, Swan guests shave off a minute or two compared to their Dolphin counterparts. It’s a small difference, but it might be worth requesting a Swan room over a Dolphin room when you book. Walking path Transportation Options Beyond Walking Of course, walking isn’t the only way to get around from the Swan and Dolphin, and it’s worth knowing your options: Skyliner: While the Swan and Dolphin don’t have their own Skyliner station, guests can walk to the nearby Beach Club area, over to EPCOT’s International Gateway, to hop on if they want to reach Hollywood Studios or the Riviera Resort area without walking the whole way. Friendship Boats: These scenic boats connect the Swan and Dolphin to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and to Hollywood Studios, offering a relaxing ride across Crescent Lake. Bus Service: Complimentary Disney bus transportation is available to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, since those parks aren’t within walking distance. Disney World Why Walking Gives You a Rope Drop Advantage On mornings when you’re chasing rope drop or racing to hit Early Theme Park Entry, transportation logistics can eat up precious minutes. Buses have to load, boats run on a schedule, and Skyliner cabins can back up during peak hours. When you walk, you control your own timeline. You can leave your room, follow the path along the water, and arrive at Hollywood Studios’ entrance or EPCOT’s International Gateway on your own schedule — no waiting for a bus to fill up or a boat to depart. For guests who are serious about maximizing their mornings, that predictability is huge. The Dolphin Hotel Beyond the walkability, the Swan and Dolphin offer their own perks worth mentioning: multiple pools, a full-service spa, a variety of table service and quick service dining options, and access to Disney park perks like Early Theme Park Entry, despite being independently operated hotels rather than official “Disney-owned” resorts. For families or couples planning a trip heavily focused on EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, this location is hard to beat. Swan and Dolphin For more Disney hotel news, resort reviews, and tips on choosing the best place to stay for your next trip, be sure to keep checking back with DFB. We’re always exploring Disney’s resorts, so you don’t have to guess which one is right for your family. Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com for all the latest Disney hotel coverage! I NEVER Stay at a Disney-Owned Hotel When I Go to the Parks. Here’s Why! 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 stay at Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort in the future? Tell us your opinion in the comments below! View the full article

According to Deadline, Disney has cut several hundred jobs, with Pixar and National Geographic being the most affected. ©Pixar | Disney This report comes shortly after ESPN let go of staffers as a result of a deal with the NFL. A person familiar with the situation told Deadline that staffers at Disney Entertainment Television and Studios have been notified of the layoffs. Most of the people affected were at National Geographic, both at the cable network as well as editorial and operations. About a dozen ABC News staffers have also been impacted, with isolated layoffs in other Disney Entertainment Television divisions. ©National Geographic National Geographic laid off about 60 people, or 13% of its staff, in 2024. Also in 2024, Pixar cut about 175 employees, or around 14% of their staff, as they scaled back their direct-to-consumer series. In April, Disney cut about 1,000 employees in marketing functions across Disney’s studios, TV networks, ESPN, product and technology, and corporate groups. The Walt Disney Company headquarters in California In April, Josh D’Amaro, who recently succeeded Bob Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, “Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations in various parts of the company to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney. Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs.” Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney Unfortunately, layoffs are not unheard of at Disney, across many departments and brands. We hear this type of news frequently throughout the year, with hundreds of employees being laid off. In June 2025, no teams were eliminated, but several hundred employees were laid off. It was the fourth round of layoffs in 10 months and the biggest of those layoffs. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. READ ABOUT THE APRIL 2025 LAYOFFS 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 View the full article

If you’re visiting Disney World right now, it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s some kind of construction project going on. In Magic Kingdom, a brand new Cars expansion is being built, along with a new Villains-themed land. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Monsters, Inc. land is under construction. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new Tropical Americas-themed land is well underway. ©Disney Disney World is also getting a new hotel, Lakeshore Lodge. We’ve been following along with the construction progress of the new hotel, and now we’ve got an update to share! Thanks to @bioreconstruct, we have some new aerial photos of the construction progress happening at Lakeshore Lodge. Here’s an aerial overview of the entire hotel as it’s being built. The hotel is located on the site that was once Disney’s River Country water park near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The hotel’s theme is based on Walt Disney’s love of the great outdoors and will feature nods to nature-oriented Disney characters. ©@bioreconstruct A lot of the progress we’re seeing now is at the outdoor recreational area known as The Wetlands. The Wetlands will feature a lazy river and water slide, as well as a kids’ play area, and more. ©@bioreconstruct In this photo, you can see a mural that’s been added to the area in the upper right corner (it seems to be a green painting of trees). ©@bioreconstruct Here’s the view of The Wetlands from a different angle. The pool area at this hotel is going to be MASSIVE. ©@bioreconstruct Here’s a view of the construction progress along Bay Lake. At the bottom right, you can see the separate villas Disney has built along the lake. This also has a good view of the hotel’s boat dock. You’ll be able to take a boat directly to Magic Kingdom from the hotel. ©@bioreconstruct Here’s a closer look at the boat dock. It seems to be mostly complete, except for a roof. ©@bioreconstruct The hotel will also feature a quiet pool, and we’ve got a construction update photo on that, too! ©@bioreconstruct Finally, here’s a good overview aerial photo of the entire hotel. This gives us a good idea of just how big this resort will be. ©@bioreconstruct We’ll keep an eye out for more Lakeshore Lodge updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything We Know About Disney World’s Newest Hotel — Lakeshore Lodge 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 Lakeshore Lodge so far? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We love Disney World…but we also love Disneyland. Oh, and Six Flags. And Dollywood. And definitely Universal. If you’re making us pick the best theme park, we’re probably going to struggle because every theme park has its pros and cons, and honestly, it will depend on your own personal preference at the end of the day. Cinderella Castle TripAdvisor does a yearly ranking of the best theme parks and water parks in the United States, and the survey results recently came out. Number one is probably not what you’re guessing! First up on this list, which is based on TripAdvisor reviews, is Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. It’s America’s largest free-admission amusement park and has a lot of classic rides like bumper cars, roller coasters, and a haunted mansion. ©Knoebels Number two is Dollywood! Dollywood is pretty high on our list as well, and this isn’t the first time it’s beaten Disney in a ranking. It’s located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and is named after singer Dolly Parton. There are high-thrill rides and incredible food that keep people coming back time and time again. Dollywood Up next, Magic Kingdom! You know Disney World couldn’t be too low on the list. When you think of Disney World, you’re probably picturing Magic Kingdom with the iconic castle and Main Street, U.S.A., and tons of popular rides like the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Mad Tea Party. Magic Kingdom Here’s a look at the whole list: Knoebels Amusement Resort Dollywood Magic Kingdom Hollywood Studios Universal Islands of Adventure EPCOT LEGOLAND California Universal Studios Florida Disneyland Silver Dollar City Whale’s Tale Waterpark Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Noah’s Ark Water Park LEGOLAND Florida Resort Kings Island Hollywood Studios You tell us: what do you think the best theme park is? Tell us in the comments and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more theme park news. We’ve got tons and tons of theme parks and have guides on how to plan your vacation so you can have the best trip yet! DOLLYWOOD HAS QUIETLY BECOME THE NEXT BIG THEME PARK FOOD DESTINATION Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

If you’ll be visiting Disney World in August, you are in for a real treat because so many AWESOME things happen during that month. Yeah, it will probably still be hot and humid, but at least you can start enjoying a fall vibe with Halloween decorations, fall and Halloween food and drinks, and the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties. August is the beginning of Halloween in Disney World! So, what all is going on in Disney World in August? Well, we’ve got a FULL list of all the major changes coming in August…and it’s a LOT. Let’s take a look! Halloween and Fall Decor Get ready because Magic Kingdom is about to turn into a fall and Halloween wonderland, complete with orange and gold colors, Mickey pumpkin wreaths, loads of pumpkins, and so much more. You won’t just see Halloween decor on Main Street, U.S.A., though. Last year, the decor expanded to other lands in the parks, like Fantasyland! Main Street during Halloween The decor usually goes up before the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so you should be able to see it well before the first party on August 7th. Get a SNEAK PEEK At Disney’s NEW Halloween Souvenirs Extended Evening Hours Guests staying at Disney World’s deluxe hotels get access to Extended Evening Hours, which gives you extra time in the parks at night after they close. Here are the extended evening hours for August: Magic Kingdom: Wednesday, August 5th from 11 PM to 1 AM Magic Kingdom: Wednesday, August 12th and 19th from 10 PM to 12 AM EPCOT: Monday, August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 9 PM to 11 PM Animal Kingdom: Wednesday, August 26th from 6 PM to 8PM Pandora at night in Animal Kingdom If you’re staying at a Disney World deluxe hotel, you’ll want to mark those dates. FULL LIST of Disney World Extended Evening Hours Dates and Theme Parks for 2026 Moonlight Magic Moonlight Magic is a special extra hours event for Disney Vacation Club Members that happens throughout Disney World at various theme parks during the year. In August, two Moonlight Magic events are scheduled for Typhoon Lagoon on August 4th and 20th. These events are limited, and registration is required. Moonlight Magic This Disney World Change Could Fix a BIG Problem at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Disney also hosts special After Hours events in the parks, which are special ticketed events where you can enjoy time in the parks after they have closed to the public. Here are the dates for After Hours events in August: EPCOT: Thursday, August 6th and 13th from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Wednesday, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM After Hours check-in at EPCOT At these events, you not only get short lines to rides and attractions, but you also get free snacks! These Snacks Could Be the BEST Perk of This Disney World After Hours Event Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Speaking of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the first party is on August 7th, with more parties happening on select nights through October 31st. That means you’ll need to keep an eye out for Magic Kingdom closing earlier (at 6 PM) on party evenings. This special ticketed event includes exclusive entertainment, exclusive food and drinks, shorter wait times for rides, special ride overlays, and more. We’ll be at the first party, so you’ll want to follow along for all our coverage! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! The 4 Best Things to Pack For Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World, According To Our Rigorous Testing H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon H20 Glow Nights is a separate ticketed event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. In August, you’ll have three chances to attend one of these events: August 9th, 22nd, and 29th from 8 PM to 11 PM. Jessie and Woody at H20 Glow in 2018 A ticket to H20 Glow Nights gets you some glow-in-the-dark fun at night with shorter wait times for the water park’s waterslides, a DJ dance party, exclusive food and drinks, special Disney character appearances, and more. CLOSING DATE Announced for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon EPCOT Food & Wine Festival The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 27th and runs through November 21st. This is EPCOT’s BIGGEST festival of the year, and it features over 30 food booths, the Eat to the Beat concert series, special activities, and so much more. Flavors From Fire spread at the 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival If you have plans to attend this year’s festival, you’ll want to follow all our coverage because we’ll give you reviews on every single food booth so you can plan what you want to eat and drink. 3 NEW Restaurants, Attraction Overhauls, and Food and Wine Festival Updates – Every Major Disney Announcement You Missed Sassagoula River Cruise Boat Route The Sassagoula River Cruise Boat Route is currently closed for refurbishment, meaning that you can’t currently take a boat from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs. However, Disney buses are still available to take you between the two locations. The Sassagoula River Cruise boat route is expected to reopen sometime in early August. Disney Springs Boat Dock Everything You Need To Know About the New Disney Springs Transportation Rule Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Good news! The ongoing construction at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is expected to end in August. The hotel has been undergoing a huge refurbishment with some of its rooms since May 2025. That means once the construction ends, so does the construction noise and activity you might see or hear during the day. Things are about to be more peaceful over at Riverside. Royal Guest Room at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside ROOM TOUR: Come See The NEW Royal Rooms At Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort Turf Club Bar and Grill For those staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, the Turf Club Bar and Grill will be temporarily closing as of August 31st. Turf Club Bar & Grill However, the Turf Club Lounge, which is currently closed, is supposed to reopen in late August. We’ll keep an eye out for more big happenings in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 5 Big Changes Are About to Hit Disney World Hotels in August 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 visiting Disney World in August? What changes are you most excited about? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

Tough break, Donald. Where should he audition next?✨View the full article

With great loophole power comes great loophole responsibility…. Disney World But *I* feel pretty confident about trusting you with THESE Disney World loopholes that actually work!! (So prove me RIGHT.) Check out our new video: I’ve Tried EVERY Disney World Loophole — Here’s What ACTUALLY Works 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

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday releasing this year, there’s been a lot of Marvel movie talk! There’s so much hype around the two new movies coming up that fans may have forgotten about a project that should’ve been. ©Deadline It was seven years ago, in July of 2019, when Marvel announced that a Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali would be coming. Marvel fans lost hope in the project with each passing year, and now it looks like the movie has been completely scrapped. The president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, has expressed his disappointment over the failed Blade reboot that was supposed to star Mahershala Ali. Feige was recently on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, and started, “I am feeling like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn’t get off the ground with Mahershala.” ©Variety Kevin Feige did reflect back on 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine, saying it was “very exciting” to have Wesley Snipes reprise his role as Blade. However, it doesn’t take away from the unfortunate reality that there won’t be a reboot. At least not in the foreseeable future. ©IMDb After Marvel announced the Blade reboot in July 2019, it was said that Bassam Tariq was going to direct the project. However, he exited in September 2022, roughly two months before it was set to begin shooting. “Several screenwriters came and went during development, from Watchmen scribe Stacy Osei-Kuffour to Michael Starrbury. Yann Demange stepped in as the movie’s director after Tariq’s exit, but Demange ended up dropping out in June 2024,” according to Variety. ©Variety It was actually reported by Variety in November 2023 that Blade had already gone through at least five writers. Speculation at the time said that “Marvel was still looking to make the film but on a budget of less than $100 million.” Eventually, Marvel took Blade off its release calendar in fall 2024. It was never an issue with Mahershala Ali, as the popular actor told Variety, “I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready,” on the Jurassic World Rebirth red carpet. ©Marvel Kevin Feige said a big reason Blade kept getting delayed was also Marvel’s “over-expansion” into Disney+ streaming content where “for the very first time ever, quantity trumped quality.” ©Disney Feige explained, “We didn’t want to simply just put a leather outfit on him and have him start killing vampires. It had to be unique.” He continued, “It fell into the time when we started pulling back and saying, ‘Only accept insanely great.’ And it wasn’t ‘insanely great’ at the time. We didn’t feel like, as we often do, you can have a good script and make it a great script through production. We didn’t feel confident that we could do that on ‘Blade,’ and we didn’t want to do that to Mahershala and didn’t want to do that to us.” ©Disney Marvel has put its focus on wrapping up the Multiverse Saga and moving on to a complete reboot of the MCU eventually. The Avengers: Doomsday trailer just dropped, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases on July 31st. Although it stinks to not get Blade, fans have their head elsewhere at the moment. Who knows, maybe a Blade movie comes in the future when the MCU resets. Be sure to keep following DFB for more news and updates. FULL LIST of Disney Movies Releasing Soon Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you wish we got a Blade movie? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re less than a month away from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa (also known as three days of complete Disney bliss filled with announcements, surprises, and of course, shopping) and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down the days, minutes, and seconds until you can step foot into Anaheim Convention Center with a fun Disney-inspired outfit and shopping bag filled to the brim with dream products. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event celebrates the magic of Disney storytelling and will run this year from August 14 – August 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California, and we’re so excited to share that this year all-new shopping destinations will be debuting alongside fan-favorite destinations, exclusive merchandise, interactive activities, and so much more. Let’s dive in! Shopping at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event D23 Marketplace Disney Store The Walt Disney Company Store Mickey’s of Glendale Disney Studio Store Hollywood Disney Publishing Books & Brews The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds How To Shop  Where to Shop If you ask me, the best part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is getting to shop first-to-market and exclusive merchandise you can’t find anywhere else (and having to end up buying an extra suitcase in which to bring all my fun merchandise home), and this year, there’s plenty to be found throughout Disney Experiences. D23 Marketplace Turn shopping dreams into reality at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event’s central shopping hub – D23 Marketplace! This destination will offer a curated assortment of merchandise and must-have collections including a The Princess Diaries 25th Anniversary Collection, Star Wars Must-Haves, global Disney Parks Collections, the return of Disney Fine Art, and so much more. New this year is the D23 Marketplace Pin Store, a dedicated space featuring limited-edition and limited release pins, with designs debuting Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event. Completing the space is another new space, D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions, home to personalized products and event exclusive medallions. D23 Marketplace Fans will be able to access the D23 Marketplace via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. D23 Marketplace will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. D23 Marketplace Pin Store Fans will be able to access the D23 Marketplace Pin Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. D23 Marketplace Pin Store will be cashless with card and contactless payment options processed via mobile order. D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions Fans will be able to access the D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions via standby queue. D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted. Disney Store The official home of Disney retail is coming back to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event! At Disney Store, fans will find uniquely imagined special-edition products and collections including Disney x Formula 1, Blooms by Disney, an assortment of Disney Store Exclusive Plush, and preview an all-new collaboration with SkinnyDip London. Alongside shopping, Disney Store’s booth will offer interactive experiences including a life-size claw machine photo moment and a limited meet and greet with Disney Artists, featuring special sketch and signing opportunities which fans can pre-register for in the Disney D23 app from now to Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PST. Love a good giveaway? Attendees who enter the main entrance of the Disney Store booth can also scan their badge to receive a free event-exclusive, limited-release tote bag or sticker featuring new character illustrations by Disney Artists, while supplies last. Disney Store Fans will be able to access the Disney Store via standby queue. Pre-registration for Disney Artist meet-and-greet opportunities will operate via the Disney D23 app from now to Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PST. Shopping in the Disney Store booth will operate via a QR Code where fans will scan to shop and have products delivered directly to their homes via DisneyStore.com. Want to immerse yourself in the magic from home? Starting Monday, August 17 at 8 a.m. PST, select merchandise sold during the event at the D23 Marketplace and at the Disney Store booth will be available, while supplies last, at DisneyStore.com/d23-event/. The Walt Disney Company Store One of my all-time favorite shopping destinations is back for its second year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with two store locations in the Anaheim Convention Center: The Walt Disney Company Store. The Walt Disney Company Store will exclusively host the official logo collection for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 featuring brand collaborations from RSVLTS, Nike, Loungefly, and more. The Walt Disney Company Store will also feature collections showcasing fan-favorite Disney animated Epic Rivals, iconic Walt Disney Studios landmarks, and an all-new collection from HARVEYS with one-of-a-kind designs developed through decommissioned seatbelts from Soarin’ Over California. And for the Walt Disney fans, The Walt Disney Company Store will introduce a collection inspired by Walt Disney’s iconic office in Burbank, California, (Suite 3H) in collaboration with Walt Disney Archives as a tribute to the visionary who started it all. For a preview of what’s to come at The Walt Disney Company Store, fans can visit D23.com. The Walt Disney Company PIN Store will offer a large assortment of limited-edition pins, mystery boxes, and framed sets, perfect for pin collectors of all levels. All merchandise is subject to availability with a daily pin catalogue launching each day of the event. Check out a preview here: Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The Walt Disney Company Store Fans will be able to access The Walt Disney Company Store via virtual queue on Friday, August 14, with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, will offer standby queue options only. The Walt Disney Company Store will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. The Walt Disney Company PIN Store Fans will be able to access The Walt Disney Company PIN Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. The Walt Disney Company PIN Store will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted processed via mobile order. Physical register will also be accessible and used for all pin frame sales. Mickey’s of Glendale Returning to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026 with all-new Walt Disney Imagineering inspired merchandise are Mickey’s of Glendale and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Mickey’s of Glendale is the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store and houses exclusive merchandise assortments, pins, and more developed by Walt Disney Imagineers. For a preview of what’s to come at Mickey’s of Glendale, check out this Disney Parks Blog. For the collectors, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will be a must-visit, launching a new assortment of limited-edition and exclusive pins Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Mickey’s of Glendale Fans will be able to access Mickey’s of Glendale via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Mickey’s of Glendale will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store Fans will be able to access the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will be cashless with card and contactless payment options processed via mobile order. NEW: Disney .YNSD Debuting at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is Disney .YNSD, a personal expression of the living design culture behind Walt Disney Imagineering across apparel, accessories, and beyond. Each collection blends contemporary streetwear and layered storytelling, bridging style through thoughtful design, inviting fans to wear the magic and “IMAGINE THE REST.”  Check out a preview of the collections which will be featured at Disney .YNSD on Disney Parks Blog. Disney .YNSD Fans will be able to access Disney .YNSD via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Disney .YNSD will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted processed via mobile order. Disney Studio Store Hollywood Lights, camera, shop! Step into the glamour of classic Hollywood at the Disney Studio Store Hollywood, home to apparel, accessories, and more inspired by the timeless magic of the iconic entertainment capital. Fans visiting this location can shop an all-new curated collection inspired by the El Capitan Theatre’s Centennial Celebration along with limited-edition pins being released across all three event days. Check out a preview here! Disney Studio Store Hollywood Fans will be able to access the Disney Studio Store Hollywood via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Disney Studio Store Hollywood will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Disney Publishing Books & Brew Book lovers: you spoke, we listened! Disney Publishing is back and bigger than ever before. Housing first-to-market books including must-read graphic novels, autobiographies, and guidebooks as well as collectible ‘Bookcessories’, Tarot Card Decks, Book Nook kits, and more. Fans visiting Disney Publishing can also enjoy book signings with fan-favorite authors as well as a ‘sip & shop’ experience featuring a delicious new Disneyland Resort coffee blend from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Guests can enjoy gift-with-purchase items from Penguin Random House, including art prints, sticker blind bags, Disney Editions tote bags, and more. Disney Publishing Books & Brew Fans will be able to access Disney Publishing Books & Brew and make merchandise purchases via standard queue throughout the event. Disney Publishing Books & Brew will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted. Registration to attend select in-booth signings will be conducted via virtual queue. NEW: The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds Debuting at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026 is The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds on Sunday, August 16, for fans both at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and globally online. Fans attending the event can preview items up for auction throughout the event weekend by visiting The Disney Experiences Auction Showroom. This is an immersive experience space via standby queue. Fans who want to bid can visit Heritage Auctions to register for online bidding and then visit the showroom to register for in-person live bidding. In addition, the showroom will include a shopping experience that will allow fans a unique opportunity to shop rare and remarkable limited quantity props, artwork, and themed items found within Disney’s Parks, Resorts, and ships. Check out a preview of what you’ll find at the event here! Disney Experiences Auction Fans will be able to access The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Due to the product exclusivity, this location will not offer refunds or exchanges. And there’s so much more shopping fun to be found on the Anaheim Convention Center show floor! In addition to Disney Experiences sponsored shopping, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will have shopping opportunities from fan-favorite brands featuring D23-exclusive merchandise including mini backpacks and pins from Loungefly, a lineup of new Disney and Star Wars-inspired Spirit Jerseys, accessory bundles from Little Words Project, an array of Disney inspired watches from Citizen, and more. Brands including Just Play, Wizards of the Coast, Topps, NECA/KidRobot/Enesco, Pandora, Crocs, Her Universe, BoxLunch, Girls Crew, RSVLTS, and others will also have new products available for purchase. Are you a fan of Disney Lorcana? If so, you’ll need the limited-edition 2026 D23 Collection and the Winnie the Pooh – Hunny Wizard Premium Foil Playmat at Ravensburger’s booth. How to Shop Now that we’ve broken down where to shop, you may be wondering how to shop, and we’re here to ensure it is as smooth as a ride on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (no screaming Kermit the Frog included). To kickstart your shopping adventures, download the Disney D23 app and the Disneyland Resort app (either on app store for iOS or Android devices) and get ready to join in on the fun. How to Shop at D23 2026 Virtual Queue Reserve, roam, and shop! This year, select shopping destinations will require virtual queue to enter. Starting 6 a.m. PST and 1 p.m. PST each day of the event (Friday through Sunday), fans within a 90-mile radius of the Anaheim Convention Center can use the Disney D23 app and the Disneyland Resort app to enter a virtual queue. To provide all fans with an equal opportunity to shop, fans may join in a group of up to two (2) people, one queue at a time, subject to availability. Standby queue options may open throughout the weekend after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Note: Joining the virtual queue does not grant immediate access, and there may still be a waiting period at the location once the boarding group is called. Virtual queue is limited in capacity and may book out. Valid admission is required. Traditional queuing (standby queue) is also available at locations not utilizing virtual queue throughout the event. Mobile Order for Pickup At select shopping destinations, fans will have the option to order and pay for merchandise using the Disneyland Resort app on their mobile device. After joining a store’s virtual queue and being called back, fans will be granted access to place a mobile order at the store entrance. After the order is submitted, a team will assemble the products and fans will receive a notification when their order is ready for pickup. A digital receipt will be sent to the email linked to the Disneyland Resort app, and any eligible discounts will be automatically applied. Merchandise Mobile Checkout Save time while shopping by paying for items using the Disneyland Resort app at select shopping destinations. Scan an item’s barcode to add it to a virtual shopping bag and pay by selecting “Purchase.” Once a purchase is complete, show the QR code confirmation to a cast member at the merchandise mobile checkout designated exit to scan before exiting the store. A digital receipt will be sent to the email address linked to the Disneyland Resort app. The merchandise mobile checkout service will be available in addition to traditional checkout services. Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for even more news as we countdown to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026. Until then, I’ll be carefully planning all my outfits. See you at the Anaheim Convention Center! Explore D23 2026 Mickey’s of Glendale Returns to D23 2026 with New Collection READ MORE Details for D23 Day at Disneyland Resort 2026 READ MORE D23 2026: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Returns READ MORE The post How to Shop at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Epic Universe, we’d probably say it’s The Untrainable Dragon show. This show lets you enter the world of dragons with Hiccup, and you get to actually see Toothless fly over you. It’s insanely magical, and many of our DFB team members have cried when watching it for the first time. Toothless Well, this show is going under a short refurbishment, and you might not be able to see it at all! What’s your favorite part of Isle of Berk? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Our whole thing is Disney food, so we get excited when any new Disney food-related news comes through. We’re talking new restaurants, updated menus, new snacks… that’s the kinda’ thing we get out of bed for in the morning. Kraft ranch dressing Well, we’ve got some NEW Disney food news to share with you, and it involves a brand you’ve probably seen everywhere in Disney World: Kraft Heinz. Well, Disney and Kraft HEINZ are collaborating to bring some new food AND experiences to Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line! Oh, yeah! This new collaboration will be seen across hundreds of Disney restaurants and will include new menu items (YES!!!) and some new experiences “inspired by Disney’s world-class culinary creativity and storytelling.” You’ll be seeing ten of Kraft HEINZ’s brands throughout the parks and on Disney cruises, including HEINZ (we LOVE that HEINZ ketchup), Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. ©Kraft Heinz HEINZ’s Sauce Vault will also debut at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which takes place from August 14th through August 16th. D23 attendees will be some of the first to get a look at specialty sauces and new flavor ideas. You’ll also see new HEINZ condiment stations throughout Disney World and Disneyland. We also recently noticed that the ranch dressing in Disney World was switched from Ken’s to Kraft. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event The Wall Street Journal shared some ideas Kraft HEINZ has for the collaboration, including ketchup dispensers shaped like Star Wars lightsabers, Cinderella Mac & Cheese, or Jet-Puffed marshmallows with Olaf on the package. It seems like the possibilities are endless. This could also mean a new option for parents with kids used to only eating Kraft Mac & Cheese because you would likely be able to find it in the parks. Docking Bay 7 We’ll keep an eye out for new additions and food in the parks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. We Can’t Get Over This NEW Disney Collab 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 news? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Bertha is forming in the Gulf and may bring flooding. Rainy day at Animal Kingdom The tropical storm was “stationary” on the night of July 20th, and forecasters warned it could bring tropical storm conditions, like heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, to parts of the northern Gulf Coast in the next few days. This is the second storm named for the Atlantic hurricane season and was located about 140 miles south of Panama City, Florida, and about 215 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Storm season is here Forecasters are saying that a slow west-northwestward or westward movement is expected during the next several days as Bertha moves near or along the northern Gulf Coast. It’s also possible it gets stronger through July 21st. Rainy days Even though it’s fairly far away at this time, how can this affect your upcoming Disney World trip? If you’re flying or driving through the Middle Texas Coast and some southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, you should expect lots of rainfall, and there might be travel delays because of it. ©National Hurricane Center Orlando is having storms just about every day, which include heavy rainfall and possibly wind. You should pack your heavy-duty rain gear and have backup plans for certain activities. Many outdoor rides close due to storms, so you’ll want some indoor rides as a backup or be willing to wait it out somewhere else. During storm season, we like to make sure we have dining reservations for indoor locations so we know when the storm hits, we have a table ready for us to relax in. Rainy day in Disney World With the rain, it is possible that there will be flooding in Florida and the other areas of the tropical storm’s path, so be aware that this can cause disruptions in travel and create unsafe situations. You’ll want to make sure you’re staying up to date with everything happening by following local news stations and the National Hurricane Center. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE — THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT DISNEY WORLD THIS YEAR Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

For generations, Disney fans have found ways to bring the stories they love into their everyday lives. At Walt Disney Imagineering, we are always exploring new ways for that connection to feel personal, expressive, and unexpected. Disney .YNSD is our latest expression of that idea. In my senior leadership role at Walt Disney Imagineering, I have the privilege of working with Imagineers across disciplines and around the world—and of overseeing Mickey’s of Glendale, a brand that has long celebrated the people, culture, and creative spirit of Imagineering. .YNSD builds on that legacy in a distinctly new way: a lifestyle brand conceived and created by a collective of Imagineers, with stories embedded into every piece. What is the Story Behind .YNSD? Making its debut at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, .YNSD is inspired by the same curiosity, craft, and attention to detail that shape Disney experiences around the world. Each collection begins with an idea, a place, a texture, or a moment of inspiration, then is translated through thoughtful design, hidden references, and unexpected connections. And the name itself, .YNSD (yen-sid), is the reversal of “Disney” without vowels, and a reference to Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey’s mentor from Disney’s Fantasia. This is not about placing a familiar graphic on a garment. This new brand takes a design-first approach, using materials, textures, silhouettes, and construction details to carry the story. Some references are immediate; others reveal themselves only over time. The result is apparel and accessories made for everyday life—pieces that feel considered, versatile, and unmistakably Disney to those who know where to look. Introducing Collection 1: The Debut Collection The first .YNSD collection establishes the brand’s design language through clean silhouettes, modern essentials, and a fresh perspective on Disney-inspired apparel. Across tees, crewnecks, outerwear, and accessories, the focus is on craftsmanship, versatility, and understated design. Tonal graphics, embroidered details, custom trims, and utility-inspired accents create pieces that move naturally from a creative workspace into the everyday world beyond it. Curiosity is rewarded throughout the collection. Custom patches, specialty finishes, and photochromic inks reveal graphics when exposed to sunlight, while other references are integrated quietly into the construction rather than placed front and center. Together, these pieces establish the foundation of .YNSD: a design language rooted in discovery, detail, and a different way to wear Disney. Collection 2: Inspired by Haunted Mansion Parlor The second .YNSD collection draws from the rich atmosphere and intricate design language of Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. Rather than reproducing familiar characters or attraction iconography, the collection looks deeper—to the details that give the space its identity. Victorian textiles, layered patterns, ornate flourishes, and hidden motifs are reinterpreted across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle pieces. At the center of the collection is a custom pattern inspired by the textiles and decorative details found throughout Haunted Mansion Parlor. Appearing across a variety of items, it becomes a unifying thread—and a story surface of its own. Look closely and you will find ghostly imagery concealed within floral arrangements, subtle symbols worked into the artwork, and references drawn from the atmosphere of the space itself. Like Haunted Mansion Parlor, the collection is designed to keep revealing new details the longer you spend with it. I am proud of the Imagineers who brought .YNSD to life and of the way this work expands the creative legacy of Mickey’s of Glendale. It is a reminder that Imagineering is not only about the places we build, but also about the ideas, objects, and stories that allow people to carry a piece of that creativity with them. Disney .YNSD will make its public debut at this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where fans will have the first opportunity to shop Collections 1 and 2. Tickets for D23 2026 start at $49. Get yours today at D23.com. Disneyland Resort Details for D23 Day at Disneyland Resort 2026 Disney Experiences Mickey’s of Glendale Returns to D23 2026 with New Walt Disney Imagineering Collection Disney Consumer Products New Haunted Mansion Collection Coming to DisneyStore.com The post Disney .YNSD Debuts at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to Disney World this August, you’ll want to double-check your dining plans before you go. Spread at Yachtsman Steakhouse Several beloved resort restaurants are undergoing construction, and that means your usual go-to spot on vacation might not be available when you arrive. We’ve rounded up the three restaurants confirmed to be closed in August 2026. Here’s everything you need to know before you finalize your August travel plans. Grand Floridian Cafe Located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Grand Floridian Cafe is the casual table-service spot known for its garden views, along with fan-favorite dishes like the Buttermilk-Fried Chicken and Waffles. The restaurant closed its doors on July 20, 2026, kicking off a refurbishment that’s expected to last through October 2026. This closure is part of a larger, multi-year refresh of the resort that has already brought guests a new lobby and the Perch lounge, with additional exterior work continuing into early 2027. Brunch will continue to be offered, but it will temporarily move to Cítricos. Guests hoping to snag a table there should book early, since Cítricos is absorbing the entire morning crowd on top of its usual dinner business. Seating at the Grand Floridian Cafe The Turf Club Bar & Grill Tucked beside the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course clubhouse at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, The Turf Club Bar & Grill serves steakhouse classics like prime rib and pan-seared salmon in a cozy, old-school clubhouse setting. This restaurant has actually been under refurbishment since mid-March 2026, but the closures have rolled out in phases to keep some part of the venue open at all times. That changes in August: the full-service restaurant itself closes completely from late August through late September 2026, marking the only stretch of the project when guests can’t dine at The Turf Club at all. The good news is that The Turf Club Lounge, which had been closed for its own refresh earlier in the summer, reopens during this same window, so there’s still a spot on-site to grab a drink. Guests staying at Saratoga Springs during this closure are best off exploring nearby Disney Springs, just a short walk or boat ride away, until The Turf Club Bar & Grill reopens in mid-to-late September 2026. Turf Club Bar & Grill Yachtsman Steakhouse Yachtsman Steakhouse, the Signature Dining steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort known for its in-house dry-aged beef and nautical dining room, has been closed since May 11, 2026, for an extensive refurbishment. That means the restaurant remains unavailable for all of August, though there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: Disney’s dining reservation system has quietly opened up bookings beginning August 28, 2026, a strong signal that this is the planned reopening date. Disney hasn’t detailed exactly what changes guests can expect. The closure follows the reopening of the neighboring Crew’s Cup Lounge, which wrapped its own refurbishment back in May, meaning Yacht Club’s dining lineup is nearly back to full strength just as summer wraps up. Yachtsman Steakhouse August 2026 brings temporary closures to three Disney World favorites as Disney continues its wave of resort restaurant refurbishments. Keep checking back with DisneyFoodBlog.com for the latest updates on these reopenings and all the newest Disney dining news. 4 Changes Coming to EPCOT Next Month Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to these restaurants getting refurbished? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

Get ready to get scared! Passes for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando are officially for sale, which means if you’re someone who needs to see the houses again and again, now is your time. ©Universal This also means we’re getting a good look at the prices for the passes, which might be worth screaming about. Are you going to Halloween Horror Nights this year? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments. View the full article

HEADS UP LOUNGEFLY FANS!: Some of the most in-demand styles of the iconic backpack brand are available on Amazon right now. ©amazon The massive retailer currently has a large selection of stained glass-design Loungefly bags available, and they’re moving fast! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. SHOP MORE STAINED GLASS LOUNGEFLYS HERE Let’s Begin With This Rapunzel Loungefly ©amazon Featuring a large image of Rapunzel herself as well as Pascal set in front of a pink, stained glass background. The bag is made of faux leather and features a front zippered compartment, side pockets, adjustable back straps, and a coordinating lining. SHOP HERE This Belle Loungefly Is Much More Beauty than Beast ©amazon Next up, we have this beautiful faux stained glass design, featuring Belle reading her book with the Beast’s castle looking in the background. The bag is crafted from faux leather, and features both applique and printed details, adjustable shoulder straps, and a top carry handle. SHOP HERE We Love the Colors on this Sleeping Beauty Loungefly ©amazon This glittery mini-backpack features Princess Aurora in front of a stained glass-inspired background in multiple colors. In addition, there are rose designs, as well as Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. The faux leather backpack features front and side compartments, adjustable shoulder straps, and matching interior lining. SHOP HERE Tap Into Your Inner Villain with this Maleficent Loungefly ©amazon The deliciously evil villain is poised in a dramatic pose in front of a stained-glass-style design of blues, greens, and purple flames. The bag features a litany of Loungefly staples and an enamel zipper charm. SHOP HERE Celebrate Eternal Love with Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder ©amazon The star-crossed Tangled couple embraces in front of a stained glass design featuring the castle on one side and the tower on the other, all ringed by the lantern festival lanterns. At the bottom of the bag, Rapunzel and Flynn appear once again, this time in the boat from the film’s lantern festival scene. There’s even a lantern-shaped zipper charm. SHOP HERE If you want any of these stained glass Loungeflys, get over to Amazon! Just do so fast, as they tend to sell out quickly! Stay tuned to DFB for more Amazon finds each week. SHOP MORE STAINED GLASS LOUNGEFLYS HERE View the full article

Since the very first Disney World Hotels — The Contemporary and the Polynesian — opened with the resort on October 1st, 1971, the on-property accommodations have been known for their perks. Contemporary Resort Monorail From included transportation options and Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours to immersive theming and feature pools, Disney’s resort hotels offer a slew of amenities…which makes it somewhat surprising that a relatively common hotel offering is only available at three hotels on property…and one of them isn’t even owned by Disney! For many hotel guests, a morning coffee is an INTEGRAL part of their day. That’s especially true for rope-dropping Disney World guests, who often pick up a “Cup of Joe” — or fill up their resort refillable mug — before heading out for the day. However, these guests need to grab it at their resort’s food court or quick-service location, since the vast majority of Disney hotels don’t offer dedicated coffee locations in their lobbies. Refillable Mug Handle Accessory In fact, there are only THREE standalone Joffrey’s (Disney’s official specialty coffee brand) lobby locations at Disney World. The first is Contemporary Grounds, located as the name would suggest at the Contemporary. Contemporary Grounds The location offers a collection of coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and smoothies. There’s even the Kahlua Tini, chilled coffee topped with coffee liqueur, vodka, and light cream. Coffee from Contemporary Grounds The other standalone Joffrey’s lobby location on Disney property is actually located in the Disney Springs resort area at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista. The Sundial location offers a menu of Joffrey’s drinks, as well as snacks and light bites, including giant donuts. The location is notable for being the only location at Disney that offers food for purchase 24 hours a day. Sundial Lastly, tthe BoardWalk Inn is home to a dedicated coffee spot — Carousel Coffee — that serves Joffrey’s specialty coffees, teas, and baked goods. Carousel Coffee Pomegranate-Green Tea Lemonade, a crunchy Raspberry Danish, and a New Jersey Crumb Cake? What more could you want? Carousel Coffee Drinks and Treats If you’re looking for a coffee spot or anywhere else to eat at Disney World, our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! Even with all of the perks available to Disney hotel guests, there are surprisingly only three lobby coffee locations on property. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s hotels. 6 Disney World Refillable Mug Rules You Should Break 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 spot to grab a coffee at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney’s nightly fireworks are some of the most beautiful displays you’ll ever see in your life, especially when the colors and the shapes match up to the songs they’re going off to. Happily Ever After But there are some “rules” that guests think they HAVE to follow when it comes to these nightly spectaculars, and we’re here to tell you to BREAK THEM! You actually might get a better experience if you do. Get A Spot At Least 2 Hours Beforehand One thing that people will tell you to do is to get a spot for the fireworks EARLY because the crowds will show up and you need a perfect spot, but the reality is that you don’t have to. There are plenty of places to see the fireworks from, whether you’re watching EPCOT’s Luminous or Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After. And I know this from personal experience — I’ve always been able to find a spot to watch the show when showing up just minutes before. I was still able to hear the music, I was still able to see the fireworks clearly, and I was still able to cry when I saw Tinker Bell fly. Happily Ever After Help! I Waited 45 Minutes for Disney World Fireworks. (But I Didn’t Need to) You Have To Watch Happily Ever After From Main Street, U.S.A. WRONG! I actually prefer NOT to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A., for two reasons — it can get extremely crowded and claustrophobic, and there are better spots to watch them from. Fantasyland near the Prince Charming Regal Carousel tends to be much more open, and you’ll still be able to see the fireworks and castle clearly. My second spot is in Tomorrowland by Astrofizz — you won’t be able to see the castle, but the fireworks views from here are spectacular, and it will be one of the least crowded areas of the park! View of fireworks from Fantasyland Former Cast Member Reveals the SECRET Way to Get the BEST Magic Kingdom Fireworks View You MUST Watch Them While You’re In The Park This is another rule we recommend you break because there are a lot of other places around the parks where you can still watch the fireworks and hear the music without the crowds. One of my favorite things to do is to book a reservation at California Grill for just before the fireworks because they actually have a private viewing balcony for guests who dine with them that day! Fireworks view from California Grill Other options include watching them from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, watching them from the 4th floor of the Contemporary Resort, or watching them from the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Boat Dock & Marina. All locations will have great views with music piped in through the speakers. The Beach at the Polynesian REVIEW: Disney Changed the ICONIC Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill (!!) But We Have GOOD NEWS! You Can’t Do Anything Else During The Fireworks If you’re not planning on watching the fireworks, then you HAVE to break this rule. There are three times when attraction wait times are at their lowest — right at rope drop, right at park close, and during the fireworks. Not only will you have low wait times, but you might also have great views! Flying high on Astro Orbiter, reaching the peak on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the outside portion of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will all give you a great view of the castle and fireworks! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at night! The next time you’re planning to watch the fireworks, remember these four rules and plan to BREAK THEM! We’re always giving you the best Disney World tips and tricks, so stay tuned to DFB for more! REVIEW: This Disney World Restaurant Boasts Incredible Eats and Fireworks Views Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of Disney World fireworks? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

There are so many changes going on in the theme park world these days! Islands of Adventure Over at Universal, new coasters are underway, and classic shows are getting some major updates. An entire land even closed, and we’re still waiting on what new items could be coming! Now, it seems like a long-time restaurant is going extinct very soon. Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye, you were bigger than the whole sky, Thunder Falls Terrace. The long-time Jurassic Park-themed quick service is officially becoming extinct. Thunder Falls Terrace After checking the Universal website, the Thunder Falls Terrace page has disappeared, and Team Members have shared that today is the last day the quick service will be open. While we are sad we didn’t get to swing by the themed establishment one more time, we are pretty eager to see what’s taking its place! Inside Thunder Falls Terrace In May, Universal confirmed that Thunder Falls Terrace would be closing, but they never shared an official date other than “this summer.” What we do know is this restaurant will be transforming into an all-new dining concept, which will become the new signature full-service restaurant in Islands of Adventure. The change was prompted by the official closure of Mythos in the Lost Continent. Mythos is closing in 2027, but Universal hasn’t shared an official closing date. Mythos Restaurant The rethemed Thunder Falls Terrace will reopen sometime in 2027, but we have yet to see an official date from Universal. There are still plenty of quick service options in Islands of Adventure to dine at in the meantime. Some of our favorites include Green Eggs and Ham, the Three Broomsticks, and The Burger Digs (which is still Jurassic-themed). We can’t wait to see what replaces Thunder Falls Terrace once it finally reopens in 2027. Be sure to keep following DFB for more theme park news, updates, and more. A BIG Change Is Coming SOONER to Universal Orlando Than We Thought Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did you ever eat here? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

When you’re thinking about essentials for your Disney World trip, you may be thinking about getting a few of them when you’re already in Disney World, because what if you don’t need it, you brought it from home, and then took up that space in your bag? Let’s take a look at what’s in the first bag! Here’s the thing, though: you may be surprised to see just how much MORE some of those items will cost you in Disney World. Whereas, if you buy them online ahead of time, you’ll spend less money, and if you don’t end up using them, well, Amazon has a pretty solid return policy (especially if you haven’t opened the item). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney World sells ponchos for those Florida storms. It will run you about $12 for an adult and $10 for a child’s poncho. Now, we’ll be honest, the Disney World ponchos can often tear, and they don’t hold up well for a week’s-long vacation — much less multiple vacations. Disney World Poncho Get this reusable poncho for cheaper! Frogg Toggs Poncho For the same price, you can grab our favorite reusable poncho on Amazon. The Frogg Togg poncho can be reused, and it’s big enough to cover you and your park bag. These are breathable and can keep you dry in those Florida storms. Once we’re done using it, we can simply put it back in the pack and keep the inside of our park bags dry. You can get this on sale for under $13! view ON AMAZON FuelRods are the portable phone charger to have in Disney World. There are kiosks in every park so you can swap out a dead charger for a fully charged one. You can buy one from the kiosk at Disney World for $80 compared to $65 on Amazon. New FuelRod machines This FuelRod Max 10 is on sale! FuelRod MAX10 We seriously love the FuelRod Max 10! This is a HUGE FuelRod portable charger that’s been completely revamped from the form we once knew. The key features of the product include multiple charging ports, a lit battery life indicator on the side, a button to turn power off and on, multiple chargers for different charging ends, MagSafe so you can magnetically charge your phone, and swappable for FREE at Disney World. view ON AMAZON The misting fans you find in the parks can cost over $20, and you have to carry it around all day. These are large and can get in the way easily. That’s why we would rather opt for something smaller. Misting Fans We love this misting fan compared to the Disney one! LACOVIA Mini Fan The LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan, a handheld portable USB-rechargeable fan with three adjustable speeds, a foldable handle, and a very cute little mouse-ear look that makes it feel right at home in Disney World. And yes, it costs under $14. But do we feel fancy using it in the parks? Absolutely. view ON AMAZON You can find cooling towels inside the parks, but it will cost you. For $22.99, you will only get one in a pack. That’s not that bad, especially when you feel like you’re slowly melting into asphalt. What if we told you there’s a better option? Cooling Towels Or, you can grab this four-pack of towels for cheaper! Sukeen Cooling Towels These Sukeen Cooling Towels come in a pack of 4 with different color variations. They’re super lightweight, breathable, and can help keep you cool as often as needed throughout your vacation. All you have to do is dip it into ice-cold water, wring it out, and wrap it around your neck. The towel can stay chilled for up to 3 hours, depending on the conditions you’re in. view ON AMAZON A bubble wand at Disney World will cost you between $34.99 and $39.99. That can be expensive for a toy that will likely get dropped on the pavement or worst, lost. So why not save some money ahead of time? Ariel Bubble wand in Magic Kingdom Don’t forget to grab a bubble wand online! ©Amazon This Bluey Bubble wand is only $12, and guess what? There’s not even a Bluey wand in the parks. So you have an ultra-special one that is cooler than everyone else’s. You can also bring your own bubble refills to save even more money. view ON AMAZON An autograph book will cost you about $20 in the Disney parks. But you can find some on Amazon for half of that. Disney Princess autograph set You can get a cheaper autograph book here! ©Amazon You can get this Disney Princess Autograph Book and Pen on Amazon. This 5.8″ x 4.0″ book is under $10 on Amazon! It’s the perfect item to buy in advance, and it will easily pack in a suitcase. view ON AMAZON Sunscreen in the parks can be pricey, and you’re limited to the selection that they currently have. In a bind, it’s great to find, but you can save a lot of money by purchasing it ahead of time. Sunscreen in Disney Springs And finally, sunscreen is cheaper online! ©Amazon The Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion is available on Amazon, and this large bottle will last you a while! It is an 18 oz bottle, and it has 50 SPF, so it will keep you covered during your park days. This is fast-absorbing sunscreen, and it’s water and sweat-resistant. 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

LEVEL99 recently opened in Disney Springs, and we’ve been having a blast playing all the games and collecting points. Disney Springs needed a space like this, so we’re glad it’s here, and the internet seems to be raving about the experience. LEVEL99 Something super cool about LEVEL99 is that it’s decked out in amazing artwork. Seriously, it feels like every wall is filled with bright colors, and we couldn’t help but stop and admire them while waiting for our next game. Just wait till you see the art! There are more than 40 different pieces throughout the building, showcasing a selection of 23 visual artists from across the world and seven from Florida. Two of them are even from Central Florida, which makes us so happy to see local artists getting the recognition they deserve. ©LEVEL99 LEVEL99 said, “Art is a key element of creating a unique environment at each LEVEL99 venue and providing a complete sensory adventure as Players take on a series of challenges via life-sized mini-games. On walls, through hallways, and even on the ceilings, guests will encounter giant murals, sculptures, animation, and other larger-than-life visual pieces. The art transports players into a vibrant, energetic setting. ©LEVEL99 Each LEVEL99 location features original artwork installed by the artists themselves with tons of easter eggs and funny surprises throughout. The Disney Springs location has over 40 pieces, which is the largest installation at any location to date. ©LEVEL99 You can play an interactive art scavenger hunt called “Hunt Art,” where you can look for specific objects within the art, referred to as glyphs, and then, by identifying those objects at the Hunt Art kiosks, you can earn stars to climb the LEVEL99 leaderboard. ©LEVEL99 One of the artists from Orlando, Florida, Naomi Haverland, says her work evokes the energy of “work hard, play harder,” which is totally perfect for LEVEL99. There are plenty of bright colors and eclectic subjects in her artwork. ©LEVEL99 An artist from Lakeland, Florida, Juan Travieso, was sought out because of his bright palettes, colliding textures, and unique balances of the organic and inorganic. You’ll want to keep looking closely at his work because there are tons of hidden details and you never know what you might find. ©LEVEL99 LEVEL99 has been a great addition to Disney Springs, and we can’t wait for more and more guests to experience the games and the artwork. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEVEL99 AT DISNEY SPRINGS IN WALT 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 Have you been to LEVEL99 yet? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we love Moana. And we’re not the only ones – Disney’s new live-action Moana brought in millions of viewers on its opening weekend. ©Loungefly If you also need more Moana in your life, then this brand-new Disney Loungefly collection is calling your name. This collection features the live-action versions of Disney Princess Moana and her sidekicks Pua and Heihei on gorgeous floral bags! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. See how far you’ll go with this Floral Moana Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Floral Moana Mini Backpack features our favorite wayfinder, the live-action Moana, surrounded by vibrant, embroidered flowers. Her adorable sidekicks, Pua and Heihei, are standing at the ready on each side pocket, surrounded by even more tropical flowers. Whether you’re heading to EPCOT or to see the live-action Moana in theaters, you’ll be ready for your next adventure! view ON AMAZON You’ll be ready to set sail with this Moana Zip Around Wallet! ©Amazon This Moana Zip Around Wallet features six card slots and a clear ID slot that balances generous storage with a compact, easy‑to‑carry profile. This wallet features debossed, embroidered, appliqué, and printed details of flowers surrounding the iconic voyager Moana, and includes a detachable wristlet strap for easy carrying. 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

Are you ready? Halloween season will be here before you know it, and we’ll soon all be sipping on pumpkin spice lattes, staring at Halloween decorations in the parks, and going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. IT’S ALMOST TIME, PEOPLE. ©Disney Ahead of spooky season, though, Disney is about to drop some sweet and spooky Halloween merchandise at The Disney Store, and it drops…SOON, as in on July 27th. Well, we’ve got a first look at these new Halloween souvenirs. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Visit our Amazon Storefront! Toys Let’s start with new Halloween toys and plushies you’ll be able to grab soon. We are already obsessed with the Halloween Countdown Calendar Figurine Set that counts down the final 13 days to October 31st with some adorable little figures. You’ll get figures of Mickey Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Donald Duck, Stitch, the Magic Brooms, and more. ©Disney Every kid (and probably a lot of adults, too) will want to get their hands on the Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Bubble Wand. ©Disney We’ll also be getting some Disney Store Japan items, like the Chip and Dale Halloween Urupocha-Chan Plush. It’s Chip ‘n’ Dale as pumpkins, y’all. KAWAII! ©Disney You’ll also be able to get the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Halloween 2026 Plushies. It looks like Mickey and Minnie are dressed up like skeletons this year! ©Disney If you’re expecting a child before Halloween this year or already have one, you have to get the Mickey Mouse “My First Halloween 2026” Plush for Baby. It’s a baby Halloween Mickey! ©Disney For fans of Experiment 626, you can also get a Stitch Halloween Plush. Stitch is dressed up as a vampire bat, complete with pointy ears and wings. ©Disney You can also grab this charming Winnie the Pooh Plush Halloween Countdown Calendar where Pooh is the calendar! His outfit has pockets marking the dates, and there’s a little bee to indicate how many days are left to Halloween. Also, Disney promised even MORE Pooh and friends merchandise coming soon. ©Disney Apparel If you’re wanting to sport some spooky clothing this Halloween season, Disney has got you covered, starting with this Donald Duck Halloween Candy T-Shirt. ©Disney Keep bedtime spooky with Halloween Pajamas for the whole family. ©Disney There’s always a spirit jersey, so, of course, you’ll be able to order the Mickey and Minnie Mouse ”Happy Halloween” Spirit Jersey. ©Disney If you just want a simple tee, you can grab the Mickey and Minnie Mouse ”Happy Halloween” T-Shirt. ©Disney Okay, who’s ready for some Crocs, because Disney is also dropping Mickey Mouse Halloween Clogs… ©Disney …and Light-Up Jibbitz. ©Disney Sport some spooky style with the Mickey Mouse Halloween Hockey Jersey. ©Disney Make your feet extra spooky with Mickey Mouse Halloween Socks. ©Disney Accessories Make any outfit pop with Halloween fun with the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Halloween Glow Necklace. ©Disney Make sure to grab the limited release of the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Jack-o’-Lanterns Halloween MagicBand+. LOVE the Mickey pumpkin with fangs! ©Disney You can also get the Mickey Mouse Halloween Wristlet Set. ©Disney Grab the Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern Treat Bucket and fill it with candy, popcorn, or anything else. ©Disney Home and Collectibles Enjoy your morning beverage by drinking it out of the Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Mug. ©Disney Keep your candy in the Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern Stoneware Halloween Candy Bowl. ©Disney Your Halloween home decor can get an upgrade with the Minnie Mouse as a Witch Halloween Mini Figure. ©Disney Stay warm and cozy with the Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Fleece Throw. ©Disney Bring the magic of Halloween in Disney World to your home with the Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Wreath. ©Disney Okay, Monorail enthusiasts, you’re going to LOVE this: a Mickey and Minnie Mouse Disney Parks Halloween Mini Monorail. Is this not EPIC? ©Disney Visit our Amazon Storefront! We’ll keep an eye out for even more big merch drops, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Is What 5 Hours at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Actually Gets You 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 one of these Halloween souvenirs is making it to your “must buy” list? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There are lots of ways to explore Disney World. All-Star Sports You can check out the theme parks, you can check out the hotels, and you can even dine and shop at Disney Springs. During one of our recent reporting walks around the resort, we heard some commentary that made our ears perk up. We asked what YOU guys thought about people sleeping in their cars in Disney World. Here are your replies. Our team goes to Disney World every single day to check out the new changes, fresh snacks, and more updates around the theme parks and hotels. During a stop by one of the Disney hotels, we overheard a conversation that security guards have started to watch for the growing problem of people driving to the resorts and sleeping in their cars from there. They referenced events like runDisney where people will come only for the event and have a nap in the parking lot before the early morning events. Springtime Surprise 2026 Hearsay isn’t fact, and we won’t act like it is. That’s why we decided to ask if YOU guys have also heard of this potential problem or if you’ve even done it before. We received nearly 150 replies, and some of you guys even had firsthand experience! Jennifer Beth commented, “They check to make sure it’s not a medical emergency or an OD. Standard procedure for anyone sleeping in any parking lot.” That’s when Kristi Ammons replied, “Can confirm. I’m mostly useless after 8PM, but I married a musician who regularly has late gigs. I’m often woken up from a very peaceful car nap as part of a wellness check (often cops/security, but sometimes civilians too).” So it could just be increased safety precautions. Pop Century Room 7136 near the parking lot Another reader asked why people would want to sleep in the parking lot, to which Angela Zultowski replied, “Some people will drive 18 to 19 hours all the way straight through till they hit Disney, and when they arrive it’s in the middle of the night and their room isn’t ready until 3:00 p.m. I know someone who used to do this; he and three of his buddies would pile into the car and drive 19 hours straight. Because they couldn’t check in until later on the day, they would just sleep in their car until the sun came up and then at least checked their bags at baggage claim until check-in time.” Port Orleans French Quarter Lobby Dani Prosper confirmed that some racers will also make this choice because of runDisney! Dani wrote, “I did it in April after the springtime surprise yoga. I didn’t want to wake up my family one more time, so I stayed in my car and was scrolling. Next thing I know, security was at my car wondering if I was ok.” Amanda Golz also shared that her family arrived at 4 AM ahead of schedule. They were tired, and so they checked in with security and took a nap before continuing with their day. Pop Century One user even shared that she has slept in her car before due to her roommates’ increasingly loud snoring! She noted that she got her own room for the rest of their trip. Several commenters noted that napping in the car before check-in isn’t uncommon for them. It’s important to note, you cannot get into the parking lots without a reservation or checking in with security. Even if you arrive in the middle of the night, you will still need to talk to security before they let you into your resort’s parking lot. BoardWalk Inn Entrance If you want to make sure a bed is there for you when you arrive, you can book a room for the night before. You can also request early check-in times with Disney when you’re doing the online check-in, although they can’t always accommodate requests. Instead of sleeping in your car, Kelly Lawson commented, “If you’re waiting for your room, just sleep on a lounge chair at the pool lol.” Honestly, we have done this before! Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool Chairs Before sleeping in your car at any point in the day, don’t forget how hot it gets in Orlando no matter the time of day, so always be sure to do what is safest for you and your family. There have also been events lately where guests showed up hours before Disney even opened, like the Lorcana Special Release Event. Some of the comments speculated if events like this also increased guests sleeping in their cars beforehand. Long lines for the Lorcana event We’re eager to see if this is something that develops throughout the year as we head into the holidays. If you want to give your opinion or firsthand experiences, be sure to follow us on Facebook, where we love to ask you guys your thoughts! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more. 4 Changes Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Next Month 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 Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has everything we want from a Disney World evening. Rare characters, ridiculously fun costumes, enough candy to turn your park bag into a kettlebell! And don’t forget the Headless Horseman casually galloping through Magic Kingdom! Mickey and Minnie! It also has something considerably less festive: Central Florida weather. That means your party outfit needs to be cute without becoming a portable sauna. Your bag needs to hold the essentials without dragging down one shoulder. And your phone absolutely cannot die before the parade, because that is how villains are made. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The party begins in August and runs through October, months when Orlando can still feel like the inside of a steamed-up jack-o’-lantern. Even after the sun goes down, you may be dealing with heat, humidity, and the occasional rainstorm. After plenty of rigorous testing, which involved charging phones, evaluating costumes, stuffing bags, and maintaining very strong opinions about stretchy waistbands, these are four of the best things to pack for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Halloween Crossbody Bag Ghost Purse Cute Spooky Gothic BOO Letter Belt Bag Packs Halloween Fanny Pack A regular park bag works perfectly well during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but it does not have a tiny ghost face on it. This Halloween crossbody bag adds a little spooky style without requiring you to carry a giant novelty purse shaped like a poison apple. The compact design can hold smaller party essentials like your phone, cards, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a portable charger. Boo! It can also be worn across your body or around your waist, keeping your hands free for important activities. Those activities may include collecting candy or photographing Mickey in his Halloween costume. Mickey at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The bag is especially useful if you plan to wear a dress or costume without pockets. Disney characters may be able to wander around all evening without carrying a wallet, but the rest of us live under the rule of mobile payment and emergency hair ties. Just remember that this is not intended to hold your entire candy haul. Disney usually provides a trick-or-treat bag at the party, and you may want to bring a larger foldable tote if you are planning to take your candy collection very seriously. view ON AMAZON FuelRod MAX10 – High Capacity Portable Charger, Swappable Power A fully charged phone entering Magic Kingdom can run out of energy surprisingly quickly by 10 PM. Between checking wait times, using the My Disney Experience app, taking photos, recording parade clips, and texting your group, your battery will be working overtime. That is why we keep returning to FuelRod. Charging magnetically! The FuelRod MAX10 offers a higher-capacity portable charging option while maintaining the swappable system that makes FuelRod particularly useful during long Disney World days. You can charge your device while walking around the park, then swap the charger when needed instead of searching for an outlet and guarding it like a gargoyle. FuelRod Max10 We still recommend arriving with both your phone and portable charger fully charged. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may officially begin in the evening, but many guests enter Magic Kingdom before the party starts (as early as 4pm). That can turn your Halloween event into a very long park day. FuelRod MAX10 A portable charger also becomes even more important if you are relying on your phone for tickets, Mobile Order, maps, photos, and communication with the rest of your group. Nobody wants to miss the Headless Horseman because their battery decided to join the spirit realm. view ON AMAZON Deerose Summer Flared Dresses Women Party Short Sleeve Dresses A full princess gown looks wonderful in photos. It feels somewhat less wonderful after absorbing three hours of Florida humidity. The Deerose flared dresses offer a much more practical way for adults to create a Disney-inspired party outfit. The dresses are available in several designs, giving you options based on your favorite heroine, character, or general corner of the Disney universe. ©Amazon The short sleeves and flared silhouette make these easier to wear in warm weather than many traditional Halloween costumes. They can still deliver a recognizable character-inspired look, especially when paired with the right accessories, shoes, or hairstyle. More importantly, you can walk, sit, eat, and move through crowded party areas without having to manage layers of heavy fabric. ©Amazon These dresses are also useful for guests who love dressing up but do not want to spend a small royal dowry on a costume they may only wear once. Depending on the print you choose, you could potentially wear the dress again during another Disney trip, or on a cruise. Add bike shorts or slip shorts underneath for comfort, wear shoes you already trust, and resist the urge to add twelve extra costume pieces simply because they looked cute on your bed at home. ©Amazon No matter which Disney heroine gets your vote, you can pay proper homage without breaking the bank or trapping yourself inside eight pounds of polyester. Will you still sweat a little? This is Orlando, after all. Even Cinderella would be carrying a cooling towel. view ON AMAZON AmzBarley Princess Dress Up Halloween Costume The same heat rules apply to kids, who are somehow able to run through Magic Kingdom at full speed while adults slowly dissolve behind them. The AmzBarley princess dresses offer several character-inspired options for younger party guests. That makes it easier to choose a dress based on a child’s favorite heroine without paying theme park costume prices. ©Amazon The strappy design can also be more manageable in Florida’s lingering summer weather than a heavy gown with long sleeves, itchy layers, or a cape dragging behind it. Comfort is more important than costume accuracy, especially during an event that can stretch late into the night. An itchy seam or stiff bodice that seems tolerable at home may become a full diplomatic incident somewhere between Adventureland and Liberty Square. ©Amazon Before party night, have your child try on the entire outfit. That includes the dress, shoes, accessories, and anything being worn underneath. Let them walk, sit, raise their arms, and practice carrying a trick-or-treat bag. You may also want to bring a soft change of clothes in case the costume becomes uncomfortable. A lightweight T-shirt and shorts take up very little room, and they can rescue the evening if your tiny princess suddenly announces that she has abdicated. ©Amazon Skip uncomfortable costume shoes whenever possible. Familiar sneakers usually win, even when they are not historically accurate to the kingdom of Arendelle. A happy child wearing sneakers under a princess dress is still a princess. A miserable child wearing glittery plastic shoes is preparing a coup. view ON AMAZON Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party might appear perfectly autumnal in photos, but the weather often feels firmly stuck in summer. The best party gear balances Halloween style with the realities of an August, September, or October evening in Orlando. Choose breathable costume pieces. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring enough charging power to survive a parade, fireworks, character greetings, and several hundred nearly identical photos of Cinderella Castle. Boo To You! parade in 2025 You may still sweat. Your hair may expand. Your carefully applied makeup will likely have melted completely off your face by the end of the night. But at least your outfit will be comfortable, your phone will be charged, and your Halloween bag will have a ghost on it. 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